They're staging a little mini-comeback here but I'm gonna blame the Hawks and their occasional largess on defense.

pachulia is fucking frightening

if he wasn't playing ball, Zaza would definitely be breaking legs for some Russian mobster.

I'm guessing you didn't see them play a single game this year...any of the past 9 years or so you'd be right to question them being in the playoffs, but before Bogut went down Milwaukee was playing some damn good basketball.

Agreed. And they played pretty good for most of the 3rd and 4th quarters tonight.

I'll play the role of Dr. Cliche and say Game 2 is a must win for the Bucks.

Speaking of Hawks-Bucks, that game flew. This Heat-Celts game has been dragging on for what feels like 6 hours now. We get it, neither of you are going anywhere in these playoffs--do some Globetrotters shit or let Rasheed punch Udonis Haslem. Something.

This Denver/Utah game is gutty; weird dudes taking over, half of each team getting medical treatment, Adrian Dantley taking a break from Isiah Thomas effigies to replace Karl as coach...

I lurv me some playoff hoop

what the fuck were those retarded technicals on garnett?

they won though so...

One was for the initial shove and the other was for the elbow. Automatic ejection.

The big question now is will the league suspend him for a game?

I don't think he should be but I could certainly see the argument and wouldn't disagree with it.

Both teams are pretty evenly matched and Garnett missing a game in Boston would be huge. The Heat are tough at home. This series is going to be great. (and hopefully nasty)

If I'm Celtic fan I'd be holding my breath today while they make a decision.

I'm just saying that looking at the talent they have, its amazing they have played as well as they have.

Remember to add Bogut and Michael Redd to what they're currently rolling out there. Not a bad team at all.

They are better without Michael Redd though.

Oh... right. That.

I'm legit giddy to see how Durant looks in the Lakers series. If OKC can snag 1 of the first 2 games... I'm not gonna jinx it.

you jinxed it

Pretty much. Bloor's gonna have to win his bet without my "help".

I think harry and I both know that the only way this bet is going to be settled is something like Overtime of Game 7 of the Finals so we both get the appropriate amount of agida.

Night and day.

It's undeniably blatant.

oh my

Defense matters in the playoffs (just ask Utah after last night) and this, I fear, is where Phoenix gets exposed for problems on D. You keep passing up draft picks, get rid of Boris Diaw, Shawn Marion and then lose Lopez to injury... it's gonna bite you eventually since JRich, Nash and Amare aren't on anyone's All-Defensive 8th team.

Suns certainly had their opportunities, but they shoot an awful lot of threes. Blazers kept amare out of the lane and usually got hands up on shooters and gave themselves a good chance. Tried to give it away at the end there (as they have been doing all year) but first Blazers' game 1 road win since 1983...I'll take it.

My hat goes off to the Suns.

Portland did everything they could to give that game back, but Phoenix just found a way to suck...

And while some thought they were nuts to give up Ariza, Artest ate up that Thunder guy who's leading the league... shoulda stayed in school in Texaz.

This statement is stupid on at least three levels. You're better than this.

Well two levels were sarcasm, so your point(s) are taken. But when they traded Ariza there was some gnashing of teeth about what a foolish move this was, and how Artest was going to be disruptive and damage the "championship mix" that had worked so well. (I seem to remember your teeth were gnashed a bit).

I loved watching (the UCLA alum) Ariza play, but Artest was added to 1) stop players like Durant, and 2) play physical with teams (like Denver) who wanted to play bang-bang with the Lakers. Durant scored 24 but was pushed, shoved, intimidated by Artest all game long.

Time will tell ($$ to the old guy from flatfoot) if Artest helps the Lakers to number two in a row, but so far so good.

I still question the move because with Ariza you had a guy who not only had proven that he could do it on the biggest stage, he also knew the system. And had no baggage or need to do reality shows. And was a guy on the rise while Ron Ron is most definitely on the decline.

But like you say, time will tell: Phil is the one with two hands full of rings, not me.