Anyone out there read the article in SI about Kobe this week. It explains a lot, and is not suprising! It is what we have heard, but more detailed, amazing! Read it!
Hey you conspiracy theorists, how about this, the referees just suck, they are much like the players on the teams, who seemingly inexplicably go cold on the road, in the second half, etc... They suck just like me or you at any given moment...Here’s a question, have you guys ever actually played? Have you guys ever actually been playing, and hit like 6 straight shots, with guys in your face, not seeing the rim, and then all of a sudden, after halftime, you can't hit a shot and are blowing lay-ups? Do you realize, much like the players, the officials get caught in moments too? The real problem, is having people who are good at it, and want to take the #### you have to take, because let's face it, it is a thankless job, and the players, fans, coaches are many times berating you for CORRECT CALLS! These guys do have bad games; Benit Salvatore just made some horrendous calls, especially on that 3 pointer by Pierce. I mean hell; he may subconsciously be making these calls based upon so much speculation. Yes, these guys are human, but the calls tend to even out because mistakes are made and it IS so subjective inherently. I tend to let guys play more because I played a little rougher. You may tend to want to calls bumps that are inconsequential overall, but are technically fouls, way high out above the free throw line because you are so convicted. Either way, if I refed the NBA, you would have known 10 years ago the flops would not be getting called.
Bottom line is, the officials could actually stop the game more than they do, there is a lot of action going on, and you are dealing with angles. Much like where holding could be called every play in football pretty much, and when I played sometimes you would have to tell an official to watch a guy, that he is holding you, and then guess what, the next play a holding gets called, and the guy blocking me is like, "Hell I've been holding you the whole time!" Also, think about how many times the officials are correct when WE think they are wrong. Actually, more times than naught, the replays prove the officials to be correct! Much like the major league umps. There actual accuracy rate is astounding.
But yeah, overall, officials tend to suck most of the times to us, because we are biased, or we just want it to be perfect, but nothing really ever is, so appreciate it for what it is and the athletes and THEIR EFFORT!
The Celtics shook off the 'uneven' officiating, and overtook the Pistons; who are just "good enough", and in 2004 ran into the perfect Laker storm of lack of depth (Medvedenko anyone) and an injury, to an aging but integral superstar (Karl Malone's knee) and an aging Superstar one dimensional out of shape player (Shaq), and a reliance on Gary Payton, who never truly fit in to the Laker scheme, and was just out matched by the very similar and younger Chauncey Billups.
But the dream match up of THE BEST TWO TEAMS has arrived and at this point I am not too sure who to pick based on the regular season. Versatility, nerves, matchups, experience, homecourt, who knows? COACHING!!!!!???? Gasol was not there and the Lakers had not evolved yet. I think Ray will be ready though, and so will Pierce coming home to LA in game 3. It will be interesting as this is 6 days away and should be no more than 4. Anyway, let the excitement build! This is what the Celtics have been waiting for all season but their big three have never been there. The Lakers on the other hand, have the experience there, but whose big 3 or 4 or 7 or 10 deep will most effect and determine this series? Will it be an Eddie house who has toiled for years, or a Jordan Farmar who is young and quick? Will Vlade Radmonovic rain threes in a game or two and make his country proud, or will Sam I am bump and grind Sasha into frustration? Will the Lakers experience on the bench, as in the coaching championship experience make the difference? The days will go by and we will be there!
...I will refuse to let a few bad apples spoil the bunch...
The comparisons of Shaq to Kareem Abdul Jabbar are stunningly ignorant, seriously misguided and complete nonsense to anyone who ever watched these two great bigs play in their primes. The only similarities Shaq and Kareem truly have are that they played the same position, are 7 footers and both played for the Lakers.
Now let’s get serious folks, Shaq’s offensive skills have always been 'limited' at best. I have alluded to this fact many times and it just seems that sometimes people are watching a totally different game than I am. Even when Shaq was a Laker (or in Orlando), it was excruciating watching him miss chippies, then bowl a guy over for the rebound and dunk on a fool! Now all that did throughout Shaq’s career, is cover up the fact that he is a TERRIBLE “basketball” player. He is huge, but if a man cannot even attempt an elbow jump shot, than what type of player is he? David Robinson lived off of the free throw line jumper and elbow jumper the last few years of his career. P. Ewing, much more of an expanded game. The Dream?!!!!! Do I even have to go there? Alonzo, could spot up, Big Z in Cleveland is more skilled than Shaq. And the greatest of all time, Kareem, with the skyhook, the grace, the face up game, the little set-shots/jumpers and the skill. While true Kareem was not leading the break, Kareem also had a much more versatile game that did not rely on dunks and running people over.
It was truly sad to see Gasol beat Shaq down the floor at least twice in the deciding moments of Phoenix’s game last week versus the Lakers. Again on Sunday, Shaq’s inability, or lack of desire to get back on defense cost the Suns dearly. And since when did Shaq become a defensive force. He has never been the league leader in blocks or rebounds and this is in an era he dominated? I am shocked that Steve Kerr was this misguided in acquiring an over the hill center whose best shot is a DUNK. The free throws and (the opponents) constant fouling of Shaq will not only slow the Suns and their overall games down, but will slowly demoralize the team. And this is a team that does not have a player with the will of a Kobe or a Dwayne Wade. Does anyone understand, no matter how “cool” Shaq is and funny he is that he is almost Kwame Brown like with his bricks from two feet away and the missed free throws. Playing with a guy like that who then calls out teammates for missing 3 pointers is ludicrous and that is why Kobe tired of Shaq’s antics.
When Shaq was young as I alluded to earlier, he could brick some chippies, get up quick and dunk the rebound before he got fouled. Now, if he does get his own rebound, he is fouled many more times before he can get back up to put it through. The refs have also gotten the point where they have to call Shaq for the offensive fouls he has so richly deserved most of his career. If you saw the one highlight of Shaq’s hook shot over Gasol, in that you see how he should play, but cannot consistently because of his limited range. He went straight up and shot it, no leaning in, no elbow to Gasol’s chest, just a straight up jump hook (and it was ugly).
So in conclusion, I love Shaq the person overall (but please quit calling out teammates for missing jump shots which you will not even attempt and saying ignorant things like throwing all of your other ex-teammates under the bus-I thought D-Wade was the greatest?), I’ve personally hated his overall game for years, but enjoy it when he was dunking for the Lakers, but it is most excruciating when he is on the foul line (have fun with that Phoenix fan). Another note, Pau Gasol practiced once for the Lakers and scored over 20 in his debut. No more excuses for the Big Shactus. Results. And what I see now, isn’t pretty.
How is Joey Crawford refereeing in the NBA playoffs, let alone in the NBA period? I will go out on a limb, and say it is IMPOSSIBLE for Kobe, while being guarded by Bruce (Edward Scissorhands) Bowen to not shoot one free-throw an entire game! Along with the blatant no call on the travel of Duncan toward the end of the first half, to the FOUL on THE FLOOR by Derek Fisher at the end of the game, I guess it all evens out? He (and many other officials) but Crawford most au####iously, makes blatant non calls and seemingly make-up calls during the course of the game. Laker Fan is obviously happy because of the blatant home cooking that was overcome tonight and which also seemed evident in the Utah Jazz series- at least in one game (but not as bad as tonight) much like the hacking and hand checking by the Spurs.
Oberto is terrible, Horry looks way worse than his last days in L.A, Ginobli is a every third or fourth game guy (I mean those 30+ pt games at least...), UM MEMO TO SKIP BAYLESS!!!!!! But with all that said, the Spurs can play at times, and sometimes play very well, but closely watched, they hand check and foul constantly and whine and complain consistently, when they don't get defensive fouls called in their favor, and this is made more annoying many times by the fact they should all be basically fouling out in half of the games...especially our boy Bowen!
All hail Rafer Alston, all hail Mutombo, all hail the Houston Rockets...and let's pile on KB24. CP3 with a bum ankle was much more disciplined and team oriented in a loss to the charging Pistons. 30 plus shots are only good when you are actually open, or just unconcious, and neither was the case for Kobe today. Well, I guess he did keep shooting like he was in a coma and couldn't tell those were terrible shots! And while the Lakers NOW are the team falling in the west, the cracks are showing and have been showing even before Pau got injured Friday. The Rockets rise to the #1 spot in the west this week is capped off by 22 wins in a row. And even though the Lakers pulled within 2 points in the fourth quarter, KB24 sealed the loss with poor shot decisions and selfish play once again. The Lakers have lost their rhythm (and have been for a couple of weeks) as the Rockets are all singing the same song, while dancing and gyrating in unison like the cheerleaders on a timeout break!
Now the player rankings, 3-16-08. 3:30pm PST.
1. King James-TP is Spectacular almost at all times- Can overpower pretty much any defender in the league, draws lots of fouls, Jump shot is improving, it is not always soft, but when it is on, it’s in! -(a true superstar game-changer)
1A. Chris Paul-TP is Spectacular almost at all times- EATS EVERY POINT GUARD UP AND IS UNSTOPPABLE AT TIMES- MID RANGE IS TIGHT- drive and dish is spectacular an ELITE - DOUBLE DIPPER-(a true superstar game-changer)
3. T-Mac- (Finisher/Game-taker, game-changer)
4. Ginobli (superstar game-changer)- I’M SAYING THIS IS MANU’S TEAM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
5. KG – game-changer
6. Nash- superstar game-changer (if his defense was better, he’d be top 5)
7. Tim Duncan - game-changer
8. Dirk - Finisher/Game-taker
9. Kobe Bryant- AN EMBARRASSMENT ON SUNDAY, WE WILL SEE HOW HE RESPONDS, I AM RESPONDING… – (a true superstar game-changer)
10. Dwight Howard (DD)
11. J Kidd - (true superstar game-changer)
12. STAT (DD)
13. AI-(true superstar game-changer)
14. Baron Davis -(superstar game-changer)
15. Paul Pierce
16. Tony Parker (finisher game-taker)
17. Deron Williams - superstar game-changer
18. Melo
19. Brandon Roy (Mover, game-changer)
20. Rasheed Wallace
21. Carlos Boozer (Mover)
22. Ray Allen -(finisher game-taker)
23. Pau Gasol
24. Chauncey Billups (Finisher-Gametaker)
25. Shaq (DD)
26. Chris Bosh
27. Tayshaun Prince (game-changer and GG)
28. Caron Butler (GG, gametaker)
29. Stephen Jackson (Finisher-Gametaker)
30. Josh Howard
31. Rip Hamilton
32. Richard Jefferson
33. Barbosa (Gamechanger)
34. Rafer Alston (BIG TIME SUNDAY)
35. Ben Gordon (game-taker)
36. The Other A. I. (Andre Igudola)
37. Lamar Odom (DDL, GG)
38. AK 47 (DD, GG)
39. Devin Harris
40. MUTOMBO!
Notable Omissions (in somewhat of an order)
Antwawn Jamison, Michael Redd , Monte Ellis, The Matrix, Luol Deng,Lamarcus Aldrigde, Jason Terry, Bruce Bowen, David West, Rashard Lewis, Tyson Chandler, Vince Carter, Kevin Martin, Al Jefferson, Grant Hill, , Jared Jack, Sam I am Cassell, Joe Johnson, Bibby, Stoyakovic, Janero Pargo, Turiaf
DQ’d: Yao, Andrew Bynum, Elton Brand, All Knicks at this point, Agent Zero, Jermaine O’neal, D. Wade (true superstar game-changer), Alonzo Mourning Let me know what you think!
Wow no Yao and the Rockets are rising; the Sun’s are setting in Phoenix, what’s the most surprising?
I have not intently watched these past few rockets games, but T-Mac is back and healthy and now reclaiming his spot in the upper echelon of the NBA’s elite players. Up until these last few years that have been marred by various injuries, Tracy McGrady was a top 3 player always a notch behind Kobe. With the emergence of Lebron and D. Wade, T-Mac had fallen off the radar, but now, with the week that was, and is, I declare that T-Mac is back! Let’s hope he can stay healthy now and we can enjoy another great player battle the likes of Lebron, Kobe, and Chris Paul. Speaking of CP3, great game as well, but what I am truly loving is how almost every team is moving the ball so well and creating great basketball on a nightly basis. That is the key to any basketball team, move the ball for easy shots, cut, get to the front of the rim…too bad we had to suffer for so many years with all of the one on one play and ball stopping. I feel, we are in the beginning stages and in the midst of some of the greatest basketball in the history of the NBA. Now, this weeks top forty:
The Formula: General season Preparation (does the player show up to camp already in shape and improved in someway?)
Overall consistency (I think this speaks for itself)
Clutchness (this could be its own category; it can get you in, or out of the top 40)
Overall Team Value (can be key…)
Big Game Solid (otherwise known as BGS, when on a nationally televised game, on a TNT night or NBA Sunday afternoon, when the team needs the player to be HUGE, in rivalry’s, playoff games, division leaders meeting head to head, etc. does he show up BIG?)
Team Player? (Speaks for itself) Intensity (Do I see this from the player in most each and every game (this can come in many forms) and/or is the player so crazyand talented enough to get away with threatening his teammates, getting a coach fired or threatening management, or even decking a teammate like Mike did Steve Kerr in a practice early in ‘96 I think it was?) Enthusiasm (Does the player make guys want to play harder, or does the player just ooze passion and joy for playing) Glue Guy-an integral part of a team, whose stats may not be eye popping, but he is the “glue” that makes everything come together-does the “little things”, which end up big-
Defense (it might make you, but it can’t break you…Mr. Nash)
Finisher/Game Taker (Much, much different than clutchness, this is basically reserved for the high point men in the fourth quarters, but note; it is important to actually see games and see basically garbage time 4th quarter points vs. a game in true duress and true high intensity. I also need to see this more than once a year, so that will leave most Hawks and Bobcats out of the mix…Tyrone Lue, that includes you Buddy)
Double Dipper – this goes for the double-double guys that control the game with their rebounding and defense, this usually involves shot blocking, but not necessarily – see B. Bowen) –see also; Double Dipper Lite – perfect example is Lamar Odom or a Shawn Marion – not as big or powerful as an Amare or Dwight Howard, but similar results
Mover (can become any one of the designations at any moment, i.e. Game-changer, SGC…etc…)
*Special designation:TrueSuperstar Game-changer – (Guys who can do it inside, outside, whenever it seems needed, and on the Biggest of stages, consistent to the Form, but not the glory of MJ) a notch below you will have the Superstar Game-changer and the Game-changer.
So here goes, my TOP FORTY...+1-
1. Kobe, Kobe, the one and only. (The gsp, oc, cn, bgs are above the line, obviously scores high in finisher/gt category. Tp needs work, but Enthusiasm and defense are usually at a high level – (a true superstar game-changer)
1A. King James-(true superstar game-changer) TP is Spectacular almost at all times- CLUTCHNESS IS SKYROCKETING-WOULD HAVE TAKEN THE TOP SPOT THIS WEEK IF THE 50 HAD BEEN DROPPED ON A BETTER TEAM, BUT SCORES POINTS FOR CALLING THE 50 OUT TO SPIKE LEE – I LIKE HOW SPORTSCENTER TRIED TO MAKE THIS SUCH A BIG DEAL, EARLIER IN THE SEASON ON AN EARLY SUNDAY GAME, KOBE HAD A RUNNING CONVO WITH LEE AND CHRIS ROCK AND EVEN POINTED TO A SPOT WHERE HE WAS GOING TO JACK UP A THREE LIKE 6 FEET BEHIND THE LINE- FUNNY STUFF
3. Chris Paul-(true superstar game-changer) TP is Spectacular almost at all times- EATS NASH UP
4. T-Mac (Finisher/Game-taker) – MOVES UP A SPOT BECAUSE OF TP AND 18 IN A ROW, THE 41 DROPPED ON THE HORNETS DIDN’T HURT EITHER
5. Ginobli (superstar game-changer)- I’M SAYING THIS IS MANU’S TEAM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
6. KG – game-changer
7. Nash- superstar game-changer (if his defense was better, he’d be top 5)
8. Tim Duncan - game-changer
9. Dirk - Finisher/Game-taker
10. Dwight Howard (DD)
11. J Kidd - (true superstar game-changer)
12. STAT (DD)
13. AI-(true superstar game-changer)
14. Baron Davis -(superstar game-changer)
15. Paul Pierce
16. Tony Parker (finisher game-taker)
17. Deron Williams - superstar game-changer
18. Melo
19. Brandon Roy (Mover, game-changer)
20. Rasheed Wallace
21. Carlos Boozer (Mover)
22. Ray Allen
23. Pau Gasol
24. Chauncey Billups
25. Tayshaun Prince-(game-changer and GG)
26. Chris Bosh
27. Lamar Odom (DDL, GG)
28. Michael Redd (will move up quick with more exposure-INCONSISTENT)
29. Stephen Jackson (Finisher-Gametaker)
30. Josh Howard – HURTING BACK
31. Rip Hamilton
32. Richard Jefferson
33. Barbosa (Gamechanger)
34. Yao – LOOKS LIKE HE WAS SLOWING THEM DOWN…
35. Ben Gordon
36. The Other A. I. (Andre Igudola)
37. Luol Deng
38. AK 47 (DD, GG)
39. Devin Harris (GOOD DEBUT, but NOT MUCH VS. Mavs)
40. Bruce Bowen (DD)
40A. Alonzo Mourning (still on the list even though basically done) – NOTE, THE HEAT WOULD HAVE WON NOTHING IF NOT FOR ZO-
Notable Omissions (in somewhat of an order)
Shaq, Lamarcus Aldrigde, Jason Terry, David West, MUTOMBO! Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Kevin Martin, Al Jefferson, Grant Hill, , Rafer Alston Jared Jack, Sam I am Cassell, Joe Johnson, Bibby, Jermaine O’neal, Stoyakovic, Andrew Bynum, Janero Pargo, Turiaf
DQ’d: Elton Brand, All Knicks at this point, Agent Zero, D. Wade (true superstar game-changer), The Matrix –THE HEAT ARE JUST TOO BAD!
Hollinger and them ain’t got nothin’ on me, I don’t crunch numbers, I just call ‘em as I see-
I am not worried about player efficiency ratings and such. I do like the situational numbers as they can tell a great deal about a player. But what I really like to do is watch and study the game and the players. Watching over 100 games per year the past 3 years on a rough average, and basically watching every playoff game possible since 1985 (and since 1999 I have missed very few playoff games), I’d like to consider myself well versed in these things... Also I have found this is pretty difficult!
My Formula: General season Preparation (does the player show up to camp already in shape and improved in someway?)
Overall consistency (I think this speaks for itself)
Clutchness (this could be its own category; it can get you in, or out of the top 40)
Overall Team Value (can be key…)
Big Game Solid (otherwise known as BGS, when on a nationally televised game, on a TNT night or NBA Sunday afternoon, when the team needs the player to be HUGE, in rivalry’s, playoff games, division leaders meeting head to head, etc. does he show up BIG?)
Team Player? (Speaks for itself)
Intensity (Do I see this from the player in most each and every game (this can come in many forms) and/or is the player so crazyand talented enough to get away with threatening his teammates, getting a coach fired or threatening management, or even decking a teammate like Mike did Steve Kerr in a practice early in ‘96 I think it was?)
Enthusiasm (Does the player make guys want to play harder, or does the player just ooze passion and joy for playing)
Defense (it might make you, but it can’t break you…Mr. Nash)
Finisher/Game Taker (Much, much different than clutchness, this is basically reserved for the high point men in the fourth quarters, but note; it is important to actually see games and see basically garbage time 4th quarter points vs. a game in true duress and true high intensity. I also need to see this more than once a year, so that will leave most Hawks and Bobcats out of the mix…Tyrone Lue, that includes you Buddy)
Double Dipper – this goes for the double-double guys that control the game with their rebounding and defense, this usually involves shot blocking, but not necessarily – see B. Bowen)
Mover (can become any one of the designations at any moment, i.e. Game-changer, SGC…etc…)
*Special designation:TrueSuperstar Game-changer – (Guys who can do it inside, outside, whenever it seems needed, and on the Biggest of stages, consistent to the Form, but not the glory of MJ) a notch below you will have the Superstar Game-changer and the Game-changer.
So here goes, my TOP FORTY...+1-
1. Kobe, Kobe, the one and only. (The gsp, oc, cn, bgs are above the line, obviously scores high in finisher/gt category. Tp needs work, but Enthusiasm and defense are usually at a high level – (a true superstar game-changer)
1A. King James-(true superstar game-changer) TP is Spectacular almost at all times-
1B. Chris Paul-(true superstar game-changer) TP is also Spectacular almost at all times-
4. Tim Duncan - game-changer
5. T-Mac (Finisher/Game-taker)
6. Dwight Howard (DD)
7. Nash- superstar game-changer (if his defense was better, he’d be top 5)
8. KG – game-changer
9. Dirk - Finisher/Game-taker
10. D. Wade (true superstar game-changer)
11. Ginobli (superstar game-changer)
12. STAT (DD)
13. J Kidd - (true superstar game-changer)
14. AI-(true superstar game-changer)
15. Paul Pierce
16. Tony Parker (finisher game-taker)
17. Deron Williams
18. Melo
19. Brandon Roy (Mover, game-changer)
20. The Matrix
21.. Barbosa
22. Baron Davis -(superstar game-changer)
23. Carlos Boozer (Mover)
24. Michael Redd (will move up quick with more exposure)
25. Tayshaun Prince-(game-changer)
26. Ray Allen
27. Lamar Odom
28. Devin Harris
29. Chauncey Billups
30. Josh Howard
31. Yao
32. Stephen Jackson
33. Chris Bosh
34. Pau Gasol
35. Ben Gordon
36. The Other A. I. (Andre Igudola)
37. Luol Deng
38. AK 47
39. Richard Jefferson
40. Bruce Bowen (DD)
40A. Alonzo Mourning (still on the list even though basically done)
Notable Omissions (in somewhat of an order)
Rip Hamilton, Lamarcus Aldrigde, Jason Terry, David West, Grant Hill, Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Kevin Martin, Al Jefferson, Shaq, Jared Jack, Sam I am Cassell, Joe Johnson, Bibby, Jermaine O’neal, Stoyakovic, Andrew Bynum, Janero Pargo, Turiaf
DQ’d: Elton Brand, All Knicks at this point, Agent Zero
Let me know what you think! Like I said, this is a chore, and I know I left a Blazer off the list and a few more folks!
Lebron is not only a "mesh" of Magic, Bird and Jordan; he is in many ways, and instances very Shaq like but with a Killer Jumper (that he shoots at a much more consistent rate these days); while also quicker and obviously more athletic than Shaq. If you notice the way he will draw offensive fouls that are actually obviously initiated by him, but in his favor (SHAQ LIKE!).
But now Shaq is slow, but LBJ still has much room to grow!
Lebron James is Lebron James.
In my opinion, Kobe is the "next" Jordan. Not a copy, and Jordan's influence is obviously all over and within almost every player in the NBA (LBJ included), but he is Kobe, and he's got a much better three point shot, a lil' less hangtime maybe... Kobe while a foul drawing machine of his own, loves to "settle" for his Jumper, but hits the most difficult and many times unnecessarily difficult shots at such a rate it is incredible if you watch on a game by game basis like I have. Also, so clutch at the end of quarters and games, sometimes it’s stupid if you watch all of the games. Sooooo many, No! No! No! No! No! ---- Yes! Yes! Nice shots'!
He also is definitely not as powerful as LBJ, but he is still the best pure scorer in the league on a given night. His all around game (specifically not holding the ball so much) is improving, but LBJ came in to the NBA more complete than Kobe, while Kobe takes the route of MJ, but with 3 early rings with the now fadin Shaq. And while his jumping may not improve, his jumper and decision making should, which should set them up for at least one or two finals against one another!
Hey, the statement was, if I shoot 30 shots and lose, what does that prove? That the the Lakers were extremely LUCKY to even be in a game 7. That I will be hated on for shooting too much and blamed for the loss either way. I love how memories are fickle and that Jordan never played a bad game or took a bad shot. What is also interesting, is that everyone compares KOBE to Jordan for some reason...hmmmm.
The Lakers should have LOST game four (because they were actually OUTPLAYED)and to call KOBE and Phil quitters is insane. You are also the same person who thinks KOBE shot too much in game six and lost the game. You are also the person who somehow thinks that Barbosa, Tim Thomas and Boris Diaw are not far superior players to anyone the Lakers could have pulled off their bench. Bottomline, if you watched the Lakers and Suns all year, what you saw the last 3 games was more typical. Not that KOBE didn't pass, but the fact the rest of the team was abysmal. The fact is, Diaw has been playing like that, and not like the first four games, almost all year long. Barbosa? THAT IS THEIR BACKUP POINT GUARD!!!!!! Is he just a smidge better than Smush? Hmmm ya think? Anyway, that is a true, quick breakdown of that series. If people really thought Phoenix had no shot to come back then you don't watch enough NBA. If you didn't realize how far the Laker team was playing above their heads then ditto. Brian Cook!!!???? And also remember, if Tim Thomas misses that shot, we all would have been talking about how great Phil and Kobe were.
...oh, and KWAME just missed another point blank shot and/or mishandled a pass!
Watch the games! Just like no one in there right mind would vote for NASH for MVP if they actually watched what happened to him against the likes of a Chauncey Billups, who is more valuable by far because of his DEFENSE AND CLUTCH shooting. I'm out-
...and don't get me wrong, Nash is very good, just not two time MVP good, but he could prove me wrong if they win the WEST. I'm out for real!
Lebron is to me the best player in the league or soon to be. But I'm pretty sure KOBE didn't justhave an 81 point game. I'm pretty sure he went over 40 points like 20+ times. (the last two sentences are sarcasm if you didn't get that) Go by the overall stats. Take into account that Lebron is in the EAST. Breakdown turnover to assist ratio, turnovers period, and efficiency ratings and you almost would have to say KOBE. Man for Man look at those rosters and look at the fact as I will repeat, the CAVS are in the EAST, and you will see the light. Besides that, the MVP might as well be Billups if you use the NASH rationale.
Did I actually hear this clown say he was getting elbowed in the face! Did he just defend his actions!!???? Is he actually pretending that his WWE flop last night was legit? (and I am talking about the foul called on him, where he went down and grabbed his chin, and the replay clearly showed KOBE'S elbow missing him by a good 6 inches). What is wrong with some people. You lay on top o####uy, clutch, grab, foul and flop, and then complain to the refs? That's like Tyrone Lue actually complaning after a game with IVERSON that he got the shaft. Come on man, you know what the Hell you were doing to Kobe. If anything KOBE SHOULD HAVE CLOTHESLINED YOU!!!!! Now honestly though, I would probably be doing the same thing against KOBE, but what is Raja trying to defend? If you are right up on a guy, yes you will get, and should expect, the occasional -UNINTENTIONAL- elbow, and even if they are somewhat intentional, BACK UP, or keep playing the D and flopping because it does work and is part of the game. Anyway, just a quickie to let you know that Raja needs to still realize how lucky he is to be playing in the NBA, and he is seriously lucky that the suspension is only ONE game.
It's funny some of you are so biased and in denial of Kobe's greatness.Lebron is great, IVERSON is great, Nash is very good, D-Wade was on the cusp of greatness until his untimely injury last year and the poor revamping of his team. Arenas, DIRK, Duncan, ALL very, very good. Billups to me though, is in this weird purgatory of greatness and being really really good...
Question:
Have any of you clowns watched the Mavericks before this year?Nash was in the playoffs every year. And a "young Kobe" and "middle Shaq" were demoralizing them.Yes a player’s teammate involvement is an extremely crucial aspect in basketball but especially in basketball, it helps to have that one special guy, who in the largest of moments on the biggest of stages comes through. And it also helps to be the “sidekick” of the biggest guy on the floor, and vice versa-
Forget the playoffs, 0-7 in games decided by 3 or less?Take into account the BACK to BACKS and teams would have to be caught off guard and lose by 15 to the SUNS during the regular season. DUH!!
Oh yes, and let's not get out of control, KWAME still sucks and blows point blank shots and Smush was 2-12 in the last game.Lamar = a very good player.Shawn Marion = a very good player that seems to struggle in the half court and has “Cliffy Robinson syndrome”…Um see last years playoffs and the 2004 olympics.Learn to break it down folks! Learn to break it down!
Oh, and if you don’t know what I’m saying with the Cliff Robinson comment, than you are too young, or you haven’t been watching the NBA all of your life (or not nearly enough in my mind).
Does it make any sense that the NBA would not want the Poster boy for all that is good in the NBA to make it to the finals. You think the NBA doesn’t want the MVP in the finals?That makes no sense.Isn’t that actually a better story than the Lakers.Please people get into reality; refs make a lot of questionable calls and non-calls.Kobe should have got the “and 1” on the game tying shot.That is called a foul all day long in the NBA everyday.What’s funny is the fact that the shots to win these games have to be made for the victory.If Horry bricks that shot a few years back against Sacramento then Sacramento has a great story. If Horry doesn't hit the open trey last year, then we wouldn't even remember Rasheed's bone headed move.
The great players like Magic, Michael and Larry make the shots and great plays when the opportunity is there.There is something inside them that allows them to seize that moment in time and make it burn into your memory. What I also find amazing, is that it seems like it's the same guys who can continue to make us jump wildly into implausible celebrations. Make us gasp and shake our heads in disbelief. Or just hold our heads in our hands and sob like little babies (in joy or defeat).
So all fans, give the credit to Smush Parker for making an unbelievable miraculous shot, that cancelled out all of the miraculous shots Tim Thomas was making.Everyone in that game had miracles abound so it’s just how it played out...until one those guys, got his hands on the ball and added another chapter in NBA history...
