NBA Playoffs Last Night: Chris Paul, LeBron James and Dwight Howard Are Playing Ball–In Diapers–Against Each Other On Another Planet
(Photo: Chuck Cook/Times Picayune)
At the buzzer….again
New Orleans 127, Dallas 103
Hornets lead series 2-0
Yes he is. The legend is in fact…fact. Chris Paul became the first player in NBA history to have two games of 30 points, 10 assists and 3 steals and also the first player to do the aforementioned in his first two playoff games.
With his 32 points, 17 dimes (franchise playoff record), 5 rebounds and 3 steals in game 2.he has firmly established as a NBA playoff legend. Just think about it 32 and 17?
Wow. I’ll say it again that Paul’s play makes Nash’s back to back MVP’s look like the voting for the Naismith this year. 
Let’s not go crazy over Paul yet, even though I did in his SLAM feature when I said:
Rings give professional athletes career validation. Most cats would sacrifice all the stats in the world for that most proper June confetti shine. The way Chris Paul is ballin’, that moment in time is coming and all others better step it up or get pushed eyes wide to the side.
That was in November. The stakes are stoooopid higher now and he’s pushing his talent to an even higher level? He’s averaging a little under 34 and 14 for the series. Could the Hornets be a lot better than we think they are and actually win a title this year?
OK OK, I’ll chill…
Paul controlled the entire flow like he knew the Mavs every move before they mentally thought about it.
They trapped with 5, they doubled to deny, they doubled when the ball was in his hands, Avery Johnson tried everything but really nothing. The Mavs, even though they’ve gotten better defensively, aren’t built to handle a player like Paul. Johnson and Cuban had to be grimacing when they knew they were going up against Paul (with an aged Kidd) and could only hope the inexperience would cripple the Hornets to advance.
Nope. The Mavs had no answer for Paul or Hornet shooting. Peja must be loving this because he has to reminisce of his time in Sac with all the crisp team passing. It allows him to be open for that pretty three of his. West is bullying Dirk.
It’s time to blow up the spot in Dallas if they lose this series. It’s still early so don’t everyone trip. This series could make a drastic turn just that quick.
I hope Chris Paul didn’t hear that. Byron Scott…stop smilin’
(Photo: Chuck Cook/Times Picayune)
Making a wish?
Hornets Leaders:
Chris Paul: 32 points and 17 dimes
David West: 27 points, 4 rips, 5 dimes
Peja Stojakovic: 22 points
The Hornets shot 60%
Mavericks Leaders:
Dirk Nowitzki: 27 points, 5 rips, 5 dimes (gotta board more)
Brandon Bass: 19 points 8 rips (kid’s gonna be good)
Jason Terry: 16 points, 4 dimes
Jason Kidd: 7 points, 8 dimes, 4 rips, 2 steals (3-10 from the field)
Josh Howard 3-10 for ten points. The Mavs simply don’t win when he doesn’t score
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(Photo: Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel)
You betta get out the way or get boofed on!
Orlando 104, Toronto 103
Orlando leads series 2-0
Ryan McNeil’s gotta be going crazy.
Superman is back in the building.
Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Chris Paul and Derron Williams are giving the NBA just what it wants. These players all have the wow factor as well as squeaky clean images as the league pushes into the next decade.
With Dwight Howard you have the most explosive center since Shaq (even though he could be considered a 4 ala Stat in Phoenix).
Back to back 20 20’s in the playoffs? Doesn’t happen much. He’s the youngest to do so ever.
29 points and 20 rebounds is straight AFRICAN!
Rashard Lewis is stepping up and giving the Magic what he should have been giving Seattle.
Hedo Turkoglu is making shots.
My fam Jameer Nelson is averaging 20 points in the first two games and seems to be back to form after losing his Pop last year. I can see in his eyes that he’s still going through it, but at least he’s smiling again.
This was a great game. Jose Calderon hit big shot after big shot. Chris Bosh had 29, 10 and 6 but missed a good look on a 19 footer at the gun. He’s playing better though but better come up with a Superman like performance or the Raptors will be swept. Jason Kapono had 20, but the Raps are getting nothing from their starters. Anthony Parker had zero points in 38 minutes.
Orlando took advantage of home cookin’ and made shots every single time they had to. Sam Mitchell has promised lineup changes going back to Toronto down but not out.
(Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel)
Hedo: “Why are you screaming at me grippin ya fists?”
Orlando Leaders:
Dwight Howard: 29 points, 20 rebounds (7 offensive), 3 blocks
Rashard Lewis: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
Jameer Nelson: 18 points, 6 rebounds
Hedo Turkoglu: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
Toronto Leaders:
Chris Bosh: 29 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Jason Kapono: 20 points, 5 rebounds (4-6 on threes) off bench
Jose Calderon: 18 points, 5 assists (3-5 on threes) in 24 minutes
Carlos Delfino: 16 points, 6 rebounds
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(Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic)
C’mere Big Fella
Spurs 102, Suns 96
Spurs lead series 2-0
Anthony Gilbert posted a comment in the Suns/Spurs preview stating:
“You can NEVER count out the Champs.”
I couldn’t pick the Spurs. I don’t know what it is about this team but they have to be one of the most inconspicuous but dyNasty teams in sports history. Early returns from this series indicate I was premature in my pick of Suns in seven.
This is a TEAM. They’ve been together for a while and are a total summation of their parts–with the exception of Duncan of course.
Manu Ginobli is a monster. When I spoke to him earlier this season I was taken aback by how chill he is. Nothing seems to bother or affect him. The cat scores almost a point a minute. The Suns haven’t been known for their defense and they have to put the clamps on Ginobli and Parker because they obviously are to be on series life support.
Shaq had a nice game but the Spurs are proving they aren’t all about Tim Duncan right?
They traded for Shaq for this series, but how much are they missing Shawn Marion?
He was the answer for Tony Parker and was the best rebounding small forward in the NBA.
That’s over with and the Suns have to do something. There was no continuity on either end of the floor.
Will the Suns turn it all around and get back in the series? Pundits are saying Avery Johnson is out of here if the Mavs lose but is Mike D’Antoni in trouble if the Suns lose badly the rest of the way? He damn sure should be. At least Avery got to the NBA Finals.
Grant Hill is suffering from a groin pull and the timing couldn’t be worse.
Amare Stoudemire is ridiculous. His athletic forays through the air culminating in powerful flushes over anyone and everyone are being wasted on a team that plays NO DEFENSE. Maybe this team needs a full training camp to capitalize on Shaq’s ability but right now, this is an inferior playoff team compared with the June elite.
San Antonio Leaders:
Tony Parker: 32 points, 7 dimes, 3 rips, 3 steals
Manu Ginobli: 29 points, 3 rips, 3 dimes, 1 block, 1 steal
Tim Duncan: 18 points, 17 rips, 4 dimes, 3 blocks
Phoenix Leaders:
Amare Stoudemire: 33 points, 7 rips (needs more) 3 blocks
Steve Nash: 23 points 10 dimes
Shaq: 19 points, 14 rips, 4 blocks
(Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic)
You OK little buddy?
Congratulations Kevin Garnett on winning Defensive Player of the year
Sphere: Related Content
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
[...] Mizzo wrote an interesting post today on NBA Playoffs Last Night: Is Chris Paul Really This Good?Here’s a quick excerptChris Paul became the first player in NBA history to have two games of 30 points, 10 assists and 3 steals and also the first player to do the aforementioned in his first two playoff games. [...]