Favorite Playoff Moments - 1995 Western Conference Semifinals

Once again kids, it's time for another Waldini's favorite playoff moment. It's the '95 Western Conf Finals between the Suns and Rockets. The Rockets came back from 3-1 to win the series. This clip shows the infamous Mario Elie kiss off but what I remember most about this series is AC Green, the original 40 year old virgin and resident religious buff, declaring the series over when Phoenix was up 3-1. After they lost, Kenny Smith dropped the classic response to AC, "AC may be religious but he ain't a prophet". CLASSIC

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Where Dirk Getting "Deebo'd" Happens

Waldini:

It's been a minute since I have sat down and dedicated time to watch other 1st round playoff games besides the ones my boys play in BUT this wknd produced more sizzle than fizzle.

- Wiz-Cavs - a near fight before halftime, Lebron mocking Deshawn's I can't feel my face gesture, Gilbert going OFF in the 1st qtr. This series lived up to the hype in Game 1. I can only hope it continues in the other games (and goes more than 4 or 5 games

- Suns-Spurs - double OT thriller, All Stars fouling out (STAT, Mrs Longoria), Manu Manu being clutch in the 2nd OT, Duncan Stix with the unlikely 3 in the 1st OT, Shaq accusing the Spurs of flopping. Again, same comments as above for hope (and please Pop no Hack a Shaq next time, be a man)

- Mavs-Hornets - Hornets looking like they were going to prove their critics right, Peja looking like Mr March again, Kidd looking like a triple double waiting to happen...and BAM Chris Paul goes apes*** in the 3rd. And you have the ultimate b***h move in Dirk Diggler backing down to David West in the 4th. I'm not saying he should have swung on him but geez slap his hand away

- Jazz-Rockets - the only ho-hum game of the day.

- Magic-Raps - another ho-hum game, this time Sun's kickoff

- Lakers-Nuggets - not spectacular but not ho-hum either. I mean you had a tale of two halves or really 4th qtrs, Lakers up big in the 3rd, AI getting ejected in the 4th, lots of healthy conversation (as Kobe called it).

- Sixers-Pistons - Appeared to be ho-hum (I stopped watching to play NBA Live) and I come back in the 4th and the Sixers are leading. They go on to win which makes no sense. The Pistons are supposedly serious about getting back to the Finals but someone quoted them as goofing around with Flip Murray during timeout. I'm starting to believe that 2004 title was a fluke

- Celtics-Hawks - the ho-hum series of the 1st round meaning it was over before it began

I'm telling ya Realist, the quality of the games has been good, you really need to check it out if you haven't already. You actually see games where all 5 players on offense are moving instead of standing around and watching 1 or 2 players trying to either do an iso or pick and roll play

Gangsta D:

I doubt that Detroit is in trouble, but they're not good enough to turn it on and off. If they keep playing around, they're gonna be fishing with Kenny sooner than they thought.

As far as Spurs-Suns go, I hope they go 7 games and go into OT 3-4 more times. Tire them legs out! Lol

Denver isn't beating LA, as long as Kobe STOPS TAKING BAD SHOTS! lol

Da Realist:

I saw the 2 overtimes of the suns/spurs. Nice game. Saw Ginobli waltz in for a game-winning layup and had to check my watch to make sure it's April and not December. Had a nice conversation with someone who said Ginobli is the greatest clutch performer since Larry Bird. Well, not much of a conversation...more like he said it, and I started laughing uncontrollably LOL...

Those other games...are you serious? I don't care what the Wiz do, win or lose. The mavs are soft. I don't need to see Gasol hit 15 uncontested layups while Kobe clank shots against a bad defensive team. And you said yourself the other games were ho-hum. So i didn't exactly miss anything.

Waldini:

Ginobli? since Larry Bird? Does he have cable? I'm curious what did he base his argument on? I'll give him Ginobli's a beast but greatest clutch since 33 hung them up....um

Da Realist:

Man, that young guy... I work with him and he called me yesterday spouting that garbage. 25 year old punk. lol... I don't know what he based his argument on. I didn't give him a chance to defend it. Probably never even seen Larry Bird, even on tape. lol... Read more!

Who Ya Got?: NBA Playoffs Edition (Western Conference)

LA vs Denver

Gangsta D: Denver can score, obviously, but can't[won't] play a lick of defense. If the Lakers shoot 30 threes a game, instead of pounding inside, Denver will hang around. If they handle their business, it's a wrap, and not even close. Lakeshow in 5

Waldini: Denver's got the offense but no defense. Lakers' defense isn't the greatest but for this series, it doesn't have to be. I'll give Denver a game for AI's heart. Lakers in 5

Da Realist: [How do you say Kobe eats a fat one Serbian?] *


NOLA vs Mavs

Gangsta D: This one I'm torn on. CP3 will DESTROY Kidd. The Hornets are on a mystical magical carpet ride, but is the ride about to come to a crashing halt? Dallas has been playing well of late, and Dirk has hit some big shots. The Hornets have some playoff experience, but are they gonna lean on Bonzi and Peja for guidance? Didn't think so. The Hornets will be a threat for years to come, but they bow out early this year. Mavs in 7

Waldini: One of the 2 WC 1st rd series I want to see. True, NO does have players with playoff experience but one of them is Mr April himself, Peja. It would be easy to pick Dallas b/c of this but I'm still not sold on Dirk being courageous for playing on a sprained ankle. Bottom line, he curled up big time in '06 and '07. Interesting series. Hornets in 7

Da Realist: [I'd rather watch "The Birdman" smoke a bowl, while Flavor Flav clips his toenails, then watch this travesty]


Suns vs Spurs

Gangsta D: Wow. Either Shaq or Duncan will be fishing before Memorial Day this year. Marinate on that one:) There's still plenty of enmity between these two teams, and it may be the most hard fought 1st round series. It's really a toss up for me. I have no idea who wins. If Manu is healthy, maybe the Spurs have the edge. On the other hand, the Spurs have no answer for STAT. Suns in 7

Waldini: The other WC 1st rd series I want to see. Shaq vs Duncan, Nash vs Parker, I expect a physical series again. Doubt there will be any hip check incidents like last year. Steve Kerr is about to find out if he is indeed an idiot or a genius. I tend to go with the former. Spurs in 6.

Realist: [I'm running out of ways of intimating that this shit sucks. How about...this shit sucks.]


Houston vs Utah

Gangsta D: Utah does NOT have homecourt advantage, even though they're the higher seed. They are physically incapable of beating good teams on the road. Houston plays tough defense and McGrady does enough to finally get past the first round. Rockets in 7

Waldini: The Jazz need HC advantage in every series but this one to have a chance. Who starts for Alston since he's out the first 2 games? Who's going to pick up the offensive slack besides T-Mac? This same matchup happened in the first round last year with Houston also having HC (and a healthy Yao). And Houston still lost in 7 at home. Utah wins, just can't figure out if it's 6 or 7 games. What the hell, Jazz in 7

Da Realist: [Do I have to say how much you suck when your season depends on Skip To My Lou being healthy? Didn't think so.]

*Realist continues his boycott against this bullshit we call the NBA playoffs.

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What The Damn? - Shaq Smoking That Ish Edition

Waldini:

Wonder Boy???

"We have professionals who know what to do," O'Neal said of playing for the Suns. No one is asking me to play with Chris Quinn or Ricky Davis. I'm actually on a team again."

Such remarks extended to the top of the team's talent ladder, with O'Neal privately referring to Dwyane Wade as "Wonder Boy," rekindling memories of the ugly departures O'Neal had from Penny Hardaway with the Magic and Kobe Bryant with the Lakers.

The ironic thing is that Diesel is endorsing Kobe for MVP - "The Kobester. He's an assassin"

Gangsta D:

Wow, what a surprise. Shaq rips his former team. Now where have we seen this before? Oh yeah. Everywhere he's been. When things go well, his coach is the best coach he's ever played for; his team is the best team he's ever played on. But the tune changes when things go badly, which he never has a hand in. Then the coach sucks and his ex-teammates are busters. It will happen once he leaves Pheonix, and if another team is stupid enough to trade for him it'll happen there too. That's Shaq for you.

Waldini:

I think it's good marketing on Shaq's part. Drum up enough interest in a team that's going nowhere and voila you have a Mia-Phx Christmas showdown for at least two years. Then if he starts feuding with one of the Heat players, they can continue talking smack back and forth via the media, and they can patch up their differences on MLK day or some other holiday that's about peace. But in the end, the attention stays on Shaq, he reaps financial rewards, and takes the focus off his deteriorating game.

Gangsta D:

Wait. It's almost like we've seen this movie before. Can't quite put my finger on it...

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The Changing Landscape Of The West

Gangsta D:

Apparently Shaq is on his way to Phoenix, and if he passes his physical the trade is a done deal. Will Shaq put his ego aside a la Wilt and become the defensive presence the Suns need? Or will he get all sensitive and demand the ball on the block in crunch time situations? In all honesty, he COULD help the Suns.

Playoff basketball is all about controlling the half court game, defensively and offensively. If Shaq can get you double digit boards, 2-3 blocks, and a consistent low post option then he's a good fit. But his body is too broken. I think he flounders. And that's not hate, that's just what my eyes see. Nevertheless, Suns-Lakers in the WCF just got potentially more entertaining. If that was even possible.

Waldini:

I keep hearing the experts say this a horrible trade for the Suns but I dont think so. They aren't asking Shaq to be an offensive juggernaut just set the tone defensively. The reasons you gave are why I think it's a potentially good deal for Phx. Half court offense in the playoffs which they can run now. I'm more shocked Marion was willing to go to Miami considering they are poo poo right. What does this say to Flash? He's prbly cursing Arison and Riley as we speak.

BTW, I think this puts heat (sorry bad unintentional pun) on Dallas to go and get Jason Kidd. If they did OMG, the playoffs would really be entertaining.

Gangsta D:

Kupchak really is forcing GM's hands. I agree. Kidd on the Mavs would make this potentially the best playoffs this decade, at least from the West's perspective. It might even be enough to get Joe Blow White Dude to care about the NBA some more. And you know Stern wants JBWD coming to games and spending his moola.

Da Realist:

it could work for the suns if shaq morphs into the '88 version of kareem but i think his bulk will prevent it. he's too heavy-footed to get rebounds and to slow to play good defense. the only thing he can do is intimidate weaker-minded players. like the old guy we used to play ball with on the block. couldn't play anymore, couldn't jump anymore, and too big/slow to go for loose balls but he COULD put a well placed elbow in your gut just as you were going for a rebound or driving the lane. players like shaq are valuable but in the nba it depends on how they call the game.

another potential downside...what is stoudemire gonna do? he doesn't have a complete game and needs the middle wide open for his acrobatic scoring. now with shaq plugging the middle, is he gonna now become a jump-shooter?

and what is d'antoni gonna do with his offense to accomodate 4 people running it instead of 5?

that all said, i think it's a good deal because phx was not going to get much farther than they've been getting and miami (though they have no inside prescence) couldn't possibly get worse.

that's just my take on it. i guess we'll see as the season wears on... Read more!

You Gonna Cry?!?

Waldini:

It seems everyone wants to be traded these days. Kobe, AK-47, Da Kid aka KG and the latest, the Matrix. I know it's way too early to be discussing NBA since camp hasnt even started yet but hasnt this been the "Cry me a river" offseason. It started with AI in the regular season and it's carried on to the offseason. Top superstars asking out b/c they dont feel love anymore. Whats ur take?

Gangsta D:

I look at it like this. Irrespective of how much money you make, you still want to be happy at your job. If you're not happy at your job, for whatever reason, you're gonna want to make a change. People say, "Well he's making $50 million. He should just suck it up and cash his check." OK, but is that what you teach your kids? As long as you make a lot of money, nothing else matters? Isn't that making it about the money? Don't we hate it when athletes are all about the money, and nothing else. Fans/media can't have it both ways.

Now, ultimately, it may be a HORRIBLE decision to leave. But, everyone should have that right to leave if they want to.

On another note, everyone is going apesh*t because Marion is supposedly a fool for wanting to leave Nash. Isn't it a possibility that he wants to go to another team in order to win a title. Nash is a great player and he resurrected the Suns, but he's never been to the Finals. Dallas went to the Finals without him. It's not like the Suns are the only team Marion could ever possibly win a title with.

Da Realist:

I think he's a good complimentary player that needs to make sure to choose the right team for him. He can't really create his own shot and he gets a lot of cheap points (cheap being a relative term here) by beating people down the court for dunks or wide open 3's. He's not a half-court offense kind of guy so he should make sure to go to an uptempo team that has someone that can give him the ball in scoring positions AND has a reliable presence down low to grab rebounds and get those tough buckets needed around playoff time.

Gangsta D:

Utah seems like the best fit, but Sloan would have to let Derron run the show a la Nash.

Da Realist:

Yeah, but you don't know what they're gonna do with andrei kirilinko

Waldini:

Would you trade for Matrix? He's 30, being paid max money and is owed 34 million over the next two years. Realist brought up some great points about his abilities. He's good but max money good?

Da Realist:

If I'm Don Nelson, I would go after him. He's the Nelson prototype. Will they win a title? No. But I don't think either Nelson or Marion cares about that as much as they care about having fun on the court. Could Baron Davis get him the ball? I don't know. He's not a pass-first point guard, but neither was Tim Hardaway and Nelson found way to get Chris Mullin the ball while he was coaching Golden State. Read more!

Laker Hate And The P-Word

Da Realist:

just like when i feel the first nip in the air that signafies the beginning of college football season, spring means we are nearing the end of the boring regular season and preparing for playoff basketball.

it is 75 and sunny outside and i kept having flashbacks of my dad making me mow the yard KNOWING the bulls were playing the cavs in the first round on tbs. (i turned my mom's tv on the game and lifted the window so i could stop and "peek" in to catch the score until i finished the yard)

or watching game 5 of the lakers/suns in 1993 at our annual mother's day family reunion in mississippi. (the lakers choked the series and the game)

or watching magic johnson heave the ball up the court to run out the clock in game 6 against portland and then going to the gym later that night and doing the same thing that night (even though there was no clock)

or the night kilgore erupted when rex chapman hit that off balance 3pointer to tie the game against the sonics at around midnight. (they even let us stay in there until the game ended!)

playoff basketball. will you be watching?

Gangsta D:

I'm gonna table your Lakers comment until April 1st, when I will respond in kind:)

Of course I'll be watching. How much I watch depends on a certain team's performance, but I digress. If Miami keeps winning, I'll keep watching, and sending bad juju their way. Hopefully, it'll work eventually. On that note, has anyone made a big deal about how great the Heat are playing without Wade as opposed to how they were under .500 with him? Just curious.

I think the Mavs are a lock, unless the Spurs somehow beat the Suns and Duncan decides to avg 30/20 in the WCF.

The East? Who knows? I'd say Detroit, but then again Flip Saunders is the coach. I wouldn't be shocked if it was Washington. Gil gets hot and averages 40 a game for a series or two. Hey, it's possible. Toronto may be the real sleeper, even though they lost Bargnani. Chris Bosh is ridiculous.

Da Realist:

my comment was about 1993. surely even you can admit they choked up 2 games to none and up in the 4th of game 5. even you.

you think the mavs are a lock? i'm not sure. it will be intriguing how they handle the "favorite" tag. the spurs might just be the team that goes in and steals game 5 or something. i wouldn't put that past the suns either at this point.

having dwyane unavailable may be a hidden blessing for miami. they're playing together nicely and shaq has come up big because he feels needed. they will get out of the east. can't see detroit going that far and no one else will even challenge when things count. of course, this depends on having wade back HEALTHY. if he's gimpy, then detroit might just steal a spot in the finals.

warnings:

gilbert arenas will not lead washington to the finals. they rely mostly on iso's and i expect teams to cut that sh*t out in the playoffs.

don't believe the houston rockets hype. yao is still soft and mcgrady still hasn't been out of the first round. they'll be a tough out, but they won't be a factor in the playoffs.

i don't expect the lakers to get to the finals but they still have kobe and phil jackson. they will make anyone that plays them earn 4 wins. y'all should do what we wouldn't -- give that man a lifetime contract to coach until he retires. he and that coaching staff is that good.

we'll see just how good lebron is this year. this his 4th year right? most great superstars show some playoff promise by this point. no more meek losses. we should see some kind of killer instinct that will foretell things to come in the next few years.

Gangsta D:

I will temporarily lift my Lakers embargo.

An 8th seed CAN'T choke. They played out of their minds and completely over their heads those first two games. Phoenix was a MUCH better team. They went to the Finals remember? Therefore, I can't say the Lakers choked because they weren't supposed to even get that close.

I think the Mavs are a lock as long as Dirk doesn't gag-I mean get "nervous" in crunch time. They're battle tested. Avery is a good coach. They play defense and can dominate offensively from three positions on the floor.

With Chauncey hurt and Flip as the coach, don't know about the Pistons. Chauncey could always come back healthy and do his thing.

Now is the time for Bron to live up to the hype. he's got to get them DEEP in the playoffs this year. Otherwise, he starts looking more and more like 'Nique. No disrespect. Nique was a great player, but he couldn't get the hawks past the celtics.

Waldini:

The lakers didnt choke in '93 the refs gave them that series :-)

I'm with realist on the Mavs. Dirk has too much Mailman in him right now for me to believe he's ready to take them to the promised land (score a bunch of pts in the first 3 qtrs, then fade in the 4th). Until he proves me wrong, I think the West is up for grabs btw the Suns, Mavs, and Spurs.

I am shocked by what Miami is doing without Wade. I have ZERO confidence in Flip as pressure coach but the East right now only has two teams that I think can make the East Finals. And I just mentioned both of them :-). Yea I know everyone is hoping Bron turns it up exponentially and goes off in the playoffs but right now who else on that team scares you

In the West, I think Utah's inexperience will do them in by the 2nd round but yo that team is straight slept on. They got a frontline from hell (Okur, Booze, AK-47, although he's playing down this yr), great PG play and some nice veterans. Their biggest hole is the SG position and that will prbly stop them from really advancing

Da Realist:

half the chokes in history has involved the "underdog" choking. up 2 games to none with 2 games on your home floor? c'mon... can you say "rose-colored glasses"?

Gangsta D:

They were an 8 seed! The reason they were an 8 seed is because they weren't very good. New York choked that year. Seattle choked the next year. Sedale Threat was the leader of that team. Yes, THE Sedale Threat. Obviously, we should've swept the Suns.

Da Realist:

ok, ok.. calm down. wouldn't colin cowherd call you myopic right about now? i see that STILL pains you. :-)

anyway, here's the sun's perspective Read more!