2009 NBA Finals

[Phokus]

Originally posted by: OCguy

Originally posted by: Riceninja

Originally posted by: OCguy
Fisher and bitch-slapper out, Kobe stays. :thumbsup:


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4150159

kobe can shoot someone in the paint and stern will still find a way to keep him in the game.

He elbowed someone in the chest, so it was the right call. Ron claimed it was his neck, and got caught by the tape. Dont stand too close to the microwave with that tin-hat.

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Kobe hating got old in '04, but I cant let it go!


KT

Fixed

Lakers fans/Kobe, like republicans, are the scum of the earth 😉

 

[OCGuy]

Originally posted by: Phokus

Lakers fans/Kobe, like republicans, are the scum of the earth 😉

You must not be a very social person, seeing as how Kobe has the #1 selling jersey again.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: OCguy

Originally posted by: Phokus

Lakers fans/Kobe, like republicans, are the scum of the earth 😉

You must not be a very social person, seeing as how Kobe has the #1 selling jersey again.

A billion Chinese can't be wrong. 😉

 

[Phokus]

Originally posted by: OCguy

Originally posted by: Phokus

Lakers fans/Kobe, like republicans, are the scum of the earth 😉

You must not be a very social person, seeing as how Kobe has the #1 selling jersey again.

And George Bush was elected twice

That doesn't mean they both aren't scum

 

[Miramonti]

Originally posted by: vi edit
Re: LBJ vs Kobe.

If I'm down a score or two with 30 seconds left in the game I want the ball in Kobe's hands. He's just a better shooter (both jumpshots and FT's).

But for the other 59 & 1/2 minutes I'd rather have Lebron. He just provides so much more team wise.

No question. Kobe didn't carry the team in the Olympics last year, but he was the one that sealed the deal for the gold at the end when everyone else was sputtering.

I don't think that makes him the best player, but he's the 'most valuable' offensive player around.

It's interesting that people are comparing a great 30 year old with storied career, against a 24 year old that (if he stays healthy) is going to be a LOT better in another 5 years. If his growth rate is any indication, its frightening how great he might be considered when its all said and done.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: jjsole

Originally posted by: vi edit
Re: LBJ vs Kobe.

If I'm down a score or two with 30 seconds left in the game I want the ball in Kobe's hands. He's just a better shooter (both jumpshots and FT's).

But for the other 59 & 1/2 minutes I'd rather have Lebron. He just provides so much more team wise.

No question. Kobe didn't carry the team in the Olympics last year, but he was the one that sealed the deal for the gold at the end when everyone else was sputtering.

I don't think that makes him the best player, but he's the 'most valuable' offensive player around.

It's interesting that people are comparing a great 30 year old with storied career, against a 24 year old that (if he stays healthy) is going to be a LOT better in another 5 years. If his growth rate is any indication, its frightening how great he might be considered when its all said and done.

I think this is because it's highly unusual to find a player this accomplished in terms of both personal skills as well as team success. The only other I can think of off the top of my head is Larry Bird.

As far as a LOT better... don't count on it. Most great players hit their peak in 4-5 years. LBJ's combination of speed/strength/quickness/flexibility is not going to improve, and will likely decrease within 5 years. At that point, his savvy will compensate.

 

[Miramonti]

Most great players didn't start at 18 or 19 as well. His body will slow down but his timing and understanding of where and when to make an impact is going to be much better in 5 years. As a born leader, his leadership will continue to grow and make him and his teams stronger. And of course his shooting should get better too.

John Wooden thought the '96 Jordan was the best year he's ever seen an nba player have. It naturally wasn't because of his diminished athleticism or endurance, but leadership, court savvy, impact, and overall performance. James may not have the same year at 33, but his best years are ahead of him imo.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Some guys hit a plateau and stay on that level for a long time. Bird hit his in just a couple of years, and stayed at that level until injuries took him out. IOW, the Larry Bird of 1988 wasn't better than the bird of 1984, just a little different.

I remember a few years ago, when the Celtics were pretty good with Pierce in his 3rd year IIRC, and Antoine Walker was with the team. Pierce was a very good player, and NBA pundits kept saying how Pierce was going to get much better, but he never did. He's been essentially the same player since then.

IMO, LBJ already has an excellent sense of timing, as you put it, of "where and when" to take control. Much of his future success will (of course) be heavily influenced by teammates and coaching. It's already pretty obvious that he has a tremendously positive influence on his teammates. Very similar to Bird, who both nurtured and pushed a young player named Kevin McHale and a "bust" named Robert Parrish.

 

[zerocool84]

People hate Kobe but I still respect him for how good he is. The way he does things not even LeBron can do. When Kobe get's going, he's impossible to defend and it's not like he drives to the rim when he gets 40+pts, he hits jumpers with 2 guys in his face. LeBron just dominates his opponents in every way physically and is impossible to stop when he get's going to the rim. Kobe isn't physically imposing, he just finds a way to get through. Defense wise of course you have to give the nod to LeBron but Kobe isn't a horrible defender either. He's been on the All Defense team 9 times. His off court things like the rape allegations and other things have hurt his image. Especially him wanting to be traded but can you blame him? He wants to win championships and his team wasn't up to snuff. Management made it happen for him and has been a contendor for the past 2 years. People's off the court antics don't matter to me. What matters to me is on the court. All people play dirty, it's just that superstars are watched more closely than others. Look at Bruce Bowen, one of the most notoriously dirty players ever but one of the best defenders as well but he's not a superstar and he's smart enough to know when to do it and when not to so they don't catch him many times. Kobe is getting older and his athletisism is just going to get worse so he needs another championship soon. LeBron has years and years of growth left and he is just going to get better and be possibly the greatest player ever.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
People hate Kobe but I still respect him for how good he is. The way he does things not even LeBron can do. When Kobe get's going, he's impossible to defend and it's not like he drives to the rim when he gets 40+pts, he hits jumpers with 2 guys in his face. LeBron just dominates his opponents in every way physically and is impossible to stop when he get's going to the rim. Kobe isn't physically imposing, he just finds a way to get through. Defense wise of course you have to give the nod to LeBron but Kobe isn't a horrible defender either. He's been on the All Defense team 9 times. His off court things like the rape allegations and other things have hurt his image. Especially him wanting to be traded but can you blame him? He wants to win championships and his team wasn't up to snuff. Management made it happen for him and has been a contendor for the past 2 years. People's off the court antics don't matter to me. What matters to me is on the court. All people play dirty, it's just that superstars are watched more closely than others. Look at Bruce Bowen, one of the most notoriously dirty players ever but one of the best defenders as well but he's not a superstar and he's smart enough to know when to do it and when not to so they don't catch him many times. Kobe is getting older and his athletisism is just going to get worse so he needs another championship soon. LeBron has years and years of growth left and he is just going to get better and be possibly the greatest player ever.

Yes, I can blame him. Kobe was the main culprit in LA falling out of contention by forcing them to dump Shaq. Also, Kobe at that time was unwilling to attempt to make his teammates better - he fostered disunity rather than unity.

As far an "off court antics" go, rape is not an "antic". Legal/moral issues aside, if Kobe had been convicted he would have damaged the Lakers for years.

As far as "all people play dirty", that is most definitely not the case.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Bos/Orl game is is horrible. Orlando's gotten some home cookin', but the Celtics have played horribly. It looks like Dwight Howard has them intimidated.

Ty Lue makes his first shot of the playoffs!

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Should Anthony Johnson start the next game for the Magic, in place of Rafer Alston?

 

[JJChicken]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Should Anthony Johnson start the next game for the Magic, in place of Rafer Alston?

WHy not, he played so good.

Man why do the celtics have to lose 🙁

Anyways still have denver 😀

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Should Anthony Johnson start the next game for the Magic, in place of Rafer Alston?

AJ played great tonight, but Alston should still start on Sunday. His suspension may help to fire him up a bit too.

I wonder if the league will suspend Perkins for a game for the elbow to Pietrus's neck?

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: OCguy

Originally posted by: Phokus

Lakers fans/Kobe, like republicans, are the scum of the earth 😉

You must not be a very social person, seeing as how Kobe has the #1 selling jersey again.

And Brittnay Spears had the #1 album. Anytime something that sells is #1, it probably isn't that popular outside of the cult following. Kobe has the biggest selling jersey because of Lakers fans. Unlike Lebron, I could find 10 people who hate Kobe for every one who loves him. Actually Kobe fans are outnumbered by just about anyone. As very few other players in the NBA can generate hate towards them. Kobe isn't even the best in the NBA, yet he's by far the most hated. That says a lot about him.

 

[her209]

Kobe nails a long 3 at the end of the 3rd.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

WOOT thanks for the update guys! c'mon guys less arguing, and MORE UPDATES for a fellow sailor @ sea!!!

 

[JJChicken]

For Dan:

Los Angeles Lakers (5-2)
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a +/- off def tot ast pf st to bs ba pts
T. Ariza F 24:55 3-6 2-3 1-2 +11 0 4 4 2 3 4 1 0 0 9
L. Odom F 27:01 6-10 2-2 0-0 +6 1 8 9 0 3 1 3 2 0 14
P. Gasol C 27:13 4-10 0-0 2-3 +9 1 2 3 1 3 0 0 1 2 10
J. Farmar G 26:02 2-5 0-2 2-2 +13 2 2 4 6 0 1 1 0 0 6
K. Bryant G 34:58 8-20 3-5 2-2 +16 1 3 4 3 2 1 0 2 1 21
L. Walton 16:13 2-6 1-2 1-2 +6 0 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 6
S. Brown 12:41 2-2 0-0 4-4 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 8
A. Bynum 11:30 2-2 0-0 0-0 +4 1 4 5 0 3 0 0 2 0 4
S. Vujacic 10:01 1-4 1-3 0-0 +1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 3
J. Powell 03:00 0-2 0-0 0-0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
D. Fisher 00:00 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A. Morrison 00:00 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
D. Ilunga-Mbenga 00:00 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 193 30-67 9-17 12-15 6 26 32 14 18 8 6 7 3 81
44.8% 52.9% 80.0% Team Rebs: 3 Total TO: 6
Houston Rockets (5-3)
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a +/- off def tot ast pf st to bs ba pts
L. Scola F 26:10 5-11 0-0 0-2 -13 3 8 11 0 2 0 3 0 1 10
S. Battier F 32:45 2-4 2-4 0-0 -10 2 3 5 5 1 1 1 0 0 6
Yao Ming C 31:25 5-12 0-0 6-7 -10 5 6 11 1 0 1 2 2 3 16
A. Brooks G 26:02 3-7 1-2 0-0 -13 0 3 3 1 2 0 2 0 1 7
R. Artest G 31:23 5-14 1-6 3-4 -16 1 3 4 1 3 0 4 1 0 14
V. Wafer 13:18 1-5 0-1 1-2 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 3
C. Landry 13:16 3-6 0-0 2-2 0 1 3 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 8
K. Lowry 12:41 1-4 0-0 2-2 0 1 2 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 4
C. Hayes 06:34 0-0 0-0 0-0 -3 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0
J. White 00:00 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B. Barry 00:00 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B. Cook 00:00 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 

[DanTMWTMP]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle

Originally posted by: zerocool84
People hate Kobe but I still respect him for how good he is. The way he does things not even LeBron can do. When Kobe get's going, he's impossible to defend and it's not like he drives to the rim when he gets 40+pts, he hits jumpers with 2 guys in his face. LeBron just dominates his opponents in every way physically and is impossible to stop when he get's going to the rim. Kobe isn't physically imposing, he just finds a way to get through. Defense wise of course you have to give the nod to LeBron but Kobe isn't a horrible defender either. He's been on the All Defense team 9 times. His off court things like the rape allegations and other things have hurt his image. Especially him wanting to be traded but can you blame him? He wants to win championships and his team wasn't up to snuff. Management made it happen for him and has been a contendor for the past 2 years. People's off the court antics don't matter to me. What matters to me is on the court. All people play dirty, it's just that superstars are watched more closely than others. Look at Bruce Bowen, one of the most notoriously dirty players ever but one of the best defenders as well but he's not a superstar and he's smart enough to know when to do it and when not to so they don't catch him many times. Kobe is getting older and his athletisism is just going to get worse so he needs another championship soon. LeBron has years and years of growth left and he is just going to get better and be possibly the greatest player ever.

Yes, I can blame him. Kobe was the main culprit in LA falling out of contention by forcing them to dump Shaq. Also, Kobe at that time was unwilling to attempt to make his teammates better - he fostered disunity rather than unity.

As far an "off court antics" go, rape is not an "antic". Legal/moral issues aside, if Kobe had been convicted he would have damaged the Lakers for years.

As far as "all people play dirty", that is most definitely not the case.

I have no idea where this idea of Kobe forcing Shaq out comes from. Most likely from that asshat reporter Michael Ventre. Shaq comes to practice late, comes to training camp FAT when Kobe comes in all pumped up. Kobe wakes up every morning 5am to work out and work on his game to help his team, Shaq comes to practice late every time. Tex Winter, the man behind the triangle offense calls Shaq un-coachable.

Shaq asks for too much money, practically insults Jerry Buss, and Jerry Buss lets him go. Kobe really didn't have much to do with it. Even the players agree. You see a player working his ass off, and the supposed leader of the team in Shaq coming in fat and being lazy, who will you respect?

Michael Ventre is an ass.



Bottom line: Imagine working your ass off, and just getting the butt end of every single thing, and anything you say to even remotely try to save your own character gets turned against you. Kobe must be in some sort of intense zen-Buddhism program to not explode emotionally after everyone saying all kinds of wrong stuff despite his efforts.

EDIT:
Thanks Obama dude!!!!

 

[neegotiator]

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP
WOOT thanks for the update guys! c'mon guys less arguing, and MORE UPDATES for a fellow sailor @ sea!!!

we (houston) can't hit a shot, artest/brooks/wafer playing 1on1 basketball, yao is a non-factor, our defense is terrible, lakers executing their offense and up by 10 with 8min to go, and this houston fan is about to have an aneurysm.

 

[RiDE]

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP
WOOT thanks for the update guys! c'mon guys less arguing, and MORE UPDATES for a fellow sailor @ sea!!!

Sometimes I wish these guys would just start their own thread on why they like or don't like the guy. I have to rely on a crappy stream of the game here at work and the chat is filled with the same crap of a conversation. :|

 

[DanTMWTMP]

Originally posted by: neegotiator

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP
WOOT thanks for the update guys! c'mon guys less arguing, and MORE UPDATES for a fellow sailor @ sea!!!

we (houston) can't hit a shot, artest/brooks/wafer playing 1on1 basketball, yao is a non-factor, our defense is terrible, lakers executing their offense and up by 10 with 8min to go, and this houston fan is about to have an aneurysm.

I have NO idea why Houston doesn't dump it into Yao almost EVERY possession. Yao should be their go-to guy. Kobe is an extremely underrated interior passer. Guess where Kobe learned how to pass to bigmen in the middle? Yup Shaq. Kobe would always look for Shaq early, and Shaq back to Kobe. It was unbeatable. I have no idea why Houston, w/ Brooks, Artest, and Battier don't pull off the same technique. Boggles my mind...

 

[neegotiator]

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP

Originally posted by: neegotiator

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP
WOOT thanks for the update guys! c'mon guys less arguing, and MORE UPDATES for a fellow sailor @ sea!!!

we (houston) can't hit a shot, artest/brooks/wafer playing 1on1 basketball, yao is a non-factor, our defense is terrible, lakers executing their offense and up by 10 with 8min to go, and this houston fan is about to have an aneurysm.

I have NO idea why Houston doesn't dump it into Yao almost EVERY possession. Yao should be their go-to guy. Kobe is an extremely underrated interior passer. Guess where Kobe learned how to pass to bigmen in the middle? Yup Shaq. Kobe would always look for Shaq early, and Shaq back to Kobe. It was unbeatable. I have no idea why Houston, w/ Brooks, Artest, and Battier don't pull off the same technique. Boggles my mind...

partly yao's hands just not the best, great shooting touch but not great catching/grabbing the ball (as pau is grabbing offensive boards left and right from yao). not the best at being aware of help guy coming to swipe at ball. other than tmac (when tmac was tmac and he and yao ran that PnR like crazy) I don't trust the others to make that pass when yao's in motion.

otherwise I have no idea, part of it sometimes yao doesn't get best position, but when he gets good position they just don't pass it to him. I don't know if they're not aware when he's open or they just feel they need to take it in, but it pisses me off everytime.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

http://twitter.com/#search?q=kobe 😛 lol.

Anyways, I finally got nba.com's audio pass to work (buffering every 10 seconds though..), but still better than nothing. Looks like Lakers have this in the bag. Artest gets hit w/ a flagrant. Ugh, I wish I can see this!!! 🙁 🙁

EDIT:
judging from what the laker commentators are saying, Artest shouldn't have gotten that Flagrant+ejection. I'm agreeing with them. Pretty useless at this end of the game...

Ah well, game over here. Refs have some sort of agenda against Artest.

 

[Baked]

Aahhahahahahah, RonRon got ejected from the game again for decking Gasul.