A big middle finger to the NBA schedule makers

by grungedave on Nov 10, 2008 12:13 PM CST in Random Commentary Comment 43 comments

The Rockets started strong in going 3-0 out of the gate...
only to stumble recently to a 4-3 mark. With a couple of breaks the Rockets would reasonably be 6-1 (close loss to Celtics and the Brandon Roy 0.8 seconds shot).

Of course, the NBA schedule makers wanted none of that.

Why else would the Rockets have two early back-to-backs, face the Celtics AND Lakers within the first 7 games (both times facing teams well rested). Hell the Lakers have played 2 less games than Houston so far... which only made it harder when the refs "let 'em play" and Bynum, Gasol and Odom were given carte blanche to beat the shit out of Yao in the post. Rockets visibly worn out by the third quarter. Giving way to the near 30 point blowout.

(sidenote: Pau Gasol is a pussy. He fake flopped and tried to draw a foul on a phantom elbow by Landry. Then Gasol actually elbows Landry and reacts in mock outrage. Foul called on Landry. Figures.)

Then again, we did predict this might happen.

Seriously, FU NBA schedule-makers.

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Thank you X3

I can’t understand how they make these schedules. It’s bad for national TV and it’s bad for big matchups like these when one team already has a huge advantage going into the game.

Whatever! Let the country bash us for this 29 point blowout. Let them think we’re pretenders. I would love to go back under the radar.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they won’t have the benefit of the schedule in the playoffs. Every team gets the same schedule and days off for the most part.

Despite all those disadvantages, we found a way to get a 16 point lead on them early and then we ran out of gas. That was telling to me. That sent a bigger message to me than what happened after that.

I mean, look at some of the rotations we used. I believe early in the 4th quarter, Adelman threw out Brooks, Head, Barry, Landry, and Scola at point. If that isn’t throwing in the towel, I don’t know what is. Who thinks we’ll be using a rotation like that come playoff time?

by goingforthecorner on Nov 10, 2008 3:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

rotation

If Luther Head is still on the roster by playoff time… we have big problems.

by grungedave on Nov 10, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah

there’s no doubt we get or at least try to get a 2nd round pick and/or cash for him.

by goingforthecorner on Nov 10, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry.....

I commented on your other thread before I realized your blog is a total joke. Here is a little advice. Objectivity is the backbone of credibility. Your posts lack any objectivity (Pau Gasol is a pussy) (We lost because of Adelman’s rotations) (we will steamroll the league by February), etc……

Guess what? Everyone gets screwed by the schedule. “Bulls circus trip”, “Spurs rodeo trip”……etc. The Lakers had one game last week. Great timing from the League. How about a nice break later in the season instead of the first two weeks. Oh yeah they also have a heavy home schedule early and road late. I am sure they would like it the other way around, but they deal with it.

Now I know why this blog gets 3-4 comments per post instead of 100. Grow up, have a little objectivity (also known as humility after a beatdown) and maybe you will get a little credibility.

by pslakerfan on Nov 10, 2008 9:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

what part of "the Lakers are really good" did you miss?

We’ve done nothing here but praise the Lakers for being really damn good. So what exactly is your problem? If you want objectivity — go to ESPN, SI or a freakin’ newspaper. We have never claimed to be journalists. And I will quit doing this the moment someone expects me to be objective about my own freakin’ team.

I like our schedule in February… but I would have liked a better schedule early on when our players are still trying to mesh. What’s so egregious about that statement.

Also, I could not care less how many comments I get on this blog. Pandering to the audience isn’t exactly my style. Lee will verify that. The lack of comments I interpret as people agreeing with me as there is nothing more to say on particular points. Yes, I have an ego… so the F what?

by grungedave on Nov 10, 2008 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What planet are you from?

“We’ve done nothing here but praise the Lakers for being really damn good.” – Did you actually say that?

First you blame the schedule – “Hell the Lakers have played 2 less games than Houston so far…”

Then you blame the refs – “which only made it harder when the refs "let ’em play” and Bynum, Gasol and Odom were given carte blanche to beat the shit out of Yao in the post. Rockets visibly worn out by the third quarter."

Then you call Pau a “pussy” – “Pau Gasol is a pussy.” (this one is interesting considering a second ago he was beating the s**t out of Yao)

Then (on another thread) you blame the loss on Adelman’s rotations.

Yeah, clearly you are doing nothing but praising the Lakers. My bad.

by pslakerfan on Nov 10, 2008 11:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

evidence

How do any of those statements contradict what I said about the Lakers being good?
the schedule… was about the Rockets
the refs… was about the Rockets
Pau being a pussy… was about Pau being a pussy.
Adelman’s rotations… was about the Rockets.

At what point do you realize that it’s not always about you or the Lakers?

by grungedave on Nov 11, 2008 8:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

apparently some other time.

I didn’t say they contradicted anything. (seriously do you read anything or just start jumping to conclusions when you see my avatar) You said “We’ve done nothing here but praise the Lakers for being really damn good.” And then you go on to give a bunch of reasons (not the lakers being good) as to why you lost. That was my point, I guess you don’t care what I say as long as you get to keep babbling the same crap over and over again.

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by the way..........

How is the “sticking my fingers in my ears and screaming I am not listening….I am not listening” tactic working out for you these days.

by pslakerfan on Nov 10, 2008 11:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

btw

If you actually care to argue the opposing view of “Pau Gasol is a pussy” — I am all ears. I’m not sure you can actually make that argument based solely on last night’s evidence. If it takes a phantom elbow to “wake him up” — last June makes a lot more sense now as to why he disappeared against Boston.

by grungedave on Nov 10, 2008 9:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hmmmmmmmmmm..............

So I should label a player based solely on one game’s evidence. Are you kidding me. Like I said above, if he is so soft then how does he beat the s**t out of Yao (as you claimed).

Look obviously you are a biased fan as am I. However I have a little objectivity and you apparently do not. No problem, it is you blog and you can do as you please. Just don’t try and pretend you are anything else. Oh by the way when you trade info with TheLakerNation, you are treading on a good name. That site at least tries to be honest and objective. Please stay away if you just want to rant, and you “don’t care what others think” as you say above.

by pslakerfan on Nov 10, 2008 11:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

one last thing....

I have sparred a few times with Lee and UofTOrange and they can be homers as well. However I find them to be fairly objective and professional (most of the time). I guess that makes you the black sheep around here…………

by pslakerfan on Nov 10, 2008 11:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's a blog man

He doesn’t need to have objectivity. And it doesn’t matter if others do. He can write about whatever he wants. Stop crying man.

by erod on Nov 11, 2008 8:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you saw those tears?

Wow you are good

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 12:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you are more clueless than I thought

Lee and “UofTOrange” are the same person. You and context clues must not get along very well.

by grungedave on Nov 11, 2008 8:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 12:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pau

Pau beating the shit out of Yao in the post does not detract from the fact that Pau is a pussy. In fact, it only reinforces it… Pau has no problems hitting on another guy, but when faced with aggressive defense against him, he flops and whines and complains and starts cheap-shotting Carl Landry… yup, a true pussy. The Boston Celtics would agree.

by grungedave on Nov 11, 2008 8:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the boston celtics don't speak English........

so they can’t agree. but I digress. I am sure grungedave is a real man and would never flop?

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Like Pau Gasol or Derek Fisher has never flopped

Every player in the League flops. And it’s irritating. (I hated it when Vlade flopped. Absolutely hated it. Still do.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Nov 11, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fisher is not a flopper..........

Maybe he exaggerates a bit, but not much of a flopper. Now Manu Ginobili, that dude is a flopper. I am sure you have seen his You Tube flopping montages, they are classic.

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Riiiiiiiight

He’s never flopped. Ever. Just like Shaq has never lowered his shoulder and dislodged a defensive player from his position even though that’s illegal. Or like Kobe doesn’t palm the ball when not quite being as smooth as he should when crossing over.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Nov 12, 2008 7:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You should check the Lakers/Warriors game last year

Towards the end of the season, Monta Ellis… ring a bell yet?

by goingforthecorner on Nov 13, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So you've moved beyond simple bullshit

and towards racism, then?

“the boston celtics don’t speak English”

WTF?

by Only_A_Lad on Nov 11, 2008 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually I meant their fans........

So now who’s the racist?

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 5:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Presumably neither of us

But now your “point” is just incoherent (and why didn’t you write “the boston celtics’ fans don’t speak English?”). I’m pretty sure they speak English is Boston.

by Only_A_Lad on Nov 12, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dave's not objective, it's actually what I like about him

I can be more even keeled, but come on, your taking his argument and turning it into something it is not this time.

Our schedule right now, when we are trying to put a new team together, without a starter from last year healthy is brutal. I know that all schedules are hard at some point in the season, but the worst time for that to be the case is in the first month. I think you know this. If you don’t ever complain about your schedule, then you aren’t an actual fan of your team.

The Lakers have been getting home court calls since their inception. You know this, I know this, even Jazz fans know this. I’m cool with that, it’s just a nuance of the NBA. But I do not believe you can argue that.

The Lakers are awesome, but I don’t believe you really think they are 29 points better than the Rockets night in and night out. Both Dave and I said we thought we’d lose this game. But to go down by 29 when you have a 16 point lead is going to be cause for some meltdowns around here.

We definitely agree on TheLakerNation, great site, great articles. It’s not any more objective than this site is 95% of the time though. Case in point, the Gasol article about him getting fired up. Landry did nothing to him that Gasol wasn’t dishing out himself. What did Landry do after getting pushed around and hit in the head a few times down low? He went right after Gasol. What did Gasol do? He tried to buck up and act tough instead of actually being tough.

Gasol is a really good player, but we’re not the first to label him as soft. I know you know this. This is far from a one game label, it’s something that’s plauged him for years. We know something about soft, we have a few of those guys on our team at times. In Memphis that was the prevailing thought about Gasol. Fantastic talent, but just a contact wuss.

Our biggest problems is that because the Lakers have been good for so long, that you are represented by bandwagon fans more than you are by real, true blooded NBA Lakers fans that know what they are talking about. While I think you are off the deep end with this arguement, I do applaud you for being able to speak in complete sentences and not resulting to calling someone a faggot or asking how your dick tastes like so many of your brethren. I have a serious problem, on the internet or in person, with someone being as simple minded as that. I won’t let it stand from our posters here either.

by UofTOrange on Nov 11, 2008 8:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've said alot of offensive things UofT

But I’ve never said anything about someone’s sexual preference (or have need/desire to) since that is pretty much up to each individual. However, I have found there are many people out there, too many whom are Laker fans, that do not share the same proclivity. Unfortunate, but that’s the way it is.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Nov 11, 2008 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Finally a little objectivity.

I was getting tired of beating my head against the grungedave wall. My point was not that your blog is anymore objective than the Laker Nation just the quality of the writing or GD. I have never seen the Laker Nation use the term “pussy”, or blame a 29 point loss on refs, or schedules, etc. I am sure they are homers, their posts just seem a little more professional (Like yours).

To answer a few of your points above, I agree everyone has bad schedules at some point. The Lakers had the longest road trip in like 50 years last season.(9 games I believe, maybe 8) I just don’t think blaming a 29 point loss on it is very reasonable. Grungedave had like 5 different excuses for why they lost, but he felt his “laker disclaimer” somehow made that part moot.

Of course I don’t think we are 29 points better than anyone…….

You called Pau “soft”, grungedave says “pussy”. This illustrates my point. One sounds like a Rockets fan, and one sounds like an A-hole.

I don’t know how the “faggot” thing got started, (on the other thread), but I do not condone it either.

As far as bandwagon fans I think all teams have them. Maybe it seems like we have more bandwagon fans because we win alot :-)

Thanks for the respectful and intellegent response. (Yeah that’s a shot at you dave)

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t believe that Dave was saying we lost for any of those reasons. I believe he was putting up some of the reasons that we got destroyed by 29. Neither of us thought the Rockets would win that game. The Lakers are too good and I’m impressed that they have moved as seamlessly into having Bynum in the lineup as they have.

by UofTOrange on Nov 11, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh

And if you can’t cuss on the internet, the terrorists have won ;-)

by UofTOrange on Nov 11, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what the hell...

You’re bothered that I called a spade a spade… or in this instance – a pussy a pussy?

Yeah, I cuss. A lot. And I don’t like using vague words like “soft” when I can use a word like “pussy” and more accurately describe a player and a situation.

Oh, and calling me an asshole isn’t going to bother me. I’ve known this fact for years. Get some new material.

by grungedave on Nov 11, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's actually true

Though I think “pompous A-hole” is more appropriate

by UofTOrange on Nov 11, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

correction

The full term is “arrogant asshole”
it has a nice alliterative aspect to it. And it’s true.

by grungedave on Nov 11, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

in all fairness....

I did say A-hole.

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

cussing........

I don’t have a problem with cussing. I have a Masters in cussing. I have a problem with your chicken shit way of blaming everything but the Lakers for getting your ass kicked. I am just amazed you didn’t find a way to blame Kobe being a rapist. Everyone else does. It is usually the default response of all Laker haters.

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You don't know Dave very well

I think Dave would have Kobe’s children if he let him. You won’t find a bigger Kobe fan in the world, I can promise you that. Well, at least a non-stalker one.

by UofTOrange on Nov 11, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and bitches be lyin

by UofTOrange on Nov 11, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

True, true......

I hear dat.

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 5:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

too old

I’m too old for Kobe now.

and I remain convinced that if the Rockets didn’t fuck up their rotations and actually, you know, passed the ball – the Rockets would have made the game a hell of a lot more competitive – and might have actually won. But that’s why I love basketball… we play the Lakers two more times and maybe in a 7 game series in May as well. We shall see what happens next.

by grungedave on Nov 11, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You mean 4 game series in May don't you???

Oops, that wasn’t very nice of me, sorry.

by pslakerfan on Nov 11, 2008 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gents

Enjoyed the Dream Shake as a non-SBN site, and as non-objective Houston Rocket fans, I plan to enjoy it now too as a SBN site.\

(Even though I’m not a Laker basher, and a noted Adelman apologist, danced a jig all over North Seattle when Artest got traded to Clutchtown, and find Donte Greene to be hilarious, I will say that Lakers fans can be irritating. And Pau Gasol IS a pussy, and a punk.)

Thanks for writing the Dream Shake (and like I’m saying alot these days) I’ll try to read it as much as I can.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Nov 11, 2008 12:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I just wanted to mention that I dislike the use of the term “pussy” when describing annoying men. I happen to like and think well of the actual thing, whereas I despise and pity the likes of Pau Gasol. Gasol, by biological definitions at least, is a man, as his lice-riddled beard attests.

I hope I live to see the day when all the completely obvious fouls on Yao are called and a whole opposing front court fouls out in a quarter.

by Xiane on Nov 11, 2008 5:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

And back to the sked....

Was just browsing the schedule today and am wondering how many other teams have a back-to-back 4 times this month with as much travel as we do between the two games.

Nov 6 – Portland, Nov 7 – LA: 800+ miles
Nov 14 – SA, Nov 15 vs NO: 200 miles (no big deal)
Nov 21 – Washington, Nov 22 – Orlando: 500+
Nov 29 – vs SA, Nov 30 – Denver: 900+

Do other teams face similar travel schedules?

by BigTexBD on Nov 11, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs