Real Deal

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20110311_SAC@SA

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20110311_DET@OKC

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20110311_UTA@MIN

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20110311_POR@CHA

They finally have a defensive anchor. Their defense has dropped off a bit, though. At one point, they were top six in the league (possibly better, but that's just where they were when I checked in earlier in the season). When you have a legit primary option, shooters, and defense...you're going to win games. Experience helps, and they have it. Carlisle isn't a no-name coach. They have the ingredients to cause damage in the playoffs. Do I think they'll beat the Lakers? Probably not...and that's me trying to stay unbiased. However, it wouldn't be a reach to say they can get to the WCF, and take the Lakers to seven, assuming Drew is in and out of the lineup all series. If he's playing to his potential, and able to stay in the game and out of foul trouble, it's a different story.

I don't think anyone said the referees were the reason why we were out-rebounded. Are you telling me that those fouls I mentioned weren't fouls? Plus, the Boston Celtics are 29th in the NBA in RPG, just as they were last season, when they went to the Finals. Winning or losing the rebounding game doesn't determine the actual game.

The quality of the game would decrease. Adding a four or five-pointer would give players reason to take those shots not only at the end of games, but during them as well. Think of teams being down by 15, a few seconds left in the 3rd quarter, players pulling up for halfcourt shots. Or, with about three minutes left in the game and down 10 (teams have come back from that)...just wouldn't make much sense.

Yes. 2010 CLE 102, LAL 87 (15 point loss, first meeting on Christmas) CLE 93, LAL 87 (6-point loss, second meeting in Cleveland) 2011 MIA 96, LAL 80 (16-point loss, first meeting on Christmas) MIA 94, LAL 88 (6-point loss, second meeting in Miami) Same teams, really.

Very good 3rd or 4th option player, spot-up shooter, that can focus primarily on defense...that's about it. Once you put the ball in his hands, you're turning him into an average offensive player with inconsistent defense.

Only a couple of times. There were a few screens, so I can't fault him for that. For the most part, Kobe played very good defense all game long. Same for Ron, really. Can't say the same for ignorant Gasol, who got LIT UP by Bosh. I'll only blame Kobe for a couple of dumb shots down the stretch, going cold a bit earlier, and the steal by Wade (which wasn't really Bryant's fault, more due to Wade playing very good defense).

BAREA.

Kobe, after the Heat game... http://twitpic.com/48c7ve

Blown calls on the goaltend by Big Z, followed by the offensive foul on LeBron (illegal screen on Kobe), then Wade tears into Kobe's arm under the rim (where Kobe lost the ball out of bounds). The rip by Wade was not a foul...don't really consider that a reach, and I really don't like that call to begin with...but those other three blew this game. Regardless, it's the [expletive]ing Heat, and they were on a five-game losing streak. It shouldn't have been close. Rebound the ball, and close out on shooters. My bad...add two more calls: 1) LeBron's flop when Ron supposedly pushed him, and 2) Wade's foul on Kobe when he put up a jumper. http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/55/fullj.22b0e44d96c160738e46586a586a4b97/22b0e44d96c160738e46586a586a4b97-getty-103892034me002_los_angeles_.jpg

Expected. We did the same thing last year against the Cavaliers.

WOW. He [expletive]ed that dude UP. Amazing shot. Someone get this from Youtube.

From the same article... Might as well rip quotes from more than just Broussard, even though he was the one you agree with. Looks like everyone else is either blaming the bench, or the Big Three.

Can't believe you didn't say Paxson's Game 6 game-winning three against the Suns. It won their third title. :o

Just finished watching this game. I can't believe the Warriors lost. Monta and Curry sucked, and I really have no idea what I should say about Biedrins, other than the fact that he is completely worthless. I haven't seen as much of the Warriors as I usually do (I've watched more Heat and Knicks this season, and a lot of Spurs games to see how well they are actually playing), but wow...Biedrins needs bought out, or something. It's funny because, just a few years back, Kris Humphries was a filler of mine in our mocks. Now the dude is grabbing almost 10 boards and is very close to averaging a double-double, all in just 26 minutes per game.

KEVIN LOVE!

Superb defense by the Pistons, holding the Spurs to 64% FG.

Three loans, a combined $1,000 (or less), potentially losing money for you in the pros.

J-Rich missed both of his free throws, and nearly lost the game. Funny how Luther Head pulls up from about 30 feet, though, and Nelson was already in his face.

Why do teams never double Carmelo at the end of a game?

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/tools/med/2008/04/ipt/1207627297.jpg

Typical game where LeBron puts his head down and gets 16 free throws, Bynum or Ron (or both) are in foul trouble all game long.