Wasn't that an uneventful evening?

STEVE C. WILSON/AP

All Jazzed up for this one.

Talk about your bitter disappointments. Hands up everyone who was all pumped up for the games last night? Figured Chicago would give the Celtics another run, Dallas-San Antonio could have been a bloodbath and Lakers were going to continue their inexorable run to the conference title.

Yeah, right.

Dogs, weren’t they? Ugly mutt dogs of games; at least two of the three and the other was too late.

But, stuff still happened …

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About Last Night

Who were those guys?

With apologies to Rudy Tomjanovich, about all I could think after watching that Bulls demolition was:

“Never over-estimate the heart of a young team.”

Seriously, the Bulls we saw in Game 3 were entirely reminiscent of the group that gave token resistance when being drilled by the Raptors on the last night of the regular season and no resemblance whatsoever to the team that played so well in the first two games against Boston.

Why?

Well, how many times have you seen things set up so perfectly – huge, emotional crowd; an award presentation before the game to get everyone pumped up even more; so much at stake – and end so badly? Seems to happen a lot, especially to teams that haven’t been in that situation before.

Chicago came out tentatively, looked like they were playing scared and once the Celtics got a whiff of blood in the water, they struck.

I can’t say for sure what’s going to happen Sunday in Game 4 but I will say this: The first eight minutes of that game are the most important eight minutes of the season for the Bulls. If they get far behind again, the game – and the series – are over.

And they know it, as K.C. Johnson tells Chicago Trib readers. And you.

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A Gamblin’ Man

Rick Carlisle sure doesn’t look the part but his riverboat gambler imitation may have salvaged a series for the Dallas Mavericks.

J.J. Barea starting ahead of Antoine Wright? Small for big? Gutsy move.

Sure paid off, didn’t it? Wright had no chance guarding Tony Parker (and he had to because Jason Kidd had even less of a chance) and that’s when Carlisle came upon his stroke of relative genius.

The rationale is spelled out pretty clearly here by my good friend Eddie Cefko in the Dallas Morning News.

Now, that said, I think this series may still have some juice. Gregg Popovich is no slouch as a coach and I figure he’s got a counter to the counter that he’ll trot out in Game 4. And he has to because if the Spurs don’t get Parker going, this one’s over and a big upset.

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Welcome back

Yes, that was Paul Pierce having an exceptional game for the Celtics last night and wasn’t about time?

He had been okay in Game 2, choked incredibly with the missed game-winning free throw at the end of Game 1 and hadn’t comported himself as a Finals MVP at any point., But last night he took over early and put the Bulls in their place.

I’ve always held that Kevin Garnett is Boston’s best and most important player, despite Pierce’s gaudy offensive numbers, and with KG out, it had to fall to Pierce to carry the team. He didn’t in the first two games so I imagine his teammates and coaches were glad he finally arrived.

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All Jazzed up

I didn’t get to see much of the Lakers-Jazz game (the creaky old body doesn’t do 10:30 p.m. starts so well) but what I did see was just what I expected: A hyped up Utah team being carried along by a home crowd over a Laker team that’s going to have to get mentally tougher as the post-season progresses.

Of course, Deron Williams kind of busting a play (the Jazz don’t like a lot of shots off the high screen and roll) to hit the game-winner certainly helps.

Oh, and the atrocious shooting of Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum had a lot to do with the result, which still makes me think the Lakers win in five.

There is no way Kobe goes 5-for-24 or somesuch for two games in a row and there’s no way the Jazz get the same emotional boost in Game 4 that they got in Game 3.

This one was entirely predictable.

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One from the mail to clear up a misconception:

Q: You talked about Atlanta and Miami's different strengths, one runs one does not. In the playoffs historically teams that run don't win. Can you think of a team that was a running team that has won an NBA title? And if this style isn't the best for the postseason, why do general managers continue to build teams that want to run. (umm BC with the Raptors)

Mario A, Toronto

A: I think we need to find new words.

I know a lot of people think on the Phoenix Suns whenever one of us talks about “running” when that couldn’t be further from the truth and, actually, not what some of say.

What some of us say is that the Hawks like to play fast and get out in transition because that best suits their talents.

But what good teams do – really good teams – is try to score in transition because that’s the best way to get easy baskets in the playoffs (in any game, actually) but also have a halfcourt offence to fall back on.

Look at Cleveland? If they run (er, I mean get out in transition) they can dominate but they can also win in halfcourt games).

Look at Los Angeles? Same thing. Kobe, Ariza, Odom. All capable in the open court, all deadly when the game slows.

So it’s not one, it’s not the other (and it’s certainly not Seven Seconds Or Less); it’s just smart basketball.

And the style is best suited for any team.

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You saw this about TSN2 and the Jays, right? Rather sneaking dumping the Red Sox series onto that station I can’t see and while everyone’s sounding like, and hoping that, this is the impetus to get a deal done, I refuse to believe anyone involved in this despicable issue until I can actually hit the clicker here and see TSN2.

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Hope no one came here expecting Raptor news.

Talked to a general manager and an interim head coach yesterday and both were chilling doing family stuff, as well they should in the week immediately following a long, hard season.

If I had to guess, and this is a total supposition based on timing issues, I think it’s the week after next that we get final resolution to the coaching situation and I continue to fully expect Jay gets the gig.

The process is unfolding as it does, not quick enough for some I’m sure, but don’t get all worked up, it’ll all get worked out.

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One name you’re not going to hear for at least five or six weeks, though, is Rasho Nesterovic.

The big fella’s back in Toronto but he’s still under contract to the Indiana Pacers until July 1 and no one connected with the Raptors dare speak his name publicly lest tampering issues develop.

But, trust me on this, he’s very much in the mix.

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Now, I’ve got a backyard and deck that are just crying out for some work (gotta have somewhere for the folks to sit at the inaugural nice-weather barbecue tomorrow) so that’s it for now.

In my little mind, I’ve come to deserve a couple nights of respite so we’re going to give the in-game blog a rest until Game 4 of Portland-Houston on Sunday night. I’ll still be watching but I won’t be chatting; the computer will be on but only so I can knock off the mailbag.

See you sometime on the weekend.

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Comments

[chris]

Bring back Rasho!!! I've had the good fortune of sitting right behind the net a few times, and it was really amazing how important Rasho was to our defense AND offense. The guy was our quarterback - telling everyone where to go.

Also pretty scary how often some players (ie. Moon) needed instruction from Rasho on where to be.

He was VERY under-rated in this market. Can't wait to see him back.

[brennan]

fantastic shot by dwill.
terrible pass by ariza, kobe did what he could.
agreed doug, lakers in 5.

[Jack]

Rasho Nestorovich.
Will he accept the league minimum to sign here?
If he's not, don't even bother.

[Paul Clugston]

I agree doug that one shouldn't be shocked to see utah to win an emotional game at home, but to say it was "entirely predictable" after you earlier said that utah wouldn't win a half is changing your tune.

Blogger's note: Yes, after the first two games, I did a bit

[Andrew V]

Can I come to the BBQ?

[anthony.mackay]

Doug,
What do you make of the Magic so far? Before the playoffs there was talk of them to make the east final... but also talk that their style isn't suited for the playoffs.
I think they might have underestimated this Sixers team but will eventually win in 6 games and for some reason I see them playing better against the Celtics.

Blogger's note: I'm not sure how mentally focused they are all time; hence the blowing of 18-point leads

[Dave G]

hey doug,
since the Jays are owned by Rogers and now there will be games on TSN2 - how soon do you think a deal is worked out??

Blogger's note: I'll believe when I see it; until then I will continue to think that two gigantic corportations don't care in the least about the people who foot the bill.

[Will]

enjoy the break, sir.

[Peter]

Hi Doug,

A question about the "tampering" line. Obviously it is a fine line, but how would you define it? Here is a quote from your earlier blog on April 21st:
"Did you hear one of the names that popped up during the session? Rasho.

And since Bryan brought him up – as an example of the kind of good locker room guy teams need – I can see them having some interest in him this summer"

To me, this could be considered tampering as a GM of one team let an upcoming free agent know that he appreciates that players particular skill set. I don't expect to have too many people get upset because of the relative obscurity of a guy like Rasho, but I would imagine that if a GM said the same type of thing next year in regards to a Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, or Chris Bosh, that there would be a few competing GM's who would be rather upset. Brian Colangelo could have made his point without mentioning Rasho by name, so I found it interesting.

Initially I want to let this slide because I'm sure Brian didn't intend to tamper, but I'm very curious as to how tampering is defined by the league. Could you help clarify this?

Thanks!

Blogger's note: I guess if Indy got a tape and wanted to press the issue with the league, they could; but it really was an off-hand comment and don't imagine any complaint would result in anything. It's pretty much a case-by-case situation

[Johnny Bravo]

Anybody else hear the story on the fan this morning about an "alleged" restraining order from Joe Dumars on Michael Curry. After doing about 30 seconds of research - also known as google - this was some random post on a message board. How does a credible radio station put this on the air and call it news? Some one will have some egg on their face today.

[George]

Doug, Just to keep the free agency questions going. Do you think Trevor Ariza will make Colangelo's wish list this off-season? Would he be in the same bracket as Marion and Turkoglu?

[Darko]

Raso will NOT sign for the minimum. Have that straight from the horses mouth, although never a good idea to call 7 ft guy a horse in any context.
But, would love to have him back.

[Tim W.]

I was just reading that Kevin Love felt he got short-changed in the Rookie of the Year voting, and looking at the results, I have to agree. What's up with his lack of respect? First, he didn't make the Rookie vs Sophomore team, and then he gets sixth in the voting. The guy nearly averaged a double-double for the season, and displayed very good skills around the basket. Was it the fact he played in Minnesota?

[anthony.mackay]

Agree with the Magic's lack of focus, I did read an article on ESPN recently that was asking when Howard will become the BBD in the league (Biggest Baddest Dude)... that title still belongs to Shaq until Howard takes it from him.

However I think Rashard Lewis deserves his fair share of the blame here as well, I realize he doesn't have the typical game of a PF and might be a bit undersized (barley) but I expected much more out of him once he landed in Orlando. He has great talent but his leadership and intensity are both lacking. This guy should be at 20 PPG with a few more dimes and 3's per game, Howard gets all the boards so that's understandable.

I also realize the magic had to overpay (large) to get him and I guess that's fine if he will contribute long term but looking at his contact numbers for the next few years compared to his current production seems crazy. That's damn close to MAX money for nowhere near a MAX type player.

2008/09: $17.238 million, 2009/10: $18.876 million, 2010/11: $20.514 million, 2011/12: $22.125 million, 2012/13: $23.79 million

[doug]

In those two games last night Bulls-Celtics and the Jazz-Lakers we saw something interesting. If we go back a game to half-time in the Lakers-Jazz series they were being outplayed, out-hustled and just humiliated by the Lakers. But after the half whatever was said in the dressing room worked as they turned the tables and had a impressive second half, and although they subsequently lost that game it showed to them they could play with the Lakers and last night reaped those benefits.

Whereas in the Bulls-Celtics game last night with the exact same scenario transpiring, the Bulls being out-played in every aspect of the game and at halftime being humiliated in front of their home crowd. Did they respond in the second half?, did they play with more desire, focus, and try to make a game out of it, or at least salvage some pride , confidence? No the opposite occurred which to me does not bode well for the next game or the remainder of the series.

The Jazz responded to the challenge the Bulls just waved the white flag it seemed, to me this not only showed a lot but said a lot about both these teams respectively.

[LeeZ]

What, nothing about POPS vs POB today? What's gotten into you people! Doug LIVES for this kinda stuff!!!

[Brian Gerstein]

Doug, as far as TSN2 goes, their latest attempts to steal Rogers customers (including me) is about as subtle as a train wreck, with them blatently advertising in all mediums how much we have missed, and will miss in the future.

Having once vented my wrath at Rogers itself, I have realized over time who is at fault here i.e. MLSE 50% brokering such an awful deal effectively shutting out a million subscribers in their home market, and Bell Media (TSN2) 49%. Rogers gets 1% blame if only for not being transparent about the state of negotiations (or non).

I am prepared to stick with overpriced Rogers even though it will mean possibly sacrificing more Raptors games next year, should MLSE be moronic again and allow TSN2 to cover them again.

[Phil A]

How in the world did Jason Kapono receive a 2nd place vote for 6th man of the year? I can think of at least 20 players that were more effective coming off the bench then him.

[Nick]

Did Matt Devlin get to vote on the sixth man award? Kapono got a 2nd vote and I can't think of anyone who would do such thing except maybe him.

[doug]

A lot of times I hear writers and reporters saying that the vote should be taken away from the fans in regards to all-star balloting due to some of there picks....well that argument is becoming moot as who is doing the voting for these awards, writers and really they have been a disappointment. A strong argument can be made against both defensive player of the year, and coach of the year selections. But Kapono getting a 2nd place vote should make all writers casting a vote to be not only embarrassed but irate.

[Jason]

Doug,
NY Post has an article about Mullin getting the Knicks GM gig. As we all know, a new GM will want his own guy at the helm so how safe is D'Antoni?
Seems as though D'Antoni's luster started to dull at the end of the season. Then again, Mullin's last team GS made the Knicks look like they held the ball forever so D'Antoni might be Mullins type of guy.
Also maybe you could throw in your thoughts on the Knicks VP, our old friend Glen. I'd have to believe Mullin would also want to be VP if he's GM because we know Walsh isn't going anywhere until after 2010 at least. It would seem too weird for Mullin to leapfrog Glen when Walsh retires so it seems like Glen might be a lame duck should Mullin come on board
No, I'm not going to start a rumor here, I'm just wondering what you've heard.
Yes I'm aware this questions is about the Knicks but I'm running out of Raps questions.

Blogger's note: Mike D'Anonti's job is safer than anything in the world; Mullin, if he goes there, will be to join the staff, not lead it, It's Donny Walsh's show and he's just adding expertise. Glen's safe, too.

[Kevin Huang]

LOL KAPONO

[aditya]

doug, please comment on this, did lebron james not get enough calls in game 3 vs pistons...i mean i hear his coach mike brown saying lebron was like he aint getting calls, so hes gonna will his team to a win...I MEAN, THATS SO ABSURD BECAUSE HE DOES GET CALLS...AND WHEN LEBRON`S SHOT GETS BLOCKED, HE`S LIKE THAT WAS A FOUL AND IS SEEN FLAILING HIS ARMS..

LEBRON GOT BLOCKED CLEANLY AND IS SEEN FLAILING HIS ARMS LIKE `CALL A FOUL REF`....

Blogger's note: I DON'T KNOW, I DIDN'T SEE ENOUGH OF THE GAME.
(Why yell?)
And, frankly, an NBA player, good or great or bad, whining about calls is hardly something anyone should be remotely surprised by.

[aditya]

lol...sorry about the YELLING...i hate lebron