NBA PLAYOFFS: the I-45 Series....

This just in: Rondo has been ruled out indefinitely, reportedly it is a back injury, but it was probably because of his poor play and that 8 second turnover was the icing on the cake. Per the news I heard on TV, he was told not to even dress with the team and not allowed to sit on the bench during the remaining games of the Mavs playoff run, which is looking like 2 maybe 3 more games.

Other than his rebound number, Dirk also had a bad game shooting, no Parsons or Harris and Rondo was terrible, especially with that 8 second call turnover with his walking the ball up the court. After this, the Mavs MAY win one at home, but if they do no tie the series going back to Houston, the Rockets will probably win in 5. Originally Posted by davidfree986

Dirk did have a sub par game on the offensive end, and he acknowledged as much in the post game interview.

As for Rondo, the 8 second violation was bad enough. But worse, in my opinion was the next possession where he completely lost Jason Terry and gave up an absolutely uncontested three while he was zoned out about the turnover. Worst 10 seconds of pro basketball I've ever seen from a supposedly decent player.

As for any story about Rondo's back, I don't know. I haven't read it yet as I just got in from work. You hate to directly question a player about an injury, especially at this time of the year, but color me skeptical. Unless he's been keeping the club appraised all along, it sounds like a BS excuse to try to salvage something in terms of a contract for next year.

Looms like the Mavericks will be playing their D league squad against the Rockets.

I still think Mavs tie this series up. Carlisle with full effort from players can out coach the Irish stilts.

It's being reported as a back injury; sustained after taking a hard charge from Harden on the first possession of the game last night (actually, it ended up being a no-call). But we all no that was just a cover up for his zero-hearted, poor play. Reports out of Houston (after the game) was Rondo looked perfectly fine and was in fact was carrying his own bags onto the team bus. Back injury my ass....

It may be a while before any future Mav player will ever want or have to wear the number 9 after the way he disgraced it. Just when I thought I could never have any more contempt for another former Mavs player (ie: Lamar Odom)...along comes Rondo.

Last thought: I thought Danny Ainge and Carlisle were friends.....? Why on earth would he make that trade and saddle Rick with such a worthless bag o' sh*t??? One more reason to hate the Celtics now......

This just in: Rondo has been ruled out indefinitely, reportedly it is a back injury,..... Originally Posted by davidfree986

Interesting, good theory on the ticket. Rick never wanted him, knew he was an issue and Mark, not being an owner, overreached. Hence the, owner needs to be an owner comment

I never said anything about Houston winning the series in one game. I said Houston won Dallas lost, end of statement.

Oh yes San Antonio got their ass beat too. Looks like Houston will continue on in the playoffs while Dallas and San Antonio start getting ready for next year.

Talk about hate, James Harden is an MVP candidate, so hate him all you want for playing within the rules, he is having an incredible year.

Yes keep crying Nancy's, maybe that will help the pain go away. in case you have not heard, the team that wins game one in a series during the NBA playoffs, win 77% of the series, that comes from ESPN so......

Turn out the lights the party's over NANCYS!!!!!! Originally Posted by midgetwrestler

Yeah, Spurs took a split away from the Clippers.

Good call there pizza boy

Last thought: I thought Danny Ainge and Carlisle were friends.....? Why on earth would he make that trade and saddle Rick with such a worthless bag o' sh*t??? One more reason to hate the Celtics now...... Originally Posted by Chateau Becot

Business is business.

No idea if Carlisle wanted him, but I doubt the trade would have been made if he seriously tried to veto it. The Mavs top three of Cuban/Donnie/ and Carlisle seem to be pretty tight.

I don't know if the Mavs can tie the series without 40% of their starting lineup. But I expect an excellent effort in game 3. Other than Rondo, it's a high character group that I think will try very hard. That being said, we're just getting eaten alive on the 4/5 (game 2) and the 2/4 (game 2) pick and roll. Not sure that there's a good answer for that other than to sag off the outside shooters (on the 4/5) and double down. You've got to give something up, and I think after game 2, I'd pick giving up a few more 3's.

The Mavs have no answer for Josh Smith or Dwight Howard on the inside nor do they have an answer for Jason Terry or Corey Brewer on the outside. James Harden does not have to do much as far as number go on the stat sheet other than assists, just think what would happen if he exploded point wise.

A healthy Chandler Parsons would not have much effect on what is happening, especially with the moody Monte Ellis and the "I do not want to play here" Rondo. Amare now knows he made a big mistake signing here and that leaves us with nothing but an aging Dirk. All other players besides Parsons are going to be free agents after they lose this series and doubtful any will be back.

I think it is time to really rebuild, not try to retool and give away our future like the Rondo trade did. Yes, it will really suck for a few years while they draft a few foundation pieces, but it would be far better than the one and done in the playoffs and due to making the playoffs, you do not get a possible top tier first round pick. That said, I really do not think Carlisle will want to do that and might be done here after his contract expires next year.

I wonder if Rondo is going to play a few rounds of golf or go fishing on his days off.

The whole Mavericks team will be playing golf in two more games. Not only is it time to turn out the lights but the fat lady is warming up, better luck next year Mavericks.

Yeah, you may be right on, Midge. In front of the home crowd, the Mavs will surely go balls to the walls Friday night so as to tighten this series up, 2-1. They won't quit like that snivelling little pissant, Rondo, did, fer sure....

Houston knows coming in if they can take game three and go up 3-0, they have a great chance of sweeping....or simply finishing Dallas off in game 5 at home; then rest up for round 2 (not that they've even broken a sweat vs Dallas yet....)

With Dallas a paltry 1-5 vs the Rockets this season, it's clear to see why Houston was seeded 2 and the Mavs at 7; the difference in overall talent is marked. Maybe a healthy Chandler Parsons (and November-to-January's version of Montae Ellis) makes it a series....however, that's a truckload of If's and But's and this point now....

The whole Mavericks team will be playing golf in two more games..... Originally Posted by midgetwrestler

Less than 6 minutes left in the game and Mavs are down by 10, I might need some cheering up if things don't turn around. I wonder where I could go to find options..

Hope Rondo enjoys many days off and a big cut in pay. He earned both. I also hope mark will quit being a jerry. The Mavs played as a team tonight, even w the loss, it was a good watch

heard he went home?

Oh yes San Antonio got their ass beat too. Looks like Houston will continue on in the playoffs while Dallas and San Antonio start getting ready for next year. Originally Posted by midgetwrestler

I just had to quote this again...

The funniest part, Pop is lauded for his ability to rest his stars and turn it on when it matters. The entire NBA fan base knows this, well, everyone except you. And, as usual, when it comes to sports knowledge you showed how ignorant you are... Again