Re: Beating the Bulls and Wizards

[damekmo@teleport.com]

>Some of the cynic type will poo-poo the victorys over the Bulls and Wizards.
>However, earlier in the season, we struggled and even lost to these teams.
>Plus, this games weren't even close. Does the Hawk game count for anything?
>Anybody who doesn't recognize the improvement in the C's play the last ten
>games is just a whiner...
>
>DJessen33

WHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE! That must be me. What did the improvement at the
end of last year mean? Blame the lockout? Did the Sixers improve? How about
the Raptors? Why should I believe that wins in meaningless games, with
absolutely zero pressure to win, against teams who are going nowhere and
playing for nothing, are more meaningful than the horrible play when games
actually counted for something. Look, I think it's nice that Battie and
Jones look great. I'm sure it'll help their confidencece, especially
Battie. But...let's see Tony do it for a series of games against the Heat,
Pacers, Hawks, Magic, and Knicks. Then I'll think he's actually not El
Busto. Maybe Battie's no longer El Busto. Maybe not. Maybe the team will
play well, actually make the playoffs next year. Do I have a "good reason"
to believe that the play of the last ten days is not an aberration...just
like the play at the of last season. I think we get caught up thinking that
"our" players are better than they really are. Kenny Anderson anyone? I
don't think it's whining to think...just like my cynical Uncle
Peter...thank God for the Bulls and Wizards. If Pitino comes back next year
with the same set of point guards....between 35 and 40 wins...tops.
Maybe...Maybe the playoffs. Probably not. You read Uncle Peter's article in
Sunday's Globe:

>(Al)Bianchi, an old-schooler, was a frequent critic of Pitino's system,
>saying it was great for the regular season but would get exposed in the
>playoffs. He was correct.

I think his cynical nephew has been known to write that a few times on this
list. I'm not even sure Pitino's system can win in the regular season
anymore. Has he shown us that it can? The last ten games? Means nothing.


Paul M.