2011-04-25, 23:59 | Link #741 |
Quietly Lurking
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Beneath the prodigious sky...
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I think their chances are high...I mean only 8 teams have ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the playoffs and as good as the Spurs were during the regular season, I just don't see them winning 4 in a row. But seriously, what happened? They had such a good season and I saw them in the finals this year...
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2011-04-26, 00:35 | Link #742 |
You're Hot, Cupcake
Join Date: Aug 2008
Age: 42
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The Spurs have been bad since the All-Star Break. And their main weakness is no secret. They can't play DEFENSE. Which is bizarre since Popovich has usually created teams which thrive on defense. But this year, San Antonio have been offensively strong, but their defense ranks in the bottom few. And when you hit the playoffs, if you can't play defense, teams that are more tenacious will rip you apart.
Why are Chicago, Miami and Oklahoma doing so well since the All-Star Break? DEFENSE. Thibodeau values defense above anything and has drilled it into Chicago. Spoelstra needed more gelling time but he's now getting more consistent performances out of Miami. Oklahoma have stepped it up ever since they picked up Kendrick Perkins from Boston. Boston will be the only team to get the sweep in the first round. However, they played a defensive mess in New York. Miami play good defense. We'll see where Boston are at in that semi. As for Orlando, it's getting to the point of Dwight Howard being the only person who is performing enough. Jameer Nelson is doing a fair bit, but the players from two years ago which helped get them to the Finals have just not fired a shot. And if Atlanta finish Orlando off, Dwight Howard just might start looking for a new club. Imagine if Miami got him...I doubt that's even remotely possible, but it would be funny as hell. Denver take one out of Oklahoma. They're too good a side to get swept. George Karl did well. I'm almost wondering if the Lakers are in big trouble. I mean, New Orleans are a good side, but most people thought they were finished once West was out for the season. But Paul is going berserk, Ariza is consistently scoring, Okafor is giving a defensive presence. The usual suspects for LA just aren't clicking much. If they play like this versus whoever wins the Dallas-Portland series (now at 3-2), LA will get mauled. But this is great stuff. Nothing is certain this year. People wanted surprises and teams that hadn't achieved much before to rise. Two major upsets are one game away from happening. A third is still quite possible. This is what the playoffs should be.
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2011-04-26, 12:29 | Link #744 |
You're Hot, Cupcake
Join Date: Aug 2008
Age: 42
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It reminds me of the time versus Houston they didn't foul and how they blew that game versus Portland. It's funny but sadly, San Antonio keep doing it fairly often...and this time they've pretty much blown it. #1 record for the regular season going out in 5 will be a real blow to them.
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2011-04-26, 14:33 | Link #745 | |
Dancing with the Sky
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2011-04-28, 12:48 | Link #747 |
You're Hot, Cupcake
Join Date: Aug 2008
Age: 42
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Yeah, for the first time in ages, San Antonio made a lot of clutch plays at the end of the game. In recent times, that is the type of game they would have lost. Still, they are still in a hole and will have to fight hard to get out of it. And I still think whoever gets out of that series, Oklahoma will be able to beat in 6 max. Durant is playing out of his skin and their defense has really picked up. Miami - Boston should be one brutal series. Time to see what both sides are really made of. And can Atlanta finish Orlando off, or will Dwight Howard pull Orlando out of a hole yet again?
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2011-04-28, 17:17 | Link #749 | |
Heartless
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Massachusetts
Age: 36
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I think it could go either way for the Boston-Miami series but I'll give the edge to Boston becasue they play more consistent on both sides of the floor and they got a better bench. Hopefully Howard and the Magic can pull off this comeback because I would rather see the Bulls face the Magic than the Hawks. West: I agree, I don't think that neither the Spurs or the Grizzlies have what it takes to beat OKC in a 7 games series. I think L.A. closes out the series tonight but wouldn't be surprised if the Hornets win. As for the Mavs-Blazers series, I would like to see Kidd and Nowitzki win a championship but there's a pretty slim chance that they do. |
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2011-04-29, 03:17 | Link #750 |
You're Hot, Cupcake
Join Date: Aug 2008
Age: 42
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Dallas through in 6 and Atlanta through in 6. Atlanta complete the upset. There will be hell to pay in Orlando. Wonder what will happen to Howard and van Gundy.
So we now wait as to what happens tomorrow between Memphis and San Antonio.
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2011-04-29, 22:42 | Link #752 |
You're Hot, Cupcake
Join Date: Aug 2008
Age: 42
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And as expected, Memphis knock off San Antonio!
#1 regular season record for what?! Charles Barkley is gonna have a field day with this. He was calling San Antonio 'pretenders' all year. He won't let this go.
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Last edited by Last Sinner; 2011-04-29 at 22:57. |
2011-04-30, 13:56 | Link #753 | |
Heartless
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Massachusetts
Age: 36
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With the way the Thunder are playing, I don't see the Grizzlies winning more than a game or two. Also is Caron Butler back for the Mavs or is it that just a rumor? |
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2011-05-01, 22:44 | Link #758 |
You're Hot, Cupcake
Join Date: Aug 2008
Age: 42
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First blood to Miami. And Pierce got ejected. Man, there was a lot of spite this game, but Boston let it get to them much more. Okay, the collision with Wade was unavoidable. But in that case and the one with Jones, Pierce lost the plot. Importantly for Miami, Wade carved them up - something he couldn't do in the regular season - with 38. 25 from James Jones is the kind of bench contributions they need. One thing I saw Doc Rivers scream to his players was 'If you're thinking you can beat this team athletically, you're wrong!'
And Memphis take the lead in their series...wow. Zack Randolph is playing his heart out and they have so much confidence now.
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2011-05-02, 01:46 | Link #759 |
Senior Member
Author
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Cainta, Rizal, Philippines
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If Memphis wins their series vs OKC, they will become the first 8-seed to advance to the Western Conference Finals, and they will be the first 8-seed to advance to the Conference Finals in a full 82-game regular season.
The 1999 New York Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, and the NBA Finals, but during a lock-out season of 50 games, NOT the full 82 games. The 1994 Denver Nuggets and the 2007 Golden State Warriors were both ousted in the second round by the Utah Jazz. |
2011-05-02, 02:19 | Link #760 |
Lets be reality
Join Date: May 2007
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Memphis ain't a true 8th seed... They tanked on purpose to get the spurs... They match up well against every contender left as well.
As for Wade tearing up the celtics people forget how outstanding he was afainst them in the playoffs last year.. He did way better than Kobe and lebron did last season |
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