NBA Playoffs thread

[Strike 3,932]

 

Any team would have to come close to matching what GS is doing now to beat them. At least the Cavs are doing that so far.

 

You also have to account for James driving the lane. Not sure what Golden State has to counter that. I mean, that's all the Cavs had last year and the series went six games.

 

You keep saying the series went 6 games, which it did. However, GS changed their approach starting with game 4 and the last three games weren't close. This Cleveland team is significantly different than last year's so I wouldn't say that is a predictor of what will happen this time around but GS was a far superior team last year.

[Frank M 181]

 

You keep saying the series went 6 games, which it did. However, GS changed their approach starting with game 4 and the last three games weren't close. This Cleveland team is significantly different than last year's so I wouldn't say that is a predictor of what will happen this time around but GS was a far superior team last year.

 

 

Agreed. My point is that this Cavs team is significantly different and better, and the whole "How does Cleveland stop Golden State" argument needs to have a "How does Golden State stop Cleveland" angle added to it.

[Cruzer 1,992]

What have the ratings been for the playoffs? Is anyone outside of the teams involved watching?

[Strike 3,932]

 

 

Agreed. My point is that this Cavs team is significantly different and better, and the whole "How does Cleveland stop Golden State" argument needs to have a "How does Golden State stop Cleveland" angle added to it.

 

Not really. This Cleveland team has been intact all year, and were unable to beat GS in either meeting between the two clubs. And the last one was a joke:

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160118_GS@CLE

 

Now I suppose having a rookie coach could make the difference but we'll just have to wait and see. To suggest there is no history between THIS Cleveland team and GS is wrong though. GS HAS stopped Cleveland. Twice already.

[Frank M 181]

 

Not really. This Cleveland team has been intact all year, and were unable to beat GS in either meeting between the two clubs. And the last one was a joke:

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160118_GS@CLE

 

Now I suppose having a rookie coach could make the difference but we'll just have to wait and see. To suggest there is no history between THIS Cleveland team and GS is wrong though. GS HAS stopped Cleveland. Twice already.

 

That game led directly to the firing of David Blatt, and the team is not playing that way anymore. There is a huge difference between where that team was and where this team is now.

[Strike 3,932]

 

That game led directly to the firing of David Blatt, and the team is not playing that way anymore. There is a huge difference between where that team was and where this team is now.

 

Yeah, they had a better record under Blatt than Lue during the regular season. Bottom line is that GS has played this team twice, albeit with a different coach, and beaten them both times. But yeah, firing a coach with finals experience who was 30-11 at the time of his firing to replace him with a rookie who ended up with a worse record for the rest of the season is the answer I'm sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: I'm just busting your balls over Blatt. While I don't know that putting a guy with no experience in charge of a team with championship aspirations is the best thing to do, there is no doubt Lue has the attention of the players in a way Blatt never did. We'll see if it works.

[Frank M 181]

 

Yeah, they had a better record under Blatt than Lue during the regular season. Bottom line is that GS has played this team twice, albeit with a different coach, and beaten them both times. But yeah, firing a coach with finals experience who was 30-11 at the time of his firing to replace him with a rookie who ended up with a worse record for the rest of the season is the answer I'm sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: I'm just busting your balls over Blatt. While I don't know that putting a guy with no experience in charge of a team with championship aspirations is the best thing to do, there is no doubt Lue has the attention of the players in a way Blatt never did. We'll see if it works.

 

It's the way business is done here when Lebron's on the team. Lebron wanted Lue as the coach, so Lue is the coach.

 

I think we have a shot. I really do.

[Strike 3,932]

 

It's the way business is done here when Lebron's on the team. Lebron wanted Lue as the coach, so Lue is the coach.

 

I think we have a shot. I really do.

 

No doubt they have the talent, and they're playing very well right now. They definitely have a shot. I am looking forward to the finals.

[Bier Meister 1,512]

 

 

 

I think we have a shot. I really do.

 

maybe.

 

1. What do you believe the cavs will do differently from the regular season games to win 4/7?

2. Do you believe that they will sustain their vastly elevated 3 pt game against a better defensive team?

3. Is that style of play advantageous in a series with the warriors?

 

 

I believe the shot the cavs would have would be if curry is not playing, and the warriors would still be a favorite.

[Frank M 181]

 

maybe.

 

1. What do you believe the cavs will do differently from the regular season games to win 4/7?

2. Do you believe that they will sustain their vastly elevated 3 pt game against a better defensive team?

3. Is that style of play advantageous in a series with the warriors?

 

 

I believe the shot the cavs would have would be if curry is not playing, and the warriors would still be a favorite.

 

Under Blatt, who coached the two losses to Golden State, the Cavs were still basically an isolation team with Lebron dribbling for 15 seconds with the rest of the team standing around waiting, then either driving and kicking out to one guy or taking the shot himself. Their ball movement is vastly improved under Lue, and they're taking better shots earlier in the timeclock.

 

Kyrie Irving is now healthy and motivated. It took him near three months to round back into form since coming back in December, and it's showing. Both Golden State losses came in the first month he was playing. I think he's averaging more points than Lebron so far in the playoffs.

 

Tristan Thompson starting over Timofey Mozgov is a vast improvement in rebounding and defense. Combine his rebounding with Kevin Love, and they have an advantage on the glass over most teams.

 

They have four legitimate scorers starting in Lebron, Kyrie, Love, and JR Smith. Smith has been streaky in the past, but not this playoffs. They have a pretty deep bench with Shumpert, Frye, Jefferson, and Dellavedova.

 

As for defense, they just punked the second best defensive team in the league in Atlanta, so unless it's the best defensive team (San Antonio) in the finals, I think they can sustain it.

 

And I think you can't really stop Golden State, so yeah, you have to try to match them. Or you let Steph get his and try to shut down Green and Thompson. You won't be able to do that for four out of seven, so yeah, you have to beat them at their own game.

 

I'm looking forward to the Curry-Kyrie matchup. I don't think Kyrie can slow down Curry that much, but he'll be motivated to score. That will be fun to watch.

[Bier Meister 1,512]

 

Under Blatt, who coached the two losses to Golden State, the Cavs were still basically an isolation team with Lebron dribbling for 15 seconds with the rest of the team standing around waiting, then either driving and kicking out to one guy or taking the shot himself. Their ball movement is vastly improved under Lue, and they're taking better shots earlier in the timeclock.

 

I am not so sure that that is bad strategy vs GS. I do not think an up-tempo game is going to lead to much success. Portland is close, but they have the personnel to do it (still down 1-3 with curry only playing 1 game)

 

Kyrie Irving is now healthy and motivated. It took him near three months to round back into form since coming back in December, and it's showing. Both Golden State losses came in the first month he was playing. I think he's averaging more points than Lebron so far in the playoffs.

 

Tristan Thompson starting over Timofey Mozgov is a vast improvement in rebounding and defense. Combine his rebounding with Kevin Love, and they have an advantage on the glass over most teams.

 

They have four legitimate scorers starting in Lebron, Kyrie, Love, and JR Smith. Smith has been streaky in the past, but not this playoffs. They have a pretty deep bench with Shumpert, Frye, Jefferson, and Dellavedova.

 

surely you are not suggesting that the warriors haven't seen teams as loaded and deep as the Cavs (nor have the depth to match)?

 

As for defense, they just punked the second best defensive team in the league in Atlanta, so unless it's the best defensive team (San Antonio) in the finals, I think they can sustain it.

 

I am admittedly skeptical of that ranking due some skewed stats coming out of the east. I also tend to believe that the Cav's 3 pt % will drop a bit vs GS or SA.

 

And I think you can't really stop Golden State, so yeah, you have to try to match them. Or you let Steph get his and try to shut down Green and Thompson. You won't be able to do that for four out of seven, so yeah, you have to beat them at their own game.

 

imo they are better off trying to work the clock like last year. i do not believe many can run showtime with the warriors.

 

I'm looking forward to the Curry-Kyrie matchup. I don't think Kyrie can slow down Curry that much, but he'll be motivated to score. That will be fun to watch.

 

warriors' weakness is that they can get sloppy with the ball at times. if the cavs (or any opponent) can get a little run going there is hope. i just don't think they will flail for 4 games. they have not lost 2 in a row this year.

[ZeroTolerance 582]

*watches last two minutes of Spurs/OKC*

 

NBA refs = lolNBA

[KSB2424 3,082]

*watches last two minutes of Spurs/OKC*

 

NBA refs = lolNBA

I have no dog in that series but the officiating has been awful in that series. Almost comical.

[Artista 460]

Artista,

 

Your boy Duncan ain't looking so good lately. I fear this is his last rodeo.

 

Go Heat and Warriors!!!!

Artista wasn't looking at all good either. lol. Just got released from hospital after few days stay.

 

Saw my boy Duncan play probably for last time last night. Ginobili I doubt will be back. Coach Pop, not sure. Stressful wait to hear what's going to happen to my babes!

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

Pop is such a douche

[Strike 3,932]

Man, those Warriors looked like champions tonight.......

[joeshushu 51]

Man, those Warriors looked like champions tonight.......

The TNT gang of experts still picking Oaklahoma to win the series. Kept saying Oaklahomma has the home court now.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Man, those Warriors looked like champions tonight.......

Does Vegas know their shiat or what? I think the line was like 9 or something - just begging people to take the Thunder. Wow.

[Strike 3,932]

Does Vegas know their shiat or what? I think the line was like 9 or something - just begging people to take the Thunder. Wow.

 

8.5. I bet on the Warriors. Of course I did in the first game too so the bookie is the winner there. But the Warriors have been good to me this year. They cover the spread much more often than missing it. I'll probably keep betting on them. I suspect it'll be 3-4 for the next game in OKC. If I'm lucky the Thunder will be favored.

[Strike 3,932]

The TNT gang of experts still picking Oaklahoma to win the series. Kept saying Oaklahomma has the home court now.

 

The Warriors were 73-9 this year. Seems they've figured out how to win on the road. I don't have the time to watch the TNT show anymore, although I like it a lot. I'm surprised if they're all picking OKC. Did they before the series started? I wouldn't expect them to flip flop due to one game.

[dain11279 926]

 

8.5. I bet on the Warriors. Of course I did in the first game too so the bookie is the winner there. But the Warriors have been good to me this year. They cover the spread much more often than missing it. I'll probably keep betting on them. I suspect it'll be 3-4 for the next game in OKC. If I'm lucky the Thunder will be favored.

 

Game 3 is the Warriors (-2.5) according to my book. Seems very trappy if you ask me, GS should be favored by at least 5 or 6.

[Strike 3,932]

 

Game 3 is the Warriors (-2.5) according to my book. Seems very trappy if you ask me, GS should be favored by at least 5 or 6.

 

I think game one made a lot of people think OKC can win this series. I don't share that view. But if people think that the bookies will set the line closer to even.

[Artista 460]

The TNT gang of experts still picking Oaklahoma to win the series. Kept saying Oaklahomma has the home court now.

Barkley has been picking OKC since the last series. He picked them over SAS which shocked many, and he was right---so I'm just glad stuck up Curry et al has a loss in the WCF.

[tanatastic 2,061]

 

Game 3 is the Warriors (-2.5) according to my book. Seems very trappy if you ask me, GS should be favored by at least 5 or 6.

Had to double check, I couldnt believe that. Warriors will trample that line, gm1 was just working out the kinks.

[Strike 3,932]

Got Cleveland at -6.5 (-115) and GS at -3.5 (-105) at Bovada for this weekends games. Think those are both pretty good bets. We shall see.

[DankNuggs 305]

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

Got Cleveland at -6.5 (-115) and GS at -3.5 (-105) at Bovada for this weekends games. Think those are both pretty good bets. We shall see.

 

yikes

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

man, it will never happen but I SOOOOOO wish for an OKC-Toronto finals. The NBA would hate it, most knob slobbing fans would hate it but it would be so sweet. Lebron would fail yet again to bring a title to Cleveland and get to go home to his D-wade shrine and lament "coming home" as a thinly veiled excuse to pair up with a younger star and a 3rd star in Wiggins/Kevin Love. And Steph Curry can sit at home with his adorable daughter while Steve Kerr polishes the coach of the year award that belongs to Terry Stotts.

[Cruzer 1,992]

All the overnight Warriors fans are in full panic. Today they're trying to return their jersey's and trade in for one from their new favorite team, OKC

[dain11279 926]

Got Cleveland at -6.5 (-115) and GS at -3.5 (-105) at Bovada for this weekends games. Think those are both pretty good bets. We shall see.

 

[penultimatestraw 473]

Jesus, I'm watching First Take on ESPN (terrible show, I know), and they are acting like Golden State is dead and buried. Losing Draymond Green for a game will hurt, of course, but I still think they win the series.

 

Also, the brunette co-host (not Stephen A Smith) is hot.

[Fumbleweed 419]

Had to double check, I couldnt believe that. Warriors will trample that line, gm1 was just working out the kinks.

 

[Reality 2,710]

Probably time to panic Cleveland.

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

[Sho Nuff 719]

Probably time to panic Cleveland.

If every 4th quarter is officiated like that, they should worry.

[Reality 2,710]

How sad is Kevin Love as a player, if he isn't hitting his 3's he is absolutely worthless.

 

If things go slightly south for that dude, he can't wait to go crawl into a hole and hide.

 

Man up..

[joeshushu 51]

Stick a fork in the Golden State they are over cooked. They can use their 73-9 t shirts to clean their bathrooms.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Somewhere MJ is laughing his ass off.

[cyclone24 1,787]

I've been banging this drum for a long time but if I need a point guard I'm taking that cat from Oklahoma City over everybody including Curry.

[Reality 2,710]

OKC vs. Toronto, who's excited for that?