Boston-Atlanta Series Thread.

[nuraman00]

Game 1 is on TNT.

[nuraman00]

I guess I'm not going to Costco, I spent too much time on KingsForum, lol.

Oh well.

Even though it's relatively close to me, the long lines get annoying, during checkout. Or when buying gas. My friend compares it to the long lines of border patrol inspection.

[nuraman00]

Barkley agrees with me. Tony Parker should be "in the conversation" for MVP.

[nuraman00]

Stephen Jackson says the difference between Tony Parker last time (in 2003) and now is that Parker is a leader.

He said a lot of PGs say they are leaders, but that Parker really is one.

Al Jefferson says that it's not on Tinsley and Devin to contain Parker, but that it has to be a team effort.

[PackfanMatt_12]

when does the ATL-BOS game start. Tired of seeing the Hawks take practice shots in front of a bunch of guys wearing green

[nuraman00]

when does the ATL-BOS game start. Tired of seeing the Hawks take practice shots in front of a bunch of guys wearing green

Lol.

Atlanta can play well at home. But the past 4 years, they've struggled against elite teams on the road in the playoffs. They're usually not even competitive on the road.

They beat Chicago in game 1 last year, but were uncompetitive in the other road games.

They have to be competitive in at least two road games, and during their history the last 4 years, they haven't shown that.

[nuraman00]

I know they have homecourt, but Boston is going to win a road game, maybe two.

I don't think Atlanta can answer back and win 1-2 road games like that.

[nuraman00]

I would have the same concerns about the Clippers, don't think they can win on the road in the playoffs yet. But we'll see. (I have them winning against Memphis, but what I mean is if they have to face the Lakers, Spurs, OKC, or Dallas, I don't think the Clippers could beat them on the road in the playoffs. Or beat them enough times on the road.)

[nuraman00]

Edlefson blocks Josh Smith.

[nuraman00]

Why does Doc Rivers sweat so much? He's a coach.

It looks like he dips his face in oil.

[nuraman00]

Rondo to Bradley alley oop.

41-53.

It would be just like the Hawks (a historically underachieving team) to blow this game.

[nuraman00]

Since I have NBA TV, I'll be posting about the ORL-IND game, instead of what should be a boring NY-MIA game.

[nuraman00]

I remember Keyon Dooling once had a great dunk on Shaq.

[nuraman00]

Both teams look bad on offense, but it's a 6 point game.

I think Atlanta needs McGrady to score 13 points in 37 seconds, just to hold on to this lead and win the game.

[nuraman00]

Teague for 3. They needed that. 68-76.

Still, Atlanta needs a clue on how to beat a halfcourt defense.

[nuraman00]

Pierce with an impossible runner.

74-78.

[nuraman00]

5 years ago, I didn't like Smith's game, but I like now what he has become.

[nuraman00]

I watched the end of game 2 (last 2-3 minutes). Atlanta started taking bad shots.

They did have a few good shots, such as a Teague drive and Hinrich drive, but missed on one of them.

[nuraman00]

Atlanta really struggled on offense today. Teague has not been good this series.

McGrady played pretty well though.

I thought Atlanta needed to play Radmanovic more, before late in the 4th. I thought they needed him today to make some shots and space the floor. They could have tried that.

Rondo posted up Teague on one play during OT.

Jeff Van Gundy kept criticizing Teague's defense. Sometimes he would play too far back, and other times when he was close, he still wasn't good.

[PackfanMatt_12]

AL HORFORD IS BACK

[nuraman00]

AL HORFORD IS BACK

Woah, thanks!!!!!!!

I was listening to sports talk radio this evening, and they didn't even mention it. I had no idea he was back. I didn't watch this game.

Yeah, they talked about Atlanta getting blown out, but cmon guys, do your job. How can they leave out such an important story about the game?

Looking at the box score, it looks like he played a good game too.

[nuraman00]

Ok, I am getting sick of the NBA experts and radio hosts saying that Atlanta should break up their core.

Yes, they've had the same problem the last few years, of too many uncompetitive games in the playoffs, too many 20 point losses. And I don't like their halfcourt offense.

But their payroll isn't that bad, they have big money tied up in 3 players, but are cheaper at C and PG and their bench. And why can't these experts just talk about what Atlanta needs to add?

If their halfcourt offense sucks, and Teague has not played well this year, can't they go and get a better playmaker or PG? Or hire a a better offensive coach like D'Antoni or Flip Saunders?

Why is everyone wanting to blow them up? Yeah they have some problems, but they're only 1 player away. If they get a better PG and/or coach, or add another playmaker, they'll be good.

Maybe they should try to get Ramon Sessions (although he may have raised his price tag). But at least Atlanta can offer him a starting PG job.

I also don't want to see them break up Smith-Horford, they're not the problem.

They just need a better PG, and maybe a better coach. Get an offensive coach, and hope the defense doesn't revert.

[bloatedmaniac]

Ok, I am getting sick of the NBA experts and radio hosts saying that Atlanta should break up their core.

Yes, they've had the same problem the last few years, of too many uncompetitive games in the playoffs, too many 20 point losses. And I don't like their halfcourt offense.

But their payroll isn't that bad, they have big money tied up in 3 players, but are cheaper at C and PG and their bench. And why can't these experts just talk about what Atlanta needs to add?

If their halfcourt offense sucks, and Teague has not played well this year, can't they go and get a better playmaker or PG? Or hire a a better offensive coach like D'Antoni or Flip Saunders?

Why is everyone wanting to blow them up? Yeah they have some problems, but they're only 1 player away. If they get a better PG and/or coach, or add another playmaker, they'll be good.

Maybe they should try to get Ramon Sessions (although he may have raised his price tag). But at least Atlanta can offer him a starting PG job.

I also don't want to see them break up Smith-Horford, they're not the problem.

They just need a better PG, and maybe a better coach. Get an offensive coach, and hope the defense doesn't revert.

I agree completely. Atlanta isn't in the state where they have gotten old or aren't productive. They are just missing an element that will get them over the top. They have some very good players. As you said they need a bonafide point guard. They have really liked that for years. Teague has been nice lately, but since this team is lacking a superstar that you can trust to make plays..you need to do better than Teague. Aside from that they could use better depth. There is typically a big dropoff when they have to go to the bench.

[nuraman00]

I agree completely. Atlanta isn't in the state where they have gotten old or aren't productive. They are just missing an element that will get them over the top. They have some very good players. As you said they need a bonafide point guard. They have really liked that for years. Teague has been nice lately, but since this team is lacking a superstar that you can trust to make plays..you need to do better than Teague. Aside from that they could use better depth. There is typically a big dropoff when they have to go to the bench.

Yeah, they've been on a budget for their bench. They didn't keep Crawford (which in restrospect was a good move). And they got a decent amount out of McGrady.

But without Crawford playing like he did last year, their bench is a dropoff.

Also, Horford and Smith are pretty young. They can sort of be like Dallas, where they just keep changing the pieces around Horford and Smith until they find something that works. Like what Dallas did around Nowitzki.

Teague just hasn't shown enough growth, and when they're in a win very soon mode, they can't wait on him forever. Still, he's on a rookie contract, and worth keeping, but they could try to add a mid-level PG who has some potential, or someone like Sessions, without hurting their longterm planning either.

I just think Horford and Smith are good players and worth keeping. You have to be somewhat fortunate to get two players that good. You're more likely to have players like Donte Greene or Jordan Hill. Not All-Star caliber.

[bloatedmaniac]

Boston 4 minutes away from eliminating Hawks.

[bloatedmaniac]

Yeah, they've been on a budget for their bench. They didn't keep Crawford (which in restrospect was a good move). And they got a decent amount out of McGrady.

But without Crawford playing like he did last year, their bench is a dropoff.

Also, Horford and Smith are pretty young. They can sort of be like Dallas, where they just keep changing the pieces around Horford and Smith until they find something that works. Like what Dallas did around Nowitzki.

Teague just hasn't shown enough growth, and when they're in a win very soon mode, they can't wait on him forever. Still, he's on a rookie contract, and worth keeping, but they could try to add a mid-level PG who has some potential, or someone like Sessions, without hurting their longterm planning either.

I just think Horford and Smith are good players and worth keeping. You have to be somewhat fortunate to get two players that good. You're more likely to have players like Donte Greene or Jordan Hill. Not All-Star caliber.

Yes they are worth keeping. They'll be productive through the extent of their contracts with less drama/inconsistancy such as a guy like Amare is giving for more $$.
Joe Johnson is one im on the bubble about. He is good, but when he got his current contract he was talked about as a top 10 player in the league...you can't say that at all anymore. His numbers are on a slight decline each season. Going foward, he is one that you'll have to part with (not now unless they get an upgrade or a young player with a big upside).

[bloatedmaniac]

Atlanta takes the lead with 6 unanswered.

[bloatedmaniac]

Boston is a such a good team, but their age really shows at times. They are a team who 4 years ago would of smashed this Hawks team, but now they don't have the juice to really go on runs. Their defense though is still among the better.

[nuraman00]

Hey I'm watching this game too. We were right, bloatedmaniac (http://kingsforum.net/live/member.php?16-bloatedmaniac), it was too early to blow up the Hawks. They're dangerous when they put it together like this. :)

[nuraman00]

Yes they are worth keeping. They'll be productive through the extent of their contracts with less drama/inconsistancy such as a guy like Amare is giving for more $$.
Joe Johnson is one im on the bubble about. He is good, but when he got his current contract he was talked about as a top 10 player in the league...you can't say that at all anymore. His numbers are on a slight decline each season. Going foward, he is one that you'll have to part with (not now unless they get an upgrade or a young player with a big upside).

Yeah, Johnson doesn't have a great contract. I just don't think it's as bad as a NY situation, or something, because this is as high as their payroll is going to get. They don't have any good young players they need to give big contracts to (Teague has played himself out of a big contract).

So it will be 3 big contracts, and mostly rest filler.

So I just look at their total payroll, and while it's not ideal, they're not going to be in luxury tax either. It's manageable.

[nuraman00]

Josh Smith might have taken the game-losing jumper.

79-80, Boston gets the ball back and is fouled.

[nuraman00]

79-81. Atlanta's best move is a shot in the paint by Smith or Horford.

Johnson will probably be well defended by Allen or Pierce.

I don't think they'll switch and put KG on Johnson.

[nuraman00]

Atlanta ran a good play for a driving Johnson layup, it's just it was a contested layup. Johnson misses, but Atlanta gets the ball back.

[bloatedmaniac]

Johnson is blocked on the drive that would of tied it with 3 seconds to go. Still Atlanta ball.

[nuraman00]

It looked like Daniels and Horford were fouling each other, lol.

[bloatedmaniac]

Daniels fails twice in a matter of seconds. Hortford can tie it up.

[bloatedmaniac]

"HerpesSimplex""HerpesSimplex""HerpesSimplex""HerpesSimplex""HerpesSimplex" Moore's soul runs through Daniels...

[nuraman00]

Al Horford is going to be thinking about that missed FT, barring a great inbounds play after these Boston FTs.

[bloatedmaniac]

Hortford fails at the line. Boston wins.

[nuraman00]

Do you think Teague was fouled on that final 0.1 second?

Or is that a call you don't make?

[bloatedmaniac]

Al Horford is going to be thinking about that missed FT, barring a great inbounds play after these Boston FTs.

I don't think that Jeff Teague possession counts as a great inbounds play lol

[nuraman00]

I don't think that Jeff Teague possession counts as a great inbounds play lol

Lol.

Ok, I don't have time to watch the Denver game today, but hopefully McGee plays like Marcus Camby, and we can have one game 7 in the 1st round.

[bloatedmaniac]

Do you think Teague was fouled on that final 0.1 second?

Or is that a call you don't make?

Looked like he initiated too much contact to even call it at this stage of the game. Pierce had position, but Teague bowled into him then tried to force it up. If Pierce jumped into him, then you could call it, but Pierce was set enough to give it a pass

[nuraman00]

Looked like he initiated too much contact to even call it at this stage of the game. Pierce had position, but Teague bowled into him then tried to force it up. If Pierce jumped into him, then you could call it, but Pierce was set enough to give it a pass

Yeah you're right, Teague did jump into him too much.

[bloatedmaniac]

Lol.

Ok, I don't have time to watch the Denver game today, but hopefully McGee plays like Marcus Camby, and we can have one game 7 in the 1st round.

I'm hoping for that. Denver LA was one of the main serieses I wanted to see. I thought it was going to be a very competitive series, but they rolled over the first 3 games. I'm glad they have come back, but still two more games. Hopefully they have some magic in them and at least force a game 7.

[bloatedmaniac]

I'll be watching the full Denver game so I'll be posting random comments on that board lol.