Lakers vs Magic and the 2008-2009 NBA Playoffs/Finals Thread - Page 19

whomario · 05-17-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

Your PG has 0 assists in the first half

right around his average

Ah come on, no one seriously expected a different result. Yeah, one could hope but in the end you have a team without a single consistent scorer on the perimeter, a 6´6 Center, a 6 foot scoring "Point Guard" and Ron Artest.

Jas_lov · 05-17-2009, 04:47 PM

Doesn't make sense to bring Kobe back into a blowout win.

Chief Rum · 05-17-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Dola, someone responded to what I posted above with this:

Wait a sec:

Quote:

- from 2001-2005 when Crawford was the ref, the Mavs were 0-8. When he wasn't the ref they were 41-37
- from 2001 until now, the Mavs are 1-15 in games Crawford is the ref. When he wasn't, they were 52-35

Okay. What am I missing?

RainMaker · 05-17-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

I always thought views about the NBA fixing games or influencing games was incredibly silly. Sure, stars tend to get more calls, but that's just the way it is. I think that in the NBA, year after year, more than any other sport, the best team ends up winning the championship.

Last 13 NBA titles.

Celtics
Spurs
Heat
Spurs
Pistons
Lakers
Lakers
Lakers
Spurs
Bulls
Bulls
Bulls

I'd find it very hard to argue that each of these teams wasn't the best team that season. That includes three spurs teams who frankly were bad for ratings.

The 2003 Lakers weren't best. The Kings were a better team and showed it in that series. Without the infamous game 6, they win that series in 6 games and cruise into the Finals.

There are some others you can argue about. I think the Jazz were better in 1998 and the Mavs were better in 2006.

larrymcg421 · 05-17-2009, 07:16 PM

Damnit Perkins, you are not Rondo. Just take the ball up.

Eaglesfan27 · 05-17-2009, 07:28 PM

Howard is playing incredible early. Love watching him play when he is playing like this.

larrymcg421 · 05-17-2009, 07:29 PM

Scalabrine has to shoot those three's when he is wide open.

larrymcg421 · 05-17-2009, 07:50 PM

Wow, the Celtics are playing like shit.

DaddyTorgo · 05-17-2009, 07:57 PM

*barfs on the celtics*

looks like maybe i'll get my wish of them losing here instead of going on to be the mercy-kill for Lebron and the Cavs. I said earlier I'd almost rather have them duck out here then get massacred by the Cavs and have the Cavs crowing about how "we beat last year's champs...wah wah wah...last year was a fluke" etc.

Much less irritating losing to orlando cuz we're undermanned

Jas_lov · 05-17-2009, 08:01 PM

And still only down 6. This has been the theme of the series.

Jas_lov · 05-17-2009, 08:03 PM

Also, Dwight Howard should have about 5 fouls already.

Big Fo · 05-17-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

*barfs on the celtics*

looks like maybe i'll get my wish of them losing here instead of going on to be the mercy-kill for Lebron and the Cavs. I said earlier I'd almost rather have them duck out here then get massacred by the Cavs and have the Cavs crowing about how "we beat last year's champs...wah wah wah...last year was a fluke" etc.

Much less irritating losing to orlando cuz we're undermanned

Wait so you're actually rooting against your team in a game seven?

DaddyTorgo · 05-17-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

Wait so you're actually rooting against your team in a game seven?

i wouldn't say ROOTING AGAINST THEM. I'd say I'm just closer to "ambivalent."

DaddyTorgo · 05-17-2009, 08:06 PM

to be honest i'm not even watching - i'm sitting here doing all this computer-junk at least till the last 1gb transfers over

larrymcg421 · 05-17-2009, 08:07 PM

It's about fucking time, Ray!

SirFozzie · 05-17-2009, 08:11 PM

if the celtics play like they generally did in the 1st half in the next 24 minutes, it's over.

Jas_lov · 05-17-2009, 08:13 PM

I didn't think Celtics fans would just stop caring about their team with KG out. Sure they'll probably lose next series without KG but you should still want your team to win a big playoff series.

larrymcg421 · 05-17-2009, 08:15 PM

I certainly haven't given up. It would be a great accomplishment to make the conference finals without our best player, even if we ended up getting swept.

Sublime 2 · 05-17-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

I certainly haven't given up. It would be a great accomplishment to make the conference finals without our best players, even if we ended up getting swept.

Absolutely agree.

Eaglesfan27 · 05-17-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

*barfs on the celtics*

looks like maybe i'll get my wish of them losing here instead of going on to be the mercy-kill for Lebron and the Cavs. I said earlier I'd almost rather have them duck out here then get massacred by the Cavs and have the Cavs crowing about how "we beat last year's champs...wah wah wah...last year was a fluke" etc.

Much less irritating losing to orlando cuz we're undermanned

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

i wouldn't say ROOTING AGAINST THEM. I'd say I'm just closer to "ambivalent."

I'm not sure how you can say that 1st post isn't rooting against them. Honestly, I don't think Cavs' fans would diminish last year's team at all even if they sweep the Celticss. Both teams have different players this year. This year's Cavs might have have beat last year's Celtics, but that certainly won't be proven by this series if the Celtics somehow comeback in the 2nd half.

Neuqua · 05-17-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jas_lov

I didn't think Celtics fans would just stop caring about their team with KG out. Sure they'll probably lose next series without KG but you should still want your team to win a big playoff series.

This cracks me up. This is the same guy who declares game over if the Packers give up 10 unanswered points in the first quarter of an NFL football game.

Jas_lov · 05-17-2009, 08:37 PM

Doesn't mean I stopped wanting them to win. Just a typical fan rant that everyone goes through when things go wrong in a big game. I always want my teams to win.

SirFozzie · 05-17-2009, 08:38 PM

and I want my team to play as long as possible. I do not want my season to be over.

SirFozzie · 05-17-2009, 09:03 PM

Dola: *sighs* and it looks like it WILL end tonight./

larrymcg421 · 05-17-2009, 09:11 PM

Celtics stopped playing.

Big Fo · 05-17-2009, 09:35 PM

Two straight games Orlando dominates the fourth quarter, what a change from the rest of the series.

Big Fo · 05-17-2009, 09:38 PM

You know I haven't seen KG doing much of that obnoxious walking hand on palm shit tonight.

Props to Patrick Ewing who correctly predicted tonight's triumph.

Logan · 05-17-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fo

Props to Patrick Ewing who correctly predicted tonight's triumph.

Hide the women and children!

Noop · 05-17-2009, 09:56 PM

I am happy for Stan Van Gundy (who looks a lot like Ron Jeremy and Super Mario) I think Pat Riley shafted him out of a title in Miami. Should be a great series between Cleveland and Orlando.

MrBug708 · 05-18-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Saw this about Crawford on another forum. Just interesting stuff:

Last two seasons of playoffs:
Lakers are 21-11 in 32 games:
14-10 without Crawford as ref.
7-1 with Crawford(only loss was elimination game vs Celtics 131-92 game which is very hard to fix).
Also it was Joey Crawford who tossed Artest in Game 2 with the Rockets down 10 with 8 minutes to go. I guess he wanted to make sure this score stuck to tie the series.

Or we can play conspiracy theorist and assume that the league wants the Lakers out of the playoffs and thus Crawford is the only ref who has been reffing accordingly/

Quote:

Want more:
Rockets this post season:
7-3 record in games without Crawford.
0-2 record in games with Crawford.

Great. So Crawford was the ref in two Laker home games. If the league wanted the Lakers to win that badly, wouldn't it make more sense for him to be reffing road games?

Quote:

Want more:
This year Houston takes game 1 in LA, Crawford works Game 2.

It's like he's an NBA ref!

Quote:

Last year in the Utah series, he is sent to Utah for Game 6 with Lakers up 3-2 and sure enough no game 7 needed.

Because the league (and the Lakers) didn't want to see 7 games, right?

Quote:

Next series vs. SA, Lakers lead 2-1 with Game 4 in SA and enter Joey Crawford. LA goes up 3-1 with 93-91 win(NBA apologizes for Crawford no call on Derek Fischer foul on Brent Barry to end game).

I'm surprised the league let this series go further then 4 games myself...

Quote:

Next series is Boston and Lakers down 0-2 enter Crawford to right the ship and Lakers win game 3.

Because, based on the previous examples, the league suddenly wants to prolong series? Why not enter Joey Crawford in game 2?

Seriously...

stevew · 05-18-2009, 02:55 AM

Z has to get Dwight out of the lane. I'm worried about Orlando's 3 point shooting. But I think the Cavs take this series in 6.

RainMaker · 05-18-2009, 05:19 AM

MrBug708 - You can try and deny that there is any conspiracy and you may be right. But the statistics and trends are extremely suspicious. As I stated many pages back, Crawford ALWAYS works a game where a home team needs a win. Go back through all the playoffs and look at the big markets and you'll see this trend. I told you he'd work those games and he did. Considering he's part of one of the poorer officiating crews in the league, it's odd he's always put in place during such important games. Crawford is well known for calling games in favor of the home team (you can look at his record ATS over the years). So I guess I'm just wondering how it happens that this official seems to get into the most important games when a big market home team needs a win at home.

Now lets take the Danny Crawford example. The Mavs are 1-15 in playoff games he's officiated since 2001. The Mavs are 52-35 in those other games when he is not officiating. Given all things equal, the odds that Danny Crawford would have officiated the Mavs going 1-15 during their playoff run is about 1 in 100,000. A rather remarkable number and well past the level of "just a coincidence".

Since there is decent enough data on the Lakers numbers, the odds that Joey Crawford would have worked games that they went 7-1 are about 6%. Not as ridiculous as the above numbers, but still an interesting anamolly.

Now normally you could just chalk it up to coincidences and extreme deviations (although the Danny Crawford example is just about impossible to replicate again). But the odd thing is that we never see these numbers go against major markets. You'd be hard pressed to find officials that have numbers like Danny Crawford against teams like Boston or Los Angeles.

Those are statistics, take it as you want. I've been a huge fan of the NBA for years and seen more games than I could even begin to count (both live and on TV). I've been a season ticket holder for years and consider myself someone knowledgeable in the sport. I'm not sold on the huge conspiracy that games are downright fixed, but it's rather clear to me that there is something fishy going on (and has been for decades). I honestly believe there are officials that are assigned to games because it's in the best interest of the NBA (for example Joey Crawford officiating home games when the big market needs a win). Each ref has trends and the NBA certainly knows it. It's why the information Donaghy was giving bookies and gamblers was so valuable. If you can provide me with the officials before a game and before the casinos can set a line based on it, I will win over 60% of the games I bet on.

It could be a lot of things. It could be a wink and a nod between the NBA and some officials to do what's in the best interest of the league. It could be highly incompetent officials being assigned to games because the NBA is really stupid or feels they benefit from it in some way. It could also be that we have a lot of rogue officials who are Tim Donaghys. To act like fixing games is a taboo topic is somewhat silly considering we already have an official in jail for betting on games he officiated and altering those games and potentially seasons (he did ref a lot of playoff games).

Now I still love the game and am sad that it doesn't play out more by the players like other major sports. I've learned to accept the WWE element to the sport and in a way it adds a little more drama. But to act like there isn't a huge issue with officiating in this league is rather naive whether you believe in conspiracies or not.

Ronnie Dobbs2 · 05-18-2009, 07:36 AM

Congrats to Orlando. In all honesty I am not shocked the C's lost, though I am surprised that Orlando looked like they wanted it more in 6 and 7.

sterlingice · 05-18-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tasan

So, did the Rockette's send their D league team out there again today? This town is going to be full of tears tomorrow....boy good thing I'm a Mavs fan.

Oh wait.

Well, we did seem to be missing a really big piece in the middle and at least a big cap number who's been gone the entire playoffs...

SI

Noop · 05-18-2009, 08:23 AM

That Crawford thing is a little fishy can someone send it to ESPN? I would love to see another referee scandal in the NBA.

gstelmack · 05-18-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noop

That Crawford thing is a little fishy can someone send it to ESPN? I would love to see another referee scandal in the NBA.

Bill Simmons has got your back on this one.

molson · 05-18-2009, 05:58 PM

This NBA/WWE Pepsi arena dispute is pretty entertaining. The Nuggets are set to play at home Monday night, but the WWE has booked the venue for months, has sold more than 10,000 tickets, and expects a sold out show

NBA, WWE grapple over Denver booking conflict - ESPN

Not surpisingly, the best quote is Vince McMahon's:

"Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game,' WWE chairman Vince McMahon said in a statement."

I have no idea how these contracts are worded, but I would think the Nuggets are going to have to pay up. If they tape the WWE TV show (which is usually live) sometime before, the ratings are going to suffer. If they move to a smaller venue, somebody's going to have to refund those tickets, and the WWE would take a hit on merchandise sales.

TroyF · 05-18-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

to be honest i'm not even watching - i'm sitting here doing all this computer-junk at least till the last 1gb transfers over

I can't tell you how much I envy you. The Nuggets have been to the point the Celtics were yesterday (a game 7 in the second round) a grand total of two times in the last 28 seasons. (we lost one of the game 7's and got thrashed 4 games to 1 in the conference finals in 84/85)

Then again, maybe I don't envy you. When the Nuggets actually do have a run like they are now, it actually means something to me. Even if they were to lose 5 starters to injury in the first 2 minutes tomorrow night, I'll be watching the tv when game 4 comes around to see if the Nuggets can grab a single W. It's likely I'll never have to worry about being ambivalent about the basketball team I cheer for ever. Of course it's also NOT likely I'll ever have to worry celebrating a championship either. . . so there is that.

molson · 05-18-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyF

I can't tell you how much I envy you. The Nuggets have been to the point the Celtics were yesterday (a game 7 in the second round) a grand total of two times in the last 28 seasons. (we lost one of the game 7's and got thrashed 4 games to 1 in the conference finals in 84/85)

Then again, maybe I don't envy you. When the Nuggets actually do have a run like they are now, it actually means something to me. Even if they were to lose 5 starters to injury in the first 2 minutes tomorrow night, I'll be watching the tv when game 4 comes around to see if the Nuggets can grab a single W. It's likely I'll never have to worry about being ambivalent about the basketball team I cheer for ever. Of course it's also NOT likely I'll ever have to worry celebrating a championship either. . . so there is that.

Winning really is the great equalizer, as is any kind of personal success or windfall that one might come into. You get numb to it. I'm not nearly the kind of intense fan I was of the Sox or Celtics or Patriots before their championships. Part of that is age, but it is a lot different when you're kind of "satisfied". I'll always root for those teams and they'll always be a part of my life but their games don't just stop everything like they used to. But still, I'll take the championships any day. It's great to have those memories.

And I don't understand, for a second, the idea floated around here and on some other websites that Celtic "fans" were almost glad the Celtics lost so they wouldn't be embarrassed by the Cavs. Huh?? What kind of "embarrassment" is a sweep by the '09 Cavs? How can advancing in a tournament EVER be a bad thing? Is the loser of the 8/9 game in the NCAA tournament happy because they aren't going to be blown out by the top seed in the next round? Or is the team that loses the championship game in some minor conference really happy since they aren't drawing a #16 seed and would face a blowout? It's fun to advance in the playoffs, and against a clear favorite, there's no possibility of disappointment, only pleasant surprise.

stevew · 05-18-2009, 07:31 PM

Orlando Denver has to be the worst case scenerio ratings wise I would think. Obviously for numbers sake the league would want the Lakers.

The Celtics managed to get 8 home playoff games. Outside of winning its probably the best case for the franchises bottom line. The Cavs have only played 4. I'm sure sweeping is great but when they have to cut a 30M luxury tax check it is gonna hurt.

Groundhog · 05-18-2009, 07:50 PM

I think both conference finals could go to 7 games. Lakers and Cavs are the obvious favourites, but an upset in either series wouldn't surprise me in the slightest as there are a number of difficult matchups for both teams.

If it's Lakers-Cavs, my money (and heart

) would be on the Cavs.

Galaril · 05-18-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brassmonkey32

Lakers win over Nuggets in 6 games

Cavs win over Magic in 5 games.

Lakers over Cavs in 6 games for championship.

Nice to see some noob lakers fan spaming the forum with there biased predictions. I see the Nuggets in 7 maybe 6. Lakers will not handle the hungrier Nuggetts IMHO. Cavs in 5 maybe 6. Finals hate to say it Cavs in 5 easy.

bulletsponge · 05-18-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galaril

Nice to see some noob lakers fan spaming the forum with there biased predictions. I see the Nuggets in 7 maybe 6. Lakers will not handle the hungrier Nuggetts IMHO. Cavs in 5 maybe 6. Finals hate to say it Cavs in 5 easy.

you havnt been watching the hype. Stern *wants* kobe vs Lebron

RainMaker · 05-18-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galaril

Nice to see some noob lakers fan spaming the forum with there biased predictions. I see the Nuggets in 7 maybe 6. Lakers will not handle the hungrier Nuggetts IMHO. Cavs in 5 maybe 6. Finals hate to say it Cavs in 5 easy.

No way the league misses the chance on a Kobe-Lebron finals with both guys in their prime.

Lakers in 6 or 7
Cavs in 5

Warhammer · 05-18-2009, 11:25 PM

I think the Nuggets are an easier matchup than the Rockets were. Smaller, quicker line-ups have always given the Lakers under Jackson fits. I think in a sense, losing Yao helped the Rockets in this regard. They had to run and play small ball to score and the Lakers have trouble with guys like that.

RainMaker · 05-18-2009, 11:55 PM

I agree, Billups isn't the type of PG that give the Lakers trouble. They also don't really have anyone to keep Kobe in check. Denver will need to exploit the Lakers lack of depth inside and bank Pau around which tends to throw him off his game. I like the Nuggets and what they've done but think this is just a bad matchup for them.

Groundhog · 05-19-2009, 12:25 AM

Billups is the type of PG that can give anyone trouble.

Billups isn't a speedy jet PG like Aaron Brooks, but he's a lot more talented and a far better PG.

Dahntay Jones is going to have to be the "Kobe stopper". I don't see JR Smith being able to keep a lock on him. Could even throw Linas Kleiza at him for a different 'Matt Harpring-esque' look, or maybe Renaldo Balkman, but I think Jones is the best shot.

RainMaker · 05-19-2009, 01:06 AM

Billups is better than Brooks but is not the type of PG that gives the Lakers fits. Teams with quick PGs who can get in the lane have been their achilles heel all year.

It'll be a good series but I still think the league will tighten up the officiating at some point which will hurt the Nuggets physical play. Don't be surprised to see Martin and Nene in foul trouble early in the big games.

I think the Nuggets best bet is to work on shutting down everyone but Kobe. The Lakers play for shit when they just defer to Kobe every trip down the floor. Give Kobe his 35 but don't let Pau or Odom beat you.

Neon_Chaos · 05-19-2009, 03:42 AM

Vince McMahon being interviewed by Jonathan Coachman (former WWE announcer and talent now working for ESPNews) regarding the Pepsi Center situation.

RainMaker · 05-19-2009, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neon_Chaos

Vince McMahon being interviewed by Jonathan Coachman (former WWE announcer and talent now working for ESPNews) regarding the Pepsi Center situation.

McMahon will get more free publicity out of this mix-up that it probably makes it worth it.

05-17-2009, 07:16 PM	#905
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	Damnit Perkins, you are not Rondo. Just take the ball up. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

05-17-2009, 07:28 PM	#906
Eaglesfan27 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey	Howard is playing incredible early. Love watching him play when he is playing like this. __________________ Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen.

05-17-2009, 07:29 PM	#907
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	Scalabrine has to shoot those three's when he is wide open. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

05-17-2009, 07:50 PM	#908
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	Wow, the Celtics are playing like shit. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

05-17-2009, 07:57 PM	#909
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	barfs on the celtics looks like maybe i'll get my wish of them losing here instead of going on to be the mercy-kill for Lebron and the Cavs. I said earlier I'd almost rather have them duck out here then get massacred by the Cavs and have the Cavs crowing about how "we beat last year's champs...wah wah wah...last year was a fluke" etc. Much less irritating losing to orlando cuz we're undermanned __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9

05-17-2009, 04:47 PM	#902
Jas_lov College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	Doesn't make sense to bring Kobe back into a blowout win.

05-17-2009, 08:01 PM	#910
Jas_lov College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	And still only down 6. This has been the theme of the series.

05-17-2009, 08:03 PM	#911
Jas_lov College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	Also, Dwight Howard should have about 5 fouls already.

05-17-2009, 08:06 PM	#914
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	to be honest i'm not even watching - i'm sitting here doing all this computer-junk at least till the last 1gb transfers over __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9

05-17-2009, 08:07 PM	#915
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	It's about fucking time, Ray! __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

05-17-2009, 08:11 PM	#916
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	if the celtics play like they generally did in the 1st half in the next 24 minutes, it's over. __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

05-17-2009, 08:13 PM	#917
Jas_lov College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	I didn't think Celtics fans would just stop caring about their team with KG out. Sure they'll probably lose next series without KG but you should still want your team to win a big playoff series.

05-17-2009, 08:15 PM	#918
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	I certainly haven't given up. It would be a great accomplishment to make the conference finals without our best player, even if we ended up getting swept. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner Last edited by larrymcg421 : 05-17-2009 at 08:19 PM.

05-17-2009, 08:37 PM	#922
Jas_lov College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	Doesn't mean I stopped wanting them to win. Just a typical fan rant that everyone goes through when things go wrong in a big game. I always want my teams to win.

05-17-2009, 08:38 PM	#923
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	and I want my team to play as long as possible. I do not want my season to be over. __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

05-17-2009, 09:03 PM	#924
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	Dola: sighs and it looks like it WILL end tonight./ __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

05-17-2009, 09:11 PM	#925
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	Celtics stopped playing. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

05-17-2009, 09:35 PM	#926
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Two straight games Orlando dominates the fourth quarter, what a change from the rest of the series.

05-17-2009, 09:38 PM	#927
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	You know I haven't seen KG doing much of that obnoxious walking hand on palm shit tonight. Props to Patrick Ewing who correctly predicted tonight's triumph. Last edited by Big Fo : 05-17-2009 at 09:39 PM.

05-17-2009, 09:56 PM	#929
Noop Bonafide Seminole Fan Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Miami	I am happy for Stan Van Gundy (who looks a lot like Ron Jeremy and Super Mario) I think Pat Riley shafted him out of a title in Miami. Should be a great series between Cleveland and Orlando. __________________ Subby's favorite woman hater.

05-18-2009, 02:55 AM	#931
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Z has to get Dwight out of the lane. I'm worried about Orlando's 3 point shooting. But I think the Cavs take this series in 6.

05-18-2009, 05:19 AM	#932
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	MrBug708 - You can try and deny that there is any conspiracy and you may be right. But the statistics and trends are extremely suspicious. As I stated many pages back, Crawford ALWAYS works a game where a home team needs a win. Go back through all the playoffs and look at the big markets and you'll see this trend. I told you he'd work those games and he did. Considering he's part of one of the poorer officiating crews in the league, it's odd he's always put in place during such important games. Crawford is well known for calling games in favor of the home team (you can look at his record ATS over the years). So I guess I'm just wondering how it happens that this official seems to get into the most important games when a big market home team needs a win at home. Now lets take the Danny Crawford example. The Mavs are 1-15 in playoff games he's officiated since 2001. The Mavs are 52-35 in those other games when he is not officiating. Given all things equal, the odds that Danny Crawford would have officiated the Mavs going 1-15 during their playoff run is about 1 in 100,000. A rather remarkable number and well past the level of "just a coincidence". Since there is decent enough data on the Lakers numbers, the odds that Joey Crawford would have worked games that they went 7-1 are about 6%. Not as ridiculous as the above numbers, but still an interesting anamolly. Now normally you could just chalk it up to coincidences and extreme deviations (although the Danny Crawford example is just about impossible to replicate again). But the odd thing is that we never see these numbers go against major markets. You'd be hard pressed to find officials that have numbers like Danny Crawford against teams like Boston or Los Angeles. Those are statistics, take it as you want. I've been a huge fan of the NBA for years and seen more games than I could even begin to count (both live and on TV). I've been a season ticket holder for years and consider myself someone knowledgeable in the sport. I'm not sold on the huge conspiracy that games are downright fixed, but it's rather clear to me that there is something fishy going on (and has been for decades). I honestly believe there are officials that are assigned to games because it's in the best interest of the NBA (for example Joey Crawford officiating home games when the big market needs a win). Each ref has trends and the NBA certainly knows it. It's why the information Donaghy was giving bookies and gamblers was so valuable. If you can provide me with the officials before a game and before the casinos can set a line based on it, I will win over 60% of the games I bet on. It could be a lot of things. It could be a wink and a nod between the NBA and some officials to do what's in the best interest of the league. It could be highly incompetent officials being assigned to games because the NBA is really stupid or feels they benefit from it in some way. It could also be that we have a lot of rogue officials who are Tim Donaghys. To act like fixing games is a taboo topic is somewhat silly considering we already have an official in jail for betting on games he officiated and altering those games and potentially seasons (he did ref a lot of playoff games). Now I still love the game and am sad that it doesn't play out more by the players like other major sports. I've learned to accept the WWE element to the sport and in a way it adds a little more drama. But to act like there isn't a huge issue with officiating in this league is rather naive whether you believe in conspiracies or not.

05-18-2009, 07:36 AM	#933
Ronnie Dobbs2 Pro Rookie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bahston Mass	Congrats to Orlando. In all honesty I am not shocked the C's lost, though I am surprised that Orlando looked like they wanted it more in 6 and 7. __________________ There's no I in Teamocil, at least not where you'd think

05-18-2009, 08:23 AM	#935
Noop Bonafide Seminole Fan Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Miami	That Crawford thing is a little fishy can someone send it to ESPN? I would love to see another referee scandal in the NBA. __________________ Subby's favorite woman hater.

05-18-2009, 05:58 PM	#937
molson General Manager Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Mountains	This NBA/WWE Pepsi arena dispute is pretty entertaining. The Nuggets are set to play at home Monday night, but the WWE has booked the venue for months, has sold more than 10,000 tickets, and expects a sold out show NBA, WWE grapple over Denver booking conflict - ESPN Not surpisingly, the best quote is Vince McMahon's: "Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game,' WWE chairman Vince McMahon said in a statement." I have no idea how these contracts are worded, but I would think the Nuggets are going to have to pay up. If they tape the WWE TV show (which is usually live) sometime before, the ratings are going to suffer. If they move to a smaller venue, somebody's going to have to refund those tickets, and the WWE would take a hit on merchandise sales. Last edited by molson : 05-18-2009 at 06:02 PM.

05-18-2009, 07:31 PM	#940
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Orlando Denver has to be the worst case scenerio ratings wise I would think. Obviously for numbers sake the league would want the Lakers. The Celtics managed to get 8 home playoff games. Outside of winning its probably the best case for the franchises bottom line. The Cavs have only played 4. I'm sure sweeping is great but when they have to cut a 30M luxury tax check it is gonna hurt.

05-18-2009, 07:50 PM	#941
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	I think both conference finals could go to 7 games. Lakers and Cavs are the obvious favourites, but an upset in either series wouldn't surprise me in the slightest as there are a number of difficult matchups for both teams. If it's Lakers-Cavs, my money (and heart ) would be on the Cavs. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-18-2009, 11:25 PM	#945
Warhammer Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dayton, OH	I think the Nuggets are an easier matchup than the Rockets were. Smaller, quicker line-ups have always given the Lakers under Jackson fits. I think in a sense, losing Yao helped the Rockets in this regard. They had to run and play small ball to score and the Lakers have trouble with guys like that.

05-18-2009, 11:55 PM	#946
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	I agree, Billups isn't the type of PG that give the Lakers trouble. They also don't really have anyone to keep Kobe in check. Denver will need to exploit the Lakers lack of depth inside and bank Pau around which tends to throw him off his game. I like the Nuggets and what they've done but think this is just a bad matchup for them.

05-19-2009, 12:25 AM	#947
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	Billups is the type of PG that can give anyone trouble. Billups isn't a speedy jet PG like Aaron Brooks, but he's a lot more talented and a far better PG. Dahntay Jones is going to have to be the "Kobe stopper". I don't see JR Smith being able to keep a lock on him. Could even throw Linas Kleiza at him for a different 'Matt Harpring-esque' look, or maybe Renaldo Balkman, but I think Jones is the best shot. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-19-2009, 01:06 AM	#948
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	Billups is better than Brooks but is not the type of PG that gives the Lakers fits. Teams with quick PGs who can get in the lane have been their achilles heel all year. It'll be a good series but I still think the league will tighten up the officiating at some point which will hurt the Nuggets physical play. Don't be surprised to see Martin and Nene in foul trouble early in the big games. I think the Nuggets best bet is to work on shutting down everyone but Kobe. The Lakers play for shit when they just defer to Kobe every trip down the floor. Give Kobe his 35 but don't let Pau or Odom beat you.

05-19-2009, 03:42 AM	#949
Neon_Chaos Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Parañaque, Philippines	Vince McMahon being interviewed by Jonathan Coachman (former WWE announcer and talent now working for ESPNews) regarding the Pepsi Center situation. __________________ Come and see.

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