The Greatest Series Ever?
May 1, 2009 10:55 AM Subscribe
For those who might be unaware: One of the great basketball games concluded last night in thrilling fashion during triple overtime. It is only par for a series that has gone into overtime for the fourth time in games in six games (one of which was double OT, and last night's aforementioned triple OT). The heroic moments and failures of players are too numerous to count at this point, but five of the six games have been decided by 11 points... TOTAL. On Saturday 8PM EST, what is arguably one of the greatest series ever, will conclude with the final game 7.
Game 1 Bulls
Game 2 Celtics
Game 3 Celtics
Game 4 Bulls
Game 5 Celtics
Game 6 Bulls
Adding more to the gravity of the series, is the fact that both teams figure heavily into the history of the NBA; one being the greatest franchise ever (17 titles) and the other being the best franchise of the 1990s (6 titles, two 3-peats)
Celtics History
Bulls History
Game 1 Bulls
Game 2 Celtics
Game 3 Celtics
Game 4 Bulls
Game 5 Celtics
Game 6 Bulls
Adding more to the gravity of the series, is the fact that both teams figure heavily into the history of the NBA; one being the greatest franchise ever (17 titles) and the other being the best franchise of the 1990s (6 titles, two 3-peats)
Celtics History
Bulls History
I'd hate to be Ray Allen last night. 51 points in a losing effort has to be tough to stomach.
It was a great game, but not even close to the best of the last 50 days.
posted by clearly at 11:08 AM on May 1, 2009
It was a great game, but not even close to the best of the last 50 days.
posted by clearly at 11:08 AM on May 1, 2009
Yeah, if Garnett was healthy most people would be preparing for the inevitable Celts-Cavs match-up. But the Bulls have really come into their own and we're seeing other players step up and make a name for themselves (rose, gordon, salmons(sp?), davis, rondo). I'm a huge Celtics fan, but I've really loved how the Bulls have emerged as a strong team in this despite their shaky rookie coach. There's just a part of me that thinks great franchises should always be relatively good. The bulls should always be good, so should the celtics, the knicks, the lakers, and the other historic teams. It just lends a sense of gravity and generational moxie to things.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:10 AM on May 1, 2009
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:10 AM on May 1, 2009
Plus, it's got some quality NBA refereeing. No flagrant on Rondo? Really?
posted by inigo2 at 11:10 AM on May 1, 2009
posted by inigo2 at 11:10 AM on May 1, 2009
I really couldn't care less about NBA 'basketball', but this series has been fun to read about.
My two cents: Rondo should be suspended for his behavior in the last two games. Since that won't happen, I would encourage a Bulls benchwarmer to lay him out early in the first quarter and let the league reap what it sows.
posted by wabashbdw at 11:12 AM on May 1, 2009
My two cents: Rondo should be suspended for his behavior in the last two games. Since that won't happen, I would encourage a Bulls benchwarmer to lay him out early in the first quarter and let the league reap what it sows.
posted by wabashbdw at 11:12 AM on May 1, 2009
I'd hate to be Ray Allen last night. 51 points in a losing effort has to be tough to stomach.
It was a great game, but not even close to the best of the last 50 days.
posted by clearly at 11:08 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
I wasn't counting college basketball. Tangent: college basketball is simply not as good as pro. Yes, it's exciting. It has great flow. But the quality of play is not even close to the same level. It just isn't I'm sorry. Seriously, college basketball has untrained kids with a huge differential in skills heaving up shots at random or overtly dominating. Heck, AAU ball has a better comparative skill set and better focus in play.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:16 AM on May 1, 2009 [4 favorites]
It was a great game, but not even close to the best of the last 50 days.
posted by clearly at 11:08 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
I wasn't counting college basketball. Tangent: college basketball is simply not as good as pro. Yes, it's exciting. It has great flow. But the quality of play is not even close to the same level. It just isn't I'm sorry. Seriously, college basketball has untrained kids with a huge differential in skills heaving up shots at random or overtly dominating. Heck, AAU ball has a better comparative skill set and better focus in play.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:16 AM on May 1, 2009 [4 favorites]
This series really was incredible. The only series I can recall enjoying more is the 06-07 #8 seed Golden State upset of the #1 seeded Mavericks.
For really great NBA coverage, check out freedarko and Henry Abbott of TrueHoop.
posted by mesh gear fox at 11:22 AM on May 1, 2009 [2 favorites]
For really great NBA coverage, check out freedarko and Henry Abbott of TrueHoop.
posted by mesh gear fox at 11:22 AM on May 1, 2009 [2 favorites]
Since that won't happen, I would encourage a Bulls benchwarmer to lay him out early in
the first quarter and let the league reap what it sows.
I agree he should have sit a couple, but you're hoping for more violence? Really?
It's obvious you don't care about NBA basketball.
posted by mesh gear fox at 11:23 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
the first quarter and let the league reap what it sows.
I agree he should have sit a couple, but you're hoping for more violence? Really?
It's obvious you don't care about NBA basketball.
posted by mesh gear fox at 11:23 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
Plus, it's got some quality NBA refereeing. No flagrant on Rondo? Really?
posted by inigo2 at 11:10 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
I really couldn't care less about NBA 'basketball', but this series has been fun to read about.
My two cents: Rondo should be suspended for his behavior in the last two games. Since that won't happen, I would encourage a Bulls benchwarmer to lay him out early in the first quarter and let the league reap what it sows.
posted by wabashbdw at 11:12 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
First off, yes that was a flagrant. It should have been called. I readily admit this. But no ref had the right angle on it. It happens.
Saying he should be suspended though is ridiculous. Dwight Howard shouldn't have even been suspended but since we suspend guys for stepping a foot off the bench these days you have to follow the letter of the law. The reason you can't suspend rondo is that Heinrich was the aforementioned benchwarmer you want to lay him out. He was trying to instigate rondo and get him to blow. Watch the play. I watched it over and over like the zapruder film. He starts boxing him out and keeps going for a GOOD 15 FEET. Rondo gets mad and tries swing around him. Honestly, this happens every 12 plays in basketball. Heinrich falls (watch it closely, he wasn't slammed at all) and goes right after Rondo, WHO IMMEDIATELY BACKS OFF AND KEEPS BACKING OFF. If rondo postured himself more, he does get suspended. But because he backed off immediately the whole altercation gets the benefit of the doubt.
What's better is the refs looked it over and got it EXACTLY right.
For a league where all we do is bitch at Refs, they did an AMAZING job last night.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:24 AM on May 1, 2009
posted by inigo2 at 11:10 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
I really couldn't care less about NBA 'basketball', but this series has been fun to read about.
My two cents: Rondo should be suspended for his behavior in the last two games. Since that won't happen, I would encourage a Bulls benchwarmer to lay him out early in the first quarter and let the league reap what it sows.
posted by wabashbdw at 11:12 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
First off, yes that was a flagrant. It should have been called. I readily admit this. But no ref had the right angle on it. It happens.
Saying he should be suspended though is ridiculous. Dwight Howard shouldn't have even been suspended but since we suspend guys for stepping a foot off the bench these days you have to follow the letter of the law. The reason you can't suspend rondo is that Heinrich was the aforementioned benchwarmer you want to lay him out. He was trying to instigate rondo and get him to blow. Watch the play. I watched it over and over like the zapruder film. He starts boxing him out and keeps going for a GOOD 15 FEET. Rondo gets mad and tries swing around him. Honestly, this happens every 12 plays in basketball. Heinrich falls (watch it closely, he wasn't slammed at all) and goes right after Rondo, WHO IMMEDIATELY BACKS OFF AND KEEPS BACKING OFF. If rondo postured himself more, he does get suspended. But because he backed off immediately the whole altercation gets the benefit of the doubt.
What's better is the refs looked it over and got it EXACTLY right.
For a league where all we do is bitch at Refs, they did an AMAZING job last night.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:24 AM on May 1, 2009
This series really was incredible. The only series I can recall enjoying more is the 06-07 #8 seed Golden State upset of the #1 seeded Mavericks.
For really great NBA coverage, check out freedarko and Henry Abbott of TrueHoop.
posted by mesh gear fox at 11:22 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
Yeah, just a great series too. Perfect example of a mis-match between a great team and a scrappy team who can attack all the weakness of the great team.... Like the x-wings going on the trench run against the Death Star.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:28 AM on May 1, 2009 [2 favorites]
For really great NBA coverage, check out freedarko and Henry Abbott of TrueHoop.
posted by mesh gear fox at 11:22 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
Yeah, just a great series too. Perfect example of a mis-match between a great team and a scrappy team who can attack all the weakness of the great team.... Like the x-wings going on the trench run against the Death Star.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:28 AM on May 1, 2009 [2 favorites]
The Celtics are not the Death Star.
posted by Plutor at 11:32 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Plutor at 11:32 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
in a series with this many tight finishes and overtime periods it's really kind of amazing the officiating hasn't been more heavily criticized. i agree, they've actually been doing a good job. anytime the only thing you're really worried about is whether or not a technical/flagrant was warranted, you're in pretty good territory as far as officiating goes.
i'm just wondering how i'm going to get out of couples game night on saturday so i can watch this last game. as a rockets fan, i've had my attention diverted somewhat for much of this freaking fantastic series.
posted by tex at 11:35 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
i'm just wondering how i'm going to get out of couples game night on saturday so i can watch this last game. as a rockets fan, i've had my attention diverted somewhat for much of this freaking fantastic series.
posted by tex at 11:35 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
It is a fun series and all, but I have this feeling that Cleveland is going to slash through the east regardless of their opponents. The Cavs won each game in their 4-game sweep by 10 or more points, and the most Detroit could muster was 84 points in a blowout loss. The Cavs play great team D, they have one of the top 3 players in the league, and they don't lose in their building. I think the Celts would make for an interesting eastern conf. final series, assuming they survive, but I don't see anyone else taking more than a game from the Cavs.
Still, nice post!
posted by Mister_A at 11:35 AM on May 1, 2009
Still, nice post!
posted by Mister_A at 11:35 AM on May 1, 2009
The Celtics are not the Death Star.
posted by Plutor at 11:32 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
I know... the 07 mavs were compared to the 07 warriors.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:39 AM on May 1, 2009
posted by Plutor at 11:32 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
I know... the 07 mavs were compared to the 07 warriors.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:39 AM on May 1, 2009
i'm just wondering how i'm going to get out of couples game night on saturday so i can watch this last game. as a rockets fan, i've had my attention diverted somewhat for much of this freaking fantastic series.
posted by tex at 11:35 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
I'll raise you one more... it's my girlfriends BIRTHDAY dinner... which I will be delaying a tad. Thank god for west coast time difference or else they'd clash immediately. I told my friend this scenario and he responsded "You're life is so like a sitcom!" What's more is the nice restaurant is right down the block from the city's boston sports bar.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:43 AM on May 1, 2009
posted by tex at 11:35 AM on May 1 [+] [!]
I'll raise you one more... it's my girlfriends BIRTHDAY dinner... which I will be delaying a tad. Thank god for west coast time difference or else they'd clash immediately. I told my friend this scenario and he responsded "You're life is so like a sitcom!" What's more is the nice restaurant is right down the block from the city's boston sports bar.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:43 AM on May 1, 2009
Huge Celtics fan, and Rondo's Game 5 bitchslap absolutely should have been called a flagrant. It sucks that that game, which was also amazing, had to end in such a shitty way. But folks, honestly, can we move on? Miller got his retribution by sinking the free throws last night. It's chippy, it's ugly, but these teams obviously respect the hell out of each other. (And the Celts *were* pretty badly hosed by some god-awful calls earlier in the series. The end of 2nd OT "foul" on the inbound comes immediately to mind.)
Last night's game was spectacular, and I'm so glad these two teams will have one more chance to face each other. I don't think either of them has much of a chance beyond this series, (too injured, too tired, both) and certainly not against the Cavs in the Conference Final. Knowing that the Celts were ultimately fighting a losing battle without KG going into the playoffs, I'm thrilled that it's turned out so well. The Truth's mental lapse fouling Noah was pretty out of character for him. Hope he's able to recover.
Plus, we've got the dangling rumor of KG coming off the bench in the fourth quarter tomorrow. Wee-ha!
posted by SpiffyRob at 11:44 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
Last night's game was spectacular, and I'm so glad these two teams will have one more chance to face each other. I don't think either of them has much of a chance beyond this series, (too injured, too tired, both) and certainly not against the Cavs in the Conference Final. Knowing that the Celts were ultimately fighting a losing battle without KG going into the playoffs, I'm thrilled that it's turned out so well. The Truth's mental lapse fouling Noah was pretty out of character for him. Hope he's able to recover.
Plus, we've got the dangling rumor of KG coming off the bench in the fourth quarter tomorrow. Wee-ha!
posted by SpiffyRob at 11:44 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
Non-Preview" "The end of 2nd OT 'foul' on the inbound in game four comes immediately to mind."
posted by SpiffyRob at 11:46 AM on May 1, 2009
posted by SpiffyRob at 11:46 AM on May 1, 2009
Even today, I'm still smiling from Joakim Noah's steal/fast-break-dunk/and-one towards the end of the 3rd OT. The game had started nearly 4 hours prior, and yet that big goofy kid still had as much energy and passion as he did at opening tip-off. God I love basketball.
posted by saladin at 11:50 AM on May 1, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by saladin at 11:50 AM on May 1, 2009 [2 favorites]
Great post.
There is a movement of die-hard NBA fans these days, led in some part by the freedarko guys, that declares the whole notion of hometeam rah-rah faux-morality to be a sham. If you love the game, you love the playoffs, period, no matter who's still in it. This goes double if the teams have a bunch of great scrappy clutch shooters like Allen and Gordon.
That said: we need some more distance before declaring this to be the best series ever.
Contenders: 02 Lakers-Kings, 86 Bulls-Lakers, 94 Suns-Rockets and of course 07 Warriors-Mavs.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:59 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
There is a movement of die-hard NBA fans these days, led in some part by the freedarko guys, that declares the whole notion of hometeam rah-rah faux-morality to be a sham. If you love the game, you love the playoffs, period, no matter who's still in it. This goes double if the teams have a bunch of great scrappy clutch shooters like Allen and Gordon.
That said: we need some more distance before declaring this to be the best series ever.
Contenders: 02 Lakers-Kings, 86 Bulls-Lakers, 94 Suns-Rockets and of course 07 Warriors-Mavs.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:59 AM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
That said: we need some more distance before declaring this to be the best series ever.
Contenders: 02 Lakers-Kings, 86 Bulls-Lakers, 94 Suns-Rockets and of course 07 Warriors-Mavs.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:59 AM on May 1 [1 favorite -] Favorite added! [!]
The reasons why I think we can put it in near the top of the conversation is because there are the OTs simply make it the most tangible. Which is not to say it makes it "better" than any other series, but there is this concrete thing you can point to, like, "Wow 7 OT periods in games! Incredible!" Plus there are countless "big" moments and clutch 3s. They've all blended together. Plus the bad blood, fouls, etc. I look back at those other series and remember a few great moments, but I don't even know WHAT i can remember from this series because there's just too damn much. It's like info overload.
Of course we have to hold off on labeling this one way or another, but it's human nature. What ever is current is the best. We probably just love the idea of witnessing history.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 12:06 PM on May 1, 2009
Contenders: 02 Lakers-Kings, 86 Bulls-Lakers, 94 Suns-Rockets and of course 07 Warriors-Mavs.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:59 AM on May 1 [1 favorite -] Favorite added! [!]
The reasons why I think we can put it in near the top of the conversation is because there are the OTs simply make it the most tangible. Which is not to say it makes it "better" than any other series, but there is this concrete thing you can point to, like, "Wow 7 OT periods in games! Incredible!" Plus there are countless "big" moments and clutch 3s. They've all blended together. Plus the bad blood, fouls, etc. I look back at those other series and remember a few great moments, but I don't even know WHAT i can remember from this series because there's just too damn much. It's like info overload.
Of course we have to hold off on labeling this one way or another, but it's human nature. What ever is current is the best. We probably just love the idea of witnessing history.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 12:06 PM on May 1, 2009
This may be the greates first round series ever, but I still have a soft spot for '94 Nuggets-Sonics.
posted by dw at 12:12 PM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by dw at 12:12 PM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
It is a fun series and all, but I have this feeling that Cleveland is going to slash through the east regardless of their opponents.
I have to agree, and I am a huge Celtics fan. It's a good series, but ultimately it probably won't matter.
posted by caddis at 12:14 PM on May 1, 2009
Yeah it doesn't matter too much. In some ways I think we've accidentally come into a golden age of basketball, starting with the year LeBron, Carmelo and Wade got drafted and really flowering now as they set the tone for younger players rather than Marbury or Kobe and other less fun guys.
Also, that was not a flagrant y'all, untwist thine panties.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:16 PM on May 1, 2009
Also, that was not a flagrant y'all, untwist thine panties.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:16 PM on May 1, 2009
My "it doesn't matter too much" was directed at Lacking Subtlety, in that whether this series is TEH GRATEST or just a hellofalotof awesomeness, it rules.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:24 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:24 PM on May 1, 2009
rumor of KG coming off the bench in the fourth quarter tomorrow. Wee-ha!
Ha! When I first heard about Garnett's injury, I reassured my Celts-fan-coworker that it was just setting Garnett up for his Willis Reed moment.
posted by dersins at 12:27 PM on May 1, 2009
Ha! When I first heard about Garnett's injury, I reassured my Celts-fan-coworker that it was just setting Garnett up for his Willis Reed moment.
posted by dersins at 12:27 PM on May 1, 2009
I'd hate to be Ray Allen last night. 51 points in a losing effort has to be tough to stomach.
Probably not as tough as when Jordan dropped 63 against the Celtics in a losing effort in the playoffs.
posted by gyc at 1:28 PM on May 1, 2009
Probably not as tough as when Jordan dropped 63 against the Celtics in a losing effort in the playoffs.
posted by gyc at 1:28 PM on May 1, 2009
big celts fan here. great series and incredible game last night. however: boston loses game six because of TWO attempted three-pointers with toes on the line? gah! also, i may be in the minority here but i'm still of the opinion that doc rivers is a shockingly bad play caller and well, a poor coach in general. i think last year the sheer overpowering talent of the team covered up rivers' ineptitude.
as usual, bill simmons sums up the game well.
posted by lazywhinerkid at 1:40 PM on May 1, 2009
as usual, bill simmons sums up the game well.
posted by lazywhinerkid at 1:40 PM on May 1, 2009
aaand i'm an idiot. didn't notice the link to the simmons article in the post.
posted by lazywhinerkid at 1:40 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by lazywhinerkid at 1:40 PM on May 1, 2009
gyc: "I'd hate to be Ray Allen last night. 51 points in a losing effort has to be tough to stomach.
Probably not as tough as when Jordan dropped 63 against the Celtics in a losing effort in the playoffs."
I don't have the numbers but I bet that most of MJ's monster games (over 40 points) were losing efforts. I remember his 69 point game against Cleveland. That game was almost a loss.
I watched and taped every single Bulls game from 1989 to 1993 and for some reason this seems to stick in my head. Could be wrong.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 1:43 PM on May 1, 2009
Probably not as tough as when Jordan dropped 63 against the Celtics in a losing effort in the playoffs."
I don't have the numbers but I bet that most of MJ's monster games (over 40 points) were losing efforts. I remember his 69 point game against Cleveland. That game was almost a loss.
I watched and taped every single Bulls game from 1989 to 1993 and for some reason this seems to stick in my head. Could be wrong.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 1:43 PM on May 1, 2009
As a Mavs fan, I have a particular affection for '06 Spurs-Mavs. It only got worse for them shortly after that.
posted by swift at 1:56 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by swift at 1:56 PM on May 1, 2009
If the Celts had pulled off a game 4 comeback as well, the '02 Celtics-Nets conference final series could be a contender, but after a glorious game three they went right back to the form they'd taken the previous seven years and would go on to take for the following five.
posted by SpiffyRob at 2:03 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by SpiffyRob at 2:03 PM on May 1, 2009
Great stat I just heard:
The Celtics and the Bulls, in six games, have played the most overtimes not just for a series, BUT FOR A TEAM IN THE ENTIRE PLAYOFFS. That's incredible.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 2:08 PM on May 1, 2009
The Celtics and the Bulls, in six games, have played the most overtimes not just for a series, BUT FOR A TEAM IN THE ENTIRE PLAYOFFS. That's incredible.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 2:08 PM on May 1, 2009
Watch the play. I watched it over and over like the zapruder film. He starts boxing him out and keeps going for a GOOD 15 FEET. Rondo gets mad and tries swing around him. Honestly, this happens every 12 plays in basketball. Heinrich falls (watch it closely, he wasn't slammed at all) and goes right after Rondo,
Are you kidding? Rondo grabs Hinrich's arm when it's in front of him (Rondo), braces himself on his back foot, and swings until he releases Hinrich's arm at his left side. Hinrich was already off-balance, but Rondo gave him an extra jolt of momentum.
posted by asterix at 2:10 PM on May 1, 2009
Are you kidding? Rondo grabs Hinrich's arm when it's in front of him (Rondo), braces himself on his back foot, and swings until he releases Hinrich's arm at his left side. Hinrich was already off-balance, but Rondo gave him an extra jolt of momentum.
posted by asterix at 2:10 PM on May 1, 2009
Are you kidding? Rondo grabs Hinrich's arm when it's in front of him (Rondo), braces himself on his back foot, and swings until he releases Hinrich's arm at his left side. Hinrich was already off-balance, but Rondo gave him an extra jolt of momentum.
posted by asterix at 2:10 PM on May 1 [+] [!]
Okay, sorry poor wording, I wasn't saying Heinrich fell down on his own. It was definitely Rondo's arm swing that caused him to tip over. But people are talking about this as if it's horry to nash check into the boards. My point was that Heinrich kept pushing him back and Rondo was trying to get position in front of him and it wasn't his intention to slam him down, not at all. And then he backed off.
My point was it was a fairly routine play then ended up with a fall and a fracass. And more importantly the refs called it PERFECTLY. Such a difficult game to officiate and they nailed it.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 2:21 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by asterix at 2:10 PM on May 1 [+] [!]
Okay, sorry poor wording, I wasn't saying Heinrich fell down on his own. It was definitely Rondo's arm swing that caused him to tip over. But people are talking about this as if it's horry to nash check into the boards. My point was that Heinrich kept pushing him back and Rondo was trying to get position in front of him and it wasn't his intention to slam him down, not at all. And then he backed off.
My point was it was a fairly routine play then ended up with a fall and a fracass. And more importantly the refs called it PERFECTLY. Such a difficult game to officiate and they nailed it.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 2:21 PM on May 1, 2009
It's definitely in the top 5 series, in my opinion. You just get overtime after overtime after overtime, big shots and missed shots. It keeps seeming like okay, Boston is done. Okay, bulls are done.
Along with Noah's incredible play, the likes of which I haven't seen from him since his championship days at Florida, was Ray Allen's shot over him (which I still wonder if it was a 3). Noah's been getting winning-shot-over a lot this series. He's had all the drama, the team suspensions, the bad attitude, the crazy hair.
When he made that steal and started upcourt I knew what he was capable of, but I didn't think it was going to happen. Then BAM, and fouled pierce out. That was Starks-from-the-baseline worthy. I can't imagine being in Chicago in a bar and watching that happen. Tomorrow's game should be interesting.
Rondo should have been gone a game ago, after he clawed Miller's head off, nowhere near the ball. Yeah I know it's the playoffs and it's the last shot, and they don't usually call brutal fouls and bail folks out, but damn, come on.
But anyway, back to that Ray Allen shot from the corner, where he just kind of played hopscotch and then shot over the extended arm of Noah, that was insane - all net. Watch the ball on that shot. It's not spinning, it's barely moving. It just comes off Ray's hands like the hands of god.
I hope when it's over on Saturday...or Sunday morning, that they all shake hands and just sit out there and congratulate each other. It's one of the finest matchups I've seen.
posted by cashman at 2:49 PM on May 1, 2009
Along with Noah's incredible play, the likes of which I haven't seen from him since his championship days at Florida, was Ray Allen's shot over him (which I still wonder if it was a 3). Noah's been getting winning-shot-over a lot this series. He's had all the drama, the team suspensions, the bad attitude, the crazy hair.
When he made that steal and started upcourt I knew what he was capable of, but I didn't think it was going to happen. Then BAM, and fouled pierce out. That was Starks-from-the-baseline worthy. I can't imagine being in Chicago in a bar and watching that happen. Tomorrow's game should be interesting.
Rondo should have been gone a game ago, after he clawed Miller's head off, nowhere near the ball. Yeah I know it's the playoffs and it's the last shot, and they don't usually call brutal fouls and bail folks out, but damn, come on.
But anyway, back to that Ray Allen shot from the corner, where he just kind of played hopscotch and then shot over the extended arm of Noah, that was insane - all net. Watch the ball on that shot. It's not spinning, it's barely moving. It just comes off Ray's hands like the hands of god.
I hope when it's over on Saturday...or Sunday morning, that they all shake hands and just sit out there and congratulate each other. It's one of the finest matchups I've seen.
posted by cashman at 2:49 PM on May 1, 2009
Oh, and that Noah/Pierce highlight is totally going to be on one of those "When will Amazing happen" type promos in short order.
posted by cashman at 2:51 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by cashman at 2:51 PM on May 1, 2009
i'm a bulls fan, but every contested clutch shot allen made last night made my jaw drop a little lower in amazement. I don't think i've ever seen that beautiful a display of shooting.
posted by nangua at 3:00 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by nangua at 3:00 PM on May 1, 2009
Great post, but I'd like to hear what Lacking Subtlety thinks about this series.
posted by Falconetti at 3:02 PM on May 1, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by Falconetti at 3:02 PM on May 1, 2009 [2 favorites]
sarcasm. pass it on?
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 3:18 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 3:18 PM on May 1, 2009
oh and here's other Simmons' content that I don't think has been put up yet:
12 Reasons Why Celtics-Bulls is One for the Ages (April 28th)
Game 5 Q&A (April 29th)
Response to Readers Emails (May 1st)
posted by nangua at 3:19 PM on May 1, 2009
12 Reasons Why Celtics-Bulls is One for the Ages (April 28th)
Game 5 Q&A (April 29th)
Response to Readers Emails (May 1st)
posted by nangua at 3:19 PM on May 1, 2009
As part of the digital tv rollout here in Australia we just got a new free to air sports channel. For reasons of cheap content I assume it's mostly filled with American sports. I caught this game completely by chance while channel surfing. Made me think, "hey that basketball stuff can actually be pretty interesting"
posted by onya at 3:26 PM on May 1, 2009
posted by onya at 3:26 PM on May 1, 2009
My point was that Heinrich kept pushing him back and Rondo was trying to get position in front of him and it wasn't his intention to slam him down, not at all. And then he backed off.
And I still think you're wrong. You don't lever someone around by their arm like that if you're not trying to throw them out of the way.
posted by asterix at 3:26 PM on May 1, 2009
And I still think you're wrong. You don't lever someone around by their arm like that if you're not trying to throw them out of the way.
posted by asterix at 3:26 PM on May 1, 2009
"I wasn't counting college basketball. Tangent: college basketball is simply not as good as pro. Yes, it's exciting. It has great flow. But the quality of play is not even close to the same level. It just isn't I'm sorry. Seriously, college basketball has untrained kids with a huge differential in skills heaving up shots at random or overtly dominating. Heck, AAU ball has a better comparative skill set and better focus in play."
This fails so hard. Remember last year when Derrick Rose's Memphis team lost to Kansas in the national championship game in OT? Remember when Mario Chalmers hit that three pointer to tie it and send it into overtime with a hand in his face? None of those kids were playing for money, none were playing for a contract extension, and all of them played six games with their backs against the wall. Win or go home.
The quality of play? GET THE FUCK OUT. Derrick Rose, the guy you are sucking off, NBA Rookie of the year, played in that game...and lost.
I realize that you love your sports and what not... but get a grip. The NBA is closer to the AND 1 mixtape tour than it is to anything Naismith envisioned. College basketball is the pinnacle of the sport, and I believe that playoff TV ratings wil back me up on this.
Anywho, I guess da Bulls just gained another fan in this series... and the Magic in the next, and the Cavs in the next. Have fun being a C's fan in LA. Being a Celtics fan, maybe you remember Larry Bird taking tiny Indiana St. vs Magic with Michigan State to the NCAA championship in 1979, which is basically the Clippers reaching a game 7 in the finals. Really... the NBA blows and their 2 month long playoff, especially in round 1, is nothing to get your panties in a bunch over, Celtics or not.
posted by clearly at 8:53 PM on May 1, 2009
This fails so hard. Remember last year when Derrick Rose's Memphis team lost to Kansas in the national championship game in OT? Remember when Mario Chalmers hit that three pointer to tie it and send it into overtime with a hand in his face? None of those kids were playing for money, none were playing for a contract extension, and all of them played six games with their backs against the wall. Win or go home.
The quality of play? GET THE FUCK OUT. Derrick Rose, the guy you are sucking off, NBA Rookie of the year, played in that game...and lost.
I realize that you love your sports and what not... but get a grip. The NBA is closer to the AND 1 mixtape tour than it is to anything Naismith envisioned. College basketball is the pinnacle of the sport, and I believe that playoff TV ratings wil back me up on this.
Anywho, I guess da Bulls just gained another fan in this series... and the Magic in the next, and the Cavs in the next. Have fun being a C's fan in LA. Being a Celtics fan, maybe you remember Larry Bird taking tiny Indiana St. vs Magic with Michigan State to the NCAA championship in 1979, which is basically the Clippers reaching a game 7 in the finals. Really... the NBA blows and their 2 month long playoff, especially in round 1, is nothing to get your panties in a bunch over, Celtics or not.
posted by clearly at 8:53 PM on May 1, 2009
Derrick Rose, the guy you are sucking off
Nice. You seem to have gotten lost on your way to the YouTube comment section.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:24 PM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
Nice. You seem to have gotten lost on your way to the YouTube comment section.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:24 PM on May 1, 2009 [1 favorite]
The Celtics are not the Death Star.
It's a trap!
posted by abc123xyzinfinity at 10:48 PM on May 1, 2009
It's a trap!
posted by abc123xyzinfinity at 10:48 PM on May 1, 2009
Nice. You seem to have gotten lost on your way to the YouTube comment section.
I'll agree that statement was in poor taste, but really a post about the guy's favorite NBA team, no matter how many OT's isn't a great FPP. I got carried away... but still stand behind my comment above.
posted by clearly at 2:49 AM on May 2, 2009
I'll agree that statement was in poor taste, but really a post about the guy's favorite NBA team, no matter how many OT's isn't a great FPP. I got carried away... but still stand behind my comment above.
posted by clearly at 2:49 AM on May 2, 2009
my god. I just finished the game. We moved into a new house months ago but we won't have Internet til Monday. I'm stealing wifi from a neighbor on my ipod, biking 30 minutes each way to pick up the games a friend is downloading for me. When I found out about the unlocked wifi, I checked mefi, thinking there's no way there could be sports spoilers here of all places. Long training I'm the art of quickly averting my eyes saved me from the full text of the post, and I watched the game unaware of the result.
That game nearly killed me. I love the bulls, yet I am an eternal pessimist. I was sure hinrinch's missed layup would haunt me forever. Then noah's steal and dunk made me glad I was watching it alone, since I usually don't throw up both hands and scream loud enough to terrify the cat.
My god, I can't wait for game 7.
(and yes that was a flagrant 2, crawford is the devil, NBA a is much higher level of ball, free darko is good, their book is beautiful)
posted by Ghidorah at 4:46 AM on May 2, 2009
That game nearly killed me. I love the bulls, yet I am an eternal pessimist. I was sure hinrinch's missed layup would haunt me forever. Then noah's steal and dunk made me glad I was watching it alone, since I usually don't throw up both hands and scream loud enough to terrify the cat.
My god, I can't wait for game 7.
(and yes that was a flagrant 2, crawford is the devil, NBA a is much higher level of ball, free darko is good, their book is beautiful)
posted by Ghidorah at 4:46 AM on May 2, 2009
"I wasn't counting college basketball. Tangent: college basketball is simply not as good as pro. Yes, it's exciting. It has great flow. But the quality of play is not even close to the same level. It just isn't I'm sorry. Seriously, college basketball has untrained kids with a huge differential in skills heaving up shots at random or overtly dominating. Heck, AAU ball has a better comparative skill set and better focus in play."
This fails so hard. Remember last year when Derrick Rose's Memphis team lost to Kansas in the national championship game in OT? Remember when Mario Chalmers hit that three pointer to tie it and send it into overtime with a hand in his face? None of those kids were playing for money, none were playing for a contract extension, and all of them played six games with their backs against the wall. Win or go home.
The quality of play? GET THE FUCK OUT. Derrick Rose, the guy you are sucking off, NBA Rookie of the year, played in that game...and lost.
I realize that you love your sports and what not... but get a grip. The NBA is closer to the AND 1 mixtape tour than it is to anything Naismith envisioned. College basketball is the pinnacle of the sport, and I believe that playoff TV ratings wil back me up on this.
Anywho, I guess da Bulls just gained another fan in this series... and the Magic in the next, and the Cavs in the next. Have fun being a C's fan in LA. Being a Celtics fan, maybe you remember Larry Bird taking tiny Indiana St. vs Magic with Michigan State to the NCAA championship in 1979, which is basically the Clippers reaching a game 7 in the finals. Really... the NBA blows and their 2 month long playoff, especially in round 1, is nothing to get your panties in a bunch over, Celtics or not.
posted by clearly at 8:53 PM on May 1 [+] [!]
I'm sorry. I believe it is true. You've mistaken "quality of play" for "excitement." Yes college ball is exciting and has good flow... I'm not denying this... but that's because college ball is the equivalent of a bunch of guys running around with their heads cut off. The skill level in the NBA is astronomical compared to college players. Both in terms of skill and game IQ. I don't know about you, but when I like watching a sport I like watching the best players in the universe and not the guys who will never play in the NBA or will only be good in the NBA a few years from now.
Do I follow college basketball? Yes. Do I watch for players I like? Yes. Are there exciting, great college players who are pretty much NBA ready? Yes. But they the vast minority. The majority of college basketball is a bunch of guys bricking rushed 3 pointers. Or overfouling. Or committing blocking fouls. I love march madness as much as anyone. It's a perfectly designed post-season. Just fantastic. But that doesn't mean the quality of play is higher.
And your seeming belief the NBA is a bunch of overpaid ninnies is simply untrue. Most of those guys are busting their ass to move up in the rotation, get more minutes, make it in the post season (we've had 50 plus win teams not make it in the west recently, just amazing), win a freaking championship, or yes, get a bigger contract. Yes that happens. Money is the impetus but it's a great impetus. Most of the ones getting paid big money are the hyper-competitive ones anyway. And the overpaid ones who actually don't try? The Vince Carter types? They are reviled and hated. They are few and far between. For ever Vince Carter there are 9 other guys on the team busting their ass. What's more so is they are doing it for 80+ games instead of 30+ games and becoming finely tuned machines. The NBA is the pinnacle of the sport. True, there are about 3 too many franchises. Too many asinine coaches. Questionable refereeing and some unsavory characters. But it's a professional sport. That's how it is.
And next time, seriously, leave the homophobic "suck a guys dick" shit at home. This is the blue. You can make a good argument for the merits of college without resorting to that kind of stuff and people will actually listen. What's moreso is that it discredits your statement about the quality of a post, because you have just shown the banal quality of your comment.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:26 AM on May 2, 2009
This fails so hard. Remember last year when Derrick Rose's Memphis team lost to Kansas in the national championship game in OT? Remember when Mario Chalmers hit that three pointer to tie it and send it into overtime with a hand in his face? None of those kids were playing for money, none were playing for a contract extension, and all of them played six games with their backs against the wall. Win or go home.
The quality of play? GET THE FUCK OUT. Derrick Rose, the guy you are sucking off, NBA Rookie of the year, played in that game...and lost.
I realize that you love your sports and what not... but get a grip. The NBA is closer to the AND 1 mixtape tour than it is to anything Naismith envisioned. College basketball is the pinnacle of the sport, and I believe that playoff TV ratings wil back me up on this.
Anywho, I guess da Bulls just gained another fan in this series... and the Magic in the next, and the Cavs in the next. Have fun being a C's fan in LA. Being a Celtics fan, maybe you remember Larry Bird taking tiny Indiana St. vs Magic with Michigan State to the NCAA championship in 1979, which is basically the Clippers reaching a game 7 in the finals. Really... the NBA blows and their 2 month long playoff, especially in round 1, is nothing to get your panties in a bunch over, Celtics or not.
posted by clearly at 8:53 PM on May 1 [+] [!]
I'm sorry. I believe it is true. You've mistaken "quality of play" for "excitement." Yes college ball is exciting and has good flow... I'm not denying this... but that's because college ball is the equivalent of a bunch of guys running around with their heads cut off. The skill level in the NBA is astronomical compared to college players. Both in terms of skill and game IQ. I don't know about you, but when I like watching a sport I like watching the best players in the universe and not the guys who will never play in the NBA or will only be good in the NBA a few years from now.
Do I follow college basketball? Yes. Do I watch for players I like? Yes. Are there exciting, great college players who are pretty much NBA ready? Yes. But they the vast minority. The majority of college basketball is a bunch of guys bricking rushed 3 pointers. Or overfouling. Or committing blocking fouls. I love march madness as much as anyone. It's a perfectly designed post-season. Just fantastic. But that doesn't mean the quality of play is higher.
And your seeming belief the NBA is a bunch of overpaid ninnies is simply untrue. Most of those guys are busting their ass to move up in the rotation, get more minutes, make it in the post season (we've had 50 plus win teams not make it in the west recently, just amazing), win a freaking championship, or yes, get a bigger contract. Yes that happens. Money is the impetus but it's a great impetus. Most of the ones getting paid big money are the hyper-competitive ones anyway. And the overpaid ones who actually don't try? The Vince Carter types? They are reviled and hated. They are few and far between. For ever Vince Carter there are 9 other guys on the team busting their ass. What's more so is they are doing it for 80+ games instead of 30+ games and becoming finely tuned machines. The NBA is the pinnacle of the sport. True, there are about 3 too many franchises. Too many asinine coaches. Questionable refereeing and some unsavory characters. But it's a professional sport. That's how it is.
And next time, seriously, leave the homophobic "suck a guys dick" shit at home. This is the blue. You can make a good argument for the merits of college without resorting to that kind of stuff and people will actually listen. What's moreso is that it discredits your statement about the quality of a post, because you have just shown the banal quality of your comment.
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 11:26 AM on May 2, 2009
I said to a co-worker before Game 6 that if this were the Finals instead of the first round we'd be talking about this series with our grandkids in both Boston and Chicago.
I'm a huge Celts fan (and Bruins and Worcester Sharks AHL hockey, so it's been a great few weeks of playoff sports), but I've found myself more than once wishing their OT lead away so I could see another 5 minutes of basketball...
posted by rollbiz at 11:45 AM on May 2, 2009
I'm a huge Celts fan (and Bruins and Worcester Sharks AHL hockey, so it's been a great few weeks of playoff sports), but I've found myself more than once wishing their OT lead away so I could see another 5 minutes of basketball...
posted by rollbiz at 11:45 AM on May 2, 2009
Homophobic "suck a dick" comments can suck a dick, and so can the Celtics.
posted by xmutex at 5:47 PM on May 2, 2009
posted by xmutex at 5:47 PM on May 2, 2009
Hey, the NBA apologized for this refereeing screwup! That switches the win back to the Mavs, right?
posted by inigo2 at 11:28 AM on May 10, 2009
posted by inigo2 at 11:28 AM on May 10, 2009
Tonight's game with Paul Pierce's amazing pass and then Big Baby's buzzer beater for the heart stopping finish was pretty amazing too. Celtics!
posted by caddis at 8:24 PM on May 10, 2009
posted by caddis at 8:24 PM on May 10, 2009
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posted by Devils Rancher at 10:58 AM on May 1, 2009