Dan talks to himself about the NBA playoff's

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 28 May 2009 03:36

So what do you think of the matchups if the Finals are Lakers-Magic?

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 28 May 2009 09:32

Well, atleast we will know that it is the two best teams going at it. Like I said before, I really liked how LA matched up against Cleaveland, but as we've seen, this Magic team is about 4 steps above the Cav's.

The three things that frighten me about these guys is their length, their versatility, and their defense. The length we already went over, their versatility in that they can score points consistently in a range of ways, and their defense, which has been the least talked about aspect of this team. Only three times this postseason has anyone dropped 100 or more on them.

But, I think I may've spoken too soon when I said they could beat either LA or Denver. Because for LA atleast, the three traits mentioned above are all present too. They got the length obviously with Bynum, Gasol and Odom, who finally came on last night. They have the offensive versatility in spades, because, well, they're the Lakers. And defensively, LA has been giving it their all this postseason. Closing out on open shooters, going to the ground to get the ball, making key steals. LA wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for their commitment to defense. Are they the Celtics? No, but the comparison doesn't fit because it's a totally different style of defense. That is to say, a lot less organized and a lot more free flowing.

But yeah, this will be a good series assuming Denver or Cleaveland don't comeback.

Rieferman · Post by **Rieferman** » 28 May 2009 09:41

I just wanted to chime in being grumpy about the fact that the games start so late that one must choose between watching hoops and keeping their job. Effing bullshit to start ALL the games so late. Throw a bone to the east coast guys once in awhile?!?!

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 28 May 2009 10:47

BainbridgeShred wrote:And defensively, LA has been giving it their all this postseason. .

...when they play at home.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 28 May 2009 11:18

when they play at home.

Well they're not the Celtics of last year. They're sure as hell not some of those Spur's teams. But you play basketball, a great offensive player can always find his shot. People talk a lot about defense, and it's valid, but if you have four-five good offensive players on the floor someone's going to get a decent look.

But yeah all three opponents the Lakers have faced executed a lot better on their own courts, and found a lot more of their jumpers falling in. I dunno how many times I've had to endure stretches this postseason where every single Denver or Houston shot is going through the net. But that's why the Magic and the Laker's in my mind are the two best teams. By far they have faced the most adversity this postseason and responded to it well. Denver's a good team though I'm not ready to count them completely out. Watching the fourth quarter last night though they looked super shitty. We'll see how THEY bounce back.

just wanted to chime in being grumpy about the fact that the games start so late that one must choose between watching hoops and keeping their job. Effing bullshit to start ALL the games so late. Throw a bone to the east coast guys once in awhile?!?!

I've thought about that before actually. 5:00-6:00pm is like the perfect start time for me. Even the West coast games start between then which I guess makes sense. My problem isn't being tired at work though its spending too much time reading NBA blogs and nonsense.

Rieferman · Post by **Rieferman** » 29 May 2009 04:28

damn it, I missed the last 6 minutes of last nights cavs/orlando game.. fell asleep.. tonight, lakers/denver and no work tomorrow so I can watch all of it. I'm feeling lakers on this one.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 31 May 2009 12:33

Four days until the finals. Whose everybody got? I think these are very even teams.

I'm going LA in 7

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 02 Jun 2009 06:24

BainbridgeShred wrote:Four days until the finals. Whose everybody got? I think these are very even teams.

I agree. I've been mulling it over, and I'm really not comfortable picking either team yet. I think what it will come down to is: can the Lakers defend Howard with single coverage? If they can, then I give the edge to the Lakers. And the Lakers have four players I could see them putting on Howard: Bynum, Gasol, Odom, and Mbenga. I'm not really sure any of them can stop him one on one, but at leas the lakers have enough depth at center that they won't have to worry about running out of fouls at that position. If the Lakers can contain Howard using single coverage, that should make it harder for the Magic to get as many threes.

On the other side of the court, the big question for me is whether or not Pietrus can limit Kobe's effectiveness.

All in all, it should be a fun series to watch, what with all the close matchups.

bdams19 · Post by **bdams19** » 02 Jun 2009 08:19

magic in 6

yes, i said it.

Post by **Zac Miley** » 02 Jun 2009 09:00

bdams19 wrote:magic in 6

yes, i said it.

That was my guess, but I only watched the conference finals.

Rieferman · Post by **Rieferman** » 02 Jun 2009 11:52

I'll feel really bad for Jameer Nelson if the Magic wins it all. Hell, I feel bad for him already - his breakout year ended up sucking for him. Missed the all star game, and then had to watch Skip become a solid playoff point grd.

Lakers will win this though. Let Dwight have his, lock down the rest, hit open shots.

bdams19 · Post by **bdams19** » 02 Jun 2009 13:47

I see the Magic jumping out to a quick lead taking the first few at home and then stealing one on the road. Bynum will predictably get into early foul trouble, resulting in a combo of Odom / Gasol to defend Dwight. They won't want Pau to get in foul trouble so they will start to double Howard in the low post and then he will start finding the open guy who will then swing it around when the help defense slides over for the open 3. I don't know who Kobe will be guarding, but I am guessing it will be Turkoglu and Ariza will be on Rashard Lewis.

The Lakers need to play strong defense in the post and force Dwight out to like ~10 feet when he has the ball (as in denying the entry and keeping him out of the lane) so he throws up those hideous jump hooks and midrange shots that brick off the backboard. I may eat my words, but the Magic look like a more complete team.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 04 Jun 2009 10:09

This is it! I've been waiting for this day for a year. LAKER PRIDE

slapdash21 · Post by **slapdash21** » 04 Jun 2009 12:23

losing to the magic>losing to the celtics.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 04 Jun 2009 20:18

Man Kobe got hacked on nearly every single drive.

Nice to see Jameer back and playing well.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 04 Jun 2009 20:20

Oh, and they need him, because since their second to last game with Cleaveland, Alston has been jacking up way to many three's and missing most of them. I remember the exact moment he started going cold. Now ALL the Magic have gone cold after shooting lights out against Cleaveland.

GO LA

bdams19 · Post by **bdams19** » 05 Jun 2009 07:12

WOOOOOF. Magic looked awful with Dwight a non factor. Bynum looks great on D.

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 05 Jun 2009 07:37

Yeah, but I'm not that worried yet. Let's look at it from the long view. From the overall series perspective:

1. Orlando really just is looking to split the first two games. They can still do this.
2. The Lakers played great at home. This is par for the course. Can the Lakers play this well in Orlando?
3. Orlando shooters were ice cold. This can't be the case in every game of the series.
4. Odom/Gasol/Bynum played well. This probably won't happen every game.

So while the Magic lost Game 1 and were blown out, I don't think it's the end of the world yet.

bdams19 · Post by **bdams19** » 05 Jun 2009 08:07

I also thought Jameer came out on fire dropping dimes but really cooled off... I think they realized that he is never going to shoot and gave him more space which destroyed his ability to create. His passes are not as crisp and a bunch of times came up short, which could be a good indicator that he is not ready to come back quite yet but is willing to put it all on the line for the finals. And who wouldn't? This was his best season ever and who knows if he'll ever make it back to the finals!

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 07 Jun 2009 14:38

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