Real Deal

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Steve Nash has grown on me as a player, and I've always liked Grant Hill...but Amare makes me sick to my stomach, so whatever he says, and however he acts, doesn't come as a surprise to me.

He can drop 20 and 30 all he wants, but he can also be a liability on offense. His game isn't as polished as Hakeem's and Shaq's was, and those 5-6 foot hook shots he puts up, while he's fading away, are difficult shots for him to make. Orlando was most successful swinging the ball on the perimeter. While they do need to go inside to Dwight, he has to accept the double and play off of it. That's what great big men do on the offensive end. The Celtics are forcing Orlando into whatever game they want them to play, and that's the making of a truly great defensive team. However, with the weapons the Magic have back on offense, they should be able to counter that somewhat.

I figured Orlando would win the series, so I was wrong there (because I think it's over now), but I do want to point out that I knew Vince would show his ugly side when it mattered most. His defense has sucked, both games, and while I think he had an average night in Game 1, he didn't do a damn thing worth mentioning tonight. Orlando is losing this series because they play one-on-one basketball. Guys like Lewis and Carter are addicted to contested jumpers, while Howard and Nelson would rather take contested hooks and layups over swinging the ball back out and on the perimeter. Boston is outplaying the Magic, on both sides of the ball. Garnett's presence doesn't help the Magic, either, but Pierce and Rondo have come to play.

If I were Cleveland, most definitely. If I were Oklahoma City, no. James is a monster, but a combination of Durant and Westbrook (one superstar and one potential all-star) is too good to just hand out like that.

I wouldn't say that (about big players taking longer to develop). The general idea is that point guards take the longest to adjust and develop, then your centers and power forwards. Beasley is just an awkward player. He's like a poor man's Amare Stoudemire, with the major difference being Amare's quick emergence as a scoring power forward in the league, while Beasley will probably need to remain at the three. I think he'll be fine, honestly...just not an all-star level player.

If Boston wins this game, the series is over.

TIME: 8:30 PM EST TV: ESPN

TIME: 9:00 PM EST TV: TNT

Grant Hill is one of my favorites. It's too bad he was injured most of his career.

http://i41.tinypic.com/35l821x.jpg Watch that left ankle after his right misses the ground. I'm actually glad he didn't re-injure that ankle.

Well, the only thing is that LeBron and Wall are actually friends off the court, and there's talk that James would be swayed to put on that Nets jersey even more if Wall lands in Jersey. Having the worst record in the NBA doesn't always get you what you want, though.

None needed, really. We defended the three and beat the pick and roll, and Kobe was a monster once again. With Odom and Gasol contributing the way they did, we rarely lose.

Adding... Kobe, Game 1 vs. Suns: 13-23 (57% FG), 40 PTS Six-consecutive playoff games with 30+ points. Kobe's 11th 40+ point playoff game. LA is 10-1 when he scores 40+ in the playoffs. Fantastic.

Good win. Let's get Game 2 now.

Nope. That team has to be under the cap by the max amount in the first year of the contract they are offering to be able to sign the player, OR they must have Bird Rights on him.

Not all, unless you're talking about winning the series. I won't be surprised if the Lakers sweep, or take it in seven...just depends on how we defend the pick and roll. Lopez will be back, and many don't understand that it's a very, very good thing for Phoenix...but at the same time, Frye will probably hurt us more than Robin, so it could turn into a good thing for us by limiting Frye's minutes. Lots of things play into our hands, and there are some advantages that the Suns have as well. Basically, if the Suns win the series, I'll be shocked, but it won't be THAT big of an upset.

...one of these teams? http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4614342328_8cbc8acb9b_b.jpg By the way, I'm not taking credit for the picture. I found it on TLN, but I'm not sure who created it.

We should do one for Adam Morrison.

Don't know why Lewis took that shot. It should've went back to Vince after the inbounds pass, or to Redick off a screen.

Ran.

Gasol stays in Los Angeles. Bucher is a fool.

Ah, nice touch. http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/uploads/av-125.gif

LOL. That was pretty funny.

TIME: 9:00 PM EST TV: TNT