Cavs-Wizards Game 2 Recap
Couple things real quick.
By Ryan Jones
It’s no wonder Etan Thomas hates Brendan Haywood. What a big, soft dummy Brendan Haywood is. Not just cheap-shots, but ill-timed cheap shots that actually hurt his team’s cause? Dummy. He seems to think he’s either going to intimidate LeBron (and what in LeBron’s history makes that seem likely?) or he’s just out to actual disable him. Which isn’t cool.
Dummy.
It’s no wonder everyone hates Reggie Miller. Marv Albert’s a legend, so of course you expect him to sound better than Reggie. But when he seems to know more about what it’s like to have actually played the game than Reggie — as he did when he had to explain to Reggie that, while hard playoff fouls are all fine and good, brainless, two-handed shoves of players who are suspended in mid-air should, in fact, be punished with ejection — it’s extra, extra crazy. Would Reggie have thought Dummy Haywood’s foul was “playoff regular” if he’d been on the receiving end? And can someone tell Reggie that we all know he sucks, so he doesn’t feel compelled to remind us anymore?
LeBron. Don’t you hate it when you cut your elbow on the backboard? I know I do.
Boobie.
Boobies!
Picking a favorite DeShawn Stevenson moment is difficult, and it’s tempting to go with the obvious: “Hey, I just made a three-point basket. Let me now share with the viewing public just how proud I am of having made this basket by playfully blowing on my fingers, as if to imply my shooting touch is so “hot,” my fingers actually have a fever. Plus, I’ll backpedal and look stern while I do it. Did I mention my team is losing by 16 points?”
Yes, it’s tough to pass that one up.
But me, I’m gonna go with DeShawn’s “Dancing with the Stars” audition tape. You know, the fourth quarter waltz sh*t he did when he was trying to draw a charge on LeBron 30 feet from the basket? He’s a graceful guy, that DeShawn… AND he sucks. I’m taking my kid to see the circus this weekend, and I fully expect one of the clowns to be wearing a #2 Wizards jersey.
Speaking of Wizards jerseys: Those black and gold joints aren’t that new anymore, but I don’t believe I’ve ever made a point of commenting on them. If I may? Fugly.
The Celtics must really be worried about Washington now.
172 Responses to “Cavs-Wizards Game 2 Recap”
Apr.22 at 9:24 am
Eboy says:
I truly wish to meet Ryan one day so I can shake the hand of the man who thinks like me (or I think like him, whatever)so often. Reggie, Brendan and DeShawn are the three worst things in the playoffs, without peer.
Apr.22 at 9:32 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Whoever wrote this (Ryan?) I agree with everything, adding that the Sprectalsmeister of that Circus would be wearing Wiz jersey “0″.
Apr.22 at 9:36 am
Ryan Jones says:
That’d be me, yeah. And I guess Brendan will be one of the elephants? Full Ringling Bros. recap to come next week, I promise.
Apr.22 at 9:44 am
FLUXLAND says:
Sorry, Ryan but the circus is the ultimate form or animal cruelty, to me anyway.
Apr.22 at 9:46 am
Eboy says:
Actually as awkward as Brendan looks wlaking upright, he could be a perfect Stilt Man.
Apr.22 at 9:46 am
Benoit Benjamin says:
i couldn’t agree more Mr. Jones. And I just can’t belive Deshawn is at it again. He said that Lebron just cries about fouls all the time. He just doesn’t know when to stop does he? Even with his nose deep down in his own sh*t.
Apr.22 at 9:46 am
Ryan Jones says:
I have some reservations about it, Flux, but “ultimate form” seems a bit overstated. I trust you don’t own a Vick jersey?
Apr.22 at 9:46 am
Eboy says:
or walking.
Apr.22 at 9:48 am
WhaHuh says:
the tactics from the start have been bad. Stevenson is about 6 inches smaller and 100lb lighter than LeBron, why does he think he can guard him? Jamison or Butler should cover him. The Cavs have no other threats except Boobie when he is hitting the 3. Big Z relys on offensive boards mostly.
Apr.22 at 9:49 am
Eboy says:
I took my son to the circus earlier this year and at the entrance of the convention center was about 12 people holding signs touting the abuse of elephants due to chains being attached to their legs. I knew it seemed unnatural, but you have to figure the trainers need a way to control them if they decide to get gangsta’ish.
Apr.22 at 10:13 am
FLUXLAND says:
Ryan..Oh no I’m a Vick fan. Until Eboy mentioned the picketers, I wanted to say where are they when the circus comes to town. I don’t see much of a difference between what they do and what Vick was doing. Using animals for profit. Although in Vicks case you may even argue that some of those dogs are naturally agressive and perhaps “enjoy” the battle, as they naturally play fight anyway, even tho its encouraged to the point of blood shed and pain in order to establish a winner. The circus animals I doubt would ever think of standing on their hind legs, wear costumes, jump thru fire hoops, suspend themselves in the air and whatever else they do. Eboy, I know they need to be restrained but perhaps then they shouldn’t be there in the first place.
Apr.22 at 10:17 am
BETCATS says:
“It’s no wonder Etan Thomas hates Brendan Haywood” Its no wonder why i hate Ryan Jones.
Apr.22 at 10:18 am
Ryan Jones says:
I’d ask you to explain that, BET, but I don’t really care.
Apr.22 at 10:18 am
BETCATS says:
Also DeShawn is a tool, not a real one either. He is like the plastic type you buy a 3 year old to play with, but really they just chew on it
Apr.22 at 10:19 am
BETCATS says:
I am a Haywood fan since the UNC days, i would pretend to add my little trademark snappy responce but i dont feel like it.
Apr.22 at 10:24 am
Eboy says:
FLUX, I agree that the option of just remaining out in the wild should be the choice for the cirucs animals, I think today, maybe not 30 years ago, 20 years ago or even 10 years ago, the conditions for the animals as they travel through the US are much more appropriate for champions of animal rights. BTW, the elephants and tigers that did perform in the show, didn’t have costumes as they did when I was a kid and were on stage for no more than 5 minutes. It’s still not right, but probably a little better than it used to be.
Apr.22 at 10:26 am
BETCATS says:
Think of humanity of animals like this, if they were in the wild a hunter or bigger animal would kill them, when they are in our care they only die some times.
Apr.22 at 10:28 am
Ben Osborne says:
LeBron is underrated.
Apr.22 at 10:29 am
Ryan Jones says:
The UNC connect. I understand. Well, I really like Antawn Jamison, if that makes you feel better.
Apr.22 at 10:29 am
Ryan Jones says:
Morning, Ben. Working on that Big Punk as we speak…
Apr.22 at 10:31 am
BETCATS says:
Lebron is rated where he should be rated, in the middle of under and over.
Apr.22 at 10:31 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Before we get to riled up about animals wellbeing, we should worry about Africa. Just saying.
Apr.22 at 10:32 am
BETCATS says:
Jones it is as if the sun came out. But not really. I am a NC State fan, but Haywood and a few other UNC players made UNC tolerable, and being a UNCATS fan makes it even harder to hate them. Oh well.
Apr.22 at 10:33 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
LeBron is way underrated.
Apr.22 at 10:33 am
BETCATS says:
Before we worry about Africa we should worry about AMERICA. Why are we ruining around trying to help other nations get like us if we are a mess?
Apr.22 at 10:34 am
KA says:
gotta agree, those two tone colorway jersey are mofugly. they make Sam cassell look like a handsome man.
Apr.22 at 10:35 am
FLUXLAND says:
Eboy, you are right, that maybe the conditions have gotten better. Or the trainers hide it better. (the whip replaced by that electroshock stick and no costumes, bears don’t have their “noses” pierced with rings). I guess I just think that if you want to show your kids exotic animals perhaps the Zoo is a better place. Not much better but at least they are not getting tortured and forced to do thing that are unnatural to them. That why I said ultimate. Horse racing is not cool either but at least they “like” to run and would do in the wild.
Apr.22 at 10:36 am
Eboy says:
How about… do what you can to help anyone or anything, no matter where you live, things would be way nicer if that philosphy worked out.
Apr.22 at 10:38 am
Ryan Jones says:
I guess I should make something clear: I f*cking hate all animals.
Apr.22 at 10:38 am
Ryan Jones says:
Kidding.
Apr.22 at 10:39 am
Eboy says:
I have a lifetime pass to the local zoo, FLUX. No cages, open ended enviornments, nice weather…pretty decent gig if you are an animal.
Apr.22 at 10:40 am
FLUXLAND says:
Sorry, this got off topic Ryan. Umm.. Reggie should be announcing numbers at a bingo hall. Did you hear the 15 second long shreeking over LeBrons split of the double team? What the heck was that?
Apr.22 at 10:40 am
Chris A says:
Now just hold on a minute. Ryan, how old are you? That’s irrelevant. No disrespect intended. I ask because I want to know that you can fully appreciate Reggie Miller back to the stupid haircut/NBA is Fantastic days. I can’t disrespect Reggie, while I excused the ridiculous comparison of Haywood’s bonehead foul (LeBron would whip that boy’s ass) to the foul several minutes earlier on the oft-flailing 1 for 5 Antonio Daniels by the equally inept (i.e. 1-5) Delonte West who gives away 20LBs to Daniels. The comparison was poor. The point was valid, though: you can’t treat the Google of NBA stock like a regular n_____a. Reggie stuck with his example out of pride, but Marv is unflappable; understand he’s been covering this game for 41 years since Reggie was 2!!! How old are you again?
Apr.22 at 10:41 am
Ryan Jones says:
These things happen. I think I missed the shrieking…?
Apr.22 at 10:41 am
BETCATS says:
Well Eboy, you need to help yourself BEFORE you can help anyone else. AM i the only one sic of america playin god everywhere. Afgahistan. Iraq. Cuba. Soviet Union. Iran. Korea. Vietnam. We go around tootin the truth stick and busting you upside the head with it if you dont want to get hit and if you do, we hit you in the nuts with it. But at the same time America is the most fu(ked up place in the world. Racsim, Poverty, Schools that dont work for you. Just come to where i live. Different Planet.
Apr.22 at 10:43 am
FLUXLAND says:
LOL Eboy.. minus the freedom to explore the city and enjoy its tasteful habitants .. def. the best gig outside of Africa. Plus the medical care cannot be dismissed.
Apr.22 at 10:44 am
BETCATS says:
i wish i were a lion.
Apr.22 at 10:45 am
Eboy says:
True, Flux. And yes, BET, our country is pretty lousy in so many ways, but our lack of compassion for each other is also our biggest flaw.
Apr.22 at 10:46 am
FLUXLAND says:
I’m not sure that shrieking is the right term? I dunno how to describe it. Perhaps someone can help me out..?
Apr.22 at 10:47 am
BETCATS says:
yelping
Apr.22 at 10:51 am
BETCATS says:
giggling mixed with the sound of date r@pe?
Apr.22 at 10:52 am
BETCATS says:
alright i got stuff to go to
Apr.22 at 11:00 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
BETS you and the rest of the world is sick of America trying to police the world, but let’s not get into this here. Go Obama!
Apr.22 at 11:03 am
TADOne says:
Anyone ever hear HBO boxing commentator Harold Lederman speak when he interviews boxers or adds commentary to the fight? How he sounds drunk. Yeah, Reggie kinda sounds like that.
Apr.22 at 11:09 am
Allenp says:
Ryan loves him some Lebron…But, the Wiz were stupid to get the Meast riled up. That just wasn’t a smart move. And, why would they assume that roughing up Lebron would bother him? Have they not noticed that Lebron looks like an NFL tight end with the footspeed of Chad Johnson? Just saying, smart decisions people.
Apr.22 at 11:10 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
TAD; If every commentator was drunk watching sports would be so much more fun. There would be outragous statements, fatjokes - heck they would all sound like Charles. If this is Reggie drunk he is as bad/boring a drinkingbuddy as he is a commentator.
Apr.22 at 11:10 am
Allenp says:
Reggie is a bad public speaker and he doesn’t prepare enough. Those are his problems. Charles has the same problems, but he’s funny. This makes up for his other failures.
Apr.22 at 11:10 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Co-sign. Allen.
Apr.22 at 11:13 am
B. Long says:
Charles Barkley needs to run as Obama’s VP just so I can hear him replace the Wiz with Hillarys campaign team as the dumbest team on Earth!
Apr.22 at 11:16 am
B. Long says:
What’s the odds Big Ben goes Kimbo Slice on half the Wiz roster before this series is over?
Apr.22 at 11:20 am
Tariq says:
Ryan: I get the feeling that Reggie is trying to emulate Barkley and say stuff he KNOWS is wrong just to be contrary. But instead of giving the impression of being controversial and edgy, he just comes off as stupid and ANNOYING. I honestly can’t figure out how he still has a job. Dummy. And I used to like him as a player.
Apr.22 at 11:23 am
Tariq says:
Allenp: True, both Charles and Reggie are perpetually unprepared, but there’s another difference: Barkley at least knows what he’s talking about in general terms. Like he generally knows a little about basketball. Reggie, evidently and shockingly, does not.
Apr.22 at 11:23 am
Tariq says:
*generally knows a LOT about basketball…
Apr.22 at 11:24 am
KA says:
yall read that piece about chuck gonna run for mayor?
Apr.22 at 11:25 am
H to the izzo says:
I’m very glad I’ve never heard Reggie commentate,very glad.
Apr.22 at 11:34 am
Reggie Evans says:
Lebron doesn’t need to do any talking, Ryan Jones will do it all for him.
Apr.22 at 11:35 am
Ryan Jones says:
I disagree, Tariq. I’m pretty confident that Reggie is a giant dolt.
Apr.22 at 11:37 am
H to the izzo says:
Reggie:I’d change that link if I were you.
Apr.22 at 11:44 am
Khalid Salaam says:
Reggie miller will not have a job next season, will he?….also haywood’s foul was obvious. An ejection? borderline in my opinion. The play where they fouled antonio daniels was not that different. i’m not saying the refs favor lebron, i’m just saying that the refs favor lebron…….we all knew what stevenson meant when he said the overrated thing. Obviously bron’s talent level is intergalatic but rememeber the initial context. this was in march, after he stopped bron on a game winner and all he was asked was about him. its annoying. i made this point to i think eboy. he said what he said out of frustration but now the media is running with it. we need to let it go….
Apr.22 at 12:04 pm
ciolkstar says:
Co sign Khalid
Apr.22 at 12:07 pm
ciolkstar says:
mionus the Hatwood ejection being borderline. He straight shoved him in the air. Thats alot different than hard body contact and foul across the arms/chest. Getting taken out of the air like that is unsafe and bad for the L, the teams, and the Fans. Eject the idiot. The game was pretty much out of hand by that point anyway.
Apr.22 at 12:07 pm
ciolkstar says:
*Minus (dammit)
Apr.22 at 12:09 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Khalid, please. The foul on AD involved him instigating at least some of the contact, and two Cavs making a play in the general direction of the ball. Haywood just pushed dude while was in the air and thus totally helpless. Sh*t is reckless and dangerous, and if that happens in a gym without refs, punches are thrown. It was a b*tch move, and Haywood was making no attempt at playing defense in a basketball sense. He should’ve been tossed.
And of course the refs favor LeBron. We all know the NBA’s star system, so I’m not sure it’s worth commenting on. That doesn’t change the nature of Haywood’s foul.
And DeShawn keeps bringing the hate on himself by his constant dumbsh*ttedness (new word, you can totally use it). You know this to be true.
Stop disagreeing with me or I won’t root for your Sixers anymore.
Apr.22 at 12:21 pm
Andy says:
This is a great article, agreed with everything about LeBron and lol at Reggie. Nice read.
Apr.22 at 12:22 pm
Eboy says:
Co-sign Jones.
Apr.22 at 12:24 pm
ic3 says:
the way marv said ‘as we listen to … soulja boy’ was classic.
Apr.22 at 12:26 pm
Truth About It Dot Net says:
It should have been a flagrant 1 like Varejao’s foul on Blatche….and yes, looking at it again, Haywood’s foul looks pretty bad…but I would not say that he was trying to injure LeBron. James is a big dude…and there was no way to anticipate him being knocked completely off balance like that. Not so much the Wizards riling up LeBron the beast with talk, rather they focused too much on being the physical team and not running their offense. The Wiz had no composure and the Cavaliers took the high road by playing like a much more experienced team.
Apr.22 at 12:28 pm
Myles Brown says:
The Washington Nuggets are not good at basketball.
Apr.22 at 12:43 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Brown.. what percentage of the time?
Apr.22 at 12:49 pm
Myles Brown says:
54% Like most, I thought they had too much talent and too much of a grudge to lose this series, but apparently the latter canceled out the former. Sh*t defense and shot selection does not make a playoff winner, ask the Denver Wizards. But maybe Soulja Boy will provide some inspiration back in D.C.
Apr.22 at 1:02 pm
FLUXLAND says:
LOL! I was thinking 55%..close enough! I’m also hoping, like you said, a change of scenery will at the least spark them. You think Soulja Boy is still willing to show up?..I dunno how I would feel about DeShawn dragging me into this mess.
Apr.22 at 1:16 pm
TADOne says:
Soulja girl could use all the pub he can get.
Apr.22 at 1:20 pm
GilbertArenasisGreat says:
Mister Jones: Please do not write ever again. You are not clever.
Apr.22 at 1:35 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Prediction: Soulja Boy will soon be asked to leave the hip-hop army for violation of the Don’t Rap, Don’t Tell policy.
Apr.22 at 1:36 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I’m not even sure what that means, but I do know it’s HILARIOUS.
Apr.22 at 1:48 pm
Tariq says:
Ryan: I agree that Reggie is a complete dolt. But like remember last year when LeBron tore up the Pistons? Chuck and Jet were saying that Bron was a beast, but that Detroit also played bad defense. That they should have AT LEAST consistently doubled him, which they didn’t do. All the while, Reggie kept shaking his head and repeating “Good D, Better O” like a f*cking mantra. And then they brought out the clips and it was so OBVIOUS that Barkley and Kenny were right, but Reg continued to support his argument by making noises that would deafen small mammals. So I just thought “I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt…maybe he’s trying to stir sh*t up (in the most annoying way known to man)”. But I guess you’re right: he is a dolt.
Apr.22 at 1:49 pm
Tariq says:
By the way, I have a nickname for Reggie Miller: “Screech”.
Apr.22 at 1:53 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Much like a broken clock, Tariq, even Reggie Miller is right twice a day.
Apr.22 at 2:00 pm
Tariq says:
Which was when, exactly?
Apr.22 at 2:02 pm
Tariq says:
At the beginning of telecasts, does he say “This is Reggie Miller”? Because he’d be right about that. That’s all I can think of.
Apr.22 at 2:24 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Tariq, if you don’t make it as a writer.. it will be a shame.
–
@Ryan .. not sure what Don’t Rap, Don’t Tell is but I did find myself laughing out load at this. What that say about me, not sure either. Show me a finger and I will probably laugh.
Apr.22 at 2:36 pm
Ryan Jones says:
A bad pun inspired by the U.S. military’s stance on gay soldiers (”souljas”).
Apr.22 at 2:56 pm
Tariq says:
Flux: Wow. Thanks.
Apr.22 at 3:06 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
No one should bother guarding LeBron for the rest of the series. I mean, he might get HURT! And we all know basketball isn’t a contact sport. As someone who hated (but respected—sort of) the Bad Boy Pistons, I can’t believe what the NBA has turned into. A flagrant 2 should be given based on INTENT, not on the result. And I find it hard to believe that Haywood was intentionally trying to injure LeBron. P.S. Damon f*cking Jones mockingly imitating DeShawn at the end of a blowout victory he played no part in was infinitely more disgusting than anything DeShawn has ever done or said. And LeBron enabling from the bench was just as bad. I love LeBron’s game, but everything else…not so much.
Apr.22 at 3:13 pm
FLUXLAND says:
/ Re: Haywood.. I would be with you if he had tried to “hug” him, but he shoved him.. it just didn’t look like a bball play at all. Like Ryan said, in a gym with no refs, punches would have been thrown.
Tariq: no worries.. wish I had half the skill that you and all the SLAM guys do. I’ll keeping focusing on the spelling and grammar.
—
Russ.. hating the BadBoys.. do things ever make sense now!
Apr.22 at 3:43 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Russ, this hate is surprising, even from you. What do you want, an oncourt lie detector test for no-talent enforcers like Haywood to find out what they meant by their felony-worthy assaults? By your intent standards, if that wasn’t flagrant-worthy, what is?
Apr.22 at 3:44 pm
Ryan Jones says:
If Haywood had gone to Duke, Russ would be killing him right now…
Apr.22 at 3:48 pm
Myles Brown says:
In 1987 that foul might might not even be worth two free throws.
Apr.22 at 3:49 pm
Kevin says:
Reggie was a great shooter/clutch player.. but as an TV colour commentator, he really is pretty bad. his voice is really annoying, too.
Apr.22 at 3:51 pm
Ryan Jones says:
And in the early ’80s the TV ratings were in single digits, and in the ’70s the whole league was coked out, and in the ’50s the black players had to find their own hotels when they played in the South. Is there a point to all this reminiscing?
Apr.22 at 3:52 pm
freeridnour08 says:
Someone said Lebron is underrated, hahahahaha, its funny because it might actually be true…
Apr.22 at 3:55 pm
Ryan Jones says:
And before that they played in a cage to keep the oncourt brawls from spilling into the stands — and vice versa. Yeah, that’s when the League was really great. Memories..
Apr.22 at 3:57 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I have no problem with it being called a flagrant. The ejection (and possible suspension) was completely unwarranted. Varejao’s foul where he drilled dude in the head was somehow LESS flagrant? Sorry, I just don’t see it. If that makes me a hater, so be it.
Apr.22 at 3:57 pm
Eboy says:
Anyone who says they wouldn’t be ready for conflict if the same thing happened to them in a pick up game, rec league, wherever is full of sh*t. It was a bullsh*t play. If he wasn’t in the air, not a big deal in the least, but laying someone out just ’cause you can is ridiculous.
Apr.22 at 3:57 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Ryan Jones: Taking things too far since 1876.
Apr.22 at 3:58 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I mean 1692.
Apr.22 at 3:58 pm
Eboy says:
Varejo’s was bullsh*t as well, btw.
Apr.22 at 4:00 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Ha! I actually missed Varejao’s foul. If it was just as bad, he should be suspended too.
In fairness, neither Russ nor I have a measurable vertical, so perhaps we’re not the best guys to comment on what it’s like to get fouled “in midair.”
Apr.22 at 4:02 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGrQ38-pp0
Apr.22 at 4:02 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Wait, I got it: Russ, next time you’re out on your bike, have someone shove you while you’re hopping a curb. Then lemme know what kind of mood you’re in.
Apr.22 at 4:02 pm
Eboy says:
Ryan, if you jumped for a rebound and got shoved in the lower back and landed on your ass, I’m sure you’d be pissed. Regardless of the 14 inch vertical.
Apr.22 at 4:05 pm
Myles Brown says:
Yes. Bring back hand checking and physical play. Haywoods foul probably deserved a tech, but the mere consideration of a suspension is a reflection of how soft the league is now.
Apr.22 at 4:08 pm
Eboy says:
Myles, I agree, he doesn’t deserve a suspension, but you know you’d be heated if you got dropped like that. Better yet, would you make the same play on a dude?
Apr.22 at 4:09 pm
FLUXLAND says:
The in flight criteria regardless of height should not be dismissed. I think the ejection was enough, there should be no suspension. Again, why he felt the had to shove and not “bear hug” him is beyond me.
Apr.22 at 4:10 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I hope the Wizards lay down a red carpet for Game Three and put mattresses under the basket. They should probably also have EMTs every 25 feet, and make their players wear those big, inflatable Hulk hands. In fact, they should just forfeit the rest of the series to keep anyone from getting injured. Actually, let’s just give the Cavs the title and call it a season.
Apr.22 at 4:12 pm
Eboy says:
Russ is being obstinant.
Apr.22 at 4:14 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Is that anything like obstinate? I’m also wondering what Ryan’s reaction would have been like had this same foul occured involving Shaq and Kobe. But I guess that’s just hating.
Apr.22 at 4:16 pm
Eboy says:
And correct me if I’m wrong, Lebron’s chest was about shoulder height with Haywood meaning he was about 2 1/2 feet off the ground, still going up. That’s plain cheap, regardless of the outcome. Dude’s that high off the ground, wrap him up or let him go.
Apr.22 at 4:17 pm
Eboy says:
Cute, Russ. While the Kobe haters would probably love to see it, it woould be a bi*tch move by Shaq and a sh*t play.
Apr.22 at 4:18 pm
Eboy says:
*would
Apr.22 at 4:19 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Michael Jordan never got knocked down by Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn and Charles Oakley and Anthony Mason and Dennis Rodman and Buck Williams and Patrick Ewing. I guess none of that stuff ever happened.
Apr.22 at 4:19 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Russ, lets not forget protective foam around the rims, mandatory elbow and knee pads for everyone..F it.. go all out man! Helmets all around!
–
ps lets not forget most of us saw that on TV .. who know what it looked like in real life.
Apr.22 at 4:21 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Russ defines “obstinate”
Apr.22 at 4:22 pm
Eboy says:
It’s funny how you like Lebron the player, but now he’s a martyr because a foul led to a objection and he should be fouled more often because of it? Odd. If anything, Lebron has taken the abuse of an incredibly lesser group of talented players remarkably well for two games.
Apr.22 at 4:23 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Great find, Russ. But you’re sort of making my point for me. Was the League better when Laimbeer played? Was there anyone you or I or anyone outside of Detroit liked less? Is your implication really that the game was better off when a guy like that could throw these wonderfully talented players all over the court? The League WAS amazing then, but it was because of Magic, Bird, Mike, Isiah, Dominique, etc, and IN SPITE of Laimbeer.
Apr.22 at 4:24 pm
Eboy says:
should have been objectional ejection.
Apr.22 at 4:25 pm
Eboy says:
Good point, Jones.
Apr.22 at 4:27 pm
Ryan Jones says:
This pseudo-macho sh*t comes up every year during the playoffs lately, and I understand it when old guys like Charles and Co. go into their “these soft young whipper-snappers don’t know what it’s like to get fouled” routine. And I guess we’re getting old, so we fall into it too. But again, I don’t see what about Laimbeer’s WWF impression was so great, and I don’t see why any of us who love the game would prefer to see its most gifted players left more vulnerable by the NBA equivalent of hockey goons.
Apr.22 at 4:28 pm
Myles Brown says:
Theres still a medium between that and valet service to the basket.
Apr.22 at 4:28 pm
Myles Brown says:
Find it Stu.
Apr.22 at 4:28 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I appreciated the Bulls eventual success more because they had to go through physical–but lesser-talented–teams like the Pistons and the Knicks (and later the Heat). If you think LeBron should just be able to waltz his way to the basket and eventually have a title handed to him simply off his otherworldly talent, that’s fine, I guess. It’s just not the basketball I grew up on. Did I hate Laimbeer? YES. Did I wish he would have been suspended for some of the hits he laid on people? I don’t think so. It was part of the damn game.
Apr.22 at 4:29 pm
H to the izzo says:
Some people are more equal than others,sure LeBron got f*cked.Hazards of the job,like a soldier coming home from war and suing the government because he got shot at.It all balances itself out in the end.LeBron will get more missed carrying and traveling calls than any other average Joe NBA player.
Apr.22 at 4:30 pm
H to the izzo says:
^I swear that made sense in my head.
Apr.22 at 4:30 pm
Eboy says:
Well, the 90’s Knicks, the Bad Boy Pistons and even to a lesser degree that late 90’s Heat teams all made for good foils for the league’s golden boys, so they did make the rivalry factor more pertinant than the current crop of “Suns/Spurs needs to happen so there’s something to talk about this postseason” and not much else.
Apr.22 at 4:31 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Butcher Me On The Court
Too Many Elbows To Report
Now You’re Poking Me In The Eye
Bill Laimbeer Motherf*cker, It’s Time For You To Die
Tough Guy, It’s Time To Check Yourself
Dribbling The Ball Like The Biz Can Be Bad
For Your Health
Tough Guy, What You Got To Prove
Moving Like An Elephant, That’s Your Favorite
Tough Guy, Your Sh*t Is Going Out
Tough Guy
Box Me Out With Your Fat Ass
Throw Me Around Like A Bounce Pass
You’ve Got A Tombstone Hanging Over Your D*ck
Cause A Minor Earthquake When You Throw A Moving Pick
Touch Guy, You Think You’re Like The Shaq
Keep Running Around, You’ll Catch A Heart Attack
Tough Guy, What Are You Giving Me
The Way You’re Playing Ball, You’ll Stop Me From Living B
Tough Guy, Tough Guy
Tough Guy, You’re Sh*t Is Weak
Tough Guy, You F*cking Freak
Tough Guy, I’ll Stick I’ll Stick Your Sh*t
Tough Guy
Apr.22 at 4:32 pm
Eboy says:
You didn’t go the soldier comparison route did you really, izzo?
Apr.22 at 4:33 pm
Eboy says:
The Beasties still bring a crooked smile to my face.
Apr.22 at 4:34 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I think the Beasties said it best.
Apr.22 at 4:34 pm
H to the izzo says:
It’s an example of a soldier over here,which should make it a far less contentious issue,replace the word “war” with “vacation” and there you have it.
Apr.22 at 4:34 pm
TADOne says:
Ryan went there.
Apr.22 at 4:35 pm
Ryan Jones says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDWwoty0f5M
Apr.22 at 4:35 pm
Eboy says:
Got it, izzo.
Apr.22 at 4:36 pm
Eboy says:
“You got a tombstone hanging over your di**” is worldclass tomfoolery.
Apr.22 at 4:39 pm
TADOne says:
Between Laimbeer and Beasties, i’m officially in reminisce mode.
Apr.22 at 4:39 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Again, I have no problem with “hard fouls” or “playoff regular fouls” as Reggie eloquently (and semi-humorously, I’ll admit) put it last night. But can we acknowledge there’s a middle ground between senseless (and ineffective — let’s not forget this meathead strategy doesn’t even work!) cheap shots that, even if they lack “intent” to injure, sure carry a decent likelihood of hurting someone; and calling every little hand check a la DWade two years ago? THAT was going too far, I’m sure we can agree. But I don’t think there’s anything particularly effeminate about discouraging bloated sh*tbags like Haywood from hammering any player — let alone one of LeBron’s caliber — without even trying to play the ball. I can’t imagine why anyone would argue that point.
Apr.22 at 4:40 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
If everyone’s so worried about stars getting hurt, shouldn’t Dikembe Mutombo and his Elbows of Death have been thrown out of the League at least 10 years ago? Oh no, he’s FUNNY and he’s a philanthropist, so he can stay. What about Karl Malone? Bill Cartwright? Those guys did far more damage than Brendan f*cking Haywood. But no, Brendan dared go after KING JAMES! How DARE he! I hope they execute him on ESPN2. P.S. Whatever happened to “I’m 6-9, 260, I’m all right”?
Apr.22 at 4:41 pm
Eboy says:
Bloated shi*bag. Poor Haywood.
Apr.22 at 4:42 pm
Eboy says:
Oddly, Lebron hasn’t really had much of a reaction during the games, except when Brendan had his balls over his head at the end of the first half in Game 1.
Apr.22 at 4:43 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
“Bloated sh*tbag,” nice.
Apr.22 at 4:45 pm
H to the izzo says:
Same case when Raja Bell dared to try and even defend Kobe.
Apr.22 at 4:46 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Brown is right.. need a middle! Should he waltz to the bucket? No! Should he expect assault and battery on the way there? No! Malone should have been banned from the L for reconstructing Zekes forehead and perhaps Russ would enjoy a little Kermit Washington action at halftime during games to satisfy his thirst of blood! I think thats why the L has gone “soft” to prevent brawls and protect the players.
Apr.22 at 4:47 pm
TADOne says:
I’m half tempted to see if I can get tickets to either of the next two games in DC. Should be quite the carnival.
Apr.22 at 4:51 pm
Ryan Jones says:
The extent to which you’re intentionally missing the point is impressive, my friend.
This has nothing to do with Dikembe.
This has nothing to do with Karl Malone.
This has nothing to do with Bill Cartwright.
And in fact, this has nothing to do with LeBron — who, you may have noticed, hasn’t been complaining about all this. Are we talking more about it because it’s LeBron? Of course. But the essential issue is whether we’re OK with hockey goons in our sport. I never have been.
Again, I appreciate the idea of a hard foul. I understand these are well-paid, grown-ass men playing a contact sport, and I appreciate that the intensity and physicality increase in the postseason is all fine and good. But unless you don’t want to draw a line ANYWHERE — in which case I do hope Brendan hides a shiv in his sock for Game 3, or whenever he gets back from suspension — then you’ve got to draw a line SOMEWHERE. And I draw a line before “pushing an player — one who had just left his feet and thus can’t defend himself or control where and how he lands — in a manner that makes no attempt at playing the ball or even the defenders arms.”
Laws of physics and common sense tell us this is a great way to get someone hurt, and I can’t really think of any other reason to do it. Which, to me, implies intent.
Apr.22 at 4:53 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Also, I should proof-read.
Apr.22 at 4:55 pm
TADOne says:
Proof-reading is for suckers.
Apr.22 at 4:58 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Dude, this has EVERYTHING to do with LeBron. As I mentioned, Varejao’s foul was worse, and you didn’t even NOTICE it. If you’re not OK with “hockey goons” in “our” sport, what do you think of him? And with all that Laimbeer and Mahorn and company did, I don’t remember ANY of your list of greats—Isiah, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Nique—ever suffering a serious injury at one of their hands. Unless Pip’s migraine counts.
Apr.22 at 5:01 pm
Myles Brown says:
*Eats popcorn*
Apr.22 at 5:02 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Also, to make things clear(er), I had no problem with the Haywood foul being called a flagrant. I just didn’t think it warranted an ejection—and I ABSOLUTELY don’t think it deserves a suspension.
Apr.22 at 5:04 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Bronny throwing elbows to the throat is always a nice way to handle being fouled. If you don’t want to be knocked to the ground in the playoffs, stick to shooting jumpers.
Apr.22 at 5:41 pm
DP says:
I am sorry LeBron, I doubted your gangsta and I am paying deeply for it. Once again Gil, you make me vomit to my stomach you duct tape gravy eating bastard. Caron, you are busting your ass and Jamison you doing the damn thing too. Haywood, stop the BITCHASSNESS please. play wit it.
Apr.22 at 5:51 pm
Eboy says:
I know Holly didn’t say that when Raja put the bullwhip on Kobe. C’mon now, lady. We know you better than that.
Apr.22 at 6:02 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Clothslining someone-ANYONE-while they are not even IN the paint is a little different. Raja knew he was done for after that. He admitted he totally lost it. If someone takes down Bron like that, then hell yeah they deserve to be thrown out. But what Haywood did? An ejection? I just don’t think so. Flagrant one, of course, but for anyone to even mention a suspension is crazy!
Apr.22 at 6:16 pm
Eboy says:
If Kobe had a stronger neck it wouldn’t have been an issue!
Apr.22 at 6:21 pm
Eboy says:
Holly, for confirmation’s sake, I’ve had both done to me in basketball games, and the higher injury factor comes from the push in the air and the inability to land correctly than the ground based clothesline that is painful but not potentially career threatening, unless you are in a ring with Hulk Hogan.
Apr.22 at 6:38 pm
DP says:
game notes tonight: spurs vs. suns. click my name 2maw and you’ll see what I’m talking about. play wit it.
Apr.22 at 7:22 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I didn’t notice Sideshow’s foul because I missed the first half putting my kid to bed and waiting for Tyreke Evans to call me back. I’m not joking. I literally DID NOT SEE IT.
Apr.22 at 7:24 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Perhaps it’s best if we just agree that Russ is overcompensating for Jordan, Holly’s overcompensating by Kobe, and I’m overcompensating for Delonte West. I mean LeBron.
Apr.22 at 7:25 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I’m still right, though. Completely. On everything.
Myles, I hope you choke on your popcorn. Not to death, obviously. Just enough to make a point.
Apr.22 at 7:36 pm
nastruthomas says:
@ryan… everyone else is obviously in the same mode of opinion as this exact time last year, regarding the cavaliers…only this year, the (possible) result (lebron exploding supernova status, is painfully more relevant and even more intrinsically disgusting to all of the haters of the world. non cleveland homers are scared. frightened. and haterrific!
Apr.22 at 7:50 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I didn’t understand all of that, but I think I agree.
Apr.22 at 7:53 pm
tealish says:
Eh, the foul honestly wasn’t THAT bad. Flagrant 1 for sure, and maybe, maybe a borderline, but probably not, Flagrant 2. But the way this article talks about it, you’d think Haywood ripped off Bron’s nuts.
And LeBron’s ridiculous, no doubt. But he IS overrated - by some.
Apr.22 at 7:57 pm
tealish says:
LOL, I just read some comments about SUSPENSION. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. If it was Dirk who got shoved from behind like this, y’all would be ridiculing the big German’s softness. Suspension….I know he’s LeBron, but really?
Apr.22 at 8:22 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Dude, he could have DIED!!!!11111!!!
Apr.22 at 8:23 pm
Hursty says:
Get em Jones.
Apr.22 at 8:51 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Thanks Tealish. That’s what I’m saying.
Apr.22 at 11:53 pm
Hursty says:
spurs fouling at the end of the 3rd… wtf? on shaq i get… but wtf. not very sportsmanlike.
Apr.23 at 6:06 am
Tariq says:
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree with Ryan. I’m not especially familiar with the minutiae of the flagrant-1/flagrant-2 criteria, but anytime you intentionally make a guy in mid-flight lose control like that, you should be tossed. I mean, yeah, it was just a shove, but if Bron’s 6′9″, 260-pound frame had landed awkwardly as a result of Haywood’s recklessness, and Bron had twisted his knee or something and was out for the season, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. What you SHOULD do if you want to foul is what Eddie Jones did to CP3.
Apr.23 at 6:07 am
Tariq says:
Also, I’m not obstinate. But I AM abstinent. I wish I were obstinate instead.
Apr.23 at 6:07 am
Tariq says:
And the Celtics are already scouting the Spurs.
Apr.23 at 3:59 pm
Jake Appleman says:
DJ Dangermouse made The Grey Album.
Apr.23 at 6:38 pm
Tariq says:
Jake: And, more importantly, Dangerdoom.
Apr.24 at 12:22 am
tealish says:
Also, I think it’s great how “6′9, 260″ gets thrown into 4 out of every 5 LeBron discussions now. Though I doubt anyone mistakes Bron for a scrawny short dude, it’s best to reiterate how big and strong he is!! The best way, of course, is to compare him to a locomotive for the 8912374th time.