sman1965 - One and done for N.O. come playoffs...

Vic

I have said that I think both the Hornets and Lakers might be more talented than the Spurs.

But, I still think the advantage lies in the experience and mental make-up of the Spurs.

I will take the Spurs over both the lakers and the hornets in a close nail biter playoff game.

Kobe still will be Kobe and that is a big thing for those tense moments I admit.

But, look how the Spurs closed out the Suns in games 1 and 5.  They had robotic unflappable steel traps for minds.  They played flawless in the most pressured situations while the Suns completely imploded.

So far the laughable soft Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks let the younger Lakers/Hornets have easy blowouts.  Blowouts come fewer the further teams go...

Most of the Lakers havent been deep in the playoffs.  Hardly any of them have experienced a close game in the final minutes of the playoffs.  I am not sure if Gasol even played a game 6 or 7 in his career.

My apologies Horns, I didnt get the whole scope of your arguement, thank you for the clairfication.  Yes, the Spurs probably have much more experience then probably both of our teams combined except that there is one big difference, the Hornets have 1 guy on their entire roster that has experienced first hand what happens in the trenches of a tight playoff series but this guy also lacks the killer instinct it takes to win those battles, that guy is Peja Stojakavic, the Lakers on the other hand have 2 guys Derek Fisher and your old friend Kobe Bryant who has battled the Spurs in the past also, add that with a coach who has beat you guys multiple times in the past against virtually the same type of Spurs teams as their present one.  Those 3 core guys are very familiar with the San Antonio Spurs and all 3 have burned you before in the past, its great that you guys have all that experience which will definetly be a factor against a inexperienced team like N.O, but when you face us that experience that you have can be countered with the experience of our killer 3!

You know,  I can't believe I'm saying this, but its really enjoyable to have a real factual discussion with some Lakers fans instead of just the trash talking.    

     Vic, I will be totally honest and say there is not one thing in your last post that I would disagree with.  Yes, the Spurs have more experience.  Yes, the Hornets will have to make adjustments.  Yes, I also think this will be a close series, maybe even seven games.  Yes, I do think that there will be moments where the Hornets lack of experience will prove costly.  Yes, I believe that Tim Duncan will be tough for Tyson Chandler.

But all that being said, my opinion is that people are underestimating the heart in this Hornets team.  I don't believe that they will be rattled by the situation.  And I believe that their athleticism will help make up for some of the experience they lack.

Will they win?  I dont know.  Can they win?  YES.

I won't get too far into this Lakers-Spurs thing though......save that for the next round if they both make it...

Starting tommorow, the entire Spurs focus is on the Hornets.

.........

That being said Lakers, I changed my mind.

You guys will be better off playing Utah rather than Houston.  If you don't let the rust cause you to lose game 1, then you can roll Utah.  The only way Utah wins is if they luckily steal game 1 from a rusty Lakers team then use their phenomenal home court advantage to win in 6.

I give Houston a pucher's chance against the Lakers however.  They seem to match up fairly well agains the Lakers this year.  I highly doubt they will win if they get to round 2, but like the Trailblazers they have success against the Lakers for some unknown reason.

You will most likely win against either...but that is my 2 cents...

RFMOLD;  Hey everyone Mold is representing his squad, and that is exactly what I would

if someone who came right out and said something fictional about the Pistons.         

Sman was saying some good stuff, but Nash is'nt a winner?  Nash is a winner, but

he is'nt a champion, yet.  Spurs have the "3" you were talking about, and the Lakers

also.  N.O.  Hornets are gonna have to earn props, love don't come for free.  RFMOLD 

I respect you for coming on here looking for sman, in fact I have something to say to all

Celtic fans........................LOL   Hawks   LOL..........this sman was tring to bust on you at

any cost, within reason.  But instead he stuck his foot in his mouth!!! 

You can bet your bottom dollar too because it will be tough for the HOrnets.  Hornets

lack one thing and that is all.  They lack deep playoff experience needed to win those

big games, but they so far are showing their mature in the playoffs.  Good luck and

good post.          

Here is the prediction:   Pistons and Lakers in the NBA Finals

                                          Pistons in 5