Stay strong, brother.

I wish you all the best on your recovery. As T3 said, “Be well”.

Now, for the game last night…….

I agree with T3….the Nuggets lost the game at the FT line. I’ve never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever seen Chauncey miss 2 FTs in a row. But they also lost the game from a strategic standpoint. They’re up by 7 or 8 in the 4th with less than 5 minutes to play and they start jacking up threes? What was that all about? If i’m G.K., I have them slow the game down and go to Melo in the post. Or, run a high-low pick-and-roll with Chauncey and one of the forwards. Also, did anyone notice how far back the Lakers’ big men were playing off the Nuggets big men?

I think that the time off may have affected the shooting of Denver’s bigs in addition to the Lakers length. They were missing shots last night they were making in the series against the Mavs. They have mature real fast if they want to take that step to the next level. They have to learn how to finish teams off when they have them on the ropes.

I think that Denver is a bad match-up for the Lakers because they have scoring options at each position. This one can and might go 7 games but i’m not sold on the Lakers winning this one….not yet at least.

T3,

Kobe picked up another technical foul last night. If i’m not mistaken, I think that’s his 5th in the post-season. If my calculations are correct, what are the odds of him picking up 2 more and getting suspended for 1 game?

All the best of the health tip. Be well.

As for the Lakers, they’re fine. Denver lost this game at the free throw line. Also, Carmelo is just that dude. The rest of their shorter players had trouble with the Lakers length — even Chauncey. This series is going to be played above the rim. Tons of blocked shots last night. Best finishers are going to win the series. Denver needs another big man to step up on offense and support Carmelo’s production. Bynum barely played in the 2nd half and Denver couldn’t pull away and ice the game. Odom and Gasol’s length are going to only become more of a problem as the series continues. I still want Denver to win, but I see a bunch of close games — and probably a blow out or 2 in Denver games. Lakers by a whisker in 7.

KOBE, BETTER STEP UP BROTHA !!!

I like kos’ thoughts and I concur that the Lakers do have heart. They’re rope-a-doping it a bit I think. They’re so talented that they think that they can turn it on and off, and I agree with Mizzo that the emergence of the Nuggets as an elite team coincides with the acquisition of Chauncey. He has that je-ne-sais-quoi. He’s just a natural leader, and he’s been refined in the fires in the Eastern playoffs, so there is no questioning his creds. I got mad respect for him. I mean….those Detroit teams….I’m a Laker fan and honestly, the Lakers in ’04 had the same sense of entitlement that this team shows waaaaay too much. That was the Magical Mystery Tour year when Karl GP, Shaq and Kobe were around and Devean was the Fifth Beatle and the media pre-ordained the team to win it all…….and they slept through the regular season and then got tripped up by a very determined, organized, Detroit team.

The Lakers’ play was maddening as a hoops fan. I can’t say I was glad for the Lakers to lose, but honestly, if a team doesn’t bring a good effort, and they lose, I tip my hat to the winner. This Laker team has more depth than those Lakers but I agree with Kos, and also with Mizzo’s point up top that LO didn’t have his best series against HOU. Also, if Andrew plays consistently, the Lakers should win in 6. All that said, and as a Laker fan, I hope my team steps up, but when Chauncey B-b-Billups is on the opposite bench, strange things can happen.

pray for me folks It looks like I am going on Dialysis again.

Rashard Lewis is too in love with his jump shot. Turkoglu, by being a European player, I can understand. Rashard needs to do more things than just shoot. If he could grab some rebounds to help out Howard, or play solid defense on LeBron for short spells, they could make Cleveland take a couple of L’s. Not sure if they could string together enough for 4 wins, though.

I don’t want to tip my hand before the preview. I’ll get to it after this interview I’m doing now.

I actually think the theory goes against Orlando because for all their size, Hedo and Rashard shoot a lot of jumpers and are not notorious for finishing above the rim. Hedo will bang it on you if you’re not careful — but that’s once every full moon. That’s not Rashard’s game. If he and Rashard attacked the rim more, I’d like their chances more.

As it stands, I go back to what I said at the beginning of the playoffs. You have to like Cleveland’s chances because their big men CAN score — but seemingly only at home. They have home court advantage. It should be enough. If not, they have another answer. I take it back to Joe Smith. He’s the talented off-the-radar big on Cleveland’s roster with experience, SKILZ and the pedigree to perform well here. If I comes down to Joe scoring on the road in Orlando to steal Game 3 or 4, I like Cleveland’s chances. All they need from him would 15 points on 6-8 shooting and a few free throws. That’s enough to give LeBron a fighter’s chance.

When an athlete knows he can take your will, you’re done. Chauncey will not be faded.

Oh and Temple, I feel your theory. I’ve stated this all season…specifically mentioning Orlando’s length. Hedo is damn near a 7 footer and so is Rashard Lewis. Interesting.