Irish Warriors Eastern Conference Preview

The next few weeks will see a ton of media outlets like magazines, ESPN and other sports networks, TV analysts and bloggers give their take on the Preview of both Eastern and Western Conference. Therfore I'll ttry to keep mine brief and related to the Warriors as much as possible. In no particular order

Boston Celtics

Even though the Celtics did little to improve this offseason well aside from getting POB they still are the team to beat in the East. Even with losing Posey it's still hard to gauge them not making the Finals this year

V the Warriors in 07-08 1-1 During their early road trip last year right when Stephen Jackson just came back the Warriors were blown out 108-82. They redemmed themselves however with a thrilling buzzer beater win in the Roracle in February 119-117.

V the Warriors in 08-09 Like last year it's one of the early games on the schedule November 26 in Boston but unlike last year they meet right after Christmas day December 26th. Needless to say more then likely their won't be a 1-1 record against the Celtics this year.

Celtic connections Leon Powe who's from the Bay Area was passed on by the Golden State Warriors in favour of the immaculate Kosta perovic who's trying to save his career in Spain. Also worth noting that Don Nelson isn't just remembered for being a Hall Of Fame coach but his lucky shot he hit against the Lakers in game 7


Detroit Pistons With the Pistons renowned for the Eastern Conference failing Dumars the Pistons president tried to package a Billups and Rasheed Wallace trade to the Warriors but Mullin turned him down. Dumars even with his roster ageing still vowed to stay on

V the Warriors in 07-08 2-0. When Jackson was out the Warriors blew a 15 point 2nd qaurter lead to push their record to 0-5. They were hammered in Auburn hills in the return

V the Warriors in 08-09 The Warriors host the Pistons on the 13th november before going to Motown on the 6th of March

Pistons Connections One of their assistant coaches Dave Cowens formerly coached the Warriors in 2001-2002 see Dirty Dozen part 2.



Philadelphia 76ers The addition of Brand puts the 76ers right back in Eastern Conference contention this year.

V the Warriors in 07-08 0-2 Despite an OT squeaker in Philly the Sixers were one of the few Eastern Conference teams where they din't have any problems

V the Warriors in 08-09 The Warriors travel to Philadelphia on November 23 and then host the Sixers on 20th March

Sixers Connections Elton Brand was heavily linked with going to Golden State after Davis departed but the move never happenned. The failure of not getting Brand and deciding to pursue Maggette more heavily will haunt the Front office for years to come



Cleveland Cavalliers Nervous times in Cleveland since LeBron has made noise about moving to Brooklyn when the Nets relocate there. The failure of Mike Brown to coach a decent game and the lack of any decent second scoring option to go alongside LeBron means they will be hard pressed to repeat last years success.

V the Warriors in 07-08 1-1. Second game in Cleveland was memoorable for Nellie's refusal to bring off his starters even when they were comfortably ahead. This year Nelson won't have to worry.

V the Warriors in 08-09 The Dubs head to Cleveland on the second last game of a huge 6 game road trip during November and then host the Cavs on Janaury 23rd. Not expecting much for the opener in Cleveland such will be the tired legs

Cavs connections Bill Musselman's (former Cleveland coach) son Eric Musselman was coach of the Warriors during the dirty dozen years and turned out to be one of the better coaches. Keith Smart also served as interim coach for a couple of months


Orlando Magic Pietrus!. The only upgrade the Magic have made thid offseason and it should be interesting to see how much Van gundy will develop his Defensive instincts.

V the Warriors in 07-08 1-1 the Warriors having one of their few controlled performances in Orlando which meant they had swept Florida teams for the first time since the 1994-1995 season

V the Warriors in 08-09. Orlando first at home in December 15th before heading to Florida a week later. Fortunately they don't have the Miami party distraction to worry about since they head there the very next night.

Magic connections Surprisingly a few. Mickael Pietrus and Adonal Foyle are more then likely enjoying the Florida sunshine or in Foyle's case working on Democracy matters. For some reason Orlando is a hotbed for Golden State washed ups!


Toronto Raptors They made a neutral tracde getting rid of TJ Ford for injury prone Jermaine O Neal but this moves Jose Calderon to the starting point guard spot, a big upgrade over Ford.

V the Warriors in 07-08 0-2 Both nondescript wins but still essential. One of them was the East Coast earky road swing where the Raptors shot 2-20 in the 4th quarter

V the Raptors in 08-09 Second game of the season they make the long journey to Toronto before hosting the Raptors in the second last game of 2008

Raptors connections One time when Isiah Thomas actually knew what he was doing he was part of the Warriors trade that sent BJ Armstrong to Oaktown for Carlos Rogers and Victor Alexander.Arguably the most neutral trade ever such is the lack of talent.


Atlanta Hawks The Hawks have put themselves back into the Playoff contention by making the Bibby trade an experienced 31 year old PG who has a been there done that mentality.

V the Warriors in 07-08 1-1. An embarassing loss (in a long list of them) at home followed by a ridiculous 135-115 shootout in Hotlanta in the Warriors favour

V the Warriors in 08-09 Like last year the Warriors visit Atlanta on December 19th (fortunately the have two days rest to prepare for it) and then host the Hawks on January 16th.

Hawks connections Speedy Claxton part of the Baron Davis trade is now at backup PG here. Mark Price one of the assistant coaches also was a player during the 1996-1997 season. I could also talk about the strong music connections both cities have but thats for another day



Miami Heat What to make of the Heat and Pat Riley. riley os one of those characters that has to get involved in any way possible. In 2003 when the Heat made the Playoffs with rookie head coach and a roster featuring a talented, multi-faceted small forward, an aging but tough center, a terrific shooting guard and one of the most promising rookies in the NBA. The rookie coach makes the Playoffs but then Rikey takes over. With Erik Spolesta in charge will this be the same scenario again?

V the Warriors in 07-08 0-2 The Warriors like many other teams in the East played down to the Heats strenghs but won in OT during December. Then in March where Heat fans started thinking about Beasley or Derrick Rose the Warriors hammered them 134-99

V the Warriors in 08-09 Warriors host Miami first on the 1st of November before heading to South Beach December 23rd.

Heat connections Tim Hardaway a formal integral part of the Run TMC Offense played in Miami and was named to the all second NBA team in the 1998 season. Ronny Seiklaly who played briefly for the Dubs also played here



Charlotte Bobcats Larry Brown is the type of NBA coach who has a knack of putting mediocre teams in the spotlight was his coaching job in 2004 with the Pistons. He now has the chance of coaching an injury prone but defintely talented team and doing the same thing

V the Warriors in 07-08 1-1. Richardson looked completely overwhelmed and had a terrible game as the Warriors beat the Bobcats handily but in Charlotte unfortunately he found his game and had a 42 point game in the Warriors 2nd worst loss to an Eastern Conference team last season

V the Warriors in 08-09 This time the schedule has been reversed. TheWarriors go to Charlotte on December 20th and then don't host Charlotte until February 27th.

Bobcats connections Obviously there's the Richardson trade which Mullin must be regretting by noiw such is the shortage of quality Point Guards. Larry Brown also apparently is close friends with owner Chris Cohan.


Washington Wizards Ah yes the Wizards. Who in gods name thought it was sensible forking out 117 million for a shoot first Point Guard. Throw in injuries to Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood and the Wizards might struggle to repeat the playoffs.

V the Warriors in 07-08 0-2. In one of the most sensational comebacks by the Warriors in sometime they overcame a Roger Mason J.R career game and came back from 25 down to beat Washington. If that was a game that symbolizes what I love and hate about Nellieball this is it


V the Warriors in 08-09 Warriors travel to Washington the 25th of November before hosting them on January 19th

Wizards connections Needless to say Arenas and Jamison once played for us. Needless to say even though Arenas is injury prone based on the current state of the Guard position boy could the Warriors do with him now.


Chicago Bulls The decision by Paxson not to pursue a Garnett for Deng trade means the Bulls will be non contenders for a few years now.

V the Warriors in 07-08 1-1. Only in Golden State would an injury affected Bulls team walk into Oakland and defeat them rather easily on national TV

V the Warriors in 08-09 Warriors host the Bulls on November 21st before heading to Chicago on March 4th

Bulls connections Nothing aside from the fact that strangely ESPN and TNT seem to think this is a matchup worth watching. The last two seasons all four ,atchups have been screened. Fortunately for this year both networks have come to the conclusion this one for a change isn't worth watching.


Milwaukee Bucks Scott Skiles is one of those control freak coaches who won't settle for the medicocrity that Bucks fans have had to endure but with no bench and trying to rely on Mo Williams as a second scorer to Redd isn't going to cut it.

V the Warriors in 07-08 0-2. Both blowout wins. One of the few bad teams the Warriors beat handily

V the Warriors in 08-09 The Warriors host the Bucks on December 10th before going to Milwaukee on March 7th

Bucks connections Brian Winters the ill fated Warriors coach played his pro days here and was actually a decent Centre. The most obvious is Don Nelson who started his concept of Point Forward here and had seven seasons with 50 wins.


New York Knicks Does Mike D'antoni know what he's gotten himself into?. Does he know Chris Duhon was the only addition to the Knicks this offseason. What has he gotten himself into

V the Warriors in 07-08 0-2. The Warriors were a bad 4th quarter away from an embarassing loss but witheld and came away with an uninspiring win

V the Warriors in 08-09 The Warriors conclude their massive 6 game road trip at the end of November in New York and then host the Knicks on the 10th of February.

Knicks connections In one of his better articles from last year Bill Simmons the only decent writer on ESPN.com wrote that there are two special sets of fans in the NBA Warriors and Knicks




New Jersey Nets You know you are in trouble when Devin Harris the starting Guards of the Nets gets beaten one on one by a fan. Trading Richard Jefferson was costly but neccessary as the Nets are in rebuilding mode ahead of the Brooklyn move

V the Warriors in 07-08 1-1. The Warriors haven't won in New Jersey for more then ten years now .

V the Warriors in 08-09 And they have an early shot at ending this streak by going to New Jersey on November 1st before hosting the Nets on March 11.


Indiana Pacers The Pacers are going to be downright awful this season, next season and probably the season after that because of the hideous Murphy contract.

V the Warriors in 07-08. Could well have been 2-0 but they surrnded a 19 point firrst quartr lead before losing. They did get revenge in Indiana though in one of the worst Warrior 4th quarter performances ever

V the Warriors in 08-09 The Dubs commence a 6 game road trip in Hoosier state and then host the DunMurphy sisters on January 11th

Pacers connections. Numerous. After the DunMurphy trade Mullin also played two seasons in Indiana

The Warriors will finish 9th

according to ESPN's offseason rankings. Soon I shall be writing up an NBA preview probably two week before the season starts and will look at what the Golden state blogs and sites wwill be saying about the potential of the 08-09 Warriors as well. Unlike most sites however the best thing about the accuracy of these ranking is it's based on what all the ESPN NBA staff think about the potential of the Warriors. For example they have Portland making the postseason which is obviously unaminously agreed on by the likes of Adande etc.

To be honest I think the 39-43 record they have us achiieving is very optimistic considering we're an extremely young team that has lost it's court leader during the offseason and whose best player is gonna be a out for a good chunk of the season. Then again 39 wins would be an achievement for a team that just two years ago were thinking on ways to build on their postseason success after the 2006-2007 season. oh how times change.

Denver would possibly be a team to drop out of the Western Conference as would Dallas. Yes Rick Carlisle has proved he's a decent head coach but the Kidd trade like last season won't improve them in the longterm. If anything I wouldn't be surprised if they miss the playoffs but that won't happen probably. More then likely for the first time during the famous Rasheed Wallace era the Trailblazers will be back in the postseason and afer seeing Rudy Fernandez flush it down on Howard and Jereed bayless have a decent Summer League ESPN may very well be right

Golden State Warriors 2008-2009 Schedule released

The schedule of the 2008-2009 NBA season was released today and from a Warriors perspective there were mixed news. From the opener against the New Orleans Hornets to the closer against the Phoenix Suns you could say compared with last years the differences are pretty notable.

Opener We open up against the Hornets which is a rough opener to the season especially against Chris Paul. On the other hand our next few games would be a little easier Nets away, Grizzlies home and away, Denver at home followed by the Kings away and finally Minnesota at home. Point being no excuses for an 0-6 start this year. Alas the road trip part is a bummer 24 of the first 38 games will be at an opposing teams arena. If Monta has a tough stick it to em mentality the Warriors could be a decent road team.

China I guess the NBA's attempts to popularize the sport are going Asian. The Warriors play two preseason games in China though after hosting the Olympic Basketball attempts that contains the best from the NBA I don't see why the NBA is furthing events there when Irish viewers have no means of access to watching the games. But hey thats the NBA for you!. However I guess the only benefit of these trips would be giving many players a culture surprise even though none would probably display the ignorance of one West Brom Footballer who said upon visiting the Great Wall "Seen one wall seen them all"

National TV I'm sure Charles barkely had a say in the Warriors broadcast this year as the Warriors were almost shafted by the TNT crew. They still have had 8 national TV games 7 ESPN 1 TNT but it seems pretty low compared to last years.

Circle your Calendars Should Greg Oden remain healthy what a treeat it will be to watch him play. His first trip to the East bay with Portland is November 18th, I don't feel too strong about Dunleavy and Murphy making their retuen but it's the 11th January, Pietrus comes here December 15th not that anyone cares, A nice little dual matchup awaits us January 23rd with Le Bron James and the Cavs followed by Baron Davis's return to the Bay Area two days later. Right after Christmas day come the Boston Celtics.

Last game Normally the last game is a hundrum affair. But unless rennovations to Phoenix's US Airways Centre are happenning at the 15th April why is it that the Warriors are playing at the Staples Center?

Warriors 2008-2009 Season Schedule

Olympic Basketball Preview

My original idea of compiling reports on all the 2008 Beijing Olympic Basketball participants sadly came to and end simply because these reports take a lot of time to compile and as of right now I do not have such energy. So I decided to cut it down and just focus on the main country that everyone will be paying attention to a country that is looking for payback after the 6th place World championship finish in 2002, A Bronze medal in 2004 at the Athens Olympics and a truly dissapointing loss to Greece in the 2006 World Championships. Everyone knows who they are Team USA.

Ever since they suffered the travesty of the loss in 1972 to the then Soviet Union USA Basketball was on a roll including the Dream Teams. Actually one of the few things International Basketball and the NBA have in common would be good shooters and Centers. The 1992 Dream team featured centers David Robinson and Patrick Ewing to go along with shooters Chris Mullin and Larry Bird. In 1994, centers Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning were joined by shooters Reggie Miller and Mark Price, In 1996, Dream Team The Sequel featured three centers in Robinson, O'Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon and shooters Miller and Mitch Richmond whilst in 2000 arguably our worst Gold medal team had the shooters in Ray Allen, Allan Houston and Steve Smith, but only one center in Mourning.

And yet with all the attention Coach K and the staff have given to the preparation of this team the real embarassment lies in the fact we only have one Center Dwight howard. Because of the five foul rule having an extra Center is neccessary for extra security and the allowance for tipping in shots still touching the rim. Most international teams have a zone yet Michael Redd is the only pure shooter out there. (Melo, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Tayshaun Prince) and point guards (Jason Kidd, Deron Williams and Chris Paul are all talented in their unique way but if you want Toughness and hard nosed play a prequisite for international ball you take Chauncey Billups. Rather then take Prince why not take Stoudemire a bruising Power Forward. Inclusions like that virtually gurantee gold.

Just to virtually sum up my feeling as to how I don't think the US is guranteed gold one bit ESPN's Chris Sheridan

Porous defense, inside and outside. Abysmal 3-point shooting. Bad free-throw shooting. Sloppiness with the ball."

...and...

"They need to play smarter, they need to play better, and they need to get a grip on the fact that there are going to be nights when mistakes, hubris and failed defensive execution are going to put them in grave danger."

Against teams like Angola or even the Chinese they probably will get away with the One on one Basketball they employ. But against teams like spain or Argentina the question is will they do the same tactic?

Artest a Rocket

ESPN have reported Ron Artest has been traded to the Rockets for Bobby Jackson, Donte Green and a 2009 number 1 Draft pick. Artest was a guy that to this day I feel the Warriors should have pursued more heavily especially when he was available before the trade deadline but sadly was ignored as the common mistake of sititng lazily and the webber acqusition meant the Warriors would have ahard time getting back to the Playoffs. Throw in the addition of Brent Barry to spread the floor and Houston, if healthy, might be a top three team in the West meaning it will be another team the Warriors will find it difficult to beat.

Since being promoted to head GM in May of 2007,the Rockets GM Darly Morely hired Rick Adelman as coach, traded second round pick Sasha Kaun for second rounder Carl Landry, traded Vassilis Spanoulis and a future second rounder for Luis Scola, signed Dikembe Mutombo, extended Luther Head, signed Brent Barry and traded for ron Artest while giving away Donte Green who will turn out to be a decent player whilst adding 2 million in salary cap.

Even though this has been a C+ offseason it seems the Houston Rockets are now one of the teams the Warriors could learn from when trying to rebuild for a better future

The NBA's clean Up operation

Believe it or not but this guy will be more important then Stern next year

Never mind the controversial dress code, The Sonics moving to Oklahoma or the image problem the real problem that is facing the NBA is officating. Because of the Donaghy scandal and the accusations that game 6 between the Lakers and the Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals was fixed the League has been pressurised into making steps to avoid this. Just a few days ago they took their first steps by hiring retired 2 Star General, Ronald L. Johnson. For a sport that on it's way to becoming like WWE hiring a guy who's served his country. His title is Senior Vice President, Referee Operations, and it’s probably safe to say that this ‘Army of One’ will not only ‘Be All He Can Be,’ but when it comes to the integrety of the game he’ll follow the Army motto, “This we’ll defend.”

His first job is to most importantly convice the NBA Players that corruption doesn't exist not easy when you have Doug Christie speaking out against it.

I am devastated to the point of feeling physically sick! Not just for myself, but for my teammates (who put their true heart and soul on the line), the fans in Sacramento (and worldwide) and the players out there on the floor right now. What’s “real” and what’s fake? So many and so much has been effected by these turn of events, not to mention that the fans didn’t get a chance to see the “true champions

Well said. NBA officiating has always been a difficult prospect simply because the quick nature of the sport means the Umppire only has a few seconds to make a call. Yet something is wrong when the Celtics have a 38-10 Free throw advantage in the NBA finals, Something is wrong when a Playoff game was supossedly rigged in the Lakers favour just for ratings. While no accusations have arisen in the NFL or MLB the officating is questionable as well and the prospect of a general being hired to solve the NBA crisis can only help these other sports.

The first step he took was to shake up his office was by restructuring the Referee Operations Department. Bernie Fryer will be the Vice President and Director of Officials, Joe Borgia will be the Vice President, Referee Operations, and Ronnie Nunn will be the Director of Development. Here’s how the NBA defines their roles:

“

Fryer, who served as the NBA’s Assistant Director of Officials and Crew Chief Coordinator during the 2007-08 season, will be responsible for the day-to-day management and on-court performance of NBA referees, reporting to Senior Vice President of Referee Operations, Ron Johnson. Borgia, who has served for the last four years as the league’s Director of Officiating Programs and Development, will be responsible for administering all other aspects of the officiating program, including recruiting, training programs, team communications and oversight of the D-League and WNBA officiating programs, also reporting to Johnson. Nunn, who served as the NBA’s Director of Officials for the past five seasons, will be responsible for the teaching and development of the NBA’s less-experienced referees and the transition of referees from the D-League to the NBA, reporting to Fryer.“

One hopes that whenever Shaq or any other center plays good defense they won't get called for a phantom call, Perhaps Kobe or Dwayne Wade will get called for travelling a little more?. Either way the NBA's rush to fix a problem that could have ruined the League for years is a step in the right direction

Sonics move to Oklahoma

Yesterday Oklahoma played their first game outside of Seattle in a Summer League contest. Never mind the 95-78 loss to the Pacers just like that Seattle a town rich in Hoops history but unlike Oakland also had to deal with the fact that the Sonics were also the 3rd most popular team behind the seahawks and Mariners who unlike the Sonics had no problems getting new teams as judged by the fact they were ranked a dismal 28th in the ESPN NBA Attendences record. Of course the irony of all this was the last game the Sonics played when they were still in Seattle was a 126-121 win over the Warriors. No doubt the Sonics move is the greatest scandal in NBA history not Donaghy, not the Brawl at the Palace, not even the Fisher Flop, but the death of the Seattle Supersonics.

Much like the way the Colts were dangled from Baltimore Seattle were torn from a city with 40 years of history that still wanted. Fortunately Seattle keeps the team record so that the famous memories of the Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and the 1979 Championship will not be taken away. But unlike some cities credit should go to Seattle for holding firm on it's arena demands believing the money could be better spent elsewhere. . I love Golden State but even I would doubt spending the planned millions on say if the Oracle arena was to be rennovated would take priority over the welfare of a city. Unforuntately thats what Seattle was doing.

But as demonstrated should the Warriors move to St Louis or any other City without an NBA team the passions of the Warriors for me would dissolve. The team would become no longer a daily fabric of my life. Much like other entertainment a team is just something you watch as part of a fun. You go to the Arena have a fun time, and forget about them when they leave. Sport teams are entertaiment but with the expansion and departure owners are now convincing us that there's simply more to it then that. By endorsing affairs like the Sonics’ departure, they risk bursting that bubble — not just for Sonics’ fans, but for the league as a whole and as a result create unwarranted paranoia.

For me the main culprit in all this is Starbucks owner Schultz. Even though he's one of the richest people in the US he simply sold the Sonics because they were losing money because of the low attendences Key Arena was getting. Obviously thats not a problem no businessman would keep a Franchise that was making a loss but with the benfit of hindsight did he actually believe Bennett would keep the team in Seattle rather then sell to a local businessman who had better intention. That was the killer for Seattle fans.

And lastly this team will do great in Oklahoma. Using NFL examples the Ravens a few years after playing in Cleveland won the Superbowl as well as the St Louis Rams (Played in Los Angeles). Moreover, the NBA has been quite successful in markets where they are the only game in town, such as Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio and Orlando.

Here's hoping that never happens to Golden State anyway!

Leon Powe and Game 2 of the NBA finals

Believe it or not but as far back as January I wrote a post about Leon Powe and how we should use the 2.1 Ike diogu now expired trade exception. At the time he seemed out of favour with the Celtics and unable to get any playing time.

Fast forward to June and in game 2 seemingly with Boston's homecourt advantage on the line he then proceeds to come off the bench and score 21 with the Celtics looking every bit the deserved winners. Even though I hate all things Boston and rejoiced when the Pats choked their regular season down the drain I still feel a certain affinity for the Celtics partly because a large part of their roster has Bay Area connection Powe (Oakland Tech + Cal), Eddie House (Hayward High), and Paul Pierce (born in Oakland) means I feel a connection to them thats simply non existant in our state rivals. Or maybe it's to do with my irishness!

Powe Steps up for Celtics ESPN
Don't dismiss Powe because Lakers Defense sucks AOL Fanhouse
Leon Powe flexes Muscles smacks Lakers- Emptythebench.com
You always gotta put a body on Leon Powe Deadspin

Update Didn't feel like starting up a new post for what isn't major news but it looks like the Warriors attempts to after Yi provoked "great laughter" throughout the office. Not that they don’t like Yi as a player, but they weren’t manuevering that day to get Yi. It also must be noted that if the Warriors really are desperate for Yi, according to my first-hand experience with them, they would probably say they ARE NOT trying to trade for him. The reality is, you just never know what Chris Mullin’s thinking."

Inside the Warriors report

NBA Playoffs: Day 18

While three of the four matchups in the second round are already underway, there remains a lone 7 game series that has yet to begin. And this series is arguably going to be the most entertaining of them all. (I know… we’ve said that about pretty much every matchup this postseason.)

But who can resist the powerhouse that is the Celtics versus the powerhouse that is LeBron? (I think he has some other guys playing with him as well…) Did Atlanta expose some serious chinks in Boston’s armor that the Cavs will be looking to exploit? Will the Celtics get over their inability to win outside of their house?

It’s all starting tonight. Witness for yourself.

We are all witnesses

G1: (4) Cleveland Cavaliers @ (1) Boston Celtics (Series tied 0-0)

Simple (KG + RayRay + Paulie)Home Court > LeBron

NBA Playoffs: Day 17

I'm all for the East Coast version of We Believe but seriously what was that Atlanta. Only 10 points in the 2nd quarter sigh. Still mad props for doing what no one thought they could do putting up a fight and installing a We Believe T-Shirt in their Locker room. Onto the seond round offically



Doc Rivers is arguably one of the worst coaches in the Postseason.



G2: (3) Orlando Magic @ (2) Detroit Pistons (Pistons Lead 1-0)

The Pistons had no fight from the Magic in game 1 Howard having one of his rare off nights. I perdixted before hand this could be an interesting series possibly going 6 in Detroits favour but now I'm reconsidering. There ar far too many mismatches for Orlando when Howards' in the middle. Rasheed Wallace Theo Ratliff and McDyess could easily hold Howard down. Detroit take game 2 and the series.

G2: (3) San Antonio Spurs @ (2) New Orleans Hornets (Hornets Lead 1-0) Looks like the Spurs have found their match. The Hornets did an amazing job containing Duncan with their double team . I was a big proponent of having BD on the cover of 2k8 this year, but after CP3's performance that man deserves it. This will be a much tigeter contest in New Orleans favour

NBA Playoffs: Day 16

Wouldn't it be great if the Snores (Sorry Spurs) were done early. Last night showed an air of vulnerability about them as David west and Chris Paul beat up on them in Game 1. Detroit pretty much did the same to Orlando the only thing really noticable to a Magic fan is JJ Reddick actually got some playing time. Woot!. Anyway read on for some short perdictions.

G7) Hawks at Celtics (Series tied 3-3): The Hawks have exceeded expectations by getting this far but it's too much to see them dethroning the Celtics at game 7. Doc rivers may be the most clueless coach in the League but Hotalanta's inability to play Defense means a blowout Celtics win.

(G1) Jazz at Lakers (Series 0-0): The Lakers look like a well oiled machine with a smooth offense with basically no faults. Whether they will get undone later on is the million dollar question but Gasol is indestructible, The current MVP is at the top of his game and Fisher is itching to get a shot at the former fans who booed him on his return. Lakers take game 1

NBA Playoffs: Day 15

I've watched at least 7 straight seasons of NBA Bsketball. In none of them have I seen a season so fascination and compelling as this one. Lets face it. Right after the Tim Donaghy scandal the NBA needed a unbelievable season to lift the gloom and by god has this one delivered. We've had teams come out of nowhere like the New Orleans Hornets, We've had an unbelievably competitive Western Conference Playoff Race where even a 48 win team misses out. We've had a star studded Boston Celtics team being taken to the limit by a Atlanta Hawks team, There have been some ridiclous trades Shaq to Phoenix , Gasol to the Lakers for Kwame Brown, Garnett to the Celtics for nobody. You get the drift. What a season.

But seriously Deshaun Stevenson and his stupid antics must be licking his wounds. He's had three straight years of being knocked out by the Cavs and LeBron James did it again while he had 3rd playoff triple double with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists to lead the Cavs past the Wizards and close out the series 4 to 2. My attention though is on the Boston Atlanta series.. I don't know if the Hawks are the new Warriors but they have the Celtics and the hope of one City pinning on one game. The Pats didn't win Superbowl 42 so therefore the big 3 have gotta start scoring on Sunday otherwhise Atlanta will have the biggest upset in Playoff history. Go Hawks!.


Garnett has to start scoring otherwhise the Celtics could be going home

I feel sorry for T-Mac. I've always liked the guy and an unfortutnate fact of life is he'll have to go through so many critiscm from the Hosuton and mainstream media following the Rockets elimation to the Jazz. McGrady was simply fabulous having a near Triple Double of 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists but when Rafer alston goes down early you're effectively done. Jazz move on to face Kobe and the Lakers on Sunday in what was for me the anticicpated Double Header in a long time.

G4: (3) Orlando Magic @ (2) Detroit Pistons (series tied 0-0)

You can't perdict the winner of this series. but it's anyones game Playing in the rowdy Piston’s home court, I’m looking to see Dwight, Lewis, and Turk have a nice series against Billups, Hamilton, and Wallace. This series is anyones really.

G3: (3) San Antonio Spurs @ (2) New Orleans Hornets (series tied 0-0) This will be a series to remember. I’m first in line for the matchup bandwagon of Parker vs. CP3. Not a fan of either teams, but I’m definitely hoping this will be a great series and fun to watch. The Hornets keep surprising me after every game so I guess I can’t expect anything less, even though I peg the Spurs to go to the finals.

NBA Playoffs: Day 14

It's funny but yesterday when Jay Z released his Blow the whistle song it really did show how far Hip Hop has declined particulary the differences of the Kurtis Blow hit Basketball I posted and that.Where is the love for the game??? And people wonder why hip-hop is dead. But anyway.

The second round is almost here! Philly's gone fishing after getting blasted last night. I guess Detroit can turn it on whenever they want to against sub-par teams. I have to give props to Philly though for hanging in there for so long. Nobody gave them a chance (rightfully so) but they hung in there and woke up Detroit from their first round playoff slumber. Detroit just dominated them in the final 2 games though. Maybe Philly was the spark to get Detroit back into title contention status. Those games against Superman aka Dwight Howard and Orlando will be a lot of fun to watch.

Will T-Mac still be around after tonight?

G6: (4) Cleveland Cavaliers @ (5) Washington Wizards (Cavs lead 3-2)

It was the miracle of miracle's LeBron James buzzer beater rimmed out in game 5. It won't be a miracle tonight as the Cavs book their second round place




G6: (1) Boston Celtics @ (8) Atlanta Hawks (Celtics lead 3-2)


Is this the end for the atlanta Hawks? Do their bandwagon fans know that this is a best of 7 series? I'm picking the Celtics, but Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have proved to everyone that they're the real deal.



G6: (5) Houston Rockets @ (4) Utah Jazz (Jazz lead 3-2)


I didn't think this series would last more than 4 games, but if the Rockets can pull off a miracle tonight, we go to an "anything can happen" game 7. This is the game I'm most interested in watching. I just want to see TMac do well. Unfortunately, I think Utah closes it out tonight.

NBA Playoffs: Day 13

So what about those Wizards. Never mind the rare LeBron buzzer beater missed or caron Butler having a career Playoff high the real postgame story was this.

“Miss this shot, make it interesting and let’s take this thing back to D.C.”

Needless to say Lebron bowed to Caron's demands missed a 5 footer in the Lane on the last shot of the game and Washington stole one in Cleveland now going back home in game 6. James was unbelievable with 34 points and 10 assists but when it counted a rarity occured. He fell short.

He can throw it down and put players off when the games's on the line. Just what can he not do

Oh and those pesky Celtics. In game 5 they ran the Hawks in a comforatble 110-85 victory meaning the eyes of the upset pursuits will be in Atlanta for game 6. If the Hawks win this one game 7 will approach the magnitude of Superbowl 41 where an enitre city which once dreamed of titles in all 3 Sports could be dashed assunming the Hawks cause the biggest upset in Playoff history. It won't happen just throwing a possibility out there!. How good is it to see though the arguements about reseeding the Playoffs fall shot though. Because of the disaparity between the West and East many people including our own Don nelson thought it should be just a straight seeding from 1-16. Yet in the West seeds 6 through 8 are eliminated while Eastern those series are locked at 2-2. Only in the NBA!.

G6: (2) Detroit Pistons @ (7) Philadelphia 76ers (Pistons Lead 3-2)

This is one of those series that doesn't keep me on the edge of my seat. However you have to give credit to the Pistons a team constructed to stay with the Spurs as one of the great teams as this NBA. Then you have the Sixers with Thaddeus Young being a draft day steal, Dalembert being a huge shot block threat and Andre Miller is still effective. Then again with the Sixers I can't tell if they've.

:are an up-and-coming team
:just overachieved
:are simply benefiting big time by playing in the league's JV
conference

Don't be surprised if an amped up Philly squad with nothing to lose steals this game and sends this series to a once unthinkable Game 7 with Detroit stealing this series

NBA Playoffs: Day 12

Two years ago when Mike D'Antoni was preparing to face the Mavericks in the Western Conference finals I don't think he could have imagined later on in his NBA career rumours by ESPN means he could be out of a job. Unfortunately after the Suns suffered another playoff exit at the hands of their nemisis the San Antonio Spurs it looks like the end. Any coach who goes 232-96, makes the WCF twice and totally revitalizes the way the modern game is played (most teams are adopting a version of the Fast Break now) deserves major credit but ultimately it was the Shaq trade that put his job on the line and it failed.

As for Avery Johnson with the loss to the Hornets either Mark Cuban has great patience or he won't rehire a coach with seasons of falling short, 3 seasons of failed expectations, 1 season of squandering a 2-0 NBA Finals lead, and one season of finishing with the best record in the league but getting kicked out of the 1st round by you know who. Fire Avery will be happy.

On the next plane out of Phoenix?

Easy to forget in the midst of all this Coaching speculation but the Pistons beat the 76ers 98-81 in a good old fashioned beatdown with Rip and Billups looking in decent form. I gurantee you I don't think anyone would have perdicted the Eastern Playoffs would have been more exciting then he West but it's happenned. For T-Mac's playoff curse to be on hold he has to performa godlike task and win in the land of the mormoms sorry Utah as they trashed the Jazz 95-69. On with todays.

Gme5: (8) Atlanta Hawks @ (1) Boston Celtics (Series tied 2-2)

A game 5 in Boston in this series. The NBA never ceases to surprise. Right now a team that made the 8th spot in the East with a losing record still seem to have more collective belief then a Celtics team that haven't reached their potential. Still is it a step too far to see Hotlanta pull this one out. Yes.


Gme5: (5) Washington Wizards @ (4) Cleveland Cavalliers (Cleveland lead 3-1)

All that Stevenson nonsense will end tonight. Lebron puts on a show and Fire Mike Brown will actually have some positive things to say about the state of the Cavs.

Update
Avery Johnson fired as Coach of the Dallas Mavericks(ESPN)

NBA Playoffs: Day 11

So far, the biggest shocker for me is the fact that Philly is actually hanging with the Detroit. While I love a good underdog story (as any Warriors fan should), it’s tough to imagine that this anomaly isn’t going to right itself with tonight’s action.

An Early offseason for Dirk looks likely




I’ve got my picks in… Do you?!

G5: (7) Dallas Mavericks @ (2) New Orleans Hornets (New Orleans lead 3-1)
Shut em down New Orleans. Give the Mavs a nice long offseason... Again.



G5: (6) Phoenix Suns @ (3) San Antonio Spurs (Spurs lead 3-1)
Not tonight. Phoenix will come with a 2nd half push that forces the Snores to play a Game 6.



G5: (4) Utah Jazz @ (5) Houston Rockets (Jazz lead 3-1)

Ugh. I hate to say it but I’m thinkin’ this one ends tonight.



G5: (7) Philadelphia 76ers @ (2) Detroit Pistons (Series tied 2-2)

Wow seriously?! Props to Philly but Detroit is coming with a reality check tonight

NBA Playoffs: Day 10

Isn't it funny how the average player like delonte West isn't heard off by a bigtime NBA fan yet when Playoff time rolls around one big play will change everything. Thats exactly what happenned when he made his buzzerbeating shot against the Wizards in the last 5 seconds of the game. It looks it'll be yet another year that the Cavs will knock the Wizards out of the playoffs as they took a 3-1 lead in the series. Anyhoo

G5: (6) Toronto Raptors @ (3) Orlando Magic (Magic Lead 3-1) As the All American Reject song goes it ends Tonight.

G4: (1) Boston Celtics @ (8) Atlanta Hawks (Celtics Lead 2-1)

How did the Hawks win a game? Josh Smith is a fiend! I highly doubt it's going to happen again, but it was fun while it lasted (all 1 time that is).

G4: (1) LA Lakers @ (8) Denver Nuggets (Lakers Lead 3-0)

How are the Nuggets going to give up at the end of the 3rd quarter? It's ridiculous! If the Warriors had that 8th seed, they'd be playing until the very last second! But whatever - Kobe's bringing out his broom for the sweeping tonight.

NBA Playoffs: Day 9

So how exactly did Atlanta pull off that win again? Are the Raptors and Chris Bosh done for the year, How exactly with so much potential talent are the Nuggets not avoiding getting swept?, Why is T-Mac destined not to get out of the 1st round is it a punishment for ignoring the Magic's plans for getting vince Carter so he could stay. Despite all the fire and star power on the bestcoast, I mean westcoast, it seems like we're seeing the same teams dominating night in, night out. Will this be re-runs of last season? We'll see...


G4)Cavaliers @ Wizards (Cavs lead series 2-1
Lebron is the type of player who can domiate when he wants to and how he wants to. The supposed DeShawn Stevenson-Lebron James "rivalry" no doubt will add fuel to Lebron's 5-alarm blaze throughout this opening series but I see the Cavs game 3 mishap evaporating hard as they take game 4.

(G4)Spurs @ Suns (Spurs lead series 3-0): The Suns are done but not tonight. Either Nash wakes out of his slump and has a big game or the Officals will ensure a game 4 for TV rating purposes. I'm gonna bet on the latter.

(G4)Pistons @ 76ers (76ers lead series 2-1 Maybe Detroit needed one game to adjust to Philly's crowd but I still see them finishing this off in 6. Reggie Evans shots will stop falling and we'll still have the title of greatest Playoff upset ever.

(G4)Hornets @ Mavs (Hornets lead series 2-1): Never mind Chris Paul and the inspirational so far postseason play the Mavs expereince will ensure no more Chris Paul alleyoops to Tyson Chandler. Dallas takes this one

NBA Playoffs: Day 8

The Shaq experiment has offically failed

Even though I didn't watch the mighty Suns struggle their way to a possible sweep against the Spurs making sure that since February that in all likelihood they would be done early not too many Pistons or NBA fans would have thought the Sixers in front of a loud but leave home early type crowd would jump to a 2-1 series lead. I have to say if you've never watched an NBA game but tuned in just then it would be impossible to believe that Detroit won 59 games such was the no heart, over confident, and poorly display they showed. But being a genuine Pistons hater, I’ll take it.

In the West you had Dallas with a big win keeping the series alive. Trailing the series by one game, the Mavs are still going to have to win their next game to stay alive. Even though Dirk has been labelled the peultimate playoff choker for one night only he was big with 32 and 19.

And finally, the last game of Friday night had the most exciting series turn into a bust. The Spurs beat the Suns in Phoenix by 16 points. This looks to be a sweep. I have to say, the Spurs are incredible. After watching this series so far, I’m really going to have to rethink who I have going to the finals!.





G4: (3) Orlando Magic @ (6) Toronto Raptors (Magic leads 2-1)

Even though I love watching howard and Bosh duke out in the paint much like I perdicted this series has been a dud neither game being close so far. Tonight motivated by the Pistons struggles and the possibility of earfly elimination Howard has a monstrous game while Rasheed gets hot outside and Orlando take a 3-1 lead back to Disneyland.


G3: (1) LA Lakers @ (8) Denver Nuggets (LA leads 2-0)

As reccomended by the excellent fire George Karl Blog the best thing Denver should do in the remainder of the series is just play as much free flowing Basketball as possible. Considering everyones job is on the line should they lose the series it's they only fun they'll have


G3: (1) Boston Celtics @ (8) Atlanta Hawks (Boston leads 2-0)

We're having a rare hot day in Ireland so if you excuse me rather then watching a perdictable blowout I'll be on the beach.


G4: (4) Houston Rockets @ (5) Utah Jazz (Jazz leads 2-1)

Yao Ming memorably asked Carl Landry if he would sacrifice 15 more teeth for the good of the team. They'll need to sacrifice more then that if they want to regain home court advantage

NBA Playoffs: Day 7

Couldn't write up a preview of Day 6 of the 200-2008 playoffs but after two blowouts and a rare win for the Rockets in Mormonland you didn't miss much. Wait run that sentence by me again. Houston won in Utah!. Yes thats right. T-Mac didn't use his 4th quarter heroics but he did have one nice little burst of good play as he hit 2 jumpers, 3 free throws, had a key block and rebound. Apart from those it was the same old do nothing T-Mac come playoff time. I don't why the guy has a knack for choking come 1st round Playoff time but in the interests of fairness the Rockets have done exceedingly well avoiding a sweep without their big man. As the Warriors know from last year playing utah without a decent big man is next to impossible so props to the Rockets for stealing a game. Won't be enough but whatever. On to the next slate of games

The NBA where Shawn Bradley lives


G3: (2) Detroit Pistons @ (7) Philadelphia 76ers (series tied 1-1)
Game 2 the Pistons realized they were suppossed to beat the Sixers easily so blew them out. I expect them later on to play down to Philly's standard just not tonight.


G3: (2) New Orleans Hornets @ (7) Dallas Mavericks (Hornets lead 2-0)
Right back when this series started in New orleans up until tonight Dallas just doesn't look like they can handle it. If they lose this series, A LOT of things come into question about this franchise. WIll Avery be fired? Is Jason Kidd overrated? Is Dirk ever going to recover? But for tonight, give the Mavs this one.


G3: (3) San Antonio Spurs @ (6) Phoenix Suns (Spurs lead 2-0) Steve Kerr's reasoning for the Shaq trade. so they could beat the Spurs. Hasn't worked yet but tonight I expect a double digit victory and the " real Slim shady" sorry Leandro Barbose to please stand up