Hoops

Game 6 Predictions (eventual spoiler)

Clippers would need their point guard Livingston to have a huge recovery from all the injuries he's suffered... showed signs of being a terrific player though...One day they may be good enough to be first round sweep material. At best.

As much as I am big Boston fan, I hear what guys like The Doctor, SVD and Mr Clutch are saying.

Cleveland were REALLY tough for Boston this year and only one good offensive player away from contending - if they could pull off Ilgauskas + extras for Jermaine O'Neal that could be scary.

If Atlanta can make a couple of good moves in the off season to give their roster more balance and depth they will be very good too.

Philly has some great talent too and I agree that a guy like Elton Brand could really make them good.

In the West, the Lakers are going to improve a lot with a healthy Bynum.

The Spurs will be thereabouts again if they can keep injuries to a minimum.

I think Portland could be a big mover too, if Oden is as good as expected. I could see them making a similar run to what the Hornets did this year.

I'd love to see the Hornets make the Finals, but I'm not sure they can go a lot further until they can upgrade on Stojakovic as a starter. He is just too old now and good teams will exploit him defensively.

Those commenting about Phil Jackson: I think he is still an excellent coach. He has proven he can take talented teams all the way time and again and you don't lose that. I think it just comes down his players. Apart from Kobe and Gasol, most of them just aren't very good, or are too inexperienced (or both).

I honestly think the Lakers overachieved in making the finals this year. There weren't a lot of good options open to Jackson because Boston had dominant matchup advantages in so many areas.

Boston dominated the paint, shutting down Gasol and Odom when Perkins and Garnett were in together and stopped Kobe from getting to the basket. They basically made the Lakers into a team of jump shooters and its hard to win anything like that, whether you're Phil Jackson or Dave Claxton!

HAPPY DAYS all you Celtics fans out there!

Commiserations to Lakers fans too, though not too much, probably see you in the finals again next year!

Quagmire, you were quite prescient with your predictions today. Quite chuffed that I come in at no. 3 on your list too - is that the definitive list?

Sorry I didn't run into any of you guys for a well-executed chest bump at the game tonight. I got a high five from some bloke, but he wasn't wearing any Celtics gear.

So how good was Patty Mills tonight? Would it be wrong of me to kidnap CJ Bruton and refuse to give him back unless Goorjian promises to start Mills at the Olympics?

Also PJ Brown and ALF Cassell in their last years...

Is anyone else (apart from TR) amazed how out coached Phil seemed to be, especially today?? I think at one stage he called 3 time outs in around 7 minutes..

Lakers 09?

Only if they trade Kobe for Carmello!!!!

Thanks a lot TR, will check it out later. I have seen parts of it, just awesome what I have seen.

It was Pierce correction...

TR,what size is that interview?

At least the Lakers can forget the Mother's Day Massacre now, this one has to be their worst loss now.

Agreed TR, and the song that they started the quarter with(I think!), just some guitar work, classic song just escapes me at the moment.

Top 5 happiest people outside of the Celtic players or coaches...

5/ His Airness- enough of even hinting that Kobe
is fit to carry MJ's bags.

4/ Tim Legler- only ESPN analyst to pick the Celts.

3/ Beantown- Congrats to a long suffering Celts fan

2/ Shaq- Just try to wipe the smile of his face.

1/ Tie between Bill Simmons and Bill Simmons's Dad.

Looking at the stats, Ray Ray could be the only other chance (apart from Kobe obviously, but he ain't winning).
Before today 19pts 5reb 3ast.

So far 26, 4 and 2.

Rondo filling it up today, so far 21, 7, 8 and 6 steals.

Is this P.J Browns first title?

Good on him if it is, been a class player.

Who-ever is sitting next to Posey will be getting nervous... may wanna be sitting a few seats away when the siron sounds...

Has to be Pierce.

PP MVP!
Awesome game thus far.
Defensive effort has been HUGE let's see as they say can they do it for 4qtrs. Either way this ones surely in the bag!

Because under the pressure and the glare of an elimination final he will show his true colours.

He doesn't trust other players and wants to take over himself.

It's amazing how much of a tool he is.

Why is that Quagmire? He is second to Rondo for assists in the Finals. About 6 per game!

Kobe has no assists at the half....
Colour me surprised.

Lakers really need some peanut butter and jelly at the break.

I'm a little late, but I think the Lakers may win this with Kobe having a 40 point night. Phil will fire them up, as he can only do.

I don't have a preference, just a feeling.

Like the numerology theory TC.

dcanwade; I agree that the refs COULD still be a factor..

They will keep the foul count close, but make an impact by putting fouls on key Celtics...

For example, 5 fouls spread across Laker bench and role players vs 5 on a key Celtic.

Look at game 5, the big three all had 5 and Ray Allen fouled out... since when does Ray Allen foul out???

Celtic fans get nervous coz you can expect KG to get whistled for a couple of 50/50's early and be seated for the middle half of the game...

how do you think they will go. i think they will be the dark horse in the league. watch ou t for the highflyer josh smith.antoine walker wil post big numbers for them.expect him to make the all star team this season.lakers will struggle this year.