**** Official 2011 NBA Playoffs Thread ****

[DaKCMan AP]

[The Bad Guy]

Originally Posted by KevB

Yes. Only reason he wouldn't is because he plays for the Lakers. League doesn't want anything close to a sweep.

They aren't going to get swept with or without Artest.

It's not like it really matters. Matt Barnes can give you the defense Artest does and he might even hit a shot once in a while.

[KevB]

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

They aren't going to get swept with or without Artest.

It's not like it really matters. Matt Barnes can give you the defense Artest does and he might even hit a shot once in a while.

You don't think Dallas can go home and win two in a row? I know Lakers/Laker fans are a proud bunch, but right now Dallas is clearly the better team. They'll go home, where they are really tough to beat, riding high with all momentum. The Lakers need Gasol to step up, but he doesn't strike me as a pull your boot straps up when the going gets tough kind of guy. And I just don't think Kobe has it in him to completely carry this team anymore to playoff victories.

Should be fun to watch.

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by KevB

Should be fun to watch.

That's an understatement. I've JIMP numerous times watching these first two games and can't wait to watch the Lakers bow out early while the Heat roll on.

[Rudy tossed tigger's salad]

Lamar Odom is severely overrated.

But.... Eat shit, Mavs! Go OKC

[okcchief]

Originally Posted by KevB

Somebody said game 2 was a blowout. I simply said that it only got that way because Maynor played out of his a$$, which he did, raining down threes. I didn't say he sucks, or Collison, or anybody else. I like OKC, they have a solid bench that helps them win games. But someone implying that games going forward are going to look like game 2 is off base. That's as good as Maynor has played all season; it can't be expected again. Without him, it's another tight game in game 2. And I expect this series to be hard fought throughout.

Better backup PGs : George Hill, Delonte West, Barea, J. Crawford, Lawson, Jarrett Jack, Dragic, Brooks, Udrih are all guys I'd rather have. There are other players that are even with Maynor. He's improved since then, but the Jazz gave him away for a reason.

I misunderstood your point then. I agree and think all the remaining games will be close. Also, Lawson and Dragic aren't backups now. I would put Felton, Barea, Crawford and Brooks as better. You still have him in the top ten which is what I said. He is at least in the top third. Maynor gets better all the time. Utah also had Deron Williams when they traded him. I bet they wish they had him now. Jarrett Jack? Seriously? Also most of the guys you have listed have recently been traded as well. I guess their teams gave them away for a reason? Maynor doesn't get as much playing time as the others listed. He is in the same ballpark with any of those guys and more valuable to us because he does things Westbrook cant. There are NBA teams he could start for and be successful. If you can say that about your backup point guard he's a good one. Also look at his assists and points per minute vs those guys and I bet hes right there.

[okcchief]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

n00b



Good to see you're committed to going down with the ship.



If you think this Miami playoff team is the same team from November & December, you're in for a big surprise.

It will be a joy to shit all over your Miami parade. Noob=life outside of message board

[Hammock Parties]

jj
JAYJAY
JJ BAGGINS

THE BRAVEST LITTLE HOBBIT OF THEM ALL

[vailpass]

1. For the first time since the MJ era I am watching the playoffs with interest and enjoyment. OKC, Memphis, chicago, Dallas play team ball with hard defense and outstanding skill players.

2. Ron Artest is a PUNK.

[Mr. Arrowhead]

Media: Whats wrong with the lakers, not the Mavs are clearly the better team.

The life of being a Chiefs and Mavs fan.

[KevB]

Originally Posted by okcchief

I misunderstood your point then. I agree and think all the remaining games will be close. Also, Lawson and Dragic aren't backups now. I would put Felton, Barea, Crawford and Brooks as better. You still have him in the top ten which is what I said. He is at least in the top third. Maynor gets better all the time. Utah also had Deron Williams when they traded him. I bet they wish they had him now. Jarrett Jack? Seriously? Also most of the guys you have listed have recently been traded as well. I guess their teams gave them away for a reason? Maynor doesn't get as much playing time as the others listed. He is in the same ballpark with any of those guys and more valuable to us because he does things Westbrook cant. There are NBA teams he could start for and be successful. If you can say that about your backup point guard he's a good one. Also look at his assists and points per minute vs those guys and I bet hes right there.

Jack was a decent starting point guard for the Raptors to begin the season, so yeah. You said Maynor was top third, I [thought] I gave you ten that were better, putting him out of the top third. I'll add Bledsoe/Foye as the 10th. I think there are other guys like Bayless, Douglas, AJ Price, etc. who on equal to or potentially better also. Bottom line is that I said Maynor played beyond what you would normally expect out of him, and the numbers easily back that up. His bump in performance took that game to the point differential in the end.

Also, most of the guys listed were traded for something of substance. The Jazz didn't get back a single asset, other than a little cap flexibility. The irony of all of this is that I like Maynor, I liked Presti's trade to get him and I like his fit on the team. I just think you're overrating him.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Mr. Arrowhead

Media: Whats wrong with the lakers, not the Mavs are clearly the better team.

The life of being a Chiefs and Mavs fan.

See your point however they are the two time defending champs so they are going to get that kind of media lean and probably deservedly so. All Dallas has to do is beat that ass and the talk will shift to them.

[KevB]

Originally Posted by Mr. Arrowhead

Media: Whats wrong with the lakers, not the Mavs are clearly the better team.

The life of being a Chiefs and Mavs fan.

As an objective fan, that's only natural considering we're talking about the 2 time defending champ and the Mavs history of flaming out in the playoffs. If the Mavs get to the Finals, the media perspective will change.

Edit : Vail beat me to it

[ModSocks]

OMG What's wrong with the Lakers?

Has anyone asked that question this morning? Cuz I swear I haven't heard that question asked on sports radio AT ALL.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by KevB

As an objective fan, that's only natural considering we're talking about the 2 time defending champ and the Mavs history of flaming out in the playoffs. If the Mavs get to the Finals, the media perspective will change.

Edit : Vail beat me to it

You are clearly an intelligent, highly perceptive indivdiual.

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by vailpass

1. For the first time since the MJ era I am watching the playoffs with interest and enjoyment. OKC, Memphis, chicago, Dallas play team ball with hard defense and outstanding skill players.

2. Ron Artest is a PUNK.

So far the playoffs have been awesome.

And it looks like barring a miracle comeback by the Celtics the Heat will be in the Finals...yeah yeah I know they have to still play the Bulls\Hawks but they are playing some great basketball.