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Sport Specific Training Discussion => Basketball => Topic started by: adarqui on April 26, 2016, 03:45:28 am

Title: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on April 26, 2016, 03:45:28 am
playoff stuff.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on April 26, 2016, 03:48:50 am
Injuries:

dammit! first curry goes down (but for ~14 days).. now Chris Paul is most likely out for the entire playoffs with a fracture in his hand.

Also Blake Griffin looked wrecked.. not sure if Clippers can get passed Portland without those 2 on the floor, especially Paul.


Beasts:

In other news.. Kemba Walker = beast. Having fun watching him destroy my Heat. I mean he's playing out of his mind.. They need to get the ball out of his hands. He's so explosive, nasty J, nasty handles, nasty change of direction/stop on a dime, nasty layups.. this dude is emerging.

Westbrook is also playing out of his mind.. dude is putting up some serious stats. Nearly a triple double every playoff game.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 01, 2016, 03:54:41 am
a few days ago, Austin Rivers gutsy performance in game 6:

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15431229/austin-rivers-los-angeles-clippers-leaves-game-cut-left-eye

(http://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2016%2F0429%2Fr78739_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&w=1140&cquality=40)

21 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds in 31 minutes.. and playing with 11 stitches around his eye.

beast.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 01, 2016, 04:00:32 am
Miami Heat / Charlotte Hornets game 7 today @ 1:30 PM ET.

Pacers / Toronto game 7 today @ 8 PM ET.



Spurs absolutely destroyed OKC.. Barkley picked OKC to upset the Spurs, lool. Durant is a free agent after this season, peace out.



i'm a heat fan soo.. hope they get into the second round. Love their team this year, mix of vets and young hungry players. Hornets are impressive though. I'll be watching more of Kemba Walker next year. ;f
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 01, 2016, 04:05:20 am
purple shirt man was annoying me all series:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article74879247.html
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 01, 2016, 11:47:00 am
yeah who knew rivers had it in him? i'm just impressed that he wasn't ruined to the depths of his soul by blake griffin's savagely accurate impersonation of him last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrK2Fv1s0qk
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on May 03, 2016, 12:22:09 am
warriors fan here cheering for a game 7 of this series... this is what ginobili gets from flopping all the time.  he also flopped here to sell the call. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VUETQLyp6w

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 03, 2016, 12:51:11 am
Dude that's definitely a violation, foul, or something on OKC. You can't do that wtf? Ya flopping sucks, but flop or no flop, you can't do that to someone guarding you on an inbound.

what a crazy finish.. holy shit.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 03, 2016, 01:16:12 am
Lol yea I don't understand why they didn't make the call, it was so obvious. The commentator went wild after it happened. It probably hurt the Spurs that Ginoboli tried to keep his balance instead of going down.

I actually became angry when Durant didn't hold on to the ball and Danny Green took it from him. I think it's unfortunate that it looks like he hasn't gained any strength and/or muscle mass since first coming to the league. I understand he's a great skill player and shooter but you figure he'd work on his strength if not for plays like that then to extend his career and prevent injuries.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on May 03, 2016, 10:58:31 am
The reason Chris Webber went wild is because he had flashbacks to the 2002 WCF finals (NEVA FORGET!!!) when Kobe elbows Bibby in the face and has the audacity to shoot 2 FTs even though he should have been ejected for a flagrant 2 or something. To writ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPl_vgWbjSM

it decided the character of the game AND series. So goes the narrative that the NBA if fixed
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Raptor on May 03, 2016, 11:19:25 am
Honestly, I'm glad. Whenever a fucking flopper like Flopobili doesn't get his way, I celebrate with joy.

Sure, it was a foul, but I'm not upset at all :D , people like Flopobili, Anderson Flopejao, James Flopper etc make me hate basketball, so if they get hit, fouled, and it doesn't get called, that's a reason for celebration and infinite happiness.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 03, 2016, 05:27:31 pm
http://deadspin.com/refs-admit-missed-foul-in-thunder-spurs-but-what-about-1774441945

Quote
Follow along! By my count, there were two other potential fouls even before Waiters elbowed Ginobili. 1) Ginobili stepped on, maybe even over the line while guarding the inbounds. This is fairly common, but Ginobili’s encroachment was more egregious than most. The refs could have stopped play there and whistled a delay-of-game foul on the Spurs. 2) Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard grabbed a handful of Russell Westbrook’s jersey. Again, usually uncalled, but it could have been an away-from-the-play foul, which would have meant a free throw and the ball for OKC.

3) Waiters’s contact with Ginobili. So far, the only one the refs admitted they missed, and probably—though not definitely—the most egregious blown call of the sequence.

4) When Waiters did finally inbound, he jumped before throwing the ball. You can’t do that! It’s a throw-in violation, and if called would have been Spurs ball.

Bonus clock error!) Watch the inbound pass again—the clock starts while Waiters’s pass is at the top of its arc to Kevin Durant. It shouldn’t have. The clock starts when the ball is first touched, and six-tenths of a second rolled off before Durant got a hand on the ball. This is a minor thing, and almost always goes unnoticed, but could have been a reset and we would have gotten to do this all over again.

5) Danny Green ripped away Durant’s arm, stopping him from corralling the inbound pass. Loose-ball foul, two OKC free throws? Whatever, this game was clearly being played under Calvinball rules by this point.

6) As Patty Mills missed a three, Steven Adams’s momentum carried him out of bounds, where a fan in the front row grabbed his arm and hindered him from getting back into the play. Fan interference is a real, if rarely called violation, and would have resulted in a dead ball with OKC possession.

7) Serge Ibaka mauled LaMarcus Aldridge in the scrum for the rebound. Loose-ball foul, two free throws, whatever—at this point, whistles had been swallowed, pooped out, and were halfway to the sewage treatment plant.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 03, 2016, 06:22:14 pm
lmao ^^
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 03, 2016, 07:57:18 pm
Ginobli was that far over the line he was almost in the front row and deserved it. They have put the whistle away so far in the series though which is great. Reminds me of the old Bulls v Pistons finals series. Sucks for Mills to miss that shot cause I'm a massive fan of his but I'm rooting for OKC in this series anyway.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 03, 2016, 10:33:39 pm
FUUUUUUUUUCCKKKKKKKKKK

 :raging:

total heat collapse to end game 1.. lowry half court buzzer beat to send it into OT.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 03, 2016, 11:04:34 pm
Heat extremely lucky to escape with that one.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 03, 2016, 11:52:56 pm
Heat extremely lucky to escape with that one.

ya.. almost threw it away in OT too. horrible.

Deng needs to work on his inbounding heh.. Or Spoelstra needs to assign that task to someone else.

D-WADE comes through in the end.. he made a ton of great defensive plays in that game.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 03, 2016, 11:59:25 pm
Yes he 's had some unbelievable blocks recently.

Yeah inbounding was terrible.
Whatever happened to the old single file inbound formation? When did that go out of vogue?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 04, 2016, 12:04:32 am
Yes he 's had some unbelievable blocks recently.

Yeah inbounding was terrible.
Whatever happened to the old single file inbound formation? When did that go out of vogue?

dude great point.. i havn't seen that in a long time wtf? that's a pretty effective technique.. you don't know who is going to set the pick etc.

odd..
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 04, 2016, 12:37:43 am
Yes he 's had some unbelievable blocks recently.

Yeah inbounding was terrible.
Whatever happened to the old single file inbound formation? When did that go out of vogue?

dude great point.. i havn't seen that in a long time wtf? that's a pretty effective technique.. you don't know who is going to set the pick etc.

odd..

Yeah I've noticed quite a few teams having trouble inbounding lately. Maybe it's cause they can go back court now.

Btw, Lillard is on fire.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 04, 2016, 01:15:52 am
Yes he 's had some unbelievable blocks recently.

Yeah inbounding was terrible.
Whatever happened to the old single file inbound formation? When did that go out of vogue?

dude great point.. i havn't seen that in a long time wtf? that's a pretty effective technique.. you don't know who is going to set the pick etc.

odd..

Yeah I've noticed quite a few teams having trouble inbounding lately. Maybe it's cause they can go back court now.

Btw, Lillard is on fire.

then the coach took him out to start the 4th.. to give him some 'rest'.. looked like a bad idea at the time; Lillard was ice cold when he got back in. I just don't think you take a guy like that out when he's knocking down everything.. They have a chance to steal game 2 @ GS and then they go flat in the 4th after they take him out (and he comes back in). Bad move imho.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 04, 2016, 01:25:21 am
Yes he 's had some unbelievable blocks recently.

Yeah inbounding was terrible.
Whatever happened to the old single file inbound formation? When did that go out of vogue?

dude great point.. i havn't seen that in a long time wtf? that's a pretty effective technique.. you don't know who is going to set the pick etc.

odd..

Yeah I've noticed quite a few teams having trouble inbounding lately. Maybe it's cause they can go back court now.

Btw, Lillard is on fire.

then the coach took him out to start the 4th.. to give him some 'rest'.. looked like a bad idea at the time; Lillard was ice cold when he got back in. I just don't think you take a guy like that out when he's knocking down everything.. They have a chance to steal game 2 @ GS and then they go flat in the 4th after they take him out (and he comes back in). Bad move imho.

Agreed. Could not believe he took him out. Dick coaching move. Comes back in and absolutely misses everything.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 05, 2016, 02:01:10 am
Cleveland vs Atlanta: Game 2.

wtf?

Such atrocious defense. Guys wide open.

I think they hit ~14/19 wide open 3's (14 wide open/hardly contested, 5 tough) in the first half..

I'd prefer forcing Lebron into shots in the paint, or have him hit free throws, than collapse on him with EVERYONE and leave people wide open for 3. Slow the game down, make it physical, beat lebron up..

(fwiw, i'm hoping for CLE/MIA in Eastern Conference Finals, and GSW/SA in West)

pc
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 08, 2016, 10:32:10 pm
Cleveland vs Atlanta: Game 2.

wtf?

Such atrocious defense. Guys wide open.

I think they hit ~14/19 wide open 3's (14 wide open/hardly contested, 5 tough) in the first half..

I'd prefer forcing Lebron into shots in the paint, or have him hit free throws, than collapse on him with EVERYONE and leave people wide open for 3. Slow the game down, make it physical, beat lebron up..

(fwiw, i'm hoping for CLE/MIA in Eastern Conference Finals, and GSW/SA in West)

pc

Cleveland are on fire. Will the extra rest hurt them now that they have to wait for Miami or Toronto?

I'm hoping for CLE/MIA too but want GSW/OKC. If Durant and Westbrook are on it'd be a huge series.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 08, 2016, 10:33:02 pm
KD - 41.

That is all.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 09, 2016, 12:57:14 am
Cleveland vs Atlanta: Game 2.

wtf?

Such atrocious defense. Guys wide open.

I think they hit ~14/19 wide open 3's (14 wide open/hardly contested, 5 tough) in the first half..

I'd prefer forcing Lebron into shots in the paint, or have him hit free throws, than collapse on him with EVERYONE and leave people wide open for 3. Slow the game down, make it physical, beat lebron up..

(fwiw, i'm hoping for CLE/MIA in Eastern Conference Finals, and GSW/SA in West)

pc

Cleveland are on fire. Will the extra rest hurt them now that they have to wait for Miami or Toronto?

nah I think CLE has found a new groove.. straight up 3 point assassins like GSW. They've got multiple big men who can knock em down`.. just ridiculous. very impressive destruction of the hawks.

I think the rest definitely helps them though.. because the more they play, the more likely it is that Kyree/Love get injured.. very injury prone.. soooo.. every "lack of a game" helps. If they had Love/Kyree in last year's finals, who knows.. I mean they played GSW pretty hard the whole series, but Kerr's coaching genius to go "small" was the game changer. That changed the whole series. Will be alot tougher if a healthy CLE makes it into the finals.



Quote
I'm hoping for CLE/MIA too but want GSW/OKC. If Durant and Westbrook are on it'd be a huge series.

ya if Westbrook would just stop with the crap turnovers wtf? I'd like to see GSW/OKC too.. I love the spurs, for various reasons.. but GSW/OKC has high octane written all over it. GSW/SA would most likely be a better series though.





KD - 41.

That is all.

beast mode performance.

 :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 09, 2016, 08:24:48 pm
The shooting in the league is downright amazing at the moment. Pretty much 4/5 guys and sometimes 5/5 guys on the floor can knock the 3 ball down with regularity. It's just ridiculous.

Yeah I'd think if Lebron, Love and Kyree all make it the the finals against anyone it's going to be a hard task for anyone to cope with.

The other question is will Curry be healthy? He looks like he's breaking down all over the place at the moment.

Hopefully the old KD is back and he can carry them. Loving the kiwi centre Adams too. He's an absolute beast.

(btw don't know how to multi-quote hence the simple post)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 10, 2016, 12:47:22 am
^^ you have to manually split it up into multiple quote /quote blocks. that's how we do it. ;f



WADE WADE WADE WADE WADE WADE

WADE.

daamn.. this MIA/TOR series is damn good.. every game going to OT. Wade put on a show tonight, especially at the end.. what a finish.



as for Curry, damn he looks good tonight.. I thought he'd look worse. But his presence turned the game around immediately, once he entered. I'm so glad to see him seemingly healthy out there. Absolutely love watching GSW. What a dumb move by justforgothisnamewtf to get ejected, wtf?

Refs are horrible these playoffs (or any playoffs), in general.. but come on keep your cool.

This GSW/POR game is close. GSW raining threes right now.



This is a new era of NBA, everyone on the court being able to hit threes. Long ball is fun to watch.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 10, 2016, 12:47:56 am
(http://assets.bwbx.io/images/ir9csmQdmOL0/v1/750x-1.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 10, 2016, 01:07:54 am
^^ you have to manually split it up into multiple quote /quote blocks. that's how we do it. ;f



WADE WADE WADE WADE WADE WADE

WADE.

daamn.. this MIA/TOR series is damn good.. every game going to OT. Wade put on a show tonight, especially at the end.. what a finish.



as for Curry, damn he looks good tonight.. I thought he'd look worse. But his presence turned the game around immediately, once he entered. I'm so glad to see him seemingly healthy out there. Absolutely love watching GSW. What a dumb move by justforgothisnamewtf to get ejected, wtf?

Refs are horrible these playoffs (or any playoffs), in general.. but come on keep your cool.

This GSW/POR game is close. GSW raining threes right now.



This is a new era of NBA, everyone on the court being able to hit threes. Long ball is fun to watch.

pc!

Cool. I'll work on my quoting skills  :D

Wade is unbelievable. True champion being able to carry the team.

Curry is 0/8 or something even though he has 15 early in 4th. Strange. I didn't think the 3 ball would desert him.

Yeah it's ridiculous. It's really becoming a complete game.
I hate to think of the US team at RIO this year.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 10, 2016, 01:28:24 am
GSW/POR Game 4, OT!!

man this has been a sick game.. Lillard/McCollum/Curry/Green/Thompson going off.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 10, 2016, 01:34:58 am
THE CURRY SHOW

(http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/b3/8c/stephen-curry-032515-getty-ftr_65ib5q6vn5uj1ffzkxaxhf8n2.jpg?t=1328799044&w=960&quality=50)

BEAST. :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 10, 2016, 01:47:35 am
oh man........ stephen curry.

40 pts, 27 in 4th + OT, outscored POR by himself in OT (17 pts?), after coming off 2 weeks inactivity due to injury.

are you kidding?

man he went nuts. I love when he said "i'm here, im back, im back".. just letting everyone know, a healthy GSW = the real deal.

:wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 10, 2016, 02:02:18 am
oh man........ stephen curry.

40 pts, 27 in 4th + OT, outscored POR by himself in OT (17 pts?), after coming off 2 weeks inactivity due to injury.

are you kidding?

man he went nuts. I love when he said "i'm here, im back, im back".. just letting everyone know, a healthy GSW = the real deal.

:wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf:

Oh my!!!

Yep. Unbelievable 4th and OT.

That was just pure basketball porn.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on May 10, 2016, 02:42:38 am
oh man........ stephen curry.

40 pts, 27 in 4th + OT, outscored POR by himself in OT (17 pts?), after coming off 2 weeks inactivity due to injury.

are you kidding?

man he went nuts. I love when he said "i'm here, im back, im back".. just letting everyone know, a healthy GSW = the real deal.

:wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf:

That look when you realize Curry's back...

RIP city
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a307/robertodimaano/13139094_10209004539492078_7709619155925337864_n_zpsgzqndlsk.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 10, 2016, 10:02:43 am
he is an alien.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 11, 2016, 01:03:16 pm
westbrook almost got a quadruple double last night.. wtf?

35-10-9-8 (8 turnovers).
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 12, 2016, 12:41:10 am
if you like 3 pointers, GSW/POR is the series4u.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 12, 2016, 10:10:39 pm
what a slaughter.. OKC destroying SA.

GSW vs OKC going to be exciting.. GSW should win it, but it's going to be fun to watch such a high powered matchup.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 12, 2016, 10:29:58 pm
what a slaughter.. OKC destroying SA.

GSW vs OKC going to be exciting.. GSW should win it, but it's going to be fun to watch such a high powered matchup.

Yep. They're getting smoked.

What happened to SA? Haven't seen the full game but in the early games they looked unbeatable when they were posting Aldridge up down low.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 16, 2016, 11:46:01 pm
OKC on the road!

Westbrook is quickly becoming my favourite player given his comebacks from poor quarters and halves. Still too many turnovers tho.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 17, 2016, 12:08:42 am
OKC on the road!

DAAAAMN.. wtf

Quote
Westbrook is quickly becoming my favourite player given his comebacks from poor quarters and halves. Still too many turnovers tho.

ya what a turn-around.. that 3rd quarter was sick.

Great game.. Unfortunately I think the real story is steph's 7 turnovers. Sooo many sloppy passes. It's weird too because OKC started out that way in the first. Then they tightened up.. Then GSW had tons of sloppy plays the rest of the game.

I still think GSW wins the series, but it aint going to be easy.

Hope TOR can heal up a bit for CLE by the time they get home. They need V************** back.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 17, 2016, 12:37:15 am
Yep. Super sloppy from both sides at times. Quite odd that Curry still hit some amazing shots but couldn't get some regular (for him) ones down the stretch.

I'm hoping OKC wins but think CLE sweeps TOR and if healthy they take the lot.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 17, 2016, 03:22:14 am
Yep. Super sloppy from both sides at times. Quite odd that Curry still hit some amazing shots but couldn't get some regular (for him) ones down the stretch.

I'm hoping OKC wins but think CLE sweeps TOR and if healthy they take the lot.

ya CLE did damn good against GSW last year with 2 of their ALLSTARS missing.. if CLE is healthy, going to be tough for anyone in the west.

I'd still like to see a GSW/CLE rematch.. both squads healthy. I thought last year CLE would own them, then bang love/kyree out.. even with those guys out, Cleveland was dominating them until Kerr changed up the roster and played small ball.. then it was game over.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 17, 2016, 07:34:05 pm
Yep. Super sloppy from both sides at times. Quite odd that Curry still hit some amazing shots but couldn't get some regular (for him) ones down the stretch.

I'm hoping OKC wins but think CLE sweeps TOR and if healthy they take the lot.

ya CLE did damn good against GSW last year with 2 of their ALLSTARS missing.. if CLE is healthy, going to be tough for anyone in the west.

I'd still like to see a GSW/CLE rematch.. both squads healthy. I thought last year CLE would own them, then bang love/kyree out.. even with those guys out, Cleveland was dominating them until Kerr changed up the roster and played small ball.. then it was game over.

Yeah Kerr I never realised how smart Kerr was as a coach. Not sure who has a better chance against CLE. As happened yesterday if Curry and Thompson are off for a quarter it's hard for GSW. If Lebron and Love are off they've still got Kyrie, etc. More depth imo.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 17, 2016, 07:52:35 pm
Yep. Super sloppy from both sides at times. Quite odd that Curry still hit some amazing shots but couldn't get some regular (for him) ones down the stretch.

I'm hoping OKC wins but think CLE sweeps TOR and if healthy they take the lot.

ya CLE did damn good against GSW last year with 2 of their ALLSTARS missing.. if CLE is healthy, going to be tough for anyone in the west.

I'd still like to see a GSW/CLE rematch.. both squads healthy. I thought last year CLE would own them, then bang love/kyree out.. even with those guys out, Cleveland was dominating them until Kerr changed up the roster and played small ball.. then it was game over.

Yeah Kerr I never realised how smart Kerr was as a coach. Not sure who has a better chance against CLE. As happened yesterday if Curry and Thompson are off for a quarter it's hard for GSW. If Lebron and Love are off they've still got Kyrie, etc. More depth imo.

GSW still has Draymond.

I feel it comes down to this:

Primary:

GSW (Curry, Klay, Draymond) vs OKC (Durant, Westbrook) vs CLE (Lebron, Kyrie, Love)

but then.. you have

Secondary:

GSW (Livingston, Barnes) vs OKC (Kantor, Ibaka) vs CLE (JR Smith, Frye, Thompson, Dellavedova)

^^ I just stuck Kantor/Ibaka in there though.. they aren't as reliable as the others listed for GSW/CLE.



So I definitely give it to CLE in terms of depth. Their secondary players can ERUPT (mainly JR/Frye, but the other two are just solid).

When it comes down to it, OKC really only has Westbrook/Durant.. if one of those guys is off, they are in trouble.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 17, 2016, 08:38:36 pm
Yep. Super sloppy from both sides at times. Quite odd that Curry still hit some amazing shots but couldn't get some regular (for him) ones down the stretch.

I'm hoping OKC wins but think CLE sweeps TOR and if healthy they take the lot.

ya CLE did damn good against GSW last year with 2 of their ALLSTARS missing.. if CLE is healthy, going to be tough for anyone in the west.

I'd still like to see a GSW/CLE rematch.. both squads healthy. I thought last year CLE would own them, then bang love/kyree out.. even with those guys out, Cleveland was dominating them until Kerr changed up the roster and played small ball.. then it was game over.

Yeah Kerr I never realised how smart Kerr was as a coach. Not sure who has a better chance against CLE. As happened yesterday if Curry and Thompson are off for a quarter it's hard for GSW. If Lebron and Love are off they've still got Kyrie, etc. More depth imo.

GSW still has Draymond.

I feel it comes down to this:

Primary:

GSW (Curry, Klay, Draymond) vs OKC (Durant, Westbrook) vs CLE (Lebron, Kyrie, Love)

but then.. you have

Secondary:

GSW (Livingston, Barnes) vs OKC (Kantor, Ibaka) vs CLE (JR Smith, Frye, Thompson, Dellavedova)

^^ I just stuck Kantor/Ibaka in there though.. they aren't as reliable as the others listed for GSW/CLE.



So I definitely give it to CLE.. they have the deeper squad.. Their secondary players can ERUPT (mainly JR/Frye, but the other two are just solid).

When it comes down to it, OKC really only has Westbrook/Durant.. if one of those guys is off, they are in trouble.

pc!

Yep. Agree 100%.

Waiters has impressed me for OKC but you're right. OKC outside of Durant and Westbrook are just too inconsistent. Still a big fan of Adams though. Would love to see them really bang with GSW.

I miss the old Chicago/Knicks days. Would love to see a series like that again. Not sure if current players are too fragile though.



Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 17, 2016, 09:42:09 pm
TOR getting absolutely destroyed!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 17, 2016, 10:24:49 pm
Yep. Agree 100%.

Waiters has impressed me for OKC but you're right. OKC outside of Durant and Westbrook are just too inconsistent. Still a big fan of Adams though. Would love to see them really bang with GSW.

ya I like Adams.. he plays TOUGH.



Quote
I miss the old Chicago/Knicks days. Would love to see a series like that again. Not sure if current players are too fragile though.

back then players seemed to dislike each other much more. Heat/Knicks games were always so fierce. You'd expect at least one brawl during a playoff series.

also, every team seemed to have a post-up game.. even Chicago who had some mediocre bigs like Longley/Buechler (sp?).. but especially the Knicks with Ewing, Oakley, Johnson etc.. Just don't see that anymore. Nowadays, Wade & Joe Johnson seem to really commit to posting up.




TOR getting absolutely destroyed!

and it's mostly inside shooting instead of 3's.. CLE making it look EASY.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 17, 2016, 10:44:16 pm
Quote
I miss the old Chicago/Knicks days. Would love to see a series like that again. Not sure if current players are too fragile though.

back then players seemed to dislike each other much more. Heat/Knicks games were always so fierce. You'd expect at least one brawl during a playoff series.

also, every team seemed to have a post-up game.. even Chicago who had some mediocre bigs like Longley/Buechler (sp?).. but especially the Knicks with Ewing, Oakley, Johnson etc.. Just don't see that anymore. Nowadays, Wade & Joe Johnson seem to really commit to posting up.

Yeah v true. I know it was a different era.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 17, 2016, 10:45:15 pm
TOR getting absolutely destroyed!

and it's mostly inside shooting instead of 3's.. CLE making it look EASY.

The key was just so wide open. Love, JR and Frye have also been quiet tonight which is a worry.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 19, 2016, 12:42:17 pm
man westbrook played BAD.. kind of made my point. Durant went off, but westbrook played horrible, and they ended up just getting demolished.

I was so surprised that they brought Curry back into the game in the 4th, when they were up like 25+.. he should have had ice wrapped around his elbow wtf?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 19, 2016, 07:25:08 pm
man westbrook played BAD.. kind of made my point. Durant went off, but westbrook played horrible, and they ended up just getting demolished.

I was so surprised that they brought Curry back into the game in the 4th, when they were up like 25+.. he should have had ice wrapped around his elbow wtf?

Only saw the highlights of this one so didn't see how bad he played. Funny though that Curry and Thompson were off in the 4th qtr game 1 and they got beat. Westbrook is off game two and they get beat. Might come down to who's more consistent.

Yeah that's ridiculous. Especially given how much he missed with his knee.

CLE/TOR starts in 65 mins. Can't wait.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 19, 2016, 09:08:58 pm
man westbrook played BAD.. kind of made my point. Durant went off, but westbrook played horrible, and they ended up just getting demolished.

I was so surprised that they brought Curry back into the game in the 4th, when they were up like 25+.. he should have had ice wrapped around his elbow wtf?

Only saw the highlights of this one so didn't see how bad he played. Funny though that Curry and Thompson were off in the 4th qtr game 1 and they got beat. Westbrook is off game two and they get beat. Might come down to who's more consistent.

ya i'll take curry/thompson consistency over westbrook any day.. durant is on that curry level consistency though.


Quote
Yeah that's ridiculous. Especially given how much he missed with his knee.

CLE/TOR starts in 65 mins. Can't wait.

good game so far! TOR bringing it.

i like how they are playing with more attitude etc.. i just dont get why they were showing CLE so much respect prior to game 1.. they need to use some of their physicality and make this series ugly.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 19, 2016, 09:22:11 pm
What a crazy Lebron travel that they just let slide. I love his athleticism and leadership on the court, a true competitor but I absolutely hate him as a skillsman and basketball player.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 19, 2016, 09:34:07 pm
What a crazy Lebron travel that they just let slide. I love his athleticism and leadership on the court, a true competitor but I absolutely hate him as a skillsman and basketball player.

ya that travel was bad.. The nba needs to fix it's ref problem. The refs absolutely suck. They've always sucked. They miss such simple calls. They call such garbage fouls. They fall for such lame flops. It's such a mess. Compare that to NFL refs, these guys hardly ever miss calls and there's soooo much going on, on the field, at any given moment.

as for lebron.. regarding skills/bball player; "absolutely hate" is pretty strong.. ?? he's got solid skills, nothing amazing.. but ya combine that with his competitiveness, physicality, athleticism, and he's a dominant force. If he wasn't so unselfish, I think he probably would have developed his skills more. He gives up a ton of shots and is always looking to get his team involved. Regardless, his stats are pretty solid (fg%, rebounds, assists, ppg).

pC!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 19, 2016, 09:56:52 pm
What a crazy Lebron travel that they just let slide. I love his athleticism and leadership on the court, a true competitor but I absolutely hate him as a skillsman and basketball player.

ya that travel was bad.. The nba needs to fix it's ref problem. The refs absolutely suck. They've always sucked. They miss such simple calls. They call such garbage fouls. They fall for such lame flops. It's such a mess. Compare that to NFL refs, these guys hardly ever miss calls and there's soooo much going on, on the field, at any given moment.

as for lebron.. regarding skills/bball player; "absolutely hate" is pretty strong.. ?? he's got solid skills, nothing amazing.. but ya combine that with his competitiveness, physicality, athleticism, and he's a dominant force. If he wasn't so unselfish, I think he probably would have developed his skills more. He gives up a ton of shots and is always looking to get his team involved. Regardless, his stats are pretty solid (fg%, rebounds, assists, ppg).

pC!

Don't mind me, I'm a Rators fan (Second to Sixers) and I'm spewing hate. That call just got me heated. His unselfishness is huge and passing is elite I can't deny it. Ughhh this series has me feeling hopeless.

Good news is sixers got the #1 pick and Embiid looks healthy. Super excited to see this team play with so much young talent. Who do you like for number one Adarq, Simmons or Ingram? I'm huge on Ingram, I just think he's going to be a fantastic player to build a team around.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 20, 2016, 01:26:07 am
What a crazy Lebron travel that they just let slide. I love his athleticism and leadership on the court, a true competitor but I absolutely hate him as a skillsman and basketball player.

ya that travel was bad.. The nba needs to fix it's ref problem. The refs absolutely suck. They've always sucked. They miss such simple calls. They call such garbage fouls. They fall for such lame flops. It's such a mess. Compare that to NFL refs, these guys hardly ever miss calls and there's soooo much going on, on the field, at any given moment.

as for lebron.. regarding skills/bball player; "absolutely hate" is pretty strong.. ?? he's got solid skills, nothing amazing.. but ya combine that with his competitiveness, physicality, athleticism, and he's a dominant force. If he wasn't so unselfish, I think he probably would have developed his skills more. He gives up a ton of shots and is always looking to get his team involved. Regardless, his stats are pretty solid (fg%, rebounds, assists, ppg).

pC!

Don't mind me, I'm a Rators fan (Second to Sixers) and I'm spewing hate. That call just got me heated. His unselfishness is huge and passing is elite I can't deny it. Ughhh this series has me feeling hopeless.

gotcha hah.

Raps have no chance.. man wtf is up with Lowrie? Just get aggressive.. forget shooting.. get to the damn basket. Can't believe he went to the locker room to blow off steam. wtf?

If he keeps this up (which it looks like he will), not sure if people are going to trust him as the franchise pg.. come playoff time he's just collapsing.

dno



Quote
Good news is sixers got the #1 pick and Embiid looks healthy. Super excited to see this team play with so much young talent. Who do you like for number one Adarq, Simmons or Ingram? I'm huge on Ingram, I just think he's going to be a fantastic player to build a team around.

ya ingram for sure. he's got all of the height/length + skills + athleticism, and he hasn't filled out yet.. his height/body type reminds me of durant.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 20, 2016, 01:29:54 am
these two layups from GSW were just ridiculous.. first one is beautiful, unfortunately I can't find the slow mo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHSi0OEaASw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vF6sAY5264
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 20, 2016, 01:30:58 am
nasty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2EmDuUISHk
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 21, 2016, 11:33:58 pm
did someone mention lebron flops? .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75KFE37jXGM
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Raptor on May 22, 2016, 04:36:13 pm
Did the technical get rescinded?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 22, 2016, 07:32:56 pm
did someone mention lebron flops? .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75KFE37jXGM

Man he way oversold that one. He still would have got the call he was after just by falling over on the spot. Reminded me of the WWE.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 22, 2016, 07:33:28 pm
Did the technical get rescinded?

They ended up with a double. Not sure if that was rescinded and then they added another though.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 22, 2016, 09:12:00 pm
OKC up by 25 at the half!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 23, 2016, 12:44:51 am
draymond... draymond.. draymond.

dumb move. can't imagine he won't get suspended.. looked intentional.

wow did GSW get knocked the fuck out.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 23, 2016, 01:50:16 am
draymond... draymond.. draymond.

dumb move. can't imagine he won't get suspended.. looked intentional.

wow did GSW get knocked the fuck out.

If he gets suspended are they out? Would make it a lot harder if he is.

And yeah it looked intentional. After the fact. No reason to be raising his leg like that.

OKCs game plan should be KD in the first half and then let Russell take over once he's warmed up and taken all his shit shots.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 23, 2016, 01:53:17 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_dfwmMvTTo

Hate the voiceover but Waiters's dunk is pretty much one of my dream in game dunks.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 23, 2016, 02:25:25 am
draymond... draymond.. draymond.

dumb move. can't imagine he won't get suspended.. looked intentional.

wow did GSW get knocked the fuck out.

If he gets suspended are they out? Would make it a lot harder if he is.

not necessarily but.. if they go down 3-1? ya.. HEH! man draymond is such a huge part of that team, if he's suspended over something so stupid, going to be rough.. you know GSW is going to come out HARD in game 4 though.. everything banks on that game.. if GSW wins it, then series is even, no prob.. if they lose, pretty much done for. OKC is such a tough place to play in too.. that arena is electric for OKC.


Quote
And yeah it looked intentional. After the fact. No reason to be raising his leg like that.

the entire game changed after that incident too.. there's just no reason for cheap shit.. i dno if he's trying to become more like rodman or what.. but after that cheap shot, OKC blew up. Just no reason to do anything cheap when you're only down a few points wtf?


Quote
OKCs game plan should be KD in the first half and then let Russell take over once he's warmed up and taken all his shit shots.

ya exactly.. for the most part he seems to start slow.. he's usually on in the 3rd/4th, but not the last few minutes of the 4th.. lmao
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 23, 2016, 11:52:52 am
no way should he be suspended. no way.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 23, 2016, 12:02:43 pm
dno.. I think he will be. There's no way they could suspend Dahntay Jones and not suspend Draymond.

RIP Adams nuts tho.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 24, 2016, 12:42:22 am
What the hell has happened to CLE??? Is home court advantage that big for these guys?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 24, 2016, 12:55:27 am
What the hell has happened to CLE??? Is home court advantage that big for these guys?

WTF?

it's not only that CLE couldn't hit threes.. it's more-so that TOR hit tons of big shots.

The 4th quarter for CLE is problematic.. how do you go 11/11 mostly in the paint, then start chucking up garbage threes? I don't understand it.

Hey Kevin Love.. STOP SHOOTING. get to the basket.

I'm glad TOR is making this a series though.. great stuff.. i'm pulling for toronto :) (undoubtable).. just hard for me not to root for underdogs.  :ninja: Derozan is just ballin`. And Bizmack is a difference maker; he doesn't get discouraged, he just keeps hustling/working/scrapping.. props to TOR.



also... Draymond not getting suspended is mind blowing..  :o
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 24, 2016, 02:53:47 am
What the hell has happened to CLE??? Is home court advantage that big for these guys?

WTF?

it's not only that CLE couldn't hit threes.. it's more-so that TOR hit tons of big shots.

The 4th quarter for CLE is problematic.. how do you go 11/11 mostly in the paint, then start chucking up garbage threes? I don't understand it.

Hey Kevin Love.. STOP SHOOTING. get to the basket.

I'm glad TOR is making this a series though.. great stuff.. i'm pulling for toronto :) (undoubtable).. just hard for me not to root for underdogs.  :ninja: Derozan is just ballin`. And Bizmack is a difference maker; he doesn't get discouraged, he just keeps hustling/working/scrapping.. props to TOR.



also... Draymond not getting suspended is mind blowing..  :o

Yes. It's amazing how their game plan changes from game to game. Seriously, post up Lebron and let him go to work then dish to the open 4 guys who can nail the 3.

Yeah glad they're making it close. Still hoping CLE can pull it out but not 100% sold on this one.

Ha yeah Draymond dodged a bullet. It's a playoff game call isn't it.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 24, 2016, 09:17:10 pm
man GSW does NOT look good to start this game.. wtf
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 24, 2016, 09:42:20 pm
man GSW does NOT look good to start this game.. wtf

Yeah it's a bit closer but there's been some huge blowouts during these playoffs. More than I can remember in any previous year.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 24, 2016, 10:15:17 pm
Man 19 points at half time. Is defense a thing of the past?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 24, 2016, 10:58:11 pm
sloppy on both ends and in transition, can't buy a bucket, and okc is firing on all cylinders. crazy.

thompson has gone off but at this point i have no faith that GSW can get all the way back. curry just has to stop sucking.

EDIT: also, regardless of what happens, okc absolutely cannot blame the refs. seems like they're getting lots of calls.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 25, 2016, 12:22:34 am
man o man.. so many unforced turnovers for GSW.

the biggest shock to me is just basic defense/hustle.. wtf are players wining about instead of getting back on defense? it's insane.. coaches need to start benching players who don't run back immediately.

^^ the nba is littered with that.. but man is it killing GSW.

props to OKC, they are punching GSW directly in the mouth.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 25, 2016, 01:31:04 pm
hot takedown is pretty cool: http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/what-is-going-on-in-the-nba-conference-finals/

russel westbrook triple double machine: http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/russell-westbrook-is-the-greatest-triple-double-machine-in-recorded-history/
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 25, 2016, 09:48:04 pm
31 points at the half  :wowthatwasnutswtf:

What the hell is going on in the league? I feel like I'm watching a video on Ballislife or something.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 25, 2016, 10:13:16 pm
31 points at the half  :wowthatwasnutswtf:

What the hell is going on in the league? I feel like I'm watching a video on Ballislife or something.

this is the weirdest playoffs I can remember.. nothing is making sense. blowouts everywhere.

to everyone (analysts) who talked shit about the TOR/MIA series, fuck you! that was a traditional 7-game nail biter series.. deserves more respect than it got.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 25, 2016, 10:15:10 pm
anyone have a high quality version of Adams' baseball pass? forgot to mention that yesterday.. that was such an amazing pass. a straight up fastball.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfrhN6JNeVw
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 26, 2016, 01:28:24 am
anyone have a high quality version of Adams' baseball pass? forgot to mention that yesterday.. that was such an amazing pass. a straight up fastball.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfrhN6JNeVw

Man that was unbelievable. Ball looks like a softball in his hands.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 26, 2016, 01:28:50 am
31 points at the half  :wowthatwasnutswtf:

What the hell is going on in the league? I feel like I'm watching a video on Ballislife or something.

this is the weirdest playoffs I can remember.. nothing is making sense. blowouts everywhere.

to everyone (analysts) who talked shit about the TOR/MIA series, fuck you! that was a traditional 7-game nail biter series.. deserves more respect than it got.

Exactly. Where's the pressure? Where's the stress?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 26, 2016, 01:57:03 am
Just my thoughts on playoffs since I'm up late and not working tomorrow:

Tor/ Cle - my initial feelings on this series was Cle in 6 but like most people I was fearing a sweep after the first two games. Great work by Lowrie and Derozan and of course Biyombo for making it a series. I love their attitudes plus Corey Joseph is a stud and competitor. It just seems like Cle is too deep for the Raptors but I'm proud of their work and I think they'll give it a 100% again in Toronto and hopefully push a game 7.

GSW/ OKC - wtf, can't believe it, honestly thought GSW would get it done in no more than 6 games. I've only watched bits and pieces of this series but I just can't help to think Kerr needs to step up and make the right adjustments.

In my mind, you have your trio of curry, klay, and draymond who you have to put in a position to match the production of Westbrook, Durant and Ibaka. That's not happening as OKC trio (duo primarily) is out producing GSW trio.

 Also, Steven Adams is dominating and looks like a top 10 center! So make the adjustment to have Ezeli cancel out his production and have bogut match up against Kanter. I think GSW is very capable at the very least of coming out neutral in those two battles and trying to win through the third factor - 2nd unit who is much stronger than OKCs. That's one of their biggest strength as a squad. A second unit that cannot build big leads.

So stratigically, they should be able to matchup. It just seems like Kerr is playing a lot in the way they won last year and not trying to adjust to what they're facing this series. I dunno he's
Coach of the Year and did well to turn the Cle series last year so let's see. I still give GSW a 50-50 chance. Maybe it's the superstar factor with Westbrook and Durant but you have superstars of your own so I'm not sure. Curry needs to come into his own.

On another note, Westbrook is a super freak! I don't understand how this guy can go 100% every play night in and night out. Not quite sure how his CNS can repeat such a high level of intensity not to mention his body keeping up with it. I love the guy but I'm also a bit worried that it has to balance out at some point and I fear although really hope it doesn't affect his longevity in the league. A Rafael Nadal comparison comes to mind.



Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 26, 2016, 02:21:59 am
Just my thoughts on playoffs since I'm up late and not working tomorrow:

Tor/ Cle - my initial feelings on this series was Cle in 6 but like most people I was fearing a sweep after the first two games. Great work by Lowrie and Derozan and of course Biyombo for making it a series. I love their attitudes plus Corey Joseph is a stud and competitor. It just seems like Cle is too deep for the Raptors but I'm proud of their work and I think they'll give it a 100% again in Toronto and hopefully push a game 7.

i just dont get how TOR's defense can just completely disappear.. like tonight. Man bring in some subs and foul the fuck out of CLE.. rough them up. Try your hardest on defense to disrupt their rhythm. Hack-a-lebron, anything. I don't get what's going on in the NBA...... heh.



Quote
GSW/ OKC - wtf, can't believe it, honestly thought GSW would get it done in no more than 6 games. I've only watched bits and pieces of this series but I just can't help to think Kerr needs to step up and make the right adjustments.

In my mind, you have your trio of curry, klay, and draymond who you have to put in a position to match the production of Westbrook, Durant and Ibaka. That's not happening as OKC trio (duo primarily) is out producing GSW trio.

 Also, Steven Adams is dominating and looks like a top 10 center! So make the adjustment to have Ezeli cancel out his production and have bogut match up against Kanter. I think GSW is very capable at the very least of coming out neutral in those two battles and trying to win through the third factor - 2nd unit who is much stronger than OKCs. That's one of their biggest strength as a squad. A second unit that cannot build big leads.

though.. as soon as they bring Ezeli in, they just hack-Ezeli him. That throws Ezeli off a ton, he can't handle it like DeAndre Jordan can. I was actually surprised Kerr left Ezeli in when they were intentionally fouling him.. he was missing EVERY free throw. They should have brought Spates/Bogut back in ASAP. Ezeli is actually a big problem for GSW right now.



Quote
So stratigically, they should be able to matchup. It just seems like Kerr is playing a lot in the way they won last year and not trying to adjust to what they're facing this series. I dunno he's
Coach of the Year and did well to turn the Cle series last year so let's see. I still give GSW a 50-50 chance. Maybe it's the superstar factor with Westbrook and Durant but you have superstars of your own so I'm not sure. Curry needs to come into his own.

the biggest problem for GSW imho, has just been their effort/sloppiness.. incredibly lazy defense, horrible unforced turnovers.. if they simply tightened that up they'd be so much better off.. curry's turnovers are just mind blowing.



Quote
On another note, Westbrook is a super freak! I don't understand how this guy can go 100% every play night in and night out. Not quite sure how his CNS can repeat such a high level of intensity not to mention his body keeping up with it. I love the guy but I'm also a bit worried that it has to balance out at some point and I fear although really hope it doesn't affect his longevity in the league. A Rafael Nadal comparison comes to mind.

definitely see the nadal comparison.. great point. Westbrook needs to try and not fall as much too, he reminds me of AI.. always hitting the floor. He's going to rack up more trauma by constantly hitting the floor after high speed drives/jumps.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Raptor on May 26, 2016, 03:39:02 pm
I can never visit this thread, lel. I always watch the games recorded, during the next day or night, so I can't visit this until I do.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 27, 2016, 12:31:11 am
solid game. GSW almost threw it away in the last minute though. man if Durant had hit that 3-pointer, would have been 114-111..

Curry really showed up, but mostly in his driving to the hoop.. that was the difference maker in his game tonight. He didn't just settle for 3's.. needs to do that again on Saturday (?).

I loved that one sign that lady was holding up: "See you on Monday" hah.

Durant/Westbrook had some crap combined field goal percentage. If those shots had gone in, obviously the story would have been different. Even with such shit fg%, they were a few shots away from winning.. that's kind of scary going into game 6 :f



I can never visit this thread, lel. I always watch the games recorded, during the next day or night, so I can't visit this until I do.

damn that sux.. lul.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 27, 2016, 01:25:08 am
solid game. GSW almost threw it away in the last minute though. man if Durant had hit that 3-pointer, would have been 114-111..

Curry really showed up, but mostly in his driving to the hoop.. that was the difference maker in his game tonight. He didn't just settle for 3's.. needs to do that again on Saturday (?).

I loved that one sign that lady was holding up: "See you on Monday" hah.

Durant/Westbrook had some crap combined field goal percentage. If those shots had gone in, obviously the story would have been different. Even with such shit fg%, they were a few shots away from winning.. that's kind of scary going into game 6 :f

Ah I was hanging for him to hit that one. Would have been a great finish. Was at least a close game but only cause OKC were off imo. Westbrook again with 7 turnovers. 

Curry played a much smarter game but I just don't see them winning away from home unless both Steph and Clay are absolutely on. Having said that Curry's finishing skills are unbelievable. Floaters, reverse lay-ups, changing hands mid air MJ style. He doesn't have the extreme athleticism of other guards but still has great speed of that first step.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Raptor on May 27, 2016, 09:36:54 am
Well, I just did click on this accidentally... so... yeah... I was in the 2nd quarter by the way, lel.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 28, 2016, 09:54:40 am
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 28, 2016, 09:55:24 am


how has no one posted this yet? he's graduated from balls to faces!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 28, 2016, 12:25:47 pm


how has no one posted this yet? he's graduated from balls to faces!

i didn't even see that one.. wtf? someone needs to get Green in check.. what a nutbag.. solid hamstring flexibility though.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 28, 2016, 09:00:24 pm
amp'd for this game.. hope GSW can get the W.

 8)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 28, 2016, 09:14:53 pm
amp'd for this game.. hope GSW can get the W.

 8)

Same! I'm pumped for the rest of this series and I also think the final will be a classic. A lot of storylines and history to be written.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 28, 2016, 10:25:54 pm
man.. nail-biter game.

i'm really hoping GSW can just play CLEAN in the second half.. so many sloppy/unforced turnovers. please, just clean that up..

also i'd like to see curry get more aggressive. he's passed up some good shots in the paint.

and man klay keep ballin.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 28, 2016, 10:43:44 pm
GSW looks to be in good shape. Just keep it close here and a good burst of energy from that 2nd unit could give them the lead in the 4th. Haven't seen Barbosa at all though I always liked his energy.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on May 28, 2016, 11:42:57 pm
GSW did well. Halfway through the 2nd quarter the series looked as though it would be over. Clay Thompson killed it with 11 3 pointers  :o
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 28, 2016, 11:52:52 pm
absolutely

ridiculous

game.



I couldn't sit down for the entire second half. I might have lost my voice a bit.

What an amazing performance from Klay. Lights out, unconscious, no hesitation shooting from everywhere on the court.

Igoudala's DEFENSE ftw.

Curry also showed up in the 2nd half.. hitting daggers.

GSW just battled back from the grave, slowly, knocking down 3's while OKC knocked down 2's.. slowly digging themselves out. Once they got that lead, it seemed over. OKC had nothing.

Now GSW has to close out.

unreal.

 :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 29, 2016, 12:01:37 am
i've got fatigue from that game 6.. :D
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on May 29, 2016, 12:11:21 am
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jE7DuL7KEZI/hqdefault.jpg)

i'm afraid of this man. BEAST!

(http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/9/6/7/f/9/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1967d8.png/1452712737524.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 29, 2016, 12:23:15 am
GSW played amazing D at the end and the thunder completely collapsed when it mattered. westbrook had like four turnovers in 2 minutes. and yeah iggy was amazing.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 29, 2016, 12:44:57 am
ya adams is so beast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQogqwWSp_g

draymon posterized.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Raptor on May 29, 2016, 01:38:52 pm
I love that the monkey Green was posterized. I hate that piece of shit. Can't root for GSW while that monkey plays there.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 29, 2016, 02:59:01 pm
I love that the monkey Green was posterized. I hate that piece of shit. Can't root for GSW while that monkey plays there.

monkey is a bit harsh + ignorant, no?

also.. why is he a piece of shit? maybe you don't like his style of play on the court but i'm not aware of anything he has done IRL to consider him a piece of shit? enlighten me of the various crimes/atrocities & such that Green has committed?

 :uhhhfacepalm:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Raptor on May 29, 2016, 03:20:51 pm
He doesn't have to do anything. I just have to not like him, that's enough. I don't care if that's harsh or ignorant, I'm going to say what I think about him. I don't give a shit anymore, man. I'm literally crazy. I don't give a fuck. For me, Draymond Green is a monkey, because he looks like a monkey and acts like a monkey, kicking people, yelling, "acting passionately" (an euphemism for "acting like a monkey") and fouling left and right, kicking Steven Adams in the balls twice (intentionally - don't bring me the "oh but it was by accident, he was trying to draw a foul" rhetoric) - so FOR ME, he's a piece of shit that makes me wanna turn off the game when I see him.

I don't give a fuck - I don't have a censoring mechanism anymore. Neg me all you want, I don't give a fuck. I will say what I really believe because, even when you're trying to be nice, educated, smart, all that - it doesn't matter. Nothing matters. People can fuck off.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 29, 2016, 04:11:51 pm
He doesn't have to do anything. I just have to not like him, that's enough. I don't care if that's harsh or ignorant, I'm going to say what I think about him. I don't give a shit anymore, man. I'm literally crazy. I don't give a fuck. For me, Draymond Green is a monkey, because he looks like a monkey and acts like a monkey, kicking people, yelling, "acting passionately" (an euphemism for "acting like a monkey") and fouling left and right, kicking Steven Adams in the balls twice (intentionally - don't bring me the "oh but it was by accident, he was trying to draw a foul" rhetoric) - so FOR ME, he's a piece of shit that makes me wanna turn off the game when I see him.

I don't give a fuck - I don't have a censoring mechanism anymore. Neg me all you want, I don't give a fuck. I will say what I really believe because, even when you're trying to be nice, educated, smart, all that - it doesn't matter. Nothing matters. People can fuck off.

you just keep getting weaker.

it's really hard for me to take anything you've said on politics, religion, science etc seriously when you're coming off as the antithesis of an educated human being. as you eluded to.. you were just "trying" to be nice, educated, etc? well sure, be who you are.. if being nice/educated really isn't you, then stop putting on the act. just pick one and stick with it.

you're not special; you do have a censoring mechanism. you also could express your distaste for green, more tastefully.

briefly, I don't believe you when you say "nothing matters". in your post, you mention several things that matter to you. you also have hundreds of things that matter to you & stress you out, depress you, etc. it's really easy to type "nothing matters" but if you really believed it, I imagine you would be so much happier. Small things like how much money people make, their jobs, women, politics, Draymond Green, etc wouldn't cause one ounce of anger within you... but that's not the case. so no need to put on the act.



anyway.. Draymond is solid. I love his energy/passion on the court. He just needs to make sure he tones it down a notch when he's on the verge of doing something dirty. And beyond that, I have no idea how he is in his "real life", not his "sports entertainment life". Fans need to remember to separate the two. I imagine he'd be a pretty cool guy in person. He's always smiling, laughing, positive, seems pretty up beat.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Raptor on May 29, 2016, 04:19:45 pm
I don't want to be an educated human being anymore. I want to be a blatantly stupid idiot, a savage retard, which should come naturally to me. No censorship whatsoever. Just pure stupidity and hatred. Yes, having hate is a problem because it means you still care about stuff, I have to find a way to undo this paradox. I will try to find a way towards that goal (unless having a goal means I still care about not caring... fuck... this is getting problematic).

Being nice doesn't matter. All the jerks out there are being appreciated, being nice is just "cute". Doesn't carry any weight whatsoever. At least saying disgraceful, hateful things generates some emotional response.

Anyway, fuck off, people!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 29, 2016, 04:30:52 pm
I don't want to be an educated human being anymore. I want to be a blatantly stupid idiot, a savage retard, which should come naturally to me. No censorship whatsoever. Just pure stupidity and hatred. Yes, having hate is a problem because it means you still care about stuff, I have to find a way to undo this paradox. I will try to find a way towards that goal (unless having a goal means I still care about not caring... fuck... this is getting problematic).

Being nice doesn't matter. All the jerks out there are being appreciated, being nice is just "cute". Doesn't carry any weight whatsoever. At least saying disgraceful, hateful things generates some emotional response.

and you really just want someone to acknowledge you!! awe!!

harden up.



Quote
Anyway, fuck off, people!

you're main issue is jealousy. figure that out first.

pc
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Raptor on May 29, 2016, 05:18:56 pm
you're main issue

*your :trollface:

You mean, I'm jealous of people that have had ONE experience with someone they love in over 30 years of living on planet Earth? You're fucking right I'm jealous of that. You can bet your ass I am. These same fucking people that cheat and beat their wives and act like total morons, they had someone. I can't have, even with the best efforts in the world.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on May 30, 2016, 01:43:33 am
you're main issue

*your :trollface:

You mean, I'm jealous of people that have had ONE experience with someone they love in over 30 years of living on planet Earth? You're fucking right I'm jealous of that. You can bet your ass I am. These same fucking people that cheat and beat their wives and act like total morons, they had someone. I can't have, even with the best efforts in the world.

"Best efforts in the world?"

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on May 30, 2016, 01:51:29 am
ya adams is so beast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQogqwWSp_g

draymon posterized.

Seriously though, I love the DG was posterized too.  So much to love about that play.  I love the DG still had a bunch of blocks that game because he has no fear, he doesn't fear getting dunked on despite being undersized he keeps making an effort and can live with the fact that helping his team as one of the greatest 6'7" shot blockers of all time you will on occasion get completely posterized!

Also love that the underrated Adams got a chance to show out what a beast he is.  I thought about how the commentary blamed OKC about how they lost cause KD and RW were playing "hero ball" and realized that the reason they play such blatant hero ball is because they usually don't get punished for it because of their selfless supporting cast... I mean how many times does Roberson or Adams or somebody convert an airball or bad miss into a bucket or extra possession?  These guys are so good at cleaning up the glass that a bad miss is hardly disincentivised...  Nice to see the major improved Steven Adams get a chance to shine once in awhile!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on May 30, 2016, 04:34:37 am
I watched game 5 live at Oracle. One of my lifetime highlights highlights. First NBA game and it was amazing.  Really  tempted to go game 7 but I'm back in LA and it would be a mission to drive back north Cal. I'm routing for okc but i really  respect the Warriors as a team and fan base.  Can't wait!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on May 30, 2016, 10:20:53 am
calling a black person a monkey is super duper racist. suggest picking a different epithet if you don't like him.

EDIT: looks like you changed or deleted that post so this no longer makes sense.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 30, 2016, 01:34:20 pm
ya adams is so beast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQogqwWSp_g

draymon posterized.

Seriously though, I love the DG was posterized too.  So much to love about that play.  I love the DG still had a bunch of blocks that game because he has no fear, he doesn't fear getting dunked on despite being undersized he keeps making an effort and can live with the fact that helping his team as one of the greatest 6'7" shot blockers of all time you will on occasion get completely posterized!

ya reminds me of alonzo mourning.. he's been dunked on so many times, but that's because he'd go up and challenge pretty much every dunk. I respect that alot more than moving out of the way.



Quote
Also love that the underrated Adams got a chance to show out what a beast he is.  I thought about how the commentary blamed OKC about how they lost cause KD and RW were playing "hero ball" and realized that the reason they play such blatant hero ball is because they usually don't get punished for it because of their selfless supporting cast... I mean how many times does Roberson or Adams or somebody convert an airball or bad miss into a bucket or extra possession?  These guys are so good at cleaning up the glass that a bad miss is hardly disincentivised...  Nice to see the major improved Steven Adams get a chance to shine once in awhile!

adams is straight up rugged.

two bigs that emerged during this year's playoffs:
- steven adams & bismack biyombo

good point.. and I mean who else does OKC even have that is a consistent scorer? OKC is far better off if they get waiters/ibaka/adams involved more offensively but those guys aren't consistent enough to do that every game.

OKC pretty much had that game. The real "hero ball" issue, to me, is when WB/KD (mostly WB) have sloppy turnovers at the end.. they had a few major turnovers at the end of game 6 that just did them in.. for the most part, that was really just great defense by igoudala though.



video update, since the other got removed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLYZMVzqTwk
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 30, 2016, 01:35:28 pm
I watched game 5 live at Oracle. One of my lifetime highlights highlights. First NBA game and it was amazing.  Really  tempted to go game 7 but I'm back in LA and it would be a mission to drive back north Cal. I'm routing for okc but i really  respect the Warriors as a team and fan base.  Can't wait!

whoa.. that's sick!

that arena must have been so amp'd up.. OKC and GSW stadiums/fans are impressive.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 30, 2016, 10:38:28 pm
Damn great game again! I really like both squads but I'm feeling for OKC, they're working so hard and playing great team ball. Then GSW comes down the court and it's a flick of the wrist 3pt shot that just looks so easy. Just like that they take the lead despite not having played a great game.

Both teams are worthy of winning the series but I'd just feel bad seeing OKC lose when they've played the better basketball thoughout the series. Damn it's tough. Logically I'm thinking GSW will win with home court, the way they conserve energy, and curry being a better closer than Westbrook. Great stuff though.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 30, 2016, 10:51:29 pm
GSW 2nd unit going nuts now. Barbosa and verajao bringing all that energy great stuff.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on May 30, 2016, 11:12:02 pm
i am the finals MVP.

(http://www.tuxboard.com/photos/2015/06/Andre-Iguodala-Finals-MVP-2015-720x401.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on May 31, 2016, 12:49:24 am
Damn great game again! I really like both squads but I'm feeling for OKC, they're working so hard and playing great team ball. Then GSW comes down the court and it's a flick of the wrist 3pt shot that just looks so easy. Just like that they take the lead despite not having played a great game.

Both teams are worthy of winning the series but I'd just feel bad seeing OKC lose when they've played the better basketball thoughout the series. Damn it's tough. Logically I'm thinking GSW will win with home court, the way they conserve energy, and curry being a better closer than Westbrook. Great stuff though.

Interesting that you think OKC played the better basketball.  I believe GS had more assists, fewer turnovers, higher shooting percentage, etc.  All the hallmarks of what I consider good basketball.

Russell Westbrook really is a force to be reckoned with.  Amazing.  But Kevin Durants reliance on free throws and the thunders attempts to draw shooting fouls on jumpers is really frustrating to watch imo... Also, the fact that they have so many possessions that start with a bad miss and a offensive rebound and put back by one of their garbage collectors is imo just bad basketball...

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 31, 2016, 12:50:12 am
solid game.

but i must say, I was shocked at OKC for basically giving up in the last minute. That Ibaka foul on Curry was brutal but keep playing.. It was only a 7-pt game when they let Curry dribble around forever without fouling, then let him take a wide open 3-ptr to make it 10. They just gave up.

dno.. I can't respect that.

as for Thompson/Curry, man it's a straight up long distance aerial assault. some of those shots are just mind blowing. so much fun to watch.

CLE @ GSW on Thursday... i'm really glad this is the matchup because I want to see CLE get a chance to redeem themselves with their full squad. I'm almost indifferent as to who wins.. all I know is, if CLE is winning, i'll be rooting for GSW.. if GSW is winning, i'll be rooting for CLE. I love GSW's team, coaching, etc much more than CLE but i'm also a big LeBron fan. I'd be legitimately happy if Lebron won one for CLE.

(https://media.gq.com/photos/567aefdd630c329d44e902b1/master/pass/lebron-vs-curry-christmas.jpg)

(http://basket4ever.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/finales.jpg)



if I had to make a prediction.. I just can't go against GSW. GSW in 7.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 31, 2016, 12:53:03 am
Damn great game again! I really like both squads but I'm feeling for OKC, they're working so hard and playing great team ball. Then GSW comes down the court and it's a flick of the wrist 3pt shot that just looks so easy. Just like that they take the lead despite not having played a great game.

Both teams are worthy of winning the series but I'd just feel bad seeing OKC lose when they've played the better basketball thoughout the series. Damn it's tough. Logically I'm thinking GSW will win with home court, the way they conserve energy, and curry being a better closer than Westbrook. Great stuff though.

Interesting that you think OKC played the better basketball.  I believe GS had more assists, fewer turnovers, higher shooting percentage, etc.  All the hallmarks of what I consider good basketball.

Russell Westbrook really is a force to be reckoned with.  Amazing.  But Kevin Durants reliance on free throws and the thunders attempts to draw shooting fouls on jumpers is really frustrating to watch imo... Also, the fact that they have so many possessions that start with a bad miss and a offensive rebound and put back by one of their garbage collectors is imo just bad basketball...

westbrook needs to chill with his atrocious flops after jumpers. that 3-ptr where he just imploded on igoudala was pathetic.. and it ended up really hurting OKC, because Klay caught fire directly after that.

and ya I think GSW plays the better basketball.. I think GSW struggled to play their 'beautiful style' vs OKC, definitely.. but what they did vs Portland for example, that absolutely ridiculous ball movement/getting everyone involved, they are a much more impressive team to watch from a basketball-purity standpoint, imho.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on May 31, 2016, 12:53:13 am
i can't stand lbj.  never liked him one bit all this time.  gsw all the way.  :)  plus they're my home team afterall...  sfbay.  btw you guys should check out papa greg's sound clip after game 5 (linked below).  he predicted the outcome.  team work + skills > hero ball.  westbrook is a bit too reckless.  he's gotten better over the years but not by much.  he still relies too much on his athletic prowess.  he should learn to slow down...

https://instaud.io/pJr#3:23.7 (https://instaud.io/pJr#3:23.7)

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on May 31, 2016, 01:49:18 am
solid game.

but i must say, I was shocked at OKC for basically giving up in the last minute. That Ibaka foul on Curry was brutal but keep playing.. It was only a 7-pt game when they let Curry dribble around forever without fouling, then let him take a wide open 3-ptr to make it 10. They just gave up.

dno.. I can't respect that.

as for Thompson/Curry, man it's a straight up long distance aerial assault. some of those shots are just mind blowing. so much fun to watch.

CLE @ GSW on Thursday... i'm really glad this is the matchup because I want to see CLE get a chance to redeem themselves with their full squad. I'm almost indifferent as to who wins.. all I know is, if CLE is winning, i'll be rooting for GSW.. if GSW is winning, i'll be rooting for CLE. I love GSW's team, coaching, etc much more than CLE but i'm also a big LeBron fan. I'd be legitimately happy if Lebron won one for CLE.

(https://media.gq.com/photos/567aefdd630c329d44e902b1/master/pass/lebron-vs-curry-christmas.jpg)

(http://basket4ever.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/finales.jpg)



if I had to make a prediction.. I just can't go against GSW. GSW in 7.

pc!

Agreed.  I can't see GSW not winning but really a series where it's hard to be mad about either team winning. 

Absolutely don't understand how you can hate Lebron (really don't get how you can HATE any player - but Raptors comments about DG are more the rule than the exception) but Lebron is really a good guy, stays out of trouble, loved by teammates, genuinely nice by all accounts and ridiculously talented player.   Most of us would like far worse if we had the world watching us grow up from age 17 till now (I'm lebrons age so I've seen him grow up and can say I would certainly look worse).  Of course latent racism and the concept that he was owned by th cavs is unfortunately present...

If the NBA is going to make one rule change it has to be trying to reduce the number of players drawing fouls on three point shots and long jumpers.  I understand you have to let the player land when he shoots but Westbrook had a shot in game 4 where he jumped and landed on DGs foot which was like 8 feet from where he took off from! 

When a player can shoot a clean three but chooses to jump into a player it really makes the game less beautiful.  I think they should have a rule that a foul is only called when a player makes an attempt to shoot a contact free natural shot and is contacted.  The stopped calling Durants swing through continuation foul as much as they used to but the need to go a little further... If you pump fake and a player leaves his feet and goes sailing by the offensive player should wait for the player to pass and shoot an open shot rather than jump toward the defender and flail... Hard to enforce but one of my least favorite things to watch...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on May 31, 2016, 02:09:42 am
lbj's huge ego (calling himself the king, the decision, calling himself the best player last year when he clearly wasn't anymore), the flopping, acting, and the lack of notable improvement in skills over the years.  his shitty footwork, tons of non-called insane travels...  he is elite i'll agree but i just don't like him.  never did, never will.

he simply hasn't grown that much (skill wise) he's the same every year.  i don't like his game one bit.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 31, 2016, 02:46:55 am
the lack of notable improvement in skills over the years. 

How much would you expect him to grow? I'm not sure he has room.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 31, 2016, 02:50:55 am
If the NBA is going to make one rule change it has to be trying to reduce the number of players drawing fouls on three point shots and long jumpers.  I understand you have to let the player land when he shoots but Westbrook had a shot in game 4 where he jumped and landed on DGs foot which was like 8 feet from where he took off from! 

When a player can shoot a clean three but chooses to jump into a player it really makes the game less beautiful.  I think they should have a rule that a foul is only called when a player makes an attempt to shoot a contact free natural shot and is contacted.  The stopped calling Durants swing through continuation foul as much as they used to but the need to go a little further... If you pump fake and a player leaves his feet and goes sailing by the offensive player should wait for the player to pass and shoot an open shot rather than jump toward the defender and flail... Hard to enforce but one of my least favorite things to watch...

Agreed. They have to look at this over the offseason. This is the most frustrating part of the NBA at the moment. Guys are looking for contact almost every play instead of making the play and absorbing contact if it happens. I always understood that if the offensive player created the contact then it was play on.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on May 31, 2016, 02:55:07 am
I'm a Lebron fan so I'm going for the Cavs. It would be great to see Lebron have some success and great for the Cavs franchise. It should be a great series ;D
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 31, 2016, 02:55:50 am
Btw, I'm devastated OKC didn't win. They had so many chances the last 3 games and poor decisions and stupid plays in each game cost them.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on May 31, 2016, 02:58:18 am
Btw, I'm devastated OKC didn't win. They had so many chances the last 3 games and poor decisions and stupid plays in each game cost them.

I was actually going for GWS to win that series with GWS having Bogut. I heard rumours Bogut is going to get traded at the end of the season as well. I don't watch much NBA but out of the OKC v GWS games I did watch, Bogut was disappointing and really didn't do a whole lot on the court.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ChrisM on May 31, 2016, 07:26:15 am
lbj's huge ego (calling himself the king, the decision, calling himself the best player last year when he clearly wasn't anymore), the flopping, acting, and the lack of notable improvement in skills over the years.  his shitty footwork, tons of non-called insane travels...  he is elite i'll agree but i just don't like him.  never did, never will.

he simply hasn't grown that much (skill wise) he's the same every year.  i don't like his game one bit.

Reallyyyyy not sure why this is being down voted when its factaully quite true. Respect for Lebron for the amazing player he has BUT lets be real here: IF LeBron had MJ or Kobes work ethic we wouldnt be having this conversation or that other one about whot the GOAT. It would be LBJ...hands down. Hes been blessed with a natural athleticism unseen in his sport at his size. But his game HASNT improved except one area. Kobe came back and was better each year at SOMETHING. Same for MJ. They put in work. Lebron? Well, hes said he'll be in the gym over the summer when he has time. Sorry, for a guy with quite a few flaws in his game thats unacceptable to me.

I'll break it down further since im sure someone will ask  :)

The only thing LBJ has gotten better at is  knowing WHEN to shoot the 3 which has given people the surface appearance hes become a better shooter. He hasnt. Hes taking less 3s year by year which not only raises his 3pt fg% but has a marked relationship to overall fg%. This is smart because after 13 years in the league his jumper is still unreliable. So: smart that a 6'9 265lb monster shoots more inside, but it is unacceptable he hasnt worked on his j.

Speaking of shooting, his ft% hasnt trended upward at all. By this point he should easily shoot 83-87% and be dead nuts reliable at the stripe late in games. Hes not. Not once have the cavs been up 2 late in the game and LBJ gets fouled and you say "oh its over, hes icing this". He misses too many big ones.

Next, the hasnt improved his handle at all. His left is eh for a guy who claims to be a point forward. Force him left and he wants to shoot a one dribble step back jumper. He has not go to perimeter move. He lowers his shoulder and drops his head, granted as long as his athletic abilities hold this is a viable option but as weve seen over the last 2 years...hes lost a step and some bounce. He cant blow by everyone now.

He has no go to post move. Necessary if he wants to add years to his game. Pretty self explanatory.

His footwork is atrocious. Im not even talking about the blatant non calls on travels to the rim or pivot foot switches. Im speaking of footwork from the triple threat, or on his pull up jumper, or on his crossover/other dribbled moves. His game screams ultra athletic high schooler who never needed to try and develop more because he was head and shoulders better than his peers.

His defense is sub par, notably on ball. Lebron is NOT a defensive 'stopper'. He gets a lot of hype for his D and the only reason I can see why is because Sportscenter loves his chase down blocks. Watch a game and see how exposed he is on perimeter iso's and PnR situations. His defensive fg% and ppp against on those is nowhere near tops at his position. Watch a game and you can see him give up on plays religiously. He gambles on passing lanes as well like Steph does (without the detractors screaming about it) but comes up with a lot less steals. Point...his D is way over hyped.

I could pull up a bunch of numbers and links to people smarter at this than I but...you get the point. Is he great? Yes. But hes nowhere near where he should be and his flaws will become more and more evident as he gets older and loses his natural ability to dominant athletically. He still has time to develop his footwork, handle and jumper but i dont see it happening based on his work ethic historically.

Dont get me started on his ego. Yes, every great has one but good god...I never saw Larry or Kareem or MJ or Kobe or frankly ANYONE great nickname THEMSELVES. You bust your ass, dominate, and let the media and fans hash out a name for you. You certainly dont name yourself the King your first years in the league or call yourself the best player alive when your DOWN in the finals. Yes, you cant think it, youre SUPPOSED to but you never SAY it! Fuck.

Debates now open lol

BTW my call...GSW in 6. Very definitely can go 7. Cavs arent getting enough respect from the media and fans right now.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: vag on May 31, 2016, 09:16:12 am
I think that the negs came from the distance between "he had the potential to become GOAT but blew it" and "i can't stand lbj.  never liked him one bit all this time."
I can agree with your analysis Chris. He did have the potential to be the new GOAT. And he blew it indeed, it is most probably too late now. And for a basketball lover, someone blowing that rare chance given by nature is a good reason to hate him.

BUT! His career* stats are : 50%FG , 34% 3P 7.2 rebounds 6.9 assists 1.7 steals .8 blocks, 27.2 points.

*CAREER stats guys, 1000 games / 13 years averaging almost 30 points and a triple double, in each and every one of those 1000 games. Come on!

You just can't dislike a this triple-double-averaging dude that randomly elevates his 270lbs body 40+ in the air off one foot. It is disliking one of nature's/evolution's best moments, you just can't.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 31, 2016, 10:06:38 am
Lebron is definitely a love him or hate type of dude but I agree you have to respect the athlete that he is. I do wish he cleaned up his footwork though. When he travels and it doesn't called it drives me wild.

All this finals talk has me hyped though. I'll be cheering for GSW but strongly leaning toward Cleveland to win, actually put down a $50 but with my friend.

Storylines:

1. Lebron v Curry - Literally a battle of 1v2 with a fair supporting cast this time for Lebron

2. Can Lebron win one for Cleveland?

3. Will GSW solidify itself as a great franchise to along with the record setting year

++ more I'm sure what do you guys think? I love that players like Adams this year and Delly last year make the headlines
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on May 31, 2016, 10:52:24 am
lbj's huge ego (calling himself the king, the decision, calling himself the best player last year when he clearly wasn't anymore), the flopping, acting, and the lack of notable improvement in skills over the years.  his shitty footwork, tons of non-called insane travels...  he is elite i'll agree but i just don't like him.  never did, never will.

he simply hasn't grown that much (skill wise) he's the same every year.  i don't like his game one bit.
Dont get me started on his ego. Yes, every great has one but good god...I never saw Larry or Kareem or MJ or Kobe or frankly ANYONE great nickname THEMSELVES. You bust your ass, dominate, and let the media and fans hash out a name for you. You certainly dont name yourself the King your first years in the league or call yourself the best player alive when your DOWN in the finals. Yes, you cant think it, youre SUPPOSED to but you never SAY it! Fuck.

Debates now open lol

BTW my call...GSW in 6. Very definitely can go 7. Cavs arent getting enough respect from the media and fans right now.

Wow.  I'm a Lebron fan but hats off to Chris M for some excellent scathing criticism of Lebron that is admittedly somewhat convincing.  I'll make my points as to why it's too harsh but unfortunately I have to agree with the spirit of the post.

 I think it's a little too harsh to call him an ultra athletic highschool player who didn't develop - Lebron is light years ahead of someone like Tracy McGrady and even he developed his game quite a bit - the athletic highschoolers who were top picks in the early 2000s and didn't develop didn't last long in the league!  I also think that it's not necessarily fair to claim his lack of footwork or three point accuracy is necessarily an indication that he doesn't work hard.  I've made the point before - that people tend to assume things like jumping ability are entirely God given while shooting and footwork are 100% trainable.  I strongly disagree with this.  I put in a 3-6 months of training to raise my vertical from 35-45 inches but hours of three point shooting and I still am a 30% shooter from the college line at best.  Steph Curry has certainly worked on his shot but he is gifted to shoot the way he does just like Lebron is gifted to be a physical monster.  Maybe Lebron could improve - but his ceiling on his footwork or shooting ability isn't necessarily as high as the top guys in the league and this might be his reality...

Additionally... Could Jordan have been far better if he could shoot the three?  Why do we give Jordan a pass for not figuring out how to add a 45% corner three to his game?  Because the rest of the league hadn't figured it out?  Curry started doing things the league hadn't figured out why not Jordan?  Why do we give Kobe a pass for being physically weak and not being able to play as he got older like Jordan could?  Ever since Kobe fired his last trainer he has been weak as a twig - Phil Jackson even did the main difference with Jordan and Kobe was the Jordan was physically much much stronger and got stronger as he got older while Kobe got weaker... What if Kobe had the strength to post up like Jordan and shoot the turnaround - maybe he could have contributed into his mid to late 30s rather than been the most expensive salary cap killer on a 3 year victory tribute... 

The point is there is no player who does everything right - and it's hard to assume just how much better someone can get at a certain activity because there is no skill that is necessarily achievable for all players with hard work...

However.  Free throws.  This is the best point Chris M makes and I really can't argue with it one bit.  In Magic Johnsons (another player who we don't criticize for not improving footwork) he talks about how despite his set shot and lack of athleticism that he couldn't improve, the one thing he is proudest of is the fact that his free throw shooting went up every single year he played in the NBA and ended up around 90%.  Kawai Leonard raised his free throw shooting to this level during his ascension from good to great as well.  Free throw shooting is probably the most trainable skill in the game - those who put in the practice will shoot well.   The fact that Lebron is a moderate liability when fouled at the end of games is extremely troubling and a sign that he hasn't put in the work to be the best he can be and I don't see any way to mount a defense against that argument... 

That said... Those are fair reasons to be disappointed in LBJ.  Fair reasons for him not to be your favorite player.   My problem with ghettoracers comments is when the narrative is not "Lebron disappoints me because he hasn't elevated his game to the level I think he could" and instead sound like "I just hate that guy as a person.  He's an ass.  The 'decision' made me mad". 

Attacking Lebrons character when the most dirt you have on him is a somewhat immature move that raised a bunch of money for charity seems pretty suspicious to me and smacks of latent racism... Especially when people ignore the fact the Kobe had a rape case, is hated by most of his former teammates, hated by half the league.  The fact the Jordan is by all accounts an asshole and there are a million "this is why MJ is a terrible person stories - google chamillionaires story while none exist about Lebron.  Lebron the person is by all accounts a really nice guy, loved by his teammates, and nice to fans and those below him.  His mistakes come from immaturity and bad advice - I personally know that the best in the world comments came from some misguided advice that he got about being second banana to d wade and needing to more forcefully claim his greatness to inspire his teammates.  It didn't work... But it didn't come from a place of arrogance - it came from immaturity or a lack of savvy which are hardly things to hate...

So, basically I'll give it up to Chris M for a good attack on Lebrons game.  I'm semi convinced by some of it and totally convinced by the free throw argument.  I respect not loving Lebron the basketball player for the lack of improvment he has made... But I have yet to see a good argument to hate or even dislike Lebron the person.  He seems like an only child who just wants to be liked, has stayed married to his middle school sweetheart, has a big heart and is a all around nice guy.  More the exception than the rule in sports today.  If kids pattern their basketball games after the work ethics of Kobe and MJ America might have slightly better basketball players.  But if kids look up to the Lebron James and Magic Johnsons of the NBA we will have better adults in the future... Since most kids don't make it I'd say that's probably worth the trade off...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on May 31, 2016, 12:16:10 pm
my disdain for lbj is purely from the way he approaches bball.  he is very powerful and athletic but just don't have a whole lot of finesse.  the way he moves isn't as appealing as other players to me (probably just matter of personal taste).  if he truly loves the game of bball he would be balling all day everyday and making himself a better player.  i'm 42 and i still improve my game each year, if little by little...  if he wasn't so egotistic then i wouldn't hate him, he'd just be another nba star to me.

and i absolutely hate floppers.  i look down upon all floppers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fSlLdXNzPw

look at his hilariously bad footwork.  and the blind ass refs don't even call it when they're right in front of it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptH0DyiomvE
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ChrisM on May 31, 2016, 12:54:25 pm
Ahhh. Im at work so ill go much more in depth later and reason why and how but quick takes:

Thanks guys :) for not burning me at the stake lol

True. Kobe and MJ were assholes, LBJ doesnt appear to be...but ummm Magic the player as a role model? Nooo. Go check some Magic Johnson stories about his parties in the 80s lol

I do think footwork is completely trainable. Shooting...not so much as you're older as you cant reinvent form completely. Certain bodies and mobility issues come to mind. Thus its trainable to an extent.


And yea...the flopping is ridiculous. All over the NBA. LBJ is just a monster and still does it so its noticed more
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on May 31, 2016, 01:03:18 pm
my disdain for lbj is purely from the way he approaches bball.  he is very powerful and athletic but just don't have a whole lot of finesse.  the way he moves isn't as appealing as other players to me (probably just matter of personal taste).  if he truly loves the game of bball he would be balling all day everyday and making himself a better player.  i'm 42 and i still improve my game each year, if little by little...  if he wasn't so egotistic then i wouldn't hate him, he'd just be another nba star to me.

and i absolutely hate floppers.  i look down upon all floppers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fSlLdXNzPw

look at his hilariously bad footwork.  and the blind ass refs don't even call it when they're right in front of it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptH0DyiomvE

Fair enough.  I'm not gonna argue about matters of taste - he doesn't have to be your favorite player or even one of your favorites... But usually when we hate somebody - especially someone we don't know it's a reflection of ourselves first and foremost...

You can criticize him all you want but just ask yourself if that's really what bothers you and if it bothers you when others do it as well?  By all accounts Kobe and MJ are a million times more egotistical than Lebron (players overwhelming would rather be teammates w a prime Lebron than Kobe) so do you hate them as well?

You hate flopping so do KD and RW bother you when they flail their legs to draw fouls on ridiculous three point shots even though they get far more calls than Lebron who when he doesn't flop gets completely mauled and refs often make no calls because of some misguided notion that strong players should be allowed to be fouled?

And please don't compare yourself to LBJ as far as your love for the game. You are still getting better at the game at 42 so this means what?  Are you busting your ass at work to be the absolute best at whatever job you do?  Basketball is a hobby for you.  Loving your hobby is completely different.  If you have ever played sports at any high level you would understand burnout and how amazing it is that LBJ has been playing basketball and breathing and sleeping basketball from age 10 till now and is still able to even make it to practice.  Most of us would be so sick of playing a game for a living and just want to get out of it and talk about something of substance after 20 years!  His love for the game is ridiculous.  There's a reason Jordan took two years off and played baseball and it's not just cause he lost his father.  Playing professional basketball at that level or anything for that matter is draining as hell and the desire to do anything else would hit 99% of us a lot faster than it has it the top guys.  Say what you want about them but they love the game.  Those that don't do not last.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on May 31, 2016, 01:37:36 pm
what are you talking about man?!  i get it, you love lbj.  i said i don't like his style and i never will.  end of story.  i never said he was a bad person or anything like that.  i've only talked about his bball game.  you seem to take it on a personal level.  *shrug*.  and my love for the game is greater than lbj's because i said so.  ha.  i know my freethrow is way better than his.  that's for sure.  take that.

 :trollface:

i had high hopes of kd and wr in 2012 and 2013 but they also really haven't grown.  that's probably the most amazing thing about gsw is their growth individually (klay, steph, draymond) and collectively as a team.  each year you can clearly see them making improvements.  as a nba pro you get paid big bucks to play a really fun game that is deep and super dynamic.  how can you not like it?!  it's arguably the dream job for many.

kobe, mj, i love many aspects of their game.  the fadeaway (which i do very well), the footwork, both i can copy and learn.  lbj's game?  nope i'm not gifted i can't imitated his game at all except maybe his passing game.  i'm a great passer.  and his awesome ability to travel?  i can't imitate that unless i try really really hard.

ps, i know lbj doesn't bust his ass working on his game because if he did, it would show.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on May 31, 2016, 02:14:05 pm
lots of good discussion.

I just have something else to add..

What if Lebron can't improve his free throws, his left, his footwork, etc? I've watched people toss stuff like that around for a long time.. but at some point, maybe we just have to deal with the fact that he can't make any significant improvements to these areas of his game. It may sound crazy to some, but we also have to realize Lebron is a freak athlete with insane power/strength. I imagine he got away with ALOT, in terms of over-utilizing his athleticism while he was developing as a child, teen, and young adult (and even in the NBA). These are very important years that you can't get back. If you look at someone like Curry, well, he absolutely has to be much better than Lebron at shooting free-throws, 3-ptrs, ball handling, etc. If he wasn't, he wouldn't even be a starter.

So the possibility that Lebron has reached a ceiling skill-wise is definitely there. And with that, he's managed to help get his teams to 6 straight finals, 7 total, various awards/accolades, 2 championships, gold medals, stat sheet monster, among the greatest stat-wise in several departments in HISTORY, etc.

I'm fairly certain he knows he's not ice-cold from the free-throw line to close out games.. How can you practice that? You can't.. that's just something you acquire over the years, or you just don't have it. It's very possible that he just DOESN'T have it. But he makes up for it in so many other ways. That has to be acknowledged.

Look at someone like Rodman.. he figured out exactly who he is. He's considered an all-time great. I'm sure we could go on and on about all of the things he could have improved in his game, but didn't; shooting, ball handling, free throws, etc. I'm sure he tried for a while, then realized it might be better to just hone-in on who he is and contribute in different ways. People rarely criticize him because they've realized who he is, a monster rebounder/defender/leader.

That reason above, is why I just don't understand many of the Lebron criticisms.. He's not Kobe, MJ, Magic etc.. He has his faults, but somehow he keeps winning. I think that needs to be respected as a skill in itself. He's a dominant force when he's out there; rebounding, assisting, scoring, leadership etc. He can dominate in any form.

Finally, again i'll go back to his athleticism.. How many times have we seen freak athletes do absolutely nothing in the nba, or never even make it to the nba. I'm sure most of us who have played basketball on the streets have seen people who are just freaky athletic but never do anything. Lebron could have been "that guy". He's worked on his game HARD in order to not be, that guy. He could have easily have never developed a jumper at all, or the court vision he has. He could have been obsessed with dunking/power and that's about it.

(http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2009%2F0515%2Fnfl_lebron_400.jpg&w=534&cquality=40)

edit: for those who don't know about his h.s. football background: http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5360552

In reality he's a two sport athlete.. He wisely chose basketball. People with his power don't usually have nearly the kind of finesse he has. He's a damn NFL Tight-end out there who can light it up from anywhere on the court.

Also, as far as his nickname.. I have no idea if he named himself "King James" or other people around him did.. It's fair to say it's just going to be his nickname, given it's one of the first things you think of when trying to create a nickname for someone with the last name "James", since for some reason we all know about a King named James.

And Kobe named himself the Black Mamba.... relax people.

I wouldn't say his ego is any bigger than MJ or Kobe.. MJ fought steve Kerr during a practice, got in numerous fights. Kobe got into several fights (chris childs lit him up), he was hated by many of his teammates and those around the league. How many fights has Lebron been in? Maybe that says alot about his personality (or how the NBA changed).. Maybe he just isn't as much of a KILLER as Kobe or MJ. I'd definitely say he isn't. He's this weird mix of scorer, assist-man, rebounder, freak athlete, great leader, etc.

Now if only Shaq had developed a Jumper and improved his free-throws...............  ;D

pc! ;f
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on May 31, 2016, 02:46:45 pm
I was watching a post game interview (Raptors series) where reporters asked LeBron why he doesn't get back at people when he's hit hard and if it might come to that and he responded with the Jay Z quote “If I shoot you, I’m brainless. But if you shoot me, you’re famous”.

On one end I was thinking this is a smart, quick witted dude but it does show some level of cockiness. He was talking about Biyombo most likely but I just think that's making a bit much of yourself. In anything you do, you want to show respect for the people you compete with even if you are among the best. But you guys are definitely right, MJ and Kobe were no better. I'm split on Lebron with things I admire and things I don't.

http://thesource.com/2016/05/22/lebron-james-quotes-jay-zs-streets-is-watching-in-response-to-questions-about-fouling-in-game-3/
 (http://thesource.com/2016/05/22/lebron-james-quotes-jay-zs-streets-is-watching-in-response-to-questions-about-fouling-in-game-3/)

Not everyone can be Tim Duncan level of class...

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/04/thunder-steven-adams-tim-duncan-nice-guy-story (http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/04/thunder-steven-adams-tim-duncan-nice-guy-story)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on May 31, 2016, 04:13:36 pm
what are you talking about man?!  i get it, you love lbj.  i said i don't like his style and i never will.  end of story.  i never said he was a bad person or anything like that.  i've only talked about his bball game.  you seem to take it on a personal level.  *shrug*.  and my love for the game is greater than lbj's because i said so.  ha.  i know my freethrow is way better than his.  that's for sure.  take that.

 :trollface:

i had high hopes of kd and wr in 2012 and 2013 but they also really haven't grown.  that's probably the most amazing thing about gsw is their growth individually (klay, steph, draymond) and collectively as a team.  each year you can clearly see them making improvements.  as a nba pro you get paid big bucks to play a really fun game that is deep and super dynamic.  how can you not like it?!  it's arguably the dream job for many.

kobe, mj, i love many aspects of their game.  the fadeaway (which i do very well), the footwork, both i can copy and learn.  lbj's game?  nope i'm not gifted i can't imitated his game at all except maybe his passing game.  i'm a great passer.  and his awesome ability to travel?  i can't imitate that unless i try really really hard.

ps, i know lbj doesn't bust his ass working on his game because if he did, it would show.

The reason I had an issue with your posts is because what you posted is actually quite different from the claim that you are now making. 

Like I said before... If what you are now saying was ACTUALLY the gist of what you posted then I would have no problem with it - that you don't like Lebrons playing style and that it.  Again, fine.  No arguments.  But that's not what you said.  You said you think he is egotistical (no evidence he is actually more egotistical than anyone else at his level) that you were bothered by the decision (seriously one of the most benign off court mistakes a player has made and been forgiven for - see rape cases, gambling debts to criminals, etc) that he doesn't love the game or work hard (see Adarqs post for more here).   These are reasons you don't like Lebron the person and they just are not grounded in reality at all.  Sure you have the right to believe whatever you want whether you have evidence or not but these are things I take issue with...

If you simply don't like his game... Fine.  Keep it at that. 

*Additionally* this isn't so much a response to you but just a general comment about imitatability of pros games.  I totally understand that as a fan and casual basketball player part of the reason we watch the best in the world isn't just to marvel at their skill but to learn something from their craft... This is why Shaq will probably never have the fan appeal of a smaller player - fans don't relate to or feel like they can learn from Shaq because his primary tool used to create scoring opportunities is the fact that he is massive and small players don't think this is something they can apply to their games... 

What's funny here is that I have this exact same issue with Steph Curry.  I'm 5'11 220 and have far more strength and athleticism than the average basketball player - at the low level of basketball that I play the tallest guy on the court is usually no bigger than 6'7" and the shortest guy is usually around 5'9.  Last week I played a rare pickup game where all 5 guys on our team could dunk - this very rare where I play...

So translating my stature into NBA level heights I'm something like a Hybrid between Lebron and Charles Barkley at the level I play (the analogy isn't perfect because the range of height at lower levels is far less but the point still holds) I certainly can and have taken elements of Lebrons game, as well as the game of CP3, Dwayne wade, Russell westbrook, Michael Jordan, Kobe, etc and applied it to make my own basketball game better at the low level I play at. 

All those players have an offensive skill set designed to get good high percentage shots - layups, dunks and jumpers - all of which are hard to come by in the NBA as well as at the level I play at...

Curry on the other hand is impossible for me to learn from.  He has a game where he creates what are essentially terrible shots and makes them.* When curry goes behind the back and shoots a 30 footer it doesn't give me much to learn from.  At the level where I play they essentially give that shot to you.  The problem is I just can't make that shot with any frequency and neither can anybody really who isn't named Steph Curry.  His game sort of starts with "be the greatest shooter (good and bad shot maker) of all time".  If you are not then a lot of what he does doesn't apply to you...

This isn't to say I'm not in awe of Steph curry.  And speaking of nice guys on teams you really can't go wrong with the Warriors - I happen to know people who know Klay Thompson personally and from what I hear he is a genuinely really nice and humble guy who is SUPER chill - so chill it's a surprise he would have fit in with the trailblazers of the early 2000s...  I am an admitted Lebron fan but you really can't go wrong cheering for the Warriors - I'm sure Lebron will be the villain in the media but it's hard not be happy for whichever team wins...

*im obviously exaggerating a bit about curry. His high off the glass tough angle shot that iced the game was a study in shot making from tough angles that I can certainly learn from... However, the point I'm making is still valid - that it's not just the physically gifted players whose games are difficult for amatuers to pattern their games after but any player with one otherworldly skill that makes up a large part of their game.  Shaq without the size wouldn't be much of a player (and thus if you don't have shaqs size having his moves isn't very useful) just like Curry without the best shot ever would be far worse...  On the other hand Dwayne wade without a shot would be well - Dwayne wade on many nights which is still a servicible NBA player...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on May 31, 2016, 05:08:43 pm
lots of good discussion.

I just have something else to add..

What if Lebron can't improve his free throws, his left, his footwork, etc? I've watched people toss stuff like that around for a long time.. but at some point, maybe we just have to deal with the fact that he can't make any significant improvements to these areas of his game. It may sound crazy to some, but we also have to realize Lebron is a freak athlete with insane power/strength. I imagine he got away with ALOT, in terms of over-utilizing his athleticism while he was developing as a child, teen, and young adult (and even in the NBA). These are very important years that you can't get back. If you look at someone like Curry, well, he absolutely has to be much better than Lebron at shooting free-throws, 3-ptrs, ball handling, etc. If he wasn't, he wouldn't even be a starter.

So the possibility that Lebron has reached a ceiling skill-wise is definitely there. And with that, he's managed to help get his teams to 6 straight finals, 7 total, various awards/accolades, 2 championships, gold medals, stat sheet monster, among the greatest stat-wise in several departments in HISTORY, etc.

I'm fairly certain he knows he's not ice-cold from the free-throw line to close out games.. How can you practice that? You can't.. that's just something you acquire over the years, or you just don't have it. It's very possible that he just DOESN'T have it. But he makes up for it in so many other ways. That has to be acknowledged.

Look at someone like Rodman.. he figured out exactly who he is. He's considered an all-time great. I'm sure we could go on and on about all of the things he could have improved in his game, but didn't; shooting, ball handling, free throws, etc. I'm sure he tried for a while, then realized it might be better to just hone-in on who he is and contribute in different ways. People rarely criticize him because they've realized who he is, a monster rebounder/defender/leader.

That reason above, is why I just don't understand many of the Lebron criticisms.. He's not Kobe, MJ, Magic etc.. He has his faults, but somehow he keeps winning. I think that needs to be respected as a skill in itself. He's a dominant force when he's out there; rebounding, assisting, scoring, leadership etc. He can dominate in any form.

Finally, again i'll go back to his athleticism.. How many times have we seen freak athletes do absolutely nothing in the nba, or never even make it to the nba. I'm sure most of us who have played basketball on the streets have seen people who are just freaky athletic but never do anything. Lebron could have been "that guy". He's worked on his game HARD in order to not be, that guy. He could have easily have never developed a jumper at all, or the court vision he has. He could have been obsessed with dunking/power and that's about it.

(http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2009%2F0515%2Fnfl_lebron_400.jpg&w=534&cquality=40)

edit: for those who don't know about his h.s. football background: http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5360552

In reality he's a two sport athlete.. He wisely chose basketball. People with his power don't usually have nearly the kind of finesse he has. He's a damn NFL Tight-end out there who can light it up from anywhere on the court.

Also, as far as his nickname.. I have no idea if he named himself "King James" or other people around him did.. It's fair to say it's just going to be his nickname, given it's one of the first things you think of when trying to create a nickname for someone with the last name "James", since for some reason we all know about a King named James.

And Kobe named himself the Black Mamba.... relax people.

I wouldn't say his ego is any bigger than MJ or Kobe.. MJ fought steve Kerr during a practice, got in numerous fights. Kobe got into several fights (chris childs lit him up), he was hated by many of his teammates and those around the league. How many fights has Lebron been in? Maybe that says alot about his personality (or how the NBA changed).. Maybe he just isn't as much of a KILLER as Kobe or MJ. I'd definitely say he isn't. He's this weird mix of scorer, assist-man, rebounder, freak athlete, great leader, etc.

Now if only Shaq had developed a Jumper and improved his free-throws...............  ;D

pc! ;f

Great, great, great post. 

Just wanted to add a few things. 

First point about Lebrons athleticism.  You did a great job articulating a myth that needs to die - that Lebron James is just a big beast.  People need to realize that Lebron James is simply not THAT athletic.  What I mean by this is he isn't who he is because he is big and strong.  I play basketball with a guy at the gym who is 6'7 275 (former football player) and he is ok at pickup ball until a decent 6'4 or taller guy guards him.  Could someone dominate basketball through sheer athleticism alone?  Sure.  I'm sure I could dominate without practice in the NBA if I had my athleticism but was scaled up to about 9 feet tall.  Basketball is still a skill.   Lebrons size would make me a beast at the high school level but I would have to put in some serious work to even be an ok d1 player even if I had that height...  Lebrons gifts are not common but they are not so rare that he is the only guy in the world with them.  Everyone who thinks that Lebron is just athleticism should look at Jimmy Grahm of the Seattle Seahawks.  He is 6'7 260 and has NFL level speed and played basketball at the University of Miami.  He is a beast football player.  He basically has approximately Lebrons physical gifts and was an average college basketball player...  That's what Lebron was born with - a body that would get him to come off the bench of play as a mediocre college basketball player even if he didn't put in much work on his game.   Sure that's more than most of us are born with.  And it's more than Steph curry was born with (Less than Shaq was born with though).  But he has surpassed it by so much that it is really unfair to characterize him as just a physical force...

As far as your second point about improving weaknesses... You are right.  We can't look at a player with deficiencies and claim the player is lazy for not improving them because you simply can't say that because one player has easily improved some facet of his game that so too could another...  Individual variation is such that some things are really hard for some people and some things come easy to others...

However what we can do is two things... Look at how much better the player would be if he improved it - and use the evidence we have to make an educated guess about whether the players inability to improve is primarily from his laziness or from his individual variation. 

Take Rodman.  Would he have been better if he shot a higher percentage from the line?  Yes.  Everyone would.  Steph curry would be better if he shot 96% instead of 92%.  But how much better would Rodman have been?  He didn't attack the basket or go to the line much... We can assume it would have helped but not much... It's like Peyton manning if he had worked more on his speed... If he ran a 5.1 40yd instead of a 5.8 40yd or whatever terrible time he ran... Those few times he had to scramble he would have been better but they were few and far between cause that wasn't his game...

Shaq on the other hand would have been far far far better if he could have shot just 65% rather than 50%.  I forget the stats but I think he would have averaged something like 35 pts a game or something had he just shot slightly better from the line...  Free throws are kind of the special case in basketball because everyone shoots them.  You can say a player is better if he shoots 20% from three instead of 15% (because he certainly isn't worse) but it might make very little difference because he still shoots too low of a rate to justify his team wanting that shot at anytime except when the shot clock is expiring...

Now given that Shaq would have been much better at basketball if he could have shot free throws... Let's make an educated guess about how hard he worked at this skill?  He filmed Kazaam in the offseason.  He waited till season to get surgery because he "wanted to heal on company time".  He said dumb things like "I make them when it counts".  Now that's not proof he didn't work on it but my educated guess is that he was satisfied being really good and didn't feel the need to put in extra work to be even better and it pissed guys like Kobe off... This isn't to say that he could have gotten better if he practiced... It's just to say we will never know because I don't think he practiced his free throws as hard as he could have...

As far as Lebrons weaknesses.  You make great points to refute a lot of Chris Ms claims.  However I will admit I am somewhat swayed by Chris Ms free throw argument...  After seeing kawai Leonard raise his percentage, seeing Magic Johnson raise it every year, seeing even Tim Duncan finally raise it after years of struggles I do find it a bit suspicious that Lebron hasn't raised it at all is troubling... The fact that he shot 75% as a rookie and 71 and 73% the last two years does not make sense to me... I mean we don't know.  Maybe a hand injury that hasn't been reported... But you would expect a player fresh out of high school who simply hasn't gotten as many reps in to be able to improve his ft rate at least somewhat... I'm not saying he should shoot 90% but anything about 80% would be sufficient to convince me he does everything possible to make himself better...

Still.  Go Lebron.  I'm a Lebron fan and here is the moment I became a huge fan.  Back when Instagram was in its infancy I was following Lebron at the height of his non-popularity when he had just joined the heat... He posted a picture of his wife with a caption that said something like "I love my beautiful queen".   A commenter wrote "your the best player in the world but sorry bro your girl is about a 5". 

Now most celebrities would do the smart thing and ignore the trolling of mean spirited fans like this.  The most immature celebrities would engage the fan and say something mean back or try and ruin their life on social media (see Rihanna)... What did Lebron do?

He responded.  With a sad face emoji.  That's it.  Maybe it doesn't strike the rest of people but I thought it was so brilliant.  No engagement.  No need to remind the fan that he is a loser and "I am Lebron James and have millions of dollars".   Just the humanistic response to say with a single emoticon that "hey man I'm sorry you sad that it hurts my feelings cause it's mean."  Brilliant.   
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on May 31, 2016, 08:10:56 pm
Lebron is definitely a love him or hate type of dude but I agree you have to respect the athlete that he is. I do wish he cleaned up his footwork though. When he travels and it doesn't called it drives me wild.

All this finals talk has me hyped though. I'll be cheering for GSW but strongly leaning toward Cleveland to win, actually put down a $50 but with my friend.

Storylines:

1. Lebron v Curry - Literally a battle of 1v2 with a fair supporting cast this time for Lebron

2. Can Lebron win one for Cleveland?

3. Will GSW solidify itself as a great franchise to along with the record setting year

++ more I'm sure what do you guys think? I love that players like Adams this year and Delly last year make the headlines

I see CLE taking it in 6 or maybe even 5. GSW struggled under pressure early in 3 of the games they won and if it hadn't been for poor decision making by Westbrook and KD they would have been done. That is unless Curry and Klay absolutely shoot the lights out.

Also I would think that with the extended break that CLE may be able to snatch a win in game 1 away from home which would get them off to a flyer.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 01, 2016, 11:18:18 am
Lebron is definitely a love him or hate type of dude but I agree you have to respect the athlete that he is. I do wish he cleaned up his footwork though. When he travels and it doesn't called it drives me wild.

All this finals talk has me hyped though. I'll be cheering for GSW but strongly leaning toward Cleveland to win, actually put down a $50 but with my friend.

Storylines:

1. Lebron v Curry - Literally a battle of 1v2 with a fair supporting cast this time for Lebron

2. Can Lebron win one for Cleveland?

3. Will GSW solidify itself as a great franchise to along with the record setting year

++ more I'm sure what do you guys think? I love that players like Adams this year and Delly last year make the headlines

I see CLE taking it in 6 or maybe even 5. GSW struggled under pressure early in 3 of the games they won and if it hadn't been for poor decision making by Westbrook and KD they would have been done. That is unless Curry and Klay absolutely shoot the lights out.

Also I would think that with the extended break that CLE may be able to snatch a win in game 1 away from home which would get them off to a flyer.

I agree, I'm thinking CLE in 6. I think they're peaking at the right time and GSW seems somewhat beat down from a long season. If GSW is at its best though watch out, we could be seeing 7 games and one of the best finals ever. Last years final, that was just crazy and super intense, this one has the potential to be even better.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 01, 2016, 12:51:29 pm
btw, draymond has been keeping a public diary for the playoffs?

https://theundefeated.com/features/draymond-green-playoffs-diary-part-16/

pretty cool.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 01, 2016, 01:06:46 pm
bron's instagram has some unexpected stuff.. jaja.





Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 01, 2016, 09:48:32 pm
i'm glad CLE is well rested and at full strength.  after GSW kick their butt again this year CLE will have zero excuses and GSW will have finished a truly legendary year.

  :wowthatwasnutswtf:   :D   :)  :headbang:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 02, 2016, 11:05:50 am
i can't read all this shit because it makes me rage blackout. but i caught a couple of things. first, kobe nicknamed himself the black mamba, which is fucking stupid. also the idea that kobe was better than lebron is HILARIOUS. not by any measure is that true except maybe three-point shooting, which, it's not like kobe was a lights-out shooter.

also, i hate the argument about a player not being as good as another because he doesn't have the work ethic. we've had this discussion before about randy moss. couple reasons:
1. do you follow the player around all day and observe how he uses his time? you don't? right, right.
2. granted that the player isn't working as hard as you think he could, are you sure that if the player worked harder he would be better? what proof do you have that he wouldn't burn out or break down if he worked "harder"? none? oh, okay, cool.

in conclusion, lebron james is the best basketball player in the world and has been for most of the last decade. THE BEST. there is literally not a single person on earth better than him, out of 7+ billion. so to say he would be better if he did this or did that or worked harder or whatever is just ridiculous.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 02, 2016, 11:42:50 am
i can't read all this shit because it makes me rage blackout. but i caught a couple of things. first, kobe nicknamed himself the black mamba, which is fucking stupid. also the idea that kobe was better than lebron is HILARIOUS. not by any measure is that true except maybe three-point shooting, which, it's not like kobe was a lights-out shooter.

also, i hate the argument about a player not being as good as another because he doesn't have the work ethic. we've had this discussion before about randy moss. couple reasons:
1. do you follow the player around all day and observe how he uses his time? you don't? right, right.
2. granted that the player isn't working as hard as you think he could, are you sure that if the player worked harder he would be better? what proof do you have that he wouldn't burn out or break down if he worked "harder"? none? oh, okay, cool.

in conclusion, lebron james is the best basketball player in the world and has been for most of the last decade. THE BEST. there is literally not a single person on earth better than him, out of 7+ billion. so to say he would be better if he did this or did that or worked harder or whatever is just ridiculous.

short & sweet. well said.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 02, 2016, 12:09:07 pm
go warriors!

(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a307/robertodimaano/unnamed_zpsqink2daj.gif)

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 02, 2016, 09:40:39 pm
game 1 q1 just finished.  at a glance it's fairly easy to see CLE isn't a huge match up problem for GSW like OKC was.  i think it'll be GSW in 6 or less.  GSW just have too much firepower and too deep of bench for CLE.  Triston Thompson is one of the most over paid dude in NBA.  dude has no offense.  and why?  because apparently he's LBJ's buddy...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 03, 2016, 12:32:42 am
 :raging:
GSW can't win this series.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 03, 2016, 01:51:56 am
Game 1 sucked balls! Would be pretty disheartening for CLE that they lost with Curry and Klay so quiet. CLE seemed completely out of sorts though. JR - 3 FGA, Frye - 3FGA, Delly - 3FGA (2 poor choices). Love shooting 1 handed fall away half hook shots. WTF???

Very interested to see who turns up in game 2.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 03, 2016, 05:20:34 am
i might need to watch sunday's game at oracle..

the warriors are not coming back anymore  :headbang:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 03, 2016, 10:37:36 am
so....... GSW's bench is better than CLE's starters? :o

man the way game 1 turned out, could be a very bad sign for Cleveland. I'd like to see a 7 game series but.. not looking too optimistic after that. OKC got destroyed by SA in game 1 and bounced back, so it's easy to get caught up in "one game".

if there was any game they needed to steal, it was that one (with Curry/Klay so quiet).

very bad loss.



i might need to watch sunday's game at oracle..

the warriors are not coming back anymore  :headbang:

lmao.. very possible.

 :headbang:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 03, 2016, 12:09:14 pm
Lol, the friend I made a bet with has been on me all day, already celebrating. I still think this series is up in the air and it's just a matter of making adjustments. Lue has to neutralize that second unit however he can. Play through Mozgov, slow the game down, maybe move JR to second unit to get more opportunities. He has to do whatever he can not to have them go on a run like they did that 3rd quarter. The game was pretty much won there.

GSW looked great but I'm still optimistic. I thought Kyrie looked really good, he just has to hit more shots. I think these finals are his chance to really blow up. But with him and Lebron being able to get to the basket like they do and also having good shooters on the perimeter to kick out to, I think CLE is still in this. I dunno maybe I'm wishing them to victory but they played GSW to 6 games last year relying completely on Lebron isos and 110% defensive intensity. They need that back, their defense was in let's see what you can do mode last night.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 03, 2016, 12:29:30 pm
Lol, the friend I made a bet with has been on me all day, already celebrating. I still think this series is up in the air and it's just a matter of making adjustments. Lue has to neutralize that second unit however he can. Play through Mozgov, slow the game down, maybe move JR to second unit to get more opportunities. He has to do whatever he can not to have them go on a run like they did that 3rd quarter. The game was pretty much won there.

GSW looked great but I'm still optimistic. I thought Kyrie looked really good, he just has to hit more shots. I think these finals are his chance to really blow up. But with him and Lebron being able to get to the basket like they do and also having good shooters on the perimeter to kick out to, I think CLE is still in this. I dunno maybe I'm wishing them to victory but they played GSW to 6 games last year relying completely on Lebron isos and 110% defensive intensity. They need that back, their defense was in let's see what you can do mode last night.

ya but there's one thing that has changed considerably since last year -> GSW knows exactly who they are and their confidence is through the roof. GSW is the same team, but 100% confident in how they play together. CLE is a completely different team now that they have Kyree/Love back.

Hero ball might actually be an answer for CLE AWAY from home.. Hero ball between Lebron and someone else who is hot (ideally, Kyree). At home I think they will click alot better, they demonstrated that in the TOR series. Kevin Love isn't a killer on the road. So if anything, Lue might want to try some major 'style changes' away from home; Lebron will probably need to be way more aggressive on the road, is my major point. When CLE is away, he drives and kicks it out to open shooters who brick shots.. At home, they hit alot of those shots. So maybe we need to see the 35 ppg Lebron (from last year) @ GSW.

finally.. Kerr is just one of the best (if not the best) coach in the NBA. That's such a major factor in this series.

pC
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 03, 2016, 12:52:27 pm
Lol, the friend I made a bet with has been on me all day, already celebrating. I still think this series is up in the air and it's just a matter of making adjustments. Lue has to neutralize that second unit however he can. Play through Mozgov, slow the game down, maybe move JR to second unit to get more opportunities. He has to do whatever he can not to have them go on a run like they did that 3rd quarter. The game was pretty much won there.

GSW looked great but I'm still optimistic. I thought Kyrie looked really good, he just has to hit more shots. I think these finals are his chance to really blow up. But with him and Lebron being able to get to the basket like they do and also having good shooters on the perimeter to kick out to, I think CLE is still in this. I dunno maybe I'm wishing them to victory but they played GSW to 6 games last year relying completely on Lebron isos and 110% defensive intensity. They need that back, their defense was in let's see what you can do mode last night.

ya but there's one thing that has changed considerably since last year -> GSW knows exactly who they are and their confidence is through the roof. GSW is the same team, but 100% confident in how they play together. CLE is a completely different team now that they have Kyree/Love back.

Hero ball might actually be an answer for CLE AWAY from home.. Hero ball between Lebron and someone else who is hot (ideally, Kyree). At home I think they will click alot better, they demonstrated that in the TOR series. Kevin Love isn't a killer on the road. So if anything, Lue might want to try some major 'style changes' away from home; Lebron will probably need to be way more aggressive on the road, is my major point. When CLE is away, he drives and kicks it out to open shooters who brick shots.. At home, they hit alot of those shots. So maybe we need to see the 35 ppg Lebron (from last year) @ GSW.

finally.. Kerr is just one of the best (if not the best) coach in the NBA. That's such a major factor in this series.

pC

Damn great point about identity. It hurt the Cavs that they treated themselves as equals last night and they took on that lets go basket for basket mentality as long we keep the ball out of Stephs and klays hands. They have to change the way they approach the game for sure, especially away from home like you mentioned. Lebron just going nuts isn't a bad approach. It'll be interesting to see what they do. 
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 05, 2016, 09:50:35 pm
refs calling travelling on james now..this series is over. wish cavs would put up a better fight.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 05, 2016, 10:27:24 pm
refs calling travelling on james now..this series is over. wish cavs would put up a better fight.

Now if only they'd call all the other travels in the league.

First one was definitely a travel. Second one not so much.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 05, 2016, 10:29:26 pm
I'm seriously hoping the home court gives CLE some confidence. Otherwise the series will be an absolute embarrassment.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 05, 2016, 10:47:11 pm
it's pretty hard to see CLE having any chance...  GSW can easily match any points production of CLE and turn it up few notches for just few minutes and easily pull away.  can't really see the reverse for CLE, maybe once in a long while.  thus there is no way for this rendition of CLE winning 4 games against current GSW.  GSW has a strong chance of sweeping CLE clean this year, that  would please me the most.  and a fitting ending of this very special year.

 :trollface:

but damn if CLE can't even win one game at home it'll be pretty sad and CLE will be truly exposed.  East is weak and has been for some times...  CLE can't even seem to challenge GSW at all, not after losing 7 straight to GSW.  unlike OKC who always poses a threat and the battle with GSW are always exciting.  psychologically CLE might be just done...  out matched, out played, out coached, out defended, out team worked.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 05, 2016, 11:29:28 pm
it's pretty hard to see CLE having any chance...  GSW can easily match any points production of CLE and turn it up few notches for just few minutes and easily pull away.  can't really see the reverse for CLE, maybe once in a long while.  thus there is no way for this rendition of CLE winning 4 games against current GSW.  GSW has a strong chance of sweeping CLE clean this year, that  would please me the most.  and a fitting ending of this very special year.

 :trollface:

but damn if CLE can't even win one game at home it'll be pretty sad and CLE will be truly exposed.  East is weak and has been for some times...  CLE can't even seem to challenge GSW at all, not after losing 7 straight to GSW.  unlike OKC who always poses a threat and the battle with GSW are always exciting.  psychologically CLE might be just done...  out matched, out played, out coached, out defended, out team worked.

CLE looked old and slow. Lebron and Kyrie both look tentative and devoid of any confidence on the offensive end. That goes a long way towards GSW playing like they're on top of the world, especially the bench. There's no pressure whatsoever on GSW at the moment. I'd like to see that change and I'm hoping Lebron gets selfish again and looks to score. I mean why is he passing on the drive when he's 3 feet from the basket??? It's ridiculous.

*Edit- also don't you love how Iguodala gets hit in groin by Delly in game 1 and goes off his nut. Gets hit in groin by Lebron in game 2 and back away slowly.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 06, 2016, 12:16:26 am
hi. we were all so spoiled with GSW vs OKC  :ninja:

CLE just looks dead.. I stopped watching, and watched Game of Thrones instead, etc. Even if someone is losing, as long as they have fight in them, it's worth watching.. In the GSW vs OKC series, I couldn't stop watching; it was a real fight.

As for ghettoracer's comment, i dno, going to be hard to see CLE getting swept.. but.. also hard seeing them winning the next 2 @ home. GSW takes 1 out of those 2 then finishes it in game 5 @ GSW, probably their preferred storybook ending. A title to cap off the best regular season in history, and one of the best playoff comebacks in NBA history.

Now if only we can get the 1996 Bulls to go against the 2016 Warriors in a 7 game series..  :wowthatwasnutswtf:

on a side note; Durant needs to sign with the Heat so we can see GSW vs MIA next year. :F
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 06, 2016, 02:45:54 am
I taped the game at home to watch when I finished work. After reading this thread and looking at the final score I'm not even going to bother watching it. CLE are choking.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 06, 2016, 06:50:54 am
I taped the game at home to watch when I finished work. After reading this thread and looking at the final score I'm not even going to bother watching it. CLE are choking.

Basketball is one of those sports where it is really difficult to decide if I team is performing poorly or if their opponent is just playing excellent defense because so much of defense doesn't show up in the stat sheet... 

As far as this series so far...  The cavs seem to be doing everything perfect.  They are bottling up Klay and Steph about as well as you can contain the two best shooters of all time...  They seem to be getting decent shots.  But they are just not making them which makes for ugly basketball that is not fun to watch...

Can you really claim that they are choking rather than just giving credit to the warriors excellent defense like everyone in the bay area is doing?  I think maybe the warriors defense deserves some credit for sure... BUT 35% from the field and 20% from three?  I mean not to take anything away from the warriors but I have to agree with Mutumbo for the most part.  I think it comes down the Cavs just not making shots...

What it looks like to me is that the entire Cavs team has the same problems as the warriors bench.  The warriors bench plays better at home just like all benches in the NBA.  I mean Speights frequently lights it up at home especially when the lead is established but you really see them relying on him for a pressure filled road game...

The is sort of the nature of what benches are in the NBA.  Usually younger, less experienced, less able to handle pressure but still supremely talented athletes who the team can't count on in the most difficult of situations but often excellent at home and especially with an established lead to extend.  No team has a bench that is more reliable during adversity than their starters - otherwise these guys would play far more... 

Watching the Cavs it looks like their entire team (except Lebron) suffers from this "bench stereotype".   Unfortunately that is ALL their shooters and if in adverse conditions two of your main three point options are playing in their first finals and second playoffs ever (Love and Irving) and can't be counted on to make shots and those who have been here before are career long headcases as shooters (JR smith, Shumpert) you simply can't win.  The one player who they do expect to perform on the road is Lebron and even in the best scenario he isn't a great three point shooter... 

It's unfortunate that Lebron was supposed to have a better chance with Love and Irving healthy... But because they missed last year he now has two players playing in their first nba finals.  And they are playing like it's their first time here and I think that's again too much to ask of Lebron - it sucks because thats not what the media will say but it is the truth.

I mean Steph Curry and Klay choked to some extent the first couple games of last years finals... It just didn't matter because they pulled off one game 1 in overtime despite less than stellar performances from their stars and then by the time they fell behind 2-1 they started playing well despite the pressure and the Lebron was so overworked that they didn't have much left...


The sad thing this year is that the warriors bench is actually less young and inexperienced guys and more older journeymen who are pretty adept at handling adversity - Barbosa, Igudola, Livingston.   I trust those three guys on the road to still perform reasonably well far more than anyone on the Cavs other than Lebron....  That is truly scary and doesn't help the Cavs chances..  You really see how much a team like the Cavs needed home court - unfortunately the Warriors won 73 so they can't really complain that they just missed out...

Anyway, regardless of who you are a fan of lets hope the Cav shooters can find their stroke again at home because otherwise this will not be an entertaining series...  I'm a fan of Lebron the player but I can't understanding hoping for a team to lose or cheering against a team - the Warriors are amazing and it would be great to see them win...  But even if I was a diehard warrior fan I feel almost so confident in their chances that I would find myself halfway hoping JR smith knocks down 5-10 threes in the next game and the Cavs win...  It almost seems Cav victories just mean we get to watch more basketball at this point - but they don't affect the outcome...  And who doesn't want to watch more basketball before a long summer without it...  I really hope the Cavs with game three and four - I still would see the warriors winning game 5 and closing it out in 6 or if by some stroke of luck the cavs won we would get to see a game 7 - and game 7 on the home court in the finals is pretty much a done deal.  At this point the Cavs have two ways of winning the series:

(1) Win four straight games
(2) Win a game seven in golden state

Does anybody really see either as remotely likely?  I don't think so.  So cheer for cleveland if you want to see a few more games!   
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 06, 2016, 01:27:37 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z0Eblu1Aaw

hmm, LBJ's defensive body language is not looking good.  the effort seems poor and he seem to have lost a bit of speed and hop.  CLE are not very good at switching defense.  lot of poor communication.  and Irving and Love are out right poor defenders.

overall CLE doesn't look cohesive on offense or defense.  seems like they have lot of internal problems...  just for the heck of it i'm predicting a double digit win by GSW in game 3 with splash bro going for 50+ combined.  115-92.

 :trolldance:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 06, 2016, 09:06:14 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/xNkqYAf.gif)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 06, 2016, 11:14:18 pm
no offense to the cavs fans here, but IMO the cavs of 2015 will beat the cavs of 2016. a lot better defense and lebron james is more beast.

i dont see the warriors dropping a game on the road. clay and curry will really try to put out a good game soon.. otherwise livingston might get the finals mvp.  boo. clay deserves it for killing okc by himself.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 07, 2016, 12:11:19 am
to me CLE's biggest mistake was the both the timing and firing of coach Blatt.  he did a good job and yet CLE didn't show him much respect.  i don't buy it one bit LBJ had nothing to do with the firing.  LBJ's on court disrespect for Blatt was clearly on display.  get the team to the Finals and fired when the team is at 30-11?  SMH.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 07, 2016, 12:19:26 am
no offense to the cavs fans here, but IMO the cavs of 2015 will beat the cavs of 2016. a lot better defense and lebron james is more beast.

i dont see the warriors dropping a game on the road. clay and curry will really try to put out a good game soon.. otherwise livingston might get the finals mvp.  boo. clay deserves it for killing okc by himself.

ya I can see Curry/Klay going nuts in Cleveland.

Curry can win MVP two years in a row, but not win Finals MVP in both of those years (if they win again).. that's how good GSW is. crazy.



to me CLE's biggest mistake was the both the timing and firing of coach Blatt.  he did a good job and yet CLE didn't show him much respect.  i don't buy it one bit LBJ had nothing to do with the firing.  LBJ's on court disrespect for Blatt was clearly on display.  get the team to the Finals and fired when the team is at 30-11?  SMH.

ya Blatt's firing didn't make much sense to me.. what a tough deal for him. Now he's coaching outside the U.S..
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 07, 2016, 12:33:18 am
I went from being the biggest LBJ fan to being anti Cavs when he did wrong by my boy Wiggins. Before that I would argue passionately why he was the best ever and he wasn't an asshole like MJ had been. I dont care to anymore, he laid his bed, he has been an awful custodian of his talent and legend. A better man would have more results to show. He could have gone anywhere but the Cavs but once he went back he could have done a lot better than killing his coach and rookie. I don't respect him the same since. Still a pretty good career mind you. Go warriors. I still can't believe how close OKC came :(
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 08, 2016, 12:45:39 am
Quote
he has been an awful custodian of his talent and legend. A better man would have more results to show.

i couldn't have put it any better.  to me his ego really got him good, which might not be all his fault since all the hype he received and huge endorsements at such a young age.  some argue he turn out pretty good but like you said, could/should have been better.  a lot better.  but his ego never subsided over the years, in that aspect i think he never learned to be truly humble.  yeah he claims to be but it's an act.  with his athletic performance seeming fading pretty fast if he don't make his mid range jumper more solid and add some real footwork improvements the sun is setting quick.  footwork is simply practice until second nature and you'll certainly know yourself if you did it wrong when you travelled.  when he can say it with a straight face "i don't travel".  what does that say about him?

another thing i heard and fully agree with since returning to CLE is LBJ "player" is doing well, but LBJ "GM", and LBJ "coach" has been disaster...  he should let other people do their jobs.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 08, 2016, 01:16:09 am
Quote
he has been an awful custodian of his talent and legend. A better man would have more results to show.

i couldn't have put it any better.  to me his ego really got him good, which might not be all his fault since all the hype he received and huge endorsements at such a young age.  some argue he turn out pretty good but like you said, could/should have been better.  a lot better.  but his ego never subsided over the years, in that aspect i think he never learned to be truly humble.  yeah he claims to be but it's an act.  with his athletic performance seeming fading pretty fast if he don't make his mid range jumper more solid and add some real footwork improvements the sun is setting quick.  footwork is simply practice until second nature and you'll certainly know yourself if you did it wrong when you travelled.  when he can say it with a straight face "i don't travel".  what does that say about him?

so if lebron was humble, but still failed to improve, then what? .. but that's the key here i guess.. lebron's personality, or perceived lack of humility, results in people concocting all types of arguments against his achievements. Personally, I think it's waaaaaay to easy to say "someone could have been great, but they didn't do x y z, or they weren't humble enough".

I guess it just bothers me.. I'll use Kobe as an example. Kobe receives so much praise, yet, he was so much more hated than Lebron as a player, teammate etc. He basically demanded a trade as soon as he got into the league. His ego was through the roof; he was the black mamba after all. He had a major "indiscretion" (which was potentially criminal). He was apart of a dynasty team, with SHAQ, who he helped to run out of LA. His two titles in 2009 & 2010 were an amazing achievement, given that he didn't have shaq anymore. So, is he a disappointment? Should he have 10 titles if he had been more humble? This is an easy game to play.. Let's play it with Shaq, arguably the most un-humble guy next to Wilt Chamberlain or Dennis Rodman. Is Shaq a disappointment? If he had been more humble, would he be less of one?

These are hall-of-fame players we're talking about here.. Being "more humble" is just some weird talking point I mostly see people throw around, just to give themselves an excuse to crap on an athlete.

News flash.. many of the best athletes/players in history aren't humble. They have big egos.

It's just so odd to me that two athletes with huge egos, can be treated so dramatically different by people.

Also to sum it up; I think the humble/ego excuse is very weak.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=why+do+champions+have+big+egos



As far as tennis goes, i've seen people in person use a similar argument to basically justify racist comments targeting Serena Williams.. because of her "ego". In tennis it's especially a problem, because lots of people are just looking for an excuse to always root against "the black chick". They most often use such baseless arguments to justify their hate.. Meanwhile, these same people were fans of Mcenroe, Roddick, Murray etc.



Quote
another thing i heard and fully agree with since returning to CLE is LBJ "player" is doing well, but LBJ "GM", and LBJ "coach" has been disaster...  he should let other people do their jobs.

disaster? they got to two straight finals.. is it Lebron's fault that everyone is missing shots? heh.

and let's imagine he has that kind of influence over the GM & owner of CLE.. how is it his fault, that they would listen to him, instead of doing their job?

:uhhhfacepalm:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 08, 2016, 04:36:46 am
I hear you ghettoranger but unlike you I am still pretty high on Lebron. I hope he gets it together and does justice to his gifts and ends with a legacy worthy of best ever player. However, he may never get there which is sad to me as a fan. I grew up worshipping MJ but I had no idea what he was /really/ like -- and it shattered my world view when i discovered he was nothing like the clean cut image he had sold us all those years ago. I must have seen Come Fly With Me at least a hundred times .. had it on VHS and played it all the time. Lol. I sometimes think i could have done with a better role model but that's not for this conversation lol.

So when ppl talk about LBJ's ego i don't agree. He's pretty humble and down to earth when you compare him to Jordan and somehow Jordan (or Kobe) gets a pass??

I do agree that Lebron shud never have so much influence over personnel and management decisions. I felt even in Miami days he got away with exerting too much influence but it was nothing like what he did with the Cavs on his 2nd tenure there. I was indifferent to the Cavs previously but after that I can't accept a team which allows one player so much abuse of power. And Lebron as GM / coach sucks -- he should have surrounded himself with better staff who would have advised him to make better decisions. That's kinda tragic to me, i really really wanted him to end his career as GOAT.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 08, 2016, 10:11:52 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyCXnegL_zA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6_DnXS6xE0
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 08, 2016, 11:23:01 am
I really can't fathom the Lebron hate. There are dozens of 1st round picks that turn out to be complete busts. Yet Lebron came straight out of high school into the NBA and has been the best player for the past decade and has been killing it ever since high school. He's 6'8 that's the average height of a player in the NBA, but he's got the speed of a PG and the power of a forward. The knock on Lebron is that he hasn't won many rings but compare him to Carmelo who grew up in the same era, is arguably a better shooter and has similar physical attributes minus the athleticism and you don't hear all this criticism about Carmelo not living up to expectations...Jordan is the GOAT i'd love to see Lebron surpass him, but even if he doesn't he's had and is still having a very successful career. Personality wise he's a hell of a lot better dude than Jordan who from most accounts is a complete douche.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 08, 2016, 12:13:35 pm
I hear you ghettoranger but unlike you I am still pretty high on Lebron. I hope he gets it together and does justice to his gifts and ends with a legacy worthy of best ever player. However, he may never get there which is sad to me as a fan. I grew up worshipping MJ but I had no idea what he was /really/ like -- and it shattered my world view when i discovered he was nothing like the clean cut image he had sold us all those years ago. I must have seen Come Fly With Me at least a hundred times .. had it on VHS and played it all the time. Lol. I sometimes think i could have done with a better role model but that's not for this conversation lol.

So when ppl talk about LBJ's ego i don't agree. He's pretty humble and down to earth when you compare him to Jordan and somehow Jordan (or Kobe) gets a pass??

I do agree that Lebron shud never have so much influence over personnel and management decisions. I felt even in Miami days he got away with exerting too much influence but it was nothing like what he did with the Cavs on his 2nd tenure there. I was indifferent to the Cavs previously but after that I can't accept a team which allows one player so much abuse of power. And Lebron as GM / coach sucks -- he should have surrounded himself with better staff who would have advised him to make better decisions. That's kinda tragic to me, i really really wanted him to end his career as GOAT.


I'll probably get some flak for playing the race card...  But sorry I see no other explanation for the Lebron hate...

Racism isn't always some overt thing where you hate the members of a certain race.  A basketball fan can love Tim Duncan and hate Lebron and this can be born out of racism...  Allen Iverson is the most racially polarizing basketball star of all time - this doesn't mean his detractors were not fans of any black players...

I think Andrew is on to something with his Serena example, people don't like to see her succeed because of racism and use excuses to tear her down.  The idea that Lebron is any less humble than other stars in laughable...

I challenge you all to do this to understand the Lebron hate.  Substitute the word humble for the word obedient.   I think you see a lot of truth in the Lebron hate now.   Lebron isn't obedient and that makes people really mad.  He didn't obey his owner, he didn't obey a white agent, or a white coach, he did it his way and this makes people mad. 

Jordan and Kobe did it under a white "zen master" who was wise and they obeyed and were rewarded (at least this is the narrative).

I think this is so clear in the criticism that Lebron exerts too much power over personnel decisions.  Never mind that Kobe ran Shaq out of town and embarrassed and clowned Smush Parker and his new supporting cast - the idea that Lebron makes decisions as the GM really pisses people off? 

I find this ridiculous.  First of he isn't the GM.  You all realize that right?  If he has bad ideas and the owner and the general manager do what he says then THEY are bad at their jobs!  If I call Obama on the line and suggest we bomb Canada and he listens to me - I am not that bad politician, he is the bad politician.

Second... Is he bad?  Let's see the GM team of him Pat Riley and D wade all converged and set up a team to go to four straight finals and win two.  That's damn impressive. 

During those four years Cleveland was absolutely terrible despite a number one pick and an angry letter from a petulant idiot owner who sounded like a spurned slave owner that he would win a title before Lebron.... Not very humble...

But you know what is humble?  Not taking the racist attacks by Daniel Gilbert personally and returning to shitty ass Cleveland to play for an owner who disrespected you because you realize winning a title is something you want to do for the people of the city and you can move on from the past.   Think Jordan would play for Krause again??? Hah. 

Since his return to Cleveland they have made back to back finals.  Sure they didn't win the first time and probably won't win this...  But they are going up against a warriors juggernaut.  Sometimes you peak when someone really good peaks.  Second isn't so bad...  I mean the Jazz of 97,98 were one of the great NBA teams.  Jerry Sloan did an excellent job and their management assembled excellent teams, they are not failures because they went against MJ and the Bulls and lost.   The warriors are equal to the Bulls.  Sure Kobe and Shaq won three in a row... But seriously the Nets, Pacers and 76ers?   Then they lost to the Pistons who LBJ beat single handedly.   Basketball has up and down times.  The 90s were amazing.  The early aughts were terrible.  Teams are really good right now.  The Thunder have made the finals once and never won.  They are light years better than teams like the 2004 pistons and nets and pacers... Timing is everything...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 08, 2016, 12:26:22 pm
Quote
he has been an awful custodian of his talent and legend. A better man would have more results to show.

i couldn't have put it any better.  to me his ego really got him good, which might not be all his fault since all the hype he received and huge endorsements at such a young age.  some argue he turn out pretty good but like you said, could/should have been better.  a lot better.  but his ego never subsided over the years, in that aspect i think he never learned to be truly humble.  yeah he claims to be but it's an act.  with his athletic performance seeming fading pretty fast if he don't make his mid range jumper more solid and add some real footwork improvements the sun is setting quick.  footwork is simply practice until second nature and you'll certainly know yourself if you did it wrong when you travelled.  when he can say it with a straight face "i don't travel".  what does that say about him?

another thing i heard and fully agree with since returning to CLE is LBJ "player" is doing well, but LBJ "GM", and LBJ "coach" has been disaster...  he should let other people do their jobs.

You know what isn't humble?  The assumption that Lebron James can improve his footwork because you have and that your turn around jump shot is so good.  LOL.  What level basketball do you play?  Every level you go up the game moves 10x faster.  It's exponentially scarier and more intimidating to try to do anything with the ball the higher you go....

So please stop telling us how sure you are that he doesn't work on his game.  And stop telling us that you know he doesn't work on his game because your skillset is so improved.  I can look like a god dribbling, and spinning, and posting up, and dunking on my back cuts,  in my intramural league.  But... If I was in the NBA I would be stumbling and dribbling the ball off my feet.  Different levels of ball just are not comparable at all.  Except for free throws.  That's why the only "I wish I saw more Lebron improvement" that I'll give any credence to is Chris Ms point that he hasn't improved free throw percentage since entering the league...

It's not proof of a poor work ethic but it's the only suggestion I see.  To claim Lebron doesn't work hard because you know the game so well is ludicrous and delusional.  It's a misconception that all elite athletes work extremely hard at their craft - logical but actually false.  But it's also totally false that you can tell which ones do and don't by comparing your improvements at a lower level to theirs. 
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 08, 2016, 12:57:39 pm
I hear you ghettoranger but unlike you I am still pretty high on Lebron. I hope he gets it together and does justice to his gifts and ends with a legacy worthy of best ever player. However, he may never get there which is sad to me as a fan. I grew up worshipping MJ but I had no idea what he was /really/ like -- and it shattered my world view when i discovered he was nothing like the clean cut image he had sold us all those years ago. I must have seen Come Fly With Me at least a hundred times .. had it on VHS and played it all the time. Lol. I sometimes think i could have done with a better role model but that's not for this conversation lol.

So when ppl talk about LBJ's ego i don't agree. He's pretty humble and down to earth when you compare him to Jordan and somehow Jordan (or Kobe) gets a pass??

I do agree that Lebron shud never have so much influence over personnel and management decisions. I felt even in Miami days he got away with exerting too much influence but it was nothing like what he did with the Cavs on his 2nd tenure there. I was indifferent to the Cavs previously but after that I can't accept a team which allows one player so much abuse of power. And Lebron as GM / coach sucks -- he should have surrounded himself with better staff who would have advised him to make better decisions. That's kinda tragic to me, i really really wanted him to end his career as GOAT.


I'll probably get some flak for playing the race card...  But sorry I see no other explanation for the Lebron hate...

Racism isn't always some overt thing where you hate the members of a certain race.  A basketball fan can love Tim Duncan and hate Lebron and this can be born out of racism...  Allen Iverson is the most racially polarizing basketball star of all time - this doesn't mean his detractors were not fans of any black players...

I think Andrew is on to something with his Serena example, people don't like to see her succeed because of racism and use excuses to tear her down.  The idea that Lebron is any less humble than other stars in laughable...

I challenge you all to do this to understand the Lebron hate.  Substitute the word humble for the word obedient.   I think you see a lot of truth in the Lebron hate now.   Lebron isn't obedient and that makes people really mad.  He didn't obey his owner, he didn't obey a white agent, or a white coach, he did it his way and this makes people mad. 

Jordan and Kobe did it under a white "zen master" who was wise and they obeyed and were rewarded (at least this is the narrative).

The substituting of humble for obedient is pure gold. This is exactly what i've witnessed in person (at work) or in other settings. In my personal experience, these things are mostly said by whites, but also by "non-blacks" (latino, asian etc). There are people who know exactly what they are doing when they say these things. I think these are usually the ones who put these narratives out in the media/sports world to begin with. Then there's most everyone else who hear these narratives, slurp them up, and perpetuate them.

I've said before on many occasions; I absolutely hate the fact that the fans & team owners think they own the players. I really respected Lebron for leaving Cleveland.. and after what he had to put up with from those former-fans who turned so badly on him, and the the Cavs owner, I was shocked to see him end up going back to Cleveland. But that's damn admirable that he'd go back to try and win them a championship after all that Cleveland's "fans" put him through. They turned their backs on him so quick when he announced he was leaving; "oooh but it was how he announced it, that's why I hate him". Give me a break. Then they open their arms for him when he decides to come back? It's easy to cheer for him when you feel like he's "yours".



Quote
I think this is so clear in the criticism that Lebron exerts too much power over personnel decisions.  Never mind that Kobe ran Shaq out of town and embarrassed and clowned Smush Parker and his new supporting cast - the idea that Lebron makes decisions as the GM really pisses people off? 

I find this ridiculous.  First of he isn't the GM.  You all realize that right?  If he has bad ideas and the owner and the general manager do what he says then THEY are bad at their jobs!  If I call Obama on the line and suggest we bomb Canada and he listens to me - I am not that bad politician, he is the bad politician.

Second... Is he bad?  Let's see the GM team of him Pat Riley and D wade all converged and set up a team to go to four straight finals and win two.  That's damn impressive. 

During those four years Cleveland was absolutely terrible despite a number one pick and an angry letter from a petulant idiot owner who sounded like a spurned slave owner that he would win a title before Lebron.... Not very humble...

But you know what is humble?  Not taking the racist attacks by Daniel Gilbert personally and returning to shitty ass Cleveland to play for an owner who disrespected you because you realize winning a title is something you want to do for the people of the city and you can move on from the past.   Think Jordan would play for Krause again??? Hah. 

Since his return to Cleveland they have made back to back finals.  Sure they didn't win the first time and probably won't win this...  But they are going up against a warriors juggernaut.  Sometimes you peak when someone really good peaks.  Second isn't so bad...  I mean the Jazz of 97,98 were one of the great NBA teams.  Jerry Sloan did an excellent job and their management assembled excellent teams, they are not failures because they went against MJ and the Bulls and lost.   The warriors are equal to the Bulls.  Sure Kobe and Shaq won three in a row... But seriously the Nets, Pacers and 76ers?   Then they lost to the Pistons who LBJ beat single handedly.   Basketball has up and down times.  The 90s were amazing.  The early aughts were terrible.  Teams are really good right now.  The Thunder have made the finals once and never won.  They are light years better than teams like the 2004 pistons and nets and pacers... Timing is everything...

such a great post :wowthatwasnutswtf:

One thing that I really like about this thread is how; in other settings (youtube, facebook, x-forum, in person) normally these things are said about Lebron and they pretty much go un-checked. It's great to see all of the points that have been brought up to defend Lebron; mostly his character and achievements. As for the debate on whether or not he should have improved his free throws, footwork, jumper, post up game, left hand etc, more by now; that's still up in the air. But, to simply say he hasn't improved or won more championships because of his ego, character, not practicing hard enough, etc; I think those have been shot down fairly well.

There's an ongoing character/achievement assassination of Lebron, that seemed to begin with him leaving Cleveland. I hope people who shoot down his character/achievements so easily, without a strong argument, realize at some point that they've just been sucked into this campaign or that they need to address some deeply rooted racism that they never knew they had.



And I can't say it enough.. I've witnessed this same exact thing with Serena Williams and it drives me up the wall. It's just much more obvious in the case of Serena. Apparently, that "one moment" where she freaked out on the line judge calling her for a foot fault during a serve, was "the moment". That allowed everyone who wanted to hate her, to openly voice their disgust for her, every time she takes the court. To diminish her accomplishments, every chance they get. To openly voice their frustration that a black female tennis player is dominating in a mostly "white" sport.

Serena would fall under the category of "disobedient". She's vocal, aggressive, powerful, confident, and she's been destroying her opponents for a very long time - even while spending much of her energy in off-the-court endeavors such as fashion etc. If you ever wanted to see people lash out at "the disobedient black", look no further. It's disgraceful.

As you can see I get heated on this topic. Just witnessing it in person, in so many different settings, stays with you.



Finally, just look at what Raptor said in reaction to Draymond's kick.. That's a great example of some of the stuff we're talking about here.. obviously more blatant. If he wasn't as blatant with his remarks, he could have easily disguised it using other excuses/attacks for years to come, ie much more subtle, all over one action which I perceive to be the trigger that allowed him to just let loose his hate. In this day&age, you can't convince me that calling a black person an ape/monkey in an attack, doesn't have deeply rooted hate based on race.



pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 08, 2016, 02:59:21 pm
Just to play the devils advocate here, sports are usually a highly emotional setting. People identify so much with the teams and players they support that it can bring out the best and also the worst of emotion. I think for this reason I think the dynamics that come into people love/ hating players and teams are a bit more complex.

For example, I was cheering for the Raptors in the Eastern conference final and Kyle Lowry who I've been a huge fan of since he played for Nova. Quick to rage and emotion I was the biggest Lebron basher calling him out for traveling and being a talentless ball of athleticism. Flash forward to the finals and the bet I have outstanding (likely to lose now) and I feel completely different toward Lebron and am totally sympathetic toward him. I see him as totally human with his vulnerabilities instead of this unmovable force my team couldn't get past. This is completely selfish I understand that but I do think that's the reason why sports move us.

We get caught up and like you guys mentioned, think athletes owe it to us to compete and act a certain way. So my point being that when it comes to sports, things aren't as black and white as they may seem because people get so emotionally caught up.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 08, 2016, 03:59:23 pm
The substituting of humble for obedient is pure gold. This is exactly what i've witnessed in person (at work) or in other settings. In my personal experience, these things are mostly said by whites, but also by "non-blacks" (latino, asian etc). There are people who know exactly what they are doing when they say these things. I think these are usually the ones who put these narratives out in the media/sports world to begin with. Then there's most everyone else who hear these narratives, slurp them up, and perpetuate them.

To be totally fair I don't think it's only non-blacks who perpetuate these narratives.  Sure, people are self-interested so it's pretty rare to find a black person who is overtly racist toward black people - but this kind of subtle pervasive racism is a stain on society, it affects us all regardless of skin color.  I think the people who you refer to as "knowing exactly what they are doing" are rarely black people - but the narratives are repeated most commonly by white people, less commonly by non-black minorities and even less commonly but still substantially by black people.  I think that in the black community a lot of this comes from jealousy from the older generation - the reaction is sort of "Hey I was obedient and didn't think about what was best for me, what the hell do you think you are doing doing things differently than the way they have always been done!"

Additionally, to be fair some of these people perpetuating the narratives are people who have just taken their fandom for another player to far too extreme of a level.  I have met Kobe fans who parrot any negative thing about LBJ just to keep him from challenging Kobe on the historical charts.  I even have a black friend from Chicago who used to repeat all kinds of ridiculous reasons for why LBJ is no good and not loyal like MJ - although now he is cheering in vain for Lebron and against Curry and the Warriors because he doesn't want to see the 73 win season end in a championship so it won't count.  LOL. 

Speaking of the way things have always been done, it's important to reflect on just how far we have come in America as far as sports.  One of the many reasons to love sports is it's ability to tell us so much socioculturally.  It really wasn't that long ago ( ~ 1950 ) that the color-line was just being broken in major american sports.  At that time there were many fans who believed in an actual white physical superiority and some cultural minds thought that blacks challenging this racism would result in sports becoming less popular...  What's fascinating is now the three most popular sports in America have far more black athletes than white and sports are far more popular than ever...  Unfortunately the simple solution (America is no longer racist!) is not really how we arrived here and you need to look no farther than the popularity of Trump and disrespect of Obama to see how clear that is...  Sport has remained popular in a racist country despite the majority of athletes being black because what sport is has changed - sport is no longer about the athlete but about the management, the strategy, the salary cap deals, the trades, etc - all things orchestrated by the white participants in the sport. This is why fantasy sports are so popular.

White people are ok with being fans of sports where the majority of athletes are blacks as long as they are the loyal foot soldiers in the operation - they grumble about them being overpaid (which is RIDICULOUS because some of these same people who say LBJ is overpaid are free-market republicans who should be in full opposition to an artificial max-salary that forces LBJ to be massively underpaid relative to what he is worth in a fair market) but accept them as part of the game.  This is IMO why football is the most popular sport in America - it's black athletes are truly faceless soldiers hidden behind a helmet, with unguaranteed contracts, short careers and a lifetime of brain damage to look forward to, while the decision makers are wealthy whites making strategic deals...  I mean how many football fans have you met who are fans of Bill Belichick?  He doesn't even play football - yet the game is made about how he is a genius rather than the skill of the players. 

This is why football players can have straight up criminal records and basically kill people but Cam Newton get's heat for celebrating when he scores rather than running back to the sideline obediently and Richard Sherman gets called a thug for being emotional about the most important play of his life... Of course Richard Sherman and Cam Newton both have long time girlfriends/wives and children with only them and have never been in legal trouble.. But the same media that loves to blame bad models in athletics won't praise these guys as excellent role models... 


Quote
such a great post :wowthatwasnutswtf:

One thing that I really like about this thread is how; in other settings (youtube, facebook, x-forum, in person) normally these things are said about Lebron and they pretty much go un-checked. It's great to see all of the points that have been brought up to defend Lebron; mostly his character and achievements. As for the debate on whether or not he should have improved his free throws, footwork, jumper, post up game, left hand etc, more by now; that's still up in the air. But, to simply say he hasn't improved or won more championships because of his ego, character, not practicing hard enough, etc; I think those have been shot down fairly well.

There's an ongoing character/achievement assassination of Lebron, that seemed to begin with him leaving Cleveland. I hope people who shoot down his character/achievements so easily, without a strong argument, realize at some point that they've just been sucked into this campaign or that they need to address some deeply rooted racism that they never knew they had.

And I can't say it enough.. I've witnessed this same exact thing with Serena Williams and it drives me up the wall. It's just much more obvious in the case of Serena. Apparently, that "one moment" where she freaked out on the line judge calling her for a foot fault during a serve, was "the moment". That allowed everyone who wanted to hate her, to openly voice their disgust for her, every time she takes the court. To diminish her accomplishments, every chance they get. To openly voice their frustration that a black female tennis player is dominating in a mostly "white" sport.

Serena would fall under the category of "disobedient". She's vocal, aggressive, powerful, confident, and she's been destroying her opponents for a very long time - even while spending much of her energy in off-the-court endeavors such as fashion etc. If you ever wanted to see people lash out at "the disobedient black", look no further. It's disgraceful.

As you can see I get heated on this topic. Just witnessing it in person, in so many different settings, stays with you.

Finally, just look at what Raptor said in reaction to Draymond's kick.. That's a great example of some of the stuff we're talking about here.. obviously more blatant. If he wasn't as blatant with his remarks, he could have easily disguised it using other excuses/attacks for years to come, ie much more subtle, all over one action which I perceive to be the trigger that allowed him to just let loose his hate. In this day&age, you can't convince me that calling a black person an ape/monkey in an attack, doesn't have deeply rooted hate based on race.

pc!

Really good points.  You probably have an interesting perspective being a white person in that people probably let their guard down and say these racist things a little quicker...  I'm so racially ambiguous that I try to hide in the shadows but I think people are a little more guarded and careful to not reveal themselves to me quite as fast..  In fact I don't have many white friends that are into sports but it's the one I do have who tells me the racist things people tell him about athletes that have really shocked me the most...

It's great that it gets you heated, it should!  Speaking of Raptors hate filled posts - it's perspectives like this that are so dangerous because they lead to a racism and hate that the person feels is justified.  I really hate to talk about my personal life but I find it unavoidable to give LBJ credit for one of the things I respect so much without admitting to my own personal failings...

What's so ironic is that while Lebron is hated for not being obedient (although they use the euphemism that he is not humble or too egotistical) while he is actually fiercely loyal.  His loyalty is on display in so many ways - to his family, to his city (returning to Cleveland after being blasted by the owner), to his friends (hiring them rather than some established agents), and most importantly in my opinion to his woman.  I think a lot of us have grown up with the support of a loyal girl that is down to ride just like he has... But most of us don't still have her...  While my level of athletic/academic/professional success is obvious far less than Lebron and I still went from very little to a lot more in my life and I have to confess that track meets at UNLV, pool parties in Vegas full of previously untouchables (tall light-skinned women really), and the temptation to get the rewards that one feels he deserves was stronger than my ability to be loyal to my ride or die...  I can contrast myself with Lebron, who despite levels of temptation far greater than what I couldn't handle is still loyal to his middle school girlfriend and put a ring on her finger. I can honestly say that while his basketball game is amazing that this is an aspect where I look up to him like as a man - it's taken me a lot longer than him but at my current age (same as him) I can see the value in living life loyal to those who were loyal to you rather than like you for what you did...

This experience is why I don't judge Dwight Howard for coming into the league as this Christian role model and having a bunch of kids out of wedlock with a bunch of women.  It is not easy.  I get it.  And it's really unfair to judge someone for giving in to a level of temptation that you haven't experienced.  It's why I have no patience for Raptor when he talks about how unfair it is that he doesn't have a girlfriend because "if he did he would be so loyal and perfect unlike all these other assholes who take it for granted".   It's like Chris Rock said about 90 year old Strom Thurmond during Clinton's sex scandal in the 1990's - "it's real easy to judge Bill Clinton when your 90 years old and nobody is begging to give you a blowjob". 

That said while I don't feel right judging athletes for their indiscretions - I do 100% feel that we should praise and elevate those who don't.  It makes me really mad that a media who claims to take things like rape culture seriously and care about athletes who are role models never bring this up...  It's like you only can get scorn for messing up.   It kills me that Kobe got a pass for raping someone*** and that some of the targets who get labeled thugs or put down because of trivial things like dancing or emotion or self-determination and free agency (eg Cam Newton, Richard Sherman, LBJ).  I think we are going to see this more and more because what the media really doesn't like is disobedience and intelligence in combination.  Some athletes are disobedient because they don't care about the status quo so they push back against it (eg Randy Moss, Allen Iverson, Ron Artest) - these athletes are hated by the media and the general (ie white) population because of their disobedience but invariably these guys give the media non-racist justification for criticism by getting in fights or having gun charges or something else of the sort...  However, I think these guys still get less scorn than athletes who are both intelligent and disobedient and REALLY scare the defenders of the status quo.   This is where Serena is totally an example and this is where societies racism becomes so clear as they invent ridiculous reasons to hate them.   In Serena's case I have heard that she is hated because she doesn't practice hard enough and spends too much time on fashion?  She only wins like 3 out of 4 grand slams a year in her 30's and you are mad because you think she isn't working on her game enough??  Clearly whatever she is doing is working.   

Glad to see you exposing this, one of the most frustrating barriers still in sports.

***I know Kobe didn't get charged with rape.  I realize that. But he admitted to rape which in today's narrative of "yes means yes" (which I agree with) should have resulted a bit more scorn...  His apology was basically "I realize you feel like I raped you and I didn't get consent but I didn't realize I was raping you so sorry".   I don't want to get into a debate about rape because I feel like there are "lesser" and "greater" levels of the crime of rape (eg locking someone in a dungeon for a year and raping them is definately a lot worse than what Kobe did) but by the current definition that is being taught and should be taught on college campuses Kobes apology was an admission of rape.  I'm ok with him not being punished further, I'm not vindictive and I believe in second chances and don't really believe in prison in general...  The only punishment he should continue to endure is the media never forgetting that in the debate between who is better between him and LBJ that he is way way way behind Lebron is as far as which is a more positive role model outside the game...  LBJ is also the better basketball players, but that's neither here nor there for this debate...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 08, 2016, 04:09:55 pm
Just to play the devils advocate here, sports are usually a highly emotional setting. People identify so much with the teams and players they support that it can bring out the best and also the worst of emotion. I think for this reason I think the dynamics that come into people love/ hating players and teams are a bit more complex.

For example, I was cheering for the Raptors in the Eastern conference final and Kyle Lowry who I've been a huge fan of since he played for Nova. Quick to rage and emotion I was the biggest Lebron basher calling him out for traveling and being a talentless ball of athleticism. Flash forward to the finals and the bet I have outstanding (likely to lose now) and I feel completely different toward Lebron and am totally sympathetic toward him. I see him as totally human with his vulnerabilities instead of this unmovable force my team couldn't get past. This is completely selfish I understand that but I do think that's the reason why sports move us.

We get caught up and like you guys mentioned, think athletes owe it to us to compete and act a certain way. So my point being that when it comes to sports, things aren't as black and white as they may seem because people get so emotionally caught up.

I get that and if you read my post you will see that I list overzealous Kobe and MJ fans as guilty of repeating racist arguments against LBJ out of their zealous fandom rather than any actual feeling about LBJ.   

I don't have a problem that you are a Kyle Lowry fan and want him to get past LBJ.  But I don't think that excuses you from having some responsibility not to perpetuate racist arguments...  Sports are emotional but as athletes and fans we need to "keep it on the court".  When your playing sports - especially football you obviously become heated at your opponent because he is cracking you.  But you keep it between the lines and you are not excused when you punch him in the face in the tunnel after the game.  Same for you as a fan - if while you cheer for Lowry you claim that Lebron is getting too many calls or getting away with traveling... That's fine.  Even if you are wrong.  BUT when you are calling him a monkey or saying he isn't loyal or he a traitor cause he left Cleveland then you are being racist...  EVEN if your only saying these things in the moment and it's a product of your support for Lowry it doesn't matter.  If Kyle Lowry is a decent guy he wouldn't want you as a fan if that's what being a fan does to you.  If being fan gets you so emotional that you start repeating racist arguments then you don't need to be a fan and you are not excused in my book...

In general though I usually don't find guys like you to perpetuate the racist arguments about LBJ - by guy like you I mean people whose argument against LBJ is something like "God LBJ sucks and he gets too many calls, I hope they start calling travel on him and my Raptors can advance finally".   It's the people that are self described "Lebron haters" rather than fans of the Raptors or Warriors or some other opponent of the Cavs that usually are repeating the worst of it...  It's the people from the midwest that you meet in the airport while your watching a game and strike up a conversation with that you realize are just a fan of whoever is opposing Lebron where the light goes off in your head that says "oooooooh your a racist".
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 08, 2016, 05:07:09 pm
in re: strom thurmond and bill clinton. strom thurmond had a whole set of kids with a black woman all the while he was a full-blown segregationist.

fuck that racist corpse in his worm-riddled eye socket.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 08, 2016, 06:20:46 pm
in re: strom thurmond and bill clinton. strom thurmond had a whole set of kids with a black woman all the while he was a full-blown segregationist.

fuck that racist corpse in his worm-riddled eye socket.

I mean... Yeah... I mean ok... I actually learned about that guy in Church - a black church - and about how we should forgive him... So I mean that seems a little harsh.  We also learned that he didn't just have kids with the lady - he raped her.  He was in his twenties and she was 16z.

That level of racism is always somehow truly puzzling.  It's like how people who really really hate gay people turn out to be gay...  Like was Strom Thurmond just extra racist because he hated the fact that he knew deep down there is nothing like a black woman and that killed him inside?  It's a weird story about one of his daughters... 

He was racist as all hell.  He had a daughter through rape that he would never admit was his even though he paid her way through school.  She kept quiet about it until he died and then came claim and as soon as it was out she joined the daughters of th confederacy through his lineage - a racist group of people with confer ate soldier relatives.  She is like the only black person in the group...  Why would she want to be in the group?  Why would he love black women so much if he was racist?  It doesn't make sense but neither does racism.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 08, 2016, 06:55:02 pm
One thing which i am not sure has been brought up in the LBJ conversation is Rich Paul and LBJ's inner circle dictating LBJs terms and decisions. According to this theory, Lebron completely entrusted his legacy to these unqualified (uneducated, hanger-on-ers, posse whatever you want to call them), self interested people and they've squandered his peak years in a fools errand. Todday reframed LBJ's decision nobly to go back to a racist owner and a hostile fanbase to get them a ring etc but it was a sacrifice that hasn't panned out (never will?). The alternative was entrusting his legacy to Riley and the superior Miami management who would have given him better chances at success than Dan Brown's whatever makes Lebron happy policy in Clevaland. None of us are privvy to the in-s-and-outs of management but it's not hard to see that Lebron has gotten his way in Cleveland and it hasn't panned out the way he would have liked.

To expand, Rich Paul is the common denominator btw Lebron and Tristan Thompson - who some say is vastly overpaid for what he provides to the Cavs. So Lebron at the behest of RP campaigned for TT which got his mate a better deal but put the Cavs in a compromised position to be maximally competitive. When key game are lost and won by a few pts, this is a significant factor in success and failure. Trading for Love is inexcusable to me though. People justify it as a sure thing, trading a maybe for a sure superstar etc. Now maybe to argue otherwise is racist too but i dont know if race is as important in this conversation when ppl who like basketball tend to be more egalitarian in my experience. I just hated to see a budding young core of Wiggins and Irving with a new exciting coach dismantled because Lebron thought he could do better with Love and Lue. Fuck that though. Is having a yes-man as a coach a good thing? Go back to Cleveland, great, but then gut the team and rebuild carelessly to have your cake and eat it too, hard to respect that. I wud respect Lebron a lot more if he had just worked with the team he inherited. I wud still have traded Dion though but Lebron got that decision wrong too. Maybe management wud have done that anyway but Lebron wanted him. It's hindsight now but Dion always sucked. My 2c.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 08, 2016, 07:29:35 pm
This is all about perspective to me. I'm white and live in a predominately white community. I've got many friends of other nationalities (mostly Asian) but few black friends/acquaintances. Have played ball with quite a few Sudanese guys but that's about as far as it extends. I have clients of all nationalities. Pretty much have the UN covered in my client base. Having said all that, race has never come into it for me when talking sports. And this is where it's all about perspective. If I dislike a sportsperson (I rarely say I hate someone) it's based on the dickhead rule. Nothing else. I can see however, that people in different communities/countries would experience this far more than I would, where racism is still extremely prevalent. My usual brush with racism is from the people you would expect it from. Low socio-economic status and uneducated. Again, perspective. I don't understand how people can still be racist but that's based on my perspective and experiences.



Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 08, 2016, 07:43:33 pm
One thing which i am not sure has been brought up in the LBJ conversation is Rich Paul and LBJ's inner circle dictating LBJs terms and decisions. According to this theory, Lebron completely entrusted his legacy to these unqualified (uneducated, hanger-on-ers, posse whatever you want to call them), self interested people and they've squandered his peak years in a fools errand. Todday reframed LBJ's decision nobly to go back to a racist owner and a hostile fanbase to get them a ring etc but it was a sacrifice that hasn't panned out (never will?). The alternative was entrusting his legacy to Riley and the superior Miami management who would have given him better chances at success than Dan Brown's whatever makes Lebron happy policy in Clevaland. None of us are privvy to the in-s-and-outs of management but it's not hard to see that Lebron has gotten his way in Cleveland and it hasn't panned out the way he would have liked.

To expand, Rich Paul is the common denominator btw Lebron and Tristan Thompson - who some say is vastly overpaid for what he provides to the Cavs. So Lebron at the behest of RP campaigned for TT which got his mate a better deal but put the Cavs in a compromised position to be maximally competitive. When key game are lost and won by a few pts, this is a significant factor in success and failure. Trading for Love is inexcusable to me though. People justify it as a sure thing, trading a maybe for a sure superstar etc. Now maybe to argue otherwise is racist too but i dont know if race is as important in this conversation when ppl who like basketball tend to be more egalitarian in my experience. I just hated to see a budding young core of Wiggins and Irving with a new exciting coach dismantled because Lebron thought he could do better with Love and Lue. Fuck that though. Is having a yes-man as a coach a good thing? Go back to Cleveland, great, but then gut the team and rebuild carelessly to have your cake and eat it too, hard to respect that. I wud respect Lebron a lot more if he had just worked with the team he inherited. I wud still have traded Dion though but Lebron got that decision wrong too. Maybe management wud have done that anyway but Lebron wanted him. It's hindsight now but Dion always sucked. My 2c.

They were trying to buy instant success pure and simple. Back to back finals so far though so they have had the definition of success without the ultimate. Only injuries stopped them winning last year when the Warriors were far more gettable. Also, this year isn't over just yet. Warriors still need to win 2 more.  If you're running a team and you can build for 5-10 or if you feel you're close take the punt on topping up and go for instant success.

And Maxent, seriously, Lebron is 31. You want him to tutor a team of youngsters and wait for the next opportunity to get back to the finals hoping no other team has taken their spot. The only reason he came back to Cleveland was for success and to try and win a title for the city. He didn't come back to build a team that might just be successful after he retires. Why would you respect him less for wanting success and wanting to bring a title for CLE?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 08, 2016, 07:51:07 pm
To be clear what im saying is if Lebron goes back to Clevand and says eff your GOAT chasing, im going home and i dont care if i win a ring or not but it wud be real nice if we do, and then never did, i would respect that. But to go back, carve the team up in a dumb way and make bad decisions when you don't care bout the team you joined at all, then to lose anyway, why should I respect that? If you're going to run amok and hostile takeover a team, at least do it well and win something lol.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 08, 2016, 08:11:40 pm
To be clear what im saying is if Lebron goes back to Clevand and says eff your GOAT chasing, im going home and i dont care if i win a ring or not but it wud be real nice if we do, and then never did, i would respect that. But to go back, carve the team up in a dumb way and make bad decisions when you don't care bout the team you joined at all, then to lose anyway, why should I respect that? If you're going to run amok and hostile takeover a team, at least do it well and win something lol.

They have won something.  They are back to back eastern conference champions.  I don't understand your argument at all...  I'm not a huge Kevin Love fan myself but you make it sound like the entire world knew a team with LBJ, Irving, Wiggins, and the rest would easily win the NBA finals in its first two years but then Lebron came along and said "no I want Kevin Love" and management was like "dude there is no way we will beat the Warriors w him but fine." 

Assuming they don't come back and win this title... Would they have won one of these with Wiggins in place of Love?  Obviously nobody knows but I don't think that most basketball minds would be confident saying yes.   Had Lebron not came at how many finals would they have gone to from 2015-2025?  You think Vegas would give you the over or under on two trips?  I'm quite sure the smart money is on the under! 

Given that... He has brought them success... And he didn't gut the team.  You can say he did and it's a cool story but it's also just something you made up.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 08, 2016, 08:17:11 pm
Have they though? Or was it Lebron? I don't watch much east basketball so take this with a huge grain of salt but my gut feeling is any team out in the east with Lebron is a contender for ECF.  My point isn't that the Cavs would not be mediocre without Love but at least it was an organic team without the Lebron induced changes. A patchwork of a spoilt GOAT candidate's wet dream. Lebron rightly invited much criticism because he dabbled so much off-court matters. On court too really. Could just have been a great player but no he had to be more than that. You think MJ wanted to go trade for Rodman or was he told here we have a new player, deal with it? I dont know.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 08, 2016, 08:17:28 pm
Just to play the devils advocate here, sports are usually a highly emotional setting. People identify so much with the teams and players they support that it can bring out the best and also the worst of emotion. I think for this reason I think the dynamics that come into people love/ hating players and teams are a bit more complex.

For example, I was cheering for the Raptors in the Eastern conference final and Kyle Lowry who I've been a huge fan of since he played for Nova. Quick to rage and emotion I was the biggest Lebron basher calling him out for traveling and being a talentless ball of athleticism. Flash forward to the finals and the bet I have outstanding (likely to lose now) and I feel completely different toward Lebron and am totally sympathetic toward him. I see him as totally human with his vulnerabilities instead of this unmovable force my team couldn't get past. This is completely selfish I understand that but I do think that's the reason why sports move us.

We get caught up and like you guys mentioned, think athletes owe it to us to compete and act a certain way. So my point being that when it comes to sports, things aren't as black and white as they may seem because people get so emotionally caught up.

I get that and if you read my post you will see that I list overzealous Kobe and MJ fans as guilty of repeating racist arguments against LBJ out of their zealous fandom rather than any actual feeling about LBJ.   

I don't have a problem that you are a Kyle Lowry fan and want him to get past LBJ.  But I don't think that excuses you from having some responsibility not to perpetuate racist arguments...  Sports are emotional but as athletes and fans we need to "keep it on the court".  When your playing sports - especially football you obviously become heated at your opponent because he is cracking you.  But you keep it between the lines and you are not excused when you punch him in the face in the tunnel after the game.  Same for you as a fan - if while you cheer for Lowry you claim that Lebron is getting too many calls or getting away with traveling... That's fine.  Even if you are wrong.  BUT when you are calling him a monkey or saying he isn't loyal or he a traitor cause he left Cleveland then you are being racist...  EVEN if your only saying these things in the moment and it's a product of your support for Lowry it doesn't matter.  If Kyle Lowry is a decent guy he wouldn't want you as a fan if that's what being a fan does to you.  If being fan gets you so emotional that you start repeating racist arguments then you don't need to be a fan and you are not excused in my book...

In general though I usually don't find guys like you to perpetuate the racist arguments about LBJ - by guy like you I mean people whose argument against LBJ is something like "God LBJ sucks and he gets too many calls, I hope they start calling travel on him and my Raptors can advance finally".   It's the people that are self described "Lebron haters" rather than fans of the Raptors or Warriors or some other opponent of the Cavs that usually are repeating the worst of it...  It's the people from the midwest that you meet in the airport while your watching a game and strike up a conversation with that you realize are just a fan of whoever is opposing Lebron where the light goes off in your head that says "oooooooh your a racist".

Just to clarify T0ddday, I didn't mean that because sports are emotional, racism in sports is acceptable or violence or any of the such. I want to separate my argument to just include fans that are overzealous and will "hate on" a player with the influence of a Lebron. I was just focusing on the difference between "hating on someone" because your are emotionally caught up in the raw emotion of sport from actual blind hatred that racism would be qualified under. My argument was that in regard to Lebron, he probably gets "hated on" a great deal because people naturally have insecurities that are perputated by being a fan. I don't think that is healthy or right, but I do think it is vastly different from racism. I think you'd find a lot of people that "hate on" Lebron would be super excited to see him and take a picture with him in real life.


Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 08, 2016, 08:25:20 pm
Have they though? Or was it Lebron? I don't watch much east basketball so take this with a huge grain of salt but my gut feeling is any team out in the east with Lebron is a contender for ECF.  My point isn't that the Cavs would not be mediocre without Love but at least it was an organic team without the Lebron induced changes. A patchwork of a spoilt GOAT candidate's wet dream. Lebron rightly invited much criticism because he dabbled so much off-court matters. On court too really. Could just have been a great player but no he had to be more than that. You think MJ wanted to go trade for Rodman or was he told here we have a new player, deal with it? I dont know.

You kind of have a point. If Lebron's still at Miami then they're playing instead of CLE. He wanted a title for them though. I think that's more admirable than anything.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 08, 2016, 08:59:35 pm
Have they though? Or was it Lebron? I don't watch much east basketball so take this with a huge grain of salt but my gut feeling is any team out in the east with Lebron is a contender for ECF.  My point isn't that the Cavs would not be mediocre without Love but at least it was an organic team without the Lebron induced changes. A patchwork of a spoilt GOAT candidate's wet dream. Lebron rightly invited much criticism because he dabbled so much off-court matters. On court too really. Could just have been a great player but no he had to be more than that. You think MJ wanted to go trade for Rodman or was he told here we have a new player, deal with it? I dont know.

I really don't understand your point.

First of all you realize Lebron has no actual power.  Management got Kevin Love not Lebron.   Did they consult Lebron or listen to his advice?  Sure seems like it, but if the management chooses to do that that's what they choose to do.  It's on them.  If they think they are not good enough at building the team and Lebron knows best... Then so be it. 

I don't understand this value of the team being "organic."   Like you said the Bulls got Rodman.  One of the great pickups of all time.  They didn't draft Rodman it made the team far less organic but it was a great move.   Does it matter if MJ called management and said "hey look at this Rodman guy, you should go get him" or not?  Along w getting Rodman the Bulls certainly gutted them team to win as soon as possible at all costs... After 1998 they were terrible but they decided three rings from 96-98 were certainly worth it.   

Do you have a problem with the Lakers picking up Gasol?  Kobe basically sulked and complained after he realized how hard it was without Shaq and begged for another star and the Lakers somehow pulled off the most lop sided trade of all time to pick up Gasol for Kobe and it translates into three finals trips and two rings.  Gasol certainly made the team less organic and was part of a win now strategy but it worked. 

The big difference is Bulls management in the 1990s and the Lakers management in 2008 w Jerry West was really good at building a great team in addition to one really great player.  I mean it's not like the Cavs management has any track record of being able to do anything well except get lucky and get number one picks in the draft.  All you have to do is look at the Cavs from 2003-2010 to see this.   They got Lebron.  They lost boozer.  Who else did they surround Lebron with?   Mo Williams?  That was the best pickup the ever got for Lebron!   It's not like the Cavs were some team with excellent management and a track record of building a winning team and then Lebron came and said "we are doing it my way" and they abandoned their excellent plan and went with his terrible plan!

Sure the team they built during these two years doesn't seem like the best built team to win titles. It's still a damn good team, and no I don't think ANY team plus Lebron makes it out the east.  But Lebron has not always had this much influence and he spent almost a decade as young Lebron on the Cavs when he obviously had far less influence over decisions and they were HORRIBLE at putting together a good team.  The 2007 team he led to the finals was probably the worst supporting cast ever to make it to the finals. 

So, the point is that maybe Lebron the GM isn't the best GM in the league.  But he sure seems as good or better than the management the Cavs actually have.  In Miami he certainly had a role in the team building but the competent management of Pat Riley who listened to him to some degree was clearly better at putting a team together and they won titles.   You can't be mad at Lebron for having too much influence putting together a team that isn't quite good enough unless you compare the alternative... From what we know the alternative (Cavs management) is pretty terrible.  A lot of your posts are filled with assumptions that sorry to say I think come from a weird place of anger for Lebron for being disobedient...  Do you know what plans were or exactly what as said?  For all we know Dan Gilbert planned to trade Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins for Carmelo Anthony to make the unstoppable punch of Lebron and Melo... Then Lebron came and said "uhhhh hold on DG... Let's think of an alternative".  If that's the case then Lebron deserves credit rather than scorn.  Of course we don't know what the case is so why don't we stick to giving management credit or blame for the decisions that are ultimately there's and judge Lebron by what he does with the team they put around him?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 08, 2016, 09:06:13 pm
i regret that i have but one upvote to give for t0ddday's posts in this thread.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 08, 2016, 09:16:56 pm
No i don't have a problem with those other great teams getting better by trades. It's fine to. My point is if you are building a narrative of "going home" "for cleveland" .. " to get one for the city" but at the same time playing coach and GM, you're not a team player but at risk of being a tyrant. I'm saying be clear about your intentions .. either you're taking your team to the finals as is, or you're inviting criticism for your decision making off the court. That's all. It's not disobedience. And what's a ring worth as a player, if you don't work with the rooster you're given but build one to your choosing? Why couldn't he have just gone to a great team to get more rings instead of a medicore one and getting none? Assumption is that he has that influence. Maybe he doesn't and you're right by your assumption. Who knows until the books come out later lol.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 08, 2016, 09:32:59 pm
Game 3:

btw.. home court advantage = wtf? GSW getting killed right now. I don't suspect they will be blown out by the end of this game, but the way it's looking right now.. heh.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 08, 2016, 09:34:11 pm
33-13 to cavs .. kyrie cant miss! crazy
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 08, 2016, 09:37:49 pm
i regret that i have but one upvote to give for t0ddday's posts in this thread.

it is in times like these, that the "golden upvote" should exist.

:)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 08, 2016, 09:50:32 pm
Sure the team they built during these two years doesn't seem like the best built team to win titles. It's still a damn good team, and no I don't think ANY team plus Lebron makes it out the east.  But Lebron has not always had this much influence and he spent almost a decade as young Lebron on the Cavs when he obviously had far less influence over decisions and they were HORRIBLE at putting together a good team.  The 2007 team he led to the finals was probably the worst supporting cast ever to make it to the finals. 

So, the point is that maybe Lebron the GM isn't the best GM in the league.  But he sure seems as good or better than the management the Cavs actually have.  In Miami he certainly had a role in the team building but the competent management of Pat Riley who listened to him to some degree was clearly better at putting a team together and they won titles.   You can't be mad at Lebron for having too much influence putting together a team that isn't quite good enough unless you compare the alternative... From what we know the alternative (Cavs management) is pretty terrible.  A lot of your posts are filled with assumptions that sorry to say I think come from a weird place of anger for Lebron for being disobedient...  Do you know what plans were or exactly what as said?  For all we know Dan Gilbert planned to trade Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins for Carmelo Anthony to make the unstoppable punch of Lebron and Melo... Then Lebron came and said "uhhhh hold on DG... Let's think of an alternative".  If that's the case then Lebron deserves credit rather than scorn.  Of course we don't know what the case is so why don't we stick to giving management credit or blame for the decisions that are ultimately there's and judge Lebron by what he does with the team they put around him?

This is such a good point.. Prior to Lebron leaving, that org could not put a team together to save their life. They relied on their luck to be able to pick Lebron in the first place, then squandered year after year putting everything on his back.. and yet Lebron still managed to get them to the finals vs the Dynasty-Spurs. Meanwhile at basically the same time, the Spurs built a Juggernaut behind Duncan. Lebron's early years are him putting literally everything on his own shoulders. Needless to say, that's alot to ask of some phenom coming right out of h.s..

If Lebron really is the "undercover-boss" (GM) for Cleveland, then man-o-man he's done a solid job so far. How many first year GM's or coaches, get to the finals two straight years?  :ninja: In fact, if what some people say about Lebron is true, i'd like to see him eventually get MVP, a title, coach of the year, and GM of the year all in one season... beast.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 08, 2016, 10:00:44 pm
Maybe the most important observation of the game so far is why Imani?? that hair dohh!!

Highlight real Kyrie is what I expected/ hoped for. He should be going 30+ every game with how talented he is!!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 08, 2016, 10:14:48 pm
Man... Klay Thompson this year >>> Klay Thompson last year. 

His improvement is really impressive.  He was a good shooter but that's about it when he came into the league... 
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 08, 2016, 10:16:45 pm
I'm at work right now so I can't watch the game but I'm stoked that Cavs are winning. Hopefully they can get a big win and gain some confidence.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 08, 2016, 10:17:22 pm
Man... Klay Thompson this year >>> Klay Thompson last year. 

His improvement is really impressive.  He was a good shooter but that's about it when he came into the league...

that crossover and layup in the 1st was gorgeous
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 08, 2016, 10:54:48 pm
hi. LEBRON ALLEY OOP DUNK. bye.

:ibjumping:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 08, 2016, 11:50:47 pm
hi. LEBRON ALLEY OOP DUNK. bye.

:ibjumping:

Unbelievable!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHBWlp-HYFI
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 08, 2016, 11:59:18 pm
hi. LEBRON ALLEY OOP DUNK. bye.

:ibjumping:

Unbelievable!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHBWlp-HYFI

dude that is disgusting.. comes up off the ground to catch that on the side of the glass wtf.

:wowthatwasnutswtf:

i was laughing with enjoyment once I saw that close-up slowmo front angle, when they showed it during the game. that is nasty.

(http://i.imgur.com/2jRq2Xz.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 09, 2016, 12:24:56 am
has there ever been a playoffs with this many blowouts by the team that ended up losing the series?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 09, 2016, 12:47:04 am
has there ever been a playoffs with this many blowouts by the team that ended up losing the series?

i'm waiting for the fivethirtyeight breakdown once the finals are over:

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/we-just-saw-the-most-lopsided-playoff-openers-in-modern-nba-history/
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 09, 2016, 12:51:44 am
^cool website. i enjoyed reading this one

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/bad-news-cavs-fans-the-warriors-dont-care-how-good-your-team-is/
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 09, 2016, 01:04:32 am
hi. LEBRON ALLEY OOP DUNK. bye.

:ibjumping:

Unbelievable!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHBWlp-HYFI

dude that is disgusting.. comes up off the ground to catch that on the side of the glass wtf.

:wowthatwasnutswtf:

i was laughing with enjoyment once I saw that close-up slowmo front angle, when they showed it during the game. that is nasty.

(http://i.imgur.com/2jRq2Xz.jpg)

I was cursing when Kyrie threw the pass thinking it was going straight out of bounds. Absolutely amazing get from that height and distance.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 09, 2016, 01:08:48 am
^cool website. i enjoyed reading this one

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/bad-news-cavs-fans-the-warriors-dont-care-how-good-your-team-is/

from that article:

Quote
But better news for the Cavs is that the Warriors haven’t really kept this phenomenon going in the playoffs.

yup... i'm honestly shocked that GSW got beaten as bad as they did.. I thought it would be much closer. Steph is having a really bad series right now.

They had Shumpert face guarding him the entire length of the court -> THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT. I absolutely loved seeing that. *TRY* and lock him down the entire length of the court.. this is something you might see in college or h.s. bball. When you can't contain a guy, you try and face guard him the entire length of the floor, with various (more athletic) defenders to keep them fresh. That's just rugged, aggressive defense.

The absence of Love might also help, but like I said in an earlier post, more-so on the road. At home he can be lights-out.. on the road however, he can be a brickhouse. I liked seeing Jefferson in there for the overall energy/aggressiveness.

Cavs looked good tonight.. but GSW looked bad. The real test will be, who wins when both teams are firing on all cylinders.. hope we see that before the playoffs are over.

Finally.. monstrous Lebron dunks can lead to series victories. I'd like to see someone (538) drop some stats on that. Every series I remember where Lebron ended up doing some extra crazy dunk, ie, vs Boston while on CLE & MIA, he ends up on the winning end.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 09, 2016, 01:14:49 am
STATS   MIN   FG%   REB   AST   BLK   STL   PF   PTS
This Game   40   .538   11   6   2   1   2   32

LEBRONSTER (lol).



Curry really needs to clean up his turnovers.. in this series alone (first 3 games): 6, 4, 5 .. that's BAD for a PG.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 09, 2016, 01:33:26 am
STATS   MIN   FG%   REB   AST   BLK   STL   PF   PTS
This Game   40   .538   11   6   2   1   2   32

LEBRONSTER (lol).



Curry really needs to clean up his turnovers.. in this series alone (first 3 games): 6, 4, 5 .. that's BAD for a PG.

They're almost 2015 finals numbers for Lebron. Both Lebron and Kyrie need that top of the key jumper more often imo. They did it well tonight (well Kyrie hit pretty much everything early) but it leads to so many more points in the paint when they're dangerous from that distance.

Curry is approaching Westbrook figures for turnovers but without the 30 odd points to go with it.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: vag on June 09, 2016, 06:03:27 am
I think we are going to see this more and more because what the media really doesn't like is disobedience and intelligence in combination.

This is imho the biggest war that has been going on in this world the last 3-4 thousand years. The 'media' is still winning, and that is why society and humanity is still a violent racist aggressive imperialistic conservative narrow minded pile of shit!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 09, 2016, 09:42:55 am
It'll be interesting to see how many minutes Love plays in the next game. The Cavs looked better without him :o
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 09, 2016, 02:57:40 pm
i was right! http://deadspin.com/the-nba-playoffs-have-been-historically-non-competitive-1781551894

Quote
Through 82 playoff games, the average margin of victory is 14.7 points, easily the highest in NBA history. Nineteen playoff games, almost a full quarter of them, have been decided by 25+ points. And though we’re only three games in, so far this has also been the least competitive NBA Finals ever.

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: vag on June 10, 2016, 05:58:37 am
lolll, fun stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI-Bfk_OeB4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFEWVOHixnA
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 10, 2016, 11:47:58 am
lmao ^^

first vid cracked me up.. curry's run in, lebron's boxer bounce.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 10, 2016, 08:36:17 pm
I just viewed ESPN and saw the headline "have the cavs figured the Warriors out". Man I'm so frustrated with sports media and how they jump from one extreme to other. They did this with the Cavs - Raptors series as well saying ohh it's going to be a sweep and then shifting over to the other side - are there issues with Cleveland.

I understand it's entertainment and you have to make good television out of it but even the analysts like Stephen A Smith do this. I quote he said "this series is over, I give the Cavs a 6% chance and that's in case tragedy strikes or serious injury happens." He has some explaining to do if that doesn't happen lol.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 10, 2016, 09:56:27 pm
What a close game. Todday looks like your dreams of a contest came true!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 10, 2016, 11:23:42 pm
Finally a competitive game!  Hope the rest of the series goes like this!!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 10, 2016, 11:59:38 pm
Damn, I don't know how competitive it'll be now! I know it's been mentioned before but I think you could see Lue's inexperience come into play today. They say young coaches tend to make the mistake of leaving their best players in for too long in close games. He played both Lebron and kyrie to start the 4th and all of the way through. cavs went ice cold that 4th quarter.

Meanwhile, Kerr played James Mcadoo lol. You have to trust your bench and give your top players adequate rest. Either way I'm not sure it would've made a difference but it could've kept it close. This GSW squad is just too good
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 11, 2016, 12:25:43 am
Damn, I don't know how competitive it'll be now! I know it's been mentioned before but I think you could see Lue's inexperience come into play today. They say young coaches tend to make the mistake of leaving their best players in for too long in close games. He played both Lebron and kyrie to start the 4th and all of the way through. cavs went ice cold that 4th quarter.

Meanwhile, Kerr played James Mcadoo lol. You have to trust your bench and give your top players adequate rest. Either way I'm not sure it would've made a difference but it could've kept it close. This GSW squad is just too good

yup.. and man did Lebron look frustrated at the end of that game. He was letting his emotions get the best of him, he doesn't normally get into confrontations like that. He was definitely at fault for walking over Green.. and then he roughed up Curry pretty hard. You can see it slipping away.

I still think Lebron needed to be alot more aggressive in the 4th quarter.. he's just too unselfish. He deferred alot of shots to Kyree who was literally chucking it up. Kyree had some nice drives, but would have liked to see Lebron just keep attacking.

RIP CLE.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 12, 2016, 02:33:09 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDwZcbf9V1A

any of you follow Irving?  i do not so i'm curious...  his shot selection during iso seems pretty poor to me.  in couple of the clips above he should've pass to the cutting team mate.  is he being selfish or is his court vision that poor?  has he improve over the years or remain the same?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 12, 2016, 02:07:23 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDwZcbf9V1A

any of you follow Irving?  i do not so i'm curious...  his shot selection during iso seems pretty poor to me.  in couple of the clips above he should've pass to the cutting team mate.  is he being selfish or is his court vision that poor?  has he improve over the years or remain the same?

Interesting video... Great analysis but also like most analysis it's over analysis.  Overall really educating but I do laugh at two of clips where the narrator praises the Warriors for their efficient clockwork offense that leads to a curry falling down three which he makes and lambasts the Cavs offense for an 11 dribble isolation play that leads to a poor shot - an open Lebron three that he misses... Analysts forget sometimes that the most important part of the game is still making shots and all the analysis in the world can't explain away the fact that sometimes one team makes more than the other whether they were "bad" or "good" plays or shots...

Still the Warriors advantage may start w better shot making but it certainly doesn't end the video does a great job highlighting that as well as the failings of Kyrie Irving. 

As far as your questions about Kyrie.  He is an incredibly frustrating player.  I've actually been to his workouts and man he is really amazing... I've seen him work on his footwork plays and his foot ambidexterity is otherworldly.  He is about 5'11 and he can one dribble left foot right hand dunk on baseline, he can one dribble right foot take off w left hand dunk on baseline, his amazing ability to choose which foot to use makes him impossible to guard and always leaves a step for his array of euro-steps that come off both sides.   

However.... Despite to fact that he is the shiftiest one on one cover I have ever seen he also is not a point guard (terrible vision) and when he isn't hot will chuck up shots that are so ill advised.   I mean his on ball shiftiness is an 11 out of 10 which means you can't guard the man straight up.   You can take w steps back and he will still somehow find away around you....  But at some point... A defender takes enough steps back and you can't go around him... When this happens sometimes it's funny because help will show and the defender will back up giving Kyrie the shot... He won't take it!  He will dribble and crossover and few times and "create" a fall away jumper that he didn't have to create!  He is just such an extreme isolation off the dribble player - catch and shoot is not an option!

I actually think w him on your team to utilize him you gotta have the game run through a pick and roll with him... 

This is another thing about Lebron people don't realize.  I realize I am sounding like a Lebron apologist - but I don't really care... 

This big 3 is very different than the heat.   Wade and Bosh led their teams to the playoffs each year while Lebron was leading his team to the finals or ECF (and 1 or 2 seeds) most years before they all joined the heat...

Let's be honest about Love and Irving... Irving was essentially the best player on the worst team in the East and Love was the best player on the worst team in the West.

 Putting up big numbers for a great team is really hard because you have to be really efficient (see curry, Jordan, Lebron on heat)... I mean the Warriors wouldn't be 73-9 if Curry was averaging 38 pts a game on 42% shooting... That kind of inefficiency is gonna spell more than 9 losses. 

Putting up big numbers for a good but not great team is much easier.   You don't have to be as efficient as long as you have a high usage rate and the team can offset your inefficiency with defense.  Think of the 76ers in 2001 with AI.  The team made the finals and had a decent record and he scored a lot of points on somewhat inefficient shooting... This worked because they played great D and slowed the other team down massively at the expense of their own fast breaks and quick buckets - which made it harder for them to score points to the degree that AI shots were pretty good in context... This is kind of how I look at Kobe in 2008/2009 with the twin towers, good but not historically great teams that are lead by a player whose inefficiency is balanced by the fact that he doesn't get great shots...

Now the last rung is big numbers on a terrible team.  Love and Irving are both in this class... This is why in hindsight the Cavs should have kept Wiggins - because had the won with Love the media narrative is "3 superstars coming together" and Wiggins would have probably been better and kept the media down... 



 
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 12, 2016, 07:36:31 pm
Green suspended for game 3. How much of a difference does that make?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 12, 2016, 11:30:38 pm
Green suspended for game 3. How much of a difference does that make?

definitely gives CLE new life.. green is such a big part of GSW's success. I still think GSW ends it, but, this definitely makes it harder.

as for the suspension.. i'm so confused. where exactly is the groin hit retaliation?

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/06/12/draymond-green-suspension-lebron-james-stephen-curry-warriors-cavaliers-game-5

I don't see it..

If it's AFTER the Lebron step-over, I can't find it. The NBA actually let that situation get worse. I mean, these refs allowed Lebron/Green to confront each other face2face, while everyone else kept on playing.

horrible suspension, IMHO.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 13, 2016, 01:25:23 am
Green suspended for game 3. How much of a difference does that make?

definitely gives CLE new life.. green is such a big part of GSW's success. I still think GSW ends it, but, this definitely makes it harder.

as for the suspension.. i'm so confused. where exactly is the groin hit retaliation?

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/06/12/draymond-green-suspension-lebron-james-stephen-curry-warriors-cavaliers-game-5

I don't see it..

If it's AFTER the Lebron step-over, I can't find it. The NBA actually let that situation get worse. I mean, these refs allowed Lebron/Green to confront each other face2face, while everyone else kept on playing.

horrible suspension, IMHO.

pc!

Agreed.  Horrible suspension.  Part of me likes it because it increases the chance of seeing more basketball games but seriously?

We all know some "computer assistance" like in NBA jam when your behind does probably take place cause referees are human...

But I would be way rather have seen Lebron get the benefit of the doubt on some calls he didn't totally deserve on his home court in game 4 to make the series more interesting than see DG get suspended...  I want to see a good series and I can accept Lebron getting a few unfair calls on his home floor to make things more interesting but it's not really worth it to see a prime player suspended from what is still probably a close out game...

Weirdly enough this makes me want the Cavs to win game 5 all the more although it makes me want the Warriors to win the series more.  DG should be on the court when they close it out.  It's only right.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 13, 2016, 01:27:36 am
^^^ also isn't the NBA clean enough by now?  I mean yeah the pacers fight and the Knicks fights of the late 90s needed to be stopped... But it's just like when they suspended the Suns for "leaving the bench"...  Nobody wants to see the top players not play!  There is a balance between the league being full of brutal fights and ruining itself by taking out the best players...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 01:40:54 am
tbh.. i'd love to see GSW close it out without Draymond. The suspension makes me want them to win ever more ;) Lebron was instigating a ton of stuff at the end of that game (even ragdolling Curry), he was clearly frustrated. That "step over" is uncalled for IMHO, that's definitely not a "normal game move"; it's more of a hostile act. If Draymond was smart, since he loves attacking people's nuts, he would have gotten up real quick as Lebron was over him and speared his sack with his head.

So here's the nutshot:

(http://i.imgur.com/A5l0MBU.jpg)

It happened after Lebron walked over Green. I personally think that's much less blatant than the nutkick on Adams. I mean, he could have just been swinging to hit Lebron regardless of where it landed.. I guess that is flagrant material but, given the "walk over", I think that really should have been a whistle -> offensive foul on James. I mean James was basically preventing Green from getting off the floor. The refs inaction, by not making a call, led to that incident, the face off, the further jawing etc.

weak.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 13, 2016, 09:51:03 am
LeBron on Klay’s comments about having his feeling hurt: "I’ve taken the high road for 13 years and I’m gonna take it again."

High Road. invisible bridge used to step over said person when open floor is available left to right.

— Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry) June 12, 2016

 :derp: Ayesha wins.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 09:46:46 pm
I have lost track of who is the villian and who is the underdog. It's switched so many times, i don't even think I care to pick a side any more lol. Who is watching game 5?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 13, 2016, 10:10:34 pm
varejao is so useless. hate floppers.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 13, 2016, 10:11:46 pm
I have lost track of who is the villian and who is the underdog. It's switched so many times, i don't even think I care to pick a side any more lol. Who is watching game 5?

Yeah I'm watching now. I'm the same as you. Absolutely loving Klay's first half here but still think I want CLE to win. Not so sure anymore.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 10:16:37 pm
KF what did he do, that charge?

Coges, yeah Klay is easily one of my fav players in the league. He just goes about his role without much fanfare. Doesn't fuck around, cold blooded killer. Reminds me of KD a bit in demeanour. Klay calling Lebron a bitch without saying it in those words was amazing.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 13, 2016, 10:19:10 pm
varejao is so useless. hate floppers.

Refs need to stop calling anything with him involved. He'll get the message sooner or later.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 13, 2016, 10:19:27 pm
varejao had 2 flops already and will flop the moment an opportunity presents itself. bs. take him out already.

klay for finals mvp.

kyrie is a beast today. love that guy. 
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 10:22:18 pm
Kyries shooting like 80% .. in a closeout finals .. he just can't miss .. guys incredible. I love this series .. both teams dont just dislike each other they hate each other. So competitive, it's awesome.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 13, 2016, 10:23:45 pm
Not to mention Lebron with 25 in the half. Turning out to be a cracker of a game so far.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 10:30:38 pm
best game so far. loving it.

Klay is such a damn beast.

Livingston's dunk over Jefferson was nasty.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 13, 2016, 10:41:09 pm
i hope CLE maintains this fight all the way to make this interesting.

most likely warriors' juggernaut offense will open up the game pretty soon. oldies can't keep up.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 10:42:40 pm
Def! I hope it goes to 7 games.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 10:45:17 pm
Oh shit .. bogut injured :(
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 11:05:15 pm
Oh shit .. bogut injured :(

looked bad.. if he comes back out to play, shame on GSW.



damn CLE is opening up a lead. Lebron isn't as aggressive as he was in the first half, he needs to get back in this.

igoudala could start on most squads heh.. he's playing gr8.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 13, 2016, 11:06:11 pm
iguodala could start on the warriors. but he's like peak manu, much better coming off the bench given the overall makeup of the team.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 11:07:52 pm
iguodala could start on the warriors. but he's like peak manu, much better coming off the bench given the overall makeup of the team.

ya livingston/igoudala are legit starters.






i hate the hack-a-shaq(thompson).. i always end up rooting for the team who isn't using it.. GO CLE. :D
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 13, 2016, 11:12:16 pm
Oh shit .. bogut injured :(

Bogut is always getting injured...member of the brittlebro squad for sure :P
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 11:13:49 pm
Oh shit .. bogut injured :(

Bogut is always getting injured...member of the brittlebro squad for sure :P

True. I  wanna say JR is playing dirty. And Cavs are in general. I don't like to see ppl trying to injure players
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 11:20:37 pm
Kryie is 31 points from 13/16 (~81%) shooting. Is this real life?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 13, 2016, 11:22:41 pm
varejao is giving warriors all the bad luck. its not a flagrant foul you flopping piece of shit
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 13, 2016, 11:23:24 pm
varejao is giving warriors all the bad luck. its not a flagrant foul you flopping piece of shit

He reminds me why I hate soccer so much.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 11:28:36 pm
best game so far. loving it.

Klay is such a damn beast.

Livingston's dunk over Jefferson was nasty.

That dunk:

https://streamable.com/d95b
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 11:29:40 pm
best game so far. loving it.

Klay is such a damn beast.

Livingston's dunk over Jefferson was nasty.

That dunk:

https://streamable.com/d95b



nasty
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 11:30:14 pm
damn kyrie is putting on a show.. what a beautiful move he just pulled off when he went baseline, spun out, faded away and 1.

nasty
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 13, 2016, 11:30:44 pm
damn kyrie is putting on a show.. what a beautiful move he just pulled off when he went baseline, spun out, faded away and 1.

nasty

The way Kyrie is playing, that's how I play in my dreams. Unbelievable. Those shots off the glass are sexy af.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 11:36:21 pm
wow @ kyrie

 :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 11:36:43 pm
damn kyrie is putting on a show.. what a beautiful move he just pulled off when he went baseline, spun out, faded away and 1.

nasty

The way Kyrie is playing, that's how I play in my dreams. Unbelievable. Those shots off the glass are sexy af.

those glass shots, a lost art.

def sexy af.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 13, 2016, 11:42:28 pm
meanwhile somewhere, a guy named lebron scored 40+ with 16+ rebounds.

even without Green, crazy win for CLE (can't imagine them throwing it away at this point).
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 14, 2016, 12:02:50 am
meanwhile somewhere, a guy named lebron scored 40+ with 16+ rebounds.

even without Green, crazy win for CLE (can't imagine them throwing it away at this point).

 In comparison, Kevin love stat sheet is a fuck. 32 mins, 2 points off 1/5 shooting, 3 rebounds and 2 turnovers. But has a +18 which is only 2 less than Kyrie who has the biggest with +20.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 14, 2016, 12:03:51 am
41 for both Kyrie and Lebron

41 + 41 = CLE's version of the splash brothers.

I love it when Lebron is more aggressive. I also love it when Kevin Love doesn't force up a ton of shots when he's cold.

man that's a big win.. really hope CLE holds home court, setting up an epic game 7 @ GSW.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 14, 2016, 12:09:02 am
on espn right now it says the warriors shot 12/45 in the second half for 36 points. so you can talk about kyrie and lebron (who were great don't get me wrong) and GSW's D being crappy, but if GSW makes even 40% of their shots it's a one-possession game late and GSW doesn't give in and play their scrubs for two minutes.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 14, 2016, 12:14:49 am
on espn right now it says the warriors shot 12/45 in the second half for 36 points. so you can talk about kyrie and lebron (who were great don't get me wrong) and GSW's D being crappy, but if GSW makes even 40% of their shots it's a one-possession game late and GSW doesn't give in and play their scrubs for two minutes.

GSW's shit second half is largely due to the CLE defense and the scoreboard pressure coming from Kyrie and Lebron constantly hitting shots. I think GSW are great front runners but struggle when teams can go with them basket for basket. Even if they're 10 down they get great confidence from back to back plays but Kyrie or Lebron were able to keep the scoreboard ticking over which created way more pressure on them to hit the big shots. If OKC had not gone cold in their 4th quarters they'd be playing now instead of GSW.

Obviously Green's absence makes a huge difference here. Missed him defensively for sure.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 14, 2016, 12:18:42 am
Predictions for Game 6?

I think it shud be cleveland? Favourites imho. THey got ∫Fdt and home court .. ready for game 7.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 14, 2016, 12:30:59 am
Predictions for Game 6?

I think it shud be cleveland? Favourites imho. THey got ∫Fdt and home court .. ready for game 7.

Agreed. Massive confidence after a win on the road should see them win at home.

Now only imagine if Steph was on fire today too. Would have been unbelievable.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 14, 2016, 09:01:50 am
Kyrie is so fun to watch but I also thought that was the first game I've seen Lebron fully engaged and making an impact on nearly every possession on both sides of the floor. Seems like he needed that one more loss and its over factor to hit him for him to just go all out instead of trying to wait it out and carefully manage games.

Warriors didn't lose two consecutive games at all in the regular season and just once to OKC in the playoffs. Getting to game 7 would be a feat in itself but to win it seems almost unimaginable.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 14, 2016, 12:39:52 pm
I'm not actually making this accusation but.....

God it really seems like Kyrie is cheating with those shots off glass...
Like not matter what angle he has some cheat on where if he hits the glass a magnet turns on which pulls the ball into the hoop...

I mean I could be soooo good if all I had to do was hit glass with the ball and it went in!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 16, 2016, 04:10:10 pm
^^ kyrie has old school glass skills, very lethal.



GAME 6 TONIGHT.........  :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 16, 2016, 08:13:26 pm
47 minutes to go  :headbang:  not that I'm counting or anything
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 16, 2016, 08:51:02 pm
47 minutes to go  :headbang:  not that I'm counting or anything

T MINUS 10 MINUTES.

i've got some ice cream defrosting... :/ :)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 16, 2016, 08:58:29 pm
47 minutes to go  :headbang:  not that I'm counting or anything

T MINUS 10 MINUTES.

i've got some ice cream defrosting... :/ :)

120 seconds to go

It's 11am here so I'm about to have my 3rd coffee of the day.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 16, 2016, 09:00:50 pm
Go Cavs!
I hope Lebron goes beast mode and puts up 50+
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 16, 2016, 09:39:10 pm
Unbelievable first quarter  :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 16, 2016, 09:41:56 pm
wtf? GSW was a few seconds away from only scoring _9 points total_ in the first quarter.  :o

lebron has made some beautiful passes, damn.

GSW looks so defeated on the bench, ie, curry.. they need to get back to cheerleader mode, where even on the bench they had energy.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 16, 2016, 10:24:27 pm
Much better 2nd qtr from GSW. Curry looks super dangerous.

It's funny though when a team is down and the mount a comeback they spend so much energy getting back into the game it's often hard for them to actually get and build a lead.

Yeah Lebron has made some amazing passes.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 16, 2016, 10:44:36 pm
can't believe igoudala is still in the game.. he looks wrecked.

not sure what coaches are thinking.. he should be back in the locker room trying to recover & get ready for game 7.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 16, 2016, 10:53:15 pm
still hoping CLE wins to get it to game 7.. but i'm loving Curry getting aggressive and trying to get to the rim.

and just as I say that..

LEBRON CRUSHES A DUNK NO LOOK OOP FROM JR  SMITH.  :ibjumping: :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 16, 2016, 10:55:12 pm
Curry had a layup and he passed it up for a turnover which led to a huge lebron oop dunk ..


Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 16, 2016, 11:04:55 pm
Curry had a layup and he passed it up for a turnover which led to a huge lebron oop dunk ..



what a nasty oop pass by jr smith.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 16, 2016, 11:05:11 pm
btw folks.... Klay Thompson siting.  :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 16, 2016, 11:07:35 pm
Klay casually drops 8 points and brings the lead down to 9. I love this kid.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 16, 2016, 11:51:31 pm
Game 7 baby!!! Cannot wait.

Lebron with 40+ again.

So many questions going into game 7. Iguodala healthy or not? Kyrie's toe healthy or not. He sat a fair amount of the 4th. Can Lebron put up another performance like that and bring it home?

Tristan Thompson = beast though. Just dominated.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 16, 2016, 11:58:50 pm
lebron vs barbosa.. this is not fair.

well see you sunday. splash better bring their A games.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 17, 2016, 12:01:01 am
Lebron bullying curry for. He's tiny. Pick on someone your own size! I'm for dubs in game 7, don't care for Lebron's lack of humility lol.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 17, 2016, 12:10:36 am
LEBRON straight up beastin`.. surprising moment where he just shit talked the hell out of Curry after a block. Curry loses his shit after "another" bad call.. Klay walks out early wtf?

Crowd chanting "M V P" while Lebron is at the free throw line.. and he's nodding.

What a state line for bronbron:
- http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400878159

8 rebounds
11 assists
4 steals
3 blocks
1 turnover
41 points

 :wowthatwasnutswtf:

GAME 7 SUNDAY.. hell ya.

I really want GSW to win, but, I want Lebron to get another title even more.. So conflicted.

I guess when it's all said-and-done, i'll be most happy if Lebron brings a title to Cleveland.

(http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/4b/94/lebron-james-getty-ftr-093015_do04m0j0mhxv1jeq4aj3aza7u.jpg?t=533440880)



on another note.. is there anyone who has had a mostly "negative opinion" of lebron, who has changed their mind? Two finals in a row where he's putting up insane numbers.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 17, 2016, 12:12:51 am
lebron vs barbosa.. this is not fair.

well see you sunday. splash better bring their A games.

Lebron vs anyone isn't fair the way he's playing.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 17, 2016, 12:15:49 am
Lebron bullying curry for. He's tiny. Pick on someone your own size! I'm for dubs in game 7, don't care for Lebron's lack of humility lol.

lack of humility? I just don't think that has anything to do with humility.. He's amp'd the hell up trying to bring a title to Cleveland.

Also, curry threw his mouthpiece and hit a fan.... HEH... rlx.


also, I personally don't mind what Lebron is doing to Curry.. this reminds me slightly of the rough basketball of the 1990's. Teams actually hated each other back then, every series was heated.

just in case anyone forgot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnfrAwZjMBs
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 17, 2016, 12:16:55 am
Lebron bullying curry for. He's tiny. Pick on someone your own size! I'm for dubs in game 7, don't care for Lebron's lack of humility lol.

C'mon man what lack of humility? He's playing mind games with Steph and he's winning. What about Steph acting like a spoilt child when he picked up the 6th foul. Literally spat the dummy and it hit a fan in the front row.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 17, 2016, 12:35:06 am
Lebron bullying curry for. He's tiny. Pick on someone your own size! I'm for dubs in game 7, don't care for Lebron's lack of humility lol.

C'mon man what lack of humility? He's playing mind games with Steph and he's winning. What about Steph acting like a spoilt child when he picked up the 6th foul. Literally spat the dummy and it hit a fan in the front row.

haha. to be honest im just trying to find a reason to be invested in game 7. i like lebron being a villian more than anything else cause it means i can support the dubs as underdogs. But that's neither here or there. To be honest whoever wins game 7 prob deserves to win a ring so im not too fussed..
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 17, 2016, 12:41:36 am
Lebron bullying curry for. He's tiny. Pick on someone your own size! I'm for dubs in game 7, don't care for Lebron's lack of humility lol.

C'mon man what lack of humility? He's playing mind games with Steph and he's winning. What about Steph acting like a spoilt child when he picked up the 6th foul. Literally spat the dummy and it hit a fan in the front row.

haha. to be honest im just trying to find a reason to be invested in game 7. i like lebron being a villian more than anything else cause it means i can support the dubs as underdogs. But that's neither here or there. To be honest whoever wins game 7 prob deserves to win a ring so im not too fussed..

the team with the best record ever in the regular season, season mvp, coach of the year, being up 3-1 & no team in the finals ever coming back from 3-1, are the underdogs? Most people wrote CLE off completely at 3-1.. just sayin`... imho, cleveland is most definitely the underdog of the series, and in game 7.

pc
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 17, 2016, 01:10:30 am
Lebron bullying curry for. He's tiny. Pick on someone your own size! I'm for dubs in game 7, don't care for Lebron's lack of humility lol.

C'mon man what lack of humility? He's playing mind games with Steph and he's winning. What about Steph acting like a spoilt child when he picked up the 6th foul. Literally spat the dummy and it hit a fan in the front row.

haha. to be honest im just trying to find a reason to be invested in game 7. i like lebron being a villian more than anything else cause it means i can support the dubs as underdogs. But that's neither here or there. To be honest whoever wins game 7 prob deserves to win a ring so im not too fussed..

the team with the best record ever in the regular season, season mvp, coach of the year, being up 3-1 & no team in the finals ever coming back from 3-1, are the underdogs? Most people wrote CLE off completely at 3-1.. just sayin`... imho, cleveland is most definitely the underdog of the series, and in game 7.

pc

Exactly. When CLE were getting blown away at the start of the series and were sitting at 0-2 GWS were a chance to clean sweep the series. CLE have the momentum now, but they're still the underdogs.

Has the loss of Bogut impacted GWS?

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 17, 2016, 01:34:57 am
No i dont think any of that matters now, if you look at this series and this game, coming back from 3-1 is already done, so is regular season. reg season mvp doesn't matter. Coach of the year is regular season fodder. Look at the finals and only the finals, i think you have to conceed cavs are favourites. I dont know how the gambling odds go but in my mind the dubs are the underdog. Bogut wasn't pivotal last year's finals and he was on the bench while David Lee came up big. This year they don't have either after Bogut's injury. I'm not sure bout Andre's injury but without a Lebron stopper (and if anyone is that, it's Andre), Cavs shud have a pretty straight forward game. Plus momentum.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 17, 2016, 01:39:15 am
Lebron bullying curry for. He's tiny. Pick on someone your own size! I'm for dubs in game 7, don't care for Lebron's lack of humility lol.

C'mon man what lack of humility? He's playing mind games with Steph and he's winning. What about Steph acting like a spoilt child when he picked up the 6th foul. Literally spat the dummy and it hit a fan in the front row.

haha. to be honest im just trying to find a reason to be invested in game 7. i like lebron being a villian more than anything else cause it means i can support the dubs as underdogs. But that's neither here or there. To be honest whoever wins game 7 prob deserves to win a ring so im not too fussed..

the team with the best record ever in the regular season, season mvp, coach of the year, being up 3-1 & no team in the finals ever coming back from 3-1, are the underdogs? Most people wrote CLE off completely at 3-1.. just sayin`... imho, cleveland is most definitely the underdog of the series, and in game 7.

pc

Exactly. When CLE were getting blown away at the start of the series and were sitting at 0-2 GWS were a chance to clean sweep the series. CLE have the momentum now, but they're still the underdogs.

yup.

lebron has to have huge "hater blocker sunglasses", it's ridiculous. ;f



Quote
Has the loss of Bogut impacted GWS?

i dno, seems like it.. they got dominated in rebounding, blocks, points in the paint etc..

last year GSW went small and it ended up being the "secret sauce".. but CLE didn't have some of their big pieces (kyrie, love). so now we're seeing them play small again, and get wrecked.. lots of pressure is off Lebron because of how Kyrie is playing, and he is putting up huge numbers. Tristan is dominating the glass and paint.

i'd say it looks like they are definitely missing him.. and now that igoudala looks hurt, eek. they'll probably cortisone the F out of his back so he can play, but I can't imagine he'll be anywhere near 100%..

imho, the biggest thing GSW needs to do in game 7 is take care of the ball.. obviously curry/klay/green will have to come through with big games, but man they can't just give away the ball like they are doing. It's just wrecking their offense.

For CLE.. i'd love to see Lebron stay aggressive.. forget this 40 shit, hit 50. close it out. Love has been quiet, maybe he'll have a nasty game 7 out of nowhere. As long as JR, Lebron, and Kyrie are playing good, CLE is solid.. JR is a big piece imho, his threes are dagger-ish.

pc!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 17, 2016, 01:41:22 am
No i dont think any of that matters now, if you look at this series and this game, coming back from 3-1 is already done, so is regular season. reg season mvp doesn't matter. Coach of the year is regular season fodder. Look at the finals and only the finals, i think you have to conceed cavs are favourites. I dont know how the gambling odds go but in my mind the dubs are the underdog. Bogut wasn't pivotal last year's finals and he was on the bench while David Lee came up big. This year they don't have either after Bogut's injury. I'm not sure bout Andre's injury but without a Lebron stopper (and if anyone is that, it's Andre), Cavs shud have a pretty straight forward game. Plus momentum.

sure but.. if a lesser quality fighter is getting dominated for 11 rounds, and then has an amazing 12th round & has the champ hurt, the guy who has been dominating him isn't all of a sudden the underdog.. I get what you're saying but, to just look at it only from game 7, I just can't buy that.. hah.

the underdog is still the underdog.... ;f
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: vag on June 17, 2016, 06:22:17 am
So there are many interpretations about which team will get it, which 'deserves' it, what it will prove, for the team, for each player, for the coach, bla bla bla. And i am very itrested in reading all of them, even when i disagree, i am loving this bball chat in here, very well rounded and backed-up posts from many people.
But there is one thing that has only one clear undeniable interpretation : Lebron is by far the best basketball player in the world.
There is still room for GOAT status if you ask me. Whatever happens now the following years will be very interesting, but getting a personal title ( ~triple double 40p finals average ) vs the team with the best season record of all times, would be a huge adding achievement to this GOAT chase.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 17, 2016, 07:20:30 am
A little pre game btl from LeBron

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 17, 2016, 09:22:07 am
A little pre game btl from LeBron



My observations. 

1) In the BTL video... Damn Kevin Love...  Could you look any more unathletic?  In those tight sweats and cutoff you look like the 60 year old soft gym coach?  Maybe you would be better off not losing all that weight and at least having size...

2) First comment I saw when I clicked it were "see... He is a cocky bastard."

Its racist codewords like that and complaints about his "lack of humility" that make me feel like I have to cheer for Lebron..

3) You can't just redefine underdog by saying "throwing away all previous data and going by how I personally feel GSW is the underdog."   Nah bro.  Vegas says Cleveland is underdog because all that data convinced them they are more likely to win.  Ask yourself why you "feel" GSW is the underdog? Is it cause Lebron is some scary dark skinned bully and you don't like it?

4) Yeah, I said it.  Dark skinned.  We touched on racism and how Lebron is impacted by it in the past, but you better believe colorism is alive and well in the narrative that compares Lebron and Curry...  Looking at Twitter you can see the heat Lebron is getting for things like "lack of humility", "being a bully", "talking after the block", "taking advantage of his unfair size", etc. 

Steph Curry through his mouthpiece and hit a fan and his wife tweeted some asanine BS about how the refs rigged it to make more money and the narrative is about how whether the calls were fair!

You know damn well that if it wasn't high yellow, light eyed Steph Curry throwing his mouthpiece but Lebron doing it the media would want his head!  There would be talk about how he is reverting to "being ghetto" and "can't control himself" is a "sore loser", "not humble", etc.  I might be on team-light-skin in real life but in this contest I just found one more reason why I should cheer for the Cavs and team dark-skin... Klay and Steph are great players but they are also the light skinned basketball royalty that the racist white media finds most palatable.  I mean what's up with GSW, I swear Andre Igoudala was some dark-skinned Nigerian when he played w Iverson but since joining GSW he looks like Andrew Redbone Igudoula...  Is there something in the water in Oakland that make you so pretty?  Every person I know from Oakland in real life look like that too...! 

Kinda joking... But not totally... Colorism is the silent and unmentioned and unconscious racism that has a huge impact on us as well...  Go Cavs.  Dubs great too!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: vag on June 17, 2016, 10:40:04 am
LeBron on Klay’s comments about having his feeling hurt: "I’ve taken the high road for 13 years and I’m gonna take it again."

High Road. invisible bridge used to step over said person when open floor is available left to right.

— Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry) June 12, 2016

 :derp: Ayesha wins.

Down go GSW, down goes Ayesha's posting.

(http://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Poland/article4123027.ece/BINARY/w460/ayesha.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 17, 2016, 12:48:43 pm
LeBron on Klay’s comments about having his feeling hurt: "I’ve taken the high road for 13 years and I’m gonna take it again."

High Road. invisible bridge used to step over said person when open floor is available left to right.

— Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry) June 12, 2016

 :derp: Ayesha wins.

Down go GSW, down goes Ayesha's posting.

(http://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Poland/article4123027.ece/BINARY/w460/ayesha.jpg)

lmao wtf?

what's rigged? Curry had ~2 bad calls against him, but everything else was a legit sloppy foul IIRC.

she mad.

hilarious in context to ghettoracer's post too.. ;f




if Lebron/CLE pulls this off, can't wait to see how lebron-haters spin this one.. maybe they'll diminish it by saying Draymond got suspended, or call it rigged etc. I'd like to see some of them come around though.

As far as humility goes.. how can you see Lebron's post-game interviews and such, and not be able to separate his in-game intensity from his outisde-game big heart/respectful demeanor/professionalism etc? That definitely is baffling to me. I thought he definitely gave Sager a bit "extra" when he yelled into the camera, asking how this could possibly be Sager's first finals.

dat dude.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 17, 2016, 01:18:33 pm

if Lebron/CLE pulls this off, can't wait to see how lebron-haters spin this one.. maybe they'll diminish it by saying Draymond got suspended, or call it rigged etc. I'd like to see some of them come around though.

Agreed.  Much more interesting to see the reaction if CLE wins.  Also I think could be good for warriors dynasty future to take a loss in year 2 to make them hungrier.  Also, great story for CLE obviously...

My interest in seeing GSW win is mostly because I want to see GSW with AND lebron get finals MVP.  Unless he has an absolute terrible game he is by and away the finals MVP.  Partially because golden state is such a complete squad that there MVP is not clear at all...  But also cause he is just balling... The MVP should not have to come from the winning team and it would be nice to see Lebron become the first player since Jerry West to get it...

One more thing about Lebron and humility...  Part of the reason he is so humble is because he has lost!  That's one thing that's so cool about his character arc... The Jordan (sorta kobe too) story is just amazing individual player on bad team that couldn't get past good teams (celtics, pistons).  Improved.  Got better teammates.  Won pretty much every year their team was a realistic contender...  Lebron is interesting because he has had to be humbled so many times and deal with it...

Even his prediction for game 7 that he just wants to give his all to the team and be satisfied with the result (win or lose)   I mean isn't that what we want to teach kids?  I am paraphrasing but he essentially said his goal is that of course he wants to win but he will be happy and accepting as long as he gives his his 100% to his team.... I saw people ripping him for saying this along the lines of "a real winner would never be happy with a loss and would only accept winning and be angry and hateful if they lose".  What kind of message is this?  A message that everyone who isn't the best should feel like a failure?  Seriously?  What more can you do than your best and congratulate and celebrate the winner whether it is you or not? 

I truly believe that MJ was one of the worst things for sports culture of all time... And I hate saying that because I grew up with him as a sports idol... But he really sent the message that to be the best you have to essentially be a mean person and so competitive that you are a sore loser... Sports is a game after all... If it's making us worse people it's not worth it...

This might be so feel good it makes the other puke... but man... Curry and Klay are so awesome and Lebron is as well that you kinda wish they could both win...  Like I wish NBA was like Track and Field and there were levels of meets and more than one "finals" per year... I like seeing the legacy of Usain Bolt at the olympics but I wouldn't mind seeing Justin Gatlin take a few crowns from him in diamond league or world champs... Or even in Rio...   I hate that come Sunday sports culture will be discussing either "Lebron is a failure, Kevin Love sucks" narrative OR "what's wrong with the Warriors, steph curry is so soft" narrative...  They are both amazing, only one can win, let's enjoy game 7...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 17, 2016, 08:00:57 pm

if Lebron/CLE pulls this off, can't wait to see how lebron-haters spin this one.. maybe they'll diminish it by saying Draymond got suspended, or call it rigged etc. I'd like to see some of them come around though.

Agreed.  Much more interesting to see the reaction if CLE wins.  Also I think could be good for warriors dynasty future to take a loss in year 2 to make them hungrier.  Also, great story for CLE obviously...

My interest in seeing GSW win is mostly because I want to see GSW with AND lebron get finals MVP.  Unless he has an absolute terrible game he is by and away the finals MVP.  Partially because golden state is such a complete squad that there MVP is not clear at all...  But also cause he is just balling... The MVP should not have to come from the winning team and it would be nice to see Lebron become the first player since Jerry West to get it...

One more thing about Lebron and humility...  Part of the reason he is so humble is because he has lost!  That's one thing that's so cool about his character arc... The Jordan (sorta kobe too) story is just amazing individual player on bad team that couldn't get past good teams (celtics, pistons).  Improved.  Got better teammates.  Won pretty much every year their team was a realistic contender...  Lebron is interesting because he has had to be humbled so many times and deal with it...

Even his prediction for game 7 that he just wants to give his all to the team and be satisfied with the result (win or lose)   I mean isn't that what we want to teach kids?  I am paraphrasing but he essentially said his goal is that of course he wants to win but he will be happy and accepting as long as he gives his his 100% to his team.... I saw people ripping him for saying this along the lines of "a real winner would never be happy with a loss and would only accept winning and be angry and hateful if they lose".  What kind of message is this?  A message that everyone who isn't the best should feel like a failure?  Seriously?  What more can you do than your best and congratulate and celebrate the winner whether it is you or not? 

I truly believe that MJ was one of the worst things for sports culture of all time... And I hate saying that because I grew up with him as a sports idol... But he really sent the message that to be the best you have to essentially be a mean person and so competitive that you are a sore loser... Sports is a game after all... If it's making us worse people it's not worth it...

This might be so feel good it makes the other puke... but man... Curry and Klay are so awesome and Lebron is as well that you kinda wish they could both win...  Like I wish NBA was like Track and Field and there were levels of meets and more than one "finals" per year... I like seeing the legacy of Usain Bolt at the olympics but I wouldn't mind seeing Justin Gatlin take a few crowns from him in diamond league or world champs... Or even in Rio...   I hate that come Sunday sports culture will be discussing either "Lebron is a failure, Kevin Love sucks" narrative OR "what's wrong with the Warriors, steph curry is so soft" narrative...  They are both amazing, only one can win, let's enjoy game 7...

Great points. I feel that a lot of people can't separate the on court and off court personalities. You need to be aggressive, imposing and never take a backwards step on the field. Off the field that's a different thing altogether. I'm sure there are examples but I can't remember an on court humble NBA player ever. Lebron isn't. Curry certainly isn't. Jordan nope. Johnson nope. Malone nope. Kobe nope. All the top guys are fierce on court. In fact I'd love to hear the name of 1 top NBA player in the last 30 years who was humble on court.

I'm a massive fan of pretty much all involved in the whole finals series this year. There's been some guys I didn't know much about as I hadn't watched much NBA recently. Having said that the more and more I watch GSW and with the amazing players they have I think they need a loss too. Look at Klay leaving early. Massive sign of disrespect. I think it would do their team some good to learn how to lose well just like Lebron has done in the past. You don't need to like it but you need to be able to accept it.

As far as the spin goes it's really interesting. When OKC won a game I don't remember this same reaction. When CLE wins it's rigged or Lebron flopped or something else happened. But just like Kerr said CLE completely outplayed them. 
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 18, 2016, 05:55:05 pm
is it possible to just fast-forward life to Sunday/8 PM ET?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 18, 2016, 06:37:35 pm
#feels

It's only about 25 hours away now.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 19, 2016, 03:15:47 am
is it possible to just fast-forward life to Sunday/8 PM ET?

Freal.  Was talking about the series earlier and realized this isn't a basketball series.  This is a boxing match between two huge punchers.  After 6 games we have zero point differential and no close games... Last year we had two overtime games in the first three but yet everyone knows this series is better...

It's interesting that such a good story can be told through blowouts!  But so many good stories and massive changes and swings make this a great series...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 03:56:54 am
is it possible to just fast-forward life to Sunday/8 PM ET?

Freal.  Was talking about the series earlier and realized this isn't a basketball series.  This is a boxing match between two huge punchers.  After 6 games we have zero point differential and no close games... Last year we had two overtime games in the first three but yet everyone knows this series is better...

It's interesting that such a good story can be told through blowouts!  But so many good stories and massive changes and swings make this a great series...

hah, interesting analogy.. ya this is the Gatti / Ward, Castillo / Corrales, Bradley / Provodnikov, Vargas / Miura -> of basketball. Those fights were only close, in how much damage was inflicted each round. Basically fighters trading "blow out rounds". In alot of those fights, the guy who looked done early, came back to win..

round 12 coming soon.

there's something about weathering the storm too.. GSW did it vs OKC.. now CLE is doing it vs GSW. Interesting turn of events.. Two potential 3-1 comebacks.

2016 is the year of the blowouts.. even NFL Superbowl was lopsided.

pc!


also.. LEBRON.  :ninja:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 08:19:07 pm
pretty nice start to game 7.. the story so far (even tho it's only 8-8) is some major defensive lapses by CLE.. looking so confused on some of those switches etc, leaving guys wide open (for 3 or dunks).. but CLE has made some nasty blocks so far too.

also lebron is being too unselfish so far.. :F

kyrie with a nasty move/shot on Klay.

oracle arena must be deafening.. sounds crazy on tv.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 08:26:34 pm
nasty two hander by Lebron. ;f

man CLE is getting torched on switches.. u can see lebron yelling at JR, there's alot of confusion right now defensively.

odd.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 09:03:56 pm
draymond is playing out of his mind wtf.

he can't miss.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 09:06:56 pm
Yeah man they do look confused on D. Why they hell does no one get a hand up when Green gets the ball. They're giving him way too much opportunity.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 09:07:54 pm
And agreed on Lebron. Being way too unselfish. It's causing turnovers.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 19, 2016, 09:26:26 pm
Damn I'm away and not watching. It seemed like cavs have had the let's let draymond beat us mentality all series. They never step up to him.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 09:33:56 pm
GSW opened the quarter hot.. looked bad for CLE.. Klay on fire.

then JR SMITH caught fire. CLE really needs JR hitting shots, good sign.

kyrie with a NASTY baseline move.

52-52.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 09:44:33 pm
as per T0ddday, kyrie is a glassmaster.

some SICK shots.

Lebron is soooo passive.. he's making lots of nice passes but man, he needs to stop hesitating and attack. COME THE F ON LEBRON.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 09:47:24 pm
KYRIE GLASS MASTER. NASTY AND1 WITH HIS LEFT.

 :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 09:53:20 pm
cavs are beasting it again.

need another hero game from klay.

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 19, 2016, 09:57:08 pm
Watching second half now. Dunno Adarq id rather kyrie attack the basket on half court play and have Lebron get aggressive when the play breaks down. But initially Lebron is too predictable while kyrie seems unstoppable in getting to the rim or breaking down play.

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:03:27 pm
Watching second half now. Dunno Adarq id rather kyrie attack the basket on half court play and have Lebron get aggressive when the play breaks down. But initially Lebron is too predictable while kyrie seems unstoppable in getting to the rim or breaking down play.

ya but, when lebron gets the ball, and wastes a ton of shot clock by just being so passive, barely doing anything with the ball.. even worse, after all of that, passing it off late and someone else having to force up an ugly shot. that's just way too passive imho.

he's second guessing himself on shots. I like to see him just "go".. no hesitation.

kyrie is ballin` for sure.. though, it looks like he's limping towards the end of the third. eek
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:03:38 pm
epic game 7 so far

 :headbang:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:06:21 pm
a good example of lebron's passiveness just happened.. he basically wasted ~25s off of the shot clock, passed the ball off, got the ball right back, and had to jack up an ugly 3.

attack attack attack.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 10:07:34 pm
barnes is rigging the game. sumbitch
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:09:17 pm
we might be witnessing the dawn of the kyrie ERA.  :ninja:

man he's ballin.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 10:13:20 pm
barnes is rigging the game. sumbitch

barnes is rigging the game. sumbitch
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:15:36 pm
splash bros siting.

!!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 10:19:57 pm
6mins..

this is it.

go warriors!!!

whatever happens..kyrie is my man
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:23:51 pm
lebron can't seem to do anything when curry is on him.. makes no sense. horrible shot.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:25:35 pm
like van gundy said.. "cle would be served better by getting into what they are going to get into, quicker".

damn this game is crazy.. history on the line either way:

GSW capping off the greatest regular season ever, with a title

Lebron overcoming the GSW juggernaut, and bringing a title to CLE.

 :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:30:50 pm
lebron, perhaps one of the blocks of the century.. especially if they win this.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 10:31:44 pm
Yes! Give it to Kyrie.

That block tho.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:32:46 pm
omfg omfg
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:33:43 pm
fuck i screamed a crying scream, when lebron just missed this dunk


holy shit

 :ibjumping: :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:34:11 pm
did he just say , ' ibroke my wrist' ? ?

omffdogmdfgo

holy shit
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 10:34:25 pm
Fuarkkk!!!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 10:35:16 pm
kyrie killed a 73-9 team.

much respect.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:36:02 pm
kyrie killed a 73-9 team.

much respect.

ya wtf
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:36:31 pm
man that's some drama.. lebron hurts his shooting hand, still hits 1 of 2.. 4 pt lead with ~10s left.

this is ridiculous.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 10:36:48 pm
GSW haven't scored in the last 3 minutes.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:37:53 pm
OMFG OMFG OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 10:38:42 pm
 :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf: :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:39:01 pm
tears everywhere.. this is amazing.

EPIC.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 10:39:58 pm
Unbelievable. Love so many stories here.

Jefferson gets a ring too which is a great way to cap off his career.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 10:41:04 pm
lebrons epic block and that championship sealing 3 from kyrie. wattagame
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:44:26 pm
lebrons epic block and that championship sealing 3 from kyrie. wattagame

ya that block is now HISTORIC.

i lost my mind when he did that.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 10:45:22 pm
Finally a close game and it delivered.

GSW went cold tho.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 10:46:40 pm
warriors death started when ezeli replaced livingston in the 3min mark. warriors had something going. cleveland was sucking. ezeli messed it up.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 19, 2016, 10:49:25 pm
i can't wait to see some high-res LEBRON emotional/crying images.

 :headbang:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 19, 2016, 10:50:29 pm
Agreed. They didn't make a shot after that.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 11:15:22 pm
festus is an idiot. lebron abused him with that pump fake 3.

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 19, 2016, 11:24:44 pm
festus is an idiot. lebron abused him with that pump fake 3.

hot take: losing bogut cost the warriors the series. kerr playing varejao and ezeli for as long as he did sank them today. they each had -9 +/- for the game.

(thompson was -11, fwiw)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 19, 2016, 11:49:00 pm
I wish Klay was taking those shots instead of gay ass curry. Fuck curry. Give it to the true sharposhooter on the team.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 19, 2016, 11:51:12 pm
I wish Klay was taking those shots instead of gay ass curry. Fuck curry. Give it to the true sharposhooter on the team.

klay is also the 2nd best defense of the team tonight next to dreymond. can't ask too much from the guy.

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 19, 2016, 11:53:30 pm
klay was like -11 in this game, he played like shit. curry was -3.

don't use gay as an insult.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 19, 2016, 11:56:20 pm
Fuck no, this is the same Klay in game 6, who reduced a 17 point deficit at the end of the 2nd quarter down to 9 by scoring 8 straight (3,3,2) in 3 possessions. That's my goto guy when you need a comeback if i am on the warriors staff. Curry just wanted to be a hero.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 19, 2016, 11:57:21 pm
that is a solid hot taek. you're wrong, but do you.

https://vine.co/v/5BuwdJwzqPX
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 20, 2016, 12:02:27 am
I'm so disappointed in Curry though. He played so selfishly when that game was still winnable in the last 5 mins. Those shots were awful. Why not defer to Klay or Draymond. He's getting all the attention, let Klay have a go. I'm sad for Klay.

Btw has anyone seen a source lebron's stats for the 7 game series? I computed the numbers as 29.7, 11.3 rb and 8.9 assists but i havent been able to corroborate it against a reliable source.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 20, 2016, 12:06:48 am
cleveland should vote and give verajao a ring.

he made us suck. he gave us bad luck with the flops.

give him a cleveland championship ring.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 20, 2016, 12:09:15 am
he gets one anyway because he played part of the season with them!  :goodjobbro:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: AGC on June 20, 2016, 12:31:03 am
I'm so disappointed in Curry though. He played so selfishly when that game was still winnable in the last 5 mins. Those shots were awful. Why not defer to Klay or Draymond. He's getting all the attention, let Klay have a go. I'm sad for Klay.

Btw has anyone seen a source lebron's stats for the 7 game series? I computed the numbers as 29.7, 11.3 rb and 8.9 assists but i havent been able to corroborate it against a reliable source.

Yep: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/242289/LeBron-James-Named-Unanimous-Finals-MVP (http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/242289/LeBron-James-Named-Unanimous-Finals-MVP)

Mind boggling numbers. I remember arguing against LeBron getting FMVP last year with the loss but this year there is absolutely no argument  :wowthatwasnutswtf:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 20, 2016, 12:37:03 am
Amazing. My gut feeling is if he played with a slightly better cast he'd have a legit triple double average instead of a lebron triple double average. I'm in awe of what he pulled off this post season.  I just hope his legacy now belongs rightfully above MJ not below. There are things MJ could do and there are things only LBJ23 could do - to do it against the odds, coming back from 3-1 down, coming back from being homeless and against a historically great team - it's just amazing. The true king.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 12:42:08 am
he gets one anyway because he played part of the season with them!  :goodjobbro:

srs? if so, absolutely amazing. LMAO



that is a solid hot taek. you're wrong, but do you.

https://vine.co/v/5BuwdJwzqPX

lol @ solid hot take.

also, that block though. that's what i'll remember when I think back on this finals.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 12:43:56 am
oh man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIZqOTIbWDg
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 12:44:50 am
Amazing. My gut feeling is if he played with a slightly better cast he'd have a legit triple double average instead of a lebron triple double average. I'm in awe of what he pulled off this post season.  I just hope his legacy now belongs rightfully above MJ not below. There are things MJ could do and there are things only LBJ23 could do - to do it against the odds, coming back from 3-1 down, coming back from being homeless and against a historically great team - it's just amazing. The true king.

:goodjobbro:

:)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 12:46:46 am
lebrawn jayemz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W0LzJ3zMrk
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Mikey on June 20, 2016, 01:08:25 am
Amazing. My gut feeling is if he played with a slightly better cast he'd have a legit triple double average instead of a lebron triple double average. I'm in awe of what he pulled off this post season.  I just hope his legacy now belongs rightfully above MJ not below. There are things MJ could do and there are things only LBJ23 could do - to do it against the odds, coming back from 3-1 down, coming back from being homeless and against a historically great team - it's just amazing. The true king.

I like Lebron but MJ is the GOAT.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 20, 2016, 01:13:12 am
SHAQ is goat but with that win lebron surpasses jordan as an all round player, IMHO. We can argue about it though. Where is t0ddday??
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 01:31:39 am
SHAQ is goat but with that win lebron surpasses jordan as an all round player, IMHO. We can argue about it though. Where is t0ddday??

i'd still put MJ as GOAT.. 6 titles, even while taking a few years off to play baseball. Easily the most clutch player i've ever seen.

not sure the criteria Lebron would have to meet to achieve GOAT status.. his career has wins and losses. MJ didn't know much about losing. Regardless, Lebron is definitely in the overall debate of "GOAT", that's saying something.

fwiw, jordan stuff:

6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003)
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
All-NBA Second Team (1985)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988)
NBA playoffs all-time leading scorer
Chicago Bulls all-time leading scorer

:F
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 01:32:56 am
(https://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BN-OO049_NBAFIN_P_20160619230720.jpg)

(http://img2-1.timeinc.net/people/i/2016/news/160703/lebron-james-800.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ClXKNDyVYAAYcjy.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Kingfish on June 20, 2016, 02:01:23 am
i would have easily been a LJ fan but the flopping just does not work for me.

if golden state was healthy, it would have been an easy 4-1 or 4-2 win for the warriors.

if golden state lost to OKC. it would have been a lot worst for cleveland. i don't see LB doing his points in the paint against the canter/adams/ibaka. but so hard to cheer for okc because westbrook is a bitch.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 20, 2016, 02:05:10 am
i would have easily been a LJ fan but the flopping just does not work for me.

if golden state was healthy, it would have been an easy 4-1 or 4-2 win for the warriors.

if golden state lost to OKC. it would have been a lot worst for cleveland. i don't see LB doing his points in the paint against the canter/adams/ibaka. but so hard to cheer for okc because westbrook is a bitch.

solid points..

devils advocate, when you're as big and strong as lebron, you're not getting calls unless you act a little. maybe.

i do agree if dubs were healthy they'd have closed out ..

OKC v CLE wud have been an amazing contest and i do think OKC win that. I'm sure KD is sitting there ruing his chances. Honestly, it's unfair to blame one plyaer --- but what were they thinking picking up dion fucking waiters. He cost them game 5. IMHO. Such a scrub, didn't belong on a contender.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: AGC on June 20, 2016, 02:29:30 am
SHAQ is goat but with that win lebron surpasses jordan as an all round player, IMHO. We can argue about it though. Where is t0ddday??

i'd still put MJ as GOAT.. 6 titles, even while taking a few years off to play baseball. Easily the most clutch player i've ever seen.

not sure the criteria Lebron would have to meet to achieve GOAT status.. his career has wins and losses. MJ didn't know much about losing. Regardless, Lebron is definitely in the overall debate of "GOAT", that's saying something.

fwiw, jordan stuff:

6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003)
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
All-NBA Second Team (1985)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988)
NBA playoffs all-time leading scorer
Chicago Bulls all-time leading scorer

:F

MJ is the GOAT and BOAT IMO. I have arguments, but maybe in another thread. Don't want to take away from LeBron today, amazing!

One thing I don't know if mentioned yet: LeBron nearly threw down what would have been the greatest finals dunk ever!

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/06/19/lebron-james-hurts-wrist-free-throw-nba-finals-game-7

I think he hammed up the wrist thing though, just for drama.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 20, 2016, 02:34:31 am
SHAQ is goat but with that win lebron surpasses jordan as an all round player, IMHO. We can argue about it though. Where is t0ddday??

i'd still put MJ as GOAT.. 6 titles, even while taking a few years off to play baseball. Easily the most clutch player i've ever seen.

not sure the criteria Lebron would have to meet to achieve GOAT status.. his career has wins and losses. MJ didn't know much about losing. Regardless, Lebron is definitely in the overall debate of "GOAT", that's saying something.

fwiw, jordan stuff:

6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003)
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
All-NBA Second Team (1985)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988)
NBA playoffs all-time leading scorer
Chicago Bulls all-time leading scorer

:F

Yeah I think people forget what Jordan did and also who he did it against and especially playing in the golden era of the NBA.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 20, 2016, 02:40:22 am
LeBron James becomes the first Player-Coach-GM to win an NBA title, in a Finals that went 7 games, while having a triple-double in game 7, and breaking a wrist with 10.6 seconds left in the game, in Oakland, on Fathers Day, while being a pussy ass bitch. (self.nbacirclejerk)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 02:59:14 am
SHAQ is goat but with that win lebron surpasses jordan as an all round player, IMHO. We can argue about it though. Where is t0ddday??

i'd still put MJ as GOAT.. 6 titles, even while taking a few years off to play baseball. Easily the most clutch player i've ever seen.

not sure the criteria Lebron would have to meet to achieve GOAT status.. his career has wins and losses. MJ didn't know much about losing. Regardless, Lebron is definitely in the overall debate of "GOAT", that's saying something.

fwiw, jordan stuff:

6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003)
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
All-NBA Second Team (1985)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988)
NBA playoffs all-time leading scorer
Chicago Bulls all-time leading scorer

:F

MJ is the GOAT and BOAT IMO. I have arguments, but maybe in another thread. Don't want to take away from LeBron today, amazing!

One thing I don't know if mentioned yet: LeBron nearly threw down what would have been the greatest finals dunk ever!

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/06/19/lebron-james-hurts-wrist-free-throw-nba-finals-game-7

I think he hammed up the wrist thing though, just for drama.  ;D

ya i mentioned it earlier. i screamed like a little girl when he missed it. i was thinking for sure that was going to be one of the most memorable dunks of all time, then bam, solid foul from Green and Lebron couldn't power through it.

i literally thought he broke his wrist by the way he was rolling around in agony. HEH
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 20, 2016, 04:36:27 am
SHAQ is goat but with that win lebron surpasses jordan as an all round player, IMHO. We can argue about it though. Where is t0ddday??

Lol.  I'm here.  Amazing game.  Hats off to the Cavs. 

As far as GOAT arguments.  I don't like them.  GOATS are for track and field.  Not team sports.  LBJ certainly not a bad choice.  Def did some things nobody else could do - which in my mind qualifies you.  I mean Jordan (without Pippen) and Kobe (with Shaq or Gasol) had losing records overall and never won a playoff series... Lebron has zero dependence on any other great player and IMO is capable of elevating a truly bad team to a good but not great team singlehandly better than any other player of all time.  That is worth something.  I mean his 2007 Cavs team that he took to the finals was such a horrible team - I think there is nobody else in history that can lead a team like that to the finals...

Obviously MJ is great and since I was in middle school when he won his last title I do have a nostalgia for him that is quite strong...  But the never lost a championship argument is silly... I mean Jordan didn't go to every championship!  What if Isiah was injured in 1988 and the Bulls snuck past the Pistons and Celtics and got to the NBA finals against the Lakers and got swept?  Would This hypothetical Jordan who made it farther than he did in reality somehow be worse?  Makes no sense...

Anyway both are best players even if over grade offense... Still if I'm down by 3 at the end of the game I want Steph to take shot... Maybe if your down by 1-2 it goes to MJ. Point is they are too difficult to compare
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 20, 2016, 05:38:52 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hp7NfhmGfA

nba refs are blind as hell - there was one right behind james watching.  7:45 lbj travels (pick up his established pivot foot which was the left) as he pump fakes got Ezeli in air; before there was any contact he switch the pivot foot to right - a very clear violation.  but of course lbj has been allowed travelling all the times throughout his entire career.

it was extremely hard to watch Ezeli and Varejao in the game.  omg they were absolutely terrible...  their stats were horrendous.  absolutely nothing on both side of the floor.  Kerr was down right idiot for playing them two for so long.

lot of bs in this series.  wouldn't have gone as far as saying nba gave it to CLE but nba heavily influence the game to extend the series that was pretty obvious...  nba set it up for to be a 7 game and no matter if GSW or CLE had won nba can spin it as a good story either way.  but with father time rapidly closing on bron bron nba decided to give it to CLE this year.

lbj is such a fake drama queen.  his leg broke the fall already he was purely acting.  just like last year when he crash into the camera in the finals.  his petty acts are why i will never praise him from the heart.

the only i like about him is his collection of epic chase down blocks...  nba's shitty reffing makes it very hard to enjoy the game.  is it too damn much to ask for fair officiating?!  establish the condition of the game early and call it fair on both ends of the floor.  game 7 was pretty good reffing overall but they still allow a lot of holding which i absolutely hate.  game 6, that was nasty bias for CLE, touch fouls in nba finals are a joke.

in the end nba got what they wanted.  this finals series was very unsatisfying for me (even before the final game 7 result).  just didn't like how it went down at all.  WCF was far more epic and tense.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 04:56:33 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hp7NfhmGfA

nba refs are blind as hell - there was one right behind james watching.  7:45 lbj travels (pick up his established pivot foot which was the left) as he pump fakes got Ezeli in air; before there was any contact he switch the pivot foot to right - a very clear violation.  but of course lbj has been allowed travelling all the times throughout his entire career.

it was extremely hard to watch Ezeli and Varejao in the game.  omg they were absolutely terrible...  their stats were horrendous.  absolutely nothing on both side of the floor.  Kerr was down right idiot for playing them two for so long.

lot of bs in this series.  wouldn't have gone as far as saying nba gave it to CLE but nba heavily influence the game to extend the series that was pretty obvious...  nba set it up for to be a 7 game and no matter if GSW or CLE had won nba can spin it as a good story either way.  but with father time rapidly closing on bron bron nba decided to give it to CLE this year.

lbj is such a fake drama queen.  his leg broke the fall already he was purely acting.  just like last year when he crash into the camera in the finals.  his petty acts are why i will never praise him from the heart.

the only i like about him is his collection of epic chase down blocks...  nba's shitty reffing makes it very hard to enjoy the game.  is it too damn much to ask for fair officiating?!  establish the condition of the game early and call it fair on both ends of the floor.  game 7 was pretty good reffing overall but they still allow a lot of holding which i absolutely hate.  game 6, that was nasty bias for CLE, touch fouls in nba finals are a joke.

in the end nba got what they wanted.  this finals series was very unsatisfying for me (even before the final game 7 result).  just didn't like how it went down at all.  WCF was far more epic and tense.

I just don't think NBA influenced this series as much as you think.. Warriors went up 3-1 and couldn't close it out at home. Sure they didn't have Green, but really, that's 100% on him. I didn't like the suspension but he definitely did a street-fighter punch to Lebron's sack... had he literally just done nothing, and not gotten suspended, it more than likely could have been a 4-1 win by GSW.. BUT GSW OPENED THE DOOR. That's their fault.. Then they couldn't close it out at home. Kerr made some very bad decisions. Curry was pretty much off. Bogut got hurt. Igoudala wasn't 100%. They fell apart.. and, they were falling apart the entire post season..

I think people might forget how beat up they looked by the end of the 73-9 run. Chasing that record really took it's toll on them. Their post season was far from dominant, they had a ton of stuff go against them, most notably Curry's injuries. Then that series with OKC was beyond grueling.

Bottom line, they were up 3-1. They had 3 opportunities to close it out; 2 at home.

That's when Lebron & Kyrie took over.. If Kyrie had never gone full beast mode, GSW would have it's second straight title. We knew Lebron would bring it, but he needed someone else to step up huge.. and that was Kyrie.

IMHO, CLE's wins over GSW were more than fair.



As for OKC being able to kill CLE.. I just remember what MIA did to OKC. Obviously CLE isn't MIA.... home court advantage is everything in the playoffs, and CLE would have had home court over OKC. Cleveland is a strong team defensively, can't deny it.. They make high-scoring west coast teams look like east coast teams, .. hell, that's what the East always does in the finals. These crazy high scoring West teams, get in their vs the East, and then it becomes ugly. Always happens.. OKC vs CLE would have been no different, in that regard.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 20, 2016, 09:05:52 pm
came across this piece which is eloquently written.  i must say it is written by a GSW fan.  but it was written before game 7.

http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2016/6/18/11970760/sympathy-for-the-devil-an-impartial-explanation-of-nba-officiating

Sympathy for the Devil (an Impartial Explanation of NBA Officiating)
By cgun on Jun 18, 2016, 7:41pm

I've never seen the media flip a narrative so quickly as they have over the last seven days. Then again, we have never seen an NBA series flip so dramatically. Or be flipped. This post is in search of a reason that doesn't rely on conspiracy theories or ignore the obvious bias that propelled this series to game seven.

It starts with the business model adopted by the NBA early in the Stern years. For better or worse, that model was built around the idea that super-stardom attracts more viewers than fair play. As a result the NBA routinely and by design offers favorable rule interpretation to its stars. In the extreme, for the mega stars, it creates rule variations that help the star build legendary status akin to a video game character. The NBA also believes in the over-hyped story line, creating the illusion of rivalry games, and setting up a big stage under which its stars can shine brightest.

Enter the biggest star of his generation. He Flops. He Travels. He runs over defenders. The refs and league are not passive actors in this, they are actively enabling it. He wouldn't get those favors without being a generational talent. But to fans on teams he plays against, or anyone who values competition more than his legendary status, Lebron leaves a trail of controversy and frustration in the wake of his accomplishments.

Lets take a look at the events of last week through these lens.

1. Physical Play. Its was expected that the refs would let the Cavs be physical with the Warriors. There is a long standing practice of allowing physicality in playoffs. Its good that refs don't call as many fouls in the playoffs; neither fans nor the league nor the players want games decided with stars on the bench. The fact that this benefits the Cavs style of play isn't anyone's fault and the Cavs would be foolish to not take advantage of it. Yet there is the smell of a double standard left by overall lousy officiating.

2. Green's Suspension. Inexplicable from a policy standpoint. Why did the league office pick the NBA finals as the right time to suspend a player of Green's stature? Groin contact was neither injury threatening nor malicious. Lebron's actions were far more disrespectful than Green's. In order to achieve this result, the league office had to take the extraordinary steps of (a) imposing a flagrant foul retroactively, (b) reject the judgment of the officials on the floor, (c) base it on conduct that does not clearly fit the criteria established under rule for a flagrant, and (d) create a "groin shot" interpretation that could never be applied as policy across the league. Clearly this was done for a reason other than groin contact policy, player safety or accumulation of flagrants.

3. Steph Fouling Out. With Bogut out, having sacrificed a game to the Green suspension, on the road, a bad start to the game, the warriors claw back to single digits. Then Steph fouls out after two consecutive bad calls that take points off the board, effectively ending the comeback hopes. With all of the physical checking being allowed on Steph and Clay, with Steph being the reigning two time MVP and having his own legacy and superstar status in the spotlight, there are three horrible foul calls on Steph.

Follow the Motives

The league will make approximately $100M as a result of the finals being extended from game 5. Yes, its about money. (Pleased to meet you. Hope you guessed my name.) The league and its owners do not make more of it by the Cavs getting blown out and their superstar losing his luster. The NBA is a business. It makes decisions with the intent of increasing revenue.

The league has been pimping rules to make and monetize stars and perpetuate rivalries since the early days of Stern. The league purposefully assisted careers of all the superstars including Magic, Bird, Michael, Kobe, and its been there to help Lebron along his path since he was a high school player. What's new isn't the money motive, its the extraordinary measure the league took to prevent Dray from playing in a series clinching home game. Greedy and audacious without a doubt. But you don't need a conspiracy to explain this.

They are simply executing their business model.

POLL
Which of the following is the hardest to swallow about this series?

1. Double standard on the physicality allowed

2. Assessing a flagrant foul retroactively for minor (and arguably incidental) groin contact, resulting in suspension of a top player

3. Three phantom (or extremely bad) calls against the reigning two time MVP taking points off the board and effectively terminating hopes of a comeback

4. The NBA is rewarded with another $100M immediately by virtue of making these bad calls

5. The coincidence that all of the above happened, with no factors of significance helping the Warriors

6. Its not hard to swallow because none of that happened

the key two paragraph:

"It starts with the business model adopted by the NBA early in the Stern years. For better or worse, that model was built around the idea that super-stardom attracts more viewers than fair play. As a result the NBA routinely and by design offers favorable rule interpretation to its stars. In the extreme, for the mega stars, it creates rule variations that help the star build legendary status akin to a video game character. The NBA also believes in the over-hyped story line, creating the illusion of rivalry games, and setting up a big stage under which its stars can shine brightest.

Enter the biggest star of his generation. He Flops. He Travels. He runs over defenders. The refs and league are not passive actors in this, they are actively enabling it. He wouldn't get those favors without being a generational talent. But to fans on teams he plays against, or anyone who values competition more than his legendary status, Lebron leaves a trail of controversy and frustration in the wake of his accomplishments."

why does the NBA love LBJ so much?  is there even another super star that is allowed to get away with so much?  i can not think of another player actually.  name another player who gets away with the crap that LBJ does.  if i think about it, LBJ is actually the only player i truly dislike from the heart.  i can not stand his act.

i love the game of basketball very much - especially the skills and the competition aspect of it.  any player that puts winning above sportsmanship i dislike automatically.  for example if if play someone with lot of skills, but goes for the bully ball tactic likes dropping shoulders and play physical offense but starts to call touch fouls i love nothing more to torch them with sheer skills.  i respect people who plays with hustle and heart even if they are slightly less skilled...  but that's just me i guess.  but i know there are many like me.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 20, 2016, 10:08:32 pm
Have a look at the fouls again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVVKBIS0TM0

Foul 1- Legit - grabbing TT
Foul 2- Legit - still moving sidewards into Lebron- can't be a no call and wasn't a charge
Foul 3- Legit - grabbed Kyrie going around the screen
Foul 4- Legit - hand on Love's forearm as he shoots
Foul 5- Soft/no cal. Contact on the body but to be consistent should have been play on
Foul 6- Borderline. Steph gets some ball and a decent amount of Lebron's hand/wrist - either way GSW are down by 12 with 4min to go and unlikely to win anyway

Also, don't believe Steve Kerr's comments in his post game interview. He was playing the politician and trying to influence the refs in the next game. He figured a fine is worth another win to them.

As far as DG goes. He kicked Adams in the groin twice and nearly kicked someone else in the face. GSW were lucky he wasn't suspended in that series or you wouldn't have even made it to the finals. Suspensions should be made irrelevant of the game or what's on the line. It was a dog act. Lebron disrespected him yeah but also sucked him into the game too.

As far as Lebron goes as you've stated you have a genuine dislike for him. Imagine being Lebron and the amount of contact you would put up with night after night. You talk about double standards. Look at what iggy was getting away with when he was stripping Lebron of the ball in the early games. The body contact that was left uncalled throughout the series was huge and it went both ways.

If I was a GSW fan I would be looking at the stupid shit Steph did late in games (behind the back pass anyone) and the way your major players went cold down the stretch (no score in the last 4 minutes anyone) as more of a reason they lost than the NBA's money making juggernaut. CLE only scored 4 points in the last 3-4 minutes too so it was anyones.

Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 20, 2016, 10:48:58 pm
Have a look at the fouls again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVVKBIS0TM0

Foul 1- Legit - grabbing TT
Foul 2- Legit - still moving sidewards into Lebron- can't be a no call and wasn't a charge
Foul 3- Legit - grabbed Kyrie going around the screen
Foul 4- Legit - hand on Love's forearm as he shoots
Foul 5- Soft/no cal. Contact on the body but to be consistent should have been play on
Foul 6- Borderline. Steph gets some ball and a decent amount of Lebron's hand/wrist - either way GSW are down by 12 with 4min to go and unlikely to win anyway

Also, don't believe Steve Kerr's comments in his post game interview. He was playing the politician and trying to influence the refs in the next game. He figured a fine is worth another win to them.

As far as DG goes. He kicked Adams in the groin twice and nearly kicked someone else in the face. GSW were lucky he wasn't suspended in that series or you wouldn't have even made it to the finals. Suspensions should be made irrelevant of the game or what's on the line. It was a dog act. Lebron disrespected him yeah but also sucked him into the game too.

^^ this x100.



Quote
As far as Lebron goes as you've stated you have a genuine dislike for him. Imagine being Lebron and the amount of contact you would put up with night after night. You talk about double standards. Look at what iggy was getting away with when he was stripping Lebron of the ball in the early games. The body contact that was left uncalled throughout the series was huge and it went both ways.

If I was a GSW fan I would be looking at the stupid shit Steph did late in games (behind the back pass anyone) and the way your major players went cold down the stretch (no score in the last 4 minutes anyone) as more of a reason they lost than the NBA's money making juggernaut. CLE only scored 4 points in the last 3-4 minutes too so it was anyones.

yup

let's also not forget that the refs gave Curry a pass on some legit fouls, after he picked up his 5th.. I remember Mark Jackson and Van Gundy basically like "wtf is he doing". He was pretty careless even after picking up his 4th and 5th.. I found it odd. I remember him getting a pass on a legit foul, almost immediately after picking up his 5th.

This finals seemed legit. The worst officiating I can remember was Lakers vs Kings in the early 2000's. I could be wrong, but I remember that being the worst officiating i've ever seen. This was nowhere close to that.

Anyway I like what Coges said.. He put it in the right perspective. I don't think GSW can whine at all about officiating, considering how the GSW/OKC series went down. If Draymond was rightfully suspended in that series, would have been OKC/CLE.. so gsw fans really need to relax.  :ninja:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 20, 2016, 11:13:09 pm
Foul 1 - exactly the type of hold CLE does to Klay and Steph but CLE doesn't get called for it, hence the cry of GSW fans about unfairness.
Foul 2 - no way.  defense was not late.  at most it was same time.  then LBJ drops his shoulder.  it should be a no call, or offensive.  regardless of who was playing that's how i feel about that type of play.
Foul 3 - foul
Foul 4 - foul
Foul 5 - clean strip
Foul 6 - leflop bullshit, annoys me as much as Harden draws fouls...

"either way GSW are down by 12 with 4min to go and unlikely to win anyway".  LMAO.  This is the GSW we're talking about here.  every time GSW was on to something refs killed it.

Interestingly about Steve Kerr in a post game interview I think it was game 6, he constantly mentioned how welled paid they are (NBA players and coaches).  He said it like 5 or 6 times, I had a feeling that the league may have told him, yo it's LBJ's time let him have it, you guys have more chances down the road with the young core.  I mean the way Varejao got extend minutes in game 7?  That was very unusual.  Same with Ezeli's minutes in final minutes.  It made no sense.  Scripted series makes is very hard to watch and enjoy.

Dual conference is also heavily flawed, LBJ gets easy road to the ECF every year because East is a joke.  Yet the casual fans will have no idea and the media will hype the crap out of LBJ's "accomplishment".  Sadly NBA is more like WWE more and more.  The rise of GSW is unscripted and organic which was why it was so enjoyable.  Their style of play (through majority of regular and post season) is the pure essence of the game.  The GSW offense hasn't looked the same in this finals series because NBA allowed all the grabbing and holding.  Say what you will about GSW under performing in this series which is true but NBA's meddling has had a huge negative effect in GSW's style of play.  NBA did all they could to extend the series then tries to act clean in game 7.

Ohh well, I guess I'm just annoyed with how it went down.  I like it fair and I didn't think it was.  I'm not a sore loser in anyway, people beat me fair and square gets 100% of my respect.  I respect skills and even more so, sportsmanship.  So really, I dislike LBJ because I don't think he's a good sportsman because of his petty stuff and I don't think he is as skilled as he can be...

Moving on...  now no more good bball to watch until year end.  Now it'll be an interesting off season for GSW's roster.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on June 20, 2016, 11:21:59 pm
Interestingly about Steve Kerr in a post game interview I think it was game 6, he constantly mentioned how welled paid they are (NBA players and coaches).  He said it like 5 or 6 times, I had a feeling that the league may have told him, yo it's LBJ's time let him have it, you guys have more chances down the road with the young core.  I mean the way Varejao got extend minutes in game 7?  That was very unusual.  Same with Ezeli's minutes in final minutes.  It made no sense.  Scripted series makes is very hard to watch and enjoy.

Ohh well, I guess I'm just annoyed with how it went down.  I like it fair and I didn't think it was.  I'm not a sore loser in anyway, people beat me fair and square gets 100% of my respect.  I respect skills and even more so, sportsmanship.  So really, I dislike LBJ because I don't think he's a good sportsman because of his petty stuff and I don't think he is as skilled as he can be...

See that is the actual response of a sore loser. CLE beat GSW fair and square and you're looking for any reason you can to justify the loss. Including throwing your coach under the bus. You think Steve Kerr threw the series because the NBA told him to?  :uhhhfacepalm:

*Edit- I should note that I don't actually follow a CLE. I'm a Lebron fan in the same way I'm a Curry and Klay fan. I have huge amounts of respect for DG and think that Steve Kerr breaking his whiteboard is among the single greatest playoff moves ever. But it all comes back to GSW fucking it up and letting CLE back in the door.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 21, 2016, 12:13:57 am
the finals, lost for an excessive desire to by one man to attack other men's balls.

 :derp:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 21, 2016, 12:19:08 am
http://imgur.com/gallery/pOHFkGP
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 21, 2016, 12:27:39 am
http://imgur.com/gallery/pOHFkGP

hell the fuck yes.

must embed:

(http://imgur.com/wcgGVJ2.gif)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 21, 2016, 12:53:15 am
Interestingly about Steve Kerr in a post game interview I think it was game 6, he constantly mentioned how welled paid they are (NBA players and coaches).  He said it like 5 or 6 times, I had a feeling that the league may have told him, yo it's LBJ's time let him have it, you guys have more chances down the road with the young core.  I mean the way Varejao got extend minutes in game 7?  That was very unusual.  Same with Ezeli's minutes in final minutes.  It made no sense.  Scripted series makes is very hard to watch and enjoy.

LMFAO. just like the NFL told Cam Newton and the panthers to take an L so Manning could go out with a superbowl.. these kinds of theories are absolutely nuts.

snap out of it.. :)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 21, 2016, 03:21:20 am
NBA = best 4 of 7 vs. NFL 1 games winner takes all is vastly different.  Although I haven't watched NCAA in a while, I remember I used to enjoy it more than NBA because it was more pure in many aspects...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 21, 2016, 03:33:25 am
Interestingly about Steve Kerr in a post game interview I think it was game 6, he constantly mentioned how welled paid they are (NBA players and coaches).  He said it like 5 or 6 times, I had a feeling that the league may have told him, yo it's LBJ's time let him have it, you guys have more chances down the road with the young core.  I mean the way Varejao got extend minutes in game 7?  That was very unusual.  Same with Ezeli's minutes in final minutes.  It made no sense.  Scripted series makes is very hard to watch and enjoy.

LMFAO. just like the NFL told Cam Newton and the panthers to take an L so Manning could go out with a superbowl.. these kinds of theories are absolutely nuts.

snap out of it.. :)

Goddamn.  Seriously.  This is ridiculous.  He has already filled up the forum with subtle racist BS and now his conspiracy theory's that explain why his team lost.  Grow up.  Seriously, a waste of time but here is the rundown of why your an idiot. 

1) Ok.  It's scripted.  You proved it.  So STOP watching.  Let the rest of us idiots enjoy.  The WWF is scripted.  I don't watch.  I also don't go on forums talking about the WWF and complain it's scripted.  You think it's scripted so either enjoy the script or stop watching!!! 

Funny thing is... I bet if GSW wins you wouldn't say it's scripted.  I bet if the script fits your narrative it's not scripted.  Seriously, grow the hell up.  Have you ever played a high level sport in your life?  Have you ever lined up in the blocks against people better than you?  Have you ever got in a boxing ring against a superior man?   You don't work for the Warriors, you don't have an inside view, you make no money on it... But you think it's scripted while those who actually play for the Warriors take the loss humbly and praise the better team...

But wait... You have a solution for this... The solution is Kerr is in on it.   Probably some of GSW players are in on it?   So why the hell do you support GSW?  Seriously, How are you cheering for the team that loses on purpose to get paid off?

Again, because these theories only exist as excuses the years your team loses!

2) Its not scripted.  Ever heard of the San Antonio Spurs?   Yeah.  Small market.  Horrible for TV money.  Yet they keep playing in finals at the expense of big markets...   A scripted NBA would not allow the Spurs!

3) Do you know what happened this series?  The number 1 team from each conference made finals (exactly what would be expected).   Then six blowouts.  You think referring was so scripted that it caused blowouts?  You think referees can get away with altering calls so much to cause blowouts without altering anyone but you?  Sorry but when you lose by 30 you don't complain about calls...

Now game seven.  Those same refs who orchestrated blowouts earlier keep sucking and manipulate the series to a tie game with less than a minute... Kyrie hits clutch three, chased own block, etc...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 21, 2016, 03:44:38 am
(http://i.imgur.com/cVPVGhZ.png)

holy shit
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 21, 2016, 05:07:09 am
it's real.. NICE.

nice message to all of the haters/doubters.



that "real view" tho..  :ninja:
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 21, 2016, 05:10:39 am
Interestingly about Steve Kerr in a post game interview I think it was game 6, he constantly mentioned how welled paid they are (NBA players and coaches).  He said it like 5 or 6 times, I had a feeling that the league may have told him, yo it's LBJ's time let him have it, you guys have more chances down the road with the young core.  I mean the way Varejao got extend minutes in game 7?  That was very unusual.  Same with Ezeli's minutes in final minutes.  It made no sense.  Scripted series makes is very hard to watch and enjoy.

LMFAO. just like the NFL told Cam Newton and the panthers to take an L so Manning could go out with a superbowl.. these kinds of theories are absolutely nuts.

snap out of it.. :)

Goddamn.  Seriously.  This is ridiculous.  He has already filled up the forum with subtle racist BS and now his conspiracy theory's that explain why his team lost.  Grow up.  Seriously, a waste of time but here is the rundown of why your an idiot. 

1) Ok.  It's scripted.  You proved it.  So STOP watching.  Let the rest of us idiots enjoy.  The WWF is scripted.  I don't watch.  I also don't go on forums talking about the WWF and complain it's scripted.  You think it's scripted so either enjoy the script or stop watching!!! 

Funny thing is... I bet if GSW wins you wouldn't say it's scripted.  I bet if the script fits your narrative it's not scripted.  Seriously, grow the hell up.  Have you ever played a high level sport in your life?  Have you ever lined up in the blocks against people better than you?  Have you ever got in a boxing ring against a superior man?   You don't work for the Warriors, you don't have an inside view, you make no money on it... But you think it's scripted while those who actually play for the Warriors take the loss humbly and praise the better team...

But wait... You have a solution for this... The solution is Kerr is in on it.   Probably some of GSW players are in on it?   So why the hell do you support GSW?  Seriously, How are you cheering for the team that loses on purpose to get paid off?

Again, because these theories only exist as excuses the years your team loses!

2) Its not scripted.  Ever heard of the San Antonio Spurs?   Yeah.  Small market.  Horrible for TV money.  Yet they keep playing in finals at the expense of big markets...   A scripted NBA would not allow the Spurs!

3) Do you know what happened this series?  The number 1 team from each conference made finals (exactly what would be expected).   Then six blowouts.  You think referring was so scripted that it caused blowouts?  You think referees can get away with altering calls so much to cause blowouts without altering anyone but you?  Sorry but when you lose by 30 you don't complain about calls...

Now game seven.  Those same refs who orchestrated blowouts earlier keep sucking and manipulate the series to a tie game with less than a minute... Kyrie hits clutch three, chased own block, etc...

not sure how anyone could rebuttal this.. the part about, if Kerr is in on it, then why are you a GSW fan? etc.. game over.

HEH.

Quote
Seriously, How are you cheering for the team that loses on purpose to get paid off?

 :highfive:



still so happy for Lebron.. been happy about it all day. maybe that's why my training went so good today too, just been in an extra good mood seeing him achieve this.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 21, 2016, 06:12:09 am
i'm not a die hard GSW fan.  i'm a fan of beautiful basketball.  it just so happens that GSW is in my home town back in california.  if another team plays a similar style i would become a fan of them as well.  that kerr interview just gave me all sorts of wrong vibes...  he was talking about $$ way too much.  even if GSW and won game 7 in no way would i be celebrating.  i still think the series was fucked with and hate how it went.

me a racist?!  not even sure where that comes from.  this is basketball we're talking here, where does race come to play at all?
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: maxent on June 21, 2016, 06:41:04 am
(http://i.imgur.com/c0rr2SO.jpg)

omg.......

i cant even touch the square and this dude jus did dis in the dying minutes of the last game of the playoffs ......
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 21, 2016, 09:32:12 am
~36", in the run of play, through traffic, at the end of the game...insane.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 21, 2016, 10:05:46 am
me a racist?!  not even sure where that comes from.  this is basketball we're talking here, where does race come to play at all?

Lol.  We are talking about basketball.  Where does race come into play?  EVERYWHERE.  Just cause you don't notice racism doesn't mean you can't be a part of it.  We at talking about a sport that captivates the American public, a sport largely played by black players with white owners.   The racial dynamic is huge. 

But just for the record I'm not accusing you of being overtly racist.  But you parroted many of the arguments racists make about Lebron James.  Maybe you really are clueless about the racial dynamics involved - if that's the case it's incumbent on you to realize that they do exist and how when you say or repeat something you hear that you think is objectively true but has racist undertones - some may think you are racist.   But again not accusing you of this.  Not in the least.  Just reminding you that the level of vitriol and personal attacks you leveled at LBJ (especially unfounded stuff like about you know he doesn't love and respect the game) are the same attacks that you can get to by being racist...

Additionally your irrational argument that the NBA is fixed suggests that you really have an irrational way of looking at things...  And as racism is irrational... Just putting two and two together man.  You accused the NBA of fixing the games with Kerr in on it even though there were 6 blowouts (which can't really be fixed with a few foul calls) and game 7 literally came down to a fall away Kyrie Irving 3 pointer, a Klay Thompson 3 that rattled in and out, and a Lebron chase down block...

Think about that.  Your argument is that the NBA took a huge huge risk to have Kerr in on it to fix games.   Kerr could turn whistleblower and destroy the league.   But they took the risk anyway.  Then they "fixed" the outcome of the game... I don't think Klay is good enough to purposefully miss a three and have it go in and out...  I don't think the NBA could be sure Lebron wouldn't be a split second late and goaltend and I certainly don't believe they staked their "fixing" on Kyrie making that shot... So they "fixed" the outcome that ended in a bunch of plays that didn't guarentee their result with any certainty at all...  Does that really make sense to you?   
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 21, 2016, 10:15:52 am
~36", in the run of play, through traffic, at the end of the game...insane.

Yup.... When Adarq and I were comparing vertical jumps and I listed my best jumps it really reminded me what you see when you train these top NBA guys.  I can hit ~44 on my max running LR plant...  I know one of Russel Westbrooks trainers and his max jump is sub 40". 

But.... His single leg left leg, single leg right, LR plant, RL plant, jumpstop plant, etc.  are all 36-39".  This is the true mark of a basketball jumper vs an athlete or show dunker...  The NBA guys just play far too grueling of a sport to have or even try to demonstrate ridiculously high max jumps... But god they can fly to heights of just under that in the most diverse ways at the drop of a hat... The way Lebron knifed through the guys, found his way back and blocked that shot... That's such true sports specific athleticism that it sucks that it gets lost of the causal fan who watches and says "gosh he can jump high." 

Sure.  It's kinda high.  But a lot of us can jump higher...  But sure can't do it in those circumstances... Put me there and I probably trip trying to navigate my way back into the play... Or if I somehow repeat his steps and I'm in place my max jump at that pace and step pattern is probably about 12".  Of course I could always get my steps times perfect and jump much higher (assuming I'm Lebrons height) and bang on the backboard damn near the top of it... Which would be much more impressive from a jumping standpoint, although the layup would have already gone in and the finals would likely have been lost...

I'm glad the haters (most) are retiring the LBJ can't win in CLE lines... But after plays like this can we end the LBJ is just a big strong bully?  That play is graceful athleticism like you have never seen before...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 21, 2016, 10:25:54 am
Also... I just remembered that I meant to say this in a post and forgot...

Did any of you watch the game?  The last few minutes when it was 89-89?  Remember the layup that Lebron missed he was clearly clearly fouled on his wrist?  If I had more time I would pull up the video...  I watched game w fans of both teams.  Everyone agreed it was a missed call...

That's ok though.  Not evidence of anything.  Well evidence that it's not scripted to have the Cavs win because they wouldn't miss it then...  But it was a somewhat big no call... But those things happen.  If you know the game you know that when you drive and get fouled AND blocked and there is a loud hand slapping ball sound that drowns out any hand slapping arm sound fouls are often missed.  Refs use their eyes and ears, hand slapping ball sound tells the ears it's not a foul...

That's life.  The game was not called perfectly.  It was called fairly though.  Big difference. 
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: undoubtable on June 21, 2016, 10:52:07 am
I've been thinking about the LBJ goat argument the past few days and it's definitely an interesting one. I think I would rate him higher on an all time best athletes/ competitors all across sports than best basketball players list. This is more personal opinion but when I think of goat for a particular sport I always think of technical mastery as one of the athletes' biggest assets. Just players that wow with with amazing skill levels that no one else can match.

Curry will be more memorable to me as a basketball player than Lebron, Messi over Ronaldo, Federer over Nadal, etc... But if I had to pick one player to lead a franchise or play in a game 7 I would pick Lebron just bc of his presence and competitiveness. I also think he's the right level of alpha, where he's balanced enough to inspire teammates like he did with Kyrie but also knows his self worth and steps up when he has to (although some make the argument he doesn't do it enough). But I'd rather that sort of player if I was starting a franchise over a Kobe for example. I just figure Lebron is someone other players would love to play with.

Also, Lebron is awesome to watch bc you can learn something to carry on to any other sport. You can watch him and say that's the right level of confidence you want and the right level of intelligence. I think he's mentally leagues ahead of most other players and to note, Curry, which made the difference to close out that series. Kind of just scrappy ideas here but mainly my views on Lebron as one of the top athletes/ competitors of all time maybe even on top of where he is as a basketball player if that makes any sense. I think because Jordan ranks so high on both lists is why he's up there as one of the greatest ever to play any sport.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 21, 2016, 11:22:51 am
interesting point about curry being more memorable. he's sui generis, for sure. then again, so is lebron: no one else has ever been able to do chasedown blocks the way he can.

someone the other day was trying to argue that lebron is a me-first player. i could not believe my ears. he led the finals in assists - 9 per game! please.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 21, 2016, 11:37:50 am
I've been thinking about the LBJ goat argument the past few days and it's definitely an interesting one. I think I would rate him higher on an all time best athletes/ competitors all across sports than best basketball players list. This is more personal opinion but when I think of goat for a particular sport I always think of technical mastery as one of the athletes' biggest assets. Just players that wow with with amazing skill levels that no one else can match.

Curry will be more memorable to me as a basketball player than Lebron, Messi over Ronaldo, Federer over Nadal, etc... But if I had to pick one player to lead a franchise or play in a game 7 I would pick Lebron just bc of his presence and competitiveness. I also think he's the right level of alpha, where he's balanced enough to inspire teammates like he did with Kyrie but also knows his self worth and steps up when he has to (although some make the argument he doesn't do it enough). But I'd rather that sort of player if I was starting a franchise over a Kobe for example. I just figure Lebron is someone other players would love to play with.

Also, Lebron is awesome to watch bc you can learn something to carry on to any other sport. You can watch him and say that's the right level of confidence you want and the right level of intelligence. I think he's mentally leagues ahead of most other players and to note, Curry, which made the difference to close out that series. Kind of just scrappy ideas here but mainly my views on Lebron as one of the top athletes/ competitors of all time maybe even on top of where he is as a basketball player if that makes any sense. I think because Jordan ranks so high on both lists is why he's up there as one of the greatest ever to play any sport.

Great points.  This is why I think singular GOAT arguments are silly.  I think arguably greatest is the best you can be in a sport like basketball AND I think LBJ JUST got there with this win.  I don't think he was there before.  Personally I don't think Kobe is there.  I think really it's Magic, Jordan, and LBJ.  That's about it.  I mean what LBJ  did going back to a terrible team late in his career and taking them to two finals and winning in two years as the complete leader and statistical dominator of the finals.  Jordan couldn't have done that.  Nobody could except Lebron.  That is why he is one of the GOATs because of this.  Do I think LBJ could have done what Jordan did with the double three peat in chicago and complete dominance.  No.  That's why MJ is one of the GOATs.   Sometimes there are multiple people that can do amazing things that nobody else can do.  We can't claim one is better in this case... It's sort of as simple as the case in sports like boxing where styles make the following true.  A beats B.  B beats C.  C beat A.  NOBODY else beats A B or C.   So A, B and C are the GOATs.  Leave it at that...

The thing about basketball is it isn't really a contest where there is one amazing thing you can do.  In the 100m you can only run fast.  Usain Bolt is the GOAT of the 100m.  Ashton Eaton is the GOAT of the decathlon.  Who is the GOAT between them.  You can't say.  Both are doing INCREDIBLE but different things.  This makes sense to us because they have different events.  But basketball is complicated.  Essentially Jordan is the goat of scoring clutch baskets and killing his opponent with physical 1-v-1 defense.  I liken Jordan to Usain Bolt while Lebron is essentially a decathlete.   Different events in the same sport... Both great.

I think sometimes we forget basketball is a team game and that's why Jordan will always be thought of as better than Lebron.  I think we even see this just in MVP decisions.  I agreed with the Steve Nash MVPS.   Best and most important player on best team.  Deserving.  Might get completely dominated by a bigger athletic point guard though - so much so that they hide on defense on someone else...  Not a good look for the MVP to get dominated by someone else - but it's just life. 

Curry is a better defender than Nash ever was but I had the same thought in the WCF.  Curry is MVP.  MVP!  Best in the league.  And Russell Westbrook just sneered when Curry would guard him.  RW sneered and his eyes got big and you could see him basically laughing at the thought of Curry on him as he just destroyed him.   RW absolutely destroys Curry in a head to head who can guard who matchup.   Doesn't mean Curry isnt the MVP, just that he has a weakness somewhere in the game that fans value - the head to head defensive matchup.   If we needed the MVP to be physically more dominant than his defender then someone like Shaq should have always been MVP.  But there is more to the game than just the one-on-one me vs. you part of the game.   Unfortunately this is one part we all remember (I'm guilty of it too).  This is why LBJ will probably never be thought of as better than Jordan:

15 seconds left.  Tie game.  Iso (or maybe pick and roll) play where the ball is inbounded to a player and he starts by dribbling some time off the clock.  You want to have Jordan in that situation or you want Lebron?   Jordan by a mile.  (TBH you might prefer Kyrie have the ball than Lebron).  Jordan probably over anyone else...  Well, actually if your down by 3....  Curry over Jordan by a mile.   But still... Never Lebron.  That's just not what Lebron is good at...  Not good enough at creating a unblockable, unfoulable shot that he is confident in.   Maybe because he doesn't have a killer instinct - but maybe because he is realistic and knows his turnaround shake free step back 17 footer just isn't as accurate as Jordans ever was...  That's fair.  Maybe he would be better if he was more confident, maybe not.  It is his lack of confidence that has led to him making passes that result in turnovers in this situation where Jordan would at worst give you a missed shot which is far less bad from a result standpoint...

BUT... Would Jordan have chased down Iguodala for the block like Lebron so the game would still be tied when Kyrie made the three?  Almost surely not.  But... We don't remember that.  We remember tie-game who is gonna step up and change it.  And LBJ is still not the best in the NBA at that and isn't close to being on of the best of all time in that situation...  He doesn't have the confidence or accuracy to rise up and shoot an unguardable, unblockable shot, and when he drives and get's semi-fouled he is too big and strong to always get minor calls and get to the line like Dwayne Wade did against the Mavericks.  He does get fouled almost every time but they are fouls he semi-initiates and they are calls nobody can really expect to get all the time...   

Unfortunately, LBJs weakness is highly visible.  However, it's not longer a HUGE weakness where he hides in 4th quarters like against Mavs.  Now he plays within himself (great off ball cuts - scores when it makes sense, etc) but still does not have that demand ball get buckets ability we loved about Jordan...   Jordan had weakness relative to Lebron too... Jordan could never rebound like that, or inspire teammates or pass the same, or momentarily guard a center...  But we forgive those...  If Jordan had to switch on Shaq and got abused we say "bad team defense Jordan got stuck on shaq for a bit which isn't fair".   But sometimes that happens.  It is a weakness.  If it happens to Lebron he might get the block on Shaq and throw it down for a fastbreak to his teammates...  He does get credit for this.  But those who can't do it don't get blame...  We have to be cognizant of this when we say LBJ will never be MJ.  It's true as long as we don't forget MJ could never have been LBJ!   
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ChrisM on June 21, 2016, 12:20:05 pm
Only have a few minutes but...you all forget Wilt. :)
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: LBSS on June 21, 2016, 01:09:38 pm
one for the stat-geeks: lebron is the all-time leader in VORP.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 21, 2016, 03:56:01 pm
Only have a few minutes but...you all forget Wilt. :)

I didn't forget Wilt, I just never saw him. I was born in the mid eighties... To be fair I can't really say I remember Magic either. 

I respect Wilt and Russell and I saw some grainy black and white of Russell that display ridiculous athleticism...

But the game changes... And watching Cousy dribble the ball and some of the plays I have seen I am not able to compare it what I have watched... I mean people talk about the tougher defense of the 90s but when you talk about 60s and 70s...  I mean those guys would get picked every time they dribbled... To be fair current players would probably have a carry called on them everytime they dribbled... Just not the same game... You can only be judged relative to your competition BUT imo you can be normalized by the size of the pool of competition... So respect for Wilt and Russell but I'm not old enough to really remember much and be able to interpret their game for this comparison... To be honest for me it's starts with MJ and there have been three people who have ascended so high that comparisons are fair...

Shaq, Kobe, Lebron (maybe curry soon). Shaq was more physically dominant and had potential to dominate a game with far higher percentage shots than Jordan... But he never put some things together (like free throws) and since he had to get the ball passed in to him couldn't have the same impact... Also he fell short because he was arguably worse than Hakeem who played his position.   Kobe unfortunately only did one thing better than Jordan (the three) and did everything else worse.  Doing things worse than Jordan isn't necessarily bad because Kobe was still great but just clearly worse than Jordan because of his similarity...  LBJ is the most compelling because he falls far short in many ways but is head and shoulders above in others...  Curry would perhaps be even more interesting... I actually think the loss was good for him but I hope he doesn't get bashed too much especially if the MCL injury was an issue because it's lose lose for him in that case... If he comes back even better with his ridiculous shooting he can tear up th NBA like Jordan never did for years to come and give barbershops around the country things to talk about...

I'm actually fascinated by the dynamic we have now between Lebron and Curry...  Obvious Jordan is our standard for greatness...

So many say Lebron is no Jordan cause he can't close a game or take over like him.  He can't score when called upon in the clutch anywhere near what Jordan can do and those people are correct when they say that... Of course never mind that he does a million other things better than Jordan - pass, rebound, defend bigger guys...

Curry on the other hand can take over offensively and when he is hot and healthy he shown that he may be able to do it FAR better than Jordan.  Remember the OKC game***? The three pointer changes things.   A few behind the dribbles and jab steps and curry can launch deep threes with the best of them... I mean who would you rather have down 10 with 4 minutes left?  Curry or Jordan... Gotta go with Curry... Of course Jordan fans will point to Jordan's non scoring advantages to place him above curry...

***man remembering that game reminds me of what Andrew said about the emotional toll that was inflicted on the Warriors from their quest to win 73.  I really agree with it... I mean the Warriors played so many tight pressure filled regular season games while the Cavs basically coasted... We gotta give credit to what is no restored as the greatest season of all time (95-96 bulls) who not only won 72 games but did it while coasting completely...  You have to believe if the wins record had been 74 wins and that team wanted to beat it they would have...
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 22, 2016, 12:44:20 am
me a racist?!  not even sure where that comes from.  this is basketball we're talking here, where does race come to play at all?

Lol.  We are talking about basketball.  Where does race come into play?  EVERYWHERE.  Just cause you don't notice racism doesn't mean you can't be a part of it.  We at talking about a sport that captivates the American public, a sport largely played by black players with white owners.   The racial dynamic is huge. 

But just for the record I'm not accusing you of being overtly racist.  But you parroted many of the arguments racists make about Lebron James.  Maybe you really are clueless about the racial dynamics involved - if that's the case it's incumbent on you to realize that they do exist and how when you say or repeat something you hear that you think is objectively true but has racist undertones - some may think you are racist.   But again not accusing you of this.  Not in the least.  Just reminding you that the level of vitriol and personal attacks you leveled at LBJ (especially unfounded stuff like about you know he doesn't love and respect the game) are the same attacks that you can get to by being racist...

My character remarks about LBJ have absolutely nothing to do with race.  Since you love LBJ so much, explain how you can justify him saying "I don't travel", and "I don't flop" when there are tons of footages show he does both, a lot.  Is he delusional?  Or is he a liar?  He is one of those and by me calling him either one does not make me a racist.  It's a sign of his character regardless of his color which I have never ever brought up because it doesn't matter to me 1 bit.

Or maybe he really is neither because he is "allowed" by the NBA to do both, so in his mind it's perfectly legal.

Inconsistent reffing is already given in NBA for 2 decades with super star preferential treatment and one can easily argue that is game fixing to some extent.  People hate it but still watch NBA.  Just like people that love WWE love it even though they know it's scripted.  I hate poor reffing but since majority of the games are quite enjoyable to watch I will continue to do so.  The on the fly dynamics of the game is why I love it so much.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 22, 2016, 06:19:22 am

My character remarks about LBJ have absolutely nothing to do with race.  Since you love LBJ so much, explain how you can justify him saying "I don't travel", and "I don't flop" when there are tons of footages show he does both, a lot.  Is he delusional?  Or is he a liar?  He is one of those and by me calling him either one does not make me a racist.  It's a sign of his character regardless of his color which I have never ever brought up because it doesn't matter to me 1 bit.

Or maybe he really is neither because he is "allowed" by the NBA to do both, so in his mind it's perfectly legal.

Sorry, I disagree.  Again I don't know if you are personally racist and that's why I am not accusing you of it.  I am just warning you that making remarks that sound a lot like remarks that are made by racists doesn't come off in the best light to me... As far as your accusations:

I have never heard Lebron say that he never travels or never flops.  I mean he has had traveling called on him so if he has said "I never travel" then I can assume he is making the remark tongue in cheek and I don't think you should take it so seriously.  As far as your two complaints:

1) Traveling.

NBA players travel.  You can go to youtube and watch compilations of all players (not just LBJ) doing ridiculous uncalled travels.  Unfortunately when everything is on video you can often uncover a lot of travels that are not called.  In general travels are not called because at game-speed traveling is really hard to notice especially when it does not provide the player with a competitive advantage.  You have to understand that the NBA employs human referees because IMO they intend the rules to be enforced not just to the letter of the law but also to the spirit of the law.   So when I player on the perimeter shuffles his pivot foot which provides almost zero advantage you won't see it called.  Maybe cause it is hard to see for referees and maybe because they enforce the "spirit of the law" which is to call travel vigilantly only when an advantage is gained.  i have no problem with this.  If any player has the ball on a 1-0 fast break and takes a few extra steps to do a spectacular dunk the fans get to see the dunk and the travel is not called... Sure, maybe a travel occurred.  And if it was called players vigilantly players might do less spectacular dunks  - but that's about it and it's a tradeoff that is worth it.   

When I player travels down the lane or travels out of a triple threat the NBA actually enforces it across the board.  Again, it's hard to disentangle why because the fact that it provides a competitive advantage (eg. you take your 2-3 steps and euro-step your way right to a big man but THEN take another step to avoid him as well) makes it look glaringly obvious!  This is universal - all players have it called on them when it provides an advantage and it's not called when it doesn't. 

2) Flopping.  Again, part of the game whether we like it or not.  Referees don't make calls based on letter of the law - if someone slaps your arm as you pick up your dribble and makes slight contact that has zero effect on you it will often not be called.  Sure it is a foul - but it's not seen nor called.  Unfortunately, to alert the referee of the call you need some gamesmanship - sometimes you need to fall down to get a charge called, you need to hit the deck to make it clear.  All good players do this as it is in their interest to alert the referee of the contact.  This occurs in all sports - and most athletes who understand this don't have a problem with it.  Personally, I don't have a problem with it whether it is basketball players falling down when anticipating contact or soccer players falling to get a penalty called.  Personally, I don't find it tasteful when soccer players hold their knee and scream to fake an injury after a slide tackle - but I do not fault them for falling.  IMO that level of gamesmanship is a bit much - but it is what it is.

As far as Lebron making the comments you claim he makes....  Do you know players that admit to traveling or flopping?  Does Ginobili after a spurs win credit it to his awesome flopping or James Harden brag about all the travels he got away with?  This would be terrible gamesmanship.  Admit after a game that you purposefully flop or travel and you WILL get less calls and you WILL help your team less.   This is gamesmanship and part of the game.

I think it's quite a stretch to judge someone on their gamesmanship and make a character attack.  IMO Draymond Greene crossed far more lines than Lebron during these playoffs.  His two kicks to Steven Adams crotch and his strike on LBJs crotch seemed pretty bush-league to me - but then again it's hard to be sure of intent and even if Green had poor intentions - I still would never attack his character for how he plays an extremely emotional game.  I don't know him personally but everything I have heard is he is a very high character guy off the floor who sometimes get's caught up in rather than feeds off the emotions.

You have said Lebron has no character, doesn't love the game, is extremely lazy (all racist codewords) because of how you observe his basketball playing between the lines of a highly emotional game.  LBJ gets very few calls because of his size and strength if he doesn't fall down - you are asking him to give away a competitive advantage that others enjoy because you think he has low character which is quite ridiculous.  In fact the biggest no call at the end of the game and the hardest foul both involved Lebron.  Lebron was clearly fouled on a layup attempt toward the end of the game where he did not flop or receive a call...  He was also shoved in the chest by Green (I think a bit rough but not flagrant) on his dunk attempt...

Having a problem with Lebrons character but zero problem with Draymond Green is NOT consistent.  It is the type of argument a racist or biased fan makes - it's not logical and you can't pretend it is.  Note that I don't have a problem with DG's character - I reserve character judgements for how someone behaves off the floor when they are not playing an emotionally charged game...

So, to close the book on LBJ - no he isn't delusional or a liar.  He is a basketball player.  Gamesmanship is involved in the sport.  You are not required to tell the truth about your strategy or about whether or not you traveled on a play - to do so would be to give away a competitive advantage.  If Bill Belichick made a promise that his team wouldn't pass hardly at all and then ran a bunch of play action pass plays to trick the opponent - would he be a liar or a good coach using gamesmanship to win? 

Really, the NBA is so tightly policed these days that you really can't make much character judgment from what goes on on the floor.  You won't last long if you completely cross the line from gamesmanship to poor sportsmanship (eg actually hit a player or taunt without letting up)... 

******************************************************

Just to add something about character.  You do realize that by the account of 99.99999% of people you are choosing to cheer for the white person who has done something that is 10000X worse of a character move than any in game play of LBJ.  By your own admission you claim that you think Steve Kerr was paid off to purposefully lose the game.  THIS is a sign of bad character.  FAR worse than anything the players.do.  A coach who fixes games against his own team is actually committing fraud.  Yet you continue to cheer for the warriors despite your belief that Steve Kerr is in on a scam to fix games...  You claim you believe this...  If you do, it doesn't make sense that you hold LBJ in more contempt than Kerr and continue to cheer for his team...  So, I ask you - are you delusional or are you lying? 
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: ghettoracer on June 22, 2016, 12:48:54 pm
Quote
Just to add something about character.  You do realize that by the account of 99.99999% of people you are choosing to cheer for the white person who has done something that is 10000X worse of a character move than any in game play of LBJ.  By your own admission you claim that you think Steve Kerr was paid off to purposefully lose the game.  THIS is a sign of bad character.  FAR worse than anything the players.do.  A coach who fixes games against his own team is actually committing fraud.  Yet you continue to cheer for the warriors despite your belief that Steve Kerr is in on a scam to fix games...  You claim you believe this...  If you do, it doesn't make sense that you hold LBJ in more contempt than Kerr and continue to cheer for his team...  So, I ask you - are you delusional or are you lying?

umm, naw.  i was just thinking out loud...  i don't believe Kerr threw the game although the conspiracy theorist brain kicked in and tried to linked couple of odds things that i noticed.  which was Kerr talking about how well they get paid over and over in that one post game interview.  then the ultra uncharacteristic extended minutes both Varejao and Ezeli got in game 7.  now, the conspiracy theorist could argue what better way to throw a game subtlely by inserting subpar player into the game?!  it would be very hard to detect and prove.  or maybe Kerr was just out coached?  very strange not to close the game out with the small ball squad that he has trusted.

in the end what is a championship worth?  there is only 1 each year.  so other than bragging rights and a nice trophy is there a lot more?  i looked it up, the prize money between NBA Finals winner and loser is pretty small...  maybe Kerr was just trying to say win or lose we (players and coaches) still make plenty of money and this is just all nice entertainment don't take it so seriously.  it's not the end of the world...  and luckily the championship window for GSW is wide open.  hopefully they will still be top from for few more years.

http://moneynation.com/how-much-money-players-make-win-nba-finals/

Lose NBA Finals   $3,214,636
Win NBA Finals   $4,851,365

you have put many words into my mouth that i did not say.  i haven't said anything about D. Green.  but if you asked me about him, no he is not really my type of player.  i don't understand the kicking although some people showed videos that he does that even without another player near him.  it's a weird habit of his apparently.  i don't like him yelling "and 1" either.  he's a bit too loud for my taste but overall he seems to be the kind of player you love to have on the team and hate when he's on the opposing team...  that's about it.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on June 22, 2016, 01:55:00 pm
(https://heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/gettyimages-541547644.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&w=780)

(http://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LeBron-James-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1.jpg?378ebf)

(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/usatoday/editorial/sports/nba/nba-finals-tale-of-the-tape-goldenstate-cleveland.jpg)

(http://media.masslive.com/sports_impact/photo/lebron-james-7b1b9c574e791b96.jpg)

(https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LeBron_NBA_Championship_rtr_img.jpg)

(http://fr.trace.tv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/06/usa-today-9349683.0.jpg)

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qpvBhIUqNcM/maxresdefault.jpg)

(http://image.cleveland.com/home/cleve-media/width960/img/plain-dealer/photo/2016/04/22/-515c55f623e212d5.jpg)

(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/322fb1c9dbb42aeece7945f15e50907c8b322743/c=610-0-1981-1828&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/2015/06/07/USATODAY/USATODAY/635693167583328931-USP-NBA-PLAYOFFS-CLEVELAND-CAVALIERS-AT-GOLDEN-ST-73636350.JPG)

bron.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: T0ddday on June 22, 2016, 04:52:26 pm
(https://heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/gettyimages-541547644.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&w=780)

(http://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LeBron-James-Cleveland-Cavaliers-1.jpg?378ebf)

(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/usatoday/editorial/sports/nba/nba-finals-tale-of-the-tape-goldenstate-cleveland.jpg)

(http://media.masslive.com/sports_impact/photo/lebron-james-7b1b9c574e791b96.jpg)

(https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LeBron_NBA_Championship_rtr_img.jpg)

(http://fr.trace.tv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/06/usa-today-9349683.0.jpg)

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qpvBhIUqNcM/maxresdefault.jpg)

(http://image.cleveland.com/home/cleve-media/width960/img/plain-dealer/photo/2016/04/22/-515c55f623e212d5.jpg)

(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/322fb1c9dbb42aeece7945f15e50907c8b322743/c=610-0-1981-1828&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/2015/06/07/USATODAY/USATODAY/635693167583328931-USP-NBA-PLAYOFFS-CLEVELAND-CAVALIERS-AT-GOLDEN-ST-73636350.JPG)

bron

Better than any argument I can make.  A picture is worth a thousand words.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: adarqui on July 11, 2016, 06:50:48 pm
yup ^^ :f



beautiful picture..

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CkelUbOXIAAtHGH.jpg)

that's off the lebron steal, fall down, get up, pass to kyrie and then get the lob for that insane dunk.
Title: Re: NBA Playoffs: 2015-2016
Post by: Coges on July 11, 2016, 09:40:26 pm
Brilliant picture. The amount of mouths open in the crowd tells the story. Lue included.