11/05/24
May 20, 2004
The Pistons smoke the Nets: and the NBA Conference Finals are set. But it's analysis time. Can anyone beat the Lakers? Will Cassell's back hold up? What about the season-long inevitability of the Pacers v. the Pistons? This is actually one of the most exciting final fours in recent memory, IMO. Bring it, ballers.
posted by Ufez Jones to basketball at 10:31 PM - 7 comments
Jason Kidd was held scoreless too. Byron Scott must be smiling today.
posted by usfbull at 06:35 AM on May 21, 2004
I'm glad after 6 months of playoffs we finally have four teams left. ... pistons vs lakers in the finals
posted by corpse at 08:24 AM on May 21, 2004
The only thing the Wolves have going for them is that absolutely no one thinks they can do it. Including me, I guess. I'd love to see it, but it's not gonna happen.
posted by cobra! at 09:10 AM on May 21, 2004
That was a serious ass-kicking. The Lake Show is more vulnerable than you think. I was really surprised they pulled off the Spur series. You have to give Phil a bit of credit for how he has been flexible this year, abandoning the triangle and letting Kobe freelance. I would say the Pistons have a better shot at beating the Lakers than Minnesota does. The best shot is if either the Pistons or Pacers come out of the East easy (4 to 5 games at the most) and the Wolves and Lakers beat the shit out of each other.
posted by vito90 at 09:12 AM on May 21, 2004
The only thing the Wolves have going for them is that absolutely no one thinks they can do it. Including me, I guess. I'd love to see it, but it's not gonna happen. The Wolves gave the Lakers all they could handle last year without Cassell and Spreewell. The Lakers are trading at 63% on Tradesports, so they're the favorites to win. I think that's a bit high ... I'd put them at 50/50 but I can't be objective because I hate them so much. The Pistons or the Pacers would give them trouble. The Pacers because they have Artest who would just mug Kobe all day. The Piston's because they have Wallace squared to throw at Shaq. Plus, the Brown system was pretty effective against the Lakers when he took Philly to the finals.
posted by Mike McD at 10:47 AM on May 21, 2004
the Brown system was pretty effective against the Lakers when he took Philly to the finals Imagine what that system will do to the Lakers with players that actually buy into it, and can run it the way it needs to run...
posted by MeatSaber at 12:25 PM on May 21, 2004
Can anyone beat the Lakers? One an only hope.