Official 2008-09 NBA Thread

[Ghostvirus]

So did Denver's chances just die with the revalation of putting Kobe on Carmelo?

[RAMORE]

If Lebron wins the title this year... he's not going anywhere

Why I think if he wins this year he will feel free to go he brought them a championship as promised.

[RAMORE]

I'm making a prediction If the Magic when game 1 (which I think they will the king has had a layoff and they are full of themselves) then they will win the series in 7 games.

Also If the Magic can't beat them go ahead and give the King his crown they will steam roll anyone left.

Go Magic!!

[Dr. Evil]

So at number 3, who does Oklahoma City need? I've said in other NBA threads in other forums that the Thunder need to be at least competitive in the Western Conference by 2010-2011 in order for Kevin Durant to remain there. Market size doesn't matter as long as that team is competitive. As ugly as their uniforms have been, it won't matter if the Thunder become a competitive team. Look at Utah and New Orleans. Neither is a huge market and yet both teams are competitive. They have also been able to keep their stud players Deron Williams and Chris Paul because the Jazz and Hornets have been competitive.

The Thunder don't improve, they become basically Memphis or the Clippers and Durant is traded to a team with a chance to compete. Oklahoma City needs to hit on #3.

[Silver Knight]

Lets go Cavs!

[Nightmare]

Why I think if he wins this year he will feel free to go he brought them a championship as promised.

Same thing I was thinking. I think he'll likely stay in Cleveland though. But would love to see him bolt.

[NewYorkSpider]

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv187/NewYorkSpider/orlando_magiks.gifvshttp://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv187/NewYorkSpider/cleveland_cavaliers.gif


Ghostvirus - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Cavaliers 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers
Go Web Go! - 1. Cavaliers 2. Magic 3. Cavaliers 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers 6. Cavaliers
L.A - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers 6. Magic 7. Cavaliers
Nightmare - 1. Cavaliers 2. Magic 3. Cavaliers 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers 6. Magic 7. Cavaliers
Silver Knight - 1. Cavaliers 2. Magic 3. Cavaliers 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers 6. Cavaliers
Mister J - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4. Cavaliers 5. Cavaliers
Raiden - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4. Cavaliers 5. Magic 6. Cavaliers
Bond - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4. Cavaliers 5. Cavaliers
NewYorkSpider - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4 Cavaliers 5. Magic 6. Cavaliers

[Nightmare]

Wow, no one has Magic for game 1.

[BlackLantern]

Off topic....but next weeks WWE Monday Night RAW will be held.....at the Staples Center in LA

[Dr. Evil]

Off topic....but next weeks WWE Monday Night RAW will be held.....at the Staples Center in LA

It will be interesting to see how the tickets will be handled.

I bet only Clippers fans show up to the WWE event though.

[Dr. Evil]

Most of Last Years' Olympians could be back for the World Championships next summer:

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=4187292

Jason Kidd will eventually be replaced by one of the younger guys. Durant, Mayo or Rose could replace Kidd.

[Nightmare]

lol, Dwight breaks the shot clock minutes into the game by Dunking. Causes a big delay.

[Ghostvirus]

Off topic....but next weeks WWE Monday Night RAW will be held.....at the Staples Center in LA

Yeah, figured. The fact that Vince thought he had any power to change this was humorous. I expect next weeks raw to be a NBA whine fest.

So would anyone still like to renounce Clevelands ownage leve? Seriously these guys are amazing.

[Ghostvirus]

Wow they are really making a big deal out of that Shot Clock collapse.:dry:
Wasn't really that impressive in my opinion.

[Venom'sDad]

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv187/NewYorkSpider/orlando_magiks.gifvshttp://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv187/NewYorkSpider/cleveland_cavaliers.gif


Ghostvirus - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Cavaliers 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers
Go Web Go! - 1. Cavaliers 2. Magic 3. Cavaliers 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers 6. Cavaliers
L.A - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers 6. Magic 7. Cavaliers
Nightmare - 1. Cavaliers 2. Magic 3. Cavaliers 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers 6. Magic 7. Cavaliers
Silver Knight - 1. Cavaliers 2. Magic 3. Cavaliers 4. Magic 5. Cavaliers 6. Cavaliers
Mister J - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4. Cavaliers 5. Cavaliers
Raiden - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4. Cavaliers 5. Magic 6. Cavaliers
Bond - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4. Cavaliers 5. Cavaliers
NewYorkSpider - 1. Cavaliers 2. Cavaliers 3. Magic 4 Cavaliers 5. Magic 6. Cavaliers

Bond & Mr J are the closest at being right; and yet, even they're wrong. The Magic will win game 1. :)

[Nightmare]

Dwight with 3 awful calls put him foul trouble in the first half.

[NewYorkSpider]

Magic are playing great tonight. This series isn't going to be easy for Cleveland.

[Mister J]

Rashard Lewis has never been this clutch in his life. This is crazy

LeBron shouldn't have passed.

[Etienne]

First lost for Cleveland tonight.

[Ghostvirus]

Congrats to the Magic. You won't be winning another game, but congrats.:up:

[NewYorkSpider]

Damn! Mo Williams almost made that shot. Magic played extremely well tonight.

[LastSunrise1981]

Great game. I see Cleveland winning the next game and in all honesty I can see this going seven games.

Orlando owes this win to Rashard Lewis. He made some big time clutch baskets down the stretch.

[Etienne]

Orlando did exactly what they wanted by winning one game in Cleveland.

[Venom'sDad]

Orlando did exactly what they wanted by winning one game in Cleveland.

That's only good if they can win all of their home games.... which I'm not sure they will do. They are going to have to win another in Cleveland.

[Bond]

Bond & Mr J are the closest at being right; and yet, even they're wrong. The Magic will win game 1. :)
Wow, nice edit? :o

[Venom'sDad]

^ :confused: What??? :rolleyes:

[NewYorkSpider]

NBA Playoff Pool Standings:
1. Raiden - 108 Points
2. Nightmare - 106 Points
2. Silver Knight - 106 Points
4. NewYorkSpider - 102 Points
5. L.A - 96 Points
5. Mister J - 96 Points
7. Bond - 90 Points
8. Go Web Go! - 80 Points
9. Ghostvirus - 74 Points


Nobody got game 1 correct. Points will stay the same.

[Raiden]

Wow, Magic won Game 1? Didn't see that coming.

I picked Cavs in 6, but it may go to 7 games. Next game will be very crucial though, and if Magic won it again, this could get VERY interesting.

[Bond]

LeBron played his ass off, can't believe Magic pulled it out. Dwight was great, too bad he got all those **** calls. I can't see the Cavs losing game 2, or maybe even 3 now.

[Go Web Go!]

This Cleveland team reminds me of the team Miami had in '05. Swept through the first 2 rounds and laid an egg at home in the first game of the ECF. Can't say I expected Orlando to win game 1, but kudos to them for pulling it off. It's not going to be easy for them to win this series, but they got the hardest win out of the way (next to the series clincher)

[Ghostvirus]

This Cleveland team reminds me of the team Miami had in '05. Swept through the first 2 rounds and laid an egg at home in the first game of the ECF. Can't say I expected Orlando to win game 1, but kudos to them for pulling it off. It's not going to be easy for them to win this series, but they got the hardest win out of the way (next to the series clincher)

I actually think that this was Orlando best shot at winning. Cleveland had a big rest, so I am sure they were rusty. It is all down hill from here for Orlando.

[Mister J]

The King's Court picked a hell of a time to play like jesters.

I'm trying too hard.

[Kargo Warrior]

I actually think that this was Orlando best shot at winning. Cleveland had a big rest, so I am sure they were rusty. It is all down hill from here for Orlando.

That's why they led by 16 at the half,scoring 63 points...because of rust.

Orlando is an excellent team which btw beat the Cavs twice in the regular season,one of those victories by a 29 points margin.

Stop overating the Cavs and you won't be so surprised...beating horrible teams like my own Pistons and the Hawks means relatively nothing in terms of success.

If the Magic win the next game,Cleveland is not winning this series.

[BlackLantern]

Orlando shut everyone else down and forced LeBron to do EVERYTHING

[Ghostvirus]

That's why they led by 16 at the half,scoring 63 points...because of rust.

Orlando is an excellent team which btw beat the Cavs twice in the regular season,one of those victories by a 29 points margin.

Stop overating the Cavs and you won't be so surprised...beating horrible teams like my own Pistons and the Hawks means relatively nothing in terms of success.

If the Magic win the next game,Cleveland is not winning this series.

Grrrr... Kargo Warrior defensive! LOL!

Just relax man. It is just an opinion.

[Kargo Warrior]

Grrrr... Kargo Warrior defensive! LOL!

Just relax man. It is just an opinion.

Hey sorry if it sounded like that...wasn't my intention.

But i really believe the Cavs are not that much better(or at all) than the Magic to consider this win a fluke...but like you've said it'a an oppinion.

[Mister J]

If Orlando hadn't started to resemble ass down the stretch, I think a lot more people ((myself included) would have given them more of a shot or expected them to perform well. About 65 games into the season, they looked the role; balanced attack, decent defense, great of the road. That last 15-20 games or so just soured me though. They looked as if the push to get to #2 and get playoff-ready started to affect them. Dragging ass against Philly and a depleted Boston team did nothing for me either. I'm still taking the Cavs to take the series, but the LeBronnaires will need to get off their duffs.

[Ghostvirus]

I agree with Mark Jackson. They should change the NBA logo to the Jumpman.:up:

[NewYorkSpider]

I think the WWE is taking this whole rights to the arena way too seriously. I wonder why the NBA didn't schedule around it?

[Mister J]

I agree with Mark Jackson. They should change the NBA logo to the Jumpman.:up:
Homer. :o
I think the WWE is taking this whole rights to the arena way too seriously. I wonder why the NBA didn't schedule around it?
Vince is just pushing for more publicity. This is the first time in a while pro wrestling has gotten mainstream attention for something that wasn't scandalous. He probably collected a decent (~six figure) 'consolation' check. Best believe it'll get mentioned in some anti-Denver promo in LA Monday night.

As for scheduling, I suppose they wanted to keep the 'game on every other day' deal in place. That, and the Nuggets (Kroenke) own the arena, so a check or some other concession was just easier. One thing that this mess with WWE has brought to light is that such conflicts aren't really that uncommon. Sometimes the NAB moves, sometimes not.

[SurfDUI]

What about the Denver front office not thinkin they team was going this far in the playoffs.

[Excel]

I agree with Mark Jackson. They should change the NBA logo to the Jumpman.:up:

That would be sick :up:

[Wiseman]

I would laugh so hard if the Finals ends up being Nuggets vs. Magic. After hearing for the last 3 months it was going to be Lakers vs. Cavaliers

[Kargo Warrior]

Chaunsey :(

[Mister J]

When did Chauncey start missing free throws? :confused:

Denver played a hell of a lot better down the line tonight than they did in Game 1. Hold home serve.

[Kargo Warrior]

YES!

Way to go Nugs!

[Nightmare]

I blame Phil for this loss. Luke and Fish get big minutes. Shannon Brown was playing great and Phil goes to Fish in the clutch. And fails epically. Awful decision.

[Ghostvirus]

Are you questioning the Zen Master!!!:cmad:

[Trainwreck2100]

Lakers will return to LA up 3-1. Great things tend to happen to Kobe in Colorado. He's scoring no matter what. Nuggets might as well stay in Staples and prepare for Game 5.

[LastSunrise1981]

I don't know what to say about the Denver/LA series. Mainly because I won't watch it since I hate the Lakers with a passion. Since the series is tied I wouldn't be surprised to see the next game be close as well. From what I gather it seems these teams are evenly matched, neither of the first two games have been blowouts.

So it'll be interesting to see what happens now. It's funny how people want to state the obvious "Kobe is scoring no matter what", gee you think? There's no way you're going to shut Kobe down. He's going to score no matter what. The key is not shutting him down, but slowing him down, getting physical with him, and removing any opportunities of him passing to open shooters.

I believe if you just guard the hell out of his team and let Kobe take the shots you'll beat LA.

[LastSunrise1981]

Lakers will return to LA up 3-1. Great things tend to happen to Kobe in Colorado. He's scoring no matter what. Nuggets might as well stay in Staples and prepare for Game 5.

So you mean to tell me Kobe is going to try and take on the entire Denver Nuggets team by himself to rub it in the fans of Denver? Well, if that's the case, expect Denver to win the game if he's going to try and take on the entire team himself.

If Kobe goes in there jacking up shots and doesn't relate to his team then the Lakers won't win.

[Nightmare]

Wonder if Katelyn Faber will be in the stands. :D

[Trainwreck2100]

So you mean to tell me Kobe is going to try and take on the entire Denver Nuggets team by himself to rub it in the fans of Denver? Well, if that's the case, expect Denver to win the game if he's going to try and take on the entire team himself.

If Kobe goes in there jacking up shots and doesn't relate to his team then the Lakers won't win.


woosh

[Kargo Warrior]

I don't know what to say about the Denver/LA series. Mainly because I won't watch it since I hate the Lakers with a passion. Since the series is tied I wouldn't be surprised to see the next game be close as well. From what I gather it seems these teams are evenly matched, neither of the first two games have been blowouts.

So it'll be interesting to see what happens now. It's funny how people want to state the obvious "Kobe is scoring no matter what", gee you think? There's no way you're going to shut Kobe down. He's going to score no matter what. The key is not shutting him down, but slowing him down, getting physical with him, and removing any opportunities of him passing to open shooters.

I believe if you just guard the hell out of his team and let Kobe take the shots you'll beat LA.

Exactly...and the same thing applies to Cleveland.

[LastSunrise1981]

Exactly...and the same thing applies to Cleveland.

Well to be quite honest in terms of Cleveland at least they have Mo Williams.

He's a pretty decent shooter and helps take a little of the offensive load off of Lebrons shoulders. However, I do believe the Lakers have a better squad of talent than Cleveland though.

With Lebron all you have to do is keep him from driving and if he gets in the middle just let him score since he's all they have anyways.

But in all honesty I hope Kobe does go nuts on Denver in Game 3 and it's all in a losing effort.

[Kargo Warrior]

Well to be quite honest in terms of Cleveland at least they have Mo Williams.

He's a pretty decent shooter and helps take a little of the offensive load off of Lebrons shoulders. However, I do believe the Lakers have a better squad of talent than Cleveland though.

With Lebron all you have to do is keep him from driving and if he gets in the middle just let him score since he's all they have anyways.

But in all honesty I hope Kobe does go nuts on Denver in Game 3 and it's all in a losing effort.

What i like about Denver this whole post season is their confidence...they are not backing down from anyone and if they continue like that the sky is the limit...they have a great team,in fact a very similar type of team like the Pistons of 2004/05,where all the starting line-up can score when needed and the bench doesn't shine but it does it's job efficiently.

It's funny how Laker fans mention that the Nugs can't stop Kobe...but forget to mention how the Lakers are unable to stop both Carmelo and Chaunsey.

[Wiseman]

So you mean to tell me Kobe is going to try and take on the entire Denver Nuggets team by himself to rub it in the fans of Denver? Well, if that's the case, expect Denver to win the game if he's going to try and take on the entire team himself.

If Kobe goes in there jacking up shots and doesn't relate to his team then the Lakers won't win.

If Kobe can take on the justice system after some white hoe accuses him of rape, he can take on anything

[NewYorkSpider]

Nice win for the Nuggets tonight. Points will be up shortly.

[NewYorkSpider]

NBA Playoff Pool Standings:
1. Raiden - 108 Points
2. Nightmare - 106 Points
2. Silver Knight - 106 Points
4. NewYorkSpider - 104 Points
5. L.A - 96 Points
5. Mister J - 96 Points
7. Bond - 92 Points
8. Go Web Go! - 82 Points
9. Ghostvirus - 74 Points

[Raiden]

Even though Lakers have been nothing if not madly inconsistent in the playoff, this Game 2 loss still stings. Nuggets are a very talented team, no doubt, and now they have split the first two games it's time for Lakers to do the same in the next two in Denver. I was hoping Lakers will show some consistency after the trials they've encountered in the Houston series, but it looks like the same bad habits remained.

Sigh.

[Dr. Evil]

ESPN/ABC's worse nightmare is Kobe vs. Howard, Carmello vs. Howard or Carmello vs. LeBron matchup. They are hoping for the Kobe vs. LeBron matchup so that it can garner massive ratings.

They are cheering for Los Angeles and Cleveland to make it to the finals.

[BlackLantern]

Carmelo seems to be getting the better end of the defensive matchups...

[Immortalfire]

A reminder...following the NBA champ and Stanley Cup, nominations for the Hype Sports Awards will be taken. :)

[Nightmare]

Can't wait for that..

[Trainwreck2100]

ESPN/ABC's worse nightmare is Kobe vs. Howard, Carmello vs. Howard or Carmello vs. LeBron matchup. They are hoping for the Kobe vs. LeBron matchup so that it can garner massive ratings.

They are cheering for Los Angeles and Cleveland to make it to the finals.

One of the reasons i want Orl Vs. Den, becuase i hate ABC's coverage and i want them to fail miserably. The only good thing they've done is taken Magic away from TNT, thus making TNT more enjoyable.

[BlackLantern]

I can tolerate ABCs coverage...I hate TNT and I feel bad that Ernie Johnson is the only respectable one there and he's surrounded by knuckleheads

LA is going into a very hostile environment this weekend

[Darthphere]

Well Kobe raped their women.

[Go Web Go!]

ABC's studio coverage is crap, but I like the Breen/Van Gundy combo. I'm not such a fan of Mark Jackson, but I can deal.

[BlackLantern]

Well Kobe raped their women.

Allegedly:oldrazz:

[Darthphere]

Inside the NBA is hilarious, and will defend it all times.

[Darthphere]

Allegedly:oldrazz:

Just like R. Kelly allegedly pissed on a little girl.

[BlackLantern]

Just like R. Kelly allegedly pissed on a little girl.

Oh no...he did that....totally peed on her....

[Trainwreck2100]

ABC's studio coverage is crap, but I like the Breen/Van Gundy combo. I'm not such a fan of Mark Jackson, but I can deal.
Don't get me started on Mark Jackson "you have to shoot your shots and make them if you want to win the game" really Mark that's how you win the game?

[BlackLantern]

Don't get me started on Mark Jackson "you have to shoot your shots and make them if you want to win the game" really Mark that's how you win the game?

He went to the John Madden school of Broadcasting

[Etienne]

Don't get me started on Mark Jackson "you have to shoot your shots and make them if you want to win the game" really Mark that's how you win the game?
:funny: It's funny because that's exactly what Mark Jackson says.

[Nightmare]

You're better then that!

[Venom'sDad]

ESPN/ABC's worse nightmare is Kobe vs. Howard, Carmello vs. Howard or Carmello vs. LeBron matchup. They are hoping for the Kobe vs. LeBron matchup so that it can garner massive ratings.That's true in so many ways... them and the NBA have gotten ahead of themselves, basically telling us it's going to be Kobe vs Lebron with are the advertisement with "Kobe doing work" the King James OTL segment, puppets, Vitamin water, etc.

However, I do thing the NBA and ABC would be satified with Carmello vs Lebron matchup, more because they entered together like Magic & Bird, and both are part of exciting, young up-&-coming teams. I think they would settle for that if they can't get Kobe.

I still say it's going to be Kobe & Lebron... because that's what the League, the Network, and the Advertisers want.



I can tolerate ABCs coverage...I hate TNT and I feel bad that Ernie Johnson is the only respectable one there and he's surrounded by knuckleheadsWell... Sir Charles is defintely a knucklehead, you get no arguement there; but, Kenny is pretty good, give good analyses, and make intelligent points. Sir Charles brings the show down to the level that's just not enjoyable.



ABC's studio coverage is crap, but I like the Breen/Van Gundy combo. I'm not such a fan of Mark Jackson, but I can deal.I surely miss the days of the "NBA on NBC"

[SurfDUI]

Get that old bastard off the floor! That's why u sit court side ain't it. Hubbie is 900 years old and catches brothas over his annonce table everynight!

[Excel]

The LeBron Kobe puppet commercials are the best :up:

[Venom'sDad]

Just as I thought... the League is not going to allow Orlando to go up 2 games to none. The Refs are BSters. :dry:

[JaD]

YES!!!!!!!!

3 at the BUZZER!!!!!

[Ghostvirus]

Oh Snap!!!!:wow:

[Etienne]

Cleveland wins but damn they sure are keeping these games close.

[Double Down]

Thank God for LeBron!

[Double Down]

Just as I thought... the League is not going to allow Orlando to go up 2 games to none. The Refs are BSters. :dry:

:whatever: Then why did they call travelling on LeBron at the end of the game?

[simplysuperhero]

What an incredible finish. Can't believe Cavs/LeBron won that with one second left.

[LastSunrise1981]

LOL at the Cavs celebrating like they won a championship. Um, they do realize the series is tied and that they have to go to Orlando now?

[Venom'sDad]

:whatever: Then why did they call travelling on LeBron at the end of the game?

Oh get off of it. :whatever:

[JaD]

Cleveland wins but damn they sure are keeping these games close.And so has the Den/LA series :oldrazz: It's the Conference Finals for a reason.

[JaD]

LOL at the Cavs celebrating like they won a championship. Um, they do realize the series is tied and that they have to go to Orlando now?What were they supposed to do? Walk off the court depressed? :hehe: I'd be celebrating like we didn't get in an 0-2 ditch :funny: They've got the confidence now :up:

[Nightmare]

LeBrick lucky shot.

[LastSunrise1981]

What were they supposed to do? Walk off the court depressed? :hehe: I'd be celebrating like we didn't get in an 0-2 ditch :funny: They've got the confidence now :up:

You didn't see Orlando celebrate like that after the Game 1 victory. Lebron made the shot and they all went insane like they just won the trophy.

[Darthphere]

Seriously, I'm all for post game winning shot elation but damn, calm down a bit.

[Double Down]

Oh get off of it. :whatever:

Yeah, silly me. Why use a fact to dispute your unfounded conspiracy theory?

[Asgard]

Who gives a ****. Thats just how they are.

Besides, that was an amazing shot and should be celebrated. Also, that shot just saved their post season.

[NewYorkSpider]

You didn't see Orlando celebrate like that after the Game 1 victory. Lebron made the shot and they all went insane like they just won the trophy.

Orlando wasn't about to go down 0-2.

[Darthphere]

Who gives a ****. Thats just how they are.

Besides, that was an amazing shot and should be celebrated. Also, that shot just saved their post season.

Yeah, celebrate, for like two minutes, get over it, realize this is game two and that you blew a huge ****ing lead and you never should have been in that position in the first place and hit the showers.

[Asgard]

That's what theyre doing right now, so need to hate on them celebreating LeBron saving their series.

[NewYorkSpider]

Just as I thought... the League is not going to allow Orlando to go up 2 games to none. The Refs are BSters. :dry:

Oh get off of it. :whatever:

Well... you definitely got that right. :whatever:

:lmao:

Nobody knew if LeBron was going to make a 3-point basket at the buzzer.

[Darthphere]

That's what theyre doing right now, so need to hate on them celebreating LeBron saving their series.

I'm glad you agree.:o

[JaD]

You didn't see Orlando celebrate like that after the Game 1 victory. Lebron made the shot and they all went insane like they just won the trophy.When you make a Gamewinning 3 pointer, at home, during the playoffs, you celebrate. And Game 1 was decided by a jumpball at the last second and a missed shot by Cleveland. Look at Kobe's gamewinner against PHX back in '06 when they went up 3-1, you think they felt like idiots then? Maybe now :hehe: but no, either way you celebrate.

[NewYorkSpider]

The Cavs celebrating tonight was no different than a MLB team celebrating after a walk-off HR.

[Darthphere]

The Cavs celebrating tonight was no different than a MLB team celebrating after a walk-off HR.

It is totally different. They meet the guy at plate, jump around for 30 seconds and then head in to the clubhouse.:huh:

You just made my point really.

[NewYorkSpider]

It is totally different. They meet the guy at plate, jump around for 30 seconds and then head in to the clubhouse.:huh:

You just made my point really.

This is the playoffs, Darthphere.

[Go Web Go!]

I was listening to the local news on the ride home and their sports anchor reported the Magic had won the game with a late shot. I was pretty shocked and was starting to nail Cleveland's coffin shut when upon returning from break, the same anchor announces the Cavs had tied the series. That's reprting at its best, kids.

[Darthphere]

This is the playoffs, Darthphere.

No ****, I thought this was a summer league game.

[JaD]

This is the playoffs, Darthphere.I'm pretty confused on this whole "What are they celebrating so much for" stuff :hehe:

I think what it is is LeBron's face after he makes the shot, I'll admit, I thought that was pretty hilarious :hehe: But they're just as excited as the thousands of people watching in the arena, typical.

[NewYorkSpider]

LeBron just hit a game winning 3-pointer at home to avoid going down 0-2 on the road. They can celebrate as much as they want.

No ****, I thought this was a summer league game.

:heart:

[Darthphere]

Sure they can, but the question is should they?

[JaD]

Sure they can, but the question is should they?This is too deep for the NBA thread right now. The draft isn't until June fellas.

[Darthphere]

This is too deep for the NBA thread right now. The draft isn't until June fellas.

:hehe:

[NewYorkSpider]

Sure they can, but the question is should they?

Yes. I look at it as momentum. The Magic have played the Cavaliers tough in Cleveland. The Cavs need some sort of momentum heading to Florida. This series could've ended in a sweep if LeBron didn't make that shot.

[Mister J]

It never really entered my mind that Cleveland was overreacting. That's an incredible shot and it just saved you from being down 0-2 at home, having blown yet another huge lead, one step away from the Finals in a building where they only had one legit loss all regular season. That's a huge swing in momentum and playoff reality. They whooped it up, had to stay around for the review and soaked it in with the home folks some more afterward. Seemed pretty understandable given the impact of the moment. Eh.

[Darthphere]

It never really entered my mind that Cleveland was overreacting. That's an incredible shot and it just saved you from being down 0-2 at home, having blown yet another huge lead, one step away from the Finals in a building where they only had one legit loss all regular season. That's a huge swing in momentum and playoff reality. They whooped it up, had to stay around for the review and soaked it in with the home folks some more afterward. Seemed pretty understandable given the impact of the moment. Eh.

I just hate Lebron James.:o:csad:

[Mister J]

You're certainly not alone. The polarization in fan commentary at ESPN has me rolling.

[NewYorkSpider]

NBA Playoff Pool Standings:
1. Raiden - 110 Points
2. Nightmare - 106 Points
2. Silver Knight - 106 Points
2. NewYorkSpider - 106 Points
5. Mister J - 98 Points
5. L.A - 98 Points
7. Bond - 94 Points
8. Go Web Go! - 82 Points
9. Ghostvirus - 76 Points

[Ghostvirus]

I just hate Lebron James.:o:csad:

Its a shame you don't have a Aunt in Cleveland.:csad:

[Bond]

Here I go!

[Nightmare]

I just hate Lebron James.:o:csad:

I dont really hate The Guy. But man, the nuthugging he gets by national media I cant help but be annoyed and sick of him.

[ProjectPat2280]

I don't know why its taken me so long to find an NBA thread here. Awesome.

That game tonight was incredible. LeBron is just doing what LeBron does, i wasnt at all shocked to see him hit that shot. I hope Cavs fans are ready for a long series. They have been spoiled this entire post season.

As for the celebration, i thought it was fine. Going down 2 games to none, in a place where you are supposedly "unbeatable" could be too much to overcome. Cleveland absolutely had to have that shot drop, it did, they celebrated as such.

[CrypticOne]

Man, that Lebron shot was crazy! I thought for sure the Magic had them beat.

[terry78]

Lebron is this generation's Jordan. That's all there is to it.

[Go Web Go!]

Yeah, until he wins a couple of titles, that distinction still belongs to Mr. Bryant.

[ProjectPat2280]

Man, that Lebron shot was crazy! I thought for sure the Magic had them beat.


Haha, i did too, but i knew as soon as the ball left Brons hand that it was dropping. He's done that too many times. Im not too worried tho, 2 15 plus point leads lost by Cleveland, at Cleveland.

[NewYorkSpider]

Yeah, until he wins a couple of titles, that distinction still belongs to Mr. Bryant.

I don't think you can compare two players by how many NBA championships they have. You need to look at LeBron's first six years and compare them to Kobe's first six years.

[Go Web Go!]

Compare them how? PPG? Personal accolades?

[Excel]

As if there was any doubt about who the MVP or best player of the NBA this was this year, LeBron James literally just single handily saved the Cavs season as they sure as hell werent coming back from being down 0-2 with 3 to go in Orlando. Layoff them for celebrating, that wasnt exactly an open look and its not like there was no pressure. Maybe we just expect great things from him as he is going to be the greatest ever, so some arent surprised when actually accomplishes great things...but love him or hate him, that shot is an instant classic that will be remembered for ever, and tonight, Cavs Fans, Magic fans, Laker Fans, Nugget fans, or any other fans, we were ALL

http://www.hotrodsworld.com/images/nike-witness-poster.jpg

Yeah, until he wins a couple of titles, that distinction still belongs to Mr. Bryant.

Please gimme a ****ing break, Kobe wasnt even the best or most valuable player on his team :huh:

This generations Jordan is....Michael Jordan....until LeBron wins a few titles. Wade had the most Jordan esque post season stretch, but the rest of his carreer hasnt been up to par.

[Excel]

Compare them how? PPG? Personal accolades?

Who did the most with what they had? I.E....If LeBron last year had Shaq of 2000...is there any reasonable doubt LBJ has a title yet?

[NewYorkSpider]

Compare them how? PPG? Personal accolades?

If you're going to compare players with championships, then Robert Horry is greater than Michael Jordan.

The way I look at it, you need to compare what people have accomplished over a period of time minus the championships. Championships do have a bit of an impact on how well a player has done over his career. I just don't like comparing players with championships

[Nightmare]

Steve Kerr >> Karl Malone

[Mister J]

Ron Harper > Charles Barkley.

God, I could depress myself with some of this. :(

[Immortalfire]

OMG...LeBron's shot :eek:


How the heck did the Magic leave him that open, did they forget who this guy is?

[Raiden]

Nice game tonight, and it shows that Magic is legit when they won a game at Cleveland and nearly won another if not for LeBron's last second shot. Looks like both ECF and WCF will go down to 7 games.

[Etienne]

OMG...LeBron's shot :eek:


How the heck did the Magic leave him that open, did they forget who this guy is?
Apparently they were looking for the lob pass or a drive by Lebron. Hedo leaving his arms up is how you usually defend a three point attempt at the last second, the only problem is he was not in front of Lebron for that to matter.

[Raiden]

Seeing LeBron making that shot makes me wish Phil Jackson had let Kobe take that last second 3 pointer instead of Fish.

[Silver Knight]

This is why we call him King James.

[ProjectPat2280]

OMG...LeBron's shot :eek:


How the heck did the Magic leave him that open, did they forget who this guy is?

Yea, we were more concerned with a quick layup to the basket, much like what happened with Philly. We should have been on LeBron better than what we were. That was Stan Van's foul up, he admitted so.

No big deal tho, Cavs fans need to be worried. They gave away a 16 point lead in game 1 and lost, they gave away a 20 point lead in game 2 and needed a last second, miracle shot to win. Oh yea, both of those games were AT Cleveland.

[JaD]

Wow I loved Sportscenter's analysis of LeBron's shot, they even compared it to Jordan's famous buzzerbeater at the top of the key in the playoffs in his early years. It really shows how amazing that shot was :applaud

I think I'll make a .gif of it later, then post it for the LeBron haters to laugh at his reactions after making it :hehe:

[Raiden]

WOOT! Lakers won! :applaud

[LastSunrise1981]

I knew Denver would forget how to play and start giving away leads instead of maintaining them. People were saying how legit, tough, and physical they were and how smart they were. I knew it was only a matter of time before they got exposed and just forget what it's important.

They're the type of team that will play great against New Orleans or Dallas, and yet, when they get against Los Angeles they just crap all over themselves.

Denver can forget it now. It's over for them.

[Etienne]

I knew Denver would forget how to play and start giving away leads instead of maintaining them. People were saying how legit, tough, and physical they were and how smart they were. I knew it was only a matter of time before they got exposed and just forget what it's important.

They're the type of team that will play great against New Orleans or Dallas, and yet, when they get against Los Angeles they just crap all over themselves.

Denver can forget it now. It's over for them.
:huh: It's 2-1 with the next game in Denver and they lost a close game tonight.

[NewYorkSpider]

NBA Playoff Pool Standings:
1. Raiden - 110 Points
2. Nightmare - 106 Points
2. Silver Knight - 106 Points
2. NewYorkSpider - 106 Points
5. Mister J - 98 Points
5. L.A - 98 Points
7. Bond - 94 Points
8. Go Web Go! - 82 Points
9. Ghostvirus - 76 Points


Points stay the same tonight. Nobody picked the Lakers in game 3.

[Spider-Fan]

I want an avy of LeBron's shot so bad!!!

[LastSunrise1981]

:huh: It's 2-1 with the next game in Denver and they lost a close game tonight.

LA already got what they wanted and that's one in Denver. Denver can hang it up because they've allowed the Lakers to comeback and win three games that Denver had won.

Trust me, it's over for Denver. I honestly feel like they might as well forget showing up because they've shown how inconsistent they are.

[Poetic Chaos]

Kobe showin' he's still the man and Ariza with some awesome deja vu.

[Bunker]

The Nuggets have out-played the Lakers for 3 games and are down 2-1.

wtfman?

[Poetic Chaos]

The Nuggets have out-played the Lakers for 3 games and are down 2-1.

wtfman?

For about 3 quarters per game.

[NewYorkSpider]

The DEN/LAL series isn't over with. It's going to 6 or 7 games. Same with the other series.

[Raiden]

The Nuggets have out-played the Lakers for 3 games and are down 2-1.

wtfman?

Lakers actually outplayed Nuggets in Game 2, and they relinguished 12 pts lead to lose in the end.

[Ghostvirus]

It is really eerie how similar these two Conr. Finals are.

Hopefully Cleveland can win tomorrow, so that we get get back on track to the Awesome finals. I really want to see LA V.S. Cleveland.

[Silver Knight]

I dont see Denver coming back from 2-1 down.

[Excel]

http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=638113f4-d55a-4331-9643-f5053e27c210

:lmao:

[NewYorkSpider]

ESPN showed that last night. The reactions are priceless.

[Raiden]

I heard that JR Smith has guaranteed on ESPNews that Nuggets are going to the Finals.

:dry:

[D.Rex]

honestly i think denver can pull it off, their a tough talented team whose playing good basketball just making some stupid mistakes (they need to find a guy who can inbound) the lakers have been inconsistent throughout the entire playoffs, and it took a tremendous game 1 and 3 from kobe for the lakers to win, i just dont have any faith in this laker team, i dont think they're tough enough to win a championship

[Raiden]

honestly i think denver can pull it off, their a tough talented team whose playing good basketball just making some stupid mistakes (they need to find a guy who can inbound) the lakers have been inconsistent throughout the entire playoffs, and it took a tremendous game 1 and 3 from kobe for the lakers to win, i just dont have any faith in this laker team, i dont think they're tough enough to win a championship

I didn't think Lakers were tough enough in the Utah and Houston series, but they really played their hearts out against this Denver team, and they haven't gotten complacent like they did in Game 4 & 6 against the Rockets. I think Lakers have become a much tougher team.

[Excel]

ESPN showed that last night. The reactions are priceless.

They all instantly look over there; they were obviuolsy watching it before hand :hehe:

Its a testiment to how much that city is in love with the Cavs. Clevelands always been a huge sports town and after the Browns complete dissappointment and Indians being a total flop, LeBron and the Cavs are all they have left.

[D.Rex]

I didn't think Lakers were tough enough in the Utah and Houston series, but they really played their hearts out against this Denver team, and they haven't gotten complacent like they did in Game 4 & 6 against the Rockets. I think Lakers have become a much tougher team.
maybe i dont know though something just seems off, while i have no doubts about kobes drive and passion its the other guys that concern me, especially gasol, bynum,and odom, sometimes it seems their into and other times they seem lost, i think they can win this series, i just dont know if they will, that said since my team is already eliminated im just watching for entertaining good basketball and so far this series has delivered, as has the cleveland orlando series, i really do enjoy watching kobe play the game he plays with such fire its pretty inspiring honestly, lebron plays with passion but in a different more fun way, kobe is just straight intensity he has a real edge to him, and im really enjoying the new defensive minded carmelo anthony hes playing really well best ive ever seen him, three of the best players in the game today are really making this playoffs fun, so heres to a lebron-kobe or a lebron-melo NBA finals

[JaD]

I want an avy of LeBron's shot so bad!!!:hehe: I made a pretty nice .gif of LeBron's shot last night, I don't wanna post it up until/unless they win Game 3 :up: (and after I get off work) I don't wanna jinx anything that's why *knocks* :hehe: I hope they kick some ass tonight :brucebat:http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=638113f4-d55a-4331-9643-f5053e27c210

:lmao:Haha, I love how the guy at the right isn't even paying attention to closing out the show, just looking to the far left then "Cavs win!!!! *scares white lady* Cavs win!!!!" :lmao: There's even a guy hopping around in the far back haha.

I heard that JR Smith has guaranteed on ESPNews that Nuggets are going to the Finals.

:dry:Guaransheeding isn't the best route :nono:

But I'm not counting them out.

[Ghostvirus]

LOL! I think that woman in the video crapped her skirt!

[Ghostvirus]

Cleveland passes way too much.

[LastSunrise1981]

I find it hysterical how Kobe can throw elbows and isn't issued any kind of flagrant fouls. But if Dwight Howard or Anthony Johnson throws an elbnow they're either fined, issued a flagrant foul, or suspended.

[Bunker]

Kobe usually throws elbows when the refs can't see him. Like when he's battling for a rebound or a loose ball.

[Ghostvirus]

I find it hysterical how Kobe can throw elbows and isn't issued any kind of flagrant fouls. But if Dwight Howard or Anthony Johnson throws an elbnow they're either fined, issued a flagrant foul, or suspended.

Its because Kobe has been in the league long enough to know who flops, & who doesn't. Right now Cleveland is making flop an art form in this game.

[Ghostvirus]

Jesus is this a conference finals game, or a preseason D-League game? This is just crap on crap right now.

[NewYorkSpider]

Both teams are playing like ****. Magic have the edge right now.

[Darthphere]

Um, I'm like pissed they cutoff the Modern Warfare 2 trailer.

[Ghostvirus]

Was that what that game was? I was wondering.

[Darthphere]

Was that what that game was? I was wondering.

Yeah, they've been announcing the premiere of the trailer since the beginning of the playoffs. And then it gets cutoff. NBA fail. :dry:

Saw it online already though.

[Ghostvirus]

WHAT! the hell was that call on Howard!!!!

[NewYorkSpider]

Not a good call there by the refs. That was all ball.

[LastSunrise1981]

Loved how the officials tried to bail out Lebron when it was clear that Dwight got all ball on that block. Now will people realize that the officials need to be investigated? Because that was a ******** call.

[Ghostvirus]

If the Cavs don't make it to the finals. His little buzzer don't mean sh**!

[NewYorkSpider]

There's ******** calls in every game. It's not like that call made a difference anyway.

[Kargo Warrior]

The Magic are a better team than the Cavs...they're not 5-2 against (though they should be 6-1) them for nothing.

Lucky shot or not,the Cavs are not winning 3 out of 4 unless the Magic totally collapse.

[ProjectPat2280]

Loved how the officials tried to bail out Lebron when it was clear that Dwight got all ball on that block. Now will people realize that the officials need to be investigated? Because that was a ******** call.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I thought i was just being a homer, but LeBron gets EVERY call to go his damn way, that s*** is getting old quick. I swear the NBA wants the Cavs in the Finals and they are doing anything they can to make sure that happens, they just forgot that Orlando is just a better team.

Are Cavs fans nervous yet? They blow 2 15 plus point leads on their home court(needing a last second miracle shot to win game 2), aren't able to capitalize when Dwight Howard only plays 26 minutes and Hedo Turkoglu goes 1-11 from the field.

If the Cavs don't make it to the finals. His little buzzer don't mean sh**!

Haha, i said the same thing to my cousin while we were watching the replay of that shot for the gazillionth time.

[NewYorkSpider]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I thought i was just being a homer, but LeBron gets EVERY call to go his damn way, that s*** is getting old quick. I swear the NBA wants the Cavs in the Finals and they are doing anything they can to make sure that happens, they just forgot that Orlando is just a better team.

The Magic have like 15 more FT's than the Cavs in this series. So, yes, the refs are trying to get the Cavs in the Finals. The Magic match up better against the Cavs. I think they beat them twice in the regular season? LeBron shot horrible tonight. Not gonna be easy going into game 4


Are Cavs fans nervous yet? They blow 2 15 plus point leads on their home court(needing a last second miracle shot to win game 2), aren't able to capitalize when Dwight Howard only plays 26 minutes and Hedo Turkoglu goes 1-11 from the field.

I'll be nervous when they're down 3-1

[LastSunrise1981]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I thought i was just being a homer, but LeBron gets EVERY call to go his damn way, that s*** is getting old quick. I swear the NBA wants the Cavs in the Finals and they are doing anything they can to make sure that happens, they just forgot that Orlando is just a better team.

Are Cavs fans nervous yet? They blow 2 15 plus point leads on their home court(needing a last second miracle shot to win game 2), aren't able to capitalize when Dwight Howard only plays 26 minutes and Hedo Turkoglu goes 1-11 from the field.



Haha, i said the same thing to my cousin while we were watching the replay of that shot for the gazillionth time.

Whenever I stated this moderators, posters, and others want to make snide remarks to me and name call when I clearly state something is wrong. Even they can't deny that the league is trying very hard to make it LA/Cleveland with all the hype, with the calls, and with the analysis provided by commentators and analysts in general.

How can ANYONE look at that last foul on Dwight and say that it was a foul with a straight face? That wasn't a mistake of a call since the officials looked at the replay to see if it was a three. Seriously, the league needs to be investigated by an independent team and they need to be exposed. That was a call that would've cost Orlando the game.

[LastSunrise1981]

The Magic have like 15 more FT's than the Cavs in this series. So, yes, the refs are trying to get the Cavs in the Finals. The Magic match up better against the Cavs. I think they beat them twice in the regular season? LeBron shot horrible tonight. Not gonna be easy going into game 4




I'll be nervous when they're down 3-1

Oh, I guess you didn't see that horrible call down the stretch? I guess you point out OTHER fouls if it's Orlando. But when you're receiving the calls it doesn't matter.

The NBA is trying very hard to make it be Cleveland/Los Angeles with all the hype they're doing.

[Excel]

It good to the "team" LeBron finally hads decided to show up this series.

[NewYorkSpider]

Oh, I guess you didn't see that horrible call down the stretch? I guess you point out OTHER fouls if it's Orlando. But when you're receiving the calls it doesn't matter.

If the Refs/NBA wanted Cleveland in the Finals, don't you think the Magic would have less FT than the Cavs? I'm always entertained by your thoughts, Sunrise. :funny:

The NBA is trying very hard to make it be Cleveland/Los Angeles with all the hype they're doing.

If the NBA wanted a CLE/LA Finals, they both would be up 3-0.

[Kargo Warrior]

Oh, I guess you didn't see that horrible call down the stretch? I guess you point out OTHER fouls if it's Orlando. But when you're receiving the calls it doesn't matter.

The NBA is trying very hard to make it be Cleveland/Los Angeles with all the hype they're doing.

My cousin and me were discussing the same thing...several calls like Z's blatant traveling weren't whistled and like Van Gundy said every single time Lebron drives to the hoop it's a foul.

Two things are quite obvious...how weak the East with teams like Detroit and Atlanta really is this year and how much the Magic have matured these play-offs.

[Venom'sDad]

Whenever I stated this moderators, posters, and others want to make snide remarks to me and name call when I clearly state something is wrong. Even they can't deny that the league is trying very hard to make it LA/Cleveland with all the hype, with the calls, and with the analysis provided by commentators and analysts in general.

How can ANYONE look at that last foul on Dwight and say that it was a foul with a straight face? That wasn't a mistake of a call since the officials looked at the replay to see if it was a three. Seriously, the league needs to be investigated by an independent team and they need to be exposed. That was a call that couldn't cost Orlando the game.

Well don't hold your breath, because the Refs are doing everything they can to not only help Cleveland; but also, to stop Orlando's momentum.

As far as those snide remarks... don't sweat it, they know the League tries to influence and predetermine match-ups and games, through the use of referees. Money is a flowing.....

[Kargo Warrior]

If the Refs/NBA wanted Cleveland in the Finals, don't you think the Magic would have less FT than the Cavs? I'm always entertained by your thoughts, Sunrise. :funny:



If the NBA wanted a CLE/LA Finals, they both would be up 3-0.

Not when Orlando is clearly a better team...no matter what the calls are,they have a deeper talent level and match-up terrifically against them.

The Magic are technically 1 second away from being 3:0 up,so that's not really arguable.

[NewYorkSpider]

Not when Orlando is clearly a better team...no matter what the calls are,they have a deeper talent level and match-up terrifically against them.

The Magic are technically 1 second away from being 3:0 up,so that's not really arguable.

You're right. Orlando is the better team in this series. That's why they're up 2-1(almost 3-0). The fact that some people think the NBA wants CLE in the Finals is laughable. They need to look and see who's leading the series.

[LastSunrise1981]

If the Refs/NBA wanted Cleveland in the Finals, don't you think the Magic would have less FT than the Cavs? I'm always entertained by your thoughts, Sunrise. :funny:



If the NBA wanted a CLE/LA Finals, they both would be up 3-0.

No, they made up for it by giving Dwight questionable technicals throughout the series AND that stupid flagrant 1 on Anthony Johnson.

It's funny how I've provided some interesting stories/documentaries from respected retired officials, coaches, and analysts explaining how there is something wrong with the NBA and how fixing games shouldn't be out of the questionable, and yet, posters like you and several others ignore anything that sheds light on this situation.

If that call cost Orlando the game you can rest assure that Orlando fans would've been pissed and saying the things I am saying.

[LastSunrise1981]

You're right. Orlando is the better team in this series. That's why they're up 2-1(almost 3-0). The fact that some people think the NBA wants CLE in the Finals is laughable. They need to look and see who's leading the series.

With all the hype surrounding LA/CLE you sure could've fooled me that the NBA doesn't want them in the Finals. :whatever:

It's like Stan Van Gundy said "With all the hype surrounding Lebron and Cleveland you would've thought the sports world forgot they were playing us."

[NewYorkSpider]

No, they made up for it by giving Dwight questionable technicals throughout the series AND that stupid flagrant 1 on Anthony Johnson.

It really made a difference didn't it?

It's funny how I've provided some interesting stories/documentaries from respected retired officials, coaches, and analysts explaining how there is something wrong with the NBA and how fixing games shouldn't be out of the questionable, and yet, posters like you and several others ignore anything that sheds light on this situation.

Does this involve Tim Donaghy saying the '02, '05 playoff series was rigged? Donaghy would say anything in that situation to hurt the integrity of the NBA. Maybe Donaghy fixed those games, but not the NBA?

If that call cost Orlando the game you can rest assure that Orlando fans would've been pissed and saying the things I am saying.

Bad calls happen. They do in every sport. Because people are led to believe the NBA is rigged, any call you see in the future you question. Take tonights call for example. Howard clearly blocked the shot, but they called a foul. It happens. If this were another team playing the Magic, this conversation wouldn't be going on.

With all the hype surrounding LA/CLE you sure could've fooled me that the NBA doesn't want them in the Finals. :whatever:

The media hypes up the matchup. Is it wrong to hype up the two best teams in the league?

It's like Stan Van Gundy said "With all the hype surrounding Lebron and Cleveland you would've thought the sports world forgot they were playing us."

LeBron James is trying to bring a championship to Cleveland for the first time in over 30 years. They had the best record in the NBA with the MVP of the league. Of course Orlando isn't going to get a lot of attention.

[StorminNorman]

If the Refs/NBA wanted Cleveland in the Finals, don't you think the Magic would have less FT than the Cavs? I'm always entertained by your thoughts, Sunrise. :funny:

Not necessarily. Cleveland's game plan has been to foul Dwight Howard and Turkoglu, so the fact Orlando has more FT's isn't an indication of clean officiating.

I love how TNT mentioned the fact that it's "always so hard to officiate players like Lebron, Shaq and Iverson because they are so physical" - yea, if the player was Turkoglu playing physical, would it be a hard call? Those three players just happen to be among the biggest stars.

[ProjectPat2280]

The officiating has been poor through out the postseason, but its been at its worst in the 3 Eastern Conference Finals games. There must have been a memo sent out that stated you aren't allowed to touch James or you'll be called for a foul. The calls for James were laughable, absolutely laughable. I wouldnt be surprised to see one of these horrible, ticky tack calls for James cost Orlando a game. Hopefully we will keep our foot on Clevelands throat and not let the game get close in the closing seconds.

[ProjectPat2280]

edit

[ProjectPat2280]

I love how TNT mentioned the fact that it's "always so hard to officiate players like Lebron, Shaq and Iverson because they are so physical" - yea, if the player was Turkoglu playing physical, would it be a hard call? Those three players just happen to be among the biggest stars.


Yea as much as ill complain now, what we are seeing with Bron, isn't much different than what happened with Jordan. Altho, it wasn't right then, its still not right now.

[NewYorkSpider]

NBA Playoff Pool Standings:
1. Raiden - 112 Points
2. NewYorkSpider - 108 Points
3. Nightmare - 106 Points
3. Silver Knight - 106 Points
5. L.A - 100 Points
5. Mister J - 100 Points
7. Bond - 96 Points
8. Go Web Go! - 82 Points
9. Ghostvirus - 76 Points

[Etienne]

I love how TNT mentioned the fact that it's "always so hard to officiate players like Lebron, Shaq and Iverson because they are so physical" - yea, if the player was Turkoglu playing physical, would it be a hard call? Those three players just happen to be among the biggest stars.
That's Doug Collins for you. :down Top that off with him saying it was going to be hard for Orlando to win the game if Anthony Johnson gets another flagrant foul (paraphrasing) and its just another day at the office for Doug Collins.

[Ghostvirus]

Sooo... Where did all the rational people go?:whatever:

[LastSunrise1981]

Sooo... Where did all the rational people go?:whatever:

The rational people are here and alive, speaking the truth on what's going on.

What was witnessed last night was a travesty and I definitely would've probably thrown my remote at the television if Cleveland won last night. Even you have to admit that "foul" Lebron at the three point line was horrible, and hell, it wasn't even a mistake apparently after watching the replay.

They watched the replay to see if it was a three pointer. So they didn't consider that "Hey, maybe we got the call wrong. Maybe we should look to see if there was ANY contact first."

If that happened to Chicago you'd been saying the same thing. Funny how so many people want to dismiss facts when it's not their team, and yet, if it happened to their team they'd be calling for the heads of the officials too.

[D.Rex]

While I will say the foul on Dwight on the Lebron three was a terrible call we have the advantage of replay to go back and look at it and see clearly it was all ball. However the refs don't have that advantage their on the court and I can see how the ref running from behind the play may have seen that and instinctively called a foul, usually as a general rule of thumb coming from behind like dwight did and trying to block that shot results in hitting the arms and a foul, it didn't this time but it usually does and seeing that from an angle he may have thought he fouled him. Bad call sure but part of a conspiracy for a Cavs Lakers finals i don't think so. I don't think the refs in the NBA are part of a huge conspiracy I just think that they are definitely the most incompetent bunch out of the four major American pro sports

[Darthphere]

Straight up, I gotta join my homie LastSunrise here. The officiating in the playoffs in general has been horrific.

[LastSunrise1981]

While I will say the foul on Dwight on the Lebron three was a terrible call we have the advantage of replay to go back and look at it and see clearly it was all ball. However the refs don't have that advantage their on the court and I can see how the ref running from behind the play may have seen that and instinctively called a foul, usually as a general rule of thumb coming from behind like dwight did and trying to block that shot results in hitting the arms and a foul, it didn't this time but it usually does and seeing that from an angle he may have thought he fouled him. Bad call sure but part of a conspiracy for a Cavs Lakers finals i don't think so. I don't think the refs in the NBA are part of a huge conspiracy I just think that they are definitely the most incompetent bunch out of the four major American pro sports

You have other officials on the floor with a better view as well. What does a official behind a player have to do with it? Stevie Wonder could've seen that was all ball and called ******** on the play.

Once again, I do believe the NBA is trying to make sure it's Cleveland and Los Angeles for the Finals. I do not put it past them at all to try and fix certain games, drag out a series, and etc in order to make sure that happens so they can increase their revenue. They showed the replay from all angles and it was still all ball, why are you trying to defend the officials and defend the league?

Why is it that sports like baseball and football don't have problems with officiating? You don't hear fans, non-fans, or even players talk about officials having an agenda or fixing games. It seems like those sorts are more credible than the NBA. It's all about money and popularity when it comes to the NBA in my opinion. This is something that needs to be exposed as the league is slowly losing its credibility.

The NBA has become an entertaining product rather than a competitive sport and it's really sad honestly.

You said while we have the advantage of a replay, then why did the officials go WATCH replay to see if it was a three or a two? That replay should've shown the exact same play and show that Dwight didn't foul him. So again, you're making excuses in my opinion for a call that shouldn't have been made.

[Darthphere]

I'm not going the fix route with Sunrise here, but yeah the officiating has been wildly inconsistent.

Also, when did Mo Williams become such a whiny *****?

[Lobo]

I'm not going the fix route with Sunrise here, but yeah the officiating has been wildly inconsistent.

Also, when did Mo Williams become such a whiny *****?

Soon as he got into the all star game ;)

[Darthphere]

Seriously, this guy was crying all last night. Calling the elbow he took a cheap shot, saying they're giving the Magic too much respect. Good lord.

[ProjectPat2280]

Also, when did Mo Williams become such a whiny *****?

When he realized he wasn't going through Orlando 4 games to none. Cleveland has been spoiled all year imo. They have been playing above their talent level. Well everyone but LeBron. If i were a Cavs fan, id be a little nervous. For a few reasons. For starters Orlando was one of the few teams to win a season series against them with one of those wins coming by 28 points and Cleveland hasn't been able to do what made them successful in their 8 previous playoff wins. I think they expended so much energy celebrating that miracle shot as tho they had just won the Finals that they were just out of gas in game 3.

[Nightmare]

Soon as he got into the all star game ;)

lol, I remember him whining like crazy he didnt get selected. What a *****.

[Etienne]

lol, I remember him whining like crazy he didnt get selected. What a *****.
Seriously? :dry:

[StorminNorman]

The clearly biased officiating is one of the big reasons why the NBA is the most incompetently ran major sport in the country.

[Ghostvirus]

:facepalm:

[Silver Knight]

I see the Magic wining the series, I really do.

[ProjectPat2280]

I see the Magic wining the series, I really do.

I hope your vision is correct. :up:

[Deadpool876]

I like the Magic to win really. :) Many like the underdog to win; me not always but the I like the magic.

[Wiseman]

lol, I remember him whining like crazy he didnt get selected. What a *****.

He wasn't the one who was whining, Lebron was. Lebron went off about how it's bs that Mo didn't get selected

[SurfDUI]

It's still James' Champ ring to lose, but your right about the regular season series v the Cavs. Back in December they were 1 and 2 then...I wouldn't say the Cavs have one of the all time greats and a bunch of scrubs, but there in the middle. Orlando lives by the big outside shot tho, and this ain't the NCAA, you can die by that shot too. There were alot of whistles tho!!! WTF.

I still say Lebron v Mello in the Finals.:dry:http://forums.superherohype.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

[D.Rex]

You have other officials on the floor with a better view as well. What does a official behind a player have to do with it? Stevie Wonder could've seen that was all ball and called ******** on the play.

Once again, I do believe the NBA is trying to make sure it's Cleveland and Los Angeles for the Finals. I do not put it past them at all to try and fix certain games, drag out a series, and etc in order to make sure that happens so they can increase their revenue. They showed the replay from all angles and it was still all ball, why are you trying to defend the officials and defend the league?

Why is it that sports like baseball and football don't have problems with officiating? You don't hear fans, non-fans, or even players talk about officials having an agenda or fixing games. It seems like those sorts are more credible than the NBA. It's all about money and popularity when it comes to the NBA in my opinion. This is something that needs to be exposed as the league is slowly losing its credibility.

The NBA has become an entertaining product rather than a competitive sport and it's really sad honestly.

You said while we have the advantage of a replay, then why did the officials go WATCH replay to see if it was a three or a two? That replay should've shown the exact same play and show that Dwight didn't foul him. So again, you're making excuses in my opinion for a call that shouldn't have been made.
They didn't change the call on the replay because those are the rules. They can't usually replay on judgement foul calls they can use it only to see if it was a two or three or to review flagrant fouls or see if the shot was released before the buzzer. I agree though that would be a good rule change if they were allowed to review foul calls maybe not every call but some of the more controversial ones. Also many times have I seen the ref with the better view overruled by the senior official who had a far worse angle unfortunately thats the way it goes. The NBA referees are extremely incompetent I agree. I do give some slack though in that basketball is the hardest sport to ref. It is by far the most fast paced high action non stop game of the four major American pro sports. The league does have a vested interest in who plays who and for how long the series goes, thats why the playoffs now last 2 months and every series is best of seven. More games more money plain and simple. However to say that the games are being fixed is rather absurd. You don't think in todays media obsessed day in age a conspiracy that large (that a major American professional sports league is fixing games) would go unnoticed. Think of all the things that would be affected players, advertising, arenas, not to mention the gambling. If the games were fixed dont you think all the bookies and Vegas would be in on it. The massive amounts of people that would have to be involved in such a large scale operation,you don't think one person would have written a tell-all book by now. Donaghy may have been trying to throw games for his own personal gain and I don't know the full extent of what he caused, however I believe he was the exception not the rule. But im not arguing with you that the refs do indeed suck and NBA officating is horrible. But I think its equally bad for everybody involved so it kind of evens out in the end.

[NewYorkSpider]

They should allow the media to interview refs after the game. An explaination for a call would be better for the fans to hear.

[Kargo Warrior]

Game 5 will be pivotal...if the Nuggets win,i don't see anything other than 4:2.

If the Lakers win on the other hand,i don't see them losing game 7 at home.

[NewYorkSpider]

The Nuggets have to win game 5 if they want to win this series. There's no way they beat the Lakers twice in a row. Especially with game 7 being at Los Angeles.

[Raiden]

Very disappointed that Lakers couldn't win this game, and thus allow the series to extend. At least Lakers got their homecourt advantage back, but Lakers have to try to play every game as if it's Game 7, and not have a day off like today.

[NewYorkSpider]

NBA Playoff Pool Standings:
1. Raiden - 114 Points
2. Nightmare - 108 Points
2. Silver Knight - 108 Points
2. NewYorkSpider - 108 Points
5. Mister J - 102 Points
5. L.A - 102 Points
7. Bond - 96 Points
8. Go Web Go! - 82 Points
9. Ghostvirus - 78 Points

[Ghostvirus]

Oh man! Stern must be pissed!

[Nightmare]

Son a *****!!! Lakers suck ass!!!

[JaD]

I was gonna post this up yesterday after Game 3, unfortunately CLE lost :csad: I'll just go ahead and post it now though. The series isn't over and I'm confident Cleveland can bounce back :up:

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii10/bbqsauce51287/gifs/lebron-magicgw.gif

[CrypticOne]

Awesome game for the Nuggets. WHOO-HOO! I hope they win this.

[D.Rex]

Im really rooting for the Nuggets here. I like the way they play, hard high energy hustle and tough D, they dive for loose balls and don't allow easy layups, I like their players to Chauncey is great I've always liked him as a player (which is big for a Celtics fan to say that about a Piston) he's a natural leader on the court, I also always liked Carmelo, plus birdman and jr smith are great off the bench. I like this team a lot their giving the Lakers everything they can handle and more, so I love it. Lets go Nuggets

[Ghostvirus]

Everybody gots to love Da Birdman!:up:

[simplysuperhero]

I was gonna post this up yesterday after Game 3, unfortunately CLE lost :csad: I'll just go ahead and post it now though. The series isn't over and I'm confident Cleveland can bounce back :up:

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii10/bbqsauce51287/gifs/lebron-magicgw.gif

I'm still shocked by this. Pretty amazing.

[Raiden]

I think that Lakers are clearly worn out by the long playoff season they are having right now, esp. the 7-game series that they had against Rockets, and unfortunately they brought this upon themselves for not putting a team like the Rockets (who were missing T-Mac & Yao) away early.

[Darthphere]

I don't know if anyone will agree with me, but the Lakers are looking a lot like the Celtics last season, and the Cavs are looking like the Lakers of last season.

[Mister J]

Williams Guarantees Cavs Win (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4205686)

"They deserve respect," he said. "They are a good team. But we are the best team in basketball. I don't feel that they've had to adjust to us one time in the series."

So, Mo. You're sure the Cavaliers will win Game 4 on Tuesday night and rally to win the best-of-seven series. Willing to guarantee it?

"Guarantee we're going to win the series? Yeah, yeah," he said. "We are down 2-1. But there is nobody on this team and definitely not myself that says we are not going to win this series. Yeah, it is going to be tough. We know that. We get this game tomorrow, go home, still got home-court advantage.
I was lobbying for this guy to make the All-Star squad and I still believe he's a competent player capable of contributing ...but shut the **** up, Mo. http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5977/jokerpalm.png (http://img154.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jokerpalm.png)

[Deadpool876]

I'm very impressed by the Lakers' win at game 3. That was a tough one, they hang in there; they're making me like them more for the championship. :)

Another thing; has James already reached M.J. status?! What is with the damn favoritism from the refs?! See those cheap calls, especially that (no)foul that Howard got.

[Go Web Go!]

Williams Guarantees Cavs Win (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4205686)


I was lobbying for this guy to make the All-Star squad and I still believe he's a competent player capable of contributing ...but shut the **** up, Mo. http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5977/jokerpalm.png (http://img154.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jokerpalm.png)

Can we stop with the guarantees now?

[Darthphere]

I guarantee that guarantees will not stop.

[RAMORE]

Congrats to the Magic. You won't be winning another game, but congrats.:up:

Just looking back for something and saw this after game 1:hehe:

[RAMORE]

I guarantee that guarantees will not stop.

Hahaha I guarantee that this^ is correct:grin:

Well I called at the begginning the cavs magic series going seven with Orlando taking the first game and them trading wins till Orlando came out on top....but I've got an itch that they might win tonight too. That's if we can get another big performance from Howard:super:

[LastSunrise1981]

Guarantees are okay if you can back them up with a win. Great players like Jordan, Bird, Isiah Thomas, Magic, and Wilt made guarantees as well but you knew and they knew that they would back up their words. Players today shouldn't say "guarantee" because none of them have the confidence, hunger, and focus that those players did.

[Darthphere]

Players and Patrick Ewing. He's 1 for 5 right now.

[Immortalfire]

I guarantee that guarantees will not stop.

I guarantee that this guarantee will come true.

Guaranteed.

[LastSunrise1981]

I find it hilarious on how Phil Jackson is complaining about the officiating and dirty play from Denver. Seriously Phil? You're mad because Kobe wasn't getting calls that he normally gets because of flops and initiating contact?

You're mad because of dirty play? Have you forgotten the dirty plays that Kobe and Fisher have done? Shoulder blocking and elbows aren't exactly "sportsman like" either.

[Nightmare]

I guarantee that this guarantee will come true.

Guaranteed.

Guaren Damn Teed!

[Docker2.0]

Freaking Orlando! Man I'd NEVER bet money on those guys! You never know which team will show up! It's like Skip Bayless said, it's hard for them to kill someone and at the same time, they are hard to kill.

[Nightmare]

Cavs looked impressive on that run at the end of the 1st half.

I think both series are going 7 games.

[Docker2.0]

LA-Den.............going 7. Cavs-Orl..................going 6. Whoever wins tonight will win the series. I just don't see this thing going 7.

[Docker2.0]

The NBA is f-ed up with the officiating. Not saying the game is being called bad, though it's not exactly a blue print of a good officiated game, but let the tech go. That wasn't a tech to be called. The refs are stealing the show with all the f-ing calls and techs!

[Docker2.0]

Am I the only one watching this freakin game!? :cmad: You guys get your asses in here and talk to me!! :cmad: :csad:

[BlackLantern]

LeBron is a dynamic personality and a great athlete....he is NOT a leader

[Trainwreck2100]

LeBron is a dynamic personality and a great athlete....he is NOT a leader
but he can throw powder in the air that takes all kinds of leadership skeels

[Ghostvirus]

Am I the only one watching this freakin game!? :cmad: You guys get your asses in here and talk to me!! :cmad: :csad:

Nobody comes in here anymore. Unless they want to b*tch about the refs.:csad:

LeBron is a dynamic personality and a great athlete....he is NOT a leader

I would say the same about Kobe as well. D-Wade is the only player I can think with leadership quaities.

[Trainwreck2100]

I would say the same about Kobe as well. D-Wade is the only player I can think with leadership quaities.
What about Tim Duncan or Chauncey Billups?

[BlackLantern]

Kobe is farther along the 'being a leader' track than LeBron is....last season he and LA played like they had never won anything, like those previous 3 rings didn't count.

A leader is a player who when he steps out on the court, there is no question that he is in control of the situation...talent can bring you to a certain point, but you need people who know how to handle specific situations and keep people motivated...what Chauncey Billups has been doing, that's being a leader

[Trainwreck2100]

last game that was a flagrant

[Ghostvirus]

What about Tim Duncan or Chauncey Billups?

Chauncey, yes. Duncan no so sure. I would put Ginobili in that category. There are tons of up & coming players with Leadership qualities as well.

Chris Paul
Deron Williams
& My boy! Derrick Rose!