General playoff thread

[offset formation]

LMA and Patty were big free agent singings for the Nets and both did a bunch of nothing in this series

Hard to add much when you don't see a minute of game time on the case of LMA, or very little in the case of Mills, and Patty did have one very productive game for them, think in game 3.

[offset formation]

Lavine entering covid protocols pribs out for game 5. Lavine to Spurs confirmed.

I could see him picking pretty much any of the other teams with cap space, over us. Even Detroit.

[KingKev]

I could see him picking pretty much any of the other teams with cap space, over us. Even Detroit.

He probably has enough juice to dictate his destination via sign & trade so cap space may not even play a major role. Bulls won’t want to lose him for nothing.

I agree though, I suspect we are far down the list. A lottery ball might help.

[exstatic]

He probably has enough juice to dictate his destination via sign & trade so cap space may not even play a major role. Bulls won’t want to lose him for nothing.

I agree though, I suspect we are far down the list. A lottery ball might help.

F that. Lavine was there for a couple of years, and they didn't even make the playoffs. He's a borderline AS like Dejounte, but with different skills. He's not going to improve any more. You do not trade a top 4 pick for that.

[JPB]

F that. Lavine was there for a couple of years, and they didn't even make the playoffs. He's a borderline AS like Dejounte, but with different skills. He's not going to improve any more. You do not trade a top 4 pick for that.

Indeed, desparate teams make desperate moves. Not tbecause spurs need some scoring punch that you should throw the big bag for anything else than a true franchise player. 2 years later, "fuck, how do we get rid of that albatros!?"

[buttsR4rebounding]

F that. Lavine was there for a couple of years, and they didn't even make the playoffs. He's a borderline AS like Dejounte, but with different skills. He's not going to improve any more. You do not trade a top 4 pick for that.

I think KingKev meant that if we get a top 4 pick that we might be a more attractive FA destination, not that we use it to trade for him.

[itzsoweezee]

Doc Rivers is about to blow a 3-0 lead. If there was one coach capable of doing it, it had to be Doc

[exstatic]

Doc Rivers is about to blow a 3-0 lead. If there was one coach capable of doing it, it had to be Doc

Haven't his teams blown more 3-1s than any other coach?

[timtonymanu]

Doc Rivers is about to blow a 3-0 lead. If there was one coach capable of doing it, it had to be Doc

Coc can still be the first coach to do that and would still get a job offer from some dumb team afterwards

[KingKev]

F that. Lavine was there for a couple of years, and they didn't even make the playoffs. He's a borderline AS like Dejounte, but with different skills. He's not going to improve any more. You do not trade a top 4 pick for that.

I would never. My argument was that we are not an appealing destination because we’d still be multiple pieces away from being a real contender. A top 4 pick might make us a more appealing destination.

I’m on record saying I’d only pursue Lavine with salary cap or offer very little via sign and trade.

He’s a high volume, fairly efficient scorer. Would be a nice complement to DJ in the back court.

[itzsoweezee]

Haven't his teams blown more 3-1s than any other coach?

I believe so. And he still got named by the NBA to that list of 15(?) greatest head coaches.

[KingKev]

I think KingKev meant that if we get a top 4 pick that we might be a more attractive FA destination, not that we use it to trade for him.

Yessir!

I’m dreaming but DJ/Lavine/Bachero or Jabari Smith would make an intriguing trio. If you squint you have a you ger version of Phoenix’s big 3.

[R. DeMurre]

I've really been impressed by Brandon Ingram in the Pelicans' two play in and four playoff games. It's hard to believe he's only 24-- it feels like he has been around for so long. It has definitely felt this month like there's a passing of the torch in progress among the higher echelons of players. LeBron & KD are still playing very well individually but guys like Taytum, Ingram, and Doncic looked poised to pass them, while Harden, Lowry, & CP3 look more mortal than ever.

[BackHome]

Yeah Ingram is straight out balling if Zion comes back healthy and decided to stay Pelicans are going to be the big boy on the block

[Slippy]

Thought i was looking at the next Kevin Durant. Ingram was unstoppable from mid range and when attacking the rim.

The pels are looking like a well coached and oiled machine rolling at the right time. Herb Jones with another standout game on both ends. Not having to worry about Devin Booker give the pels more freedom on containing others.

Looking foward to the game coming up.

[Robz4000]

I'll say this about Morant, he's the best in-game dunker I've ever seen.

[daslicer]

I'll say this about Morant, he's the best in-game dunker I've ever seen.

He's up there with Vince Carter and Michael Jordan for me.

[Dex]

Yeah Ingram is straight out balling if Zion comes back healthy and decided to stay Pelicans are going to be the big boy on the block

I'm not convinced Zion will ever stay healthy.

Greg Oden 2.0, tbh

[Dex]

Choke job by the Timberwolves there. They had a chance to seize control of the series

[Atl Spur]

Choke job by the Timberwolves there. They had a chance to seize control of the series

They’re are learning how to win and what it takes…..painful lesson to say the least

[Mr. Body]

T-Wolves are an interesting psychological mix. KAT is incredibly weak-minded and easily frustrated and distracted. DLo is kind of cocky and can get hot in the clutch but doesn't seem to be a leader. Beverley is a mad yap dog who adds a sense of grievance but no mental toughness. Not sure about Anthony Edwards -- it's close to his team outright, but not quite yet. Does he know how to get others under control? And then they have what seems like a milquetoast coach who is afraid of these personalities. As a whole they seem unappreciative of discipline. When running downhill, they're fearsome, but will they learn what to do when things break against them? There's too much prima donna here to me.

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Yessir!

I’m dreaming but DJ/Lavine/Bachero or Jabari Smith would make an intriguing trio. If you squint you have a you ger version of Phoenix’s big 3.

That's one of those 'the sun is just above the horizon, but just below your visor right in front of your view to see where you're going' squints that makes your eyes water

[offset formation]

Choke job by the Timberwolves there. They had a chance to seize control of the series

Refs were awful too.

[baseline bum]

Yeah Ingram is straight out balling if Zion comes back healthy and decided to stay Pelicans are going to be the big boy on the block

They'll probably get in each other's way.

[SAGirl]

T-Wolves are an interesting psychological mix. KAT is incredibly weak-minded and easily frustrated and distracted. DLo is kind of cocky and can get hot in the clutch but doesn't seem to be a leader. Beverley is a mad yap dog who adds a sense of grievance but no mental toughness. Not sure about Anthony Edwards -- it's close to his team outright, but not quite yet. Does he know how to get others under control? And then they have what seems like a milquetoast coach who is afraid of these personalities. As a whole they seem unappreciative of discipline. When running downhill, they're fearsome, but will they learn what to do when things break against them? There's too much prima donna here to me.
Anthony is the youngest of the crew and the others have more dominating personalities. There’s a reason KAT ran Jimmy Buckets out of town and it’s not just Jimmy Buckets being a competitive asshole at times. Anthony to me is the more talented guy and they should have gone to him more. He’s incredible. Don’t know about his personality at this point but seemed more level headed than older guys in his team.

[Dex]

Refs were awful too.

Definitely some questionable calls down the stretch. Refs let Memphis back in the game, and Minessota just crumbled.

[Spurs Homer]

I cant decide which team id rather see play the warriors…

both grizz and t wolves just seem to out-stupid each other

pretty sure the warriors will NOT beat themselves
so these two stupid teams will lose the series vs warriors by shooting themselves in the foot

that beverly call was a charge against morant - but beverlys reputation caused the refs to give morant the call

just stupid play after stupid play

[SAGirl]

Thought i was looking at the next Kevin Durant. Ingram was unstoppable from mid range and when attacking the rim.

The pels are looking like a well coached and oiled machine rolling at the right time. Herb Jones with another standout game on both ends. Not having to worry about Devin Booker give the pels more freedom on containing others.

Looking foward to the game coming up.
He’s won me as a fan, straight up. I really like Ingram now, this series and the play in game made it. As a whole I really like these new Pelicans a lot. I think he’s a better ballhandler and passer than Durant too, and a smoother looking athlete. He’s been really good. I am rooting for the Pelicans this series and for the Grizzlies, though they have played som of the ugliest basketball…

[baseline bum]

Anthony is the youngest of the crew and the others have more dominating personalities. There’s a reason KAT ran Jimmy Buckets out of town and it’s not just Jimmy Buckets being a competitive asshole at times. Anthony to me is the more talented guy and they should have gone to him more. He’s incredible. Don’t know about his personality at this point but seemed more level headed than older guys in his team.

They did go to KAT. He dribbled the ball off his foot.

[SAGirl]

I cant decide which team id rather see play the warriors…

both grizz and t wolves just seem to out-stupid each other

pretty sure the warriors will NOT beat themselves
so these two stupid teams will lose the series vs warriors by shooting themselves in the foot

that beverly call was a charge against morant - but beverlys reputation caused the refs to give morant the call

just stupid play after stupid play
I think the Grizzlies are a bad matchup for the Warriors. The GSW weakness is TO, which Grizzlies are good at forcing and converting into buckets. They haven’t played particularly well and their shooters are stone cold. But they have some guys that can heat up. The Wolves are an awful matchup for the Grizzlies. KAT basically made Adams unplayable and has JJJ in constant foul trouble. I think Grizzlies will need to be better to make a series against GSW competitive but they can do that better than the Wolves. I may be wrong just my opinion. Wolves have improved offensively a lot, maybe have the firepower to keep up with GSW better but are headcases. If the Grizz had shot the ball well that was blowout.

[SAGirl]

They did go to KAT. He dribbled the ball off his foot.
I am not sure if we had a misunderstanding or you are being sarcastic. I meant they should have gone to Edwards, was that not clear?

[baseline bum]

Thought i was looking at the next Kevin Durant. Ingram was unstoppable from mid range and when attacking the rim.


Meh at age 24 Durant was putting up 28 a game on 51% shooting and had just led his team to the Finals including taking four in a row from a really good Spurs team on a 20 game win streak, and had a PER 10 points higher than Ingram's.

[baseline bum]

I am not sure if we had a misunderstanding or you are being sarcastic. I meant they should have gone to Edwards, was that not clear?

Crap, saw Anthony and was thinking Karl Anthony Towns lol

[Mr. Body]

Anthony is the youngest of the crew and the others have more dominating personalities. There’s a reason KAT ran Jimmy Buckets out of town and it’s not just Jimmy Buckets being a competitive asshole at times. Anthony to me is the more talented guy and they should have gone to him more. He’s incredible. Don’t know about his personality at this point but seemed more level headed than older guys in his team.

Exactly why it's such a fascinating situation. They're pushing the second best record in the NBA yet their identity is so shaky. I don't know what they can do to move forward other than just move forward. Those personalities aren't great together but what do you do?

[SAGirl]

Crap, saw Anthony and was thinking Karl Anthony Towns lol
:)

[Slippy]

Meh at age 24 Durant was putting up 28 a game on 51% shooting and had just led his team to the Finals including taking four in a row from a really good Spurs team on a 20 game win streak, and had a PER 10 points higher than Ingram's.

Sure. For the 2022 playoffs however.. hes the closest thing to Durant in top form and that includes the man himself.

[SAGirl]

1519171651635716096

[Dex]

1519171651635716096

Trae Young these Playoffs:
15.4 PPG
5.0 REB
6.0 AST
6.0 TOV
31.9 FG%
18.4 3PT%
46 TS%

Yikes.

[SAGirl]

Trae Young these Playoffs:
15.4 PPG
5.0 REB
6.0 AST
6.0 TOV
31.9 FG%
18.4 3PT%
46 TS%

Yikes.
And 0 defense. Double yikes. Atlanta about to start tanking again soon.

[SAGirl]

1519156543811424256

[exstatic]

People thought that since he came down often and launched from ridiculous range that he was Curry. He's not, just like the parade of HS players who followed Kobe into the draft weren't Kobe.

[SAGirl]

Exactly why it's such a fascinating situation. They're pushing the second best record in the NBA yet their identity is so shaky. I don't know what they can do to move forward other than just move forward. Those personalities aren't great together but what do you do?
You will find this interesting.
1519160460750303233 (https://twitter.com/danemoorenba/status/1519160460750303233?s=21&t=rfJH0aC_x2sKt76yuQY4hA)
1519154359854108673

Edwards is really young, only 20 I think? So the brain farts are understandable. This experience is helpful for him. He looks to be about a monster offensively when he matures. Interesting to see how he develops there.

[Spurs Homer]

I think the Grizzlies are a bad matchup for the Warriors. The GSW weakness is TO, which Grizzlies are good at forcing and converting into buckets. They haven’t played particularly well and their shooters are stone cold. But they have some guys that can heat up. The Wolves are an awful matchup for the Grizzlies. KAT basically made Adams unplayable and has JJJ in constant foul trouble. I think Grizzlies will need to be better to make a series against GSW competitive but they can do that better than the Wolves. I may be wrong just my opinion. Wolves have improved offensively a lot, maybe have the firepower to keep up with GSW better but are headcases. If the Grizz had shot the ball well that was blowout.

I agree with most of this ^

however…

jj jackson commits the stupidest fouls, morant can be taken out of the warriors series just by “not giving him a runway” exactly as the t wolves have doneX
except the t wolves are so stupid that they refuse to continue to do EXACTLY what is working and returning to their stupid boneheaded plays-

also

draymond will just be allowed to foul at-will and i cannot see ANY grizzlies defender defending curry/poole/thompson CONSISTENTLY

pretty sure the warriors will be GIFTED at least two games by the warrior-refs also

[TD 21]

Doc Rivers is about to blow a 3-0 lead. If there was one coach capable of doing it, it had to be Doc

I didn't know he played in any of those series.

He finally pushed back on this nonsense today by providing context (I'm sure media will spin it as not taking accountability).

The glorification/criticism of and spotlight on coaches in this country, based on results that are almost entirely based on personnel, is something that has never made any sense.

[spurs1990]

Edwards sounds like he’s about as bright as a sack of bricks if those quotes are verbatim

[Mr. Body]

I didn't know he played in any of those series.

He finally pushed back on this nonsense today by providing context (I'm sure media will spin it as not taking accountability).

The glorification/criticism of and spotlight on coaches in this country, based on results that are almost entirely based on personnel, is something that has never made any sense.

Nice try, but Rivers has an impressive record of failing when he shouldn't. Yes, he's been in position to lose so many 3-1 series leads, which says something, but it literally takes one more win in each series. That's amazing. And the time he won a championship he had Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, plus a young Rajon Rondo. They were stacked. It somehow still took them seven games to get through each of the first two rounds, six games to get through the next two. In other words, they played the maximum number of games it can take to win a championship minus two.

Doc Rivers seems to be a nice guy. His players seem to like him. But the next in-game or series adjustment he makes will be his first.

[Dex]

Early in MIL-CHI, Vucevic goes down hard and hits his head on the floor....could be concussion protocol. We'll see if he comes back out but that would be a blow for the Bulls.

[KingKev]

Edwards sounds like he’s about as bright as a sack of bricks if those quotes are verbatim

He’s cocky but can back it up. Can’t fault a young guy for having fun. Apparently he puts in major work in the gym too. Only a year older than Primo. I’d happily use the “he’s just a kid” argument to support Ant’s antics if he was a Spur.

[Dex]

Bulls down 26 early in the 2nd :wow

EDIT: Make it 29

[Leetonidas]

Derozan in full on quitter mode. In a must win elimination game with Lavine and Caruso out he has taken 2 shots (missed both) halfway thru the 2nd quarter while his team gets curbstomped. Lmao

[KingKev]

Bulls down 26 early in the 2nd :wow

EDIT: Make it 29

DDR with 2 points LOL

[Dex]

DDR with 2 points LOL

Dude left SA to make noise in the postseason and is going to end up with one playoff win.

[KingKev]

Dude left SA to make noise in the postseason and is going to end up with one playoff win.

Too bad that 2025 FRP is top 10 protected. Chicago could be back to rebuilding very soon if Lavine leaves.

[timtonymanu]

Thank god the front office didn’t listen to those fans that wanted a Derozan extension :lol

[jjspur]

Coc can still be the first coach to do that and would still get a job offer from some dumb team afterwards
By "dumb team" do you mean the Lakers ?

[spurs1990]

Derozan had an awful series but Milwaukee was without their 2nd all star Middleton so there’s that

[Dverde]

When I heard Lavine was out, I assumed DDR would get 35+ in a loss. Just sad for DDR. This garbage playoff performances may cost him the HOF.

[R. DeMurre]

Look at the guys Jokic has dragged to the 6th seed:

Starting PG Monte Morris would be the 3rd string PG on the Warriors.
Starting SG Will Barton would be the 3rd string SG on the Warriors.
Starting SF Aaron Gordon would be the 3rd string SF on the Warriors.
Is Jeff Green better than Otto Porter or Andre Iguodala? It's a toss up. 3rd string, maybe 4th string.

At the very least, Golden State has four of the top five players in this series.

[Mr. Body]

Look at the guys Jokic has dragged to the 6th seed:

Starting PG Monte Morris would be the 3rd string PG on the Warriors.
Starting SG Will Barton would be the 3rd string SG on the Warriors.
Starting SF Aaron Gordon would be the 3rd string SF on the Warriors.
Is Jeff Green better than Otto Porter or Andre Iguodala? It's a toss up. 3rd string, maybe 4th string.

At the very least, Golden State has four of the top five players in this series.

Does this include the refs? Putting aside the fact that Jokic never gets any calls, there was one play a Warrior yanked on the net, disrupting the hoop and causing a shot to rim out. It was an accident but that's a textbook defensive goaltending. These clowns have no idea what they're doing.

[tbdog]

If anyone watched the series, the bucks just hard hedged him, making ddr give up the ball. The bucks gave up a huge amount of corners 3s this series and bulls hit like 17% of them. The bulls also have no playoff experience, vuc, ddr, green, caruso are the only ones with playoff experience. I don't even think Lavine has played in the playoffs. So this bulls team was going to be torched against the defending champs.

[jjspur]

Thank god the front office didn’t listen to those fans that wanted a Derozan extension :lol
The bulls basically got from DeRozen what we got from DeRozen, a pretty good regular season player but someone who cracks during the playoffs when it really counts. Anyone still want DeRozen and his large salary here ?

[Mr. Body]

This is the NBA rulebook. You cannot:

Vibrate the rim, net or backboard so as to cause the ball to make an unnatural bounce, or bend or move the rim to an off-center position when the ball is touching the ring or passing through.
Touch the rim, net or ball while the ball is in the net, preventing it from clearing the basket.

[Ice009]

The bulls basically got from DeRozen what we got from DeRozen, a pretty good regular season player but someone who cracks during the playoffs when it really counts. Anyone still want DeRozen and his large salary here ?

Everyone used to call Lowry and DeRozan chokers (I still liked Lowry, but never really liked DeRozan at all - a lot of people said he was an all-star when we got him, but I knew he wouldn't be in the Western Conference), but soon as he left Toronto and Lowry was doing well, I felt even worse. I knew the DeRozan was the one bringing Lowry down.

I really think the Spurs made a bad trade getting him, and to top that off, they held onto him too long. Should have went for Ingram if they could have had a package built around him.

[MultiTroll]

Sweet ending to 3rd qtr by Nuggets.

Cousins bringing in some much needed grit and spine.

[MultiTroll]

So is this meant to be in place of the NBA Forum thread or ??

[SAGirl]

Warrior ref about to foul out Jokic in a competitive elimination game. Its a shame. If I was a Denver fan I’d be crying.

[SAGirl]

If anyone watched the series, the bucks just hard hedged him, making ddr give up the ball. The bucks gave up a huge amount of corners 3s this series and bulls hit like 17% of them. The bulls also have no playoff experience, vuc, ddr, green, caruso are the only ones with playoff experience. I don't even think Lavine has played in the playoffs. So this bulls team was going to be torched against the defending champs.
Thanks for the info on the scheme. I couldn’t bring myself to watch it though it was on TV while I did other things at home. I loathe watching games that aren’t competitive unless there’s a prospect playing in garbage time I am curious about. This must have been tough to watch.

[MultiTroll]

Warrior ref about to foul out Jokic in a competitive elimination game. Its a shame. If I was a Denver fan I’d be crying.
Poole grabs the ball with both hands, keeps dribbling and no double dribble call.

Next, did i just see Curry jump up and down with the ball (travel) with no call and play continued? :lol

Warriors are as rigged as Kirby Lakers.

[SAGirl]

So is this meant to be in place of the NBA Forum thread or ??
That place is dead… barely anyone checks it except maybe an old school troll I don’t know.

[SAGirl]

Poole grabs the ball with both hands, keeps dribbling and no double dribble call.

Next, did i just see Curry jump up and down with the ball (travel) with no call and play continued? :lol

Warriors are as rigged as Kirby Lakers.
I have seen travel a couple of times, one was in the first half, by Poole I think, shuffling his feet without dribbling… It was egregious and noticeable.

[MultiTroll]

Gees Barton is a dumbfuck as far as letting himself get trapped.

Did you guys see Bryn Forbes represent with that awesome D? :lol

[MultiTroll]

Joker should get 2+1 every other score.

[spurs1990]

Jokic is the anti-Derozan. He’s getting robbed carrying this weak Denver roster

[MultiTroll]

If i was playing i would take the flagrant / technical and knock Curry on his ass.

Little bitch is insufferable.

[Robz4000]

:lol that was some fucked up officiating

[TD 21]

Nice try, but Rivers has an impressive record of failing when he shouldn't. Yes, he's been in position to lose so many 3-1 series leads, which says something, but it literally takes one more win in each series. That's amazing. And the time he won a championship he had Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, plus a young Rajon Rondo. They were stacked. It somehow still took them seven games to get through each of the first two rounds, six games to get through the next two. In other words, they played the maximum number of games it can take to win a championship minus two.

Doc Rivers seems to be a nice guy. His players seem to like him. But the next in-game or series adjustment he makes will be his first.

:lmao Rivers doesn't play. Did you even watch most of the these games to know the context and if you did, are you able to diagnose the adjustments? Or are are you just regurgitating drivel based on results?

Nobody wins without superior talent (the '04 Pistons were the only non current or former superstar team and got lucky that Malone was injured and O'Neal and Bryant were at wits end with each other). It's always about the personnel and the context.

[R. DeMurre]

People are talking a lot about Boston's sweep of the Nets, but at least those games were close contests. In the four wins, the Celtics outscored Brooklyn by a total of 18 points. Milwaukee, in four wins, outscored the Bulls by 60.

[Robz4000]

People are talking a lot about Boston's sweep of the Nets, but at least those games were close contests. In the four wins, the Celtics outscored Brooklyn by a total of 18 points. Milwaukee, in four wins, outscored the Bulls by 60.

The Nets were a far superior team to this Bulls squad.

[itzsoweezee]

:lmao Rivers doesn't play. Did you even watch most of the these games to know the context and if you did, are you able to diagnose the adjustments? Or are are you just regurgitating drivel based on results?

Nobody wins without superior talent (the '04 Pistons were the only non current or former superstar team and got lucky that Malone was injured and O'Neal and Bryant were at wits end with each other). It's always about the personnel and the context.

Rivers’ next positive adjustment in a playoff series will be his first. The guy gets consistently outcoached. He blew 3-1 leads with stacked talent on his roster like Kawhi and Paul George and Chris Paul. He lost a 3-1 lead to Josh Smith (don’t pretend that harden had anything to do with that comeback).

Yeah, he didn’t play, but it’sa consistent theme throughout his career: blown 3-1, 3-2, and 2-0 leads.

[TD 21]

Rivers’ next positive adjustment in a playoff series will be his first. The guy gets consistently outcoached. He blew 3-1 leads with stacked talent on his roster like Kawhi and Paul George and Chris Paul. He lost a 3-1 lead to Josh Smith (don’t pretend that harden had anything to do with that comeback).

Yeah, he didn’t play, but it’sa consistent theme throughout his career: blown 3-1, 3-2, and 2-0 leads.

:lmao Same question to you: Given the context of those defeats, what did you want him to do that was supposedly going to change the results?

Stop pretending these coaches can wave magic wands and getting caught up in agenda driven media narratives.

[Mr. Body]

TD 21="Coaches don't matter"

[itzsoweezee]

:lmao Same question to you: Given the context of those defeats, what did you want him to do that was supposedly going to change the results?

Stop pretending these coaches can wave magic wands and getting caught up in agenda driven media narratives.

:lmao completely ignoring the point

But I’ll play along, here’s one easy thing Rivers can do in the raptors series — he can have maxey/harden speed up the offense (get the ball across the half court quickly and then run their halfcourt offense). The sixers we’re doing that the first 3 games and completely reversed course the following two games. He won’t make any adjustments though because that’s not his thing and that’s why he constantly gets outcoached, even with a better roster

[TD 21]

TD 21="Coaches don't matter"

Precisely.

You're doing what so many do and basing it off a combination of results without context and agenda driven media narratives.


:lmao completely ignoring the point

But I’ll play along, here’s one easy thing Rivers can do in the raptors series — he can have maxey/harden speed up the offense (get the ball across the half court quickly and then run their halfcourt offense). The sixers we’re doing that the first 3 games and completely reversed course the following two games. He won’t make any adjustments though because that’s not his thing and that’s why he constantly gets outcoached, even with a better roster

:lmao Says the guy doing the same. I asked about the three 3-1 collapses.

He's already said he wants them to increase the pace. Them slowing down is not because he directed them to do so.

He has bigger names, but the roster are of similar caliber, with the Raptors matching up better. Their usual luck has also struck. Between Embiid's torn hand ligaments on his shooting hand (yes, Raptors are banged up, but not reliant on any one player the way 76ers are) and Harden no longer being able to target gimpy Van Vleet, they're going to labor offensively.

[KingKev]

Lol Doc Rivers is trash and everyone knows it. TD21 sticking up for him because Massai is his DADDY.

[TD 21]

:lmao At hipster, groupthink, Raptor fan boy.

Rivers is neither a genius nor "trash", he's largely irrelevant like every other coach. He's just old and black (bi-racial, but to ignorant white people), which is a double whammy to hipster stat geeks in the media.

[KingKev]

:lmao At hipster, groupthink, Raptor fan boy.

Rivers is neither a genius nor "trash", he's largely irrelevant like every other coach. He's just old and black (bi-racial, but to ignorant white people), which is a double whammy to hipster stat geeks in the media.

haha I’m Canadian/Trini. You are Canadian/Nigerian by way of your daddy!

[TD 21]

haha I’m Canadian/Trini. You are Canadian/Nigerian by way of your daddy!

You're an attention seeking man child, desperate to be one of the cool kids. No wonder you're a Raptor fan boy.

[KingKev]

You're an attention seeking man child, desperate to be one of the cool kids. No wonder you're a Raptor fan boy.

I’ll admit I’m a man child if you admit Massai is DADDY. I have money on 76ers on the ML tonight though!

[SAGirl]

Lol Doc Rivers is trash and everyone knows it. TD21 sticking up for him because Massai is his DADDY.
I don't understand his pet peeve there, but I don’t want to know. As its been said: no one gets between a man and obsession.

[TD 21]

I don't understand his pet peeve there, but I don’t want to know. As its been said: no one gets between a man and obsession.

:lmao Says the Anderson/Grizzlies fan girl.

This board is more obsessed with my dislike of the Raptors than my supposed obsession with them . . . as if I'm the one who brought them up here.

[SAGirl]

^ :rollin:lobt2:

[KingKev]

^ :rollin:lobt2:

It’s his “IT STILL HURTS!!!” moment.

[TD 21]

^ :lmao Running around playing holier than though.

[itzsoweezee]

Precisely.

You're doing what so many do and basing it off a combination of results without context and agenda driven media narratives.



:lmao Says the guy doing the same. I asked about the three 3-1 collapses.

He's already said he wants them to increase the pace. Them slowing down is not because he directed them to do so.

He has bigger names, but the roster are of similar caliber, with the Raptors matching up better. Their usual luck has also struck. Between Embiid's torn hand ligaments on his shooting hand (yes, Raptors are banged up, but not reliant on any one player the way 76ers are) and Harden no longer being able to target gimpy Van Vleet, they're going to labor offensively.

We’re is me. How much advantage does Rivers need? He already got two games without Barnes, Van Vleet is out. Toronto has Siakam and a bunch of role players. The sixers easily have better talent even factoring in embiid’s hurt hand

[KingKev]

Harden is a fat DDR.

[SAGirl]

I am watching Phx/Pelicans. Chris Paul is so dirty man. I hate his game, how dirty he is, how many flops, the body checks on others. He's a talented player but its easy to hate him and difficult to like him at all unless he plays for your team I guess.

I am saying it now, if the western conference final is GSW vs Phoenix, Id rather GSW wins than Phoenix, that is how much I dislike CP3.
BTW I really dig Alvarado as well for the Pelicans, Herb Jones and Murphy 3. Ingram has grown as a player. It's easy to like them, plus the underdog factor.

[SAGirl]

Nance Jr playing really well NOLA, reminds me a lot of Brandon Clarke, undersized but so good at what they do, and they do all the hustle plays. Id really like a guy like that for the Spurs.

[GAustex]

How long can PointGod go before the hammy blows?

[Mr. Body]

Philadelphia is beating Toronto badly, but not because of Doc Rivers, because coaches don't matter.

[baseline bum]

Too bad Zion is such a faggot, any NBA star should be thrilled to come back to a team like these Pelicans.

[MultiTroll]

Big 3 by Ingrahm. Pels were losing momentum.

[baseline bum]

OMFG that steal by Bridges

[baseline bum]

Fucking offensive foul by Paul but he gets FTs smh

[Neo.]

is there a more unlikable player in the nba than cp3?

[Neo.]

and man BI is such a weak minded player

[Robz4000]

Too bad Zion is such a faggot, any NBA star should be thrilled to come back to a team like these Pelicans.

Any team trading for him should be wary, not just for his weight and eating habits tbh.

[ZeusWillJudge]

The Pels made a really good show for an 8 team against Phoenix. They're well on their way.

[gambit1990]

no one has ever knocked down 14 shots in a row in a playoffs game. until tonight.

[The Truth #6]

Man, Alvarado was impressive in his role. A perfect pest to give CP3 his karma. A game 7 would have been awesome.

[Mr. Body]

Zion stood up and cheered near the end of the game, a great sign for him cheering on from the bench next year.

[gambit1990]

cp3 / manu / td = threepeat

[baseline bum]

is there a more unlikable player in the nba than cp3?

Irving, Harden

[ZeusWillJudge]

no one has ever knocked down 14 shots in a row in a playoffs game. until tonight.


The Suns don't get through this game (or this season) without him. Everyone can say what they want about his being likable, but he does a LOT of talking on the court.

[PhantomDashCam]

Zion stood up and cheered near the end of the game, a great sign for him cheering on from the bench next year.
:lol

Definitely First Team All-Contract but has a ways to go to catch Ben Simmons. John Collins was excited to receive votes this year.

[SAGirl]

Fucking offensive foul by Paul but he gets FTs smh
That was horrendous. He already had a flagarant early in the game. It should have been an ejection for any other player. Just hate CP3 at this point. He’s so dirty man. Great player but but dirty. The way the game was called there’s no way referees just missed that.

[SAGirl]

is there a more unlikable player in the nba than cp3?
He’s in my hate list right now. At their worst Draymond, but CP3 man. He’s jus murdering people with fouls and getting babies by the refs. I don’t know how the announcers just downplayed that whole thing.

[SAGirl]

The Suns don't get through this game (or this season) without him. Everyone can say what they want about his being likable, but he does a LOT of talking on the court.
That’s undeniable but man he didn’t have to knock Alvarados teeth in.

[spurs1990]

Props to coach W Green and the Bobcats. Gave a 65 win team a battle

[Texas_Ranger]

Dallas will never get out of the first round, cause every time role players need to make wide open shots, they shoot bricks.

[SAGirl]

Dallas does not look good right now. This is the first game I watch from their series. Will record and watch tomorrow if it doesn’t turn into a blowout.

[Texas_Ranger]

Utah has always been a better team, and today they are finally showing it. Dallas aint winning game 7 if Utah plays like this. They can just attack the paint and its over. No one is scared of losers like Kleber and Powell. Those two wouldnt look good in a gleague team.

It also doesnt help that Doncic is not looking healthy at all. He cant move quick and its obvious especially on defense.

[MultiTroll]

no one has ever knocked down 14 shots in a row in a playoffs game. until tonight.
I only saw 11-14 and those were a most unimpressive 4 in a row including as has been pointed out his offensive foul that PaulRef inserted.

But 14-14 is 14-14, excellent even if several were 3 bounce greasers.

[Neo.]

Irving, Harden

haha true

but I guess I mean in terms of how they play the game

[ZeusWillJudge]

That’s undeniable but man he didn’t have to knock Alvarados teeth in.


I was a fan of Bruce Bowen. Were you? I get what you're saying, though.

My only point was that he's good. Okay, two points. If he was on the Spurs, most people would overlook the extracurricular. I think he's a jackass, but I also think he's really good.

[SAGirl]

I was a fan of Bruce Bowen. Were you? I get what you're saying, though.

My only point was that he's good. Okay, two points. If he was on the Spurs, most people would overlook the extracurricular. I think he's a jackass, but I also think he's really good.
Bruce was b4 my time tbh. I get what you meant. I am just too disgusted by the referees not calling things even. It reminds me of the warriors at their worst. As good as Draymond is for them and was key when they rose to prominence. I saw him with too many bad fouls, kicks to the groin, tackling people to appreciate him. Paul is a great player but he disgusts me with both his flopping and then the dirty plays. If we want to watch a game where everyone kicks everyone’s teeth in and get away with it, I’d watch a boxing match and I am not a fan of that sport.

[baseline bum]

haha true

but I guess I mean in terms of how they play the game

I'd still nominate Harden with his ugly iso ball and ref baiting. :lol

[Seventyniner]

The Suns don't get through this game (or this season) without him. Everyone can say what they want about his being likable, but he does a LOT of talking on the court.

Plenty of great players are dirty and/or assholes. No surprise here.

[Texas_Ranger]

Kidd playing doncic as a center vs gobert is pretty retarded

[KingKev]

I'd still nominate Harden with his ugly iso ball and ref baiting. :lol

Did you watch him tonight? Shit defender but quite efficient as a pass first PG.

[MultiTroll]

Pulling for Dallas but that call 97-94 call was soo bad.

[MultiTroll]

My only hopes to upend Golden Phags w WarriorRef is _allas or Grizz or Cheapshot Paul.

Eeesh.

[Texas_Ranger]

Mavs havent defeated the suns in 3 years. This could be a sweep.

[Robz4000]

I'd still nominate Harden with his ugly iso ball and ref baiting. :lol

Harden's style of play is the most disgusting I've ever seen.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Harden's style of play is the most disgusting I've ever seen.


Harden wouldn't be nearly as disgusting if the refs didn't give him a whistle every time he launches into a defender. As it is... you're right.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Bruce was b4 my time tbh. I get what you meant. I am just too disgusted by the referees not calling things even. It reminds me of the warriors at their worst. As good as Draymond is for them and was key when they rose to prominence. I saw him with too many bad fouls, kicks to the groin, tackling people to appreciate him. Paul is a great player but he disgusts me with both his flopping and then the dirty plays. If we want to watch a game where everyone kicks everyone’s teeth in and get away with it, I’d watch a boxing match and I am not a fan of that sport.



Oh, I get it. But you made me laugh a little when you mentioned the flopping. Once upon a time, George Karl screamed about Manu being the worst flopper in the league. Once he even said that Manu grew his hair long to that when he snapped his head back, the refs would see it and give him a whistle.

Of course, Denver tried to trade for Manu once or twice. But I'm sure Karl would have made him stop flopping when he was his coach. :D

[Robz4000]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1520202732220698626

[Ariel]

https://i.ibb.co/g78W659/unbreakable-movie-glass-comic-shop-samuel-l-jackson-1066161-1280x0.jpg

^^^ Embiid. Such a shame that a talent of his caliber is doomed to never deliver on his promise because of health issues

[CGD]

Damn, kinda feels like Edwards is in Morants head like Morant is in DJs.

[mystargtr34]

Lol if anyone watched the Embiid injury you will see that on the possession right before he got his orbital bone cracked by Siakam that embiid was doing the aeroplane ✈️ celebration after he had a wide open dunk to put the Sixers up 30 with 4 minutes left in the game. Karma is a bitch. I rekon siakam elbowed him on purpose. He didn’t mean to break his orbital but he wanted tk get that shot on embiid after his aeroplane dance.

Also lol at cock rivers having embiid in the game with 5 minutes to go up 25.

[CGD]

Jeesh, I bit on the MEM-MIN series hype. This is some sloppy ass basketball though lol

- Morant being hunted mercilessly
- KAT can be a dumb dumb sometimes
- I don’t get the love for JJJ tbh
- Brandon Clarke is a beast
- Edward is the truth
- if we didnt know the records, you’d think Minni was the better squad at times

[mystargtr34]

Morant looking overwhelmed tbh.

[Mr. Body]

The way Embiid flops his huge body on the ground hunting for fouls, it's a surprise he doesn't get injured more often.

[Mr. Body]

Jeesh, I bit on the MEM-MIN series hype. This is some sloppy ass basketball though lol

- Morant being hunted mercilessly
- KAT can be a dumb dumb sometimes
- I don’t get the love for JJJ tbh
- Brandon Clarke is a beast
- Edward is the truth
- if we didnt know the records, you’d think Minni was the better squad at times

Morant is getting a bit exposed. He's weak defensively and his attacks aren't working against a defense geared to him. Edwards looks much more dangerous.

[CGD]

Morant is getting a bit exposed. He's weak defensively and his attacks aren't working against a defense geared to him. Edwards looks much more dangerous.

It feels like Memphis needs a consistent #2 option. It’s suppose to be JJJ, but it’s clear to me he hasn’t figured it out yet. Love Brooks, Clarke, Bane, and Jones, but they’re not that guy.

[SAGirl]

1519876555354390534

[Dex]

I have a feeling refs will make sure Memphis wins this so they can move on the second round.

[Ariel]

Oh, I get it. But you made me laugh a little when you mentioned the flopping. Once upon a time, George Karl screamed about Manu being the worst flopper in the league. Once he even said that Manu grew his hair long to that when he snapped his head back, the refs would see it and give him a whistle.

Of course, Denver tried to trade for Manu once or twice. But I'm sure Karl would have made him stop flopping when he was his coach. :D
Their complaints about Manu's flailing hair as responsible for the calls were hilarious.
I do not remember them trying to trade for Manu, but they were first in line when he was a free agent. In fact I remember Marcus Camby complaining that he called Manu personally to try to persuade him to join the Nuggets, and Manu was like "yeah, yeah. Whatever". :lol Serves them right.

[Ariel]

Minnesota is a really talented team, but their brain farts make them totally unpredictable.

[timtonymanu]

Pop’s coaching tree in these second round playoffs:

Coach Bud
Kerr
Udoka
Monty Williams
Taylor Jenkins

Impressive.

[ZeusWillJudge]

And that, right there, is why I liked Desmond Bane coming out of college. He's tough, and he's a winner. Same thing I saw in Max Strus coming out of college. A team needs guys like that. They may not be AllStars, or "first options", but they get the job done.

[SAGirl]

Phew. That was tough. Won fair and square. Not sure Memphis gets by GSW in the next round but glad they got this one.

[Spurs Homer]

Fuck

morant is just as insufferable as curry

im going to hate either team winning

hope phoenix gets their groove back - otherwise warriors will get an easy path to the finals

[Arcadian]

I think all four of these series are gonna be interesting and difficult to predict, but I'm thinking...

Phoenix in 7
Memphis in 7
Philadelphia in 6
Milwaukee in 6

[SAGirl]

I think all four of these series are gonna be interesting and difficult to predict, but I'm thinking...

Phoenix in 7
Memphis in 7
Philadelphia in 6
Milwaukee in 6
You have Philly in 6 after the news about Embiid? I do like your other predictions.

[SAGirl]

And that, right there, is why I liked Desmond Bane coming out of college. He's tough, and he's a winner. Same thing I saw in Max Strus coming out of college. A team needs guys like that. They may not be AllStars, or "first options", but they get the job done.
1520251661075185664

I remember you also liked Van Vleet and he far outperformed his projections. Guards who are mentally tough and can shoot a 3… yes give me them.

[PhantomDashCam]

I think all four of these series are gonna be interesting and difficult to predict, but I'm thinking...

Phoenix in 7
Memphis in 7
Philadelphia in 6
Milwaukee in 6

I actually think some of these series will be over relatively quickly…

Phoenix in 5
Memphis in 6
Miami in 4
Boston in 6

[SAGirl]

For me, I want to send the Suns packing as I don’t care for CP3.
1520167224304037888

[Arcadian]

You have Philly in 6 after the news about Embiid? I do like your other predictions.

Ah, I hadn't heard. I guess Miami...but it will be interesting to see what Harden does as the lead guy again.

[TheCultOfPersonality]

Jeesh, I bit on the MEM-MIN series hype. This is some sloppy ass basketball though lol

- Morant being hunted mercilessly
- KAT can be a dumb dumb sometimes
- I don’t get the love for JJJ tbh
- Brandon Clarke is a beast
- Edward is the truth
- if we didnt know the records, you’d think Minni was the better squad at times
JJJ is the Grizzlies' best defensive big, but is a complete idiot when it comes to fouls committing the same fouls over and over. He's dumber than KAT imo.

Minnesota gave the Grizzlies problems during the regular season too.
In their first meeting Minnesota blew a 16 point 4th quarter lead and a 14 point lead with 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter so counting the regular season this is the 4th time the Grizzlies had to come back from double digits in the 4th against the Wolves to win.
In their second meeting Minnesota destroyed the Grizzlies by 43 points.
Only 5 teams in the NBA beat the Grizzlies twice or more during the regular season: The Mavericks, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Celtics, and Hawks.

[TheCultOfPersonality]

Morant is getting a bit exposed. He's weak defensively and his attacks aren't working against a defense geared to him. Edwards looks much more dangerous.
Ja not having a reliable jumpshot hurt him in this series. Not even a midrange game.

[Robz4000]

Early predictions:

East:
Celtics in 7
Heat in 5

West:
Suns in 5
Grizz in 7

[CGD]

^ I’d flip suns and gsw predictions. Dallas will be a tough out for PHX especially with a hobbled Booker, while gsw path increasingly looks easier

[exstatic]

I think all four of these series are gonna be interesting and difficult to predict, but I'm thinking...

Phoenix in 7
Memphis in 7
Philadelphia in 6
Milwaukee in 6

Embiid now has the torn ligament in his hand and the fractured orbital socket. He’s out, with no return date projected.

Memphis is not beating GS.

[mystargtr34]

Celtics in 7
Heat in 5
Warriors in 6
Suns in 7

Think the Celtics and Bucks will be a great series. Celtics get the job done due to their D. Winner of this series wins the East and both can win the championship.

Heat in 5 assuming Embiid misses multiple games. If Embiid was healthy I’d say it goes 7. I don’t really rate the Heat as high as others but they’re solid, also don’t think the Sixers can win the title. Harden looks a shell of his Houston self. Embiid still prone to choking.

Can’t see Memphis beating GS. They still appear a fake 2 seed that’s overrated.

Mavs will play the Suns tough imo. Lukas game is built for the playoffs. It took Kawhi going Jordan mode to eliminate Luka in 6 and 7 games last two years and that’s without the Mavs having the defense they have now. Going with Suns in 7.

[ZeusWillJudge]

1520251661075185664

I remember you also liked Van Vleet and he far outperformed his projections. Guards who are mentally tough and can shoot a 3… yes give me them.


Ah, thanks for digging that up and posting. It's good to see him get some well-deserved attention.

I never cared for Barkley much. But at the end of his career he went to play in Houston, and I saw something. Whent the Rockets were up 20, his teammates would take their foot off the gas. When they were down 20, the rest of the team would pack it in and quit trying. Barkley never did either of those. I remember the Rockets being down by, I don't know a lot, with a couple of minutes left, and Barkley was out there working like a piston in an engine. Fighting for a rebound like it was Game 6 of the Finals, and his team had a slim lead. I gained a whole new respect for him as a player.

That's when I started paying attention to those qualities, especially in college players before the draft. It's pretty much impossible to define "tough" or "winner", but you know it when you see it. I wasn't high on Eason, partly because I thought his personality might clash with Pop. But watching him, I can't help but see some of that junkyard dog quality. I know we all want to see the Spurs get a superstar with this #9 pick. But if they don't get called for a Top 4, or they don't have some really special sleeper picked out, I'd kind of like to see them just exhale and call his name.

[exstatic]

Ah, I hadn't heard. I guess Miami...but it will be interesting to see what Harden does as the lead guy again.

He’ll do what he always does…flop.

[TD 21]

Only one round, but so much for the playoffs being atypically unpredictable. Other than the Mavericks, who I would have picked all along had I known Doncic would play half the series (and was strongly considering it anyway), every other result was predictable.

Heat over 76ers in 6
Celtics over Bucks in 6
Suns over Mavericks in 7
Warriors over Grizzlies in 6


We’re is me. How much advantage does Rivers need? He already got two games without Barnes, Van Vleet is out. Toronto has Siakam and a bunch of role players. The sixers easily have better talent even factoring in embiid’s hurt hand

Rivers doesn't play and you're clearly being blinded by the established names. Every statistical indicator between the two teams was close, the Raptors strengths (forcing turnovers and offensive rebounding) are the 76ers weaknesses and the former could play lineups of 4-5 long, athletic, switchable forwards/small ball centers, all of whom diminished Harden had difficulty beating off the dribble.

:lmao At Rivers getting criticized for "keeping Embiid in too long" now, as if people have never watched an NBA game. This is a leaguewide issue, none worse than unethical Nurse, who they worship. The 76ers just got unlucky with it.

[Arcadian]

He’ll do what he always does…flop.

Yeah, and maybe put up 40 in the process :lol (half from FTs)

[Robz4000]

^ I’d flip suns and gsw predictions. Dallas will be a tough out for PHX especially with a hobbled Booker, while gsw path increasingly looks easier

Grizz match up pretty well with the Dubs and they have HCA. It's more of a coin flip imo. As for the Suns, Booker and Paul are getting four days off before the series starts to rest and recover. They're also much better than the Jazz.

[Dex]

Grizz match up pretty well with the Dubs and they have HCA. It's more of a coin flip imo. As for the Suns, Booker and Paul are getting four days off before the series starts to rest and recover. They're also much better than the Jazz.

Agreed on the Grizz. People are underestimating them just because WARRIORS, but Golden State has shown some chinks in the armor if you can keep Curry and Klay from going off (no small task).

This could be one of those "coming of age" or "get over the hump" kind of series for Memphis...but time will tell.

[SAGirl]

I can’t discount the warriors because they have a player who has been MVP in Curry, they are a veteran core team, with veteran coaching experience, etc,

Having said that, the Grizzlies are a bad matchup for GSW. They won their regular season series 3-1 and their play in game last year on the road. They aren’t intimidated by GSW and are good at exploiting GSW weaknesses. It won’t be easy but they have a chance to win this series and are my favorite team still playing so I have to go with them here.

Id like to see the Mavs kick the Suns out of the playoffs but that’s probably wishful thinking. I haven’t watched the Mavs other than a few minutes here or there and I know very little of the challenge they can present the Suns, but Luka is capable of huge playoff performances and I am going to choose them here just because it’s what I’d like to see.

The EC semifinals feature two teams missing stars so it’s easy to choose Celtics and Miami. I hate injuries to stars it makes the games less interesting and exciting. I am rather hoping for competitive series here.

[MultiTroll]

The EC semifinals feature two teams missing stars so it’s easy to choose Celtics and Miami. I hate injuries to stars it makes the games less interesting and exciting. I am rather hoping for competitive series here.
You're not looking for this guy to step up and catch on fire?

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.733IYf14MK_nNQWNVVQqJQHaEK?pid=ImgDet&rs=1
NBA: Grayson Allen explodes for Grizzlies in upset at Bucks | ABS-CBN News (https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/04/18/21/nba-grayson-allen-explodes-for-grizzlies-in-upset-at-bucks)

He did it against them now maybe he can do it for them.

[SAGirl]

You're not looking for this guy to step up and catch on fire?

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.733IYf14MK_nNQWNVVQqJQHaEK?pid=ImgDet&rs=1
NBA: Grayson Allen explodes for Grizzlies in upset at Bucks | ABS-CBN News (https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/04/18/21/nba-grayson-allen-explodes-for-grizzlies-in-upset-at-bucks)

He did it against them now maybe he can do it for them.
That guy is now in the Milwaukee bucks, he may catch fire and surprise the Celtics maybe. He was certainly killing Derozan’s Bulls.

Desmond Bane is the guy that has to get hot for the Grizzlies. He’s just had a great 1st round so it seems like he’s up for the task. They probably need others to step up too.

[SAGirl]

Actually, I think the Milwaukee Bucks even without Middleton are a tough team for the Celtics, they still have Giannis. No doubt they’ll miss Middleton but that series will still be interesting. It’s the Philadelphia/Miami series without Embiid that’s looking like an easy out for Philly with a good excuse too for missing their MVP.

[PhantomDashCam]

Actually, I think the Milwaukee Bucks even without Middleton are a tough team for the Celtics, they still have Giannis. No doubt they’ll miss Middleton but that series will still be interesting. It’s the Philadelphia/Miami series without Embiid that’s looking like an easy out for Philly with a good excuse too for missing their MVP.

Agreed. I'm also hearing that Jaylen Brown is nursing a sore hamstring. If he was to miss any time, or is limited in Boston's constant switching Defense, this series could shift in favor of the Bucks.
As vaunted as their defense is, Brooklyn still shot over 50% from the field and 42% from three in that series. Those numbers aren't going to cut it if Boston allows that against the Bucks.

[Ice009]

Their complaints about Manu's flailing hair as responsible for the calls were hilarious.
I do not remember them trying to trade for Manu, but they were first in line when he was a free agent. In fact I remember Marcus Camby complaining that he called Manu personally to try to persuade him to join the Nuggets, and Manu was like "yeah, yeah. Whatever". :lol Serves them right.

I just saw a video of George Karl when he was with the Spurs and he might have had even longer hair the Manu. It was flopping around all over the place. Maybe he was jealous of Manu's hair that season as in one of the tweets below https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nba/spurs/nba-coach-george-karl-spurs-roots-nba-san-antonio/273-3c6e04aa-1244-4bb8-8a5f-9d855f51b96b he says he misses his hair from back in the time he was with the Spurs.

[8sy21vd]

Celtics in 4
Heat in 6
Warriors in 7
Suns in 7

[baseline bum]

Can't believe the Bucks are within 5 with 7 TO already

[emanueldavidginobili]

1520819291725082624

[LeBowen]

Looks like we cashed in at the right time, he's been really poor except for a few decent games.

This will be a great series, finally some actual defense in the playoffs.

[SAGirl]

Grayson Allen has indeed heated up for Milwaukee (among others). Milwaukee ahead at the half.

[Arcadian]

Boston just doesn't have anyone who can outshine Giannis. Tatum and Brown are just B-level stars.

[daslicer]

Boston just doesn't have anyone who can outshine Giannis. Tatum and Brown are just B-level stars.

Agreed on paper the Celtics win all the perimeter matchups with Middleton being injured outside of the PG matchup which I would say is a draw with Smart/White vs Holiday. Tatum and Brown should have their way with the Bucks but didn't do anything to today. The Bucks defense stifled them and they fell apart.

[Mr. Body]

I hope the Celtics tank hard. Their fans are the absolute worst.

[CGD]

Grizz match up pretty well with the Dubs and they have HCA. It's more of a coin flip imo. As for the Suns, Booker and Paul are getting four days off before the series starts to rest and recover. They're also much better than the Jazz.

Maybe, but they got exposed badly at times against Wolves. That team won’t beatGSW

[CGD]

1520819291725082624

It’s this homers fault for hyping BOS up so much over last few days, and driving the National narrative that they’re unstoppable, Tatum is second coming of Jesus, etc etc

[Dejounte]

It’s this homers fault for hyping BOS up so much over last few days, and driving the National narrative that they’re unstoppable, Tatum is second coming of Jesus, etc etc

The up and down nature of opinions by fans is hilarious and it always will be. No one likes to play the long game. Premature judgment everywhere.

[Leetonidas]

1520819291725082624

Thanks again Brad :toast

[daslicer]

Draymond with the dirty take down on Ja. Already getting ready to injure somebody.

[Mr. Body]

It’s this homers fault for hyping BOS up so much over last few days, and driving the National narrative that they’re unstoppable, Tatum is second coming of Jesus, etc etc

That's Boston fans for you. Some young Boston fan used to work at the chicken finger joint outside my door. He swore the C's were gonna win it a couple years ago just before they got rocked. Their fans are lunatics.

[BatManu20]

Milwaukee showed why they’re the defending champs. Giannis didn’t shoot well (36% for the game and 0/2 from 3) but he still had a 24-point triple-double and made plays for others. He’s the best player left in the playoffs. But more importantly, Milwaukee’s role players are playing fantastic right now. Pretty much all of em. Even with Middleton out, they outplayed Boston’s role players big-time. It wasn’t even close. Both defensively, and knocking down open looks. Grayson Allen has looked like an All-Star in the Playoffs so far.

Milwaukee is the team to beat. I think they repeat once they get Middleton back healthy.

[Texas_Ranger]

Warriors need to realize that Memphis likes to play fast.

[TimDunkem]

1520819291725082624

As usual the slurpers were wrong.

Derrick sucks. Average backup guard at best. On his best day, no better than a poor man's '09 Delonte West.

Patty sucks and wasn't a vital piece for the Spurs or the Nets for that matter.

Puka Sammich sucked. Brandon Clarke looking like a stud right now.

[SAGirl]

Warriors need to realize that Memphis likes to play fast.
I am telling you they have dominated these GSW team and still getting better. They have their flaws, and GSW will look better than this start but this is not Denver they are facing.

[BatManu20]

Yea watching Derrick struggle sucks, but he just isn’t a great basketball player. The fact that he is so afraid to shoot an open 3 when he’s a SG is the first red flag. Then you add in the turnovers, and it often makes for a rough outing for him. His Defense is usually solid, and that’s his calling card, but it’s not enough to make up for his lack of O, which is what Boston desperately needs right now.

[daslicer]

Warriors need to realize that Memphis likes to play fast.

The problem is the Warriors strength has always been running teams off the court. They can't do this with Memphis.

[BatManu20]

Jordan Poole has become such a good player. Great shooter, unselfish, pushes the ball/plays with great energy/pace. Hindsight is 20/20 obv, but if only Spurs had drafted him instead of Luka Samanic..

[BatManu20]

Still think GS wins this series. They’re shooting terribly right now and only down 5. They’re so experienced while Memphis isn’t. They can all shoot the ball. They’re so unselfish. Only weakness is their lack of size, which I think will only hurt them once the play PHX and/or Milwaukee.

[SAGirl]

Warrior ref falling for Donkey flopping. SMH.

[SAGirl]

I cant watch a lopsided refereed game tbh. It infuriates me no matter which team it is.

[Dejounte]

Memphis has such an insufferable group of players. So much whining and crying.

[SAGirl]

Jaren mostly ^ to be fair he never gets the benefit of the doubt. But his immaturity doesn’t help

[daslicer]

Memphis has such an insufferable group of players. So much whining and crying.

Despite that I prefer them over the Warriors. Can't stand Dray-Klay-Curry have always found them insufferable.

[Dejounte]

Best actor award goes to Clarke. The initial smack was a bit much, but the pulling down to the floor doesn’t warrant a 30 second laying on the floor. Come on man

[daslicer]

:lmao at Draymond's reaction.

[Mr. Body]

Memphis has such an insufferable group of players. So much whining and crying.

Lol, no. The refs need to stop calling Jaren Jackson on clean blocks.

[Mr. Body]

Best actor award goes to Clarke. The initial smack was a bit much, but the pulling down to the floor doesn’t warrant a 30 second laying on the floor. Come on man

Fuck off. That was a play that deserves attention. Dirty as fuck.

[baseline bum]

LMAO Raymond

[Mr. Body]

Draymond was trying to take Clarke out of the play so he couldn't complete the basket. It was clearly excessive and a non-basketball play. Good bye.

[SAGirl]

I dont bet but I should have put money on the Grizz. These are not the Durant GSW that won championships. I’d celebrate eliminating them like its the finals. I also wonder if the Grizz defeat them if the mystique and favoritism around them will be gone. The beginning of the end.

[SAGirl]

I am probably a prisoner of the moment but that’s what game threads are for, overreactions in the moment are fine.

[daslicer]

I dont bet but I should have put money on the Grizz. These are not the Durant GSW that won championships. I’d celebrate eliminating them like its the finals. I also wonder if the Grizz defeat them if the mystique and favoritism around them will be gone. The beginning of the end.

I expect Draymond or some other Warrior to pull a Zaza if they figure the series isn't winnable.

[Mr. Body]

Warriors definitely have weak spots. They're depending on guys like Wiggins and Otto Porter and have no size whatsoever. Like, not even a basically skilled big man on their roster.

[TD 21]

Jordan Poole has become such a good player. Great shooter, unselfish, pushes the ball/plays with great energy/pace. Hindsight is 20/20 obv, but if only Spurs had drafted him instead of Luka Samanic..


Still think GS wins this series. They’re shooting terribly right now and only down 5. They’re so experienced while Memphis isn’t. They can all shoot the ball. They’re so unselfish. Only weakness is their lack of size, which I think will only hurt them once the play PHX and/or Milwaukee.

Said it at the time that Porter Jr. was the most underrated off season pickup, but Poole has changed everything. Gave them the second off the dribble creator/scorer they've lacked since Durant.

The Grizzlies have virtually no chance. They're a better Raptors, reliant on forcing turnovers and offensive rebounding to mitigate their poor half court offense and foul prone defense. But those are strengths that can be somewhat offset in the playoffs, while their weaknesses can't be.

[daslicer]

Any Spur fan rooting for the Warriors to win this series should get their heads checked. I don't know how you could pull for the Warriors after what happened in '17 with Zaza. I get how some could hate the Grizzlies after Ja has lit up the Spurs every time he has played them but outside of that they have no history with the Spurs.

[RC_Drunkford]

like I said the Bucks are still the favorites to win it all. Their roster is just built perfectly and they can win the East even without Middleton. I like that Memphis is giving the Dubs the business, I think that's a better match up for them than Minnesota

[lefty20]

Tbf, Dray prolly thought the name in the front of his jersey would prevent the refs from kicking him out, kinda like how it prevents them from calling the 20+ fouls per game he usually commits. All while listening to his constant bitching about the 3 fouls they do call on him.

[daslicer]

Grizzlies are a stupid team. they are giving up so many second chance points which will be the reason why they lose this game.

[SAGirl]

This is more Dillon Brooks shooting them out of a game.. that kind of frustrating game from him. Tough to watch. GSW will not kill themselves like the wolves

[Mr. Body]

Warriors playing much better defense without Draymond Green. And the Grizzlies have to actually guard five players.

[TD 21]

Jackson Jr., Clarke and Tillman are poor defensive rebounders and Warriors are huge on wings/forwards.

You always have to guard Green, otherwise passing lanes open for him to facilitate offense, notably DHO's with no help which lead to open 3's.

[baseline bum]

WTF Memphis giving up two wide open layups with 2:00 left in the game?

[Robz4000]

Morant is every bit as retarded as Westbrick tbh.

[Dejounte]

Dont care for the result

this is almost peak playoff basketball

great game

great defensive play by Curry

[daslicer]

WTF Memphis giving up two wide open layups with 2:00 left in the game?

They are a profoundly stupid low IQ team. Very frustrating. They could have won this game had they could have gotten a god damn rebound

[TD 21]

Again, the Poole effect. The Grizzlies are completely spread out trying to defend this micro ball lineup with an insane amount of shooting.

These pukes are most likely winning the championship thanks primarily to Poole's emergence.

[daslicer]

Again, the Poole effect. The Grizzlies are completely spread out trying to defend this micro ball lineup with an insane amount of shooting.

These pukes are most likely winning the championship thanks primarily to Poole's emergence.

Agreed it's very frustrating to see.

[Arcadian]

The game was lost on the Warriors last offensive possession when they had 5 or 6 attempts and Memphis never secured a rebound. That was bullshit.

[RC_Drunkford]

Again, the Poole effect. The Grizzlies are completely spread out trying to defend this micro ball lineup with an insane amount of shooting.

These pukes are most likely winning the championship thanks primarily to Poole's emergence.

the Dubs don't stand a chance against the Bucks. I don't even think they can beat Phoenix

[daslicer]

the Dubs don't stand a chance against the Bucks. I don't even think they can beat Phoenix

I hope you are right. I really hate the dubs.

[lefty20]

This gsw-mem matchup definitely gives similar vibes to our battles with okc in 2012 & 2014

[PhantomDashCam]

Great game. Hoping the Grizz can shake this one off. Got to clean up those Offensive boards. The Tyus Jones and Ja Morant combo backcourt has to disappear in this series.

[KingKev]

1520819291725082624

Harsh. That was actually in if his better games as a Celt. I notice the posters who choose White over Murray are also the quite high on Vassell and Primo. Hmmm

[TD 21]

the Dubs don't stand a chance against the Bucks. I don't even think they can beat Phoenix

The Bucks will be hard pressed to beat the Celtics and either way are relying on minimal veterans in outsized roles (Matthews starting, Hill/Carter in the rotation) or players who will be defensive liabilities vs the Warriors (Lopez, Portis, Allen). Still, due to having the best player and their size, I'd give them the best shot.

The Suns aren't a lock to beat the Mavericks, don't have a reliable third creator and the rare games Paul looks his age, will labor to generate offense. Too bad, because pre Poole's emergence, he'd have finally got his revenge on those pukes.

[RC_Drunkford]

The Bucks will be hard pressed to beat the Celtics and either way are relying on minimal veterans in outsized roles (Matthews starting, Hill/Carter in the rotation) or players who will be defensive liabilities vs the Warriors (Lopez, Portis, Allen). Still, due to having the best player and their size, I'd give them the best shot.

The Suns aren't a lock to beat the Mavericks, don't have a reliable third creator and the rare games Paul looks his age, will labor to generate offense. Too bad, because pre Poole's emergence, he'd have finally got his revenge on those pukes.

the Suns should beat the Mavs easily and have 2 great defenders in Bridges and Crowder plus size at the 5 with Ayton and a deep bench. If they stay healthy they get to the finals

[R. DeMurre]

I've looked around a little and can't find any info, but I'd bet Draymond Green is a league leader in those accidental face rakes in the paint.

[Robz4000]

the Suns should beat the Mavs easily and have 2 great defenders in Bridges and Crowder plus size at the 5 with Ayton and a deep bench. If they stay healthy they get to the finals


I don't count out the Suns'/CP0's ability to choke tbh.

[tbdog]

I don't count out the Suns'/CP0's ability to choke tbh.

CP just had a perfect game to eliminate the Pelicans

[daslicer]

I don't count out the Suns'/CP0's ability to choke tbh.

CP3 was pretty clutch against the Warriors in '18. The biggest thing you have to worry about CP3 is his health. He is always prone to getting a random injury.

[Spurs Homer]

I fucking knew the grizz were too stupid to win this series…
and as the series goes on, they will regret blowing a game where dirty ass raymond was out

If the grizz think the refs will even give them ANY calls on the road they are sadly mistaken.

this is just how the warriors win every series- they hang in there and always pay attention to detail
and then by game 6 or 7

the other team is trying to climb an insurmountable mountain

stupid ass morant doing his stupid retarded faggoty dance instead of playing a 48 minute solid game.

[daslicer]

I fucking knew the grizz were too stupid to win this series…
and as the series goes on, they will regret blowing a game where dirty ass raymond was out

If the grizz think the refs will even give them ANY calls on the road they are sadly mistaken.

this is just how the warriors win every series- they hang in there and always pay attention to detail
and then by game 6 or 7

the other team is trying to climb an insurmountable mountain

stupid ass morant doing his stupid retarded faggoty dance instead of playing a 48 minute solid game.

Agreed you have to win these types of games against the Warriors and put them in a hole. They still have a chance to win the series but it will be very difficult.

[MultiTroll]

Ja jumping up in the air like a cat that has been unexpectedly shoved off a cliff leading to some stupid turnover needs to stop ASAP.

If he is going to do that cat jump shit he needs to have a shot at the basket or have a clear idea whom he is going to throw it to.
That late turnover was costly as hell.

As to the final shot:
A running 9 foot LEFT handed banker attempt was the play drawn up for the win?
Bullshit if that was the play.

[Strategic]

Damn dubs getting the loose balls down the stretch.

[gambit1990]

i hope the suns can beat the warriors ...

warriors are the favorites imo. they can score, very active defensively, they've "been there before".

when does middleton return?

[daslicer]

i hope the suns can beat the warriors ...

warriors are the favorites imo. they can score, very active defensively, they've "been there before".

when does middleton return?

Nobody really knows when Middelton can return. I have heard rumors that he would be available for game 5 of the Celtics series but I also heard he would be back until the ECF.

[Robz4000]

CP just had a perfect game to eliminate the Pelicans

He also hit a game winner over Timmy in a game 7 in the first round of 2015. It's the second round where he has difficulties.

[Texas_Ranger]

The only thing that can save the Mavs is if Booker gets injured again. They just have too many options, while Dallas will still mostly count on Luka to do everything. I also dont think Luka is 100%, so thats another problem for them. And Ayton should completely destroy Powell and Kleber. If Mavs somehow win 2 games id consider it a success for them.

[HemisfairArena]

Its not over for Memphis,,,,Morant is an absolutely beast. I would pick him over any player in the league right now to build a team around. Hes only 2 years in and hasnt even scratched the surface of his prime and came 1 rebound short today from a triple double with 34/10/9. Remember the Griz lost game 1 at home to Minnesota in the 1st round,,,,this series is far from over.

[daslicer]

Its not over for Memphis,,,,Morant is an absolutely beast. I would pick him over any player in the league right now to build a team around. Hes only 2 years in and hasnt even scratched the surface of his prime and came 1 rebound short today from a triple double with 34/10/9. Remember the Griz lost game 1 at home to Minnesota in the 1st round,,,,this series is far from over.

I hope you are right I hate the Warriors would love to see them go out in round 2.

[timtonymanu]

I still have the Warriors beating Memphis but lol @ all the "those pukes are about to win the whole thing, Warriors got this" talk already.

I remember last year when everyone kept saying the Clippers were the favorites. Let the series play out first before we start proclaiming champions.