(2011)-2012 NBA Season

[Dorian Thompson]

The Thunder will get by the Lakers. The Thunder bounces back well. They could have imploded any number of times last night, but they didn't. They'll be fine. It's not how much you win by, just that you win. The great ones find a way to win.

And God bless Boston for imploding like they did on the same day to take the focus off my Thunder in the press. With that epic collapse, a three point loss isn't news worthy. The Lakers' fans aren't posturing as much as I thought they would. A few of them even admitted that the shouts of "MVP!" from the crowd should have been for Crawford. No lie, that. Metta World Chaos kneed Westbrook when they were wrestling for the ball in the first half. No wonder he came up swinging and with a slightly higher pitched voice. All fuel for the fire tonight. Hee.

 

[gblews]

It's not how much you win by, just that you win.

Really?...

Okay, dispatched the Lakers easily by 29. I can deal with that.

I know people probably didn't expect much, so I doubt anyone is watching, but the Sixers just had a crazy comeback against the Celtics to tie the series 2-2. In addition, although last game was a blowout, the first two games were decided by a point each. This is actually a pretty fun series.

I am rooting hard for the Sixers. With Chicago out and Miami looking so shaky, the door is wide open for the Celts to make it to the Finals. I would rather NOT see that happen.

Nobody is stopping my Spurs this year, guys. They are healthy for the first time in years, they're hungry, and they no longer have Richard Jefferson dragging them down. It's going to be Indiana and San Antonio in the finals. Seeing Stern have an MI at the thought of two small markets dragging his ratings down will be entertainment itself.

The Spurs are looking great. Rooting for them in the event the Lakres are eliminated and that the Celts somehow sneak into the Finals. If that were to happen, the Spurs with their core's Finals experience, would likely keep Boston at 17 championships. I think the Lakers would beat them too though it would be a dog fight because of the teams' history. BTW, yeah, the Spurs are a sure fire ratings killer in the Finals and Stern will be pulling his hair out if the Pacers make it in too.

Hate to say it, but the Thunder still have to get by the Lakers, who appear to have found a formula for keeping it close. To me, it's almost a must-win for OKC tonight, psychologically speaking...

Though it technically is not a must win for the Thunder, it would be interesting to see how they might respond to unexpectedly going home tied at 2-2. For the Lakers it is, of course, a must win game. If they do win, it will reset the series back to 0-0 with the Thunder maintaining HCA if the series were to go 7.

Game 3 for the Lakers was also a must win and they managed to come through. But beating a team you are not clearly superior to, in a back to back situation is nearly impossible in the regular season. I can't imagine how tough it will be in the playoffs. In all my years of watching the NBA, I've don't recall ever seeing a back to back in the playoffs. The Lakers winning game 4 would be an upset of major proportions, and quite frankly, is not likely.

The Lakers will need to continue doing what they have been for the last 2 games, play tough D, rebound, and keep the game close at the end where the Lakers have been very good, particularly at home. I just want my team to play hard and smart, make it close at the end and let the chips fall where they may.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

Hey, just because I acknowledge that finding a way to win is the most key component of a great team as opposed to blowing out a team on the scoreboard doesn't mean I can't have fun when they do.

Do my eyes deceive me? Are the Spurs actually.....trailing? I'm afraid to let my heart rate go up in anticipation and tempt fate.

EDIT....you have got to be f'ing kidding me. They've erased a 20 point deficit on the road. I shouldn't complain. At least they had to sweat a little. You suck, Clippers. Perhaps a meteorite crashing into the Spurs locker room might slow them down. Other than a natural disaster, I don't think anything can stop them.

 

[Thestral]

Since I no longer have a dog in this fight, I'm hoping either of the Sixers or the Pacers (in that order) win the whole thing. Just to watch the NBA world try and figure that out.

 

[Borgminister]

The Spurs are a freaking machine. Loved Pop's comment about intentionally fouling Kenyon, him making his free throws, and then laughing at the Spurs bench.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

Oh good grief, not looking good so far for my Thunder. I'll be back tomorrow to take my medicine here if things go south. I need a drink.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

My hair is literally turning gray here.

How in the name of sweet Jesus did my Thunder win that game? My jaw is agape. Westbrook better send a sweet thank you note to Kobe for committing that last turnover and to Durant for making that three. Rumor has it that I may have cursed him when Russell coughed up the ball that last time.

Of course it doesn't matter because apparently San Antonio can win even if God is on the other team's side. You'd think the law of averages would catch up with them eventually. A bad day. A bad call. A twisted ankle. Something.

 

[Enterprise is Great]

Way to go Lakers...on your way to tying the series up and you guys go completely braindead in the last few minutes and wind up losing. FRAK!

 

[Borgminister]

Got to run more plays for Bynum. At his shooting percentage, he needs twice the touches.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

That would necessitate Kobe not being a selfish ass. Ergo, an impossible plan, you silly goose.

 

[Sheep]

These playoffs have been a riot to watch since I no longer have a horse in the race. Here's to hoping the Heat choke the big one again tomorrow. Not likely considering they'll be uber motivated to win but I would love to see Indiana win another one on their home court.

 

[Borgminister]

I could not believe the clearout for Kobe against Durant. How stupid was that? More minutes for Bynum--also a big freaking baby--and fewer for Kobe might've emphasized their advantage inside.

Prediction: LA in 7.

 

[Xevious]

LAL is done. They are too busy blaming each other for their troubles. And they actually know show to beat OKC. They'd be up 3-1 right now if not for huge choke jobs in the fourth quarter. The Spurs will have a little more .mental fortitude.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

I prefer to look at it as Oklahoma City not giving up and putting themselves in a position to win the game. If they packed it in and remained behind double digits in both those games, they wouldn't have been in a position to steal them. I didn't listen to any post game since I had to work since 6 am yesterday and was brutally tired. Did Kobe bitch that his teammates let him down again? I wouldn't be surprised. The guy is a first rate ass. Always has been. Nobody outside of LA likes him.

 

[Xevious]

^ Kobe was bitching that Gasal was playing too soft, Bynum was bitching that his teammates stopped looking for him once OKC starting fronting, and Artest was just bitching.

You make a good point about OKC staying within striking distance though. OKC and SA will be a fun, close series. The winner of the west wins the title IMO.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

Now that's a statement I agree with. I look at the western finals as the de facto NBA championship this season now that Miami is basically toast. I don't dislike San Antonio--it's just that they're in my Thunder's way. I'm sure you understand.

San Antonio and OKC have the same business model; that's why their series will be such a point of interest to anyone who really knows NBA basketball. Sam Presti was involved in SA for so long that they're practically the same organization as OKC. Not many people realize that. You do, I'm sure, but many don't. Both teams were built up the right way. That's why they're successful in this way this year. That's why they have personnel who aren't primadonnas, stars, or brands. Both teams' personnel want to work together as teammates--even the mercurial Mr. Westbrook. He's maligned a great deal, but Russell didn't drag out his contract negotiations this year to go to another team where he could be the headliner. He knows where his bread is buttered; he wanted to stay with the Thunder and got his contract done quickly. He has an ego, but he hasn't let it get in the way. He likes Kevin, no matter how much the national media tried to imply otherwise. That's why they appear together as the dork twins in post games.

Kobe and Gasol would never do that. Kobe's such a little bitch and he takes himself way too seriously. Even Metta is calmer than Kobe (elbows aside) in the post game. That says a great deal.

 

[1001001]

Fucking Lakers.



Not much else to say...

 

[Borgminister]

Wonder where Pao will be playing next year?

 

[Xevious]

Doesn't he have two years left on his contract? He's also expensive. I doubt the Lakers get equal value for their return with the way he has played this season.

 

[Xevious]

Double post... damn phone.