NBA Playoffs Thread
- Thread starter jamesblakefan#1
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hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
At the time it would have crippled the NBA to have Jordan become Peter Rose (which some say was happening). Instead of the league announcing the suspension it was mutual agreement best withboth parties.
The Wade comment was only half serious. But the series was a debacle to officiating. There is no excuse for game 5. Wade shot more freethows than the whole Maverick team combined.
Why the NBA still employs 60+ year old refs is beyond me.
The Wade comment was only half serious. But the series was a debacle to officiating. There is no excuse for game 5. Wade shot more freethows than the whole Maverick team combined.
Why the NBA still employs 60+ year old refs is beyond me.
rosenstar
Professional
Yea I'd like to see a change in officiating too. Calling less fouls and more travels would be nice, and would allow defensive teams to excel, which I think could be a nice change.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
Dragic is killing the Spurs right now. Yes Dragic. Nash on the bench watching. Suns about to go up 3-0 after they were down 17 earlier in the game, now up 14. And Dragic just scored again. 20 in the 4th Quarter.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
3 of the 4 Conference Semis were sweeps (Lakers, Suns, and Magic). Meanwhile the favored Cavs are getting whooped at home by the Celts in game 5, Boston going up 3-2 with game 6 at home to close it out. Rondo is ballin right now. The Celts look in Championship form of a couple years ago.
hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
Skip Bayless is gonna have fun this morning talking about "Prince" James. There really is no excuse why he played as bad as he did.
Unless mentally he has checked out of Cleveland. Is a sign and trade out of the question if they lose. That way he can get Max money from Cle, and still move teams. Cle may be open to it so they get something in return instead of losing him for nothing.
If they lose game 6 Im almost positive LBJ will have surgery of some type and use the elbow as an excuse. Kevin McHale played on a broken foot and Lebron cant play with a sore elbow? Its right to question to his desire
Unless mentally he has checked out of Cleveland. Is a sign and trade out of the question if they lose. That way he can get Max money from Cle, and still move teams. Cle may be open to it so they get something in return instead of losing him for nothing.
If they lose game 6 Im almost positive LBJ will have surgery of some type and use the elbow as an excuse. Kevin McHale played on a broken foot and Lebron cant play with a sore elbow? Its right to question to his desire
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
I really hope the Celts close them out...I've been a critic of Rondo since the guy claimed a few months ago he was the best PG in the league and got into a little spat w/ CP3. But he's been ballin this series. I've reversed course right now.
And LeBron just wasn't trying last night. I know on here the word 'tank' is tossed around alot when talking about Federer - that looked like a 'tank' from LBJ, plain and simple.
And LeBron just wasn't trying last night. I know on here the word 'tank' is tossed around alot when talking about Federer - that looked like a 'tank' from LBJ, plain and simple.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
In a few months...
Shangri La
Hall of Fame
LeBron James needs to learn how to win playoff series, not just pulling off some good-looking stats.
Wonder what new clothes the emperor I mean the 'king' will be in...
Wonder what new clothes the emperor I mean the 'king' will be in...
Dedans Penthouse
Legend
Probably, but if his elbow was bugging him that much I'd have thought that Lebron would not try to score so much from the outside. He started the game in more of an "attacking the rim" mode.
That said, the Celts had something to do with it (and I thought they were going to be knocked out after Cleveland clobbered them earlier in the series). Kevin Garnett's rebounding numbers soared and the Cavs (esp. in the 3rd qtr. of the last two games) had no "D" answer to him posting up and hitting mid-range turnaround jump shots. But most of all, Boston's "Big Three" of Garnett, Pearce and Allen has turned into RONDO & the "big three." Boston's suddenly got a poor man's Kobe running a lot of the show.
When all's said and done, imho Bryant's the best 'finisher' in the game. That along with his experience (and the Suns not having enough "D") has me thinking Lakers over Magic/Celtics in 6 for it all.
hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
Phoenix will need Lopez to be 100% to have any chance in that series. Or they will need Kobe to try singlehandedly beat them. If Kobe gets Gasol and Bynum involved I dont think Phoenix can beat them.
Unless the Magic come out flat in Game I dont see VBoston getting by them either. Its alot harder for Rondo to get to the rim with D Howard waiting to swat every shot that comes his way. The magic play better D tha Cleve so Boston will have thier hands full. The magic are the deepest team in the league and Ron Jerem I mean Stan Van Gundy knows how to use his guys (unlike mike brown).
Like Magic vs Lakers finals.
As far as best closer, I think its Melo, but he hasnt had they chances enough to prove it.
Unless the Magic come out flat in Game I dont see VBoston getting by them either. Its alot harder for Rondo to get to the rim with D Howard waiting to swat every shot that comes his way. The magic play better D tha Cleve so Boston will have thier hands full. The magic are the deepest team in the league and Ron Jerem I mean Stan Van Gundy knows how to use his guys (unlike mike brown).
Like Magic vs Lakers finals.
As far as best closer, I think its Melo, but he hasnt had they chances enough to prove it.
NonP
Legend
Lots of interesting (and, in one case, possibly historic) developments since my last post. Three things before I reply to the individual posters:
1) George Karl deserves a raise for being able to tame his group of teenagers. What a pathetic effort by the Nuggets in their last postseason game. How they even manage to function as a team is beyond me.
2) If somebody's got a good explanation for LeBron's dismal performance in Game 5 against the Celts, feel free to share.
3) Speaking of the MVP, where do you guys think he'll end up after July? I still think he should stay with the Cavs. Mark Kriegel echoed my thoughts almost to the letter:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lebron-james-should-stay-incleveland-051410
Seriously, leaving for the Knicks would be a bad move for LeBron. So let's assume they get both LeBron and Bosh. Who else do they have? There's no guarantee that they'll be able to retain Lee afterward. I really can't see this team being any better than the current Cavs.
Now on to each one of you....
You guys were right to be pessimistic about the Cavs, but I don't think playoff experience was the decisive factor. Remember, LeBron and Co. have been making the playoffs for 5 consecutive seasons now. I'd say they were simply mismatched.
LeBron will get there, even without a ring. And given his age I still like his championship chances.
Yeah, that was one hell of a performance by D-Wade. He probably ruined Nowitzki's only chance at a ring. (BTW that was also when I discovered Wade.)
I'm sure the Miami management is planning a major makeover. And I also think both Wade and James are smart enough to understand they won't be a good fit for each other, but you never know. We'll see.
Uh, I was really questioning the dubious calls Shaq was getting for the big Bulls' legit defense. I never said or implied that he was dominating the low post or paint against Noah, let alone Howard.
Really can't say whether he should retire or not. IIRC he just said that he was planning to keep it up till he's 41, though that statement might've been ironic.
Just out of curiosity, why so anti-LeBron?
1) George Karl deserves a raise for being able to tame his group of teenagers. What a pathetic effort by the Nuggets in their last postseason game. How they even manage to function as a team is beyond me.
2) If somebody's got a good explanation for LeBron's dismal performance in Game 5 against the Celts, feel free to share.
3) Speaking of the MVP, where do you guys think he'll end up after July? I still think he should stay with the Cavs. Mark Kriegel echoed my thoughts almost to the letter:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lebron-james-should-stay-incleveland-051410
Seriously, leaving for the Knicks would be a bad move for LeBron. So let's assume they get both LeBron and Bosh. Who else do they have? There's no guarantee that they'll be able to retain Lee afterward. I really can't see this team being any better than the current Cavs.
Now on to each one of you....
You guys were right to be pessimistic about the Cavs, but I don't think playoff experience was the decisive factor. Remember, LeBron and Co. have been making the playoffs for 5 consecutive seasons now. I'd say they were simply mismatched.
LeBron will get there, even without a ring. And given his age I still like his championship chances.
Yeah, that was one hell of a performance by D-Wade. He probably ruined Nowitzki's only chance at a ring. (BTW that was also when I discovered Wade.)
I'm sure the Miami management is planning a major makeover. And I also think both Wade and James are smart enough to understand they won't be a good fit for each other, but you never know. We'll see.
Uh, I was really questioning the dubious calls Shaq was getting for the big Bulls' legit defense. I never said or implied that he was dominating the low post or paint against Noah, let alone Howard.
Really can't say whether he should retire or not. IIRC he just said that he was planning to keep it up till he's 41, though that statement might've been ironic.
Just out of curiosity, why so anti-LeBron?
I read an interesting commentary on LeBron James on ESPN mobile last night. The writer was comparing him to Julius Erving (Dr. J); and he mentioned (among other things) that Erving didn't win an NBA championship-he won 2 when he played in the now-defunct ABA-until he was on a team with a "real leader." (in his case a guy named Moses Malone) The writer thinks that Lebron needs somebody like Jordan or Bird complimenting his game in order to win the big one.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
So the Celts move on to the NBA Finals. I don't think anyone other than hardcore C's fans had that at the start of the playoffs. Lakers will join them if they win tonight in PHX. I think it's going to be hard for Phoenix after that heartbreaking loss in LA the other night.
So it looks more than likely that we'll have another LA-BOS Finals.
So it looks more than likely that we'll have another LA-BOS Finals.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
Lakers-Celtics final. I've got Lakers in 6.
I love Kobe Bryan's post-game interview about Sasha Vujacic's flagrant foul that cost the Lakers the subsequent 10 or so points.
Q: As a team leader, what were you going to say to Vujacic?
Bryant: I was gonna kill him.
Q: Now that you've won this series ...
Bryant: Still gonna kill him.
Q: As a team leader, what were you going to say to Vujacic?
Bryant: I was gonna kill him.
Q: Now that you've won this series ...
Bryant: Still gonna kill him.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
Sharapova may have something to say about that. :twisted:
BTW the more I watch Vujacic and Sharapova, the more I feel like Masha may be the man of that relationship, figuratively speaking.
lidoazndiabloboi
Hall of Fame
one more cookie for Kobe!!!
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
Anybody watching Game 6? I hope LA wins, I just strongly dislike anything that has to do w/ Boston (except Tom Brady).
Brettolius
Professional
Rondo is a baller. Cannot stand Fischer and Gasol's constant flopping. Does Fischer ever attempt to actually score when he drives? It looks like all he does is try to get a call, goes out of his way to get a call when he could score.
Brettolius
Professional
Back to the refs controlling the effing game again. Do what they gotta do to get a game 7. Follow the script...
tin
Rookie
im merely updating myself with live scores...cant watch..at work
Raiden
Hall of Fame
I thought FIFA was corrupt but the NBA really takes the cake.
Basically the NBA uses refereeing to literally micro manage the playoff results. Winning is basically a question of getting enough amount of free-throws and if you happen to be Lakers, NBA'll hand you out one almost every minute.
Case in point the previous game where Celtic doesn't get even one free throw until after halftime or something like that - and in the end Kobe & co ending up with twice the amout of free throws as the Celtics'. What a disgrace!
Juges8932
Rookie
If you think the games have been decided by the refs and free-throws, you don't understand the game. Games 1 and 2 were both officiated horridly. The teams split those two.
Game 1:
Fouls-
Celtics-28
Lakers-24
FTs-
Celtics-31/36
Lakers-24/30
Game 2:
Fouls-
Celtics-29
Lakers-29
FTs-
Celtics- 20/26
Lakers- 31/41
So, both of the horribly officiated games were pretty even, with the Lakers getting the advantage in game 2 and the Celtics in game 1. Yet, they were the other game. Also, in game 2 was when Kobe got 5 fouls and sat out for much of the game. The Lakers were driving to the rim and relying on post play more than perimeter (as when Kobe is out of the game, their perimeter shooting plummets). Not to mention, Ray Allen's record-setting 3-pt performance and Rondo getting the triple-double. Also, tonight, the Celtic's had 10 FTA while the Lakers had 19. The Lakers were clearly the more aggressive team, driving to the paint. The Lakers were sharper on the defensive end, NOT fouling as much on some of the drives, which were pretty much limited to Paul Pierce.
What has been the telling stat is this- the team to win the rebounding battle has won every single game. Games 3 and 4 were even in FTs (Game 3) and Boston by 1 (Game 4), yet the scores were not vastly different from games 1 and 2. The team winning the rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, are effort plays a lot of the time, fighting for position, chasing down rebounds, etc. It makes complete sense when you look at the games and how each team performed and their demeanor during the games.
Also, another story-telling stat is- the team to lead after the first quarter has won every game, which also goes into what I was saying. The team that has come to win that night showed it from the get-go. Establishing their intensity and dominance from the start. Running the floor, extra effort plays, and stifling defense.
Instead of blaming refs, NBA, and/or Stern, people should look at their teams. That's what I've done and is the explanation. It's all about effort, confidence, and will-power. Their have been horrible calls and horrible non-calls for both teams all series. Have they been split 50/50 for each? Statistically, probably not. Do I think those were the deciding factors? No. And I think watching the games, looking at each team, and looking at the stats that are indicative of a team's effort are the story.
Point is- it's a game 7, which the majority of people predicted, yet, rarely happens, especially in the Finals. It's been a long time since there has been a 7-game Finals and we have one. Hopefully it will turn out to be epic and something to remember for many years to come with the Lakers taking the favorable outcome. I have no doubt each team will bring it and scrap until the final horn. Just enjoy the game and whatever happens, happens.
Raiden
Hall of Fame
No indeed it doesn't have to be 50/50. More relevant in basketball is WHO you penalize (or alternatively NOT penalize and be lenient with)
By the way I'm objective here (mnot a Boston fan) for example Boston profited in their EC playoff bout with Orlando when that guy (forgot his name)'s punishment was reviewd long after the game ended and reverted. That ONLY happened cuz of the importance of the player and the game.
And simultaneously Dwight Howard's penalty was retroactively made more severe. These are the kind of thngs that make or break a team and dramaticaly increase or decrease it's chances to win.
Another point of contention is what I would call "home refereeing". Basically the guest team is disadvantaged by the referees often (subliminally/subcounciously) getting persuaded by the atmosphere and that making it easier for them to favour the host, especially during disputes and unclear moments.
Brettolius
Professional
It used to just be good water cooler conversation, blaming the refs. But seriously, Tim Donaghy is a slimeball, but are you naive enough to believe he's the only one? He says refs purposely influence games, people scoff. The same way they did when Jose Canseco came out with the steroid allegations. That didn;t turn out to be so far fetched, did it? NBA has declining revenues, the dream finals are Boston-L.A., the more games the more profit, everybody has something to gain by the series going 7.
Don't you think the way the game is called for each team early sets the tone? Basically let L.A. get to the line every drive regardless and they keep being aggressive, let Boston get the hell knocked out of them when they go to the rim and no-call, they stop attacking because going to the rack is basically a turnover. L.A. gets up 10-15, then they start calling a little more even, but the damage is done. Pau Gasol and Derek Fischer's blatant flopping every game is disgraceful.
Don't you think the way the game is called for each team early sets the tone? Basically let L.A. get to the line every drive regardless and they keep being aggressive, let Boston get the hell knocked out of them when they go to the rim and no-call, they stop attacking because going to the rack is basically a turnover. L.A. gets up 10-15, then they start calling a little more even, but the damage is done. Pau Gasol and Derek Fischer's blatant flopping every game is disgraceful.
Raiden
Hall of Fame
No. On the contrary there are probably more. That is my whole point. Sometimes it really is hard to resist the impression that this or that particular call isn't just a genuine error or oversight but that one or more parties are "pushing the envelope" in order to (at least) increase the chances of a particular outcome.
But I'm fair enough. Refs aren't the only guilty ones. There is enough blame to go around. For example I really hate some of the premeditated gamesmanship that is going on, like for example coaches explicitly ordering players to intentionally foul a particular opponent at designated times and areas (for whatever reason, not just cuz the coach knows beforehand that the targeted player is not an excellent free-thrower). Damn, this is supposed to be basketball, not "indoor rugby" or something! I mean, OK, one can't completely prevent these kind of things from happening, but still, the prevalence of it and more importantly the blatantness of it, i.e. it being regarded as 'strategy' and all, should ideally be discouraged.
Especially in light of the fact that nowadays the NBA has increasingly more and more power to review things with the help of technology and revert wrong decisions long after the game has ended. That means in theory they have less and less excuse to allow crucially bad decisions (or non-decisions) stand
.
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hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
Tim donaghy won a insane amount of bets on NBA games that he had nothing to do with. He based his bets solely on which refs hated which players/teams.
NBA is by far the worst officted league in SPorts. I mean you have 60+ year old dudes who are supposed to be able to run up and down the court for an hour and still have the mental capacity to see ina spit second somehting happen.
Lets hope they let them play in Game 7 and we see a classic game.
NBA is by far the worst officted league in SPorts. I mean you have 60+ year old dudes who are supposed to be able to run up and down the court for an hour and still have the mental capacity to see ina spit second somehting happen.
Lets hope they let them play in Game 7 and we see a classic game.
Brettolius
Professional
Haha, I didn't mean you. I believe we are of the same opinion.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
Refs have always influenced the game, both teams and coaches know that at this point. Stars always get the calls, etc. It's no great secret. At the end of the day, both LA and BOS have had their fair share of help from the refs. The best team has won all 6 games, now Game 7 is the be all end all.
Jim Joyce would like a word with you...
Even if you think NBA is the worst, it cannot be 'by far' when you look at what MLB has going on, and by and large most of their calls still aren't reviewed. The Gallaraga Perfect Game situation is a perfect example. MLB to me has worse officiating, all things considered, since it should in theory be easier to officiate than the NBA.
Jim Joyce would like a word with you...
Even if you think NBA is the worst, it cannot be 'by far' when you look at what MLB has going on, and by and large most of their calls still aren't reviewed. The Gallaraga Perfect Game situation is a perfect example. MLB to me has worse officiating, all things considered, since it should in theory be easier to officiate than the NBA.
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