KG averaged 7.7 free throws in the previous series, Shaq averaged 9.6 in the same period. Maybe we have different definitions on being "smart". Just because a jumper isn't as nice as a layup, dunk or hook shot doesn't mean a jump shooting big man can't attract double teams. Particularly when such a player can both drive and shoot. Heck, even Yao's jumpers weren't falling he was still double teamed. I think Karl Malone, Hakeem and Patrick might disagree that if they are good inside they can't be called good shooters. A jumper is a jumper regardless of shooter's size, Jordan has it and used it to win championships. Bird has it and used it to win championships. Isiah had it and used it to win championships. Skills aren't a problem for Garnett. He needs to get more aggressive and step up his game that's all I care.
You're too hung up on the Shaq era. Most elite big men throughout history have been able to shoot, at least out to 16-18 feet. In fact, during my life time, Shaq is the only great big man who has not been able to shoot effectively.
I don't reall understand the criticism of KG shooting fallaway jumpers. Hell that was Hakeems bread and butter move, along with the hookshot he'd take in the paint. KG just needs to develop another goto move to counter when he gets double and triple teams like Hakeem used to. When Dream would get triple teamed going baseline he'd force his way into the paint and take that hookshot. Dream also had better footwork than KG and speed but KG has pretty good footwork considering he gets away with traveling everytime he does a spin move. I agree he lurks around the perimeter too much especially since Dream also went around his opponents practically at will which is something I think KG could do in this series if he wanted. Depending on how bad Cassell's injury is I think the Lakers could sweep the T-Wolves. It's ashame he couldn't play in the 4th cuz' his back was keeping him out. The Wolves also need to do exactly what the Lakers did to Tony Parker in the Spurs series when he was lighting them up. Knock him on his ass a few times and shake him up so he won't be so confident shooting his jumper. Limit his 14 points back down to 5 or 6 for the series and make Shaq and Kobe beat you while limiting the production of the roleplayers.
I was speaking of Derek Fisher with the Tony Parker reference. Knock him on his ass with a few hard picks on offense, bang knees with him on defense, push, shove, anything to shake him so he won't keep nailing 3s.
I don't think that will work against Fish. That guy is tough. While most guys avoid contact, Fish LOOKS to draw charges and loves to sacrifice his body in the paint. It is hard to shake him up. The only thing that can stop him, frankly, is Kobe.
Yup. There is no PG in the NBA who plays more aggressively and physically. Cassell is THE LAST PG in the NBA who will want to push him around, especially on 1 bad leg.
Wow. KG in the same sentence as Olajuwon, Jordan, Isiah and Bird. That is a once-in-a-lifetime sight. My main problem with KG is he just isn't that big of a presence on the floor. He should be having his way with old-man Malone. KG will be beaten up before this series is over. The gap between Shaq, Kobe, and Duncan from the 2nd-tier guys like T-Mac, KG, etc is wider than Fat b*stard.
Wow, so I guess that 1 play wiped out the fact that Pippen led the Bulls to 55 wins in the regular season. And wow, I didn't realize having Toni Kukoc accounted for having a HOF/All-Star caliber support. I don't like Pippen, but in his prime he was the best SF in the NBA by a landslide. The problem is that he went down the drain, coincdentally or not, when he came to the Rockets. A little objectivity wouldn't hurt.
Hope the league reviews this game, giving particular attention to Karl Malone. He deliberately pounded Hoiberg in the chest with his knee in the first half and then floored Darrick Martin with a forearm shiver in the second half. Combined, it sure looks like Malone deserves a one- or two-game suspension.
Not to say KG is better than those, but why shoud you be surprised when KG is mentioned in the same paragraph with those players? This is what a KG in the same sentance as those players looks like: KG, Dream, Jordan and Bird are all NBA MVPs.
Szczerbiak on Payton (Inside the NBA): "I'm just glad Payton didn't bite me." what did yall think of Karl Malone's performance tonight?
Three quarters of the time I am only semi-serious in my posts -- kind of like John Randolph of Roanoke who was once described as riding alone around the circled wagons shooting flaming arrows everywhere. However: This time I am serious.
i know the nba has some sorta policy where you get an automatic suspension for a certain number of techs and/or flagrants during the season is that same policy hold for the playoffs? It seems that malone has been involved in a lot of double techs and techs this playoffs he should be close to reach that number i would think can anyone clarify? and no i dont think stern would allow malone to be suspended any games
I agree, but that still doesn't make it right. If Peeler can be suspended, Malone should not be exempt.
peeler first knocked garnett down and then on the ensuing play garnett hit peeler and peeler went straight for the face from all the angles i saw malone went straight at the chest of martin. it will probably be handled the same way the miller/martin confrontation in game 5 of the kings/wolves was done. miller ejected from that particular game but not suspended
Throat...chest...same thing.. Elbowing someone on the throat is DANGEROUS. It will be an injustice if Malone is not suspended but it's probably not going to happen since there were no major altercations or injuries as a result of that dirty elbow. Malone is the dirtiest piece of ****....what pisses me off is that no on brought up how flagrant and dangerous that elbow it really was...he could have easily ended Martin's career..
