Real Deal

Well damn, I won't assume the Heat are going back to the Finals again. It's only five games into the season. Battier won't be remembered because of who he's playing behind. He's not going to log the minutes he deserves, and while it makes sense to play him less due to who he's backing up, it's unfortunate for him, and he should've known.

You guys have to understand that, with more preparation, your opponents are more likely to beat you. This is assuming you're a team that's capable of a 72-10 (or 60-6) record. Plus, the rest of the league will tire quicker in that 66-game season, and the best teams (your team) will take advantage of that. When teams are getting rest, more time to practice, and more time to watch film, they are going to find ways to beat you, and they'll have the legs to pull it off.

The 72-10 record, because of the duration (1.5 months more) and the fact that you play ALL opposing conference teams twice, and almost ALL of your conference teams four times. The 71-72 Lakers won 33 consecutive games, the longest winning streak in pro sports history...but would a 33-0 record be better than 72-10? I wouldn't think so, and that was proven when that team finished 69-13.

I don't get why the Clips take so many threes. Some of the shots that CP3 and Blake create for their teammates...I just don't know. Those teammates could step in a bit, make the shot a higher percentage jumper, or even take off to the rim and receive the pass much closer to the painted area.

Because it was 54-28 at the half, he was getting boxed out (badly) by Boozer, he wasn't making any shots, and he couldn't defend. Reminded me of the old Zach (everyone knows who I'm talking about). The Grizz were screwed from the start. With Rudy Gay in there, there's no team chemistry because, sadly, Gay thinks he's a bad ass. Also, there's no Conley (second game missed), Tony Allen has a lesser role on the defensive end (because of the superstar, Rudy), and there's no Shane Battier.

Nah, you're right. I basically said the same exact thing (going through the motions) in one of those first game topics (could have been a preseason game, don't remember). I can't say the guy is out of shape, can't say he's having trouble working his way back to where he was last year...because the guy is a freak of nature, and like LeBron, he's not the kind of person to stack on fat or stay out of the weight room over the summer. It really is sad. Sure, I want him in LA, but I just think it's absurd not to play your hardest, at least for your teammates. I'm sure he still has beef with Jameer (I've always thought that), but guys like Redick and Anderson work their asses off to improve their games, and to be a good fit around him. I'm actually noticing that he doesn't complain as much. Last year, it's all he ever did...complain about fouls. Now, it just doesn't seem to be a concern of his as frequently as it was when he wanted to lead Orlando into the ECF's.

That late run they went on, where they couldn't miss a damn shot, was awesome. I was cheering, and I really didn't care about the game (guess I do, since it's Dallas, but yeah). Plus, I'm rooting for the Wolves to turn that Hornets pick into a late lottery. That would make me so damn happy.

LOL, Shane Battier is wasting away in Miami. If the Heat win it all, he sure won't be remembered as one of the contributors.

D-Will and a bunch of average to below-average role players...not going to win very many games with that. This is the problem with trying to land the big free agents. Teams are now willing to shatter their entire roster, instead of having the best seasons possible, making due with what they have, and going about building a complete team through free agency, draft, AND trades. The owners have been bitching about how the money is spent, where it's at, and sales going down...but it's all on their shoulders. They put themselves in this situation. to where they have to overpay for players to fill out their roster and make them look decent enough for fans to come and watch. It's the owners having to find that middle ground...suck quite a bit, but not too much, yet try and look like a good franchise that's dedicated to winning (to attract very good players). Just play the game, make due with what you have, and spend your money wisely. Bring in excellent scouts, international scouts, very good assistant coaches, and instead of trading all of your picks for washed-up scorers, use them to bring in fresh, young talent. Blah...done with the rant.

Rondo is carrying this team. If it wasn't for him, I don't think Ray, Pierce or Garnett would be able to do as much out there on the floor. That triple double proved it even more tonight. Andray Blatche is so pathetic, by the way. Garnett lit him up, he can't rebound, doesn't know how to box out...sad stuff seeing a guy his size and with that versatility play that way.

The Hornets shot 0-15 from three...and without Gordon, I don't see how they even had the lead in the first half. It is the Kings, though. Marcus Thornton is a baller, by the way.

Also, I did fix a few banners (ex. the Hornets with Gordon and Landry, the Blazers without B-Roy, Jazz with Millsap, a few others).

I uploaded the banners not too long ago, actually. You guys may have to refresh your browsers and/or clear cache (simple refresh should do).

Maybe forum mods for it next year...season is almost over. I wasn't having trouble creating the topics, never a big deal...I got into a rhythm, and I'd be done within minutes. I just slipped this week, my mind was in a different place, and it was just a busy stretch...that's all.

Oh yeah, this is the same guy I called Danny Fortson 2.0!!!

^_^ Maybe for Matt Barnes and Steve Blake, but not for Gasol.

Sorry guys, I completely forgot to create those topics for Week 17. Basically, I had a crazy surprise (tickets) for my girlfriend for our five-year anniversary today, and it fell through just yesterday, and my mind was somewhere else most of the week.

OMG...Barbosa at point is like asking Bargnani to play Shaq in the post. Anthony Carter should never handle the ball longer than two seconds, by the way. Dallas didn't look that great in their first game against the Raps. They are so loaded offensively, and they have defensive-minded players (not an anchor, but still), they should've blew Toronto out by 30. I wonder if DeRozan will step his game up this time around. The dude was missing on Friday.

Haha...I was going to ask you if you wanted to change your name, but I waited. Do you want me to merge your old account with this new one?

Thought he would be terrible in the pros, but I changed my mind a couple years ago. The only gripe I really ever had with him, aside from all of the annoying shit about him being Pistol Pete (which is still laughable), is that he doesn't have a shot, and his defense is iffy...both being slightly true today, although he's improving his jumper.

Horrible inbound play to try and get a three off, and good defense by LA.

Wow, Gallo. :o

Kobe just lost the ball going up. That sucked.

Joel is done being a decent center. Not even sure he can be anything right now.