Lakers! The boys gotta get one more ring for good ol' Phil so he can go out on top!

Let me chime in with my two fellow Laker fans.

Looks like we're going to work our way through this late season slump as we played horrible defense yesterday against the Hornets and even lost the game.

I was expecting a sweep but that's not going to happen.

Maybe this title will be like our championship of 1988 where we had to win at least 3 seven game series in order to win the championship.

I agree, no one in the west can beat us.

All The Best & Go Lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!

TL

It looks like the Big 3 (Celts, Lakers, Spurs) may be the "Old 3". I thought one of them would win it all this year, but none looked very good in their first games.

My heart is with my Nuggets, but they are really banged up right now and about the only team they've struggled with are the Thunder....Just match ups. Durant just kills us.

My Nugget pet peeve: How we can't win it all without a superstar. I tend to agree, however no one was picking us when we had Carmelo either and we are definately a better team without him. These new "Knugget" players are all pretty good...

Finals: Lakers vs Heat

Lakers win.

I want the Knicks to win because I am a Knicks fan, but they aren't good enough.

I'm a fan of nuggets ever since. So I hope nuggets will win this 2011 playoffs.

Da Bulls - for the win.

3 peat it! Kobe is on a mission again.

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The battles resume tonight!

Thunder Season tickets holder here, so lets go Thunder!

I remember how full of hope you were during last seasons playoff regarding the future prospects of the Bulls.

The Bulls have their own trio of top 60 players in Boozer, Deng and Mr. Rose.

I predict your Bulls won't get out of the east this year but next year they will be an even bigger problem for the teams of the eastern conference.

Enjoy the ride while it lasts my friend and remember, it's a long war and your 6 NBA championships and domination of the 1990's rate a serious honorable mention in the annuls of NBA lore.

TL

I think they will make it to the finals at least. If they play Miami, I think that will be a great series.

Congrats to Lamar Odom for winning the NBA Six Man Of The Year Award this season.


TL

I'm pulling for the Celtics. I just hope they can dig deep like they have in the past. That being said the Bulls look really good and as a previous poster said, I think they will only get stronger next year.

Last night we soundly defeated the Hornets 87-78 without Kobe and Gasol having decent games.

Kobe had only 11 points on 3 of 10 from the field and Pau - only 8 points on 2 of 10 from the field.

That's a combined 5 of 20 for only 19 points from our two superstars.

We don't need those two to have a great game in order to beat the Hornets.

But...

It was a must win game for us and we came through with flying colors. ( purple, the color of royalty and gold )

They never got closer than 7 points after halftime.

As I predicted...

... we got a lot rougher with Mr. Paul as he was not a major problem except for a couple of end of quarter 3 pointers of which we gladly dared him to hit - and he did.

Kobe guarded Mr. Paul most of the evening and effectively shut him down by...

1: laying off of him: ( stopping his penetration )

2: Not switching & also trapping him:

( so that Mr. Paul wouldn't continue to make a monkey out of any big man trying to guard him- one on one because of the pick and roll switch)

3: Getting physical: ( to wear him down )

Mr. Paul also played for 43 of the 48 minutes and often complained about elbows to the hit area.


Odum, Artest and Bynum picked up the slack with 16, 15 and 17 points respectively.

The Laker bench of Odum, Barnes, Brown & Blake played well as the Lakers gained 10 points on average when any of these players were on the court.

Odum received his 6 man of the year award before the game.



We're looking forward to getting rid of the hornets in 6 games at the most but 5 games would be better.

We need all the rest we can get to continue to defend the kingdom from the conspirators who lust after our crown.

TL

Note: All stats from NBA.com

All of the top 4 seeds are going to win the first round. Some of the teams have made it a close series so far, but the top 4 teams are all better than their lower seeded counterparts. . . After that I see Miami and Chicago in the Eastern Finals and L.A. against OKC. Yes, I just called an upset. For the NBA Finals, I'm going to call L.A. vs. Chicago. This matchup intrigues me and I can't wait to see MVP vs. former MVP squaring up for the title. I think L.A. wins this one in 6 or most likely 7 due to experience only. . . As for Miami, they may have 3 superstars, but they don't have a deep bench, can't figure out who is taking the last shot, and don't play as well together as some might think will all of those egos on a team. Denver before the trade and now N.Y. are finding that out. You have to have good chemistry, a good bench, and play some D. Something that all of those teams lack.

Good win Lakers!

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I was hoping that the Pacers could of at least won 1 game. The Bulls were looking good though, I think they have a good chance.

my bet goes for Lakers.. again. haha!

I didn't see much of the last night's game due to watching the movie Batman & Robin with the kid so I can't give an opinion as to why we lost to them again.

Once again Mr. Paul had a very good game and it seems that as he goes so go the Hornets.

We are now tied at 2 games apiece and we need to get rid of them ASAP.

The winner of game 5 normal wins most 7 game series and that will be on Tuesday night.

The only other surprise for me during this years' playoff season is how Atlanta has a 3-1 game lead over the Magic.

You may now break out the Lakerhateraide.

TL

Memphis having a 2-1 lead over the Spurs is the biggest surprise. What I thought would be the most boring series in the playoffs has turned out pretty interesting and I can't wait for game 4 tonight, should be pretty good.. If the Grizzles play well tonight, I think they *can* take the series since the Spurs seem to have no answers for the size of Gasol and Randolph in the middle.

The entire playoffs has been interesting. I've watched more basketball in the past 2-3 weeks than I have in the last 5 years or so

Memphis to knock out Spurs? Impressive!!!

I don't like lakers in the first place, they've been a champions for a long time and I guess it's time to give it to the others. Sorry for that.

I'm a Celtic fan so lets go Celtics. Get 18!!!

After being down by 9 in 1st period, Lakers pull away in 2nd half and pound Hornets 106-90.

Lakers doubled the Hornets on points in the paint and 2nd chance points.

Kobe had 2 monsterous posterizing dunks to spark the Lakers.

The Lakers bench outscored the Hornets' 29-14.

No Laker had more than 19 points and six were in double figures.

Hornets were shutdown in 2nd half as they scored only about 33 points in the half with 2 minutes to go and the game was already decided.

When winning Game 5, the Lakers are 22-4 all-time as they hope to close out the series Thursday at New Orleans.


Game 6 is Thursday in New Orleans.


NOTES: Before the game, Artest received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, recognizing his tireless year of mental health advocacy.


TL

I'm a fan of spurs!even if they will not be winning spurs is still the champion for me.

I think Lakers or Boston will win.

MIAMI HEAT all the way! King James and D Wade are unstopable! Bosh is good too

Lakers facing the Mavs in Round 2!

Lakers dust off scrappy Hornets 98-80.

25-26 from free throw line.

Hornets averaged only 40 points per half in the last 3 halfs played.

Phase 1 complete.

Dallas starting on Monday night.

The series may go 7, but Lakers will move on to phase 3 - western conference finals.

TL

San Antone has been removed from the list of powers.

It may be the end of an era.

Memphis moves on to face Mr. Durant and the Thunder in the Western conference semi-finals.

Left Standing:

Eastern Conference:

Miami vs. Boston

&

Atlanta vs. Chicago


Western Conference:

Dallas vs. Los Angeles

&

Memphis vs. Oklahoma City


There can only be one!


TL

Come on everyone....Miami Heat all the way!!!

Only 8 teams remain.

Lakers give up first game in this series also 96-94.

We lead by at least 16 in middle of 3rd period.

We can not continue to temp fate or the crown will be lost.

I believe this series will go at least 6 games.

Chicago loses 1st game vs. Atlanta also.

Atlanta could be a real problem for them.

TL

I can't remember the last time I've been this upset with the Lakers! Up by 16 points in the 3rd quarter and they blow the lead... ugh.

i like bulls to win the finals, congrats to derrick rose for winning the mvp awards

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I'm watching the The Heat against the Celtics, KG verses Lebron, and i gotta say, Miami are up 43 against Celtics 38. Dwayne is unstoppable. I'm thinking the Heat could take the Celtics down.

The Heat will come out of the east.


TL

It may be time to turn out the lights for my Lakers but I can not give up hope until we have been completely defeated.

Yes, even though it's like they scored 5 touchdowns in the 2nd quarter and the game is over at halftime or they have scored 10 runs in the top of the 9th to go up by 10 runs, all hope is not lost as long as we have breath in our bodies.

Once again, this will be the most glorious championship in Laker, scratch that, in NBA history.


Laker Fan #1 out.

No team has ever done it. But if there's ever going to be a first, I'd have to say that it could be done by a Phil Jackson team. It would definitely make for some great basketball that's for sure.

Plus if there's ever a team that I would want it to happen against, it would be Mark Cuban's team. If for nothing else but to watch that big baby cry.

Wow... I take back what I said. After watching 2 flagrant fouls in a row, I'd just throw in the towel if I were Phil jackson. What an embarrassment some of these idiot players are.

Pathetic way to go out Lakers! I'm still a fan, but I thought we had a bit more fight and class, I'm very disappointed in the way we went out.

In any case, I'm rooting for the Bulls to win it all now, DRose is such a workhorse, and I love his humble yet hungry attitude.

I was going to give TL some "stuff" for the Lakers losing, but as a fellow sports fan, I think he's being punished enough.

That wasn't good...

It is with profound sadness and deep regret that I announce to the world that:

1: The barbarians (non Laker fans) have smashed through the gates, there will be a "new" NBA champion this season and we are forced to relinquish the crown.

2: I am ashamed of the performace of my Lakers this playoff season.

BTW...

This is also the 2nd mother's day massacre we have suffered in our storied history.

3: I make no apologies for my haughtiness & arrogance in earlier posts to this thread - after all, champions have rights & privileges that commoners do not.

4: Congratulations to the Mavericks of Dallas as they have served us royally.

5: You have not seen the last of us and we shall return to power soon.

Laker Fan #1 TL

I'm hoping to play OKC in the Conf. Finals as they are the less deep team of the two. I want Chicago and Boston to win but I don't think Boston will so I'm pulling for Chicago so that they can take care of the classless Heat. America's team is anyone playing the Heat. I can't wait until they get ousted so I can read and hear all of the ridiculous excuses as to why an all star team didn't win. Go Mavs, Bulls, Celtics, Thunder, and Grizzlies in that order or whoever is playing them. I hate the Heat.

The Memphis/OkC three overtime game was terrific. Either one of those two teams will give the Mavs a tougher series than the one they just had. In fact, I'll go out on a limb and pick the winner of this series to beat the Mavs.

Paul Gasol will be traded before Bynum gets traded IMHO.

Look out for another Laker blockbuster deal involving either Dwight Howard, Chris Paul or some other highly coveted free agent.

D. Fisher needs to retire and Steve Blake was not a lot of help so we need someone else to start at point guard.

Your Bulls will not get out of the eastern conference this year - maybe next year.

Miami will once again play Dallas in the NBA Finals.

TL

Go Lakers! Lakers for the win!

Well, BYE BYE Lakers.

The only team who will take the championship is the HEAT.

I want them to win but don't forget that I am a BIG raptors fan since I live here in Toronto.

Even though Chris Bosh left T.O to join the HEAT, I want him and his team to win and take it all. Chris deserves it.

Tal

How about the Celtics' chances of coming back from this slump against the Heat....


I know it's a slim chance especially with my MAN Rondo hurt, but I want them to go to the ship so badly.

Celtics!!! The quintessential team! Damnit!

How about those Lakers? Oh it's too late for them...Lol.

Poor Kobe, Ha Ha! Ok Ok, I won't rub it in anymore.

I just want either Dallas or Miami to win.

Robert Tractor Traylor was found dead in his apartment in Puerto Rico today at the age of 34. That's too young.

RIP

Definitely no more ring for Kobe this year, but I hope LeBron and his brats will not also get past to the NBA Finals. They did beat the Celtics 4-1, but East Finals is not going to be easy for them.

I'm routing for my MVP Derrick Rose and the Bulls to finish the Hawks in 6! And to embarrass the Heat, just like the Mavs did to the Lakers!

After LA Lakers loss don't feel like watching NBA Playoffs 2011.

I'm afraid the Heat will take it all. I hate the Heat.
I am a Knick fan rooting for boston to beat them..it feels weird! LOL

No question about it.....

Heat will beat the Bulls.

I am not sure if they are going to sweep them but they are going to the finals and I pretty much think that they will go against the Mavs and beat them too.

GO HEAT even though I am a raptors fan.

For all of you rooting for the Heat that aren't a Heat fan or from Florida are ridiculous. I'm guessing band wagoners? Yes? . . . I don't see how anyone that wasn't already a Heat fan or from Florida could possibly root for a team without much class. Anytime you have to have a one hour tv show to announce how you screwed over your team that you said you loved and a whole city to go play on an all star team just demonstrates how arrogant, classless, and despicable you really are. I can't wait to see them get beat. I might go run down the street, fist in the air in celebration. I'm just glad that most people see that and his "legacy" is forever tarnished. He'll never be a Jordan, a Kobe, or possibly a D. Rose the way he's going. He'll just be a talented player that couldn't do it without the help of 2 other superstars. Good job bro. . . As Jordan once said. I could've tried to get on a team with Bird and Magic, but hell no, I don't want to play with those guys. To be the best you have to beat the best and I want to beat them.

Miami Heats!

I think the Bulls have this one. After all The Heat have yet to beat the Bulls this year.

have to go with the bulls also.

GO BULLS.

for eastern finals, i like either of Bulls and Miami and for West finals i'll root for the Mavs

I was really surprised at Miami for not coming out as strong as they should.

Bench players have to score more.

Plus, Miami's Dfence has to improve a whole lot better because it was not that good. If they don't, Bulls will take it and sweep them very fast.

James has to also step it up.

I didn't watch the entire game and was switching back and forth...But how about Dirk?

The guy has 15 shots and scores 48 points and didn't make a single 3 pointer. Unbelievable!

Comment on Bulls withheld until Bulls Fan #1 gives an update.

TL

Westbrook will play better and the Thunder win tonight in Dallas.. Lets see what happens..

lebron james is the truth

Miami all the way!!!

Hey TL...

Give Kareem a statue already. Putting a statue of Gretsky in LA before Kareem gets one? C'mon man!

Thunder will go all the way!!!

I just hope a western team wins. As a Boston fan, I can't stand the Heat and not crazy about Chicago either.

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Miami sweeps Dallas in the finals

Mavs VS Heat

Dallas holds on to win game #3, 93-87.

Dirk & Jason Terry shot a combined 10 for 33 and Dallas still won.

The team that wins game #3 has won close to 80% of all NBA playoff series.

Both teams must win this game tonight because big pressure will be on the loser in game #4.

Nothing's like watching your fav team battle for the championship but it's still great basketball.

I'm not sure whether I like the NBA or the NFL better.


TL

Heat use 4th period spurt to finish off Bulls 96-85 and go up 2 games to 1.

Game 4 will be in Miami and the Bulls must be very careful.

Bulls averaging only 80 points per game vs. Heat in last 2 games.

Is it poor shooting or good defense or a combo of both??

Dallas visits OKC tonight and OKC must win or go down 3 games to 1.

TL

He always walks once or twice a game, just like he always does the arm swing with the ball to come down on the opposing players arms to draw the foul. I like how they just didn't give him the fouls like he expects and you could see it on his face last night. I like the guy. I'm a UT fan and I hope him the best, just not against my Mavs. . . I would say that was our greatest playoff win except for the game 7 against San Antonio in 2006 and possibly game 6 against Phx the same year ONLY because it got us into the finals but as far as just great victories, the San Antonio game 7 and last night were our best. Dirk proved he can take over a game late and not flop because he's soft as many assert. We need to just get it done on Wednesday and not mess around so we can get some rest. I predict 6 games in the East with the Heat winning games 4 and 6.

I want Dallas because a: they are my team, b: I hate Miami with their Yankee-esque all star team, c: I would like to see all of the band wagon Miami fans whine and hear what forms of excuses they have for both losing to Dallas and why a team with 3 superstars couldn't win a title d: Miami doesn't deserve to win e: LeBron's an egotistically, arrogant cry baby f: I hate Miami g: I couldn't handle losing to D.Wade with the refs in his pocket shooting 30+ free throws a game and finally h: I hate Miami, they can all go take a long walk off a short pier. (Not to die, but to go take a looooooong swim for about 15 years)

A young Chicago Bulls ball club ( with the best regular season record )...

...have met their match and are now down 3 games to 1 as Lebron comes up big again - with an overtime win.

Miller Time!!

Mike Miller answers the bell with 12 points and leads a bench that shot 50% from the field and 4 of 7 from downtown.

According to the NBA site, when Miller was in the game, the Heat outscored the Bulls by
36 points in only 26 minutes of play.

When Haslem was in the game the Heat outscored the Bulls by 25 points in 33 minutes of play.

Miller's margin is the largest margin that I can remember for any player in any playoff game.

Miller and Haslem also had 9 rebounds each to lead the Heat.

My bottom line - the Heat bench gets the game ball.

Miami also shot 16 more free throws than the Bulls - that's a lot to overcome and I have not heard anyone complain about the officiating.

Secret Miami Defense:

Control Mr. Roses' penetration and force him to shoot jumpers or just put Lebron on him in critical situations.



Baring a very serious anomaly in the laws of NBA series percentages, it looks like it will be a rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals between the Heat Of Miami and the Mavericks Of Dallas.

- Who we want to win is one thing and who we think will win can be another.

Since the Mavs beat the champs (my team) and they don't have any championships, I wouldn't mind seeing them win this time.

But I need to look at the stats before I give my prediction on the winner.

Question??

Will Lebron get the last laugh on his critics???


TL

The ugliness will surely come out once both series are finished officially and Dallas is set to take on Miami since they should have home court. Both sides will talk so much trash about the other including crazy Cuban, the fan owner that points out just how dirty the refs can be sometime, to the chagrin of people that think refs don't have bias or bet on games. Wasn't there a ref that got caught on that one? Hmmm. . . And also cry baby LeBron and why he hasn't won rings and why we should all admire him for his determination and blah, blah, barf. We'll see. Buying championships has worked for the Yankees. I don't see why it wouldn't work now for all their band wagon fans. But you NEVER really know and Dallas is hungry this time around. Battle scarred and ready for war.

Dallas puts a young OKC ball club out of their misery in 5 games with another late 4th period comeback 100 to 96.

Shawn Marion AKA The Matrix surprises everyone with 26 big points.

Dirk continues to be the MVP of the playoffs with 26 points himself.

Perhaps the Finals can begin on Sunday night if Miami ends the Bulls season tonight in Chicago.

I say get it over with.


TL

I'm wanting Miami Chicago to go at least 6, if not 7. Dallas could use some extra rest like they did after beating that team from L.A. . . . You get rewarded for beating teams quickly. And 12-3 in the playoffs is pretty quick including 5 straight road wins. Miami was the last one to win that many road wins in the playoffs in 05 I believe. . . I think Miami needs to get more shooters and a deeper bench to match up with Dallas, but with the league wanting the Heat to win and the refs calling whatever, anything can happen. Dallas is the better team, but Miami has more stars. We'll see what happens.

Ok that was an impressive - and most depressing comeback by the Heat. Now 2 teams that I hate in the finals. I hope it's a hard battle full of injuries

And just for fun, maybe a Lebron ball save where Mark Cuban gets crushed to death.

Miami just came back in that game like I haven't seen in a while. I thought Lebron was just mailing in that game, then he just decides, "yeah I think we'll just win it now".

Awesome game.

The bulls have a very bright future though, they're just missing one "Scottie Pippen" type player to be the second scorer behind MVP.

I think the finals are going to be a great show, can't wait.

Go Mavs!! I think this is the year they can do it. I will be watching!

I'm hoping the Mavs take it, but what a game tonight huh?

Lebron vs Cuban...Who do I dislike the least?

Go Mavs. At least I can root for Kidd and Dirk.

I have to go with Dallas, Dirk Nowitski is just too accurate of a shooter.

The game began to turn after a flagrant foul by Boozer on Lebron late in the 3rd period.

After that flagrant foul by Boozer, it was a slow downhill spiral for the Bulls culminating with a stunning 18-3 run by Miami to end the game and to put the young Bulls and their fans out of their misery.

Putting Lebron on Mr. Rose in the 4th period once again worked like a charm.

Miami Thrice scored the Heat's last 33 points as once again all three members had at least 20 points each.

Better luck next time to the rowdy Bulls faithful.

( There were chants of "Lebron sucks" when James was at the free throw line and chants of "bull****, bull****" when the faithful disagreed with a call )


The Finals:

Both teams are red, red hot and I do not expect this series to go less than 6 games but stranger things have happened as the Heat have the hc advantage.

My big question is will Miami "dee up" Dallas much the same way they "deeed up" the Bulls?

In the name of my Lakers and for Machiavellian reasons of better Laker franchise moral etc., I'll say once again,...

... the team that beat the champs will become the champs.

Lending credence to my strong belief that if we had beaten Dallas we would have proceeded to win it all.


Enjoy The Finals!

TL

Tonight we start the process of crowning a "new" NBA champion.

Interesting tidbits...

- Miami has the home court advantage.

- Dallas has swept the season series vs. Miami the last 7 years.

- Miami has averaged more points per game and gave up less points per game than Dallas in the regular season.

- Dallas has averaged more made 3 pointers than any team in the playoffs and Miami has shot more foul shots per game than any other team in this years' playoffs.

There couldn't be a bigger contrast in offensive philosophies than these two teams.

Who will prevail???


TL

Thanks guys. At least there was a streak of about 4 or 5 where people were pulling for the Mavs of the light over the evil that is the team in black. Ironic color I might add. Tonight starts the war between the light warriors that represent everything that is good and right versus the barbaric and savage horde that represents death to the world of Basketballitum. May BasketGod have mercy on the good souls. . . And to Kurt. I like your honest, very unique opinion. It's not everyday that you see a player put over Jordan. And you have THREE to FOUR. Very impressive.

No sir! It ain't that easy son! Its the MAVS vs the Heat today!

Miami SWEEEEEPPPP. The end.

Miami outscores Dallas 92-84 in game #1 as Miami Thrice strikes again.

- The Heat trailed by 8 points in the third quarter before turning things around.

BTW, the game 1 winner has won the NBA finals 73% of the time.

16 offensive rebounds by Miami a big factor. ( Dallas had only 6 )

When you play a lots of zone as Dallas did last night, in an attempt to limit Miami's penetration, you normally leave yourself open to lots of second chance opps.

Will Dallas abandon the zone?

It's clear, Miami does not care how bad they're shooting, as long as their opponents shoot worse.

Interesting stats...

- Dallas made more free throws than Miami. ( 25-19 )

- Miami made more 3pointers than Dallas. ( 11-9 )

- Not one Dallas player had a positive effect, on the game for them according to the NBA.

The NBA actually measures point differential while a player is in the game.

- Both teams missed 7 foul shots.

- Dallas bench goes 4 of 22. Miami's Charmlers scores 12 off bench on 3 of 7 from 3 point land.

- Jason terry was the missing link as he scores 12 first half points but zip in the second half.






If Dallas is to win this series someone must help Dirk.

- Nowitzki tears tendon in left middle finger on his non shooting hand.

- Heat undefeated at home this playoff season and Dallas must win at least 1 in Miami in order to take the crown.

All the stats at NBA.com


TL

Well I tip my hat to Miami, they are a great team this year. I'm still hoping for a Dallas miracle, but when Lebron can so easily hit a shot from 3 feet past the 3 point line - and with a hand in his face - then there's not much hope for the opposite team.

If nothing else, at least I'll get to see Mark Cuban cry.

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Great. Now I get to hear things like Miami Sweep and LeCrybaby is the greatest player ever for at least 2 days straight. . . When you make ridiculous lucky shots that fall only about 10% of the time and you also have the refs calling mostly a one way game in an entire half, it's hard to beat that. Everyone knows the league hates Dallas because of Cuban and wants Miami because they are their new darlings. As well as the media is biased hardcore towards Miami because they have 3 superstars despite having a worse overall team. And now we all get to listen to the 15% of basketball fans that also happen to be bandwagon Heat fans flap their mouths on and on as if this is the greatest team to ever suit up in any sport. My hats off to you for picking an obvious winner to root for. This way you'll never lose.

Goodbye Shaq...It was a lot of fun.

Here's one of my all-time favorite sports related commercials Shaq did early in his career...It's seems really appropriate now, and still very cool:

YouTube - ‪Shaquille O'Neal Pub reebok 1993‬‏

Wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll...

Miami stunned by Dallas 95-92.

Dirk and Terry show up in last 5-6 minutes of game.

Dallas's "sag defense" worked to perfection - the last 6 minutes of the game.

It was a total offensive and defensive breakdown by Miami.

Will Dallas take 4 in a row and return the favor the Heat visited upon them in 2006???

As far as I'm concerned, anything can happen after that 22-5 run in less than 6 minutes to end the game2.

Miami should not have lost that game but they did.

I thought the game was over when Wade hit that 3pointer to give Miami a 15 point lead in the 4th.

Will the series return to South Florida??

It was fun to watch.

TL

This is why people should take a look at what Wade and LeBron are all about. Once again proving to me that they are not worthy of being considered clutch players or all time greats. You never celebrate with so much time on the clock. Jordan would never have done that. Kobe wouldn't do that. You don't celebrate until the game's over. They'll be great. They'll be hall of famers. But they have a long ways to go to be considered all around elite greatness. They're like college players that don't know any better. I'm glad they did that. That sparked the fire under Dallas' a#@. That led to one of the best comebacks in NBA Finals history. One guy on the radio here for Fox News put it like it was 28 - 7 in the 4th quarter of an NFL game. That is not only a backbreaker, but demoralizing. Way to be Miami. Way to be. Proves Dallas is the classier, well put together team. Not to mention deeper and with a better head coach. If Dallas plays the way they should, I don't care about the 3 superstars because they don't have near the bench Dallas does, Dallas will win this series hands down. Better teams usually win a 7 game series but like I said, usually. We'll see.

FYI:

Since the NBA Finals moved to a 2-3-2 format in 1985, when the teams are tied at 1 game each, the team that wins game #3 has won the series all 11 times.

FYI:

Dallas achieved it's primary goal in Miami by getting a split.

Now the pressure is clearly on the Heat to win at least 1 game in Dallas to return back home to Miami for games 6 and 7.

---- In 1989 my Lakers returned home down 3 games to 2 but still prevailed vs. the Pistons.

If Miami continues to shoot more 3pointers than free throws they will be in big trouble.

--- 55 3point attempts and only 50 free throw attempts in the first 2 games.

Miami had been shooting free throws at a top 5 historic clip in this playoff season but they are not doing it vs. the Mavs and as far as I'm concerned it means big trouble for the Heat.

Mr. James has shot only 6 fts in the first 2 games!!??!!!!

Meanwhile...

The Mavs have continued to make 3pointers at a top 5 playoff historic clip during this series vs. the Heat.

TL

With the exception of 6 minutes of basketball, Miami has pretty much dominated this series... Heat in 6

Dallas still not showing the way they play as they did in OKC, i hope they will play like that again to win the finals series

Mario Chalmers had a big game for Miami, I was impressed with how he stepped up to the plate for such a young player.

It's do or die for Dallas tonight.

If they win tonight, anything can happen in this series but...

If they go down 3 games to 1, I won't be expecting any miracles.

I think Dallas will win tonight.


TL

Dallas role players and bench are just cold right now. It's not all Miami's D. Dallas is missing wide open looks. That won't happen every game and the scrubs on Miami's bench won't be hot every game, like making a 3 from nearly half court. That was the difference in the last game. Albeit, things might have gone differently, it put Dallas down by 7 at that point and Dallas only lost by 2. Speaking of which, each game has been close and anything can happen. Biggest stat point. Dallas has played like absolute dogsh#$, except for Dirk, including worrying about fouls, thus leading to open dunks and layups and Miami is barely winning. I wouldn't call that extreme dominance. Look for Dallas to be in a must win and possibly a much needed flagrant one hard foul in the lane. Not to put someone out, just to send a message that we're not soft and you're not just going to score with a pansy swipe breeze on your neck while you do. Put Wade on the floor and make them think twice about just coming inside every time. Dallas evens this series tonight.

I want this series to go the full 7 games because after it's over we move into what I call the "dead season" no football, no basketball, only baseball which I do not watch until the world series - if I watch it then.

Also, the longer they play this finals the longer my team remains NBA champs until a new champ is crowned.

TL

Tim has a point.

The offensive miscues had me chuckling on many occasions.

Dallas survives and they did not have to score 90 points.

As soon as the game started I noticed that the fix was in.

Lebron played the game in what we call "hostage mode", as if his family was being held hostage and he was instructed to throw the game or else.

But what I didn't realize was...

It was Wade!!!!

Anyways, the Dallas bench thoroughly outplayed Miami's and the rest is history.

Dallas can win this series especially if they go back to Miami up 3 games to 2.

TL

Jordan never had less than 22 in a Finals game and that was over 6 Finals. LeBrick had 8. Had ZERO in the 4th when it's crunch time. He is getting outscored 44 to 9 in the 4th quarter by Dirk. He's not even the best player on his team and is not trusted to take the last shot. Think again people who compare him to Jordan. The media is biased toward LeBron but Dirk and Wade have been "the men." Dirk is finally getting the credit he deserves. Messed up finger and 102 degree flu and is still clutch. Learn a lesson LeBaby from a someone playing like a champion. Go buy some tissues.

I"m rooting for Dallas to win. But they seem to have lost all heart. Their defense is substandard and they've lost the hunger they had in the previous series. Unless Dirk gets better and Terry gets fired up, the next game may be a no-contest.

ITS THE MAVS THAT WILL WIN THE FINALS. The lakers, thunders, bulls and others are eliminated. Only the mavs and heat are battling it out.

If Dallas wins tonight then they will go back to Miami up 3-2 and only have to win 1 of the remaining 2 games of the series to become champs.

Highly possible if they win tonight, but if they don't then they'll have to win both games 6 and 7 in Miami to become champs.

I don't have the finals stats for what happens to teams that wins game #5 after the teams are tied at 2 games each,

... but I bet that teams that wins in this situation go on to win the series at least 70% of the time.

TL

Woohoo! that was a good game - Dallas is defying the odds!

I still hope that Mark Cuban chokes on a hotdog before it's over though.

What a final series! I think it's now officially cemented that the Heat belong to Wade and not Lebron...

I'm hoping the Mavs can take care of business and finish the Heat off on Sunday!!!

Mavs scorch the Heat in game five, 112-103.

It was raining jumpers.

Looks like Tim was right all along.

Tim keep saying that Miami simply needed to make a few more shots that they normally been making and the Miami defense had nothing to do with it.

How about the return of Mr. Barea??

If Dallas scores 100+ points the heat can not compete.

Where in the world was Lebron James in the 4th period??????????????????

When the Heat took a 6 point lead in the fourth, I knew what would happen next - a total collapse of the Heat as Dallas closes the game with a 15-3 run.

The Dallas starters other than Dirk make major contributions and smack talker supreme Jason Terry stuns Lebron with 21 big points and especially 8 in the 4th vs. only 2 for Lebron.

This was the fourth straight game in which "The King" scored less than 4 points in the critical fourth helping to cement his rep as a non performer when it matters most.

What will happen in Miami???

The Mavs now get 2 chances to finish off the Heat in Miami but is home cooking all that Miami needs???

If Miami loses this series it's going to be a long, long off season and next season for the Heat and especially Mr. James.

With Regret...

I now know that my rein as NBA champ will be over for sure by next Tuesday night - maybe by Monday morn.

It was good to be the King!


TL

Joke on Mike and Mike:

I asked Lebron for change for a dollar and he only gave me 75 cents. I guess he didn't have a 4th quarter.

Wade & James said the cough was innocent but they anticipated the press making a big deal out of it so they sorta ran with it and Dirk called it childish & ignorant.

But, if they don't win this series the joke will be on them.

Miami has lost 2 games in a row and when they get on a roll...

BTW, the Mavs took 4 in a row from my Lakers and 3 in a row from the Thunder.

Maybe Dallas has their number, but not tonight.

I predict the Heat will somehow get a win tonight and force a game 7.

TL

This is a marketing forum...I'm surprised everyone doesn't realize this is definitely going to 7.

Heat wins tonight and we go to game 7.

SPAM much? LOL

I am happy for Dirk, Kidd, Terry and Marion. Those are four classy, talented players who earned this championship.

Anyone else notice how the refs actually got it right in that second quarter conflict? I saw one angle that clearly showed Haslem walking straight towards Stevenson. Stevenson simply pushed Haslem away instead of letting him run into him. The broadcast team didn't ever point this out. This was perhaps the turning point of the game.

Dallas!! Dallas- the champion, I am very happy for them, very good series!

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I'm also glad that Dallas won. I don't like Mark Cuban much either, but he played it classier than normal after the game by keeping the focus off of himself. Thankfully! Otherwise he might have ruined for me an otherwise really good series.

I just couldn't stand the Heat, and the whole arrogant way they started their season. As long as they have that arrogant attitude, I'll thoroughly enjoy watching them eat some humble pie.

I was wrong when I predicted the Heat would win last night and force a 7th game.

I knew that Dallas was a streaky team and they won 3 in a row to take the crown.

Also, The King's most recent attempt at the crown was rebuffed by the basketball gods as the heat misses 13 big free throws and "bows" to the Mavericks Of Dallas 105-95 to go down in flames in a mere 6 games.

It has been whispered to me by the basketball gods that good foul shooting is a matter of composure and it also appears...

...The Heat, AKA Miami Thrice, constituted by Patrick Riley to found a dynasty ( British pronunciation )...

... cracked under the intense pressure of the NBA Finals on early 21st Century Planet Earth in their first attempt...

...and now they must live with themselves forevermore - until they win at least 1 championship together.


But I must mention the the guy who truly cracked up on the beach, the player who committed most of the Heat mistakes like...

... stupid passes, rushed shots, after-burned by Jet, missing foul shots, forcing issues, etc.

I mean the guy was really getting obvious and ridiculous. (IMHO)

His plus/minus for the game was 24 huge points - meaning while he was in the game, his team was outscored by 24 points - a very large and unusual number indicating just how bad he played in the biggest game of his life.

His offensive flashes were not enough and ill timed.

Whatever's going on, he's needs to be prepared for a long, not only off season but the rest of his life - until he wins a championship.

It just hit me!

Rick Caryle reminds me of Jim Cary.

Hail to the victors, and...

Congratulations to the NEW Kings Of The NBA & their MVP.

Dirk, The MVP, The Jet, Jason The Kidd, Jose, Tyson, Ferguson and the rest of the team.


I believe Dirk is the first alpha dog of an NBA Champion born in a foreign land. Oh, I almost forgot about Akeem the Dream.

But Dirk is the first European born and will be celebrated as a God on the continent forevermore.

Mr. Cuban show a serious touch of class by allowing the original owner of the Mavs to be the first one to officially hoist the trophy.

Now I see where they get the logo for the Mavs.

We served with honor and dignity and now the responsibility belongs to The Mavericks Of Dallas.

I said very early on that the team that beat the champs ought to be the champs and it came to pass.

All The Best!!

TL

Congrats, Dallas!

At least LeBron ended this on a nice classy high note:

Don't expect loathing of LeBron to stop - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

Question???

If you were the Heat GM (aka Pat Riley) would you make a run at Dwight Howard for James/Wade??

Wow, even though my Lakers didn't win it all, I'd have to say this year's playoff was really fun to watch. I'm glad Dirk, Kidd, and Terry all got their rings. I'm hoping the eastern conference improves a lot next year, and Heat fall short of the Finals

The curse is strong TL... You can't stop it!

next year ...

Any WNBA fans here?

Hopefully this lockout doesn't last too long, and the Lakers will be back on top!

Aremen "The Hammer" Gilliam passed away yesterday during a pickup BBall game at the age of 47 from an apparent heart attack...

Go Lakers

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Boston City Hall Plaza chosen for Russell statue:

Looks like Boston is going to raise a statue for it's greatest sports figure.

That's 11 championships in 13 years for the Men In Green and the city of Boston.

Many came at the expense of my Lakers.

Story here...

Boston City Hall Plaza chosen for Russell statue