Scores Report Happy Hour #4 (5/16/08)

(05/16/2008)

3:59

JohnPaulsen:

Hello, and welcome to our fourth Happy Hour chat. Anthony Stalter and I will discuss the week in sports, and we'd like to encourage readers to submit their comments and questions. Anthony - are you ready to roll?

Friday May 16, 2008 3:59 JohnPaulsen

4:01

AnthonyStalter:

Merry Friday John - I'm ready

Friday May 16, 2008 4:01 AnthonyStalter

4:01

JohnPaulsen:

Let's talk about the NBA playoffs first...just to get us going, let's watch the replay of LeBron's monster dunk earlier in the Cavs/Celtics series.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:01 JohnPaulsen

4:01

[Video file]

YouTube: 9MSQ_G5MZFo Play

Friday May 16, 2008 4:01

4:02

AnthonyStalter:

No regard for human life?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:02 AnthonyStalter

4:02

JohnPaulsen:

Yeah, I loved that call.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:02 JohnPaulsen

4:03

AnthonyStalter:

I always really enjoy the excitment that comes out of the announcers on a monster dunk like that. It's always a great call.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:03 AnthonyStalter

4:03

JohnPaulsen:

One of the most exciting moments of the playoffs this year. Certainly, one of the best dunks I've seen in a while.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:03 JohnPaulsen

4:03

JohnPaulsen:

Anyway, we'd like to encourage any readers out there to submit their questions and comments.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:03 JohnPaulsen

4:03

AnthonyStalter:

Does Cleveland force a Game 7 tonight, John?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:03 AnthonyStalter

4:04

JohnPaulsen:

There are a couple of big Game 6's tonight - Cavs/Celtics and Lakers/Jazz... Boston has had so much trouble on the road (after posting the league's best regular season road record) that it's hard to bet against the Cavs.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:04 JohnPaulsen

4:04

JohnPaulsen:

Boston simply looks like a different team away from home.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:04 JohnPaulsen

4:04

AnthonyStalter:

Why is that? Because they look so dominant at home. Can you point to one thing?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:04 AnthonyStalter

4:06

JohnPaulsen:

The thing I keep hearing is that role players play so much better at home, that it's up to the stars to dominate and the so-called "Big Three" (which , as Bill Simmons says, should be re-named "The Big Two featuring Ray Allen") just haven't come through in the series.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:06 JohnPaulsen

4:06

JohnPaulsen:

Ray Allen is shooting just 34% against the Cavs and is averaging a hair above 10 points a game.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:06 JohnPaulsen

4:06

AnthonyStalter:

Fill someone like me in on why Simmons would say something like that about Allen.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:06 AnthonyStalter

4:07

AnthonyStalter:

What's Cleveland's strategy tonight?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:07 AnthonyStalter

4:08

JohnPaulsen:

Well, it was part of a fake pre game speech he wrote for Doc Rivers, and Ray spoke up and asked everyone to stop using the term "Big 3" because it puts too much pressure on him. Allen is getting on in years and he's pretty much just a spot up shooter now...not the multi-dimensional scoring machine he was earlier in his career.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:08 JohnPaulsen

4:08

AnthonyStalter:

Then they should stop doing those ESPN commericals where the three of them are doing various things around the offices in Bristol!

Friday May 16, 2008 4:08 AnthonyStalter

4:09

JohnPaulsen:

The Cavs will look to do what they've been doing. They are playing very good defense in the series and they'll hope to contain Pierce and KG and force the other guys to step up on the road in what is sure to be a hostile environment.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:09 JohnPaulsen

4:09

JohnPaulsen:

That's another of Simmons' pet peeves. He's tired of seeing these guys being interviewed about winning when they haven't won anything yet.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:09 JohnPaulsen

4:10

JohnPaulsen:

The interesting thing about the C's is that they could be the first team to win a title without winning a playoff game on the road. At least I think they'd be the first.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:10 JohnPaulsen

4:10

AnthonyStalter:

The media will always latch onto a story. With the way they dominated in the regular season, it's hard to not get excited about a potential Finals run..

Friday May 16, 2008 4:10 AnthonyStalter

4:10

JohnPaulsen:

Yeah, it's up to the Celtics to lay off the interviews as much as they can

Friday May 16, 2008 4:10 JohnPaulsen

4:11

JohnPaulsen:

I'm really looking forward to the other game tonight - Lakers/Jazz.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:11 JohnPaulsen

4:11

AnthonyStalter:

Lakers wrap it up?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:11 AnthonyStalter

4:12

JohnPaulsen:

Though I think the Jazz blew their chance to win the series when they couldn't get a win in Game 5. I think Utah wins again at home. Kobe doesn't look like himself and I doubt the Jazz will play as spotty as they did in L.A. I for one would like to see a Game 7 in this series just to see how everyone reacts.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:12 JohnPaulsen

4:12

AnthonyStalter:

It's amazing how the theme of the playoffs has been teams not getting it done on the road. Look at the Hornets, too.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:12 AnthonyStalter

4:12

JohnPaulsen:

I'd love to have a couple of Game 7's to look forward to on Monday. Your Spurs already forced one against the Hornets.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:12 JohnPaulsen

4:13

JohnPaulsen:

What do you think is going to happen in that Game 7?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:13 JohnPaulsen

4:14

AnthonyStalter:

It's hard to get excited about the way the Spurs won last night, because they won that way in Game's 3 and 4, too, only to look terrible on the road. While I don't think Game 7 will be a blow out like previous games in New Orleans, I think the Hornets win. The Spurs just haven't put together four good quarters in New Orleans yet.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:14 AnthonyStalter

4:14

JohnPaulsen:

David West's back is the key. If he's at or near 100%, I think the Hornets prevail. If he can't perform like his usual self, I think the Spurs will advance.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:14 JohnPaulsen

4:14

AnthonyStalter:

Do you think Horry's play was dirty? That seems to be the talk of the day.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:14 AnthonyStalter

4:14

JohnPaulsen:

He got knocked out of Game 6 and it didn't look good. He has three days to heal, so that's good (for Hornets fans).

Friday May 16, 2008 4:14 JohnPaulsen

4:15

[Video file]

YouTube: HUh1kJLrYu8 Play

Friday May 16, 2008 4:15

4:16

JohnPaulsen:

I don't think so. He was just setting a screen and West wasn't looking.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:16 JohnPaulsen

4:16

JohnPaulsen:

Of course, Horry doesn't have the greatest reputation for fouls like that and there's always the dirty Spurs argument.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:16 JohnPaulsen

4:17

AnthonyStalter:

I didn't think it was either. If you've watched closely, both of these teams are throwing little shots at each other. But you're right - Horry's rep speaks for itself so I don't blame anyone for questioning whether it was dirty or not.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:17 AnthonyStalter

4:17

JohnPaulsen:

Just to wrap up the NBA schedule. Cavs/Celtics at 8 PM ET tonight, with the Lakers/Jazz at 10:30 PM. Then a potential Game 7 of the Cavs/Celtics would be on Sunday, with the Hornets/Spurs and a possible Lakers/Jazz Game 7 on Monday night on TNT.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:17 JohnPaulsen

4:18

JohnPaulsen:

What's going on in the world of baseball, Anthony?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:18 JohnPaulsen

4:19

AnthonyStalter:

Well, the biggest talk surrounds what Goose Gossage said about Joba Chamberlain's excessive celebrations on the mound.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:19 AnthonyStalter

4:19

JohnPaulsen:

What's your take?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:19 JohnPaulsen

4:20

AnthonyStalter:

I think it's completely fine to show emotion in a game, as long as it's not directed at an opponent. We're talking about a GAME here - not a prez debate. I like seeing guys get fired up after a good play. I don't want to see T.O.-type dances after every strike out, but a fist pump to me isn't excessive.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:20 AnthonyStalter

4:21

JohnPaulsen:

I say let them celebrate the way they want. Goose needs to go work at Starbucks or something and stay busy. Any big games this weekend?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:21 JohnPaulsen

4:21

AnthonyStalter:

I think people get too fired up about the "laws of baseball" and what's acceptable and what's not. I've played baseball most of my life (nothing professional) and I get pissed at myself for striking out - not at the pitcher showing emotion after a good play.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:21 AnthonyStalter

4:22

JohnPaulsen:

Here's a football question from Belicheat:

Friday May 16, 2008 4:22 JohnPaulsen

4:23

[Comment From BelicheatBelicheat: ]

Why won't fans forget about Spygate and let me get on with my life?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:23 Belicheat

4:23

AnthonyStalter:

Interleague play starts this weekend, so that's always a fun time. Boston-Milwaukee is a cool series with Dice-K going tonight. And of course, Mets-yankees.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:23 AnthonyStalter

4:23

AnthonyStalter:

Haha, great question Belicheat. Well, because you've been cheating for five-plus years and all your punishment was a small fine and a loss of a draft pick.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:23 AnthonyStalter

4:24

JohnPaulsen:

Following up Belicheat's question - what do you think is the proper punishment for the Pats?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:24 JohnPaulsen

4:24

AnthonyStalter:

I got punished more for cheating on a fifth grade spelling bee.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:24 AnthonyStalter

4:25

AnthonyStalter:

I wish I had one, JP. The league has never seen anything like this and I think the question is - how many other teams are cheating too?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:25 AnthonyStalter

4:25

AnthonyStalter:

The Patriots got caught, but how many other teams are bending the rules in their favor as far as video taping goes?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:25 AnthonyStalter

4:25

JohnPaulsen:

I don't think you can base your punishment for one team that got caught on the theory that everyone is doing it.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:25 JohnPaulsen

4:26

JohnPaulsen:

The bottom line is that the Pats knowingly broke the rules for what, seven years, and it looks like they only lose a single draft pick and a fine?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:26 JohnPaulsen

4:26

AnthonyStalter:

I understand and I agree. So what the league needs to do is get something in place and every time a team gets caught, there's no blurred rules.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:26 AnthonyStalter

4:27

AnthonyStalter:

Or blurred punishment.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:27 AnthonyStalter

4:27

AnthonyStalter:

What do you think is fair? They obviously can't go back and take away the trophy's.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:27 AnthonyStalter

4:27

JohnPaulsen:

no, but I don't think the Pats should be drafting in the first round as long as Belicheat is there. He should be suspended for a year.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:27 JohnPaulsen

4:28

AnthonyStalter:

That would be interesting. I'm sure he has many to take his place of terror! That's probably why he was so upset Mangini migrated to the Jets two years ago.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:28 AnthonyStalter

4:29

JohnPaulsen:

Probably. I just don't like the way the league has handled it and I don't mind that the Senate is getting involved. I think fans fall into the "everybody's doing it" way of thinking, as if that makes it okay.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:29 JohnPaulsen

4:30

AnthonyStalter:

Well that, and people just want to get back to the game. The NFL is so popular that nobody wants to see the game tarnished in any way. And you can't tarnish anything more than when you cheat...

Friday May 16, 2008 4:30 AnthonyStalter

4:30

JohnPaulsen:

Right, but the Pats have been the NFL's shining star for the last seven years and it turns out they've been cheating.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:30 JohnPaulsen

4:31

AnthonyStalter:

Exactly. Everybody thought the Pats were the model organization - the "right" way to do things. Now it turns out that they weren't special, they were cheating.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:31 AnthonyStalter

4:31

JohnPaulsen:

Grrr.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:31 JohnPaulsen

4:31

AnthonyStalter:

I know it keeps you up at night John, and I'm sorry for that.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:31 AnthonyStalter

4:31

JohnPaulsen:

Anything else you'd like to cover this week?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:31 JohnPaulsen

4:32

AnthonyStalter:

Nope - I'm just ready for all the NBA Playoff action tonight.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:32 AnthonyStalter

4:32

AnthonyStalter:

Well that, and NFL training camps to start again!

Friday May 16, 2008 4:32 AnthonyStalter

4:32

JohnPaulsen:

I have a furlough from parenthood this evening. I'm going to watch the games at a local sports bar with a buddy.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:32 JohnPaulsen

4:32

AnthonyStalter:

Your wife is asking for it I feel...

Friday May 16, 2008 4:32 AnthonyStalter

4:33

AnthonyStalter:

Behave yourself or else you'll never get the green light to go out again...EVER.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:33 AnthonyStalter

4:33

JohnPaulsen:

She's been pretty good about it - the main thing is that I cannot come home drunk.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:33 JohnPaulsen

4:34

JohnPaulsen:

That's easy enough, right?

Friday May 16, 2008 4:34 JohnPaulsen

4:34

JohnPaulsen:

Haha.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:34 JohnPaulsen

4:34

AnthonyStalter:

Sure! Just ask Lofa Tatupu!

Friday May 16, 2008 4:34 AnthonyStalter

4:34

JohnPaulsen:

Ha!

Friday May 16, 2008 4:34 JohnPaulsen

4:34

AnthonyStalter:

That wasn't nice John...

Friday May 16, 2008 4:34 AnthonyStalter

4:35

AnthonyStalter:

All right, well enjoy the weekend and all of the games.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:35 AnthonyStalter

4:36

JohnPaulsen:

or Carmelo Anthony...I won't be driving so that should help.

Friday May 16, 2008 4:36 JohnPaulsen

4:36

JohnPaulsen:

Riding my bike down there... I guess I could get a BUI...

Friday May 16, 2008 4:36 JohnPaulsen

4:36

AnthonyStalter:

I would die if you said that next Happy Hour...

Friday May 16, 2008 4:36 AnthonyStalter

4:36

JohnPaulsen:

All right, have a good weekend and enjoy the games. Later!

Friday May 16, 2008 4:36 JohnPaulsen

4:37

AnthonyStalter:

Take care

Friday May 16, 2008 4:37 AnthonyStalter

4:37

Thank you for reading today.

Thousands of users.
Millions of readers.
Free and simple to use.
Try CoveritLive today.

Writer: JohnPaulsen

Close

English

简体中文

Dansk

Deutsch

Español

Français

Italiano

日本語

Nederlands

Norsk

Português

Русский

Svenska

Close