The greatest thing, you can ever see in sports is two fierce competitors congratulate each other at the end of a hard fought series. Kobe and Bruce Bowen defined what it is all about. The Spurs and the Lakers showed true class through it all! We as fans and "writers" say all we want, but in the end, the class of the competitors and organizations showed brightest! Thank you! Great game, great series!
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!
I'm glad I've never been like Sir Charles and would think to put money down on this game with my guesses! Key shots by Horry. Key defense by Horry in the first half. A relative no show for the notoriously no show Peja. Bowen, from Fresno CA, shuts him down. Pargo tries to make it a game, (and very well in fact) but if you are relying on Pargo to get you to the Western Conference Finals, well, I think we all know you are probably in some trouble. The champs overwhelmed the Hornets in the end with key plays that the Hornets could not quite muster. The matchup with the Lakers is exquisite, as are the players and the macthups within the game.
If you did not watch, you missed an all around performance, by an underated, yet sometimes overated Champion, that dispatched of a young great player (CP3) and really good team.
The Sun's come up big against the Spurs, the match-ups look good because Shaq still seems to have the advantage on Duncan...he always has. Shaq, Amare, Diaw, a pretty formidable 3,4 and 5! Steve Kerr might have the right idea to beat the Spurs this post-season. We'll still see how it plays out because the other teams are so good. I also see where this might be the ONE game Shaq steps up out of four or five, kind of like the ONE good game vs. the Pistons during the Finals in 2004. But at this point, I am happy to say, that the reports of the Suns demise are premature...at least for today...you have got to stay tuned for this run to the playoffs!
Ok, maybe Shaq should just practice and wait for the playoffs. Make it a total surprise when he starts to play…or maybe, he could come off of the bench? I don’t know, but a “cake walk” game tonight actually was a debacle. The final score is not indicative of the game and how the Sixers had control throughout the first half for the most part, lost it toward the end, regained it in the third, and then actually had the Suns down by twelve with 2+ minutes to go. The refs made some interesting calls down the stretch ultimately on both sides that were suspect, but overall, I am not too sure of what to make of this defeat at home for the Suns. The 76ers played last night and lost, and the Suns did not play…
The most interesting thought of the night came from Eddie Johnson unwittingly; he said that Grant Hill told him basically, that he would be able to get more fast break points NOW because Marion used to beat him down the floor...Think about it and what the Suns look like at this point. You can hear it in the voices of the Suns announcers and sideline folk. I hear the sounds of concern…
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.
The Celtic's are the number one team in the east by a VERY large margin. Detroit can definitely hang, but as long as KG and his crew keep moving the ball and are healthy at the end, I suspect they will be in the Eastern Conference Finals. Detroit is definitely #2, but without the clear definitive leader, they will always lack the overall talent, (except for 2004 vs. a Malone-less Lakers team that had peaked too early amid the Kobe DRAMA et. all) , Orlando has had some GOOD wins and some close calls but they are slipping and not quite seeming ‘Elite’ at this point, BUT now with a Varejo and a healthy Larry Hughes, the Cavs are #3(t) with a Bulllet in the East …
That takes us to the West…
The Number one team is now the Dallas Mavericks. The Trail Blazers with their youth and long win streak against many sub standard teams (but they have been winning most of them with ‘relative’ completeness and ease) are actually the number three team. The number two team after last night is now the LA Lakers. While the Trailblazers play the true team game, the Lakers always have a go to guy- much like the Cavs that is too potent at crucial times, just too much at times. And they too have the youth Factor, along with, the experience factor (ummm...just check out Kobe, Phil, Shaw, Rambis' and D-Fish's Jewelry...) They have also learned a lot by their defeats to the Boston Celtics and are on the rise (quickly) along with Portland.
With that said, the season is long and maybe we will get more midseason reports…
Notes: San Antonio is getting old and Oberto, Elson, Finley and Bonner? = stiffs many a night …watch them closely…Suns= getting older, and keep mixing the chemistry too much (a trade a year 4 a “starter dam near”)…Bell looks lost with Hill, Utah-misses Fisher…slow 3 point shooting centers (See Okur) get stopped too often…GS, Houston…too inconsistent and their main players do not have good match up’s or are too one dimensional to go too far, or are always injured (see T-Mac)…The Nuggets have too many “good” players and shoot first guys…The Hornets, too many “shooters and not enough strong Defenders, plus Chandler needs to be a back up to a better Center…
The East has some excellent teams that must be mentioned if not for the entertaining games! Toronto and Bosh, The Bucks and Redd and Yi, and the while the Nets flounder at times, Kidd is great even if he is turning the Ball over more…
People seem to forget, that Detroit won 64 games in the EASTERN conference. The East had 4 teams that lost 55 or more games this season!Now, two of the teams with the most talent in the east, are finally realizing their true potential during this post season.Two teams that were changed in the off-season, and have young leaders and new players trying to find the right mix with the veteran leadership.The Heat, obviously have Shaq and Alonzo Mourning as their anchors, while the Cavs have the tough Eric Snow at the point, and Big Zydrunas to rely on for the Veteran Leadership.
The Pistons meanwhile lost their anchor, in the form of Larry Brown.The Pistons have players that need to be coached constantly and consistently.The Pistons players individually are not great talents but their TEAM has achieved great things.They are not superstars on their own.Even Rasheed proved long ago, he is not the anchor of a team like a Tim Duncan and that he needs constant direction on the court, or his focus gets easily lost.The Pistons still can pull out the Victory at home in game 7, but they need to get back to the true team basketball, and the DEFENSE that got them this far.They can’t go at it one on one and rely on the three pointers.Any NBA aficionado knows relying on threes is generally a recipe for disaster in the playoffs.
It can easily be said, that the two best NBA teams are in the WEST.San Antonio and Dallas through smooth trades and good & fortunate drafts are the most solid teams in Basketball right now.The depth of talent is almost staggering at some points. With the Spurs having Tim Duncan playing back at an MVP level and with the newcomer Finley as veteran anchors, the Mavs are anchored by the great German Dirk Nowitzki and the champion ex-Spur Avery Johnson as their coach.These teams are beatable, but their depth is overwhelming to most teams on most nights. Remember Stackhouse, yeah he’s the Mavs SIXTH man!That is it, plain and simple, the versatility displayed by these teams makes either virtually unbeatable come playoff time.The Mavericks actually seem a little tougher than the Spurs, but I will say the Spurs (mainly Duncan) are finally showing the true toughness that I feel has lacked from them over their championship years.-(Finley also has helped in this area and is needed because Lord knows Frenchy has the propensity to fall apart in crucial situations)- Usually, the fork would have already been in the Spurs at this point, but this year will be a toss up in game 7 after being down 3-1.Good Luck to All and Good Night-
Notes:
I applaud the Players on these teams for giving us the Game 7’s we so richly deserve!
The Spurs are at the cusp of “going fishing” with the likes of Gilbert, Kobe, and Jermaine O’Neal while the Mavericks gain a seemingly commanding 3 to 1 series lead over the team they chased for the best record in the West throughout the season…
-Will someone in the Spurs organization realize that Tim Duncan isolated for the winning shot is a losing proposition?Ginobili also gets a taste of his own medicine for his last two fouls! It must be noted, that this has happened in the West the last few years a few times where the team with the best record has lost.It also must be noted, that Dallas did a little too much celebrating possibly after this VICTORY but we will see.A lot of emotion was let out much like the game four winner of L.A and Phoenix, but Dallas is a better team than that earlier 3-1 series leader.
This Game was amazing.The shots kept coming, and the shots kept going down! -Kind of like a Mexican Bar-...This was the exact opposite of the game earlier.This was pure magic!Too bad it was the late game.The Spurs will be hard pressed to win 3 straight, but with Duncan now playing at his old MVP level, and if Ginobili the assassin can stay in the games, the Spurs can of course come back.The problem is they rely too much on Parker, who has repeatedly shown a propensity to fall apart late in games and in the Playoffs, as well as the fact that the Dallas’ bench is younger and quicker than the Spurs bench.As long as those guys don’t fall apart, the Mavs should be just fine.I have to mention Jason Terry and Stackhouse for their outstanding play.As well as the ex-Mav Finley, who tried his best to not have to wish he was still a Mav after the game.I hope you saw that game, it was great!Maybe more in depth on it tomorrow.I’m out-
A little bit about me. Ex sports guy. Football in College. Played everything in highschool etc. Above average, and I love to study the players reactions and faces to situations. Like this for example, was Chris Webbers ill fated timeout call just a mistake by a young kid, or indicative of behaviour. I say the latter if you remember tha Sac times and he had his hands on the ball during the clutch. Watch OUT! That ball is not going in the hoop. I will say this about C-Webb, he never quit at it and got better during the end of his time in Sacto. MY NBA PASS IS ON EVERYNIGHT! I hope you love all sports because I do!
