New Album & The Beginning of Basketball Season

[FrantzM]

I must say that at the end of the game the Spurs stars disappeared .. James was making shots after shots while Duncan, Parker and Ginobli were missing theirs.. At one point they missed 4 free throws in a row between Parker and Duncan, less than 2:00 before the end of the game!! Duncan is is playing well but has missed too many point-blank shots that he would have made years ago in his sleep. he is no longer the force he was in the low post and the Heat do not have to double team him , something that would have freed the long range shooters like Ginobli , Belinelli, Mills, etc.. meanwhile from the Heat side you quadruple-team LBJ , he still scores and rebounds and passes ... My hopes are not high, yesterday's game should have been won by the Spurs ...

 

[rblnr]

I must say that at the end of the game the Spurs stars disappeared .. James was making shots after shots while Duncan, Parker and Ginobli were missing theirs.. At one point they missed 4 free throws in a row between Parker and Duncan, less than 2:00 before the end of the game!! Duncan is is playing well but has missed too many point-blank shots that he would have made years ago in his sleep. he is no longer the force he was in the low post and the Heat do not have to double team him , something that would have freed the long range shooters like Ginobli , Belinelli, Mills, etc.. meanwhile from the Heat side you quadruple-team LBJ , he still scores and rebounds and passes ... My hopes are not high, yesterday's game should have been won by the Spurs ...

That's been the difference between the Heat and all their opponents over the last couple of years -- they score in the 4th better than any other team.

 

[Ron Party]

... and they play better 4th quarter defense than any other team.

I was watching an ESPN documentary about the late 80s Pistons led by Thomas, Laimbeer, Dumars, Acquirre, the Microwave, Salley and, of course, Rodman, and their ascension to the status of the NBA's version of the old Raiders, i.e., the Bad Boys. Mahorn and Laimbeer would take out anyone who drove the paint. There were no flagrant fouls. In an interview Michael unequivocally states he attributes his rise and toughness to the beatings he took at the hands of the Pistons.

I was wondering what would happen if the Heat played the Pistons in a finals series under the rules in existence then, not now.

 

[FrantzM]

... and they play better 4th quarter defense than any other team.

I was watching an ESPN documentary about the late 80s Pistons led by Thomas, Laimbeer, Dumars, Acquirre, the Microwave, Salley and, of course, Rodman, and their ascension to the status of the NBA's version of the old Raiders, i.e., the Bad Boys. Mahorn and Laimbeer would take out anyone who drove the paint. There were no flagrant fouls. In an interview Michael unequivocally states he attributes his rise and toughness to the beatings he took at the hands of the Pistons.

I was wondering what would happen if the Heat played the Pistons in a finals series under the rules in existence then, not now.

Wild guess the Heat would lose. Wehn Lebron barrels through the lane, there are only timid attempts to challenge him .. Think Laimbeer or Rodman would have allowed this ? . The Pistons of yore would have made him think twice and would tire his body ... Wade would not go unchallenged in the paint either. The Heat are build for the current NBA with few real centers and/or Power Forwards. They'll dominate the current NBA as long as LBJ stays with them. I still hate them

 

[mauidan]

A good day and a bad day. I was at the Hollywood Bowl last night with my wife fora James Taylor concert which was terrific BTW. As a result I didn't see the game and awoke today to see the series tied as the Heat eeks out a 2 point victory. Is this déja vu once again. Spurs need to win in Miami or this will be a threepeat

I was playing golf and only saw the last four minutes of the game.

Loved watching LBJ guard TP and strip the ball from him.

I agree, if the Heat take both games in Miami, it's a three peat.

 

[dafos]

Wild guess the Heat would lose. Wehn Lebron barrels through the lane, there are only timid attempts to challenge him .. Think Laimbeer or Rodman would have allowed this ? . The Pistons of yore wold have made himthink twice and would have tire his body ... Wade would not go unchallenged in the paint either. The Heat are build for the current NBA with few real centers and/or Power Forwards. They'll dominate the current NBA as long as LBJ stays with them. I still hate them

It may have taken some time but MJ and the Bulls figured how to finally dominate the intimidating defense of the "bad boys" from Detroit. And while MJ is arguably the greatest ever, LBJ is bigger and stronger so there seems to be no reason why,with time and the proper supporting cast, he wouldn't be able to likewise impose his will on this Pistons fearsome frontline. Just my opinion.

 

[jadis]

I watched the mini-movie of the Dallas/Heat Finals not too long ago and found out an element lacking in last season's and this season's Heat opponents - a relentless scorer like Jason Terry off the bench,(at one point he knocked in a 3 in the face of James) and a small starter whom the Heat could not stop, Barea - that is aside from the usual running core of Dirk, Kidd and Marion. Terry literally knocked the teeth of Miami out in the clinching game, draining 27 points relentlessly and like a man possessed. The Pacers had no such guy. And the Spurs needed such a guy badly - like a Westbrook.

The Heat has a unstoppable James now wreaking havoc in any team's defense. Doc couldn't stop the 45 point output a couple of years ago, and after the cramps the whole world knew James was going to take the game to himself in Game 2, which he did, and not even Pop and his coaching staff could devise any sort of defense to stop it. Lebron actually has an added advantage in the media blitz that mocks him - motivation. Wonder if MJ had that. James' failure in Cleveland and the ensuing dramatics caused the media to hone in to him more, waiting to see him fail and eat his words, but it works both ways, and it's motivating him to up his game to a very high level.

While the sight of a 1-1 split is quite gloomy considering the historical side, Miami has always taken their 2 home games for a 3-1 lead and a big psychological boost, what remains hopeful for the Spurs is their heart to win. And the breaks too, and converting their free throws (4 straight misses, simply incredible) Each point counts when playing the Heat. Spurs desperately need to get back Game 3 not to just gain home court but to save their Finals' effort. Somebody has got to shine in the next game for the Spurs.

 

[jadis]

... and they play better 4th quarter defense than any other team.

I was watching an ESPN documentary about the late 80s Pistons led by Thomas, Laimbeer, Dumars, Acquirre, the Microwave, Salley and, of course, Rodman, and their ascension to the status of the NBA's version of the old Raiders, i.e., the Bad Boys. Mahorn and Laimbeer would take out anyone who drove the paint. There were no flagrant fouls. In an interview Michael unequivocally states he attributes his rise and toughness to the beatings he took at the hands of the Pistons.

I was wondering what would happen if the Heat played the Pistons in a finals series under the rules in existence then, not now.

Good you mentioned this Ron. I had been playing fantasy basketball in my mind for a while, and exactly on this different era matchup. I'd like to imagine Rodman hounding James with all his crazy antics. And with the rules then, I think the Heat would be manhandled, psychologically and physically. Bill Laimbeer or Mahorn on Bosh, and both will be waiting for the drives of Wade and James. For once, I'd be relishing on how Wade would take those blows when he drives against these 2 interior 'specialists'. And Chalmers, with his elbowing tactics in present day, he would surely get his bigger share from Isaiah Thomas in return. This Pistons team took out some highly regarded team - first, Boston in the Eastern con showdowns, then the Bulls, and the Lakers to win an NBA championship. And their rotating, chocking defense was one of the best I've ever seen.

 

[jadis]

Wade's really, really fantastic flop. Earned him 2 Free Throws. His acting really smacks of WWE Smackdown (pun intended). I really hate to be in the shoes of Pop.

http://nba.si.com/2014/06/09/dwyane-wade-flop-fine-manu-ginobili-heat-spurs-finals/


Posted June 09, 2014
NBA fines Heat’s Dwyane Wade for flop on Spurs’ Manu Ginobili

MIAMI — The NBA has fined Heat guard Dwyane Wade $5,000 for his flop against Spurs guard Manu Ginobili during Miami’s 98-96 victory in Game 2 of the NBA Finals at the AT&T Center on Sunday.

With a little more than four minutes remaining in the second quarter and San Antonio leading 37-34, Ginobili swiped at the ball as Wade held it near midcourt. Ginobili appeared to make only light contact with the ball and/or Wade’s hand, but Wade reacted as if he had been struck in the face or poked in the eye.

Wade’s embellished reaction, which was lustily booed by Spurs fans, was rewarded with two free throws as Ginobili was whistled for his third foul on the play. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich immediately subbed out Ginobili for Danny Green.

RELATED: The 10 most ridiculous dives of the 2013-14 season

Miami’s All-Star guard becomes the fourth player warned for flopping during the 2014 playoffs, joining Spurs center Tiago Splitter, Pacers center Roy Hibbert and Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (twice).

Wade had not been previously warned or fined for flopping during the 2013-14 season or the 2014 playoffs. During the postseason, the NBA removes the free warning given to floppers and institutes a $5,000 fine on the first violation.

Video via YouTube user NBA Highlights.

 

[jadis]

Meanwhile, on the Eastern Front...

http://nba.si.com/2014/06/09/derek-fisher-coach-new-york-knicks/


Posted June 09, 2014
Reports: Derek Fisher accepts Knicks job, finalizing five-year, $25 million contract
Derek Fisher, New York Knicks, Phil Jackson, Rob Mahoney
By Rob Mahoney

Derek Fisher has agreed to become the head coach of the New York Knicks and is currently finalizing a five-year, $25 million contract, according to reports.

The development was first reported by Frank Isola of the New York Daily News and the terms of Fisher’s deal were later revaled by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Fisher, 39, played 17.6 minutes per game off the bench for the Thunder this season. He was a regular contributor throughout Oklahoma City’s run to the Western Conference finals and all the while a prominent figure in the Knicks coaching search.

New York reportedly held interest in Fisher as a coaching candidate for months, in large part due to his nine seasons as a point guard under Phil Jackson, who now serves as the Knicks’ team president. Not only would their established working relationship help to smooth over relations between New York’s coaching staff and front office, but Fisher’s familiarity with the triangle offense could help in the potential installation of that system. Jackson even went as far as to discuss the possibility of Fisher coaching the team publicly, for which he was tagged with a $25,000 tampering fine.

“The last two summers, Derek and I have talked about the next step in his career,” Jackson said during a press conference last week. “So I kind of know what he wants to do, and his feelings. He’s got family in L.A. He’s got little kids still in L.A. I have no idea if he wants to move his family and come here. Those are things that he would have to express. There are so many unknowns.”

When asked whether he would be willing to venture outside of his circle to find a new coach, Jackson responded simply: “I have a big circle.” Fisher very much falls within it, as do the early reported candidates to fill out his staff. Former Jackson assistant (and current Lakers assistant) Kurt Rambis will likely join Fisher on the bench as an assistant, per Howard Beck of Bleacher Report. Rick Fox, Bill Cartwright, and Luke Walton — all of whom played under Jackson — are also reported to be in the running.

The Lakers also had expressed some interest in Fisher, but reportedly decided to remove the point guard from their coaching search and focus on more experienced candidates. Fisher, though an 18-year veteran, is a complete newcomer to the coaching scene. The same was true of Nets head coach Jason Kidd — a similarly tenured point guard who took Brooklyn to the second round of the 2014 playoffs in the season immediately following his retirement. Steve Kerr, who verbally agreed to take the Knicks job in May only to change course, will also be a first-time head coach this coming season with the Warriors. Kerr reportedly signed a five-year, $25 million contract similar to Fisher’s.

The Knicks scheduled a press conference for Tuesday to make a “major announcement.”

 

[Steve williams]

Interesting how Phil wouldn't pony up the $25M/5 yrs for Steve Kerr but did for Fisher

 

[jadis]

Interesting how Phil wouldn't pony up the $25M/5 yrs for Steve Kerr but did for Fisher

My guess Steve, is that Phil Jackson learned from his bluff. And how bout if Rick Fox and Rambis joined the staff? It would be a reunion of ex-Lakers in the Big Apple. And interestingly, the last championship of the Knicks was won over the Lakers in 1973, with Phil Jackson as a reserve power forward, and he actually scored 17 points in a Game 2 win.

 

[jadis]

Phil Jackson/Fisher connection is like a pseudo Pat Riley Spoestra connection. Mentor/pupil. Now,what Phil needs to do is to flash those 9 rings to lure a big name free agent (Decision II???) into signing with the Knicks for 'less money'. Get another big who suddenly will become a 3 point threat, and you've got another Big 3 combo if Melo stays. And then he can amnesty Amare.

 

[Steve williams]

The Knicks unfortunately IMHO need something more than a rookie coach who knows the triangle which Phil loves but I have always felt the Lakers were vulnerable against the pick and roll.
Phil is truly assembling his cronies

 

[rblnr]

... and they play better 4th quarter defense than any other team.

I was watching an ESPN documentary about the late 80s Pistons led by Thomas, Laimbeer, Dumars, Acquirre, the Microwave, Salley and, of course, Rodman, and their ascension to the status of the NBA's version of the old Raiders, i.e., the Bad Boys. Mahorn and Laimbeer would take out anyone who drove the paint. There were no flagrant fouls. In an interview Michael unequivocally states he attributes his rise and toughness to the beatings he took at the hands of the Pistons.

I was wondering what would happen if the Heat played the Pistons in a finals series under the rules in existence then, not now.

League rules don't allow this kind of defense anymore. The league has gotten a lot less physical over the years with the way they define and call charging, flagrants, and just the general level of contact allowed.

Phil Jackson's obviously highly intelligent so we'll see. I'm surprised though by the hire. Are they going to use the triangle?

I'm still very unsold on J Kidd, a similar hire, though my impression is Fisher is a brighter guy.

 

[Steve williams]

Donald Sterling will carry on with lawsuit against the NBA, does not support Clippers sale

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...does-not-support-clippers-sale-030554789.html

 

[MylesBAstor]

Phil Jackson/Fisher connection is like a pseudo Pat Riley Spoestra connection. Mentor/pupil. Now,what Phil needs to do is to flash those 9 rings to lure a big name free agent (Decision II???) into signing with the Knicks for 'less money'. Get another big who suddenly will become a 3 point threat, and you've got another Big 3 combo if Melo stays. And then he can amnesty Amare.

Yes but the players association will protest if a big name signs for less money.

 

[MylesBAstor]

The Knicks unfortunately IMHO need something more than a rookie coach who knows the triangle which Phil loves but I have always felt the Lakers were vulnerable against the pick and roll.
Phil is truly assembling his cronies

Yes it's called St. Jude.

 

[MylesBAstor]

Interesting how Phil wouldn't pony up the $25M/5 yrs for Steve Kerr but did for Fisher

I think the bigger story was Calipari turning down the Cav's offer (as did Ollie). 10 years, 80 million according to ESPN. Plus head of operations and coach? Luring Lebron back to Cleveland????

 

[Steve williams]

The latest today is that the Lakers are seriously eyeing Melo and LeBron this summer