Dirk (photo. Monte Isom)The main reason it still seems so strange that the Mavs are battling Golden State and Denver for those last couple of Western Conference playoff spots isn’t because Dallas won 67 games last year; it’s because they’re pretty clearly better than the Warriors and Nuggets this year and shouldn’t be underachieving like they have been since the Jason Kidd trade. Yesterday the Mavs showed how good they can be with a playoff-style, chest-hair-building win over the Suns in the desert. Down by as much as 14 in the second half, Dirk Nowitzki’s offense (32 pts) and J-Kidd’s defense (4 stls, 4 blks) led a 22-3 Dallas run to close out the game … Funny how not long after announcer Mike Breen said that Kidd “was” one of the best defensive guards in the League, Kidd proceeded to put the clamps on Steve Nash (4-for-17 FG’s, 5 turnovers), which totally threw Phoenix’s offense out of whack. Kidd even guarded Amare Stoudemire a couple of times … With about 30 seconds left and Dallas up by four, Dirk delivered the dagger. Driving left, he started to stumble but recovered enough to flick in an off-balance jumper fading to his left. Unfortunately, after that we were subjected to Dirk’s goofy Michael Jordan/Gene Simmons impersonation … After the final buzzer, didn’t it seem like Mavs assistant Mario Elie was more excited than any of the players? He just loves sticking it to Phoenix, doesn’t he? … With Erick Dampier and Brandon Bass in foul trouble, the Mavs had to put Juwan Howard on Amare (32 pts) for a while. You can guess how that turned out … Lute Olson was at the game, sitting right behind the announce table. If you haven’t heard yet, Lute will be losing Jerryd Bayless to the League, but it looks like he does get Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill back, not to mention incoming freshman Brandon Jennings … Is there any NBA friendship that’s been made into a bigger deal than the one between Nash and Nowitzki? It’s like the Bobby Knight/Bill Parcells/Tony La Russa clique, only slightly more annoying because Nash and Dirk actually compete against each other regularly, so anytime they come within five feet of each other on the court it’s mentioned that they’re friends. And don’t let one of them guard the other for a whole possession, otherwise the announcers start breaking out Bill Brasky stories. One time during the second half, Nash went into the lane and Breen said, “Nash draws a foul on his buddy.” Would you even hear that it it were Chauncey Billups and Kevin Garnett crossing paths? The T-Mac/Vince relationship isn’t talked about as much, and they’re actually related … Speaking of buddies, have you seen the NBA playoffs ads with Kobe and Shaq’s faces split-screened? Do you think when they filmed it they told those two, “This is for an ad where the other half of your face will be that guy you might still secretly hate”? … The Warriors are fading, and they look exhausted. Last week the Spurs and Mavs beat GS at their own transition game, and yesterday Baron and Co. ran out of gas down the stretch against the Hornets. After tying it up with eight minutes left in the fourth on a Monta Ellis (35 pts, 10 rebs, 4 stls) breakaway dunk, the Warriors were outscored 18-6 the rest of the way. They were barely challenging N.O.’s shots, giving up easy looks inside, and didn’t look as energetic as they did late in ballgames as recently as a couple weeks ago. And although he was dominant, it wasn’t just a case of Chris Paul (16 pts, 10 rebs, 13 asts, 5 stls) imposing his will as we’ve seen in so many Hornets’ wins. The whole group of Hornets did their thing in putting this one to bed, including David West (25 pts) and Peja (25 pts) getting buckets … Before last night, we could think of three Sonics highlights from this season: Draft night, Kevin Durant’s game-winner against the Hawks in November, and a January win over the Spurs that snapped Seattle’s 14-game losing streak. Last night we got #4, a double-OT win over a Nuggets team that is becoming the Raptors of the Western Conference. Totally unacceptable loss for George Karl’s guys, who have dropped back-to-back games in similar fashion (Saturday they lost at home to an Artest/Miller-less Sacramento squad). By all accounts, the Nuggets should have won easily. In the previous three meetings this season they’d averaged 142 points against the Sonics (including that obscene 168-point game last month) and beaten them by an average of 37 points each time. Last night Carmelo (38 pts, 11 rebs) and Allen Iverson (26 pts, 13 asts) and the rest got buckets — putting up 147 while all eight guys who played hit double-figures — but again they played deplorable defense. Durant put up 37 points, 8 boards and 9 assists and Jeff Green posted 35 points and 10 boards for the Sonics, who got tons of wide-open jumpers and transition layups/dunks on their way to putting 151 on the scoreboard. Durant’s triple from the KeyArena logo that tied it up in the first OT was crazy; notice how his stroke is the same whether it’s from 15 feet or from 35 … Well before Joel Przybilla broke his hand against the Spurs, he was guarding Tim Duncan (27 pts, 11 rebs) when TD caught and faced up about 17 feet from the basket. Przybilla initiated contact, and as soon as Duncan felt the hit he went down, throwing up a shot at the rim on his way to the floor. That drew a whistle. Przybilla and the crowd couldn’t believe it, and Duncan looked like he had to stop himself from smiling as he went to the line. That was in the first quarter. After Przybilla got hurt in the second quarter, nobody on the Blazers had anything for Duncan … Kobe dumped 29 points on the Kings in an L.A. road win, and Vlad Radmanovic added 21 points, 5 threes and 14 boards. Talking about Vlad after the game, Phil Jackson said he’s been trying to get him to see the team psychologist: “You really need someone to get in there and work on your head,” Phil said he told Radmanovic. We’re not against that … Come on, Rashard Lewis. You saw Nate Robinson coming down the lane with “YouTube” in his eyes and you still got out of the way? It’s Nate Robinson. You’re like a foot taller than him. We’re counting that as Rashard getting dunked on, even if he tried to avoid it at all costs. And don’t think we didn’t see you get shook up before the dunk, Keyon Dooling … Conseco Fieldhouse was so dead for Pacers/Bucks that when Desmond Mason dunked on Troy Murphy, not only could you hear Desmond screaming, you could hear the impact when he pounded on his chest afterwards … How many more wins would Elton Brand’s presence have meant for the Clippers this year? Before Chris Kaman started getting hurt, before Sam Cassell mentally checked out and fixed his eyes on Boston, before Tim Thomas neglected to mentally check in and before Corey Maggette started gunning for his in a contract year, Brand could have made this team relevant. Last night the Clips got hammered by the Rockets, with Brand making his first start of the year in front of the home fans and putting up 19 points, 8 boards and 4 blocks. Assuming Brand opts out, how much money will the Heat throw his way to help make them matter again? Imagine this lineup: Derrick Rose, D-Wade, Shawn Marion, Elton Brand and Mark Blount at center, with Udonis Haslem, Dorell Wright and Daequan Cook coming off the bench. That’s not bad at all. You’ve got two proven professional scorers in Wade and Brand, probably the most athletic backcourt in the League with Rose and Wade, a legit post defender (Brand) and perimeter defender (Marion), an group that can either run or play half-court ball, and Blount’s allergy to painted areas won’t be as much of an issue because Brand, Marion and Haslem all rebound so well. (Plus D-Wade and Rose are good rebounding guards.) And even if Rose struggles, D-Wade can step in and play the point at times and take pressure off of the rookie. Whether or not Miami gets Rose depends on the Lottery balls. As far as Brand, even if Matrix doesn’t opt out, the Heat will have some cash: Ricky Davis, Jason Williams, Alonzo Mourning and a few other guys are coming off the books this summer … If you haven’t already, go vote in our NBA 1-on-1 tournament championship bracket. It’s down to the final six: Kobe, LeBron, KG, T-Mac, Gilbert Arenas and Brandon Roy … We’re out like Golden State’s legs …
April 7th, 2008 at 4:40 am
georg says:
first ..
dirk is so clutch!
April 7th, 2008 at 4:47 am
doc says:
Dirk stepped it up yesterday.Somebody gonna have to want it for that 8th seed out West.Dallas the only one playing like it wants to make it.Denver and GS need some Defense from the whole team or whoever make it getting right out anyway.And the D-Rose show tonight.
April 7th, 2008 at 4:59 am
Duke says:
WOULD the Heat take Rose first? Gotta give it up for the Sonics. They didn’t get embarrassed by the Nuggets.
April 7th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Suciniac says:
Very disappointed with Denver.They SHOULD have won the last two games.
April 7th, 2008 at 5:30 am
knoc says:
props to durant for stepping up his game.
GSW over Denver for 8th seed
April 7th, 2008 at 5:48 am
YOUNGFED says:
Question of The Day:
Why the HELL hasn’t Monta Ellis gotten any Allstar consideration? WTF! Dude is the truth.
WTF (x)2…Didn’t the Pistons play last nite? Damn’ Dime not one sentence…Damn’
PS!!!
Just added another one to the roster yesterday all I can say is OOOOUUUHHHH WEEEEEEEE!!
“Man you shoulda seen her”….sing this part. lmao
April 7th, 2008 at 5:57 am
YOUNGFED says:
BTW Stuckey put up 19pts last nite against the heat if you didn’t know Dime.
Stuckey=ROY (if he starts)
April 7th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Ben says:
Nate’s back!
http://www.squidoo.com/NateRobinson
April 7th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Smitty313 says:
Youngfedyou must be out your mind. I’m from Detroit and I know Stuckey does not deserve R.O.Y.. Thats Durants trophy.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:03 am
YOUNGFED says:
Smitty313 I said if he started.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:26 am
foscheezeeee says:
Boyz better not sleep on the Mavs in these playoffs, anyone of the top 7 seeds in the West can win the West (except for Houston), and I think Dallas in very, very dangerous…….. I agree about Monta, dude is a beast, but they wasn’t gonna give him All-star in the loaded West…If he’s in the East, there is no doubt.
Denver is a joke, I hope GS take that 8 seed from them for slipping, and if they do George Karl is outta there.
I got Memphis tonight in a blowout 85-66. CDR as Final Four MOP.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:46 am
GEE...if 30 is the new 20 is 20 the new 10? says:
First up Houston up!
LOL # Post 1
I can remember dudes talking all greasy at the start of the season about how the Rockets wouldn’t make the playoffs and had no chance. Then of course they lose Yao and dudes really started smelling something. Houston had no shot to make the playoffs and they can start getting ready to draft a big back-up center.
I typed this at the start of the season when dude’s was talking greasy. 82 games.
You can’t go and discredit a team from jump street when you don’t even know what will take place. So now a new coach, 22 win streak and clinched playoff birth later…them same cats talking greasy have now shifted to well they will be swept and out in the first round.
Perhaps. Still Houston all ready went against logic and regardless I am pleased. So as far as the playoffs, just bring whoever, whenever…ok I take that back. Don’t bring Phoenix, that is the worst matchup ever, anyone cept Phoenix. LOL
82 games and a clinched playoff spot later. Haters eat yo mutha%^&$#^ words!
Did anyone see that wack #$$ tie George Karl was wearing. I rest my case right there. Ok raise your hand if you knew KD was going to get the ball to take those game tying shots. Right so how come George Karl doesn’t double or have someone deny KD the ball. Horrid coaching. Long as he coach I hope Denver don’t make it, just to get rid of him. Hate to say that because I like Denver, but GK sucks fa real. You give Ricky A. that squad and watch them DO WORK!
Thanks Dallas for beating Phoenix and I will give Dirk props for hitting some crazy shots, but keep that tongue in your mouth. Ewwww.
Houston Up! Everything else is so much just extra gravy at this point.
Wooooooooo!
April 7th, 2008 at 7:49 am
rangerjohn says:
damn dime hates the spurs!
April 7th, 2008 at 7:54 am
rangerjohn says:
yeah houston made the playoffs, i was one who expected them to miss after yao went down but the same as dallas goes, would it be better to go lottory and get a decent player since this draft has a ton, or go out in the 1st round no mater who they play?
looks like they got utah and utah will destroy the rockettes, and dallas has the spurs, spurs are gonna exploit the weak center possitionand the slower point guard. utah 4-2, spurs 4-1
April 7th, 2008 at 8:09 am
djKianoosh says:
The Enver nuggets are the most agonizing team i have seen in a long time. I feel for your denver. they must be driving ya’ll looney.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:10 am
YOUNGFED says:
1.) Spurs are Trash @Ranger
2.) ‘Pimps-up H-Town going down…Watch them boys lose 4 games, first round’ (LMAO)…Jus messin wit’cha GEE.
Yall ain’t know I had rhymin’ skillz. lol
April 7th, 2008 at 8:22 am
ian says:
younfed
your posts are always good for a few laughs
stuckey could be starting and durant on the bench and durant still wins ROY
and loved that sheed being the second best center in the league post
April 7th, 2008 at 8:24 am
ian says:
foscheezeeee
the only prob is that dallas gets that 7th seed theyll play either spurs or lakers which means they are out
April 7th, 2008 at 9:23 am
GEE...if 30 is the new 20 is 20 the new 10? says:
Ranger I think it’s better to make the playoffs, because you just never know with the draft. You could get a first round bust or get someone in later rounds and still do well. So even if you get blasted out of the first round, I still think it’s better to make the playoffs. Always extend your season as long as possible. Plus you never know in the playoffs, Dallas last year proves that. It just takes 1 good injury to a main scorer and the playing field becomes different. Not that I want anyone hurt. Still, just saying you never know. Honestly outside of a few, who thought that LeBron and crew would give Detroit an early summer last year?
Young you better be worried about your old #$$ Detroit squad lol. They are one Sheed tech and Billups injury away from seeing Boston take all their glory lol.
Rookie of the year. I still think Al “The Tyrant” Horford deserves it no matter how many crazy bombs KD pulls out his $#%. Remember Al has probably been the most consistent rookie of all this year and you have to say, if you take Al out the Atl Hawks equation they are probably not in the playoffs (considering they make it). Not only that, no other rookie has a green light, like KD to just shoot as much as you want (granted he almost needs to, to keep Sea-town in games somewhat). I think Al should get it.
I don’t like Dallas but honestly you have to consider them a threat with what they have, I am just not going to automatically say they would be out facing Spurs or Lakers. Remember if Kobe has a bad shooting night or Duncan, anything is possible.
Only thing I will say for sure is that Houston doesn’t need to see no paarrrrrtzzzz of the Suns.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:46 am
YOUNGFED says:
I do what I can Ian. Cha Know? Holla!
April 7th, 2008 at 9:58 am
rangerjohn says:
gee, i agree in the case of the rockets, they need to go ahead and lose in the 1st round to whom ever they play (they got no shot at winning a 7 gamer) dallas on the other hand should have gone ahead and hung it up. they are in need of a full make over really. dirk= weak, howard = wants to be the man but cant, kidd = to good for the scrubs on the team, avery = micro manager, cuban = whinner of all whinners.
and youngfed, see you in the finals OH WAIT pistons will not be there when they get the boot from either the magic or the celtics. either team could beat them (i have a feeling boston sweeps them)
and stucky for all nba NOBODY team.
gee, i amso agree horford is more deserving then any other rookie.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:07 am
YOUNGFED says:
Ranger we swept the Magic all year. Nuff said.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:27 am
MoxWestCoastRep says:
Knoc, as much as I’d lock to see GSW make the playoffs- Theyre finished.
Lakers= Championship.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:28 am
rangerjohn says:
lmao and your point? i see you dont mention the meltdowns or the loses to the celtics.
keep digging, keep telling yourself that that one title in 2004 was enough to make the pistons the best ever. keep telling yourself the pistons will make the finals AND win a title.
bottom line, pistons have a cush schedule (not as soft as the one the rockets won 22 games on) because they are in the east. put them in the west wehre they play the lakers, spurs, suns, mavs, rockets, warriors, hornets, and jazz 4 times each and see how they fair.
middle of the pack if you ask me.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Smitty313 says:
Who would you give the GREEN light to on the Sonics besides Durant. If I were to give Horford the green light I garuntee he does not average 20. The Hawks to me do not play up to their potential. Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, just with thoses three they should be better than Philly.
Rookie of the Year isn’t about winning. The best players goes to the worst team. The rookie of the year is about the most consistent rookie. Al Horford did not play good at all at the begining of the season. Durant started off playing alright, but now he’s playing great most games as far as shooting.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:21 am
YOUNGFED says:
@Ranger
Ain’t nobody scared of the Celtics dude we don’t play super hard until the Playoffs. I thought in the NBA you play everybody not just teams in your conference. Could be wrong. lol.
However the Pistons and Celts consistantly destroy the East. Only team the Piston worried about is Utah.
NUFF SAID (x)2
April 7th, 2008 at 11:22 am
YOUNGFED says:
And Destroy the West.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Brown says:
I hate to admit it, but the Warriors are finished. If I was coaching them yesterday, I would have lost my voice screaming at them for their lack of effort defensively. As great an offensive coach as Nelson is, he’s one of the worst defensive coaches in the league, maybe ever. There was one play where Baron was guarding CP3 at the 3-point line, CP3 takes a shot and Baron 1) doesn’t put his hand up at all, and 2) moves out of the way to let Paul get a better shot. This team needs a major shakeup in philosphy. Nellie just has to go. Yeah they’re entertaining to watch, but as a fan it’s painful knowing they’ll never be better than they were last year with their current roster and lack of coaching. They don’t deserve to make the playoffs (neither does Denver for pretty much the same reasons), and need to draft a player like Joey Dorsey, but Mullin will probably waste it on another guard or SF.
They also need to give Wright and O-Bryant some PT, but the only way that happens is with a new coach who’ll give them a chance to develop.
And Captain Jacker sucks. He’s far too undisciplined with his shot selection.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:45 am
ash says:
again, dirk is showing how tough he is. how many athletes do you know come back froma bad high ankle sprain and knee sprain after 10 days? not only come back, but average 28ppg and 11rpg and shooting well over 50 pct.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:45 am
GEE...if 30 is the new 20 is 20 the new 10? says:
Smitty I said he almost needs to have that GREEN light. Although I think they are not using Jeff Green enough on the offensive end. Anyway if I am correct KD has not had 1 double double all season? Come on all season? Also Horford is not a green light player as much as he is doing what he is suppose to. Get enough point, play D, and grab boards. Even if he did start off not to hot, he has been way more consistent than KD. Plus if you going on most consistent KD has had way more horrid games than AL as far as what they are suppose to do.
No Ranger I don’t want them to lose in the 1st but if they do, then it’s whatever, still been a great year. In a best of 7, I won’t say they can’t muster out a win, but yea they will go in heavy underdogs. I like the underdog in many cases.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Celts Fan says:
YOUNGFED, you’ll learn to be scared of us my friend, you’ll learn…
April 7th, 2008 at 11:53 am
rangerjohn says:
yougnfed you are correct every team plays every other team but maybe you need to go back and look at how the nba works, teams in the east dont play the west but AT MOST 3 games all season with the majority being 2 game series for the season. pistons and celtics get up for the west because they only play them generally 2 games one at home and one away. now put the pistons in the west wehre they have to play 6 of the top 8 teams i nthe league 4 times each and take away those gimme games like the heat, knicks, bobcats, bucks, pacers, nets, hawks, bulls, and bordeline games with raptors, 76′ers, and wizards.
no way do either of those teams have the records they have now in the west. NO WAY.
see you pistons next season after the celts take you down (provided d howard doesnt do it himself)
April 7th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Gee — Durant is a wing player, so no, he’s not going to have as many double-doubles as Horford, who’s a center/PF. But how many 25-point games does Horford have? How many game-winners or game-tying shots does Horford have? How many times has he been the focal point of the other team’s defense? How many times has he even been the secondary focal point of the other team’s defense? Durant goes into every game with the defense knowing he’s the only real scoring option (especially after the Szczerbiak trade) and he’s gotten BETTER over the year, gotten more efficient and his shooting percentage has gone up. Yes, Al is on a playoff team, but he’s also got better teammates and he plays in the East. I don’t see how you can’t give KD the ROY.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
drodrone says:
pistons would still be number 2 in the west. their to good, pencil them in the final. actually wright it in ink cause its not changin funny how dude says magic beat them thats a bigger joke than the weakass boston bench, maxiell will ish on big babys face! go down the list and tell me a player he pistons cant control. NOBODY
April 7th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Youngfed — The Pistons really aren’t worried at all about San Antonio? Because they should be.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
GEE...if 30 is the new 20 is 20 the new 10? says:
AB what it do!?!? LOL so let me get this right? Because you are a wing player you are not suppose to get double-doubles…not even by accident? Granted AL doesn’t have any 25 point games (lol not even by accident) but still you give him just some of the plays and attemps KD gets and he can get you 25 I promise he just doesn’t have to. Al has had numerous plays this year that were big in the Hawks winning close games and he isn’t even there go to. No he’s not the focal point and he wasn’t brought in to be that. Sure Durant has a heavier load on his shoulders I will give you that, but anyone can jack up shots. Hell most players in the L. want to jack up shots regardless of what team they are on.
Point being he can shoot and shoots well and yes he has no help in different degrees. Like to me if that is no KD and Jeff Green is the focal point, then all the sudden does Jeff Green get ROY cause hey you are the main scorer so just shoot the ball. I promise Jeff is going to average bout 20 and prolly have the same stats. I just don’t see where KD does more than AL on a consistent basis to get it.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Austin Burton says:
I’m telling you, I love Jeff Green as a player, but there’s no way he’d put up Durant’s numbers if he was the #1 option; he just doesn’t have the offensive repertoire or a consistent enough jumper. But if he did average 20 a game on that Sonics team, than yes, he should be R.O.Y.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
GEE...if 30 is the new 20 is 20 the new 10? says:
I guess there is the point of difference. Cause I think other players could get you that 20 with KD’s attempts it’s not like dude is scoring 30 or so. I was just looking at KD’s shot attempts and I’m sorry with minutes and all you asking a dude to do is shoot, yea it could be done. Don’t get me wrong KD does have excellent offensive skill, but to me he just ain’t that spectacular for just shooting. I guess time will tell.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
Pat Ew Jr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovfwYrLNIw8
April 7th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Celts Fan says:
umm Austin, you skipped a team for Detroit to even have a chance to worry about San Antonio. You’re really gonna just give ‘em the East, huh?
and Drodrone, Boston’s bench has been pretty good and won a lot of games for us this year (trust me, we’re just as surprised that they ahve as you, but with the additions of Cassell and PJ Brown, I’d put our bench against most in the league.)
April 7th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Celts Fan says:
Durant hasn’t been as amazing as I thought (so far. HE WILL BE, I have no doubt in that, and he’s realizing how to be more efficient offensively, and his body will fill out so he can be a more physical defender as he gets older) but he has been the best rookie this year. You’re right that some guys could duplicate his numbers if given the same opportunity, but you have to look at the situation. It’s one of the most unfair things I’ve ever heard of for a rookie. This 19 year old KID should be a soph. in college, and has had to be the best player on a team in the best conference in the best league in the world from the second he was drafted without having a year to learn from an established vet how to be “the man” in the pros (in a situation as terrible as the one Seattle finds itself in right now while weasiling their way to OK City.) That’s asking A LOT right out of the gate, even from a kid with his considerable talent.
April 7th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Celts Fan — Oh, I know Detroit will have problems with Boston. I just was referring to the statement that Detroit isn’t worried about any teams in the West besides Utah.
April 7th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Celts Fan says:
oooh. I missed that one! I saw the “we’re not worried about Boston” one.
April 7th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
san antonio lost at home to detroit, boston and cleveland.
so yeah….no one in the east is worried about san antonio spurs. they gonna get bumped in the 1st round no matter whom they play. u heard it here first
April 7th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
GEE...if 30 is the new 20 is 20 the new 10? says:
Celts that is a nice sob story and all, but that is what it is. He wanted in, got drafted their and gets the green light and has to deal with what comes with that. I don’t feel sorry for him. Mind you I am impressed with what he can do but again, I don’t see where other players could duplicate that. Couse speculation don’t equal to much.
Still Al has been bringing it more consistent on a longer basis in a situation where his team is on the verge of being in or out the playoffs. Less minutes, less shot attempts, nice points, good boards, nice D and a pivotal part of Atl’s success this year (no Al and they not close to where they are now with how they been playing in my book).
Don’t get me wrong I see you all’s point, I just lean the other way. Best I can see for KD is co-rookie (and I hate when they do that crap). You all are probably correct though, they prolly already got his name engraved on the trophy cause they will go for the star player or potential superstar. Just my conspiracy theory. Al has been better to me though.
April 7th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Dave says:
Here’s how the Utah Jazz will do in playoffs against each potential opponent—–read it and weep! (unless you’re in SA, aarrgghh)
first the finals matchup….
Boston- split, won at Boston big (worst drubbing of the year), fell apart late and lost to C’s at home. C’s have no answer for D-Will. Jazz in 7
Detroit- swept the Pistons for the 3rd straight season Jazz in 6
Lakers- Jazz have historically owned the Lakers in the playoffs, and Kobe already blew his “I hate the Jazz fans” load. Jazz in 6
Spurs - This is the team to fear for the Jazz. Spurs in 7
Suns- Own on a regular basis, blew them out twice this year, once at PHX. DWill typically beats up on Nash. Jazz in 5
Warriors - swept this year, see last season 2nd round….even Nellie admits they have no prayer against Utah. Jazz in 5
Rockets - beat in game 7 at their place last year with Yao, course everyone wants to draw Houston this year? Jazz in 5
Hornets- D Will will answer the who’s better question once and for all when they play in the playoffs (if NO can get out of the first round…..nobody can say they will because they NEVER have.) D-Will has outplayed Paul consistently head to head, would LOVE to see the Jazz play NO. Jazz in 5
Thuggets - best drama of this would be how long it would take one of the Thuggs to take a swing at Matt Harpring….he messes with their heads by just checking into the game. Jazz in 5
Mavs - a team has to mentally tough to beat the Jazz, this immediately disqualifies Dallas. Jazz in 6.
April 7th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
What is this!? says:
Iverson…if your reading this…OPT OUT and walk this Summer please! I am fairly convinced that the Nuggets are trying to ruin the rest of this guys career. From that 51 pt game that AI had and they lost it by not playing defense and taking the ball out of Iversons hands, to that unnecessary loss in Philly…I can’t take it. I swear if they don’t fire Coach Karl I am going to scream. Even if Denver makes the playoffs, Karl still needs to go. It is his job as a Coach to have his players buy into his phylosophy and he has failed miserably. Denver can play defense…they are just not commited in doing so every game, that not only starts with their coach, but their leaders AI and Melo.
People talk about Iversons defense, but the fact is Iverson is an undersized SG. He usually goes up against people that are 6′4 or higher, they usually can just shoot right over him. When he is gaurding a PG how is he supposed to body up against a B-Diddy? When Iverson is like only 170 lbs. I’m just saying, theres a reason why he gambles on defense like he does. But he can stand to stay with his man more then he does, thats for sure. As for as Melo, there is no excuse, dude is like 6′8 250 lbs, there is no reason why he does not play defense the way he should. Just being lazy, then having the nerve to walk around calling himself a “superstar”…give me a damn break. Yeah he scored 38 pts…but he gave up just as many, his defense had Kevin Durant looking like Kobe Bryant lastnight.
I read some of Denvers media and some of thier fans make me laugh. As usual everything is getting blamed on Iverson. Which is what I knew was going to happen. As the leader of that team, he can accept partial blame…but that team is entirely too complex to blame one person. Iverson went there, cut back on his game to try to fit in while still delivering a great season. I’ve watched Denver closer this year then previous years and without Iverson that team would be a .500 team at best this year in the West. The fact is that no one was set up for success there from start, and that all starts with Karl. All of the individual players are having some of their best seasons this year on that team…yet they are struggling to make the playoffs? They aquired Iverson to help win them a championship…key word “help”. It is his job to try to come in and provide his skills and some sort of leadership…it is not his job to Coach that team and be a motivational speaker. They got him in the back court with Anthony Carter? Are you kidding me? Half the time it looks like Iverson is doing all the work in the back court…he’s playing PG and SG at the same time, i’ve never seen anything like it. If they want to be successful, then give players the tools to be that.
When I watch them play it seems like Iverson and Melo aren’t being utilized the right ways, its crazy. I have no doubt that you give that team a different Coach with a half way defensive concept and they will win 60+ games. They have a decent record, but they have given up too many easy games that they should have won. That team should be sitting on top of the West right now. They have been so inconsistant its scary. If Karl doesn’t get fired…LEAVE DENVER AI! LOL!
April 7th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Ian says:
yallreadyknow
whattt regular season winsss what?????
didnt cleveland sweep the spurs last season during the regular season
u and i should put a little bet on that first round prediction
since we talked wrestling the other day lets do it again
the first round to tim duncan is like wrestlemania for the undertaker
younfed
detroit isnt worried about the spurss
really???
and detroit only plays hard in the playoffs and they know how to get it done that all i hear from u detroit guys
well guess what?
apparently u only played hard and turned it on in 05
remember what team u guys played in 06 when u were better than u r know and still lost to the SPURS.
btw forgot yao on your centers list
April 7th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Ian says:
austin
he has a good point
because its easier to get good scoring numbers on a bad team
thats why al has a shot at the ROY
double double guy on a playoff team is better than a 25ppg guy on a team with 15 wins
dodrone
piston would be fightin for a playoff spot in the west
u cant just transfer records u lose 2 games to all the scrub team u guys play in the east
whatisthis
melo sucks hes a bitch
god damn it man get a rebound
April 7th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Austin Burton says:
For one, let’s not act like the Hawks are a very strong playoff team. They’re the eighth seed in the East and below .500, and they’re getting swept in the first round. Horford does have a shot and he’s a strong 2nd place on my ballot, but I can’t give it to him over Durant. (And I’m not using the Seattle bias, honest.)
April 7th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
K Dizzle says:
AB and Gee
This might be one of those co-ROY seasons.
KD puts up buckets, but his team aint winning.
Dude has taken less than 10 shots only twice this season, but one of those times was because of injury and before march had only 8 games shooting 50% or better. Of course if the sonics were out east, the win total would definitely be higher.
Al has taken more than ten shots only 17 times this season, but his rebounding gives his team multiple oppurtunies as he tenth in the l in off reb.
The reason I would give Horford the edge is because he doin things that make his team better. For a rook, he a great rebounder and defender and doesnt jack up shots when hes playin with dudes who can score. Durant is just in a real bad situation but co-roy might not be so bad this season
April 7th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
Youngfed, I am a huuuuge Monta Ellis fan since he was a rookie, but no way he should get All-Star consideration ahead of the dude you love to hate so much…Manu GINOBILI.
Manu also happens to be the biggest reason your boys on Detroit would-should have a healthy fear of the Spurs, if you’ll remember 2005 when he was SNUBBED for Finals MVP, just like he was snubbed for this year’s All-Star game in favor of Brandon Roy??
I don’t even know how you could give it to Monta or Roy over Beard-Dizzle really…reeediculous man!
And is the easiest reason to not give Manu credit because he is a foreigner? I’ll tell you this, if he was from Florida and on the Lakers y’all would be ridin’ his sack like Kobe Junior bitches. Like you forgive an even bigger flopper, D-Fish. TRUTH
April 7th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Ian says:
sas
shit thats right