yeah didn't start griping and owning that angry look that he has til elie got there. SO its all fake..its all fake i tell you ------------------
Lakers in walk, they don't lose more then 5 games total throughout the playoffs. DaDakota ------------------
DaDakota, I agree with you. Porbably at most 2 or 3 loses. We all saw what the Spurs did last year, and they didn't have close to the dominant team that the Lakers do this year. The best chances of teams to beat them strait up (assuming Shaq, Kobe and Rice are healthy)--collectively maybe a 10% chance--are Portland (still have a lot of talent), Spurs (I don't see it happening but TD is still there) and Knicks (could very well lose in the first round, but with their defense and a potentially indefensable pair of hard to contain swingmen, are by far the East's best bet to do any damage to the West). As soon as the playoff match-ups are set let's start a thread in the NBA forum to put our predictions to the test. Someone (not me ) called it great last last. ------------------
Indiana Pacers and Indiana Pacers. Bird's last chance. The veterans, Jackson, Miller and Smits, will "win one for the Bird" IMHO
Who do I want? Lakers because I think Shaq has worked his ass off for this and this is his year. So lakers will win . ------------------ President of the Moochie Norris FAN CLUB
Heypartner... I completely agree that SA will beat the Lakers. I have told people that for almost a month now, and no one believes me. Defense does win championships, and Duncan and Robinson can clog up the lane, forcing Kobe and Rice to be the main options. Elie and Elliott are excellent defenders on them, and I believe that the Spurs perimeter game is starting to pick up. If Duncan is back near 100% and the Spurs guards are shooting well, they will beat the Lakers. They have that championship mentality, and I think they will do like Houston did in 95 and win every series on the road. Also, remember the Lakers are not experienced winners. Usually when they make it deep into the playoffs, they have been swept, and even though they have Phil Jackson, Kobe and Shaq haven't won many games when it counts deep in the playoffs. Duncan and Robinson have. If the Spurs are clicking and at the top of their game, they can and will beat LA. However, I also believe that the Spurs are the only team with the style to beat LA. If SA can't beat the Lakers, then I think the Lakers will win it all. So, I want San Antonio to win, and also think they will. ------------------
I realized that I had not given my two answers... I think the Lakers will win. I do not hate them, but I do not love them - so who cares? I would like for the Sixers to win it all. For one reason - Iverson will have to be let into the White House to shake hands with the president. How priceless would that be. Normally, a black guy with cornrows and tattoos on his neck would be beaten silly just for sneezing at the front gate. Now they would have to treat him like he was somebody special- HA! ------------------ rimbaud post-a-thon 2000
Despite the fact that Shaq's having the MVP+best-record-season, i wont route for the Lakers, for some reason they just feel undestined to win a title, not with Mr "swept" on the team. sheesh i mean Shaq's team's been getting swept out of the playoffs since 93 (with the exception of the 4-1 loss in 1997) he simply doesnt finish the job!! San Antonio will probably win this one, deffence wins championships!! which means we wont win a title till we get rid of Francis! ------------------ Dream's Team!
DISCLAIMER: This is directed at no one. I'm not looking to get into any Laker arguments with Rockets fans. This is purely for leisurely debate. The new strong-side zone rule favors San Antonio. SA has been developing an effective zone that will teach Phil why Tex Winters couldn't coach in college....because the triple post cannot win against zones. Phil will learn that placing 3 guys strong-side will make it hard for Kobe to find any lanes. Who saw the February game? SA schooled them. Shaq had 31 pts and 5 blocks but only 7 rebounds, a goo game, but no one else got involved against the zone. Seems, Phil won't even let SA play against Shaq again... no use letting them refine what works. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited April 17, 2000).]
SA will have to make sure they get out of the first round. It is extremely lucky they don't have to play Minnesotta. Sorry, neither the Elliot this year (he is NOT the same player) nor Elie with another years milage can match-up. Even if Duncan and Robinson can neutralize Shaq, Kobe is now the trump card. Before you could count on the Lakers playing the ole defense, now they can match SA's defense plus have vastly superior offense. If your really looking for a potential upset of the Lakers you will have a better chance with Portland and possibly the Knicks. If Smith and Pippen play like they are 4 years younger and a few lucky events happen, they might have a chance. Indiana is hopeless IMHO. I wouldn't mind seeing them win it, but they couldn't get over the Knicks last year with A. Davis and the Knicks w/o Ewing. Come playoff time you will see these bigger and effective veteran players, or lack there of, make a big difference. Indiana might make it to the finals (particuarly as there is a good chance Toronto or the Heat take out NYK), but zero chance they win it barring a major injury in the Western champion. ------------------
Man, I am a Laker hater to the fullest....but who can beat them? MAYBE Portland. I would rather see Portland win it than LA. Who do I want to win?? Either the Pacers (love Larry Legend) or the Sixers. Why the Sixers? Not sure, I guess I love the underdog, and I love lil' Iverson out there killing bigger, stronger, players. It is how I envision Stevie soon! Makes me giggle like a little girl!!!! ------------------ HOOP-T Hey Shaq, Acme called, and they want their bricks back!
