http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6612308 What could topple these contenders? Dallas Mavericks: A lot of reaching is required to find excuses to pick against the Mavs. Let's see. Well, we could adopt the Wade philosophy of assuming Dirk Nowitzki is less than money when a game is on the line. But I dare any opposing coach to let Dirk have the ball against straight-up coverage in the closing seconds. Well, the Mavs are only 19th in the league in free-throw attempts per game. Yeah, that could be better, but the Suns aren't bad despite ranking dead last in this category, while the Spurs rank 24th. Perhaps Mark Cuban will return to referee-baiting form and turn the whistles against his team. Phoenix Suns: Despite a run of lackluster play, the Suns still rank 10th in the league for field-goal percentage defense. Unfortunately, six of the teams ranked ahead of them are bound for the Western Conference playoffs.The most disappointing aspect of their defense is Amare Stoudemire. While Amare's skill on offense certainly makes them a title threat, his shot-blocking presence is overwhelmed by his inability (or reluctance) to actually guard a decent post player. It's also tough to bank on a team that can be so reliant on perimeter shooting. Another debit issue is the expected, energy-sapping showdown with San Antonio in the second round. San Antonio Spurs: Right, they'll probably have an energy-sapping, second-round party with the Suns. That may not go well, considering the old legs that occupy prominent positions on the San Antonio depth chart. The Spurs remain great on defense, but the perimeter shooting that occurs on kick-outs from Tim Duncan can be shaky. Houston Rockets: The Rockets are another fine defensive team, but they lack a reliable third scoring option if one of the stars is shut down by a superior squad from their conference. Another obstacle is Yao Ming attempting to keep pace with the Mavericks or Suns. nothing that we did not know about the rockets, and it is quite obvious to everyone now, and the answers are Bonzi and slowing the game pace down for Yao to keep up with fast tempo teams, in addition to using Deke more time
besides the shooting of the role players, i worry if yao can be dominant EVERY game in the playoffs. we know tmac will show up. i need to see yao dominate in the playoffs every game. not for stretches, but games. let's go yao. prove the world this is YOUR yr. i think teams will come out letting yao score and see if he can handle the pressure since he hasn't proven in the playoffs.
this is why i wish JVG would have tried to integrate bonzi into our current line-up.. but.... you can't teach an old dog new tricks. trying to do something hard might actually be considered good coaching and we can't have that, now can we? i suppose it is all bonzi's fault.. after all, he is the older and wiser one. he should be doing what is expected of him.. that's how all players are these days
god...shut up. if bonzi wanted to play bad enough, he would be. ...tmac had 27 points 7 assists 7 rebounds 3 blocks in that game 7... do you people actually WATCH the games before you come up with this drivel?
yeah the only bad thing of his play was that he started out REAL slow. And im sure his FG % for the game was less than sub 40%.
his fg was poor, but to say that he didn't show up is ignorant as hell. our roleplayers didn't show up.
