Why Do You Hate Me, Reggie Miller?

Poetic Justice:  Most commentators are (rightly) focusing on the Neal three pointer, but what about the miraculous Ginoboli shot just before that, which closed the Memphis lead to one point?  Falling out of bounds in the back corner, lofting up a prayer, and it goes in.  It was a two-pointer, but just based on degree of difficulty it was worth a three (and made the Neal shot possible). 

Perkins Lives!  Besides being locked in a WWF-style death match with Nene, Kendric Perkins has not contributed much to the Ok City offense -- until (at least the first half of) Game Five, when he showed up with a flurry of layups and free throws.  Nice to get some high percentage field goals and more low post presence from Perkins.  This is the corollary to your Carlos Boozer point. 

Why Do You Hate Me, Reggie Miller?  This was actually from yesterday's game (and I can't remember if I mentioned this to you already), but what's up with the abusive relationship between Reggie MIller and Kevin Harlan?  Miller spent the entire game criticizing Harlan's calls in a coldly condescening way, with Harlan apologizing.  Very uncomfortable viewing.

Everyone Loves Fratello:  If Miller-Harlan is an abusive relationship, how would we describe the other announcing partnerships?  Here how I see them.  Steve Kerr would be Marv Albert's younger, cuter trophy wife (though geniunely smart and capable), with Craig Sager as the spurned other woman.  Mike Fratello and Dick Stockton are the couple who've been married for 50 years, with no chemistry and Fratello spending his time flirting with the waitress at the early bird special.  Pete Pranica and Brevin Knight?  The less said, the better.

Pundit-terrorism:  Russell Westbrook has gotten the message about not taking too many shots.  Really, really gotten the message.  Ok, maybe over-gotten it. 
--Posted by AF

The Most Well-Earned Use of the Well-Earned Neologism “Z-bound” Award

The Grinding Out Foul Shots While Getting Repeatedly Getting Pounded to the Floor as a Surprisingly Successful Offensive Strategy Because Your Jump Shots Aren’t Falling Award—Manu Ginobli, known by his teammates as “El Contusion.”

The Role-Player Unceremoniously Carrying the Whole Team on His Back for a Critical Late-Game Stretch Award: George Hill.

The Most Annoying Announcer Tic Award—Grizzlies Announcer/Former Grizzly Brevin Knight, who literally cannot seem to go two sentences without addressing his broadcasting partner as “Pardner.”

The Most Well-Earned Use of the Well-Earned Neologism “Z-bound” Award: Upon Randolph’s one-handed, one-motion rebound-and-putback because his other arm was being held in a vice grip by Antonio McDyess to tie it at 103 in OT.

The Announcer Redemption Award: Former Grizz Coach and Usual Master-of-the-Obvious Mike “Czar” Fratello provocatively attributing the Grizzlies’ (re-) appearance in the playoffs to Shane Battier’s return.

--posted by CB

The Amazing What an Elbow in the Face from Ron Artest Can Do for Your Jump Shot Award

Unexpected Unsung Hero Who Just Quietly Goes About His Business Award: Ron Artest, who along with Bynum has been the Laker's backbone throughout the series in terms of pure consistency and reliability. A low profile that's allowed him to get away with elbowing two Hornets in the face.

The Bulls Will Be Seriously Dangerous When He Gets Going, If He Ever Does, Award: Carlos Boozer. The most dangerous thing about him so far in the playoffs has been his unstinting glare.

The Flashes (or is it only Flashbacks?) of Relevance Award: Orlando. At the beginning of this very season it was unthinkable for them not to get national coverage in the playoffs. They went to the finals two years ago, with many of the same players! Literally nobody takes them seriously anymore, but they showed that if they can wake themselves -- and particularly their talented but for some reason unconscious bench -- up, they still have the raw potential to seriously compete.

You can't claim Kobe's dunks all to yourself. But I would add, the I Still Know How to Impose My Will on a Game in a Way that, Admit it, Literally No One Else in the League Comes Close To Award.

The Amazing What an Elbow in the Face from Ron Artest Can Do for Your Jump Shot Award: Marco Bellineli, who after slumping since the beginning of the playoffs went on a jump-shooting rampage that (along with Ariza's relentless job at the rim) (which I absolutely refuse to abbreviate as "Ariza's relentless rim job") gave New Orleans great momentum through the first half.

--posted by CB

Beaten Up at the Schoolyard Award

Best coaching move of the playoffs: Thibodeau putting Derrick Rose back in the game in the 3rd quarter even though he had four fouls.  As Steve Kerr astutley pointed out, taking a guy out to save him from fouls is as bad as the guy fouling out!  Coaches don't take that risk enough.

Possibly bad coaching move though not germane to the result: Thibodeau leaving Rose in at the start of the 4th quarter with the Bulls cruising and up by 20.  Why not keep him in reserve?  Again, totally didn't matter to the result but could have.

Beaten up at the school yard award:  The Hornets, unable to stop the Lakers from getting endless offensive rebounds and second chance points.

Holy shit dunk awards: Kobe, twice.

Stop the crazy: Today was the return of conventional wisdom in terms of playoff matchups.

--posted by AF