Solace wrote:

TMS wrote:

Solace wrote:

sebstar wrote:

Solace wrote:

sebstar wrote:

KnicksSince88 wrote:The whole Pau is soft thing is so overdone. The problem, much like 08, is hes not getting enough shots. Period. He's averaging 12 shot attempts per game in these finals, and hes not passing up shots, they just aren't getting him the ball in his spots, when they do hes been ultra effective. They would be so much more efficient offensively if they fed him more. That offense should be 1/1a with Kobe, but i don't think Kobe's personality would ever allow it to happen

You got Kobe taking 24 shots a game in this series to Pau's 12. Doubling him up. Thats not their best formula IMO. If you have 36 shots a game between the two of them, it should be much closer to an even split. Pau is unbelievably skilled and efficient on the offensive end and hes not getting a chance to showcase it. And when he doesn't, its hard for him to have his biggest impact

thats part of the equation to him being soft. Did you see shaq taking a backseat to Kobe? He needs to demand the ball and call Kobe out, either publicly or privately. He has the clout to do that.

Yikes. That's a stretch.

what is?

It's a stretch to call him soft because you're assuming he hasn't privately discussed the need for more shots, with no factual information to back up this claim. Maybe the reason why the shots are how they are is being dictated by coach Jackson; I mean Kobe is the best player in the NBA. I also agree with the point made by KS88 that Pau and Shaq have had very different roles on the Lakers, and Kobe's role is very different than it was when he played with Shaq. You're comparing apples and oranges -- that's why I said it was a stretch to have that as your argument that Pau is soft.

I don't see how anyone who is being reasonable could call Pau soft. Maybe earlier in his career, but not now.

last night Pau was playing real soft... getting pushed around under the rim, outhustled for loose balls by smaller dudes, not defending the lane vs. penetration... he looked very Knick-like last night.

So, he had an off game; I don't classify what you just described as being soft, particularly on a one game basis. I just think soft is a pretty severe statement and it's thrown around way too much towards certain players.

i do... that to me is the epitome of the definition of soft play... last night he played soft.

Right now I'd make Rondo the favorite on the Boston side, but its close enough to where Paul Pierce can still steal it with a big effort tonight. If he does, he could join that group. It would be a really huge career booster for him in terms of his legacy. I mean when you're talking non big men, only Jordan Magic and Bird have won it multiple times. Thats a crazy group to join (obviously it doesnt make him as good as those guys, but still)

KnicksSince88 wrote:

Marv wrote:

KnicksSince88 wrote:I would love to see a game 7. I started watching in the 88-89 season, so in my life I've only seen TWO finals game 7's. On the other hand, I want the Celts to take this, so whatever happens tonight is win win for me.

i hope kobe shoots over 50% in the 4th

He's certainly due. I really cannot wait for tonight. To me this has been the most enjoyable finals of the past decade. I know theres been a lot of complaints about the officiating and at times it hasn't been the prettiest offensively. But it's been so intense, and theres so many future HOFers out there who can write a decent piece of their legacy in these next 1-3 days. I can't wait to see how it unfolds. It's also better now that these two teams have a recent history to draw on, as opposed to 2008 where it was the first time they had met in 21 years. We don't have to go back 2 decades this time to draw on moments in this rivalry. It really adds to the intensity and drama of the play. It's also been a way better series than 08

ah, i like that attitude. there is NOTHING better in sports than a 7-game nba finals. you gotta love when guys leave their hearts and souls on the court, like kobe, rondo, fisher, big baby. i can't stand the *****s like odom, like lewis last yeas. these are the guys who F the thing up for their teams and for the fans. go get your nose bloody and show us that the win actually means something to you and should be fought for.

Pharzeone wrote:

Marv wrote:yeah gasol playing like a man tonight. well a euroman anyway. close enough!

Why doesn't he finish to get the and 1? He leaves too many points out there. Just power through the contact. Lakers should have a larger lead.

now you're just being critical of him to try and cover kobe's ass. gasol's having a great game. you should chill.