:laugh::laugh::laugh:

 

Believe me the Lakers aren't trying, nor do they, foul Howard every time he goes to the line. I think there were times last night when they got whistled for breathing on Superman.

 

As for the last foul, you're right. That was a terrible call. But, I'd hardly say it offset the 86 hip and cross checks that went uncalled when LA attacked the paint last night. Not to mention the freebie Dwight got when he botched the dunk attempt and the stripes bailed him out with a phantom foul on Odom.

 

Howard gets just as many calls. I'm fine with that. What irritates me is the constant crying about Kobe getting calls, when the man of steel is apparently too fragile to be touched.

 

I'm giving Dwight Howard a new nickname.

 

 

One is almost purely a jump shooter anymore and one has no shot and attacks the rim. If Howard is in position they most certainly try to foul him. I never said every time. The funniest thing to me is a Lakers fan complaining about calls. The refs gave LA game 2. In the Simmons article he has the calls 10-1 against the Magic in game 2 from the time 5 minutes were left. He's pretty close too. Of course Orlando is getting calls in game 3 at home. The NBA doesntt want a sweep.

One is almost purely a jump shooter anymore and one has no shot and attacks the rim. If Howard is in position they most certainly try to foul him. I never said every time. The funniest thing to me is a Lakers fan complaining about calls. The refs gave LA game 2. In the Simmons article he has the calls 10-1 against the Magic in game 2 from the time 5 minutes were left. He's pretty close too. Of course Orlando is getting calls in game 3 at home. The NBA doesntt want a sweep.

 

You're quoting Bill Simmons stats to support your argument? Seriously? Surely, he has no bias, and if he does it doesn't affect his writing?

 

Come on. The guy writes comedy. And, he's great at it. He admits he's biased.

 

You can't quote a Bill Simmons stat and expect a serious response.

 

And, I love Bill Simmons. His articles make me laugh out loud multiple times when I read them.

 

This was classic in the last article...

 

9:23: Kobe draws a touch foul on Mickael Pietrus, gets the call and makes that creepy, super-intense underbite face that nobody ever remembers seeing until about three weeks ago. We don't know where it came from; we don't know how many different faces he practiced in the mirror before settling on this one; we don't know if he pays royalties to Bruce Springsteen. We just know that he really wants this. He really, really wants this.

 

8:11: J.J. Redick (0-for-5 in the first half) just passed up two open 3s before dishing to Lewis for a jumper. Lakers by one. I'm convinced SVG is only playing Redick in fourth quarters to make Adam Morrison feel worse. That's the only explanation.

 

6:47: Turkoglu makes an ugly runner. Lakers by one. I should mention Orlando is playing without a point guard and Hedo is handling the ball (and getting hounded upcourt). Do you think SVG is doing as many crazy things as possible to see if he can provoke JVG into criticizing him on the air? I feel like he is.

 

6:28: Kobe steps out of bounds on a high screen followed by JVG calling it "the best turnover I've ever seen." I give up. By the way, every pick by Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard tonight is sponsored by Mayflower Movers.

BTW, I'm OK with Price getting calls, because I'm aware that Kobe does. I'm not complaing as much as I'm pointing out to all the Orlando fans/Kobe haters that both guys get a lot of calls. It's tiresome to hear how Kobe gets calls as if he's the only one that does, when Elijah Price gets just as many.

Thoughts from the Sports Guy on Kobe's "clutch" reputation.

 

Important note: Kobe's reputation as a "killer" at the end of games remains overblown. The site http://www.82games.com just posted a study of game-winning shots from the last five-plus seasons (regular seasons and playoffs since the 2003-04 season) that revealed Kobe was shooting 14-for-56 (25 percent) with one assist and five turnovers, and made 12 of 15 free throws. So let's say that was 70 possessions total, including Sunday night. ... He only had one assist in nearly six years??? That's why Orlando quadruple-teamed him in that spot. Kobe is a phenomenal streak shooter, and he has a real talent for catching fire with a lead and closing games out ... but you can stop him in one-shot situations simply because he's his own worst enemy. He wants to be a hero, he's shooting it, and that's that.

 

What have I been saying? Like I said, if you have a late lead Kobe is your guy. For all other situations look elsewhere. Not saying I wouldn't take Kobe but he is not the insane clutch animal that people make him out to be. He is more of a dagger specialist.

 

Everyone says it's hate. I'm only speaking the truth. Many other players are way more likely to make the shots to put you back in the game. Actually, so far in this playoffs Rashard Lewis is a player that comes to mind. I don't know about overall, but if I need a shot he might be the one I want with the ball. I don't know if he's missed many big shots all playoffs.

 

I think Mamba time is when LA is clinging to a lead late in the game.

 

I'm beginning to believe he's the NBA version of Tiger Woods. If he's got a lead on you late, you can't catch him, but he's not quite as deadly if he's playing from behind.

 

That's twice in the past 8 games Kobe has tried to dribble through a 2-inch space off a Gasol pick and turned the ball over when the Lakers had a chance to tie a game.

 

Very disappointed in Kobe last night. Five missed FT's and a huge turnover with a chance to tie the game or take the lead.

 

The only good thing to take from that game is that Orlando was insanely hot and still barely held off the Lakers. LA had no business being in that game.

 

The first things you said will get you crucified on here. Do you mean to tell me that Kobe isn't the most clutch player overall in the history of the world? I mean, he is the closer isn't he?

 

Also, for stretches LA was insanely hot. Kobe in the first half, the entire roster in the 4th quarter.

 

Good bounce back game by the Magic. I fully expect LA to take either Game 4 or 5 in Orlando. Kobe struggled down the stretch, something I haven't seen in a long time.

 

How about the missed Pietrus double dribble :scared: It should have been a foul on LA just before that, but wow, you gotta call something.

 

I don't understand why LA doesn't get Odom in the post more. Lewis and Turkoglu cannot guard him there...he abuses them. They're not taking advantage of that mismatch on the offensive end.

 

I didn't think the Lakers played that bad last night, other than Kobe down the stretch. Orlando was just out of their minds. I'm amazed that a team could shoot 75% and shoot more FT's and only be ahead by 5 at the half (and didn't take the lead until late in the half). I'm still trying to figure out how that happens. LA got enough second chance points to stay close...Orlando didn't get any second chance points because they never missed a shot.

 

And, seriously, is anyone going to try to tell me that Kobe gets more calls than Dwight Howard?:ohbrother:

 

I think Kobe has gotten more calls then Howard in this series. For the entire playoffs it's about even.

What have I been saying? Like I said, if you have a late lead Kobe is your guy. For all other situations look elsewhere. Not saying I wouldn't take Kobe but he is not the insane clutch animal that people make him out to be. He is more of a dagger specialist.

 

Everyone says it's hate. I'm only speaking the truth. Many other players are way more likely to make the shots to put you back in the game. Actually, so far in this playoffs Rashard Lewis is a player that comes to mind. I don't know about overall, but if I need a shot he might be the one I want with the ball. I don't know if he's missed many big shots all playoffs.

 

 

 

The first things you said will get you crucified on here. Do you mean to tell me that Kobe isn't the most clutch player overall in the history of the world? I mean, he is the closer isn't he?

 

Also, for stretches LA was insanely hot. Kobe in the first half, the entire roster in the 4th quarter.

 

 

 

 

 

I think Kobe has gotten more calls then Howard in this series. For the entire playoffs it's about even.

 

I'm not going to argue about whether Kobe is clutch or not. He is. I was just pointing out that it seems he's better at putting teams away with a lead than at coming from behind. That's not to say he doesn't do both. He made a couple of big shots in Game 2 to help the Lakers stay even and ultimately get to OT, where they won.

 

I suppose a lot of it depends on your definition of clutch. Some have a very narrow definition that includes only game winning shots at the end of game. Others, like me, go broader and include the last 5 minutes of games. And that entails big shots to keep your team ahead, big shots to keep your team even or close, and winning shots. And, then others probably fall somewhere in between.

 

I'll leave that debate to you guys. To each their own...

I'm not going to argue about whether Kobe is clutch or not. He is. I was just pointing out that it seems he's better at putting teams away with a lead than at coming from behind. That's not to say he doesn't do both. He made a couple of big shots in Game 2 to help the Lakers stay even and ultimately get to OT, where they won.

 

I suppose a lot of it depends on your definition of clutch. Some have a very narrow definition that includes only game winning shots at the end of game. Others, like me, go broader and include the last 5 minutes of games. And that entails big shots to keep your team ahead, big shots to keep your team even or close, and winning shots. And, then others probably fall somewhere in between.

 

I'll leave that debate to you guys. To each their own...

 

I have never said that he wasn't, I pointed out what you were saying. Kobe is better with a lead then without one, I SAID THAT YESTERDAY. I have always thought that, and commented about it that is why I argue so hard against him be the best 4th quarter player in the game, it simply isn't factual. The part bolded supports my only arguement against Kobe's game, the one part that people forget about, and it is MY argument. I'm not going to define clutch, but if anyone is they need the same standards for all players. Kobe is no more clutch than any other player when you look at everything, he just makes the faces, beats on his chest, etc. Daggers are very memorable for some reason.

I have never said that he wasn't, I pointed out what you were saying. Kobe is better with a lead then without one. I'm not going to define clutch, but if anyone is they need the same standards for all players.

 

OK. So, we all think he's clutch. Sounds good to me.

 

Now that we're in agreement, let's sit around the campfire and sing Kumbaya.

Yes, the most important stats that you left out are the 7 turnovers and the 10-22 from the field, 1-4 from the 3 point line. Yeah, I thought he played badly myself and I am a Kobe fan.

 

Orlando has no chance......

 

Orlando has a much bigger chance now that the series is 2-1 and "Skip To My Lou" is playing with confidence. Along with Jameer Nelson coming coming off the bench and getting a few assists, and Tony Battie knocking down shots as well. Kobe went off in the first quarter and did nothing in the second half... Where was he when his team needed him most??? That's why I think Orlando will pull this one out, because Kobe does everything and he has Pau Gasol down in the post who is scoring almost anytime he wants and he won't give him the ball. I just don't understand why "Mamba" won't give him the ball???

Since we're on this "clutch" topic, I thought it a good time to mention something I noticed in the playoffs.

 

For a guy with a nickname like "Mr. Big Shot", how clutch has Chauncey Billups really been? He was relatively irrelevant in crunch time in the Lakers series, especially as it wore on. He seems to be riding on Detroit's great 2-3 year stretch, in which he made a few late game shots. How long before everyone realizes how ridiculous inappropriate his nickname is?

 

There's only one "Big Shot" and that is Robert Horry. Has there ever been a player with the knack for nailing huge shots like him? Without a doubt, there's never been a role player with a resume like his. It's amazing when you think about it. If you were watching a tight game, and the inevitable Horry open three occurred, there were two immediate thoughts...

 

1. You knew it was good. No doubt. End of story.

 

2. How on earth could they help off of Robert Horry and leave him open? Incredible. NBA players may be the greatest athletes, but nobody will accuse them of being the most intelligent sometimes.

Since we're on this "clutch" topic, I thought it a good time to mention something I noticed in the playoffs.

 

For a guy with a nickname like "Mr. Big Shot", how clutch has Chauncey Billups really been? He was relatively irrelevant in crunch time in the Lakers series, especially as it wore on. He seems to be riding on Detroit's great 2-3 year stretch, in which he made a few late game shots. How long before everyone realizes how ridiculous inappropriate his nickname is?

 

There's only one "Big Shot" and that is Robert Horry. Has there ever been a player with the knack for nailing huge shots like him? Without a doubt, there's never been a role player with a resume like his. It's amazing when you think about it. If you were watching a tight game, and the inevitable Horry open three occurred, there were two immediate thoughts...

 

1. You knew it was good. No doubt. End of story.

 

2. How on earth could they help off of Robert Horry and leave him open? Incredible. NBA players may be the greatest athletes, but nobody will accuse them of being the most intelligent sometimes.

I agree with all of the above except I do remember Horry missing some big shots for the Spurs not too long ago.

BTW, I'm OK with Price getting calls, because I'm aware that Kobe does. I'm not complaing as much as I'm pointing out to all the Orlando fans/Kobe haters that both guys get a lot of calls. It's tiresome to hear how Kobe gets calls as if he's the only one that does, when Elijah Price gets just as many.

 

I'm probably about as close to an Orlando fan as this site has, and I've never once complained about how many calls Kobe gets. I think the Lakers as a whole get more calls than any other team in the league, but Howard gets his fair share as well.

Since we're on this "clutch" topic, I thought it a good time to mention something I noticed in the playoffs.

 

For a guy with a nickname like "Mr. Big Shot", how clutch has Chauncey Billups really been? He was relatively irrelevant in crunch time in the Lakers series, especially as it wore on. He seems to be riding on Detroit's great 2-3 year stretch, in which he made a few late game shots. How long before everyone realizes how ridiculous inappropriate his nickname is?

 

There's only one "Big Shot" and that is Robert Horry. Has there ever been a player with the knack for nailing huge shots like him? Without a doubt, there's never been a role player with a resume like his. It's amazing when you think about it. If you were watching a tight game, and the inevitable Horry open three occurred, there were two immediate thoughts...

 

1. You knew it was good. No doubt. End of story.

 

2. How on earth could they help off of Robert Horry and leave him open? Incredible. NBA players may be the greatest athletes, but nobody will accuse them of being the most intelligent sometimes.

 

Umm....Reggie Miller.

 

Not a role player, but he is the definition of clutch. I would take him in the last two minutes of a game over anyone and yes that includes Jordan.

 

Orlando has a much bigger chance now that the series is 2-1 and "Skip To My Lou" is playing with confidence. Along with Jameer Nelson coming coming off the bench and getting a few assists, and Tony Battie knocking down shots as well. Kobe went off in the first quarter and did nothing in the second half... Where was he when his team needed him most??? That's why I think Orlando will pull this one out, because Kobe does everything and he has Pau Gasol down in the post who is scoring almost anytime he wants and he won't give him the ball. I just don't understand why "Mamba" won't give him the ball???

 

Hard to argue with 8 assist from Kobe. I think that he tries to pick his spots, he just isn't patient when the shots aren't falling. A poor shooting Kobe is a Laker killer because he tries to do too much. The high volume scorer allows other players to get in rhythm and allows the Lakers to play at a very high level. If the Magic are going to win this series they almost have to win games 4 and 5. Beating the Lakers two times in a row in LA is something that I just wouldn't feel confident a team like the Magic can do.

I agree with all of the above except I do remember Horry missing some big shots for the Spurs not too long ago.

 

He did miss a few at the end of his career, but in his prime, or close to his prime, he was as money as they come on big shots.

 

It's amazing...his big shots resume belongs on some HOFers career.

 

How many titles did he end up winning? 7?

 

Two in Houston, 3 in LA, and 2 in SA? Is that right? He was a role player in all of them, yet it could easily be argued that none of those teams win a title without him? Maybe the '95 Rockets.

I'm probably about as close to an Orlando fan as this site has, and I've never once complained about how many calls Kobe gets. I think the Lakers as a whole get more calls than any other team in the league, but Howard gets his fair share as well.

 

I guess I should have just said Kobe haters and left Orlando fans off.

 

Correction. Noted. Strike "Orlando fans" from the official record.

I still think the Lakers win in 5 or 6.