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201

Wasn’t I specific about where you live in Texas? Khai, let’s don’t go that far.

Meanwhile I just grip my mic; and hope me and my team make it through alright 'cause say what you will, and say what you might but don’t ignore who it’s for at the end of the night.

CLIPPERS are cool 'cause they don’t whine. Neither jealous of LAKERS like other NBA teams. :slight_smile:

Oh bhai meray, when Kobe played those straight 11 hot games, it was all about Kobe Bryant. The problem MAGIC faced is they don’t have players, who are great pt shooters. McGrady said many times he can’t do it alone; and he’s right.

What NBA officials say is Official; and I don’t have problem with it. Despite of Tracy’s top PPG, Kobe ranked on 3rd spot in the league, above than Tracy. Heck, even Shaquille beat rest of the good players in NBA, grabbed 5th spot in the league despite of not playing half of the season 'cause of toe surgery. Just shows you how good O’Neal is. :slight_smile:

202

Kobe doesn't deserve the MVP. Hell no. Did you forget about the start the Lakers got without Shaq? When Kobe was trying to lead the team?

They were like under 500.

Garnett should have won the MVP.

203

Kings will win series 4-1
Spurs will win Series 4-2
Piston will beat the 76ers 4-3
Nets will whoop on the Celtics 4-1

204

The Pistons-Sixers series will prolly be the best semifinal of the lot.

It has a bit of the Magic series' flavor in it. Orlando are McGrady, and although Philly doesn't rely on AI to that extent, he will be the deciding factor.

For Detroit, it's still all about what they've been doing so far: blending together well. Ur go-to guy could be Hamilton, Billups or Robinson for the night, but it's the collective juice that drives their machine.

Barring no injuries, I'd say Detroit will take it in 7 as well.

205

For the upcoming Western Conference.

I predicted

LA Lakers def SA Spurs 4-1

Sacremento Kingz def Dallas Mavericks 4-3

Eastern Conference

Detroit def Philli 4-2

Boston over New Jersey 4-2

206

The Nets won :k:

GOO Lakerrrrrrssssssssss :k:

207

CELTICS vs NETS

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Richard Jefferson had 13 points and nine rebounds.

Boston's J.R. Bremer drained a trey to cut the New Jersey lead to one, but the NETS hit two of their last four foul shots in the game's final moments to seal a 97-93 victory in Game 1 of their playoff series Monday. Kenyon Martin tallied 21 points, Kerry Kittles added 17 and Rodney Rogers finished with 12 against his former team.

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*Paul Pierce shot 9-for-17 from the field. *

From CELTICS, Paul Pierce matched his number with 34 points and Eric Williams chipped in with 15 points off the bench.

The NETS will try to take a 2-0 series lead while CELTICS to even the series at a game apiece in Game 2 on Wednesday.

LAKERS vs SPURS

What a way to kick off the LAKERS-SPURS series clash! SPURS off to a good start as they beat LAKERS by 87-82 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals on Monday. Suprised to see both teams score under 40 at the half time.

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Kobe Bryant, right, guards Tim Duncan.

Tim Duncan poured in 28 points and David Robinson added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Real difference b/w SPURS and LAKERS was points from the bench. SPURS bench proved to be the difference, outscoring the LAKERS reserves *28-4. *

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Kobe Bryant goes up for a reverse dunk.

From LAKERS, Kobe Bryant scored 23 of his game-high 37 points in the second half, but it wasn't enough. Though, he struggled from the field but was aggressive as I have seen. Some shots were good; got baskets whereas some buckets LAKERS just couldn't. It mounts more pressure on Kobe-Shaq duo as Devean George became a victim of ankle injury in the 4th qtr. LAKERS burned 20 sec and 1 full TO to assits Devean. He had to walk out of the game. Good sport-spirit shown by the SPURS fan. It might have encourged Devean.

Without George, Rick Fox and Shaq(who fouled out in the 4th qtr), I think LAKERS did put a fight, especially back-to-back 3 pts shooting by Kobe brought the game within 3 points in the end. Shaquille O'Neal tallied 24 points. Though, he was fouled out but I don't think he's gonna change his game. He never changed his aggressiveness and that's what everybody loves about him.

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Shaquille O'Neal (34) blocks a shot by Tim Duncan.

Derek Fisher wasn't really in the game as he was against WOLVES; and I think it hurts LAKERS in the end. LAKERS lacks depth from the bench whereas SPURS don't. No matter how tough this series is gonna be, SPURS will try avoid History repeat itself pharse on them whereas Los Angeles will try to even up the series in Game 2 on Wednesday.

  • NBA Playoffs - SEMI-FINALS:-

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

  • Detriot PISTONS vs Philadelphia SIXERS.

  • Boston CELTICS vs New Jersey NETS - NETS lead 1-0.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

  • Los Angeles LAKERS vs San Antonio SPURS - SPURS lead 1-0.

  • Dallas MAVERICKS vs Sacramento KINGS

208

Lakers blew a golden oppurtunity to steal a game in San Antonio. The game was closer than the score tells. Kobe did his thing and nearly pulled off a game winning surge and Shaq (fouled out) was dominant on the boards. The difference in the game was the free-throw line.
Lakers went to the free throw line only 12 times while the Spurs went 35 times. Duncan himself went to the free throw line 14 times - more than the entire Laker team. Duncan being the MVP will obviously get the calls at home.
After the game Laker coach Phil Jackson had some strong words for the officials :D

209

Phil Jackson should stop whinning and give the credit where it is due. San Antonio has got only one star player in Tim duncan, still they couldn't beat them all season. I am a Lakers fan but I have lot of respect for Spurs and Mavs.

210

Asif,

Phil Jackson wasn't whinning at all. He's like a Brian of the Basketball game. Also, he gave the credit to Tim Duncan in the press conference, recalling him as a MVP of the night. Actually, some fouls were ridiculous, specially back-to-back on O'Neal. Even Kobe said whenever we don't understand why official fouled us, we just left on our coach to talk about. And that's what Phil did. :)

5Abi,

LAKERS are better from the foul line than SPURS. Everyone from SPURS misses the FTs chance. LAKERS didn't get as much as FTs but gave 19 turnovers. Also, lucky 3 pts bucket by Malik Rose at the end of 2nd qtr proved to be good luck for SPURS, otherwise score would have tied on 82.

LAKERS can't bear loss of any guy. Hopefully, George will get well soon. His X-Ray report shows, result negative. Still, there are no words from LAKERS officials whether he'll be playing in Game 2.

Let's Go LAKERS!

211

Lakers Lost!!!!!!!

anyway, I didn't see the game so I can't say anything.

212

Lakers lost :bummer:

well no wonder since Spurs had 35 foul shots compared to 12 of the Lakers. those refs :disgust:

213

Man the nets game was good. the excitement int he stands the energy. I didn;t think the swamp can ever pull it off. Glad I went.

214

^ yah Mat was a good game. Was that you on TV when the camera spanned the crowd. You was holding ur samurai sword in one hand and cell fone in other?

215

76ERS vs PISTONS

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*Allen Iverson drives on Chauncey Billups *

PISTONS on roll. Richard Hamilton and Mehmet Okur scored 17 of Detroit's 25 fourth-quarter points as the PISTONS used balanced scoring and tight team defense to defeat the 76ERS 98-87 on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. Chauncey Billups, who scored 24 for Detroit, did not return after leaving the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent ankle injury. It's not confirmed yet whether he'll be playing in Game 2.

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A.I shots over Ben Wallace.

Fighting a deficit for most of the game, the SIXERS rallied to get within three points midway through the final period, but just couldn't get it done against superb defence of the PISTONS. Allen Iverson hit six of his first 10 shots and led all scorers with 27 points. Derrick Coleman chipped in with 21 and Greg Buckner added 11.

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Eric Snow (20) of 76ERS passes around the defense of PISTONS' Clifford Robinson (30)

The PISTONS will go for a two-game series lead when they face the Sixers on Thursday whereas Philadelphia will try to even the series at a game apiece.

KINGS vs MARVERIKCS

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Mike Bibby was 2-for-5 from the field.

Sacramento KINGS led by as many as 28 points and had six players score in double figures as it took a 124-113 victory over Dallas in the opener of the conference semifinals on Tuesday. Peja Stojakovic led the way with 26 points, Chris Webber added 24 and Bobby Jackson tallied 23.

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Webber's slam dunk.

Dallas never got it going. Michael Finley, Nick Van Exel and Steve Nash had 20 points apiece, but it wasn't enough to overcome an early deficit of over 20 pts. Looks to me Dallas-Portland series really hurt MAVERICKS as they don't get enough time for rest, and think about how to play the KINGS, who are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

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MAVERICKS' Steve Nash (13) tries to work the ball toward the basket around KINGS' Keon Clark (7)

KINGS played superb basketball by moving the ball around the court without touching on the floor, lovely passes, assists each individual. What more you ask for!

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Dallas MAVERICKS coach Don Nelson directs his fury at a referee on not giving a foul call.

The KINGS will look to go up 2-0 in Game 2 whereas MARVERICKS will try to rebound and even their series at 1-1 in Game 2 on Thursday.

** - NBA Playoffs 2003- SEMI-FINALS Result :-

EASTERN CONFERENCE:**

  • Detriot PISTONS vs Philadelphia SIXERS - PISTONS leads 1-0.

  • Boston CELTICS vs New Jersey NETS - NETS lead 1-0.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

  • Los Angeles LAKERS vs San Antonio SPURS - SPURS leads 1-0.

  • Dallas MAVERICKS vs Sacramento KINGS - KINGS leads 1-0.

216

San Antonio Spurs spank the 3 time defending champions Los Angeles Lakers today to take the lead of 2-0 in 7 game series.

Man what a game that was, Spurs dominated the whole game and Bruce Bowen played really well.

Very tough for the Lakers to comeback, eventhough the next 3 games are at home.

217

CELTICS vs NETS

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Richard Jefferson goes in for the jam against the Celtics

Richard Jefferson led the Nets with 25 points and Jason Kidd dominated play in the second half as New Jersey withstood a 14-0 Celtics run in the fourth quarter to give the Nets a a 104-95 win Wednesday and a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series.

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Antoine Walker tries to get past Kenyon Martin.

Despite a triple-double from Paul Pierce and a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter, the Celtics lost the game. Pierce scored 32 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 10 assists for Boston. Walker struggled throughout the game.

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Jason Kidd(5) goes up for a basket in front of Boston Celtics Antoine Walker (L) and Tony Battie (C) .

Game 3 will be in Boston on Friday. A must win for CELTICS.

LAKERS vs SPURS

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*San Antonio Spurs forward Bruce Bowen watches his 3-point shot fall as Los Angeles Lakers defender Jannero Pargo follows the shot *

SPURS went off 18-1 run in the 2nd qtr as they defeated LAKERS by 114-95 in the Game 2. Bruce Bowen scored 27 points and set a team playoff record with seven three-pointers out of 8 attempted. His best career-high figures. Damn, the guy average 10.0 PPG in the regular season and now suddenly 27 points.

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Kobe Bryant goes up for a bucket.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal each scored 27 for the LAKERS. Do LAKERS have enough power to come back despite of facing two injured guys(Rick Fox and Devean George), who are out of the playoffs? Well, I can't be sure, neither count LAKERS out of the playoffs but injuries are really hurting LAKERS as they lack bench support and now in the playoffs, we have a starting line-up problem.

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Shaquille O'Neal sits on the bench in the 4th qtr.

Last time, Jackson's team Chicago BULLS went down by 2 Games in 1993 against the New York KNICKS. They were able to come back by winning 4 straight games. Reason, Phil Jackson had Micheal Jordan, Denise Rodman and Scottie Pippen with lot of options. Now, with LAKERS, KOBE-SHAQ duo are getting in foul trouble as they are getting no help from the rest of the players. Also, Phil Jackson has got limited options. Let's see how Jackson's LAKERS cope with this critical situation of their career.

Game 3 on Friday @ STAPLES Center.

** - NBA Playoffs 2003 - SEMI-FINALS Result :-

EASTERN CONFERENCE:**

  • Detriot PISTONS vs Philadelphia SIXERS - PISTONS leads 1-0.

  • Boston CELTICS vs New Jersey NETS - NETS leads 2-0.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

  • Los Angeles LAKERS vs San Antonio SPURS - SPURS leads 2-0.

  • Dallas MAVERICKS vs Sacramento KINGS - KINGS leads 1-0.

218

Lakers got their butt whooped, plain and simple. It may be the end of the dynasty, with their backs against the wall. 2 games away from elimination. Injuries, no matter how significant, are part of the sports and any sports and one shouldnt use them as an excuse for poor performance or the dominance of the other team when they bring their A game. Its obvious to the whole NBA, that Kobe and Shaq are the main weapons for Lakers and if they cant get it done, no one else can get it done. This has always been a problem for them this season i.e role players are not playing their roles or sometimes dont even show up.

Umair, the format had changed a while ago :p
Its 2 2 1 1 1, which means 2 games at SA, 2 at LA, etc.

219

Lakers aren't playing at their best. I was watching the game last night and I could tell even the 1st qtr that they'll lose. 13 points lead in the first qrt, they were being thwartered by Spurs.

Two games away from elimination, Lakers have to climb a steep hill.

220

5Abi, I am not using injuries as an excuse. Neither Shaq and Kobe made injuries as an excuse when answered reporters questions. But I don't think Kobe can't play defensive against Brunce Bowen, offensive against Bruce Bowen, David Robinson and then ball moment to make a basket. Maybe, I could be wrong but it's like 3 players job to get it done by one guy.

Shaquille can't run fast on the court. 3 out of 4 fouls he had offensive yesterday, which makes me wonder, O'Neal had play like that all of his life. Again, I'd say bad calls by the officials. I know it's difficult for refs to watch Shaquille whether he's doing or withdrawing a foul. But that was nuts.

Fisher and Horry are not getting in the double figures; and this is troubling. With George and Fox out, I think Pargo will be in the starting line-up.

I didn't know LAKERS would lost 2-Games by having two main injured guys sitting on the bench. Man, it sucks.