As I see it, NBA Commissioner David Stern may find himself in an off-season conundrum. Should the NBA change their famous Rule #13 (instant replay) to include a number of traditionally non-reviewable aspects, solely to ensure fairness for any last second shot that takes place as time expires?
Here’s the scenario. The Orlando Magic, their fans, and their media (including our friends at the Orlando Sentinel) have contested that there is a chance Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol committed goaltending on Magic shooting guard Courtney Lee’s attempt to hammer home a lob pass as time expired in regulation during Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals.
Let’s not worry about whether the refs cheated the Magic. Instead, the compelling question for me is the following: How involved should the NBA get in controversial, potentially game-changing plays as time expires in regulation or overtime?
Consider the end of Game 2 of this year’s Finals as the key example. The game clock expired as Lee’s shot missed. However, there is some controversy surrounding whether Gasol caused the rim to move, or hit the ball after it had already touched the backboard. In situations like this, regardless of the normal process governing when a play can or cannot be replayed, should the NBA mandate that a close play at the end of a game – a play that could change the game’s outcome – be reviewed to ensure fairness and accuracy, not just time-remaining when the ball was released.
Currently, the rules surrounding what constitutes a reviewable play – and what doesn’t – are clear. Replays may occur only when issues involving time remaining on the clock, the severity of a flagrant foul, or the players involved in an altercation are in question. (You can read the entire rule book online. It’s a real page turner. Rule #13 is on page 50, if you’re curious.).
Here’s the debate. The NBA must use replay to review a close play at the end of regulation that may change the game’s outcome, including potential foul calls (only shooting fouls), goaltending, traveling, charging, and all ‘player control fouls.’
Loyal Homer will argue that the NBA must amend the rule book and expand the definition of replay at the end of a game to ensure the utmost fairness and accuracy of its referees.
I think there are several interesting points to be made in this debate, including how much oversight NBA referees should have when making big judgments (on the court, not in the casinos, Tim Donaghy). Let the debate commence!
Read the opening arguments from Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan.
Loyal Homer has reached a decision. After much deliberation, Loyal Homer has decided to rule in favor of…
SPORTS GEEK!
(Minor applause)
Folks, this isn’t a slam dunk case. Many across the nation think this is in the bag. Let me tell you, it’s not. Judging by the results of the poll, you don’t necessarily think it’s over either. As of this writing, 42% of you think the Magic still have a shot! (Some of you just want to see Stan Van Gundy wearing his Sunday best.) Remember the shooting display that Orlando Magic forwards Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, and Mickael Peitrus (where has he been for the NBA Finals?) put on against the Cleveland Cavaliers. That could still happen against the favored Lakers.
We at the Sports Debates have been giving Stan Van Gundy a lot of grief (well, one of us has… you figure out who). But, Loyal Homer likes Stan better than his brother Jeff, not only because he has more hair than his brother, but because he has quietly turned this team around in a short amount of time. Remember two years ago when Florida Gator men’s basketball head coach Billy Donavan took the job and then had a change of heart in the span of two days? ‘Stan the Man’ was the fall back guy and he wasn’t exactly Stan the Man in the eyes of Magic fans. While I don’t think he is the best coach in the league or even this series like Bleacher Fan suggests, I still think he is underrated and doesn’t get the league-wide respect that he deserves. The fact that Orlando has the next three games, as Bleacher Fan touches on, gives them a shot.
However, let’s not kid ourselves. Though the Magic are a Courtney Lee layup from being tied in this series, the Lakers are still the overwhelming favorite at this point. The Lakers won Game 2 of the NBA Finals with an admittedly mediocre performance from star Kobe Bryant. They got clutch shots late in the game from center Pau Gasol, guard Derek Fisher, and forward Lamar Odom.
What separates the Lakers from the Magic in this series is the frontcourt, as Sports Geek says. The Magic matched up well with Cleveland but they really don’t with the Lakers. Then again, who does match up well with the Lakers? Especially with the monsters down low in center Andrew Bynum, Gasol, and Odom. After losing his last two shots at a record tenth NBA championship, you have to figure Lakers coach Phil Jackson isn’t going to lose three Finals in a row.
Good debate! Like I said, this series isn’t over yet (at least ABC hopes it isn’t). That said, the Lakers would really have to lay an egg to let the Magic back in the series at this point.
Please read the site note at the bottom of this post.
Before I even get into the commentary about potential adjustments in the series by the Orlando Magic, or what the Los Angeles Lakers must do to achieve yet another NBA Finals championship, let’s quickly look at raw numbers regarding a team’s ability to come back in a series after building a two game deficit early in an NBA Finals series.
Since the NBA Finals began in 1947 (when the winner got the rather snazzy looking Walter A. Brown trophy), only three teams have surmounted an 0-2 hole. The Boston Celtics did it in 1969, the Portland Trailblazers in 1977, and the Miami Heat three short years ago in 2006. It appears history is wearing yellow and blue to the games, doesn’t it?
In this year’s version of the finals, the Magic have dug themselves a hole by suffering at the hands of the same approach that helped them beat the Cleveland Cavaliers – the 3-point shot. After shooting a lights-out 41% from long range in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Magic are shooting just 33% as a team now. The Magic’s overall shooting percentage has plummeted, too. After shooting 48% from the field in the Conference Finals, they’re shooting just 36% now. Why the sudden drop in numbers?
It wasn’t the layoff between series that cooled the Magic off – it’s simply better defense from the Lakers that’s doing the trick.
The Lakers have decided they have the interior defense to beat Magic center Dwight Howard. Andrew Bynum (7’0”), Pau Gasol (7’0”) and Lamar Odom (6’10”) have combined to play excellent defense on Howard. After averaging over 25 points a game against the Cavs, Howard is down to under 15 versus the Lakers. When the Laker guards come down to double team Howard, they all rotate intelligently to prevent many open 3-point shots, and do a good job at swiping at the ball. Howard is offensively gifted, but he is also offensively immature at times, too. One way the immaturity manifests itself is in how he holds the ball down below his waist when starting his move to the basket. That’s an easy target for quick defenders like guards Trevor Ariza, Derek Fisher who disrupt Howard’s move without completely abandoning their perimeter defensive assignment (like the Cavs recklessly did, time and again).
The Magic’s best offense options all come through Howard, especially when he gets the ball in the low-post and passes back to the perimeter for an open 3-pointer. The Lakers do not always have to double-team Howard, so the passing options aren’t as plentiful for the big center. The Laker big men have also done an excellent job of denying the Howard the ball inside. The Magic can adjust by running the high pick ‘n roll, but the Laker centers are all athletic enough to run with Howard and deny the entry pass, while the Cavs relied on low-post defensive rotation to get in front of Howard (even though it seems like no one told Anderson Varejao that idea).
The Magic have no shot at this series because the Lakers are a more athletic, more consistent team on offense and defense. If you look at the same Conference Finals to NBA Finals statistical comparison I highlighted for the Magic, it’s easy to see the Lakers are consistent. The Lakers have made 46% of their shots in both series, are actually shooting three percentage points worse from long range in the NBA Finals, but are grabbing roughly 45 rebounds a game, nearly an exact match between series.
The Lakers are more experienced, they have a better coach (with shirtsleeves), and they have a superstar who knows how to play in a big series. They have poise. But, most importantly, they have celebrity fans who actually care and also still rock the midriff shirts (if you clicked on that… my apologies). How could a team have more signs that they were set to win it all?
I don’t mean to gloss over the coach thing. If the Lakers win, it’s Phil Jackson’s 10th NBA championship – more than anyone else in the history of the league. So, when comparing coaches, I’ll take the best NBA coach ever over a guy who couldn’t even win the coach of the year award over Mike Brown, who coached the team the Magic smashed in the Conference Finals.
And, Bleacher Fan – there’s a reason Courtney Lee was open for that shot.
I am in no way anointing the Lakers champions right now. But, it’s clear to me that the Magic have dug themselves a hole they aren’t equipped to get out of for a very simple reason: the Lakers are better than they are.
Please read the site note at the bottom of this post.
Attention NBA Fans: The Los Angeles Lakers are about to make history! After winning only 2 games in the NBA Finals, it appears that the rest of the world has decided to appoint them as the 2008-2009 Champions. Therefore, we will forget the rest of the Finals, and hand them the Larry O’Brien Trophy over today… right?
Sounds kind of stupid when you hear it put in words like that, doesn’t it? Well, that’s what Sports Geek will try to sell you. In essence, this series is over, and his message to the Orlando Magic is “Thanks for playing; here’s your participation trophy.”
Well, it’s a good thing for the Lakers that the Magic know how to take a hint, isn’t it? Just ask the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, both of whom had written off the Magic before their series began.
Here are two key reasons why the Magic, and their fans, are still in this series:
Reason #1 – Three games in a row in Orlando
Only fantasy sports are played on paper. Real sports are played on a court (at least in this case), where multiple factors come into play that you cannot quantify. The first of which is the task of winning on the road. While they were not successful in winning, Orlando proved last night that the Lakers are at least vulnerable at home. How vulnerable do the Lakers have to be? Only vulnerable enough to give up one game in LA. That was all it took for the Magic to beat the Cavs, and that’s all it will take for them to beat the Lakers.
Conversely, the Lakers have not yet tested their mettle in Orlando this post-season. The city of Orlando, whose citizens want nothing more than to show their support of a team making its first Finals appearance since 1995, can’t wait to show the Lakers what REAL fans are like. This series will likely end up heading back to Los Angeles with the Lakers trailing 3-2.
Reason #2 – Stan Van Gundy
There is no better coach in the NBA than Stan Van Gundy. His ability to anticipate and adapt is uncanny! I’ve never seen a coach make so many right decisions with the game on the line. Whether it’s trailing by 16 at the half, or taking a last-second shot at the buzzer. Van Gundy can read his game-time counterpart like an open book.
Beyond that ability to anticipate and react accordingly, Van Gundy trusts his entire team, not just one player, like the Cavs do in LeBron James, or the Lakers in Kobe Bryant. That makes them even more dangerous. When the game is on the line, Van Gundy has the utmost faith that his TEAM, regardless of who is on the court, will perform. That’s why, in this post-season of many nail-biter finishes, the Magic have come back with plays where Hedo Turkoglu takes the last-second shot, Rashard Lewis takes the shot, or Courtney Lee takes the shot.
If you are playing the Cavaliers in that situation, you know that LeBron’s getting the ball. For the Lakers, it’s Kobe. When it’s Orlando, though, you have to cover EVERYONE! Courtney Lee was uncontested in what should have been a game winning shot last night. The ball just didn’t fall right. However, no one could have predicted that as the play to end the game. Van Gundy knew his options, and implicitly knew which would give him the best opportunity to win.
Make no mistake, I am not predicting a Magic championship. They have a very steep uphill climb. They are down 0-2 against a very tough opponent. Nothing in this Finals series will be easy. That is no reason to write them off, though. The series is far from over, especially when you have a 3-game home stand with the best coach in basketball!
Please read the site note at the bottom of this post.
Welcome to Week 3 of The Sports Debates. Thanks to you, our first two weeks have been extremely successful. If you happen to be a first time reader, take a look around. Check out our previous debates, and if you want to know more about the three folks who debate on this site, click on our bios on the right! Also, please remember to check us out on Twitter.
By the way, voting is still open on one of last week’s topics – the use of advertising on NFL practice jerseys. It looks like the WBNA is doing the same thing, but on game jerseys. So, is this a trend in sports? The debate continues! Read the comments (there are a few) and leave one of your own – is this a good idea? Voting is still close to call so be sure to vote and make sure your side wins!
Now, on with this week’s first topic!
Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers took out the Orlando Magic 101-96 in overtime in Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals and secured a 2-0 lead in the series. The series now moves to Orlando, where the Magic will host Game 3. It will be the first NBA Finals game Orlando has hosted since 1995 against the a stacked Houston Rockets team. Remember Nick Anderson and his free throw shooting woes?
After a Lakers blowout win in Game 1, many anticipated this being a walk in the park for the Lakers. After last night’s game, perhaps that feeling has changed since Orlando played well enough to win, if not for a missed Courtney Lee shot at the end of regulation.
Bleacher Fan will argue that the Magic can still make this a series because the Magic have something to build on from last night.
Sports Geek, on the other hand, will argue that the Lakers are in total control and pretty much have this series wrapped up.
After a couple of rounds in this debate, I will render my verdict and declare a winner.
(Site note: Look to the bottom of this post to find links to the other opinions and intro to this debate).
Much fuss has been made about the action, or lack of action, taken by LeBron James after game 6 of the ‘09 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. At the conclusion of the game, King James walked off the court without speaking to any of the Orlando Magic players. He then proceeded to go into the locker room, shower up, and leave without speaking to the media. My opinion differs from Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan’s. I believe that while LeBron had no responsibility to speak to the media, I believe that he showed poor sportsmanship and a lack of class by not shaking hands with Magic players.
Personally, I always like getting up in the morning and read the morning paper or watch my favorite sports news program to see, read, and hear what the players say after the game from the previous night. It’s just fascinating to get the point of view of players and coaches after the game, win or lose.
However, I understand when a player doesn’t want to talk to the media directly after a game, especially after a hard fought series like this one was. James averaged over 38 points-per-game during the series, and he was practically a one man show throughout the entire series. I’m sure he was frustrated. Perhaps the emotion was still too raw, and he didn’t want to say something he might regret. I can respect that.
But, by not shaking the hands of the Magic players and coaches, he showed terrible sportsmanship and an extreme lack of class. He is arguably the face of the NBA. Act like it!
Remember the days of T-ball? After the game, you would line up and give each player and coach on the other team a high five. We are all taught this at a very young age. Maybe King James didn’t play T-ball, but you get my drift. It’s not like LeBron is in the middle of a feud with any of the Magic players. By all accounts, LeBron and Dwight Howard are friends. They played on the “Redeem Team” together. To his credit, LeBron texted Howard the next day to congratulate him. But, he didn’t apologize. He felt no need to. He is wrong in thinking that.
LeBron, you are always going to be under a microscope – like or not. This will happen whether or not you play after next year, whether it’s in Cleveland, New York, Europe, or Mayberry, North Carolina. You are a star. We are a witness to you, according to Nike. Give us some better sportsmanship to witness!
(Site note: Look to the bottom of this post to find links to the other opinions and intro to this debate).
LeBron James is a leader. He has always been a leader. Some leadership traits are contained within DNA (for example, being 6’ 8” and 265(ish) pounds), while others are learned. LeBron has both the DNA and a demonstrated capacity to learn and improve. Recently we all Witnessed a very public example of the latter.
There is no question that LeBron was wrong in failing to shake the hands of his competition after they fairly, and roundly beat him and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 09 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. That’s bad sportsmanship. Bleacher Fan spent plenty of time making excuses for poor, woe-is-me-LeBron, but I’m not buying it. No, I’m not pulling out the old, “he can just go cry into his gold pillows and wipe the tears away with the millions of $100 bills he doesn’t need” argument. I’m pulling out the old, “you’re a man, act like it” argument. He’s a grown man. No pouting. You got beat. Accept that you got beat, spend minimal time dissecting why for the press who have treated you with kid gloves for the most part, and move on.
Bleacher Fan also insinuates that LeBron isn’t the media savvy professional we’ve all come to know and respect. I completely disregard the notion that LeBron can’t carry on a conversation with the media without disparaging teammates. He is smart enough to not lay blame at the feet of his coach, GM, or teammates (though I think there was plenty of go around). A leader has to face these kinds of questions, and how they answer them is what defines them as a leader.
This is real, adult life. You can’t run away from problems or failure. To be a true leader, you must accept the good with the bad and take it all in stride. What kind of signal is LeBron sending to his teammates when he refuses to face the music after a failure? He’s the proven leader of a very good basketball team. But, that mantle can’t disappear if he encounters some bumps along the road. Leadership isn’t a part time job. In fact, LeBron missed a key opportunity to lead his team. Standing up in front of the press and accepting the fact that the Orlando Magic are a better team this year shows strength. Accepting the facts, and demonstrating the desire to fight and be better than ever when he gets the next opportunity show leadership.
I hate to be another person in the College Football Tim Tebow Love Convention (it usually goes by its acronym… ESPN), but his post-game press conference where he tearfully pledged that his team made mistakes and lost to Ole Miss was impressive. There he faced the media and said his team would be the hardest working team anyone had ever seen, all without trashing his teammates.
In that instance, Tim Tebow demonstrated better leadership skills than LeBron James.
Now, LeBron’s jaw could have been bothering him (though that didn’t show up in his playoff stats), or he was cramping up, or any number of excuses could be offered. But, they would be insufficient. LeBron should have demonstrated sportsmanship and leadership in a crucial moment of vulnerability.
It’s just another area LeBron where will grow and get better.
All of us at The Sports Debates would like to send a thank you and a big shout out to all of our friends over at the Orlando Sentinel for suggesting this debate topic to us via a direct message on Twitter. If you haven’t checked out their blog section, make sure you do… it’s all very well-written, and very entertaining! (especially if you are a Florida sports fan!).
Outside the city of Orlando, if you are a fan of the NBA you were most likely surprised by the way the Orlando Magic dismantled “King” James and his Cleveland Cavaliers (I know I was).
Equally surprising were the actions of LeBron following the Cavaliers defeat after game 6 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals in Orlando. When the clock ticked to 0:00, and the Cavs season officially ended, LeBron stalked off to the locker room without congratulating anyone or shaking the hands of any Magic players and coaches. The Orlando Magic personnel were not alone, though. LeBron also snubbed the media following the game by refusing to appear for the post-game press conference.
While there has been a large media backlash regarding LeBron’s lack of sportsmanship, NBA Commissioner David Stern, who publicly disapproved of James’ post-game behavior, did not feel that LeBron’s actions warranted a fine, and announced yesterday that he would “reserve his judgment” until after he’s had a chance to speak with LeBron directly.
Cue The Sports Debates!
If David Stern is unwilling to discuss the situation, or to render a judgment on LeBron’s actions, we are more than happy to do so in his stead! We’ll even let you fans issue your judgment of LeBron’s behavior!
The terms for this debate are:
The winner determined by fan votes.
The question – Was LeBron James justified in his decision to not shake hands with the Orlando Magic personnel AND in his decision to avoid meeting with the press after the game?
I, Bleacher Fan, as the winner of the previous debate, will debate that LeBron was justified in snubbing both the Magic and the Press.
Sports Geek will be responsible for debating that LeBron was wrong on both instances, and that he should have shaken hands with the Magic, as well as attended the post-game press conference.
Last, Loyal Homer will argue that he was right in not meeting with the press, but he still should have shaken the hands of the team that beat him.
Each position will be posted for you to read and weigh in on with your own thoughts and opinions. Once all three sides have been presented, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote for who you think won the debate, and what you think of LeBron’s actions.
(Site note: If you missed the set up to this debate, click here. If you missed why the Magic will win, click here. If you missed how the Cavaliers will win, click here. Read Loyal Homer’s argument for the Lakers, then vote!).
As it stands today, four teams are left in what has been one of the most entertaining playoffs in recent memory. All four teams have strong credentials and a superstar – which is good for ratings. We all know what matchup the NBA and ABC are hoping for. It’s what most fans are hoping for also. But, when all is said and done, no matter what the matchup is in the Finals, I believe the Los Angeles Lakers will come out on top, and win their first championship since 2003.
Sports Geek has given you his reasons why Orlando will win with all of his numbers and statistics. But, that’s what sports geeks do! Bleacher Fan has given his reasons why Cleveland will win. Let me tell you why the Lakers will win.
Kobe knows it’s his time. It’s not quite “now or never” time but it really isn’t that far off. Lebron is only getting better and Wade, Anthony, and Howard are on teams who are only going to get better in the coming years. Perhaps Kobe just isn’t ready to hand over the throne to King James just yet.
It’s been an ongoing debate amongst NBA fans about who the best player in the NBA is right now. The pendulum has swung to Lebron James’ favor in the past year. Heck, even former Laker player (and Kobe Bryant’s former boss) Jerry West agrees. Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard have had their moment in the spotlight, also. Meanwhile, there’s a guy that plays at the Staples Center. You may have heard of him.
I will say that Andrew Bynum is going to have to consistently step up his game for the Lakers to win. Bynum had an awful two first rounds against the Jazz and Rockets, respectively, but he has picked it up slightly against the Nuggets. To beat the Cavs or Magic, he will have to continue to pick it up.
Let’s not forget the Lakers are coming off an NBA Finals loss last year to the Celtics. Couple the taste of that recent loss with the loss to the Pistons in the 2004, and the Lakers are on what you might call a mini-championship slump. It’s time to right the ship. It’s time for Kobe to get his fourth ring and continue to climb the ladder of the all time greats.
Lakers over the Nuggets in 6. Lakers over The Sharply Dressed Coach Stan Van Gundy and his Orlando Magic team in 6!!!
(Site note: If you missed the set up to this debate, click here. If you missed why the Magic will win, click here. If you missed how the Cavaliers will win (below), click here. Read Loyal Homer’s argument for the Lakers, then vote!).
I can see it now… puppet LeBron hoisting a puppet O’Brien Trophy over his weeping puppet head, chugging a big ol’ bottle of puppet Vitamin Water, while Kobe Bryant officially joins the ranks of “We”, who are all Witnesses (by the way, it’s sad to watch a grown puppet cry). There will be much rejoicing on the shores of Lake Erie!
That’s right, I said it. The Cleveland Cavaliers will be the 2009 NBA Champions!
The formula is a simple one…
The best PLAYER in the NBA + the best TEAM in the NBA + the best COACH in the NBA = CHAMPIONSHIP!
Let’s break that down…
LeBron is undeniably the best player in the NBA. This year, he racked up career bests in field goals (48.9%), free-throws (78%), assists/game (7.2), turnovers (2.98), and blocks/game (1.1). He also saw his second-highest totals for points/game (27.5), rebounds/game (7.6), and 3-point field goals (34.4%). He was nearly a unanimous MVP winner, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive team. Most remarkably, though, is that he accomplished this with the lowest minutes-per-game average he’s ever had (37.7)!
He’s producing more, in less time… how can that be?!
It’s because of the elevated play of his supporting cast, who will ultimately allow LeBron to claim his first (of many) titles. More specifically, it boils down to the addition of Mo Williams.
It was evident that LeBron was missing something. He couldn’t take on the NBA powerhouses alone, no matter how hard he tried. A supporting cast which included guys like Ira Newble, Larry Hughes, and Drew Gooden just wasn’t cutting it. Mo, however, came to the team and turned in an All Star year of his own, totaling personal bests in 3-pointers (43.6%), free-throws (91.2%!!!), and points per game (17.8). His field goal percentage (46.7%) was the second highest of his career.
I hate to draw the comparison, but it sounds a lot like Jordan – Pippen to me…
So, why have they struggled against the Magic? People are quick to point out that the Cavs are only alive because of LeBron’s 3-pointer at the end of game 2. Yet, Orlando is only alive because of Rashard Lewis’ shots in the final seconds of games 1 and 4. Cleveland has carried a lead into the final 30 seconds of 4 out of the 5 games this series, and the Magic have relied on miraculous 3-pt shooting that CANNOT be sustained.
After the first 4 games, the Magic averaged 43% from 3-pt land, compared to 36% during the season. They lived by the sword, and will surely die by that same sword. In game 5, the Magic shot their second-highest number of 3-pointers in the series but suddenly couldn’t hit anymore, sinking only 8 of 25. The result was their worst defeat of the series. Is this a sign that the hot-streak has ended? I think so.
Looking ahead to the Finals, then, it comes down to a question of whether or not the LeBron-aliers continue to struggle as they did against Orlando, or will they return to the level of domination demonstrated during the first two rounds? My answer (obviously) is a return to the form they have sustained through the ENTIRE season!
Cavs over Orlando in 7, Cavs over the West Champs in 5!
Posted by Sports Geek 
