Man!!! Seems like yesterday we were discussing this, doesn't it? :woohoo:

So the WESTERN matchups are set! The Eastern shall be determined...TONIGHT!

Here are the matchups in the first round for the WEST:

NBA Playoffs 2005
Western Conference Schedule: Round One
(5) Houston Rockets at (4) Dallas Mavericks 4:30 CT Saturday on ESPN
(6) Sacramento Kings at (3) Seattle Sonics 9:30 CT Saturday on ESPN
(7) Denver Nuggets at (2) San Antonio Spurs 7:00 CT Sunday on TNT
(8) Memphis Grizzlies at (1) Phoenix Suns 9:30 CT Sunday on TNT

And here is Tonight's NBA Schedule, which is HUGE:

Chicago at Indiana 8:00 ET on ESPN
Phoenix at Sacramento 10:30 ET on ESPN
New Jersey at Boston 7:00 ET
Cleveland at Toronto 7:00 ET
Atlanta at Philadelphia 7:00 ET
Detroit at Charlotte 7:00 ET
Miami at Orlando 7:00 ET
Washington at New York 7:30 ET
Dallas at Memphis 8:00 ET
L.A. Clippers at New Orleans 8:00 ET
San Antonio at Minnesota 8:00 ET
Seattle at Houston 8:30 ET
L.A. Lakers at Portland 10:00 ET
Utah at Golden State 10:30 ET

And of course..... I must give mad props to my MAVERICKS, who many believe will go all the way this time baby! ;) With ALL of our starters healthy, some of the best stats offensively and DEFENSIVELY :woohoo: and the "deepest bench in the entire NBA" we are sitting pretty! And ABC put it best, "The Mavericks are the Designer Team to beat for the Championship!"
Way to go Mark Cuban for putting the "Lil' General (Avery Johnson) in the command seat. He has brought what we have desperately needed for a true Championship run (DEFENSE) without sacrificing the most POTENT OFFENSE in the League!!! Our stats since his taking over speak for themselves:
13 - 2, only one opponnent has scored over 100 (and still lost to us) Top 5 in defensive steals, and least turnovers!

And let's not forget what most believe to be the "Most potent 7-footer in the NBA!" The one, the only..... DIRK NOWITZKI

The Spurs always have an easy playoff-schedual. I cant remember a time in which they didnt

PS Im going to call the Lakers front office and tell them they owe me $300

Hey TXSTYLE, you like setting yourself up for disapointment every year don't you, :p :D

I'm just glad the Sonics get Sac instead of Dallas or Houston in the first round. On with the playoffs minus the Lakers :thumbup:

Hey TXSTYLE, you like setting yourself up for disapointment every year don't you, :p :D
I was gonna say the same thing. The Mavs ain't winning a damn thang this year man, sorry to tell ya. This was a good year for them though, I'll give you that. The Spurs are the team to beat, period...don't listen to any of that other foolishness. I'd even say the Suns and Kings would beat the Mavs in a 7 game series, and that's no joke. I'd rank the Mavs as probably the 4th or 5th best team out west after the Spurs, Suns, and Kings.

Spurs and kings are playoff tested and won't go down easily, plus they're tough to beat at home. Mavs lose in the second round.

I was gonna say the same thing. The Mavs ain't winning a damn thang this year man, sorry to tell ya. This was a good year for them though, I'll give you that. The Spurs are the team to beat, period...don't listen to any of that other foolishness. I'd even say the Suns and Kings would beat the Mavs in a 7 game series, and that's no joke. I'd rank the Mavs as probably the 4th or 5th best team out west after the Spurs, Suns, and Kings.

Spurs and kings are playoff tested and won't go down easily, plus they're tough to beat at home. Mavs lose in the second round.


I hate to group you with the rest of these HATERS Mike but......... I must! You being a baller like me and understanding the game, you should know better than to say that bs above dude. :nono: I'm not gonna say why anymore...... I will just comment on the actual games played. But you guys are sadly mistaken if you think the Spurs are the "End All" team this year. :uh: They barely escaped past Memphis the other night... Oh wait a minute... they didn't! They are good and rightfully so, but with the Admiral gone...... :nono:
Me predicts DALLAS vs DETROIT for the Ring. :thumbup:

And if Marcus Camby can return....... I think the Nuggets are gonna give the Spurs a run harder than they want. :D Houston doesn't have the depth for us. Look for a DALLAS vs PHOENIX which will be stellar throughout! :cool:

And if Marcus Camby can return....... I think the Nuggets are gonna give the Spurs a run harder than they want. :D Houston doesn't have the depth for us. Look for a DALLAS vs PHOENIX which will be stellar throughout! :cool: Camby is made up of wet pretzels, he'll break as soon as someone leans on him.

I'll keep it short, you guys will get past the Rockets...barely...and then run into a buzz saw in the second round when the Suns run you out of the building. The Maverick defense isn't prepared to stop Phoenix's mix of fast breaking and 3-point bombing. You'll see...just watch...Dirk is gonna have all he can handle vs Amare. But most importantly, if Dallas can't win one of those first games in America West Arena then it's over...the one things the Suns have going for them is home court throughout. You have to break that to break their confidence.

Camby is made up of wet pretzels, he'll break as soon as someone leans on him.

I'll keep it short, you guys will get past the Rockets...barely...and then run into a buzz saw in the second round when the Suns run you out of the building. The Maverick defense isn't prepared to stop Phoenix's mix of fast breaking and 3-point bombing. You'll see...just watch...Dirk is gonna have all he can handle vs Amare. But most importantly, if Dallas can't win one of those first games in America West Arena then it's over...the one things the Suns have going for them is home court throughout. You have to break that to break their confidence.


I agree with one of those statements: We must and will win 1 in Phoenix. :thumbup:
Fast Breaks.... Come on, now we're playin our game!
I have not seen one player that has or can contain Dirk!
3-Pointers could NOT save the NBA's BEST 3-pt shooting team (Sonics) against us last night. :uh:
I'm not too concerned with Yao and T-Mac...... They can not win the series alone. And our bench has their whole team covered.

Same as last year....

all you guys talking smack

all wrong, over and over again

Will Detroit win again? I hope. But go look at your posts from last year and see what happened.............

Will Detroit win again? I hope. But go look at your posts from last year and see what happened............. D-town is VERY respectable and a team not to be overlooked. They'll be severely tested out East vs Miami and Co.

If the Spurs make it out of the West they'll beat whatever team makes it to the Finals, even though they would have a tougher time against Miami. The Spur defense is better than Detroit's and the Spur front line is better than Detroit's. Don't forget that the Spurs acquired "Big Dog" Robinson and Nazr Mohammed not too long ago, those guys will be huge for them in the postseason. If it wasn't for D-Fish's miraculous turn-around jumper in game 5 last year (remember the shot with 0.04 seconds left?) it would have been Spurs vs. Pistons in the Finals and the Spurs would have taken it most likely. I say this because the Spur team of last year and the Pacers of last year were very similiar on paper, and we all know that the Pacers gave D-town their toughest test in last year's playoffs. It'll be a good playoff atmosphere this year because there's no hands-down juggernaut expected to run the table.

It'll be a good playoff atmosphere this year because there's no hands-down juggernaut expected to run the table.

So true!

But I am routing for the Mavs!!! :thumbup:

I'm going for my home state of New Jersey(but will more than likely lose). Must give respect where respect is due and they came storming back the second half of the season to get that 8th seed. More than likely gonna loose to Shaq and Miami, but I think it will be a good match. Vinsanity has been killin all opponents as of late. They better not go out like no punks, thats all I ask. But besides that, I'm all for Miami this year. After seeing Dwayne Wade perform this year, I give him so much respect.

Miami vs. Detroit(Damn, thats gonna be a great series)

I have not seen one player that has or can contain Dirk!



I hope your not serious with that comment. If that was the case, his lanky ass should have the championship 3 times over by now. Dirk is a real good player(cant knock that at all), but he can be easily shutdown. I'm just tired of watching these fools have such a great record every regualr season, and always blow it in the playoffs year after year. I no longer have faith in them.

And of course..... I must give mad props to my MAVERICKS, who many believe will go all the way this time baby! ;) With ALL of our starters healthy, some of the best stats offensively and DEFENSIVELY :woohoo: and the "deepest bench in the entire NBA" we are sitting pretty! And ABC put it best, "The Mavericks are the Designer Team to beat for the Championship!"
Way to go Mark Cuban for putting the "Lil' General (Avery Johnson) in the command seat. He has brought what we have desperately needed for a true Championship run (DEFENSE) without sacrificing the most POTENT OFFENSE in the League!!! Our stats since his taking over speak for themselves:
13 - 2, only one opponnent has scored over 100 (and still lost to us) Top 5 in defensive steals, and least turnovers!

And let's not forget what most believe to be the "Most potent 7-footer in the NBA!" The one, the only..... DIRK NOWITZKI

ahh, the sounds and smells of spring. the time of the NBA playoffs. and once again, hope springs eternal for young Marcus (aka TXSTYLE) and his beloved Mavs. actually, this time i do believe that the Mavs have a legit shot. avery has them playing some D and dirk digler really is the truth. the playoffs are wide-ass open this year. if only the 1st round didnt take over 2 weeks i may be interested..........

Doc

I am drained
http://tinypic.com/4k7kw0

I hope your not serious with that comment. If that was the case, his lanky ass should have the championship 3 times over by now. Dirk is a real good player(cant knock that at all), but he can be easily shutdown. I'm just tired of watching these fools have such a great record every regualr season, and always blow it in the playoffs year after year. I no longer have faith in them.

Now, now magneto... :nono: How u gonna diss my nephew like that? If I remember correctly... Championships are a "Team Effort". I won't even get into why Dirk is being praised (rightfully so) as among the "ELITE" (and I'm talking Top 5!) in the league! :eek2:
Easily shut down...? WTF? :uh: Name 1 player in the NBA that has "shut him down"? Now I realize you probably don't have NBA league pass, and thus you can't watch the man in action on a weekly basis. But I can assure you.... EVERY coach in the league dreams about containing Dirk each game. But at 7'1, with point guard ball-handling, a soft touch release, an exceptional 3-point range, more blocks, steals, and of course points each year... Come on now! :egads: :D But you know, I've come to realize that alot of peeps refuse to give them credit until they win a ring. :dunno: Give credit where credit is do my friend. We are on a 13-1 run with 9 straight wins... With over half of those coming from Playoff bound teams!!! :woohoo:

Man....... I feel so bad for LeBron & The Cavs :(

That guy put the entire team on his shoulders and had damn near a Triple-Double in the 1st half!!! :eek2: Do you realize the level he was playing at? The problem is, they waited to long to turn it up during the season. And the Nets win over Boston, sealed their fate... Two years in a row they missed the Playoffs by 1 game... What a heartbreaker... :cry:

I agree TX, Dirk is the man, he is an amazing player and top 5 is no stretch at all. You certainly don't have to win a championship to be a great player. TX, I know how passionate you are about your Mavs, I'm not hatin, just a little ribbing at your expense, I just hope you don't get the last laugh but i'll be here to take it ;)

This is the first time in a long time I have been this pumped about the first round, this should be a great playoffs.

Man....... I feel so bad for LeBron & The Cavs :(

That guy put the entire team on his shoulders and had damn near a Triple-Double in the 1st half!!! :eek2: Do you realize the level he was playing at? The problem is, they waited to long to turn it up during the season. And the Nets win over Boston, sealed their fate... Two years in a row they missed the Playoffs by 1 game... What a heartbreaker... :cry: Tell me about it dude, I really wanted to see the Cavs make the playoffs man. The idiot owner fired Paul Silas and that was that, their fate was sealed by that singular act :thumbdn:

As for the Celtics, blah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! I'm a Laker fan so imagine how bad I feel for the Celtics :p They blew a 19 point 2nd qtr lead!!!!!

I'll make another statement to give you guys something to chew on, and TX please don't take offense to this. If the Mavs do fall in the first round and the Suns have to play the Rockets in the 2nd round, the Suns will be in trouble...that's right...if the Rockets play the Suns in the 2nd round the Rockets are gonna slow down Phoenix's running game and grind them out. That's how Van Gundy coaches, and the Rockets have the personnel to beat the Suns believe it or not. This is a totally new season and match-ups are very important.

This is the first time in a long time I have been this pumped about the first round, this should be a great playoffs.

I'm not pumped, but certainly excited for my hometown Bulls who have a winnable series against Washington. Interesting that the 1st time these 2 teams make the playoffs in years it is Jordan's 1st team playing against his last. Minorly ironic if you ask me.

Paxson (GM) has done a great job in Chicago and one of the keys was hiring Scott Skiles as coach. Even without Deng and Curry, lately they have still been winning. They have a talented, young team that has some exceptionable chemistry. Hopefully they can keep them together for a few years and maybe make a title run in 2-3 years?

I think this years playoffs are a toss-up. I think the Nets are a dangerous series for the Heat and many are predicting San Antonio to win it. But I think we are going to have a few surprises in most rounds. The Nets went to 2 of the last 3 NBA finals and they are playing better ball at the end of the season, probably one of the best 8 seeds of all time. Boston and Seattle, both #3 seeds don't strike fear into anyone. Denver is a dangerous #7 (Karl has them clicking on all cylinders) And Indiana stills has remnants of their championship run teams, making them a dangerous #6.

Who knows, Phoenix might finally get over the hump, but I wouldn't bet on it. Detroit still looks poised to make a quality run for a repeat, and if the Heat and Shaq can get it together they will be tough to stop. Although I'd love it if the Bulls could dump them in the 2nd round (doubtful).

Definitely, what appear to be some great matchups.

The Bulls front line is going to have to go up against Kwame Brown, Brendan Haywood, and Etan Thomas...3 straight suckas, so they have a chance.

The battle of the backcourts will be great in this series. Arenas and Hughes vs. Hinrich and Gordon.

Hey TX, when the Mavs/Rockets series starts try to keep an eye on your point guards, that'll tell you what's going to happen in this series. Terry and Harris HAVE to play great ball for the Mavs to advance, Van Gundy knows this and will pressure the hell out of those guys. Armstrong is too old to play meaningful defensive minutes...it should be interesting. I'm also watching the Finley/Howard vs. McGrady match-up...

Now, now magneto... :nono: How u gonna diss my nephew like that? If I remember correctly... Championships are a "Team Effort". I won't even get into why Dirk is being praised (rightfully so) as among the "ELITE" (and I'm talking Top 5!) in the league! :eek2:
Easily shut down...? WTF? :uh: Name 1 player in the NBA that has "shut him down"? Now I realize you probably don't have NBA league pass, and thus you can't watch the man in action on a weekly basis. But I can assure you.... EVERY coach in the league dreams about containing Dirk each game. But at 7'1, with point guard ball-handling, a soft touch release, an exceptional 3-point range, more blocks, steals, and of course points each year... Come on now! :egads: :D But you know, I've come to realize that alot of peeps refuse to give them credit until they win a ring. :dunno: Give credit where credit is do my friend. We are on a 13-1 run with 9 straight wins... With over half of those coming from Playoff bound teams!!! :woohoo:

Man....... I feel so bad for LeBron & The Cavs :(

That guy put the entire team on his shoulders and had damn near a Triple-Double in the 1st half!!! :eek2: Do you realize the level he was playing at? The problem is, they waited to long to turn it up during the season. And the Nets win over Boston, sealed their fate... Two years in a row they missed the Playoffs by 1 game... What a heartbreaker... :cry:

Whoa Whoa Whoa. Easy there killa. I give Dirk much props and respect. Heck, I am a damn preacher for giving respect where respect is due. Thats all I ask most people do on forums. If that was the case, I wouldnt have mentioned a thing about the Nets making the playoffs this year(which I talked about in the post before my previous one) and the long run that they made towards the end of the season.

Dirk, I really like this guy(never once have I siad he was a bad player, and strongly beleive he is Top 5 player of the year). The run that they had towards the end of this year was nothing but spectacular. However, I see the same thing happening again this year as what happened in previous years. They end up having an outstanding regular season, but when the playoffs role around, they end up not winning. I dont find them tough enough to take on the pressures of playoff seasons. I like Dirk, but when game 6 or 7 comes around, I dont see Dirk coming up with bangers, key rebounds, or other key shots. I see him hanging around in the back court shooting from the bleechers, I see him getting banged on or fouling other players. When these big games come around, I sure dont want him on my team. Oh, and me saying that he can be easily shut down was an overstatement, my bad, just wrong wording. Dirk can be contained. Get a nice double team on him, and its a wrap. Hes not an almightly player that MJ was.

First round belongs to Dallas(even though they have been on somewhat of a run the end of the season too, dont forget the intense play of McGrady during the playoffs). Seocnd round will be a tough one. They will more than likely be playing Phenoix who has had an outstanding season and will probably continue to do so this year. Amare is argueably the most improved player this season. He has been phenomenal. And so has Steve Nash, who is a contender for MVP this year. Suns have a hell of a lot of shooters plus they also got Stoudemire. He has been a remarkably strong player this year. Mavs vs. Suns. This will be an outstanding match up right here. Game 7 belongs to the Suns. If Dallas makes it past that, then they have to play against the all mighty Spurs who at the time are arguably the best defensive team this year. Save Duncans injury, they are still a force to reckoned with. And if Dallas gets passed all that, I definitely cant see them beating the Heat or the Pistons.

And I know, you dont have to win a championship to be a great player. Patrick Ewing, John Stockton, Malone, Reggie Miller, Gary Payton, and many others are all great players, Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers without a ring. I would never say you have to win a championship to be considered a great player. Heck, Lebron is a great player and he cant even make it to the playoffs.

All in all, what I am getting at is that I dont see them winning the championship this year. I understand that Dallas is your team(and Dirks your Nephew), and I am perfectly fine with that, but we obviously have differences. To me, Dallas is such a different team during the playoffs its rediculous. Year after year we have all been praising how well they are, how well they have been improving, but when its time to get down to business, they dont deliever. And I think this year is no different. I personally have lost faith in Dallas, and have fell off of the bandwagon. Yall need to stop watching them TNT commericals with them players talking all that smack. LOL. They are a really good team, but its not Dallas's year just yet.

Hopefully I'm not too offensive with this, not trying to make a big ol arguement.

I'll tell you what, if you prove me wrong(I hope you dont, lol) and Dallas makes it to the Finals then you can fart in my dinner the day they do(Spray Fart, lol). And thats coming from the heart.

I feel ya bro... If we were to go on past records... then yep, the Mavs are in trouble! :egads:
Avery Johnson has proven (13 games no less) that DEFENSE is a must. The stats show it, and he will bench ANY starter who does otherwise. Now also, we're not just "talking defense" (which in the past we didn't even do) we are showing it... Big Time! And with all that defense we've been exhibiting, our "lights-out offense" is in tact. :thumbup:

Now looking ahead... Houston will undoubtedly try a 'half-court' game, and they often times can slow you down. But in the course of 7 games? That ain't gonna cut against say a Dallas or a Phoenix. Both teams have a full squad capable of pushing the ball full court all day.

Looking ahead to the Spurs... I know we spanked them but once this season, and that was without Duncan, BUT....... that was also without Avery at the helm! There is a "quiet confidence" with the Mavs that I believe we will see grow into a visible & voiced confidence. The only thing that can hinder us from a championship would be injury. Believe me when I say, "If Don Nelson was still in charge, I would NOT be nearly as optimistic!"

Miami & Detroit... We have beaten both teams HANDIDLY... with ALL of their starters! Whoever makes it out of the West should obtain the RING. ;) I don't think Miami can handle the Pistons in a 7 game series. Too much experience, and too much depth. It'll be good though. And yes, I think the Nets will be dangerous too, until they come up against a Ben Wallace or a Shaq!

I feel ya bro... If we were to go on past records... then yep, the Mavs are in trouble! :egads:
Avery Johnson has proven (13 games no less) that DEFENSE is a must. The stats show it, and he will bench ANY starter who does otherwise. Now also, we're not just "talking defense" (which in the past we didn't even do) we are showing it... Big Time! And with all that defense we've been exhibiting, our "lights-out offense" is in tact. :thumbup:

Now looking ahead... Houston will undoubtedly try a 'half-court' game, and they often times can slow you down. But in the course of 7 games? That ain't gonna cut against say a Dallas or a Phoenix. Both teams have a full squad capable of pushing the ball full court all day.

Looking ahead to the Spurs... I know we spanked them but once this season, and that was without Duncan, BUT....... that was also without Avery at the helm! There is a "quiet confidence" with the Mavs that I believe we will see grow into a visible & voiced confidence. The only thing that can hinder us from a championship would be injury. Believe me when I say, "If Don Nelson was still in charge, I would NOT be nearly as optimistic!"

Miami & Detroit... We have beaten both teams HANDIDLY... with ALL of their starters! Whoever makes it out of the West should obtain the RING. ;) I don't think Miami can handle the Pistons in a 7 game series. Too much experience, and too much depth. It'll be good though. And yes, I think the Nets will be dangerous too, until they come up against a Ben Wallace or a Shaq!


saving this quote for later.......

saving this quote for later.......

Thanks JPA, saved me the trouble....LOL!

Many people ate their shorts last year thinking the West was a lock. And beating someone handily in the regular season isn't the same thing as a 7 game series. Both the Pistons and Shaq know how to raise it to the next level, and will do so when the time is right. That is why they play the games and why the Mavs have been a great example of underacheivers in the playoffs.

The Mavs will be no different this year than last year in the playoffs...it's a totally new season...

All this Dallas love is making me sick. LOL :p

I give D-town their props and Dirk his, but if you think H-town is a pushover then be in for a rude awakening.

Yes yall have Dirk and we have scrubs guarding him, but yall got no one to guard T-mac and to think Dampier and Bean Stock can handle Yao is a joke.

Will be a good series to watch. :woot:

For those of you who are THIRSTY...... You know who you are:

All this Dallas love is making me sick. LOL :p

I give D-town their props and Dirk his, but if you think H-town is a pushover then be in for a rude awakening.

Yes yall have Dirk and we have scrubs guarding him, but yall got no one to guard T-mac and to think Dampier and Bean Stock can handle Yao is a joke.

Will be a good series to watch. :woot:


Remember this name....... Josh Howard. ;)

Man...... This first game between Detroit and Philly is awesome!

Houston @ Dallas comin up in 30 min! :thumbup:

Well........ Simply put.... We nor anyone will win missing all of their shots. :nono: T-Mac had an exceptional game, and Coach J is gonna have to look at who is matches up better with him.... And it sure ain't Finley's old azz. Then again, we've been riding high with 10 straight wins! This was probably needed to wake the team up. :egads:

Dirk wasn't there tonight.... :egads:

Remember this name....... Josh Howard. ;)

Rockets 1, Dallas 0

Umh, Howard has nothing on T-mac so far. :D

Rockets 1, Dallas 0

Umh, Howard has nothing on T-mac so far. :D


Hmmmmmm? So u want to get feisty over Game 1... ;) Unfortunately Avery should have not put Finley on TMac... A better matchup is Howard, which we waited too long to do. I give Tracy he's do's bro believe that. I see Yao was a "non factor" though. :D And as I stated above we'll lose to Texas Tech shooting at or below 40%. :rolleyes: Game one was like the Spurs & Nuggets last night.... They pulled one off! :thumbup: We'll see if Dirk is as "off" as he was Saturday tonight. :)

Now then......Talk about an upset........ I was even more shocked at the Nuggets defeat over the Spurs last night! :dunno:
And...... if Phoenix doesn't watch out.... Memphis may shock their azz too! :eek2:

The most exciting fast-paced game thus far has to be Bulls & Washington! :woohoo:

Game 2 is a must win for the Mavs, they can't fall behind 2-0 in this series. The percentages are on Houston's side now as about 70% of the time whoever wins game 1 wins the series. The mavs have no one who can guard T-Mac, I'll save Avery the trouble of scanning his bench. What he'd better do is put Josh Howard on T-Mac and have Howard force T-Mac right each time, make him put the ball on the floor, you can't allow him to just elevate over you and shoot from a stand still position...he'll kill you. Make him put the ball on the floor and make a decision. And they have to attack him on offense, make T-mac play defense. Whoever he's guarding can't settle for jumpers. The series is far from over, playoffs are about adjustments. We'll see who adjusts better.

Nuggets vs. Spurs will be a great series just like Bulls vs. Wizards. What happened to the Pacers and Sixers? Both got pasted...

Yeah, Dirk had a baaaadddd night. He should rebound tonight, but I think Yao will also from his bad night. Good TX series so far (H-town, D-town, and Little Mexico). TX representing b-ball hardcore!

Where LA at? LMAO :p

Where LA at? LMAO :p We're sitting on 9 titles that's where we are. Don't get me started.

Dallas/Kings=NBA version of Atlanta Braves

Yeah, Dirk had a baaaadddd night. He should rebound tonight, but I think Yao will also from his bad night. Good TX series so far (H-town, D-town, and Little Mexico). TX representing b-ball hardcore!

Where LA at? LMAO :p


:egads: :egads: :egads:

We're sitting on 9 titles that's where we are. Don't get me started.


AHHHH, holding on to the past :p

AHHHH, holding on to the past :p All titles are in the past bruh... And you're holding onto?.....nada!...lol.

I shouldn't even bother wasting my time engaging people who's teams haven't won a title in the past decade. Win a ring, then talk trash about the Lakers. I know you have a lot of hate built up from all those years of the Lakeshow dominating your puny squad, so now's your chance to come out and bath in the sun a little...because we missed the playoffs for the 1st time in 11 years...when was the last time your squad missed the playoffs? Last year I bet. HA! :rolleyes:

The more you hate on the Lakers the bigger I smile, because that means we put a major foot in your azz and you still aren't over it. We'll win a title before your squad does, period :thumbup:

This is the 2005 NBA Playoff thread, past titles are not pertinent, but go back and check your history because we do have one, it's only one but we have a banner foo! ;)

http://www.ronsporn.com/gifs/tmacdunk.gif

And Yao has 17 pts in the 1st qtr :D

http://www.hk-kicks.com/files/10445/52663045RM001_Rockets_Mavs042522_800x600.jpg
http://www.hk-kicks.com/files/10445/52663045RM002_Rockets_Mavs042522_800x600.jpg

damn marcus, another year. another disappointment. the mavs are on the cusp of being PSO's. thats Perennial Sell Outs, for the uninformed.........

Doc

http://www.ronsporn.com/gifs/tmacdunk.gif

thats gotta hurt!!!!

houston 2-0 yeah baby!

tmac's facial expression at the end hahah lmao.

houston 2-0 yeah baby!

tmac's facial expression at the end hahah lmao.

anybody have a have gif. or picture of that dirt of my chin swipe by Tmac at the end...Tmac is emerging as a elite player this year.

For those of you who are THIRSTY...... You know who you are:



2-0, the truth hurts

Didn't I tell you Yao was going to step it up?! :woohoo:

Rockets 2, Dallas 0

http://www.siphoned.net/yeehaw.jpg

Damn Mike...... Never knew u harbored all that H A T E. :egads: What about your Hawks? :uh:

Hmmmmm? 2 out of 7.... It would appear to me that we still have 5 Games left, maybe I'm the only one that understands this is a Best of 7 Series.
Now that being said..... Am I concerned? Yes. Can the Mavs rebound and win the series? Yes. Can they do it at the rate they are going? Nope!

My breakdown of Game 2:

-The Refs Chicken-Shiz foul calls against us, particularly in the 1st half.
-Yao was playing on another level and simply getting where he wanted to.
-The supporting staff IMO are who won this game for Houston! 2 of their guys hit multiple clutch 3's.
- Tmac is doing his thing, nothing new there.
- Dirk being double-teamed is causing him huge problems that he must overcome.
- Finley needs to sit this series out. Daniels should replace him.
- Too many turnovers.
- We have had success crashing the boards/driving in the paint (Howard & Stackhouse) and need much more of that.
- Our shooting is off plain and simple.

All the hatred towards my peeps... :nono: You would think this is the FINALS or no other teams were playing. It's all good boys. Cuban and Co. are used to the hate and know that until we win a Ring we gets no respect.
I'm here for you Mavs......!

GO MAVERICKS!!!

Damn Mike...... Never knew u harbored all that H A T E. :egads: What about your Hawks? :uh:

Hmmmmm? 2 out of 7.... It would appear to me that we still have 5 Games left, maybe I'm the only one that understands this is a Best of 7 Series.
Now that being said..... Am I concerned? Yes. Can the Mavs rebound and win the series? Yes. Can they do it at the rate they are going? Nope!

My breakdown of Game 2:

-The Refs Chicken-Shiz foul calls against us, particularly in the 1st half.
-Yao was playing on another level and simply getting where he wanted to.
-The supporting staff IMO are who won this game for Houston! 2 of their guys hit multiple clutch 3's.
- Tmac is doing his thing, nothing new there.
- Dirk being double-teamed is causing him huge problems that he must overcome.
- Finley needs to sit this series out. Daniels should replace him.
- Too many turnovers.
- We have had success crashing the boards/driving in the paint (Howard & Stackhouse) and need much more of that.
- Our shooting is off plain and simple.

All the hatred towards my peeps... :nono: You would think this is the FINALS or no other teams were playing. It's all good boys. Cuban and Co. are used to the hate and know that until we win a Ring we gets no respect.
I'm here for you Mavs......!

GO MAVERICKS!!!


Y Me=Lakers fan and we suck this season

And me= hate Hawks, hate Braves......

As a matter fact since MJ left me=caring less and less about the NBA

http://www.siphoned.net/yeehaw.jpg


OMG that is hilarious, thanks for the laugh sick. Cowboy T-Mac

Hmmmmm? 2 out of 7.... It would appear to me that we still have 5 Games left, maybe I'm the only one that understands this is a Best of 7 Series.
Now that being said..... Am I concerned? Yes. Can the Mavs rebound and win the series? Yes. Can they do it at the rate they are going? Nope!

My breakdown of Game 2:

-The Refs Chicken-Shiz foul calls against us, particularly in the 1st half.
-Yao was playing on another level and simply getting where he wanted to.
-The supporting staff IMO are who won this game for Houston! 2 of their guys hit multiple clutch 3's.
- Tmac is doing his thing, nothing new there.
- Dirk being double-teamed is causing him huge problems that he must overcome.
- Finley needs to sit this series out. Daniels should replace him.
- Too many turnovers.
- We have had success crashing the boards/driving in the paint (Howard & Stackhouse) and need much more of that.
- Our shooting is off plain and simple.
Let's talk real basketball for a minute and let that other crap chill...This series is far from over, but the Mavs have a real challenge ahead of them now. The pecentages are definitely against them, but my Lakers were also up 2-0 against Phoenix a little over 10 years ago and we lost that series to Barkley and Co. so the Mavs are still alive, one win and they're right back in this series. Now, let's talk about what they're doing wrong:

1. Keith Van Horn is a serious defensive liability and he's extremely tentative on the offensive side of the floor. I hate to say it but he made 2 crucial blunders at the end that lost the game for Dallas. First, when he was run off the 3-point line while trying an entry pass to Dirk (who was being guarded by Jon Barry of all people) he should have pulled up and shot the ball, that's his game...but he hesitated and allowed Yao to slide over and play help defense which caused Dirk to have to come out further than he wanted to to receive the entry pass. KVH then threw an errant pass which was picked off by Mike James. On Houston's last offensive play KVH sank too far back off of T-Mac and gave him the space to hit the pull up jumper...again, he didn't recognize the strengths of the player he was guarding and allowed T-Mac to execute his go-to move, the pull up J. Game over.

2. I said earlier that the Dallas PG's would have to play great ball. So far I give them a C- at best. Mike James, Bob Sura, and Jon Barry combined to score 40 points. Think about that for a second. 40 points from those 3 guys. That hurt, not to mention James getting into the Mavs passing lanes constantly.

3. Dirk's stroke is missing. Shooting 13-40 in 2 games won't cut it, not while surrendering 31 per game to T-mac and letting Yao do what he wants in the middle. If Dallas couldn't slow these guys down in Dallas they'll be hard pressed to slow them down in H-town.

4. In 2001 Dallas was down 0-2 to the Jazz before rallying to win the series. I'm not one to harp on such past statistics but it shows that it can be done, but that was a 5 game series...not 7. Dallas could in theory win 2 in a row just like Houston did, but the way they're playing defense they won't last beyond 5 games in this series.

5. Shawn Bradley should NEVER see the floor, but Dampier getting in foul trouble necessitates that unfortunately. There was a high screen and roll play that the Mavs used twice with success against Houston. The play drew Yao away from the basket and left Barry to guard Dampier on the block. For some reason Dallas abandoned this play, even though Houston never stopped it. Not smart.

The bottom line is that Dallas is soft, or better yet...they have no killer instinct. They don't have a tough player with a snarl, Dirk is the closest thing and he doesn't have enough defensive help. The most important thing is that Dallas has no one who can match-up with McGrady, he'll continue to kill them for the remainder of this series. So, I expect to see Houston in the second round vs. the Suns and I'll take Yao and T-mac in that series too. The Suns won't know what hit them when they try to fast break against Van Gundy's defense.

This is the 2005 NBA Playoff thread, past titles are not pertinent, but go back and check your history because we do have one, it's only one but we have a banner foo! ;) Dennis Johnson can kiss my azz! :p And if "past titles aren't pertinent" then why follow sports at all? I want to hear what your Sonics are going to do this year. Please tell me they're going to win the title. I'm begging you to make that prediction so I can laugh when they get bounced.

Dennis Johnson can kiss my azz! :p And if "past titles aren't pertinent" then why follow sports at all? I want to hear what your Sonics are going to do this year. Please tell me they're going to win the title. I'm begging you to make that prediction so I can laugh when they get bounced.

I guess if past title had a thing to do with the 2005 playoffs then the Boston Celtics would be the favorite huh? Yes I believe the Sonics can win the championship, at least I can still say that.

What the Sonics are going to do?
1. Finish above .500
2. Win the division
3. Make the playoffs
...sounds like we've already done a few more things than the Lakers did THIS year!

my prediction is that we'll get to the second round, then depending on who we play i'll let you know, but I think the Suns will come out of the West to meet the Heat in the finals.

You guy's :egads: forgot about the true shocker :eek2: the CHICAGO BULLS got something for all you DALLS fan's just after they beat the MIAMI HEAT in the next round. :woot:

I guess if past title had a thing to do with the 2005 playoffs then the Boston Celtics would be the favorite huh? Yes I believe the Sonics can win the championship, at least I can still say that.

What the Sonics are going to do?
1. Finish above .500
2. Win the division
3. Make the playoffs
...sounds like we've already done a few more things than the Lakers did THIS year!

my prediction is that we'll get to the second round, then depending on who we play i'll let you know, but I think the Suns will come out of the West to meet the Heat in the finals. I said a title "within the last decade" remember that? That would discount the Celtics buddy, try again. You're reaching substantially.

Unfortunately there is no trophy for 2 of the 3 things you mentioned above, that's a loser's mentality...happy just to get to the dance, knowing you have no shot of really winning it or even coming close. I'll take a lottery pick over getting bounced early in the playoffs. Be happy with that worthless divisional title.

Let me ask you this? Why are you focused on the Lakers being they aren't in the playoffs? I'll tell you why, because we trounced the pathetic Sonics mercilessly over the past decade and this is all you can come up with to try to make yourself feel better about those years of utter humiliation. You only want to discuss the last few months huh?, sheer hilarity.

I'll share something else with you that you may not want to admit...your squad is going to lose Shuttlesworth in the offseason and you'll miss the playoffs AGAIN next year. Win a ring, then call out the Lakeshow...until then you just seem bitter. I bet in late July/early August 2005 when the Lakers announce they signed Phil Jackson you'll be spittin' and cussin' with hate.

I dare ya to say the Lakers will miss the playoffs again next year! I double dare ya! I know the Sonics will because Jesus ain't coming back unless y'all give him Kobe type money, which they won't...

A dare :rolleyes: The Lakers will not make the playoffs next year, no biggie bro. Take the last word and let's move on to the 2005 Playoffs and we'll leave the Lakers out of it, fair enough :thumbup:

I'd rather take another big gulp of that Hatorade that TX was serving up anyway :D

I'd rather take another big gulp of that Hatorade that TX was serving up anyway :D I like the lemon lime version myself :)

And I'm not a hater, I have nothing against the Mavs, they never eliminated my squad from the playoffs...heck, they're one of the few teams we played well against this past year. They just don't have that snarl, that's all it is. The Mavs are a bunch of really nice guys, good citizens and all. The only guy on the Mavs who does have that snarl is Avery Johnson and he can't be out on the floor running the show. Dirk is a great player, but he's a second tier superstar at best. He has to get meaner, plain and simple.

There was a lot of talk about Avery instilling some defense in this team and he did, but that only goes so far. You can't take guys who have been offensive minded players their entire careers and try to turn them into defenders (Stackhouse, KVH, Finley, Terry, etc.). It's simply asking the impossible. The Mavs problem is their defense, all they needed was one stop and they couldn't get it. They scored enough points to win but gave up more than they should have. The 40 combined points from Sura, Barry, and James really hurt the Mavs in game 2.

http://tinypic.com/4hs429
http://joegalvan.net/misc/jkidd2.jpg

http://tinypic.com/4hs429
http://joegalvan.net/misc/jkidd2.jpg


That frigging post is hilarious!

That said, I don't like the Lakers' chances to win it all in 2005. I only hope Lexus Kid is right about the Bulls beating Miami next round. I really don't eant to see Shaq win anything now that his talkative azz is out of LA.

SUPERSONICS ****** slapping the queens around.....2-0 :woot:

Hey Mike, I think you're stretching it thinking Phil is coming back to TInseltown. Didn't he meet with I. Thomas the other day for the Knicks job. IMO, that is the only way Jackson comes back, to coach his old team to it's 1st title since he played for them.

Also, I'll take that challenge for a 6 pack. The Lakers will make it 2 in a row next year.

And Lexus_Kid, I wish that were true. But 1st my Bulls need to get past Wash. (which they should) but the Heat look like they are clicking on all cylinders and even Mourning is starting to shine, playing his best game all season last night as they ripped the Nets again. Even if Deng and Curry came back it would still be a tough road. Not that the Bulls can't do it if the right things happen to fall into place, but being a betting man the Bulls would have to play great and the Heat would have to have an off series. Granted it can happen, but not likely.

Daaaaaaamn! 8th place Memphis has really given 1st place Phoenix all they can handle! Phoenix barely escaped a loss tonight. This has to be tremendous for Memphis going home for the next 2 games! And they had absolutely no answer for Pau Gasol... I had no idea he could be that explosive! And Mike Miller is also on another level as well. This could turn out to be one of if not the best series! Obviously Nash, Stoudemire, and Marion are gonna do their thing too!
I always root for the underdog.... exception if it's my team they're playing. :D

http://tinypic.com/4hs429
http://joegalvan.net/misc/jkidd2.jpg


Did he really have his wife and son in the post game conference? :uh: He is super-duper whipped..... I know alot of people are sick of seeing his watermelon-head azz boy at every game, every interview, etc. :egads:
Now his hott azz wife....... that's another story! :p

http://images.usatoday.com/sports/nba/_photos/2003-06-04-jourmana.jpg

Damn, today Denver got themselves.............

http://tinypic.com/4r9dh2

:D :D :D

And Lexus_Kid, I wish that were true. But 1st my Bulls need to get past Wash. (which they should) but the Heat look like they are clicking on all cylinders and even Mourning is starting to shine, playing his best game all season last night as they ripped the Nets again. Even if Deng and Curry came back it would still be a tough road. Not that the Bulls can't do it if the right things happen to fall into place, but being a betting man the Bulls would have to play great and the Heat would have to have an off series. Granted it can happen, but not likely.

I agree but now it's looking :eek2: pretty good Bull's go up 2 games :woot: Stay tuned

Celts vs. Pacers tonight. Does anyone in here outside of Indiana really like Reggie Miller? The guy flops on every play. I respect his skills as one of the best longball shooters ever but i would love it if it is my team to send him packing for good. :p

Bulls up 2-0, yeah baby!

Here was an interesting tidbit I pulled off of ESPN this am.

No player on either the Bulls' or Wizards' postseason roster has ever appeared in a playoff game for his current team. This will be the first such NBA postseason series since 1947, when it happened for a good reason: then known as the Basketball Association of America, that was the league's first season!

Hey Mike, I think you're stretching it thinking Phil is coming back to TInseltown. Didn't he meet with I. Thomas the other day for the Knicks job. IMO, that is the only way Jackson comes back, to coach his old team to it's 1st title since he played for them.

Also, I'll take that challenge for a 6 pack. The Lakers will make it 2 in a row next year.
Where've you been?? I was waiting for you to chime in being as the Bulls are playing good ball and you actually know your hoop history. No way in hell the Lakers miss the post-season 2 years in a row. I'll be expecting my 6-pack then. Now...

As for Phil coming back I think he is...I hate to use this as reasoning but I really feel strongly about this. His girlfriend is an executive with the Lakers, Jeannie Buss will be the reason he comes back to LA instead of going to NY. I just see that as what makes him choose the west coast over the east coast. Love makes men do strange things. He's already said he still thinks Kobe is the best player in the league, I'm sure Dr. Buss is willing to get the players in around Kobe that Phil would like to have (that means Chucky Atkins is out as the starter because Phil likes big guards). Phil thinks the world of Lamar Odom and said he always wanted to coach a player with that combo of size and ball handling skills. Butler is showing that his game meshes better with Kobe's game than anyone else on the roster and he's our grittiest player. Plus we have a lottery pick. The only thing I see that could cause a problem is if Phil wants a piece of the Lakers for himself, he'd be right to ask for it but Dr. Buss may not be willing to fragment ownership of the team any further since Magic has a percentage too.

The money isn't an issue, he'll get the money he wants. Everything is in place for him to come back to LA. We'll see what happens when the CBA expires in July, because we ain't gonna hire him before that happens. No sense in paying a guy during a work stoppage if there is one.

I'd love to see more of this:

So no comments on last nights come from behind win by my MAVS......? :confused: :D

I unfortunately got tied up with work in the 3rd when we were down by 10! By the time I saw the game again, we had just one by 3 or 4! Can someone be so kind as to recap who "stepped up" for the Mavs or who faultered for Houston, etc?

Thanks. :)

Where've you been?? I was waiting for you to chime in being as the Bulls are playing good ball and you actually know your hoop history. No way in hell the Lakers miss the post-season 2 years in a row. I'll be expecting my 6-pack then. Now...

Definitely the Bulls are playing well and have a great amount of young talent with a coach (Skiles) who fits them well. But this year is really only a stepping stone for them as they won't get past the Heat or Pistons this year. So I tend to be a bit reserved, excited, but reserved. The future looks bright as long as mgmt doesn't screw it up.

We'll see on that Lakers bet, nothing is guaranteed my friend.

And you might be right on the Lakers thing, I didn't realize that about his girlfriend. But I still think Phil yearns to bring a title back to the Knicks, unfortunately the Isaiah Thomas/Marbury issue might prevent that from happening. He likes neither of them for a variety of reasons.

Hey TXSTYLE, Dirk was the difference. He got heated and took control and willed the Mavs to a win. Game 4 will be crucial for both teams.

Hey TXSTYLE, Dirk was the difference. He got heated and took control and willed the Mavs to a win. Game 4 will be crucial for both teams.


That's AWESOME! My boy Dirk has really struggled in the post season...
Saturday is gonna be T E N S E! :eek1:

WOW!!!!!! A 20 - 0 run by the Mavs in the 4th.... :eek1: Damn I hate I did not see that with my own eyes. I would have been LIVID! :woohoo:

Now then......

Josh Howard, right, had the final five points of the Mavericks' 20-0 fourth-quarter run that put Yao Ming and the Rockets on their heels.

http://www.dfw.com/images/dfw/startelegram/news/1704057-628225.jpg

Hey TXSTYLE, Dirk was the difference. He got heated and took control and willed the Mavs to a win. Game 4 will be crucial for both teams. Dirk was instrumental...but the player I thought really made it happen for them was Jerry Stackhouse. Sure he only had 18 points but it was when he hit baskets that impressed me. Everytime it looked as if H-town was going to go on a nice run or extend their lead and put the game out of reach Stack hit a huge bucket and kept Dallas in it. Finley finally had a good shooting night but Stackhouse was the player of the game to me. It was a quiet 18, but if he didn't hit baskets to keep the game competitive then it wouldn't have mattered what Dirk did because the game would have already been decided. Mucho props to Stack for staying in the game.

I still believe Houston will take this series, I just don't see Dallas stopping T-mac from advancing to the next round. He's going to drag the Rockets into the second round if it kills him. He knows what it's like to be up 3-1in a series...and lose.

Dirk was instrumental...but the player I thought really made it happen for them was Jerry Stackhouse. Sure he only had 18 points but it was when he hit baskets that impressed me. Everytime it looked as if H-town was going to go on a nice run or extend their lead and put the game out of reach Stack hit a huge bucket and kept Dallas in it. Finley finally had a good shooting night but Stackhouse was the player of the game to me. It was a quiet 18, but if he didn't hit baskets to keep the game competitive then it wouldn't have mattered what Dirk did because the game would have already been decided. Mucho props to Stack for staying in the game.

I still believe Houston will take this series, I just don't see Dallas stopping T-mac from advancing to the next round. He's going to drag the Rockets into the second round if it kills him. He knows what it's like to be up 3-1in a series...and lose.


Now, now Mike...... Don't throw my team to the wind just yet! :nono:

My take on how to deal with Tmac is my take on how to deal with Kobe...
You can't really contain these guys particularly in our case, so give him his 30+ points per game.. Fok it! The key is to not let the supporting cast stab you to death with 3's and clutch shots. If we can contain Wessley, Sura, and at least keep Yao off like last night... We will win this series! :thumbup:

Now, now Mike...... Don't throw my team to the wind just yet! :nono:

My take on how to deal with Tmac is my take on how to deal with Kobe...
You can't really contain these guys particularly in our case, so give him his 30+ points per game.. Fok it! The key is to not let the supporting cast stab you to death with 3's and clutch shots. If we can contain Wessley, Sura, and at least keep Yao off like last night... We will win this series! :thumbup: Oh he can be contained, the Mavs just don't have the personnel to do it this year. But letting him get his and stopping everyone else is a good starting plan. Yao was in foul trouble and that helped Dallas immensely. Look for him to play smarter in game 4. You guys need to keep someone on Barry, don't lose that guy on breaks because he stops at the 3-point line and spots up everytime. They need to assign someone to watch that.

Ed, Phill Jackson WILL be coach of the Lakeshow next year. It's pretty much a done deal if you ask me. I'll explain why. LA is a city of power, wealth, and celebrity...and not necessarily in that order. The Laker season ticket-holders are pissed off (I know a few and they're ALL pissed). As everyone knows Laker season tickets aren't cheap by any means, the people who own these tickets are individuals who wield power and/or celebrity. They've made it very clear to Dr. Buss that they were unhappy with the Shaq trade and even more upset about us missing the playoffs. 1 year, okay...2 years? Never. These season ticket-holders are demanding Dr. Buss bring Phil back to LA, otherwise they won't renew their season tickets, which means a ton of lost revenue for Dr. Buss. Buss is no fool, he recognizes who butters his bread and he'll most likely bend over backwards to please them. It's not about the money at this point, he can afford to pay Phil the $10 mil a year. The sticking point is partial ownership of the team that Phil may request. Phil was also speculating about the players he'd want to keep (Butler, Mihm, Odom, Bryant) and build around. Now why speculate about this if you have no real interest in coming back? Like I said earlier, expect us to announce Phil as Laker head coach sometime in August after the CBA expires.

HOW BOUT THOSE MAVS!!!!!!

OMG!!! WE ARE LIVID HERE IN BIG D!!!!!

NEVER SAY DIE BABAY!!!!

Calm down. Now's NOT the time to get too high just like when you were 0-2 it wasn't the time to get too down on yourself. The mavs have taken home court advantage back from Houston, but they can lose it again just as quickly.

Finally a Maverick point guard came to play. I told you that's what had to happen for the Mavs to have a hold on this series.

It's now a 3 game series and game 5 is huge, the Mavs better protect their home court this time around. Should be a great game 5.

Calm down. Now's NOT the time to get too high just like when you were 0-2 it wasn't the time to get too down on yourself. The mavs have taken home court advantage back from Houston, but they can lose it again just as quickly.

Finally a Maverick point guard came to play. I told you that's what had to happen for the Mavs to have a hold on this series.

It's not a 3 game series and game 5 is huge, the Mavs better protect their home court this time around. Should be a great game 5.


What about now... Can I get a little more excited.....? :D

I see alot more intensity from the Mavs not to mention... after having played Houston so many times, we have "adjusted accordingly". Bring on dem SUNS........ :woohoo:

What about now... Can I get a little more excited.....? :D

I see alot more intensity from the Mavs not to mention... after having played Houston so many times, we have "adjusted accordingly". Bring on dem SUNS........ :woohoo:

Yes you may get excited. Maybe this is the year the Mavs finally turn the corner, we'll see what happens come the next few rounds, but certainly taking a 3-2 lead is a good 1st step.

Lastly, be careful what you wish for the Suns are no slouch.

On another note, the darn Bulls looked like crap the last 2 games. Not to take anything away from the Wizards, but getting down by over 20 is just unacceptable. They need a win in Game 5 or I think they're done.

Bring on dem SUNS........ :woohoo: Yes, be very careful what you wish for. You only had one scoring machine to deal with on Houston's squad. Imagine dealing with 5-6 guys who can each blow up for 25 on you.

But let's not overlook Houston just yet, eliminating a team is one of the hardest things to do in pro-sports. Guys play with much more force when their backs are against the wall. Expect a serious defensive effort from Houston in game 6.

I'm predicting this series will come down to a game 7 (not really much of a prediction but hey). And that's why having home court advantage is important, just in case it comes down to a game 7. In the playoffs all the teams are so good that home court means nothing until you get to game 7, then home court is huge.

On another note, the darn Bulls looked like crap the last 2 games. Not to take anything away from the Wizards, but getting down by over 20 is just unacceptable. They need a win in Game 5 or I think they're done.[/QUOTE]

Yea tonight's game is going to tell all for the BULLS I hope they can pull it off we will see tonight :sad:

Hey Mike, I think you're stretching it thinking Phil is coming back to TInseltown. Didn't he meet with I. Thomas the other day for the Knicks job. IMO, that is the only way Jackson comes back, to coach his old team to it's 1st title since he played for them.
This from the New York Post: "May 4, 2005 -- The Lakers are moving closer to rehiring Phil Jackson, sources have told The Post. One person with knowledge of the situation expects Jackson's official decision "soon."

The Knicks have not been told by Jackson's agent, Todd Musburger, that they are out of the running and Isiah Thomas is still pursuing Jackson to coach the Knicks, hoping for a second meeting. However, sources say the Knicks have become giant underdogs in the two-team race.

The Lakers are offering Jackson everything he desires in the future - including a potential piece of ownership from Jerry Buss, his potential father in-law, as well as the team presidency.

Isiah Thomas is a handsome man with a charming smile - but in the end, it appears he could not compete with Lakers VP Jeanie Buss, Jackson's girlfriend and the owner's daughter. As one Knicks insider said yesterday, "The Jeanie Buss factor is big."

Hmm...now who would have ever thunk it? :D

Isiah Thomas is a handsome man with a charming smile - but in the end, it appears he could not compete with Lakers VP Jeanie Buss, Jackson's girlfriend and the owner's daughter. As one Knicks insider said yesterday, "The Jeanie Buss factor is big."

Hmm...now who would have ever thunk it? :D

Yeah, I been watching this the last couple of days and realized the history factor didn't play as large of a part as I thought it would ('71 and '73 when Jackson played for the Knick Championship teams) but I guess I was wrong.

I can see Isiah mumbling under his breath....Where's a good hit man when you need him? Hey maybe we can send Robert Blake after her? (j/k) :p :p

As for Phil coming back I think he is...I hate to use this as reasoning but I really feel strongly about this. His girlfriend is an executive with the Lakers, Jeannie Buss will be the reason he comes back to LA instead of going to NY. I just see that as what makes him choose the west coast over the east coast. Love makes men do strange things. Man Ed, for some reason this was just so obvious to me. Maybe I can see the love in his eyes when he looks at her, lol. Or maybe it was the 6% ownership of the Lakers (Magic has 5%) that made him see the light. Either way he's coming back to LA...with many job titles (head coach, team president, part-owner) and many dollars to boot... :rolleyes:

Still think we won't make post-season play next year? I bet Lamar has his best season ever if he's still wearing the forum blue and gold next year...Phil loves that guy...

Still think we won't make post-season play next year?

To many changes happen each and every off-season to answer that question. I don't think Phil alone will make this team an automatic playoff team but I think he'll be enough to put what they have, combined with a year together under their belt, in a close race for the 6,7,8 seed. But it also depends on what the other teams in the Western conference do to get better or worse also. Your question will be fun to kick around at the start of next season for sure.

and....

GO SONICS, show Ray the money!

To many changes happen each and every off-season to answer that question. I don't think Phil alone will make this team an automatic playoff team but I think he'll be enough to put what they have, combined with a year together under their belt, in a close race for the 6,7,8 seed. You honestly don't believe that crap. Not if you're a real b-ball fan. The Lakers lacked coaching this year, and injuries killed them. We'll have arguably the greatest coach of all-time (sorry Red), a first-team all-NBA shooting guard who's the best at his position in the entire league (sorry Jesus), a budding superstar with all-around skills in Lamar Odom, a gritty scorer who knows how to finish with authority (Butler), a decent hard-working center (Mihm), plus a lottery pick...and you STILL don't think they'll make the playoffs??? Sounds like hate to me, not real basketball analysis based on critical examination of the facts. And if that's the case we can't talk hoops anymore, because that means you're biased as all get out. Tell me that's not the case?

If you were a trustworthy and upstanding individual where I knew I'd actually get paid I'd wager $100 with you that the Lakers make the playoffs next year. No way in hell they miss it 2 years in a row. That's why one of your first posts in this thread said something like, "let's get on with the playoffs minus the Lakers :thumbup: " which said a lot to me. You were concerned with a team not even in the playoffs!! What does that say about you? Battling for the 6th, 7th, or 8th seed?? Ha ha ha ha! You're on crack. Memphis, Denver, Dallas, and Seattle will all undergo a major shake-up this summer, just watch ;)

Your "Laker-hate" is quite obvious now.

BTW, Jerry Buss is holding a press conference at this very moment...I wonder what for? :D

Why a hater mike? because I don't agree with you? I don't think that the Lakers would be better than the Suns, Spurs, Sonics, Mavs, or Rockets by adding Phil Jackson. We obviously disagree but that makes me a hater? Read that last post again, I didn't say they wouldn't make the playoffs, I just said it's too early to tell with all the changes that happen during the offseason, you just have a greater b-ball mind than me in predicting these things I guess. I actually love Odoms game, when he's not hurt, and I know his trainer personally so this isn't easy to say but I still doubt his chances of staying healthy and that could hurt them because I know how eager Phil is to use him. I do think they will make the playoffs next year, and they could be better than my Sonics but I still say it depends on what happens in the offseason so I may have a bet for you come the start of next season but you'll have to hold on a bit.

Why a hater mike? because I don't agree with you? I don't think that the Lakers would be better than the Suns, Spurs, Sonics, Mavs, or Rockets by adding Phil Jackson. Because nothing you say is based on fact or actual basketball analysis, it's all based on personal dislike of the Lakers and it's always negative. I don't dislike any teams in the league, I just like the Lakers more than anyone else because of their dedication to winning. I never said they'd be better than this team or that team, I said they'd make the playoffs. And they will without a doubt. Do you think Kobe, Phil, or Dr. Buss will allow us to miss the playoffs again a second consecutive year? when we only missed the playoffs once before in the prior 11 years? Be realistic and unbiased in your commentary.

The Spurs and Rockets will be basically the same teams next year...the Mavs, Nuggets, and Sonics will all undergo major changes this summer with key players moving on to new teams. The only players I can say will probably still be on the Laker roster next season are Bryant, Butler, Odom, and Mihm. Throw in a lottery pick and that's a decent core. The only reason we missed the playoffs this year was due to injuries and coaching, not talent. We could field the same exact team next year and make the playoffs, but we won't...we too will undergo major changes this summer. Stay tuned.

"I said they'd make the playoffs. And they will without a doubt."

I think you're right but if you want me to be realistic there is always a doubt. I'm sure before this season started alot of people would have and did make the same type of statement about the Sonics not making the playoffs.

"Do you think Kobe, Phil, or Dr. Buss will allow us to miss the playoffs again a second consecutive year? when we only missed the playoffs once before in the prior 11 years? Be realistic and unbiased in your commentary."

No I don't, I think i've said that 2 or 3 times now, are you reading it correctly?

*Warning... Hi-Jacked Thread In Progress!* :uh:

Uhhhhhhhm? What's with all the unforseen predictions? Lakers are nowhere to be found in the 2005 PLAYOFFS guys. We'll see what next year brings... Until then, GO MAVS!!!

How about those Chicago Bulls what a game even though the lost :cry: that game and fell down 1 game we still have a shot but game 6 & 7 are going to be a little tough now that the Wizards got it going on. Needless to say what a great season......GO BULLS........ :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

*Warning... Hi-Jacked Thread In Progress!* :uh:

Uhhhhhhhm? What's with all the unforseen predictions? Lakers are nowhere to be found in the 2005 PLAYOFFS guys. We'll see what next year brings... Until then, GO MAVS!!!

I tried that but it wasn't working :uh: I made a little stop in Big D on my way back from NYC to have lunch with an old friend and had some fun razzing a few Mavs fans, they're all like you down there TX :D I was lucky to make it back to the airport ;)

GO SONICS

"I said they'd make the playoffs. And they will without a doubt."

I think you're right but if you want me to be realistic there is always a doubt. I'm sure before this season started alot of people would have and did make the same type of statement about the Sonics not making the playoffs.

"Do you think Kobe, Phil, or Dr. Buss will allow us to miss the playoffs again a second consecutive year? when we only missed the playoffs once before in the prior 11 years? Be realistic and unbiased in your commentary."

No I don't, I think i've said that 2 or 3 times now, are you reading it correctly? Glad we agree. Now...

Sonics are looking nice...but the second round is where they stop, unfortunately for you :D

TX, let's see...those pesky Mavs...still fighting and kicking...I give them their props for not rolling over and dying like they could have...

But the game we should be talking about is Wiz/Bulls game 5...GREAT GAME...Janero Pargo scoring 9 points in 34 seconds was crazy!! But Gilbert's shot at the end was crushing...I know every Bulls fan in the United Center wanted to :cry: HA ha ha ha ha ha ha!! The comeback was all for naught...man I love sports! :p

I tried that but it wasn't working :uh: I made a little stop in Big D on my way back from NYC to have lunch with an old friend and had some fun razzing a few Mavs fans, they're all like you down there TX :D I was lucky to make it back to the airport ;)

GO SONICS

DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS!

LOL! :D

Speaking of Texas...You know something that just occured to me last night...Robert Horry is one lucky-azz SOB. Sir Charles was kinda hating on him on NBA on TNT and Kenny "The Jet" had to check the Chuckster a little and explain why Horry is such a great player...because he's smart. I said he's lucky because dude has played with 3 of the best big-men of all time (Hakeem, Shaq, and Duncan) and his game meshed with theirs perfectly. I'd like to see Big Shot Rob get another ring just to bling it on ol' Chucky boy...

Charles is a straight busta, for several reasons... :thumbdn:

Glad we agree. Now...

Sonics are looking nice...but the second round is where they stop, unfortunately for you :D

TX, let's see...those pesky Mavs...still fighting and kicking...I give them their props for not rolling over and dying like they could have...

But the game we should be talking about is Wiz/Bulls game 5...GREAT GAME...Janero Pargo scoring 9 points in 34 seconds was crazy!! But Gilbert's shot at the end was crushing...I know every Bulls fan in the United Center wanted to :cry: HA ha ha ha ha ha ha!! The comeback was all for naught...man I love sports! :p
what a heartbreaking loss for Chicago. Well at least only half the people that went to the game saw it. the other half were probably in their cars on their way home listening to it.

what a heartbreaking loss for Chicago. Well at least only half the people that went to the game saw it. the other half were probably in their cars on their way home listening to it. Man those dudes were hoopin' in that game! I love watching eastern conference ball, the guards just go at it and it's personal. Too bad the Bulls lost, but that was a great game to watch.

Speaking of Texas...You know something that just occured to me last night...Robert Horry is one lucky-azz SOB. Sir Charles was kinda hating on him on NBA on TNT and Kenny "The Jet" had to check the Chuckster a little and explain why Horry is such a great player...because he's smart. I said he's lucky because dude has played with 3 of the best big-men of all time (Hakeem, Shaq, and Duncan) and his game meshed with theirs perfectly. I'd like to see Big Shot Rob get another ring just to bling it on ol' Chucky boy...

Charles is a straight busta, for several reasons... :thumbdn:


I can't stand that "FAT BASTARD". :thumbdn: He's a biased moron, and needs to lay off the sandwiches! :nono: I don't know wht in the hell TNT keeps his fat azz around. :uh: It ain't for his "Incredible Insight". He interrupts his fellow speakers and basically belittles any player he doesn't care for... WTF? :mad:

Big game tonight....

Hopefully the Rockets pull one out. :thumbup:

How about those Chicago Bulls what a game even though the lost :cry: that game and fell down 1 game we still have a shot but game 6 & 7 are going to be a little tough now that the Wizards got it going on. Needless to say what a great season......GO BULLS........

The Bulls didn't really deserve to be in that game. I missed the comeback but watched it into the 3rd quarter and they were down all game. They came out weak at the start when they needed to be inspired. I think the long season has worn on many of the youngsters and they are running out of gas. Like you say there is still Gm 6 for now and...hope.

This kind of bums me out because I was hoping that the Bulls would make an appearance at the Triple AAA here in Miami. :sad:

Oh and Mike, the bet is still on, Yeah, things don't look good for me, but I will wait to pay until after the Lakers clinch a playoff spot next year and not a minute before...LOL!

He interrupts his fellow speakers and basically belittles any player he doesn't care for... WTF? :mad: I noticed he hates on any player who he feels wasn't on his level talent-wise but somehow won a ring.

Sir Charles, aka "the chumpster"...allz I got to say to you is remember this:

GAME 6 - JUNE 20, 1993...Chicago Bulls 99, Phoenix Suns 98...that was your chance and you blew it...

Sonics are looking nice...but the second round is where they stop, unfortunately for you :D

nah, we're taking the Spurs out in 7 :eek2: we'll see the Suns in the conference finals.

I would like to see the Rockets win tonight to force a game 7, I love game 7's in the NBA :thumbup:

Oh and Mike, the bet is still on, Yeah, things don't look good for me, but I will wait to pay until after the Lakers clinch a playoff spot next year and not a minute before...LOL! Pay now you deadbeat! I don't want to have to go looking for you when it's time to pay the piper! :p ha ha ha, j/k man...Dr. Buss is now saying he won't include part-ownership in ANY contract he offers a coach, so that makes things really interesting. He did say he was willing to pay a coach in the range of $10 mil a season though so we'll see. He was on tv last night talking about Shaq, Kobe, Phil, and everyone else. He said some pretty interesting stuff about Shaq. He also said Phil is one of 3 or 4 coaches they're considering, so now it looks like he's trying to see how much Phil wants it.

The Bulls DO look promising though. Just move a few players here and there and you may have something special. Not having Deng and Curry hurts, because those guys would contribute.

Ed, what city are you in in FL?

Scruff, man the Spurs are tough...they're the only team in the playoffs this year that I see as almost unbeatable in a 7 game series. They're gonna throw Bowen's dirty-playin' azz on Shuttlesworth and Jerry James will have his hands full trying to defend Duncan. Not to mention Parker, Ginobili, Mohammed, Glenn Robinson, and Bones Barry...damn that's a scary team :sad:

Ed, what city are you in in FL?

Too funny Mike! See below! (sorry had to give you a hard time on that one)

Too funny Mike! See below! (sorry had to give you a hard time on that one) I saw that but I thought I remembered you saying you moved around a lot and I know you're from Chi-town so I had to ask to be certain, lol. I met someone from Gainesville a week or so ago so I thought I'd ask what city you were in currently :)

I would like to see the Rockets win tonight to force a game 7, I love game 7's in the NBA :thumbup:


Uhhhhhhhm... :nono: No thanks. We need a day or two to rest up for Phoenix, thank you. :)

Congrats to Celtics for sure! There was an "apparrent" higher level of play by that whole squad!

My Mavs...... What can I say.... :( In a Playoff Game, shooting 29% in the 4th (or any quarter) is NOT gonna cut it for any team on any level. They had an opportunity to close this out in 6.... :cry: Looks like we'll have to do it here in BIG D! ;)

That C's game was a nail biter for sure. They're doin the wiggle here in beantown today. Walker came up huge in OT. Man I gotta give the Pacers credit everyone on their team sure knows how to flop (Tinsley). Well i'm a bit worried because home court has meant nothing so far in this series, but I'm confident that the C's will close em out at home tomorrow night. This has definately been one of the best first rounds of playoff action in quite some time. :thumbup:

Congrats to Celtics for sure! There was an "apparrent" higher level of play by that whole squad!

My Mavs...... What can I say.... :( In a Playoff Game, shooting 29% in the 4th (or any quarter) is NOT gonna cut it for any team on any level. They had an opportunity to close this out in 6.... :cry: Looks like we'll have to do it here in BIG D! ;)


By "do it here" I hope you're refferring to lose, because thats what you'll be doing. ;) Mavs have no answer for Tmac. Bring on Phoneix!!

I'm not too concerned with Yao and T-Mac...... They can not win the series alone. And our bench has their whole team covered.

Boy I bet you feel foolish having said that. :p Sorry to tell you but Houston's gonna be the one facing Phoenix. We have a better chance beating them because we have something called "defense" which Dallas doesn't know of.

I saw that but I thought I remembered you saying you moved around a lot and I know you're from Chi-town so I had to ask to be certain, lol. I met someone from Gainesville a week or so ago so I thought I'd ask what city you were in currently :)

Yes, I am originally from Chi-town and I did used to move around alot. But I have been at my present address for 8 years. Most of my moving was done between 1984 and 1997 (Chicago, Denver, Chicago Ridge, Hazelcrest (Chi), Phoenix, Ft Laud, Deerfield Beach, Tampa, Ft Laud.). .


I agree with superpats, this has been one of the best 1st rounds in quite a while! :thumbup: And the Rockets just crushed it in the 4th quarter yesterday. Now hopefully the Bulls can get a road win and make it a 3rd Gm 7 for the 1st round.

I'm predicting this series will come down to a game 7. And that's why having home court advantage is important, just in case it comes down to a game 7. In the playoffs all the teams are so good that home court means nothing until you get to game 7, then home court is huge. ;) told ya...lol...Mavs better not choke TX, or you'll NEVER hear the end of it...

BTW, Shaq is a str8 chumpazz hater...that ol' sucka...I'm glad his immature azz is gone...

LOL, leave it to mike to quote himself, :rolleyes: j/k bro!

TX, I knew you wouldn't like what I said but looky what we get Saturday, back to back games 7's :woohoo: now you can go to the game and watch Houston.....I mean Dallas close this series out..... :p

now you can go to the game and watch Houston.....I mean Dallas close this series out..... :p You mean HOUSTON, lol...Rockets will advance to face the Suns...it's time for someone to nut up and show they're the real deal...

I'd hate to see a Mavs vs. Suns series because the Mavs don't have much D...they'd get run out of the building....Rockets vs. Suns is a much better matchup :thumbup:

2 game 7's is awesome!!!!!!!!!!! :woohoo:

Damn Bulls, up by 10 in the 4th and they blow it! Arrrgggghhhh! And then at the end, what the hell was the inbound pass off of Duhon's back and then Chandler shooting a 2, with the score 94-91,instead of moving the ball outside to take the 3 with 2 seconds left! :uh: :uh: :thumbdn: :thumbdn: :thumbdn: :cry: :thumbdn:

Don't get me wrong, the Bulls had a better than expected season, but to end it this way with 4 straight losses after being up 2-0 is just sadistic. :mad: :mad:

Man f-ing disappointed I quit watching the game… trailing 30pts with 5mins left yep we lost.

2 game 7 blowouts!! hahahaha

Dallas and Phoenix
Seattle and SA

this is gonna be fun to watch :D

most over hyped game 7s ever :egads:

most over hyped game 7s ever :egads:

Ain't that da truth! The Mavs and Pacers certainly stood up and were heard.

Hey TXSTYLE, what happened to all those Rocket fans?? :uh: :uh: LOL! Guess their "littered" below. :p

Could be this series may cause a change in the Mavs, Does this help get them over the hump? :uh: maybe..only time will tell. Regardless, still a nice comeback, showed heart and character :thumbup: :thumbup: , they could have easily thrown in the towel, down 0-2 going to Houston.

Although, still alot of BBall to play (I'm thinking Detroit/San Antonio final), but certainly a character building series for the Mavs.

BTW, as much as he knows, I guess Mr.Mike doesn't know everything about BBall, not that he proclaims that (but I will admit, he is damn good), but didn't he pick Houston plus 39....(snicker snicker) :p :p Could this be a sign that my 6 pack still has hope...lol

Anyway, way to stick with your Mavs :thumbup:

The Houston Rockets
mikeloc24
LeXuSrAcIn
And ALL Houston Fans... You just got SEVERLY......

OWN3D!!!!

Only the 3rd team in NBA HISTORY to come back from a 2 game Playoff loss at home to win the series!

THE BIGGEST BLOWOUT IN A GAME 7 IN NBA HISTORY!!!


GO MAVS!!!!!!!!

The refs were biased yet again. You Mavs fans KNOW we should of won game 5 when Finley "stole" the ball from Barry while he was out of bounds. Oh well, Mavs will get annihilated by the Suns. We'll be back next year with some new additions.

Time to jump teams... Go Spurs in the West and Detroit in the East!!

The refs were biased yet again. You Mavs fans KNOW we should of won game 5 when Finley "stole" the ball from Barry while he was out of bounds. Oh well, Mavs will get annihilated by the Suns. We'll be back next year with some new additions.

Time to jump teams... Go Spurs in the West and Detroit in the East!!

So I guess if The Spurs had knocked off Houston, you'd be like... "Go Mavs!" :egads:

So I guess if The Spurs had knocked off Houston, you'd be like... "Go Mavs!" :egads:

The Spurs owner wouldn't buy out the refs, so no.

BTW, as much as he knows, I guess Mr.Mike doesn't know everything about BBall, not that he proclaims that (but I will admit, he is damn good), but didn't he pick Houston plus 39....(snicker snicker) :p :p Could this be a sign that my 6 pack still has hope...lol

Anyway, way to stick with your Mavs :thumbup: Who would have ever thought a team of pro-ball players facing elimination would perform on such a lowly level? I won't discuss the Celtics because the Pacers were just a better team plain and simple, that bastard Reggie lives on!

As for the Mavs, they proved why having home court advantage in the playoffs is important...game 7's. T-Mac is a goog player, and all-star...but he's not "great" as far as I'm concerned. I knew he wasn't "great" when he endured 19 straight losses as a member of the Orlando Magic, now he has this to add to his resume :thumbdn:

And TX, let me reiterate, I'm not a Houston fan...I'm not a Mavs fan...I'm not a Suns fan, Sonics fan, Pacer fan, nor am I a Piston fan (gatdamn &^%#@!!!) I am a fan of BASKETBALL so please do not lump me in with people who simply dislike the Mavs. I just see them as a very flawed team, doesn't mean they're not good...they're just not championship caliber yet. I've seen teams transform from seies to series so maybe this series will make them show their true stuff...who knows? we'll have to wait and see...but I honestly don't see them stopping the 5 scoring machines that Phoenix has...not enough defensive players on the Dallas roster for that...

Who would have ever thought a team of pro-ball players facing elimination would perform on such a lowly level? I won't discuss the Celtics because the Pacers were just a better team plain and simple, that bastard Reggie lives on!

As for the Mavs, they proved why having home court advantage in the playoffs is important...game 7's. T-Mac is a goog player, and all-star...but he's not "great" as far as I'm concerned. I knew he wasn't "great" when he endured 19 straight losses as a member of the Orlando Magic, now he has this to add to his resume :thumbdn:

And TX, let me reiterate, I'm not a Houston fan...I'm not a Mavs fan...I'm not a Suns fan, Sonics fan, Pacer fan, nor am I a Piston fan (gatdamn &^%#@!!!) I am a fan of BASKETBALL so please do not lump me in with people who simply dislike the Mavs. I just see them as a very flawed team, doesn't mean they're not good...they're just not championship caliber yet. I've seen teams transform from seies to series so maybe this series will make them show their true stuff...who knows? we'll have to wait and see...but I honestly don't see them stopping the 5 scoring machines that Phoenix has...not enough defensive players on the Dallas roster for that...

Gotcha....... I'm just tired of sooo many peeps downing my Team just because we have some "personable players and a great owner". I personally don't believe you just have to have an a-hole on your team to make them a "contender".
At any rate, My wife (who hates Charles BUTTERBALL Barkley) and I were shocked when he gave the MAVS the nod against Phoenix this series.

Its going to be a HOTT finals when the Suns take on the Heat. ;)

Gotcha....... I'm just tired of sooo many peeps downing my Team just because we have some "personable players and a great owner". I personally don't believe you just have to have an a-hole on your team to make them a "contender".
At any rate, My wife (who hates Charles BUTTERBALL Barkley) and I were shocked when he gave the MAVS the nod against Phoenix this series. I know what you mean man, don't let them get to you. I deal with more Laker-haters than you could ever imagine. People swear that everyone loves the Lakers, but not from what I see...not even in LA where I run into some of the worst Laker haters around. You don't need an a-hole per se, but you DO need an enforcer. Every past champion has an enforcer, or a "nasty-man"...it's someone to get in guys faces when they get lax and to send a message physically to opposing teams. You HAVE to have at least one guy like that on the roster to seriously contend.

Barkley is a chump...he knows his hoops and whatnot but he's just an arrogant blowhard. I have a Barkley story for y'all as a matter of fact...back in the day one of my uncle's friends (ex-marine) and his wife were eating dinner in Hollywood. Barkley and his homies are there eating as well (during Barkley's playing days). My uncle's friend gets up to go to the mensroom and while he's gone Barkley sends one of his cronies to solicit the dude's wife. Right then the man comes back and sees what's going on. The dudes didn't even say, "oh, our bad" they stood there and said to the wife, "Charles wants you at his table...are you coming or what?" and that's when the husband said, "yo man, that's my wife you're talking to!" voices were raised and people had to be restrained but it just goes to show what kinda of arrogant chump Barkley is :thumbdn:

Dallas is my team too, but I have serious doubts about this series. Nowitzki has not played well for a while...I think he had a double double in game 6 or 7 against the Rockets and it was his first in almost 20 games, and this was a guy who average 20 and 10 during the season. I think confidence is everything in the NBA, and the Suns have it. Their players are not any better than the Mavs otherwise. Or the Heat, they have 2 good players. Eddie Jones...decent, but no better than say Stackhouse. Damon Jones....good, but no better than say Jason Terry. It is chemistry and confidence, and those 2 are very inter-related. It is same reason you maybe thought the Spurs would lose to the Nuggets...Duncan hurt, etc....and then they got that confidence and are kicking everyone's asses now.
Back to the Mavs, it is obvious they are tired after playing 7 games against Rockets, a very hard defensive team. It takes more energy to play those teams than a run and gun team like the Suns because they make you work for everything. Finley is getting old, Van Horn is hurt, Dampier hasn't lived up to his contract at all. I hope they get through this series, but last night's game kind of confirmed what I thought would happen. The Suns just did not miss, nothing more to say.

Well its about time for me to chime in and take the smack talking to the next level....i see JPA has already jumped on board.....and mikeloc...well...lol hes just MIKE! Any how the Palace was rockin last night, the vibe was good... and i think the pistons are really begining to kick it into 3rd gear!

CEO

Well its about time for me to chime in and take the smack talking to the next level....i see JPA has already jumped on board.....and mikeloc...well...lol hes just MIKE! Any how the Palace was rockin last night, the vibe was good... and i think the pistons are really begining to kick it into 3rd gear!

CEO Well well well...another damn Pistons fan, lol. They looked pretty damn good last night. Everytime I see Tayshaun play I grimace and think he should have been ours. He was the local kid and the Lakers should have taken him...instead they asked Toronto to draft Kareem Rush and we traded for him instead :thumbdn: Oh well...The Pacers just looked off, as one would expect after a 7 game series. But they were coming in against the defending champs, so they should have known they'd need to kick it up a few notches.

Okay, time for more "Real Basketball 101" :p

Dallas vs. Phoenix...what can I say...Phoenix looks pretty damn tough to stop. I knew their 5 scoring machines would probably go off in game one and they did, but all hope isn't lost in Dallas (again I'm not a Mavs fan, but a b-ball fanatic). Here's what I think the Mavs need to do to get in this series:

1. Substantially limit the turnovers. I think they turned the ball over something like 17 times for 26 points. You can't turn the ball over to a fast-breaking team because that's instant points. They also have to re-examine their definition of a turnover. In a series like this and against an opponent like the Suns a missed jumper can also be considered a turnover because of how fast the Suns get into their offense once they take possession of the ball. As much as Dallas relies on the 3 ball they have to limit it to select shots from the right people. Long shots create long rebounds, can't do that against the Suns.

2. Get the damn ball out of Steve Nash's hands asap. They need to run some full court presses, some traps, things like that to slow him down and make him pass sooner than he wants to. The shot clock is irrelavant against these guys because they will launch a 3 with 20 ticks still showing on the shot clock. Get the ball out of Nash's hands!!!...even for a little while. The Mavs are learning very quickly that Nash, Johnson, Richardson, and Barbosa are on a different level than T-Mac, Barry, Wesley, and Sura.

3. Find an answer for Stoudemire. This is the hardest task because the Mavs simply don't have the personnel. Dampier is too slow and Dirk isn't know for his D. They have to do something about this guy, you can't allow a player to go off on your squad like that. Have some pride and knock him on his azz, this is the playoffs damnit. The Suns don't respect the Mavs, especially after that beating.

4. Slow the game down. Again, easier said than done but it can be accomplished with great preparation. You can't run with this squad, so you have to turn the series into a grind it out match and slow everything down. Make them play a halfcourt game and substitute frequently to change up the defensive look.

The Mavs have to win game 2...they HAVE TO or this series is over. The Suns are probably the best road team in the league so you have to be realistic and figure they're gonna win one in Dallas, that being the case you can't let the series get to a 3-1 Suns lead which seems likely if the Mavs lose game 2. I don't think the Mavs will get thumped in game 2 like they did in last night's game, but because of personnel I just don't see them stopping the Suns, the Mavs just don't have the speed.

what happened did MIKE-loc win?..hehe...no posts in 6 days? and all of these 2-2 tied series?

CEO

Steve Nash is a bad dude :thumbup: Good game last night, If Dallas sticks with this new defense, the Suns will have fits.
Also Howard and Dampier stepped up.

Ray Allen is another bad boy, glad he's getting some recognition.

GO PACERS!!!

D-Wade= BEAST

Barkley had the Suns pegged......they can't get defensive stops and they're getting MURDERED on the offensive boards. Unless they can run up the score to over 120 every night they can't sustain that pace over a 7 game series. This has been a great series and I like both teams so I hope it goes 7 games.....and it's looking like it will.

I agree.... But I'll take the next 2 wins hopefully thank you. :D

In addition, after watching Phoenix in these 4 games, it's really not that hard to come up with a plan to defeat them... now whether or not it can be executed is a different story. Last night it was indeed executed. Nash by design, wants to dish the ball in the lanes 90% of the time which in turns causing monster games for Amerie, Quintin, Marion, etc. Look at the #'s... Nash only averaged like 15 pts the whole season! I would much rather make him a shooter and take everyone else out of their game.
I'd like to point out some things:
Yes, Nash had a monster game, HOWEVER, that is highly unlikely to happen again, even if we play identical to last night. He had an above average shot percentage based on the attempts. So there was skill involved but also luck!
Hell, he can rack up 60 if we hold him to 5 or less assists and 9+ turnovers as we did! And Amerie to 15 or less pts. and the support under 20 pts. with limited 3's. Again, Avery Johnson is showing why as a "Rookie NBA Coach" he deserves where he is, and I believe Coach Nellie would not have gotten us this far! Using Stackhouse instaed of Finley was brilliant! Why? Well Finley had a stellar game 2 and a sucky game 3 and was off to a sucky game 4, Avery saw this and adjusted quickly!
The Playoffs are 75% adjustments and 25% player skill IMO. And there is NO question that stretching this series out benefits us! Here's another critical stat:
Last night, Stackhouse off fthe bench - 22pts. The Suns bench - 3. The Suns rely solely on their starters to win games. They do a good job too. BUT... "bench depth" will eventually haunt/hurt you. And I'm happy to say that Dallas has the "deepest bench" in the NBA. :)

Nash by design, wants to dish the ball in the lanes 90% of the time which in turns causing monster games for Amerie...And Amerie to 15 or less pts. "Amare" dawg, lol...."Amerie" is the fine-azz Black/Korean R&B singer who sings "One Thing":

That was a great game by Dallas. They have made the adjustments and the bench is stepping up and playing very well, good luck TX.

We got lucky in game 3, SA fell apart down the stretch, couldn't make a bucket and missed half their free throws. Ray didn't score in the fourth, Lewis goes out, and the big man fouls out late, and we won the game :uh: And last night was just awesome, I hope that gives us the momentum we needed to go back to SA and play better than we did in the first 2 games.

"Amare" dawg, lol...."Amerie" is the fine-azz Black/Korean R&B singer who sings "One Thing":


LMAO! :D My bad....... She is hot. But you know who is hotter? Ciara... :eek2: What a slammin-azz body and sexy face. That 'Oh' video... she looks like she can uhhhm "work it!" ;)

http://us.ent2.yimg.com/musicfinder.yahoo.com/images/yahoo/leface/ciara/0704_ciara_b.jpg

Ciara... :eek2: What a slammin-azz body and sexy face. That 'Oh' video... she looks like she can uhhhm "work it!" ;)

http://us.ent2.yimg.com/musicfinder.yahoo.com/images/yahoo/leface/ciara/0704_ciara_b.jpg Good lordie she's hot!...Now see, y'all FINALLY posted a photo of my type of woman!! :D :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I'm hearing reports that the Mavs plan to reinsert Keith Van Horn into the rotation... :nono:

If they throw KVH back into the mix at the expense of playing time for Daniels or Howard it will be a HUGE MISTAKE.

Mike, what are your thoughts on the Sonics / Spurs game 5, yeah I really would like to hear what your think :D

I'm hearing reports that the Mavs plan to reinsert Keith Van Horn into the rotation... :nono:

If they throw KVH back into the mix at the expense of playing time for Daniels or Howard it will be a HUGE MISTAKE.


Yeah..... I saw him shooting around, but I hadn't heard that bullshiz! :mad: I just know Avery Johnson has more brains than to pull a "Coach Nelson" move like that..... :nono: He better sit his azz down and wait for Seattle or the Spurs.

Mike, what are your thoughts on the Sonics / Spurs game 5, yeah I really would like to hear what your think :D The whole Bowen vs. Allen thing has me interested. I was waiting for some bad blood to surface between these teams for me to get really intersted. Those dudes used to be friends, now Ray hates Bruce and says he plays "sissy basketball" because he holds, grabs, thrown elbows, and undercuts the offensive players he guards.

Don't expect the Spurs to keep bricking like they did in game 4. Pop is gonna make adjustments, the Sonics just have to keep doing what they're doing. Evans, James, Fortson, and Collison have to be physical with Duncan at all times. I don't give a shyt about fouls, foul him or knock him on his azz anytime they can!!! Make those other guys beat them from the outside but don't be soft with TD.

The bottom line is this, the Sonics will only go as far as Shuttlesworth can carry them because of Rashard's injury. If the Spurs are able to contain Ray at all then the Sonics better have a viable second option.

GO PACERS!!!


They will be gone soon......

CEO

The bottom line is this, the Sonics will only go as far as Shuttlesworth can carry them because of Rashard's injury. If the Spurs are able to contain Ray at all then the Sonics better have a viable second option.

They did just that last night and nobody stepped up, nothing in the first quarter and what...4 points in the second half, man that was bad. Well let's go back tot he Key and get this thing all tied up and let