The 2005-2006 NBA Season Discussion Thread

Yeah. OH MA GOODNESS. This is some great NBA action with the season nearing the end. I'm loving it. I caught the end of my Wizards getting pwnd by BEN~ GOR~DON~. Saw the finale of the Hornets/Jazz game too. Fun stuff.

Sure Zo has been getting trounced by dunks, but at least he's trying to stop the dunks, and does most of the time anyway. Most just step out of the way. :/ But yeah, Zo is definitely the most posterized.. but mad respect is due.

Edit: Ugh, my Wizards are seventh seeded now. Might as well go for eighth so we get Detroit. Pistons don't stand a chance against the Wiz. ._.

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Originally Posted by a_naz

Sure Zo has been getting trounced by dunks, but at least he's trying to stop the dunks, and does most of the time anyway. Most just step out of the way. :/ But yeah, Zo is definitely the most posterized.. but mad respect is due.

Oh, I definitely agree with that. I wasn't saying I didn't respect him. That's why he gets dunked on so much because he goes up for every ball. 8 times out of 10 he sends it into the cheap seats. Back before his kidney ailment, he was a defensive, shot blocking machine.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by bishop743

It looks like the Bulls are going to beat the Wizards, so Philly will not make the playoffs.

EDIT:

Yep, Bulls win. Ben Gordon was ON from long range tonight. He tied an NBA record for most 3-pointers without a miss, going 9-9 from beyond the arc.

Wow, that's impressive. 9-9 is amazing. An NBA record he shares with ... Latrell Sprewell.

Originally Posted by bishop743

Alonzo Mourning has been on the receiving end of some pretty nasty dunks this season.

Yeah, shotblockers tend to get dunk on a lot. There's always that risk.

I think everyone's climbed Mt. Mutombo at some point.

Originally Posted by bishop743

The one by Vince Carter earlier this season is the most noteable one.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

haha! I just knew you'd come through with a pic of it. ::saves::

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Awesome. Vinsanity is vicious.

Dang, if he were to get at least 30 points in these last few season games, he would've hit a 25ppg for the season. Instead, he came out with a 21 and 15-point performance. With 3 games left, he'll need what, at least 35 ppg for the rest. A stretch, but still possible with Philly, NY, and Boston left. Then again, he could just rest...

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Dwight Howard ... 28 points, 26 rebounds in a win over the Sixers, whose Playoff hopes are sinking fast.

I like how teams seeded 5 through 8 in the East right now are all sub .500.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Yeah man. It's very, very possible the Magic could end up becoming the 5th seed this week. It's crazy because I most definitely thought a couple of months ago they were just gonna throw this season and hope for a high draft pick. I think they have a protected first round pick this season, not sure which one though. All good though, D-How and the Jameeracle on 54th are beasting out.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

With the Bulls winning tonight over the Heat, both the Sixers and Magic have been eliminated from playoff contention.

On another note, I have to say that I like those old-school Miami Floridian ABA unis the Heat have worn a couple times this year. They're pretty tight.

FELIPE NO

Last day of the regular season. The playoff teams are set. It's been a good year.

My fantasy league is going down to the wire with a 3-way contention for second place. It's cra~zy. I hate how all of my "stars" are resting. :/

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

The regular season is done and Sat. is the start of the 2nd season. There are some very intrguing matchups in both the West and the East. Here is how the bracket looks:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Detroit
(8) Milwaukee

(4) Cleveland
(5) Washington

(3) New Jersey
(6) Indiana

(2) Miami
(7) Chicago


WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) San Antonio
(8) Sacramento

(4) Dallas
(5) Memphis

(3) Denver
(6) LA Clippers

(2) Phoenix
(7) LA Lakers

In the East, the Cleveland-Washington and New Jersey-Indiana matchups are going to be very interesting. I think both lower seeds in both series have a shot at winning, especially Indiana. Peja is finally starting to find his niche and Jermaine O' Neal is playing a lot better after missing 2 months because on injuries. The Pistons and Heat should make short work of their opponents. Chicago may get one game, but the Bucks should get swept.

In the West, I think all the higher seeds should be a bit worried, EVEN San Antonio. The Kings, since aquiring Artest, have been playing excellent basketball. I think the Spurs will come out the victors, but it could go the distance. The Mavericks-Grizzles series should be entertaining also and could go the 7 games. Dallas will come out on top though. The other two matchups, though, are a crapshoot for me. I have no idea who I should pick. The Suns are a poor defensive team, so Kobe Bryant will definitely get his points. I'm leaning a bit with the Lakers because, even though Phoenix has played well without Amare all year, his absence will be felt much more in the playoffs. Since the games are played a lot slower, not having a dominant post player like him will hurt them a great deal. As far as Denver-LA Clippers gpes, I don't know who to pick. I'm picking Denver though because I think Carmelo will have a great series.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I'm amped for the Playoffs, even though I'm upset that there's no Iverson or Garnett to root for. What a waste to not have them showcasing their talent.

But all eyes on Lebron.

Here are my predictions for the first round:


Pistons (1) vs. Bucks (8): Pistons in four
Cavaliers (4) vs. Wizards (5): Cavaliers in six
Nets (3) vs. Pacers (6): Nets in six
Heat (2) vs. Bulls (7): Heat in five


Spurs (1) vs. Kings (8): Spurs in six
Mavericks (4) vs. Grizzlies (5): Mavericks in five
Nuggets (3) vs. Clippers (6): Nuggets in seven
Suns (2) vs. Lakers (7): Lakers in seven

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Predictions, eh...

Well for first round:

Pistons over Bucks in 4. My Wizards, who have a better record against the Cavs, which I'll abuse, over the Cavs in 5. Nets and Pacers will be difficult, but I'll choose the Nets for fun in 6. And Heat over Bulls in 5.

Spurs over Kings in a fun 7-game war. The Mavs in another fun one to 6. The Nuggest over the Clippy Clips in yet another fun one in 7 also. And the Suns hose the Lakers in 2... (ok, 4).

Second round.... Wizards over Pistons as I abuse the season record again, in 5. The Heat over the Nets in 6.

West side: the Spurs over the Nuggets in 5, and the Mavs over the Suns in a fun one in 6.

Next: Heat over the Wizards in an unnecessarily long 7-game series, and the Mavs over the Spurs in 7 for no reason.

Finally, the Mavs over the Heat in 7... completing one of the longest NBA playoffs EVER. Greatest misjudgment call, ever.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Haha, I usually just predict one round at a time. It's less messy that way.

Wait a second, Wizards over Pistons in five for Round 2?

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Yeah man, the only East team to sweep the Pistons this season, ignoring everything else...

I was speaking idiomatically.

Regular seasons wins and losses don't really have much merit come playoff time. That Washington sweep (3 games) took place during an 82-game season. The last win, on Apr. 19th, was a game in which hardly any of the Piston starters played at all... so you can't really count that one. Winning 3 games over an 82-game span is a lot different than beating a team 4 times in 7 days. Wizards definitely have a shot at beating Cleveland though, esepcially if LeBron is still favoring that ankle.

Speaking of Iverson, I really think Philly is finally going to start shopping him around during the offseason. With this whole Fan Appreciation fiasco now, I think it's time for him to move on. Before, even when they weren't a very good team, AI alone would continue to fill seats. That's not the case anymore. I want him to move on and get a shot at winning a championship. Out of respect for you though Timberwolf, I won't get into KG.

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Originally Posted by bishop743

Regular seasons wins and losses don't really have much merit come playoff time. That Washington sweep (3 games) took place during an 82-game season. The last win, on Apr. 19th, was a game in which hardly any of the Piston starters played at all... so you can't really count that one. Winning 3 games over an 82-game span is a lot different than beating a team 4 times in 7 days. Wizards definitely have a shot at beating Cleveland though, esepcially if LeBron is still favoring that ankle.

"IGNORING EVERYTHING ELSE..."

Meh, a Yahoo! Sports headline: 76ers could face uncertain future without Iverson or Webber

The Knicks will take AI. They could always use a twelfth point guard.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by bishop743

Regular seasons wins and losses don't really have much merit come playoff time. That Washington sweep (3 games) took place during an 82-game season. The last win, on Apr. 19th, was a game in which hardly any of the Piston starters played at all... so you can't really count that one. Winning 3 games over an 82-game span is a lot different than beating a team 4 times in 7 days. Wizards definitely have a shot at beating Cleveland though, esepcially if LeBron is still favoring that ankle.

Speaking of Iverson, I really think Philly is finally going to start shopping him around during the offseason. With this whole Fan Appreciation fiasco now, I think it's time for him to move on. Before, even when they weren't a very good team, AI alone would continue to fill seats. That's not the case anymore. I want him to move on and get a shot at winning a championship. Out of respect for you though Timberwolf, I won't get into KG.

Very true, regular season doesn't mean anything. It only gives you some confidence going into the series.

Wow, the whole Fan Appreciation Night fiasco... I don't understand why AI would come 7 minutes after tipoff. That isn't right. AI has shown more maturity in recent years, but he takes a step back with this one.

Haha thanks. But naw, don't worry, you can talk about KG being traded. It's a possibility. I'm a Kevin Garnett fan before I am a Minnesota Timberwolves fan. So if KG ultimately ends up being traded, whichever team he lands on will instantly be the team I root for.

But the latest reports out of Minnesota say that McHale is staying, and suggest that Kevin Garnett is not going anywhere.

Double Post:
So Lebron James had a spectacular Playoff debut in a Game 1 win over the Wizards: 32 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds. (Um, the boxscore says 11 rebounds, but the arena statistician registered 10 at the time).

Beast.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Yeah, LeBron had an amazing playoff debut. He always seems to rise to the ocassion. Both of tonight's games so far have been blowouts. San Antonio completely dismantled the Kings. However, the Bulls are hanging tough with the Heat. As I write this post, they are up by 2 with about 7 min left.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Good game between the Clippers and the Nuggets. Melo had two chances to tie or win the game, but came up empty.

I think this is going to be a fun series to watch.

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Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Good game between the Clippers and the Nuggets. Melo had two chances to tie or win the game, but came up empty.

I think this is going to be a fun series to watch.

Yeah, Melo not cashing in on one of those opportunities was very uncharacteristic of him. Given the chance again though, I think he'll make good on it.

D-Wade simply went off in the 4th quarter in Game 1 against the Bulls. For 3 quarters, Chicago pretty much had him in check, then he just exploded and took the game over. The Bulls made mistakes down the stretch that cost them the game but that's to be expected from a young team. Should be an interesting series.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by bishop743

D-Wade simply went off in the 4th quarter in Game 1 against the Bulls. For 3 quarters, Chicago pretty much had him in check, then he just exploded and took the game over. The Bulls made mistakes down the stretch that cost them the game but that's to be expected from a young team. Should be an interesting series.

Shaq had a nice game, too: 27 points, 16 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 blocks, 2 steals.


So, I guess everyone's watching Game 1 of the Suns-Lakers series. Kwame has been playing solid as of late.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I'm watching. ;_;

I really shouldn't be. It's a huge distraction, not to mention spending time here. BUT I CAN'T RESIST. I love this game.

I watched that Wizards game a little bit during the meet. Lebron was sick. I may have to say Wizards in 6 now instead of the originally stated 5...

I was speaking idiomatically.

The Nets are the first home team to losing Game 1. Kind of a controversial finish there, with the foul call that really shouldn't have been called.

Double Post:
I hate to say it, but Kobe got robbed. With 22 seconds to go, he was hacked and fouled across his face, and should've been at the line to cut the deficit to two.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Double Post:
I hate to say it, but Kobe got robbed. With 22 seconds to go, he was hacked and fouled across his face, and should've been at the line to cut the deficit to two.

heh, I got two words for you: OH WELL! :P

Yeah, like I said earlier, even though the Pacers are the lower seed I really think they have a shot at taking out the Nets. They're finally back to full strength now and their chemistry is starting to mesh well.

Kobe didn't have one of his normal explosive-ball hog-40+points games tonight. Even so, the Lakers were still in the game late. Before the series is said and done though, I wouldn't be suprised if he cracked 50 more than once.

mmm mmmm mmmm, Detroit simply toyed around with the Bucks. Milwaukee had cut the lead to 4 in the 4th quarter, then the Pistons just went and reeled off 11 unanswered points. However, in that fourth quarter, Rip Hamilton injured ankle. He tried to stay in but the pain was too great, I guess. I hope it's nothing serious, because if it is, Detroit will be in some major trouble.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by bishop743

heh, I got two words for you: OH WELL! :P

Yeah, like I said earlier, even though the Pacers are the lower seed I really think they have a shot at taking out the Nets. They're finally back to full strength now and their chemistry is starting to mesh well.

Kobe didn't have one of his normal explosive-ball hog-40+points games tonight. Even so, the Lakers were still in the game late. Before the series is said and done though, I wouldn't be suprised if he cracked 50 more than once.

Ha, don't worry -- It's not like I'm not bitter or anything

It's just that I want to see Kobe lose fair and square. That's how I like it.

I think Kobe was trying to do his Steve Nash impression, by passing a lot. Too bad he failed miserably in Game 1.



So, I'm watching Game 2 of the Nuggets-Clippers series. Wait a second, I just realized something. Why does the Clippers have homecourt? I thought only in the latter rounds does homecourt go to the team with the better record. I thought in round one, homecourt advantage goes to the higher seed -- in this case, Denver.

Did I miss something.

Double Post:
Ron Artest is suspended for Game 2.

Oops.

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