Tonight's Game: Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets
by Ben Q Rock on Apr 7, 2009 6:34 PM EDT
in 2008/2009 Previews
78 comments
Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets, Apr 7, 2009 8:30 PM EDT
UPDATE: Two Three things.
All subsequent Dwight Howard / Yao Ming discussion goes here.
Mickael Pietrus is out tonight due to a sprained right knee. Stan Van Gundy is not pleased:
"It's a frustrating thing for him and a frustrating thing for us," Van Gundy said.
Can't say that I blame him.
Anthony Johnson's ironman streak will end, as he suffered a bruised cornea in practice due to--you guessed it--Dwight Howard. A.J. had played in all the Magic's prior games this season.
No GameThread comments at all tonight. Earlier, I said I'd clean 'em up and re-open this thread. That's changed. I'm going to relax during the game. After the game, I'll delete the offending comments and issue warnings.
Onward:
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 57-19 | 49-28 | |
| April 7th, 2009 | ||
| Toyota Center | ||
| 8:30 PM | ||
| FSN Florida | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Rafer Alston | PG | Aaron Brooks |
| Courtney Lee | SG | Shane Battier |
| Hedo Turkoglu | SF | Ron Artest |
| Rashard Lewis | PF | Luis Scola |
| Dwight Howard | C | Yao Ming |
| Previous Meetings: | ||
| November 22nd: Rockets 100, Magic 95 | ||
As Brian Schmitz noted yesterday, the Orlando Magic's game against the Houston Rockets tonight is their last one of the season against a playoff-bound team, and will provide their final chance to work against top-flight NBA competition (with no disrespect intended to the Grizzlies, Nets, Knicks, Bucks, and Bobcats). Understandably, the Rockets are also gearing-up for the playoffs themselves, a task made all the more important due to the San Antonio Spurs' loss of Manu Ginobili for the season. Currently, Houston stands only a half-game back of San Antonio for the third seed in the West, so the Rockets have every incentive to try to move up.
The Rockets, I believe, present particular problems for the Magic, and as such I am very curious to see how Orlando handles them. Chief among these is the way they're able to handle Dwight Howard. And by "they're," I mean, "Yao Ming is." The statistics are jarring: In 8 head-to-head matchups with Yao, Dwight has averaged a measly 12.1 points on 45.1% shooting to go with 9.8 rebounds. Those numbers aren't affected by much "noise" either, as he's never scored more than 21 points or grabbed more than 12 rebounds. And this is to say nothing of the degree to which Yao improves his game against Howard. If the Magic can get their offense running in spite of Howard's career-long struggles against Yao, they should be in pretty good shape.
The operative word in that last sentence is "running." Houston plays at a relatively slow pace and struggles to score in transition, averaging a league-worst 8.9 fast-break points per game. To be fair, their fast-break defense is above-average (13th), but the Magic should nonetheless look to get off to the races, whenever possible, especially against Houston's unathletic power-position tandem of Yao and Luis Scola.
But back to the Magic's offense, which is our primary concern because Houston's offense (15th) is no great shakes, and the Magic's defense (2nd) is top-notch. Additionally, the Rockets were able to clamp down on the Magic in the second half of their only prior meeting this season, holding them to 42 points on 13-of-41 shooting after intermission. Orlando needs to find ways to score in the half-court, with Howard possibly neutralized by foul trouble and/or Yao. In Ron Artest and Shane Battier, Houston employs two of the league's best perimeter defenders. They figure to take turns defending Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, which leaves me wondering whom Scola will cover. Looking at the team's personnel (Hello, Chuck Hayes), it's easy to understand how it fields the Western Conference's best overall defense, and the league's 4th-best overall.
So tune in tonight for a possible playoff preview, at least in terms of style and atmosphere. Also see what sort of reception Rafer Alston (acquired from Houston at the trading deadline) and Lewis (a graduate of nearby Alief Elsik High School) receive in their homecomings. Go Magic.
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Can't wait for tonights game
I hate you Rafer Alston, I hate you so very much
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if he hates Rafer Alston? *ponders*
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
.. to be fair, he pointed out he was making that comment tongue-in-cheek.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol I just thought it was funny :D
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
bitterness
"In order for us to make a move, It has to make sense" - Otis Smith's favorite saying
by magic12ball on Apr 7, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm really impressed with the way Houston's come together without TMac (and Alston)
Patrick Ewing theory in action!
There’s no doubt, to me, that any Jameer vs Alston debate is laughable. Jameer is far and away the better player, and the success the Magic have had since Alston came aboard is more of a testament to the rest of the Magic’s lineup as well as SVG. Alston certainly has his strengths though, and SVG has utilized him well, playing into his strengths without exposing his weaknesses.
That being said, we wouldn’t be where we are now w/o having gotten Alston. We weren’t going to be poised for a deep playoff run with Dad running the offense for a full game.
As for the future, I can only hope that having him come off the bench next year works as well as I think it will… OR that the Magic’s success the latter portion of this season has raised Alston’s trade value to the point where we can parlay him into someone else of good quality.
by RussL on Apr 7, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This post...
explains exactly what the Rockets were doing with Rafer except instead of our Dad running offense we had our little brother Aaron Brooks. When Rockets GM Morey saw a bad need at Orlando for a veteran PG he knew it was time to make that deal and it looks it’s working out for everyone so far. We’ll have to wait and see who Memphis takes with to know for sure though…
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, don't count on the Grizzlies to get an impact player.
Orlando’s pick is going to be in the bottom 25-30. Coupled with the fact this year’s Draft is weak and I doubt Memphis will snag anyone special.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
But if memory serves me they do have several first round picks this year and could potentially package a couple of those and trade up for better talent but again, that’s pretty unlikely unless they REALLY like someone.
Come to think of it, Memphis could have a pretty competitive squad next year with a couple of solid moves.
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston is far better off without McGrady this season.
.. and it wasn’t like T-Mac was putting up sterling numbers either. Tracy was merely average this season. Not that hard to replace an average player on a team (Von Wafer is doing a nice job, look at the comparison below and you’ll see what I mean), especially when the easiest solution (which is what the Rockets have done) is allocate more minutes/responsibilities to Artest and Co.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
aw I hate it when I miss all the fun! :(
This game should be fun to watch. It was either Steele or Goukas who said the other day that the game we lost to them in November felt like an entirely different team was playing. Interesting to see how this game plays out, with Jameer out, McUseless out, Rafer here instead of there, Cook warming the bench there instead of here…
Yeah, it’s gonna be awesome.
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, Rafer
How I hate you so….
You guys will too when he starts jacking up horrible shots and killing possessions. Just wait.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 7, 2009 1:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
SVG will keep him in line
Since he’s come to Orlando, he’s driving to the basket more rather than taking ill-advised jumpshots. His FTs per game since he’s been here is the highest of his career, and thats with fewer minutes played. He’s taking less three’s, and while his 3pt % is down, his overall FG % is up, due to better shot selection and taking it to the basket.
by RussL on Apr 7, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The problem is that he's not a good finisher
Maybe he has been in Orlando, but I haven’t seen it in the 3-4 games of yours I’ve watched with him there
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't need to be a good finisher because Dwight, more often than not, will finish for him.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
.. and don't forget about Skip's contributions on the defensive end of the floor.
Rafer has been a teeny bit better defensively since arriving to Orlando from Houston. Now, obviously one of the reasons for this fact is that the Magic are a teeny bit better defensively than the Rockets. Also, having Dwight Howard in the paint to clean things up also helps. But still ..
http://www.82games.com/0809/0809HOUP.HTM
http://www.82games.com/0809/0809ORLP.HTM
RussL’s point alluding to Alston being a bit better offensively carries merit (above and below).
http://www.82games.com/0809/08HOU2.HTM
http://www.82games.com/0809/08ORL2.HTM
.. if you scroll down, you’ll see that Rafer’s eFG% allowed is a little lower.
I’ll finish by saying that, because Howard is in the lane, Alston has been able to be a bit more aggressive defensively and as a result, Rafer’s steal % has improved to 3.4% (which would be among the league leaders if extrapolated over a full year).
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So anyway
Rank the top 5 centers in the league, this should be more productive
1. Yao Ming – He’s the king until DHo can right the ship versus him
2. Dwight Howard – The most athletically gifted center since Hakeem Olajuwon. I find it very interesting looking at Dwight’s last two years and Hakeem’s first few years in the league (just to equalize age a tiny bit). Hakeem was extremely raw, had only a couple of offensive moves that didn’t include just slamming it down your throat, and was a great rebounder based on athleticism more than positioning. Hakeem also block shots into the stands instead of to teammates early. It’s eery to see the similarities, and I, for one, am excited about the possibilities.
3. Al Jefferson – It is such a shame that he tore his ACL this year
4. Shaq – He can still bring it against the big boys
5. I have no idea, Bynum on potential alone?
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yao Ming is the king? LOL, what?!??!
Um.
A) Can he play a full season first? (Dwight has missed what, 3 games in his NBA CAREER?!?!?)
B) Can he get out of the first round? (Dwight has)
C) Will he ever finish in the top 5 of MVP voting? (Dwight has/will)
Case closed.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Apr 7, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
forgot you were a rockets fan...
talk about rose-colored glasses, WOW.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Apr 7, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rebuttal
A) That has nothing to do with skill, nothing
B) DHo plays in the East, this year that’s a much bigger feat, but I guarantee you that the odds of the top 3 winning in the east are still much higher than the top 3 winning in the west
C) So what? So Yao’s not popular with writers, mostly because they have perpetuated what they want about him because he is from China. He would have finished there if it had not been for injuries last year.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
None of the things you listed, DSK, have anything to do with skill.
a.) No skill is involved in being healthy or hurt.
b.) Getting out of the first round is conducive on external factors that one player can’t entirely control.
c.) MVP voting is a terrible barometer to gauge how good a player is.
Dwight is better than Yao but those aren’t the reasons why. The empirical evidence I showed below are the reasons why. You can’t deny the numbers .. they don’t lie.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
a) I never said it had anything to do with skill, please go back and read my post. I’m implying, “can we see him play a full season before anointing him as the best center in the NBA?” Thought that was easy enough to decipher, but I’ll continue.
b) Getting out of the first round is conducive to external factors, yes, indeed it is. One player can’t control it, but this Magic team wasn’t getting out of the first round last year without Dwight Howard, because of Dwight they did. Rockets? Still haven’t done it.
c) MVP voting? A terrible barometer to gauge how good a player is? Lets not get ahead of ourselves here, I mean really. It’s a “terrible barometer?” So there have been many terrible MVP candidates in the top 5? Let’s look at things objectively here, at least. Coming from the king of stats, I’m really starting to feel you have a vendetta to just disagree with any point I make.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Apr 7, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m really starting to feel you have a vendetta to just disagree with any point I make.
That’s not the case at all.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course your reasons and the "empirical evidence you showed" are the reason why.
Of course. No one else can ever raise a good point, nope, never. Stats or the highway, move along, nothing to see.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Apr 7, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never say its stats or the highway.
Not sure if I said it here but I always believe that it’s important to balance both visual observation with statistical data. I don’t lean towards one or the other .. at least I don’t try to. When I see something, I like to see the numbers behind it, and go from there.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
uh
Howard is in the east, where you don’t face the Jazz in the first round every year…
Who gives a crap about MVP voting? That’s a terrible case to make.
Case not closed. Read my post about it on the dream shake
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 7, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The king of T-Mobile commercials?
I like his part better than Wade/Chuck, etc.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Apr 7, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO. Yao is hilarious in that commercial.
Yeah .. I’d have to do with Yao > Dwight in T-Mobile commercials.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh, I'd had to disagree. Head-to-head matchups aside .. Dwight > Yao.
Here we go ..
http://www.82games.com/0809/08HOU17.HTM
http://www.82games.com/0809/08ORL16.HTM
http://basketballprospectus.com/card.php?id=mingya01
http://basketballprospectus.com/card.php?id=howardw01
I can go on, but that should be enough empirical evidence to show that Dwight > Yao.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Howard will cleary be better and have the better overall career
He’s not better right now.
That’s not the question though, I said top 5. I expect Rockets fans to say Yao 1 and Magic fans to say Howard 1. I’m fine with that, just wondering the reasoning down to 5.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dwight has...
Yao has never played a whole season, Dwight has
Yao has never lead the league in rebouding, Dwight has
Yao has never been first team all NBA, Dwight has
Yao has never been out of the first round, Dwight has
Yao has never been a dunk champion winner, Dwight has
Yao will never EVER be a DPOY, Dwight will be this season
Yao needs all of Asia to get Allstar votes because he’s chinese (for the west).
(For the East) Dwight gets Allstar votes from all over the world because he has a gold medal
"In order for us to make a move, It has to make sense" - Otis Smith's favorite saying
by magic12ball on Apr 7, 2009 2:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dwight has
lost to Yao 6 out of 8 times
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and still got all the accolades I mentioned about
"In order for us to make a move, It has to make sense" - Otis Smith's favorite saying
by magic12ball on Apr 7, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, throw out team accomplishments. Head-to-head matchups are irrelevant ..
.. because they’re reliant on the production of external factors. Things Dwight or Yao can’t control.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, however:
Howard has been significantly under his season stats against Yao. Putting him at his typical stats would have flipped that statement
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you still can't judge players on how they face off against each other ..
.. if you did that, then certain players who thrive off other certain players would be listed “better” with that type of thinking. I’m not dismissing the nation that Yao has played better than Dwight in h2h match-ups, because it’s true, but I can’t support the argument that Yao is better than Dwight overall. He’s not.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Throw out team accomplishments.
.. because the level of competition in the East v. West is starkly different. The East is top heavy this year, whereas the West is deep.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That said
The top 3 teams in the East could easily be considered the three best teams in the NBA.
I’d rank it 1. Cleveland. 2. LA 3. Orlando 4. Boston right now. But an argument can be made for LA at 4 with no Bynum
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dwight...
As far the rebounding goes, Scola/Landry/Hayes suck up a lot of rebounds that Howard gets on his team because Lewis is essentially a G who happens to be 6’10’’ or so.
Yao also has the ability to box out several players while the PF gets the rebound. Not everything is about numbers. Either way, Howard’s number are VERY impressive.
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is true .. the way in how players attain their numbers is a valid thing to point out.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
However,
I don’t think Yao would putting up the rebound numbers that Howard has if they switched places, but I do think that he would be around 11 or 12 a game, rather than just under 10.
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Please, you can’t compare injuries! Or accolades! Or first round! Or you’ll get roasted on this board, all opinions by Magic fans are void if they aren’t backed by “statistical empirical evidence!!!”
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Apr 7, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HERE
This is what I have to say on this:
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 7, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
link:
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 7, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting argument. Again, I'd throw out team accomplishments (I sound like a broken record, sorry).
.. I would agree with everything except for Post Defense. You noted that Howard has a tendency to struggle against big man that can shoot jumpers (a problem with all big men, in general). That doesn’t have to do with post defense, though .. because said player isn’t executing his moves to the back of the basket. I think your sentence would fit in more with perimeter defense. Just my opinion, obviously.
I still believe, given the numbers I provided, that Dwight > Yao but by no means is there a clear “winner” in the debate. Aside from the intangibles one rates (which can be judged subjectively if one isn’t careful) .. either way, it’s really close.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I think you could say that they’re equal in the post.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 7, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that's what I would rate both as. Equal.
.. like I said, you were pretty much dead-on with everything else. That was the only thing that immediately caught my eye and figured I’d point out to you.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's pretty much my point ER
If you get to a “they’re pretty much equal” where I have, I use the H2H to make my decision. I would never say someone is crazy for choosing Howard though, I just simply don’t agree
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah .. I guess we'll agree to disagree.
That’s the beauty of debate. We both could butcher this discussion to the ground so ..
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I truly enjoy watching Dwight Howard play all but 2 – 9 times out of the year
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt. I'm a Yao fan myself and appreciate his unique skillset.
I know it’s hard for him to stay healthy sometimes, given his height.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
omg you guys
I come back and there are another 60 comments.
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 3:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's been a big day...
Lots of “discussion” going on…
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kidding. Whew.
.. this is the most active pre-game discussion we’ve had this year. I can only wonder what the game discussion will be like ..
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey guys
I was just on Houston radio station 1560AM The Game and dropped a “thirdquartercollapse.com” on them.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
For background, I do a weekly segment or two with them now
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(jealousy brewing...)
has Dave been on yet?
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 7, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, you got a comment today about your Yao/DHo post though
David Nuno, the radio host we do the show with is in Magic fans’ corner on this one, just as an aside
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's awesome, man. That's for the shout-out .. we appreciate it.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course
This is one of the best SBNation sites around, and that’s to say NBA blogs in general. I love coming over here.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're flattered. We try to do the best we can .. ya'll do a fine job yourselves too.
Like I say countless times around here, I’m always open to friendly debate and discussion. I’m liking the discussion we’re having right now, it’s been entertaining and fun so far (for the most part).
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing 127 comments (128 now)
is a pre-game record?
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah .. by a landslide.
Depending on the opponent, we can get up to 50 pre-game comments. Obviously as the community keeps growing, that number will rise but today is a record.
Our live game thread record is 1150 comments .. that was set against Boston a few weeks back. All Magic fans participating, for the most part. I’m curious to see if we can smash that record tonight ..
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
erivera quote from Pimp C
HTown represent!
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No doubt. Huge hip-hop head and of course, huge fan of UGK.
I grew up in the South and have visited Houston a few years back (awesome city, would love to live there), so I have an appreciation for UGK. It hit me hard when he passed away two years ago .. I grew up listening to him and Bun B for years. True legends of southern hip-hop. Their legacy will always be remembered.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's up with that bulge in ya khakis
You wanna pack a gat but you still ain’t got teh pull to come and jack me?
You betta bring a gang load of homies when you think you wanna throw
Cuz by yourslef you runnin to the floor
I’ve been a fan since that song came out. I was too young at that time to have known about them before the Houston radio play, but I’ve been down ever since
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice. Well, we certainly have something to agree on in that regard!
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I spent, like, 45 minutes making graphs and stuff comparing Dwight to Yao....
But now I’m not so sure I want to post them. Too rowdy in here.
by Ben Q Rock on Apr 7, 2009 3:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You don't want any of this ;-)
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 7, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Post them!
Put your two cents into the discussion .. I said my piece.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fine
by Ben Q Rock on Apr 7, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This discussion disappoints me so far.
I’m not sure what it is… can’t… quite… put my finger on it.
by RussL on Apr 7, 2009 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't imagine :|
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So how about them Yankees, eh?
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
I am so ready to watch Rafer try to win this game by himself.
And, as usual… he will fail.
by grungedave on Apr 7, 2009 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hope you guys all stick around when it's said and done.
However I have a strong feeling other than one or two of you, the majority will be absent and yes that’s an assumption, just as much as “ready to watch Rafer try to win this game by himself.” If you’re going to call me out for not being courteous, please call it both ways. Let’s Gitttt-IT-ON!!!
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Apr 7, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I said above, I was out of line for my comment. My fault.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeez...
I leave for a few days and Third Quarter Collapse explodes?!
Hello Houston Fans, I wish I would have been in here earlier for the discussion!
I still have bad dreams about the NBA Finals… I think that Finals was the first time I ever cussed at a television… It’s quite a habbit now.
Go Magic
by The Stan 'Stache on Apr 7, 2009 4:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Haha
Shaq probably still has nightmares about Hakeem in that series. lol
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But
If it makes you feel any better I still have nightmares about John Stockton icing a 3 to clinch the Western Conference Finals in ’98.
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and
…those tiny shorts…
John Stockton – The end of an era.
by The Stan 'Stache on Apr 7, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
gotta love the tiny shorts
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only if the player has the legs to pull them off though
Personally, I think there were a lot of players back then that could have used the baggy shorts to good effect. There are basketball fashions do’s and don’ts
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
by funny80sguy on Apr 7, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karl Malone set a killer moving pick. My goodness was that brutal.
by Ben Q Rock on Apr 7, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
But that’s just how Malone was. He was generally a dirty player. Remember when he knocked out Steve Nash’s tooth? That was brutal.
Basketball aside I think it’s badass that Malone is an active member of the NRA. (Yes, I’m from Texas. That’s how we do it haha)
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha
Karl Malone… with a gun.
I wouldn’t want to cross him.
by The Stan 'Stache on Apr 7, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't worry
you’ve got the ’stache to protect you
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karl also set a very loose standard for parenting
http://deadspin.com/384616/karl-malones-son-is-no-son-of-his
At least he and Cheryl Ford got athletic talent.
by konfucious on Apr 7, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
I have no idea Cheryl Ford was his daughter or Demetrius Bell for that matter. Karl Malone should be selling his you-know-what on the black market. He obviously makes professional athletes!
by Artest4Prez on Apr 7, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This game is a pick 'em by the oddsmakers...
The Magic started out as a 1 point favorite last night, but it’s now rated even.
The over/under is 187.
The Rockets have beaten the Magic in 7 of 9 games since Dwight Howard was drafted by the Magic; hopefully the Magic change that tonight.
The Magic are 18-5 since they traded for Rafer Alston.
I probably won’t be around too much on the game thread tonight, since it looks like there are going to be tons of comments, which my slow computer can’t keep up with.
Go Magic!
by Mike from Illinois on Apr 7, 2009 5:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
follow along with some picks and you'll be able to buy a FASSSST computer =)
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Apr 7, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great
Another game on FSN, which is still blacked out on my tv…sigh
Shaq sucks.
by Paul Finger on Apr 7, 2009 6:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
*pats*
you need to change your signature to “Brighthouse Sucks”
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That sucks man.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C
by erivera7 on Apr 7, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
....so
how about them Yankees?
:|
Obey the hat.
by TheGiantSquid on Apr 7, 2009 7:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Everyone chill.
Comments suspended until tip-off while I sort through this mess.
by Ben Q Rock on Apr 7, 2009 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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