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THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
04/20/01 at 10:51:57
[slm] Let the games begin! I would like to remind all my brothers and sisters here what I said looooong time ago (at the beginning of the NBA season) about who's gonna win it all.  Check the thread called "the NBA" in this forum!  Of course, I'm sticking to my original prediction of Spurs winning the championship.   But, here's my first round predictions: Eastern Conference: Phi 3, Ind 2 Mil 3, Orl 1 Mia 3, Cha 0 NY 3, Tor 2 Western Conference: SA 3, Min 1 LAL 3, Por 1 Sac 3, Pho 1 Utah 3, Dal 2 Wassalamu alaikum :)

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
04/20/01 at 14:00:17
slm Yes, the best part of the season is upon us.   Here's what I think is going to happen: Eastern Conference: Phi 3, Ind 1   Mil 3, Orl 0 Mia 3, Cha 2 NY 3, Tor 1 Western Conference: SA 3, Min 0 LAL 3, Por 1 Sac 3, Pho 1 Dal 3, Utah 2 I see it pretty much the way Arsalan does in terms of outcomes, except I think Dallas is going to beat Utah.  By far the most exciting match is going to be the Lakers and Portland.  Sunday 2:30 pm PST on NBC!!!   Arsalan, San Antonio hasn't won it yet, we'll see what develops.  :)  Lakers all the way!!!

76ers lost, woohoo!
bhaloo
04/21/01 at 14:23:44
slm What a game, Indiana played really bad in the 1st half, but then they got their act together and defeated the Sixers.  The key was shutting down Iverson.  That's what all teams need to do, just stop Iverson and you stop the Sixers.  Its very simple, they only have one player that really does the scoring.  The announcer commented that the Sixers record is 15-12 over the last 27 games.  That is really pathetic.

u r SSSOOOOO mean!!
princess
04/21/01 at 15:35:58
walikumas'salaam warahmatullah :) [quote]That is really pathetic. [/quote] so is the fact that they KEPT showing kkoobbee's commercial..he DOESN'T have THAT much love..i dunno what's that all about?!!?!!?!!! ??? STOP THE HATE[/B] ):( ):( ):( mmmaaannnnn..u watch..ur lakers, r goin down..:thumbsdown: i was extremely disappointed with my team..when i'm not so hurt..:( i'll post more on the game..later langur ;-D

Hota hai
bhaloo
04/21/01 at 22:18:28
slm Dallas had the game, they barely lost.  That is going to be a good series.  Tim Duncan was incredible in San Antonio's victory.  By far the most pathetic game of the day was the utter humiliation of Miami at the hands of Charlette by 22 points in Miami's stadium.  If Miami doesn't get their act together they are going to be eliminated in the 1st round. As for Philadelphia's game, I still have confidence that they can beat the Pacers and win the series (just because I feel Indiana is a bad team), although it looks like its gonna be a 5 game series.  I haven't watched Indiana's last 10 games, but the announcer said that they had a really good record in the last few games coming into the playoffs.  The reality is this, Philadelphia has to win 3 out of 4 games against Indiana to advance to the next round.  Can they do it?  We'll have to see what answers Philly has. :) I also didn't like all the complaining Iverson was doing to the referees about being fouled.  In the end of the game he fell down and Miller didn't foul him.  If anything, as the announcer Bill Walton said, Iverson was guilty of an offensive foul. As for the Lakers, I'm worried about Portland.  We'll see what happens tomorrow. :) Oh did anyone see the new Nike commercial with the guy dribbling the basketball?

i'm going to miami..
princess
04/21/01 at 22:33:52
walikumas'salaam warahmatullah :) [quote]By far the most pathetic game of the day was the utter humiliation of Miami at the hands of Charlette by 22 points in Miami's stadium.[/quote] hahaahhah..:) what [i]was[/i] that man?! hahahahah..i thought miami woulda had em..but whoa nelly..;) i like eddie house :) played pretty good for a rookie :) [quote]We'll have to see what answers Philly has. :)[/quote] did u know allen's nickname is "the answer?" ;) [quote]Oh did anyone see the new Nike commercial with the guy dribbling the basketball?[/quote] oohhh..i did! i did! it was awesome :) i used to be able to dribble like that..hahahah..just kiddin..i wish ;) later langur ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
04/22/01 at 00:25:00
slm [quote]If Miami doesn't get their act together they are going to be eliminated in the 1st round.[/quote] Oh ye doubtful ones...Miami will prevail!  you can't stop the Zo! I like Sacto in the west by the way...but Lakers have all the weaponry, if they can knock off Portland.

Re: i'm going to miami..
bhaloo
04/22/01 at 01:18:52
slm [quote]We'll have to see what answers Philly has. :) did u know allen's nickname is "the answer?" ;) [/quote] I was actually playing with words there. :)  Philly is going to need more then one answer if they want to win.  ;) So Rashid you like Sacramento? ???  I heard Petro has been in a slump.  We'll see what happens in tomorrow's game.  You know, Miami always folds in the playoffs, see what happened to them the last few years?  The Knicks took care of them.  I like Milwaukee coming out of the east. :)

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
04/22/01 at 01:39:09
[slm] I'm surprised at the way Miami lost to Charlotte!  I really was expecting this series to be a sweep.  Charlotte did not play up to expectations in the regular season, and Miami was looking really sharp.  A lot of "experts" have even suggested that Miami will go all the way to the finals (I disagree of course).  But anyway.  That messes up my prediction of 3-0 for this series I guess, but all the other ones are still so far so good :) Philadelphia is going to have to play their best games to beat Indiana.  Remember that Indiana has several veteran players, and a great coach (in my opinion).  They know how to handle pressure, and most importantly, they know how to beat the Iverson and the Sixers!  If Philadelphia can beat the Pacers ... they make the finals! San Antonio is playing sharp, but needs to play better defense and cut down on the turnovers.  They shot extremely well this game, and that's why they won.   Utah - oh I hate that team!  Malone and Stockton, two of the biggest punks in the league!  Never be fooled by that innocent looking face of Stockton, that's a cover he uses to fool the refs.  But you've gotta hand it to them - they have the fundamentals down like anything and they know how to win during the playoffs.  They know how to deal with pressure, and they're an extremely intelligent team.  All of this showed in the first game. Man, I can't wait to see the Blazers - Lakers series and the Knicks - Raptors series!

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
04/22/01 at 01:54:13
slm Arsalan, how can you say the Pacers have a great coach?  Isiah Thomas was a good player but as a coach he has done a terrible job!!!  ESPN totally dissed him like 2 weeks ago, did you see that?  If the Sixers get by the Pacers, which I still think they can, there is no way they can get by the Bucks in the eastern finals, or even the Knicks (that is if NY has gotten their act together). I'm not a Malone or Stockton fan either.  I agree they have this innocent act going on, to me it looks fake, but maybe others see it as real? ???

Lakers dominated the Trailblazers!
bhaloo
04/22/01 at 19:54:40
slm Did y'all see the game today?  You better recognize.  Lakers turned it up a notch and shut down Portland.   Look at this comment someone sent me yesterday: i have to have good amounts of energy to boo the lakers and curse shaq and kobe *shakes head*  when will people learn The Lakers turned up the defence and Portland crumbled in the 4th quarter.  Portland's offense centers around Rasheed, stop him and you stop Portland.  Same think with the Raptors, stop Vince Carter and you stop them, and that's what the Knicks did.  Same thing with the 76ers, stop Iverson and the Sixers aren't the same team, the other players have to step up. It was suprising to see the Suns beat the Kings, but in a way that would be good if the Suns win, because that means the Lakers would have an easier time getting to the NBA finals. p.s. They had another nike commercial with more guys dribbling the ball, one guy was rolling on the floor and still dribbling the ball, really amazing.
NS

aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
princess
04/22/01 at 22:43:21
walikumas'salaam warahmatullah :) [quote]Did y'all see the game today?  You better recognize.  Lakers turned it up a notch and shut down Portland.[/quote] game was good..must admit..:) i dunno what happened with the blazers man..someone shoulda put some ice down wallace's back, toba..he's got issues :) kobe got shadi-fied..how cute..:) mashAllah :) everyone should get married young ;) later lllaaannnggguuuurrrrr ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
04/23/01 at 09:41:46
slm It will be nice if the Lakers can sweep the Trailblazers. For all you people out there that have been dissin the Lakers and giving them a hard time, you can still become a fan, its not too late. :) I liked the Bucks and Orlando game last night.  That had a lot of action and was fast paced.  The Knicks games are soooo boring, so slow, no offense, games that are grinded out to the end.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
04/23/01 at 12:28:03
[quote]For all you people out there that have been dissin the Lakers and giving them a hard time, you can still become a fan, its not too late. [/quote] Err ... no thanks! Just wait till they meet The Spurs!!!

the sun WILL set..
princess
04/23/01 at 15:37:16
as'salaamualikum :) [quote]For all you people out there that have been dissin the Lakers and giving them a hard time, you can still become a fan, its not too late.[/quote] hahahahahah..plz..spare me..i wish we had a face for "throw up" :) [quote]Err ... no thanks![/quote] i 2nd that..i'm down with arsalan on this 1..:) anyways..only time will tell..because we all know the sun always sets on the west ;) later langur ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
04/23/01 at 21:02:02
slm Sacto let me down...  :(  I thought we had it... the Knicks are the most boring team ever.  The Lakers game was good, even though I can't stand their arrogance, but Rasheed needs counseling (or Islam, he's already got the name).  That guy gets mad over any little thing. Yes, I'm painfully aware of Miami's yearly playoffs collapse, it's become a sadomasochistic ritual for us.  They just can't seem to get it together for the long haul, but that's my team, so GO HEAT!!  These pesky hornets are no match!

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
04/23/01 at 22:56:39
[quote]it's become a sadomasochistic ritual for us[/quote] Huh?!?  Translate please!!!!!!!

Miami is an insult to the NBA!
bhaloo
04/24/01 at 00:05:30
slm Rashid, you are right, the Knicks games are boring, I usually can't watch them all the way.  Running back and forth and no baskets!!! The Miami Heat are beyond pathetic!  Did you see how they played ???  It is plain torture to watch such a pathetic team play.  They have lost 2 home games by more then 20.  What they need to do is just forfeit game 3 if they had any decency.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
hydrolicious
04/24/01 at 12:19:09
Assalamu alaikum....Respect to my elders..in the house,,, But igots to say one thing....Love for all ...specially for INDIANA......and LEMME take a moment to say that RAPTORS are gonna come out on top atleast for the first round...trust u me........We've been waiting....Thats vut raptors do,,,they wait and hunt and stalk the enemy...hehe..(jurassic park)....Anyways...just wanted to let u all know that cuz u all dun know....LANGUR IN DEE HOUSE,,,, Wasalaams all,,,,,specially S G E L BAGONA BELLY

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
04/24/01 at 14:14:31
Sadomasochistic: hurting yourself.  That's what heat fans do every year by watching the playoffs.  Last night's effort (if that can be called effort) left me speechless.  I just can't believe it...it's a sad, sad day :(

haters haters haters..
princess
04/25/01 at 13:44:01
walikumas'salaam warahamtullah :) [quote]RAPTORS are gonna come out on top atleast for the first round...trust u me........We've been waiting....Thats vut raptors do,,,they wait and hunt and stalk the enemy...[/quote] ahh..no..raptors r NOT gonna come out on top :) keep dreaming dude :) oh a bright note..:) philly won :) i know u all r dying to read what went on in the game :) so it's my pleasure..;) no need to thank me :) i know u all appreciate it :) later langur ;-D ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Iverson, 76ers Win Duel with Pacers' Miller PHILADELPHIA, April 24 (AP) -- Allen Iverson wouldn't let Reggie Miller show him up in his house. Iverson scored a career playoff-high 45 points, including 19 in the third quarter, as the Philadelphia 76ers overcame Miller's 41 points, beating the Indiana Pacers 116-98 Tuesday night to even their first-round series at 1-1. Game 3 of the best-of-five Eastern Conference quarterfinals is Saturday in Indiana. Aaron McKie had 19 points, George Lynch added 16 and Iverson had nine assists for Philadelphia, which finished as the top team in the East for the first time since 1983-84. Jalen Rose had 18 and Jermaine O'Neal added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, who were down just 61-59 at halftime after getting 33 from Miller. Iverson scored 14 of Philadelphia's final 17 points in the third, including the last 10. He drilled a 17-footer, another long jumper and hit a 3-pointer to give the Sixers their biggest lead to that point, 88-76, with 1:11 left. After Rose hit a jumper, Iverson nailed another 19-footer as the sellout crowd of 20,739 at the First Union Center chanted "MVP, MVP" for the league's scoring champion. Iverson pumped his fist, raised his arms and cupped his ear, imploring the fans to make more noise before he finished the quarter at the foul line, giving the Sixers a 91-78 lead on a free throw. Indiana didn't get closer than 10 in the fourth. Miller, whose 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left in Game 1 lifted the Pacers to a 79-78 comeback victory, opened the game with a 3-pointer and proceeded to hit shots from all over the court. He scored seven straight points three different times -- at the start of the game, midway through the first and to begin the second. Four Sixers -- Eric Snow, Kevin Ollie, Iverson and McKie -- tried to guard Miller in the first half and none could stop him. Even Pacers coach Isiah Thomas was excited after Miller's running jumper gave Indiana a 39-37 lead midway through the second. The normally reserved Thomas clapped his hands and low-fived Miller as he ran down the court. But Miller missed all three of his shots in the third and scored only two points on free throws as Iverson took over, helping the Sixers break open a tight game. Miller finished 14-of-22, including 3-for-5 from 3-point range. Iverson was 15-of-27, including 3-for-7 from beyond the arc. Philadelphia stressed the importance of getting the ball inside to its big men -- Dikembe Mutombo and Tyrone Hill -- after the guards took 57 of 78 shots in the opener. But Mutombo and Hill combined for three shots in the first half and neither scored. Mutombo finally scored on a layup with 6:23 left in the third, and finished with three points and 11 rebounds, one of his worst games since joining the Sixers in a deal at the trade deadline. Miller had 16 points in the first quarter, nearly matching his total of 17 in Game 1. He was just 5-of-21 in the opener, but made his fifth shot with 4:04 left in the first. Notes: Miller fell six points shy of Sleepy Floyd's playoff record for points in a half. Floyd had 39 for Golden State in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on May 10, 1987. ... Iverson's previous playoff high was 40 points against Charlotte last year. ... Indiana has never lost a playoff series in which it won the first game, going 11-0 since 1993-94. ... The Pacers are 5-2 in playoff games at the First Union Center. ... Thomas got a technical for arguing a foul call early in the third. ... Austin Croshere scored 10 points in a reserve role and fouled out with 5:01 left.

Portland is going down!!!
bhaloo
04/26/01 at 13:34:41
slm Bryant absorbs Pippen comments LOS ANGELES – Kobe Bryant of the Lakers reacted calmly on Wednesday to comments by Portland's Scottie Pippen, who questioned whether Bryant really suffered a bruised rib in the first half of Game 1. Bryant, guarded most of the time by Pippen, left the court for some four minutes and was treated in the locker room after being accidentally elbowed by Rasheed Wallace. Bryant scored 25 of his 28 points in the second half as the Lakers dominated Portland. Los Angeles goes for a 2-0 series lead on Thursday night. "He's got bruised ribs? Which side? Aww, he's trying to be like Mike," Pippen said, referring to former teammate Michael Jordan's effort in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals against Utah, when he scored 38 points for the Chicago Bulls despite battling food poisoning. "He wanted to come out and have a heroic performance after saying he had bruised ribs," Pippen said. "It didn't look like he had bruised ribs. He didn't find a shot he didn't like. He wasn't hurt that bad." Bryant, who has often expressed deep respect for Pippen, admitted he was disappointed by the remarks, but said he realized his opponent was probably just trying to get into his head. "I've respected Scottie so much, I've looked up to him when I was honing my basketball skills," Bryant said. "Scottie has six rings, he's a champion. It's a little disappointing, but I've got a job to do." Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he believed anything between the two, at least as far as Pippen is concerned, dates to when Pippen played for Houston two years ago and the Lakers beat the Rockets in a first-round series. Bryant generally got the better of his more experienced opponent at that time. "I enjoy playing against Scottie so much," Bryant said. "Back then, I looked at it as a challenge and an opportunity to prove myself against one of the best players of all time." When asked if he might say anything to Pippen, Bryant replied: "Like what? We expected them to say something to throw us off our game." Bryant said he felt better Wednesday. "Yesterday, I had a big pad. It limited my movement," he said. "Today, I have a smaller pad." When asked if he expected Pippen to go after his ribs, Bryant laughed and said, "Probably, I would." Pippen didn't speak to reporters Wednesday after the Blazers practiced. "He's just trying to get Kobe off his game, get a little edge, that's all," Lakers forward Robert Horry said of Pippen's remarks. "It's all about talking stuff, get a response from Kobe. I know his ribs are hurt." Shaquille O'Neal believes the Blazers should just stop talking and play. Portland coach Mike Dunleavy and some of his players complained after Sunday's 106-93 loss that O'Neal got away with camping in the lane and generally pushing them around, and the complaints continued during the days that followed. "I'll be ready for tomorrow night, don't you worry," O'Neal said. "I'm not really angry, I just feed off things like this. I love it when people talk. As an athlete, I'd rather just beat somebody than cry. I'm a man, I want to play man's basketball.  (You go boy!) "When I'm upset, I dominate." Portland reserve Dale Davis, who fouled out in only nine minutes trying to guard O'Neal, was fined $7,500 by the NBA on Wednesday for verbally abusing the officials during the game. Davis said he was "pretty shocked" by the fine, and planned to appeal. As far as the crying and whining accusations by O'Neal, Davis smiled and said: "That's fine. We've been accused of worse."
NS

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
04/26/01 at 14:12:37
[slm] [url]http://www.nba.com/games/20010425/PHOSAC/recap.html?nav=page[/url] I hope there's no Phoenix fans on here...Last night's defeat at the hands of the Kings was ummm...mildly embarrasing, to put it nicely?   Sacto plays as a team, there's no "me me me" like *cough* Br Arshad's Lakers *cough* 7 Kings scored in double figures, and Jason Williams was unstoppable.  And now for the bad news (for me at least) :( MIAMI, April 25 (AP) -- Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway, hobbled by a bruised left foot, will not play the rest of the Heat's first round playoff series against the Charlotte Hornets. The Heat trail the best-of-five series 2-0 and must win two games in Charlotte to get the series back to Miami. The next game is Friday night in Charlotte. Hardaway has been ineffective in the series, scoring a combined five points in 37 minutes in the two playoff games. The Heat have been outscored by 11 points when Hardaway is on the court. Anthony Carter will start in Hardaway's absence.

can it be..
princess
04/28/01 at 19:55:58
as'salaamualikum :) philly won :) [sigh] :) how sweet it is :) later langur ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
04/28/01 at 20:24:00
slm [quote] Sacto plays as a team, there's no "me me me" like *cough* Br Arshad's Lakers *cough* 7 Kings scored in double figures, and Jason Williams was unstoppable.  And now for the bad news (for me at least) :( MIAMI, April 25 (AP) -- Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway, hobbled by a bruised left foot, will not play the rest of the Heat's first round playoff series against the Charlotte Hornets. [/quote] I admit I like watching the Kings playing, but come on, the Lakers do distribute the ball and share now. :)  At least they aren't like Allen "ball hog" Iverson's 76ers. ;)  I thought Indiana was going to win today, they had it. :( The Miami Heat were utterly humiliated in all 3 games as they were swept by the Charlotte Hornets. :)

why i oughta..
princess
04/28/01 at 20:29:27
walikumas'salaam warahmatullah :) [quote]I admit I like watching the Kings playing, but come on, the Lakers do distribute the ball and share now. :)  At least they aren't like Allen "ball hog" Iverson's 76ers. ;)  I thought Indiana was going to win today, they had it. :( [/quote] u're soo horrible..u wish u had someone like allen on ur team!! u blah! i'm sooo tired of this allen bashing..u're going down son :) this is for all u other allen fans, like myself :) http://www.hot.ee/alleniverson/iverson.htm enjoy :) later langur ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
04/28/01 at 20:54:29
[slm] This is interesting ... we have four people here, all rooting for four different teams: princess - sixers bhaloo - lakers rashid - kings arsalan - spurs It'll be interesting to see what happens. Y'all still have time ... Convert! (to being a spurs fan)  Before it's too late :)

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
04/29/01 at 10:19:02
slm I'm scared about the Spurs, but their loss yesterday showed that they have weaknesses.  Yeah its still not too late to convert and become a Laker fan. ;)

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
04/29/01 at 20:05:44
After today's dramatic down-by-17-come-from-behind victory over the Suns, the Kings have started accepting applications, especially from Laker fans, to join their fan club.  Turn yours in today!   I'm just gonna try and forget the heat's humilliation...I can barely show my face in public now :(

Blazers fold at hands of Lakers again
bhaloo
04/30/01 at 10:06:36
slm PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – After dispatching Portland in three easy games, Shaquille O'Neal says the selfish, bickering Los Angeles Lakers of a month ago are long gone.   Kobe Bryant drives past Steve Smith on his way to 22 points and a playoff career-high nine assists for the Lakers. And the happy bunch that replaced them is primed to continue its march toward a second straight NBA title. "Everyone is on the same page now. We have a mission," O'Neal said after the Lakers beat the Trail Blazers 99-86 Sunday to sweep their first-round series. "If we keep playing like this, it's going to be very hard to beat us," said O'Neal, who led the Lakers with 25 points and 15 rebounds. "We know what it takes to win a championship, because of the phenomenal season we had last year." Los Angeles will play the Sacramento-Phoenix winner in the second round. Kobe Bryant had 22 points and a playoff career-high nine assists, and Derek Fisher added 17 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who began their surge by winning the last eight games of the regular season. Portland, meanwhile, lost for the sixth straight time and 17th time in 25 games. The team with the highest payroll in NBA history – $89.7 million – faces an offseason of uncertainty. Coach Mike Dunleavy could be fired, some players could be traded, and even general manager Bob Whitsitt's job isn't safe. "I felt like we had too many challenges, too many obstacles to overcome," said Scottie Pippen, whose goal of a seventh title was thwarted by jealousies, the departure of Shawn Kemp for drug rehabilitation and a season-ending injury to Bonzi Wells. "This is the worst – the worst thing I have ever had to deal with throughout my career," Pippen added. "It just wasn't a fun season for us. The outcome of it was just a testament to what we had been dealing with all season." Damon Stoudamire and Steve Smith each scored 25 points to lead the Blazers, and Rasheed Wallace had 13 rebounds but was a major disappointment on offense, missing 15 of 19 shots and scoring nine points. The Lakers say they are better than last year's team, which blew a 3-1 series lead against the Blazers in the conference finals and had to overcome a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to win Game 7. "Our confidence is at an all-time high, and we caught a team that is not all the way together," Fisher said. The teams split the season series 2-2, but Los Angeles utterly dominated the Blazers in the playoffs, outscoring them by 44 points and outrebounding them by 33. "This series showed how far we've come, how much we've matured," Bryant said. "Last year we didn't have the know-how, but this year we have the experience. And in this series, at the end, we took the life out of them." The Lakers beat the Blazers the same way they did the first two games – by getting the ball to O'Neal, although he didn't see it much early on. O'Neal had just two shots in the first quarter – nine fewer than Bryant – and three rebounds. O'Neal resumed his dominance in the second half, however, and the Blazers – without suspended Dale Davis and Stacey Augmon – couldn't handle him. A hook shot by Arvydas Sabonis a minute into the fourth quarter got Portland within 79-74, but O'Neal made two straight hooks to push the lead to nine. The Blazers missed six of their first seven shots and started to hear boos from the Rose Garden crowd. Fisher's 3-pointer made it 87-74 with 9:01 left. O'Neal, who in his recent biography said he "owns" the 7-foot-3 Sabonis, provided the icing with a dunk that bounced off Sabonis' head. (bhaloo's note: what a diss) "Sabonis did a nice job on Shaq in the first half," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "(Shaq) got loose a little bit and, at some period, he hit his free throws (7-of-10), which is important for us, too." Portland got within 67-66 on an open 3-pointer by Smith, but Fisher hit a 3-pointer, and the Lakers took a seven-point lead into the fourth quarter. "In the fourth, once we got our lead, there was no turning back," O'Neal said. The Blazers led early, and Stoudamire scored eight points in the first 4½ minutes of the second quarter to boost the Blazers' lead to six, but the Lakers started getting O'Neal the ball. His first strong move came when he got the ball deep against Sabonis, spun away from Wallace's double-team and emphatically dunked over Sabonis. Bryant hit three straight shots to ignite a 9-0 run, and two free throws by Fisher just before halftime gave the Lakers a 54-47 lead.
NS

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
04/30/01 at 11:49:47
[slm] For everyone who *hates* Quitten and the rest of the Trail-lozers ... that was *the* most classic game ever!  All the stupid fouls/bricks/whining by Pippen, the complete shutdown of Rasheed Wallace, the desperation shots in the 2nd half by Stoudamire/Smith ... classic! Lakers are playing very well.  The most important contributions they are getting are from Derek Fisher, Brian Shaw, Rick Fox and Horace Grant. The only question is, can they keep playing like this until they meet the Spurs?

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
shadow493
05/01/01 at 09:27:08
okay first the blazers broke down last year... remember that... they were up by fifteen in the fourth quarter!! and noone called a timeout to stop the lakers run (i dont like the lakers btw...) but i have been a devout CHARLOTTE HORNETS fan and i would like to now look down upon the ppl who thought charlotte was going to be a pushover team in the east :) yay... and if we play the bucks or the magic... no matter... we've beaten both of them in the season series... go hornets :)

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
shadow493
05/01/01 at 09:28:30
oh yeah... arsalan... yeah i dont think the lakers will be able to hold off against the spurs... i hope the spurs beat them...

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
05/03/01 at 01:15:50
[slm] Sixers won!  After losing to Indiana two years in a row during the Playoffs, they finally beat them.  Iverson cried after the game.   Sounds familiar??  :) 1991.  Eastern conference.  First round. Bulls won!  After losing to Detroit two years in a row during the Playoffs, they finally beat them.  Jordan cried after the game.   Alright, so a dramatic, happy start for the Sixers (to the delight of "langur ;-D" mind you :)), but I still don't think they have what it takes to beat Lakers/Spurs. Sacramento also won.  The Lakers are next!  Now let's see if they can *really* play :)

interesting..
princess
05/03/01 at 09:28:29
as'salaamualikum :) [quote]Sixers won![/quote] that looks beautiful, doesn't it? :) simply gorgeous :) [sigh] :) thank u, arsalan for sharing the joy :) [quote]Alright, so a dramatic, happy start for the Sixers (to the delight of "langur ;-D" mind you :)), but I still don't think they have what it takes to beat Lakers/Spurs.[/quote] yes..happy indeed :) we're all SSSSOOOOOOOO happy :) i've got allen fans hiding behind other fob teams :) i know they r out there ;) :) [quote]Sacramento also won.  The Lakers are next!  Now let's see if they can *really* play :)[/quote] u know..i like the kings..i enjoy watching them play..i think they r an under dawg team :) and they've proven that several times :) later langur ;-D

Re: interesting..
bhaloo
05/03/01 at 10:13:39
slm [quote] u know..i like the kings..i enjoy watching them play..i think they r an under dawg team :) and they've proven that several times :) later langur ;-D [/quote] The Kings are going down. :)  The World Champion Los Angeles Lakers are going to take care of them. Congratulations on the Sixers winning [cringe].  I don't what NY's problem is with the Raptors.  But when they get past them and meet the 76ers in the next round that should be a good matchup.  I still think Milwaukee will be the team that will emerge from the east.  They are too good.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
05/03/01 at 11:28:19
slm [quote] Iverson cried after the game.   Sounds familiar??  :) [/quote] I know he cries during the game, when he complains about the fouls and non-calls.  Its so annoying lekin I guess we have to put up with it.  Hota hai. :)

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
05/03/01 at 15:37:25
[slm] Kings vs. Flakers...the moment of truth has arrived.  We all know Shaq will dominate in the paint, but can the Flakers really hope to stop J-dub, Webber, and Stojakovic?   Whats' going on with Utah?  Talk about danger.  Of course I'm rooting for Dallas. Message to Kobe:  If you don't hog the ball too much, you might have a chance..LOL

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
05/03/01 at 23:00:11
Dang it!!! Mavs won!!!!! By [i]one freaking point[/i] Utah got two opportunities to win at the end, but couldn't do it! Things get tougher for Spurs now.  Dallas and Spurs have a fierce in-state rivalry.  This is going to be a great series.  Don't pencil in a Spurs-Lakers showdown yet ....

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
05/03/01 at 23:43:53
slm Arsalan, didn't I say that the Mavs were going to beat Utah?  Well it happened, and it happened in 5 games like I said.  This San Antonio vs. Dallas series is going to be good, and I think its going to go 7 games.

hahaahh..
princess
05/04/01 at 10:05:29
as'salaamualikum :) [quote]Congratulations on the Sixers winning [cringe].[/quote] thank u..thank u :) i'm sure it didn't hurt as bad as u thought it would ;) [quote]Flakers...[/quote] i think that's beautiful :) hahaahh..;-D :thumbsup: :) i didn't watch the dallas game..but i heard my family hooting and hollering in the living room :) i'm glad they won :) (dallas) utah sucks ;) anyways..:) later langur ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
05/04/01 at 13:52:15
slm FLAKERS? :thumbsdown: That is so looooow.  Don't hate, participate, integrate, consolidate, doesn't that sound great? ;)

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
05/04/01 at 17:03:10
[slm] It's shaping up to be the year of the upset/underdog...finally one year without the played-out Malone/Stockton combo...But I see the Spurs emerging to meet the Kings in the conf. finals. Bucks/Hornets is gonna be good, two underrated teams going at it. Br. Arshad:  I'm not hating, just stating, comtemplating, the high TV ratings...;-)

Why all the silence?
bhaloo
05/07/01 at 10:26:44
slm Why have you guys become quiet all of a sudden?  Is it because your teams lost?  hota hai. ;) Let's take a look at the results: Princess's Sixers- Lost Rashid's Kings - Lost Arsalan's Spurs - Won * (the asteriks is there, because their 2nd leading scorer is gone for the entire playoffs due to injury.  The Spurs should be used to the asteriks, as that was when they last won a championship, in an asteriks year (a shortened season) Bhaloo's Lakers - Won :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) Let's see the 1st round results.  Of all the 1st round series and which team would advance: Arsalan's record was: 5-3 Bhaloo's record was: 6-2 (4-0 in the Western Conferece, woohoo!) For round 2 here's what I'm saying: Philly 4, Toronto 3 Milwaukee 4, Charolette 2 Lakers 4, Kings 2 Spurs 4, Dallas 2

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
05/07/01 at 13:28:52
[slm] [quote]Arsalan's Spurs - Won * (the asteriks is there, because their 2nd leading scorer is gone for the entire playoffs due to injury.  The Spurs should be used to the asteriks, as that was when they last won a championship, in an asteriks year (a shortened season.[/quote] You Phil Jackson worshippers!!! :)  You'll eat your words when the Spurs celebrate their 2nd championship after beating the Lakers AND whoever comes out of the Eastern conference -- *without* their 2nd leading scorer! And then, we'll all put an asterick by the Lakers lone championship under Phil/Shaq/Kobe - the year when Tim Duncan sat out the playoffs with an injury! :) The fact that the Spurs beat the Mavericks with authority, even after losing a key starter, speaks volumes about this team. Anyway, here's my second round predictions: Philly 4, Toronto 1 Milwaukee 4, Charolette 1 Lakers 4, Kings 0 Spurs 4, Dallas 1 Bhaloo, I guess we agree on who will win each series.  I am going to be audacious enough to predict a Laker sweep over the Kings (sorry Rashid :)) and Philly going 4-0 rest of the way.  Let's see how things turns out.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
05/07/01 at 17:11:08
A flaker sweep?  LOL..just wait till we get back to Arco.  Kings could've had 'em yesterday.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
05/07/01 at 19:03:52
slm Astarghfullah Arsalan, no one here is a Phil Jackson worshipper, I admit though that I get a good laugh out of his comments that diss other teams. :) I'm sure he'll have plenty to say when the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers play your Spurs.  He called the King's players a bunch of goofy guys having a good time, after they won and went to the next round.  :) Arsalan, your dreaming if you think Philly can win the next 4 games against Toronto, and I doubt the Lakers can sweep the Kings.  Both those series are pretty close.  However, I do think that Milwaukee will emerge out of the east to play the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers for the championship.  :)  At that time I would ask that the Spurs fans refrain from crying and saying that this is an asteriks season (due to the injury of Derek Anderson). ;)  But first things first.  Let's deal with this 2nd round.

copyright..
princess
05/07/01 at 19:42:23
walikumas'salaam warahamtullah :) [quote]FLAKERS? :thumbsdown: That is so looooow.  Don't hate, participate, integrate, consolidate, doesn't that sound great? ;)   [/quote] come on bhaloo..lighten up :) it's not the end of the world, inshAllah :) my team played a good game..they just didn't come through..it's ok though :) i believe in em :) that's all that matters :) [sigh] :) did anyone see allen before the game? when he was talking with kj and that other dude..? [sigh] :) anyways :) i'll stop :) lakers game was good :) i enjoyed it :) i like the kings :) i think jason is great :) my ammi likes him too :) later langur ;-D

Re: copyright..
bhaloo
05/07/01 at 21:41:38
slm [quote]lakers game was good :) i enjoyed it :) [/quote] I'm shocked to hear this.  This post definitely needs to be saved in the archives.  :thumbsup: I still think Philly is going to beat Toronto, its just going to be a hard fought battle.

Re: copyright..
princess
05/08/01 at 00:16:22
walikumas'salaam warahamtullah :) [quote]lakers game was good :) i enjoyed it :) [/quote] it was what it was :) don't drag this on :) [quote]I'm shocked to hear this.[/quote] why? I don't hate..U on the other hand..no comment :) ;) [quote]I still think Philly is going to beat Toronto[/quote] i'm shocked to hear this..this post should be saved in the archive :) ;) :thumbsup: later langur ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
05/09/01 at 11:47:17
slm It was another day of disappointing news for brother Rashid as his Sacramento Kings lost. LOS ANGELES (AP) – After making NBA history, Shaquille O'Neal didn't seem overly impressed.   Even double-team pressure couldn't slow Shaquille O'Neal in Game 2. O'Neal became the first player to record back-to-back 40-point, 20-rebound efforts in the playoffs Tuesday night, getting 43 points and 20 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Sacramento Kings 96-90. "I'm the first?" O'Neal asked. Then, he feigned breaking into tears before saying: "I'm just playing at a high level, taking high-percentage shots. My teammates are looking for me, my shots are falling. The true test is if I can do in at Sacramento. "We've been playing fabulous these last 13 games, we just have to keep it up." The defending NBA champion Lakers, 5-0 in the playoffs after winning their last eight regular-season games, lead the Kings 2-0 in their best-of-seven second-round series, which continues Friday night at Arco Arena. They have won 13 straight games overall. O'Neal went over, around and through the Kings for the second time in three days, overpowering the likes of Vlade Divac, Scot Pollard and even Chris Webber in dominating the inside again. He had 44 points and 21 rebounds in the Lakers' 108-105 victory in Game 1 Sunday. It didn't seem to matter what the Kings tried, because nothing worked. "Shaq was just a handful again," Kings coach Rick Adelman said. "He's getting the ball, he's gone before we can get to him." When asked what the Kings can do about O'Neal, Sacramento's Peja Stojakovic replied, "Call 911." "Wow, that's impressive," Lakers forward Rick Fox said when informed of O'Neal's feat. "They use the same defensive scheme, they're going to see it three times." Kobe Bryant added 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, and Horace Grant had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers. "He's playing unbelievable basketball," Bryant said of O'Neal. "Sacramento can't do anything with it. It is simple basketball, just get it inside. "By no means is the series over," Bryant added. "We have to go up there and play Friday night like it's our last game." Webber led the Kings with 22 points and 18 rebounds, but was only 9-of-26 from the field. "I don't know what to say about Shaq," he said. "I know we have to work harder. The way I feel is, if you go down, go down swinging." Stojakovic added 20 points, all but six in the fourth quarter, and Bobby Jackson scored 14 for the Kings. Stojakovic, who scored 37 points in Sacramento's series-clinching win over Phoenix last week, was 7-of-18 overall and 2-of-9 entering the final period. With Bryant scoring five points and O'Neal four, the Lakers went on an 11-2 run to start the second half, snapping a 43-all tie to go ahead for good. The Kings helped out by missing their first six shots of the third period, and it wasn't long before Adelman replaced Stojakovic, Divac and Jason Williams. It didn't do any good. Bryant's six points sparked a 14-5 run to finish the third quarter, putting the Lakers ahead 74-56. Bryant, who had 17 points in the third quarter of Game 1, had 13 in Game 2 as the Lakers outscored the Kings 31-13. It was 88-71 midway through the fourth quarter before the Kings went on an 11-2 run to draw within eight points with a little over three minutes left. O'Neal made a jump hook with 2:33 left to make it 92-82, but baskets by Stojakovic and Webber brought Sacramento within six with 1:02 remaining. Jon Barry's 3-pointer with 8 seconds to play made it 94-90 before Bryant made two free throws to clinch the victory. O'Neal, who had 11 offensive rebounds in Game 1, grabbed two on the opening possession of the game before scoring on a dunk. He had 10 points and eight rebounds in the opening 6½ minutes and finished the first quarter with 14 points and 11 rebounds, including five on the offensive end, as the Lakers took a 25-15 lead. The Kings made only four of 21 shots and were outrebounded 21-11 in the period, but the Lakers committed seven turnovers -- three by O'Neal. Sacramento came alive at the start of the second quarter, with Jackson's two baskets triggering an 13-0 run that gave the Kings their first lead. O'Neal (22) and Bryant (10) accounted for all but 11 of the Lakers' first-half points. O'Neal finished with seven offensive rebounds.
NS

aw yeah..
princess
05/10/01 at 12:46:33
walikumas'salaam warahamtullah :) philly won :) [sigh] :) allen scored 54 :) he's soo great :) [sigh] :) anyone see the interview after the game? [sigh] :) later langur ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
05/10/01 at 13:26:17
slm I saw the interview after the game.  What I don't understand is why didn't Toronto double team him? ???  If Toronto wants to win they have to prevent Iverson from being a scorer.

oh my..
princess
05/12/01 at 15:09:52
as'salaamualikum :) toronto: 102 philly: 78 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

[cringe]
princess
05/14/01 at 01:24:51
as'salaamualikum :) toronto: 79 philly: 84 :) lakers: 119 kings: 113 congrats bhaloo..ur team swept again..[cringe] :) kobe played good :) i can't stand shaq..and i've realized i don't like that bootlegg of a coach (phil jackson) either :) he's a lamer :) later langur ;-D

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
05/14/01 at 22:02:35
slm Thank you, thank you. Lakers sweep again, hota hai. I'd like to quote brother Rashid now: [quote] A flaker sweep?  LOL..just wait till we get back to Arco.  Kings could've had 'em yesterday.   [/quote] :) :) :) :) hehehehehhe Rashid, the two teams you cheered for, the Heat and the Kings, were both swept out of the playoffs.  Could I ask a HUGE favor from you?  Could you cheer for the Spurs starting saturday (That's when the real NBA championship takes place, between the Lakers and the Spurs).  Thanks bro. ;)

here @ last..here @ last..thank god Almighty, it's here @ last..
princess
05/15/01 at 13:44:27
as'salaamualikum :) LONG OVERDUE PROPS TO MY MAIN MAN ALLEN[/B] enjoy :) just for u bhaloo :) ;) ur man made the cut @ least..don't feel TOO bad :)later langur ;-D NEW YORK, May 15  Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson today was named the winner of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy as the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 2000-01 season. Iverson totaled 1,121 points and received 93 of a possible 124 first place votes in the balloting done by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. San Antonio's Tim Duncan finished second with 706 points (18 first-place votes) and Los Angeles Lakers' center Shaquille O'Neal, last year's MVP, was third with 578 points (seven first place-votes).  Sacramento's Chris Webber finished fourth in the voting with 521 points (five first-place votes) and Minnesota's Kevin Garnett finished fifth with 151 points (one first-place vote). At 6-0, Iverson is the shortest player in NBA history to win the award.  At 165 pounds, he is also the lightest player in NBA history to win the award.  Bob Cousy, the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1956-57, previously held the distinction at 6-1 and 175 pounds. Iverson was the only player named on all 124 ballots.  O'Neal, Duncan and Webber were named on 121, 120 and 116 ballots, respectively. Seventeen players received at least one vote. In his fifth NBA season out of Georgetown, Iverson led the Sixers to an Eastern Conference-best 56 victories, the most for the franchise since 1985, and their first Atlantic Division title since 1990.  He becomes the first Sixer to be named league MVP since Moses Malone won his third MVP Award in 1982-83. A fierce competitor at both ends of the floor, Iverson finished the season with a career-high and league-leading 31.1 points a game, while also leading the NBA in steals (2.51 a game) and minutes played (42.0 a game).  He is the first player since Michael Jordan in 1992-93 to lead the league in points and steals per game. Voted by fans to start in this year's All-Star Game, Iverson garnered MVP honors by scoring a game-high 25 points and leading the East to a 111-110 come from behind victory. On January 6, Iverson recorded a career-high 54 points on 20-of-30 shooting from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, in a 107-103 victory over Cleveland.  Two weeks later, Iverson would again surpass the 50-point plateau by scoring 51 points in Philadelphia's 110-106 loss to Toronto on January 21. He scored 40 or more points 17 times this season, 30 or more points 35 times, was a two-time recipient of the NBA's Player of the Week Award, and was named the NBA's Player of the Month for January.

Only 7 people got it right
bhaloo
05/15/01 at 14:15:50
slm [quote] Los Angeles Lakers' center Shaquille O'Neal, last year's MVP, was third with 578 points (seven first place-votes [/quote] I wonder why only 7 people got it right? ??? Congratulations to winning something (cause they aren't going to win the championship, that belongs to the Lakers or Spurs).  ;) Arsalan and I were both right about the Lakers and Spurs meeting in the next round.  I said the Spurs would win 4-1, while Arsalan said 4-0.  Arsalan said the Lakers would beat the Kings 4-0, I said 4-2.  I underestimated how good the Lakers were.

Re: Only 7 people got it right
Arsalan
05/15/01 at 14:40:32
[quote] I said the Spurs would win 4-1, while Arsalan said 4-0.  [/quote]Correction: I said Spurs would beat the Mavs 4-1, you said 4-2.  Check previous threads :)

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Rashid
05/16/01 at 12:36:44
[slm] I had to go into reclusion after the disappointing sweep :( But I hate the Flakers so much (ok not really them, mainly Kobe) that I have to root for whoever plays against them.  But seeing as my record leaves much to be desired, I've given up my dream of being an NBA analyst on TNT.

the king..
princess
05/17/01 at 00:37:43
as'salaamualikum :) toronto: 88 philly: 121 Iverson scores 52, hits playoff career-high eight three-pointers M-V-Three Before the Game 5 on Wednesday, Allen Iverson received the MVP hardware from NBA Commissioner David Stern. During the game, Iverson displayed the soft touch that earned him the award. Iverson scored 52 points, including 8-of-14 from behind the three-point line, in Philadelphia's 121-88 win over Toronto. The Sixers lead this Eastern Conference semifinal series 3-2. Game 6 will be in Toronto on Friday (8 p.m. ET, TNT). and there's haters amongus still :) ;) later langur ;-D

Remember the Alamo(dome)
bhaloo
05/20/01 at 00:58:12
slm What a game, as the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers humiliated the Spurs by 14 points.  The Lakers had double digit leeds most of the way, and Kobe's game was incredible.  Shaq had an off night.  Look for him to bounce back on Tuesday, as the Lakers look to go up 2-0 in the series and take command.  The Lakers extended their win streak to 16 games. I'll be bold and say the Lakers will beat the Spurs 4-1.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
05/20/01 at 04:49:30
[slm] Bhaloo, don't rub it in man!  That game hurt :( There were some positives though.  Duncan played well in the 2nd half, especially 4th quarter.  He also did a brilliant job on guarding Shaq.  Basically, if the Spurs can do these three things, they'll win the next game: 1. Cut down on turnovers.  15 is too many. 2. Make more shots!  The shooting percentage was horrible. 3. Get to the foul line early on. If this series goes to 6 games, Spurs win it.   If it goes to 7 games, Lakers win it. Anything else is unlikely. I'm still going for the Spurs :)  4-2.  [i]insha Allah![/i] Wassalamu alaikum.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
bhaloo
05/20/01 at 13:58:22
slm hahhaah, Arsalan that game was awesome!!!  Remember, the Lakers swept Portland and Sacramento.  That was no easy task.  The Lakers shut down Drazen Petrovich completely in that series, and they shut down the Spurs shooters in game 1.  It was awesome how they were double teaming and taking the ball away from Duncan.  The Lakers got away from applying the pressure to Duncan in the 2nd half, maybe there was sort of psychological strategy involved there. The turnovers happened because of the Lakers defense.   How can the Spurs win it in 6? ???  Basically what you are saying is that the Spurs are going to win the next 4 out of 5 games.  Insha'Allah that won't happen. :)  I didn't know that Robinsons plays such limited minutes. Oh I did enjoy it how the announcer said that if they had the MVP voting based on the 2nd half of the season and the playoffs, he thinks Shaq and Kobe should be the top 2 MVPS in the league, and his sidekick agreed. :)  Shaq is mad about finishing 3rd in that mvp race, and he is going to make Duncan pay for it.  Shaq is going to get back on track in game 2 and take care of business.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
05/20/01 at 16:59:25
[slm] Sorry, I messed up. If this series ends in 6 games, Lakers win it. If it goes to 7 games, Spurs will win it. Anything else is unlikely. My prediction: 4-3 Spurs.

how sweet it is..
princess
05/21/01 at 11:07:46
as'salaamualikum :) since no 1 else cared to share :) i thought i'd bring this to light :) enjoy :) i'd like to make a note, saying that i [i]do[/i] like toronto, i think they r an awesome team..just not better then mines :) [sigh] :) later langur ;-D ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An I-verson in Team PHILADELPHIA, May 20 (AP) -- The Answer passed his biggest test. The Graduate failed on the final shot and had to settle for a diploma. Allen Iverson didn't have to win Game 7 all by himself, and he was smart enough to know it. Handing off a career-high 16 assists on a night when his shooting touch was off, Iverson led the Philadelphia 76ers into the Eastern Conference finals Sunday as they edged the Toronto Raptors 88-87.   Iverson, the league MVP nicknamed "The Answer," didn't score a point over the final 6 minutes but had assists on two of the Sixers final three baskets. Vince Carter, who graduated from North Carolina earlier Sunday and then flew on a private plane to Philadelphia, attempted the final shot of the game -- a 23-footer just before the buzzer that was long. Iverson ran to hug his mother and daughter, (such a family man :) ;)) confetti fell from the ceiling of the First Union Center and the rest of the Sixers celebrated the franchise's first trip to the Eastern Conference finals since 1985. The 76ers will begin their conference final series against Milwaukee at home on Tuesday night. In a series marked by spectacular 50-point scoring performances by Iverson (twice) and Carter (once), the deciding game was much more balanced for both teams. Iverson didn't even lead his team in scoring, finishing with 21 to Aaron McKie's 22, but his passing made all the difference. He continually found the open man for the types of shots that allowed the Sixers to hold onto the lead for almost the entire game. "We're a team," Iverson said. "For the first time in my life I'm on a team." McKie shot 8-for-16 and scored Philadelphia's final four points, Jumaine Jones shot 6-for-9 and added 16, Eric Snow contributed 13 points and five assists and Dikembe Mutombo grabbed 17 rebounds and scored 10 points. Carter finished with 20 points, scoring just four in the final quarter. Antonio Davis led Toronto with 23. Dell Curry pulled up in transition and hit a 3-pointer to pull the Raptors to 88-87 with 54 seconds left. Iverson missed a jumper at the other end, but Tyrone Hill grabbed the offensive rebound and the Sixers ran the clock down to 10 seconds before Iverson passed to Snow for a jumper that missed. The Raptors rebounded, but didn't call timeout until 3.6 seconds remained, and the Sixers had a foul to give and used it -- running the clock down to 2.0 seconds. Carter got free for the inbounds pass and faked Hill off his feet, but his open jumper clanged hard off the rim. It was a disappointing loss for the Raptors, who battled from behind all evening only to finish short in the first Game 7 -- and the first conference semifinal appearance -- in franchise history. Although he wasn't shooting well right from the start, Iverson was doing all the little things the Sixers needed. He had a dunk and a layup off his first two steals, and his fifth assist came on a give-and-go layup by McKie that put the Sixers ahead 29-16. Toronto began the second quarter with an 8-0 run to pull within two, 31-29, but Philadelphia came right back with a 10-3 run that included two putbacks by Jones. After one of them, two of the Raptors pointed fingers of blame at Jerome Williams -- a clear sign they weren't all working together. Iverson picked up his 10th assist on a dunk by Hill that made it 56-52 early in the third, and Toronto missed a chance to tie when Davis got the ball isolated in the low post against Snow but missed a layup. Iverson had one of his best plays on Toronto's next possession, racing downcourt and leaping a foot above the rim to get a finger on Alvin Williams' fast-break layup attempt, causing him to miss. Carter finally gave the Sixers their first lead since the first quarter by converting a three-point play with 2:30 left in the third, but Philadelphia quickly regained it and held it the rest of the way.

Adios Spurs!!!
bhaloo
05/21/01 at 23:29:33
slm [quote] Sorry, I messed up. If this series ends in 6 games, Lakers win it. If it goes to 7 games, Spurs will win it. Anything else is unlikely. My prediction: 4-3 Spurs.[/quote] Arsalan, turn out the lights the party is over. :)  The Lakers have a good chance to sweep the Spurs.  I was a little disappointed in today's game.   -Shaq was fouled so many times. -What was the Laker staff thinking when they sat down Shaq in the 2nd quarter with Robinson and DUncan out on the floor.  That's how San Antonio built up their lead. But in the 2nd half things returned back to normal.  The defense on the permiter was great. :)  The Lakers double teamed Duncan and started to shut him down.

quick, aren't we..
princess
05/21/01 at 23:37:38
walikumas'salaam warahmatullah :) [shakin head] when MY team won..there was NOTHING! and now, u're team wins, u're here..within 15 mints of the win..:) i can't stand phil..i was soo glad to see him leave :) i don't like shaq either..:) but i still like kobe..:) the game was ahh..aite..nothing too exciting..but TOMORROW'S game, inshAllah, should be good :) we'll see how it goes :) later langur ;-D

Re: quick, aren't we..
bhaloo
05/21/01 at 23:50:52
slm This is the most exciting series in basketball for the year, the Lakers vs. the Spurs.  The two best teams in the NBA played.  They even played the theme from the Gladiator between breaks as they showed the great warriors from the Spurs and Lakers clashing.  That was beautiful.

Re: THE NBA - PLAYOFFS DISCUSSION
Arsalan
05/22/01 at 01:26:30
[slm] What the heck happened after the 3rd quarter?  I left the TV at the end of the 3rd, when the Spurs had a one point lead and Phil Jackson had just been kicked out.  Came back after Isha only to find the Spurs had *lost* by 7!!?? Robinson needs to bring his A-game.  Derek Anderson needs to return to stop Kobe.  If the Spurs lost the next game, it's over.  They have to play with a sense of urgency.  They have to play like it's do or die. I saw some great basketball in the 1st half and the 3rd quarter from San Antonio.  They have done an amazing job on Shaq.  This is what still makes me hopeful. It's not over yet! [i]Don't you ever underestimate the heart of a champion![/i] P.S. I'm locking this thread and starting a new one for the Conference Finals insha Allah. Wassalamu alaikum.
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