Conference 7.286::sports_91

    The Blazers continued their winning ways last night, whipping the
    Dallas Mavericks 110-92.  Cliff Robinson came off the bench to score
    22 big points to help with the win.  This is the 10th straight win
    for the Blazers and the 5th game in a row that the Blazers have
    held their opponent to under 100 points.  They set a new club record
    for road wins in a season last night.  They have won 25 road games
    this year.  There are two more big road games this week before hosting
    the Lakers on Saturday.  They will play the Rockets on Tues. and
    the Spurs on Wed.
    
    Glen.

    A HUGE win for the Blazers last night in Houston!  The Blazers came
    back from 12 down in the 3rd quarter to lead by 8 at the end of
    the 3rd!  They never looked back from there.
    
    Big game in San Antonio tonight!
    
    Glen.

    Blazers won again - now have taken 12 in a row!!!  Pretty impressive,
    especially considering their March swoon that had certain Laker fans
    salivating.
    
    NAZZ

    Nazz, Portland's swoon was a direct result of Cliff Robinson's injury.
    I still think they are the team to beat - if healthy. And I think the
    Rockets are going to e dangerous, real dangerous in the playoffs,
    assuming that they haven't peaked too soon (always a real possiblity).
    
    As far as I'm concerned, I see no shoo-ins for the Finals, or even
    strong favorites. The team that is healthy and hitting on all cylinders
    will be there. That, IMO, is more true this year than ever. 
    
    Example : In the East, Isiah's return makes the Pistons a real threat
    to win it again. The Knicks were playing well, then tapered off. That
    is not a team you want to see too early. In the West, Houston and
    Portland have dominated in the 2nd half. But Strickland is back for the
    Spurs, the Suns look OK .....

    What's going on with Walter Davis.  Some games he hasn't played at all
    and others he's only getting a couple of minutes.
    
    IMNSHO Walter could be the crucial ingredient to push Portland over the
    top.  When playoff time comes and they start playing some 'D' in the
    NBA he'll provide instant offense off the bench.  The guy can flat out
    score.
    
    So, what gives.
    
    
    - ACC Chris

    Suns are gonna head for an early exit if they don't get more people
    healthy.  They won't go anywhere with KJ, Majerle, and Chambers in
    street clothes.
    
    Mike

    First of all, Cliff Robinson was not injured during the "swoon"
    in March.  Mark Bryant is the only Blazer that has been out for
    an injury in the last two months.  Jerome Kersey was also having
    more problems with his calf then and I think that's why the team
    was sliding then.  People don't realize what a force Jerome is for
    the Blazers.
    
    Secondly, Walter Davis was out for a couple of games because of
    a strained knee.  Nothing serious, and he is playing again.  He
    scored 6 points last night in the win over the Spurs.  He has not
    been shooting as well as he can since coming to the team.  I don't
    know why, maybe because he not getting enough minutes.(only about
    10-15 per game.)
    
    Glen.

    re .6
    
    Mike, the Suns are playing it smart. Might as well let them come back
    100%, instead of rushing them back to aggravate an old injury.
    
    Besides, when the Puns get toasted by LA or Houston, you have a
    built-in Execellent Loss Excuse (ELE) (tm) handy ... :-)
    
    Doc

>    Besides, when the Puns get toasted by LA or Houston, you have a
>    built-in Execellent Loss Excuse (ELE) (tm) handy ... :-)
    
    As it stands now, Houston will play LA in the first round.  I doubt LA
    will survive them this time.
    
    Mike

    Given the state of the Lakers interior defense (bad against quick
    guards like Kenny Smith and Vernon Maxwell penetrating), you may be
    right. But I would not bet the house against Magic and Worthy elevating
    their game for the playoffs either. Especially Worthy. If he follows
    his usual pattern of boosting is regular season numbers for the
    post-season, LA will go deep into the playoffs ...
    
    Besides Mike, our whole discussion may be moot. Houston, Utah, and San
    Antonio are separated by ONE game in the loss column. This whole
    business won't be settled until the final day of the season.
    
    Doc

	There Sepatated by 2 games now, utah and Houston both lost last night

	SAN ANTONIO	51 25 	7.5
	UTAH		50 27	9
	Houston		49 27	9.5

	San Antonia plays at seattle tonight.
	Tomorow Houston is at Sacramento and Denvers at Utah (2 wins)

	Theres only 2 (3) spots that are more or less set in the playoff
	picture.  Portland will take the #1 spot in the west and Atlanta
	will have the 6th in the east.  The rest is up for grabs.  I could
	say that Chicago has more or less clinched the #1 spot in the east
	but I dont want to jinx them.

	What are the chances with a LAKER win on saturday of the lakers
	catching portland ?  I guess orlando will have to beat portland on
	sunday to keep things intresting out there in the west race.  Go
	Orlando :-) :-)...

	The Big Question....Will Denver get its 20th W this season, they
	play the clippers tonight and utah tomorow ?

    If the SA, Utah, and Houston teams are only separated by 2 games and
    the playoff spots are up for grabs, how is Chicago's 2 game lead over
    the Celtics clinched?

    but Mac, that's different! ;-)
    
    I think Seattle has #8 locked up in the West.
    
    re: Worthy & LA vs. Houston
    
    Mrs. Worthy is gonna be pi$$ed if that comes true and James will
    literally disappear due to fatigue.  Those low post spin moves will do
    it every time.
    
    Mike

    re: -3
    
    If the Lakers beat Portland on Saturday, they will be 2 games back
    with 4 games left.  That means the Lakers would have to win all
    of their games and Portland would have to lose 2 of their last four.
    Portland's last four look like this- Orlando at home, Houston at
    home, Sacremento at home, and Phoenix in Phoenix.  It is possible
    that the Blazers could lose to Houston and Phoenix, so the Lakers
    are still in it!  If the Blazers win Saturday, though, the Pacific
    division is all their's!
    
    Glen.

>    If the Lakers beat Portland on Saturday, they will be 2 games back
>    with 4 games left.  That means the Lakers would have to win all
>    of their games and Portland would have to lose 2 of their last four.
>    Portland's last four look like this- Orlando at home, Houston at
>    home, Sacremento at home, and Phoenix in Phoenix.  It is possible
>    that the Blazers could lose to Houston and Phoenix, so the Lakers
>    are still in it!  If the Blazers win Saturday, though, the Pacific
>    division is all their's!
    
     i.e., Portland has virtually clinched the top spot.

    Well, the Blazers wrapped up the Pacific Division title on Saturday
    with a home win over the Lakers 118-115.  The Blazers looked very
    good in the first half especially, and lead by 20 in the 3rd.  The
    Lakers made a strong comeback in the 3rd, however, and actually
    took the lead 91-90.  The Blazers would not be denied and came back
    in the 4th to win by 3.  Clyde Drexler was the player of the game
    with 31 points.  If anyone thought he wasn't MVP material before,
    they should've changed their mind by now!
    
    The Blazers also won last night at home against the Magic 139-119.
    This guarantees the Blazers will end the season with the best record
    in the NBA.  It was their 14th win in a row!
    
    Glen.
    

    There still all sepearted by 1 game with 4 games each left, them of
    course being San Antonio, Utah and Houston.  ALl 3 teams play tonight
    sacramentos at Utah (I think utah can handle this one) and Houston is
    at PORTLAND.  Now that portland has clinched Homecourt thruout will
    they let down.  Houston Needs this win to stay in the race with SA,
    SA plays the Clippers at SA tonight.  The only wrapped up spots are
    Portland and Lakers (#1, #3) but the bulls are very close being up
    1.5 with 3 games left (4 for boston who play detroit tonight).
    Chicago now travels to Miami and Charlotte, IF they win these 2 its
    over. (Majic number for Chicago is 2).  The rest of the Playoff seeds
    are up for grabs, you can guess who will play who but any of them can
    still change, the Chicago VS NY and Boston VS Indiana could become
    reality tonight.  A boston lose to Detroit, Indianas at NJ and NY has
    the Sixers in town....1 week left....GO BULLS
    								M_Air

    >Clyde Drexler was the player of the game     
    >with 31 points.  If anyone thought he wasn't MVP material before,
    >they should've changed their mind by now!
    
    I haven't.  All of Clyde's prayers were dropping on Saturday.  That
    usually doesn't happen.  His inconsistency from the outside and his
    willingness to take bad shots still holds him back.
    
    Dan

    Re: -1
    
    Dan's right (did I say that? ;-)).  Poor decision making by Clyde and
    other team members are the reason why Portland blows many big leads.
    
    They're going to have it tough in the playoffs if they continue to play
    without thinking.
    
    Mike

    Seattle is only one game behind Golden State for the 7th spot in
    the West, but GS has beaten Seattle 3 out of 4, so the Warriors
    would be seeded #7 if the send up with identical records.
    
    NAZZ

    re: -2
    
    How can you say that the Blazers play without thinking?!  I can't
    believe you think a team with 62 wins and still counting doesn't
    think!  I suppose noone on the Suns takes ill advised shots at times!
    Clyde is a lot more consistant than all of you guys think, and believe
    me, you'll see it in the playoffs.
    
    Now that that's out of the way, the Blazers stomped the Rockets
    last night 115-96 in Portland to run their win streak to 15 games!
    The Blazers not only beat the Rockets easily, they did it with their
    starters on the bench resting!
    
    Glen.

    The Blazers are finally off and running this year.  After a slow
    1-3 start, they have come back to win three in a row.  They have
    won those three games in impressive fashon, beating Indiana by 25,
    Boston by 26, and Denver by 38!  I think the team is finally playing
    their type of basketball.  They are playing awesome defense!
    
    Everyone seems to be very impressed with Robert Pack.  He is the
    free agent rookie who bumped Walter Davis off the team.  I think
    it was the right move for the Blazers.  Pack is one exciting player!
    
    Glen.

    I watched a little bit of the Nuggets game last night after it was
    delayed for more than an hour because they had to clean up condensation
    on the floor.  Nuggets lost their 2nd straight road game and played
    terrible last night, not to take anything away from the Blazers.  It
    was 63-26 at the half and I figured I wouldn't miss a hell of a lot if
    I went to bed.  Denver, as is becoming their trademark, shot terrible
    last night.  Mutombo was averaging 16 rebounds before last night's
    game; I don't know how he did last night.  Portland plays at Denver
    Saturday night.
    
    
    Joe

    $ set mode/sarcasm=high
    
    Was anyone else as impressed as I was with the Blazers court sense and
    intelligence yesterday?
    
    ...and Drexler fouled Larry on the 3 pointer to send it into OT. 
    Boston should have won it there at the end of regulation with a FT. 
    You have to wonder where Clyde's head was on that play!
    
    Mike

    It was an OFFENSIVE FOUL.  Clyde was playing great defense.  Anyone
    other than Bird would have missed the shot!
    
    Glen.

    It's no secret that Portland is the best team on paper in the league. 
    Now is their chance to prove it.
    
    Matchups:
    
    Duckworth - Cartwright     edge to Portland
    Williams  - Grant             even
    Kersey    - Pippen            ditto
    Drexler   - Jordan         slight edge to Chicago   
    Porter    - Paxson           Portland
    
    Benches:
    
    Portland is much deeper and has more talent on the bench. 
    
    The keys will be:
    
    * Home Court - Blazers haven't lost at home yet.  The "Champs" have
                   lost 2 at home and have struggled.  If they split the
                   first 2, Blazers could close it out at home (games 3-5
                   in Portland).
    * Rebounding - I don't believe the Bulls can clean the glass as well
                   as the Blazers.  The Bulls will have to rebound well to
                   keep Portland from running them out of the building.
    * Transition - Portland is obviously a better running team.  Turnovers
                   and poor rebounding will be the death of the Bulls.
                   Chicago will have to try to contain them and slow things
                   down into a half-court game to stay close.
    
    Not necessarily a key, but the Blazers are a better 3 point shooting
    team as well and aren't bashful about pulling the trigger.  
    
    Mike

    So, wanna make a guess on when Phil Jackson and company start whining
    about how physical Portland is?  The NBA won't allow Micheal to loose.
    
    LOok for the Bulls to win.  Portland front line in foul trouble all the
    time.
    
    JD

Cmon Mike, Duckworth's every bit the stiff the Carthwright is and softer. 
edge Bulls Agree on Buck and Grant. He maybe a girl disguised as a man but
Pippen certainly is more talented than Kersey edge Bulls. Like the runaway
for MVP Michael is that much better than Clyde. Big edge Bulls. Porter over 
Paxton agreed.

Benches are wash.....

mike

    I agree with Mikey, 5, maybe 6, Bulls.  Their road's been rocky
    thusfar, but I think that the week off will be they key to getting
    their focus back to their almost unstoppable regular season form.
    
    Duckworth may have his usual one big game per series, but Cartwright,
    the stiff that he is, is at least fairly consistent.  
    
    The Michael & Clyde match-up should be better than the Michael & Magic
    match-up of last year, but Jordan should toy with Clyde, if he wants
    to, that is...
    
    Hawk
    

    Come on JD give it a rest, the series hasnt even started yet and
    your already complaining about the refs.  MIkey already has his 
    ring Clyde the Glide, the latest addition to the olympics does not.
    So in your mind (JD) the only way the bulls can beat Portland is if
    the refs give it to them...... NOT.  This should be a good series but
    Im not putting any money down on either team, the NBA wins no matter
    who wins.  I think portland (Clyde) are getting very marketable and
    the NBA needs not worry who wins this series.  Although I dont think
    it makes a difference the best team should win the best 4 out of 7
    except when Injuries come into effect.  The refs can alter effect a
    game here and there but the best teams over come it.  SO instead of
    sweeping they may win 4-3 or 4-2 :-)....
    							M.Air.B

    	Kersey's gonna bodyslam Pippen in the first game and Scottie
    will disappear for the rest of the series with migraines, but Michael
    will be heroic in defeat.
    
    				/Don

    Yo Air Bore, er Brooks,
    
    First, I never said the only way the Bulls will win is because of the
    refs - you said it.  Second, I made a statement (with, if you can
    comprehend - means it is MY OPINION and not any fact - try to get that
    through your haid....)  that the refs will favor the Bulls.  Not going
    out on a limb - its been proven time and again.
    
    And remember, you were in here whining and making excuses when the Cavs
    won game 2.  
    
    Hey, enjoy the series, settle down with your Air Jordan inflatable doll
    and have fun.
    
    JD

    /Slash - I know what your talkin' about. I went out and bought a Rich
    Gedman inflatable doll after THE passed ball thinking I could kick it
    around when the cat wasn't in sight. Took too long to inflate. Had more
    fun lookin' for the cat.
    
    Rich
    

Now I KNOW that I'm faster than a Rich Gedman DOLL!


What an inspiration.....


;^)

    Geez /Don, I want Portland too.. find another thing to bet on so you
    can dress like Rodman Ford again..
    

    Portland in 6, if Chicago wins, I'd guess it would be a 5 game job.

    re .36
    
    Slash cain the house hold both YOU and inflateable Duckworth ?

>    Portland in 6, if Chicago wins, I'd guess it would be a 5 game job.

    
    	Portland in 6...FWIW
    
    B.A.

    	RE: .41
    
    	I was going to get a Dr. Midnight doll but they were all full
    of hot air.  8^)

    I tried to blow up a Bill Clinton inflatable doll but couldn't...
    
    It didn't inhale.
    
    Rich
    

Yeah, but old Bill is gonna be doing some blowin' tonight on Arsenio.

We're gonna get to hear the Curley of Campaign '92 honking on his sax.
Me?  I'm wet with excitment.....


(yawn)

'Saw

    This is Clyde's chance to finally get the recognition he deserves.  The
    only problem is he doesn't necessarily want it.  I think you'll see him
    match Jordan in scoring, but he'll try hard to get his teammates going. 
    That's the real key to this series.  Portland has some matchups that
    they need to exploit.  Duck-Cartwright is one.  Buck on Grant is
    another.  You non-believers out there will see Buck clean up the floor
    with Grant!  Blazers in 6!
    
    Glen.
    

    Clyde roooolles !

      I like both teams,  but Buck over Grant?  WE will see.  That will be
    a good match up.  I think Grant has the defensive edge while Buck has
    the offensive.
    
      Porter will probably be more key than anyone.  Paxson will be in foul
    trouble all the time unless he has the game(s) of his life.  If Porter
    shoots well,  then the Bulls may be playing ketchup.
    
      Tim

    Blazers set 'em for game 2, jest playin' possum like the '85 Lakers
    
    Can Jordan play any better/ Portland play any worse?
    
    MikeL
    

    This Blazers team has to be the dumbest I have ever seen in the Finals. 
    No concept of how to get back into a game. Clearly a good team with a
    lead. Great individual talent. But game plan? Please! If there was one
    it either wasn't heeded by the players or it was a lousy plan to begin
    with.
    
    Rich
    

    I think it was one of those nights where one team could do no wrong,
    and the otehr could do no right.
    
    Look at a geek like Scott Williams looking like the second coming of
    Akeem, or Levingston, or Jordan hitting 6/10 from 3 point land.
    
    Let's see what happens in a couple of days ...

    > I think it was one of those nights where one team could do no wrong,
    > and the other could do no right.
    
    Clearly, Doc, you didn't see the opening minutes.  Portland was the
    team that could do no wrong, and the Bulls could do no right.  Porter
    was unconscious, hitting from way out.  Jordan was forcing shots, and
    missing.  The Trailblazers were cruising with a 17-9 lead.  Then,
    Jordan hits a couple of 3s, which should've been no big deal to
    Portland, but it was.  They fell apart.  But, to fall apart that early
    and not recover, especially when they already had the Bulls by their 
    filberts?  Something's wrong with that team, IMO.  
    
    Hawk
    

>      I like both teams,  but Buck over Grant?  WE will see.  That will be
>    a good match up.  I think Grant has the defensive edge while Buck has
>    the offensive.
    
    I don't recall seeing Grant on any of the All-Defensive teams.  Buck
    Williams has made it a few years in a row.
    
    Mike

    I think Doc's right on this one.  Look at the score at the end of 3. 
    That's a typical score for Chicago at the end of a game.  The Blazers
    score after 3 is a typical halftime score for them.
    
    Mike

    At half time THe blazers were down by 15 but where shooting over
    60%.. Jordan took them by the ____'_ and they couldnt handle the
    pressure.  Jordan didnt really play in the second half, very
    minimul and was not a factor, yet the 3rd qtr was the most lopsided
    Did portland give up or what.... Friday should be a little closer but
    I still see it as a must win for Chicago...
    							M.Air.B
    This will still be a good series
    

    Yabbut, Mike, look at the score half-way through the 1st period. 
    Blazers were in total control at 17-9.  Jordan hit a 3, and just as
    quick as the crowd woke up, Portland called a smart TO to squelch any
    momentum swing, which worked, temporarily.
    
    I think that Portland panicked after a few should've_been_expected
    Michael Jordan buckets, pure and simple...
    
    Hawk
    

    I don't think Portland paniced.  I think they did just the opposite,
    they stayed too calm.  They kept thinking, "Aw he'll go cold in a
    minute....", but he didn't.
    
    Glen.

>    I don't think Portland paniced.  I think they did just the opposite,
>    they stayed too calm.  They kept thinking, "Aw he'll go cold in a
>    minute....", but he didn't.
    
 
 Sure they did     sure they did       sure they did

 it's ony a movie   it's only a movie....

 ;^)

    Portland panicked. This team cannot deal with adversity the way the
    Lakers, Celtics, Pistons and Bulls of the last 15 years could.
    
    Terry Porter kind of reminded me of Steve Grogan Wednesday night. Now,
    Steve was a gutsy guy. Nice fella, too. But, say the Pats were down by
    2 with 5 minutes left and Pats ball, 1st and 10, on their own 20. In
    the huddle, Grogan says, "Go Long". He then proceeds to throw 3
    straight incomplete bombs downfield.
    
    The point is, Grogan had no patience. Great arm and a tremendous amount
    of courage but, when the brains for a Montana, Stabler or Simms was
    needed, he panicked.
    
    Porter has a ton of talent. Nice guy, too. But, his charges to the
    hoop, out of control, in the 3rd quarter are indicative of why this
    team will not beat the Bulls.
    
    They operate as a well-oiled machine when all the spark plugs are
    firing. When one or two plugs start to foul, the fouled plugs continue
    trying to fire at full spark, ignoring the possibility that, perhaps, a
    few other plugs could take up the slack if only they were given the
    juice.
    
    Buck Williams is a fine player. Love to have him. So are Kersey,
    Drexler and Robinson. But there something wrong with the chemistry or
    coaching or both. This team reminds me alot of the Hawks a few years
    ago. With 'Nique, Levingston, Rivers, Willis, Battle, et al, they had
    talent that matched the level of nearly every team. Yet, they always
    stumbled by doing stupid things. I think Fratello was a major problem
    there just like I think Adleman is a problem for the Blazers. But there
    just might be a chemistry thing, too.
    
    Rich
     

    I heard on ESPN last night that the Trailblazers committed 21
    turnovers, most of them unforced.

>    They operate as a well-oiled machine when all the spark plugs are
>    firing. When one or two plugs start to foul, the fouled plugs continue
>    trying to fire at full spark, ignoring the possibility that, perhaps, a
>    few other plugs could take up the slack if only they were given the
>    juice.
    
Sounds similar to team that Mikey Jordan used to play for.....

A new one for the Tar Heel Excuse Bible: the spark plugs fouled.

TTom

    Rich,
         You don't know what your talking about.  The Blazers just had a
    bad game!  Geesh, I seem to remember Chicago getting blown out against
    Cleveland in Chicago just a couple of weeks ago!  So shutup!;^)
    What will Chicago fans think when Portland wins in Chicago tonight? 
    Maybe Porter will get back into his zone from the Utah series that saw
    him score 41 points and only miss THREE shots all night!  Your precious
    Jordan isn't the only one who can get in those zones, you know.
    
    Glen.

    Love that hellacious eastern BULL defense that lost a 10 point lead by
    yielding a 28-10 run to the Blazers during crunch time tonight!!!!
    
    I knew the refs didn't have the filberts to call foul #6 on Mr. Nike
    either.
    
    Mike

    Who won Mikey?

 The Bulls did 94-84 to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Bulls tanked it friday
 night for the rating s to go up on sunday. After all Mikey needs NBC as much
 as they need him....

 ;^)

 What happened to Terry Porter, I thought he was an all-star in-waiting??

    
    Mike, I loved the replay of the travelling call on Jordan..  I musta 
    counted 5 steps before the ball hit the floor.  Really hard to believe 
    they called it, cause its his standard move, and I don't think I've
    ever seen him whistled for it.  
    
    /Jeff

 I didn't get to see I was listening to the game on the radio driving home
 from Maine but I was shocked into hysterical laughter when I heard the call.
 Yeah I know the move, sometimes he takes the ball with him or passes it a few
 feet in front of himself to himself...

 ;^)

 even on the radio Adleman is still a bad coach.....

    Where o where is Williams and Kersey?
    And Adelman even looks dumb. 
    Great to see the Blazers respond at home.
    
    MikeL
    

    Especially for DrM...
    
    Great to see an ex-Celtic carry the 'Blazers to victory on friday
    night, eh?  IMO, Clyde fouling out was a blessing in disguise for the
    'Blazers.  Danny-boy took control and showed the 'Blazers how to pull
    out victory from the jaws of defeat.  Sure, Drexler had a very good
    game stats-wise, but had he stayed to finish the game, it would've been
    more of the same, including another "L".
    
    Why cain't the Celtics get a guy like Ainge?
    
    Portland showed yesterday why this series is going 5, 6 if they're
    lucky...
    
    Hawk
    

       The Bulls choked away the Friday night stretch!  Portland did good
    to come back,  but the Bulls did nothing to help themselves.
    
      I'm suprised Portland didn't play better yesterday.  Maybe they
    thought the home court was a give me,  but found out differently.  Game
    3 was boring to watch.
    
      Why do we have to wait til Wed. night for game 4?
    
    	Tim

    Isn't Ainge a free agent after this season?  One of Boston's poorer
    trades, IMHO.
    
    Game 3 was a lock for the Bulls before tip-off.  The Game 3 playoff
    records of both teams, over the last few years, are inversely
    proportional.  The Blazers have't won a Game 3 in 3 years.
    
    However, the game was still theirs.  If they shot at their normal FG%,
    they would've won easily.  It wasn't the Bulls' defense either. 
    Portland blew many open shots that are usually money in the bank.
    
    Mike

    Game 4 is wednesday so they could have another sunday game (They Hope).
    By spreading it out they got game 3 and 6 schedule for Sunday.  If it
    goes 6 and the bulls are facing elimination in 6 or can win it in 6
    they should get HUGE ratings this coming sunday.  NBC set this schedule
    but they (TV) proberbly set all major sports schedules.  The Wed/Fri
    slots has something to do with ABC and CBS shows during those
    timeframes Im sure....  I still cant believe the Bulls gave portland a
    game... Now there's still question in some minds about who the best
    team is.....
    								M.Air.B

      If da bulls would have made more of their open jumpers,  they would
    have beaten Portland even worse.  It goes boths ways.
    
      IMO, this series has been dull to this point.  Hopefully  it will
    pick up a bit.
    
    	Tj

    If you didnt find friday nites game a little exciting what were you
    watching, bulls down by 9, come back get a 10pt lead and then blazers
    bounce back to send it into OT.  What more could you ask for (A bulls
    win of course).  No sweep, games 2 and 3 were pretty close down the
    stretch, Id say its been fair.  (Plus no Magic or Isahia sucking up
    the airwaves).
    
    								MaB

      the bulls choking away the game last friday was exciting?  Me thinks
    not.  Sunday was no competition.
    
      Hopefully I won't fall asleep tonight.

    
    	Cain someone please keep us up to date on the scores?
    
    B.A.

    4 minutes to go in 3rd
    Chicago 63     portland 57
    
    Tom

    score after 3 qts.
    
    Chicago  69    Portland  66
    
    Both teams look sloppy...anyones game..IMo
    
    Jordan has 28....drexler has 18
    
    Tom

    The DUMB team won.. 94-89?
    
    
    REK 
    
    series tied 2-2

    What is really scary is that Portland, IMO has yet to play their best
    basketball ... maybe 75% at best. The Bulls should have put them away,
    and didn't.
    
    BTW, the Bulls scored 89 points.
    
    Should this be taken as a sign of that superior Western Conference
    defense ?

    
>    BTW, the Bulls scored 89 points.
    
>    Should this be taken as a sign of that superior Western Conference
>    defense ?


    Not really Doc. If Chicago makes their open jumpers it's all over...
    :^)

   I believe it has more to do with Chicago slowing the pace down and forcing
   Portland into a half court confrontation.....

   Chicago and NBC just wants them to win it at home, that's all....

     Gee Doc, first you won't give Danny "The Savior" Ainge his
    due credit and now you completely ignore how Portland has re-
    sorted to "thug ball" and how Jerome Kersey has provided the 
    biggest lowlight in this NBA Final and perhaps in the history 
    of NBA Finals. At the start of this series I really didn't care 
    who won it but now, even if it takes an act of Congress, I do not
    want to see Kersey get a ring.
    

    Give me a break, Kersey's foul wasn't THAT bad.  I agree that it was
    not necessary, but that kind of stuff happens in the heat of the
    moment.  Also someone said a couple of replies back, "If the Bulls had
    made their open jumpers it would be all over." Yeah, and if a frog had
    wings he wouldn't bump his butt when he hops.  If Portland had made
    their open jumpers they would be ahead 3-1.
    
    Glen. 

>   Chicago and NBC just wants them to win it at home, that's all....

I agree with this, specifically based on lasted week's ratings, NBC would
like to buy the 7th game.

re: Kersey

I'm sorry I watched the game lasted night and I didn't see what the big
deal was. No way was that the "biggest lowlight ... in the history of NBA
finals". I would suggest that tapes of previous finals should be viewed.
I'd be very surprised if anything is made of it and I can remember other
incidents in the finals wherein people actually got suspended and all.

IMHO, of course.

TTom

    
    re .88 & .89
    

     I'm not just talking about the blatant foul with obvious intent
    to injure. Throw in the shove he gave Ainge when Ainge was trying 
    to calm him down and you have the acts of a Grade A jerk. I knew
    there was something I didn't like about Kersey when he fouled out 
    in game two and it was all Drexler and his teammates could do to 
    shut Kersey up before he got a technical. And 'poor excuse'? I didn't
    say Chicago lost because Portland played rough. Chicago has played 
    and won much rougher games. What I did say was that whereas before I 
    didn't care who won now I have someone to root against.   
    

    RE: The biggest lowlight in the history of the NBA finals
    
    I would think one Mr. Ralph Sampson still holds this dubious honor from
    1986.
    
    And weren't we all just a little pleased to see Ainge get a shove from
    one of his own?  It didn't seem to bother Ainge all that much.  In
    fact, he fed Kersey the rest of the night.
    
    	--dan'l

    Heck, Kersey should be thanking his lucky stars that Ainge didn't rip
    off both his arms with his lethal enamels...  :-)
    
    Hawk
    

    
  >> And weren't we all just a little pleased to see Ainge get a shove from
  >> one of his own?  

     Not me (obviously). I thought it completely despicable. Kersey looks 
     like he could have earned the Trailblazers their 'dumb team' label all 
     by himself.

  >> It didn't seem to bother Ainge all that much. In fact, he fed Kersey 
  >> the rest of the night.
    
     Because Danny is a pro. What was he supposed to do with a champion-
     ship on the line ? Pout ? It was no time for personal animosity. Like 
     I said before this  series started, Ainge is the one Trailblazer that 
     has that intangible "knows what it takes to win".
    

      Kersey can't even feed himself?  How old is he:-)

    re .92
    
    Sampson ? When that fool Schicting (sp) tried to pick a fight with him?
    Give me a break ... McHale's clothesline of Rambis in '84 is the
    standard by which all cheepshots should be measured.
    
    As for him pushing Ainge - it was tacky, but I noticed that Porter set
    him straight.
    
    Re Brydie,
    
    Be 4 reel ... I gave Ainge plenty of credit, just because I recognize
    Porter's huge role as well, I'm shortchanging Ainge ? (You trying to
    cozy up to the Green Dockers ?)
    
    re Mac,
    
    I made my comment in response to someone's statement that great Eastern
    D was stifiling the Blazers. I have noticed that Portland can take the
    Bulls to the hole off the dribble any time they want. When they do,
    they are a different team. When they settle for jumpers 5 and 6
    possessions in a row, they can be had.
    
    Play of the game : Cliff Robinson stuffing Horace Grant on the layup
    attempt. Awesome !

    Am I the only person who thinks that Kevin Duckworth has the most
    wimpy-looking jumpshot in the NBA ?

Nope...


But I'll go you one further...I think that Kevin Duckworth was the model for the
140 foot Stay-Puf marshmallow man in Ghostbusters. If he ever decided to undergo
surgery in the off season and get a backbone implanted he could be a great
player. If he ever decided to go strong to the hoop he'd be unstoppable. As
it stands now Andelman should bench his butt until he shows something besides
trying to lay the ball in when he's standing under the hoop and missing it.

Metz

    I agree with that...
    

    The way Duckworth keeps bumbling around the basket, I begin get this
    crazy impressing that he *can't* dunk it - 7 foot or no 7 foot.  On one
    rebound/layup attempt, his hand wasn't above the rim.
    
    Duckworth appears to have the necessary skills to be very effect.  But
    He just won't challenge offensively.
    
    
    What was the deal with the foul by Scott Williams on Bill Cartwright? 
    For referrence, it was a low-post situation, they instant-replayed it,
    and I think it was in the 3d Q.  From the camara angle, Williams was
    completely stationary and Cartwright slammed into him (trying for
    position).  Yet Williams got the foul.
    
    If that's the way the refs call the low-post, why bother trying to
    defend.  Ether get out of the way or make the inevitable foul *really*
    count.
    
    Sco

    Dr. Mid-slight, i have to dis-agree with you.. Samson 7-4 going AFTER
    a 6-1 guard has be the LOW point of the NBA finals...
    Ralph was a-swing.. and Jerry Sichting was just had his arms at his
    side jawing at Rinn-tin-tin...
    
    REK

    OK ... here's a scenario :
    
    Player A is a little man, picks a fight with big man - Player B.
    
    Correctly assuming that if you talk the talk, you should walk the walk,
    Player B pops him one.
    
    Now let's insert names :
    
    Scenario 1 : 
    
    Player A = Isiah Thomas, Player B = xxxx xxxxxxx
    
    Response : "The Little Princess/Smiley/S.O.B. tried to scalp massage
    [Player B], what a little ^@%&*!(!) .....
    
    
    Scenario 2 : 
    
    Player A = Jerry 'Stiff' Schciting, Player B = Ralph Sampson
    
    Response : Ralph is a big sissy ! He should take whatever happens !
    Blah Blah ... [ activate @BROKENRECORD.JIHAD.COM]
    
    Does anyone notice the ahem, mild inconsistency ?
    
    Doc

    re .98
    
    I have to agree with you. When I saw him try to lay in a uncontested
    rebound - and blow it - instead of slamming it home - I wanted to throw
    something throw the TV set. What a wimp. 
    
    If I had that body (minus 25 lbs.), I'd be a terror ....

    > If I had that body (minus 25 lbs.), I'd be a terror ....
    
    Instead........  HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
    
    Hawk :-)
    
    

>    Sampson ? When that fool Schicting (sp) tried to pick a fight with him?
>    Give me a break ... McHale's clothesline of Rambis in '84 is the
>    standard by which all cheepshots should be measured.
    

Do I smell toast burning????

I agree, I only see Duckworths role as a backup for this series.
Portland played much better with Robinson at center and Drexler at 
point... The speedier lineup seems to match up better against da Bulls.

To me Kersey is one-dimensional.  Sure he scores well in the wide open game.
Loves to rub it in when Portland's on a roll.  Fades in the tough situations.

ON THE OTHER HAND, the Bulls are truely a two man team these days. Substandard
efforts by either and the Bulls struggle big time. 

I still think the Bulls will pull it off, but it's not a lock by any means...

		Bob 

    
>    Sampson ? When that fool Schicting (sp) tried to pick a fight with him?
    
    Sichting (sp) trying to pick a fight with Sampson?  What boat did I
    miss?  Sichting was just playing tough, hard-nosed defense on Ralphie
    and Ralphie was so much of a wimp he couldn't handle it.  Hanzlik used
    to play defense the same way against Sampson and Ralphie picked a fight
    with him one time, too.
    
    And to further embarrass himself, Ralphie cusses on national TV during
    an interview on his way to the locker room after being ejected.  HA!
    
    
    Joe

    
    re .96
    

  >> Re Brydie,
    
     The name is Tommy.

  >> Be 4 reel ... I gave Ainge plenty of credit, 

     Where ? Ainge was huge in game two but I don't remember you mentioning
     anything about it until called on to do so.(I could have missed it). 
     I don't like Ainge either but give credit where it's due.

  >> (You trying to cozy up to the Green Dockers ?)
    
     You got me pegged, Doc. It was all a part of my ingenious plan to build 
     a vast financial empire by currying the favor of the Celtics fans here
     in this notesfile but now that you've exposed my plot I guess I'll
     have to back to work on my wash n' wear condom idea. Thanks, pal. 
     
    

    Gotta agree about Duckworth. Loved the interview with his Mom talking
    about his pet exotic animals (yawn). 
    Bill Walton hit it on the haid about Portland and Duckworth in
    particular. Said the Blazers had a bunch of great athletes but not
    the TEAM to win until they changed the team's makeup. I think he's
    right. And they still might win if the Bulls continue to take naps
    in the 4th quarter.  But Walton ( in between avoiding some questions
    by Costas with some NICE tap-dancing. Reached for my wallet. Is Bill
    running for Congress?)   made an interesting comment about Ducknoworth.
    Kevin, AFTER setting a pick, skedaddles off towards the corner looking
    for the dish for a 20 ftr while most centers drive for the hoop
    looking for the feed to slam it home and draw the foul. Truer words
    were never said.
    
    MikeL
    
    

    Wash and wear condoms ? Haaa .....

    
    Danny Ainge on the shove from Kersey: "He's a very emotional guy.  I
    expected a reaction. I got what I wanted."
    
    And apparently the camera angle failed to pick up Ainge shoving Kersey
    first.  
    
    	--dan'l

    If walk the ball up, and milk the 24 second clock to the max, it isn't
    likely that you'll score 100 ppg.
    
    Hell the T-Wolves 'held' their opponents to lower scoring avgs. over
    the past 2-3 years as well ... look at the W-L record ...

    Mac, it's not "Eastern defense" that's holding Portland way below their
    playoff and season average, it's simply that they just haven't played a
    good game yet in this series.  Although, walking the ball up and
    milking the clock on each possession sounds pretty plausible too!
    
    Hawk :-)
    

    
>> Danny Ainge on the shove from Kersey: "He's a very emotional guy.  I
>> expected a reaction. I got what I wanted."
    
>>  And apparently the camera angle failed to pick up Ainge shoving Kersey
>>  first.  
    
    A class move on Ainge's part because there really wasn't a first shove 
    by Ainge. All Ainge did was grab Kersey by his shirt and try to tell
    him to smarten up. The look on Porter's face when Kersey shoved Ainge
    said it all. 
    

>    A class move on Ainge's part because there really wasn't a first shove 
>    by Ainge. All Ainge did was grab Kersey by his shirt and try to tell
>    him to smarten up. The look on Porter's face when Kersey shoved Ainge
>    said it all. 
    
What was it?  I was listening on the radio.  I must say Ainge is being the type of
player Portland needs, someone to remind the others what's required etc. etc...

I think I'm for Portland at this point.  Despite the ying/yangs, there are enough
worthwhile players to root for...

			Bob

    It's quite simple, really.  Portland lost two games because they did
    NOT score more points than the Bulls.  This can be proven by simply
    reviewing the 2 games that Portland won, which was because they DID
    score more points than Chicago.
    
    Simple game, really.
    
    lEe

    The DUMB team lost tonight at HOME.. losing 2 out of 3 is not very
    smart....
    
    REK

    Any team with a head coach who looks like such a dork with a baseball
    cap on doesn't deserve to win.
    
    Nike should get a court order to prevent Rick Adleman from wearing
    their hats.
    
    Clyde Drexler is, perhaps, the most genuinely nice man in the NBA. He
    has yet to figure out, though, how he can be a leader - consistently.
    
    Danny Ainge's contributions are blown out of proportion. He was a
    panic-shooting guard with the Celtics and his lack of defensive ability
    wore Dennis Johnson out. He had his one good game shooting wise.
    
    If you were Jerome Kersey and you just got whistled for a flagrant
    foul and some whiney-faced guy with the face of a Little Rascal said in
    an Elmer Fudd voice, "Aw, Jewome, cut it out wiw ya?", would you shove
    him?
    
    Terry Porter is an average guard.
    
    Kevin Duckworth is a total bust. Any guy with the physical tools he has
    who allowed himself to be dominated by Bill Cartwright, ought to be
    shot.
    
    Cliff Robinson ought to learn how to go to the hoop.
    
    Sadly, this was probably Buck Williams' last shot. To a great pro, good
    luck.
    
    Rich
    

    Well,
         The Blazers are off to great start this year- 8-0.  Duckworth came
    to camp this in the best shape of NBA career.  Rod Strickland was a
    great addition to this team, I don't care what anyone says.  Mario Elie
    was another amazing pick-up.  His defense is what surprises me.  The
    draft picks that Portland got were also good.  Tracey Murray will be
    the Blazers next great outside threat.  Tonight the Blazers travel to
    Phoenix to take on the Suns.  It will be a tough game for both teams,
    but I believe the Blazers will come out on top.
    
    Glen.

    Suns beat the Blazers.... Portland's firsted lost this year..
    
    REK

    Did anyone see the bogus technical called on Terry Porter in that game? 
    It was a travesty.  KJ (what a hot head) did a hip throw on Porter and
    tried to beat the living s@*! out of him.  Porter gets called for the T
    for what I don't know.
    
    The Suns played a very good game.  They shot over 50% in every quarter!
    It's kind of funny how the Suns seem to always end Portland's wining
    streaks.  In 1979 the Blazers started out 9-0, then played the Suns and
    lost.  In 1990 the Blazers started 11-0, played the Suns and lost.  At
    the end of that season the Blazers took a 16 game winning streak into
    the last game of the season in Phoenix.  You guessed it- Phoenix
    whipped us.  This year's string was 8-0 until Wednesday in Phoenix.  I
    guess the Blazers will just have to start a new wining streak tonight
    when the Lakers come to town.  
    
    Glen.

    Porter got what he asked for.  KJ got tired of his cheapshots and let
    him have it.  

    That's bologna!
    
    Glen.

    The Cryblazer moniker is well earned.  The local radio casters
    are true 'homers.'  In the Schonley tradition, the Blazer loss
    to the Sonics is the result of 'bad officiating.' Little was said
    about the Sonics landslide without its only, bonafide star,
    Kemp.  Only more excuses are made.
    
    Portland should be concerned-this team is old and cannot compete 
    with athletic teams like Seattle, Phoenix and Chicago.  The bald
    old guys are over the hill and it real shows when they play the
    Sonics.
    
      
    
    

Although the Sonics did their best to try and give the game away to the 
Blazers last night...Up by 20 with 4:30 to play and let the Blazers get back
to within three...

Barros was throwing up some ill advised trey's last night....


McKey was spectacular though...


Metz

    Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig Deeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaal!
    
    The Blazers are struggling right now, I don't deny that.  Something is
    happening to the team that hasn't happened for quite a while, injuries. 
    The most crucial, in my mind, is Jerome.  He is the spark plug for this
    team.  He really gets the team going in the start of the game.  I
    believe you can attribute the Blazers sluggish start as of late to the
    fact that Jerome Kersey is not there.
    
    I don't think there isn't much to worry about right now.  The Blazers
    record last year at this time was 14-9 compared to 15-8 right now.
    
    Glen.

    I finally get Clyde on one of my fantasy teams and then he decides to
    go over the hill!

    Clyde was placed on the IR list yesterday because of his sore right
    knee.  He is eligable to play again on Jan. 9th in San Antonio.
    
    Glen.

    What's with the Blazer fans writing into the Portland newspapers for
    more Suns' coverage?  Sounds like the fine people of Portland are in a
    mass mutiny to follow a real basketball team.