General playoff thread

[baseline bum]

So should Philly just let Harden walk this summer for nothing? Or does he even opt out of that $47 million option?

[Strategic]

League should force okc to take back Harden and Westbrook. Hell they can even have Durant

[timtonymanu]

Who is Doc gonna throw under the bus this time for this loss ?

[Dex]

I never liked Doc Quitters either

Doc about to be out of a job and I REALLY hope the Lakers are dumb enough to sign him.

Dude has built a shitty career based around the one time he managed to not fuck up a title run with three Hall of Famers in their primes.

Oh, and he also played a part in keeping Timmy in San Antonio because he refused to let Amy on the plane so....thanks for that, Doc!

[baseline bum]

Harden with his usual elimination game performance. He‘s a certified loser at this point

He has been a certified loser since 2017 when he got eliminated by 39 at home to a Spurs team with Leonard in street clothes. As bad as you remember Harden's performance in that game, it was actually worse. LOL 18% FG at home in an elimination game and getting destroyed by scrub ass Jonathan Simmons.

[Dex]

So should Philly just let Harden walk this summer for nothing? Or does he even opt out of that $47 million option?

After this performance, ain't no one giving him anything near $47M so highly doubt he opts out.

Knowing Harden, he is going to opt-in, then demand a trade or otherwise sulk his way onto another team just like he did in Houston and Brooklyn.

[baseline bum]

After this performance, ain't no one giving him anything near $47M so highly doubt he opts out.

Knowing Harden, he is going to opt-in, then demand a trade or otherwise sulk his way onto another team just like he did in Houston and Brooklyn.

Trading him back to Houston for John Wall would be hilarious

[SAGirl]

League should force okc to take back Harden and Westbrook. Hell they can even have Durant
Good one. This made me smile. :clap

[Mr. Body]

Philly needs an actual coach, not Doc Rivers. I thiiiink Harden can come back in shape and have a good season, but will he? Tobias Harris has an utterly nasty contract for two more years. (Remember when people wanted him here?) They have a couple decent role players but not enough. I don't see where they improve very much.

[baseline bum]

Philly needs an actual coach, not Doc Rivers. I thiiiink Harden can come back in shape and have a good season, but will he? Tobias Harris has an utterly nasty contract for two more years. (Remember when people wanted him here?) They have a couple decent role players but not enough. I don't see where they improve very much.

To think he came one loss in Houston from being the Spurs coach in 1999. Unimaginable. Spurs would have flamed out to the Lakers in the second round with Coc at the helm, arena vote would have failed, team would have moved to New Orleans, and Tim probably would have left to join Grant Hill in Orlando.

[RC_Drunkford]

He has been a certified loser since 2017 when he got eliminated by 39 at home to a Spurs team with Leonard in street clothes. As bad as you remember Harden's performance in that game, it was actually worse. LOL 18% FG at home in an elimination game and getting destroyed by scrub ass Jonathan Simmons.

I remember every bit of it. Classic performance :lol and Aldridge went nuclear that game

[RC_Drunkford]

Philly needs an actual coach, not Doc Rivers. I thiiiink Harden can come back in shape and have a good season, but will he? Tobias Harris has an utterly nasty contract for two more years. (Remember when people wanted him here?) They have a couple decent role players but not enough. I don't see where they improve very much.

they need to add bench players and pray Harden gets in shape

[baseline bum]

they need to add bench players and pray Harden gets in shape

Might as well pray to win $300 million in the powerball

[baseline bum]

LMAO this post from downstairs :lmao


:lol

https://twitter.com/tyhating/status/1524927373518446625

[SAGirl]

^ wow I hadn’t seen that ;)

[Strategic]

Lol

[Texas_Ranger]

The process is never winning a ring.

[tbdog]

Remember this team tanked. One of the worst winning % of all time. Longest loosing steak of all time. They never gotten to the ECF.

[Texas_Ranger]

Remember this team tanked. One of the worst winning % of all time. Longest loosing steak of all time. They never gotten to the ECF.

And all the traded they did in this time were pretty damn stupid. Butler, Harris and now Harden. None of them made them better than they were before these players.

[scott]

He has been a certified loser since 2017 when he got eliminated by 39 at home to a Spurs team with Leonard in street clothes. As bad as you remember Harden's performance in that game, it was actually worse. LOL 18% FG at home in an elimination game and getting destroyed by scrub ass Jonathan Simmons.

Manu truly forever destroyed this guy and that's my favorite James Harden fact.

[SAGirl]

Remember this team tanked. One of the worst winning % of all time. Longest loosing steak of all time. They never gotten to the ECF.
Their FO has been awful tbh.
1524927650774634496
This doesn’t even include them drafting Fultz instead of Tatum.

[MultiTroll]

This is unreal.
Did Mem - Phaggot State / Dallas - Phx get together and conspire to make some MASSIVE gambling gains - debt payoffs?

Don't get me wrong i am 100 pulling for Mem and Dallas. But this is unreal how shitty their opponents are playing.
I could swear CP0 just purposely dribbled the ball out of bounds.

[SAGirl]

Chris Paul looking Uber washed when he’s not allowed to play dirty. I wonder if this is his last chance at a ring?

[Robz4000]

:lol Suns. Would it surprise anyone to see Dallas take game 7?

[Texas_Ranger]

:lol Suns. Would it surprise anyone to see Dallas take game 7?

the problem is that Dallas role players play great at home. Today 10 more threes than PHX... i dont see that happening on the road.

But all in all, this series did surprise me. Its pretty pathetic for Suns to go into game 7.

[gambit1990]

these swings are wild ... and not just the suns series either

[gambit1990]

chris paul due a fantastic next game like when he shot 14 for 14 against the pelicans?

[R. DeMurre]

Chris Paul seemed to be rubbing his shooting hand pretty seriously at the end there...

Doncic plus a bunch of role players pull series even against a high scoring all star, a future HOFer, a #1 pick, and a DPOY finalist.

[daslicer]

Chris Paul looking Uber washed when he’s not allowed to play dirty. I wonder if this is his last chance at a ring?

This is the first playoffs where he actually looks old to me. He's like good every other game but can't consistently string a bunch of a good games.

[Texas_Ranger]

Chris Paul seemed to be rubbing his shooting hand pretty seriously at the end there...

Doncic plus a bunch of role players pull series even against a high scoring all star, a future HOFer, a #1 pick, and a DPOY finalist.


would have been pretty funny if he got injured by Crowder throwing Ntilikina into him.

[Texas_Ranger]

Antother thing to make PHX look even more pathetic is that Dallas is playing without their second/third best player.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

It's the time of the year when Chris Paul gets 'injured' and starts limping around the court, especially if they start game 7 badly.

[Neo.]

the problem is that Dallas role players play great at home. Today 10 more threes than PHX... i dont see that happening on the road.

But all in all, this series did surprise me. Its pretty pathetic for Suns to go into game 7.

Luka has to keep Jalen involved early and often. that's the difference. the offense flows so much better when he's involved, he engages the role players very well in ways that Luka doesnt

[gambit1990]

you can say monty deserved CotY for the RS but i’m not that high on him tbh.

i think he’d make a great assistant coach. i think the suns should fire him even if they manage to win it all :lol

[gambit1990]

i’m liking luka less with all his constant complaining.

[Texas_Ranger]

i’m liking luka less with all his constant complaining.

asshole luka is the best luka.

[gambit1990]

asshole luka is the best luka.
that's actually true :lol

i hate the whiny-ness though.

[Texas_Ranger]

that's actually true :lol

i hate the whiny-ness though.

even as his countryman, i also dont like it.

[Dex]

Remember this team tanked. One of the worst winning % of all time. Longest loosing steak of all time. They never gotten to the ECF.

BUT BUT BUT SpursTalk told me all the Spurs need to do is tank for a year or two, get some top 5 picks and we'd be back on top of the mountain!

[Dex]

This is the first playoffs where he actually looks old to me. He's like good every other game but can't consistently string a bunch of a good games.

He's been extremely hit or miss. He's had games where he completely takes over in the 4th, puts up like 15 points on 7/7 shooting and looks like he unlocked the cheat code.

Then he's had other games where he has 7 turnovers in the first half, or fouls out early in the 4th quarter which seems crazy for a point guard as smart as he is.

[Dex]

This is the first playoffs where he actually looks old to me. He's like good every other game but can't consistently string a bunch of a good games.

He's been extremely hit or miss. He's had games where he completely takes over in the 4th, puts up like 15 points on 7/7 shooting and looks like he unlocked the cheat code.

Then he's had other games where he has 7 turnovers in the first half, or fouls out early in the 4th quarter which seems crazy for a point guard as smart as he is.

[SAGirl]

Wow, Doc Rivers.

1524960971638415363

[KobesAchilles]

I like what Dallas is doing. They are attacking Chris Paul defensively. Chris Paul has old legs and he is having to fight through screens, he is having to switch on Luka in the post, he’s having Brunson post him up. They’re doing a lot of what the 04 Pistons used to do to teams which just wears them out physically. And it’s leading to cheap fouls and bad plays and turnovers from Chris Paul. You just don’t play the same with dead legs. Smart coaching by Kidd

[KingKev]

I like what Dallas is doing. They are attacking Chris Paul defensively. Chris Paul has old legs and he is having to fight through screens, he is having to switch on Luka in the post, he’s having Brunson post him up. They’re doing a lot of what the 04 Pistons used to do to teams which just wears them out physically. And it’s leading to cheap fouls and bad plays and turnovers from Chris Paul. You just don’t play the same with dead legs. Smart coaching by Kidd

It would pretty impressive for the Mavs to get the WCF solely on Lukas back but also crazy how poor the West has become. Even more troubling is we are literally in the conversation of the worst of the worst despite a very even playing field in the West.

[KobesAchilles]

It would pretty impressive for the Mavs to get the WCF solely on Lukas back but also crazy how poor the West has become. Even more troubling is we are literally in the conversation of the worst of the worst despite a very even playing field in the West.
I mean ATL made the ECFs last year. Stuff happens in the playoffs and it’s why it’s so exciting. Luka is a bad matchup for literally every team. He’s just unguardable. Kawhi can’t check him. PG can’t check him. Bridges can’t check him. Even if you play dirty and try to push him around like Crowder or Morris that shit doesn’t work bc Luka is a very physical player offensively. He shoots waaay too many step back 3s but when he doesn’t do that shit and just decides to play fierce he fucks people up in the post and in the paint.

I know everybody makes fun of his weight. There’s a dude here who calls him Luka Donut. But when you just have a legit 6 foot 7 guy who is bigger than his defenders and plays slow and methodical and can dirty it up on the paint, by posting up smaller defenders and just makes physical power moves against them. AND has his handles and pic n roll ability, vision and passing where you can’t guard him with people bigger or his own size, you just get worn out both physically and mentally. The Suns just weren’t prepared for that type of play. It’s a mix of 90s ball and Todays NBA

[SAGirl]

It would pretty impressive for the Mavs to get the WCF solely on Lukas back but also crazy how poor the West has become. Even more troubling is we are literally in the conversation of the worst of the worst despite a very even playing field in the West.
This is what I don’t get when hearing the west has become poor. If it is poor then why aren’t the Spurs in the playoffs? It’s only that the younger teams are starting to break through. Would be the perfect opportunity for the Spurs but they can’t seize it.

[KingKev]

I mean ATL made the ECFs last year. Stuff happens in the playoffs and it’s why it’s so exciting. Luka is a bad matchup for literally every team. He’s just unguardable. Kawhi can’t check him. PG can’t check him. Bridges can’t check him. Even if you play dirty and try to push him around like Crowder or Morris that shit doesn’t work bc Luka is a very physical player offensively. He shoots waaay too many step back 3s but when he doesn’t do that shit and just decides to play fierce he fucks people up in the post and in the paint.

I know everybody makes fun of his weight. There’s a dude here who calls him Luka Donut. But when you just have a legit 6 foot 7 guy who is bigger than his defenders and plays slow and methodical and can dirty it up on the paint, by posting up smaller defenders and just makes physical power moves against them. AND has his handles and pic n roll ability, vision and passing where you can’t guard him with people bigger or his own size, you just get worn out both physically and mentally. The Suns just weren’t prepared for that type of play. It’s a mix of 90s ball and Todays NBA

He is an incredible talent for sure but his supporting cast is pretty poor so it’s quite remarkable. We don’t even have a single player who you can count on to take over one game let alone a series.

In my opinion Luka doesn’t need to lose weight but needs to start hammering weights LBJ style.

[Texas_Ranger]

Dallas making it to game 7 is already very impressive. I dont think they have what it takes to get to the finals and i also dont believe in Dallas role players to step up in PHX, so the Mavs will most likely lose. But for the next season, Dallas needs to get a center and just that will make them much better, cause they are basically playing without one right now. I'm pretty sure they'll do everything to get Myles Turner, who would be a huge improvement over Powell. And Luka does have to get into the season in better shape. I dont know if he needs to lose lots of weight, but he needs to work on conditioning, cause the guy is done in the 4th if he has to play 40 min. It will help that he has the Euros, so I guess that will keep him in shape.

[rjv]

This is what I don’t get when hearing the west has become poor. If it is poor then why aren’t the Spurs in the playoffs? It’s only that the younger teams are starting to break through. Would be the perfect opportunity for the Spurs but they can’t seize it.

the west is not really that poor. phoenix, memphis, golden state and dallas are all solid teams. denver has the two-time defending MVP and a roster that dealt with severe injuries this season, the t-wolves and pelicans are up and coming teams. this leaves that 8th spot as up for grabs. utah is on the decline, the lakers are a mess but if AD and Lebron can stay healthy they can contend for a playoff spot. where the spurs fit in is debatable because so many of the bottom feeders were deliberately tanking. and no, in a time where the spurs owner is having to put out an instagram post stating that he is keeping the spurs in town, the last thing the spurs need to do is intentionally tank. so the best bet for the spurs is to continue to do what they are doing now: compete, develop, create cap flexibility and amass draft picks.

[KingKev]

the west is not really that poor. phoenix, memphis, golden state and dallas are all solid teams. denver has the two-time defending MVP and a roster that dealt with severe injuries this season, the t-wolves and pelicans are up and coming teams. this leaves that 8th spot as up for grabs. utah is on the decline, the lakers are a mess but if AD and Lebron can stay healthy they can contend for a playoff spot. where the spurs fit in is debatable because so many of the bottom feeders were deliberately tanking. and no, in a time where the spurs owner is having to put out an instagram post stating that he is keeping the spurs in town, the last thing the spurs need to do is intentionally tank. so the best bet for the spurs is to continue to do what they are doing now: compete, develop, create cap flexibility and amass draft picks.

You forgot the Clippers who if healthy are easily a top 3 team. West was weak this year mostly due to injuries but still should be wide open next year for all the teams you mentioned.

Our youth compared to other teams is bad though. Only a homer would argue otherwise.

[KingKev]

Since we aren’t in the playoffs… Anniversary of 0.4

I’d pay to see the footage of Matt Barnes bitch slapping Derek Fisher.

Also why the fk did Devin Brown close that game out instead of Bowen? Imagine if we had retained Stephen Jackson instead of Turk/Mercer.

[rjv]

You forgot the Clippers who if healthy are easily a top 3 team. West was weak this year mostly due to injuries but still should be wide open next year for all the teams you mentioned.

Our youth compared to other teams is bad though. Only a homer would argue otherwise.

i did forget all about the clippers, i guess i just block out anything that has to do with uncle's kid. the spurs are basically their youth if we go by the last rotations we were seeing (after mcdermott's injury), with an average age of 23. Poeltl is the old man at 26.

[KingKev]

i did forget all about the clippers, i guess i just block out anything that has to do with uncle's kid. the spurs are basically their youth if we go by the last rotations we were seeing (after mcdermott's injury), with an average age of 23. Poeltl is the old man at 26.

If, and a BIF IF, they can bring that roster back healthy that’s a very dangerous team. Long, strong, tough and athletic. Norm Powell and RoCo were underrated additions. Load manage both Kahwi and PG till playoff time.

[Dex]

Tough news for Danny:

1525189620568317954

[SAGirl]

And it's worse than initially reported.
1525210906002694146

[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.

I am honestly surprised a lot of people are surprised at the Mavs. This isn’t a surprise to me for the same points I made above before the series started. Look at what it took to eliminate Luka the last two playoffs. His game is just built for the playoffs as he can control the pace. However, as great as the role players have been at home this series, a few of them are going to have to step up on the road on game 7 to pull this off.

The Mavs would go 6 or 7 games with any of the best teams in the league (Bucks, Celtics, Warriors, Heat). And I think they’d have a shot at beating any of them. Lukas that good. How far they go will depend on whether any role players can step up on the road.

[mystargtr34]

And it's worse than initially reported.
1525210906002694146

Fucking embiid man floppinh and flailing and falling on every possession trying to get calls.

[gambit1990]

philly needs to do everything they can to swap harden for lebron.

[MultiTroll]

Fucking embiid man floppinh and flailing and falling on every possession trying to get calls.
Nah that's on Danny.
Like a QB or Olineman needs to keep moving all the way beyond the end of the play, Danny stood there like a statue when he could have easily moved away from Embiids fall.

[SAGirl]

Ok I can't get behind all this Embiid hate. It was an unfortunate accident, not on purpose. Really sorry for Danny because he's at an age where he's not coming back from this, and it's sudden and unexpected in how dramatic the end can be sometimes.

[SAGirl]

philly needs to do everything they can to swap harden for lebron.
I'd agree, but Embiid is already giving indications that he wants to play with Jimmy Butler... I was kind of surprised both guys would be so open to suggestions they want to team up.

[Spurs Homer]

I haven't seen anything to tell me Embiid is a champion.
All that size and talent -

but he is gutless.

He also plays like a pussy - always trying to draw fouls, acting, flopping, pleading for calls.
Fuck him.

Also - better hope the Suns beat the mavs - otherwise - those golden state phaggots will have another easy path...

[KingKev]

I haven't seen anything to tell me Embiid is a champion.
All that size and talent -

but he is gutless.

He also plays like a pussy - always trying to draw fouls, acting, flopping, pleading for calls.
Fuck him.

Also - better hope the Suns beat the mavs - otherwise - those golden state phaggots will have another easy path...

I’ll never understand posts like this.

[SAGirl]

1525235554115256322
I think Boston is done. The loss last game was demoralizing. The loss of this guy just means more piled on others.

[mystargtr34]

Apparently Williams new knee injury is from a bone bruise cause by knee on knee collision with Giannis. Not related to his meniscus surgery.

I’m sure it was on one of those Giannis football running back barrelling through the lane drives whilst his elbows were out in front creating space. Poor defense from the Celtics not putting their faces in the way of those elbows, but it probably would have been called a defensive foul anyway.

[MultiTroll]

Boston Retards with a 10 point lead.
Wonder what will happen next said no one.

[SAGirl]

Derrick White has been very good for Boston. Overall it’s undeniable that Boston has the better team, but they looked this same way at home and then folded at the last minute. They have to stick this landing.

Greak Freak is a little out of control right now, and in foul trouble.

[SAGirl]

Do you have any takes about this people?
1525268782553309185
He was really bad in their losses and very hot shooting the 3 at their home. Since he performs at home it may be significant but consider he was having trouble guarding Anderson at times. I don’t think he’s that big of a loss, but maybe I am biased. Open to different views.

[SAGirl]

Hmmm apparently Otto is the GSW star.
1525275481787904000
Plus minus in this small of a sample doesnt mean anything… but it is making me think maybe the Grizzlies can really pull this off.

[MultiTroll]

Do you have any takes about this people?
Hoping for the best but i think MVPWarriorRef makes another strong clinching appearance.

[timtonymanu]

I'm starting to feel like the Bucks will lose this series in 7 very similar to how the 2015 Clippers/Spurs series played out.

[MultiTroll]

Kome Tatum gets away with the bullshit push off. :bang

[MultiTroll]

You think you should guard Tatum closer?

FFS Bonnerton with the super late rotation.

Great shooting by Tatum.

[MultiTroll]

I'm starting to feel like the Bucks will lose this series in 7 very similar to how the 2015 Clippers/Spurs series played out.I don't think Boston can shoot this well again but they are smokin today.
Where is Game 7?

Trying to have Bonnerton and George Hill guard Tatum is not going to work when he is hot.
The F is Middletons status?

[SAGirl]

Tatum has come alive in an elimination game. He deserves all the credit. Defeating this Boston team is and was going to be super tough. It’s evident that Boston has had the better team but Milwaukee had the best player. This game Tatum stopped up. That was big time.

[daslicer]

I'm starting to feel like the Bucks will lose this series in 7 very similar to how the 2015 Clippers/Spurs series played out.

I have been thinking the same thing throughout this game.

[SAGirl]

Hoping for the best but i think MVPWarriorRef makes another strong clinching appearance.
Yeah, I think you are right. That will be frustrating to watch.

[SAGirl]

1525235554115256322
I think Boston is done. The loss last game was demoralizing. The loss of this guy just means more piled on others.
Well, this take was wrong. I underestimated Tatum’ mental toughness and his ability to torch the Bucks in an elimination game on the road.

Boston has also looked like the better team throughout, excepting Giannis.

[Robz4000]

Didn't see any of the game but I'm impressed with the Celtics' mental toughness to win tonight. Game 7 can go either way.

[Dirks_Finale]

Any chance Middleton comes back for game 7? If not, I think Milwaukee is finished.

[Strategic]

Dammit come on grizz

[SAGirl]

Didn't see any of the game but I'm impressed with the Celtics' mental toughness to win tonight. Game 7 can go either way.
Tatum went supernova to kill any come back chances. The game was as close as 4 pts or so with 5 minutes to go, then Tatum proceeded to hit step back 3 and contested jumpshots. It was impressive. I think the bucks need more from their roleplayers. It could go either way but Boston has looked like a better team and have exhausted Giannis and forced him to mistakes. If they don’t melt down at the end they should win it, barring something improbable like a Grayson Allen actually hitting shots. Giannis gave it everything he had. Many teammates didn’t show up.

[SAGirl]

Any chance Middleton comes back for game 7? If not, I think Milwaukee is finished.
The coach didn’t want to give any updates. Last I saw, no. It’s not likely. He was doing shooting drills and other things but no contact.

[SAGirl]

Some stats about the game 7 “advantage”

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FSrydWxXsAE0Qw3?format=png&name=large

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/blob:https://www.spurstalk.com/0f30d934-649a-45ac-bcdf-d015abe09708

[SAGirl]

Mike Brown challenging that clear blocking foul…

[SAGirl]

Adams limping after collision with green… while Dillon the villain giving the refs ammunition.
damn he needs to be smarter than that. Meantime the tackles on Adams are nothing for warriorref

[SAGirl]

GSW crazy with the TO

[Texas_Ranger]

Memphis plays so much better without Morant that its sad.

[MultiTroll]

Pass the fucking ball Jones.

1-9 and keeps throwing shit up.

[SAGirl]

1525326873055461377
still don’t have a good feeling about this one… should be up further had they been better offensively, you know if they had an all star…

[Texas_Ranger]

1525326873055461377
still don’t have a good feeling about this one… should be up further had they been better offensively, you know if they had an all star…

the warriors have not looked that good, for a team that a lot of people see as favorites to win it all.

[SAGirl]

the warriors have not looked that good, for a team that a lot of people see as favorites to win it all.
The home cooking they get at home is something that will be tough for any team. They have weaknesses… sure, and I think this series with the Grizzlies has been very tough for them, they have their injured guys (roleplayers) but their core is healthy and Klay specially is hungry. They can be beat but I don’t think the Suns are it. I’d love to see Dallas take them down. We’ll see.

[daslicer]

the warriors have not looked that good, for a team that a lot of people see as favorites to win it all.

They remind me of the '04 Lakers. A team with an aging core that keeps getting lucky breaks like the Lakers did in '04 during the playoffs with Shaq's game winning dunk against the Rockets in game 1, Dfish's .4 shot, Cassell's injury in the WCF.

[Robz4000]

It's hard for any team to win 8 on 5 tbh.

[daslicer]

The home cooking they get at home is something that will be tough for any team. They have weaknesses… sure, and I think this series with the Grizzlies has been very tough for them, they have their injured guys (roleplayers) but their foe is healthy and Klay specially is hungry. They can be beat but I don’t think the Suns are it. I’d love to see Dallas take them down. We’ll see.

Klay is old. He looks good every 3 or 4 games. He was garbage game 1,2,4,5. He had good game 3 and so far has been good in game 6. He can't be consistent anymore due to the injuries he suffered with the ACL and Achilles. Remember how good Rudy Gay would look for the Spurs every 2-3 games out of 10. That's pretty much Klay at this point. He will have 2 good games every series out of 6 or 7 games and maybe 3 at best.

Suns if they somehow get by the Mavs will have a good chance to beat the Warriors. Mavs are just an annoying matchup for them much like they were for the Spurs in '14. Luka is much more of a pain the ass to deal with for them then Curry will be. Luka is a great playmaker along with being a good scorer.

[SAGirl]

Can’t feel unhappy about the Grizzlies season. They overachieved in every respect.

[daslicer]

I didn't watch the game but judging by the boxscores the Grizzlies made Looney look like Dennis Rodman. You can't win a game where a guy gets 21 rebounds and 11 of those rebounds are offensive.

[gambit1990]

ugh. warriors go from having 4 offensive rebounds in game 5 to having 25+ this game.

[MultiTroll]

It's hard for any team to win 8 on 5 tbh.
I objectively recorded 3 separate drive layups that all were 2 + 1 buckets for Memphis.

If i had to see a strategy change, that #21 T Jones the Duke point guard was an absolute net negative on O but equally as bad on D for the Grizz.

Now i see recipient Klanus celebrating a 3 like it's the 1st one he ever made.

Pro or no pro i would have my team put Curry on his ass for that insufferable sleep sign.

[gambit1990]

the game was close too..

[SAGirl]

Klay is old. He looks good every 3 or 4 games. He was garbage game 1,2,4,5. He had good game 3 and so far has been good in game 6. He can't be consistent anymore due to the injuries he suffered with the ACL and Achilles. Remember how good Rudy Gay would look for the Spurs every 2-3 games out of 10. That's pretty much Klay at this point. He will have 2 good games every series out of 6 or 7 games and maybe 3 at best.

Suns if they somehow get by the Mavs will have a good chance to beat the Warriors. Mavs are just an annoying matchup for them much like they were for the Spurs in '14. Luka is much more of a pain the ass to deal with for them then Curry will be. Luka is a great playmaker along with being a good scorer.
That’s true about Klay. He’s looked done in some games, specially when he needs to defend. TBH it can’t be ignored the pressure Ja places on a defense…

I don’t trust the suns to be quite frank with you. Aside from not liking them I feel CP3 will fall off when it counts and they are nothing without him when it counts. He’s their 4th Q guy.

[SAGirl]

the game was close too..
Grizzlies will be back. They are young and this was all without their best offensive player.

[daslicer]

I objectively recorded 3 separate drive layups that all were 2 + 1 buckets for Memphis.

If i had to see a strategy change, that #21 T Jones the Duke point guard was an absolute net negative on O but equally as bad on D for the Grizz.

Now i see recipient Klanus celebrating a 3 like it's the 1st one he ever made.

Pro or no pro i would have my team put Curry on his ass for that insufferable sleep sign.

I hate the Warriors they make my blood pressure boil. I'm very selective about the games I watch. I punted on the Nuggets series after game 1 because I figured the rest of the games wouldn't be worth watching and I was right. I punted on watching the Warrior home games in this series after Ja went out in game 3. I hate this team and I have been watching basketball since '91 but there is a no team I hate more historically than the Curry-Klay-Draymond Warriors.

[gambit1990]

i hated that kevon looney re-signed with the warriors for so little. they don't deserve him.

[SAGirl]

It's hard for any team to win 8 on 5 tbh.
:toast

[daslicer]

That’s true about Klay. He’s looked done in some games, specially when he needs to defend. TBH it can’t be ignored the pressure Ja places on a defense…

I don’t trust the suns to be quite frank with you. Aside from not liking them I feel CP3 will fall off when it counts and they are nothing without him when it counts. He’s their 4th Q guy.

Ja being out hurt the Grizzlies. A lot of people like to hype up their record without Ja but it's fools gold. Longterm they can't go far in the playoffs without him. He has a unique skill set in being able to suck in defenses and put pressure on perimeter players. Klay and Curry lucked out by his injury game 3 or they would have been worn down by the end of this series.

If the Suns beat the Mavs they will be hardened mentally after having to overcome Luka. Suns also have the experience of being in the finals last year and taking out the Lakers. I bring up the Lakers because they won't be in awe of the Warriors mystique since they have already taken out the Lakers before who also have great mystique.

CP3 is a wildcard when it comes to his health but if he somehow manages not to get injured the Suns have a great chance of winning against the Warriors. He nearly took out a better Warriors team 4 years ago when Curry-Klay-Dray-Durant-Iggy were all in their primes.

[Texas_Ranger]

whoever the warriors face next round will probably lose a guy to an injury anyway. lucky fucks.

[daslicer]

whoever the warriors face next round will probably lose a guy to an injury anyway. lucky fucks.

Eventually their luck has to run out when it comes to odds. I guess I'm optimistic that eventually they are going to get dicked over by some bad luck. It did happen to them in '19 when Klay and Kevin both went out in the finals.

[Spurs Homer]

Pretty much called it…
warriorrefs help gs get one or two early games and the rest is just an uphill battle until game 6 when warriors pull one out at home and then prance around as if they didnt get any ref help

if dallas wins they will be an easy win for gs

if suns win- it might be a good series until chrissy gets hurt again

[SAGirl]

Ja being out hurt the Grizzlies. A lot of people like to hype up their record without Ja but it's fools gold. Longterm they can't go far in the playoffs without him. He has a unique skill set in being able to suck in defenses and put pressure on perimeter players. Klay and Curry lucked out by his injury game 3 or they would have been worn down by the end of this series.

If the Suns beat the Mavs they will be hardened mentally after having to overcome Luka. Suns also have the experience of being in the finals last year and taking out the Lakers. I bring up the Lakers because they won't be in awe of the Warriors mystique since they have already taken out the Lakers before who also have great mystique.

CP3 is a wildcard when it comes to his health but if he somehow manages not to get injured the Suns have a great chance of winning against the Warriors. He nearly took out a better Warriors team 5 years ago when Curry-Klay-Dray-Durant-Iggy were all in their primes.
I agree with everything you said here about Ja. 100% agree with you the Ja hate has gone too far. He’s a cocky player and I think many fan bases just hate him at this point, bc he either beat them and was cracking jokes and others just think he’s overrated. It doesn’t matter. The playoffs are not the regular season, the 4th Q of playoff games is the time for the stars. Like you say, you can’t go far in the playoffs without a player that can take over in the 4th Q. That’s just what Tatum did tonight for example, that is what Ja had been doing all playoffs until he got injured. The Grizzlies are still a competitive bunch but they didn’t have their closer for half the series and lacked Adams for the other half, who frees up with screens a lot of their perimeter players.

Anyways, I have my concerns with Ayton too. He has a habit of coming up small, playing smaller than he is at times. I don’t think he’ll exploit GSW like he could theoretically. I don’t think Dallas has the horses next to Luka to be serious here but they are a younger, energetic lot that doesn’t mind physical play. In a way I think in the same way that Kawhi gave them fits in his prime, Luka will. Maybe this is just what I want to see, just being an honest fan here. A series of Suns vs GSW is like watching a series in which I don’t particularly cheer anyone, and I do think GSW wins it (may be wrong but that’s the hot take of the moment.)

[mystargtr34]

I can’t stand the Warriors either. Unbelievable amount of injury luck during their run since 2015. Don’t remember last time they beat a team in the playoffs that wasn’t missing one of their 2 or 3 best players.

Between the Suns and Mavs. On paper the Suns are supposed to beat the Warriors but I can see CP3 pulling a hamstring or breaking a hand early in the series or maybe even Booker getting an injury. And I don’t trust Ayton to dominate like he should, I can see Draymond getting under his skin. Plus the Suns lucked out last year getting to the finals. I actually have more faith in Luka owning the Warriors as he has done in his career so far. And the Mavs have the horses defensively to make Steph and Klay work with Bullock and DFS. Ntilikina can also do a good job like he has done against Booker and CP3.

Having said that, I think both the Suns and Mavs can beat the Warriors and both series would go at least 6 imo. The Warriors are very beatable as long as the team can stay healthy.

[daslicer]

I agree with everything you said here about Ja. 100% agree with you the Ja hate has gone too far. He’s a cocky player and I think many fan bases just hate him at this point, bc he either beat them and was cracking jokes and others just think he’s overrated. It doesn’t matter. The playoffs are not the regular season, the 4th Q of playoff games is the time for the stars. Like you say, you can’t go far in the playoffs without a player that can take over in the 4th Q. That’s just what Tatum did tonight for example, that is what Ja had been doing all playoffs until he got injured. The Grizzlies are still a competitive bunch but they didn’t have their closer for half the series and lacked Adams for the other half, who frees up with screens a lot of their perimeter players.

Anyways, I have my concerns with Ayton too. He has a habit of coming up small, playing smaller than he is at times. I don’t think he’ll exploit GSW like he could theoretically. I don’t think Dallas has the horses next to Luka to be serious here but they are a younger, energetic lot that doesn’t mind physical play. In a way I think in the same way that Kawhi gave them fits in his prime, Luka will. Maybe this is just what I want to see, just being an honest fan here. A series of Suns vs GSW is like watching a series in which I don’t particularly cheer anyone, and I do think GSW wins it (may be wrong but that’s the hot take of the moment.)


The Suns don't need Ayton to go off against the Warriors. What they do need for him is his defense to be good which I think that will always be there even when he has bad offensive games. The biggest key I believe against the Warriors is rebounds. They are an undersized team, but the Grizzlies allowed them to get too many offensive rebounds that lead to them getting second chance points. Suns have to win the battle of the boards with them. They also have to make Klay and Curry work on both ends of the court. They have guys in CP3, Booker, Bridges, Johnson, etch that can do that. Draymond is dirty but so is Crowder. I have a feeling both of those guys will cancel each other out.


You picking the Warriors to beat the Suns is not a hot take. I think that's the pick the majority of people are going with except for me. The Suns may not be likable but I can easily root for them against the Warriors. The Suns winning the title won't make them insufferable like the Warriors winning another title would. CP3 is probably going to break down next year anyways.

[daslicer]

I can’t stand the Warriors either. Unbelievable amount of injury luck during their run since 2015. Don’t remember last time they beat a team in the playoffs that wasn’t missing one of their 2 or 3 best players.

Between the Suns and Mavs. On paper the Suns are supposed to beat the Warriors but I can see CP3 pulling a hamstring or breaking a hand early in the series or maybe even Booker getting an injury. And I don’t trust Ayton to dominate like he should, I can see Draymond getting under his skin. Plus the Suns lucked out last year getting to the finals. I actually have more faith in Luka owning the Warriors as he has done in his career so far. And the Mavs have the horses defensively to make Steph and Klay work with Bullock and DFS. Ntilikina can also do a good job like he has done against Booker and CP3.

Having said that, I think both the Suns and Mavs can beat the Warriors and both series would go at least 6 imo. The Warriors are very beatable as long as the team can stay healthy.

I have always viewed the Warriors as a mentally weak team in the sense that they are front runners. They make me think of Mike Tyson in the sense that Mike could dominate 99 percent of his opponents but whenever he ran across an opponent, he couldn't knock out in the first 3 or 4 rounds he would wilt and fall apart mentally and start fighting dirty which was evident when he bit Evander's ear off. I feel this has also always been the case with the Warriors. When they have to face a worthy opponent at full strength they always wilt and fall apart mentally and resort to dirty tactics like taking out Kawhi with Zaza.

I believe Draymond and Crowder will get under each other's skin throughout a 7-game series. Both will cancel each other out. That's how I see it playing out.

[Ice009]

Didn't see any of the game but I'm impressed with the Celtics' mental toughness to win tonight. Game 7 can go either way.

I don't remember seeing Boston lose hardly any game 7s at home. The only one I recall them losing, they could have won if it wasn't for their role players jacking up shots deep in the 4th quarter against the Cavs 4 or 5 years ago. They froze out a very young Tatum who was on the brink of superstardom in those playoffs after he gave the Celtics the lead by playing great the first 3/4 of the 4th quarter. I still remember being mad that their role players were jacking up shots and never got Tatum the ball the last few minutes of that game. That's the only game 7 at home I recall seeing them lose, and they easily could have won that one. This will be a very exciting game. Can't want to see if Giannis can transcend to yet another level. He needs his teammates to step up and help him out, though. Game 7s on the road in NBA history as most of us know is one of the toughest games to win in all of sports. Homecourt advantage really helps. I have seen a lot of really tough game 7s where the road team has hung tough, but usually homecourt seems to get the home team over the line.

Bottom line IMO, if Milwaukee wins, it's going to have to be one of the greatest game 7s on the road in playoff history. I hope they are up for it as I am going for the Bucks. I don't mind the Celtics, but I like the Bucks better.


I didn't watch the game but judging by the boxscores the Grizzlies made Looney look like Dennis Rodman. You can't win a game where a guy gets 21 rebounds and 11 of those rebounds are offensive.

They got so many lucky offensive rebounds in the 4th quarter. It was so frustrating to watch.


I objectively recorded 3 separate drive layups that all were 2 + 1 buckets for Memphis.

If i had to see a strategy change, that #21 T Jones the Duke point guard was an absolute net negative on O but equally as bad on D for the Grizz.

Now i see recipient Klanus celebrating a 3 like it's the 1st one he ever made.

Pro or no pro i would have my team put Curry on his ass for that insufferable sleep sign.

I was just mentioning to someone that if I were playing, I'd be in deep trouble/suspended for hammering Curry. This little fucker is such a front running bitch always taunting the other team. And Draymond's antics really rub me the wrong way (I don't hate Draymond, but he really pushes it too far and the league let's him get away with it. I do not know why. I'd like to see how good he is if the shit he did in games got called fairly)

I also want to give Klay Thompson props. The dude came up huge again in a big game 6. This time it wasn't on the road, but it was still an almost must win game for the Warriors IMO. They really needed to win this one and I don't feel Klay's celebration was over the top. The guy's been out for two years, the Warriors stunk it up while he was gone, and IMO they needed this win as game 7 on the road in Memphis even with Ja out would have been tough. I haven't watched the Warriors much throughout their tittle run as I freaking hate Curry and Green because of the way they act, but I don't recall Thompson taunting teams and players. Where would the Warriors be without this guy? Their toughest games in their playoff runs 2016 (didn't win the Championship, though) & 2018 it was Klay that played amazing (Not Curry, not Durant, not Westbrook), and then in 2018 playoffs against the Rockets game 6 in the road, again, it was Klay that was incredible (Not Curry, not Durant, not Harden, Chris Paul was out injured unfortunately for the Rockets). Then 2019, if he doesn't get hurt, I don't know if the Raptors could have beaten the Warriors (I still wonder if Klay could have gotten them over the line even without Durant). I can't believe I've heard talk this season that it would be better for the Warriors if they traded him. Look at where they were the last two seasons and now that Klay's back, they're in the WCFs again. I know it's not all Klay that has done it this season or previous years, but the guy is a big game player. When Curry's nuts shrivel up, Klay usually comes through. I don't know if he'll be the same player he was, but he's still working his way back and they owe it to him to give him a little more time. Despite him not playing great for the whole series, I feel I need to give him some props as I've never really given anyone of the Warriors props these past 7 or 8 years. Curry on the other hand, I'll say it again, is a little front running bitch that needs to be levelled after doing shit like that little sleep gesture yet again.

[mystargtr34]

I don't remember seeing Boston lose hardly any game 7s at home. The only one I recall them losing, they could have won if it wasn't for their role players jacking up shots deep in the 4th quarter against the Cavs 4 or 5 years ago. They froze out a very young Tatum who was on the brink of superstardom in those playoffs after he gave the Celtics the lead by playing great the first 3/4 of the 4th quarter. I still remember being mad that their role players were jacking up shots and never got Tatum the ball the last few minutes of that game. That's the only game 7 at home I recall seeing them lose, and they easily could have won that one. This will be a very exciting game. Can't want to see if Giannis can transcend to yet another level. He needs his teammates to step up and help him out, though. Game 7s on the road in NBA history as most of us know is one of the toughest games to win in all of sports. Homecourt advantage really helps. I have seen a lot of really tough game 7s where the road team has hung tough, but usually homecourt seems to get the home team over the line.

Bottom line IMO, if Milwaukee wins, it's going to have to be one of the greatest game 7s on the road in playoff history. I hope they are up for it as I am going for the Bucks. I don't mind the Celtics, but I like the Bucks better.



They got so many lucky offensive rebounds in the 4th quarter. It was so frustrating to watch.



I was just mentioning to someone that if I were playing, I'd be in deep trouble/suspended for hammering Curry. This little fucker is such a front running bitch always taunting the other team. And Draymond's antics really rub me the wrong way (I don't hate Draymond, but he really pushes it too far and the league let's him get away with it. I do not know why. I'd like to see how good he is if the shit he did in games got called fairly)

I also want to give Klay Thompson props. The dude came up huge again in a big game 6. This time it wasn't on the road, but it was still an almost must win game for the Warriors IMO. They really needed to win this one and I don't feel Klay's celebration was over the top. The guy's been out for two years, the Warriors stunk it up while he was gone, and IMO they needed this win as game 7 on the road in Memphis even with Ja out would have been tough. I haven't watched the Warriors much throughout their tittle run as I freaking hate Curry and Green because of the way they act, but I don't recall Thompson taunting teams and players. Where would the Warriors be without this guy? Their toughest games in their 2017 & 2018 Championship seasons it was Klay that played amazing (Not Curry, not Durant, not Westbrook), and then in 2018 playoffs against the Rockets game 6 in the road, again, it was Klay that was incredible (Not Curry, not Durant, not Harden, Chris Paul was out injured unfortunately for the Rockets). Then 2019, if he doesn't get hurt, I don't know if the Raptors could have beaten the Warriors (I still wonder if Klay could have gotten them over the line even without Durant). I can't believe I've heard talk this season that it would be better for the Warriors if they traded him. Look at where they were the last two seasons and now that Klay's back, they're in the WCFs again. I know it's not all Klay that has done it this season or previous years, but the guy is a big game player. When Curry's nuts shrivel up, Klay usually comes through. I don't know if he'll be the same player he was, but he's still working his way back and they owe it to him to give him a little more time. Despite him not playing great for the whole series, I feel I need to give him some props as I've never really given anyone of the Warriors props these past 7 or 8 years. Curry on the other hand, I'll say it again, is a little front running bitch that needs to be levelled after doing shit like that little sleep gesture yet again.

I think the Raptors were handling the Warriors with Klay. With Durant it may have been different but even then that warriors team was beatable. The rockets should have done it in 2018. The Kawhi Spurs in 2017 could have beaten them that team was damn good. That 2019 Raps team was damn good.

[Ice009]

I think the Raptors were handling the Warriors with Klay. With Durant it may have been different but even then that warriors team was beatable. The rockets should have done it in 2018. The Kawhi Spurs in 2017 could have beaten them that team was damn good. That 2019 Raps team was damn good.

Pretty solid points and you could be right on all of them. I agree, all those teams could have won, especially the 2017 Spurs. You could even say in 2016 that OKC could have won if it wasn't for Durant and Westbrook choking. 2019, though, I think is the most interesting as I would have liked to have seen how they would have done with a level playing field (still having Thompson, but not having Durant, I feel would have been a level playing field).

Also, got the years wrong. 2016 was OKC series and they choked in the finals, but still, Klay saved their asses as that was the only series where I don't recall OKC missing players and the Warriors getting away with playing another injured team. Would you guys agree that was the only legit series GSW won where something didn't didn't happen to the other team's best players. Still, it took and epic choke job from OKC to do it.

I guess I blocked out the Zaza and Kawhi incident in 2017 :(, but I was just trying to give Klay some props. Not sure I will give any more props to the Warriors ever again. I'll just give Klay props and leave it at that.

[daslicer]

I don't remember seeing Boston lose hardly any game 7s at home. The only one I recall them losing, they could have won if it wasn't for their role players jacking up shots deep in the 4th quarter against the Cavs 4 or 5 years ago. They froze out a very young Tatum who was on the brink of superstardom in those playoffs after he gave the Celtics the lead by playing great the first 3/4 of the 4th quarter. I still remember being mad that their role players were jacking up shots and never got Tatum the ball the last few minutes of that game. That's the only game 7 at home I recall seeing them lose, and they easily could have won that one. This will be a very exciting game. Can't want to see if Giannis can transcend to yet another level. He needs his teammates to step up and help him out, though. Game 7s on the road in NBA history as most of us know is one of the toughest games to win in all of sports. Homecourt advantage really helps. I have seen a lot of really tough game 7s where the road team has hung tough, but usually homecourt seems to get the home team over the line.

Bottom line IMO, if Milwaukee wins, it's going to have to be one of the greatest game 7s on the road in playoff history. I hope they are up for it as I am going for the Bucks. I don't mind the Celtics, but I like the Bucks better.



They got so many lucky offensive rebounds in the 4th quarter. It was so frustrating to watch.



I was just mentioning to someone that if I were playing, I'd be in deep trouble/suspended for hammering Curry. This little fucker is such a front running bitch always taunting the other team. And Draymond's antics really rub me the wrong way (I don't hate Draymond, but he really pushes it too far and the league let's him get away with it. I do not know why. I'd like to see how good he is if the shit he did in games got called fairly)

I also want to give Klay Thompson props. The dude came up huge again in a big game 6. This time it wasn't on the road, but it was still an almost must win game for the Warriors IMO. They really needed to win this one and I don't feel Klay's celebration was over the top. The guy's been out for two years, the Warriors stunk it up while he was gone, and IMO they needed this win as game 7 on the road in Memphis even with Ja out would have been tough. I haven't watched the Warriors much throughout their tittle run as I freaking hate Curry and Green because of the way they act, but I don't recall Thompson taunting teams and players. Where would the Warriors be without this guy? Their toughest games in their playoff runs 2016 (didn't win the Championship, though) & 2018 it was Klay that played amazing (Not Curry, not Durant, not Westbrook), and then in 2018 playoffs against the Rockets game 6 in the road, again, it was Klay that was incredible (Not Curry, not Durant, not Harden, Chris Paul was out injured unfortunately for the Rockets). Then 2019, if he doesn't get hurt, I don't know if the Raptors could have beaten the Warriors (I still wonder if Klay could have gotten them over the line even without Durant). I can't believe I've heard talk this season that it would be better for the Warriors if they traded him. Look at where they were the last two seasons and now that Klay's back, they're in the WCFs again. I know it's not all Klay that has done it this season or previous years, but the guy is a big game player. When Curry's nuts shrivel up, Klay usually comes through. I don't know if he'll be the same player he was, but he's still working his way back and they owe it to him to give him a little more time. Despite him not playing great for the whole series, I feel I need to give him some props as I've never really given anyone of the Warriors props these past 7 or 8 years. Curry on the other hand, I'll say it again, is a little front running bitch that needs to be levelled after doing shit like that little sleep gesture yet again.

Yes he was just as bad as Draymond and Curry when it came to taunting and disrespecting the opponent. You just didn't pay much attention to him since he's a pot head and has a laid back personality in interviews.

[gambit1990]

if the suns don't mange to win it all then it better be a team from the east. i think boston finishes the bucks.

[daslicer]

if the suns don't mange to win it all then it better be a team from the east. i think boston finishes the bucks.

Bucks are the only team I feel 100 percent confident in beating the Warriors and that's if they have Middleton. Celtics I give them a 50-50 shot. With Miami I give them little to no shot.

[Ice009]

Yes he was just as bad as Draymond and Curry when it came to taunting and disrespecting the opponent. You just didn't pay much attention to him since he's a pot head and has a laid back personality in interviews.

Yeah, I guess I didn't pay attention then. I might retract my praise if that is the case. I'd usually see Curry dancing around and Draymond acting like a fool, so I'd normally turn it off or change the channel at that point. You are right, I didn't focus in on Klay. I guess I don't remember any bad antics from him in games against the Spurs.


if the suns don't mange to win it all then it better be a team from the east. i think boston finishes the bucks.

Yeah, it's looking at this point that I'd rather anyone other than the Warriors to win.


Bucks are the only team I feel 100 percent confident in beating the Warriors and that's if they have Middleton. Celtics I give them a 50-50 shot. With Miami I give them little to no shot.

Darn, I thought Miami would have a shot if they made the finals. Have they not played well against the Warriors, or do they just match up poorly? How much of a shot do you give Miami to beat either Milwaukee or Boston in the next round?

[KingKev]

Whoooop that trick

[SAGirl]

The Suns don't need Ayton to go off against the Warriors. What they do need for him is his defense to be good which I think that will always be there even when he has bad offensive games. The biggest key I believe against the Warriors is rebounds. They are an undersized team, but the Grizzlies allowed them to get too many offensive rebounds that lead to them getting second chance points. Suns have to win the battle of the boards with them. They also have to make Klay and Curry work on both ends of the court. They have guys in CP3, Booker, Bridges, Johnson, etch that can do that. Draymond is dirty but so is Crowder. I have a feeling both of those guys will cancel each other out.


You picking the Warriors to beat the Suns is not a hot take. I think that's the pick the majority of people are going with except for me. The Suns may not be likable but I can easily root for them against the Warriors. The Suns winning the title won't make them insufferable like the Warriors winning another title would. CP3 is probably going to break down next year anyways.
Thanks for your opinion. I think it’s very well informed. I honestly am not impressed with the Warriors this series at all. I am just a lot less impressed with the Suns to be quite frank with you, is my bottom line. They need and depend so much on CP3, and he’s a guy that will get injured and also is showing his age, particularly when you are active on both ends. That’s the reason I think it’s a hot take. I am not impressed with GSW. They are vulnerable and the Grizzlies wore them down. They became a TO machine. I think Dallas can replicate that more the Suns though.

Just a day after, I am already doubting GSW can win the next round.

[SAGirl]

Whoooop that trick
You know it baby!
How can this not be a successful season for them all things considered? I am happy I was fanning a team that got to the second round and put up this fight injuries and all. It was a good season for them. They’ll be back.

[SAGirl]

Anyways, I am team Mavs for the remaining game and in The East conference my heart is team Giannis but have to go with Boston closing out at home.

[Texas_Ranger]

Im also for both underdogs. So Mavs and Bucks, even tho I have no idea how the Mavs can win in Phoenix, cause all 3 games they were trashed there. It would be funny to see CP3 to fuck up another 2-0 lead tho. Boston vs Bucks should be much closer.

[KingKev]

You know it baby!
How can this not be a successful season for them all things considered? I am happy I was fanning a team that got to the second round and put up this fight injuries and all. It was a good season for them. They’ll be back.

Next time Ex needlessly argues with me i’m going to bump that before I retort.

Grizz have solid draft capital and if they move Adams can free up decent cap space this summer also.

[MultiTroll]

I hate the Warriors they make my blood pressure boil. I'm very selective about the games I watch. I punted on the Nuggets series after game 1 because I figured the rest of the games wouldn't be worth watching and I was right. I punted on watching the Warrior home games in this series after Ja went out in game 3. I hate this team and I have been watching basketball since '91 but there is a no team I hate more historically than the Curry-Klay-Draymond Warriors.
You absolutely chose a correct game to pass. As you can see from the comments it was Classic Warrior clownery with WarriorRef a factor per par. Memphis added to their own demise, particularly Jones. But ya don't let the final score mislead, this was very winnable by the Grizz all the way up to final couple minutes. Definitely a game worth missing.


Pretty much called it…
warriorrefs help gs get one or two early games and the rest is just an uphill battle until game 6 when warriors pull one out at home and then prance around as if they didnt get any ref help
Again why daslicer made the right choice for himself. Pathetic isn't it Spurs Homer how you can actually just see and feel what is going to happen with the *Dubs*.
I happened to have some free time last night and watched albeit distracted but it's S ole S from Warriors.

[SAGirl]

Next time Ex needlessly argues with me i’m going to bump that before I retort.

Grizz have solid draft capital and if they move Adams can free up decent cap space this summer also.

Who do you think they target? I have no idea.

They’ll need a big to take up Adams minutes. Jaren is not ready to play center full time.

They have some tough choices with their roleplayers too, like Tyus Jones. He’s a good backup who can keep them afloat when the injury bug strikes and they don’t have any backup PG as 3rd string. What’s enlightening is that they haven’t even developed one in the Gleague this season either, so I think they want him back, but it just depends on who else wants him and what he gets.

Clarke is coming up for a deal too.

I think they’ll try to keep both Tyus and Clarke without overpaying, sign Bane to an extension, let Slowmo go and look for an Adams trade, but their GM is a guy that likes draft-centered trades and taking fliers on young guys. Not everything he’s done has panned out like the Justise Winslow trade, but he keeps pruning and taking risks around the edges and investing in youth and I think they will continue doing that. I have no idea who they would target in the FA market. They haven’t built their team so far that way, save for a couple of roleplayers.

[daslicer]

Yeah, I guess I didn't pay attention then. I might retract my praise if that is the case. I'd usually see Curry dancing around and Draymond acting like a fool, so I'd normally turn it off or change the channel at that point. You are right, I didn't focus in on Klay. I guess I don't remember any bad antics from him in games against the Spurs.



Yeah, it's looking at this point that I'd rather anyone other than the Warriors to win.



Darn, I thought Miami would have a shot if they made the finals. Have they not played well against the Warriors, or do they just match up poorly? How much of a shot do you give Miami to beat either Milwaukee or Boston in the next round?

I just feel uneasy about Miami vs the Warriors. Jimmy Butler is playing good right now but historically he's not been an efficient player offensively. I think the Warriors would be able to easily shut him down to make him an ineffective scorer. Outside of Butler the Heat don't have consistent offensive players that can keep up with the Warriors fire power of Curry, Poole, Klay, etc. They are also an undersized team which favors the Warriors since the Warriors are also undersized. You are not going to beat the Warriors playing small ball against them. By doing this you fall into their trap. The Heat's only chance of winning against the Warriors is to win ugly by slowing down the game but even in that situation the Warriors can prevail by hitting timely 3's. It will be like the Spurs vs Lakers in '02 where they lost in 5 but every game was close in the 4th quarter and was low scoring but they just didn't have enough offensive fire power to hang with the Lakers in the final minutes of the game.

If Bucks get Middleton back they will beat Miami but if they don't get Middleton back I see them losing to Miami. If Celtics face Miami then it's a coin flip since I give them a 50-50 chance of beating Miami.

[daslicer]

Thanks for your opinion. I think it’s very well informed. I honestly am not impressed with the Warriors this series at all. I am just a lot less impressed with the Suns to be quite frank with you, is my bottom line. They need and depend so much on CP3, and he’s a guy that will get injured and also is showing his age, particularly when you are active on both ends. That’s the reason I think it’s a hot take. I am not impressed with GSW. They are vulnerable and the Grizzlies wore them down. They became a TO machine. I think Dallas can replicate that more the Suns though.

Just a day after, I am already doubting GSW can win the next round.

I don't think Dallas has enough talent to beat GSW. Luka will definitely own them in a series. I don't think they will be able to stop Luka. Brunson also looks like he would be a problem for the Warriors since they would have to stick their best perimeter defensive player on Luka which is Wiggins which would allow Brunson to go off. I think Klay and Wiggins would be exhausted having to guard Brunson and Luka for a 7 games series and it will wear on them on both ends of the court. The Mavs have this going for them.

The problem is who is going to make Curry work on both ends of the court. Kerr will make sure Curry is never guarding Brunson or Luka since he doesn't have the speed to keep up with Brunson and doesn't have the size or height to check Luka. They will cheat and him guard either Bullock or Finney-Smith. I don't think those guys are consistent threats offensively to bother Curry and defensively I don't think they can slow down Curry.

The other problems are the Mavs are an undersized team, and their role players are inconsistent. I'm still a believer that being undersized against the Warriors will always favor the Warriors since small ball is their strength. No team has yet to beat them playing small ball since their incarnation of Curry-Klay-Draymond has been around. The role players in the series against the Suns have been wildly inconsistent when playing at home vs the road. Against the Warriors you are going to have to steal at least 1 game in SF or maybe even 2. To do this the role players are going to have show up which I don't have faith in them to do so.

[SAGirl]

^ You are right about the Mavs roleplayers daslicer. We arent even going to have this conversation if they aren’t able to win a close out game on the road. The odds are stacked against them. An underrated aspect of these playoffs is the level of home cooking from the referees the home team gets, how much physical defense teams are able to get away with and who thrives and doesn't in that kind of situation. If the Mavs aren't able to show up on the road at all, they aren't winning this series. All champions at one point or another need to win games on the road and this Dallas team is having trouble with elite teams on the road, which is not a good sign.

Inevitably, it seems like a Suns/GSW series. I hope its a good one. I can get behind the Suns, specially once you put into perspective the fact that CP3 wont be around for much longer and this elite version of them isnt going to last a long time.

[MultiTroll]

The other problems are the Mavs are an undersized team, and their role players are inconsistent. I'm still a believer that being undersized against the Warriors will always favor the Warriors since small ball is their strength. No team has yet to beat them playing small ball since their incarnation of Curry-Klay-Draymond has been around. The role players in the series against the Suns have been wildly inconsistent when playing at home vs the road. Against the Warriors you are going to have to steal at least 1 game in SF or maybe even 2. To do this the role players are going to have show up which I don't have faith in them to do so.
Would playing Boban for 10-15 be a good thing, like with Steven Adams?
As a former huge Boban honk, i realize now his knees are simply too gimpy to be Prime Boban 25 PER consistently. I attibute that to the cheapshot he took when on Philly resulting in pretty serious injury. Never was the same.

Oh and daslicer while i applaude your purposely missing the Warriors game last night, I'll see if i can find the clip of Wiggins or one of the Dubs goons twisting and throwing Adams to the floor. Complete cheap shot. Sure enough Adams looked like he hurt his wrist / arm pretty bad. Even motioned to the bench to come out and Adams is in no way shape or form a softie. If he wants out, he is seriously injured.

Ya the *great* Warriors.

No call of course.

[MultiTroll]

Here it tis.

https://youtu.be/1PNG3Ric1xE
Looney.

Looney the goonie.

[SAGirl]

^ Yea that was just called a common foul… that is what I mean by the level of home cooking from the referees and the kind of adversity you have to endure. CP3 is just going to get injured in some play or another, and it will be game over. That is what I am afraid of.

[daslicer]

Would playing Boban for 10-15 be a good thing, like with Steven Adams?
As a former huge Boban honk, i realize now his knees are simply too gimpy to be Prime Boban 25 PER consistently. I attibute that to the cheapshot he took when on Philly resulting in pretty serious injury. Never was the same.

Oh and daslicer while i applaude your purposely missing the Warriors game last night, I'll see if i can find the clip of Wiggins or one of the Dubs goons twisting and throwing Adams to the floor. Complete cheap shot. Sure enough Adams looked like he hurt his wrist / arm pretty bad. Even motioned to the bench to come out and Adams is in no way shape or form a softie. If he wants out, he is seriously injured.

Ya the *great* Warriors.

No call of course.

Definitely a cheap dirty play by Looney. The problem I feel is that the rest of the league is too scared to do retaliation to the Warriors for their dirty plays due to fear of unfair punishments when it comes to suspensions and fines. The Warriors take advantage of this by being dirty knowing they don't have to fear retaliation. I do feel the Warriors are a punk team that if they had to play team like the 90's Knicks that they would be in tears over what Starks,Oakley,Ewing,Mason would do for retaliation.

Adams was pretty much screwed from the beginning because he never retaliated against Draymond when he did dirty plays against him in the past. Just look at even game 5 when Draymond threw him to the ground, and he did nothing. This in return gave Looney the confidence knowing he could do this to Adams and get away with it. Think about an old school guy like Kevin Willis. Do you think a scrub like Looney or Draymond would think they could get away with doing the same things they did with Adams against Kwill. They wouldn't dare attempt it on Kwill because they know Kwill would punch them in the face. It's one thing I liked about Kwill is he would lay out guys when they played dirty against him and was unapologetic about it.

The only way to stop the dirty plays is some team or player is going to have to take it to his own hands and deck Draymond, Klay, Curry and be unapologetic about it and take the suspension and then do it again since the Warriors will think that after x player is suspended that he won't ever fight back again. Do it one more time and get suspended and then the Warriors will start to fear retaliation. They are the typical bully that if they get punched in the mouth more than once they will give up. Unfortunately, I don't see this ever happening in the current NBA.

[SAGirl]

Definitely a cheap dirty play by Looney. The problem I feel is that the rest of the league is too scared to do retaliation to the Warriors for their dirty plays due to fear of unfair punishments when it comes to suspensions and fines. The Warriors take advantage of this by being dirty knowing they don't have to fear retaliation. I do feel the Warriors are a punk team that if they had to play team like the 90's Knicks that they would be in tears over what Starks,Oakley,Ewing,Mason would do for retaliation.

Adams was pretty much screwed from the beginning because he never retaliated against Draymond when he did dirty plays against him in the past. Just look at even game 5 when Draymond threw him to the ground, and he did nothing. This in return gave Looney the confidence knowing he could do this to Adams and get away with it. Think about an old school guy like Kevin Willis. Do you think a scrub like Looney or Draymond would think they could get away with doing the same things they did with Adams against Kwill. They wouldn't dare attempt it on Kwill because they know Kwill would punch them in the face. It's one thing I liked about Kwill is he would lay out guys when they played dirty against him and was unapologetic about it.

The only way to stop the dirty plays is some team or player is going to have to take it to his own hands and deck Draymond, Klay, Curry and be unapologetic about it and take the suspension and then do it again since the Warriors will think that after x player is suspended that he won't ever fight back again. Do it one more time and get suspended and then the Warriors will start to fear retaliation. They are the typical bully that if they get punched in the mouth more than once they will give up. Unfortunately, I don't see this ever happening in the current NBA.

I think only Dillon the Villain from the Grizzlies so far has exhibited this kind of moxie:
1525537553583046656
He got what was essentially a two game suspension for a reckless play. Meantime gSW grabbed Jas knee. Draymond grabbed Clarke in the air and threw him, and Adams was a punching bag.... That's the kind of stuff teams are against. Zaza sliding under Kawhi's knee is on the level of grabbing Ja's knee and twisting it. ... I don't see anyone else issuing this kind of statements... Meaning that, while I think the Grizzlies are looking for an update from Brooks who can be very inefficient, his defensive tenacity and leadership is something they need.

[daslicer]

^ Yea that was just called a common foul… that is what I mean by the level of home cooking from the referees and the kind of adversity you have to endure. CP3 is just going to get injured in some play or another, and it will be game over. That is what I am afraid of.

No point of fearing it. If it happens it happens, I will just not watch the rest of the series then. Also you got to factor in the unknown for the Warriors. Curry's ankles are very vulnerable from getting taken out from a freak injury ala Marcus Smart inadvertently taking out his ankle a few months go when diving for a lose ball. His ankles are made out of glass and can shatter at anytime.

[daslicer]

I think only Dillon the Villain from the Grizzlies so far has exhibited this kind of moxie:
1525537553583046656
He got what was essentially a two game suspension for a reckless play. Meantime gSW grabbed Jas knee. Raymond grabbed Clarke in the air and three him, and Adam was a punching bag.... That's th kind of stuff teams are against. Zaza sliding under Kawhi knee is on the level of grabbing Ja knee and twisting it. ... I don't see anyone else issuing this kind of statements... Meaning that while I think the Grizzlies are looking for an update from Brooks who can be very inefficient, his defensive tenacity and leadership is something they need.

I respect Brooks for having that moxie. He was the only guy willing to play dirty back against the Warriors. I saw a clip randomly from last night when he shoved Curry from the back which I applauded and then jawed with Klay.

[TD 21]

Celtics-Bucks has been what I expected. Never for a second wavered on the former, even though their crunch time offensive issues persist.

I'm less convinced with the Suns since the Mavericks have the exact high variance formula to pull the upset: Superstar/best player in series, volume 3-point shooting and no external pressure. I'll still lean the former though.

[daslicer]

Celtics-Bucks has been what I expected. Never for a second wavered on the former, even though their crunch time offensive issues persist.

I'm less convinced with the Suns since the Mavericks have the exact high variance formula to pull the upset: Superstar/best player in series, volume 3-point shooting and no external pressure. I'll still lean the former though.

I had the Celtics winning before the series started. I felt the Celtics advantage with their perimeter players would edge out the Bucks despite Giannis' dominance. If Middelton was playing in this series, I would have the Bucks winning it. I have the Suns winning game 7. I think Luka will play great but the Mav's role players will fall apart playing on the road.

[Ice009]

I think only Dillon the Villain from the Grizzlies so far has exhibited this kind of moxie:
1525537553583046656
He got what was essentially a two game suspension for a reckless play. Meantime gSW grabbed Jas knee. Draymond grabbed Clarke in the air and threw him, and Adams was a punching bag.... That's the kind of stuff teams are against. Zaza sliding under Kawhi's knee is on the level of grabbing Ja's knee and twisting it. ... I don't see anyone else issuing this kind of statements... Meaning that, while I think the Grizzlies are looking for an update from Brooks who can be very inefficient, his defensive tenacity and leadership is something they need.

Welcome to the wonderful world of the GSW special treatment they get which is why we all dislike/hate them so much.

I really hope Dallas can somehow win game 7 as I've love to see them get revenge on the Warriors for the 2007 playoffs. As much as I disliked the Mavs back then, Dirk, I never once had a problem with. He was nothing but classy towards the Spurs, and probably to all other teams too. The Warriors are just a despicable bunch.

[daslicer]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the GSW special treatment they get which is why we all dislike/hate them so much.

I really hope Dallas can somehow win game 7 as I've love to see them get revenge on the Warriors for the 2007 playoffs. As much as I disliked the Mavs back then, Dirk, I never once had a problem with. He was nothing but classy towards the Spurs, and probably to all other teams too. The Warriors are just a despicable bunch.

I never thought I would find a team I hate more than the Shaq-Kobe Lakers, but the Warriors easily surpassed them. Somehow they managed to be more dirtier than those Lakers teams along with being even more arrogant than those lakers teams with the way they act and carry themselves.

[Ice009]

I never thought I would find a team I hate more than the Shaq-Kobe Lakers, but the Warriors easily surpassed them. Somehow they managed to be more dirtier than those Lakers teams along with being even more arrogant than those lakers teams with the way they act and carry themselves.

Yeah, I am going to have to agree. I didn't like the Lakers back then, but if I look back now, they're nowhere near as bad as I thought they were at the time. This GSW team has changed my mind on that. I actually thought once Durant left that I wouldn't hate the Warriors so much as I thought apart from Durant, they built their team from the ground up, so it wasn't like the Lebron/Wade/Bosh Miami Heat where they conspired to form a superteam (although what GS did was just as bad when they got Durant). When Durant left I thought they were humbled a little bit and might start acting different, but nope, soon as they're back near the top they show their true front running colours yet again.

I really do wonder if this stupid run of theirs would have even started if teams were healthy in the 2015 playoffs. The Spurs had Tiago and TP injured, I wonder what would have happened if they faced a fully healthy Spurs team (Steve Kerr did say that it felt weird when they won as he thought he was going to have to go through the Spurs to win it all). The Clippers and maybe Rockets could have also beaten them, but I think it was CP3 that was hurt towards the end of the Spurs series and Rockets fluked a series win, then as usual completely came apart in the WCF. They've had such a lucky run year after year, but instead of being humble, they push the line, get favouritism and act like clowns. How Curry still gets the respect amongst the average fans still astounds me with all the disappearances he's had in some of the biggest games. All those years that people called him the best player in the NBA based on regular season games on a stacked team was just wrong IMO as Lebron was clearly better than him in all the years anyone ever considered Curry the best player in the league, and a few other players were also better than him as well (Kawhi was in 2017 & 2019 and his own teammate Durant was in 2017, 2018 & 2019).

[Texas_Ranger]

Tony Brothers is reffing Mavs-Suns. There is a bigger chance Doncic gets sent off in the first half than the Mavs win.

[daslicer]

Yeah, I am going to have to agree. I didn't like the Lakers back then, but if I look back now, they're nowhere near as bad as I thought they were at the time. This GSW team has changed my mind on that. I actually thought once Durant left that I wouldn't hate the Warriors so much as I thought apart from Durant, they built their team from the ground up, so it wasn't like the Lebron/Wade/Bosh Miami Heat where they conspired to form a superteam (although what GS did was just as bad when they got Durant). When Durant left I thought they were humbled a little bit and might start acting different, but nope, soon as they're back near the top they show their true front running colours yet again.

I really do wonder if this stupid run of theirs would have even started if teams were healthy in the 2015 playoffs. The Spurs had Tiago and TP injured, I wonder what would have happened if they faced a fully healthy Spurs team (Steve Kerr did say that it felt weird when they won as he thought he was going to have to go through the Spurs to win it all). The Clippers and maybe Rockets could have also beaten them, but I think it was CP3 that was hurt towards the end of the Spurs series and Rockets fluked a series win, then as usual completely came apart in the WCF. They've had such a lucky run year after year, but instead of being humble, they push the line, get favouritism and act like clowns. How Curry still gets the respect amongst the average fans still astounds me with all the disappearances he's had in some of the biggest games. All those years that people called him the best player in the NBA based on regular season games on a stacked team was just wrong IMO as Lebron was clearly better than him in all the years anyone ever considered Curry the best player in the league, and a few other players were also better than him as well (Kawhi was in 2017 & 2019 and his own teammate Durant was in 2017, 2018 & 2019).

Curry is the most popular player among casual NBA fans. I saw a stat a week or two ago that said he was the second most viewed player for clips during these playoffs for fans on YouTube. The only guy that got more views was Ja Morant. I would say Curry's appearance plays a huge role in why he gets a lot of admiration and respect from casual fans. He looks like a 10-year-old and by NBA standards he's a little guy so a lot of fans can self-identify with him. Shaq said it best once when he said "Nobody wants to see Goliath win." That pretty much sums up NBA fandom for Curry.

I would also say Curry also benefited from casual fans hatred of Lebron. I can be honest I never liked Lebron, but I didn't hate him like a lot of NBA fans do. Lebron is very polarizing and NBA fans were willing to route for anybody that could take him down during the years he was going to the finals. Its why casuals started liking the Spurs during the '13 and 14 final runs. Those were only final runs where I heard great praise from casuals about how exciting the Spurs are to watch. These are the same casuals who normally would label the Spurs boring and dull but because they were whooping Lebron's ass they were no longer boring.

I never expected the Warriors to be humbled by the losing they suffered from '19-'21. Draymond is the leader of that team, and they all mimic his behavior. Draymond by nature is a filthy trashy arrogant guy and that was never going to change. There was a moment during the '15-'16 season that stood out to me about the impact Draymond has on the Warriors. Draymond and OJ Mayo got into a near altercation after the Bucks-Warriors game was over. They were separated and Klay Thompson also talked some shit to OJ. What really stood out to me was after the game when Klay said and I'm paraphrasing "Draymond talks a lot of trash and is arrogant and now he wants us as a team to be him like him. He pushes us to be arrogant and cocky and I'm getting better at it. We are all working hard to be as arrogant as we can be." That statement said all I needed to know about the Warriors and how they conduct themselves.

[BatManu20]

1525837840155803648

[R. DeMurre]

1525837840155803648


The thing that never gets enough coverage is how during the entire decade of the Spurs vs Lakers rivalry, the Lakers outspent the Spurs every single season, and often by a good margin. Mitch Kupchak always had much more money at his disposal than RC Buford. Give Duncan an additional impactful player every year in those seasons and the rivalry probably changes significantly.

[daslicer]

1525837840155803648

My favorite moment in Spurs history. To me it was the greatest playoff game of Duncan's career due to the significance. I think Duncan had close to 40 points on 70 percent shooting in that game and Shaq also had 30 some points on 60. Shaq was on a mission in that game to dominate that game and win game 6 like he did a year earlier against the Kings, but Duncan rose to the occasion and outplayed him. No one ever talks about that game when it comes to Duncan's legacy, but it should be talked about more.

[Ice009]

Curry is the most popular player among casual NBA fans. I saw a stat a week or two ago that said he was the second most viewed player for clips during these playoffs for fans on YouTube. The only guy that got more views was Ja Morant. I would say Curry's appearance plays a huge role in why he gets a lot of admiration and respect from casual fans. He looks like a 10-year-old and by NBA standards he's a little guy so a lot of fans can self-identify with him. Shaq said it best once when he said "Nobody wants to see Goliath win." That pretty much sums up NBA fandom for Curry.

Didn't realize that many people still watch Curry and that he's still near the top of the list. Despite winning MVPs (I can't remember if it was 1 or 2 he won, I am guessing 2), he was never the best player in the league any season IMO, but I guess like you said, people relate to him more. When I look at most of the best players since I started watching the NBA, I always pictured either a superhero athletic type of player or a dominant big man. I guess I don't associate little guys that look like the average person with being an NBA MVP. Having said that, I don't care what you look like or what size you are - if you are the best player I will give you props, so I wasn't hating on him because of his size and appearance. He was top 3-4 during his very best seasons, but I just didn't ever think of him as the best player in the NBA for any single season.


I would also say Curry also benefited from casual fans hatred of Lebron. I can be honest I never liked Lebron, but I didn't hate him like a lot of NBA fans do. Lebron is very polarizing and NBA fans were willing to route for anybody that could take him down during the years he was going to the finals. Its why casuals started liking the Spurs during the '13 and 14 final runs. Those were only final runs where I heard great praise from casuals about how exciting the Spurs are to watch. These are the same casuals who normally would label the Spurs boring and dull but because they were whooping Lebron's ass they were no longer boring.


Good point. I'm not in the US, so I didn't realize that fans back then actually got onto the Spurs wagon during the 2013 & 2014 seasons. I guess some of them really wanted to see Miami challenged. The Spurs did play great basketball, though, so I'd like to think that it wasn't all about them wanting to see someone beat Lebron and the Heat.


I never expected the Warriors to be humbled by the losing they suffered from '19-'21. Draymond is the leader of that team, and they all mimic his behavior. Draymond by nature is a filthy trashy arrogant guy and that was never going to change. There was a moment during the '15-'16 season that stood out to me about the impact Draymond has on the Warriors. Draymond and OJ Mayo got into a near altercation after the Bucks-Warriors game was over. They were separated and Klay Thompson also talked some shit to OJ. What really stood out to me was after the game when Klay said and I'm paraphrasing "Draymond talks a lot of trash and is arrogant and now he wants us as a team to be him like him. He pushes us to be arrogant and cocky and I'm getting better at it. We are all working hard to be as arrogant as we can be." That statement said all I needed to know about the Warriors and how they conduct themselves.

Well, darn, that explains a lot. I didn't know any of that. Seems like Draymond is the one behind it all. It's crazy how much of a scrub he looked like the past couple of NBA seasons, but now he's back to his old tricks acting like he did when they were on top. Very surprising to see someone at that level he was the past two seasons be so influential. Not only to his team, but also the way the refs and NBA treat him as far as leeway to do stuff other players aren't allowed to do. I just don't get why the NBA allows his BS antics.

[daslicer]

Didn't realize that many people still watch Curry and that he's still near the top of the list. Despite winning MVPs (I can't remember if it was 1 or 2 he won, I am guessing 2), he was never the best player in the league any season IMO, but I guess like you said, people relate to him more. When I look at most of the best players since I started watching the NBA, I always pictured either a superhero athletic type of player or a dominant big man. I guess I don't associate little guys that look like the average person with being an NBA MVP. Having said that, I don't care what you look like or what size you are - if you are the best player I will give you props, so I wasn't hating on him because of his size and appearance. He was top 3-4 during his very best seasons, but I just didn't ever think of him as the best player in the NBA for any single season.



Good point. I'm not in the US, so I didn't realize that fans back then actually got onto the Spurs wagon during the 2013 & 2014 seasons. I guess some of them really wanted to see Miami challenged. The Spurs did play great basketball, though, so I'd like to think that it wasn't all about them wanting to see someone beat Lebron and the Heat.



Well, darn, that explains a lot. I didn't know any of that. Seems like Draymond is the one behind it all. It's crazy how much of a scrub he looked like the past couple of NBA seasons, but now he's back to his old tricks acting like he did when they were on top. Very surprising to see someone at that level he was the past two seasons be so influential. Not only to his team, but also the way the refs and NBA treat him as far as leeway to do stuff other players aren't allowed to do. I just don't get why the NBA allows his BS antics.

1. I'm 6'2 and have a slim athletic build but I have never based my height on what players I root for but there are a lot of people who do this. Average height for man in America is 5'9-5'10 so a lot of guys identify with the little guy it's why Allen Iverson was super popular during the late 90's and early '00s. Little guys are very marketable to the public more so than your typical NBA giants. It's just that the majority of times the guys who are the best players in the NBA tend to be 6'6 or taller so the NBA doesn't get many opportunities to market small players but when they do they go into overdrive. Curry is not a little guy compared to the normal public but on TV he looks little compared to his peers and people self identify with that stuff.

2. Lebron is hated by a lot of fans in the US. For every fan that likes him there is an equal amount that hate him. I feel if it came down to Lebron vs Team Putin in the finals that half of the country would root for Team Putin. Curry definitely benefited from this, and it made him more liked by the public since all of 3 of his finals championships came at beating Lebron.

3. Draymond is definitely behind all of the Warrior's antics. You take him away and Curry and Klay and the rest of that team loses a great deal of their arrogance. They feed off of him and in return he protects them with his dirty antics. It's what I call symbiotic relationship he has with Curry and Klay. Curry, Klay and the rest of the team then has his back against the refs when they start yelling at the officials for calling fouls on Draymond. It puts a lot of pressure on the refs when they know if they give him tech that Kerr and the rest of the Warriors will start yelling at them. The league also allows Draymond to get away with his dirty antics because he is on the most popular team right now which generates high ratings in return that's money for the league. If Draymond was playing for the Kings, he would be getting tossed out of a lot of these games or fouling out.

[Texas_Ranger]

Giannis really has to do everything by himself for the mto win. I think if they had Middleton this would have been over in 5.

[R. DeMurre]

Giannis posts up and shoots over Smart like it's nothing, and a few possessions later blocks Smart's drive in the paint... this is why Giannis is unquestionably a better defender than Smart, regardless of what recent trendy voters might say.

[baseline bum]

Really don't like Boston's chances in a low score slow down grind it out game like this. Game like this I'll always take the team that has the guy you can just give the ball to and get the fuck out of the way and Tatum just ain't Giannis in a moment like that.

[baseline bum]

What a dumbass charge by Tatum

[Robz4000]

Why the fuck would you waste your challenge there?

[Robz4000]

Really don't like Boston's chances in a low score slow down grind it out game like this. Game like this I'll always take the team that has the guy you can just give the ball to and get the fuck out of the way and Tatum just ain't Giannis in a moment like that.

This. Boston also looks emotionally fragile today.

[ace3g]

wow, what a call.

[baseline bum]

Wow what a fucking gift to Boston there. No way I'm calling a foul on a "shot" when it's a loose ball.

[R. DeMurre]

What a terrible call. Smart getting fouled below the waist and then throwing his hands up in the air is not a shot attempt.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Milwaukee’s perimeter players can’t score at all. Meanwhile their strategy to let Boston shoot threes is biting them in the ass again. In 2022 nba 3s win games.

[Strategic]

Looking for Giannis to go with fullback to the hoop mode in the second half.

[Robz4000]

Welp, Boston woke up.

[itzsoweezee]

Bud is a moron. Would any other coach give a scrub like Grayson Allen minutes in a playoff game?

Is 2022 and your defensive strategy is to give the other team open threes in order to pack the paint?

[gambit1990]

the celtics can beat the warriors imo. they're a more mature version of the grizzlies.

[MultiTroll]

Whose idea to start and play Wesley Mathews?

[Barfunk]

What a terrible no call on the Lakers-East. Matthews got absolutely clobbered there. And then free throws right away on the other end for the Celts.

[RC_Drunkford]

Middleton being injured really makes it tough for the Bucks to score. It's basically Giannis versus everybody and the Celtics can clog the lange to stop him driving. Doesn't help that they are on fire from 3 as well. Bucks are just outmatched, although I still hope they can somehow carve out the win

[daslicer]

Bucks perimeter players are grossly overmatched by the Celtics perimeter players in this game.

[baseline bum]

Garbage call, I'd be pissed if I'm the Celtics

[gambit1990]

dumb call :lol

[baseline bum]

Gotta be so frustrating for the Bucks seeing Grant Williams go off. Like how disgusting it was seeing Battier go for 7 for 7 or whatever he shot in Game 7 of the 2013 Finals.

[MultiTroll]

Flopping epidemic in NBA.

Stern Jr enables it by his jellyfish doing nothing.

[Robz4000]

Still feel like the Bucks are gonna win this tbh.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Gotta be so frustrating for the Bucks seeing Grant Williams go off. Like how disgusting it was seeing Battier go for 7 for 7 or whatever he shot in Game 7 of the 2013 Finals.

It has been their strategy all series long but it’s a stupid one. They keep letting Boston shoot wide open threes. Grant Williams is a very good shooter from the corner and they’ve given him 10+ shots from there with no defender around. If anything Bucks are lucky he hasn’t hit more.

[gambit1990]

Still feel like the Bucks are gonna win this tbh.
:td

[MultiTroll]

Bucks finally make a trey and CelticRef waves it off.

WTH was that call? :rollin

[LaMarcus Bryant]

Seeing teams as bad as Bucks without Middleton and Mavs be 1 game away from conference finals makes me reconsider if the Spurs really are that far behind being able to compete

[MultiTroll]

Still feel like the Bucks are gonna win this tbh.
CelticRef is gonna close this out.

Celtics may have closed on their own but refs killing any attempted Buck comeback.

[gambit1990]

Seeing teams as bad as Bucks without Middleton and Mavs be 1 game away from conference finals makes me reconsider if the Spurs really are that far behind being able to compete
they are.

[RC_Drunkford]

Seeing teams as bad as Bucks without Middleton and Mavs be 1 game away from conference finals makes me reconsider if the Spurs really are that far behind being able to compete

Like I been saying, the NBA is weak right now. Most of the star players are on the wrong side of 30. The league is wide open

[daslicer]

Seeing teams as bad as Bucks without Middleton and Mavs be 1 game away from conference finals makes me reconsider if the Spurs really are that far behind being able to compete

Spurs need a legit PF and SF to be a good team again. They haven't been able to fill out those positions the last 2 years.

[gambit1990]

derrick white due a highlight dunk.

[daslicer]

I laughed when Grant Williams hit the 3. What can you do if you are the bucks. This guy got hot at the right itme.

[gambit1990]

danny green died so grant williams could live.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

Lololol this fool going full Battier

[baseline bum]

Lololol this fool going full Battier

Same shit I been thinking all second half

[RC_Drunkford]

Bucks just can't get any quality looks

[baseline bum]

Bucks just can't get any quality looks

Shit happens when you can't hit open threes. Never saw Boston getting hot in the second half after the first was such a slow down grind it out game though.

[itzsoweezee]

Seeing teams as bad as Bucks without Middleton and Mavs be 1 game away from conference finals makes me reconsider if the Spurs really are that far behind being able to compete

Wtf.

All the spurs need is to draft a generational talent and they’ll be right there.

[baseline bum]

Damn, Smart got Raymon'ed.

[RC_Drunkford]

Shit happens when you can't hit open threes. Never saw Boston getting hot in the second half after the first was such a slow down grind it out game though.

they just top heavy, so missing their 2nd best player obviously hurts them a lot. They always play an 8-man rotation

[baseline bum]

they just top heavy, so missing their 2nd best player obviously hurts them a lot. They always play an 8-man rotation

Oh well I got no sympathy after how many times injuries have fucked the Spurs over in the playoffs.

[Spurs Homer]

Coach Bud sux

never tried any other bench player to see if someone could score

just repeat the same failed shit

[daslicer]

they just top heavy, so missing their 2nd best player obviously hurts them a lot. They always play an 8-man rotation

Losing Middleton was a huge loss. He gave them just enough offense to match up with teams on the perimeter. Without him their perimeter is severely deficient of offense.

[Spurs Homer]

Two biggest floppers in the nba are

Marcus smart
and

the entire warriors team

[RC_Drunkford]

Who would've thought that Grant Williams would be a better NBA player than Luka Samanic :lmao

[RC_Drunkford]

Coach Bud sux

never tried any other bench player to see if someone could score

just repeat the same failed shit

:pop: "he learned from the best"

[MultiTroll]

1-17 (0-12 on treys)
Mathews
Allen
Bonnerton

Along with their perimeter _efense.

:jekka:pop::jekkanot sure what Budovich had in mind.

[Arcadian]

Milwaukee with Middleton would have won this series, but alas.

[Spurs Homer]

lol

that celtics scrub finally gets some run

and his arm is falling out of its socket

[timtonymanu]

Tough luck for Milwaukee. But we as Spurs fans know this feeling of failing to repeat in the most heartbreaking ways possible.

Honestly I hate the Celtics but I’m happy for Ime. Dude is in the conference finals his first year as head coach.

[Robz4000]

Celtics need to do the lord's work from here on and keep the Heat/Dubs from winning it all.

[TD 21]

Reminded me of Spurs-Clippers in '15 on many levels, mainly in that it was more of a 5-6 game series disguised as a 7 gamer because of some crunch time luck. In both cases, I never got fooled though.

They're (namely Antetokounmpo) too good, connected and experienced to have not turned it into the knock down, drag out series it was, but sans Middleton it was clear they wouldn't have the shot creation and wing depth to beat a Celtics team that's primed and ready.

Now the Celtics will get their revenge on the Heat next.

[daslicer]

Celtics need to do the lord's work from here on and keep the Heat/Dubs from winning it all.

If they pull it off they will become my favorite non-spurs title team since the '04 Pistons.

[gambit1990]

so how did ime turn things around for the celtics ??

wasn't everyone shîtting on him in the beginning of the season?

[mystargtr34]

Seems like I’m in the minority here but I’m happy with that result. Was rooting for the Celts. Honestly find it hard to watch Giannis play basketball and the amount of injury luck they had last season was incredible. Every other contender literally fell over with injuries for them to cakewalk to the title. Not to mention Giannis taking out Kyrie in the playoffs which turned the Brooklyn series around.

Celtics are damn good, their defense is elite and they have lots of shooting and tough minded role players next ro Tatum and Brown.

Celtics beat Miami in 6 imo but will need to look a bit deeper into the matchup to see if there’s anything o see that will change that.

[offset formation]

so how did ime turn things around for the celtics ??

wasn't everyone shîtting on him in the beginning of the season?

He's a good coach. One I had at the top of my list to replace Pop. But I doubt they're advancing if Middleton is playing.

Also League = Fucked if Giannis and Luka ever pair up.

[mystargtr34]

so how did ime turn things around for the celtics ??

wasn't everyone shîtting on him in the beginning of the season?

Traded their shit non shooting and non defending role players for elite/high end shooting + defense role players (Schroeder, Richardson, Anus Cancer out for Derrick White, Daniel Thiess). Also meant more minutes available for Payton Pritchard and Grant Williams.

More defined and suited roles allowed everyone to excel in those roles.

From memory the Celtics lineups containing Horford-Williams (both Grant and Rob) - Tatum - Brown - Smart had elite numbers when on the court together from the beginning of the season. Every other lineup containing Kanter, Schroeder and Richardson had horrible net ratings.

[Robz4000]

:lol Suns playing like a team full of Hardens

[daslicer]

Terrible start by the Suns. It reminds me of the Spurs terrible start against the Mavs for game 7 back in '06.

[GAustex]

The pressure of high expectations has doomed many
Sun seem scared

[Texas_Ranger]

Brunson, Bullock and Finney Smith better step the fuck up.

[timtonymanu]

Wes matthews and George hill literally ring chasing to any franchise and once again wherever they land, their team falls short of a title

[gambit1990]

the suns don't even look like they wanna be playing...

[Strategic]

If mavs win this then dubs get home court for wcf.

[Robz4000]

:lmao getting blown out at home in a game 7 against a far inferior opponent

[Strategic]

These suns lookin as soft as the Steve Nash suns

[timtonymanu]

Suns losing would be an even bigger lol than Milwaukee losing their series to Boston

[R. DeMurre]

Is that Bullock's 4th deflection?

[RC_Drunkford]

Suns have no business losing to this trash Mavs team. This is hilarious

[daslicer]

Suns choking harder than Demar right now.

[gambit1990]

absolutely pathetic...

is the game over already?

[Strategic]

Damn Dinwittie

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Dallas playing awesome defense.

In todays’s NBA defense + 3s gets you wins. Going to the line helps as well.

[Arcadian]

:lmao Doncic has as many points as the entire Suns team

[Strategic]

Doncic scoring even with the entire suns team at half

[lefty20]

Typical Suns :rollin

[RC_Drunkford]

If the Suns really lose this game I think there's a good chance that we might be able to get Ayton and Monty Williams becomes our assistant coach :lol

[gambit1990]

so if the suns win then it'll be the biggest comeback of all-time?

[Budkin]

Suns down 30 at half at home!!! Luka just demolishing them!

[Mr. Body]

Wow, Suns are epically shitting the bed. No team has ever shit the bed quite like they're shitting the bed.

[Robz4000]

Suns losing would be an even bigger lol than Milwaukee losing their series to Boston

Bucks losing to the Celtics wasn't a choke, even if Middleton was playing.

[daslicer]

If the Suns really lose this game I think there's a good chance that we might be able to get Ayton and Monty Williams becomes our assistant coach :lol

Their owner wants to find every excuse not to pay Ayton. I think there is a high chance he will let Ayton walk if the Suns lose this game. Only Detroit I believe can compete with the Spurs when it comes to going after Ayton money wise.

[Budkin]

so if the suns win then it'll be the biggest comeback of all-time?

31 is the record so Mavs would need another bucket before the comeback.

[itzsoweezee]

This is embarrassing. Booker and Ayton’s reputations may never recover.

[timtonymanu]

Bucks losing to the Celtics wasn't a choke, even if Middleton was playing.

That’s what I’m saying. The bucks just lost to a better team while missing their 2nd best player. Suns otoh. This is franchise killing. My god this game is just getting worse for Phoenix lol. Imagine if the Spurs were losing by 30 during their 2014 run in game 7. The suns are showing no fight.

[gambit1990]

suns can go on a 15-0 run... and still be down 15 :lol

[PhantomDashCam]

So your top 5 players in the playoffs, based on two rounds of play: Luka, Giannis, Tatum, Jimmy Buckets, Joker?

Games like this make a strong case for Sharpe (if you believe the hype), Ivey to perhaps go even higher in the draft...

[BatManu20]

Down 30 at home in a Game 7 as the #1 seed is wild. Barring an epic comeback, this is a historical choke-job of epic proportions.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Who would want Ayton now?

[daslicer]

Who would want Ayton now?

I think they are only 4 or 5 teams that have cap space. The problem with Ayton is he's not competitive enough and his motor isn't always there.

[lefty20]

R/suns went private :lmao

[Mr. Body]

No thanks to Ayton. Way too expensive for an old school center who doesn't even block shots.

Meanwhile, Chris Paul's notion of rallying his team by showing his insurance commercials didn't quite work.

[gambit1990]

R/suns went private :lmao
:lol

damn, i didn't get a chance to see what they had to say

[LeBowen]

Too bad Monty is coaching such an easily hateable bunch playing for awful franchise.

CP0 doing his thing.

I'll never stop thinking about if that Kings pick offer for nephew was actually a thing and if we could've had Luka.

[Barfunk]

Fudgeeeeee...... 27 points in a half

[Arcadian]

Doncic now outscoring Phoenix by himself :lol

[Robz4000]

:lmao holy shit

[Ariel]

Holy crap... I didn't see this one coming... this is the kind of game where I hope both teams could lose.

[Strategic]

I see crowder out there but haven’t seen him do a thing