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Monday Morning Gumsmacking

Posted 10 May 2010 — by spechater
Category Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Slaughter

The four-time champion San Antonio Spurs were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs last night in shocking fashion, being swept 4-0 by the Phoenix Suns. The Suns were able to finally avenge the countless playoff series losses to the Spurs throughout the past decade, winning the last two series games in San Antonio. It would appear the Spurs are officially heading towards the rebuilding stage. Tony Parker definitely has productive years left in him and Ginobili should be able to play at a high level for a couple more years, barring injury. But Timmy D looks to be slowing down and is definitely not the dominate force he used to be. Oh yeah, it’s safe to say that the Richard Jefferson experiment did not work out. Look for the Spurs not to re-sign him when his contract is up. Just not a good fit for the Spurs.

Rage on Rondo!

Can anyone on the Cavs stop Rajon Rondo? So far this series, the answer is a resounding NO. The long-armed PG has by far been the best Celtic in this series, in the playoffs in general. There is no longer a Big 3 in Boston, it is the Big One. He is putting up numbers in this series that your Create-A-Player would have in the old school NBA Live games. Triple doubles are pretty much expected at this point. If the Cavs don’t find a way to stop Rondo from running circles around their defense, they will continue to be relegated to the moniker of “Regular Season Champions”. They must attack him on offense and seriously think about putting LBJ on him. Anthony Parker and Mo Williams ain’t the answer!!!

Someone’s Goin Fishin Soon

The Atlanta Hawks were destroyed in Game 3 by the Orlando Magic, who are 7-0 in the playoffs. And, there is absolutely no indication that this series will not be a sweep. The Hawks are clearly unmatched and have no fight in them. And, this for the team that wants to be considered to be one of the elites for the East. This for a team that had to go to Game 7 to beat a depleted Milwaukee Bucks team in the first round. Personally, I don’t think Mike Woodson is a good coach. He doesn’t seem to be able to motivate these guys. They just don’t respond to him. If the Hawks have any shot of beating the Magic in Game 4, Joe Johnson has to step up.

Where Did He Come From?

Although the Lakers have a commanding 3-0 lead over the Utah Jazz and will win this series, I have been impressed with undrafted free agent Wesley Matthews. Honestly, I never heard of him in college, but this guy works hard and can play ball. He seems like he loves the challenge of guarding Kobe, is active around the basket, and has a nice stroke on the perimeter. His approach to the game fits in well in Jerry Sloan’s system. I guarantee that come contract time, there will be other teams trying to pry him away from Salt Lake City.

Tags: NBA, The Truth Sports

NBA Playoffs: (Day 23 Recap)

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Posted 09 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs

(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

After the worst loss in Celtics playoffs history Boston had more then ego to make up for. In Game 2, and 3 the home team was blown out, Game 4 the Celtics became the first home team this series to lead by double digits. But the performance put on by Rajon Rondo was too much for the Cavaliers to handle. 29 points, 18 boards, and 13 dimes. His fourth triple-double of the playoffs and an incredible performance by the Celtics All-Star point guard. Rondo had more rebounds then the other 4 starters combined. Boston also got a huge contribution from Tony Allen who scored a playoff career-high 15 points in 26 spirited minutes.

Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett scored 18 apiece and Pierce continued to struggle, managing only nine points in 31 minutes. Fouls were a constant throughout the game as the both teams combined for 79 free throws. The Cavaliers did not generate a single second-chance point and hauled in only three offensive rebounds. Boston registered 13 second-chance points behind nine offensive boards. LeBron James scored 22 points, but oversharing led to a seven-turnover performance. Shaquille O’Neal added 17 points, his high for this postseason.

A seesaw series tilts back to even as we shift back to Cleveland for Tuesday’s Game 5. The Celtics absolutely needed a win Sunday and got it. While Cleveland still has the homecourt edge, Boston at least guaranteed this series will come back to Boston on Thursday. Series tied 2-2

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Tags: NBA, The Truth Sports

NBA Playoffs: (Day 21 Recap)

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Posted 07 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs

(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Coach of the Cavaliers Mike Brown was upset with his teams effort in Game 2, he cursed, and screamed and vowed that the Cavs would play better in Game 3. Well the Cavs played better then better, they were supreme, authoritative, commanding, domineering. Cleveland handed the Celtics the worst playoff loses at home embarrasing them 124-95 to take a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

LeBron James and his right elbow have been the focus of everyone, and in Game 2 he didn’t help to quiet the skeptics about how hurt he was. LeBron’s Game 3 stat line should at last silence all talk of his elbow, 38 points, 8 boards, and 7 dimes. He had 21 in the 1st quarter as the Cavs pulled away early up 36-17 after the 1st. All 5 starters for the Cavs finished in double figures including Delonte West who had 14 points.

The Celtics had based majority of their success on defense, but it was absent early, and only Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo appeared to be present mentally and physically. The Celtics missed 10 of their first 13 shots, hitting just 27 percent in the first quarter. Rondo finished with 18 points and 8 dimes, KG lead all Celtics with 19 points. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combined for only 18 points.

Cavs lead series 2-1

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Tags: Goran Dragic, NBA, The Truth Sports

NBA Playoffs: (Day 19 Recap) Los Suns-Spurs

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Posted 05 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs

Phoenix ran a pick and roll between Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire the entire 4th quarter. The Spurs could not stop it and the Los Suns won 110-102, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Spurs.

Suns owner Robert Sarver issued a statement saying the team would wear “Los Suns” on their jerseys, to celebrate diversity on Cinco de Mayo but also to protest the immigration bill passed by the Arizona legislature and signed by Gov. Jan Brewer. The bill has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and others, including President Barrack Obama, who called it “misguided.” Obama even mentioned the issue at a news conference Wednesday, referring to the series between the Spurs “and Los Suns of Phoenix.” Many thought the Suns would be distracted by the whirlwind surrounding their political statement but their was no sign from the team that it was getting to them. Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 11 rebounds, Steve Nash and Jason Richardson scored 19 apiece and Grant Hill added 18. Channing Frye made 5 of 6 three pointers and the Suns out rebounded the Spurs 49-37, 18-7 on the offensive boards.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

San Antonio now down 2 games, face an uphill battle that they aren’t familiar with. Tim Duncan had 29 points and 10 rebounds and Richard Jefferson finished with 18 points and 10 boards. Tony Parker added 20 points, and Ginobili had 11 points and 11 assists. The best-of-seven series shifts to San Antonio for Game 3 on Friday night, and I’m sure Coach Pop will have them prepared. Los Suns lead series 2-0

Tags: NBA, The Truth Sports

NBA Playoffs: (Day 17 Recap)

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Posted 04 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

After Game 1 it was obvious that the Celtics could hang with the Cavaliers, but couldn’t keep them contained as they went on a run late to win. In Game 2, it was the same scenario only this time the Celtics lead was large enough to keep the Cavs at bay, holding on to win 104-86,

LeBron James accepted the MVP trophy before the game but was treated to an Olajuwon-Robinson type treatment by Rajon Rondo who had 13 points and 19 dimes, tying a franchise record. Rondo had more assists then the entire Cavs team(17). LeBron may have set the bar too high finishing with 24 points, 7 boards, and 4 dimes. He also was 10 of 15 from the free throw line, the entire Celtics team shot a combined 18 free throws.

Celtics had 6 players in double-figures including 17 points from Rasheed Wallace. Cavaliers had only 3 players to score more then 9, James, Jamison, and Hickson. Mo Williams played a great Game 1, but returned to his normal playoff output with 4 points on 1 of 9 shooting. Boston leads the league in technicals this postseason. “That was our goal,” Rivers joked. “We are an emotional team.”

Celtics now have home-court advantage. Series tied 1-1

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Tags: NBA, The Truth Sports

NBA Playoffs (Day 13 Recap)

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Posted 30 Apr 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Dallas Mavericks, NBA, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs aren’t the normal 7th seed. The Spurs Big 3(Manu,Parker,and Duncan) knew that treating Game 6 like a Game 7 would help to motivate the team to finish off the Dallas Mavericks. Thats exactly what they did. Manu, Parker, and Duncan combined for 53 points and the Spurs came out early with an intensity that was lacking in Game 5. After leading by as much as 22 points the Spurs let the Mavs back in the game, but circled the wagons and pulled out the win 97-87. San Antonio is only the fifth No. 7 seed to win a first-round series, and the first since the opening round became a best-of-7 in 2003.George Hill had 21 points, and now the Spurs face long time playoff rival Phoenix Suns.

Down and Out..Again! (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Before the trade-deadline the Mavericks made a big trade getting Brendan Haywood, and Caron Butler costing owner Mark Cuban an extra $30 million. Two players that were brought in to add toughness, and the pieces they needed to defeat the Lakers. Unfortunately the Mavs might have been looking to far in the future and not concentrating on the team in front of them. Dirk was Dirk, 13 of 21 for 33 points. Butler had 25 points and rookie Rodrigue Beaubois was the only other player in double figures with 16 points. Mark Cuban once again has a long summer ahead of him. Mavs have had 10 seasons of at least 50 wins and only one trip to the Finals to show for it. In many ways the Mavs havent been the same since the Heat came back to beat them in the Finals 4 years ago.

(AP Photo/Don Ryan)

If I told you that the Phoenix Suns got 10 points, 6 assists and 7 turnovers from Steve Nash, and won the game you wouldn’t believe me. Well in Game 6 on Thursday night thats just what happened. The Suns got 28 points from jason Richardson and 22 from Amare Stoudemire in a series clinching win 99-90. Phoenix is 32-4 this season when Richardson scores at least 20 points. Both Phoenix and Portland attempted 23 threes, while the Suns(12) made just one more then the Blazers(11). Now two old playoff rivals face each other once against the Spurs and Suns face off in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Portland has never won a series that they have trailed 3-2. Portland scared the Sns in Game 1, but was unable to recapture the magic that help them win that game. Brandon Roy had 14 points for the Blazers in his first start of the series. Martell Webster had 19 points for Portland, which failed to advance out of the first round for the second straight year. C Greg Oden was at Portland’s shootaround earlier Thursday. The 7-foot former No. 1 draft pick broke his left kneecap and required season-ending surgery early in December. Oden addressed reporters during Thursday’s shootaround, saying he was not yet doing any court-related workouts

Tags: NBA, The Truth Sports

NBA Playoffs: (Day 11 Recap)

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Posted 27 Apr 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, San Antonio Spurs

Bye Wade! (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Boston Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals thanks to 16 points, 12 rebounds and eight dimes from Rajon Rondo. The Celtics will play Cleveland who bested the Chicago Bulls in their first round matchup. Celtics played their best all around game shooting 49% from the field, 58% from deep and 19-22 from the free throw line. As difficult as it was for the Heat to “contain” Dwayne Wade, the inevitable back-to-back MVP LeBron James awaits. Celtics and Cavaliers split the season series.

The second team to make summer plans is the Miami Heat, and by “summer plans” I mean resigning Dwayne Wade, and getting him some help. Wade needs help, he had 31 points 10 dimes and 8 rebounds. Mario Chalmers had 20, and that was it. If the Heat were to get rid of the entire team aside from Chalmers and Wade that would be understandable. With the summer starting for Wade I look for him to add to his wardrobe, cameo on Inside the NBA, and make some new T-Mobile commercials while contemplating playing for the Bulls.

See Ya Next Year! (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Rose had 31 points, 3 boards, 6 dimes, but was unable to score down the stretch. Chicago has an interesting summer ahead of them, finding Rose help, and getting a new coach. “We both(Del Negro) came in as rookies. It would be devastating,” Rose said. “But it’s not up to me, it’s up to the front office. They’re the ones that drafted me, so I guess I’m behind them.” Rose said it would be hard to imagine the Bulls firing their coach after making the playoffs. “It would be unusual, especially since it’s our second time (in the playoffs),” Rose said. “But the league changes constantly. I guess that’s how it is in the NBA. It’s tough to coach up here.”

LeBron James scored 19 points — 16 in the second half — and added 10 rebounds and nine dimes. He unfortunately was unable to disguise the pain in his right elbow. James, who wore a sleeve on his right arm for the second straight game, refused to address his injury before the game. “I don’t know what is up with it, but I’m ready to play,” he said.

Mo Williams shot 2-13 from the field, the Celtics are going to love not having to play defense on him.

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NBA Playoffs: (Day 9 Recap)

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Posted 25 Apr 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Heat needed a win to continue the series and to continue watching Dwayne Wade in a Heat uniform. In the previous three games Wades 2nd and 4th quarter production was down. In Game 4 Wade put the Heat on his back and single-handedly(he yelled at his right hand) and outscored the Celtics 19 to 15 in the 4th. Wade scored 46 points, 30 in the second half — both franchise records — and the Heat beat the Boston Celtics 101-92. Quentin Richardson’s 20 points were the most by a Heat not named Wade this whole series. Dwyane Wade’s 46 points Sunday are the most scored against Boston in a playoff game dating back to 1991. Wade is only the fourth player since 1991 to score at least 40 in a playoff game against Boston, and the first since LeBron James scored 45 on May 18, 2008.

Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 23 points. Garnett had 18 points and 12 rebounds,Paul Pierce scored 16 and Ray Allen added 15 for Boston, which was bidding for its first 4-0 sweep of a series since 1986. “It’s not a big deal,” Rondo said. “We just have to close it out now in five. We’re confident.” Celtics 3-1

49FT.! (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

LeBron James nailed a 22-foot fadeaway from up top just before the halftime buzzer, then he hit a pull-up 49 foot jumper to end the 3rd quarter. That about sums up this game! James finished with 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. The Cavs shot 12-25 from deep, and got 12 points from Jamison, and 19 from Mo Williams.

After an impressing win in Game 3, the Bulls returned to their Game 1, and 2 form shooting 37% from the field. Bulls were 4 of 12 on 3-pointers, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah both scored 21 apiece, and Noah had 20 boards. Noah had the first 20/20 game in franchise playoff history. Noah told reporters after Game 3 that “Cleveland Sucks”.and he will be the focus of fans in the Quicken Loans Arena in Game 5! Vinny Del Negro seem to be LeBron-struck saying after the game “It came down to LeBron.” “We could not control LeBron.” Cavs 3-1

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NBA Playoffs: (Day 7 Recap)

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Posted 24 Apr 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz

(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

I can’t help but feel bad for Dwayne Wade. If you didn’t know, Dwayne Wade likes to look cool. So far this playoffs he and the Heat are just that, only in a bad way.

Heat fans slowly made there way into American Airlines Arena, donning black t-shirts for the Heats “BlackisBack” campaign. The crowd draped in all-black looked as though they were attending a funeral, and in many ways they were. Just like in the first two games Wade was dominant, but Dwyane Wade’s numbers have fluctuated heavily in each of the Heat’s three playoff games. Wade averages 23.3 ppg, 70% fg, and 50% 3-point shooting in the first and third quarters. His numbers in the second, and fourth quarter arent very Wade-like 6.3 ppg, 36.4% fg and 11.1% 3-point shooting…ouch! This is largely due to the immense amount of work Wade has to do on the offensive end of the court. Dwayne Wade has been the only Heat to score more then 16 points in any of the three games. Jermaine O’Neal is 5-31 shooting.

Not sure many people expected the Celtics to sweep the Heat, but that has become a strong posibility. Paul Pierce went all 2008 playoffs in Game 3, scoring 32 points and hitting the game-winner from the spot he hit against the Bulls in the first round last year. Celtics 100, Heat 98.

The Heat are down 3-0 to the Boston Celtics and without an immense miracle their playoffs are over. “It hasn’t really set in yet,” Wade said. “Down 3-0 hurts. This team’s good. They’ve got a lot of veteran guys who step up to the billing.” On the bright side at least more then three Heat scored in double figures. Celtics 3-0

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