The Hidden Blade Assassin's Creed in Depth

FLAE, coinciding with my love of NBA JAM, I am a huge NBA fan. The Bulls look pretty legit this year. Rose is going to be very tough to slow down in the playoffs. The guy has an extra gear that 99% of the other NBA players don't have.

I'm a big Spurs fan. I'm pretty excited that they actually put effort into the regular season this year, while finding a way to get their big 3 more rest than normal. They've also got a different cast of role players than normal, and look like they could make a nice run. I'm definitely hoping that can pull in one more title before Duncan's body completely falls apart.

Duncan could play into his fifties with how consistent he is, I just hope the Spurs can handle the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, they're the only team that I think can best the Bulls in a seven game series.

On that note, I would still consider it a successful season if the Miami Heat didn't win a championship (and some LeBron tears would be nice too).

I agree. I don't care how good Wade and LeBron are, they don't have enough help to win a title yet. They also haven't figured out who needs to dominate in crunch time without stepping on the other guy's toes. They need a point guard that doesn't care about scoring (in a Rondo mold), a couple bigs who are defensive oriented (like Tyson Chandler) and a guy who can come off the bench and provide instant offense (Nate Robinson). They're not equipped right now to handle a veteran team like Boston in a 7 game series. They're also not equipped to handle a very balanced team like LA or San Antonio or Chicago in a 7 game series, and this is a big reason they've struggled heavily this season against the league's better teams.

Bynum knee injury shifts the entire scheme of the playoffs. The only advantage the Lakers had over the Bulls was size, and if Bynum can't play, the Finals are the Bulls' to lose.

Saw this morning that it's just a bone bruise. It's going to be sore, but he should be able to play. He's not a monster for the Lakers, but he draws the other team's center, which gives Gasol more freedom to operate against a smaller defender, which really helps the Lakers offensively. I despise the Lakers, and they look more beatable this year than in the last 5, but you have to think that whoever wins the championship will have to beat them at some point, whether it's a Western Conference team or an Eastern Conference team in the Finals. I would love to see a Bulls-Spurs final. I think the two teams match up well together and each team has at least one guy who is capable of taking over the show and putting on a clinic.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out the Bulls play the Pacers on SATURDAY, not Sunday, so the Playoffs actually start April 16th! Too bad there are no competitive first round match-ups (in the East, anyway). I would like to watch Grizzlies vs. Spurs and Nuggets vs. OKC. Both I think could be potential upsets. Grizzlies are horrendously underrated and the Nuggets are the hottest team in Basketball (next to the Bulls).

I want a Lakers vs. Bulls final, personally, because its the same Finals match-up from twenty years ago when Magic went up against Jordan. Except this time it will be Kobe vs. DRose. Can't wait!

How old are you? I'm really hoping that you're older than most on here and can actually remember the good rivalries of the 80's and early 90's. I was a huge Bulls fan during this time. I loved everything about Jordan and Pippen and how they took a team full of role players and elevated their games to become a dynasty. I completely lost respect for the organization when Krauss expedited Jordan's second retirement, even though he still had a ton left in the tank. Krauss then traded Pippen after years of treating him like a redheaded step child, and refused to bring Phil Jackson back (which was the straw that broke the camel's back to Jordan's second retirement). (I also cut ties with the Seattle Mariners after they refused to bring back Tino Martinez, traded Randy Johnson, let Lou Pinella go, and built an offensively challenged stadium ignoring the input and protests of Griffey, A-Rod (not yet a self-righteous prick), and Edgar Martinez.) I picked up the Spurs once Duncan was drafted. I got the chance to see him play in college in person one time and became a huge fan. I would like to see the Bulls succeed this year, but I still want to see Duncan get one more ring with Parket and Ginobili before his body completely falls apart.

I was born a year after Jordan entered the NBA, so I didn't really begin to appreciate how good he was until they played the Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals. Growing up in Atlanta, everyone was a Hawks fan, and they had a right to be! From '89-'91 they had Moses Malone, Spud Webb, Doc Rivers, and of course, Dominique Wilkins! That team was fun to watch, but I remember falling in love watching Jordan as a kid, mainly because early in his career he was less of a jump-shooter and more of "Air Jordan." He was and still is the biggest inspiration of my life, and despite the very few setbacks he has had, he will always be my hero forever.

So I have a child's grasp of the NBA's Golden Age. It's not much, but it's extremely memorable. The greatest memory I have was watching The Shrug at a sports bar and going absolutely insane when Jordan hit his sixth 3-PT shot in the 1st Half. And the best part was despite the Hawks not doing so well that season, everyone was a Bulls fan like me, and it felt good to know I finally was cheering with fellow Bulls fans.

Derrick Rose is inhuman. The best player I have seen live since Jordan. I have never seen a crowd as energized as the one that was in attendance for game one of Pacers vs. Bulls yesterday. These playoffs are going to be absolutely amazing.

He was ridiculous. If they can keep up that intensity and he stays hot, they're going to be very hard to beat.

Wasn't sure you guys were going to pull that one out last night. How many free throws can Boozer miss? I was surprised how well CJ Watson played when Rose had to sit with fould trouble. It's amazing how much of a differense Noah makes for that team. His energy is infectious. I don't know why his name pops up so often in trade rumors. If I were running the Bulls, I would make sure I would lock up Rose, Noah, and Deng for long term deals. Those three guys make them go. Boozer is an added bonus, but not quite the player he was 3 years ago. I have no idea why they ran out and signed Korver (even though he's hit a couple clutch shots lately) and Brewer. They could have saved a ton of cash and found the production they those two provide elsewhere. Kurt Thomas has been a solidifying prescense as well. If they continue to play this well, then they have to be the favorites.

Korver (also known as HOT SAUCE) is the designated bench scorer and 3-PT shooter, and Ronnie Brewer is a great defensive player and, in my opinion, the best baseline player in the NBA. He's even more athletic than Rose is.

Kurt Thomas (aka Big Sexy) played most of the minutes that Noah missed this year and has plenty of experience otherwise (he's the second oldest player in the NBA behind Shaq). I'm absolutely satisfied with everyone on the Bulls' roster. I wouldn't change anything.

Well, maybe Keith Bogans...

I agree that Korver and Brewer have their own niches and add value to the team, but at too high of a cost. Korver only shoots threes. He helps to stretch the opponent's defense, but adds little value elsewhere. He plays no defense and can't create his own shot off the dribble. They're paying him $5,000,000 this year. They could easily have picked up a 3 point specialist for less than that. Brewer may be an elite defender, but $4,790,000 is a lot to pay a guy who contributes very little offensively and doesn't play significant minutes. Tony Allen makes $3,000,000 this year and is probably the best lockdown defender on the wing. He was also available as a free agent before this season. I agree that the Bulls have a fantastic team, but it seems as though they overpaid for their role players, though not to the extent of others (like Detroit's baffling contracts for Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva).

Did you feel sick when Rose rolled his ankle?

Rose played (and eventually single-handedly won) a game this year with turf toe and two stomach ulcers. I wasn't worried at all, he's one of the toughest players in the league.

Anyway, did you feel sick when the Grizzlies made it 2-1?

Hell yeah I was pissed. The series could easily be 3-0 San Antonio.

I'm really not happy with the way this series is going.

Wow.

That was a first class @$$-whoopin. What the hell happened to the Spurs? They're showing right now that they only way they'll win anything anymore is if Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli all suddenly stumble into a time machine set back 5-10 years.

If age/experience is finally falling to young talent, this REALLY doesn't bode well for Boston vs. Miami going into the Semi-Finals. But I look forward to seeing Rose and the Bulls knock them out, and then I'll still have as many rings as LeBron does!

The Spurs looked terrible in the second half tonight. I can't believe they looked like they didn't even want to play. They should be disgusted that they led the West all season and are on the verge of losing to the #8 seed, who don't even have their best player (arguable) available.

I almost hope the Bulls win it all now. I really don't want to see the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, or anyone else in the West win it.

Now that is how a playoff game should go! The Spurs-Grizz game last night was AWESOME! I didn't think there was any way Manu or Neal would hit those shots. Neal's 3 completely killed the Grizzlies flow heading into overtime. The game was over at that point. Let's hope that momentum carries over to game 6, and then game 7.

It's hilarious to me that we're the only people that have commented on this topic. We're probably also the only ones that have watched any games.

Some of the shots Zach Randolph made last night defied the laws of physics. Grizzlies are young as hell, and they will be a force to be reckoned with down the road.

But, Kevin Durant is destined to be one of the greatest players ever, and the Thunder are storming (no pun intended).

In fact, now that the Spurs are done, I'm calling it right now: Thunder vs. Bulls in the Finals. It will be a very intriguing match-up.

Now Boston just needs to beat Miami and all will be right in the world...

I can't disagree with any of that.

Dwayne Wade needs to be removed from the NBA. He seriously could have ended Rondo's career last night with that bullsh*t he pulled after the ball went out of bounds last night. Unbelievable.

Rondo's response was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. To play with one arm and carry your team to not just a victory, but a blowout is nothing short of ridiculous.

I used to hate him because he screwed the Bulls out of beating the Celtics in the first round a few years back, but after tonight I have newfound respect for Rondo. I hope he dislocates Miami's championship dreams too.

Rondo is a complete enigma. He can be the best guy on the floor or completely irrelevant. You never know which one will show up. I love him. He plays his ass off. I thought it was classless by Wade too. Pretty surprising for him. He's. Usually. A pretty respectable guy. Your Bulls look unbeatable right now.

Yeah right. At least the Lakers are out of it, but now I have the Mavs to worry about, and thats assuming we make the Finals with Rose shooting 30+ shots a game and only scoring on 12 of them.

But again, as long as the Heat don't win I will be happy.

Alright, I take back the Bulls looking unbeatable. They didn't look too hot last night. Their defense looked pretty bad last night. Dallas looked incredible in their series. I loved that the Lakers lost, and lost their cool in the process. I think Bynum showed his true colors, he can be a force, but he's also a crybaby and pouts when things aren't going his way. Must have spent too much time watching Kobe. I love that the Grizzlies are taking it to the Thunder. They're playing unreal. It's impressive that Marc Gasol is playing much better than his brother so far in the playoffs too.

Who would have thought Memphis vs. Dallas in the Western Conference Finals lol

OKC just made it interesting last night. That could have been the nail in the coffin if Memphis had won.

Looks like your worst case scenario is reality now. Good luck with the Heat. I'd be more worried about stopping Wade than LeBron. Bosh should pretty much be a non-factor with Noah guarding him. Deng might be okay on LeBron for while, but I don't know who you're going to put on Wade. I guess you can throw Rose at him, but that's going to wear him down.

Ronnie Brewer. He's the best defensive shooting guard in the NBA according to metric stats. If not him, Keith Bogans is an excellent defender, and if the situation calls for it, Derrick Rose can step in and try to neutralize him.

I have faith that they can beat them, but everyone needs to play consistently for that to happen.

This Eastern Conference Finals is essentially the NBA Finals, in my opinion. Dallas can't handle either East team and the Thunder would only be able to beat the Heat.

Again, as long as the Heat don't win the Finals, all is right with the world.

And I saw it live. Get the brooms ready...

Those were both awesome play. I bet you were ready to go through the roof. The Bulls looked pretty damn good. If they can keep that up it'll easily be a sweep.

I am disappointed that Memphis lost. It would have been nice to see them move on.

I find myself supporting Oklahoma City because they're the former Seattle Sonics. Now if I could only remember their team name (is it The Okey-Dokeys or The Bombers?). It looks like their run will be ending soon after blowing a 15 point lead with 5 minutes remaining.

Stabby! Welcome to probably the least popular chat ever on this site. It's nice to have a third wheel in the discussion. OKC is pretty easy to like. It's rare at this day in age to find a professional sports team full of young guys who seem to care about the team more than their individual stats (although Westbrook has definitely tested the limits of this during their current series).

FLAE - I'm guessing that you're not loving life as much now as you were a week ago. Your boys are going to need one hell of a comeback to pull this one off. Rose has to start making more shots, and somebody has to help him out.

Ugh, I feel sick. Hopefully a win at home will help them get the ball rolling. i have a feeling if it comes down to game seven that the Bulls will finish them off and then maybe they can squeeze one out on the road in game six. They have to break Miami's momentum, however, and that's going to be excruciatingly difficult to do.

This will go down as one of the five worst officiated series' ever. Absolutely disgusting. I almost threw up at some points.

Lets just forget this postseason ever happened...

I was going to give you a few days to mourn before saying anything. Not as bad as the Dallas-Miami finals in 2006, but close.

Miami wins Game 1 and Shaq retires. The whole world is collapsing at once...

Very disappointed to see Shaq retire, but his game had become a joke compared to his prime. How about the comeback by the Mavs tonight! I love seeing the Heat have a breakdown.

This is the savior of professional basketball:

Everyone needs a good day of drinking with a sketchy groupie every now and then.

Are you feeling sick yet that the Heat are about win a title?

With the finals in full swing, now seems like a good time to read a verse from I Am America (And So Can You!)

Colbert is hilarious.

And Kobe at E3. Didn't expect that.

One of my favorite books, and there is so much truth to that statement I am considering printing it out, framing it, and then posting it all along the walls of the American Airlines Center in Miami so that they may feel my wrath.

But as for right now I stand by what I said earlier.

Have no fear, Dirk is here.

Pretty good clip Stab. Let's hope the big German can get a little help.

Dirk & Kidd finally got a championship under their belts, the Miami Heat have learned the definition of karma, and I still have as many rings as the most hated person on the planet right now, LeBron James.

Great season capped with a storybook ending. Certainly one of the most memorable Finals of the last 10 years. All is right with the world.

Best Finals since '98. Dirk was unreal, even when he was off. He's completely transformed his game since 2006. He's become unstoppable offensively, and learned to lean on his teammates, while becoming a genuine leader, not just the best player on the team barking out orders and going nuts when things are going well (Kobe). Barea was an absolute force. The Heat couldn't do a thing with him. I swear if he was at least 6'3" he'd be an All-Star. His game is a blur.

It will be interesting to see the changes that take place in Miami this off-season, and it will happen. Spoelstra might be out, Bosh might get shipped. They have to find somebody to handle the ball so that Wade and LeBron aren't dominating it as much as they do. They have to figure out how to incorporate an inside game. LeBron needs to figure out some post moves (he should have been backing Jason Kidd down every possession).

Great Finals. Let's hope a lockout doesn't screw it up.

Well it looks like the lockout is official. What a bunch of horseshit. Quite a way to follow up the most popular post-season in years. When you're hurting for revenue and popularity as much as they are, this is about the worst decision that could have been made...well, short of increasing the WNBA season or incorporating WNBA teams into the league.

Tangent: As much as I love basketball and the NBA, WTF are they thinking subsidizing the WNBA? If not for NBA money, the WNBA would have folded years ago, which is what poorly run and unwanted businesses should do in a capitalistic marketplace. The NBA stepped in and said, "You know what, you've put together a shitty product that nobody wants to watch (live or on tv), but we're going to guarantee you tons of money each year. Also, why don't you go ahead and put sponsors directly on the uniform so that maybe you can trick somebody into thinking that it's a EuroLeague team and they'll buy some jerseys. Oh, we're all losing money already and having a tough time keeping franchises in their current cities and landing sponsorships needed to keep teems above water, but we'll gladly fund your league too and let you keep the same idiots in place that got you to this point." This has become a governmentesque-run operation. America is supposedly still a capitalistic nation (if you discount the ridiculous amount of government subsidized entities that survive off taxpayer dollars and the shitshow that was the "bailout package"), but damn it we need more sports that nobody wants to watch.

Wow, that felt good.