**OFFICIAL** 2008 NBA Playoffs thread

[JJChicken]

Lakers seem to be the stronger team going into the NBA Finals 2008

 

[Inspector Jihad]

The NBA needs to do something about its refs...no other sport has so many issues when it comes to officiating.

 

[JJChicken]

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad
The NBA needs to do something about its refs...no other sport has so many issues when it comes to officiating.

This year has been particularly bad. I don't recall last year being nearly as bad.

 

[JJChicken]

New poll (lakers v celtics) added for those interested.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Barack Obama

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad
The NBA needs to do something about its refs...no other sport has so many issues when it comes to officiating.

This year has been particularly bad. I don't recall last year being nearly as bad.

The sad things is the one's in the playoffs are supposed to be the best. They have been horrendous in every series.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Barack Obama
Lakers seem to be the stronger team going into the NBA Finals 2008

The Celts will finally have some rest. I think it'll be a very close and competitive series.

 

[galperi1]

as a Detroit fan I have to say it is time to break up the team.

This BS about flipping on and off the switch has to stop. The Pistons have had the potential to win MANY more than their 1 championship years ago and just feel the need to not play unless it is urgent.

And as the case... they have been knocked out of the ECF for the past 3 years in a row because of this stupidity.

Flip needs to go along with some of the players to shake things up and let them know that all this talent means nothing if they can't give it 100% for the ENTIRE game in order to win series.

 

[JJChicken]

Originally posted by: galperi1
as a Detroit fan I have to say it is time to break up the team.

This BS about flipping on and off the switch has to stop. The Pistons have had the potential to win MANY more than their 1 championship years ago and just feel the need to not play unless it is urgent.

And as the case... they have been knocked out of the ECF for the past 3 years in a row because of this stupidity.

Flip needs to go along with some of the players to shake things up and let them know that all this talent means nothing if they can't give it 100% for the ENTIRE game in order to win series.

I don't buy into the flipping it on and off excuse they keep making. Good players don't make excuses for losses, but commend their opponents. The players on the pistons are good but they are not out of this league or anything. It's an insult to all the other stars and teams in this league when they make excuses like they lost cause they weren't trying. The fact of the matter is that every time they lost, they got outplayed.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

A lot of writers and people are already voting out Boston, which I think shouldn't be the case. On logic, the Lakers do have an advantage over the Celtics when gauging each other's performance in this year's playoffs.

However bad the Celtics have played in a lot of the games this season, they seem to be peaking at the right time. They have finally won 2 road games against a tough Pistons teams (but they looked pretty damn lazy in the 4th today).


This series will be very awesome due to a huge number of reasons.
I really want my Lakers to kick ass, but the Celtics is nothing to joke about. They are younger than the Spurs, and have a tougher, very structured team defense. The Lakers on the other hand, have one of the quickest and most mind-boggling offensive systems that has been proven to work for the past 2 decades. It's yet another classic Offense vs Defense (However, the Laker's D is sorely underrated, and when the Lakers D is on, it's pretty crazy... long arms, tall front court, mismatches, best on-ball defender, etc... But it's not as obviously apparent as the Celtics' D.).

You can also say this is a battle of two storied franchises. There's a ton of pride going into these finals. I'm ultra-positive that Phil is vying for that elusive 10th championship; and to do it against that franchise that gave Red his 9 will be awesome for him.

You have 3 title-hungry vets in Celtics. With the Lakers, there's Kobe who seems to have this insane fire in his eyes. It's like a giant that's walking through anything w/o any regard of his surroundings while eyeing the trophy in the distance. It's like a huge clash of ultra-hungry titans. I expect an enormous amount of fouls, lots of yelling, and this will go 6-7 games; hopefully w/ the Lakers winning

Man I'm so excited! I'm going to DVR every game just in case something insane happens and I want to watch it over and over again (or just dl the torrent of the game ).

Good rucks! and GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


EDIT:
haha lol Amol, ya I want that to happen too, I can only hope .

 

[amol]

Lakers in 5, only because I want them to win it at Staples

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP
A lot of writers and people are already voting out Boston, which I think shouldn't be the case. On logic, the Lakers do have an advantage over the Celtics when gauging each other's performance in this year's playoffs.

However bad the Celtics have played in a lot of the games this season, they seem to be peaking at the right time. They have finally won 2 road games against a tough Pistons teams (but they looked pretty damn lazy in the 4th today).


This series will be very awesome due to a huge number of reasons.
I really want my Lakers to kick ass, but the Celtics is nothing to joke about. They are younger than the Spurs, and have a tougher, very structured team defense. The Lakers on the other hand, haveone of the most quickest and most mind-boggling offensive system that has been proven to work for the past 2 decades. You can also say this is a battle of two storied franchises. There's a ton of pride going into these finals. I'm ultra-positive that Phil is vying for that elusive 10th championship; and to do it against that franchise that gave Red his 9 will be awesome for him.
You have 3 title-hungry vets in Celtics. With the Lakers, there's Kobe who seems to have this insane fire in his eyes. It's like a giant that's walking through anything w/o any regard of his surroundings while eyeing the trophy in the distance. It's like a huge clash of ultra-hungry titans. I expect an enormous amount of fouls, lots of yelling, and this will go 6-7 games; hopefully w/ the Lakers winning

Man I'm so excited! I'm going to DVR every game just in case something insane happens and I want to watch it over and over again (or just dl the torrent of the game ).

Good rucks! and GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I totally agree with you. I've been a huge Laker fan since when I was a kid (a few years before Shaq and Kobe arrived) and I've always heard about the great BOS-LAL rivalry, but never got to experience this. This series will be great.

Of course, I really would love the Lakers to win it all this year, but throughout the entire playoffs, I haven't really had high expectations for them, at least once they reached the WCF. But then I saw their spurts in Games 1 and 5 and I was blown away. It really makes me mad that this is the ONE SUMMER that I'm away from LA, cause I'd really like to be in the city for when the finals are going on. Brings back memories of June 2000, 2001, and 2002.

 

[dbk]

OMG @ the call on Paul Pierce. WTF was that shit? Two very similar plays from the two conference finals. Barry didn't get a call on the first one while Pierce got called for an offensive foul. L-M-A-O

 

[JJChicken]

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP
A lot of writers and people are already voting out Boston, which I think shouldn't be the case. On logic, the Lakers do have an advantage over the Celtics when gauging each other's performance in this year's playoffs.

However bad the Celtics have played in a lot of the games this season, they seem to be peaking at the right time. They have finally won 2 road games against a tough Pistons teams (but they looked pretty damn lazy in the 4th today).


This series will be very awesome due to a huge number of reasons.
I really want my Lakers to kick ass, but the Celtics is nothing to joke about. They are younger than the Spurs, and have a tougher, very structured team defense. The Lakers on the other hand, have one of the quickest and most mind-boggling offensive systems that has been proven to work for the past 2 decades. It's yet another classic Offense vs Defense (However, the Laker's D is sorely underrated, and when the Lakers D is on, it's pretty crazy... long arms, tall front court, mismatches, best on-ball defender, etc... But it's not as obviously apparent as the Celtics' D.).

You can also say this is a battle of two storied franchises. There's a ton of pride going into these finals. I'm ultra-positive that Phil is vying for that elusive 10th championship; and to do it against that franchise that gave Red his 9 will be awesome for him.

You have 3 title-hungry vets in Celtics. With the Lakers, there's Kobe who seems to have this insane fire in his eyes. It's like a giant that's walking through anything w/o any regard of his surroundings while eyeing the trophy in the distance. It's like a huge clash of ultra-hungry titans. I expect an enormous amount of fouls, lots of yelling, and this will go 6-7 games; hopefully w/ the Lakers winning

Man I'm so excited! I'm going to DVR every game just in case something insane happens and I want to watch it over and over again (or just dl the torrent of the game ).

Good rucks! and GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


EDIT:
haha lol Amol, ya I want that to happen too, I can only hope .

Couldn't agree more. I see this going to 6 games with the lakers as favourites at this stage. First two games are going to be critical as always.

There is really nobody to stop Kobe at this stage - I don't think ray allen can be that effective. Furthermore, Kobe should make life very difficult for Allen. Pierce and Garnett will be key in this series. The celtics should pass the ball as much as possible between the big 3 to spread their scoring options and take advantage of the fact it is very difficult to clamp down 3 players offensively at any point in time. As coaches always say, make that extra pass!.

The defense of the celtics will define this series, they HAVE to return to their regular season form to stand a chance. Lakers are looking really good, and arguably have a big three of their own (bryant, gasol, odom).

Weakest link? Coach Rivers.

A matchup on the upcoming series I just read: http://www.bleacherreport.com/...ers-Vs-Celtics--310508

Matchups

- Point Guards: These teams match up well at many places, but no more so than in the point guards. Rajon Rondo and Sam Cassell make the perfect mixture of young speed and skill, and veteran experience and intelligence. No matter who is on the floor, the Celtics can work around them. Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar are no slouches, but both fit the Lakers better as facilitators and defenders. I give the slight edge to the Celtics, but it depends on how well Cassell's legs hold up.

- Shooting Guards: Kobe Bryant is the greatest player on the planet, easy. Ray Allen can't defend him, and Kobe may turn around and lock him down easily on the defensive side. I see the Celtics trying to match Paul Pierce on him defensively to slow Kobe down, but I don't see that working either. Lakers take this point easily.

- Small Forwards: Paul Pierce is the class at this position, but let's not discount the defensive prowess and basketball IQ of Luke Walton, who I see starting opposite Pierce. I bet you that Pierce still has good games, but he won't be doing it easy, and it may take some out of him defensively, making life easier for Kobe. Celtics take the point, but Walton can affect it in many ways you don't see in the box score.

- Power Forwards: Kevin Garnett's excellence is not in question, but the big X-factor in the series is Lamar Odom. Frustratingly inconsistent throughout his career, Odom sometimes looks like the best athlete and player not named Kobe Bryant, but sometimes seems disinterested and lackadaisical. If he shows up to play, KG may find his road harder to travel. If not, there may be problems. Celtics take the point.

- Center: Phil Jackson has the perfect center for Kobe Bryant to work with in Pau Gasol. He can pass, shoot, block shots, defend, you name it. More importantly, he doesn't mind that Kobe takes the game over in the late goings. Kendrick Perkins has been huge for the Celtics this post-season, but he's no match for Gasol in skill and experience. Lakers take this one.

- Coaches: 9 championships. 'Nuff said. Phil Jackson is a way better strategist and motivator than Doc Rivers. Lakers get the point.

Predictions: I see this being a back and forth series, each team holding serve on their home court for the first 4 games, but eventually I think Kobe, who in killer instinct alone is more valuable and effective than the Big 3 of Boston, takes over and wills his team to victory. I see a game 7 win, in overtime, going down to the last shot. Lakers, by a nose, in 7.

 

[JJChicken]

Also, I can see Lakers double teaming KG with gasol and odom if odom can't contain him. This should open Perkins for some shots.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

that ray/kobe beef from a few years ago wasnt squashed was it? it'll be interesting to see what happens.

 

[Reckoner]

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

 

[Reckoner]

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

I still think King James is better than Kobe, but not by much.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

I still think King James is better than Kobe, but not by much.

no, maybe in a few years.

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

I still think King James is better than Kobe, but not by much.

no, maybe in a few years.

Plus Kobe has a much better supporting cast.

 

[Ninjja]

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

I still think King James is better than Kobe, but not by much.

kobe is without a doubt the best player in the nba right now. lebron isn't close.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Ninjja

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

I still think King James is better than Kobe, but not by much.

kobe is without a doubt the best player in the nba right now. lebron isn't close.

Put Kobe on the Cavs and the Cavs nor Kobe would be as good. Just like Kobe after Shaq left the Lakers and prior to this year.

 

[JJChicken]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: Ninjja

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

I still think King James is better than Kobe, but not by much.

kobe is without a doubt the best player in the nba right now. lebron isn't close.

Put Kobe on the Cavs and the Cavs nor Kobe would be as good. Just like Kobe after Shaq left the Lakers and prior to this year.

Kobe even after Shaq left was still putting up monster numbers that LBJ can't even compare to. 9 consecutive games with 40pts or more, 81 points, etc.

LBJ jumper isn't nearly as good as Kobe's. Give him a few years.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: Ninjja

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

I still think King James is better than Kobe, but not by much.

kobe is without a doubt the best player in the nba right now. lebron isn't close.

Put Kobe on the Cavs and the Cavs nor Kobe would be as good. Just like Kobe after Shaq left the Lakers and prior to this year.

thanks for teh lulz

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: Ninjja

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Lebron >>>> Kobe

The Celts were able to keep Lebron in check, for the most part, during the Bos/Cavs series. The only difference in this series is Kobe actually has some good players surrounding him in Bynum and Gasol. Should be a good series, but I see the Celtics winning in 6.

I saw what you posted before you took your medicine, but you're still crazy.

I still think King James is better than Kobe, but not by much.

kobe is without a doubt the best player in the nba right now. lebron isn't close.

Put Kobe on the Cavs and the Cavs nor Kobe would be as good. Just like Kobe after Shaq left the Lakers and prior to this year.

thanks for teh lulz

How did the Lakers do without Shaq and before Gasol?