Round 1 was like this: ======================= Detroit Pistons defeat Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 Miami Heat defeat Chicago Bulls 4-2 New Jersey Nets defeat Indiana Pacers 4-2 Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Washington Wizards 4-2
San Antonio Spurs defeat Sacramento Kings 4-2 Phoenix Suns defeat LA Lakers 4-3 LA Clippers defeat Denver Nuggets 4-1 Dallas Mavericks defeat Memphis Grizzlies 4-0
Round 2 so far ======================= Pistons lead Cavaliers 2-0 Nets and Heat are tied 1-1
Spurs and Mavs are tied 1-1 Suns and Clippers are tied 1-1
Good times so far!
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I would've said the Heat would take out the Nets, but after that first game, I'd say anything is possible. Not that it makes a difference, the Pistons will take either of them out in six games at most.
Pistons are going all the way this year.
Edit for mixup.
[ May 12, 2006, 02:16 AM: Message edited by: Lyrhawn ]
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
If by going all the way you mean going to the conference finals and then losing to the Heat, then I agree.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Pfft. We're better than last year, and we beat them then didn't we?
Edit to add: We're 4-1 versus Miami for the season, and the only game we lost, was lost by a single basket. Doesn't bode well for Miami by the numbers.
[ May 12, 2006, 02:22 AM: Message edited by: Lyrhawn ]
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Go Phoenix! Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
Let's go, Spurs !!!!
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
3-1 against Miami this year, which is meaningless! We rarely had a healthy team in the regular season.
And last year Wade got injured and didn't play game 6 and didn't have an effective game 7.
Go heat! and suns!
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Pistons are one of the top 3-point scoring teams this year, that wasn't the case in the playoffs the last two years. Two years that we went to the Finals. Plus we've added depth to our bench in the last year.
Good luck to a fully healthy Heat, but health won't help them. Pistons are going to the finals.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
We'll see about that
If the 3 pointers aren't falling -- the Pistons will be in trouble. The Heat offesnively dominate the paint, those shots will always fall. I like the Heat's chances if they play some perimeter defense.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Argh, Game 3, Pistons can't seem to shake it this year. We'll get em back in Game 4.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
The Heat are in the conference finals!
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
Mavs all the way
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
I'll cheer for the Mavs, if only because Phoenix has a better chance against them than the Spurs in the next round (if the Suns manage to win one of the next two games that is).
Oh, and being from Dallas there is a LITTLE bit of loyalty left. Go Mavs (for now)!
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Is it just me, or have the playoffs been really freaking good this year? I don't remember being near as interested in the games last year.
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
They have been better indeed... All games seem to come down to 1 to 7 point victories, with a fair amount of overtimes and double overtimes.
All in all, much more enthralling than they were last year. Also, the favored teams seem to be having to come back from behind more often than not in the series, which is always entertaining.
Posted by FlyingCow (Member # 2150) on :
I never watch NBA basketball, really. I'm much more of an NCAA guy.
However, I stumbled across a few interviews with LeBron James and stories about him, and I think I'm becoming a fan. Unfortunately, I don't really like anyone else on the Cavs - never liked Drew Gooden in college, either.
So, while I've started to take an interest in the game, and was rooting for the Cavs to win last night, I can't get behind the team. With college, I get to know everyone and root for the whole team to succeed - but I can't seem to do that with the NBA.
I'm hoping that the Cavs draft my college's star player Quincy Douby this year, which would give me a real reason to pay attention, but it's a long shot. I guess we'll see.
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
quote:Originally posted by kaioshin00: The Heat are in the conference finals!
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
quote:Is it just me, or have the playoffs been really freaking good this year?
Great article, JT. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Good article.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Nice article.
He originally predicted the Pistons would beat the Mavs in the Finals, hell, the way things are going now, it might be the Mavs who beat the Heat in the Finals.
I have faith that the Pistons CAN break out of their three game funk and finish the Cavs, but it depends on what team shows up in Cleveland tomorrow night. Billups will have to step up and play a more frontline captain like role, the same role he's made for himself throughout the entire season. Ben Wallace showed he can do his part (minus free throws) last game, now it's time to get the mojo working again.
If the Pistons win tomorrow night, they'll win game seven back at home. But with the lack of follow through in the last week of play, I'm not convinced they'll make it that far.
Still, my dad has been telling me for the last couple days to keep the faith, it's time to go to work. Maybe he's right. Pistons have been here before. Heck, last year they came back from a 3-2 deficit in the second round and went on to play the Heat. Maybe we'll get a repeat. Though last year they didn't face a LeBron James who gains confidence with every game he plays in these playoffs. It could go either way.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
<--- Witness
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Pistons win game six and force game seven. I think we'll pull it off in Detroit.
Now they just need to work on the free throws, my God they've stunk up the court with bad shooting these last couple games. We bill ourselves as a great shooting team, and have the stats to back it up, but you wouldn't know it from earlier tonight.
Go Pistons on Sunday!
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
Every single series is going into game 7 while the Heat watch and laugh at them . That's actually kind of bad that they have a long rest, IMO, because look what happened in game 1 with New Jersey after a similar situation.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
I kind of like the long rest they're getting, because the team is rather old. Shaq gets to rest, Zo gets time for his calf injury, Williams gets to rest his knee tendinitis, etc.
And since game 1 will probably be in Detroit, if they come out slow and lose that game, it's no big deal -- however if they would come out slow in Miami (if the Cavs win) that would be indeed be a huge deal.
But I still want to see Wade and Lebron in the conference finals.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Heat were hoping that the Cavs would finish off Detroit in Game Six. They liked the rest they had, but don't want to rest for too long. They're practicing for playing the Cavs, and they remember well what their long rest did to them last year.
I think regardless of the wonders it might do for the health of the Heat, it works as an advantaget o whoever plays them.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
Good job Pistons closing out the game at home.
To the Conference finals we go.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Bring on the Heat!
Awesome blowout close to the nail biter of a series.
Posted by FlyingCow (Member # 2150) on :
Watching the Cavs was like watching a Rutgers game from this year. One scorer, and the rest of the team couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.
And that scorer from Rutgers (Quincy Douby) is eligible for the draft, and could possibly be available when the Cavs get their pick. If the Cavs had a second option, say an outside threat who could shoot the lights out from anywhere on the offensive side of the court, giving LeBron another option... it would definitely be a different ballgame.
I'm crossing my fingers that their scouts see it the same way, and that Douby's available when they get their choice late in the first round. I really would like an NBA team to follow, and I'm not the biggest fan of the Nets, Knicks, or Sixers (my local choices).
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
11 guys on the Cavs should be very embarassed with themselves for their performance (or lack thereof) in game 7. Ilgauskas and Hughes, especially, who are supposed to be the number 2 and 3 scorers, stunk it up.
That game was a snoozefest.
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
Ha, so long Spurs!
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
And so long Clippers!
Hooray, the matchup I wanted for the Western Conf. Finals. I'd rather the Suns win (and they have a chance against the Mavs), but I'm more than willing to cheer on the Mavs in the NBA finals as well.
Poor Suns though, wonder if this series will go to 7 games as well. Something like 14 playoff games in 26 days with a 7 player rotation... Talk about attrition.
Posted by camus (Member # 8052) on :
quote:Poor Suns though, wonder if this series will go to 7 games as well.
I don't see that happening. The Suns just can't maintain their style of play long enough to get to a seventh game. Dallas is just too balanced offensively and defensively this year. They can compete in both a high scoring shootout and low scoring game. I say Dallas in six games, maybe even five considering how tired the Suns are going to get.
I'm much more intrigued by the Pistons-Heat series. Even though the Pistons dominated the Heat during the regular season, the fact that they had so much trouble with LeBron makes me wonder how they'll handle both Wade and Shaq. And as much as I like Flip Saunders, I just don't know if he has the ability to out-coach Pat Riley in a playoff series.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I'm more worried about their rate of attrition too. They'll be playing a lot of games without more than a day of rest in between. And despite their wins in the regular season, Detroit has been....quirky in the post season.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Not really that much of a surprise. To me anyway.
Pistons shot for crap during that game.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
Thanks to the Heat defense!
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Heh.
Pistons defend against Cleveland, and it's poor Cleveland offense.
Miami defends against Detroit, and it's strong Miami defense.
I'm all for credit going to where it's deserved, but only a part of that is Miami defense. 6 games in 11 days contributed to those crappy shooting percentages. They shot for crap, sometimes even with totally open shots.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
It's not a surprise that they won. It's a surprise the way they won. Wade played 27 minutes, Shaq scored 14 points, and I don't think the Pistons ever led. They better make some shots or they're in trouble.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
That's the problem with a jump shooting team -- sometimes the shots aren't going to fall. The Heat made sure the pistons were pretty much shooting all jump shots, be it open or not.
Thankfully Miami isn't a perimeter team!
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Pistons were up by five at one point then pissed it away.
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
Looks like Pistons will probably take game 2. I didn't realize how much I'm hoping the Heat will win the championship until now. I was a die hard Heat back in the Tim Hardaway-Alonzo Mourning days with the huge Knicks rivalry. My cousin was a die hard Knicks fan and we used to have so much fun watching the playoff series togethor. Then I got bored of basketball, started getting interested in different things and different sports. This year I was casually watching the regular season and the playoffs have just completely hooked me out of nowhere. I really want the Heat to win because I think Mourning, the Heat, and the fans deserve it afer all of these years of fighting so hard for it.
Edit: ehhhh, ok that last sentence sounded really corny. Abd I realize the Heat are a team that have just recently been added and there are alot of teams that have been fighting alot longer for a championship, but since I'm a renewed Heat fan, the Heat deserve it more .
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
D. Wade is just so amazing!
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
quote: I really want the Heat to win because I think Mourning, the Heat, and the fans deserve it afer all of these years of fighting so hard for it.
Preach on brotha.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I don't know why I'm surprised that the Pistons almost threw it away at the end there. If only that team could play at their best for an ENTIRE game, we'd never have to worry.
Should be a fun game three.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I'm curious what would happen if both teams decided to show up on the same night. Maybe we'd actually have a good game.
Posted by JoeH (Member # 5958) on :
Could the Mavs have done anything more to give game 1 away to the Suns? It reminded me of game 7 against San Antonio, except that the Mavs failed to overcome their end of the game meltdown this time.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
Heat now 2-1
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I say Heat in six.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Now that was a good game.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Heat 3-1! Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
What happened to the Pistons? All that sweet shooting all season long, and then they just keep throwing games to the Heat. And the Heat keep trying to help us by missing all those free throws and we still don't step up. ::sigh:: It's like they contracted a disease from the Red Wings.
At least the freaking Tigers are still in first place. Sick.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
It's alright. Kwea says Detroit will come back. Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Didn't Kwea say that about the Wings too?
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Well, that was a fun Game Five, but I don't hold out a lot of hope for Game Six. If they play the same way, I guess they might have a chance, but...
I have to say I was disappointed in Miami's play. Shaq and Wade especially, where was, well, the heat? There didn't seem to be as much fire or drive as there usually is in the Heat. Especially when in the fourth quarter they were only down by four with five minutes to go, I think they played rather lackluster for a team that was only four down with five to go, away from winning their fourth game and first conference title.
I have to expect they'll play much better tomorrow night, and even if the Pistons really bring it, I think it'll be a clash of Titans, but I'm giving a bit of an edge to the Heat. If Shaq and Wade play the first half like they did last night, I think the whole team is in trouble, but if they bring it like they started the series, it'll be a great game.
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
I'm kind of glad the Heat didn't win last night. I missed the game, and I also hope the Heat can win it in front of their home crowd. Will the Heat have home-court advantage vs. the Suns?
Posted by JoeH (Member # 5958) on :
How about Nowitzki last night? Outscored the Suns by himself in the fourth quarter.
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
He was due for a good game honestly, seeing as the Suns bench outscored him in game 4 (and if you've been keeping track, you know how sad and depressing that really had to be).
I'm just glad we got another home game I might be able to go to by making it 6 games.
Posted by JoeH (Member # 5958) on :
For not having Amare and no bench, the Suns have been amazing. As a UNLV fan, I'd love to cheer for them, but I am a big Mark Cuban fan.
Have you ever thought of how good Marion would be if only he didn't shoot "jumpers" from his waist?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Where has Rasheed been this playoffs? He hasn't done a thing in forever.
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
He's been busy saying that the NBA is exploiting black players. Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
Heh, Marion's shooting style drives me nuts... It just looks so haphazard and spontaneous.
I'm a pretty big Cuban fan as well. I met the previous coach many times, and the two are definately opposites, but both have their charm. I've been willing to root for Cuban ever since the Dairy Queen incident of a few years ago.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
The HEAT move on their first ever NBA finals!
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
quote:Originally posted by GaalDornick: He's been busy saying that the NBA is exploiting black players.
He's been saying that? He certainly seems to have no problem taking their money.
I am glad the Heat won, I want to see D-Wade win. And keeping Shaq around, you'll always have some funny sound bites.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Rasheed's been too busy talking trash. Thankfully the "put up or shut up" has been put to the test on him, and he's not saying much now.
I thank Prince for his solid playoff effort, but Rasheed can bite me. For all his bitching, he didn't do a damn thing.
Congrats Heat, you want it more, and you deserve it.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Go Heat! D. Wade is my hero!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Icky and I went to the game, in person, last night.
Horrible play by Detroit. They had plenty of oppertunities to score and keep it close, but they failed to execute.
Also, Miami played excellent, even though Wade only played limited time due to a bad case of the flu. Even at the top of their game Detroit would have had a hard time with them I think.
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
A very close friend of my family's who was at our house for dinner the night of the game works for a food distribution company and personally delivered 20 bottles of (I think it was) Cranberry juice (or some juice like that) to where Dwayne Wade was staying to help him flush out the flu from his system Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
How cool! I hope it helped. I hope they gave him antivirals too, like tamiflu. He's got until Thursday now to rest and sleep, so hopefully he can recover quickly.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Bye Phoenix. Hello Heat.
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
I really think the Heat lucked out by not having to play Phoenix. Theres no way the Heat could beat Phoenix. As for Dallas, if the Heat could find a way to stop Dirk (which they probably don't) I think they might be able to win if they play their best.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
quote:Originally posted by GaalDornick: I really think the Heat lucked out by not having to play Phoenix. Theres no way the Heat could beat Phoenix. As for Dallas, if the Heat could find a way to stop Dirk (which they probably don't) I think they might be able to win if they play their best.
Right. Just like they weren't going to make it to the Eastern Conference finals, and just like there was no way they were going to beat Detroit.
(Actually, keep underestimating the Heat. I'm sure they prefer it that way.)
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
quote:Originally posted by Icarus:
quote:Originally posted by GaalDornick: I really think the Heat lucked out by not having to play Phoenix. Theres no way the Heat could beat Phoenix. As for Dallas, if the Heat could find a way to stop Dirk (which they probably don't) I think they might be able to win if they play their best.
Right. Just like they weren't going to make it to the Eastern Conference finals, and just like there was no way they were going to beat Detroit.
(Actually, keep underestimating the Heat. I'm sure they prefer it that way.)
I second your sentiments, Icky.
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
quote:Originally posted by Icarus:
quote:Originally posted by GaalDornick: I really think the Heat lucked out by not having to play Phoenix. Theres no way the Heat could beat Phoenix. As for Dallas, if the Heat could find a way to stop Dirk (which they probably don't) I think they might be able to win if they play their best.
Right. Just like they weren't going to make it to the Eastern Conference finals, and just like there was no way they were going to beat Detroit.
(Actually, keep underestimating the Heat. I'm sure they prefer it that way.)
And just like Dallas could never beat the Spurs to make it the Western Conf. Finals. Swords is more than willing to cut both ways.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Hey, I'm not the one overlooking a conference champion . . . sheesh!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Icky....just to make SURE the Heat have no chance.....
I will root for them this year! Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
quote: As for Dallas, if the Heat could find a way to stop Dirk (which they probably don't) I think they might be able to win if they play their best.
*replaces Dallas with Miami* *replaces Heat with Mavs* *replaces Dirk with Shaq and Wade*
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
quote: Just like they weren't going to make it to the Eastern Conference finals, and just like there was no way they were going to beat Detroit. [Roll Eyes]
Did I ever say that? I thought the Heat would definitely make it to the conference finals and had a good shot to win it. And I'm still saying that the Heat have a shot to win it all, I just said it'd be hard. I just don't think the Heat would've been able to beat Phoenix because they have too many holes in their defense which Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw, Leandro Barbosa, Raja Bell and every other offensive weapon on their team would be able to exploit. Don't put words in my mouth.
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
quote:Originally posted by kaioshin00:
quote: As for Dallas, if the Heat could find a way to stop Dirk (which they probably don't) I think they might be able to win if they play their best.
*replaces Dallas with Miami* *replaces Heat with Mavs* *replaces Dirk with Shaq and Wade*
So far, this seems to sum up the series very well.
Game two... "ouch" is about the best you can say.
Right, and now off the other American Airlines place.
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
Double post, forum was being finicky last night.
[ June 12, 2006, 11:23 AM: Message edited by: Architraz Warden ]
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Anyone know when the last time Shaq was held to 5 points in a playoff game was?
holy cow...
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
quote: TrapperKeeper
posted May 17, 2006 12:44 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mavs all the way
I stand by my statement. And the only thing Shaq has for him is size. He's got no skills.
Yeah, thems fightin words.
Posted by JoeH (Member # 5958) on :
I'd hate to be one of Shaq's teammates right now. I'm sure he's chewing them out. Did anyone see Antoine Walker's comment from after Game 1 where he said something to the effect that the Mavs were leaving him too open? Hmmm, I wonder why they would do that?
Also, is it just me and my pro-Mavs bias, but are the refs allowing Miami to handcheck Dirk even when he is facing the basket? The best thing the NBA has done in the last couple years was to start calling those fouls to free up the offenses. Now it seems, to me anyway, that Miami has reverted back to clutch and grab defense and the refs are allowing it. Or am I imagining things?
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
I don't see how someone who shoots 1-9 and then 1-7 on free throws at the professional level can chew anyone out. The Heat made their best run of the game when Shaq was sitting on the bench.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
quote:Originally posted by Kwea: Icky....just to make SURE the Heat have no chance.....
I will root for them this year!
::shakes fist::
Posted by JoeH (Member # 5958) on :
Good points, Trapper, but I bet he still chews them out anyway.
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
D Wade is pretty good.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
What, the series is tied so everyone has lost interest?!
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
So. Overtime, huh.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
O_O
We need a gasping for air graemlin.
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Yet another Phanton Phoul on D Wade as time nears a close.
Sometimes it's hard not to think there's not some giant ABC/Disney/American Airlines conspiracy to have this thing go to 7 games and make them a ton more money.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
I know that someone had a picture snapped of that play that showed a foul was committed...of course, they missed two fouls on the Heat before that. Officials suck (on the anniversary of No Goal).
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
D. Wade is my hero! <3
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Where are all the Heat fans?
The Heat are CHAMPS!!!
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
))))))))))))))))))
Go D. Wade!
I'm so glad they won!
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Actually, I was pretty happy for Alonzo Mourning, after all he has gone through.
I like Dwayne Wade, too, though.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Zo went to one of my high school's biggest basketball rivals. I'm happy for him, too.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
His post game press conference was amazing. I was tearing up and getting all tingly and stuff. Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
D.Wade was on Letterman last night. He was very good.
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Abd I realize the Heat are a team that have just recently been added and there are alot of teams that have been fighting alot longer for a championship, but since I'm a renewed Heat fan, the Heat deserve it more ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Evil Laugh]](graemlins/evillaugh.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)