Tuesday 4/10
> We’ll start the night in Philadelphia where the 76ers played spoiler for the second time in three games. Believe it or not, but the Sixers are just four games back of #8 with five to play. Philly also has a game left against Orlando on 4/14 that will decide the tiebreaker between the two clubs.
As for Indiana, they are the team that can’t shoot straight. They made a paltry 32.7% of their attempts against Philly. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Pacers are also dead last in the league in overall shooting (43.85%). I hate to say it, but Indy needs a new offensive system that doesn’t involve current coach Rick Carlisle. Oh yeah, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. stinks!
> In a game that wasn’t always pretty, but did feature playoff intensity from start to finish, New Jersey took care of business in Washington. The Nets “Big 3” played…well…big. Richard Jefferson had a season high 35 and made some huge plays down the stretch. Jason Kidd had one basket (thee decisive tip-in) to go along with 14 rebounds & 11 assists. Vince Carter had a quiet 31, but did ice the game from the free throw line (13-13 from the stripe too).
It wasn’t all bad for the Wizards though because they clinched a playoff berth for the third straight year thanks to the Sixers.
> Miami was embarrassed at Charlotte in a game that was nowhere near as close as the final score (92-82) would indicate. I understand that the Heat were without Shaquille O’Neal, Udonis Haslem and Gary Payton for various reasons, but their effort as a unit was piss poor all around. Miami can pretty much kiss having home court for even one series goodbye now.
> In the second playoff caliber contest of the night, the Hornets outlasted the Clippers in Oklahoma City. This game had a beautiful ebb & flow throughout and was highly entertaining taboot. The David West – Elton Brand match up was a pure joy to watch. EB was *huge* down the stretch of regulation scoring LA’s final three baskets to force overtime. In the extra session West took over scoring three straight buckets, two of which came on offensive rebound put backs. That was really the difference in the game too; the Clips just could not rebound the ball in OT. These two squads also meet on the final day of the season, and if NO/OKC wins, we’re talking the fourth tiebreaker possibly coming into play (better record against playoff teams in own conference).
I’m a little worried about my boy Chris Paul. He’s obviously playing hurt (left foot), and while his intestinal fortitude is to be admired, I can’t help but wonder if he’s going “Grant Hill” on me. What I mean by that is Hill tried to gut it out (left ankle) in the 2000 playoffs while on Detroit and ended up ruining his career. Listen to me CP3, you’re 21 years old and have many more seasons ahead of you. Just be smart is all I ask.
> Games of note tonight…
- Washington at Miami
- Orlando at Detroit on ESPN
- Denver at Utah
As for Indiana, they are the team that can’t shoot straight. They made a paltry 32.7% of their attempts against Philly. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Pacers are also dead last in the league in overall shooting (43.85%). I hate to say it, but Indy needs a new offensive system that doesn’t involve current coach Rick Carlisle. Oh yeah, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. stinks!
> In a game that wasn’t always pretty, but did feature playoff intensity from start to finish, New Jersey took care of business in Washington. The Nets “Big 3” played…well…big. Richard Jefferson had a season high 35 and made some huge plays down the stretch. Jason Kidd had one basket (thee decisive tip-in) to go along with 14 rebounds & 11 assists. Vince Carter had a quiet 31, but did ice the game from the free throw line (13-13 from the stripe too).
It wasn’t all bad for the Wizards though because they clinched a playoff berth for the third straight year thanks to the Sixers.
> Miami was embarrassed at Charlotte in a game that was nowhere near as close as the final score (92-82) would indicate. I understand that the Heat were without Shaquille O’Neal, Udonis Haslem and Gary Payton for various reasons, but their effort as a unit was piss poor all around. Miami can pretty much kiss having home court for even one series goodbye now.
> In the second playoff caliber contest of the night, the Hornets outlasted the Clippers in Oklahoma City. This game had a beautiful ebb & flow throughout and was highly entertaining taboot. The David West – Elton Brand match up was a pure joy to watch. EB was *huge* down the stretch of regulation scoring LA’s final three baskets to force overtime. In the extra session West took over scoring three straight buckets, two of which came on offensive rebound put backs. That was really the difference in the game too; the Clips just could not rebound the ball in OT. These two squads also meet on the final day of the season, and if NO/OKC wins, we’re talking the fourth tiebreaker possibly coming into play (better record against playoff teams in own conference).
I’m a little worried about my boy Chris Paul. He’s obviously playing hurt (left foot), and while his intestinal fortitude is to be admired, I can’t help but wonder if he’s going “Grant Hill” on me. What I mean by that is Hill tried to gut it out (left ankle) in the 2000 playoffs while on Detroit and ended up ruining his career. Listen to me CP3, you’re 21 years old and have many more seasons ahead of you. Just be smart is all I ask.
> Games of note tonight…
- Washington at Miami
- Orlando at Detroit on ESPN
- Denver at Utah
posted by D$ at 8:58 PM
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