WCF Preview: Nuggets vs. Lakers
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 7:01 PM MDT
in News and Opinion
267 comments
"If you are going through hell, keep going." -Winston Churchill
The Denver Nuggets will be on the road for Game 1, for the first time this post-season and their opponent will be the #1 seeded Los Angeles Lakers.
In order to be the best, I believe you have to beat the best. The Lakers represented the Western Conference last season in the NBA Finals and won 65 games this season. There is no doubt that they are the best team in the West this season.
The finals are supposed to be the Cavs vs. the Lakers ... no questions asked. LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant has the pundits salivating at the mouth. Nothing would be better than to see our Denver Nuggets pull off the upset and defeat the Lakers. And the best part is ... the Nuggets can do it.
Regular Season Series: Lakers lead 3-1Nov. 1 in Denver: 104-97 Lakers win (Nuggets w/ Iverson)
Nov. 21 in L.A.: 104-90 Lakers win (Billups on board)
Feb. 27 in Denver: 90-79 Nuggets win
April 9: in L.A.: 116-102 Lakers win
Superstars: The bright lights will focus on Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony, as they should. Kobe has had his way with Denver in all four games this season. On the flip side, Melo struggled to find his offense against the Lakers in the regular season.
| PPG | FG% | FT Attempts | Reb | Ast | TO | |
| Kobe Bryant |
31 |
47.8% |
9.8^ |
4.8 |
2.3 |
1.5 |
|
Carmelo Anthony |
14.5^^ |
32.8% |
3.8 |
7.8 |
4 |
3.8 |
^ Kobe only had more free throw attempts against 3 teams
^^ Melo's 14.5 ppg equals his lowest against any team this season
The beauty is that the post-season is a different season and Melo has been playing brilliantly thus far. So, let's take a look at the post-season numbers from these two stars:
| PPG | FG% | FT Att. | Reb | Ast | Steals | |
| Kobe Bryant |
28.6 |
46.4% |
7.4 |
4.8 |
4.5 |
2.09 |
|
Carmelo Anthony |
27 |
48% |
6.9 |
6.4 |
4.3 |
2 |
While these two stars are looked upon to carry their teams when they need to; both guys have learned to trust and use their teammates. When you talk Lakers you have to be aware of Kobe, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Trevor Ariza, and Derek Fisher. Those guys will be providing the Lakers with much of their offense and each should be considered major scoring threats.
How will the Nuggets matchup and what strategies will they utilize to try to stop these Lakers? Well, George Karl and the rest of his staff have seven games and more importantly three losses to look at from that Houston series to try to figure it out.
A new challenge
It is no secret that the Nuggets faced two great matchups in the first two rounds of these playoffs. Denver plays jump shooting teams very well and that is just what the Hornets and Mavericks are and the Nuggets defense helped steer them into living on the perimeter. It'll be key for the Nuggets to try to force the Lakers to be a jump shooting team as well ... no easy task when you're facing multiple seven-footers.
The Lakers will want to live in the paint and hit timely three-pointers after establishing their inside game. Make no mistake ... the Lakers will attack the Nuggets bigs all series long and staying out of foul trouble will be key for Denver's big men: Kenyon Martin, Nene, and Chris Andersen.
For player matchups follow the jump below ...
Player matchups:
Point Guard:
Nuggets: Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter
Lakers: Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown
Billups is experienced (7th straight conference finals appearance), strong, and deadly accurate as we all know. His numbers: 37.5 minutes per game, 22.1 ppg, 54.1% from three-point land, and 7.3 assists per game. He's been making his living this post-season with timely scoring and getting himself to the foul line. He's shooting 95.7% (66-69) from the charity stripe and has been shouldering much of the burden these playoffs by being Denver's answer to the opponents' scoring runs. You need offense? Just look for CB7.
Denver again draws a good matchup here as the veteran Derek Fisher must contend with Billups. Fish is wily, but his shooting has been suspect at 36% and he's been horrible from downtown (6-30 or 20%) and that's where he used to make his living. Fish doesn't handle the ball too much on offense and is only committing 1 turnover per game, so don't expect a Chris Paul or Jason Kidd turnover rate in this series as the Lakers triangle offense isn't dependant on the point guard.
When the backups are in ... it's speed for the Lakers with Farmar and Brown. I like Shannon Brown as he reminds me of a young J.R. Smith (trying to harness his superior talent.) Anthony Carter will have his hands full trying to stick with either guy and L.A. may look to use these backups a bit more in order to make Billups work on the defensive end. But Billups is the man here ... Advantage Nuggets.
Shooting Guard:
Nuggets: Dahntay Jones, J.R. Smith
Lakers: Kobe Bryant, Sasha Vujacic
This position is owned by Kobe Bryant. He's arguably the best player in the NBA and is always "Doin' Work" like Spike Lee showed us. (What a lame documentary by the way ... just a complete "let's kiss Kobe's ass for an unnecessarily amount of time.) Dahntay Jones wont log a lot of minutes ... probably 15-20 per game, but he'll be expected to make things difficult for Black Mamba aka Kobe. Jones isn't a complete pushover on offense, averaging 7.6 points thus far. So, Kobe or whoever is covering Jones should be aware that he can get to the rim (see Dampier, Erick) and will shoot the open three-pointer (3-10 or 30%.)
When the backups come in ... Vujacic will run some point for the Lakers with Kobe on the floor and so will J.R. Smith. Sasha is a known agitator and world famous flopper. Denver must ignore his attempts to get under their skin and cover him on the three-point line because while he's not a deadly scorer, he can shoot the three (9-30 or 30%.)
For the Nuggets ... J.R. is Denver's best scoring threat off the bench. He's averaging 16.3 ppg and shooting 49% from the field, including 40.7% from downtown. J.R. is a threat to get to the rim and can do so at will. He's at his best when he's attacking, dishing, and taking his long-balls. He can become stagnant and try to live from the outside, but he's really shown in these playoffs that he can be a complete player and a nice scoring option. As much as I'd like to call this even ... you have to give the advantage to the Lakers.
Small Forward:
Nuggets: Carmelo Anthony, Linas Kleiza
Lakers: Trevor Ariza, Luke Walton
Melo will own this position in this series. Melo is playing like the star he is and is coming into his own in these playoffs. He has been able to read what the defense is giving him and I expect the Lakers to come after Melo. If Melo is driving, shooting, and dishing on offense then he'll be a major factor and the Nuggets will have a lot of success.
Trevor Ariza is a long athletic guy at 6'8'' and 210 pounds. He loves to shoot the open three (18-37 or 48.6%) and the Nuggets must not leave him open on the perimeter. Ariza possess enough skills to go inside, but where he makes the difference is on the three-point line.
When the backups are in ... LK should not get a lot of burn in this series, but if he is on the floor for extended stretches he must rebound and hit his long shots ... if not he should put on a suit and get comfortable next to Steven Hunter. Luke Walton has shown he can frustrate Melo and is a nice hustle player. Make no mistake though ... neither guy is Shane Battier or Ron Artest and that is key for Melo. Advantage Nuggets.
Power Forward:
Nuggets: Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen
Lakers: Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom
Kenyon is getting his fill of talented power forwards. First, David West ... the talented pick-and-pop guy. Second, Dirk ... a gifted seven foot perimeter player. And now ... Pau Pau ... another talented seven footer, but an inside force. This is the biggest matchup of the series for me.
Pau is long and a nice offensive rebounder, but, like Dirk, Pau can be bullied and the Nuggets have that bully in the form of KMart. I think Kenyon's biggest difference can come on the offensive end. Pau is not a very good defender, but he's capable against post players. Martin should look to attack the rim without the ball and get some nice cutting layups, put-backs, and alley-oops.
On offense, if Pau catches the ball on the block he is almost unstoppable. I don't think Denver will front Pau a lot, but you could see it some in this series. Again, I hate doubling guys and Pau is a pretty good distributor so Kenyon's ability as a one-on-one defender will be fun to watch.
When the backups are in ... Odom will be on the floor with Pau a lot. Gasol will slide to the center position and Odom will do his thing at the four. He can shoot from the outside, rebound, and attack the rim. Odom has been known to be a poor free throw shooter, but if he's at the foul line the Nuggets are in trouble.
The Birdman is Denver's energy guy, but also a key player. He'll be a pest on the offensive glass and on defense he'll be patrolling the paint. If Bird can continue his stellar play (he had food poisoning and missed game 4 and still wasn't right for game 5) and remain active he could be a great X-Factor in this series. But in order for the Bird to be a difference maker ... he must stay out of foul trouble and that wont be easy against the Lakers talented bigs. No other position on the floor features 4 key players like this one. Advantage: Even.
Center:
Nuggets: Nene, Johan Petro
Lakers: Andrew Bynum, D.J. Mbenga
First things first ... if Petro or Mbenga are on the floor then there is either a major blowout occuring or something is terribly wrong.
Nene must be a factor and must be aggressive. If the Nuggets are going to get the Lakers bigs in foul trouble it must be because of Nene. The Predator is a strong defender and can either block shots or take charges ... he's tricky that way. On offense Nene has a reliable jumper, some nice post moves, and most importantly ... the ability to tear down the rim. If Nene is attacking the Nuggets are looking good.
Bynum is averaging 14.9 minutes and scoring 4.8 points per game in the playoffs. Bynum will get himself into foul trouble as he's averaging 3 fouls per game. Phil Jackson loves to start Bynum and then bench him for long stretches if he's in foul trouble. Bynum's knee must still be bothering him, at least mentally, as he has not looked very good. He has played well against Denver when healthy and could be a huge difference maker for the Lakers. The key for Denver will be to attack him early and get him and his huge body (7' and 285 lbs.) out of the game. If Bynum is out there he will hurt the Nuggets. Advantage: Even
Predictions:
The chinks in the Lakers armor is apparent ... they are a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Some games they look like the team that won 65 regular season games and other nights they look like they should be counting their ping-pong balls.
The Nuggets are peaking and gelling at just the right time, they are well rested, have loads of firepower on offense, and play physical defense.
After the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets ESPN displayed the stat that Los Angeles is 13-1 all-time in Game 7's ... luckily for the Nuggets they will not need to win that final game in L.A. Nuggets in 6.
(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Max here from The Dream Shake
You have my support and allegiance for the Western Conference Finals and I’d put my money on Denver to win the series. I’d also imagine that you have lots of other Rockets and even Blazers fans behind you now. Take down the Lakers.
by UHoustonFan on May 17, 2009 7:10 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
We’ll take all from other West’ers who want to pull for the Nuggets.
by BeefySwats on May 17, 2009 8:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And… ::gasp:: atleast one Spurs fan!
Beat LA!
by Ed (dfjmed) on May 18, 2009 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, man!
Great to have the fans of other teams supporting the Nuggets!
"Man of few words, aren't you?"
by Tempestuous Binary on May 18, 2009 9:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot the other three guys on the Laker team.
I don’t care if they wear black and white stripes, the Nuggets are going to have to be very wary of the 3 extra guys for the Lakers. That means that they have to play hard but also play smart. No use arguing calls here, just play hard and the put the ball in the hole. Don’t expect a bail-out because you won’t get it.
Feel free to practice counting to 3 whenever Pau is in the lane because the refs won’t. He’s got his sleeping bag and is very comfortable there.
Advantage: Lakers.
by NuggBuckets on May 17, 2009 7:15 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
OK......
So the Lakers outscore the Rockets by an average of 7.3 ppg. They shoot 2.2 more freethrows per game. They have an extra home game and a huge advantage in the post (more likely to get freethrows).
Where is the bias? Better yet, how many extra free throws will the Nuggets have to get per game to feel like the league is not out to get them? 5, 10, 15????
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 8:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point
Was to not whine. Should I post that on the Lakers’ blog instead? They whined even when they got calls.
by NuggBuckets on May 17, 2009 8:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, everyone camps for longer than three seconds. Especially Yao Ming and Shaq.
It’s custom for teams that lose to complain about officiating. There was a whole fanpost on Blazer’s Edge that b*tched out the league, saying that it was trying to get the Rockets to win to appeal to the “Chinese fanbase”. Then when the Rockets lost, I saw many comments from Rockets fans saying that David Stern wanted his “dream matchup of Kobe v. Lebron”. Vast majority of complaints about officiating are grounded on some sort of conspiracy theory that makes no sense, and are not consistent at all.
You’ll do yourself a favor by not arguing about officiating (before the series has even begun). Lakers have no reason to whine about calls that they get. Outside of preferrable calls teams get when they play on home-court and preferrable calls that superstars get (all superstars, kobe, lebron, wade), the Lakers haven’t gotten calls unfairly
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know which Laker blog you're referring to, but at SilverScreen and roll we don't whine
about officiating. OK maybe on the occasional call, but not as a serious aspect of the game,and definitely not when we lose by 19 points. Ever.
I posted this on the Jazz blog during the first round. They got all offended and pissed off because they didn’t understand the point of what I was saying, but I will try here and see what happens.
Laker fans don’t whine about officiating. We really don’t. The reason why is simple. It’s because we blame every loss on our players. We think we should win every game by 40 points and therefor the officiating should be irrelevant. If a game is decided by a bad call then it was the players fault for keeping it that close Call it arrogance, call it belief, call it whatever you want, but that is just the way we look at it. That is why I find it funny when people whine about calls (not saying you, just in general), because I (and most Laker fans) think it shouldn’t matter if your team is really the better one.
Like I said I don’t mean that to be rude, that is just the way we look at it.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 10:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point ...
I think Nuggets fans will relate to that point. We also expect to see Denver win games big and if they don’t then it’s usually b/c our players were not as focused as they should be on the defensive end.
I hate to see folks complain about officiating, but honestly when you are watching a game live sometimes it seems like the refs are screwing up a lot, but when you look back or just refocus yourself you can see your team is doing something wrong by being in a position to get bad calls.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
During the heat of the game, I complain about calls. But it’s rare that I actually think it’s a big factor in the outcome of the game. The game Carmelo won for you folks and the big blowup about the noncall was stupid IMO. If the Mavs had been four points better in the first 47:55 of the game, the official wouldn’t have been a factor.
by illcowboy on May 17, 2009 11:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I worded it wrong.
I remember last years playoff series vividly. The Nuggets whined and cried about every call they felt they should’ve gotten. A.I. got something like 5 technicals in the 4 game sweep and Carmelo got a couple, Karl got a couple. That frustration was Denver’s downfall more than just being outmatched by the Laker squad. Last year’s Nuggets should have at least won 1 home game but they got all riled up about the refs and changed their style of play and were all out of sorts.
Again, my point was that the Nuggets need to play hard and play smart no matter how the refs are calling the game. Arguing with a ref about how you got hit on the arm while the other team takes advantage of a 5 on 4 is not productive.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 10:00 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s a key difference between Chauncey and AI. Chauncey obviously has a calming effect and can be the calm in the storm when things start to go awry. AI would often be leading the charge into chaos. I think the team would tend to follow the lead of either guy.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on May 18, 2009 10:07 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely. I’ve seen the change this year. Melo complains less and as a result (with the exception of Joey Crawford) has gotten more calls. Yet he’s still prone to giving that extended look to the refs while the ball is sailing the other way on the court.
The biggest difference (and one that I hope continues) is that the Nuggets have taken fewer of those “I know I can’t make the shot so I’m just going to flail and pray I get the call” shots. Nene still hopes to be bailed out on a number of his shots. He needs to stop laying the ball in and just jam it home.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 10:41 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
True…Nene sometimes plays like a guy half his size. Maybe that’s a result of playing international ball for a number of years. He needs to learn to use his size to his advantage and play with quite a bit more aggression. If he can do that then I think he really could become an incredible baller for the Nugs.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on May 18, 2009 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not the refs that will decide this series
It’s the match-ups and they heavily favor the Lakers. Denver has been playing well against a very small team – NO and a team with zero low post offense – Dallas. The Lakers are simply too big for the Nuggets and have too much firepower.
No Nugget can match-up with Kobe – no one. And Melo cannot score against the Lakers – 14 pt ave this year. This combined with the obvious advantages the Lakers have in the post mean it will be very difficult for Denver. The only hope the Nuggets have is if the Lakers sleepwalk through too many games.
Lakers in 5 or 6 max.
by LakersRule09 on May 18, 2009 3:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously though.
The Nuggets DO need to play smart, hard-nosed basketball. 5 guys need to be on the glass and/or boxing out LA. They need to be vocal on defense.
If the Nuggets can D up as well as Houston did it should be a quick series. Houston’s problem was the lack of firepower on offense, a problem which Denver should not have.
I’ve said this before I’ll say it again. If the score is under 100 the advantage goes to the Nuggs, over 110 and the advantage is to the Lakers.
by NuggBuckets on May 17, 2009 7:19 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Petro
I predict we may see more of Johan in this series, for a variety of reasons. First, foul trouble – it’s happened to Nene and Bird. Phil Jax will probably look at the film and try to find ways to bait Bird into fouling, knowing we need his energy on defense.
Second, we need to put size on LA’s bigs. Gasol, Bynum, Lamar Odom, they have many combos of nightmare lineups that can punish you for going small. However, LA has not used their size advantage effectively throughout the playoffs. It’s still something to be aware of, so I like Petro mabe just to body up Pau, Lamar, or Bynum if those guys really get going.
I love the way we have played so far but rebounding needs to improve and could be huge in this series. This is the part where I once again advocate Naldo to play because we need to rely on hustle and energy to win the rebounding battle – LA is simply bigger.
I’m willing to bet this series will be pretty physical so if Petro can play a bit just to keep Nene and Bird in the game, it’s worth what we lose offensively by having him out there.
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 7:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I just don't see how Karl will play Petro ...
but like you say … if the Nugget bigs are in foul trouble he could be called on. Would hate to see him get off the bench in key minutes though.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm afraid of Frenchy.
For me he’s still too much of a project. Every once in a while he shows flashes of what he could be, but far too often you see what he lacks. The offense moves around him when he’s on the floor and he’s usually picked up a foul or two within just a few minutes of stepping on the floor. I think we can go small and still beat the Lakers — look at what Houston did.
My initial vote is to keep LK and Petro on the bench and get Balkman IF we need to stretch 9. But obviously there are game-time decisions that we can’t predict.
by NuggBuckets on May 17, 2009 8:07 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Power forward and Center should be advantage goes to Lakers
Birdman is doing better than expected but he’s still only averaging single digit points / rebounds. Kenyon Martin is not that great, either, he is not a match for Pau Gasol / Lamar Odom. It’s okay though, Obviously you’re biased and so am I, but I don’t think any objective person would agree w/ you on those points.
by laker on May 17, 2009 9:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
After watching kmart
take all stars David West and Dirk out of their games 100%, i think it’s fair to call the advantage even. When Pau and Bynum couldn’t out play scola and hayes in games 4 and 6, how are they possibly going to hang with the much more aggressive Nene and Kmart?
by herewereyouwish on May 17, 2009 9:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Took Dirk out of his game?
Dirk scored 30+ points in almost every game…
He was pretty much the only Mav that wasn’t taken out if his game.
by thomasw78 on May 17, 2009 9:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's hard to draw comparisons from those two games
Andrew Bynum didn’t play well in either game, Pau Gasol DID play well in game 4, scoring 30 pts, 9 reb., making 11 out of 17 shots. He played alright in game 6 with 14 points, 11 rebounds. I hardly count scoring 30 points and 9 rebounds in one game and getting a double-double in the other one a bad performance.
I don’t think Nene or Kmart are more aggressive compared to Luis Scola, he is, as Kenny Smith likes to call him “a pitbull”. Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes are both very aggressive.
Either way, those two games weren’t won by Houston on aggressiveness, they won via hustle and quick defense. Pau Gasol can play good defense as we saw in game 7. I simply don’t see how you can say that Nene and Kmart and Birdman are better than Pau Gasol.
by laker on May 17, 2009 9:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure nobody is saying Nene, KMart, and Bird are better than Pau individually.
But if you are saying the 3 of them vs. just Pau is better than I’d agree! haha. Joking aside …
You make a good point with Pau … he’s been a force for sure thus far. But you drastically underestimate what Chris Andersen brings to the table … he’s not a stat guy at all. You can’t measure what he means to the team based off his numbers. Had Bird been able to fly in Game 4 against Dallas … Denver sweeps.
KMart is Denver’s most aggressive defender and like I said … he should be able to bully Pau and if Denver’s two power forwards can play to their ability then yes, the advantage is even. Pau is nice, but he’s no Tim Duncan.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear a lot of BULLY PAU. Gasol is definitely doesn’t live on the jumpshot as Dirk does. I mean Kmart “bullied Dirk” and Dirk scored on him like crazy right? How many 30+ point games again?
Chuck Hayes would bully PAU on the defensive end before Kmart or the Bird bullies him. Both of those players can get backed down in the post and I have seen it done to them. I have hardly seen Chuck Hayes get backed down in the post and both Gasol and Bynum thrive off backing people down in the post.
by ceeteejazz on May 17, 2009 10:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never mention Bird bullying anyone b/c that's not part of his game.
Bird is a straight up defensive player that loves to block shots.
I’ll tell you this much about KMart … Dirk didn’t drive on him much after that hard foul in Game 1. Dirk made his living on jump shots and being a 7-footer there ain’t much you can do when Dirk is fading away. You can go read an earlier post I did that complemented Dirk’s series as he was the only guy who had it going for the Mavs. Denver did a brilliant job making that series Dirk vs. the Nuggets … so you can talk about his 30+ points night all you want and I’ll just take that 4-1 result.
Pau doesn’t have the luxury to live on the perimeter like Dirk … so it’ll be interesting to see how that matchup plays out, but like I say in the preview … if Pau catches the ball in the paint … he’s nearly unstoppable. It’s a tough…tough matchup for KMart and the rest of Denver’s frontline.
I like Bynum and think he plays well versus Denver, but I’m not willing to say that after averaging 14 minutes and 4.8 points thus far that he’s suddenly going to go off now … but I don’t doubt that he could prove me wrong.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t expect Bynum to “go off” as in 20 and 10 BUT his average of 4.8pts is very deceiving. That man can go from scoring 0 points in a game to scoring 20 in the next one and if you couple his inevitable production with Kobe or Gasol also going off in the same game, the Lakers are awefully hard to beat. The thing about Bynum is if he gets going with some jump hooks in the post or alley oops, his defense becomes incredibly better and that can not be a negative.
If the Bird is scouted probably (the fact he jumps at almost every head fake, i think he’ll be in foul trouble too because he may be out of position. Also he just doesn’t have the BEEF to resist Gasol or Bynum from backing him down or outpowering Bynum for position. I remember Bynum easily gaining good position on the bulkier Nene in our last matchup
by ceeteejazz on May 17, 2009 11:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gasol vs. Nene/Kmart vs. Scola/Hayes
First off Kmart DOES NOT have Scola’s mid range game and Nene DOES NOT have Scola’s post game. Of course they are more athletic and all but the Lakers aren’t exactly lacking in athleticism. Size matters.
Secondly, neither Nene nor Kmart is as good a post defender as Chuck Hayes is. And my friend, the post is where Pau Gasol leaves. If Kmart at the power forward position isn’t as good a shooter as Scola at the power forward position, our defense can sag more to cover the lane.
Put it this way. The midrange game of Dahntay Jones (see Kobe not guarding Brewer to roam) and Kmart are suspect. The lakers would live with those 2 taking a lot of jumpers. If their defenders can sag off to clog the lane with length, it would be jump shooting galore for the Nuggets and I would take that anyday.
by ceeteejazz on May 17, 2009 10:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dahntaty Jones will not be taking a lot of jumpers this series
For two reasons: A) Jumpers aren’t his offensive game, he’s a slasher and B) It’s not his job to shoot, his job is to play solid defense. When we want scoring from the 2 spot, it comes from J.R. Smith. Now, if you want to let J.R. shoot a lot of jumpers, I’m all for that, because he’ll get 40.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Production for Nuggets on Offensive end from SG?
Dahntay Jones is still your starting SG. If you want to win with Defense, he would have to see a lot of minutes. JR wouldn’t exactly bother Kobe a lot.
If Jones is your starting SG and Kobe is matched up with him, don’t you think the Laker defense automatically becomes stronger because Jones really isn’t an offensive threat and Kobe would easily sag off him to help out on Melo? Check it. Ronnie Brewer is a way better slasher, has more size and plays better Kobe defense than Jones and he was very much ineffective in the Jazz series with Kobe guarding him for a reason.
Also I LOVE JR SMITH because he takes a lot of bad shots. Of course they go in a lot of times but you need to understand they would probably not fall when you need them the most. Those ridiculous 30ft bombs that fall in garbage time are hard pressed to go in when the game is more meaningful and I would prefer him shooting those 3s to Chauncey shooting the ball when the Nuggets need a bucket
by ceeteejazz on May 17, 2009 10:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess you consider the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters "garbage time" ...
because J.R. has range from outer space. Smith is a capable defender and can even been a good defender … I’m not expecting him to shut down Kobe, but I think he’ll surprise some folks with his defensive effort in some games.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't watch JR
Also, I expect Dahntay only to guard Kobe sporadically, because he simply can’t stop him. I wonder if we see K-Mart on Kobe like last year. I do agree with you Kobe can destroy Jones but your assumption about JR is wrong
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 10:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think everyone would like to turn their opponent into a jump shooting team ...
a lot lower percentages out there.
I hope you are right about Pau … I hope “the post is where Pau Gasol leaves.” If he leaves the post then it’s a major advantage for the Nuggets! haha…spelling errors can be pesky, I make them all the time. I know Pau “lives” in the post and that’ll make for a great challenge for Denver.
KMart loves his jumpers and running jumpers … Nuggets fans don’t much like them though. Hopefully our other offensive weapons will be active so we don’t have to rely on our two worst jump shooters (Dahntay and KMart) in any games … if so then the Nuggets have a lot going wrong.
On Nene not having the post game of Scola … um … not sure if you have seen Nene play in the post, but you should watch him carefully because he has got some moves my friend.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, Nene does have post moves.
Scola has other benefits though such as he’s pretty darn quick, and a much better long-range spot-up shooter. Scola is 14.7pts / 8.4reb this postseason, Nene is 12.5 pts / 7.3 reb. Plus Pau still for the most part outplayed Scola, except for a few times.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the problem with Scola
Scola is SOFT.
Nene is much tougher and more physical in the post than Scola is.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't call Scola soft at all.
Guy is tough as nails and mixed it up against the Lakers all series.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You still have Nene pegged wrong.
Scola had to be a #2 and sometimes #1 scoring option for the Rockets since they lost TMac (months ago) and Yao … Nene is probably Denver’s 4th scoring option behind Melo, Billups, and J.R.
Nene doesn’t take a lot of shots … typically around 12 a game.
Scola is nowhere near as fast or quick as Nene and Nene’s jumper is just as good as Scola’s. I’d take Nene over Scola every day of the week that ends in “Y.”
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about............
Munda
Tuseda
Wendsda……….
OK, just kidding. Damn spelling mistakes.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 10:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha...I know y'all are excited for this game as we Nugget fans are as well!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
to be honest.............I'm glad you guys are here.
I have always been a big George Karl fan, and I am glad to see him get the team to this point…………and maybe beyond. Either way I will root for the winner of this series to go all the way…………F*@k the Eastern Conference.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 10:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't agree with you on that.
I will have to go w/ my man Lebron if the Lakers lose. That man is pure beast.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's half human half half animal. He has the explosivenss of a cheetah,
the ferocity of a lion, the grace of a gazelle, the striking ability of a mamba snake (though not THE mamba) and when need be the serenity of a swan.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't be a Laker fan and Cav fan ... that's sports bigomy! haha jokes.
LeBron is a freaking linebacker out there.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol bigamy is lovely
Naw i’m not really a cavs fan i just think lebron’s a beast that’s all. I don’t like any other Cav member, not “no balls” Varajao or Ben “looks stoned” Wallace.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I didn't want to see Houston win ...
If you want to win the West then you HAVE TO GO THROUGH L.A. or Hell as I refer to it in the top of my preview.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen.
There’s a reason Scola was drafted at the back of the draft and Nene was the #7 overall pick.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nene v. Scola is questionable, probably even. But let's talk about
Nene v. Pau. I think objectively people outside of LA and Denver say Pau hands down. Sure there’s a reason why Nene is #7. It’s cuz Denver selected him. There’s also a reason why Pau is an allstar this year (and last).
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nene was drafted by the Knicks, but we did trade for his rights.
I think objective folks would say Pau hands down as well. Nene is very underrated and he deserves to be.
Nene can be soft offensively during games and I’m not sure why. But when he’s playing physical and running the floor on the fast break he’s deadly. Should be fun to see how each guy does. I expect Pau to be a huge factor … when he plays well the Lakers will win … if Denver can slow him down in some games … the Nuggets will have a great chance to win in those games.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nene is just as bipolar as the Lakers
He has games where he shows up and throws down and then there are games where he plays 30 minutes yet is practically invisible on the floor. If the Nuggets can get him running, Gasol won’t be able to keep up.
But I think Gasol wins in the post.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 10:09 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I haven't seen anything out of
Nene that has especially impressed me. Granted I don’t watch many nuggets games, but if he were really high caliber (like all-star level) then maybe I would have. It doesn’t matter though, we’ll know the answers to these questions after maybe 2,3 games.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahahaha...yeah you need to watch him.
Trust me … he’s a special player. I’ve been watching him for seven seasons. Kid can play.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have a lot of excuses
Nene and K-Mart are quicker, stronger, and better post defenders than Hayes. He is a unique role player, forced into a starter role by the Yao injury. You talk about him like he’s a premier defender. Pau should have owned him and Scola, but he didn’t.
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 10:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naw Nene is not better than Scola
I don’t agree with you. Scola is 14.7pts / 8.4reb this postseason, Nene is 12.5 pts / 7.3 reb. I don’t think Nene is a better defender than Scola, but I don’t really have any stats to prove it except for that Pau did better on Nene during the regular season in LA-Den matchups than in the playoffs during LA-Hou matchups.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nene plays center
He shot a better percentage (2nd best in the league). Scola is a PF and completely different player. He was a #2 scorer for the Rockets many times this season and shot a lot of mid range which he is good at. It’s pointless to compare them because they play so differently. But Nene is quicker, stronger, and better equipped to deal with Pau’s post moves than Scola
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 10:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's ask the experts about Nene vs Scola
All-NBA Votes:
Nene 6
Scola 0
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:54 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nene and K-Mart are NOT stronger and better post defenders than Hayes
Listen, Pau Gasol is a premier post player. Throughout our series with the Rockets, when Hayes was guarding him, he didn’t back down and shoot the jump hook successfully more than 5 times. He beat Hayes only when he faced up.
When you watch the series against the Nuggets, count the first 10 times Pau Gasol scores on Nene and K-Mart in the post with his back to the basket and you would have your answer if Hayes is a “stronger and better” post defender. Listen I have witnessed Bynum back Nene down pretty good (it happened the last time we played). Rewatch that game.
Now Greg Oden (who is bulkier than Bynum) had no success backing Hayes down, Bynum himself had no success backing Hayes down very low (although he shot over him a couple times). Nene and K-Mart as your post defenders against Gasol and Bynum just wouldn’t cut it. CHUCK HAYES is very underrated as a defender.
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 12:03 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hayes
is an amazing post defender. I don’t know how a guy who is 6’6" can keep a 7-footer from making easy baskets all day long. Then again, maybe Pau just isn’t that good at scoring from the post. Though there is no denying that Pau is a killer at the putback.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 10:11 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
David West doesn't play in the post. Dirk doesn't play in the post.
those two shoot jumpers all day. David West’s nickname is “The 17 foot Assassin” for goodness sakes. Pau plays nothing like them.
Didn’t Kobe and Pau eat Kenyon alive last year?
Even? That’s a joke.
The Lakers are 10-1 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.
by wondahbap on May 18, 2009 2:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
One word:
DEFENSE
The game isn’t just played on the offensive end. KMart and the Birdman are much better on the defensive end than Pau and Odom.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 9:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't buy that birdman and Kmart are better defenders than Pau or Odom
Kenyon Martin is a committed defender, but I wouldn’t call him much better than Pau or Odom. The matchup will be interesting though. I haven’t heard much of Birdman until of late, but doing some research he hasn’t historically been known to be a really great defender or anything. Unless you guys refer to games 4 and 6 of this past series where the Lakers had trouble with the Rockets, I don’t know what would lead you to think those too players are that much better defensively.
I still don’t see how you can pick them against Pau, when he is a bona fide 2nd year all-star, and the last time Kenyon Martin played well was in 2003.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You obviously don't know Kenyon Martin's story.
Guy is coming off TWO microfracture surgeries. The reason he hasn’t played well is b/c of his health. This is the first season in a long while that he’s been healthy and his knees have not given him major issues. Don’t you fret … he’ll show you what he can do in this series … and while Pau will put up some nice numbers he is not a great defender and while his offense is key, he can be a weaker link on defense. The Rockets series did show that. Scola and Landry had a nice series for Houston … no arguing that.
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by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do know of Kenyon's injury.
It doesn’t matter though. We’ll see what happens.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It matters when you say he hasn't been good since 2003 my friend.
There is a reason he hasn’t put up great stats or played in a lot of games. Just don’t sleep on him … or do. Whatever you’d like I guess.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could SCOLA and LANDRY being better Offensive players have anything to do with it?
So all of a sudden, Kmart and Birdman learn the post moves or mid range jumper of Scola or automatically become elite rebounders like Landry?? That is laughable
Gasol doesn’t have to guard neither of those players in the post, especially Birdman. He has no offense save for hustle plays on the boards and put backs and the only defense for that is boxing out which you don’t need great defensive talent for. Pau’s length alone would be a factor on defense.
by ceeteejazz on May 17, 2009 10:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Pau's length will be an issue.
But I’d love to see Pau just not guard guys. That’d be great!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol I hope Pau has learned his lesson. He's all-world at times, to be truthful
Other times he’s just slightly above average.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pau would guard guys but not in the post
He would guard by boxing out. The only place K-Mart and Birdman can hurt him is alley oops. They simply wouldn’t beat him often 1 on 1. And if he doesn’t have to guard them in the post and just bother their jumpers with his length, he is in excellent shape. He can focus on cleaning up the boards.
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 12:05 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
He may have been injured,
but nobody excuses Tracy McGrady for his injuries as reasons for why he hasn’t been able to lead the Rockets out of the first round.
Either way he’s not the player that Pau Gasol is, I don’t think an objective person would disagree with that. Keep in mind Pau had to play against Yao the first 3 games of the series, and he played really well in game 4 too. So in all, he only really underperformed to Scola in game 6.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just saying KMart is back now after going through injuries.
We’re just happy to have him back and it’s great seeing him play at a high level again after years of him being frustrated by his body failing him.
But this season Kenyon has been fantastic and Nugget fans are seeing what a healthy KMart can do for the team … and a team that is playing a lot better defense than Nugget fans are used to seeing.
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by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Kmart would probably have had a much better career had it not been for perpetual injury. Likewise to other players like Yao, perhaps McGrady. Seems like this is the first year you guys have a pretty healthy team. (While everyone else in the Western Conference dealt with some pretty big injuries, tyson chandler, Ginobli, Bynum, Deron, Boozer)
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it was a good year health wise for guys like Nene and KMart.
The rest of our team is usually pretty healthy.
Kenyon had some back issues in the second half of the season and Melo battled through injuries this season as well (Olympic wear and tear on his elbows.) Melo also broke a bone in his hand this season and missed about a month.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's amusing to me to hear Nuggets fans preach about defense
like it’s new found religion.
Not knocking you guys, but what a difference a year makes.
The Lakers are 10-1 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.
by wondahbap on May 18, 2009 2:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
LAKER UNDERDOGS
I am a laker fan and I come in peace to say my piece.
I love that my team is the underdog going into this MATCHUP. Everyone is on the Nugget bandwagon right now and I know that would only motivate the “jekyll and hyde” lakeshow
MATCHUP is the key in this series. Denver plays good defense but NOT LIKE the Rockets. I mean Dallas Mavericks (a jumpshooting team) still managed 106.8pts/game in the semis and Dirk absolutely torched the Nugget frontline when he went into the post and he isn’t as formidable a post player as Gasol.
Also I believe we win the Center battle also because our 2 centers are Bynum and Gasol, not MBENGA. I also don’t consider Petro a center of the Nuggets in the playoffs. Josh Powell has seen more burn than him and Josh isn’t even in our power forward rotation.
There are no Battiers and Artest or Kirilenkos and Brewers on this team. You have a tough but undersized Dahntay Jones and Kmart (who would have his hands fill with Gasol) to try and stop Kobe.
Anyway no point overanalyzing this. We’ll see what happens. Tuesday night can not come fast enough!
by ceeteejazz on May 17, 2009 9:53 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
How long do we have to put up with people like this?
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
just 4 more games..........
LOL…..just kidding. Where’s your sense of humor. If you think this is bad, you ain’t seen nothing yet. (not from me, I’m just saying)
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 10:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
4 more games, but in whose favor??? Huh? Huh?!!! hahahaha jokes my friend.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lakers of course!
Lakers will sweep baby.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
When the Lakers lose 3 in Denver
Blame It on the A-A-A-A-A-Altitude
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 11:06 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
George Karl thinks lakers have too much talent.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did you hear that???
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karl just publically blasting his own team? haha...
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not buying it.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Don’t you have to make the statement that maybe they are better without Bynum?" Karl said. "Why do we always say Bynum? How many games has he played with this team? I like Bynum, but sometimes you can have too much talent out there."
Said in reference to whether or not LAkers are better w/ or w/o bynum
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
After Drew got injured
George Karl said that because Pau had moved to the 5 and the Lakers didn’t lose a step, they kept rolling. So GK just brought up that they might have played better with him out because of their depth.
It’s a stupid argument and I doubt any Nugs fans agree with it. It doesn;t matter now, because Bynum is back and will play
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 11:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karl loves to pontificate.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you like studying for the SATs or something
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
cause he said "pontificate"..........
It’s a pretty common term.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was just kidding.
I’ve never heard of the term pontificate being used in common speech except for the cocky ppl at my highschool who wanted to show off their vocabulary. Not saying that Nate is one of these people, but I honestly have never heard it used outside of studying for the GREs or the SATs. And I go to Stanford.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I just hang out with cocky people, but.......
I hear it quite often. And I go to Harvard…………no, not really, actually I am 33, but it sounded good.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha...I used it b/c Karl loves to think of himself as a basketball "philosopher"
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 9:16 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well he still said that the Lakers are too talented.
Whether i’ts “too talented for their own good” or any other kind of “too talented” he said he said HE SAID IT!!!!
VALIDATION.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha! I like your boldness.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will you promise to suport the Lakers in the NBA finals if we beat you?
Like Obama telling an Edward’s supporter “we’ll see you in the general election?”
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I mentioned Mbenga and Petro as sort of a joke as I pointed out "if Petro or Mbenga are on the floor then there is either a major blowout occuring or something is terribly wrong."
I think we all know that each team will mix and match rosters and have player combos where the player is playing Center and is listed as a PF … like I mentioned Pau will do with Odom on the floor at the same time.
And as far as everything I’ve heard thus far … the LAKERS are the favorites in this series, while the National Media is giving the Nuggets a bit of respect … they are still going with the Lakers.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 10:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
for the center position
It’s more of Gasol/Bynum v. Nene really. Gasol will play center for much of the series, when Bynum is sitting down. I sort of think you cherry-picked a little the players to assign to the positions to make the matchups look as favorable as possible for the Nuggets. As for who’s the favorite, at this point, both teams are neither heavily favored or heavily the underdogs.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who matches up at PF then?????
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lamar Odom.
When Lamar and Gasol are on the floor, Gasol is the center. When Gasol and Bynum are on the floor, Gasol is PF. Either way, i think lamar/gasol split is better than kmart/andersen and gasol/bynum is better than nene. Those are the lineups all year. It doesn’t matter though honestly, we probably won’t be able to convince each other, anyway, all we can do is watch and that’ll answer our questions.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Odom
Isn’t a starter, Nate was going by depth charts.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Odom is a starter some of the time.
Nate was going through both starters and reserves (at least the first person off the bench for a particular position). If Odom isn’t starting then he’s the first person off the bench as a PF.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
JR Smith isn’t a starter but Nate put him in the SG matchup.
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 12:10 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, as the SG coming off the bench my friend.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 9:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
No cherry picking at all my friend.
Bynum plays Denver well and I expect him to play more minutes at the 5 b/c I think he’ll be able to stay on the floor more in this series … well … maybe he will.
I just think this series could be very even and just see some matchups being pretty even. Bird will get some burn for Denver at the 5 as well.
I really do wonder how Denver will defend Pau though … will be a key matchup for Denver.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand
I agree that Rockets do have better defensive players on the wings than the Nuggets, but the fact that the Lakers couldn’t close out a team missing Yao and T-Mac, and you were getting torched in Houston on simple penetrations and no front court scoring from the Rockets would make me a little worried if I was a Lakers fan.
The thing that I think you may be missing is that Kobe is going to have to work on the defensive end more than he has the past two series. He will probably be matched on Melo and JR Smith, but I see the real advantage for the Nuggets in Billups, the Lakers have a hard time with good point guards because Fisher is not the same player he was three or four years ago, and if Brooks was giving the Laker headaches, think what Billups is going to do. Granted he isn’t as quick as Brooks, but he is vastly more experienced and can be effective in so many ways.
I feel it will be a great series, I think it will probably go 7. But I agree with Nate, there definately are chinks in the armor. The big question for the Nuggets will be can they consistentantly stop the Lakers front court, I really don’t care if Kobe gets 30 a night, if we hold Gasol and company down, then it will be like the Mavs series in that we can match Kobes scoring with Melo’s and let our other guys outscore the opposition.
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by Broncoman on May 18, 2009 11:13 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad the Nuggets are getting props.
The Lakers are 10-1 against the Nuggets in the past 2 years.
by wondahbap on May 18, 2009 2:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is my objective analysis of the series...........not the whole analysis, just an overview.
If Andrew Bynum has a good series, the Nuggets have no chance. Period. Sorry, but that is the truth. When Bynum is active on both ends and putting up say 14/9/3, the Lakers are very, very hard to beat. It just opens up the game for everybody else. Kobe, Pau, Lamar, etc. feed off of the void filled when Bynum is a factor.
If however Bynum is not a factor, the Lakers will struggle and who knows??? Lucky for the Nuggets Bynum has been a non-factor for most of the post season.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 10:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I would agree that Bynum's play will be key.
Like I say … he could have a great series and I don’t think Laker or Nugget fans are going to pencil him in to play well since he hasn’t really put it together in this post-season, but sometimes a player can blossom in a matchup like you point out above.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate will you hate on the Lakers if they win?
WIll you support the Cavs/Magic or will you support the LAkers if we best you and move on the the NBA finals?
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please read my above prediction on the series ...
I’m thinking Laker fans will have to convert and support Denver once the Nuggets move on.
I’m focused on this series.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Bynum it's more about confidence than anything..........
If he is confident in his knee and his conditioning is back he will be fine. This season he played about the way he has played in the playoffs until he got confidence in his knee back. After that he was just a beast. The hope of Laker fans is that he is getting it back right about now.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear you there ... heard some radio interviews talking about Bynum doubting his knee since it's his 2nd major knee injury at such a young age.
I can’t imagine not being able to trust my body with injuries of that sort. Tough mental task for such a young guy.
Confidence is HUGE. He could gain a lot after that nice Game 7 performance and he could gain even more if he has a nice Game 1.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bynum killed us in his first game back
And then fell off the wagon. I think he will be a big factor in this series. I just hope that Denver’s defense can limit touches and that Melo goes off.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair assessment
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
by Broncoman on May 18, 2009 11:14 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
A new challenge for both teams
Speaking of matchups the Lakers have the obvious advantage. The Nuggets have the advantage at just one position and that is at PG. The Lakers have faced the Jazz which was tough and gritty. The Rockets were also tough and gritty. But the Nuggets have not been challenged but it is not because they are that much better. The Spurs didn’t have Manu and although Dirk scored a lot just Like Pau would on the Nuggets. Neither of those teams had Kobe Bryant. You can make the argument that Houston also didn’t have Yao but they are still tougher than either the Spurs or Mavs. This is going to be the Nuggets biggest test but the Nuggets are not going to be the Lakers biggest test.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2009 10:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
We didn't play the Spurs.
We played the Hornets.
Also, if you don’t give Carmelo Anthony the advantage over Trevor Ariza at SF, you’re nuts.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's sayin
I think he’s saying that the Mavs are overrated cuz they beat the Spurs w/o Ginobli. Ergo, you beat a team that wasn’t that good.
by laker on May 17, 2009 10:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're better
Than the Houston team that the Lakers beat.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 10:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spurs are no way better than Houston Rockets with Yao Ming. Without Yao Ming, probably.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Mavs
Are better than the Rockets without Yao Ming.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 11:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
So three games they had Yao ming and were better than the spurs, four games they didn't
The series was extremely erratic anyways. Are the Lakers no longer as good as the regular season? Maybe. Maybe their just complacent, who knows.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
What the hell do the Spurs have to do with anything I said?
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 11:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lakers haven't been tested
The Jazz, while good, were wildly inconsistent and terrible on the road. The Rockets are good, but they were not the team that beat the Blazers. After losing their best player and backup center they still beat the Lakers twice by a lot. That’s why everyone is doubting the Lakers, because they gave up and got blown out by a scrappy undermanned team because they didn’t care.
Also, we played the Hornets and the Mavs.
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 10:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doubt people can
It doesn’t matter. Just play.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
True it doesn't matter
That’s why it is not fair to say the Nuggets haven’t been tested. They competed in all of their games and only lost twice, each by 2 points. Just because you don’t get blown out it doesn’t mean you haven’t been tested.
The Nuggets can;t control who they matched up with. They won 2 series and made it to the WCF, and deserve credit for that. The Lakers and the Nugs are the best teams in the Western Conference, and both proved it fairly. It’s a stupid argument to say that LA had a harder time and is therefore better.
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both teams are in the WCF. They have been tested. The Cavs haven't been tested......
everyone else has.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:09 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lebron James is beast though it doesn't matter if he's tested.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lebron James is a ...............blah, blah, blah.............
If you are a Lebron fan then your screen name belongs to someone else.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
LEBRON IS BEAST!!!!
But Lakers are better team. I’m from LA but I love Lebron. No sin in that pslakerfan. Lebron is a beast, period. I would even dare say 1v1 against Kobe he would probably win. But the LAkers will be my team. besides Lebron there is nobody else i like on the cavs. Varajao and his lack of testicles? or Ben Wallace and his stoned thug look? naw
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I'm just busting your balls...........
I think Lebron is a great player as well. I just think he and Kobe are very different and I get tired of all of this “who is better” crap. First of all, there is no real way to measure it and second of all who the hell cares?
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also just like appreciating what individuals can do vs. comparing guys.
I hate the Melo vs. LeBron, Wade crap. They are all so much different and not worth comparing.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
you left out kobe's name
Melo vs. LeBron, Wade, Kobe crap
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he was referring to the comparisons between the 2003 draft class.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on May 18, 2009 11:37 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston was a big test but really
they did not have any bigs left, their starting center was 6’ 6", how is that a big test. The problem is the Lakers made it a bigger test than it needed to be. That being said, if you don’t think the Nuggets will be their biggest test, then you are severly underestimating the Nuggets. The Nuggets are healthy and playing good defense, and can score better than either the Jazz or Rockets, so how is it that the Lakers won’t be facing their toughest opponent?
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
by Broncoman on May 18, 2009 11:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
where to start...
First, we have the advantage only at PG? Does this mean you think Ariza is better than Melo? Or even equal to him? Get real.
Going into the Dallas series everyone said they were playing the best basketball in the NBA, and just because we smoked them means they were not a test? Houston is a tough test for you guys because they play hard and they play defense, both things the Nugs do too. And if you thought it was tough to win in Houston get ready to come to the mile high city. No way the Lakers take one in Denver, the question will be if we can win one in LA.
by sleepydog on May 18, 2009 2:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, I couldn't resist... but your name sure does bring back some memories...
(LOL)
"Man of few words, aren't you?"
by Tempestuous Binary on May 18, 2009 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Hornets?
Wow that is even a worst team. Also by tougher I mean grittier. The Lakers are by far the better team. Either way, Pau is a tougher match up because neither D. West or Dirk had Kobe therefore it is not going to be easy to match up with the Lakers. Dahntay Jones is a bigger mismatch than Melo is on Ariza. By a huge margin. Either way, the Lakers are a better team regardless. The biggest issue for the Lakers is their inconsistency.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2009 11:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
And the Nuggets
Are by far better than the Jazz or Rockets. Both teams are easily facing their toughest test of the playoffs.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah probably.
Both sides are right. free is right too.
The mavs and hornets were not very good. the jazz while better than your average 8th seed, is still not too great. The rockets team were depleted. So yes, both teams will be facing the toughest challenge yet.
Though I don’t buy the idea that the rockets weren’t that great or anything. They were puzzling, the same kinda puzzle that the lakers are though to a lesser magnitude. They played with superhuman valor and heart, hustled like their lives depended on it and generally impressed. They played damn well, coupled with the lakers slack led to a a long series.
But yes both teams are playin g amuch tougher opponent than before.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's fine if you want to say the Lakers are better
I respect the fact they murdered the West and led by 10+ games all year. There’s a reason for it. That’s why they have the #1 seed.
In the playoffs, no one team had it significantly easier than the other. They both played 2 series and won by proving they were the better team. The Nugs are on of the 2 best teams in the West, and earned it rightfully so. There were no tricks and nothing was unfair about it, that’s all I’m saying
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 11:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Basically the Lakers should sweep the Nuggets then since they are "by far the better team."
I’ll take the disrespect for the Nuggets all day.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naw we are just jesting.
It won’t be a sweep (for either team). It’s good to be confident in your team, though. How can you expect to win if you don’t believe in your team.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now you're coming around............:-)
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defenitely not a sweep
But as someone just said it will be the toughest test for both teams. As Laker fans we see mis-matches just as Denver fans see it on their end. But, either way, the interesting thing to me is that the Lakers are seen as the underdogs. I guess that is a good thing for the Lakers.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 17, 2009 11:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
UNDERDOGS!!!
Kobe needs to start preaching some underdog pedigree right now. Cuz if he does that and ppls on the lakers start thinking that tthey’re are underdogs, then they’ll play better. Hopefully the Nuggets will be the ones who are complacent, but we’ll see.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't listen to Barkley
Charles is an idiot and bashed the Nuggets all year. He said on TNT maybe a week or two before the season ended that Denver didn’t deserve the #2 seed. He blabbed about how they didn’t play defense and were a bunch of jumpshooters who would choke in the playoffs. His picking the Nugs all the way is just part of the latest circus to stir up controversy on TNT. They know drama
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 11:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I found it funny that Barkely was jumping on our bandwagon as well ...
he hates the Nuggets … then they win and he sings a different tune. He musta been drunk.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol Barkley is a dumbass
But he’s funny that’s the only reason they have him there on TNT
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Lakers are not underdogs AT ALL!
This hopefully will be a great series and a dog fight for both teams (hopefully not sponsored by Mike Vick.) I’m just joking around as well about sweep talk. Good to have some banter with you Laker fans though. I like it and you guys do a great job of arguing your points and staying talking about basketball. Loving it everyone!
We’re in the Western Conference Finals! Tuesday night!!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Well the Lakers are probably favored in Vegas, but underdogs in the media..............
Funny how everyone talks about the Lakers and their fans being overconfident and “thinking they are all that” when it is the media that anointed them the Champions. Now the media backs off and blames it on the fans and the teams. Just like last year. Whatever.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I need to look at the Media predictions tomorrow...
So far the only guy I’ve seen pick the Nuggets has been Charles Barkley, but I think he may have been drunk on the set.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but he has a driver now so it's all good. I think C-Webb took them too.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The 2 most nonsense guys
EJ and Kenny respect the game and prefer to talk about basketball. Charles is a great personality and real funny, but it’s hard to take him seriously. His whole life is a media circus and simply says things just to get a response.
C-Webb is another great player who knows the game, but prefers to talk about himself, the teams he played on and what he thinks he accomplished during his career. He is another guy who will say something controversial if it gives him an opportunity to talk about how he saved the Kings franchise. I respect his opinion but it’s impossible to take him seriously because of his ego, like Barkley.
Anyone who puts stock in what they say is an idiot.
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 11:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read on of Barkley's books, "I may be wrong, but I doubt it."
Does that make me an idiot? hahaha!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lol Charles Barkley.
He’s hilarious. he’s the same guys who said the Lakers would “maul” the Mavs, and/or the Rockets, he also said the Blazers would beat the Rockets, along w/ some other crap not to mention he can’t do pushups for sh*t my grandma does better pushups than his ass
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
We would have beaten the shit out of the Mavs. No disrespect for Denver, but.........
the Lakers just matchup really, really good with them.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
We took them out 4-1 ... pretty good matchup for us as well.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
lakers have trouble with really athletic teams (blazers, 76ers,bobcats) and
really quick point guards (Parker, Aaron Brooks, etc.)
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mav's aren't either.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barkley said that the lakers would play the mavs cuz he though the jazz would get a higher
spot on the seedings. Obviously not. He also picked UTah over LA in the last regular season game, thinking that the lakers would let the jazz win, or some crap.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate, promise to support the Lakers if we beat you and we will do the same for you.
If you promise to support us in the NBA finals if we beat you, then I will forego even my respect for LEbron in support fo you if u win.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll say that if your team loses no matter who you are then you typically root for who beat you ...
so you can say, “Well, hell … we lost, but we lost to the champs.”
I think the Magic might pose a problem for the Cavs … finally a test for LeBron and Co.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most Laker fans here are from Silver Screen and Roll...............
almost everyone there is cool. Not too much trash talk, trolling, etc. If you get obnoxious trolls (and you will) the will most likely not be regulars at SSandR. The rules over there are not really strict, but they give you the impression you will be ostracized if you troll elsewhere. I personally like the rules they have set up. BTW what are the rules here regarding swearing, etc. Over there you can swear as long as it is not gratuitous. Meaning have a point with the cussing don’t just cuss to be an ass.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
!#@%$#%#@$^#$%^%$#^$%#$#@%#@%#$@##@$%#!!!!!
#$#$!#%$#%#$$@#
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK that's just gratuitous.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I have a sailors tongue ... but ...
I try not to cuss myself. I don’t mind it if it’s in a game thread or if you are explaining a point … non-gratuitous I think applies here. And obviously no personal attacks … like you guys have shown, it’s about basketball.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 17, 2009 11:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah F-you pal............
sorry, couldn’t resist.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pau and Odom = Kmart and Birdman
…is probably the most homer analysis I’ve ever read (and I’m a big birdman fan).
Anyone on either side that thinks this will be a four or five game series is an idiot. The Nuggets are supremely confident right now, and the Lakers have been here before. Both teams present unique challenges for the other to overcome.
Also, anyone who watched game 7 knows that Bynum is finally back (I mean hes’s moving and jumping close to 100%. yes I know the Rockets have no big men). That is a BIG freakin deal. The guy is 7’1’’, long, and athletic.
by joseflores on May 17, 2009 11:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Hold on a sec. Bynum isn't necessarily back.
We thought he was back in the last game of the reg season when he played well v. the JAzz.
by laker on May 17, 2009 11:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe wishfull thinking...
but I think this is the first time he’s really looked all there physically. Exploding in the paint, changing shots, stepping out on the S&R.
Although I will admit that I thought he was back earlier too….
by joseflores on May 17, 2009 11:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow I missed that the first time...........Pau and Odom > Kmart and Birdman.
That is a little homeristic there. Pau is an all-star and 2nd best PF in the league this year (look up the stats, not really opinion here). Odom is just below All-Star level as well (6th man of the year candidate). I like the games of K-mart and Birdman, but seriously “even”. Nate, whatcha smokin’.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes you're right
I won’t try to argue that one because Birdman is still a backup (a good one), while Pau and Lamar are legitimate starters and arguably both all stars.
But I think a little homerism should be allowed on a Nuggets blog. I personally think this series is going 7
by runningdonut on May 17, 2009 11:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
NO...........homerism is never allowed. Never.
OK, maybe sometimes……………… :-)
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Homer ... Homer Simpson?
Perhaps I was brainwashed from listening to Scott Hastings for roughly 80+ games this season … but I do believe this position matchup can be a draw and it better be if Denver wants to win this series.
KMart and Bird are key to what Denver does on both ends of the floor … just as Pau and Odom are. I believe there will be games where Pau will struggle (like he did last series) and there will be games where Kenyon will struggle.
Odom is a major wild card or the Lakers. When he’s playing well obviously the Lakers are tremendously hard to beat, but he too can be thrown off his game (even if he’s just cold from the perimeter), while Birdman doesn’t have a game to really speak of … he’s hard to throw off b/c all he’s going to do is rebound, block shots, and get some extra possessions for the Nuggets.
I could be nuts is calling it even, but it’s my belief that if the Nuggets PFs play up to snuff then they have the opportunity to neutralize this matchup.
I also think Kenyon is a bit better of a defender when guys are coming at him … Dirk is a perimeter, fade away guy … totally different than Pau-Pau.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 9:37 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Bynum could be the key for the Lakers this series
And the guy that scares me on the Nuggets is JR Smith. Bryant and Gasol are gonna get theirs and so will Billups and Carmelo. When Smith is off, I hope he jacks up ten shots in a row. But when he’s on, he can be a one-man 15-0 run.
by illcowboy on May 17, 2009 11:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Smith is the ultimate 6th man (besides a heatlhy manu)
Because he can come in and hit shots, regardless of the defense. In Denver comes out sluggish in Game 1, he can come in and just start jacking.
by joseflores on May 17, 2009 11:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is my analysis of the series (can't spell analysis without ANAL) LOL....
I don’t like to just throw out a number like Lakers in 6 without analyzing what that means. I seriously doubt it will be a sweep for either team. Both are just playing too well. So that gets us to game 5. Game 5 is at LA so it is un-likely that Denver wins, but I don’t see Denver only winning 1 game in the series sooooooooooo. That gets us to Game 6. I don’t see the Nuggets losing a must win game 6 in Denver so I will say Nuggets in 6……….or if there is a game 7, I don’t see Denver winning a Game 7 in LA.
So basically I think it is either Nuggets in 6 or Lakers in 7. Since I am a Laker fan, and I don’t see the Lakers losing 4 of the first 6 games (especially with 3 home games) then I will go with a final prediction of Lakers in 7.
Whew that took a while.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 17, 2009 11:52 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Games 2 and 4 will be the interesting ones.
Nuggets won’t win game 1. Just too long a layoff.
Lakers have a better chance in game 4 after adjusting to Mile High air.
Still see this as a 2-2 split.
Whoever wins game 5 wins the series
by joseflores on May 18, 2009 12:13 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Lakers have no Road Woes
Kobe does a great job adjusting to Mile High Air. For whatever reason (forget colorado case), he always lights it up in that building. Maybe the fans love to heckle him. His 51 points are the highest ever scored in the pepsi center.
I don’t see him having a problem there. Also I believe if you can win in Utah, you can win anywhere.
The type of teams that MATCH UP great against the Lakers are teams with a Center or at least a power forward that shoots the 3 pointer to unclog the lane.Without that, it is just too much length in the painted area for the lakers. Bynum, Gasol and Ariza are very long and if Gasol and Kobe are sagging off their men to roam/help, because their men (Jones and Kmart) are poor shooters, the onus would be on Chauncey to beat us with the 3 ball or Carmelo with the midrange. I consider Anthony a streaker 3 pt. shooter.
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 12:24 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can see Melo as a streaky 3PT shooter, but he's on in the playoffs:
17-38 for 45%
You’re right about Billups, though:
33-61 for 54%
and that’s not even mentioning JR.
Of course when the Nuggets threes are helping them is when they’re set up by penetration and quick passing/fast breaks. The key to this series for the Nuggets on offense is to take the ball to the rack.
by blooming rock on May 19, 2009 10:39 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take this how you will, but................
I think the series will be decided by the Lakers.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 12:18 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd probably agree with you.
I don’t think anyone doubts that the Lakers have talent. If the Lakers play Denver with the same intensity that they played Houston (even counting games 5 and 7), the Nuggets will mop the floor with LA. LA was complacent in letting Houston dictate the tone of the game. Honestly, I was not impressed with LA’s defense in game 7. Sure, they clogged the lane, but Houston just kept missing uncontested jumper after uncontested jumper. The exact same shots that they hit in games 4 and 6. A couple of those balls bounce differently and the outcome changes. Why did LA win game 7? Because of rebounding and easy put-backs, not because of defensive hustle or an amazing offensive game. They were both decent efforts, but far below the talent level of the Lakers.
I do expect the Lakers to come out with more heart against the Nuggets because I think they have to. Denver is very explosive. If the Lakers can limit turnovers and get strong possessions, they’ll beat the Nuggets. If the Nuggets come out trying to outscore the Lakers, the Nuggets will lose. But if the Lakers come out thinking they can win without executing their game plan, they’re in for a wake-up call.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 10:37 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are underestimating Houston's Defense
If the lakers play the Nuggets with the same intensity as Game 5, this series would most likely be done in 5 games. Would they play that way? Probably NOT because they are the lakers and would not entirely come to play unless they get to the Finals against the Cavs; the top rated dogs in the league.
The truth is I have NOT been impressed by the Nuggets defense. The Mavs averaged 107 points on them. Lakers are a better offensive team than the Mavericks, clear cut. If you play with the same defensive intensity as you did against the Mavericks, you are totally in trouble. As wilbon said, I fully expect the Nuggets to try outscoring the Lakers. If the score is above 100, we’ll see.
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 12:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look at who was scoring.
Dirk made an insane amount of hand in the face, falling away, off-balance jumpers that were well-defended. Did Dallas get more than a couple open looks all evening? You take away Dirk’s nearly impossible shots and the Nugg’s held them to 70.
Now, I realize that it doesn’t work that way because someone else would be taking his touches, but Dirk was an absolute monster in that series (and it wasn’t because Denver played light defense.)
Not that it matters, all will be settled by the end of May.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 1:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ridiculous
“If the lakers play the Nuggets with the same intensity as Game 5”
Yes, and if the Nuggets play the Lakers with the same intensity as they did Game 4 against the Hornets the Lakers are gonna get swept. See how easy that was?
And I am totally unimpressed by the way the Lakers lost TWO games against a depleted Rockets team who’s best post player is an Argentinian jump shooter who masquerades as a forward.
by thomasw78 on May 18, 2009 6:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frontcourt matchups
I just really don’t get the belief that Martin is somehow a good matchup for Gasol. He doesn’t have the length to bother him that much on the post. Nowitzki was burning Denver for 30+ a game for a reason, and Gasol has a better post game than Dirk. Nene also has a size disadvantage against Bynum, who can shoot over him.
The preview also rather ignores the fact that you still don’t have an answer for Kobe. The difference in the level of defender Kobe is going to be transitioning from in Battier and Artest (who are arguably among the best wing defenders in the game) to Jones is like heaven and earth. Kobe is inevitably going to get Jones into foul trouble, and then who is your defender on Kobe? Kleiza? Too slow to bother Kobe on his drives. Smith? He still doesn’t guard anyone.
Karl’s mantra has been not double teaming, but with Gasol and Kobe clear matchup problems for you, allowing them to score has been the trigger for getting our offense and defense moving in the past. If you double, both are superb at finding the open man, and the rest of our players are going to find theirs.
by Ben R on May 18, 2009 2:18 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I believe the Kobe matchup will be on the shoulders of J.R. and Jones as I point to in the preview.
Kleiza wont be getting off the bench much I hope. But to say J.R. “still doesn’t guard anyone” just goes to show his defense is still underrated and while it may have been true last season … J.R. has been much improved on defense. George Karl even pointed out J.R.‘s defense on Kobe being key in Denver’s home win versus L.A. this season.
I also think that KMart will get scored on, but he’ll also be able to score on the offensive end if he’s attacking. I don’t think Pau is a world beater on the defensive end as Scola drove past him in that series … Kenyon is much quicker and it’s not all about his defense when comparing position matchups at the PF spot. Could I be wrong? Yes, but I doubt it. Thanks for that Barkely.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 9:28 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate.. Barkley, Mark Jackson and a couple of other ESPN heads are the reason I say the media favor the Nuggets because they have cruised through the first 2 rounds while the Lakers have been inconsistent. That is why I said the Lakers are underdogs. I mean everybody has said the best teams in the playoffs thus far are the Cavs, then the Nuggets then the Lakers. I understand you are trying to deflect pressure away from the Nuggets by not admitting they are favored in the media but they are.
Nate.. Barkley, Mark Jackson and a couple of other ESPN heads are the reason I say the media favor the Nuggets because they have cruised through the first 2 rounds while the Lakers have been inconsistent. That is why I said the Lakers are underdogs. I mean everybody has said the best teams in the playoffs thus far are the Cavs, then the Nuggets then the Lakers. I understand you are trying to deflect pressure away from the Nuggets by not admitting they are favored in the media but they are.Again, Scola is 2 times the offensive player Kenyon Martin is. Kmart isn’t a post player and doesn’t have a strong midrange game. I expect Gasol to be focused on boxing him out so he doesn’t get boards and also helping out to sandwich Nene. If Kenyon is a quicker offensive player, Scola is way more crafty. Do not forget Scola was considered one of the best players in Europe before he came into the NBA and he is in his prime. He also was a key player in that Argentine gold medal team.
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 9:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dirk was Dirk
I think Laker fans didn’t pay any attention to this series, The Nuggets did a brilliant job of turning the Mavs into Dirk and 4 other guys who don’t look like they know what to do. Dirk LIVES at the charity stripe as he gets every brush call while in the post, on the flip side of that is Melo, who has things happen to him in the post that would get you arrested if you did them in public, gets no calls. the game that Dirk got 44, he took 19 FTs..19!!! If he had not been bailed out by a bad officials call in game 4, the Nugs would have swept.
Also, the Nuggets destroyed a playoff NBA squad by 58 points, on the road! The Lakers have more talent( but just by a miniscule ammount), but have a tendancy to read their press clippings and expect that their opponent will roll over for them. The Nuggets, by comparison, have elevated their play in this playoffs to contending levels not seen before in this fans eyes. As a player, I know it is impossible to use your energy level like a switch and be successful long term, at some point, you hit the switch and nothing happens and you lose to a more focused team. CB7 knows his window is closing and he has the talent around him to get it done, he has the Nuggets believing in themselves, and they are finally living up to their potential. The Lakers, at least to this point, seemed to have taken a step back from their regular season dominance. perhaps it is the pressure of being the front-runners all season, finally coming to bear on them. Or maybe we get an epic series, one that is talked about for years to come… is it Tuesday yet???
by The Iverson Manuever on May 18, 2009 12:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
If Gasol and Bynum are "Gasol and Bynum" in the post and Kobe is Kobe on the wing, then what?
You really need more of a prayer than “The lakers haven’t been impressive in the playoffs. The Nuggets destroyed 2 jumpshooting teams (Hornets n Mavs)” so the Nuggets have the chance of doing the same to the Lakers.
The Lakers would surely not take the Nuggets lightly because they are the new darlings. Charles Barkley and Mark Jackson on the Nugget bandwagon would make sure the Lakers don’t come out lackadaisical. Look for the Lakers to take it to the Nuggets early.
On tuesday night, everything done in the first 2 rounds go out the window. Dirk and Dampier and Tyson Chandler and David West in the post on offense are not nearly the force Gasol and Bynum are down low.
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 12:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
New Orleans isn't a jump-shooting team...
The Nuggets’ defense turned them into a jump-shooting team. There is a difference.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 1:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
So here is how the series is going to go.
IF the Lakers do a,b,c,x,y,and z, they will sweep. IF the Lakers do a,b,c, but not x, or y, maybe z, they will win in 5 or 6. IF the Lakers do a,b,c,x,y, but not z, and IF the Nuggets do a,b,c, but not x, y, or even z, then the Lakers win in 7. Now here is when it gets good:
IF the Lakers do a,b,c,x,y,and z, and the Nuggets also do a,b,c,x,y, and z, the Lakers will win in 7 as well. IF however the Nuggets do a,b,c,x,y, and z, but the Lakers only do a,b,x,y, but not c, or z, the Nuggets will win in 6 or 7.
See. Simple.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 12:13 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
and don't think I won't rub this post in everyone's face after the series :-)
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 12:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
What the hell does that post even mean?
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 18, 2009 12:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It means the same thing as...............
“If if’s and but’s were candy and nut’s we’d all have a wonderful Christmas” in other words all we have now are if’s and but’s and none of us have a clue what will really happen.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 12:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
you are missing the "m"
in your handle.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 18, 2009 1:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean PMS?
I guess you’re missing another “o” in bob as well.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 3:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shouldn't you be...
giviing you and your kind some of that much loved stroking on your site?
Mmmmmm… Lakers… So good…. Mmmmm… The hype getting you going? It’s getting me going… Mmmmmm…. Oh you mean we actually have to play the game… mmmmm Bynum is a gamer… mmmm…. Neckbeard…
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 4:53 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is what happens when you are Nugget fan in L.A. like Jezru is ...
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 5:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bob ... pslakerfan ... nice jabs! Made me laugh at each one.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 5:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The difference is that I am laughing about it..............
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 7:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
How could you not?
It’s freakin hilarious!
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 7:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was laughing at Bob..............
not your dumbass doublemint beanie picture
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 9:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
a little too close to home I’m sure….
I totally dig your Beverly Hills Cop Quote. Very hip. Very now. Dr. Dolittle himself would be very proud.
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 10:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
so would Dr. Doolittle.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 10:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol!!!
I think you need to p….
by The Iverson Manuever on May 18, 2009 12:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I Think SI saod it best
Here’s a quote from their WCF preview:
“The teams have switched roles. The Lakers are the head cases, loaded with possibility if they ever manage to get themselves under control. The Nuggets are the imposing team of the West, having taken apart the Hornets in the opening round and handled a challenge from the Mavericks in the semifinals with execution and an uncommon calm in close games. The Lakers, wobbling like playoff newbies. The Nuggets, collected.”
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 18, 2009 12:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I meant "said it best"
Damn typos.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 18, 2009 12:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am going on record right here and now...
that I am not going to be friendly to any Laker fan on this site. I just had the freakin’ UPS guy in here talking all this trash like the Lakers didn’t just barely escape a Houston team witout T-Mac, Yao, and Mutombo…. The way Laker fan is talking you’d have thought they dominated the entire series… Hype doesn’t win basketball games, the Nuggets do.
J
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 12:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
FU too. Just kidding.
“Hype doesn’t win basketball games, the Nuggets do.”
LOL. I don’t agree, but I like your style.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 12:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmmm
“The way Laker fan is talking……”
Jim Rome ripoff………..
So let me summarize. You hate all Laker fans and will be rude even to someone who is not being rude to you because your UPS guy is an asshole?
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 1:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Pardon me...
The way that the laker fans are talking… Is that better? I hate all Laker fans because I live in L.A. The UPS guy is indicitive of the entitled and arrogant attitudes of Laker fans all over town. Lakers have lost 4 games thus far, most by substantial amounts…. Denver has lost two by four or five points total. One would think that the Lake show would have an easier time with these teams considering they were the top seed…. I mean if they are that incredibly amazing just where is the play to back up the hype?
Derek Fisher? Bynum? Where are these guys? No, not even neckbeard Gasol will save you.
Out (to keep consistant with Rome)
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 1:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well now I know how you recognized the arrogant attitudes!!!!!
and it’s consistent, not consistant.
OUT
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am like you Jezru
I live in the LA Area and I can not stand most Laker fans. Some of them you can have intelligent conversations with but they are very rare. Most of them are only like the lakers because they are winning and are bandwagon fans. The Flags on the cars out here is the stupidest thing i have ever seen. I can not stand their arrogant attitudes like they are supperior to you as a fan and person. They drive me nuts
by gnarlybroncodude on May 19, 2009 4:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shane Battier Has Spoken
" ‘I think the Lakers will be favored,’ Houston forward Shane Battier said. ‘I just don’t think Denver’s really been tested at this point. They played a New Orleans team that was sort of coming apart at the seams at the time. The Dallas team without [a full-strength] Josh Howard is a remarkably different team. It’ll be very interesting to see how the Nuggets react when they see adversity for the first time in the playoffs.’
The Lakers know all about adversity."
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 1:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Okay kettle.
The Lakers beat a dysfunctional Jazz team that hadn’t won a road game against a contender since last season in 5 games.
The Nuggets beat a New Orleans team that was “coming apart at the seams” in 5 games.
We’ll call it “even” on the first round matchup.
The Lakers beat a Houston team that boasted a starting center at 6’6" and no reliable offensive threat in 7 games. But Aaron Brooks sure is fast.
The Nuggets beat a Dallas team that had 1 semi-injured starter in 5 games. Forget the fact that Dallas also had a perennial all-star and one-time league MVP in a 7 foot power forward and this year’s 6th man of the year winner.
So yeah… see ya tomorrow night.
by NuggBuckets on May 18, 2009 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh please.
I was only posting up an article on Battier
Forget about who the Lakers players and who Denver played. Tomorrow night would be Lakers vs. Denver (Game 1). We would see how the teams match up against each other.
And as ironic as it sounds, if Yao Ming didn’t get injured, we win the Houston series in 5 or 6 games but that is by the way right now. I am very glad we went 7 games and the lakers had to listen to all the “jekyll and hyde” talk. If they aren’t “awake” right now, they don’t deserve to be playing for the championship.
by ceeteejazz on May 18, 2009 2:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah time to move on
Both teams won 2 series, they are in the WCF and better than their opponents. Who cares how many games they played? The next game is the only one that matters right now.
I have tried to argue that Denver did not get lucky or play easy teams that had big disadvantages. They were just better, period. The Nuggets home court advantage and margin of victory there leads me to believe they would go to the WCF beating anyone except the Lakers, the #1 team in the West.
It doesn’t matter what butthurt Shane Battier thinks anymore. The teams who have earned the right to play for championship are playing.
by runningdonut on May 18, 2009 3:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jekyll and Hyde talks comes when you beat a team by 40 and then lose to them by 30 ...
But you are right … tomorrow night is a whole different story.
(I also know the final score wasn’t 30, but L.A. got smoked … Denver has yet to get smoked … confidence is high for both sides.)
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 5:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shut up Battier ... go fishing and keep your mouth shut! hahaha...
See even the pros like to root for the teams that beat them.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 5:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
More than the last two series
It will be extremely important for the Nuggets to take the ball strong to the hole. While the Lakers have size, even size with talent, they do not have interior toughness. If Luis Scola can attack the bucket against that crew, Nene, K-Mark, Melo, and even Chauncey and JR should go the rack with a vengeance.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 18, 2009 1:45 PM MDT reply actions 3 recs
+1
They’ve been buiding confidence with their interior attack all playoffs long… How I long for that psuedo-tarded look of shock on Pau’s face. You know the look I’m talking about…. mmmmmm…. I crave it.
Nuggets in 6
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 2:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
More annoying than Duncan's look?
Yes, I know the look. Add that to the fact that the guy looks like a big creature from the muppets already, the guy can be pretty damn annoying. The “I’ve never committed a foul in my entire career and if someone just dunked the ball in my grill it has to be because I have been gang raped” look? Oh yes, I’ve seen that look from Pau many times.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 18, 2009 3:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hadn't even noticed
Look at his face in the pic Nate has for the Laker-Rocket game 7 summary. Artest must have raped him on the play, no? I hate Gasol.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 18, 2009 3:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bring on the Nuggets..
This will the toughest test for both teams. But, there is no way that the Nuggets will be able to be as effective as they were in the first two rounds. They are playing a true contender. If the Nuggets and their fans believe that it will be easy because of the way that the Lakers played the Rockets you are mistaken. The Lakers have been succesful with the Nuggets because of their size and the Nuggets haven’t added anything to their team to counter that. The only good addition has been Billups but either way height and length are still going to be an issue. Dirk killed K. Mart and Denver still won, the only problem was that Dirk didn’t have a player like Kobe the way that Pau has. I am sorry but the Bird man is not going to be enough either on the defensive end.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 18, 2009 3:53 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
There isn't a Nuggets fan around that should believe it'll be easy b/c the Rockets tested the Lakers ...
You are right there.
Your handle should include “Purple and Gold and White for life.” What’s up with the Lakers and that white uniform … makes me sick every time I see it. Just sort of messing with tradition. Like the Packers changing things up … just seems wrong.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 5:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
True contenders
don’t take the depleted Rockets to 7 games.
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 4:58 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
The Celtics were taken to game 7's twice last year
are they not contenders?
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 18, 2009 9:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell me.. Please...
How you can equate the Lakers going to 7 games against a team with no Yao, Mutombo, T-Mac to the Celtics?
It’s this kind of cockyness that’s going to get the Lakers beat. They’ll snooze through a couple games and try to turn it on and they’ll realize that the Nuggs ain’t the team they saw last year and fall on their ass.
J
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 10:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny how everyone is talking about the Lakers "turning it on and off".........
yet no one is talking about how when they turn it on, they kick the shit out of whoever happens to be on the floor with them.
I am not saying the Lakers will destroy Nuggets, I expect a long hard fought series, but if you think the Lakers will “keep it off” four times you have another thing coming.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 18, 2009 10:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Incorrect...
I think the Lakers will turn it off… then try to turn it on and be rebuffed by the majesty that is the Nuggets bench.
You have to agree, if the Lakers are to win they can’t afford to nap through games. (Forcefully in Kobe’s case).
J
P. S. Living in La Quinta you might as well be a Suns fan, sand person that you are.
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 18, 2009 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha ha ha.
If the Lakers “turn it off” then they are in trouble. If they turn it on, and keep it on, then the Nuggets are in trouble.
“sand person that you are.”
You mean this guy?
“Living in La Quinta you might as well be a Suns fan”
Funny you should mention that. Actually I live like a half mile from the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens. I went to that outdoor game this pre-season between Nuggets and Suns. Sat in the second row (didn’t pay for second row, but security was a joke). Game kinda sucked, but fun nonetheless. Hard to root for no one to win so we just enjoyed the action (and watching spoiled NBA’ers bitching about being cold),
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 19, 2009 12:38 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lakers fan frightens easily...
but returns in greater numbers….
Harumph!
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 19, 2009 11:28 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn I gotta watch Star Wars again.........
It took me like 3 seconds to remember what that meant. Ha.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 19, 2009 3:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
True contenders
did you not say that true contenders don’t take the depleted rockets to game 7’s? Well, the Celtics were taken to 7 games twice the year they won the title. As a matter of fact, didn’t the hawks actually have a losing record that season. Yet they prevailed and won the title.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 18, 2009 11:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh
I can’t wait till the games start so we can stop talking about this. The other series are over. Rockets, Jazz, Mavs, and Hornets all lost and are gone. It’s meaningless that a bunch of idiots are picking Nugs in this series because Lakers looked wobbly against Houston in 7 games. What happens from here on out will decide who plays for the championship.
by runningdonut on May 19, 2009 2:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
So will the Nugs or WWE prevail?
That is the #1 question on game 4 scheduling…
Proud member of Duck nation!
by skywaker9 on May 18, 2009 6:26 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm thinking Kroenke will have to pay McMahan off ...
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 18, 2009 7:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
He'd probably have to pay off USA Network, too
Because of the nationally televised Raw show. Be interesting to see how this works out.
by illcowboy on May 19, 2009 12:07 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The obvious joke here is to have both
In a double-billed event.
You could fit in some wrestling matches pre-game, kind of an undercard for the basketball game, then at the halftime buzzer have Hulk Hogan (I know, I’m old, I don’t know any of the wrestlers’ names) do a halftime interview, then segue directly into the wrestling match, which will end just in time for the third quarter.
Some of the wrestling personalities could be on the Lakers bench, doing various things during timeouts, like smashing Sasha on the head with a folding chair, while over at the Nuggets bench, Kenyon Martin would be pile driving Superfly Jimmy Snuka (did I mention I don’t know any of the wrestlers’ names today?).
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 19, 2009 1:23 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
A double-bill could work
There could be a special tag-team match: Melo and the Birdman vs Kobe and Gasol.
The 2009 Colorado Rockies: Expect the Unexpected
by free7694 on May 19, 2009 1:35 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Double-bill....I like it!
Here’s one for you, Gils. How about Mean Gene Okerland (throwing an old name out there for you.) do the interviews between quarters and halftime. Would be much more interesting than Craig Sager, Cheryl Miller, etc.
If the Lakers decide not to show up put Big Show, John Cena, Triple H and Batista in there with Kobe (so he could handle the ball). They’d get killed but would show some interior toughness. BTW, Ric Flair is supposed to be in Denver next week, so there’s another name you probably know.
by illcowboy on May 19, 2009 8:16 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know who Mean Gene and Ric Flair are!
What kind of bland wrestler name is John Cena?
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 19, 2009 11:48 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
BOOOORING! hahaha...
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by Nate Timmons on May 19, 2009 1:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
decent preview
good job, not too bad, but once again, (as our opponents typically do), a poor job of scouting. For one, you did forget Josh Powell at PF. He will see some burn at times if Pau, Odom, or Bynum get into foul trouble. You’ll DEFINATELY see him long before you ever see Mbenga.
Secondly, the front court positions. Although I will say you can keep the Center position as Even, this is mostly because there’s no telling what form of Bynum will show up. If he puts on his pre-injury and Game 7 form, it’s obviously a Lakers’ edge. But if he doesn’t show, then you “could” say it’s a Nuggets edge. But then you have to consider that Pau will be the Center, and Nene, while strong, is not Pau’s equal.
Also, I like how you cleverly put Birdman as a PF to try and offset the Pau/Odom setup at PF. The thought that Birdman is even close to Lamar’s equal is laughable, and we already know that Kmart cannot guard Gasol. If you don’t believe this, simply look at the past games from this same season. Atleast you can’t try and pull Houston’s excuse of “this is a different team from then!”
While Denver’s new found appreciation for defense is commendable, let’s not start comparing apples to oranges. Denver is not even in the same league as Cleveland, Orlando, Boston, or Houston when it comes to defense. They play good enough to allow them to overwhelm teams with their offense, which is very similar to what the Lakers do. However, while Denver may bring it the entire 48 minutes, the Lakers bring it for 1 to 2 quarters, and they did it that way the entire season. And look at the difference. The Lakers, when they focus on defense, are an elite defensive team. They have speed, size, and the ability to rebound like nobody’s business.
Then of course there is the mental situation. While the Lakers have looked wobbly at times, Denver is still a couple of bad calls from going Blacksands on the NBA. Billups cannot babysit an entire team every game, and this past series against the Mavericks proves that the Nuggets still have alot of growing up to do. Battier said it best, Denver is going to be in for a shock when they meet some real opposition.
As much as many Lakers fans were disappointed by LA being stretched to 7 games by Houston, that series gave us many things to be positive about. It forced the youngsters on the team to face adversity for the first time since last season’s Finals. It gave Vujacic time to find his shot. It gave time for Bynum to find his groove (we all hope). And best of all, it gave Kobe some of the most wicked defense he’s likely to face the rest of the playoffs (sorry King James… you ain’t got nothing on Battier… or even Artest). Compared to Houston’s defense, Kobe is going to feel like he’s playing in an open gym by himself at times. Except 30 ppg from the Black Mamba for the entire series.
My prediction, and most fans predictions, is Lakers in 6. But I don’t see it going in the conventional 2-2-1-1 format. While I do expect Denver to take a game from LA, I actually believe it to be Game 5, facing a 3-1 deficit. Billups will have his moments, and Game 5 will be it to cement his legacy as a big game PG for all time. But, at the same time, I fully believe the Lakers can, and will, take two games from Denver on the road.
While you might want to point to the last two road games the Lakers played, keep this in mind: Houston was playing with it’s backs against the walls from essentially Game 4 on. They just lost their lone chance at a championship. And they were playing at HOME. Emotion + Home Court + Desperation usually equals huge wins. Prior to those two games, the Lakers were 2-1 on the road, and nearly 3-0 if not for a Deron Williams jumper to win the game. And let’s not forget that the Lakers were the best road team in the league this season, and was the ONLY team in the NBA to beat Cleveland at home (yes, Philly did it, but in a game Cleveland rested it’s key players, but still nearly won), and while missing Bynum still to injury.
This is going to be a great series, either way, and I can’t wait for Game 1. I’m nervous as hell, hoping that the Lakers, for once, can take advantage of another team’s rust, and not be tired themselves. But for all us Lakers fans, we know Game 1’s are our Achilles heel. They either are rusty from too much time off, or tired from too little time off. There’s never a happy medium it seems.
My prediciton:
Game 1: Lakers (Lakers jump out to early lead, blow it, survive to the finish)
Game 2: Lakers (another brutal close game, Kobe FTW)
Game 3: Nuggets (Lakers come out flat, can’t overcome the home crowd)
Game 4: Lakers (Pau carries the Lakers, Kobe puts the dagger in)
Game 5: Nuggets (Lakers come out flat, again, but make it close near the end)
Game 6: Lakers (full on rout, Nuggets bitch about the officiating the entire game)
by tandur on May 19, 2009 2:20 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll counter with Nuggets in 6
Game 1: Nuggets (Come out of the gate strong while rested, Billups gets the Nugs’ intensity up and caught the Lakers thinking of NBA finals)
Game 2: Lakers (Kobe is able to barely bring them over the tough nuggets)
Game 3: Nuggets (Kobe has flashbacks of his 51 point performance, Lakers caught with Pants down, Nugs win by more than 10 points)
Game 4: Nuggets (A close game, Mr Big Shot and J.R Swish get it done)
Game 5: Lakers (Lakers get it together and win at home)
Game 6: Nuggets (Nuggets close out at home, and to the NBA finals to finish business)
by CombatChuk on May 19, 2009 8:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
nice
even if you win this series, do you really expect to win the Championship against the Lebrons?
In the NBA pecking order, Melo is a distant third (fourth if you include Kobe) amongst the Holy Trio of James, Wade, and Anthony. I forsee Melo becoming Lebron’s yearly punching bag, the troubled superstar who can never overcome the greatness of the Chosen One or his greatest rival, The Sidekick (DWade).
by tandur on May 19, 2009 10:16 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tandur ... thanks for your thoughts.
As the Lakers do … the Nuggets rotate Bird at Center and PF … (Pau does the same.) My thinking in putting the edges at even is based off both ends of the floor and the players in question performing as they have this postseason. Sure I’m probably crazy, but that’s just how I see it.
The Mbenga mention was a joke, as I pointed out earlier in this massive comment section … mentioned him w/ Petro. And I think if the Lakers have to use Josh Powell then something has gone wrong … that’s why I didn’t mention him. I think you’d agree … but yes Powell may get some burn just like Kleiza may … though it’s not in either teams favor.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 19, 2009 11:16 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
LeBron is OVERRATED
You heard it here first! (lol) The man racks up so many points it’s because he always has the ball. The best way to beat the Cavaliers is to neutralize LeBron (Which I think Orlando can somewhat do). You take LeBron out of the game and the Cavaliers are an average team.
by CombatChuk on May 19, 2009 12:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN Poll this morning
said Nuggets in 6 or 7.
J
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
by Jezru on May 19, 2009 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that's what they said about us last year in the finals.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 19, 2009 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Horrible predictions going on.
I’m utterly appalled at this so called “preview”. The Nuggets taking this in 6?! What nonsense! This along with other sources prompts me to believe that the majority of so called “professional analysist” are falling into the appeal to majority fallacy.
The Nuggets have had an easy time in the playoffs, they have dealt with two dragged down teams in New Orleans and the Mavs both of which have been on a down hill tumble since last year. They have yet to come across Championship caliber competition in these Playoffs and I believe demise will be to the Lakers. Kobe is on a mission he will not fail.
by 0n3t1me69 on May 19, 2009 12:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
So the Lakers had it rough?
They faced a inconsistent Jazz team, and was nearly taken to the brink of elimation by severely depleted Rockets team. They’re starting center was 6’6"! Sure New Orleans and Dallas had some injuries to contend with, but the Nuggets handily beat both teams in those Series.
Whatever you’re smoking, I WANT SOME!
by CombatChuk on May 19, 2009 12:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm appalled with you being appalled with me.
Thanks for stopping by 0n3t1me69 (that was a treat to type) …
Everybody has an opinion and you are free to take mine with a grain of salt my friend. Fact is, both these teams present challenges for another … I just happen to think the Nuggets will win more games than the Lakers.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 19, 2009 1:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
How dare you
Making homer picks on your own teams blog. haha. The way your team’s playing, they deserve the good press they are getting. Should be a great series.
by illcowboy on May 19, 2009 4:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like it ... please tell me you are not a Cowboys and Lakers fan ...
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 19, 2009 6:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s only one legitimate place I’ve found to watch it, the rest seem like scams :-/ You can watch it over here though: http://alturl.com/rzkh
They make you do a little survey but after that it’s good to go :)
by Starfacekilla on May 23, 2009 1:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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