Can A Healthy Spurs/Thunder Win Four Rounds Without Home Court?

[TD 21]

As I said about a week ago, I think the Spurs can win up to two road games in a series against any team with the exception of the Thunder. But it's one thing to do that once or maybe even twice and another entirely to have to do it four times, which is obviously a very real possibility at this point.

The '95 Rockets are the only team to ever pull it off, but a mid season trade for Drexler obviously changed the complexion of their team. Granted, the fact that they're the only team to pull it off speaks more to the fact that teams in this position are obviously not true contenders, but nonetheless, it's a daunting task.

[BillMc]

I think they could. It wouldn't be ideal but it certainly is possible - if they're healthy.

[BatManu20]

They could, they likely wouldn't, tbh.

[BatManu20]

And that's if we're all going to be 100% healthy, including Patty.

[Robz4000]

If they're 100% healthy and clicking, yes. They could actually end up with HCA in the finals anyway considering how the Bulls/Cavs have looked at times. The top 6-8 teams in the West could have better records than anyone in the EC.

[ElNono]

Yes, but also, barring more unexpected injuries, I think the Spurs will finish in the top 4...

[ElNono]

I dunno about the Thunder, tbh... I'm not sold they're making the playoffs yet.

[TD 21]

I dunno about the Thunder, tbh... I'm not sold they're making the playoffs yet.

:lol I couldn't believe how many doubted them in the first place. It was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now.

[Robz4000]

:lol I couldn't believe how many doubted them in the first place. It was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now.

Durant was back for 7 games then injured his surgically-repaired foot. Westchimp is also a ticking time bomb with that knee and style of play. I expect them to make the playoffs, but either/both going down with another serious injury wouldn't surprise me either.

[Mugen]

I think they'll finish in the 3-6 seed range. And knowing the importance of matchups in the W, it's far from a guarantee that the top 4 seeds will advance into the 2nd round.

[ElNono]

:lol I couldn't believe how many doubted them in the first place. It was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now.

It has nothing to do with "doubting" their talent level... they're just getting hurt a lot, and that actually works like a chain reaction for them, because now that KD is out, WB has to carry a bigger load, which in turn makes him more prone to get hurt again.

If those two have to miss two or three more weeks at the wrong moment, they could easily be out of the race.

[BillMc]

It has nothing to do with "doubting" their talent level... they're just getting hurt a lot, and that actually works like a chain reaction for them, because now that KD is out, WB has to carry a bigger load, which in turn makes him more prone to get hurt again.

If those two have to miss two or three more weeks at the wrong moment, they could easily be out of the race.

Along those same lines, I'm worried a little about Timmy. He had to do the heavy lifting with Splitter out, now these rash of injuries have meant big minutes. I'm glad Pop rests him, regular season losses be damned.

[Ice009]

It depends, those of you who were able to watch all the playoff games back in the then - What was the Rockets competition like in comparison to what the Spurs or Thunder would have to face this season in that scenario?

I followed the Spurs that season, but I never had access to watching any of the games or any of the other teams back then. Did the Rockets get lucky? Did Phoenix choke?

[ElNono]

Along those same lines, I'm worried a little about Timmy. He had to do the heavy lifting with Splitter out, now these rash of injuries have meant big minutes. I'm glad Pop rests him, regular season losses be damned.

Yeah, obviously, that also has to do with the Spurs starting the season on generally a good note, but OKC didn't have that luxury...

I can't fault Scotty for playing KD & WB heavily, they really started the season pretty badly.

[Ice009]

Along those same lines, I'm worried a little about Timmy. He had to do the heavy lifting with Splitter out, now these rash of injuries have meant big minutes. I'm glad Pop rests him, regular season losses be damned.

Tim's the only guy that should be getting rested. Manu, I think, still should have played most games early in the season and then start getting rested later in the season. He doesn't have to carry the same load as Tim. He's not a starter and he also doesn't have to anchor the defense going up against the other team's best bigs all game while taking a pounding down low in the paint.

So yeah, Tim IMO should have been the only one to have rest days scheduled for him early in the season.

[SpurPadre]

As I said about a week ago, I think the Spurs can win up to two road games in a series against any team with the exception of the Thunder. But it's one thing to do that once or maybe even twice and another entirely to have to do it four times, which is obviously a very real possibility at this point.

The '95 Rockets are the only team to ever pull it off, but a mid season trade for Drexler obviously changed the complexion of their team. Granted, the fact that they're the only team to pull it off speaks more to the fact that teams in this position are obviously not true contenders, but nonetheless, it's a daunting task.

There's also this little nugget of info that maybe we shouldn't gloss over in this regard: '95 Hakeem was one of the greatest players of all-time and '14-'15 TD can only dream of playing at that level let alone anyone else on this team.

[Ice009]

There's also this little nugget of info that maybe we shouldn't gloss over in this regard: '95 Hakeem was one of the greatest players of all-time and '14-'15 TD can only dream of playing at that level let alone anyone else on this team.

I think the Spurs are a better overall team though if fully healthy. I assume that is why no one has really brought up that point. I don't think they need anyone to play at that Hakeem level if they play at their optimum team level.

Seriously though, those that watched games in that run, how was the overall competition level compared to what the West has now, and did Phoenix choke being up 3-1 (I think they were up 3-1)? Weren't the Rockets also down in another series?

[Richie]

:lol I couldn't believe how many doubted them in the first place. It was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now.

The doubts were based on an assumption that Durant would be out longer.

[cd021]

I think they could. OKC protects home court very well (though, they may have some help *cough* referees) the '14 Grizzlies, '12 Grizzlies & '11 Mavs are the only teams to beat the Thunder twice in OKC during the postseason.

The Warriors also have a great home court advantage but we should be able to take a game on their home floor provided we win all 3 in S.A.

we can beat Portland, Houston, Dallas, Memphis, L.A.C twice on the road in a 7 game series.

As for the East. The Bulls would be the only team I'd really worry about. Cleveland's defense is in the 20's over the past 5 or so seasons, i think the worst defense to make the Finals was the Heat from last season (11th) and we saw what happened to them. I think match up well with both teams.

I'd worry more about the grind of a long playoff run with more travel.

I think the Thunder can beat any team without home court but probably not 4 teams. The Spurs could still have home court for the 1st round. OKC would almost certainly finish at least 8th.

[daslicer]

I think the Spurs are a better overall team though if fully healthy. I assume that is why no one has really brought up that point. I don't think they need anyone to play at that Hakeem level if they play at their optimum team level.

Seriously though, those that watched games in that run, how was the overall competition level compared to what the West has now, and did Phoenix choke being up 3-1 (I think they were up 3-1)? Weren't the Rockets also down in another series?

I followed the rockets really closely during that run. I had cousins who lived in Houston who would brag non stop about the rockets so I was rooting hard for them to fail that year. The 3 teams the Rockets played in the playoffs that year in the West were heavyweights but they also lucked out that these teams had chokers as their stars. In round 1 they played a Jazz team that had won 60 games with a prime Malone and Stockton. That series went the distance at 5 games back then when there was the best of 5. I remember Olaujuwon having to have ridiculous games of scoring 30 or more just to get the wins. There was one game where him and Drexler scored 40 points a piece to force a game 5. Game 5 was hotly contested from the start and was close but in the 4th quarter Olaujuwon proved to be too much and the Jazz ended up losing by a few points.

The next round they played a Suns team that was lead by a prime Barkley, KJ,Majerle that had won 59 games that year. The suns dominated the Rockets at the start of the series by winning the first two games by big margins. The Suns ended up going up 3-1 and it looked like the series would be over in 5 games. The Suns had a chance in game 5 to take out the Rockets at the end of the game but Barkley missed 2 freethrows and the game ended up going to OT with the Rockets prevailing. The Rockets then won that game and ended up winning game 6 fairly easily. Game 7 was close and again the Suns choked at the freethrow line. KJ was fouled with 20 seconds left in the game with the Suns being down by only 1 point but he could only hit 1 out of 2 freethrows. The game was tied with the Rockets having possession which lead to Mario Elie hitting a game winning 3 and the Rockets advance. In every game in the series the Rockets won Olaujuwon had to get around 30-10 to get the wins.

The next round the rockets played the spurs who won 63 games that year. Game 1 pretty much won that series for the Rockets in which Rodman left Horry open to hit the game winning 3.

The first 2 rounds was the key for the Rockets and it took dominate games from Olaujuwon along with some miracle shots and some choking from the opposition for the Rockets to prevail. Even in the WCF they needed the Horry shot to take out the Spurs.

[ElNono]

Right now you want to work towards being the best team you can be, and that's difficult when you have crucial players hurt. But hopefully we can get all players healthy at some point and start building towards that.

Last season we saw the ceiling for this team is really high. There's no guarantee they'll reach that peak at the right time again, just like there's no guarantee they'll win another championship. But the potential is certainly there, we'll see if we can stay healthy for some time and are able to put things together.

[Spursfanfromafar]

The silver lining from the losses and the No 7 position in the West is that there arent' any structural weaknesses in the Spurs' play or system or even squad. They are still Top 4 in defense and are steadily improving in offense (near Top 10 after starting way low early in the season). Pop & co continue to see the larger picture as they refuse to play their veterans unless necessary. The two 3OT losses were unfortunate but the Spurs' SRS/ SOS records show it is trending decently.

I expect a major boost up in Feb/March when the Spurs get their full complement of their roster. Should finish somewhere in Top 4/5 in the West eventually.

[Ice009]

I followed the rockets really closely during that run. I had cousins who lived in Houston who would brag non stop about the rockets so I was rooting hard for them to fail that year. The 3 teams the Rockets played in the playoffs that year in the West were heavyweights but they also lucked out that these teams had chokers as their stars. In round 1 they played a Jazz team that had won 60 games with a prime Malone and Stockton. That series went the distance at 5 games back then when there was the best of 5. I remember Olaujuwon having to have ridiculous games of scoring 30 or more just to get the wins. There was one game where him and Drexler scored 40 points a piece to force a game 5. Game 5 was hotly contested from the start and was close but in the 4th quarter Olaujuwon proved to be too much and the Jazz ended up losing by a few points.

The next round they played a Suns team that was lead by a prime Barkley, KJ,Majerle that had won 59 games that year. The suns dominated the Rockets at the start of the series by winning the first two games by big margins. The Suns ended up going up 3-1 and it looked like the series would be over in 5 games. The Suns had a chance in game 5 to take out the Rockets at the end of the game but Barkley missed 2 freethrows and the game ended up going to OT with the Rockets prevailing. The Rockets then won that game and ended up winning game 6 fairly easily. Game 7 was close and again the Suns choked at the freethrow line. KJ was fouled with 20 seconds left in the game with the Suns being down by only 1 point but he could only hit 1 out of 2 freethrows. The game was tied with the Rockets having possession which lead to Mario Elie hitting a game winning 3 and the Rockets advance. In every game in the series the Rockets won Olaujuwon had to get around 30-10 to get the wins.

The next round the rockets played the spurs who won 63 games that year. Game 1 pretty much won that series for the Rockets in which Rodman left Horry open to hit the game winning 3.

The first 2 rounds was the key for the Rockets and it took dominate games from Olaujuwon along with some miracle shots and some choking from the opposition for the Rockets to prevail. Even in the WCF they needed the Horry shot to take out the Spurs.

Thanks a lot for this awesome rundown.

I didn't have access to the games to follow them that closely. I tried to follow the Spurs games as best I could. I remember the first game of the Spurs series really costing them. As flawed as that Spurs team was, they still could had their chances.

[hitmantb]

I am more worried about team health, especially Duncan's than anything else. If you lose just get blown out like last year, do not drag it to a triple OT! Also we must make sure we play the scrub teams perfectly. Losses against Nets/Jazz/Lakers really hurt, we were supposed to win these games and rest the starters against the good teams.

Thunder making the playoffs is not a lock by any means. Durant re-injured his foot, Westbrook is carrying extra load and his style of play may eventually lead him to a Derrick Rose type of injury. I can't think of anyone play with that much athleticism and sustain it for many years.

There is a lot of wear and tear on the Spurs team from three straight deep playoff runs and back-to-back NBA finals. The basketball god already gave us the sweetest title ever, I am just hoping we can get healthy by the playoffs and go out with our full roster, even that is not a given so I am just enjoying what may be the final season of Duncan / Ginobili.

The expectation of this forum is way too high. Have you not heard a candle that burns bright, burns out quickly? I felt Duncan/Ginobili used all of their life force in the last two season to get us the fifth ring. At some point they will run out of gas, no matter how much Pop protect them. Yet when the game is tight, we are still relying on these two for the go-to plays. They pulled a miracle against OKC in game 6. I really don't expect them to do it again.

[daslicer]

Thanks a lot for this awesome rundown.

I didn't have access to the games to follow them that closely. I tried to follow the Spurs games as best I could. I remember the first game of the Spurs series really costing them. As flawed as that Spurs team was, they still could had their chances.

I agree they definitely had their chances in that series. I really do believe if Rodman didn't go crazy they could have won the series.

[BatManu20]

I dunno about the Thunder, tbh... I'm not sold they're making the playoffs yet.

Really? They're only 1.5 games out of the 8th seed and are clearly better than NO, despite tonight's outcome.

[ElNono]

Really? They're only 1.5 games out of the 8th seed and are clearly better than NO, despite tonight's outcome.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242538&p=7741178&viewfull=1#post7741178

[Ice009]

Personally, I'd be more worried about the Thunder finishing ahead of the Spurs than them not making the playoffs.

[ElNono]

I'll get worried mid-March if we can't get everyone healthy and playing well... if that happens, then seeding likely doesn't matter anyways.

[daslicer]

The '99 Knicks are the last team to get out of a conference without any HCA. If you look at their run it took 2 miracle shots for them to pull it of. The Allen Houston game winner against Miami in game 5 and LJ's 4 point play against the Pacers in the WCF. Just based off of history its going to take the spurs some luck to get out of the WCF without having HCA for the whole entire playoffs.

[Ice009]

The '99 Knicks are the last team to get out of a conference without any HCA. If you look at their run it took 2 miracle shots for them to pull it of. The Allen Houston game winner against Miami in game 5 and LJ's 4 point play against the Pacers in the WCF. Just based off of history its going to take the spurs some luck to get out of the WCF without having HCA for the whole entire playoffs.

Yeah, true. That's why you don't really want to finish that low if you can help it.

[timtonymanu]

The Spurs match up well with the Grizzlies, Warriors, Clippers, and Blazers that HCA may not matter in a series. People buy too much into the fact that the West is stacked but it really isn't, at least when looking at the matchups for the Spurs.

I would rather have HCA against Dallas (Carlisle's coaching) and Houston (bad matchup) though but this is all irrelevant if the Spurs don't get healthy. A healthy Spurs team should be the favorite against any team with or without HCA.

OKC is still the best suited team to beat the Spurs, but I don't think they can afford to be a low seed in the playoffs. 2nd round is currently their ceiling, imo. I think the Grizzlies would be a bad matchup for them.

[ElNono]

If you go by the previous two seasons (12-13, 13-14), only two teams managed to end the season with a winning % greater than 70%: the Spurs and the Thunder.

Right now you have 9 teams playing over .700 ball and neither the Spurs or Thunder are one of them. Odds say it won't last. Injury, fatigue, boredom, matchups... whatever it is, eventually a bunch of those teams will start dropping games.

I know a top 4 seed looks very distant right now, but if the Spurs can weather the injury storm, get healthy, and get cracking, they'll have a solid shot to get there.

[Malik Hairston]

Don't disagree with the points in the OP, but it's not really arguable that the current Spurs(the past 2 years + this season) are the most unique and unconventional team in modern history, tbh..

You can point to many odds-defying traits of last year's title team:

- Only title team to have 0 players averaging 33 MPG or more in the playoffs
- Only title team to have 0 players averaging more than 15 FGAs per game in the playoffs
- Only title team to have 0 players averaging more than 17.5 PPG in the playoffs

You can literally point out at least 10 statistical traits that stood out, but those 3 are major factors that many here(including some in this thread) claimed would hurt the Spurs in the playoffs(lack of a true go-to guy)..

FYI, the current favorites in the West have a major trend going against them, too: only 1 rookie coach in the modern era has led a team to the Finals(doesn't mean anything IMO, but just throwing it out there)..

[MilesTeg]

:lol I couldn't believe how many doubted them in the first place. It was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now.

I don't think you understand how easy their schedule has been so far, and how tough the rest of the year is for them. They have a terrible record, despite barely playing any good team. They've lost to a ton of bad teams. That's a horrible situation to be in.

No matter how well they play they're not going to win a huge percentage of their remaining games.

I still think they'll make it because New Orleans is, IMO, not a good team yet. But they could still miss the playoffs, and probably won't get any higher than the 8th seed. If Durant or Westbrook misses significant time from now on, they won't make it.

[MilesTeg]

Anyway this year's Western Conference is an anomaly. So anything could happen.

If this had to happen only one year, this would be the one.

[Fireball]

Spurs can win any series without HCA, even against the Thunder. But I doubt they can win a championship without HCA in each playoff series - and thats what it looks like right now. It would take much more energy out of our guys to win without HCA. Its so much easier to go up 2-0 and then take 1 of 2 on the road ...

[101A]

When healthy, this team plays a game that barely resembles what the rest of the league is doing. There is not a precedent, IMO. The ONLY concern is to 1) Make the playoffs. 2)Be healthy. If those two things occur, the Spurs will repeat. Just look at how they compete missing 5 or 6 important pieces - the entire starting lineup!?! Just relax. Spurs got this.

[EVAY]

Well, at the rate things are going, I think we are going to find out.

[Aremid]

I think we play more focused on the road than at home. Plus for some reason scrubs from the opposition have s tendency to hit lucky fluke shots in our gym.

[Mr Bones]

It's almost as if some people here didn't watch San Antonio annihilate Portland and Miami in historic fashion 6 months ago.

[cjw]

:lol I couldn't believe how many doubted them in the first place. It was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now.

They didn't drop enough games while the guys were out and neither PHX nor NO outperformed, so it ended up being easier than thought. Not to mention the guys came back earlier than anticipated against a string of bad teams and then got the Cavs minus Lebron

[szkorhetz]

Just sign Smith for 3years MLE and we will be fine.

[cjw]

Also, the one thing HCA gives you is a bogey in the event you do blow a game at home. Without it + home loss, winning 2 of 4 on the road against a good team is a tough task albeit not insurmountable. To me, it matters most for teams that enjoy a significant advantage at home.

When all is said and done, we'll be around 52-55 wins. We'll see if that's good enough for 2nd or 6th... As long as we don't have to play the Thunder 4 out of 7 in Meth City.

[TD 21]

I know a top 4 seed looks very distant right now, but if the Spurs can weather the injury storm, get healthy, and get cracking, they'll have a solid shot to get there.

To be clear: For all those who lack basic reading comprehension, I'm not suggesting this is unattainable either. So I don't want to see some spin job at the end of the season if they finish with a top four seed.


Don't disagree with the points in the OP, but it's not really arguable that the current Spurs(the past 2 years + this season) are the most unique and unconventional team in modern history, tbh..

You can point to many odds-defying traits of last year's title team:

- Only title team to have 0 players averaging 33 MPG or more in the playoffs
- Only title team to have 0 players averaging more than 15 FGAs per game in the playoffs
- Only title team to have 0 players averaging more than 17.5 PPG in the playoffs

You can literally point out at least 10 statistical traits that stood out, but those 3 are major factors that many here(including some in this thread) claimed would hurt the Spurs in the playoffs(lack of a true go-to guy)..

FYI, the current favorites in the West have a major trend going against them, too: only 1 rookie coach in the modern era has led a team to the Finals(doesn't mean anything IMO, but just throwing it out there)..

Of course, both the Spurs and Thunder are unique to virtually every team that has ever been in this situation, at least in recent memory. To me, they're still the two best teams in the league, but four rounds without home court would still be a daunting task and probably even more impressive than any of the odds-defying traits you mentioned.


If Durant or Westbrook misses significant time from now on, they won't make it.

That goes without saying though. So when I say, "it was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now", it's based on that premise. Like when I said a year ago that the Spurs couldn't beat the Thunder in a series.

[ElNono]

To be clear: For all those who lack basic reading comprehension, I'm not suggesting this is unattainable either. So I don't want to see some spin job at the end of the season if they finish with a top four seed

It won't be me. Solid discussion IMO

[tlongII]

No.

[ezau]

I expect the Spurs to step on the gas pedal and rack up 10-15 wins when fully healthy.

[Arcadian]

It's still too early to assume this will be a relevant question. They could still very well end up in the top 4.

[tmtcsc]

Indubitably.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bm_-DvqCEAIyX_Z.jpg:large

[houston spurs fan]

We are returning the same team plus 1 year experience who destroyed the Heat, OKC, and Blazers last year. We peaked against the Heat. If we are healthy, we can beat anybody regardless of seed. Kawhi's injury is a major concern right now.

[cjw]

The only team ahead of us that will be very tough to catch is Golden State (8 ahead in the loss column, but we may grab the tiebreaker from them so say 7 for argument's sake). If they win at a 60% clip (50 win pace), they'll get to 57 wins. We would need to win at a 75% clip to match that (60 win pace).

OKC is in a similar predicament where it'll be tougher for them to grab a top 3 seed. As long as we finish on different sides of the bracket, I'll be happy to defer them for as long as possible and see them on our home court.

[100%duncan]

Id take a healthy Spurs team over anyone but 4 series of no HCA is really scary

[Cry Havoc]

A lot of the top teams in the West will regress to the mean. Utah beat Memphis last night. SEGABABA's will take their toll. Injuries will happen. Golden State isn't going to win 70+, and we might have 3 or 4 teams around 60 wins but we aren't going to have 4 teams winning 65+.

[ElNono]

I dunno about the Thunder, tbh... I'm not sold they're making the playoffs yet.


:lol I couldn't believe how many doubted them in the first place. It was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now.

Looking pretty much like a done deal now :wakeup

[ezau]

I expect the Spurs to step on the gas pedal and rack up 10-15 wins when fully healthy.

[boutons_deux]

"I expect the Spurs to step on the gas pedal and rack up 10-15 wins when fully healthy."

Spurs would finish season 12-0 if they win in the BigEasy. With 2 days rest before and maybe 3 days rest after Wed, nobody hurt (some hurting), I think Spurs will play everybody Wed.

[Seventyniner]

Looking pretty much like a done deal now :wakeup

I thought it would be impossible for the Thunder to miss out, though I think my prediction was before Ibaka's injury and Durant's re-injury. With even one of those guys they have at least 2 extra wins and are locked in 7th or 8th.

[ElNono]

Hold that thought, looks like the NBA gave them new life rescinding WB tech...

They're just battered though. You actually have to wonder how Durant will look like in the future. I think they rushed both KD and RW back too quickly earlier in the season. They should've tanked, tbh

[james evans]

home court is overrated. The rims are 10 feet and length of court is 94 in every arena. If you can't play because someone is booing you, then you can't play period..

[ElNono]

I thought it would be impossible for the Thunder to miss out, though I think my prediction was before Ibaka's injury and Durant's re-injury. With even one of those guys they have at least 2 extra wins and are locked in 7th or 8th.

No doubt. I never doubt their talent level. I just thought that if KD or RW would miss more weeks, it would be troublesome for them. They're an extremely top-heavy team, the rest of their roster is a turd, including newly added Kanter.

[Seventyniner]

No doubt. I never doubt their talent level. I just thought that if KD or RW would miss more weeks, it would be troublesome for them. They're an extremely top-heavy team, the rest of their roster is a turd, including newly added Kanter.

Yeah, Kanter is very overrated by some. If the Thunder give him something like a $44M/4-year contract I won't be able to sit down because I will have laughed my ass off.

[ElNono]

Does the NBA rescinds the tech if it's somebody like the Lakers getting screwed instead of the Pelicans, tbh?

[TD 21]

If Durant or Westbrook misses significant time from now on, they won't make it.


That goes without saying though. So when I say, "it was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now", it's based on that premise. Like when I said a year ago that the Spurs couldn't beat the Thunder in a series.

Looking pretty much like a done deal now :wakeup

[Malik Hairston]

home court is overrated. The rims are 10 feet and length of court is 94 in every arena. If you can't play because someone is booing you, then you can't play period..

HCA is statistically the least effective it has ever been, at the moment, tbh..probably due to more transparency in officiating IMO..

[ElNono]

That goes without saying though. So when I say, "it was stupid then, but it's flat out insane now", it's based on that premise. Like when I said a year ago that the Spurs couldn't beat the Thunder in a series.

^ Not a knock on this. That's exactly why I thought they might not make it. Heck, I'm sure they would be on vacations already if not for that rescinded T.

[spurs10]

Does the NBA rescinds the tech if it's somebody like the Lakers getting screwed instead of the Pelicans, tbh? If I was a Pelicans fan I'd be rabid. How transparently bullshit they rescinded his tech. Sorry Pels, but we are going to have to beat ya down...

[weeks]

Does the NBA rescinds the tech if it's somebody like the Lakers getting screwed instead of the Pelicans, tbh?

https://snyjets.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/magic_8ball_outlook_not_so_good.jpg

[MilesTeg]

?

If this is a "see, I was right" post, it's a pretty weak one. This is too close for anyone to feel vindicated, no matter what happens tonight.

Edit: answering TD 21.

[Pauleta14]

home court is overrated. The rims are 10 feet and length of court is 94 in every arena. If you can't play because someone is booing you, then you can't play period..

No for the players, but it still is for the refs in some arenas (OKC's..)

[21209]

HCA is statistically the least effective it has ever been, at the moment, tbh..probably due to more transparency in officiating IMO..

I don't buy that if game 7's are in play. It's still just as tough as ever to win game 7's if you're the road team.

[james evans]

No for the players, but it still is for the refs in some arenas (OKC's..)
well that has nothing to do with HCA, that has to do with cheating. Refs cheat at every arena. If they cheat because a team is home, the order came down from high above. Where was game 7 in 2006 of the spurs vs mavs series when Duncan grabbed the rebound off of ginobli's miss and dirk fouled him on the put back at the end of regulation? Did we get the call? Refs are gonna cheat regardless of where the games are being played

[daslicer]

home court is overrated. The rims are 10 feet and length of court is 94 in every arena. If you can't play because someone is booing you, then you can't play period..

HCA is not as effective as it was in the past but it still gives the home team an edge. I have noticed role players tend to play better at home than on the road especially for a young team. I still remember in '08 how in every home game the Hornets scrubs went off on the Spurs but every time the series went back to SA they sucked.

[TampaDude]

Can we win 4 rounds without HCA?

Beat the Pels tonight and we won't have to.

[james evans]

HCA is not as effective as it was in the past but it still gives the home team an edge. I have noticed role players tend to play better at home than on the road especially for a young team. I still remember in '08 how in every home game the Hornets scrubs went off on the Spurs but every time the series went back to SA they sucked.
if any team in the league should have a home court advantage, it's the Nuggets.