****OFFICIAL 2012 NBA PLAYOFFS THREAD****

[dirk digler]

Great sports weekend with the draft and now the NBA Playoffs starting today

First Round Matchups Today:

76ers vs Bulls
Knicks vs Heat
Magic vs Pacers
Mavs vs Thunder

Sunday:

Jazz vs Spurs
Celtics vs Hawks
Clippers vs Grizzlies
Nuggets vs Lakers

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

With some guys, sure. Others like Kobe get free passes because of their ability and star power.

And?

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

And?

And it affects people's perceptions of players. Wade, for example, is a huge asshole that's taken cheap shots at people for his entire career. Despite that, he's much more liked/respected than most NBA players by fans and media.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

And it affects people's perceptions of players. Wade, for example, is a huge asshole that's taken cheap shots at people for his entire career. Despite that, he's much more liked/respected than most NBA players by fans and media.

What's your point?

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by tk13

I missed the Haslem foul but if he attempted that last Pittman play it would be the top 3 stories on SportsCenter, I'd grant you that. That was pretty ugly.

There is no doubt that both Haslem and Pittman should be suspended. I don't know if the league will do that or not though. I thought Hansbrough's foul was ok and not a Flagrant because he actually went after and actually hit the ball.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by KevB

I said earlier it wasn't a good fit for Minny. They've already got Love and Pekovic, and no point stunting Pekovic's growth. Are you still arguing the Derrick Williams point?

I'm arguing that Gasol is still a valuable asset to the right team. Daryl Morey wanted to trade three good players for him five months ago.

Gasol is still a good player, but he doesn't seem to have that greatness that he used to have a few years ago. I don't think he's worth 19 mil a year. Then again, a team that has all the pieces except a dominant post man might be willing to grab him to get them over the hump.

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

What's your point?

That's the point. The double standards that affect the way the game is played and its players are perceived.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

There is no doubt that both Haslem and Pittman should be suspended. I don't know if the league will do that or not though. I thought Hansbrough's foul was ok and not a Flagrant because he actually went after and actually hit the ball.

IMO, Hansborough's was a Flagrant 1. Both Haslem and Pittman's were Flagrant 2. They should both be suspended for a game or two.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

That's the point. The double standards that affect the way the game is played and its players are perceived.

Again, so what? What are you trying to argue?

[okcchief]

I agree that Wade should have been suspended for his game 2 action and it is a bit of a double standard. However, the TNT crew said Artest should have been suspended for dropping the knee on Westbrook's groin(which I don't agree with) so Artest doesn't always get unfair treatment. Keep fighting the fight though. It's cute

[DaKCMan AP]

Shaq on UD's foul: "I respect U.D. for sticking up for his teammates. That is old-school basketball like we used to do."

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

Again, so what? What are you trying to argue?

I'm not making an argument, just stating an unfortunate element of the NBA.

[okcchief]

Psycho T was going for the ball. It was just a hard foul. Haslem and Pittman obviously retaliated. Since this isn't the old school NBA and Haslem gets suspended its just stupid. I understand them wanting to send a message because the Pacers have been so physical. However, Haslem is too valuable especially with Bosh out. Obviously, no one cares about Pittman or Stephenson and he probably deserved it. Life lesson.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

I'm not making an argument, just stating an unfortunate element of the NBA.

It's not unfortunate, it's economics. The NBA isn't a not for profit organization. They make money because of their star players. It shouldn't surprise, nor upset, anyone that they protect their most valuable assets. Any business would do the same.

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

Shaq on UD's foul: "I respect U.D. for sticking up for his teammates. That is old-school basketball like we used to do."

It was a malicious cheap shot to a guy's head. That's not "old-school basketball."

[okcchief]

BTW I hope Haslem doesn't get suspended. It wasn't that bad. Pittman's play made Artest look good.