Denver's done. There's only one team in the west that can beat LA when healthy, and that's the Rockets. That's not my opinion, that's the Logo's opinion, Jerry West.
I doubt if the Nuggets can recover from this mental meltdown. They can't expect Melo and Billups to carry them every night. They failed to show any poise tonight. If it wasn't for the Birdman,they would have been blown out.
It's like Denver just woke up and realized they were in the WCF's and these games count. F-ng morons. I guess that occurs when you play crap teams for a month and then are suddenly inserted into a real struggle.
After seeing the Offensive skill sets of Nene and Kenyon Martin, the Rockets have a great deal with the reasonably (under?) priced Luis Scola and Carl Landry.
Kobe and LeBron are just above everyone else. This Denver team is so talented, that they might even out-talent the Lakers team, given Bynum's performance. I know JVG is pulling his hair (whatever is left), to see so many careless defensive mistakes. It's about habit and discipline, and you can't just turn it on and off at will. Kobe is exhausted, and that will affect them a lot. I don't think Denver is done, they are still very much in the series. Looking at how those teams are loaded with talents and size, you got to appreciate the whole team effort of Rockets, and how they play hard defense night after night, to give you a chance to win against any team. With a healthy Yao, we really have a chance against any of the 4 teams left, that's having 23 millions in suit and tie. My hope for this team is high.
Ariza has been playing great with the game winning steal in game 1, 20 pts in game 2, and big plays while hurt at the end of this game including another steal (although it was a real bad pass) at the end of this game to seal the victory. This is what role players have to do, they have to step up and make plays when it counts, which is what the Battier faithful don't understand. Arzia > Battier Only making 2.9 mill a year vs 6.3 mill a year. Battier cost this team a lottery pick. Ariza cost the Lakers Brian Cook and Mo Evans, and neither of those guys are with the Magic now.
Out of all the designated defenders in the league (your Bowens, Battiers, Poseys, etc.) he has one of the most all around offensive games. He can handle, drive, pass and finish. I'm even surprised by his much improved jumpshot. I love his game. I've been wanting him on our team almost as long as he's been in the league. Those big steals he's had against the nuggets are nothing. He makes those kinds of plays all the time.
Ditto. Living in New York, I followed Ariza's game since he was on the Knicks. I have always liked Ariza's game since he came in the league. He plays hard. He is a very good and pesky defender. What's interesting is that when he came into the league he was a more of a slasher and finisher. You still see him do that with Lakers but not as much. Conversely he wasn't a very good outside shooter but he has been working on it. You can see the results with him making several clutch 3 point shots for Lakers in this playoffs. Last year, I claimed that the player that would have helped Lakers most would be Ariza, not Bynum (neither played in last year's playoffs). I think we can all agree to it now. I also said that Ariza's role on the Lakers is very similar to Battier's role on the Rockets which drew criticism. I wonder how the same people feel about it now.
Ariza was a steal. But Ariza < Battier. Ariza may have better athleticism and have more steals, Battier gave you consistent defense for 48 minutes. Battier is also a much better 3 point shooter, which is very important to space the floor.
Battier's definitely the superior one-on-one defender at this point and probably a more consistent 3 point threat. Ariza's only 24 years old though and his game has already improved by leaps and bounds since he came into the league.
Ariza has been shooting the 3-ball out of his mind in the playoffs. Can jump and slam. He doesn't have handles and is not a good passer. Ariza isn't well-rounded by any stretch, but he's a decent rotation player. Seriously, don't let his recent hot 3-point shooting fool you. It's "found money" for the Lakers. His jumper really isn't that good. Tough defense, hustling, running the floor and decent athleticism is what will keep Ariza in somebody's rotation. The incredible shooting in the playoffs will earn him some extra money this summer, but he isn't a skilled player. If Ariza is the Lakers 3rd best player, they aren't that good. If he can shoot 40%+ from long range next season, I'll be impressed. Very curious to see how much he gets in free agency this summer. Props to him for the stellar post-season. I don't know what's caused his incredible efficiency, but the Lakers have needed every bit of it.
Ariza wasn't necessarily a steal. The point is that players like Battier can be had through minor transactions and free agency, not lottery picks. Look at how the Spurs acquired Bowen. Look at how the Heat and then the Celtics got Posey. Battier is consistent, but part of that consistency means that he's consistently not a threat on the offensive end giving you 6-7 ppg in over 30 mpg. While he might be a better 3 pt shooter than Ariza, Trevor is head and shoulders above Battier offensively. Today for example, Ariza could've settled for outside jump shots, but he pump faked and drove the ball in for a more high percentage shot. Battier can't even dribble a basketball effectively. Overall to me, Ariza is the better value, has more upside, and is a better player. Also, as the poster M0J032 indicated, Ariza is still improving while Battier hasn't improved since he's been in the league. Conversely, Shane seems to be on the decline. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I can't believe Battier is the same player who had more ft attempts in his rookie year with the Griz than his entire career as a Houston Rocket. The Rockets overpaid for him.
Chauncey Billups shouldn't be crying about other Nuggets playing stupid because he also took some bad shots.
