2005-2006 NBA thread

[Mister J]

You want to talk about a guy who's only talent is dunking the ball, look no further than Shaq.

Yes, shame on Shaq for dunking all these years. Who cares if he's strong and dominant enough to establish that position and take such a high percentage shot. I don't care if the announcers have been mentioning Shaq's use of finesse moves of as late to combat the foul trouble he's been experiencing. It makes no difference that he used a series of dropsteps, jumphooks, and spins last night. I demand he start shooting 3-pointers now to justify yet another All-NBA First Team!

 

[The Ether]

Mavs lost game 1 boo-urns

 

[LastSunrise1981]

I didn't watch the entire game of the Mavs/Suns. But I just reviewed the stats and for Diaw to have 37 points is inexcusable.

From the sounds of it they made Diaw, Marion, and Nash look like absolute superstars. Oh well, it's just one game and Dallas will probably take the next one on Friday.

Edit: Where is everybody? Only one person watched the game? I figured we all should have a much better discussion that mush mouth Charles can ever have.

But seriously, from the sounds and looks of it, it appears it was a really good and tense close game. Obviously Diaw, Marion, and Nash caught fire which is unfortunate. Apparently the defense of the Mavericks isn't as good as it should be, but as I said, it's one game and Dallas is just going to have to play smarter, more focused, and not allow easy lay-ups and wide open threes.

 

[Mister J]

Seeing Diaw with 37 caught me off guard too.

I know Dallas has some firepower, but they really don't need to try to run with Phoenix.
The Mavs let one get away tonight. Of course, if past history is any indication, the Suns will be more than happy to allow Dallas to make up for it.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

that doesnt surprise me. Neither of those teams can play defense

 

[LastSunrise1981]

that doesnt surprise me. Neither of those teams can play defense

Both teams are okay defensively. They're not horrible by any means, they're not great when it comes to say Detroit, San Antonio, or even Chicago in particular.

I don't mind seeing high scoring games at all. But I also want to see some defense and from the looks of it by viewing the stats, there was none on either side of the equation.

I think Phoenix are a very overrated team. The Lakers proved if you can move it to a half-court offense/defense, slow the tempo, and not run with them, you can easily beat them and make them look like the elderly team they are when they're suffocated by a half-court set defense.

Maybe Avery can use the Phil Jackson strategy and slow the tempo down.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

Yes, shame on Shaq for dunking all these years. Who cares if he's strong and dominant enough to establish that position and take such a high percentage shot. I don't care if the announcers have been mentioning Shaq's use of finesse moves of as late to combat the foul trouble he's been experiencing. It makes no difference that he used a series of dropsteps, jumphooks, and spins last night. I demand he start shooting 3-pointers now to justify yet another All-NBA First Team!

yes because if one cant dunk it implies they must be able to hit 3's right? All of the great centers had a much more rounded game than Shaq does. Chamberlain, Russell, Kareem, Walton, Ewing, Olajuwon, etc all had a decent game from 5-10 feet away from the hoop, and they could actually hit free throws with a decent consistency. Something Shaq has never had.He's by FAR the most one dimensional big time center. That's not a bad thing mind you, since it obviously works for the guy. But people shouldnt be pointing the finger at Wallace for only being able to dunk when SHaq is on your team.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

Both teams are okay defensively. They're not horrible by any means, they're not great when it comes to say Detroit, San Antonio, or even Chicago in particular.

I don't mind seeing high scoring games at all. But I also want to see some defense and from the looks of it by viewing the stats, there was none on either side of the equation.

I think Phoenix are a very overrated team. The Lakers proved if you can move it to a half-court offense/defense, slow the tempo, and not run with them, you can easily beat them and make them look like the elderly team they are when they're suffocated by a half-court set defense.

Maybe Avery can use the Phil Jackson strategy and slow the tempo down.

actually Phoenix was the 3rd worst team in the NBA in points allowed (102.8), surprisingly the Mavs were 7th best (92.3) whihc surprises me.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

actually Phoenix was the 3rd worst team in the NBA in points allowed (102.8), surprisingly the Mavs were 7th best (92.3) whihc surprises me.

Really? I never knew that. 3 is very high up there, and 7 is a pretty high number too, so neither team are that good at holding teams to a low percentage in the game.

Well one thing is for sure, we'll see a lot of high scoring in this series.

 

[Victor Von Doom]

Granted he doesnt score a ton,

Which is consequentally the only thing I was talking about. I was stating that he's not an offensive threat, leaving the defense free to double team out of the zone. Just keep him out of the lane and what's he got? shaq will occasionally bank in a turn around J.

 

[samurai black]

But people shouldnt be pointing the finger at Wallace for only being able to dunk when Shaq is on your team.

Shaq and Wallace contribute to their teams in the manner they were recruited to do so and both are great players. Granted Shaq has lost some his dominant attitude (and gained some pounds) haslem easily makes up for any defense slack he gives. Where the teams differ is not their centers, but in their depth. Miami has the best supporting cast in the playoffs right now and for all the flack they get for being old, still manage to outplay the pistons bench.

 

[samurai black]

All of the great centers had a much more rounded game than Shaq does. Chamberlain, Russell, Kareem, Walton, Ewing, Olajuwon, etc all had a decent game from 5-10 feet away from the hoop, and they could actually hit free throws with a decent consistency. Something Shaq has never had.He's by FAR the most one dimensional big time center.

Russell was known for his extraordinary defensive ability and rebounding, and on a waaaay lesser note, so was walton.
Ewing's has great shooting abilty, but never was an inside threat or consistent defensive threat. (remember the trouble he would have with the bulls 3 headed center monster?)
Kareem and Olajuwan were truly magnificent big men. The perfect balance of inside/outside game. Kevin Garnett is more of an the type of player they should be compared to.
Chamberlain was a giant amongst ants, which is Shaq is to modern age basketball. He may not have the grace of kareem and hakeem, but Shaq has used his gifts to the best of his ability and deserves to be mentioned with all of the names above.

 

[Assassin]

So let me get this straight. Detroit wins one Championship in the last 15 years.

Then the next year struggles with a already crippled Indiana team. Then goes to game seven with a team that had Shaq hurt in the beginning of the series, then lost wade in the end of the series.

Then! goes to game seven this year with a team that really only has one great player.

What in the blue hell does Detroit fans have to be cocky about? Detroit is a mediocre team simple as that. They may have won a crap load of games during the season, but so did seattle when Denver steam rolled them back in the 90's. This Miami series is going 5 maybe 4 games. This is not going to be as much of a series as some of you think it will be.

you're ****ing stupid, and i say that in the nicest way possible. even the ppl who hate detroit respect the pistions as a team, a really really good team.

 

[Assassin]

So let me get this straight. Detroit wins one Championship in the last 15 years.

Then the next year struggles with a already crippled Indiana team. Then goes to game seven with a team that had Shaq hurt in the beginning of the series, then lost wade in the end of the series.

Then! goes to game seven this year with a team that really only has one great player.

What in the blue hell does Detroit fans have to be cocky about? Detroit is a mediocre team simple as that. They may have won a crap load of games during the season, but so did seattle when Denver steam rolled them back in the 90's. This Miami series is going 5 maybe 4 games. This is not going to be as much of a series as some of you think it will be.

you're ****ing stupid, and i say that in the nicest way possible. even the ppl who hate detroit respect the pistions as a team, a really really good team.

 

[Go Web Go!]

For as bad as Miami played they only lost by 4. Had they learned how to make a shot in the first half, maybe get a rebound or 2 they would be going home up 2-0. Oh well. They didn't. Game 3 Saturday.

 

[Mister J]

The boys missed an opportunity at 77-71; took some bad shots instead of going for the money plays. The role players did show up until the end of the 3rd. Needless to say, Miami needs to take care of business at the Triple A with some sweet home cookin'.

edit: Does Chauncey ever miss a ****ing free throw?

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

Well that was 45 minutes of Pistons basketball, hard nosed defense, clutch shooting, etc.
The last 3 minutes however, I dont know what that was. It was just UGLY. No way it shouldve been that close at the end. Too many mental mistakes. Although the ref ignoring Tayshaun when he calls a time out after Payton plows Billups out of bounds, didnt help any. Still, they needed to play a full 48 and didnt do it, and that better change come Saturday night. BTW anyone else think that ref looked like the Crypt Keeper?

 

[Mister J]

The ref did look wacky. I wonder what he said to Prince after the game. Whatever it was, he doesn't have any business antagonizing players. These damn refs need to be reigned in.

 

[Jplaya2023]

Miami just lost a chance at winning this series. Played 2 complacent. Wade playing like an idiot and Shaq not dominating.

Antwione walker is a cancer along with HO DOURVES ass Udonis Haslem.

 

[Go Web Go!]

Miami just lost a chance at winning this series. Played 2 complacent. Wade playing like an idiot and Shaq not dominating.

Antwione walker is a cancer along with HO DOURVES ass Udonis Haslem.

You don't know anything about basketball. Go away.

Although the ref ignoring Tayshaun when he calls a time out after Payton plows Billups out of bounds, didnt help any. BTW anyone else think that ref looked like the Crypt Keeper?

Now now. He wasn't ignoring Tayshaun. He's just blind in one eye and forgot to bring his hearing aids to The Palace tonight. Anyway, I'm guessing you're not familiar with Dick Bavetta, eh? Liked around the league from what I understand, but he's known for some bogus calls/no-calls. Hell, I went to a game earlier this year where he slipped while running down from one side of the court to the other and SMACK. He hit the floor. The crowd started cheering. I kinda felt sorry for the old man. Hehe.

 

[Ghostvirus]

you're ****ing stupid, and i say that in the nicest way possible. even the ppl who hate detroit respect the pistions as a team, a really really good team.

I never said that I didn't respect them. I also don't hate them. I just think that they are not as good as they seemed in the Reg. Season.

I do love how you broke my reasons down in a logical sensible manner. Without having to resort to childish name.... oh wait that was the Incredible Hulk that debated logically, my bad.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

I always knew Shaq was "special" LOL

 

[Ultimate_Superman]

The Pistons almost threw that game away which was very very very sad which is why I picked the Heat to win in 6.

 

[Super_Ludacris]

Bevatta's a homo straight up. How the hell can you not hear Tayshaun call the time out? Makes me feel like the refs and stern want Wade and Shaq in the finals for ratings. The crowd was too loud? The arena was half empty with a minute to go, what's really good?

As for people questioning Detroit's ability, yes they can be complacent and cocky and they have every right to be but they rely soley on there work. This is a team with no superstars and yet they still win consistently but sometimes (which is natural) they can keep it up (because they got no superstars but also yeah there complacent) nevertheless we have seen there motto "If it aint rough it aint right" and this team will claw and scrap.

A team with Shaq and D-Wade SHOULD have beaten them in the regular season and handle them but Detroit claws and scraps but they cannot be complacent because it showed in the last quarter when they gave the Heat's supporting cast open shots after they did a great job making them non-factors for 3 quarters and that was on the Pistons, they laid back on the defense in the last 2 minutes because they thought it was garbage time, they need to take that into account. Even if Detroit loses both games in Miami this thing is going 7 games and that's real.

 

[Ghostvirus]

Seriously, you all need to stop blaming the Refs & Stern for every little thing that happens. The refs are bad in every sport. It's almost as much a tradition as the sport its self. It is also easier to blame the refs instead of just saying there team played poorly.

For instance if Prince hadn't cut it so close to 5 seconds before calling the time out. He wouldn't have put him self in that situation.