NBA Playoffs, 2009-2010

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='30 October 2009 - 06:02 PM' timestamp='1256882528' post='268312']
Yeah, I didn't mean exactly stacked with big name star power. But at least a good supporting casting, so the outcome of the game doesn't fall squarely on the shoulders of one guy almost every game. Like I said, if James goes down for an extended amount of time, the Cavs could very well be dead in the water, as the Cavs don't have depth in the talent department after him. Williams would probably end up their best player. Honestly, if I were the Cavs, I would have gone after someone other than Shaq, if I wanted another big name. Shaq's days are slowly dwindling in the NBA, which saddens me because of how much I liked him.

I haven't gotten the chance to watch him myself this season, but from what I understand he's struggling. If he can at least regain some of his dominance in the paint, then he could give the Cavs some leeway for James, not alot, but some. It's just I, personally, would have gone after more of a shooter, then a post monster for James.

And the only thing that truly amused me about James getting swept was the attitude of every basketball fan in my area. Everyone was on the "Cavs are winning the championship this year thanks to 'King James'". So of course, after he gets swept, I just had to change my myspace status to "You Are All Witness... to LeBron getting swept in the Finals". Not like they fared much better the next year, but to be fair they did lose to the eventual champion Celtics. So, eh.
[/quote]
I see, well I can't argue with what you've said. Most of my angst towards that comment was making The Finals was a big deal for the team seeing as it hadn't been done before.

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='30 October 2009 - 11:31 PM' timestamp='1256902291' post='268328']
Number 1, I am by no means bagging the Cavs... I have a LeBron jersey in my closet, for your information, and he's one of my favorite players. [b]I'm just saying people need to give Kobe some more credit; he was incredible throughout last year's playoffs, regardless of the players around him[/b]. Number 2, what does it mean to be "removed from the situation"? I'm a fan, you're a fan, of course I'm removed from the situation, no need to have a disparaging tone in your post as if you're the Cavaliers GM or someone on the "inside" of NBA know-how. I respect your opinion, and I think you should return the courtesy minus the attitude.
[/quote]
I agree Kobe was excellent, I'm just saying comparing those 2 situations is unwise as the teams were highly differential in talent and to even imply anything otherwise is silly. The way you said it made it sound like Kobe did what LeBron couldn't in leading a team of misfits to a championship.

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='01 November 2009 - 08:53 PM' timestamp='1257065627' post='269033']
I can't believe Dallas beat the Lakers. Although, I'll be the first to admit, some of those fouls called on Artest were shady at best. But then again, I've never liked Artest, so I don't exactly feel bad for the guy.

On a side note, Washington is looking surprisingly good so far.
[/quote]
Yeah that was good to see the Mavs win in LA, especially after a few Lakers fans were giving me flack about our start. Washington is looking good, Arenas seems to be back and Blatche is putting up huge numbers.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Ed_Reed_Pick_Six' date='01 November 2009 - 10:45 PM' timestamp='1257129945' post='271285']

Washington is looking good, Arenas seems to be back and Blatche is putting up huge numbers.
[/quote]

Yup, it's good to see my default home team playing well again. Agent 0 is finally going to start earning his paychecks.

[AwakenTheDemon]

The Southeast is looking to be pretty competitive this year with Washington, Orlando, Atlanta, and maybe, Miami. Although Orlando is most likely going to win the division. Not to mention, I'm not quite sold on Miami or Atlanta.

I'm really hoping the Mavs can pull it together this year. Everyone gives them hell for choking in the playoffs with the kind of talent they have. I'd love to see Nowitzki have a ring before he retires one day. That man's jump shooting is superb, probably one of the best shooters in the league. They look good so far, and Howard's still out. I'd hate to see them when he's back (which hopefully should be soon =\)

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='02 November 2009 - 03:15 AM' timestamp='1257146152' post='271456']
The Southeast is looking to be pretty competitive this year with Washington, Orlando, Atlanta, and maybe, Miami. Although Orlando is most likely going to win the division. Not to mention, I'm not quite sold on Miami or Atlanta.

I'm really hoping the Mavs can pull it together this year. Everyone gives them hell for choking in the playoffs with the kind of talent they have. I'd love to see Nowitzki have a ring before he retires one day. That man's jump shooting is superb, probably one of the best shooters in the league. They look good so far, and Howard's still out. I'd hate to see them when he's back (which hopefully should be soon =\)
[/quote]

Hey, just curious, but why are you a Mavs fan? Are you a Dallas native?

[AwakenTheDemon]

Nope. I was never one to believe that you should show an interest in a team just because they're the local team. I just decided to put on some games years back, and since I really didn't follow anybody, I watched just about every team that was on national television.

I just happened to really take a shining to Dallas, particularly because of Nowitzki. Since I had never been a real "fan" of basketball, I wasn't quite used to a 7 foot tall German shooting such a smooth jumper with the success he has.

[shaikh015]

Ron Artest is a beast....Barkley confirmed it, by saying If he had a team he would put Ron Artest on his team...No one plays 60 minutes of Basketball like Ron Artest plays basketball....You can hate on him but he is going to play tough with intensity ever freaking game...

[shaikh015]

If I could I would put Ron Artest on the Ravens he prolly make a good Strong Safety...

[AwakenTheDemon]

I've never been a fan of Artest or his attitude. So quite frankly, if I were putting a team together, Artest would not be one of my first choices. Between the Pacer-Piston Brawl, breaking a television camera at the Garden, and having the stones to ask for a month off from his team because he was tired from promoting an album by some music group, that's not someone I want on my team. Even if he cleaned up his act.

[Ravens_Pwn12]

Cavs are going to win it this year. with shaq in the middle unstoppable.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='02 November 2009 - 02:53 PM' timestamp='1257130416' post='271298']
Yup, it's good to see my default home team playing well again. Agent 0 is finally going to start earning his paychecks.
[/quote]
Yeah, instead of playing Halo. He's like the Ocho Cinco of the NBA (to a lesser extent), but his character certinaly makes for entertaining reading and viewing.

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='02 November 2009 - 07:15 PM' timestamp='1257146152' post='271456']
The Southeast is looking to be pretty competitive this year with Washington, Orlando, Atlanta, and maybe, Miami. Although Orlando is most likely going to win the division. Not to mention, I'm not quite sold on Miami or Atlanta.

I'm really hoping the Mavs can pull it together this year. Everyone gives them hell for choking in the playoffs with the kind of talent they have. I'd love to see Nowitzki have a ring before he retires one day. That man's jump shooting is superb, probably one of the best shooters in the league. They look good so far, and Howard's still out. I'd hate to see them when he's back (which hopefully should be soon =\)
[/quote]
The Southeast division often intrigues me, ATL and MIA are solid teams who can play very well, but Orlando looks very deep (which worries me as a Cavs fan). Dallas is in a brutal division, I wish them all the best. I like New Orleans most from the Southwest though, I'll always wish the city of Nawlins the best after what happened there.

[quote name='shaikh015' date='03 November 2009 - 02:35 PM' timestamp='1257215711' post='272169']
If I could I would put Ron Artest on the Ravens he prolly make a good Strong Safety...
[/quote]
He's a thug though, ill-disciplined.

[quote name='Ravens_Pwn12' date='03 November 2009 - 05:40 PM' timestamp='1257226840' post='272283']
Cavs are going to win it this year. with shaq in the middle unstoppable.
[/quote]
Lol, no wonder people hate the Cavs, with statements like that. There's a lot of work to do before that becomes a possibility.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='Ed_Reed_Pick_Six' date='03 November 2009 - 02:42 AM' timestamp='1257234137' post='272351']
The Southeast division often intrigues me, ATL and MIA are solid teams who can play very well, but Orlando looks very deep (which worries me as a Cavs fan). Dallas is in a brutal division, I wish them all the best. I like New Orleans most from the Southwest though, I'll always wish the city of Nawlins the best after what happened there.
[/quote]

Oralnda does look like they may be the team to beat, not only in the Southeast, but the Eastern conference in general. They've looked excellent, and that's not even with Rashard Lewis playing. You're right though, the depth the Magic have is astounding.

Atlanta has definitely started to show great talent over the past couple of seasons. Josh Smith and Joe Johnson really give their offense a lift. I actually enjoy watching Josh sometimes. Horford can really become a presence under the basket in a few more season. I'd say the thing I don't like about Atlanta is... Bibby. I've never been able to stand him, and his 'fro makes him look ridiculous.

The Heat though... it was kind of sad to see them sink so low last season. I've always had a soft spot for Wade (even though the Heat beat the Mavs in the finals). Beasley's shown some progress so far this year, and if O'Neal can actually stay healthy and productive, then the Heat might be at least playoff contenders this year.

As for the Southwest, this year, I can really only see the (to me) hated Spurs as our main competition in the division. Memphis is... well Memphis. As good as the Iverson pick up may seem (for the team, not exactly for AI), the fact that now we'll have Mayo, Randolph, and Iverson on the court at the same time might be an issue. Mayo and Randolph like to see alot of the ball, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of chemistry the team can build. The Rockets are going to be in for a rough time, I believe. McGrady is cursed with never getting past the first round in the playoffs (and losing a step or two), Ming is out, Artest is gone. Ariza and Brooks are about the best thing Houston has going. However, I don't see them as enough to carry the Rockets far. The Hornets are struggling, starting off to 1-3, and the Southwest is not a division you can fall behind in and still have hopes.

Dallas and San Antonio seem to be the best two teams in the southwest right now. However it is a long season, so things could change. New Orleans might finally pick things up and maybe McGrady will be relevant this year.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Ed_Reed_Pick_Six' date='03 November 2009 - 03:42 AM' timestamp='1257234137' post='272351']

Lol, no wonder people hate the Cavs, with statements like that. There's a lot of work to do before that becomes a possibility.
[/quote]

LeBron still doesn't have his "Scottie Pippen," and Shaq is no spring chicken anymore...

[MKdave]

[quote name='shaikh015' date='03 November 2009 - 02:33 AM' timestamp='1257215605' post='272165']
Ron Artest is a beast....Barkley confirmed it, by saying If he had a team he would put Ron Artest on his team...[b]No one plays 60 minutes of Basketball like Ron Artest plays basketball[/b]....You can hate on him but he is going to play tough with intensity ever freaking game...
[/quote]

Possibly has something to do with the fact that games are 48 minutes long.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='MKdave' date='03 November 2009 - 01:17 PM' timestamp='1257268628' post='272506']
Possibly has something to do with the fact that games are 48 minutes long.
[/quote]

Now, now... if the game goes into Triple OT, it's possible that he could play 60 minutes in a game.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='MKdave' date='03 November 2009 - 12:17 PM' timestamp='1257268628' post='272506']
Possibly has something to do with the fact that games are 48 minutes long.
[/quote]

lmao I can't believe I overlooked that. Maybe Artest thinks games are 5 quarter longs. Hmmmm...

[FerrariFan87]

Agent 0 and the Wizards take on King James and the Cavs tonight in Cleveland at "The Q"... this will be a big test for the Wizards and we'll get to see how good they really are.

[AwakenTheDemon]

I think the Wizards might be able to down the Cavs tonight. Arenas seems to have gone back to his days when he was potent and dangerous at the point.

[Edit: I was wrong]

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='03 November 2009 - 10:34 PM' timestamp='1257244476' post='272377']
Oralnda does look like they may be the team to beat, not only in the Southeast, but the Eastern conference in general. They've looked excellent, and that's not even with Rashard Lewis playing. You're right though, the depth the Magic have is astounding.

Atlanta has definitely started to show great talent over the past couple of seasons. Josh Smith and Joe Johnson really give their offense a lift. I actually enjoy watching Josh sometimes. Horford can really become a presence under the basket in a few more season. I'd say the thing I don't like about Atlanta is... Bibby. I've never been able to stand him, and his 'fro makes him look ridiculous.

The Heat though... it was kind of sad to see them sink so low last season. I've always had a soft spot for Wade (even though the Heat beat the Mavs in the finals). Beasley's shown some progress so far this year, and if O'Neal can actually stay healthy and productive, then the Heat might be at least playoff contenders this year.

As for the Southwest, this year, I can really only see the [b](to me) hated Spurs[/b] as our main competition in the division. Memphis is... well Memphis. As good as the Iverson pick up may seem (for the team, not exactly for AI), the fact that now we'll have Mayo, Randolph, and Iverson on the court at the same time might be an issue. Mayo and Randolph like to see alot of the ball, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of chemistry the team can build. The Rockets are going to be in for a rough time, I believe. McGrady is cursed with never getting past the first round in the playoffs (and losing a step or two), Ming is out, Artest is gone. Ariza and Brooks are about the best thing Houston has going. However, I don't see them as enough to carry the Rockets far. The Hornets are struggling, starting off to 1-3, and the Southwest is not a division you can fall behind in and still have hopes.

Dallas and San Antonio seem to be the best two teams in the southwest right now. However it is a long season, so things could change. New Orleans might finally pick things up and maybe McGrady will be relevant this year.
[/quote]
Oh don't worry, I detest the Spurs too!!! Dallas is looking good, the game Nowitzski had today was incredible.

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='04 November 2009 - 01:51 AM' timestamp='1257256318' post='272404']
LeBron still doesn't have his "Scottie Pippen," and Shaq is no spring chicken anymore...
[/quote]
Well no, but must we make the comparison to a 6X NBA championship team? We just want one! In our 40th season!!!

Interesting game today, Washington started fast but Cleveland pulled it back and got going in the mid 2nd quarter. Cavs defense was back and better ball movement on offense. Pretty happy with that win really!

[AwakenTheDemon]

Yeah, Nowitzki played a great game. Interesting enough, in my fantasy basketball league, my opponent for this week has LeBron, while I picked up Nowitzki at the beginning of the week (traded a Toronto fanatic Bosh for Dirk), and Dirk was actually more valuable today then LeBron. But Dallas seems to be rolling so far, and that's without Howard playing. I'm just hoping that they don't melt down...

I totally thought Washington was going to pull out an upset, but I guess Shaq decided he wanted to play today. I'm starting to wonder if he can keep it up over 82 games or not though. If he does, then he can make Cleveland pretty dangerous, they've needed a real threat underneath the basket, I was never sold on Ilgauskas (or however you spell his name).

Side note: Can't believe Orlando lost to Detroit tonight. However, it could have probably been Howard fouling out so quickly. Cannot say for certain, since I didn't get to watch the game.

[Sub-Zero]

 couple of nice comebacks tonight. Cavs down by 18 in the second quarter go on to win my 12, Bulls win by 2 after being down by the same amount. But the best comeback came from the Mavs after being down 15 entering the 4th and winning by 11! they outscored Utah 44-18 and Dirk had 29 points---- in the 4th quarter! and I didn't get to see any of these games

[AwakenTheDemon]

Utah's biggest mistake was sending Dirk to the line 14 times in the fourth quarter lol... The man is money from the line. But I suppose when someone's shooting like Dirk was in the fourth, it's hard not to foul him. I won't lie though, my heart kind of sunk when I saw how much they were down in the early parts of the fourth.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='03 November 2009 - 09:24 PM' timestamp='1257297850' post='272882']
I think the Wizards might be able to down the Cavs tonight. Arenas seems to have gone back to his days when he was potent and dangerous at the point.

[Edit: I was wrong]
[/quote]

I thought the Wizards had it, but once the Cavs stormed back and cut it to 4 before halftime, I knew it was over for the Wiz...

[MKdave]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='04 November 2009 - 07:31 AM' timestamp='1257319912' post='273011']

Side note: Can't believe Orlando lost to Detroit tonight. However, it could have probably been Howard fouling out so quickly. Cannot say for certain, since I didn't get to watch the game.
[/quote]
I wasn't too surprised. Detroit has had Orlando's number for years. Everyone played really badly. It's very surprising we only lost by 5.

[AwakenTheDemon]

Yeah, but Orlando has gotten much better, and Detroit hasn't been the Detroit of old the past two years.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='04 November 2009 - 12:21 PM' timestamp='1257351703' post='273117']
Yeah, but Orlando has gotten much better, and Detroit hasn't been the Detroit of old the past two years.
[/quote]

Every team has an off-night... yesterday, Orlando had one, although Detroit is never an easy win.

[FerrariFan87]

What do you guys think of the [url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4620192"]new rims[/url]?

[Michael]

The Celtics are by far the best team in the NBA. They have been winning games easily, an they look just as good or not better than two seasons ago. The bench looks like one of the best in the league, an once Glen Davis comes back, it will be scary.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='04 November 2009 - 07:31 PM' timestamp='1257319912' post='273011']
Yeah, Nowitzki played a great game. Interesting enough, in my fantasy basketball league, my opponent for this week has LeBron, while I picked up Nowitzki at the beginning of the week (traded a Toronto fanatic Bosh for Dirk), and Dirk was actually more valuable today then LeBron. But Dallas seems to be rolling so far, and that's without Howard playing. I'm just hoping that they don't melt down...

I totally thought Washington was going to pull out an upset, but I guess Shaq decided he wanted to play today. I'm starting to wonder if he can keep it up over 82 games or not though. If he does, then he can make Cleveland pretty dangerous, they've needed a real threat underneath the basket, I was never sold on [b]Ilgauskas[/b] (or however you spell his name).

Side note: Can't believe Orlando lost to Detroit tonight. However, it could have probably been Howard fouling out so quickly. Cannot say for certain, since I didn't get to watch the game.
[/quote]
You got it right! Yeah Dirk has been a beast, quiet game today though and it probably cost them. Jason Terry played well though, some clutch shooting from The Jet. Orlando has key injuries and lost both centers to fouls. I see Howard got in foul trouble against Phoenix again, but Orlando was able to blow out Phoenix anyway...

[quote name='Sub-Zero' date='04 November 2009 - 07:32 PM' timestamp='1257319942' post='273012']
 couple of nice comebacks tonight. Cavs down by 18 in the second quarter go on to win my 12, Bulls win by 2 after being down by the same amount. But the best comeback came from the Mavs after being down 15 entering the 4th and winning by 11! they outscored Utah 44-18 and Dirk had 29 points---- in the 4th quarter! and I didn't get to see any of these games
[/quote]

Crazy day huh, that Dirk 4th quarter was [i]amazing[/i]!!!
[quote name='MKdave' date='05 November 2009 - 04:16 AM' timestamp='1257351395' post='273115']
I wasn't too surprised. Detroit has had Orlando's number for years. Everyone played really badly. It's very surprising we only lost by 5.
[/quote]
It's weird how some teams just dominate others. Orlando is Cleveland's achilles heal of late, which isn't good with how deep that team is.

[quote name='Michael' date='05 November 2009 - 05:20 AM' timestamp='1257355201' post='273146']
[b]The Celtics are by far the best team in the NBA.[/b] They have been winning games easily, an they look just as good or not better than two seasons ago. The bench looks like one of the best in the league, an once Glen Davis comes back, it will be scary.
[/quote]
Through 5 games they're the best. They did almost lose in Minnesota today though. That bench is very good. I'm looking forward to when Leon Powe suits up for Cleveland, he's a great reserve. He could take Varejao's starting spot eventually.

Denver and Orlando very impressive also.

[FerrariFan87]

D-Wade is a beast... poor Wizards had to deal with LeBron and Wade in back-to-back nights; that's just not fair lol.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='Ed_Reed_Pick_Six' date='05 November 2009 - 04:30 AM' timestamp='1257413425' post='273588']
You got it right! Yeah Dirk has been a beast, quiet game today though and it probably cost them. Jason Terry played well though, some clutch shooting from The Jet. Orlando has key injuries and lost both centers to fouls. I see Howard got in foul trouble against Phoenix again, but Orlando was able to blow out Phoenix anyway...
[/quote]

Dirk fouling out against NO was the beginning of the end. Although, had Dallas sunk those three free throws, we'd never have gone into overtime. Terry has always been clutch, I can't believe he missed that technical free throw, ugh. It doesn't help that with Howard out for a bit more, their offense is limited to Dirk and Terry more than anyone else. Marion is great, but more defensive. And as much as I love the determination and skill of Barea, he's a ball hog sometimes. 80% of the time he has the ball, he'll run around, and either take a tough jumper (usually a 3) or drive the basket. He's good, and he's usually a pretty good shooter, but when you got Dirk and Terry on the field, work 'em open, because they're money. Oh well.