Spurs-Suns

With the Spurs up 1-0 after winning in Phoenix, last night's game proved to be crucial for the Suns. After the last game Nash called out his teammates for lack of effort and urgency. Last night it looked to me as if the Suns played with a lot more enthusiasm, which translated to a better game overall.

Early on the Spurs showed why they are so good. Offensively they pushed the ball when given the opportunity, thus allowing Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen to get open looks. In addition, this allows Tony Parker to get to the hoop without having to worry about Shawn Marion hounding him. Without seeing Game 1, I don't know if Marion guarded Parker but it looked like a great idea last night. This also allows Steve Nash to guard Bruce Bowen. The Suns need Nash to be rested for their offensive execution. He can't guard Parker and run the entire offense.

San Antonio also showed early why they are so good defensively. They made a conscious effort to sprint back and limit Phoenix's early scoring opportunities. This effectively eliminates almost all of Marion's game and severly hampers Leondro Barbosa. Thus the Spurs led 25-19 at the end of the first quarter. Through this point, the Suns had not dunked once in the series. If you have ever watched Phoenix play, it is clear that Marion and Stoudamire thrive on the dunk in transition or through high pick and roll action with Nashsty Steve.

The Suns open the second quarter with a run in which they score three lay ups, one dunk, and a free throw. The game started to open up for Phoenix. With the Spurs ineffectiveness on offense (missed open shots, wrong people taking shots), the Suns had more opportunities with numbers going the other way. This continued into the third quarter. While Duncan went to work offensively scoring 15 straight points, no one else on San Antonio could do much of anything. Meanwhile the Suns began to figure out their half court offense.

Much of the second half featured the high pick and roll featuring Nash and Amare for Phoenix. San Antonio did a good job early in the game hedging on Nash (making him go up and around rahter than a straight line to the hoop or for a comfortable jumper), but failed after halftime. The Spurs either did not impede Nash, thus allowing him to shoot with ease or assist Amare rolling to the hoop, or they switched. When they switched the screen, the Suns did a magnificent job of recognizing it. Nash then had the advantage and hit the jumper or threw inside for an easy post up.

Stoudamire ended up shooting 10 of 16 from the field, with eight of those field goals coming on dunks or lay ins and they were all assisted. He can't score very well when you just throw the ball to him on the block and let him make a post move. Amare scores when he cuts hard to the hoop or rolls off a pick, which explains while all eight of those field goals were assisted by Nash (six - pick and roll) or Diaw (three - when they run offense through him and Amare cuts).

Steve Kerr pointed out early in the broadcast how Gregg Popovich's defense tries to take away one of the three things Nash does well. They said he either scores, passes out for threes, or passes to Amare for dunks. The Spurs always try to take away the threes, which they did again last night by not helping when Nash penetrates. And up until the 2nd quarter, they also took away the Amare dunks.

The Spurs will not be successful if Nash has 16 assists like he did last night. They must hedge and go under the pick and roll, forcing Nash to shoot. While he can definitely hit the shot, it is a better option than allowing the rest of the Suns to feel confident and get involved. That is how they are dangerous. Meanwhile on offense, the Spurs must run when given the chance. They completely stopped taking advantage of these opportunites. While you don't want to run with the Suns, you do want to run at times. Phoenix is not a great defensive transition team and Manu Ginobli and Parker are most successful when in the open court. The Spurs were too content to pound into Duncan in the half court and let everyone watch.

It will be interesting to see if the Suns can continue to run, play a dominant pick and roll, and have Nash roam freely to find open players or if the Spurs will adjust. Too bad the NBA likes to spread a series out as Game 3 is not until Saturday. Good thing Dana will be out of town. I mean, it doesn't matter, I watch whatever I want.

NBA Playoffs

As I was in Canada riding a bike all weekend, I missed out on the beginning of the NBA Playoffs Conference Semifinals. So my predictions will be a bit late, but you will just have to believe this would have been what I picked anyway.

In the first round, I went 7 of 8 as I missed out on the Golden State upset. Can't say I necessarily saw that coming. I also picked four players to break out. Here is how they did versus their season averages:

Devin Harris, DAL
Season: 10.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.7 apg
Playoffs: 13.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 5.0 apg

Leondro Barbosa, PHX
Season: 18.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.0 apg
Playoffs: 21.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.8 apg

Luol Deng, CHI
Season: 18.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.5 apg
Playoffs: 26.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.0 apg

Deron Williams, UTAH
Season: 16.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 9.3 apg
Playoffs: 16.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 8.4 apg

Williams put up 20 points and 14 assists in Game 7 against Houston. Barbosa played great in the Lakers series and Deng dominated Miami. I missed on Harris as no one played well for Dallas.

Here are my predictions for this round.

Utah (4) vs. Golden State (3)
It will be really hard for either team to win on the road. Golden State has the best crowd in the league right now and Utah plays so much better at home. Utah matches up much better than Dallas did. They can pound the ball inside to Boozer taking advantage of the mismatch if Jackson/Richardson guards him. Kirilenko can guard any of the Warrior players and Jerry Sloan is the best coach in the league. Utah will also pound the Warriors on the boards.

Phoenix (3) vs. San Antonio (4)
I love Phoenix. I hope they win. I just think San Antonio is going to win it all. They have a great defense, a dominant big man, and great role players. The winner of this series will win the NBA title.

Chicago (2) vs. Detroit (4)
Chicago does not go inside to anyone. They shoot jump shots all day. This works against Miami who did not play any defense. This will not work against a great defensive team like Detroit.

New Jersey (3) vs. Cleveland (4)
Time for LeBron to step it up. I have a hard time believing that Collins and Boone will stop the Big Z and Drew Gooden. New Jersey beat a "rookie" playoff team in the opening round. The lack of inside game will catch up to them as the jumpers stop falling. Unless of course they just throw alley-oops all game.

Playoff Action Live

Woke up just in time to watch the start of the Raptors and Nets. Thought about it a little longer and went back to sleep. Woke up again and decided with Dana out at a volunteer event, it would be a great day to have some McDonalds breakfast. Now I am eating candy and it is not 11 a.m. yet. Awesome.

Started watching the Nets-Raps at the end of the first half. Chris Bosh was sitting with two fouls. Jason Kidd was dominating. Although he walks like he is 87 years old. He runs fine, but he walks funny. Richard Jefferson had 15 at half and they were all on Kidd setting him up for dunks.

I can name maybe three Raptors. And with Bosh on the bench, I am searching for answers.

Ah yes, Andrea Bargnani. Wow, he looks like a serious Euro playa.

At halftime, Tracy McGrady yells at Steven A. Smith.

Tracy: "If we don't win the series, it is on me."

Steven: "Wait"

Tracy: "If we don't win, it is on me."

Steven: "Wait, wait, wait"

Tracy: "IF WE DON'T WIN, IT IS ON ME!!!"

Riveting.

Second half begins. Apparently the Raptors do have fans. Maybe because the Maple Leafs didn't make the playoffs? And the strip clubs aren't open yet? Apparently there a lot of strip clubs in Toronto. Gary Payton told me.

Anyway, the whole crowd is in red shirts. Is this the new trend? Miami had the whole White Out thing where eveyone wore white. Does anyone else think this is stupid? It is like they are trying to make it like college but they really can't. If they really want to make it like college, they should reserve a section in the middle of the court for all fans under 30. You have to be under 30 and you have to submit an essay or video on how you will help the hometown NBA team win. You have all the rich, boring stiff people sitting in the first couple rows. They don't know what to do. Just reserve one section. Guaranteed to have big results.

Vince Carter just picked up his third foul, then was called for a moving screen for his fourth foul in the 3rd quarter. Why? Why are they calling moving screens? It only makes sense if you call it consistenly. That is stupid.

Now Chris Bosh is going to work and so is TJ Ford. The Raps fans are pumped. OH CANADA!

The Nets answer back with a Jarron Collins tip in and a Kidd three. Jason Collins is such a loser. Why does he exist? Could one of the brothers worked on his perimeter game and the other one on his post game? Then they could have a procedure to combine their bodies and become the first Siamese twins in the NBA.

Seriously, Jason Collins scored one total point in the last ten games of the regular season. ONE POINT! And he played over 12 minutes in each game and in six of the games over 20 minutes. Seriously, Mikki Moore is out playing you Jason! The East is horrible. Absolutely disgusting.

The Nets are up 12 now, make that 14 as Jason Kidd is now stroking it.

The Raptors are playing Ford, Juan Dixon, and Anthony Parker together. That is some power.

Oh god, Josh Boone is in. I hate that guy. Seriously cut your hair. You look like a transvestite. Unless that is the look you are going for Josh, then more power to you.

It is 78-65 at the end of the third with the Nets leading. Sometimes I don't get NBA coaches. Or maybe it is the players.

The Raptors have Chris Bosh. The Nets big guys are Nachbar, Moore, Boone, and Collins. Read that again.

Give Chris Bosh the ball on the block.

Nope. Instead they are running and gunning. Throwing up wild shots. Which is what the Nets want to do. The pace needs to slow down for the Raptors to be successful. In addition, the Nets are simply working harder on the boards. Those big guys who should not be scoring are grabbing offensive rebounds and the Nets are converting with Vince Carter on the bench.

By the way, when did it become cool to wrap yourself in towels on the bench? NBA guys always put one around the shoulders and then one over the legs. Why does Vince need this? He is wearing tights. And he inside an arena full of people. How could he be cold? Why does this look cool?

Fourth quarter time. Let's see if Sam Mitchell is paying attention. The Nets are leading 42-14 for points in the paint. GIVE BOSH THE BALL.

Ok I changed my mind. They gave Bosh the ball and he shot a fadeaway off the block. What are you doing Chris? Be a fricking man. Next possession they run a pick and pop with Bosh. Calderon takes it to the hoop and misses. Third possession (after the Nets have Vince dribble for 12 seconds and then shoot with Kidd and Jefferson on the bench), the Raptors run a pick and roll and Bosh scores. And another Vince dribble, dribble, dribble, shoot.

The Raptors have the ball and the P.A. is playing "I'm Bringing Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake. Oh ok.

Just saw a hot pink sign that says "Wince Carter". Oh snap. He is shook.

Calderon hits a three. Jefferson misses and Calderon gets the board. Throws it ahead to Kris Humphries. I am looking for a lay in.

Humphries absolutely rams it and pulls himself up on the rim. What? Wow.

81-75 Nets. Now the Nets are just isolating Carter or Jefferson and shooting jumpers.

Bosh in the post. Two over Collins. By the way, Calderon's three was kicked out by Bosh after a post entry. Interesting how things change when you give the ball to Bosh in the post.

Vince leans into a defender in the air and gets a call. That is such a stupid foul. Bosh kicks out to Calderon. Three-cola!

Calderon to the hoop! Ivan you are nasty! Remember Ivan Calderon? He was sick. 83-82 Nets. Vince is shooting every time and looks awful.



Bosh gets fouled attacking the hoop. Down two. He is going to the free throw line.

Oh wow, another "Wince Carter" sign. So creative.

Vince is 4-18 right now. That makes me Wince Carter.

Bosh its one of two. 84-83 Nets.

Nachbar for three! What? What is going on? And they are calling him Poki Nachbar? Huh?

Oh good, the Raptors isolate Anthony Parker on the baseline and he shoots off the side of the backboard. Great decision. Just ignore Chris Bosh.

Yes, there is some creativity. Vince Carter bibs. I like it.

Nets up 88-83 with 1:49 left. The Raptors are now taking horrible shots and Bosh isn't touching the ball.

The crowd is chanting "Bulls**t". I think they mean "Bullsh**t eh".

The hoop microphone just picked up a fan yelling, "Vince you suck. Take the headband off". Man, they are good in Canada. I mean, where do they come up with this stuff?

Ray Allen just did a WNBA commercial. I am sad. He apparently has like a 13 year old daughter. Apparently that scene in "He Got Game", where Jesus goes to town with those twin blonde girls is dead on. JESUS!

Did some research. Apparently his daughter is 14. He is 32. Who knew? He has three kids and a fiance but no wifey. Ray Ray ain't shooting blanks. If he has 8 more kids, he will catch Shawn Kemp. Awesome.

Back to the game. Vince made a lay up. Now they are talking about how Vince is carrying the Nets. He has scored 8 points in the fourth on 2 of 7 shooting. Just because he is shooting and the Raptors are inept on offense does not mean VC is carrying the Nets.

Big three by Anthony Parker. 94-91 Nets with 12 seconds left.

Vince hits a free throw.

The red shirts many of the fans are wearing say, "Let's go red, Let's go Raptor". What? Who runs these teams? Can I get a job in the NBA please?

It should say, "Wear red as we drink Vince Carter's blood".

Vince misses the 2nd.

Let's go Raptor! Anthony Parker fadeaway airball three. Nets ball. Nice play.

Nets win 96-91. The announcer just said that Vince Carter played well in the 4th. He went 2 of 7 and missed at least two free throws.

He finished 5 of 19. Really shouldn't he just stick to this.

Its Fantastic!

With the NBA season concluded, it is time to look forward and look back just a little. The beloved hometown Sonics finally achieved something at the end of the year. They tanked almost perfectly.

Ray Allen went out with ankle issues and the Sonics followed by going 5-11. They actually won 4 out of 6, then did the full on tank job. Earl Watson (who apparently is Mexican? He is going to play for their national team this summer. Huh?) and Luke Ridnour both went down for the season and the Sonics lost 9 out of the last 10. Impressive.

I am still not sure why they decided to come back and win against Utah. Could have been a cool 0-10 stretch which would have tied them with Atlanta for 4th worst in the league. More ping pong balls that way.

Ah the ping pong balls. As a Sonics fan that is our “Medellin”. A chance to grab the #1 or #2 overall pick. What would #3 do? Nothing really. It is all about Oden or Durant. But Durant is all for show. Oden will help you win a championship. I am not even sure why there is debate about who to take. Here is a list of all the NBA champions in my lifetime courtesy of NBA.com.

2005-06 Miami Heat
2004-05 San Antonio Spurs
2003-04 Detroit Pistons
2002-03 San Antonio Spurs
2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers
2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers
1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers
1998-99 San Antonio Spurs
1997-98 Chicago Bulls
1996-97 Chicago Bulls
1995-96 Chicago Bulls
1994-95 Houston Rockets
1993-94 Houston Rockets
1992-93 Chicago Bulls
1991-92 Chicago Bulls
1990-91 Chicago Bulls
1989-90 Detroit Pistons
1988-89 Detroit Pistons
1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers
1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers
1985-86 Boston Celtics
1984-85 Los Angeles Lakers
1983-84 Boston Celtics
1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers
1981-82 Los Angeles Lakers
1980-81 Boston Celtics
1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers
1978-79 Seattle SuperSonics

The only possible teams that won a championship without a good big man were the back-to-back Pistons and the Chicago Bulls. Obviously Jordan changes everything.

But Dominique Wilkins, Tracy McGrady, Clyde Drexler, Vince Carter….where are their championships?

Unless you are ready to put Durant at the Jordan level, you have to take Oden. Even if he just does what Ben Wallace did for the Pistons (I think he will be better), it is worth it.

Speaking of NBA champions, the playoffs start tomorrow. Most people think it is really just a race out west with the winner between Phoenix, San Antonio, and Dallas. It is hard to disagree with that.

The Pistons could do something and the Bulls would be interesting, but the champ has got to come from the West. With that said, here are my predictions:

WEST
1. Dallas (4) vs. 8. Golden State (2)
A highly entertaining series to watch with Baron Davis trying to dunk on everyone. Plus Stephen Jackson might just kill someone. I think Devin Harris will frustrate Baron with his incredible on ball D. And Nowitski will score enough. Watch for Josh Howard to sprain his ankle, he seems to do that every other game.

2. Phoenix (4) vs. 7. Los Angeles (1)
I really don’t enjoy Kobe. He might win one game in this series though. Phoenix is just too much. Watch how much easier Nash makes the game for everyone; they just run around and look for open spots and he hits them. Love Barbosa by the way.

3. San Antonio (4) vs. 6. Denver (2)
Some people are picking Denver in the upset. Pretty sure there is no way that happens. Carmelo and AI both need the ball in their hands to play effectively. They can’t move without the ball well. And who else plays for Denver? Linas Kleiza, Nene? Spurs have too much still.

4. Utah (4) vs. 5. Houston (3)
McGrady and Yao should win this series. Except Tracy McGrady has been to the playoffs five times and never won a series. See you don’t win with wing players. They don’t give Yao the rock. Utah runs a great pick and pop and I love Deron Williams. Plus Jerry Sloan is an awesome coach. Utah wins.

EAST
1. Detroit (4) vs. 8. Orlando (1)
Don’t you think Orlando should just give Dwight Howard the ball every time down the court? Why don’t they? Detroit will win and bore us all. Chris Webber will be rewarded for being a douche in Philly.

2. Cleveland (4) vs. 7. Washington (0)
Horrible series. Washington could not be more boring now without Hibachi and Caron Butler. The only thing that could salvage it is the Cavs wearing the orange jerseys.

3. Toronto (3) vs. 6. New Jersey (4)
Vince Carter against the Canadians. Bill Simmons claims the Raptors fans care. Are there really Raptors fans? New Jersey probably wins, but I hope Chris Bosh dunks a lot. Man I hate the East.

4. Miami (2) vs. 5. Chicago (4)
Miami shouldn’t have won last year, but D-Wade took them on his back for a few games. And Shaq was the presence to prevent teams from keying on Wade. Although I am not sure why. The Bulls are fun with Ty Thomas hopefully dunking a lot and Ben Gordon shooting the highest arced shots ever.

I really like the NBA playoffs for the match ups and the changes coaches make over the course of a series. These non-superstar players will make a big impact in the first round:

Devin Harris
Leondro Barbosa
Deron Williams
Luol Deng

And draft Oden. Always.