NBA

Asif_k · June 9, 2003, 9:14pm

^If Kidd is creating so many shots for his forwards then what are Kenyon martin and other forwards/Centers of Nets doing ? How many times has Kidd been double/triple teamed ? When was the last time a Point Guard scored 4 points in an NBA Finals game ??

Umair316 - first you tried to downplay Duncan's performance by telling us that he scored 10 points in the second game and when caugh, you disappeared without even acknowledging your mistake.

BTW - What position does the Rookie Tony Parker play ?? Who creates shots for him ? But, it cant be tough for Tony Parker, It is tough only for Jason Kidd.

May be NBA should just give an MVP award to Jason Kidd just because he is a poor PG and works so hard. Kidd fans are so desperate for an MVP and are really crying so much.

Asif_k · June 11, 2003, 1:46pm

Scott blames officiating for Nets’ fewer free throws

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The San Antonio Spurs’ free throws became the hot topic of conversation at the NBA Finals again on Tuesday.

The issue wasn’t the Spurs’ inability to make them, but their number of opportunities to shoot them.

And take a wild guess who filed the complaint.

“My personal opinion is something that I see with the officiating, to be honest with you,” head coach Byron Scott said in explaining why his New Jersey Nets have shot 30 fewer free throws than the Spurs in the first three games.

Byron Scott wants to see his Nets get more trips to the line.
“I mean, we’ve been a team all season long that’s gone to the free-throw line a ton of times. In this series, for some reason, (the ratio) is two to one, it seems. And to me, I think a lot has to do with the officiating.”

The Nets ranked fifth in the league during the regular season in free-throw attempts at 26.8 per game. But so far against the Spurs, they’re averaging 19.3 free throws to San Antonio’s 29.3. The disparity has grown each game, with San Antonio receiving over twice as many opportunities (35) to score eight more points (23-15) in Sunday’s 84-79 win.

It was a textbook move straight out of Playoff Coaching 101 by Scott, who pinned the lop-sided free-throw count on the referees in hopes of evening up the foul calls Wednesday when the Nets try to tie the series in Game 4 (ABC, 8 p.m. ET).

"I think that Tim Duncan gets away with a whole lot of things on the defensive end that Kenyon Martin does not get away with, and Kenyon Martin is one of the best defensive players in the league," Scott added. “So in my opinion, the officiating in this series has been a little one-sided.” " :crying::crying:

Few shared Scott’s view, not even his own players.

“If that’s the way my coach feels, that’s (his) opinion,” said Martin, who watched his words having paid his share of league fines for more physical attacks.

“It’s not the officiating,” Jason Kidd said matter-of-factly. “We can’t settle for jump shots.”

If the Nets want to get to the line, they’ll have to get to the rim. Their problem has been getting to the basket, whether it’s been in transition with their suddenly stifled fast break or in half-court sets against the Spurs’ 3-2 zone.

San Antonio hasn’t had any problems getting the ball inside or to the foul line with Tim Duncan (22-of-36), David Robinson (12-of-17) and even point guard Tony Parker (10-of-16), who has been able to drive the lane at will against the Nets.

The Spurs, like the Nets, are used to shooting plenty of free throws, finishing sixth in the league and just one attempt behind New Jersey at 2,194. They’re also used to missing lots of them, as their free-throw woes (fourth-worst in the regular season at 72.5 percent) have been well-documented in the postseason (playoff-worst 70.3 percent).

“I don’t think they have anything to do with it,” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said of the referees. “I think you create your own opportunities by being aggressive, and I think whenever you start to think about officials being part of something, I think you’re going down the wrong road.”

“We don’t have control over (the number of fouls),” Duncan said. “We just have control over how we play the game and how we execute and if we are prepared to play the game. However the calls are made, the calls are made.”

Scott made his call collect.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2003/story?id=1566079

Byron Scott is :crying::crying:. May be NBA should just give this years trophy to NETS. Even his own players dont share his views. Also let’s give this year’s Whinner’s trophy to the NETS, they have outdone the Queens.

system · June 11, 2003, 10:48pm

Asif, you might be only person alive that doesn't think that Kidd should be an MVP candidate. I am assuming you haven't been around BBall as much.

MVP doesn't mean the most talented player. It is the most valuable player. Kidd creates and is a leader on the court. He doesn't have he luxury of playing with an all-ime NBA top 50 player in Robinson and the Second best power forward in the NBA. (Garnett is a better player than duncan)
Magic Johnson won three MVP's. He wasn't even he best player on the team in one of those wins. Kareem and McCaddoo had better numbers. But he deserved it because he was the most valuable. He made everyone on the team better. That is what Kidd does. Tony Parker, cannot do that yet. Stephon Marbury cannot do that after 6 yrs. That kind of leadership is what the award is about. That is why people say that Kidd is the MVP. Wihout Kidd, Nets would be like the Clipps, Very talented but just can never pull it together.

AS far as the rant against officiating goes. This happens in every playoff series. One team who is no going to the stripe always complains about it. The next game their ft attemps rise. This is an old tactic. It has nothing to do with Scott crying. I can bet that Nets will go to th eline just as many times, if not more in tonight's game. If hisory is an indicator.

system · June 12, 2003, 12:39pm

Nets went o the stripe 29 times…Spurs 24. 'nuff said!!! We got our selves a series again. Good defense evens this out. No more 180 pt halves.

Asif_k · June 12, 2003, 12:59pm

Matsui - Magic Johnson was a point Guard, and he won the MVP because he was really good at it, Jason Kidd is not good enough and that’s why he doesn’t deserve the MVP. Where is he BTW ?? I dont see his leadership in the finals. NETs have reached the finals through Quota system. They will struggle to reach the playoffs if the league removes this east/west coast system. If Duncan has Robinson, Kidd has Mutombo a four time Defensive player of the year. Now dont even compare the NETS and SPURs players, NETS have more 1st round picks than the Spurs.

As for you logic - Kidd should get an MVP just because he is a PG, then let’s call every PG in NBA and give MVP to each of them. Tell me one thing - Which one will be a Better team, NETS without Kidd or SPURS without Duncan ???

At last NBA gave Byron scott the Lollypop to stop him from . Let’s give him the NBA TITLE as well.

system · June 12, 2003, 1:13pm

Yeah..You are right Asif and the sportswriters of America and fans are wrong. Kidd is perhaps the closest reincarnation of Majic we have in the NBA. He had 16 pts, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds yesterday. For a point guard to score and rebound while passing the ball around is phenomenal. I would suggest you watch the game a bit more.

I never said Kidd should get he MVP because he is a PG. I said his position is a lot more intricately complex and demanding than a Power forward's. Secondly, going by your definition of "best" player as MVP. Garnett was a better Power forward all season than Duncan. Better numbers all around and was MORE valuable to his team.

If you feel that the Nets are anemic and should not be in the finals, then how come the series is tied 2-2? Shouldn't the Spurs have blown them away?

As far as your commen regarding Byron Scott. It is idiotic. You ar enovice my friend in bball analysis. This is not cricket....these guys are the best athletes in he world.

Mr_Xtreme · June 12, 2003, 1:21pm

Matsui's got a point, power offense play is of no value if there is a deficiency in the softness of the defence area. This is where Kidd comes into his own and most serious bball analysts would know that.

Asif_k · June 12, 2003, 2:24pm

Matsui - First of all get you facts right, Kevin garnett didn’t put better numbers than Duncan. Unless you are talking about Techincal Fouls . Wow, Jason Kidd, the so called deserving MVP scored 16 points and you started jumping up & down ( btw 4 in the last 9 sec, courtesy Free throws). so what, did you see how many shots he took to reach his 12 points ? Are you telling me that Duncan is less important to Spurs then Kidd is to NETS ? Did you even watch the game ? Duncan was on bench for couple of minutes and NETs got their biggest lead in the series.

NETS are still in the game because of 2 missed shots, one in game 2 and another one in game 4( Not to forget Byron Scott’s for Free throws) . If not for those 2 shots, SPUR would have been back home celebrating the victory parade. IF you really think NETS defence was so good, then how come spurs have not only won 2 games but were pretty close to winning the 2 games they lost.
Read your old posts, every time a team in the west came back from a huge deficit, you used to criticize their defence, well Where was NETs defence when SPURs not only overcame the 15 point deficit but took lead as well.

And please..Dont even think of comparing an ordinary PG like Jason Kidd to someone like Magic Johnson. Larry Bird would have eaten Kidd alive.

PS :- Please dont start Cricket Vs. Basketball..Learn to differentiate between playing a game for 48 minutes in an Air Conditioned arena for 1 hour with 50 timeouts/breaks and playing another game for 5 days continously in 40 degrees.

system · June 12, 2003, 2:56pm

It is silly to debate with you Asif. I am assuming you haven't played much basketball in your life because of the replies you post.

No gives a siht how one wins the game. SA only won one game with the supposed superiority. Event hen, they trailed in much into he second quarered and were tied at half. They won he second game by 5. You are telling me that that is a compelling play of a deserving champion? It seems that the Nets are just as good as the purs to date. the series is ied 2-2.

As far as Kidd is concerned, read what I wrote. "closest reincarnation of Magic"...there is no one in the NBA that plays the poin guard position, is a leader on the court and has the ability to win the game simply on will alone. You can have your opinion, but please saying hat Kidd is an avg point guard shows the limited understanding of the game.

Also, as far as Garnet is concerned. He is definitely better than Duncan. :p

Mr_Xtreme · June 12, 2003, 3:12pm

Forget Asif Mats, if you want a serious debate about basketball I’m your man. Ok, so while everyone knows the importance of offence capability, too many lose focus on defence which when allied to a strong guard is the backbone of any successful basketball team. Plus having a bunch of very tall negroes helps of course.

Garnet or Duncan is a toughie but I’d say Duncan’s guard is slightly weaker so garnet’s my man :k:

sherrybaba · June 12, 2003, 3:13pm

BB is for sisiees

Asif_k · June 12, 2003, 3:19pm

Matsui - You are talking as if you have won more MVPs than MJ and have more rings than Russell. . Most of the people who understand the game agree that Jason kidd has been a failure in the Finals. Buit you think he deserves the MVP more than Duncan. Good luck to you.

Just now you were saying that Garnette had better numbers than Duncan and now that you were proved wrong you try to tell me that I have not played Basketball.

Jason Kidd is indeed Ordinary when compared to legends like Magic Johnson. He may be better than tony parker but Steve Nash, Bibby, Marbury are all as good as him (If not better). The only reason Kidd and NETS are in the finals because they have come from a quota system where a third class team like Hornets can make it to the Playoffs.

UMAIR316 · June 12, 2003, 3:27pm

As you were saying.
Its best to keep your mouth shut when you don’t have knowledge about certain sports, cricket is fine but baskeball is not your field.

Asif_k · June 12, 2003, 3:39pm

According to you SPURS and NETS are not even in the Finals

as you were saying :- ** "Its best to keep your mouth shut when you don’t have knowledge about certain sports, cricket is fine but baskeball is not your field **

PS :- This was a free Lesson

UMAIR316 · June 12, 2003, 3:44pm

Oh man you crack me up, you have to go months back to find a way to insult me.
You guessed on a series result after watching Nets and Spurs play in their respectable conference while I made a pre playoff guess, thats totally different.

BTW, how is Tony Parker doing, wasn’t he supposed to be a better player then Jason Kidd.

3 pts

sherrybaba · June 12, 2003, 3:49pm

Are you guys laughing or arguing? I can't differentiate.

let me make some contribution here. I'm not an expert on this game but I think Jason kidd is an awesome player. He can create plays out of nothing. He is a great leader. He could have earned more points under his belts had he been little selfish in his approach. His way of assists is just phenomenon.It's always delight to watch Kidd. He keeps you on guesing all the time.

Asif_k · June 12, 2003, 3:52pm

Insult you ?? I showed the mirror to you and I didn’t have to quote you out of context like you did (as usual). For your information my full comments were :- * "NETS will lose this series 4-0, If they continue playing 3rd class players like Jason Collins and Aaron Williams." *

Have you checked the minutes of Mutombo since game one ??

Good to see that now you are comparing Tony Parker to Jason Kidd. He is doing the same thing Jason Kidd did after game 1 4 points.

Pakistani_Tiger · June 12, 2003, 3:56pm

Game 4 - NETS vs SPURS

[thumb=B]capt.1055390238nba_finals_era131.JPG[/thumb]

*New Jersey Nets' Richard Jefferson gestures after the Nets defeated the San Antonio Spurs' 77-76 in Game 4. *

Are we in the NBA Finals? Have a look at the shooting from both teams:

Nets - 38%
Spurs - 29%

Yikes!!! Somebody, please make a shot! This is like playing a basketball in a European League. Defence without offensive ball game. Some stupid fouls given by the refs, final score is more like WNBA; and the last night game was more like a WWE than a Basketball {* Hey Rogers, why showing your frustration off on Bowen? *}

[thumb=B]capt.1055390241nba_finals_era133.JPG[/thumb]

New Jersey Nets' Jason Kidd, right, gets tangled up with San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker.

Jason Kidd's clutch foul shooting in the final seconds preserved a 77-76 win for the NETS over the SPURS. Tony Parker struggled from the field and had a bad night after three games. Despite of that, Jason Kidd couldn't capatilized. He was again, poor from the field. Heck, Speedy Claxton filled Parker's position and outclassed Jason Kidd when he did couple of layups one-on-one against him. Set back for SPURS was definitely Tony Parker and Stephen Jackson, who were phenomenal in previous three games.

[thumb=B]capt.1055391131nba_finals_era135.JPG[/thumb]

New Jersey Nets' Richard Jefferson reacts during the second half as San Antonio Spurs' Emanuel Ginobili looks on.

Richard Jefferson, who struggled in the previous game, was a big boost to NETS. He was the only only NETS player, who had an offensive ball game. Also, Aaron Williams poured in 7 pts helped NETS alot.

Manu Ginobili's potential buzzer-beating trey was no good in the final moment but he able to closed it down to one pt game. Manu and Jefferson were the only two players, who were hot in the last night game. The shooting from the field was so pathetic, I switched the channel. This is the NBA Finals with NO Jordan, Magic, Kobe and Shaquille.

[thumb=B]capt.1055391309nba_finals_era130.JPG[/thumb]

San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan reacts late in the Spurs 77-76 loss to the New Jersey Nets in Game 4.

When the 3rd qtr began, NETS had 15 pts lead over SPURS but it vapourized within a sec. SPURS took a 21-5 run over NETS and were infact, leading by 1 pt at the end of 3rd qtr. NETS barely survived the last night's game as Game 2. Both games were close and went down to the final moment for trey attempt by Jackson(in Game 2); and Manu(in Game 4).

[thumb=B]capt.1055386474nba_finals_era117.JPG[/thumb]

Slam Dunk of the Night - Richard Jefferson over Kevin Willis.

Awesome Dude!!!!!! Dunk over a 7-footer was pretty cool!!!

[thumb=B]capt.1055386469nba_finals_era116.JPG[/thumb]

[thumb=B]capt.1055385559nba_finals_era114.JPG[/thumb]

San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich, center, is held back by assistant coaches P.J. Carlesimo, left, and Mike Brown after Spurs' David Robinson was called for a foul against the New Jersey Nets.

Gregg Popovich is a very cool and clam guy; and doesn't carreid away with his emotions. That foul on David Robinson after grabbing the offensive reb was absurd. Robinson was like... Foul? What foul? What did I do wrong? Whatever that was, it certainly fired up SPURS in the 3rd qtr as NETS escaped Game 4 barely.

NETS can't pick up offensive rebs 'cause of 7-footers(Duncan, Robinson and Willis) around. All they can hope for Game 5 is Jason Kidd finds his form. NETS must win Game 5, take home-advantage, otherwise, lights are off for them for the next year.

Game 5 @ New Jersey on Friday.

NBA Finals 2003

New Jersey NETS vs San Antonio SPURS - Series tied 2-2.

system · June 12, 2003, 4:02pm

Oh and another thing...Having number 1 picks in the draft doesn't mean you will get superstars. In 1984, the #1 pick was Sam Bowie. Guess who was number three.

Nash and Kidd and Marbury are good but not in he same class. When looking for greatness compare the number of triple doubles, as mark of basketballk prowess in a player. Do any of them come close? Maybe Marbury...but he doesn't have the heart of the champion.

AS far as your comment reagarding Kidd being a failure in the NBA. It is asinine. This is his second NBA finals. MJ lost for years agains thte celts and detroit, having been out of this world. That doesn't make him a failure.

Asif_k · June 12, 2003, 5:10pm

Matsui - I said Round 1 picks and not Number 1. Try to read carefully. Dont be an Idiot, Comparing MJ and Kidd is just too much. MJ never lost a series in NBA finals, may be he lost in the Conference Finals. In all those loses MJ was performing according to his reputation unlike Mr. Kidd who chokes in the finals. Take a look at Last year and this year's NBA finals to know what I am talking about.

Masrbury is a very under-rated PG and definately better than Kidd. The leadership of Kidd you are talking about has not been seen in the NBA finals except once.