NBA State of the state

[Tetge]

I attempt not to focus on the physical appearance of the players since I am hoping to see a real basketball game, although, I am often disappointed these days. The pro game is still rough and really bends the actual rules of basketball quite a bit. I see uncalled carrying the ball, and extra steps, and pushing and grabbing, and all manner of un-basketball type activities in every game. But, perhaps Wade is just sending the old I will put the hurt on you message to show that Miami is not soft. The Birdman is truly a work of art in every sense of the word, but, he sure is productive. He even makes free throws. I suppose he is an example of how far one can take an obsession and, also, an example of how to get famous and make some coin in the process. But, his play has been exceptional, so he delivers. I personally do not like to see his mutilated image on my screen, but, then again, I am not into ink at all. He may be the ink lovers posture boy, for all I know.

In any case, it remains to be seen if Indiana can get back into the series in game 4. And, of course, for the non-Spur haters, there is the issue of the possible sweep, since, in spite of his apparent agelessness, Duncan no doubt would benefit from some extra rest.

[jhwalker]

I attempt not to focus on the physical appearance of the players since I am hoping to see a real basketball game, although, I am often disappointed these days. The pro game is still rough and really bends the actual rules of basketball quite a bit. I see uncalled carrying the ball, and extra steps, and pushing and grabbing, and all manner of un-basketball type activities in every game. But, perhaps Wade is just sending the old I will put the hurt on you message to show that Miami is not soft. The Birdman is truly a work of art in every sense of the word, but, he sure is productive. He even makes free throws. I suppose he is an example of how far one can take an obsession and, also, an example of how to get famous and make some coin in the process. But, his play has been exceptional, so he delivers. I personally do not like to see his mutilated image on my screen, but, then again, I am not into ink at all. He may be the ink lovers posture boy, for all I know.

In any case, it remains to be seen if Indiana can get back into the series in game 4. And, of course, for the non-Spur haters, there is the issue of the possible sweep, since, in spite of his apparent agelessness, Duncan no doubt would benefit from some extra rest.

I would think that San Antonio would not want Memphis to get a win, and start getting ideas. I have been surprised at how Zack Randolph has been stymied. Generally.

You left out Battier...

[Tetge]

I would think that San Antonio would not want Memphis to get a win, and start getting ideas. I have been surprised at how Zack Randolph has been stymied. Generally.

You left out Battier...

Again, I figure that Battier is working within the rules of the modern pro game. He has always been classified as a smart player and a smart player would do everything that worked that they could get away with to win. I agree that San Antonio would not wish Memphis to get a win, but, in fact, any basketball team would not wish any other team to get a win any time, unless they were playing the Globe Trotters or the fix was in. Perhaps Randolph was killing everyone because he never played against a well coached team that was good defensively. He did get a million rebounds, however, so he contributed to the game. He apparently is just not a super star who can take a team on his back.

[jhwalker]

Adios Memphis. Out with the proverbial whimper.

[Tetge]

Adios Memphis. Out with the proverbial whimper.

The Spurs got the job done efficiently and now they get to rest for 10 days, or so, until they meet someone in the finals. Could be that the team that comes out of the East could have seen some hard action and one never knows about injuries and such. So, the Spurs have positioned themselves as good as possible for a potential championship. And, Duncan still played well, regardless of what some think of him..........

[jhwalker]

Adios Memphis. Out with the proverbial whimper.

The Spurs got the job done efficiently and now they get to rest for 10 days, or so, until they meet someone in the finals. Could be that the team that comes out of the East could have seen some hard action and one never knows about injuries and such. So, the Spurs have positioned themselves as good as possible for a potential championship. And, Duncan still played well, regardless of what some think of him..........

I would hope Memphis is breaking down video today. I will have to figure out whether I can bring myself to root for the Spurs. Don't think so. It might be the first time ever that I can't pull for either team in the finals if Miami finishes thumping the Pacers.

[Tetge]

I am not a fan of any of the remaining teams and, in fact, I have difficulty appreciating the modern pro basketball game at all, as it is played today. But, I realize that it is just my aged point of view talking, once again, as time moves on and basketball seems to evolve, along with a zillion other things. As an example, it certainly is not a no contact sport. And the basketball court, which once was pretty large, gets crowded when 10 monster sized players are using it. But, my interest in watching basketball has significantly diminished. The games are taking too long and there are too many fouls and reviews and time outs, etc.

In the case of the finals, I will be in favor of the Spurs since I can appreciate the fact that they have very effective coaching and that many of the players are mature in years and that they play team basketball. In many ways, the Spurs still play basketball closer to the old game that I remember than most teams. And, Duncan is sort of like George Blanda, as he is so old, at 37, that people marvel that he can still play at all. For, as we all know (or, at least some of us know), 37 years old is practically dead. Of course, George, was 100, but, he was playing the softer, less violent, sport of football at a time when they did not protect the quarterback. And, yes, I am really only thinking of when Blanda was quarterbacking, not kicking.

[Tetge]

The birdman never misses and Miami has this player named James who is a genuine load. Hence, it is now 3-2 and following right along with the NBA's master plan.

[Tetge]

I knew that Miami was doomed without their major star, the Birdman. And, the NBA got its drama packed game 7, before they anoint Miami the winner, for a big, hyped up, contest with the Spurs. It is all working out since they needed to have a show to fill the gap after the Spurs ran the deck, until the finals started. History shows that Miami should win game 7 at home without any fix by the NBA so the odds are that they will get the contest they wanted.

[jhwalker]

I knew that Miami was doomed without their major star, the Birdman. And, the NBA got its drama packed game 7, before they anoint Miami the winner, for a big, hyped up, contest with the Spurs. It is all working out since they needed to have a show to fill the gap after the Spurs ran the deck, until the finals started. History shows that Miami should win game 7 at home without any fix by the NBA so the odds are that they will get the contest they wanted.

Birdman should have been bounced for 2 games... I think he is dangerous. After reviewing the replay of that entire event several times, the fact that he was not tossed on the spot is pretty amazing. Ok, I am biased -- I hate Miami. But the fact remains that he was completely out of control. You talk about "not basketball" !!


Either the Pacers are better than I thought, or Miami is in trouble against a rested San Antonio.