May 28, 200818 yr How much credit goes to Phil Jackson for the Lakers play this season? The guy is a masterminded coach, granted it helps a little to have players like MJ or Kobe on your team, haha. Phil is great at developing his bench and his role players...there is definitely some validity to the comments that he has had great players, but all great coaches have. I think his ability to develop strong benches is really overlooked. Also, he is a master of defining roles and getting guys to fill those roles and buy into it. No doubt he's near the top of the list, if not at the top, of greatest coaches in NBA history.
May 28, 200818 yr Well since I haven't chimed in since the game I will say this, the Spurs fought back but took bad shots when they had the chance to take the lead. The play at the end of the game is debatable but I think it was a good no call.
May 28, 200818 yr This Laker team continues to impress me...I really questioned whether they were ready to take that step and become NBA champions. I thought they were a year away. They still may not win the title, but they've certainly proven to me that they're ready. The scary thing is that they're going to be even better next year and down the road. Personally, I haven't closed the book on the series yet. It's not far fetched to think SA could steal a game in LA and then defend their home court to force a game 7...and then anything could happen. It will be very difficult for San Antonio to win 3 straight (2 in LA) against a younger and fresher team. But, I think it's premature to say this series is over until it's really over and the Lakers have won the 4th game.
May 28, 200818 yr Well since I haven't chimed in since the game I will say this, the Spurs fought back but took bad shots when they had the chance to take the lead. The play at the end of the game is debatable but I think it was a good no call. I think Reggie, Kenny and Charles analyzed it perfectly after the game...had Barry forced up a shot immediately when he got Fisher in the air, he could have forced the refs to make the call. As it was, he tried to avoid and gave them out. Refs typically won't call fouls at the end of a game unless they have absolutely no choice...especially 25 feet from the basket.
May 28, 200818 yr I think Reggie, Kenny and Charles analyzed it perfectly after the game...had Barry forced up a shot immediately when he got Fisher in the air, he could have forced the refs to make the call. As it was, he tried to avoid and gave them out. Refs typically won't call fouls at the end of a game unless they have absolutely no choice...especially 25 feet from the basket. I think Barry really forgot how much time was left on the clock. IMO he was getting Fisher in the air but forgot that time was running out then had to force up the shot.
May 28, 200818 yr Guys you can go back and forth all day. How about the no call on Parker's layup that could have been a 3 point play? How about Kobe Bryant not shooting a free throw? How about the Spurs not shooting a free throw in the 4th qtr? There is a lot of sticking points. Also, the last play could have went either way. It would be hard to argue a foul because there was definitly contact, but it should have been on the floor, but I can see why no call was made. Also, I do not know how the Spurs feel about Joey Crawford, but it is surprising to see him ref a big playoff game for them like this. As for the Spurs, I am not counting them out next year, but they could really use an upgrade in athleticism down low to go a long with Duncan especially with him getting older.
May 28, 200818 yr I think Barry really forgot how much time was left on the clock. IMO he was getting Fisher in the air but forgot that time was running out then had to force up the shot. I think Reggie Miller got it right when he stated that that's not a situation Brent Barry is accustomed to...a guy who's been in that situation at numerous times in his career may have initiated contact on a shot and forced the refs to blow the whistle. I thought the officiating had been very good in this series until last night. It was pretty one-sided in the Spurs favor for the first 3 quarters and part of the fourth, IMO.
May 28, 200818 yr Author As for the Spurs, I am not counting them out next year, but they could really use an upgrade in athleticism down low to go a long with Duncan especially with him getting older. From the mock boards I have seen, they have the Spurs picking from these guys... Courtney Lee 6-5 SG Western Kentucky Alexis Ajinca 7-1 C Hyeres-Toulon (France) Ante Tomic - Height: 7-2 - Weight: 237 - Croatia Nicolas Batum - He's 6-8 & very athletic. It's possible but VERY unlikely that big Roy Hibbert will still be lingering around when the Spurs are on the clock.
May 28, 200818 yr From the mock boards I have seen, they have the Spurs picking from these guys... Courtney Lee 6-5 SG Western Kentucky Alexis Ajinca 7-1 C Hyeres-Toulon (France) Ante Tomic - Height: 7-2 - Weight: 237 - Croatia Nicolas Batum - He's 6-8 & very athletic. It's possible but VERY unlikely that big Roy Hibbert will still be lingering around when the Spurs are on the clock. I don't know what their money situation is, but they need to trade for someone or find a good athletic free agent pickup.
May 28, 200818 yr Author I don't know what their money situation is, but they need to trade for someone or find a good athletic free agent pickup. Kelenna Azubuike, Baron Davis, Jermaine O'Neal, Corey Maggette, Ricky Davis, Shawn Marion, Fred Jones, Stephon Marbury, Ron Artest all fit the bill. They are all unrestricted free agents.
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