Where Joakim Noah happens; (another) Instant NBA Classic
JOAKIM NOAH
When the TV broadcast is breaking out footage of Suns/Celtics from 1976, and the people you’re watching the game with are starting to cite the Syracuse/UConn six-overtime epic, you know you’re watching a classic NBA playoff game. Celtics/Bulls last night was simply incredible, going three overtimes before the Bulls pulled out the win to force a Game 7 in Boston. (Which, sadly, we can see being a Celtics’ blowout, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.) … In the final minute of the third OT, Ray Allen (51 pts) tied it up with a jumper. A couple possessions later, Paul Pierce had a scoring lane driving to his left, but decided to pass to Scalabrine spotting up in the corner. Joakim Noah (9 pts, 15 rebs) jumped the pass and picked it off, took it by himself coast-to-coast and unloaded a crushing dunk on Pierce, and-one, and Pierce’s sixth foul on top of that. (The photo above was taken right after the dunk.) Noah’s free throw put the Bulls up three, and Doc Rivers of course drew up a brilliant play out of the ensuing timeout to get Eddie House a wide-open jumper to cut the lead to one. It was actually designed for House to get a three, but we’ve seen House do this multiple times this season where he doesn’t pay attention to his feet and ends up with a two when he wanted a three. That would prove to be crucial, because Chicago never trailed or tied again. Even after Kirk Hinrich missed a bunny layup off a great inbounds play by Vinny Del Negro (and a great pass by Lindsay Hunter), Derrick Rose preserved the one-point lead by blocking a Rajon Rondo jumper, and after Rose blew both free throws with 3.2 seconds left (Memphis Tigers in the building), Rondo’s half-court heave didn’t go … Pierce, Big Baby, Perkins and Ben Gordon all fouled out. Gordon was gone in the first overtime — like an hour before the game ended — and surprisingly it didn’t hurt the Bulls that much. John Salmons (35 pts) was getting BG-like buckets in the first two overtimes, Rose (28 pts, 8 rebs, 7 asts) was hitting the jumpers that Boston gave him, and Brad Miller (23 pts, 10 rebs) played all game with the Iron Man scope on after the Celts made him bleed his own blood in Game Five … Best play of the game that didn’t count: After Steph air-balled a two-foot runner, Gordon hit Tyrus Thomas with an alley-oop that Tyrus smashed on Scalabrine’s stupid headband. Even perma-scowl Tyrus couldn’t help but crack a huge smile after that one. The play was whistled dead due to a Celtics loose-ball foul right before the pass, but Tyrus got another monster dunk on the same possession …
Ray on Dime #11
At that point the Bulls were up double digits in the fourth, but if you blinked you missed Boston’s comeback. The Celtics took the lead by eight late in the fourth after Pierce (22 pts, 9 rebs) hit back-to-back threes right in front of Chicago’s bench — and let them know about it — but Miller capped off a quick rally with a three and a layup to force the first overtime … Pierce actually had a chance to win it with four seconds left in regulation, and got his usual two-dribble pull-up going to his right, but missed. Why have we seen the equivalent of like eight games in this series and the Bulls still don’t automatically think to make Pierce put the ball on the floor? When was the last time you saw The Truth take it from outside the arc all the way to the rim? Kansas? He ALWAYS goes for the pull-up, usually to the right, and the Bulls were giving it to him every time. They finally got it right at the end of the first overtime, when Salmons forced Pierce left and he and Hinrich challenged the jumper enough to make Pierce try a turnaround that had no chance … At the end of the second OT, Ray hit a three in Hinrich’s eye with 7.6 seconds left that singed his little plastic gauze strip, and with the score tied again, the Bulls ran The Play From Hell that ended with Miller and Pierce fighting for the ball on their knees 35 feet from the basket as the buzzer went off … Oh yeah, Rondo’s line: 8 points, 9 boards, 19 dimes and ZERO turnovers. He also got into a fight with Hinrich that didn’t amount to anything … Magic/Sixers wasn’t so entertaining, unless you’re a huge Marcin Gortat fan or you hate everything associated with Philly. You had to assume the Sixers would roll at home, since they didn’t have Dwight Howard to worry about, but it was almost like Dwight’s absence just confused the Sixers even more … We’ll let DimeMag.com reader and Sixers fan “Kudabeen” explain: “And what do the Sixers do? They embarrass themselves and let their dwindling fan base down. They don’t have to guard the paint, so they decide not to guard the three. There is no shot blocker to fear, so they shoot jumpshots all game. Iguodala proves people right in not even attempting to take over or provide a spark. Lou Williams does nothing again. Magic do whatever they want. It’s one thing to lose in a battle, but to come out flat, get outworked and fold at home is exactly how you end up in the bottom part of the attendance totals. Makes me sick.” …
Ron Artest
Gortat (11 pts, 15 rebs, 4 stls) was seriously beasting Sam Dalembert, giving him turnaround jumpers and pretty much treating him like a tourist lost in a dark alley in Poland. Except for air-balling two hook shots, he was putting in work. Even the usually un-funny Rick Kamla had a great line about Gortat: “He’s come into Dalembert’s arena, stolen his lunch, kicked sand in his face, and bullied him all around the court.” … The crowd noticeably turned on the Sixers early in the fourth quarter, when they were down 17 and Iguodala (20 pts, 6 asts, 3 stls) used on iso on Gortat to loft a jumper that barely hit rim. Cue the boos … Towards the end, Dalembert got into a spat with Hedo Turkoglu, where Hedo acted like he really wanted to fight, but did that thing where you crowd the hell out of a guy ’cause you know he can’t punch you from zero inches away. We saw right through that fake swagger, Hedo … TNT wasn’t able to switch to the Rockets game until the third quarter, when Houston was already winning a blowout. Ron Artest led the rout with 27 points, and the last line of his post-game interview before running off to the locker room? “Queensbridge in the building!” … Despite being threatened with the wrath of Kobe by Pimpin’ Craig if he didn’t change his answer, Artest stuck to his statement that Brandon Roy (22 pts) is the toughest guy he’s ever guarded. Ron did bring up a good point (if it’s true); that B-Roy is the only guy to ever score 40 on him … In the first quarter, Yao (17 pts, 10 rebs) had Greg Oden posted up and went into a spin move that ended with Yao tripping over the no-charge line and biting it face-first. With Yao and Oden banging with each other for six games you know SOMEBODY was bound to get hurt, but Yao was OK … We’re out like ‘Dre and ‘Dre …
May 1st, 2009 at 12:56 am
bobbys says:
Congrats to Yao and Artest. Now we can see how good this team can be without that cancer T-Mac hanging around.
Also, sick sick sick game tonight but that doesn’t need to be said.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:10 am
isotope says:
Wow thanks Dime. Rockets finally win a first round series and all you can do is cap on them? Great job.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:13 am
Lanfeas says:
best first round series ever.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:27 am
djKianoosh says:
agreed. best first round series. ever. amazing stuff. that derrick rose block was the absolute key play. and the camera angle they had on the slowmo replay looked amazing in HD. that is the next “where amazing happens”.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:30 am
djKianoosh says:
oh yeah, sixers are putrid. they stink worse than regurgitated cow dung. i hate them. when does Eagles training camp start?
May 1st, 2009 at 1:34 am
markito says:
@ Lanfeas, yeah this might be the best first round series ever. Only when Dikembe upset the Sonics come close to it.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a Bulls or Celts fan, but if you’re a basketball junkie this series blows your mind. I was clapping for all the big shots last night.
Props to Big Baby Davis for all the big shots. And Brad Miller for the 3 ball in regulation.
Everyone is stepping up!!
Ray-Ray went on Playstation Mode and knocked down 3 treys.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:34 am
playboy says:
couple things
1. no mention of rondo pulling hinrich straight into the scorers table (rondos def. a dirty player but refs never call shit on him)
2. of course theres no mention of rondo putting his hand in the rim when kirk missed that “easy bunny” SLO MO THAT SHIT n it should be a goal tend-
3. all those people who called for rondos head should understand that the bulls just dont play dirty..something that the celtics could learn from—
May 1st, 2009 at 1:38 am
knock knock says:
ROSE IS definitely not clutch at all. how many times at the end of the game do the bulls always go towards someone else. Rose had absolutely horrible defense until his retribution block at the end. If im his coach i would never have him shoot some freethrows to win a game. some people have it..some don’t
May 1st, 2009 at 1:45 am
DanPhresh says:
Ha! Playboy little fat ass lives with his mom!
May 1st, 2009 at 1:46 am
the cynic says:
I know Rondo is an awesome player but how do you not even try to get Jesus the ball to win the game?
Also, the Polish Hammer laid it down. Against the Celtics, the Magic should play Gortat and Howard together for a few minutes every game just to knock the Celtics around
May 1st, 2009 at 1:52 am
the cynic says:
Kobe is going to put 50 on Artest
May 1st, 2009 at 2:01 am
rocky lobs says:
MC GRADY OUT THE FIRST ROUND
May 1st, 2009 at 2:01 am
rick 773 says:
Polish Hammer has got to be the greatest nickname ever.
I won’t waste my breathe on Rondo’s foul it’s not like they’re gonna suspend him.
Funny how a lot of people jumped on Dimes back when they argued that this was one of the greatest series ever and way better than the hawks celts. Now it seems even silly to even argue such a point
May 1st, 2009 at 2:09 am
markito says:
@ knock knock, cmon give rose a break… he’s just a rookie playing in his first play-offs in a TRIPLE OVERTIME game. It’s just straight hating.
Yes he is still turnover prone, somewhat tentative. he looks humble enough to work on these things though.
May 1st, 2009 at 2:15 am
markito says:
scalabrine gets more tick than stephon…this i don’t get.
May 1st, 2009 at 2:33 am
Jay says:
gotta love barkley’s line about the rondo/hinrich altercation:
“that’s just two guys who can’t fight…. lookin at each other”
May 1st, 2009 at 2:43 am
smoove chips says:
@ markito-makes sense to me.Believe me ,everytime stephon hits the floor the other team exhales.
Apart from the obvious flagrant by Rondo in the last game,I’m still reeling over how fair these games are being called.i honestly can’t complain about officiating this year.And if its bad,it’s a hammer that swings both ways ya dig.No tacky fouls being called either.
That is one of the reasons I loooove this bulls-celts series.I’m rooting for the bulls but Damnn, ray ray IS the truth.that shot is so fluckin’ money it hurts.Clutch shot after clutch shot.Chi ching,chi ching, chi ching.I got green.i admit it.
rose needs to step it up for real.those scalabrine isos ARE oppotunities you can’t ever pass up.EVER.really EVER!
i want the hawks to get rid of dwade n co. Not hating but I know the next series will be a lot more fun with the hawks in it.u know i’m right.
thanks rockets for exposing tmac and getting rid of portland.gotta love the love ronron got from the fans.they needed that baaad!
lakers in 6 lol.peace
May 1st, 2009 at 2:50 am
BR says:
@ playboy
I think it was more of a frustration thing with Rondo. His game was off at parts and him and Hinrich got tangled up on the play, which led to Rondo throwing him against the scorers table.
Oh, and there was a slo-mo replay, were you watching the game? It was clear that Rondo did not goaltend, although I’ll admit it was close.
@ markito
Perk and Big Baby fouled out, and Mikki Moore didnt even play 3 mins. So Scalabrine was actually the first option at the pf and c off the bench. lol. THEY did need some luck after all…
“TheScore” mentioned that the Polish Hammer would make a great pornstar name, lmao.
In my lifetime, Bulls vs Celtics is the greatest playoff series I’ve ever seen, regardless of sport.
If game 7 goes into overtime, I don’t know how I would respond, lol.
PS- GO Bulls!
May 1st, 2009 at 3:10 am
Ian says:
bulls shoulda won this shit already damn
but theyll get it done in game 7 thats going to go into 14 overtimes. this isnt just the best first round series if the bulls win its going to be one of the greatest (bulls lose then its still denver over seattle). i never watch basketball after the spurs lose but damn this series got me hooked.
May 1st, 2009 at 3:13 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
@BR
The Rondo goaltend no-call in question should have been a goaltend. It doesn’t look like he touched the ball but I’m pretty sure you can’t touch the rim while the ball is in the cylinder and he most definitely did that even if it didn’t affect the shot. I’m glad that play didn’t end up costing the Bulls the game so it’s really a non-issue but yes it was a goaltend.
Jesus Shuttleworth is the only reason that I don’t completely hate the Celtics. His shot is a thing of beauty. That being said, go Bulls!
May 1st, 2009 at 3:32 am
rick 773 says:
Walt Frazier called Ray the baby faced assassin. Thats a perfect way describe him.
May 1st, 2009 at 3:38 am
John says:
Rondo 19 assists 0 TO and 57 minutes ,,, Damn ,,, Today, go Heat !!!!
May 1st, 2009 at 3:50 am
rick 773 says:
btw did anybody see the rockets postgame news conference when artest got up to leave and Yao said “aight man see you at the club”
May 1st, 2009 at 3:50 am
POPPI GEE says:
HOUSTON #@$%!()%^ UP!
May 1st, 2009 at 4:41 am
the_don_mega says:
this bulls/celts series is just off the hook!!! amazing… props to houston for finally makin’ it! props to Gee as well for stickin’ with ‘em!
May 1st, 2009 at 4:51 am
sans says:
You made me bleed my own blood–hilarious Dodgeball reference.
remember when Kobe picked a fight with reggie miller years back?…I hope he doesn’t get hard with Ron, regardless of what he said…Portland will be back next year.
May 1st, 2009 at 5:11 am
Rafa23 says:
ron should really think about what he says. he didn’t guard roy the whole time when he scored 40.
AND
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF1l1K_YBlw
May 1st, 2009 at 5:14 am
AB_40 says:
wow to call a person a cancer? WOW that’s just terrible
Lakers in 6 with brown being delegated to the bench again cuz he’s to slow to guard brooks and farmar is fast enough… Andrew Bynum will get destroyed by yao at least two out of those six games. And Kobe will have at least one 5 for 25 game.
Am I the only one who doesn’t feel the boston chicago series. cuz they’re just two flawed teams playing. It’s great shot making… but not great basketball.
I knew the magic were gonna win last night I just knew it and what happened they won. Marcin Gortat is gonna get PAID.
tonight ATL MIA can’t wait
May 1st, 2009 at 5:28 am
US Marine Manny says:
For the record, Kobe scored 40 on Artest in Sacramento on January 4, 2007 (42 to be exact) and Charles Barkley was announcing that game.
May 1st, 2009 at 5:29 am
le says:
who wrote this? katz again? ’cause kobe dropped 40 on artest last year
May 1st, 2009 at 5:32 am
Rafa23 says:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200701040SAC.html
there you go ron ron
May 1st, 2009 at 5:34 am
le says:
@Rafa23
shieeeeeeeeeet. triple double at that too
May 1st, 2009 at 6:59 am
Davros says:
Big Sia has posted a link to a web site in yesterdays Smack. When you play the clip it states:- “…White people want to kill us…they want to kill you. We have to exterminate white people off of the face of the planet…” I have asked Dime to remove the link but they have not as yet. Either the page isn’t moderated and people can spew racism or else it is moderated and the comments are acceptable to Dime. Any ideas?
May 1st, 2009 at 7:10 am
yoda says:
im a laker fan, but i’ve stayed till 5 in morning to watch end of that drama (i live in europe). and i must say, it was unbelievable game. amazing. rondo should be bitch slapped. too bad they stopped kirk before he could get to rondo, at least for one punch.
May 1st, 2009 at 7:22 am
sh!tfaced says:
That’s about 7 OTs in the series for a total of 35 minutes - almost a whole game. So the game on Saturday will like a game 8 or something…
May 1st, 2009 at 7:28 am
QQ says:
This is for Austin. You asked me this: “What about T-Mac’s game PREVENTED the Rockets/Magic from advancing in the past?”. I gave an answer in the previous post, but I’m taking it here for you to see.
What is wrong with TMac?
His heartless jacking, his lack of drive, his tendency to put the blame on others when they where losing instead of carrying his teammates and take all the blame, his frail leadership skills, his unwillingness to defend, and his lack of heart.
Damn, Austin. That was either TOO easy or that question was just TOO dumb.
PS: First fucking time the Rockets reached the 2nd round in 12 years. THEY WERE WITHOUT TMAC. THEY WERE WITHOUT TMAC. THEY WERE WITHOUT TMAC. THEY WERE WITHOUT TMAC. I repeat. THEY WERE WITHOUT TMAC. And all you fucking ‘apologists’ are still fucking riding his balls. LOL at your delusions and douchebaggery.
May 1st, 2009 at 7:29 am
TJ says:
Rondo definitely should have been called for goaltending. You can’t grab the rim while the ball is on it. It doesn’t matter if her hit the actual ball or not.
May 1st, 2009 at 7:58 am
mules says:
Rondo play as of late just shows how much he wants to win that Stanley Cup…dirty ass player. Between tossing Hinrich into the scorer’s table and thumping Miller in the mouth he’s starting to remind me of basketball-Satan, John Starks.
May 1st, 2009 at 8:05 am
that's whats up says:
@ post 33
“…White people want to kill us…they want to kill you. We have to exterminate white people off of the face of the planet…”
“…White people want to kill us…they want to kill you. We have to exterminate white people off of the face of the planet…”
“…White people want to kill us…they want to kill you. We have to exterminate white people off of the face of the planet…”
exterminate that mutha fucka
May 1st, 2009 at 8:06 am
Kobeef says:
Most memorable play of the Houston-Portland game: Oden gets the ball under the net, nobody guarding him and blows the dunk.
As the lottery winners, can the Blazers call “do-over” on that draft? Imagine BRoy, Aldridge, Durant in the same starting line….it’s what happens when you ignore the “you can’t teach size” draft rule.
The best part about the Bulls is that they are massively flawed. Miller has the athletic gifts of a toddler, Tyrus is has the mental gifts of a toddler, Rose is an NBA toddler, Deng is on the bench and they can still hang with the Celtics. Regardless of what happens on Saturday the future is bright in Chicago.
May 1st, 2009 at 8:10 am
rangerjohn says:
i realize you guys are limited for space and all but more then 2-3 lines on the rockets would be a good idea, considering its the 1st time in 12 yrs and the 1st time for yao. anyone have a location on tracy? is he still celebrating getting out of …. oh wait, anyone check for him on suicide watch? how does tracy feel, knowing he could never carry basicly the same team anywhere and yet they move on without him lol. time to move on tracy, maybe you can be a “rent-a-player” after next season (unless the rockets get a trade for him which i doubt). i mean who wouldnt like tracy comming off the bench for the vet minimum on their team lol
May 1st, 2009 at 8:10 am
dk says:
Thanks Dime for finally mentioning the fact Vinny keeps letting ole boy get his shot the entire series. Thats the reason their season is over Sat. , unless its there is a master plan to take the right elbow away in game 7 in the 4th quarter, with 2min. left.. Great series and a masterful effort from the entire Bulls squad.
I cant wait until Mon. when we see the greatest matchup thus far in the playoffs! The Black Mamba vs. The Mongoloid ( minus the good looks and great hair. ) Good luck Forrest and get an assistant to do the math for you after Kobe works the shizzle out of you!
Remember children, the Mvp is based on the regular season…
Lakers - Kobe = playoff team
Cleavland - Tron = playoff squad
Miami - Wade = lottery scrubs
D. Wade = MVP
Im out like Ron Artests relaxer… ( thanx Charles )
May 1st, 2009 at 8:13 am
92021SpurMD says:
@ le - The writer of the article did question if Ron’s comment about people scoring 40 on him was true, why are you riding him? Who cares if Rondo goaltended, “the maneuver” shouldn’t miss that lay-up. That picture of Noah at the top of this article is CLASSIC!!! I definitely had a flashback of Florida’s championships when Noah was trotting around the court all pumped up after the game.
May 1st, 2009 at 8:32 am
QQ says:
@ ranger:
TMac is probably watching his 13-points-in-less-than-one-minute vs the Spurs clip in Youtube to ease the pain. If you can’t carry your team when it matters, just watch the highlights that the little kids love.
And props on saying that he can’t carry his team. TMac’s wife, also known as Austin Burton. told me this: ‘You can say Houston doesn’t need him, because obviously they advanced without him, but to say he was one of the reasons they’d lost in the past, explain that one’.
Losing in the first round for several consecutive years while being the ‘leader’ of a team is reason enough to say that he IS one of the reason they lost in the past. Losing one playoff series, I’ll take that, but NEVER winning a series, DAMN, definitely that is NOT coincidence. If all you TMac apologists take off your fucking fanboy goggles for a minute, you could see the reason for yourselves: TMAC DOESN’T PLAY WITH HEART. HE CANNOT FUCKING LEAD. He doesn’t have it in him. He is too soft. He will find excuses instead of taking it as his own battle. And this fucking attitude hurts his team, and now that he is gone, their game is flowing.
Austin, point fucking explained. See ya.
May 1st, 2009 at 8:33 am
Chris says:
Can someone please tell me what Tony Allen has over Doc Rivers that keep him getting crunch time minutes in the fourth?!?
May 1st, 2009 at 8:40 am
rangerjohn says:
QQ tracy stops the ball rotation worse the ron artest, the team passes more and better as a team with him out. it is hard to make the “extra pass” when the 1st guy you pass it to whats to be the hero and do it all himself.
everyone points out his stats go up in the playoffs, yet the team assists go down. you be the judge, team is better when it passes the ball, or team is better with an atempted one man show.
oh and thanks for the slight shot at my spurs there.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:00 am
BERN BROGDEN says:
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
SCREW the other contests last night.
There was only one that mattered.
ROSE
May 1st, 2009 at 9:08 am
BERN BROGDEN says:
…ROSE blocking RONDO
WHAT was MARBURY AND MIKKI MOORE’S stat line??
That’s a JOKE.
JOHNNY F%^$’N BUCKETS!
Was it me or did it seem like he was trying his BEST to BREAK DOWN PIERCE????
Everytime he caught the rock, he put the ball on the floor. Spin move here. Pull up there. Slash and dash to the rim. Slice and Dice the interior real quick.
It so OBVIOUS he learned a lot of his game from A.I.
AI’s game in a bigger body looks just like the Bull’s small forward.
RAY was MONEY.
DAVIS was MONEY.
Bulls have absolutely NO POISE man! But they keep hittin’ these joints!
BG get a tech then forget he got 5 fouls and fouls Pierce in the 1st OT. Did he NOT get the memo?? It was 2 more to go!
I thought Kirk was gonna knock Rondo da f&^% out!
I woulda.
Rondo had a good game though, mad dimes no to’s…I think the Bulls were in his head though. I mean, he only posted single digit points.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:25 am
Diego says:
Love that photo of Noah, Dime!! Spot on!
May 1st, 2009 at 9:35 am
zaboo says:
I agree with isotope and rangerjohn, Dime gave more press to Gortat and just a couple lines to the Rockets…
May 1st, 2009 at 9:47 am
shake&bake says:
Good timing with the article of who are the slowest players in the league. I would like to know how Paul Pierce can’t run down a center.
@ dk - Cleveland without Lebron probably goes from the best record in the league down to the 7th or 8th seed in the East.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:58 am
GayforRudy says:
Holy Smokes… Brian Scalabrine sucks. That red-haired bastard is a sorry excuse for an NBA player. And for the record him & Tony Allen are the reason they lost.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA rot in hell Boston!
May 1st, 2009 at 10:13 am
mules says:
@dk & shake&bake
without LeBron, Cleveland is a lottery team…replace LeBron w/ Wade and Cleveland is a 6-8 seed.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:17 am
doc says:
2bern-learned his game from AI?John been playing like that since I met him and he was like 14 and already doing that shit.He aint like AI and thats why we traded his ass.A reporter asked him why he wasnt scoring like in coleege and he said because AI dont pass nobody the ball.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:19 am
doc says:
Jesus was in the zone last night,My youngin D-Rose maturing before our eyes.And fuck the Sixers.Another year another we one superstar away story.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
Student Of The Game says:
i think everyone in the country was pullin for Brad Miller to hit those two free throws in the second OT last night…
May 1st, 2009 at 10:23 am
Davros says:
With thanks to Dime and post 39 for expressing your views about readers like me
May 1st, 2009 at 10:23 am
Davros says:
Reverse racism anyone?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:28 am
Celtic Pride says:
I agree it looks ridiculous, but Scal wears a headband for protection. It is specially padded because of his concussion issues. Seeing as it is a head injury, it was the best the trainers could do.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:32 am
rell says:
@Chris
I guess Tony Allen got some picture of Doc cheating on his wife or something. When we had the 8 pt lead, Doc decide to take Big Baby out. I don’t care if the Bulls was going to a small lineup, you leave Big Baby in. When the Bulls had Hinrich or Salmon on Baby in the 4th, Big Baby went to work. He would either score, rebound, or get a open shot for his teammates. When they went to the small lineup early, Boston worked their offense through Big Baby and punished Chicago for putting Hinrich and Gordan on him.
I blame this loss squarely on Doc. The Bulls at the end of the 4th switched Brad Miller on Ray Allen 3 straight possession but the Celts only looked for Pierce. Ray Allen between the last 2 OT made his last 3 shot but they only looked for Pierce. IF A PLAYER HAVE FIFTY-ONE POINTS GET HIM THE BALL!!!! On the last possession of the game, why in the world would you run a iso with a player who is 4-17 for the game when you have a player who scored FIFTY-ONE FREAKING POINTS!!!! People say Vinny can’t coach but Doc isn’t to far behind.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:58 am
Kudabeen says:
I know this wasn’t the key to the series or anything, but can anyone who follows the Blazers explain to me why Jared Bayless couldn’t find his way on the floor??
He is a decent defender, he gets to the basket, and he hits open shots. No he isn’t a great PG, but Blake gets 40 mins to do squat!
I just don’t understand. He is a hard worker. What is it?? I see 76 points and they give 40 mins to a pg that finishes with 2 points 5 assist and 4 turnovers in an elimination game.
B Roy clearly isn’t as explosive after the early injury as their only option to get to the basket…Bayless could have helped…Horrible coaching call
May 1st, 2009 at 11:00 am
BERN BROGDEN says:
doc - you gotta admit Johnny got a lil’ AI in his game though, no?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:03 am
the mamba says:
No mention of ron-ron running into the stands and sitting with a fan??
When asked about it in the press conference he jokingling responded with “Ive been in the stands before” followed by a room full of laughter. Just classic, so far my favorite moment of the playoffs
May 1st, 2009 at 11:13 am
Kudabeen says:
John Salmons did complain about not getting the ball enough, but he doesn’t pass either. He has a one track mind and passing is a third option with him, but I still route for him. He has game and he is the reason Bulls are in the position they are. His D and his ability to create as a big guard and small forward allows the Bulls to compete harder on both ends…
I laughed at his AI comments, because it was only half the truth. I truly feel that Iverson is a great play maker for his teammates, but he was never a floor leader. If guys looked timid or missed shots he would be quick to take over. He isn’t the only player to ever do this. Salmons went to Sacramento and did many of the same things in dominating the ball and not setting up teammates, because he felt he was a better option…
Salmons is making this a series with the Celtics, much respect for how he is grinding…
May 1st, 2009 at 11:53 am
POPPI GEE says:
Houston Up!
Knew the T-Mac haters would be out in fool force today. So I will address it even as it is beneath me. I am only on Houston time though, cause Orlando didn’t really matter to me.
K saying T-Mac had basically the same squad is really reachin. Even the players and coaches on the team now say it’s a totally different squad than any Mac played with in Houston. Course they just play on the team, so a blogger would know better than them?
O4-05 Pimpin had JVG system to go into and wonderful players like Juwaun Howard, Mike James, David Wesley, Ty Lou, Jim Jackson, Yao, Ron Barry and Vin Baker. Ain’t no closeness or basically the same squad in that. Still they over did it on em and went 51 - 31 and lost to Dallas in the playoffs 4-3. Not that bad considering Steve Franchise never did better as a Rocket with that squad either.
05-06 Same coach and a few different players. Worst record. Mind you now T’s best years were in Orlando and he started with back pains and other physical ailments. Which has probably been the greatest defender of all against him. Now you have Alston, Chuck Hayes, Derek Anderson, Stro Show, and Luther Head and still the good ol Ju Howard, David Wesley and Yao. Still a very different system and team from what is currently there. Didn’t even make the playoffs that year I believe.
06-07 Oh boy! The year Rudy Gay was there and gone. Still under JVG and now we add Shane Battier, Bonzi Wells, Steven Novack and Kirk Snyder. Still got good old Ju Howard, Luther Head and Deke. This year went 4-3 vs Jazz in playoffs. Hard fought series but still you ain’t gonna tell me that is close to the same squad. No Scola (you know how valuable he was this 1st round this year) no Ron, no Landry, no Brooks and no Wafer. Again mind you, Tracy ain’t sittin out in these playoffs like many key players for different teams this year he was putting the team on his back with not being his best.
07-08 Deuces JVG it’s been real. Now we got Pretty Ricky!
Personally I thought this was the year they were going above and beyond. I thought they had the coach and the players to get it done. New System and now they had Landry, Brooks, Scola, Stevie Franchise, Gerald Green, Bobby Jackson, and still had Yao, Deke, Shane, Alston and Novack. That year with injuries T still managed to do his thing and the regular season was nice. 55-27 and the second longest streak in the NBA ever. Crunk!
Playoffs come along and Yao is out ENTIRELY! Jazz again 4-2. Still most always blame Tracy for not moving on and not Yao oddly. No Ron and Yao for playoffs so I still don’t see how they are close to the squad that advanced this year, cause they aint.
08-09
Now this squad is still under the great system of Rick and now have Ron and Von to go along with Hayes, Landry, Deke, Yao, Brooks, Alston for some time, Lowry, Scola and Barry. Time and injuries have taken there toll on T and he still tried but ended up hindering more than helping THIS year. To even think that T was more of a hinder than help in the previous years is nuts considering he is who often took them as far as he could. So he calls it quits and the team still does very well. Playoffs hit and they advance T was cool enough to sit on the bench and even chill with the team and what not.
So haters you can hate and debate and what not but the fact is dude still advances with the team. It ain’t all the Rockets advance but T. On the simple basis of him carryin the squad for so long it’s good to see them actually go and make it happen without him carrying the load. Sure I wish he could have been on the court. Dude is an outstanding player and he has done well.
Haters enjoy ya self! Houston UP!
May 1st, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Mrbball says:
@BR even though u said go bulls I see u looking through green colored glasses. Kirk was boxing Rondo out, they didn’t get tangled up till Rondo grabbed him.
@AB_40 Just because the teams are flawed doesn’t take away from the fact that its a great series. I don’t ever want your point of view. When Lebron vs Kobe doesn’t live up to the hype in the finals, your gonna love it.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus damn Ray is a problem!
Rondo 19 dimes, outstanding #’s this series.
DROSE only has upside. When he matures he will be less turnover prone and hopefully his jumpshot will develop and it will be so easy for him after that cause you gonna have to play him tight. Scala played him for the drive which is smart but if he can hit that J, its blow by time. He also has to work on finishing strong but he is a rookie. Nothing but upside.
AWESOME SERIES POINT BLANK PERIOD!
May 1st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
liukz says:
look a the video ,Rondo threw a punch to kirk
The NBA should do something about it
and NOBODY its talking about that
but its clear that he threw a punch with his rigth hand before the ref got there
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLWBPRZD1oc
May 1st, 2009 at 3:11 pm
isotope says:
lol @ Rondo back pedalling
May 1st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Chicagorilla says:
John “Andre 3000″ Salmons has been doing this since he came to Chicago. I’m glad everyone else got to see what the guy is cabable of doing. He’s been hurt since the end of the season so he’s been off and on in this first round of the playoffs. As a Bulls fan I have watched every game this year and i can tell that none of you have ever really watched the bulls. Two things, Derrick Rose has been clutch all year long and won several games by himself in the 4th quarter. If you watch a bulls game with the Bulls announcers you’ll hear them yelling out “get the ball in Rose’s hands”. The guy replaced Ben Gordon as the 4th qt option.
Ben has been taking the worse shots imaginable in this first round series (actually all season long too), but he makes a lot of those shots. If he was more patient on offense and did not miss so many wide open jumpers he would avg about 25ppg.
Next year will be better when we let BG go overseas or to the Magic, and we Move Kirk into the Sg spot. BG may score 20ppg, but as you all have been a witness to, he will give up 25ppg, not to mention he’s a terrible help defender. I can’t understand why we run so many plays for him. He’s a bench player. John “3Stacks” Salmons at least gives the Bulls a better option defensively and a more consistent scorer who deosn’t ball hog (anyone who says he does has not watched him play on the bulls).
May 1st, 2009 at 3:45 pm
doc says:
He probably got some AI hesitations but more than from playing with him if u balled in Philly in 96 timeframe u was AI’ed out.So everybody had AI moves but the tough ones could take it further.Flip Murry got crazy handles too he dont even be showing his full arsenal.
May 1st, 2009 at 3:45 pm
quest??? says:
damnnnn rondo should be suspended for what he did, first he shoved kirk to the scorers table then he threw a punch. but i bet the league wont do shit, because of the ratings. fuck u david stern
May 1st, 2009 at 3:47 pm
BR says:
@Spliff 2 My Lou [post 20]
I didnt realize that, so I guess you and playboy were right. Thanks for making me realize my mistake^
…go bulls!
May 1st, 2009 at 5:00 pm
BERN BROGDEN says:
DOC - Flip’s gotta crazy arsenal of moves.
I wasn’t knockin’ JOHNNY though…I was just sayin’ he got a lot of AI in his game. Maybe he doesn’t…I just happen to think otherwise.
Damn! That’s what’s up.
I thought most people slept on Flip (on this site) ’cause they don’t know him.
But he got wicked handle plus a shot. I’m glad someone else out there know about my fellow PHILADELPHIA brethren.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:40 pm
dagwaller says:
Wow. Bulls-Celts was the best game I can remember watching. I can’t remember ever standing up and shouting more times than I did during that game.
A few thoughts: as much as Dime likes to slurp Doc Rivers’s plays out of timeouts, does Vinny Del Negro get any love?
John Salmons > Ben Gordon. The best example is when he attacked Pierce in overtime instead of just shooting DUMB jumpers over top of him.
Paxson for EoTY? The two best players on the floor for the Bulls were Miller and Salmons, with top drafted rook Derrick Rose running the show/winning the game with his block. Good thing Paxson drafted him instead of Beasley.
Kirk Hinrich played TOUGH defense on Paul Pierce. Big ups.
In an unrelated note, hopefully any remaining T-Mac fans in the Dime office sell all their jerseys while he’s still on the team.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Scoob says:
LMAO @ Pimpin Craig. Didn’t he wife a Chicago bulls dancer?
Wipe the dust off your shoulders Pimpin…