GF Game 4

[curious]

Always going to go down to the wire IMO.
I'll be there and for game 5 if required.
So tight Kings could win away and Tigers win it all at home. A must see game this one. Of course it could be 2-2 all.
Either way the NBL has had a great GF series.

[j-mac]

CAN'T WAIT!!!

[joeallen]

I just can't wait for game 4. Lampley's 3 at the end is the stuff of legends because he was having a lousy game till then!!

[Rat10]

I just can't wait for game 4. Lampley's 3 at the end is the stuff of legends because he was having a lousy game till then!!

Extra days break should help both teams but the Kings look a little injured to me. Smith isn't fully fit, there's a problem with Draper and Crosswhite seemed to be grimacing for much of game 3 in some sort of pain.

In what was a massive overreaction to the Kings thumping of Perth in game 3 last series, I can't believe there were some people that thought the Kings would sweep the GF against the Tigers.

[Voice(s)]

Yeah I don't know how anyone could've thought either team would sweep this series and I agree I think a few got sucked in by Perth's "deer in headlights" performance in Game 3.

[Coachpete]

Crosswhite seemed to be grimacing

Apart from the massive shot at the end that was Lampley's only other contribution to the game. Glancing blow from his knee as he was driving to the hole. Hopefully it's just a cork

[Mammon]

last game of the season.


tigers by 8.

[gra]

Interesting comparison in tonights game to last season against bri$vega$

Again we we 1 and 1 going into game 3.

Again Tigers were up and the offence stalled in the 4th.

Difference this year is that we found a way to get it over the line.

Bodes well for game 4 at the Cage.

IMO thi sis still down to the wire. Tomights game was a coin toss. The last game was similar.

Difference this year compared to 2007, and the similarity to 2006, is that the Tigers have found a way to win the trench warfare games.

Game 1 threw down the challenge. Step up or step out.

Game 2 was a "if it bleeds we can kill it" moment for the team coming off 4 straight losses.

Tonights game was the effective game 1 of the new series for mine.

Tigers home in a cracking game. We have a 1 and 1 home and and away to finish it. Win lose or draw, this is the most interesting it has been in a long time!!!!!!!

Lets home the games and the quality of posting on this site live up to that challenge.

.....with regards to the above, I have more hope in the games.

:D

[MrHypotheticalDunker]

Going to be interesting to see how Lampley handles this one. Came back strong after game 1, one could easilly argue the fact if he missed the 3 last night it would've been equal to his game 1 appearance. Hopefully Kings can win this and take it to game 5. Either way I can't wait!!!

[Daevo]

The momentum has definitely swung to the Tigers after their heart-wrenching win over Sydney in Game 3. The ball is now in their court both literally & figuratively speaking :lol:

It will take a massive effort by the Kings to even the series away, especially with 3 key players carrying injuries & only a 3 day break. It would be terrific to see them bounce back & take this series to a 5th game decider back at home but it's a big ask.

[inebriated]

As a spectacle, I'd love to see the Tig lose at Melb and then come to Sydney and snatch the trophy from their grasp.

For mine Al needs to go with his starters and Dmac. Last night the 4th qtr started with the 2nd unit from memory and the momentum swung. Stop subbing on a timed cycle and go with the flow

He also needs to be plugged into the momentum shifts. One thing Goorjean does is sense the subtle shifts in swing and calls a time out or does something to adjust the team

Al, time and time again, watches and hopes/prays/wonders it will change and time after time the Tigs give up winning leads.

Once the momentum swings the laws of inertia usually apply

[lawsy82]

If kings want to win this thing, we have to find a way to stop barlow, he kiiled us last night, with those wide open 3's and those fadeaways on the baseline. if we can contain him, and hope anstey has an off night we should get game 4

[gougoodthing]

Al needs to start dmac not crosswell he has no right side when he brings the ball down only ever looks to the left and gets trapped then has to shoot it because he has left himself with no other option, so many times there are guys like hoare, thomas and Dc on the 3 point line and he just does not seem to see them, or he doesnt want to see them. We need dmac's experience on the floor and we need to see Hoare Dc and greer getting more court time to be able to actually do something on the court get the confidence to shoot the ball!!!!
Lastnight Smith hardly scored on Dc and Barlow but shot the lights out on Thomas we need players with the athletic ability to depend their big shooters lampley refuses to play defence where as the bench players do a great job of it..
the key is defence i think in game 4 and having anstey barlow dmac dc and thomas open for the big shots.

[Cussy]

"We've been through far too much this year - I mean you don't come to the Kings to go 15-15 and maybe come eighth or seventh."

"You work way too hard, you start (pre-season training) before anyone and you know it coming in."

"So anything less than a championship is not acceptable for anyone in that locker room and going to Melbourne now, the great thing is we've got nothing to lose."



In a nutshell, they have everything to lose.

[Stumps]

If the Tigers win this series, surely Crosswell will be the worst starting PG ever on a championship team?

Going back, the list of title-winning points includes Bruton, D-Mac, Heal, Maher, Charles Thomas, Grace, Mee, Gaze, Billy McCaffrey and Rose, and that list covers the whole of the 00s and 90s.

I guess based on that list, the same argument could be made for Kendall if the Kings pull the series out of the fire. Perhaps the main factor driving this year's exception to the"you need a champion PG to drive a championship team" rule is that both grand finallists have superb backup points.

[LegoSHAQ]

If you can't win on the road you're not a champion.

The guy knows what he is talking about ;)

[inebriated]

If you can't win on the road you're not a champion.

The guy knows what he is talking about ;)

Aside from my agreeing with most that BG is a superb coach, that particular saying is a given.

Dont have to be genius to know that.

[Dunkin' Dan]

Crosswell has surprised me with his effectiveness.
Not that he has been great by any stretch, but going into this series I really thought that Sydney's guards would eat him alive. (The backcourt was the key difference between the teams IMO)
So far, Crosswell has emerged relatively unscathed.


As for Hinder's comments, perhaps someone can tap him on the shoulder and remind him that the team would probably welcome a contribution from him any time he's ready.

[Cussy]

Give him a break, he's got the sniffles.

[Stumps]

Crosswell has surprised me with his effectiveness.
Not that he has been great by any stretch, but going into this series I really thought that Sydney's guards would eat him alive. (The backcourt was the key difference between the teams IMO)
So far, Crosswell has emerged relatively unscathed.
Yes, but my point is that "wow, he didn't do much, but surprisingly didn't get eaten alive" hardly puts him among the match-winners listed above :wink:

[rjd]

Sold out already?

[Stumps]

Sold out already? :/
I was able to get my dad a single ticket up in the back corner last night ("best available"), so that's not surprising!

[Dunkin' Dan]

Yes, but my point is that "wow, he didn't do much, but surprisingly didn't get eaten alive" hardly puts him among the match-winners listed above :wink:
No, not quite in the company you listed - no arguments from me there.
The fact that I think to myself "wow, that was pretty good" when he makes a layup I guess is indicative of my expectations of him.

[rjd]

D'oh!

[havrilla the gorilla]

How do you feel as a team when you have just lost two games in a row after only losing 3 out of 30 during the regular season?

I can't see the Kings getting off the canvas in this one, particularly after the choke down the stretch in game 3 with foul shooting and Luke Kendall's U/10 turnover pass.

The tigers have worked it out, and have impressed me this year with their constant get out of jail houdini acts of this season - Game 3, Game 2 vs Brisbane, regular season games against South and the razorbacks to name a few.

Tigers to make the best season in NBL history mean nothing on Wednesday...

[Stumps]

Tigers to make the best season in NBL history mean nothing on Wednesday...
How are the Tigers going to erase the '86 Sixers' achievement?

[Cussy]

... and Luke Kendall's U/10 turnover pass.



I think he was pretty fortunate not to have a few extra turnovers in the second half yesterday. While he was finding the open man, he was not allowing himself any margin for error with some of the wild one-handers he was throwing once he dribbed or jumped in to a world of trouble.

[lawsy82]

How do you feel as a team when you have just lost two games in a row after only losing 3 out of 30 during the regular season?

I can't see the Kings getting off the canvas in this one, particularly after the choke down the stretch in game 3 with foul shooting and Luke Kendall's U/10 turnover pass.

The tigers have worked it out, and have impressed me this year with their constant get out of jail houdini acts of this season - Game 3, Game 2 vs Brisbane, regular season games against South and the razorbacks to name a few.

Tigers to make the best season in NBL history mean nothing on Wednesday...

losing 2 in a row, down 2-1 a few injuries up against a good team. FINALLY A CHALLENGE we have dominated all season, have had an injury free campaign so im looking forward to it. Tigers could easily be down 2-1, if we were smarter in the last 2 mins made free throws etc. Id be VERY surprised if this thing ends on wednesday

[lawsy82]

[quote="havrilla the gorilla":1otq2w13]... and Luke Kendall's U/10 turnover pass.



I think he was pretty fortunate not to have a few extra turnovers in the second half yesterday. While he was finding the open man, he was not allowing himself any margin for error with some of the wild one-handers he was throwing once he dribbed or jumped in to a world of trouble.[/quote:1otq2w13]

thats luke kendall for u. Is turnover prone, and scares the shit out of me when he is making decisions. Can hit big shots, but doesnt suit him playing 40mins and making decisions IMO

[AngusH]

Game 3 was definately a flashback to last year for Luke Kendall. Still, I think fatigue played a big part. The same guys played most of the 4th Q, and it's very rare that that has happened this year with the Kings.

[inebriated]

How do you feel as a team when you have just lost two games in a row after only losing 3 out of 30 during the regular season?

I can't see the Kings getting off the canvas in this one, particularly after the choke down the stretch in game 3 with foul shooting and Luke Kendall's U/10 turnover pass.

The tigers have worked it out, and have impressed me this year with their constant get out of jail houdini acts of this season - Game 3, Game 2 vs Brisbane, regular season games against South and the razorbacks to name a few.

Tigers to make the best season in NBL history mean nothing on Wednesday...

losing 2 in a row, down 2-1 a few injuries up against a good team. FINALLY A CHALLENGE we have dominated all season, have had an injury free campaign so im looking forward to it. Tigers could easily be down 2-1, if we were smarter in the last 2 mins made free throws etc. Id be VERY surprised if this thing ends on wednesday

My memory aint what it used to be but from my recall the tigs were a bit unlucky not to have gotten game 1.

[lawsy82]

How do you feel as a team when you have just lost two games in a row after only losing 3 out of 30 during the regular season?

I can't see the Kings getting off the canvas in this one, particularly after the choke down the stretch in game 3 with foul shooting and Luke Kendall's U/10 turnover pass.

The tigers have worked it out, and have impressed me this year with their constant get out of jail houdini acts of this season - Game 3, Game 2 vs Brisbane, regular season games against South and the razorbacks to name a few.

Tigers to make the best season in NBL history mean nothing on Wednesday...

um, you lost game one by 20

losing 2 in a row, down 2-1 a few injuries up against a good team. FINALLY A CHALLENGE we have dominated all season, have had an injury free campaign so im looking forward to it. Tigers could easily be down 2-1, if we were smarter in the last 2 mins made free throws etc. Id be VERY surprised if this thing ends on wednesday

My memory aint what it used to be but from my recall the tigs were a bit unlucky not to have gotten game 1.

[gougoodthing]

Al needs to start dmac not crosswell he has no right side when he brings the ball down only ever looks to the left and gets trapped then has to shoot it because he has left himself with no other option, so many times there are guys like hoare, thomas and Dc on the 3 point line and he just does not seem to see them, or he doesnt want to see them. We need dmac's experience on the floor and we need to see Hoare Dc and greer getting more court time to be able to actually do something on the court get the confidence to shoot the ball!!!!
Lastnight Smith hardly scored on Dc and Barlow but shot the lights out on Thomas we need players with the athletic ability to depend their big shooters lampley refuses to play defence where as the bench players do a great job of it..
the key is defence i think in game 4 and having anstey barlow dmac dc and thomas open for the big shots.

[havrilla the gorilla]

Tigers to make the best season in NBL history mean nothing on Wednesday...
How are the Tigers going to erase the '86 Sixers' achievement?


Ok. Fair call...should have said "one of the best seasons in NBL history."

I try to keep things within two decades when I talk, for relevance :)

[Coachpete]

Al needs to start dmac not crosswell he has no right side when he brings the ball down only ever looks to the left and gets trapped then has to shoot it because he has left himself with no other option, so many times there are guys like hoare, thomas and Dc on the 3 point line and he just does not seem to see them, or he doesnt want to see them. We need dmac's experience on the floor and we need to see Hoare Dc and greer getting more court time to be able to actually do something on the court get the confidence to shoot the ball!!!!
Lastnight Smith hardly scored on Dc and Barlow but shot the lights out on Thomas we need players with the athletic ability to depend their big shooters lampley refuses to play defence where as the bench players do a great job of it..
the key is defence i think in game 4 and having anstey barlow dmac dc and thomas open for the big shots.

You can say that again.....oh...you already did....

[scottgcau]

Kings have no chance without Draper. With him they're still in big trouble. I think they'll also need a lot more from Saville to get game 4. Not necessarily so much on offense, though he needs to look for the drive more. He needs to increase the effort in the other areas, especially on the boards.

The keys that I have noticed over the series are:
- Tigers have a big advantage on offense in terms of creativity. They have guys who can make something happen when they aren't getting anything from their offensive sets. Get the ball in the hands of Lampley, Thomas, Barlow, Anstey or Dmac with the clock running down and you'll most likely get a decent shot out of it. On the other side the Kings have relied on Draper to deliver that all season with backup options of Kendall and Worthington. Worthington I think is much more comfortable scoring from an offensive set and seems to take plenty of time to set up his move in a one on one situation. Kendall is just erattic. With Kendall as a playmaker you never really know what you're going to get. Maybe you score as the buzzer goes off or maybe it's a bonehead cross court one hand pass resulting in a breakaway dunk for the opposition.

- Whoever wins the rebound count wins the game. I was amazed at the number of offensive rebounds the Tigers were getting in game 3. It seemed like if there was 1 Tiger in the paint and 4 Kings it would be an even chance which team would come away with the board.

- The away team always gets screwed over by the refs. There's no point arguing about it. Just accept it and play through it. Don't try to finish around the basket with anything weak. Always expect the contact. Gather yourself and go up strong with 2 hands.

[Rat10]

Tigers to make the best season in NBL history mean nothing on Wednesday...

The Goorjian coached Magic team in 1998 was also pretty good after going 26-4 and then getting swept by the 19-11 Sixers in the grand final.

Goorjian sets such a high standard for his teams during the regular season that it seems like they have trouble improving as much as other teams in the finals when they play similarly talented teams.

It's like a top seed playing a grand-slam tennis tournament - they want to have enough improvement in them to play their best tennis in the later rounds of the tournament.

[Rat10]

Tigers have a big advantage on offense in terms of creativity. They have guys who can make something happen when they aren't getting anything from their offensive sets. Get the ball in the hands of Lampley, Thomas, Barlow, Anstey or Dmac with the clock running down and you'll most likely get a decent shot out of it. On the other side the Kings have relied on Draper to deliver that all season with backup options of Kendall and Worthington. Worthington I think is much more comfortable scoring from an offensive set and seems to take plenty of time to set up his move in a one on one situation.

That's why I stated in the thread for game 1 of the GF series how important Lampley was to the Tigers despite being a tool - he is a creative offensive player. Too many of the Kings players look one dimensional to me - Smith and Kendall do their best work on catch and shoots and Kendall especially on fast break threes.

Draper has been a little disappointing offensively which may have something to do with him not being 100% healthy but he seems to have fallen in love with his "dribble for a bit and then pull up for a three pointer".

[Stumps]

Goorjian sets such a high standard for his teams during the regular season that it seems like they have trouble improving as much as other teams in the finals when they play similarly talented teams.
Not to mention that they've started their preseason training so early and worked so hard all year that come finals time the wear and tear injuries come avalanching in. This is certainly not the first time a Goorjian-coached team has been derailed in the playoffs by untimely ailments.

[Cram]

It aint over yet!

One thing a Goorjian team will always do, is fight. I would expect Wortho and Smith to lead from the front in this one and bring everything they've got. If they lose, theres no tomorrow, but if they can steal it at the Cage, you've gotta like their chances of finishing it at home. Goorj doesnt often let his teams make the same mistakes again.

[inebriated]

It aint over yet!

One thing a Goorjian team will always do, is fight. I would expect Wortho and Smith to lead from the front in this one and bring everything they've got. If they lose, theres no tomorrow, but if they can steal it at the Cage, you've gotta like their chances of finishing it at home. Goorj doesnt often let his teams make the same mistakes again.

About smith and W - perhaps but theyre gonna have to stop their crying. Those two would argue that the sun didnt rise this AM.

Smith is also a player who gets away with a lot of dirty stuff. Saw last night where he clearly pushed a player and the ref stepped in. Got the love and no foul. Nothing

Then he got tangled with another player on the floor - looked a good no call - got the love from his boys AGAIN and then for good measure kicked out at the player.

Nasty bit of work.

[franny]

Smith is also a player who gets away with a lot of dirty stuff. Saw last night where he clearly pushed a player and the ref stepped in. Got the love and no foul. Nothing

Then he got tangled with another player on the floor - looked a good no call - got the love from his boys AGAIN and then for good measure kicked out at the player.

Nasty bit of work.

Spot on. He struck DC in the chest from behind after sooking about the treatment (i.e. hosing) he was taking from DC, who's not exactly known for his lock-down defense. The Tigers bench including coaching staff just laughed at him.

Then there was the cheap shot kick again on DC after getting tangled on the floor. Smith is past it and he knows it.

[Dunkin' Dan]

If the Kings had just done a half-decent job of blocking out, we'd be having a completely different conversation today.

It's like a top seed playing a grand-slam tennis tournament - they want to have enough improvement in them to play their best tennis in the later rounds of the tournament.
Yes, you purposely play at 80% all season and "save it for the playoffs" :?

[Stumps]

If the Kings had just done a half-decent job of blocking out, we'd be having a completely different conversation today.
Exactly, or hit even a "sub par" rather than "utterly atrocious" clip from the line in the crunch.

Despite their generally inferior shooting, the Kings had it within their power to win this game, but the Tigers wanted it more on aggregate over the 48 minutes. That's what gives me some hope for Game 4 -- surely the Kings can't come out as lethargically as they did in Game 3, and it's not as if they have to get much better to come away with a win, having come about as close as you can in the last match. The team that wants it more should win Game 4, as was the case in Game 3, and that's the way sport should be. I'll just be hoping that the Kings are that team!

[DDFan]

Not to mention that they've started their preseason training so early and worked so hard all year that come finals time the wear and tear injuries come avalanching in. This is certainly not the first time a Goorjian-coached team has been derailed in the playoffs by untimely ailments.Not good news for Kings fans..
Paul Rees is expected to suit for the Tigers on Wednesday night.
He won't get major minutes. Al just wants him to bring his experience, & sit.

[Southern Joe]

How do you feel as a team when you have just lost two games in a row after only losing 3 out of 30 during the regular season?

I can't see the Kings getting off the canvas in this one, particularly after the choke down the stretch in game 3 with foul shooting and Luke Kendall's U/10 turnover pass.

The tigers have worked it out, and have impressed me this year with their constant get out of jail houdini acts of this season - Game 3, Game 2 vs Brisbane, regular season games against South and the razorbacks to name a few.

Tigers to make the best season in NBL history mean nothing on Wednesday...

losing 2 in a row, down 2-1 a few injuries up against a good team. FINALLY A CHALLENGE we have dominated all season, have had an injury free campaign so im looking forward to it. Tigers could easily be down 2-1, if we were smarter in the last 2 mins made free throws etc. Id be VERY surprised if this thing ends on wednesday

My memory aint what it used to be but from my recall the tigs were a bit unlucky not to have gotten game 1.


.... How were they unlucky ? They got beaten by 21 pts. :shock:

[Southern Joe]

Smith is also a player who gets away with a lot of dirty stuff. Saw last night where he clearly pushed a player and the ref stepped in. Got the love and no foul. Nothing

Then he got tangled with another player on the floor - looked a good no call - got the love from his boys AGAIN and then for good measure kicked out at the player.

Nasty bit of work.

Spot on. He struck DC in the chest from behind after sooking about the treatment (i.e. hosing) he was taking from DC, who's not exactly known for his lock-down defense. The Tigers bench including coaching staff just laughed at him.

Then there was the cheap shot kick again on DC after getting tangled on the floor. Smith is past it and he knows it.


... 1. How do you "strike " a guy in the chest from behind??

2. Jason kicked at DC because the only reason Jason ended up on the floor was because of DC's reckless Greco Roman takedown.

[Cussy]

Smith is also a player who gets away with a lot of dirty stuff. Saw last night where he clearly pushed a player and the ref stepped in. Got the love and no foul. Nothing

Then he got tangled with another player on the floor - looked a good no call - got the love from his boys AGAIN and then for good measure kicked out at the player.

Nasty bit of work.

Spot on. He struck DC in the chest from behind after sooking about the treatment (i.e. hosing) he was taking from DC, who's not exactly known for his lock-down defense. The Tigers bench including coaching staff just laughed at him.

Then there was the cheap shot kick again on DC after getting tangled on the floor. Smith is past it and he knows it.


... 1. How do you "strike " a guy in the chest from behind??

2. Jason kicked at DC because the only reason Jason ended up on the floor was because of DC's reckless Greco Roman takedown.

Not quite. DC put an arm around him, Smith recognised the arm and fell to the ground. Any wrestling expert will tell you that.
But excuse the kick if you like - you're allowed to do that now....apparently.

[scottgcau]

Don't think Smith actually really kicked DC. Their legs were tangled a bit and DC's was on top of Smith's. Smith just kicked his leg free. No big deal

[Cussy]

He's got no class.

[AngusH]

He should take a page from Lampley's book eh. :roll:

[Cussy]

Is there a person here who wouldn't have given it to the crowd after hitting such a huge shot?

[Stumps]

Is there another person in the league who would have done so in that manner?

[Rat10]

If the Kings had just done a half-decent job of blocking out, we'd be having a completely different conversation today.

It's like a top seed playing a grand-slam tennis tournament - they want to have enough improvement in them to play their best tennis in the later rounds of the tournament.
Yes, you purposely play at 80% all season and "save it for the playoffs" :?

Hey, it worked for the Sixers in 1998 and 2002. Like a top seed in a tennis tournament they did enough throughout the minor rounds to put themselves in a position to win and then raised their game when it mattered most to win the whole thing.

I'm just saying that even though Goorj's teams have a knack of dominating the regular season it paints a somewhat misleading picture of their dominance as other similarly talent laden teams have a greater capacity for improvement in the finals for the reasons stated in my previous post.

And, as Stumps mentioned his teams are somewhat prone to injuries during the finals due to his tough and long training regimes.

[Stumps]

I'm just saying that even though Goorj's teams have a knack of dominating the regular season it paints a somewhat misleading picture of their dominance as other similarly talent laden teams have a greater capacity for improvement in the finals for the reasons stated in my previous post.
I agree with this. I think Goorjian is such an intense guy and great competitor that he is less inclined to let his teams suffer mental lapses during the regular season, and as a result they do have a bit of an inflated record. As nice as this year's Kings team is, are they really the second best team in the history of the NBL?

They finished 27-3 because they got up for almost every single game throughout the year. That has to take a mental and physical toll on you come the end of the season, and I'd very surprised if there wasn't also a element of "motivation fatigue". A coach has only so many tricks in his kitbag, and you can see Goorj still manoeuvring to create sparks ("We're all banged up, everybody hates us", etc).

[scottgcau]

Yeah I think Sydney maintains a higher level of intensity throughout the season and so this leaves them with less room for improvement in the playoffs. Also I think it really helps the Tigers to have consecutive games against the same defense so they get the chance to get used to it and work out how to score against it as opposed to the regular season games.

[Tigers_91]

I'm just saying that even though Goorj's teams have a knack of dominating the regular season it paints a somewhat misleading picture of their dominance as other similarly talent laden teams have a greater capacity for improvement in the finals for the reasons stated in my previous post.
I agree with this. I think Goorjian is such an intense guy and great competitor that he is less inclined to let his teams suffer mental lapses during the regular season, and as a result they do have a bit of an inflated record. As nice as this year's Kings team is, are they really the second best team in the history of the NBL?

They finished 27-3 because they got up for almost every single game throughout the year. That has to take a mental and physical toll on you come the end of the season, and I'd very surprised if there wasn't also a element of "motivation fatigue". A coach has only so many tricks in his kitbag, and you can see Goorj still manoeuvring to create sparks ("We're all banged up, everybody hates us", etc).

Goorj's at least shooting 50% from behind the truth arc.

[Dunkin' Dan]

Sorry, but this is getting out of hand.
Goorj drills things hard into his teams so that in the heat of playoff battle they don't need to second-guess themselves because it's the same decisions that they have been running all season. That's the whole point of drills.
Some Melbourne players have stepped up at important times, but you can't tell me that guys like Sav, Hinder, Draper & Victor aren't capable of better than we've seen in the last couple of games from them.
Seriously, 1 big shot and out come the over-baked theories.

How did Smith get his injury? Was it over-training of his shoulder by Goorj?
Why is Hinder so sick? Were Goorj's infamous cough-in-each-others-mouthes routines run for 5 minutes longer than they should have been?
Draper was awesome against the Cats. Did Goorj have him running marathons in the few days break before the GF series?

I can understand - to a sensible degree - that his physical demands can take their toll, but some of this stuff is way over the top.
One flukey shot and all the great 20/20 hindsight comes flying out :lol:

[Earnie Shavers]

I think Lampley is likely chief motivator for Game 4.

[meg]

Is there a person here who wouldn't have given it to the crowd after hitting such a huge shot?

But it wasn't the crowd he was giving it to...he was carrying on for his own bench! Looking at Stanley's wide angle pic, too, it's evident that the coaching staff are going nuts, not any of the players. You can just see David Stiff's face, and he doesn't look incredibly enthusiastic at all.

[Cussy]

Is there a person here who wouldn't have given it to the crowd after hitting such a huge shot?

But it wasn't the crowd he was giving it to...he was carrying on for his own bench! Looking at Stanley's wide angle pic, too, it's evident that the coaching staff are going nuts, not any of the players. You can just see David Stiff's face, and he doesn't look incredibly enthusiastic at all.
Look, I've always liked him. I can't see a problem with his behaviour last night, and never have I seen him do anything tool-ish during the season. Not once.

[eye of the tiger]

Well, I would like to see Sydney win this one and take it to game 5 :)

[Earnie Shavers]

I can't see a problem with his behaviour last night, and never have I seen him do anything tool-ish during the season. Not once.

I also have no problem with the celebration/wind-up, except that he went on and on and on and on and on and on and on. Way longer than I assume Fox captured. I think there's a chance he was still there screaming abuse at the cleaners past midnight. HUGE shot - I have loads of room there for celebration, goading, mammoth arrogance, whatever. I'm all for theatrics like that, I think they are great and entertaining but you can f*ck it up easily too. He just went on for so long you just sort of felt embarrassed for the guy. Well after cheers/jeers/boos/whatever had died right down. Everyone is getting their shit together and heading for the doors, you look up, and he's still going!

[Voice(s)]

I agree with this. I think Goorjian is such an intense guy and great competitor that he is less inclined to let his teams suffer mental lapses during the regular season, and as a result they do have a bit of an inflated record. As nice as this year's Kings team is, are they really the second best team in the history of the NBL?

They finished 27-3 because they got up for almost every single game throughout the year. That has to take a mental and physical toll on you come the end of the season, and I'd very surprised if there wasn't also a element of "motivation fatigue". A coach has only so many tricks in his kitbag, and you can see Goorj still manoeuvring to create sparks ("We're all banged up, everybody hates us", etc).

Also Goorjian's teams have always taken the regular season far more seriously than most teams. Look at the Tigers they pretty much took it easy this season (I'm not saying I agree or disagree with it). The 36ers always knew they had an extra gear come playoff time (98,99,02) where as more often than not Goorjian teams don't. His teams regular season's never truly reflect how good his teams will be come playoff time. Part of the reason why I thought the Tigers would win this series but obviously the job isn't done yet.

I'm not trying to take too much of a shot at Goorjian here but only winning five titles from 19 consecutive semi-final appearances isn't exactly a great return.

[Cussy]

[quote="The Customer":3vced4kn] I can't see a problem with his behaviour last night, and never have I seen him do anything tool-ish during the season. Not once.

I also have no problem with the celebration/wind-up, except that he went on and on and on and on and on and on and on. Way longer than I assume Fox captured. I think there's a chance he was still there screaming abuse at the cleaners past midnight. HUGE shot - I have loads of room there for celebration, goading, mammoth arrogance, whatever. I'm all for theatrics like that, I think they are great and entertaining but you can f*ck it up easily too. He just went on for so long you just sort of felt embarrassed for the guy. Well after cheers/jeers/boos/whatever had died right down. Everyone is getting their shit together and heading for the doors, you look up, and he's still going![/quote:3vced4kn]

Na, I'm just stirring the fans. Celebrate, yes, point your fingers, tell the fans who had been booing you to hush, but when your team-mates aren't interested, it's time to put a sock in it. And not franny's special sock either.

[Earnie Shavers]

Cool, wasn't sure whether you were being sarcastic or not, because I half agree with you about Lampley. Entertaining/had the 'right' to do something etc.

Good theatrics require good timing, in more ways than one. A quick 'hush' to the crowd the second it went through the net would have been fucking money. A couple of minutes of muscle flexing long after everyone has stopped even watching you is just fucking stupid. The guy is a 'tard.

[Rat10]

I can understand - to a sensible degree - that his physical demands can take their toll, but some of this stuff is way over the top.
One flukey shot and all the great 20/20 hindsight comes flying out :lol:

To me, this is merely further evidence of other teams being able to go up a gear in the finals against a Goorjian coached team who are just maintaining their consistently high standard in the finals that they displayed throughout the regular season. I suppose I've been the beneficiary of seeing this before being a Sixers fan which is why I might notice it more than a Perth fan.

The Titans also suffered some injuries to key players (Anstey) in the 2002 playoffs and Dmac wasn't fully fit either. Stumps certainly isn't the first one to question whether Goorjian's training techniques have something to do with his players getting injured at the wrong time of the season, when intensity levels on the court are at an all time high.

[inebriated]

Interesting point about the Gorj-coached teams who play at their perceived maximum week in/week out

Akin to marathon or long distance running that I do konw afair bit about :wink: a runner in a race who is in good company has a totally different mentality when either he is running at near to PB times as opposed to those running well within themselves and who feel they have another gear.

It isnt an exact science but the runner with the belief they can step it up and develop say a kick has a weapon that the guy who doesnt believe that to be the case.

Similarly with the Kings this year. I think (and I might add a sign of a well coached team) is when the synergy of the pieces produces that greater outcome. It may well be that they individually and collectively believe they have been playing at maximum intensity only to see the Tigs "kick on". It may end up being a factor

In the end the measure of the Kings in the history of the NBL will be measured not by their 27-3 season but how they handle this adversity

Thats always the prevailing and enduring measure.

[curious]

Goorjian has always wanted this to go the distance. He's openly said that. So I guess he has got his wish.

[inebriated]

Goorjian has always wanted this to go the distance. He's openly said that. So I guess he has got his wish.

Not sure what this means curious

Are you saying G wanted to have a series that went to 5 rather than a sweep?

Hardly think so.

[Stumps]

Sorry, but this is getting out of hand.
Goorj drills things hard into his teams so that in the heat of playoff battle they don't need to second-guess themselves because it's the same decisions that they have been running all season. That's the whole point of drills.
Some Melbourne players have stepped up at important times, but you can't tell me that guys like Sav, Hinder, Draper & Victor aren't capable of better than we've seen in the last couple of games from them.
Seriously, 1 big shot and out come the over-baked theories.
Is any of this directed at me? If so, please just save time and let me know exactly which bit I've said that you disagree with. If not, I apologise for being self-obsessed/sensitive.

For what it's worth, my comments have been generalisations about Goorjian, not tied to explaining anything in this series. It's played out pretty much as expected -- three close games between teams who had little between them in the regular season. The only thing that's surprised me so far is how little energy Anstey showed in Game 1 and how little the Kings as a whole showed in the first three quarters of Game 3.

[Stumps]

I'm not trying to take too much of a shot at Goorjian here but only winning five titles from 19 consecutive semi-final appearances isn't exactly a great return.
Hang on, it's above average! All things being equal, you'd expect to win one title for every four semi-final appearances.

[Stumps]

The guy is a 'tard.
Sadly, I think this is at least partly true. Look at the way he wanders around with his eyes goggling and mouth gaping stupidly, and that's without even taking into account the stupid things he does.

[inebriated]

I'm not trying to take too much of a shot at Goorjian here but only winning five titles from 19 consecutive semi-final appearances isn't exactly a great return.
Hang on, it's above average! All things being equal, you'd expect to win one title for every four semi-final appearances.

I think the 19 consecutive finals is the achievement. And that it was done in different towns with different rosters under different circs After that the rings - the prize - often comes down to a few other variables.

Blind freddy would have to admit BG is the best coach this league has ever had. Probably as one measures coaches across sports - an arguement for the best coach. Period

And I dont even like his bald arse.

[Coachpete]

The guy is a 'tard.
Sadly, I think this is at least partly true. Look at the way he wanders around with his eyes goggling and mouth gaping stupidly, and that's without even taking into account the stupid things he does.

He is without doubt "special"

[Voice(s)]

I think the 19 consecutive finals is the achievement. And that it was done in different towns with different rosters under different circs After that the rings - the prize - often comes down to a few other variables.

I for one think it's a great achievement and one of consistent and sustained excellence. However it does show that more often than not Goorjian's teams wilt at the pointy end of the playoffs.

[curious]

Goorjian has always wanted this to go the distance. He's openly said that. So I guess he has got his wish.
Not sure what this means curious
Are you saying G wanted to have a series that went to 5 rather than a sweep? Hardly think so.
Of course the sweep for either side would never have even been contemplated.
IMO it has was always going to be at least a 4 game series maybe 5.

[Lemon Custard]

The guy is a 'tard.
Sadly, I think this is at least partly true. Look at the way he wanders around with his eyes goggling and mouth gaping stupidly, and that's without even taking into account the stupid things he does.

I was thinking about this last night. He has the attitude of a hormonal teenager, trying to impress the cool kids, but failing miserably. He backs himself when he shouldn't, feels he doesn't have to warm up, or, presumably, train and he just prances around like the world, or at least the team, owes him something. And then you remember... He's 28 years old, and this is how he earns his living. :?

[Lemon Custard]

By the way, I guess I'll see you Tigers fans in Melbourne. :D

[Dunkin' Dan]

Is any of this directed at me? If so, please just save time and let me know exactly which bit I've said that you disagree with. If not, I apologise for being self-obsessed/sensitive.
No, it's not directed at you.
I just feel that because of either (people can take their pick here)
a. a couple too many missed box-outs,
b. a couple too many free throw misses, or
c. one too many perimeter facials by guys who hadn't hit jack shit all game;
... things are being over-analysed to a silly degree.

Just my take on the matter.

Voice(s) posted that Goorj teams have won 5 titles out of 19 semi final appearances.
To me that doesn't indicate any major Goorj choke factor, over-training factor, not-purposely-keeping-enough-in-reserve factor, or any of the other factors that are supposedly evident again now. On the contrary, it is the perfect illustration that he has done bang-on what you would expect after reaching the stage of 4 teams being left. He's won a quarter of the time.

[Daevo]

How did Smith get his injury?
From those Neatherthals from Perth :P :lol:

[Daevo]

[quote="The Customer":34cc0gnz] I can't see a problem with his behaviour last night, and never have I seen him do anything tool-ish during the season. Not once.

I also have no problem with the celebration/wind-up, except that he went on and on and on and on and on and on and on. Way longer than I assume Fox captured. I think there's a chance he was still there screaming abuse at the cleaners past midnight. HUGE shot - I have loads of room there for celebration, goading, mammoth arrogance, whatever. I'm all for theatrics like that, I think they are great and entertaining but you can f*ck it up easily too. He just went on for so long you just sort of felt embarrassed for the guy. Well after cheers/jeers/boos/whatever had died right down. Everyone is getting their shit together and heading for the doors, you look up, and he's still going![/quote:34cc0gnz]
I got 9 shots of his carry-on before I gave up waiting for him to stop :shock: :roll:

[Tigers_91]

[quote="Earnie Shavers":30u6ln4o]The guy is a 'tard.
Sadly, I think this is at least partly true. Look at the way he wanders around with his eyes goggling and mouth gaping stupidly, and that's without even taking into account the stupid things he does.

I was thinking about this last night. He has the attitude of a hormonal teenager, trying to impress the cool kids, but failing miserably. He backs himself when he shouldn't, feels he doesn't have to warm up, or, presumably, train and he just prances around like the world, or at least the team, owes him something. And then you remember... He's 28 years old, and this is how he earns his living. :?[/quote:30u6ln4o]

When I think "hormonal teenager, trying to impress the cool kids, but failing miserably", Worthington springs to mind. The birdman dance was maybe the saddest thing I saw in a basketball game. For all the crap that Lampley gets it doesn't appear half as juvenile as the Sydney fans shouting abuse at Tigers players as they head into the rooms. The tool that had to run to the balcony to share his thoughts with the Tigers at the half looked more than a little "retarded". Lampley has backed himself in game 2 and 3 and delivered. If the Kings lose it on Wednesday, then the team will implode offseason.

[Lemon Custard]

Did I miss something? Wortho's slight hand gesture (which vaguely resembled the birdman thing) is now a full blown dance? The "Juvenile Fans" were sharing a laugh for most of their yelling, with Westover and Dmac in particular having a good giggle in both games. It was WESTOVER who was the one who felt the need to turn around to the crowd and yell "Suck on that, mother fuckers", so who's out of line? The Kings are going to implode in the off season if they lose on Wednesday? Did you see Goorj after the last game?

Where are you going with all of this?

[lawsy82]

i think its funny, how fans can get under the tigers skin soooo much. they like flippin the bird the tigers dont they. Anstey in Brisbane, gees those 2000 fans must of been really bad. And a fully grown man, A COACH OF A A TEAM, doin the double bird, to what looked like teenagers after they were spanked in game 1. To me, they are a bunch of bitches who dont like to lose, and like to rub it in when they do win. I like lampley as a player, but the guy does act like a knob. I will give you a tip, he doesnt act like this in the nba, ive got tapes of him while with the heat, and warriors and in the games he got minutes he was quiet as a mouse.

[Sachmo]

I find it funny how the Sydney supporters yelling out etc is just them "having a laugh". But a week ago Perth fans were desribed as rabid, wild and feral for similiar behaviour.

[Lemon Custard]

I find it funny how the Sydney supporters yelling out etc is just them "having a laugh". But a week ago Perth fans were desribed as rabid, wild and feral for similiar behaviour.


I too, though, "come on guys, calm down a bit". But when the coach and several players of the opposition team respond in a friendly fashion, how exactly is it supposed to be interpreted?

(edit for clarity)

[franny]

Voice(s) posted that Goorj teams have won 5 titles out of 19 semi final appearances.
To me that doesn't indicate any major Goorj choke factor, over-training factor, not-purposely-keeping-enough-in-reserve factor, or any of the other factors that are supposedly evident again now. On the contrary, it is the perfect illustration that he has done bang-on what you would expect after reaching the stage of 4 teams being left. He's won a quarter of the time.

It's be interesting how many of those 19 times they finished first or second on the ladder though. Probably more than 5.

[havrilla the gorilla]

i think its funny, how fans can get under the tigers skin soooo much. they like flippin the bird the tigers dont they. Anstey in Brisbane, gees those 2000 fans must of been really bad. And a fully grown man, A COACH OF A A TEAM, doin the double bird, to what looked like teenagers after they were spanked in game 1. To me, they are a bunch of bitches who dont like to lose, and like to rub it in when they do win. I like lampley as a player, but the guy does act like a knob. I will give you a tip, he doesnt act like this in the nba, ive got tapes of him while with the heat, and warriors and in the games he got minutes he was quiet as a mouse.


Finally facts! And we completely agree! I knew you were alright... 8)

[Stumps]

I think the 19 consecutive finals is the achievement. And that it was done in different towns with different rosters under different circs After that the rings - the prize - often comes down to a few other variables.
I for one think it's a great achievement and one of consistent and sustained excellence. However it does show that more often than not Goorjian's teams wilt at the pointy end of the playoffs.
If you mean "more often than not they don't win the title", then yes, that's a given. If they did actually win the title more often than not, then that would be utterly incredible. As I pointed out, 5 titles from 19 semi-final appearances is anything but shameful -- it's above par.

[Stumps]

I find it funny how the Sydney supporters yelling out etc is just them "having a laugh". But a week ago Perth fans were desribed as rabid, wild and feral for similiar behaviour.
Mate, I have no problem with abusive dickheads in Sydney being called feral too -- in fact, I've done so numerous times in the last week in this very forum.

[Stumps]

The birdman dance was maybe the saddest thing I saw in a basketball game.
Well, I certainly find this poster credible.

[Stumps]

Voice(s) posted that Goorj teams have won 5 titles out of 19 semi final appearances.
To me that doesn't indicate any major Goorj choke factor, over-training factor, not-purposely-keeping-enough-in-reserve factor, or any of the other factors that are supposedly evident again now. On the contrary, it is the perfect illustration that he has done bang-on what you would expect after reaching the stage of 4 teams being left. He's won a quarter of the time.
It's be interesting how many of those 19 times they finished first or second on the ladder though. Probably more than 5.
Yes, because Goorjian is an absolutely phenomenal regular season coach. He drives his guys hard for every single game. Does this mean his teams come through the regular season with a better record than their talent would otherwise suggest? Yes, that's the Goorjian factor . Does this mean they occasionally get upset in the playoffs by a less rigorously coached but maybe more talented opponent who finished beneath them in the regular season? I think so, but I agree with Dunkin' Dan that that's not the factor here. We've basically got two pretty evenly matched teams who were pretty evenly matched in the regular season and continue to be pretty evenly matched in the finals. Let's hope it goes to five!

[boz_novocastrian]

does melbourne have internet radio link for the game at all on sen or is it just on nbl thing now

[franny]

Let's hope not. 3 losses in the regular season, 3 losses in the Grand Final series for the DTL (Deepest Team in the League). The symmetry is appealing.

[singy]

does melbourne have internet radio link for the game at all on sen or is it just on nbl thing now

Not sure about this. For whatever reason, our live calls dropped off during the season, and since SEN got the AFL rights, they have conveniently forgotten about the NBL. However, I think I saw a radio commentary setup at Game 2, so you might be in with a chance.

[boz_novocastrian]

cheers bro, it was good catching up with the tiger ozhoopers on here at the game

when i said to a lot my mates the nbl finals were almost over they went only 3 weeks or so ago the season finished. i said yeah it feels like fox are trying to get the season done and dusted before league starts up

[singy]

I think 5 titles from 19 consecutive semi final appearances is a brilliant achievement. Moreso for the 19 consecutive semi finals. That's been done with different teams and very different rosters, who you can safely say were not always the best on paper.

Another outstanding achievement is Al Westover's 3 consecutive GF appearances from 3 seasons. It would be nice to make it 2 wins from those 3 appearances in a couple of days, but it's still an outstanding achievement from both coaches IMHO.

[Voice(s)]

Voice(s) posted that Goorj teams have won 5 titles out of 19 semi final appearances.
To me that doesn't indicate any major Goorj choke factor, over-training factor, not-purposely-keeping-enough-in-reserve factor, or any of the other factors that are supposedly evident again now. On the contrary, it is the perfect illustration that he has done bang-on what you would expect after reaching the stage of 4 teams being left. He's won a quarter of the time.

I think I might've helped you in taking what I said out of context. I didn't enter the discussion to start throwing around grand ideas about why Goorjian doesn't have a great "SF to title ratio". I only mentioned my take on things now so as not to appear to be sticking a boot into him afterwards if the Kings do indeed lose.

I agree none of what people are theorising is relevant now because Lampley hits one shot.

To you and stumpy all I say is this, If you were Goorjian would you be happy/content/satisfied with turning 19 of your SF appearances into just five championships?

[Earnie Shavers]

Still doesn't top Rashad Tucker going right up to the, ahem, Philips corporate box after Game 3 in 2006 and screaming "Number one motherfuckers!" and "Sydney, you deleted now" to a few unimpressed 50+yr old couples who promptly got up and left, not watching any of the presentations. League naming rights sponsors. Tigers sure pick some great people.

[Dunkin' Dan]

I think I might've helped you in taking what I said out of context.
Yeah I know... you posted that stat for a different purpose, I just picked it up to assist in what I was trying to say.

To you and stumpy all I say is this, If you were Goorjian would you be happy/content/satisfied with turning 19 of your SF appearances into just five championships?
Honestly I find it hard to know what I'd think if I were Goorj. Everything he says is so orchestrated that it seems insincere to me a lot of the time, and I always wonder what is "really" going on in his mind.
I'm sure he'd like to have converted it into a better than 25% title ratio, there would be some disapointments in there for sure, but on the other hand I'm sure he has noted the Sydney Flames going something like 0-for in their last 5 or 6 GF's and is bloody relieved that hasn't happened to him.

If I looked at how his teams finished in each of those 19 seasons then I'd be better able to say how his 5 rings stands up (haven't got time right now to go through the records), but purely on the 5/19 stat it's hard to be too critical.

[Lethal Vertical]

Don't think Smith actually really kicked DC. Their legs were tangled a bit and DC's was on top of Smith's. Smith just kicked his leg free. No big deal

Smith has no class. I'm sorry but that was Smith's fault- he initiated it. And as for Victor on Anstey, don't get me started please. Since when can you push a guy in the face in an NBL game without consequence!?

[Lemon Custard]

DC fell over, for whatever reason, and then brought Smith down with him.

The call was, no call for the contact that initiated the call (it's not a flop because Corletto wears yellow right?) and then a hold for grabbing on to Smith.

It was probably one of the better calls of the night. Level headed, well thought out and well explained. It was an absolute nothing call, and you shouldn't waste your time whinging about it.

[Lethal Vertical]

I wasn't talking about the foul, I was talking about the ruckus that ensued afterwards. With regards to the foul itself, DC was holding Smith at one point but he was also in position. The question is whether Smith ran into DC first and then DC was holding to steady himself (in which case foul on Smith for the contact into the player who has established position) or whether DC gets nabbed for holding before Smith runs into him.

I'm not too fussed about that, just referring to the way Smith reacted to the incident and the contact- no class.

[Stumps]

[quote="Voice(s)":1yc297nu]To you and stumpy all I say is this, If you were Goorjian would you be happy/content/satisfied with turning 19 of your SF appearances into just five championships?
Honestly I find it hard to know what I'd think if I were Goorj. Everything he says is so orchestrated that it seems insincere to me a lot of the time, and I always wonder what is "really" going on in his mind.
I'm sure he'd like to have converted it into a better than 25% title ratio, there would be some disapointments in there for sure, but on the other hand I'm sure he has noted the Sydney Flames going something like 0-for in their last 5 or 6 GF's and is bloody relieved that hasn't happened to him.

If I looked at how his teams finished in each of those 19 seasons then I'd be better able to say how his 5 rings stands up (haven't got time right now to go through the records), but purely on the 5/19 stat it's hard to be too critical.[/quote:1yc297nu]
Goorj probably wouldn't be happy with 18 out of 19 titles. That's hardly going to be a fair assessment of whether it's an over- or underachievement though.

[Cram]

I dont think theres any way Goorj has underacheived.

He's been unlucky at times (particularly with Titans injuries) while other times has just been beaten by teams with players who've just put in better performances.

I would think most seasons he's taken teams that dont necessarily have the greatest talent (lots of young guys with potential) and turned them into a top 4 team. To do that time and time again is amazing. A lot of the time though, winning at the end, comes down to veteran leadership, which is something that the teams that his teams that have 'underperformed' have lacked. You've gotta love his committment to young talent though.

I would think the only teams he's had that have stupid amounts of talent, would be those Titans teams. Two of those teams were killed by injuries, but I think the first 2 (GF losses to Sixers and Wildcats) would be the ones that he would regret the most.

[scottgcau]

Don't think Smith actually really kicked DC. Their legs were tangled a bit and DC's was on top of Smith's. Smith just kicked his leg free. No big deal

Smith has no class. I'm sorry but that was Smith's fault- he initiated it. And as for Victor on Anstey, don't get me started please. Since when can you push a guy in the face in an NBL game without consequence!?
Well that's your story anyhow. I have the feeling that Smith and Corletto are both partly to blame. In any case, like I said, it was nothing to get excited about.

Victor on Anstey? Not sure what you're referring to.

[Stumps]

I actually think one of the most stupidly talented teams Goorj has coached was the Kings' first championship team.

You've got league MVP and one of the best players in recent history in Chris Williams, the next season's MVP and also one of the best players in recent history in Matt Nielsen, Shane Heal playing some of his finest and most intelligent basketball, another great import in Kavossy Franklin (who was himself a worthy MVP candidate this season), Brad Sheridan in career-best form as the designated stopper, former NBL First Teamer Ben Melmeth coming off the bench, the Rookie of the Year in Boodnikoff (and the incumbent in Travis Lane, making a total of four ROTYs on the roster) and Carter and Kingma picking up garbage minutes. Throw in the midseason acquisition of David Stiff, and you have an embarrassingly talented lineup, one with all the depth of a Magic/Titans team but with multiple genuine big-name superstars at the top of the roster.

IMO, Goorjian's first title in Sydney, as miraculous and long-awaited as it was, was probably his worst coaching performance during his tenure with the Kings (admittedly, this is like being the ugliest supermodel at a fashion parade, but still). You cannot possibly argue that this season's 27-3 lineup has anywhere near the talent of the inaugural Sydney champs.

[Lethal Vertical]

Don't think Smith actually really kicked DC. Their legs were tangled a bit and DC's was on top of Smith's. Smith just kicked his leg free. No big deal

Smith has no class. I'm sorry but that was Smith's fault- he initiated it. And as for Victor on Anstey, don't get me started please. Since when can you push a guy in the face in an NBL game without consequence!?
Well that's your story anyhow. I have the feeling that Smith and Corletto are both partly to blame. In any case, like I said, it was nothing to get excited about.

Victor on Anstey? Not sure what you're referring to.

Anstey committed a clumsy foul on Victor whilst Victor was shooting right near the basket- Victor reacted by pushing Anstey in the face and there were refs stepping in/players stepping in to calm the situation. From memory, probably the 3rd quarter

[Cussy]

i think its funny, how fans can get under the tigers skin soooo much. they like flippin the bird the tigers dont they. Anstey in Brisbane, gees those 2000 fans must of been really bad. And a fully grown man, A COACH OF A A TEAM, doin the double bird, to what looked like teenagers after they were spanked in game 1. To me, they are a bunch of bitches who dont like to lose, and like to rub it in when they do win.
So it's ok for Kings fans to give it to the coach, but an equal reaction in the heat of the moment is enough for you to question him as a man? Oh sorry, there were two fingers raised. That makes it twice as classless.

[Lethal Vertical]

Al is the professional though, those guys are just mugs watching a game.

It wasnt a smart thing for Al to do, but these things happen in the heat of the moment, we're all humans so I don't like it when they get blown out of all proportion.

[Cram]

I actually think one of the most stupidly talented teams Goorj has coached was the Kings' first championship team.

You've got league MVP and one of the best players in recent history in Chris Williams, the next season's MVP and also one of the best players in recent history in Matt Nielsen, Shane Heal playing some of his finest and most intelligent basketball, another great import in Kavossy Franklin (who was himself a worthy MVP candidate this season), Brad Sheridan in career-best form as the designated stopper, former NBL First Teamer Ben Melmeth coming off the bench, the Rookie of the Year in Boodnikoff (and the incumbent in Travis Lane, making a total of four ROTYs on the roster) and Carter and Kingma picking up garbage minutes. Throw in the midseason acquisition of David Stiff, and you have an embarrassingly talented lineup, one with all the depth of a Magic/Titans team but with multiple genuine big-name superstars at the top of the roster.

IMO, Goorjian's first title in Sydney, as miraculous and long-awaited as it was, was probably his worst coaching performance during his tenure with the Kings (admittedly, this is like being the ugliest supermodel at a fashion parade, but still). You cannot possibly argue that this season's 27-3 lineup has anywhere near the talent of the inaugural Sydney champs.

True. That was an amazing team. Superstars and depth. Wonder how Brett Brown would have gone with that group (from memory he put it together and Goorj just added Rowdy yeah?)

[Cussy]

Al is the professional though, those guys are just mugs watching a game.

It wasnt a smart thing for Al to do, but these things happen in the heat of the moment, we're all humans so I don't like it when they get blown out of all proportion.
I'm not saying he didn't deserve a punishment - he knows what the rules regarding that behaviour are - but all this questioning over his manhood and class for giving a standard every day reaction to someone mouthing off at him is way of the top.
Next time someone cuts me off while driving down the freeway, I'll hesitate to react. I'd hate to be accused of being classless.

[Coachpete]

Al is the professional though, those guys are just mugs watching a game.

It wasnt a smart thing for Al to do, but these things happen in the heat of the moment, we're all humans so I don't like it when they get blown out of all proportion.

Bit like when a player pushes someone who just clobbered them with a "clumsy" foul eh??? :wink: :lol:

[Lethal Vertical]

Touchee.

The difference is, Al got punished for it :wink:

By the way I still think he deserve a punishment due to the unprofessionalism of the action, what I'm referring to is the people who are making negative comments about Al's characted based on that.

So he deserved his punishment, just like Victor deserved an unsportsmanlike foul.

[Stumps]

i think its funny, how fans can get under the tigers skin soooo much. they like flippin the bird the tigers dont they. Anstey in Brisbane, gees those 2000 fans must of been really bad. And a fully grown man, A COACH OF A A TEAM, doin the double bird, to what looked like teenagers after they were spanked in game 1. To me, they are a bunch of bitches who dont like to lose, and like to rub it in when they do win.
So it's ok for Kings fans to give it to the coach, but an equal reaction in the heat of the moment is enough for you to question him as a man? Oh sorry, there were two fingers raised. That makes it twice as classless.
If a player or coach cops disproportionate levels of abuse all game (as appears to have been the case here), I don't think it's a question of class if they have a brain explosion and respond proportionately to that with something that is just going to hurt themselves, not the objects of their derision. It's a question of stupidity -- why validate that behaviour by rewarding it with a self-defeating response? It's just going to encourage the exact same thing next time around.

Full credit to guys like David Stiff, who at the end of a game full of abuse just smile and blow kisses to the people who've been on their case all match. Don't give them the satisfaction of letting them think they're getting to you -- that's the smartest thing a player or coach can do.

[scottgcau]

Anstey committed a clumsy foul on Victor whilst Victor was shooting right near the basket- Victor reacted by pushing Anstey in the face and there were refs stepping in/players stepping in to calm the situation. From memory, probably the 3rd quarter\
You got a picture of the contact with the face? I know Victor wasn't happy with Anstey and it looked like he tried to push him but I didn't get much of a view of any contact. It didn't look like much to me.

I think the refs made the right call since at no point was Anstey making any attempt to legally guard Victor while fouling him in mid air going for the rebound and then for good measure grabbing him and spinning him around when he tried to go back up with it.

[bad gambler]

Draper unlikely to suit up according to Goorj this morning on 2ky radio in Sydney and Hinder expected to only be able to play limited minutes.

Kings to revert to a taller lineup and more of halfcourt game for Game 4, something Goorj didn't want to do in this series but his hand has been forced.

Kings backs against the wall tomorrow night. :evil:

[Cussy]

Kings backs against the wall tomorrow night. :evil:
(mod edit - deleted - ummm, yeah)

[metalslugsman]

Draper unlikely to suit up according to Goorj this morning on 2ky radio in Sydney and Hinder expected to only be able to play limited minutes.

Kings to revert to a taller lineup and more of halfcourt game for Game 4, something Goorj didn't want to do in this series but his hand has been forced.

Kings backs against the wall tomorrow night. :evil:Echoing the comments of other OzHos, Crosswhite has played very well at the offensive end, even scoring well in the post against DPOY MVP Anstey, so they have halfcourt options in the post with him & Wortho. The only thing i have not seen either of them do is pass out of the post to the perimeter shooters, mind you they have not seen double teams either

[An5w3r]

[quote="bad gambler":3pmoy9av]
Kings backs against the wall tomorrow night. :evil:
(mod edit - deleted - ummm, yeah)[/quote:3pmoy9av]

(mod edit - deleted - doesn't quite make sense now I've deleted TC's "witty" post)

[DDFan]

Draper unlikely to suit up according to Goorj this morning on 2ky radio in Sydney and Hinder expected to only be able to play limited minutes.

Kings to revert to a taller lineup and more of halfcourt game for Game 4, something Goorj didn't want to do in this series but his hand has been forced.

Kings backs against the wall tomorrow night. :evil:The get out jail free card just got played by the supremo teflonian Briantologist.
BTW, 5 outta 19 woulda put me in the drop-out basket in my day. I'm a noth'n better, than a Distinction guy though (35 minute walk, BTW). :wink:

[SB.1]

I think the first 2 (GF losses to Sixers and Wildcats) would be the ones that he would regret the most.

Don't forget they were underdogs in that second series and had spent their loads getting over the minor premier Sixers in the semis (in a sweep). I remember that because they did the Wildcats a huge favour, though it is all off the top of my head so I could be wrong.

[Earnie Shavers]

Draper unlikely to suit up according to Goorj

Faarrk...

[Cram]

I'd bet that Draper will play. Goorj is good with the mind games, and if he gets the Tigers thinking 'thats one option we dont have to worry about' and then springs the surprise, then he has a massive edge over the Tigers.

Still, if Draper and Hinder play limited/no minutes, it means Wortho should be playing 40+ minutes, with Victor and Crosswhite also getting a ton more, which are the three players I reckon the Tigers have struggled to defend the most. Sure it affects their depth, but these are three young fellas who are capable of playing big minutes.

[Coachpete]

Heard an interview with Dontaye on the radio this morning. He basically said his leg is not right but he's going to have a crack and see how it goes.

[Stumps]

Goorjian is just pretending they won't play so that the Tigers will get suspended.

[Cram]

Goorjian is just pretending they won't play so that the Tigers will get suspended. :lol:

[Mr_Black]

so how many of us are going tomorrow night?

[Lemon Custard]

I am!

[gangsta boo]

me too

[Lemon Custard]

Nice av. The classless guy getting kicked in the face by the totally classy MVP. Who knew.

[Cram]

We'll be the lads in the old skool warm ups in the last row of south section!

Can not wait!

[franny]

See you crackers at the Cage!!

BRING THE SWORDS!!

THE FINAL SLAPPING IS UPON US!!

[basketballer999]

ill be at home watching it live on foxsports going nuts at the screen

[Voice(s)]

Honestly I find it hard to know what I'd think if I were Goorj. Everything he says is so orchestrated that it seems insincere to me a lot of the time, and I always wonder what is "really" going on in his mind.

Yeah Goorjian is insincere most of the time. Oh how I miss the Goorjian timeouts, the vein on the side of his head bubbling, the neck veins reaching their peak performance and that bottle of scotch/40 a day voice screaming "SHAAAAAAAAAKES" or "HORRRRRRRRNS". Magic.

He's actually pulled himself into line a fair bit with the Kings. The guy was an A-grade wanker with the Magic/Titans but I think after the Giants (Fiddes) gave him the arse and he came and took over the Kings he's realised he needs to be a bit more of a promoter for the sport and for the most part I think he's responded well.

btw Jason Smith has given quite a few insights into what possibly goes on inside that "red knob" (Goorjian's words) of Goorjian's and some of the results include things like leaving his daughter stranded after a game by herself and only realising where she is when he's arrived home and leaving a shoe on the plane and actually walking barefooted across the tarmac before it's pointed out to him. :lol:

[Stumps]

leaving a shoe on the plane and actually walking barefooted across the tarmac before it's pointed out to him. :lol:
The funny thing is that he took the shoe off to remind himself not to forget something else -- seriously!

[Voice(s)]

Yeah that's right, Smith was nearly pissing himself when he was recalling it. I think he took the shoe off to remind himself not to forget his overhead luggage or something, good stuff. :)

Just remembered the scouting reports one too!

[AngusH]

Just got an e-mail from a guy saying no Draper and no Hinder tonight? Can anyone confirm or deny that?

[simioni]

yes i will be at the game for sure if you were a true tigers fan or a true kings fan you would be going to this match

lets go tigersss if tigers win do we get to go on the court and celebrate cause a home team hasnt won the gradfinal at home for a couple of years

[simioni]

Just got an e-mail from a guy saying no Draper and no Hinder tonight? Can anyone confirm or deny that?

if its not on the nbl site then he wont be true even if hinder is out he does nothing anyway but draper would be a big miss

[Lethal Vertical]

I can't see us losing to the Kings without Draper. Hinder's no massive loss considering Crosswhite's form but I think they need Draper's offense to spark them, without it they will really struggle. It's a shame, I'd rather beat them at full strength, but hey I'm not complaining :wink:

[Stumps]

Just got an e-mail from a guy saying no Draper and no Hinder tonight? Can anyone confirm or deny that?
I can deny that :wink:

[simioni]

TIGERS 2007/08 CHAMPIONS

(please come true)

[Lemon Custard]

yes i will be at the game for sure if you were a true tigers fan or a true kings fan you would be going to this match


Just thought I'd quote this. It's Wednesday and some people aren't as lucky as I am, to have work schedules fall perfectly for this event, or to be able to afford to just pack up and leave and return tomorrow morning. True Kings fans will drop everything to watch the game, and cheer even if they aren't there.

[Cram]

I can't see us losing to the Kings without Draper. Hinder's no massive loss considering Crosswhite's form but I think they need Draper's offense to spark them, without it they will really struggle. It's a shame, I'd rather beat them at full strength, but hey I'm not complaining :wink:

They did a good job of finding a spark at the start of the 4th in game 3.

Draper and Hinder would hurt the Kings bench depth for sure (BJ and Tovey become 7 and 8 rather than 9 and 10) but I think the form of Wortho, Crosswhite, Victor, Saville and even Kendall means they can adjust. Sure those guys havent played big minutes all season, but I think they're all very capable of doing that. And then theres Jason, who while he's not fully fit himself, showed on Sunday that he's capable of being their spark.

Make no mistake, the Kings will throw EVERYTHING at us. It's still gonna take a great game from us to get this. Can't wait to get there!

[simioni]

yes i will be at the game for sure if you were a true tigers fan or a true kings fan you would be going to this match


Just thought I'd quote this. It's Wednesday and some people aren't as lucky as I am, to have work schedules fall perfectly for this event, or to be able to afford to just pack up and leave and return tomorrow morning. True Kings fans will drop everything to watch the game, and cheer even if they aren't there.


yep i agree with you. i know ts sounds shit and yuk but i was sick all last night throwing up but man i would never miss this game

[Cram]

TIGERS 2007/08 CHAMPIONS

(please come true)

Settle! Love the enthusiasm but just settle :)

[Daevo]

I'm putting a protective screen in front of the plasma TV so I don't throw anything through it in a fit of rage.

I hope the Kings can take this to a 5th game but I won't be putting any money on it :?

[cammo]

Well that's that then. If the woofing Gods truly exist, then the Kings will take this game out.

[Cram]

I think if any team can, its the Kings. Their D all series has been superb. They've pushed the Tigers out of the offense they wanna run, and its just taken some individuals hitting big shots time and time again that has got us the 2 wins.

The Tigers are going to need to be composed early and find something good to go to (Lampley in the post, Anstey on the pick and Roll) and try to weather the early storm that is sure to come from the Kings

[simioni]

if hinder doesnt play who going to contain anstey ye crosswhite but how long can he keep up with him not all game thats for sure

[Cram]

if hinder doesnt play who going to contain anstey ye crosswhite but how long can he keep up with him not all game thats for sure

13 Red

[Lemon Custard]

Oh well. If anything good comes out of this injury news, it's that BJ and Cam get a few more minutes. :D And that's fine by me.

[simioni]

yeah true but BJ is an awsome shooter he doesnt miss much and if we dont take notice of him he could hit 20 points against us.

[AngusH]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 69,00.html (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23359814-23769,00.html)

That's the article my mate got his info from. Sounds like both guys will be in uniform, but won't be of much use. :(

[Daevo]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23359814-23769,00.html

That's the article my mate got his info from. Sounds like both guys will be in uniform, but won't be of much use. :(
Oh shit....I might need to reinforce that protective screen in front of the plasma :(

[simioni]

just after reading that now i am pretty sure they wont be playing draper hanstring one of the worst injuries and hinder cant run up and down the floor looks like they will be missing this last game of the season

[Poida]

Anyone got any free tickets?? *Hint Hint* :wink:

:lol:

[AngusH]

The good news for Tigers fans is that if Crosswhite sits down and Wortho or IV has to guard Anstey, SURELY Anstey will consider stepping inside the 3pt line a couple of times throughout the night.

[Poida]

The good news for Tigers fans is that if Crosswhite sits down and Wortho or IV has to guard Anstey, SURELY Anstey will consider stepping inside the 3pt line a couple of times throughout the night.

He scores all of his points from beyond the arc?

[simioni]

who do use recon will be the finals mvp?

[Lethal Vertical]

I can't see us losing to the Kings without Draper. Hinder's no massive loss considering Crosswhite's form but I think they need Draper's offense to spark them, without it they will really struggle. It's a shame, I'd rather beat them at full strength, but hey I'm not complaining :wink:

They did a good job of finding a spark at the start of the 4th in game 3.

Draper and Hinder would hurt the Kings bench depth for sure (BJ and Tovey become 7 and 8 rather than 9 and 10) but I think the form of Wortho, Crosswhite, Victor, Saville and even Kendall means they can adjust. Sure those guys havent played big minutes all season, but I think they're all very capable of doing that. And then theres Jason, who while he's not fully fit himself, showed on Sunday that he's capable of being their spark.

Make no mistake, the Kings will throw EVERYTHING at us. It's still gonna take a great game from us to get this. Can't wait to get there!

I agree, they will throw everything our way, I just think their chances are greatly reduced if Draper doesn't suit. He's the most dynamic offensive player they have. Jason can shoot some nice three's (like the rest of the team) but Draper's creativity would be a massive loss. He's unlike the rest, he's the deadly assassin on a team full of highly trained Goorjian robots.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we've got the game in the bag if Draper's not there, but if you asked me who the one guy is who I'd most prefer to be missing from their lineup for this game, Draper would probably be my first choice, along with Worthington. I can see us completely shutting them down without him.

They had nearly 6000 wild fans behind them in the 4th quarter of game 3, this time they'll have The Cage's raucous, intensely loud crowd to contend with.

[AngusH]

who do use recon will be the finals mvp?

Wortho. ;)

[Dunkin' Dan]

who do use recon will be the finals mvp?
I think the Tigers use recon to try to get a better handle on just how injured some of the Kings players are. Anstey would have to be one of the front-runners for Finals MVP atm, but I doubt that he would be used in the recon role as he really needs to be focussing on other things right now.

[Daevo]

:lol: That one was a little oblique even for me DD :wink:

[DoubleA]

If Barlow scores 15+ points tonight Id have to give him the Player of Series.

[inebriated]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23359814-23769,00.html

That's the article my mate got his info from. Sounds like both guys will be in uniform, but won't be of much use. :(

guys guys guys

Anyone whose watched BG teams and his appraoch to the psych he moves heaven and earth to get the underdog status

Believe 1/2 what you see and nothing you read. Will stand you well in life

[lawsy82]

If Barlow scores 15+ points tonight Id have to give him the Player of Series.

totally agree. Barlow deserves mvp if tigers get up tonight. Breaks my heart everytime he scores, considering how much time the kings put into him

[metalslugsman]

Which team is the more mentally stable under extreme pressure? This could be a key tonight as both teams will be under extreme duress. If the Kings are as undermanned as suggested then sending out players with instructions to niggle and push the envelope on physical contact etc could be a good tactic if they think the Tigers will not cope. My gut feel on this however is that the Kings are more susceptible to pressure and more likely to implode

[DDFan]

I think the Kings are a shoe in.





That's if Goorj doesn't leave it in the flight conveyance. :shock: :wink:

[AngusH]

guys guys guys

Anyone whose watched BG teams and his appraoch to the psych he moves heaven and earth to get the underdog status

Believe 1/2 what you see and nothing you read. Will stand you well in life

I doubt that. It's a fact that Draper is banged up, as last game showed. I doubt BG kept him out of the game in game 4 in order to paint his team as an underdog in game 5.

[basketballer999]

barlow has come back pretty well from his shocker in game 1 to play well in both tigers wins u think he would be in the running for MVP
with sydney injuries maybe they will do like they did to jason smith earlier suit up draper and try to get little minutes out of him or none

[Cram]

6 hours till game time. This day is dragging.

Barlow has had a very good series shooting the ball. You'd think him and Wortho would be the front runners for their prospective teams, with Crosswhite and Anstey also being candidates depending on the eventual winner.

[scottgcau]

Based purely on the 3 games so far there's absolutely no way that Anstey won't get the MVP if the Tigers win. Even though he's not been very efficient on offense he's still put up plenty of points and been rebounding, blocking shots, etc.

I can only see 2 ways for the Kings to win the game tonight:
1) They shoot the lights out from downtown
2) The game score is something like 82-78

Put all your money on the Tigers

[lawsy82]

I dont think the tigers will win, i feel they are an ordinary team, who if it wasnt for an nba reject hitting a 3, would be down 2-1 and no chance of winning. I feel we are a massive chance tonight, and with out draper, doesnt bother me. We are still good enough, but barlow is the key. keep him under 10pts we are definates

[Morenito]

There's 3 spare tickets I've given back to the Tigers ticketing dude.

No longer heading to melbourne for the game so if anyone is looking to buy 3 tickets contact the tigers head quarters and speak to the ticketing manager.

[Cussy]

I dont think the tigers will win, i feel they are an ordinary team,
They only won an ordinary 75% of their games this year.

[Lethal Vertical]

I dont think the tigers will win, i feel they are an ordinary team, who if it wasnt for an nba reject hitting a 3, would be down 2-1 and no chance of winning. I feel we are a massive chance tonight, and with out draper, doesnt bother me. We are still good enough, but barlow is the key. keep him under 10pts we are definates

Let me present an alternative way of looking at things:

If it wasnt for 10 bad minutes at the end of game 1, the Tigers would already have series wrapped up in a sweep, and your beloved Kings wouldn't even be getting to contest a game 4.

[AngusH]

Let me present an alternative way of looking at things:

If it wasnt for 10 bad minutes at the end of game 1, the Tigers would already have series wrapped up in a sweep, and your beloved Kings wouldn't even be getting to contest a game 4.

If not for bad 10 minute patches in the 4th Q of game 2 and the 3rd Q of game 3, Sydney would have swept.

This is a fun game to play!

[Dunkin' Dan]

If not for a bad 10-player patch, the Slingers would be in the GF series right now and the Tigers would be at home watching it on TV.

[Cussy]

If he wasn't a bad 10th player, BJ Carter would be doing work experience for the Sacramento Kings right now.

[Dunkin' Dan]

That makes no sense. He doesn't even live in Sacramento :roll:

[fan since the old snakepit]

If it wasn't for a bad 10mins of unprotected sex the Hawks would have made the playoffs last season. :lol: :lol:

[DoubleA]

If it wasnt for a bad $10million the Dragons would be playing tonight.

[Stumps]

:lol: That one was a little oblique even for me DD :wink:
I liked it!

[kc4mvp]

Sav and Worthington to shine and tie the series tonight.

[AngusH]

Sav and Worthington to shine and tie the series tonight.

The key might be Crosswhite. He needs to stay out of foul trouble and contribute, because there isn't anyone behind him. If the Kings are going to be a little more half-court, I'd be looking to get the ball to Crosswhite near the high post and tell him to be agressive like in game 3 and take it inside. I don't think Anstey can guard him one-on-one, he's too strong for him.

[Cram]

Yep, think that would be a good strategy. And if it starts to work, it'll open up the floor for the others, and maybe take some defensive focus of Wortho.

[Southern Joe]

.... I don't understand it.

I'm as nervous as all hell ...

but I'm calm as well. That'll change as we drive up to The Cage.


GO KINGS!!

[bad gambler]

Kings to force a decider and win by a few baskets tonight

[Antipodean2007]

the real possibility of there being no basketball competition in australia - until the end of the year is on tonight

:lol:

[Earnie Shavers]

No/limited Draper and Hinder isn't as bad as no Smith/Worthington vs Perth, but it still doesn't look good. However, if you bet your house on Melbourne winning the Championship, I still wouldn't tell your wife you did that juuuust yet.

[Cram]

Right...must be time for me to leave. Longest. Day. Ever.

I really hope the Tigers can wrap this up tonight because I think the Kings are the sort of team who will pounce if we give them a chance to take it back to Sydney. They're gonna leave it all on the floor tonight, and so should we!

Go Tigers

[havrilla the gorilla]

Any Sydney Fans who have thrown in the towel....shame on you!

I think you will find this will be your clubs finest hour. Underdogs(After going 30-6 up to this game) they are but if they lose Game 4 it will be by another last second shot or not having enough cattle.

I acknowledge Smith is not 100% but the other two players(as good as they are) are coming off the bench and it has been the likes of Worthington and Saville that have been doing it anyway.

For me the difference this season has been Saville. I know he hasn't set the world on fire at the offensive end, but he is quality and gives them so much versatility particularly at the defensive end. He is definately the difference between their semi-final finish last season and their grand final appearance this year. I know Draper is probably an upgrade on Scott(when he is firing) but Sav has been good for them this season without dominating the stats sheet.

If they are good enough(I think they are) injuries won't hinder(no pun intended) their chances.

Get behind the Kings and watch them go down swinging!!!!!

[scottgcau]

From the article "Kings Duo in Doubt" (http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=74601):Morrissey reported that Coach of the Year Goorjian has spent the past 48 hours redesigning the Kings offence to deal with the possibility that the pair may not be a factor in game Four.

"We know how to play with Dontaye so we have to go over how to play without Dontaye," Goorjian said.

"And I'm not sure what Russ is going to be able to give us if anything."

Since when has Russ given them anything offensively? He's taken 4 shots per contest against the Tigers so far, including 0 for 6 3-point attempts for 0 makes.

Draper is obviously different but it's his creativity that they'll be missing. If Goorjian could teach creativity then you'd think he would have done so by now.

Still think the Kings only hopes of winning are through an amazing defensive effort or an amazingly accurate barrage of 3 pointers. Plus the Tigers would have to help them out by shooting poorly as well and being lazy with chasing the boards.

[Dunkin' Dan]

Any Sydney Fans who have thrown in the towel....shame on you!
I agree.
Interestingly I have heard that a certain Tigers fan has tossed in the towel already.
Shame on you, Franny!

[Cussy]

:lol:

[Southern Joe]

.... I'm on my way.

Hope to see some OzHoopes there.

[franny]

[quote="havrilla the gorilla":1rvf28b7]Any Sydney Fans who have thrown in the towel....shame on you!
I agree.
Interestingly I have heard that a certain Tigers fan has tossed in the towel already.
Shame on you, Franny![/quote:1rvf28b7]

BAHAHA not bloody likely, Dan!

Goorjian's men are now partaking in the Last Supper. They will need their strength as they march into certain oblivion and the slapping of a lifetime. They are disenchanted with the Sydney Kings system, and will walk in with heads bowed.

Anstey to dominate.

I'll see you fackers at the CAGE!!

BRING THE SWORDS!!

[Cussy]

Can we all stop the stupid franny impersonations please? That last one was the stupidest of the lot - it made no sense at all.

[Poida]

Agreed..........very piss poor attempt there. Deserves a facking slapping.

[Virus]

For me the difference this season has been Saville. I know he hasn't set the world on fire at the offensive end, but he is quality and gives them so much versatility particularly at the defensive end. He is definately the difference between their semi-final finish last season and their grand final appearance this year. I know Draper is probably an upgrade on Scott(when he is firing) but Sav has been good for them this season without dominating the stats sheet

Agree that Sav has been good without necessarily dominating the stat sheet, but it's time for him to earn his keep tonight and take more than the six shots that he took in Game 3. Being one import down and with Smith playing with only one arm, he really has to lead from the front and take (and make) more shots - and not simply leave it to Wortho, Kendall and Crosswhite. I expect him to come out firing early like he did against Perth in Game 1 of the semis.

And Victor, as our only import, must step up as well - he can't afford to have another 1 pt on 0-5 shooting like Game 3. I wish he would just keep taking it inside and try and get Anstey in foul trouble (hopefully the refs may actually call them tonight). He really has to be the X factor in Game 4, and help cover the scoring loss of Dontaye.

[Virus]

Since when has Russ given them anything offensively? He's taken 4 shots per contest against the Tigers so far, including 0 for 6 3-point attempts for 0 makes.

He may have not been scoring much, but he has been playing well and had a great Game 3 - he had 3 block shots, 2 steals and 5 assists in addition to playing excedllent D. And his loss means Crosswhite has to play more minutes, which reduces his effectiveness. Having the two headed monster to throw against Anstey had been working well, with the exception of the third quarter in Game 3, so its a big loss to try and cover.

[Polar_Bear]

Does anyone know if there will be some sort of webcast tonight?
Last game in Melbourne it didnt work all that well :)

Cheers...

[BlowJoggs]

Not long now, LET'S GO KINGS

[MrHypotheticalDunker]

Any news on whether anyone is doing live updates in here?

[Stumps]

I have a terrible feeling the Kings are going to come out hard and build a lead, but the Tigers will pull it back in at the worst possible time and finish with their noses in front.

I would love to see this go to a Game 5 though -- the series deserves it!

[Dunkin' Dan]

The Kings also don't deserve to go out in 4 after the season they've had.

[Stumps]

Well, if they lose three games in a row they do!

[Dunkin' Dan]

Take it strong Smith you pussy!!! Farrrk :x

[Stumps]

Hey Hunt, do you want to start calling the contact on the dribblers BOTH ways?

[Dunkin' Dan]

Another O board given up :roll:

[Stumps]

Lampley shoves Saville down after the play and once again, Hunt is the blind moron on the spot who misses it completely.

[Skindog the Hawk]

6:51 Q1

11-all

[cammo]

Meh, there wasn't much in it at all. Sav flopped nicely.

[Cussy]

Lampley shoves Saville down after the play and once again, Hunt is the blind moron on the spot who misses it completely.
I think the replay shows that Hunt had every right to not blow his whistle.

Worst call from Butler all year.

[Dunkin' Dan]

Interesting change of decision.
I thought there was nothing in it anyway personally. :?

[Soft Copy]

Lampley shoves Saville down after the play and once again, Hunt is the blind moron on the spot who misses it completely.

Lampley clearly plays that wonderful game of "cork soccer"!!!!

[Stumps]

Lampley shoves Saville down after the play and once again, Hunt is the blind moron on the spot who misses it completely.
And Butler is left to clean up his mess once again.

[Stumps]

Foul on Hinder? I guess he obviously doesn't get an Anstey Cylinder.

[boz_novocastrian]

13-all 5:25 to go in Q1

[Dunkin' Dan]

I like the move of getting Tovey in.
Kings offence needs a spark.

[Stumps]

I like the move of getting Tovey in.
Kings offence needs a spark.
And their defence needs somebody who can lock up a rebound!

[boz_novocastrian]

17-15 kings way with 3:11 left in Q1

[Lucky_Boy]

so are the kings got all their guns firing with hinder and draper on their team playing??

[fahootie]

Go Tigers! a gripping encounter so far eh Stumpy?



How is your grip?

[boz_novocastrian]

17-all tigers to shoot the bonus

[Cussy]

Lampley shoves Saville down after the play and once again, Hunt is the blind moron on the spot who misses it completely.
And Butler is left to clean up his mess once again.
If you're going to overrule, you want to make sure you are 100% correct, but he wasn't.

[Stumps]

Lampley shoves Saville down after the play and once again, Hunt is the blind moron on the spot who misses it completely.
And Butler is left to clean up his mess once again.
If you're going to overrule, you want to make sure you are 100% correct, but he wasn't.
You think? It's not like he called it an unsportsmanlike, but I think it's pretty clear that Lampley pushed off.

[Dunkin' Dan]

Weak foul, but no weaker than the Crosswell one a few minutes ago
[Edit] The Greer one I mean

[boz_novocastrian]

tigers 21-20 kings

2:11 in Q1 to go

[Cussy]

Lampley shoves Saville down after the play and once again, Hunt is the blind moron on the spot who misses it completely.
And Butler is left to clean up his mess once again.
If you're going to overrule, you want to make sure you are 100% correct, but he wasn't.
You think? It's not like he called it an unsportsmanlike, but I think it's pretty clear that Lampley pushed off.
Sav was already off balance from getting right in and under Lampley. Lampley made contact, but there was no push. Not enough to warrant a foul, that's for sure.

[Stumps]

Kings are going to be in trouble if Hoare and Anstey can keep committing blocking fouls all game without being called.

[fahootie]

Good to have some unbiased commentators on NBL radio.

[Dunkin' Dan]

Great intense opening term
Score is 24-24.

[Stumps]

[quote=Stumps]Lampley shoves Saville down after the play and once again, Hunt is the blind moron on the spot who misses it completely.
And Butler is left to clean up his mess once again.
If you're going to overrule, you want to make sure you are 100% correct, but he wasn't.
You think? It's not like he called it an unsportsmanlike, but I think it's pretty clear that Lampley pushed off.
Sav was already off balance from getting right in and under Lampley. Lampley made contact, but there was no push. Not enough to warrant a foul, that's for sure.[/quote:ebwg4dyh]
He was off balance, sure, but Lampley deliberately put the right hand into him (to join the left hand that was already there) after Sav had knocked the ball away, and that knocked Sav down.

[Cussy]

Ok, lets both ruin the thread after the game :wink:

[Stumps]

Interesting that Bradtke is commentating and Gaze is sitting in the crowd. Is this recognition of Bradtke's superiority as a commentator or does Gaze want to be free to go berserk if the Tigers win at home?

[Dunkin' Dan]

Ouch. Crosswhite picks up his 4th PF ... on a bad call

[Stumps]

The Anstey referee love dial has turned up to 11!

[Soft Copy]

NO WAY!!!

Anstey gets away with a blatant block to draw the offensive foul!

[Stumps]

And another one ... you'd think Anstey was a six-foot aw-shucks true-blue Aussie champion, and not a seven-foot dirty cock.

[Soft Copy]

The Anstey referee love dial has turned up to 11!

Couldn't agree more - if that's how you get DPOY then it's not the game I know and love.

[Stumps]

Great block by Hinder, deflecting it to a teammate too!

[Dunkin' Dan]

2nd one was fair enough. Nothing but arm.

[Stumps]

Hoare shot by a sniper in the crowd! Where's security?

[Dunkin' Dan]

Timeout: Mel 28-Syd 30
8 min left in the 2nd

[Stumps]

Great block by Hinder, deflecting it to a teammate too!
And Barlow repeats that effort at the other end!

[Soft Copy]

Commentators too hard on Worthington on that foul on Hoare - I feeze-framed the exact moment he made conatct and the ball was on it's way down (from a three point attempt) = no call.