Quote from AAAintheBeltway:
I didn't see the entire game, but was I the only one who thought the Spurs were not getting much respect from the ref's, considering they are two-time NBA champs playing at home? I saw Parker and Duncan basically getting manhandled, while any close defense of Kobe produced the automatic foul formerly known as a "Jordan". Duncan got a ridiculous charging foul under the basket, while Shaq is allowed to bulldoze people out of the way, who then get fouls called on them.
Guess the league office doesn't want to risk a Spurs-Pacers final. Two small market teams would be a ratings disaster. Maybe they could work something out with Vince McMahon and put the finals on with Wrestmania. that way they would only need one set of ref's.
Quote from fofumfee:
Many people are saying what a great game last night was, I found it mostly unwatchable.
Bill Russell (11 rings) was interviewed last week on Craig Kilborne's show. Kilborne asked him how he would do against Shaq.
Russell said it would depend on which set of rules they played under. If they played by the rules that Russell and Wilt played under, Russell was sure that he would dominate Shaq under the rules of the 60's, and that Shaq would dominate Russell under current rules.
Today's rules favor physical talent over fundamental basketball and teamwork.
Russell said it is all about entertainment today, not really about basketball.
I concur.
As great as MJ was, as much as I loved watching him, his superior talent, charisma and level of play ruined the league and leaves us with the crap we have today.
I don't know how many times during this series I have seen 3 seconds being violated, traveling, palming, fouls, moving picks, doubel dribble, etc. This type of basketball lacks the beauty and teamwork I grew up with.
Quote from AAAintheBeltway:
The Pistons have really disappointed me. They looked great in the beginning of this series, now look scared and tentative. I have to give the Nets their props. They are truly a team. They come together as five who are collectively better than the five individuals on the floor.
Question. If the Pistons go out, will Larry Brown be back?