Real Deal

Where do you think the Blazers would be in regards to Western Conference playoff standings? Right now, they are 7th. Any reason not to believe they'd be fighting for a 2-4 spot?

You remember.

Come on Charlotte, get that seventh and take out Orlando!

Looks like Atlanta fell out of that slump and started playing basketball in the second half. Any word on Wright?

Ariza was an amazing defensive player in the first half of the season, but he sure slowed down in the second half. I think Yao will help with that, though, taking the load off offensively...but that remains to be seen. I think Houston should look into Ariza becoming that spot-up shooter again, and nothing more. Put the ball in Brooks' hands, use Martin slashing to the rim, Yao in the post, Ariza at the three, Scola in the post, and you'll have a pretty dangerous team that can score inside and out. Defensively, it's too bad you don't have a younger Battier. I think Houston will see how important he really was, even with Ariza sort of taking his place and defending the best on the floor.

Well, he's shooting 44% FG when he plays 30 or more minutes, 38% FG for anything under 30. I think what he did in Chicago was enough to say he needs to be a second option on a good team, or coming off the bench for a contender...but bringing him off the bench for a pathetic team is ridiculous.

The Jordan Rules were not based solely on double and triple teams. The Pistons developed them as a way of throwing 4-5 different defensive players at Jordan at different points of the game, and playing extra physical with him without considering foul trouble. Those "rules" would also include doubling Michael if less shooters were on the floor, because back in the 80's and 90's, you had to fully commit to the double team. There was no zone. Cleveland has Mo, Delonte, Gibson, Jawad, Big Z, Parker, Moon, and even Jamison who can knock down long-range shots. It would be a bad idea.

I don't get Chicago, at all. They don't even run plays half the time.

I don't see how the Bulls did that. They looked so confused out there on defense. But, this stuff sort of proves to me that the Nets have been tanking all season long.

Haha, so you decided you want the Raptors in the playoffs?

Well, it also proved why Ben Gordon should be getting more minutes. The Pistons could be a playoff team if they didn't have to rotate Hamilton and Gordon the way they do. They should've dealt Hamilton for a big.

Kobe had swelling in his knee yesterday morning.

Nah, don't look at it that way. Winning three consecutive home games is tough, but this team winning three consecutive road games is next to impossible.

I wouldn't say we play better as a team without Bryant. Our only real win came against the Jazz. The other teams we played were either suffering from injuries or on losing streaks (no Roy for Portland, Spurs losing over half of their last seven or eight before us, etc). Teams just don't know who to defend when Kobe is out, just like we struggled against Houston for the same reason when Yao was injured.

While the biggest part of me thinks we're just struggling to win these last few games of the season...there's something else I've thought about: do you think it's even remotely possible that Phil Jackson wants three consecutive home games in the Finals? Maybe the Lakers would have trouble winning three consecutive road games, and he doesn't want to be down 3-2? Lakers goggles off for some of you...is it possible that Phil and Kobe are looking ahead to the Finals and any home/road situation we're putting ourselves in? Right now, the Magic are tied with us, and they have the tiebreaker based on conference record (which is BS).

No Kobe, more than likely.

Get that seventh seed and seek redemption.

It's never too late to tank!

It wasn't working earlier (for me, at least). I checked a few times today, too...but now it's fine. Pretty good mix. It'll be something you can make a remix for in a few years, haha.

There's a reason why Kobe Bryant has the ball at the end of a game.

Well...this is weird.

Ah, okay.

I doubt it had anything to do with the Nuggets. Jackson is expecting the Spurs in the WCF, anyway.

Stupid move by both of them, then.

Super-fantastic decision by Phil to rest Kobe against Denver, instead of against a terrible Wolves team. That really makes a lot of sense. If he doesn't play him against the Wolves, I'm going to be pissed.