How you rooting now?
Ever since May 5th, I've been carefully watching developments around the NBA, scouring the web for late breaking headlines, word of a loophole unveiled, or some kind of newly uncovered rules infraction that turns the world of hoops upside down. But now that every second round playoff series has either begun or is scheduled begin later tonight, I've resigned myself to the following conclusion:
The Lakers are indeed out of the playoffs, that's just not going to change and there you have it.
Now I don't know about every Lakersblog reader, but I always keep watching the playoffs, even after my Purple and Gold have been bounced. It's not always the most entertaining of experiences (Spurs vs. Nets for the 2003 crown, anyone?), but I love me some roundball, so I'm gonna stick around. But like anything with sports, it always helps to have a rooting interest. Thus, here are the top 3 teams I'm now hoping capture the Larry O'Brien.
1) The Phoenix Suns - For those of you who didn't shatter their laptops tossing them across the room, let me explain. I picked the Suns in October to win it all, so I'd like a shot at being able to say, "I'm not really a genius, but I play one in cyberspace." (Although BK picked Dallas, so at least I'm already more correct than him, which is always the most important contest to win). Plus, I'm one of those cats who takes comfort knowing my team got beat by the eventual champs. That's just how I roll. And Pat Burke's simply too good a player to go his entire career without a ring.
2) The San Antonio Spurs - My girlfriend is a huge Spurs fan (and before anyone starts bashing a L.A. woman rooting for the enemy, she's a native Texan, her entire family roots Spurs- I snagged a bunch of the team's media guides the last time they visited Staples, which earned me big points- and she always cheers on the Lakers for me, assuming they're not playing Mr. Eva Longoria's team). This requires something of a balancing act, since my #1 alternate playoff team is playing hers, but we've seemed to arrive at a compromise. I'll be genuinely happy for her if San Antonio wins and she's going to sulk like a brooding, inconsolable teenager who's not allowed to attend a Fall Out Boy concert if Phoenix wins. Problem solved. Besides, anything that keeps Robert Horry flush in bling is fine by me (assuming it doesn't come at the Lakers' expense).
3) The Golden State Warriors - Because it's a great story. Plus, if they don't win it all, one assumes Stephen Jackson will be angry. And as far as I'm concerned, any scenarios that could spark such a reaction should be treated with the words of David Banner from the old "Incredible Hulk" TV show. "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." (Incidentally, when we were little kids, BK LOVED this show!)
Honorable mention: The Utah Jazz. See team #2, then sub "Derek Fisher" for "Robert Horry."
So there you have it. My top 3. But where do your rooting interests lie? And why? Or do you even give a crap now that the Lakers have gone fishin'? Let's hear how you're cheering (or shrugging your shoulders in utter indifference).
-AK
I want to see Goldenstate go all the way..sure it may not be possible but still would be awesome to see them make it all the way to the WCF..that'd be so awesome..if this doesn't work out I'd like to see the Spurs win
Posted by: drew | May 07, 2007 at 07:31 PM
I gotta root for the Spurs, and the Warriors. I hate the Funs, as most of you here know quite well, and I love the story of the Warriors as well. I wish that were the Lakers, as it should've been last year. Something about the Spurs this year. That team is batlle tested, and they really pulled it together at the end of the regular season. I can see another Detroit V. San Antonio NBA Finals. Especially after how good Detroit is playing in this series against the Bulls. I think the Pistons have a great shot as well if they can keep it up.
Live from your neighbor's hot tub
LkrFan
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 07, 2007 at 07:36 PM
No one. Especially not the Suns.
Posted by: gdchild | May 07, 2007 at 07:44 PM
I'm going with the Spurs because I don't like the Suns. I don't know how it'll turn out but one thing for sure: You've got to give D'Antonio credit. After one loss in game where both teams executed well, where the score was 111-106, a game where Steve Nash is bloodied up and misses two key possessions and D'Antonio is making a change in his line-up. It seems that Kurt Thomas is going to be starting along side of Amare. How is that for an ADJUSTMENT! The guy is coaching to win. They're not waiting until it's too late. This is after just one loss against the Spurs.
Our coach waits until the 81st game in our season to pull a guard who shouldn't have even made the team. I'm telling you: I think the game has past PJ by.
D'Antonio is coaching to win. Whether he does or not isn't the point. The point is that he isn't leaving anything to chance.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 07:49 PM
What Tinkerbell with a ring? Puke! No way Jose...no F way! I'd rather root for the Spurs lol.
Incidentally, AK...is your girlfriend Manu Girl? And if she is, how did you convince her you were Manu Ginobili lol, jk.
As for the playoffs in general...I'm sorry to say I'm really more of a Lakers fan than an NBA fan. When the Lakers go fishing, as do I. Well not really cause I still blog and stuff...but I don't go out of my way to watch the games.
If someone has to win this season...and I'm sure someone does...against my better judgement (cause I really couldn't stand them during our 3 peat years) I'm hoping it's the Spurs. They play defense, and they're a veteran team, and they're in the West Conf. A Spurs, Detroit Finals would be something. Certainly not a ratings grabber, but it certainly will be competitive.
Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2007 at 07:54 PM
I hate the Suns with passion. Do I really need to explain why? Other than that, I'm rooting for:
1. Golden State - love underdogs, plus there from the west coast.
2. Bulls - love how they swept the Heat and the fact that they play hard.
3. Jazz - I respect Sloan, and above all, I love D. Fish
Posted by: fkillah | May 07, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Rooting for Golden State, but San Antonio take it all.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | May 07, 2007 at 07:58 PM
Faith,
haha. No, she's not "Manu Girl," but I told her that story and she thought it was funny.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2007 at 08:09 PM
How does the old saying go? "my two favorite teams are the Lakers and any team that beats the Phoenix Suns"
Unlike you AK, I have extreme predjudice for this team in the desert. I picked them to have a good regular season, but in the 2nd season to fade because of weak interior defense. The run and gun Suns always fade to a half court team when the going gets tough. They have a decent half court game, but not good enough to win it all. Plus, history is on my side on this prediction. They have never won. And "the great white hope," Nash, is too one demensional in his game and becomes a liability when they play Dallas or San Antonio.
Really, how could anybody who claims to know Basketball predict anything differently. The Suns under Nash, have lost 12 of the 16 times they have played the Spurs, with Nash giving up 28 pts per game from Parker. Desperately, they tried something new on Sunday. A big top secret, which would completely stop the Parisian Patty Melt. Marion, the Real Defensive Player of the year, according to the AZ Republic would accept the assignment. As we all know, Marion got French Fried. Nash is blaming his teamates for the loss. Amare and D'antoni are blaming the Refs. Me and other Laker Fans in Arizona are just enjoying it.
Hey, you asked.
Fatty that guy from Northern Arizona.
Posted by: Fatty | May 07, 2007 at 08:09 PM
1.....the jazz,for fisher and ak47...i like to watch him play ...2...golden state ...Baron davis when healthy can do it all 3.....spurs ...Timmy..parker...manu...and i would like to see Finley get a ring The reason i put the Jazz first is because to have a coach for 20 years and him not give up on the franchise or the franchise not give up on him is pretty speacial ...plus i hate the SUNS with a passion
Posted by: Thirty 2 | May 07, 2007 at 08:15 PM
anyone but the Suns.
Posted by: socalife | May 07, 2007 at 08:16 PM
-Warriors (not likely, but my FAVORITE team still in it)
-Detroit
-Utah
Posted by: TrbClldQst | May 07, 2007 at 08:24 PM
As long as the Suns keep beating us, I want them to lose. Again, and again, and again. I don't care to who, as long as they lose. I want each year to be as much of a disappointment to them as it is to us.
San Antonio? They have class- They can win it all, I'd love to see it. Robert Horry will always be "the Man"
Golden State? Underdogs- Be rooting for them as well.
Dallas?...Ohj shoot, that's right. nvm.
The rest cna fight it out- but I hope the spurs HUMILIATE the suns.
Posted by: Jeff | May 07, 2007 at 08:39 PM
I'd love to see the Warriors and Bulls, but no chance of that. I'm afraid we are headed for a boring slow-it-down finals with Detroit and San Antonio. I'd love to see Phoenix get swept. The media raves over them (especially TNT and ABC) but they have done NOTHING. I think its interesting that in both conference playoffs only one series has big interest (Det-Chi and Pho-SA) Anyways, here's my handicapping:
SA: defense wins championship (but w/ the Spurs in a boring way)
Pho: not enough defense to win this round
Utah: doesn't deserve to be in the conf finals but will get there
GS: one hit wonder, but it was a great hit
Det: sweepng through the east
Chicago: The baby Bulls are growing up, but not enough yet
Cleveland: Will get to the conference finals, but LeBron needs more help
NJ: last hurrah for RJ, Kidd and Vince together
Posted by: rdlee | May 07, 2007 at 08:41 PM
Fatty, my Arizona brother, I am with you. Man am I ever with you.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 07, 2007 at 08:41 PM
Since I'm in Michigan for the time being, I want to see a Pistons v. Warriors final. That would be exciting and woul d make the locals happy.
I'm not against the Pistons going to another NBA finals, they show what a solid core of GOOD players can do together.
Coincidentally, 3 of the 4 of their "core" (Hamilton, Rasheed, Chauncey) were free agents/trade acquisitions while their other big player Tayshaun was a late draft pick steal (23rd!!!). Meanwhile, in 2002 we were busy drafting Chris Jeffries at 27 while we should have been stocking our future by picking Gadzuric or CARLOS BOOZER!!! (34 and 35).
Joe Dumars shows how a team can overcome a mistake (Milicic) and not be afraid to make major moves. Make MAGIC the GM and get rid of KupWack.
Yea, I said it: Mitch KupWak. The guy who says every summer we will be "aggressive" and we end up signing guys like Shammond Williams/Aaron Mckie and trading away guys like Butler!
Posted by: Korey | May 07, 2007 at 08:59 PM
Some people said that the Suns didn't have enough energy to go deep in the playoffs with their strict roster rotation. Too bad we played them for 2 consecutive 1st rounds. Next season, if we are competitive enough to get the higher seed, that's when we beat that arrogent Suns.
Posted by: gdchild | May 07, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Greek Dude's Fave Five +1
1. San Antonio-I like Timmy D and i picked them to win it all in the beginning (but i hate manu a.k.a. argentinian flop)
2. Chicago (i like the "baby bullls, especially heinrich and sephalosha)
3. NJ( VC and Kidd are cool)
4. Cleveland ( LBJ is ok. i'm a poet and i don't know it...ok you can shoot me now)
5. Deeetrroit Basketballllll (i hate that!!!)
6. Phoenix Suns- their excellent defense consists of flopping and drawing charges. I CANT stand that unmanly defense
oh yeah, i forgot the jazz and worriors...oh well
Posted by: greek dude | May 07, 2007 at 09:19 PM
AK
"Really, how could anybody who claims to know Basketball predict anything differently"
I forgot to put at the end of the sentence. JK LOL
Sorry, I apologize.
Fatty from Arizona and New Blood Brother of PhxLkrFan
Posted by: Fatty | May 07, 2007 at 09:28 PM
I will root for the warriors as long as they are alive. I generally root for the under dog when my teams are not playing. Unfortunetly they play small and until a small ball team wins i dont believe one can go all the way. To me it looks like the tables set for a pistons /spurs final with the spurs winning in six.
Posted by: michael j | May 07, 2007 at 09:29 PM
Fatty,
No worries. I didn't take offense. A lot of people don't think the Suns have what it takes to win a title. Honestly, I think they're a better defensive team than they get credit for, because have 2 outstanding individual defenders and a few other solid ones. But that being said, the D's certainly not as good as San Antonio's and you're right that they're good but not at their best in a half court game. But I also think they make adjustments about as well as any team in the league and when they're on, they're deadly. We shall see what happens.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2007 at 09:33 PM
actually, i think this is my first year where i've recovered from the lakers' season in time to enjoy the playoffs. it's been entertaining thus far ... well at least the golden state surprise
(is the eastern conference even playing right now?)
and i'm rooting HARD for funtime nash boys ...
to fall on their face and suffer inconsolable pain. i hope their performance in the semifinals shames their families, embarrasses the city of phoenix and makes small children cry and denounce the Easter Bunny.
this is my enjoyment. go spurs.
Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2007 at 09:51 PM
AK,
I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE YOU WOULD COME OUT AND SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT?
THE SUNS? MAN, YOU SHOULD OF KEPT THAT TO YOURSELF.
1. DEEEEEETROIT BASKETBALL!!!
2. GOLDEN STATE
3. SPURS
MAN, I ALMOST LOSS RESPECT FOR YOU TO COME OUT AND SAY THE SUNS AFTER THE PAIN IS STILL BREWING INSIDE!!!
Posted by: gunner24 | May 07, 2007 at 09:54 PM
DAMM golden state are looking good......no fisher for the JAZZ he had to miss this one for family reasons
Posted by: Thirty 2 | May 07, 2007 at 09:54 PM
AK
How about a friendly wager on the series?
Seeing as money doesn't work on the electronic blog world, how about,
If the Spurs win, you have to say on your intro that Fatty and PhxLakerfan(my new blood brother) are always right when it comes to the Phx Suns.
And if AK is correct, we promise to start every post for a week saying "LATimes Laker Blog. Moderated by AK, the most insightful writer in the basketball world"
Fatty from Arizona, who never loses an arguement, unless he's wrong
Posted by: Fatty | May 07, 2007 at 09:59 PM
Who am I rooting for? Anybody but Phoenix. Sorry, AK, but I hate everyone and everything about the team.
It would be nice if the finals were Utah or Golden State against Chicago, so we didn't have to watch the usual suspects, but that's not gonna happen. The Bulls seem totally outmatched by the Pistons. Neither the Nets or the Cavs can beat Detroit.
I'd be ok with the Pistons since their team is unselfish players who truly do play as a team. Don't like them, but I sure respect them.
If it's Utah, I'll be happy for Fish.
If it's the Spurs, I'll be happy for Robert Horry.
If it's Golden State, I'll be happy for Baron Davis.
Meanwhile, I'll be hoping for a summertime miracle, and that somehow the Lakers make the right changes, and we're a serious contender next year.
365 days from now, I hope we'll be having a different conversation than, since not the Lakers, who?
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 07, 2007 at 10:03 PM
Gunner 24,
Dude, c'mon. I understand despising Phoenix, but you gotta throw me a bone here. I was way the hell off predicting Shaun Livingston as the 6th Man of the Year and Darko Milicic as MIP, then came close with Melo as scoring champ, but lost out to Kobe, whom I predicted could win MVP instead if the Lakers simply maintained at least a solid 6th place and reasonably strong finish (which they clearly didn't). I gotta get SOMETHING right. haha
AK
(Okay, I did predict Brandon Roy as ROY, but that was plainly obvious from the jump. I had a better chance of winning the award than Roy not winning.)
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Rooting for Golden State and Utah!
Funny that they should meet so soon :)
Very impressed with Golden State, the brave pace, the athleticism, dismissing the Mavs. They were my dark horse along with the Lakers (wishful thinking haha) even before Game 1 vs.Mavs.
And Utah, well... I just love how they figure out ways to win despite AK-47's incessant self pity and crying. HA!
- Miguelinho
Posted by: Miguelinho | May 07, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Warriors!!!
2:12 to go 107-109 and fighting like crazy.
This is the Lakers Showtime Redux
Posted by: Baywood | May 07, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Think C Webb is happy about his decision to play in the motor city?
They might not have to break a sweat before they hit the finals.
I'd have to join AK's girl and go Spurs if it came down to Detroit / SA. Pop is good people and Timmy is the poster boy for staying in school.
Still, the word "root' is a bit too strong a verb for the way I'd be supporting that cause. When the Laker season ends, I don't make appointments to watch basketball players that aren't suited in purple and gold.
Posted by: Vman | May 07, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Classic Basketball.
Small ball vs. Traditional basketball
Version 1:
Phoenix vs. San Antonio
Version 2:
Golden State vs. Uath
I don't know who's going to win but this is the perfect set-up to see how far small can go.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 10:20 PM
They didn't win but Golden State:
J. Richardson: 21 points
M. Barns: 20 points
S. Jackson: 16 points
B. Davis: 24 points
A. Harrington: 21 points
Is that team ball or what?
Jazz
A. Kirilenko: 13 points
C. Boozer: 17 points
M. Okur: 21 points
D. Williams: 31 points
M. Harping: 21 points
The Lakers need to watch this and learn. Especially Kobe Bryant.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 10:27 PM
Golden State Warriors - they're from Cali, so you gotta represent and they are pretty exciting
San Antonio Spurs - so they can beat the suns
Chicago Bulls - young and exciting, swept the heat, but it seems that second round is as far as they go
Posted by: HanSoulfood | May 07, 2007 at 10:33 PM
Truthfully though:
Do you really think the Lakers can get this type of production using the triangle? the way these teams run their offense and thinking back to what the Lakers look like in the triangle. I think the triangle is obsolete.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 10:35 PM
1. Utah Jazz...Derek Fisher will always be a Laker
2. San Antonio Spurs....ditto for Robert Horry and I like Duncan & Manu's game.
On another note, I keep hearing everybody demand the Lakers trade for Garnett or Jermaine O'neal, if that happens then the other team will expect Odom, Bynum, and the expiring contract of Kwame. If the Lakers do it, then what are we left with? We will still have questions at the point guard spot, a gaping hole at center,and less bodies in the team. We have to be realistic about our situation, we can't keep mentioning a bunch of trade scenarios where we give up virtually nothing and get a star for them.
check http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_21876.shtml
p.s. T'Wolves GM, McHale, already said if he did trade Garnett it wouldn't be to team in the West; the same way the Lakers felt about Shaq.
Posted by: Oscar | May 07, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Well it doesn't look like it will happen now, but what I really want is to see Phoenix vs Golden State in the West finals. Man that should be action a-plenty.
And the series I most want to avoid? Slog-it-out Spurs vs slog-it-out-Pistons. Heck if I want a game that slow & deliberate I'll go to a baseball game.
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 07, 2007 at 10:40 PM
As exciting as small ball is, the question is can that exciting type of basketball win a championship? It hasn't yet. The Lakers of the 80s had Kareem in the middle to compliment the fast break. Neither Phoenix or Golden State has that type of presence in the middle.
If these small ball version of basketball can't beat the Spurs or the Pistons it's because it based on the idea of winning a Championship without a big man. That's why small ball exists. It's because the lack of quality big men in the league. It's not because it's actually the best basketball philosophy to win a championship.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Mike T !!!
I am with you partially on your guard theory. But wish to expand the blame to Lakers management. They knew last year that they needed a scoring guard who stretch Nash's none existent defense but they did nothing about it. I think PJ was just highlighting to the rest of the world that the team was full of players with the wrong attitude and commitment.
If you want to beat the Suns watch the Spurs at work. You need the following perquisites:
1. Scoring guard who can also stay in front of his man and get by screens!!
2. A big man who can catch the ball, score (>20pts) , rebound (>10rbs) and defend.
3. Team have the discipline to execute their offense.
4. Team have the discipline to execute their defense.
5. Hit an open shot constantly.
6. Have good ball movement.
7. Team chemistry, ie back each other up
What do you think Mike T!!
Aaarrrhhhh!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | May 07, 2007 at 10:49 PM
AK
I was wondering how the warriors could handle Dallas then lose fall short in Utah and I think I know why. Dallas built a team that can play either big or small, however when they play the warriors and the suns they try to play small with them, and you beat those type of teams by pounding the ball inside and clogging up the middle on defense. I really think dallas needs to decide who they are and stay with it. Big always beats small in the playoffs. Sorry about your prediction but I have to believe the spurs will go all the way. And personally dude i believe you could have scored serious points with your girlfriend if you had picked the spurs, even if you didnt believe it. Maybe your next blog should be one of reconsideration and pick the spurs because would you rather be right or, well, you know.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 07, 2007 at 10:56 PM
Mike T-
I think before you can declare the triangle obsolete, you have to see it run with a talented roster. There isn't an offense on the planet that would have turned the Lakers into contenders this year. They had moments when they ran it well (at the beginning of the year, especially, when most of the team was healthy), moments when they totally sucked (too many of those), but I don't think it would have been much different in a "conventional" offense. As Kobe often says, it's just basketball. Maybe hoops that requires some thought, but still hoops. Where I will say the learning curve of the offense hurts is situations like this year, when injuries make it hard to have a consistent rotation. It's tough to build a rhythm when players are learning their teammates and the offense at the same time. But even that is an overrated thing when talking about the Lakers. How many new guys did they integrate into the system? Two? Evans and Farmar, the latter of whom actually did a decent job picking it up? Obsolete? I don't buy it.
Talent is the key in the NBA, beyond coaching, beyond the system, beyond all of that. Take a look at the scoring lists you put together for tonight, showing the balance- can the Lakers put out five players that match the five put out by either of these teams? I don't think so. In the case of Utah, it's not even close. This year's roster was short on talent, and had no margin for error. That's their problem. I'll believe the triangle is obsolete when they put together a talented roster of guys who can succeed in the system, and still fail to make a playoff push.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2007 at 11:24 PM
michael h,
"Dallas built a team that can play either big or small, however when they play the warriors and the suns they try to play small with them, and you beat those type of teams by pounding the ball inside and clogging up the middle on defense."
That's true but remember that Dallas' Eric Dampier was injured. I think that played a part as to why Dallas got sucked into trying to small ball with Golden State.
Even Utah isn't really large inside but Boozer is classic on the inside. I'm not a fan of small ball so watching this like as if the Spurs and the Jazz are going to prove my theory that the Suns and Warriors play gimmic basketball and it's going to fall short.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 11:30 PM
My fav 3 are the spurs, the jazz and the Bulls.
The spurs because I like Tim Duncan, when the Lakers were winning championship I hated Tim and the spurs, but since the waters calmed down, I saw tim as a nice guy. I also like that they can eliminate the suns and that's always a good thing. The bad thing if they reach the finals is seeing tony's girlfriend, which is very annoying.
The jazz because of Derek Fisher.
The Bulls just cause, I like the team in general, likeable guys.
What can I say, I like watching basketball, but if the Lakers are not in contention I still watch, but I am not passionate about it.
Posted by: lakofan | May 07, 2007 at 11:37 PM
BK,
Off the top:
"I think before you can declare the triangle obsolete, you have to see it run with a talented roster."
That's B.S. Kobe Bryant doesn't allow for other players to be involved like the triangle is supposed to be run. When the triangle is ran correctly it will alway have an entry pass into the post. That's one thing the Lakers hardly ever did and it's not because Brown or Bynum didn't have talent. It's that Bryant was going inside to them. Heck, to be truthful Kobe wouldn't even make an entry pass to Shaq when Shaq was still here. And that was one of Shaq's biggest complaints. How many times did he have to demand the ball?
Now here we are 3 years later and the 5 spot is still asking the question: what the hell is going on here? The Lakers version of the triangle is working for the lack of talent. It's not working because the Lakers aren't playing it. The Lakers offense is strictly a Kobe Bryant operated offense.
And even when they ran the triangle reasonably well to begin the season with it still was operating with a steady supply of entry passes to the 5 spot. THAT IS NOT THE TRIANGLE! The triangle when executed properly invovles the 5 spot.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 11:37 PM
BK,
"Take a look at the scoring lists you put together for tonight, showing the balance- can the Lakers put out five players that match the five put out by either of these teams? I don't think so."
You're in denial. Play team ball and players can put the ball in the whole. You can't watch a guy take 33 shots and then say: It's because we don't have the talent. You watch a guy take 33 shots and you can't tell what might have happened because they don't get the ball to prove what you just wrote as ridiculous.
We lost our last game to the Suns by 9 points. Kobe took 33 shots. But that doesn't even take in to consideration the 6 turnovers he had. How many times did we see Kobe try to penetrate and get stripped and lead to another Suns fast break basket? That's 33 shots and 6 extra possessions of turnovers. Yet, we don't have the talent. Get real! Kobe Bryant was out of control. And when a player is out of control everyone else suffers.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 11:43 PM
Correction:
And even when they ran the triangle reasonably well to begin the season with it still wasn't operating with a steady supply of entry passes to the 5 spot. THAT IS NOT THE TRIANGLE! The triangle when executed properly invovles the 5 spot.
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 11:45 PM
Mike T,
I could be wrong, but I don't recall Dampier getting hurt in the playoffs. He played in 5 out of 6 games. From the way I understood things, he wasn't part of the picture because he was totally ineffective (and Avery decided unwisely to play GSW's way too much). But either way, I don't remember ever reading about him getting injured or mentioned as such.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/050507dnspomavsgrades.325d4a1.html
Not that it necessarily changes what you say about small ball, but just for clarification. In my opinion, the main reason Dallas lost was their star/best player choked huge and Golden State seemed to inexplicably intimidate the hell out of the Mavs. Nellie also seemed to be inside Avery's head, and he knows this Dallas squad very well.
Either way, I agree with you 100% on another point. These games have been great so far and should likely remain interesting throughout.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2007 at 11:47 PM
AK,
You obviously know a lot about the game of basketball. But to root for the Suns to validate yourself bothers me a bit. After all, it is well known that the Suns have no respect for us and down right hate us. Why root for the enemy after they have slapped us in the face two years running? Experts don't always make the right predictions and that is completely okay since basketball can be dynamic and down right unpredictable. Hell, I knew this girl who guessed correctly who would win the Final Four based on the color of the teams jersey. And who would have ever thought that the Heat would be swept in round 1 and that the Warriors would beat the Mavs? It just pains me to see one of our own root for those punks just to see if they are right. I can understand that you would be comforted by the fact that the team that beat us is the team that wins the whole thing. But with Phoenix, it's an absolute exception. If it is any consolation, your predictions and arguments have been dead on and rooted in much thought.
Posted by: fkillah | May 07, 2007 at 11:47 PM
zack randolph is the solution to the problem!
and the only feasible one! (brown, vlad, brian cook, 2 second rounders)
add morris peterson with the mle
and trade bynum, 1st rounder for rights to corey brewer
thats my plan to make the lakers better
go small, everyone else is doing it!
farmar/ earl watson/corey brewer
kob/ maurice
Zack/ chris mihm
Lamar/ ronny
Morris peterson/ luke walton/ corey brewer
Posted by: adam kiley | May 07, 2007 at 11:51 PM
BK,
I really don't respect what you have to say because it's always with trying to cover for the likes of PJ and his strange substitution patterns. The guy lost 8 games for us with those patterns. We should have won 50 games despite the injuries. But instead of confronting that issue you say things like:
"Talent is the key in the NBA, beyond coaching, beyond the system, beyond all of that. Take a look at the scoring lists you put together for tonight, showing the balance- can the Lakers put out five players that match the five put out by either of these teams? "
No talent isn't beyond coaching. What freaken coach plays a 11 man rotation in the playoffs? To me all you ever do is try to cover for PJ, Walton, and the like of Chris Mihm. Before you'll acknowledge that they guys have problems you throw a blanket statement like: the whole roster is without talent.
PJ screwed up 8 games this season, which cost us an easy 6th seed and 50 wins despite injuries. Walton was never supposed to be a starter. But before you admit that you just say the Lakers don't have enough talent.
Yeah, you're right. Luke Walton wasn't supposed to be a starting 3 in this league and Smush Parker wasn't supposed to be a starting PG in this league. But who get the blame in your mind? The whole roster. No it PJ for staying with these 2 weak links. PJ. PJ PJ. PJ. PJ! Not the damn roster.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | May 07, 2007 at 11:54 PM
Mike T,
Do you really think Kobe would be taking over 33 shots a game if he played with Baron Davis, Richardson, Jackson, Monta Ellis, and Harrington??? or Deron Williams, Okur, Boozer and Harpring???? C'mon dude, you're smarter than that. I never saw the entry pass to the 5 spot very often with Jordan's Bulls by the way, even though the Bulls had better offensive centers than we do.
Posted by: mitchell | May 07, 2007 at 11:59 PM