NBA FINALS "LAKERS vs. PISTONS"

[Jackal]

I want to know where the Laker fans are.

I assume they'll be out in force if the Lakers can right their ship long enough to get another win in the series, but until then I guess I won't hold my breath.

I'm glad you feel the need to read our biased posts, we feel all tingley.

Seb's been quite busy, I just finished watching the re-run of this game, I have exams + chicken pox, not a good combo, so staying up till 2.55 a.m. to watch the game isn't really in my schedule, hey, if it were upto me, I would, trust me I would, but yeah...parents still exsist.

Anywho, onto the game and my 1 cent:

A common reaction would be, what the fuck happened there? Well, the common response to that would be Detroit kicked LA's ass bad, really bad.

Dang, 68 points, wtf just happened there? Oh, Detroit played kick ass defense on LA, LA just wasnt as good as Detroit was. I picked them to be in the Finals, and I don't regret picking them, this is turning out to be a real finals, not what the games we've witnessed in the previous years.

On to the performances:

Detroit:

Big Ben, ehehe, he might not have much offensive skill but this guys works alot and he works hard. Awesome rebounding skills, just his presence is MVP like. Awesomeness.

Rasheed Wallace, he's made two early exits in the second quarter of most of the games, he cheers pretty well from the sidelines, I can't imagine what would happen to LA were he to play more minutes.

Tayshaun Prince, now this guy is the shiznit, his defense is superb, I would take Ginobli over him, but still...his arm length and his tenacity (sp?) is compliment worthy. Great defensive job on Bryant, kudos to Prince.

Richard Hamilton, hehehe, this kid just burned Kobe all game long, not for 10 to 15 points for a total of 31 points on 50% fg shooting, that's awesome. He shouldnt force, if he just lets his shots come to him, he would have a better percentage, I'm not complaining though, that was an amazing game by Hamilton, Shane seems to be correct on presuming Hamilton to be on the verge of superstardom.

Chauncey Billups, did LA do something against him? No, seriously, he's just torching Payton, Payton just cant keep up.

Real sucky, but oh well what can you do except hope for them to bounce back? Not much. Ofcourse the LA dislikers will gloat, (see How are Yao) but it's all good man, they still have 3 of the last 4 championships, yeah...that's a lame consolation remark, but I'll pretty much say anything to get over this game. Not a big thing though, as long as they manage to bounce back, which I have a feeling they will, that's probably just my biasedness though.

Lakers:

Shaquille O'Neal, he did well, he's been doing well on a consitant basis, the supporting cast is just coming up short, I don't have many complaints about him (note, this might be due to biasedness again.) What I would like him to do is step out more often on those pick & rolls, his presence is a big factor, he might not realise it, but that 315 lbs body holds some merit. It goes much better when he steps out. Oh, I would like for him not to play like the NBA Live version of Shaq, falling all around with a bit of contact, yeah this might be due to his age, but as an ardent Shaq fan, I'm not very used to it, cope with me.

Karl Malone, even with his bum knee, he's still better than Medvedenko & Walton. Whatever he can contribute is just an extra. He had an ok game I guess, heck, most of the Lakers just had an ok game.
Actually no, given the stats of the other Laker players, he had a good game.

Devean George, this kid is capable of doing some good stuff, too bad we weren't blessed enough to see any of it in game three.

Kobe Bryant, hehehe, I like that comment Red Bulls, but I dont think court should be motivation to play well, nor should the MVP trophy, you should just want to win, every night...not after you've come from court. Bryant has the will to win every game, he just needs to work on his self control a little, that being said, I don't see many faults in Bryants overall game.

Game three though was not his piece of pie, Prince was just smothering him, Prince did a marvelous job of staying in front of Kobe, just wonderfull. He's really making use of his wingspan and height.

Payton, I really like Payton, probably because I'm one of the cockiest people you'll ever come across in the world, he has a "yeah, fuck you too" look on his face, sadly, I some how relate to his face. It's not something to be proud of, but you gotta love this guys cockiness, or atleast his face.

Like I said, as much as I like him, he's not having his best games of his carreer (duh). He's really being burned by Billups.
My theory for this is quite simple though:
He's not comfortable on the offensive side of the court, thus this is hindering his performance on the defensive end of the court. It's either that, or he's just not got it anymore. I don't like the latter as much as I like the first theory, yeah, biasedness once again, what do you expect, I'm a Laker fan, right?

I would go to the benches, but I'm not really in the mood, not much to say anyways, it's pretty evident Detroit's bench is whooping LA's benches ass.

i will have a sig that will drive all you laker fans crazy.

Good thing Andrew is planning to implement the sig ignore feature a la dot org. This way, you can ignore our sigs when LA eventually does beat Detroit. Don't worry, it'll be implemented specially at your request Homer. Heh, you have a go at LA, I'll have a go at Detroit I suppose.

Maybe we could do with a ignore users feature too, I've seen these on other forums. Ehehe, just playing Andrew, I don't want to ignore any one, all the more fun for me when everyone posts.

where are lakers fans ? 68 pts.Even my high school team could score that. Ben kicked the fat kid's ass real bad.11 pts. (i
am drunk again )

Here's a Laker fan, if that wasn't evident enough that is.

It's not very possible they would manage that in the NBA against the best defensive team.

I'm not trying to be a dick by the way. Just trying to get Detroit credit where it is due

Most of the guys out here (LA fans) have given Detroit quite a bit of credit, so I don't see why you've taken it upon yourself as a mission to give them their credit, we've all given them credit. Hell, you don't get to the NBA Finals by sucking, if this were the case, McGrady would be matched up vs Bryant. So please, don't give me that "oh I'm giving them credit where due because you guys didn't. Ehm, yeah whatever.

Laker fans would never do anything like that because they would be too busy getting hopped up on designer drugs in some Beverly Hills mansion and then they'd probably snap out of their high just in time to grab the keys to their Porsche and get down to Staples just in time to slide into the courtside seats that daddy bought them.

Of course that's a dramatization, but I couldn't resist.

Heh, that's alot of drama. I'm glad you know LA fans that well, did you see many of them whilst LA kicked Yao Ming and the Rockets out?

Ofcourse that's a cheap shot, but I couldn't resist.

ahhh got to love a blow out game when the lakers lose

No, you have to love a great defensive game played by Detroit, no excuses they played better than LA.

There seem to be plenty of Piston supporters posting...I don't see why there would be an exception for Laker fans.

Oh well, I'll just wait and see.

Glad you wait with bated breath, we feel all special.

I've answered your questions with my first quotation of you. Hope that's a suffiecent enough "excuse" for you. That's the best I could come up with.

Given the time difference, many of the guys aren't available to post straight away. I'm sure they'll add their two cents in due time.

Thanks for the support Andrew, it's mucho apreciado. You know us fans too well.

Wow, that was a long one.

Edit:

Two things I would like to add, it can be seen as little sissy girl whinings by a LA fan, but--> "I just couldnt resist".

Two free-throws by Shaq? Two? All Time leader in free throw's attempted and he got two? He had how many fouls? 5? Oh, ok. Just wondering.

I'm not complaining though, just making sure you all caught that one, so in case something happens in the coming games, no whining.

"They (have) shot almost 2-to-1 in free throws in this series ... and that a lot of times is a sign of the aggressor, the team that's most aggressive in basketball. And we're the reactors," Jackson said.

Well said Jackson, now do something about it. Come on, work some of you're voodoo.

Oh, this will be won by LA, I think I'll stand by my predictions of 4-2. If it'll come true, is something else...but I'll stick to it for the time being.

Edited to remove flame of Homer.

[HowAreYao?]

Psycho Jackal:

Of course the Rockets losing to the Lakers was no cup of tea for me, but don't forget that the Rockets were about a cat's ass hair away from being UP 3-1 after 4 games in that series rather than DOWN. So, I wouldn't use that series as ammo for anything if I were you, because 4-1 doesn't even begin to represent what happened in that series.

In the end it doesn't matter anyway, because more than likely NEITHER the Rockets nor the Lakers will be champions this year if there isn't a drastic change over the next 5 days.

And about giving credit to the Pistons, most of what I've seen, which may very well not be the same that you've seen, a lot of Laker fans are saying things along the lines of "the Lakers just aren't trying" or "L.A. just isn't playing smart". Neither of those says anything about Detroit and how the Pistons are the REASON that the Lakers aren't playing smart, or that the Pistons are the REASON that the Lakers might have more quit in them than usual.

I appreciate your attempt to counter my comments, but getting into arguments over the internet is probably one of the stupidest things I can think of. And since we could never argue in person, given our vast geographical differences, how about we just let the Pistons and Lakers settle things for us? They'll be in the same place Sunday night

[.]

Seb's been quite busy

Liar, no Im not , Im just freaking pissed about this effed loss.

I personaly think the Lakers are not playing at their best, remember in the final minutes of game 2? Detroit played good defense, but the Lakers were better in the offense, Kobe was more agressive, Shaq was more dominating in the boards, not because the Pistons played bad defense and bad rebounding, the Lakers just wanted to win and played like they should play, last night I had the feeling that this was a regular season game for the Lakers, sometimes I even seem to forget that this are the Finals after seeing them play like that.

[Jackal]

They'll be in the same place Sunday night

(Y) My plessure.

Liar, no Im not

Well I figured you were given you don't message anymore bout the game. Well it's a good thing though, you might have given away what happened before I saw the game.

[magius]

i predicted pistons in 7, so rest assured your lakers will win. I have acquired the power of jinx from andrew. malone and payton are chokers (its historically true), you cant depend on them to win a championship. if la is going to win shaq and kobe have to combine for 60+ every game. san antonio is smarter defensively, but only has two stellar defensive players, detroit has the power to contain shaq and kobe (in this i mean make them work) as well as shut down the pathetic supporting cast man on man. my two cents.

p.s. detroit fans. calm down, youre acting like how laker fans are supposed to act

[.]

I only post about the game if the result is good, if it isnt...then i wont bother, I dont want to be reminded about Lakers losses and not talk about them, I hate that

btw, Lakers will win next 2

[magius]

everyones like that. jackal is just an anamoly, a freak, a crazy lunatic. even with chicken pox he analyzes a laker loss with essays that give me seizures unless i scroll down to the bottom.

btw, isnt it scary that this series could very easily be 3-0 right now? i want at least a 6 game series because it'll be funner.

[.]

A game 7 is always more fun and more exciting, + it would look better on the Lakers championship DVD

[Jackal]

everyones like that. jackal is just an anamoly, a freak, a crazy lunatic. even with chicken pox he analyzes a laker loss with essays that give me seizures unless i scroll down to the bottom.

It's becoming less ok!!, I don't itch as much anymore.

They were asking where the fans were, plus it's my own little recap.

It wasn't that long.

[Micchy_boy]

first of all. game is all about detroit. how great their defense on shaq and kobe, how great their offense was and how great a team they are. we can all say that lakers didn't play great basketball or lakers didn't try harder well thats all Bulls**t. First detroit outplayed lakers almost all 3 games and easily be 3-0 if not for a clutch 3 in game 2.
Big ben and Mr. Rasheed played an outstanding defense on Shaq and Prince did a great job on stopping kobe. but the diffeince in game 3 from first 2 games, they stop both shaq and kobe and let the other beat them.
Rip and Billups definetely the 1-2 scoring punch of Pistons and they show that in game 3. the bench of pistons give a big lift not just in scoring or defense but esp. on energy and lot of hustle which lack the lakers on game 3. i wont say anything about my lakers coz there's nothing great to say about they played.

Lakers will definitely make a big adjustment on game 4 esp. on defense but i think they also need to find a way to give the ball to shaq at right place at right time. also make a play that let the game came to kobe. a play that start on kobe only leads to one on one and results to forced shot or hurried shot. payton to hold the ball set-up his teammate or for himself. plus let the veteran play like russell and fox instead cook.

[Andrew]

I have acquired the power of jinx from andrew.

I was wondering why I've been powerless since the first round. Again, I must apologise to all Hornets fans.

[Bang]

Pistons won. Bleah.
Apparently the Lakers need to be beaten up twice to go back to the REAL Lakers. (We didn't need the REAL Lakers to win Houston.)
I'm not going to change my vote like a coward.
Go Lakers. May Larry Brown never win a championship.

[Bang]

I think the Lakers are just wanting to win at home.
Let the Pistons enjoy as they fool themselves in their victories.
Oh I know, they were pretty convincing victories.
We're just acting, it's Hollywood.
It's much better to hold the championship at home.

[Steve04]

I was sick all day yesterday..must have been the effects of the Lakers loss.

First, Detroit kicked LA's butt. The reason they got all the calls is because they were the aggressive team. But even given that, there were some bad non calls and calls in that game. Plus, whenever the Lakers try to play defense like that they get into a bunch of foul trouble. It's rediculous. Lakers need to execute better, if they would just calm down and run the offense through Shaq and Kobe they would be in a much better position than if Derek Fisher keeps thinking he is Michael Frickin' Jordan or somebody. Seriously, this guy makes some great plays one possession, and the next he's trying to dunk over Mehmet Okur! He is not even a dunker! That's the first time I remember him trying to dunk in awhile! He had an easy layup! He should stop taking bad shots! He is a spot up shooter and does better when someone else creates his shot for him and not vice versa. And I want to know from Phil Jackson, when Corliss Williamson was killing all of our SF's, where was Rick Fox?

[.]

where was Rick Fox?

Also, where is Bryon Russell?!?

I dont think he played that bad in the regular season at all, he has finals experience and is a solid defender, and also has the abbility to knock down the open outside shot.

[idiot]

We're just acting, it's Hollywood.
It's much better to hold the championship at home.

[MVP]

Yes, I was wondering why Fisher was trying to do that dunk. He looked out of place doing that. If we would have just layed it in, he would have got the 2pts.

As to Rick Fox,...He hasn't been the same since his leg injury. I don't think he's fully recovered. That is why Phil is not playing him.

Yes, I think Bryon Russell should get a shot at playing. He would help create more space for Shaq to do his thang in the post because the Pistons would have to respect Russell's 3 pt shot. Only thing is, I think Russell has lost a step defensively, so that is the only reason I think Phil is not playing him.

Game 4 is a must win situation for the Lakers. I think the Lakers will come out strong...but if the Pistons weather the storm and stay close going into the 4th it won't look good for the them.

[.]

Bryon Russell if very good at drawing the offensive foul (aka flopping), maybe he is not that fast anymore, but it could be huge for the Lakers if either Richard Hamilton or Tayshuan Prince get in early foul trouble so that Kobe will wont have trouble in both the offense and defense.

I think Phil is not playing him because he doesnt run the triangle well or something, I think he is a better option then Rick Fox, however Fox is a better physical defender.

Btw, I think Fisher tried to dunk the ball because last few games he has trouble finnishing the ball with a layup in a break with 1 Piston defender waiting in the bucket for him, so maybe he just wanted to flush it. He always tries to dunk when he is agressive, he did the same in the last game vs the Sacramento Kings, but its not like he didnt get a good look at the rim, the ball just bounced out, bad luck I guess.

[RedTorro]

Bryon Russell if very good at drawing the offensive foul (aka flopping), maybe he is not that fast anymore, but it could be huge for the Lakers if either Richard Hamilton or Tayshuan Prince get in early foul trouble so that Kobe will wont have trouble in both the offense and defense.

I think Phil is not playing him because he doesnt run the triangle well or something, I think he is a better option then Rick Fox, however Fox is a better physical defender.

Btw, I think Fisher tried to dunk the ball because last few games he has trouble finnishing the ball with a layup in a break with 1 Piston defender waiting in the bucket for him, so maybe he just wanted to flush it. He always tries to dunk when he is agressive, he did the same in the last game vs the Sacramento Kings, but its not like he didnt get a good look at the rim, the ball just bounced out, bad luck I guess.

The reason Phil hasn't played Russell according to some media here is because of Michael Jordan. Phil consultant with MJ about Russell's stint in Washington and I guess MJ didn't think too highly of him.

[Robby]

The reason Phil hasn't played Russell according to some media here is because of Michael Jordan. Phil consultant with MJ about Russell's stint in Washington and I guess MJ didn't think too highly of him.

Could you list some of the sources where you heard that because I'd like to know more about this?

[bboyk10]

it's been a long time since i posted here

well
i'm really mad about the way the lakers play right now. They're playing like the team which is up 3-0 and looking to close out the series at home in game 4 against this year's orlando magic

HOW CAN THEY PLAY LIKE THAT? THEY DON'T DIVE FOR LOOSE BALLS, THEY DON'T GO FOR DEFENSIVE REBOUNDS, WHICH RESULTED IN PISTONS 2ND CHANCE POINTS AND THEREFORE DEMORALIZING THE THEIR OFFENSIVE GAME, EVERYBODY NOT SHARING THE BALL WELL, PLAYING A STREET BALL GAME,
ghesh, this is one of the worst performances that i've seen in years. it's like how the jazz played in game 3 of the 98 finals when they got blown by the bulls by 40 points and the rockets who got blown by the spurs in game 4 of the 1995 conference finals.

Gary Payton: He needs to knock down those open threes even though he is not a good shooter. There is no excuse u can use when u shoot an airball.
Kobe Bryant: Just feed the ball more to shaq.
Karl Malone: U just got distracted when u went after that fan in the tipoff. U don't have to do that. It's silly.
SHAQ: don't kick those balls back to your teamates. U need to be aggressive and put the pistons frontcourt in foul trouble situations. Unlike the rest of the west. conf. teams, the pistons won't double, triple, quatraple team u much. U need to take advantage of that and attack the rim. That'll force them to double team a little more and therefore making open chances for kobe and fisher.
The rest of the lakers: If u don't have the talent to match up the pistons bench, at least DIVE FOR LOOSE BALLS.

[Fresh8]

Well- anyone read wat Magic said bout the Lakers? Playing with no passion...and then critisizing Malone- told him not to talk back to fans cause thats not a 'real' Laker would do and then saying Payton should start hitting his open looks and play D and stop complaining. Judging by the content of his dialogue...he seems to be real pissed.

And predictions for Game 4: Lakers win and Kobe scores 30...as always! (Even though last time it was opposite...Pistons won and Rip scored 30...actually 31! )

[Jackal]

Well- anyone read wat Magic said bout the Lakers? Playing with no passion...and then critisizing Malone- told him not to talk back to fans cause thats not a 'real' Laker would do and then saying Payton should start hitting his open looks and play D and stop complaining. Judging by the content of his dialogue...he seems to be real pissed

Do you have a link to the story? I would like to read this for myself.

[Colin]

I don't know if there's a link but I just saw it on tv.

[Drex]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2004/news/story?id=1820796
Maybe he's trying to pull a Larry Bird? You know, calling his team "sissies" and stuff like that