Over four hours until tipoff. Everyone's looking forward to Heat/Celtics.

Knicks win 38 games this season.

http://www.nba.com/

I may actually watch a few games this year.

The NBA channel is YOUR friend.

I still don't feel like I've had a chance to savor LA's win over Boston. But the fact that the Association has must-see games on Opening Night amazes me. Not even BOS-LA could draw like any game between MIA and a contender will.

And yeah, uptownNY, I see the Knicks as a potential playoff outlier. Especially if they can make a move before 2010 is out.

namepeace said:

I still don't feel like I've had a chance to savor LA's win over Boston. But the fact that the Association has must-see games on Opening Night amazes me. Not even BOS-LA could draw like any game between MIA and a contender will.

And yeah, uptownNY, I see the Knicks as a potential playoff outlier. Especially if they can make a move before 2010 is out.

Knicks won't make the playoffs. Not unless they make a commitment to defense. I don't see that with this fraud of a coach.

62-50, Boston leading in the third.

League Pass, baby. Although I'm only getting one extra game tonight that I won't even watch unless the Lakers game is a blowout (Go Lakers!). But the thirteen games tomorrow night? Woo-hoo! Excited about that.

Miami has made a nice comeback on Boston. Got to admit I didn't see it happening. It's a good sign whether they win or not.

If both teams can stay healthy I see a Celtics - Lakers rubber match in the finals in June

uPtoWnNY said:

Over four hours until tipoff. Everyone's looking forward to Heat/Celtics.

Knicks win 38 games this season.

http://www.nba.com/

This must be the consensus for Knicks fans, because I took a long look at the schedule and I guessed that they would win 37. They have a killer 25 game stretch in the middle of the season. However, I think there are possibilities for this team. First of all, you can't discount the big improvement at the point. People say that Felton is an average PG. Even if that is true, it is so much better than having Duhon at the point. Plus, I am not giving up hope that there will be trades (specifically one) that will have a significant impact on the team.

I am bummed that I have an engagement tonight at 7, right when the Knicks season opens. That is the beauty of DVR I suppose.

Darwintheorgangrinder said: However, I think there are possibilities for this team. First of all, you can't discount the big improvement at the point. People say that Felton is an average PG. Even if that is true, it is so much better than having Duhon at the point. Plus, I am not giving up hope that there will be trades (specifically one) that will have a significant impact on the team.

Not unless they get serious about defense and rebounding. They do neither.

uPtoWnNY said:

Darwintheorgangrinder said: However, I think there are possibilities for this team. First of all, you can't discount the big improvement at the point. People say that Felton is an average PG. Even if that is true, it is so much better than having Duhon at the point. Plus, I am not giving up hope that there will be trades (specifically one) that will have a significant impact on the team.

Not unless they get serious about defense and rebounding. They do neither.

Well, you were basically right the first time. D'Antoni doesn't emphasize either. If they are able to add another Piece (Paul or 'Melo), then they may need to look at replacing the staff, perhaps in-season.

Of all the teams in the league it's the Knicks I'm most expecting to make some moves during the season. Denver is playing it tough will Melo - I'm not sure the Knicks are willing to give up enough to get him. But Chris Paul did an interview yesterday with some VERY suspect NON-answers to a lot of questions. He gave the ol' "I want to be here" speech, too. But we know that doens't really mean anything.

Go Lakers! Woot! Great game last night. Thought they were losing that one for sure.

No 82-0 for Miami. How long until Riley takes over?

Cerebus said:

Of all the teams in the league it's the Knicks I'm most expecting to make some moves during the season. Denver is playing it tough will Melo - I'm not sure the Knicks are willing to give up enough to get him. But Chris Paul did an interview yesterday with some VERY suspect NON-answers to a lot of questions. He gave the ol' "I want to be here" speech, too. But we know that doens't really mean anything.

Go Lakers! Woot! Great game last night. Thought they were losing that one for sure.

No 82-0 for Miami. How long until Riley takes over?

A Melo deal will get done - Denver has until the trading deadline. I doubt it involves the Knicks. Chandler, Gallinari, Curry's expiring contract and a pick for one of the top five players in the league? I wouldn't make that deal.

I expected Riley to be on the sidelines by halftime of last night's game.

[Edited 10/27/10 12:28pm]

uPtoWnNY said:

Cerebus said:

Of all the teams in the league it's the Knicks I'm most expecting to make some moves during the season. Denver is playing it tough will Melo - I'm not sure the Knicks are willing to give up enough to get him. But Chris Paul did an interview yesterday with some VERY suspect NON-answers to a lot of questions. He gave the ol' "I want to be here" speech, too. But we know that doens't really mean anything.

Go Lakers! Woot! Great game last night. Thought they were losing that one for sure.

No 82-0 for Miami. How long until Riley takes over?

A Melo deal will get done - Denver has until the trading deadline. I doubt it involves the Knicks. Chandler, Gallinari, Curry's expiring contract and a pick for one of the top five players in the league? I wouldn't make that deal.

I expected Riley to be on the sidelines by halftime of last night's game.

[Edited 10/27/10 12:28pm]

U know that it is coming..............

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

A Melo deal will get done - Denver has until the trading deadline. I doubt it involves the Knicks. Chandler, Gallinari, Curry's expiring contract and a pick for one of the top five players in the league? I wouldn't make that deal.

I expected Riley to be on the sidelines by halftime of last night's game.

[Edited 10/27/10 12:28pm]

U know that it is coming..............

If they go on some long winning streaks I don't see it happening soon. Unfortunately for Spoelstra (sp?), if they're doing well at the 3/4 pole that may actually be MORE incentive for Riley to take over in an attempt to get another ring. However, if the guy can't figure out how to actually COACH LeBron within a team context, I think he'll be gone sooner rather than later. You could have put Cavs jerseys on the Heat last night and it would have looked like LeBron never left.

Cerebus said:

Graycap23 said:

U know that it is coming..............

If they go on some long winning streaks I don't see it happening soon. Unfortunately for Spoelstra (sp?), if they're doing well at the 3/4 pole that may actually be MORE incentive for Riley to take over in an attempt to get another ring. However, if the guy can't figure out how to actually COACH LeBron within a team context, I think he'll be gone sooner rather than later. You could have put Cavs jerseys on the Heat last night and it would have looked like LeBron never left.

I feel bad for Spoelstra, because you know he's getting the knife in the back. Ask Stan Van Gundy.

Even if he lasts the season and Miami finishes with 60+ wins, It's still championship or bust. Losing to Boston in the conference finals is not an option.

uPtoWnNY said:

Cerebus said:

If they go on some long winning streaks I don't see it happening soon. Unfortunately for Spoelstra (sp?), if they're doing well at the 3/4 pole that may actually be MORE incentive for Riley to take over in an attempt to get another ring. However, if the guy can't figure out how to actually COACH LeBron within a team context, I think he'll be gone sooner rather than later. You could have put Cavs jerseys on the Heat last night and it would have looked like LeBron never left.

I feel bad for Spoelstra, because you know he's getting the knife in the back. Ask Stan Van Gundy.

Even if he lasts the season and Miami finishes with 60+ wins, It's still championship or bust. Losing to Boston in the conference finals is not an option.

I totally agree. The only thing he has going for him right now is that Wade and Haslem really like the dude. A lot of people seem to think Riley is coming back next season no matter what. You're right that a championship is probably the only thing that could prevent that from happening.

Cerebus said:

uPtoWnNY said:

I feel bad for Spoelstra, because you know he's getting the knife in the back. Ask Stan Van Gundy.

Even if he lasts the season and Miami finishes with 60+ wins, It's still championship or bust. Losing to Boston in the conference finals is not an option.

I totally agree. The only thing he has going for him right now is that Wade and Haslem really like the dude. A lot of people seem to think Riley is coming back next season no matter what. You're right that a championship is probably the only thing that could prevent that from happening.

From everything I've read, it seems Wade prefers Spoelstra. We all know Riley is intense and drives his players into the ground. Ask Magic Johnson and Patrick Ewing about their practices. I don't think Wade wants to go through another season of boot camp with Pat the Rat.

Yeah the Sixers lead the Heat 25-24 after the 1st qtr.

I'll enjoy it while it last.

uPtoWnNY said:

Cerebus said:

I totally agree. The only thing he has going for him right now is that Wade and Haslem really like the dude. A lot of people seem to think Riley is coming back next season no matter what. You're right that a championship is probably the only thing that could prevent that from happening.

From everything I've read, it seems Wade prefers Spoelstra. We all know Riley is intense and drives his players into the ground. Ask Magic Johnson and Patrick Ewing about their practices. I don't think Wade wants to go through another season of boot camp with Pat the Rat.

Thank you.

Preach it.

Lakers fans with long memories know how Riles can run a team "into the ground" with grueling practices and short rotations. It works, but it's no fun for those who actually have to live through it.

RIP to ex-Blazer, Maurice 'The Enforcer' Lucas

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/sports/basketball/01lucas.html?_r=1&src=twrhp

I'm pissed because they seem to have dropped the NBA from the schedules on ESPN/Star Sports out here in Thailand!

uPtoWnNY said:

RIP to ex-Blazer, Maurice 'The Enforcer' Lucas

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/sports/basketball/01lucas.html?_r=1&src=twrhp

Say wha?

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

RIP to ex-Blazer, Maurice 'The Enforcer' Lucas

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/sports/basketball/01lucas.html?_r=1&src=twrhp

Say wha?

Yep, only 58 years old.

Sad to see Maurice Lucas go. He was with the Lakers for a minute as well.

namepeace said:

Sad to see Maurice Lucas go. He was with the Lakers for a minute as well.

He was with the Lakers for a year but they didn't make it to the finals.

That's when Coach Riley admitted he got caught up in the twin towers

concept and got back to playing Lakers Showtime basketball the next

season and the Lakers were winning titles again.

phunkdaddy said:

namepeace said:

Sad to see Maurice Lucas go. He was with the Lakers for a minute as well.

He was with the Lakers for a year but they didn't make it to the finals.

That's when Coach Riley admitted he got caught up in the twin towers

concept and got back to playing Lakers Showtime basketball the next

season and the Lakers were winning titles again.

I remember that. When Riles told Magic to Take Over, they were off to the races. Cap was still effective, and reliable, but you're right, the re-re-invention of the team resulted in what is still, in my mind, the Greatest Laker Team of All Time, and for my money, the greatest team ever from '86-'87.

Funny, Houston was the only team to knock off the Lakers in the Western Conferemce from 1980 to 1989, and of course, the C's beat Houston to win two of their 3 80's titles.

namepeace said:

phunkdaddy said:

He was with the Lakers for a year but they didn't make it to the finals.

That's when Coach Riley admitted he got caught up in the twin towers

concept and got back to playing Lakers Showtime basketball the next

season and the Lakers were winning titles again.

I remember that. When Riles told Magic to Take Over, they were off to the races. Cap was still effective, and reliable, but you're right, the re-re-invention of the team resulted in what is still, in my mind, the Greatest Laker Team of All Time, and for my money, the greatest team ever from '86-'87.

Funny, Houston was the only team to knock off the Lakers in the Western Conferemce from 1980 to 1989, and of course, the C's beat Houston to win two of their 3 80's titles.

They would rank up there but i was more impressed with the 1982 team that beat my Sixers

4-2. That was one hell of a team. It seemed like those guys came at you in waves. It was like

they had a second unit coming off the bench that could beat most teams in the NBA with the

likes of Bob McAdoo. Norm Nixon was just fucking sick that year. I seen this guy put a move on

Mo Cheeks that was just sick. While coming up the court dude dude stopped at the three point

line dribbled behind his back and fired and hit nothing but net with Cheeks in his face. It seemed

like he was just a tad quicker than Cheeks.

phunkdaddy said:

namepeace said:

I remember that. When Riles told Magic to Take Over, they were off to the races. Cap was still effective, and reliable, but you're right, the re-re-invention of the team resulted in what is still, in my mind, the Greatest Laker Team of All Time, and for my money, the greatest team ever from '86-'87.

Funny, Houston was the only team to knock off the Lakers in the Western Conferemce from 1980 to 1989, and of course, the C's beat Houston to win two of their 3 80's titles.

They would rank up there but i was more impressed with the 1982 team that beat my Sixers

4-2. That was one hell of a team. It seemed like those guys came at you in waves. It was like

they had a second unit coming off the bench that could beat most teams in the NBA with the

likes of Bob McAdoo. Norm Nixon was just fucking sick that year. I seen this guy put a move on

Mo Cheeks that was just sick. While coming up the court dude dude stopped at the three point

line dribbled behind his back and fired and hit nothing but net with Cheeks in his face. It seemed

like he was just a tad quicker than Cheeks.

Yeah that 82 Lakers team was sick, you could be up 10 points on them and then in an instant they go on a 30-10 run and break the game open running up and down the court. I think that 82 Lakers team could take any of the all time great teams in NBA history and win a 7 game series easy.

Abdul said:

phunkdaddy said:

They would rank up there but i was more impressed with the 1982 team that beat my Sixers

4-2. That was one hell of a team. It seemed like those guys came at you in waves. It was like

they had a second unit coming off the bench that could beat most teams in the NBA with the

likes of Bob McAdoo. Norm Nixon was just fucking sick that year. I seen this guy put a move on

Mo Cheeks that was just sick. While coming up the court dude dude stopped at the three point

line dribbled behind his back and fired and hit nothing but net with Cheeks in his face. It seemed

like he was just a tad quicker than Cheeks.

Yeah that 82 Lakers team was sick, you could be up 10 points on them and then in an instant they go on a 30-10 run and break the game open running up and down the court. I think that 82 Lakers team could take any of the all time great teams in NBA history and win a 7 game series easy.

I won't disagree!