Day 7

The Atlanta Hawks reminded me of caterpillers who jumped in their caccoons and Saturday they were butterflies who came out dunking and blocking shots.. 

Ok maybe that was a bit exaggerated but if you had seen Josh Smith, Al Horford and the rest of the Hawks, they would have you believing too. Before this series started Josh Smith told reports that the Hawks were going to shock the world... and well Saturday night they did.. they avoided getting swept by the Celtics.. That was a huge shock, and I seriously hope thats all he meant by that comment.

The Hawks though did have some great highlights during the game...My favorite would have to have been not Josh Smith sending shots into the crowd, but Al Horford running over to the crowd, getting the ball and cleaning it after Smith punished the ball.  Al Horford reminds me of wide receiver scoring a touchdown, and he wants to score that touchdown just so he could do that dance he practiced at home.  The only thing I probably wouldnt have done if I was Horford was taunt Paul Pierce at the end of the game.. I mean damn I loved watching him yell at Pierce while he was on the floor.... but yeah probably not the smartest thing to do... Im predicting 40 for Pierce in Game 4, and a Celtics win by 20.

Talking bout not a smart thing to do.. Whats wrong with the Raptors why do they keep trying to take it in on Dwight? This kid is killing them, he swats shots like there mosquitos at a family picnic in dead heat summer... He made the Raptors look pretty silly in game 4, Dwight's boxscore was ridiculous 19 points, 16 rebs, and 8 blocks.  What the Raptors must do to win this series is not concentrate on Dwight (because they aint stopping him), they need to focus on the Magic's outside shooters.  Hedo, and Lewis thrive when the focus if off of them, and anytime Howard is double or triple teamed they are able to get open and knock down shots.  The Raptors should just let Howard go crazy, and see how far he will take the Magic.... my prediction is not too far.. Note to Sam Mitchell (coach of the Raptors): Let me know when you decide to do what I just mentioned so I can pick Dwight for my Drive to the Finals, cuz he is going to get 40 points and 40 rebounds that game...but dont worry the Raptors will still win... 

So how bout Melo's post game's interview?  He just flat out said his team, the Denver Nuggets gave up.  What was interesting was they asked him when did they give up, and he responded half way through the 3rd quarter.. But watching Melo's facial reactions while he was speaking he realized what he said was pretty stupid, because then quickly he tries to throw in that it wasnt just the team but he was also one that quit.  Now why in the world would you do that?? Why would you say that to the press?? Thats like throwing a pack of New York Strip steaks into a pack of wolves and expect them not tear it apart... Now I know we talk about the draft class of Lebron, Wade, and Melo being one of the greatest of all time.. but besides those Jordan commercials, what does Melo have going for him? Honestly I'm sure Jordan is kicking himself for picking up Melo for his brand instead of Wade... everyone knows Lebron wasnt going to sign with MJ... Melo doesnt really have anything to show for himself... and I honestly believe he doesnt belong in that class with Bron and Wade, forget all the accomplishments by these two guys, but just look at the way they handle themselves outside the court... You could never imagine hearing about Lebron or Wade getting caught for DUI and getting arrested, but somehow it didnt surprise any of us that much when we heard about Melo's incident... Someone said last summer that Melo was made for European style basketball.. well then maybe Melo you're on the wrong continent...

I believe Deron Williams is just about ready to show the rest of the world that he is ready to take over the reign as the best pg in the game. During game 4 Williams showed why he is a force to be reckoned with.  Boozer, Kirelenko and Okur all did an ok job on Saturday night (they all looked like role players) but Williams by himself proved he was too much for Tmac and the Rockets to handle.  This was a tightly contested game until towards the end of the 4th quarter when the Jazz extended the game out of reach.  I got to say though this Carl Landry kid is a hell of a pick up for years to come for the Rockets.. I know I can hear Rockets fans saying "We've been telling you that all year" ...but I ignored that along with them saying "Look at our 22 game winning streak, we are the best team in the NBA.. blah blah blah" Sorry Rockets fans I'm not hating but no matter how great team basketball you play, you guys STILL arent legit without the Big Chinese Man... But next year yes I will jump on your bandwagon and ride it all the way to the Western Conference Finals, and maybe even the Finals...but until then, TMAC call your travel agent again and tell her to go ahead and finalize those tickets to the Bahamas, like TNT's Inside the NBA's crew says "It's time to go fishing".

Orlando 106 Toronto 94

Los Angeles 102 Denver 84

Atlanta 102 Boston 93

Utah 86 Houston 82