I haven't totally tuned out, but haven't necessarily been watching the entire games either. I've been watching Phoenix play whenever they are on, but it was disappointing to see them go down 0-3 to San Antonio. I was quite happy to see them pull a win out the other night, and I hope they can get another one tonight. I think their chances of winning the series are slim, but at least making it competitive would be ok too. Watching them play the Spurs...as great as Tim Duncan is (and he is), he sure seems to get away with a lot, and get a lot of calls. I swear that guy travels every time he catches the ball at the top of the key at the start of their offensive setup. Of course, maybe that is just sour grapes from a fan of the Suns
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I watched quite a bit of the Pistons-Heat game last night, with the Pistons winning. It reminded me of how I greatly dislike Detroit. I really didn't like them in their "bad boys" days, but found myself rooting for them against the Lakers last year because they seemed like such a huge underdog. Now I don't know that I like them so much. They get a lot of praise for their defense, sometimes deservedly so, but they have to be one of the most overly physical (read fouling nonstop) teams that I've seen play. I guess I'm just not a fan of that type of play, and that is what bogs down the playoffs and made them boring in the past. Those days in the 90s with the "playoff physical play" teams like Indiana, New York, and Detroit and those games with scores in the 70s. At least it isn't that bad anymore, but they really do seem to push, hack, and slap a lot. And, as talented as Ben Wallace is as a player (particularly defensively), he really seems to do no wrong in the eyes of the referees, announcers, etc. I still think he deserved a little harsher punishment than he received for his role in that whole Pistons-Pacers melee. Not that he deserved an Artest-like suspension, but his retaliation for a foul that really wasn't all that hard, is what started the whole incident in the first place. Anyways, again, maybe more sour grapes...because I was a little disappointed in their fans' reactions in that Pacers incident, and then noticed last night them chanting "bull****" over and over after a bad foul call. I remember fans at our games doing that too....in high school or college....but not as grown men/women
Anyways....go Suns (and Heat I suppose)
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As far as Larry Brown goes, it seems like the same old story. Actually, I think it might be a mistake for Cleveland to go in his direction. From what I have read/heard, it sounds like he would be in charge of personnel and all that, not actually coaching. Coaching is what he does, he hasn't ever been the great player guy. Trades a lot of guys on a whim, and has never been known for his personnel management skills. Should be interesting, but I don't know if it is the best move for Cleveland. Then again, it seems like most teams change coaches far too easily and too often these days anyways. There's only a handful of teams that are championship contenders, but it seems like lots more think they are as well, and if they aren't playing to that level, it must be the coach. Sometimes it is just plain talent of the players too. I have heard that PJ Carliesemo (sp?) is interviewing for the Timberwolves coaching job. That should seal Sprewell leaving town for sure
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