Links: Playoffs Diary Day Three
You try stopping LeBron…
I guess one day people will learn: If you plan on beating LeBron James, you better bring something special to the party. Because odds are if you’ve watched any of his first two games this year in the Playoffs, you’ve probably seen something incredible. I’ve watched every minute he’s played thus far, and can only recall him taking off a few minutes in the second quarter of game one. And tonight? Forget about it.
If you missed it, LeBron had 30 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds in 39 minutes, and he led the Cavs over Washington to their biggest postseason win in franchise history, 116-86. And get a load of this stat (courtesy of TNT): In 12 career Playoff games against Washington, LeBron is averaging 32.3 ppg (on 49 pct from the field), to go with 7.8 rpg and 6.7 apg. And in those 12 games, the Cavs are 10-2.
Does this mean the Wizards will stop all their talking and start playing basketball?
Tonight was nothing but a blowout. All Washington’s swag, and they were beaten by one man. Granted, that man was playing dominant basketball, but still. How dominant? LeBron looked like Iron Man out there, blasting to the rim over and over, zooming up and down the court. They doubled him, he hit the open man. Single-covered him, he beat his man. Someone rotated, he found the open man. Heck, check out his plus/minus for the game. Amazing.
Other than LeBron, the Cavs really don’t have much there. Ben Wallace is shell of his former self, Wally Sexyback is strictly a spot-up shooter, Delonte West can’t keep his cool. If Washington could stop LeBron, they could win some games in this series. But they haven’t stopped LeBron, and I don’t think they’re going to be able to for the rest of the series.
Actually, Brendan Haywood figured out one way to stop him, at least than I can see: Make him afraid to come inside. Giving hard fouls on LeBron is actually a pretty good strategy, because he hasn’t shot his free throws exceedingly well (18-31) and maybe you can wear him out. But the Wizards sure have painted themselves into a corner. Coming into the series, the Wizards announced their plans to be physical with LeBron, which gave Cleveland plenty of time to make sure every referee in the NBA (and every suit in the NBA marketing department) was aware of this. This is our superstar, everyone agreed, and we must not allow him to be injured. So now, every time Bron drives, those whistles are blowing.
More and most importantly, LeBron keeps driving. He ain’t never scared.
And he sure is fun to watch.
Down in Houston, the Rockets handed over Game Two, 90-84, putting them down two games heading into Utah, and meaning Dikembe Mutombo is probably on the phone right now with his travel agent looking into booking a tropical vacation starting early next week. (”Hey ocean, you still work for beach?”)
Houston actually played pretty well, considering their entire offense is just Tracy McGrady dribbling around and either creating a shot or passing it out to Bobby Jackson for a long jumper. Yao Ming could run out there carrying the Olympic torch and being chased by a band of protesters wearing Rockets jerseys, and Utah would still just keep moving the ball around the perimeter and trying to slip it to Boozer along the baseline. Utah is the constant, the K. Houston’s just getting KO’d.
To their credit, the Rockets are a scrappy bunch. They kept this game close and then had the ball down three with about 30 seconds left when Luis Scola made a rookie mistake, even though he’s in his late 40s, by fouling Kirilenko and effectively ending the game. As I type this, Rick Adelman is stammering through a press conference about how the Rockets played as well as they could play and they still lost. I’m waiting for him to start waving a white flag.
Some other random thoughts…
• What’s worse in the Cavs’ pregame introductions: LeBron and Basketball Jones pretending to hold up mirrors and let each other adjust their looks, or Damon looking directly into the TNT camera afterward to make sure it had been on camera?
• Washington doubled LeBron some, but shouldn’t they be doubling him from the minute LeBron gets out of his car?
• Reggie Miller was dead on when he pointed out that Washington really had “no assembleance of an offense.” Insightful.
• With the way LeBron zips about on the court, it’s easy to forget how strong he is. But there was one play in the fourth quarter where Bron was around the free throw line driving to his right to the basket, with Antonio Daniels trying to guard him. Daniels was just a little bit off-balance, and LeBron slammed his right shoulder into Daniels, who went soaring out of bounds along the baseline. And a foul was called on Daniels. But Bron just shrugged him off about 12 feet.
• If Cleveland doesn’t add some personnel next season, LeBron should opt out of his deal and take the minimum to go play on a great team for a year or two. Imagine if he went to Boston or L.A.? He doesn’t need the cash, so let him create a legacy as the guy who left the money behind in his prime in order to win championships.
• That’ll never happen, but still.
• Mike Brown has no excuse for playing LeBron for 40 minutes, either. Give that man a rest, especially when they’re trying to take him out.
• I can’t believe Dan Gilbert hasn’t thought of this yet: at Cleveland home games they should sell Ben Wallace Cotton Candy, where they dye it black and puff it out like Big Ben’s hair.
• I bet a Playoff team never thought they’d desperately need Rafer Alston to return from injury.
• Kevin Harlan referred to Craig Sager as “our award-winning reporter.” I didn’t think Mr. Blackwell counted.
Your turn…
191 Responses to “Links: Playoffs Diary Day Three”
Apr.22 at 1:08 am
Joey says:
FIRST!!!
Apr.22 at 1:08 am
Joey says:
the cotton candy idea is mad btw
Apr.22 at 1:10 am
Russ Bengtson says:
I hope DeShawn Stevenson hits Damon Jones with a baseball bat.
Apr.22 at 1:14 am
Holiday says:
Scola and Rooks are some dirty azz players enough said!!!
Apr.22 at 1:14 am
Michael NZ says:
If both Stevenson and Damon Jones got hit with a bat would anyone care? Rockets WILL get swept… now that’s insight!
Apr.22 at 1:15 am
James215 Sixers says:
LEBRON JAMESSSS!!! SHOULD BE THE M.V.P
Apr.22 at 1:18 am
Mehmet says:
Lebron shouldn’t earn less than he deserves. That would be unfair, not for Lebron but for other teams. Defeats the whole purpose of the salary cap.
Apr.22 at 1:22 am
RV says:
Scola is the dirty player?
Apr.22 at 1:24 am
Hursty says:
go away mehmet. Had enough of your shooting today. sexyback has +24 russ, just sayin
Apr.22 at 1:24 am
RV says:
Lang, as obvious as AK’s flop was, you should edit the part about Scola’s rookie mistake, replace it with his gambling on D leaving Booz open
Apr.22 at 1:24 am
Holiday says:
Well last time I checked you can’t use your arm to push another player away to make room for a shot! But maybe that’s changed cause Scola got away with it all night but they still came up short!
Apr.22 at 1:25 am
Hursty says:
holiday doesnt realise that some of the stuff he says is really silly. otherthen that usually hes a joke.
Apr.22 at 1:26 am
Hursty says:
got called in game one
Apr.22 at 1:27 am
Holiday says:
And I’ll give it to you AK sold that fake pretty good but after that foul on Korver not called, and the obvious hack by Rooks on D-Will went without penalty it was justified I think!
Apr.22 at 1:28 am
RV says:
wow, Holiday, let me borrow that handicap placard you use due to ur blindness
Apr.22 at 1:30 am
RV says:
I always ignore comments made by posters who don’t get player’s names correctly…..a sure sign of not watching much basketball
Apr.22 at 1:30 am
Holiday says:
Honestly what’s silly about arguing what you feel you see in the game, I guess you must be a Houston fan! Anyway what’s with that stupid look T-Mac has on his face every time he score’s like he’s mad and gonna do something about it, nice point in the 4th way to take over!
Apr.22 at 1:34 am
Hursty says:
it just occured to me that I wrote russ instead of Lang. my bad.
Apr.22 at 1:34 am
KA says:
y’all need to stop posting ‘firts’ for the sake of it. its frickin retarded and makes the comments section come off like 13 year olds posts here. lebron, is effing unreal. haywood got a good one in tho. pistons shouldve been doing that last year. also, god i fricking hate memo. argh.
Apr.22 at 1:37 am
Hursty says:
KA, houston fan?
Apr.22 at 1:41 am
RV says:
i bet he just hates Utah, Utah-haters are common outside of Utah, they just force you to hate them even when they’re not playing your team
Apr.22 at 1:42 am
Holiday says:
How about that Korver shot with 1 second on the shot clock, good thing McGrady wasn’t guarding to close he might have lost his good eye too!
Apr.22 at 1:43 am
Hursty says:
is it because of the mormons? sloan? or just utah in general? it looks nice enough.
Apr.22 at 1:44 am
KA says:
naw, i like deron, i like sloan, but memos time with pistons leaves me with a bad taste that id actually consider appending trash to euro for once.
Apr.22 at 1:45 am
Hursty says:
why are the jazz called Utah? shouldnt it be salt lake city? only other team i can think of is Golden State and they used to be san fransisco.
Apr.22 at 1:45 am
Holiday says:
Where’s the Houston fans, they defend there team like Barkley defended Stockton on that shot in ‘97! hahahahaha!!!!
Apr.22 at 1:48 am
Hursty says:
get fu(ked holiday. lemme guess- you cheer for the grizzlies? no. you must be one of the turncoats who cheer for the Celtics now they are playing great and are sucessful again. Because if you were here last year you sure didnt stick up for your team.
Apr.22 at 1:49 am
KA says:
hey guys this link is greeeeeeeaaaaatttt (dirk related)
http://basketbawful.blogspot.com/2008/04/monday-afternoon-pit-love.html
Apr.22 at 1:50 am
Hursty says:
no reply? shame.
Apr.22 at 1:51 am
Holiday says:
Oh really? Check the archives for the Golden State Utah series and the Spurs Jazz, I’ve been die hard for the Jazz all my life! Doubt anybody stuck up for a team like I did!
Apr.22 at 1:51 am
RV says:
Hursty, its because they have always flopped and being a bit dirty since the Malone-Stockton days, they truly use everything possible to their advantage, its what makes them a great franchise over the last decade, but hated somewhat, if most of their players weren’t good guys though someone would have beat their ass by now, Sheed, ron ron, somebody..
Apr.22 at 1:53 am
Holiday says:
Everybody hates on Utah and the Jazz, alway’s have, and all that stuff about the Warren Jeffs and Poligamy, that is no were near Salt Lake you people really honestly have no Idea what it’s like hear unless you’ve been hear!
Apr.22 at 1:54 am
RV says:
Hursty, as for the name, i’m not sure why its Utah instead of salt lake, maybe it just has a nice RING to it, i’d ask holiday, but i don’t think jazz fans know anything about RINGS..
Apr.22 at 1:54 am
Hursty says:
go find it for me holiday. diehard huh? orangify thy self and lets see. 1 year makes you diehard? whatever.
Apr.22 at 1:54 am
eric g says:
It really is deflating to watch McGrady go out like this again. I’m starting to feel really bad for the dude. Its hard to even cheer for him anymore, its like he’s just destined to fail.
Apr.22 at 1:55 am
Holiday says:
Sheed already punked out to Malone a while back your better off putting Kenyon Martin in the Mix!
Apr.22 at 1:56 am
Hursty says:
haha. a double pun RV. i wish holiday would make proper sentences that other non americans might understand. That would be nice.
Apr.22 at 1:57 am
Mehmet says:
Hursty, there’s also Minnesota, Indiana and New Jersey. So it’s not uncommon to name team after states.
Apr.22 at 1:57 am
Hubert says:
cut AK some slack. he’s 1 for 8 tonight!
Apr.22 at 1:58 am
Holiday says:
One year ha! been riding this one since ‘96 buddy when I was pretty dang young, but I guess based off my post’s you get a real autobiography huh?
Apr.22 at 1:59 am
RV says:
Tmac is just complacent, to the fans its failing, not giving the city another championship, but to tmac its just not putting the icing on an already great cake…
Apr.22 at 2:00 am
RV says:
well maybe just a good cake, not great
Apr.22 at 2:00 am
Hursty says:
Indianapolis(sp?) sounds silly though. same name anyways. New Jersey is a state?!? thought it was a city. Minny is the same as Indy. Also, they had the Lakers didnt they?
Apr.22 at 2:00 am
Holiday says:
Wow I didn’t know this was a tryout to be a columnist for the mag or something, let me take my time to right a novel and proof read sound good?
Apr.22 at 2:02 am
RV says:
holiday you sure its not before 96? I’d block out 94 and 95 if i was a jazz fan also…
Apr.22 at 2:02 am
Holiday says:
Figures you wouldn’t be to good and geography and what not there Hursty!
Apr.22 at 2:03 am
RV says:
the lakers were actually minneapolis though
Apr.22 at 2:03 am
RV says:
Holiday he’s from Australia…
Apr.22 at 2:05 am
Mehmet says:
True, they used to be Minneapolis Lakers. I guess Minneapolis Timbervolwes didn’t make sense (wolves from the city?!) so they chose to go with Minnesota. Indianapolis Colts! Sounds good to me. And yes NJ is a state, but there is a New Jersey City, like there’s Oklahoma City.
Apr.22 at 2:05 am
Holiday says:
yeah and the fact that I was in the 3rd grade and didn’t care much for anything is irrelevent huh? but correct me if im wrong but that had to fall under there 20 straight playoff apperance streak wouldn’t it????
Apr.22 at 2:05 am
Hursty says:
Im not going to go looking back through the archives so you can justify your position. Do it yourself. Why didnt you post on the recap page like the other team fans? too special? The Post Up? If youve been here longer than a week, you’ll know thats where the game recaps are. Why not speak there? Voice your opinion? I have no issue with the Jazz as a team-they’re very good. It does however, rile me up when people talk sh!t without backing it up. Funny that you support the Jazz in 96 when it becomes apparent that success is not far off. Its probably just a coincidence though.
Apr.22 at 2:07 am
Holiday says:
Yeah and the name RV originates from your life growing up in a trailer park or what?
Apr.22 at 2:09 am
Hursty says:
so how old are you Holiday? what kinda name is that anyways? Go orange at least.
Apr.22 at 2:10 am
Holiday says:
Yeah the first 12 year’s in the Playoff’s didn’t count huh? what about the three years outta the playoffs that I stuck around for that just don’t count or what?
Apr.22 at 2:10 am
Hursty says:
Thats Kentucky buddy. Get your geography straight.
Apr.22 at 2:11 am
Holiday says:
Seriously with a name like Hursty your calling me out, and what is the deal with orange anyway!
Apr.22 at 2:12 am
RV says:
wow, right out of left field with the “name” insult, too bad they’re intials and not a name.
Apr.22 at 2:12 am
Holiday says:
Im 22 by the way and what does Kentucky have to do with anything?
Apr.22 at 2:13 am
Hursty says:
so…. the years Htown didnt make the playoffs because of various injuries etc. make your campaigns so much more important? I would rather not make the playoffs and get in the lottery than the 7/8th seed. BTW, its 4pm over here. If your awake trying to defend your team past midnight, its your choice but I’ll have the last say
Apr.22 at 2:14 am
Holiday says:
Well what’s this un-American Austrailian crap I love this somebody comes in that you all don’t agree with defending there team and all the sudden he’s the bad guy huh?
Apr.22 at 2:15 am
Hursty says:
pulling the trailer name out. Hursty might be… oh, I dont know…an actual NAME?
Apr.22 at 2:16 am
Holiday says:
Oh well just like last year the Jazz will have the last say in this series!
Apr.22 at 2:17 am
RV says:
wtf did u just say holiday..
Apr.22 at 2:17 am
Holiday says:
Well let me ask you this were exactly are you from Hursty?
Apr.22 at 2:17 am
Hursty says:
If you read what I post that Q is really dumb. I already answered it.
Apr.22 at 2:18 am
Holiday says:
Listen RV you start talking $h)it and Im suppose to take it, of course Im gonna talk back!
Apr.22 at 2:19 am
Mehmet says:
I think making the playoffs is always better than not making them. Playoff experience counts a lot. And the draft is not the only way to improve your team. Just look at the Celtics this year. Lottery is just a consolation for bad teams.
Apr.22 at 2:20 am
Holiday says:
Yeah Im not seeing anything that would indicate were your from, you say it’s 4pm that couldn’t be US!
Apr.22 at 2:22 am
Hursty says:
EXATLY? im still confused at your 2:14 comment.
Apr.22 at 2:22 am
Mehmet says:
It’s 4 in Australia.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Apr.22 at 2:24 am
Holiday says:
Yeah that was directed at RV not you!
Apr.22 at 2:24 am
RV says:
if you read that post you wrote you’ll be just as confused by it as i was…that was literally the first thing that came to mind..wtf..
Apr.22 at 2:25 am
Hursty says:
Mehmet-then how did they get Ray Allen? IF the C’s played that badly to get that pick then wasnt that a good thing in the long run? KG said he never woulda gone there if Ray hadn’t. It was timing. Again Holiday, you prove my point. read my previous comments.
Apr.22 at 2:25 am
RV says:
hursty is the Australian, so that comment could not have been directed at me
Apr.22 at 2:25 am
Holiday says:
Yeah and not to mention the Spurs do they even have a rookie? there old ass $h,it
Apr.22 at 2:27 am
Holiday says:
My bad I misread your comment from 2:03 I thought you were talking trash or something!
Apr.22 at 2:28 am
RV says:
i agree playoffs are good, it brings consistency, u can get lucky in the lottery (see: Spurs/duncan, rockets-Yao), but you can end up in the NBA basement for several years if it turns out to be bad luck (see: 76rs, clippers)
Apr.22 at 2:29 am
Hursty says:
Thats because theyve had Duncan and they trade away pciks for players. Tiago Splitter is in the euro-league still. They get players they need and can work with. A smart ball club. If the player isnt what they thought he’d be then they trade for someone else.
Apr.22 at 2:32 am
Holiday says:
Yeah San Antonio has there stuff together! The Barry move to get Thomas and bring him back pretty smart!
Apr.22 at 2:33 am
RV says:
i’m wondering now if this is the reason the Spurs traded Scola for nothing: Scola is extremely competitive, he never quits, constantly goes 100 mph, so that results in hustle plays and timely buckets, etc., BUT, it also results in careless fouls, out of control moves, hesitation due to being afraid to make the wrong decision…..so maybe the spurs scouts noticed this and figured he had too many negatives to go with his many positives? The spurs scouting aint no joke, so i wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the reason
Apr.22 at 2:34 am
KA says:
i dont have a problem with teams tanking to get into the lottery. like spurs did with duncan. they even had to go thru that phase where they put up with rodman, yeesh. but not to the point of self embarassment like miami just did. they were recent champs fergawdsake with a named coach. have some self respect.
Apr.22 at 2:34 am
RV says:
and i dont think solving it is as easy as telling him to tone it down, because a calmer Scola isn’t a good Scola
Apr.22 at 2:35 am
Hursty says:
splitter is a beast btw. total monster at the moment. cant wait to see him play in the L one day.
Apr.22 at 2:36 am
Holiday says:
Not to mention his age, Im not sure what they got for him but they also don’t have a big need for big men!
Apr.22 at 2:41 am
Hursty says:
KA, the spurs didnt really tank. Robinson was unavailable, the guards were all injured etc. Not like the Miami saga. thats quite awful. Besides, they still won games and only had a slim chance of getting the no1. pick just like the rockets with Yao and Blazers with Oden.
Apr.22 at 2:42 am
RV says:
he’s only 27, he’s right there with manu, tp, TD, they got spanoulis for him and cash, then they released spanoulis, so pretty much just cash, i think that’s what allowed them to get Udoka, but i still think they could have traded scola elsewhere for a better fit on their team
Apr.22 at 2:43 am
Mehmet says:
Celtics ended up with the 5th pick. Ainge manuevered well and got lucky in the end. The lottery itself was not that worthy. The thing is they didn’t want to go to the lottery every year, so they gave up some young guys to get back to the playoffs ASAP. If you keep missing the playoffs, like the Hawks, and rely on the lottery every year, it might take you 9 years just to make it back as the 8th seed. You want to maintain a winning culture in your franchise.
Apr.22 at 2:44 am
KA says:
LUIS SCOLA MY FRIEND FROM ARGENTINA /deke
Apr.22 at 2:46 am
RV says:
LOL, its more like LuuIZZZ Zkola
Apr.22 at 2:46 am
KA says:
btw, i hate danny too. even if he did teach bob horry how to shoot the corner 3.
haha, celtics luck. where are the fingers ainge haters now
Apr.22 at 2:47 am
Hursty says:
Mehmet, regardless they are in the playoffs with a really young team and will be there for years to come while (eventually) teams like Detroit and Celtics will fade out unless they redo the rosters. hawks, magic, wiz, cavs bulls(maybe) will be around for a long time I think.
Apr.22 at 2:52 am
RV says:
i wish the cavs could end up with Derrick Rose somehow, a fast break with lebron and rose on each wing would be crazy….if you haven’t seen Rose fly, you tube him, he did a windmill during a game in high school that’s unreal
Apr.22 at 2:55 am
Hursty says:
houston should trade for him on draft night, that would be awesome-as long as its not for Yao. Tmac-if its with other players and obviously a very good deal for the rockets. Rockets havent gone anywhere.
Apr.22 at 2:59 am
RV says:
yeah that’s only gonna happen if you find compromising pics of Riles, but some more of those star jones-wade pics should get you Rose AND Marion…start looking..
Apr.22 at 3:01 am
Mehmet says:
Some teams just cannot afford to lose for long. Look at the Lakers, they missed the playoffs just once after the 3-peat and now they’re back in the as #1 seed. Its hard though, it takes a winner coach and great team executives. Unfortunately most teams take the easy road and tank and pray for a #1 pick.
Apr.22 at 3:02 am
RV says:
i’m out for tonight i’ve got an early class tomorrow, spurs-suns part II tomorrow
Apr.22 at 3:04 am
Hursty says:
You should see Carlton football club in the AFL here. 7 out of 10 No 1. picks the last 10 years. hasnt qualified for the playoffs in that time. fu(king stupid, they were a glory club too, like the C’s and Lakers. Imagine losing for that long. The picks are based straight away on worst record rather than a lottery. They still suck.
Apr.22 at 3:06 am
Hursty says:
later RV.
Apr.22 at 4:00 am
Cavs2323 says:
LeBron has 2 years left on his contract after this, so how could he walk away? I know you said it’ll never happen, but he can’t just get walk out and leave whenever the hell he feels like it. Let’s try not to go all ESPN on us here.
Apr.22 at 4:15 am
Logan says:
its harder to stop Lebron when the refs are not calling any travels…i don’t mean to hate but c’mon…that ’statement’ dunk was a blatant travel…
Apr.22 at 4:36 am
tealish says:
Who else saw Wally snatch a rebound away from Bron late in the third? Bron gave him a look like, “Who’s going for the triple double, son?”, while Wally searches for sympathy with a look that seemed to reply, “Sorry King, I am but a poor peasant trying to earn his keep in thy majesty’s court.”
No one else? Just me, I guess.
Apr.22 at 5:43 am
purba says:
I´m a depressed Rockets fan. So forgive me for desperately seeking something to cheer me up, in this oh-so-dark past-22-win-streak-days. Found this classic on soccernet.com, courtesy of Phill Ball:
According to anthropologists, most men, given a certain amount of training, can be taken back to a primal state of physical efficiency. This would enable them, for example, to track a wild boar (assuming there’s one around) for the best part of two days, then kill it with a throw of a spear from some sixty metres. However, the average contemporary member of the male species, when searching for his favourite purple underpants in the bedroom, will eventually depend (via a question) on his female partner to establish the whereabouts of said undergarments. Female partner will normally reply, ‘In the drawer in front of your nose, you dork’.
Apr.22 at 6:18 am
Logan says:
@tealish - yeah I saw that. better with your commentary though
Apr.22 at 7:20 am
Tariq says:
Lang (or anyone else, since Lang probably won’t respond): Question:
Does the fact that I know that ”Hey ocean, you still work for beach?” is a reference to the time Mutombo exclaimed, with Russ and Lang in earshot, “Hey Triche, you still work for Hawk?” mean that I should turn off my computer and get a life? I’m leaning towards “perchance”.
Apr.22 at 7:29 am
TADOne says:
If that is the case Tariq, i’m in the “get a life” line right behind you.
Oh, and LeBron James.
Apr.22 at 8:12 am
FLUXLAND says:
Is this was Rosen calls an average player at best? LeBron is SICK! TMac - karma is a lady not to be messed with, isn’t it?
—
Russ, I think if anyone on the Cavs does the “waving hand in front of the face” thing in Washington and the Wiz are getting blow out, Gil or someone will turn into Artest and we will have another, potentially more epic, brawl in the NBA. I, personally cannot wait.
Apr.22 at 8:12 am
maio says:
There’s no TEAM in LEBRON.
Apr.22 at 8:22 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
I was watching the 2nd game with some people not familiar with the NBA. I had to explain the McGrady thing to them… they started to cry.
Apr.22 at 8:30 am
Logan says:
i really feel for T-Mac. I really think he shut himself down in the last quarter more than anyone else….on a tangent, I was explaining the first round T-Mac curse to my girl and she pretended to hear me and just said ‘thats great’ …..she tends to do that come playoff time
Apr.22 at 8:47 am
DP says:
I’m sorry rockets fans but you knew this was coming. T-Mac just isn’t made for the playoffs and he knows this himself. They just cannot win with a cast of guys like that. T-Mac looks like he doesn’t even want to be in the game sometimes………….damn. play wit it.
Apr.22 at 8:49 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Where are all those people so sure that the Wiz would be the James? Didn’t I (and others) tell James would be on some other levelsh!t this playoffs - he’s just getting started.
Apr.22 at 8:51 am
Tariq says:
The “Straight BAngin” blog really managed to encapsulate how I feel about TMac. Good stuff. And I think one of those guys has Slam affiliations.
Apr.22 at 8:52 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
T-Mac is now offcially believing the hype that he will never get out of the playoffs - if Dirk is a choker (as last years playoff-run suggests) T-Mac is a suicide waiting to happen. T-Mac has become affraid of the game come playoffs-time, what a waste..
Apr.22 at 8:52 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
*beat
Apr.22 at 8:54 am
DP says:
agree with Lz, T-Mac isn’t the DUDE that the Rockets need. trade his ass.
Apr.22 at 8:54 am
FLUXLAND says:
If Tracy gets swept again, they need to put him on suicide watch. I wanna see the post game intrview..bet he just shrugs his shoulders to very question or starts crying while screaming: “Why? Why me?”. Maybe he’ll retire or ask to be sent to the NBDL. That way he can win a few chips and mvps and not end up in a straight jacket.
Apr.22 at 8:55 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
*you - sorry for the typos it’s early.
Apr.22 at 8:56 am
FLUXLAND says:
hahaha LZ.. no doubt .. suicide watch! And yeah i think he himself has given up..I mean that whole “Its not on me speech” has to be the white flag.
Apr.22 at 8:56 am
Tariq says:
DP: I don’t agree with that. The only playoff loss that I really had any kind of knock on McGrady was the Detroit-Orlando one when they lost after being up 3-1. He’s lost three straight Game 7s. Last season, he excelled, but they just couldn’t pull it out. And this season,yeah, he went scoreless in the 4th, but that’s because he had to do EVERYTHING prior to that. Would Kobe or Bron have willed their teams to the 2nd round in similar situations? Probably. But that’s why T-Mac is not on their level. But he’s right behind them.
Apr.22 at 8:57 am
TADOne says:
Mavs/Hornets and Suns/Spurs tonight. Looks like i’ll be sleep deprived tomorrow.
Apr.22 at 8:57 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Flux; remember now T-Mac has the famous “I’m not out their on my own”-line to use as a shield against media and his own fear of the playoffs-games/his legacy as a perennial loser.
Apr.22 at 9:00 am
Tariq says:
LZ: Garnett has only been out of the first round ONCE before. And Grant Hill never has. Would you say that they’re perennial losers? Did you consider KG a perennial loser up until 2003?
Apr.22 at 9:03 am
Cheryl says:
2 things: TMac needs 2 other elite players to make any noise in the playoffs (Yao’s rather soft, and seems a bit injury-prone)and who did Bron pay to get his shoes so much air time while at the free throw line. The camera zoomed in several times on the shoes, yet the commentators made no mention of them. I thought they were going to announce which style he was wearing, but if they noticed (Harlan and Reggie) they didn’t say anything. It was really strange to me.
Apr.22 at 9:04 am
Eboy says:
Boy, I’m glad I’m asleep when conversations like hursty, Rv’s and Holiday’s occur. Lebron James.
Apr.22 at 9:05 am
FLUXLAND says:
There is no doubt the guy is not made for the playoffs..two games in a row he’s playing Where’s Waldo in the 4th! Does he wear a diaper on the court?
Apr.22 at 9:06 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Tariq; Maybe you can’t knock T-Mac for all of their exits. but I disagree with you; after his statements “this team goes as far as I can take them” you can always knock him for at least that Utah-series - If you can talk the talk, you have to walk the walk (as Deshawn is currently experiencing). No matter that he had to do everthing prior to the 4th, dude went SCORELESS when it mattered - his their star for chrissake, if that’s not choking (and doesn’t need to be called out), then Dirk’s choker status need to reevaluated too.
Apr.22 at 9:08 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Garnett wasen’t playing with Yao + Garnett went far with the Wolves the one year they assembled a talented team, the other years their teams were pretty bad + him. Grant Hill has been injured all his life, he doesn’t count.
Apr.22 at 9:08 am
FLUXLAND says:
The one thing that got me about the Wiz game is that I thought Gil had a bum wrist and neither announcer (if you can call Reggie’s bingo hall work announcing) mentioned that. Unless I missed it or am missing something. They kept talking about his knee! Do these guys do research before the game?
Apr.22 at 9:19 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Tariq?
Apr.22 at 9:26 am
RV says:
we only do it so you have something to read with your breakfast Eboy
Apr.22 at 9:31 am
Eboy says:
I appreciate it RV.
Apr.22 at 9:32 am
Tariq says:
LZ: Grant Hill endured four straight first-round exits before he ever got injured. Back when he was the “Next Mike”. But I’d never accuse Hill of being a loser. And are the Rockets minus Yao and Rafer that much better than KG’s Playoff Wolves? Seriously? I mean, I was trying to be optimistic before the series began, but the writing was on the wall. And if you want to compare TMac to Dirk, well: last night McGrady had 23 pts, 13 rbs, 9 assts, 3 stls and 2 blocks. And they still lost. Last year in Game 7, he had 29 pts, 13 assts, 5 rebs and 3 blks. While Dirk had… um…8 pts. And in every season that McGrady has lost, his team has been the lower seed, with the exception of these last two Utah series. Also, I find it hard to believe when someone who has career postseason averages of 28,7 and 6 “isn’t built” for the playoffs. Sometimes there are just things that are out of your control, no matter how good a player you are. That being said, I do accept that Mac should take SOME criticism. If he didn’t have this whole first-round thing on his resume, he’d arguably be in the Kobe/Bron stratosphere (well, maaybe not.Still…) But, under no circumstances, is Mac a loser. That’s just unfair.
Apr.22 at 9:32 am
RV says:
and the “tmac had to do everything so its ok for him to be tired and disappear late in the game ” is way overrated, tmac did a lot, but its not the first time a player (almost) had a triple double in the playoffs, or had to carry a team, and they were able to finish the game strong, all stars are suppose to be built to go the distance, you never know when there will be an OT, or double ot triple, i didn’t see nash shy away from a corner 3 because he was tired or TD say he didn’t have the legs for a 3 and those are some old(er) guys who do a lot as well, maybe asking him to play at that level for over 48 mins is too much, but he stopped at 36 and didn’t exactly start until minute 12.
Apr.22 at 9:35 am
Tariq says:
RV: Nash had Amare. Duncan had Ginobili and Parker. Mac had Wild-a$$ Chuck Hayes.
Apr.22 at 9:37 am
Tariq says:
RV: And like I said, there’s a difference between criticizing Mac, which I’m fine with, and writing off, which I’m not.
Apr.22 at 9:37 am
Tariq says:
*…writing HIM off…
Apr.22 at 9:39 am
Tariq says:
LZ: In addition, I actually am a Dirk-hater, but I do think his “choker” rep is a LITTLE overblown. But let’s not get into that now.
Apr.22 at 9:39 am
Tariq says:
LZ?
Apr.22 at 9:58 am
andrew says:
hey is it just me or has anyone else noticed jerry sloan appears to be looking sharper than normal ie. his tie is all the way up rather than a little loose. he also reminds me of gill from the simpsons.
lebron is a beast and he aint going anywhere besides the brooklyn nets. the perfect basketball player would be lebron with kgz mindset.. that would be unstoppable
Apr.22 at 10:08 am
TADOne says:
Tariq is wise.
Apr.22 at 10:12 am
B. Long says:
T-Mac will be the next dude to get traded to a contender out of sheer pity….Ben Wallace should have dismembered Gaywood immediately after that foul!
Apr.22 at 10:14 am
RV says:
I agree they had more help Tariq, but if you were to focus a camera on tmac the whole game and then focus it on kobe when he was carrying a team, i think u’d see more constant movement and energy from kobe and those other top guys, working harder for shots, more burst, from beginning to end.
Apr.22 at 10:14 am
Benny says:
The truth is, the Jazz are better than their record this year. No one should be blaming T-mac or anyone in Houston for losing to a much stronger team. A bunch of the road games Utah lost during the season were against bottom-feeders, when the young team couldn’t get excited about playing. Against playoff-bound teams, I believe they had the best or second-best record in the league. As an example, if you take away just Utah’s losses to the worst four teams in the league (Memphis, Seattle, New York, Miami) they’d be the top seed in the West right now.
Apr.22 at 10:16 am
B. Long says:
T-mac to Nawlins for next 3 1st rounders. Play wit it!
Apr.22 at 10:17 am
Tariq says:
RV: You mean back when Kobe was being dumped out of the first round by the Suns?
Apr.22 at 10:18 am
Tariq says:
Or when Kobe “disappeared” for Game 7?
Apr.22 at 10:24 am
B. Long says:
The Raps need to bring Charles Oakley in as a “Special” Consultant. Him and Sam Mitchell have enough gulliness combined that it would force CB4 to grow a spine.., Just not one like T.J.’s though.
Apr.22 at 10:34 am
B. Long says:
Tariq: comparing Mamba to the big sleep is like comparing NWA to the fat boys.
Apr.22 at 10:44 am
RV says:
Tariq, i know Kobe wasn’t succesful, but i’m not talking about playing as a team or carrying a team, which is better etc., my issue with tmac is his conditioning/training, i always thought he’d be better with filling out more, and ever since i saw his workout video on you tube i’m certain that’s his problem. Tmac would absorb shock better if he filled out more, notice how he’s always grimacing on contact, he doesn’t get hit as much or as hard as other guys, yet he complains and gets hurt more.
Apr.22 at 10:46 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Sorry Tariq, I actually had to work a bit - hate when that happens. Have to admit your points are very valid - hate when that happens. When that said, I still think he isn’t a Winner. Because he still, no matter other circumstances, have the most firstround exits for any bigname starplayer. Saw game 1, and I’m just not impressed. His stats are for sure outragous but he just kind of doesn’t assert himself when it matters in the games I’ve seen. Like RV 9:32 comment points out, tired is not and excuse or option for the real studs. T-Mac has the game of one, but the mindset - I don’t think so.
Apr.22 at 10:52 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Also agree on Dirk’s choker rep being overblown - and I’m neither a lover or hater of the German (since my country is always the first to be invaded by the Germans whenever they launch a World War, loving a German is not the easiest thing). Dirk choked for sure vs. Warriors and to some extent vs. Heat (but remember in that series the Heat’s best player was named Ref), but other than that I think Dirk’s clutch-skills are pretty average.
Apr.22 at 10:53 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
*Sorry for being late with my response that is Tariq.
Apr.22 at 10:58 am
B. Long says:
If Dirk doest get the Mavs out of the first round the team needs to get blown up. Doesn’t matter that they’re the lower seed this team will never be better than it is right now as assembled.
Apr.22 at 11:04 am
Tariq says:
B.Long: No. Comparing Kobe to T-Mac is like comparing OutKast to the Dogg Pound.
Apr.22 at 11:10 am
Tariq says:
RV: OK, you think T-Mac should focus on his conditioning…fine. I don’t knlw much about that, so I’m not going to argue for or against, but I can accept that you would criticize a certain aspect of his game or approach. But I just don’t like it when people overreact and call T-Mac a loser because of this. It shows me how fickle people can be. I mean, wouldn’t a “loser” have mailed it in after Yao went down instead of leading his team on that streak? Doesn’t that count for anything? And EVERYONE, with the exception of me (because I’m dumb) and hursty (because he’s a Rocket fan) were saying that Utah would take the series in MAYBE 5 before Game 1 even started because the Rockets were depleted and not equipped to beat the Jazz. But now everthing is Mac’s fault? Please. That’s all I’m saying.
Apr.22 at 11:12 am
Tariq says:
LZ: Are you Polish?!
Apr.22 at 11:15 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Tariq it’s not (only) Mac’s fault - I also had Utah in 5 - but him being the Captain of the (sinking) ship, it’s only right that the responsibility in the end gets placed at his desk. Remember 0 in the 4th. No matter his stats, effort, fatigue or anything up till the 4th - that’s just not good enough.
Apr.22 at 11:16 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Tariq; Danish - please don’t hold it against me.
Apr.22 at 11:19 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
And Kobe can never be Outkast - he’s Puffy/Diddy/whatever his moniker - best at what he do, but as fake as they come. Outkast are keeping it way to real.
Apr.22 at 11:33 am
DP says:
Shaq is more like Puffy than Kobe my friend. Dude is really fake and he’s only down for his teammates when it benifits his ass the most. Look up Heat, Miami please.
Apr.22 at 11:36 am
DP says:
T-mac is like a Styles P. good artist but he will never make it big big time. T-mac needs his own D-block right about now though.
Apr.22 at 12:15 pm
Tariq says:
LZ: There’s a huge difference between Kobe and Puffy: Kobe doesn’t suck.
Apr.22 at 12:19 pm
Tariq says:
LZ: “No matter his stats, effort, fatigue or anything up till the 4th - that’s just not good enough.” Oh, I definitely agree with that. But I’m just saying that T-Mac is not a loser. I mean, I remember a few years ago SLAM put out an issue of the Top 75 Players Ever. And the criteria was that it’s not based on potential, but on if the player retired right now. T-Mac was on that list. No players on that list are “losers”. That’s my only point. Meaning that despite his failures, Mac is still a great player. This impending sweep doesn’t change that.
Apr.22 at 12:23 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
“Shaq is more like Puffy than Kobe my friend. Dude is really fake and he’s only down for his teammates when it benifits his ass the most. Look up Heat, Miami please.”: and this doesn’t go for Kobe? This summer he was calling everybody out; Bynum, his team, the org, Kupchak. When they improved and started winning dude is sucking up to everybody; players especially Bynum, coach, and Kupchak, so no Tariq Kobe does indeed suck. Dude is as fake and selfish as they come. Shaq’s selfish too but remember him taking Wade under his wing. If a player as talented as Wade would ever be on the same team as Bryant, he would do everything to make sure he was still the man.
Apr.22 at 12:29 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Tariq: I concur. Loser was maybe a little harsh. But technically untill he wins something when it matters it’s correct. Same as everybody calling Mavs/Dirk (sorry my best and most recent example therefore the recycling)losers - I haven’t heard anybody complain about that. Remember Dirk’s been far in the playoffs, carried his team to the finals and people still label him a loser all the time. Since this seems to be the discourse on this forum, I think it’s very valid calling Mac one aswell.
Apr.22 at 12:29 pm
Andy says:
LeBron should opt out and come to LA for the minimum and get a championship…or 7.
Apr.22 at 12:31 pm
DP says:
both are in the wrong. But Kobe stayed with his team and learned how to adjust and trust his teammates. Shaq just doesn’t give a damn but hey whatever, he wanted to go and they traded him so it’s all good. play wit it.
Apr.22 at 12:31 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Andy; hence my prior comment. Kobe wouldn’t allow it. It wouldn’t sit well with him to be No.2 on his own team.
Apr.22 at 12:32 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Here we go again - Fire in the hole! I’m expecting heavy flak for that comment.
Apr.22 at 12:39 pm
DP says:
yes there is a fire in the hole. What were you thinking Lz? you think this is a game you can play with me man? nah I’m playin wit you but 4 real you made some good points it is just that I think Kobe has really changed for the better. and if I’m wrong, sue my ass. play wit it.
Apr.22 at 12:39 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
DP; sure both are wrong, and I’m not protecting Shaq - no doubt his somewhat of a d!ck. But at least he’s his own man. Kobe’s a flipflopping wannabe Mike. I repeat as fake as they come. Shaq has never called anybody out and then gone back on his comment. Kobe was pretty livid about his feelings about Bynum, 20 doubledoubles (or so) and a good winning percentage later, he’s basically giving him a reacharound in the shower. If that’s not fake..
Apr.22 at 12:40 pm
DP says:
T-mac, it’s cool man. just ease your mind.
Apr.22 at 12:42 pm
DP says:
…………………………………….
Apr.22 at 12:43 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
You could be right my friend, maybe he has changed for the better. But if Lakers (that’s a big if) doesn’t win a championship soon my money is on that he will start bickering again.
Apr.22 at 12:44 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Playing with it, is was makes this forum so nice!
Apr.22 at 12:45 pm
DP says:
agreed Lz. i’m out. World History I’m off to. play wit it.
Apr.22 at 12:47 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
My dad’s an History professor - so belive me when I tell you, that I have been playing with it. have a good lecture/lesson!
Apr.22 at 12:55 pm
Tom says:
who in their right mind would want to eat black cotton candy??, Tariq: that kobe/tmac, outkast/dogg pound comparision was gold my friend
Apr.22 at 12:57 pm
RV says:
sorry had to go to class, but Tariq, i’m not sure why we started going back and forth with this, i’m more on
Apr.22 at 1:01 pm
RV says:
sorry had to go to class, but Tariq, i’m not sure why we started going back and forth with this, i’m a rockets fan also so i’m more on your side…i dont think he’s a loser, just complacent. Like i posted before, to the fans its failure because to them its “champions” or nothing else. Tmac sees the championship as icing on an already good cake so he’s cool with not having any icing..
Apr.22 at 1:02 pm
RV says:
damn wordpress
Apr.22 at 1:12 pm
RV says:
and houston’s homecourt sucks, they gave out like 15000 red t shirts in game one and sure enough the whole crowd was red and energized, game two, nothing. This isn’t the time to be cutting back on costs, at least give them signs, something..
Apr.22 at 1:38 pm
TADOne says:
Yeah, you know, cause it’s crazy to think the crowd should be energized by themselves. It’s only the playoffs, for pete’s sake.
Apr.22 at 1:47 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Yeah exactly TAD, they should just pay a bunch of Greek Olympiakos fans to come and cheer, soon enough everbody would be cheering, singing and throwing the occasional firecracker. Good times!
Apr.22 at 1:48 pm
RV says:
Tad, here in houston the lower bowl is full or corporate guests, business men with their dates or partners, etc. They aren’t into the game except for the occasional clap, its difficult for the rest of the crowd to get going when the guys up front aren’t even paying attn, with the shirts, they at least put them on and makes the crowd look united for once and doesn’t bring down the real fans
Apr.22 at 1:51 pm
RV says:
and i shouldnt just blame the corporate world, there’s plenty of others there who are just fairweather fans, sometimes its good to be a one sport town (GS, SA, Utah)
Apr.22 at 1:53 pm
pablo (from Argentina) says:
Bowen stopped Lebron in last year´s Finals. Is there anything wrong with your memory LANG?
Apr.22 at 1:56 pm
Tariq says:
LZ: If this were the proper forum for it, I would go into detail about how awesome Euro 92 was and how great both Laudrups were. Also, the Mexico 86 mauling of Uruguay. Unfortunately, it’s not, so I won’t.
Apr.22 at 2:40 pm
Darksaber says:
Lang that Yao “Free Tibet” line was AWESOME!
Apr.22 at 10:11 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
SUCH A DUMB FINAL SHOT BY THE RAPS. gahhh
Apr.24 at 5:41 am
SLAM ONLINE | » A Day Late and Six Points Short: Rockets v. Jazz Game Two says:
[…] To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure why I wrote this at all, except for a nagging sense of obligation. After all, Lang already wrote about the game here, and our faithful cadre of insomniac Rockets fans more or less live-blogged the entire game here. But there were still a few things I’d like to address: […]