NBA Thread now in 2015

Amongst the Ani

tempo_n_groove said:

Amongst the Ani said:

I don't know what the Cavs do at this point to get better. Do they keep the band together knowing Lebron is reaching the end of his peak and will need more help. Love has turned into a 3 point spot shooter on this team. He is not worth what the Cavs are paying him. Very good player being paid as a #1 option. Thompson is also making too much for what he does. Cavs have a lot of bad salary thanks to Lebron the GM.

If Thompson plays like how he has in the past then he would be worth the money but he doesn't play like that every day.

Love is doing all the little things that makes him great.  What I haven't seen from him is the 90' fastbreak passes.  Man can he pass the ball.

They need to have Kyrie drive and kick out to Korver or Love on the perimeter and focus on 2nd chance points.

Love if acting as a perimeter guy is not a max player. His defense is below average. He needs to be playing point forward much like Green does for the Warriors at times. Like Love played for the Wolves when he was there. If you just want him standing around the 3 point line waiting for a kick out then dump him for a 3 and D guy that would make less than he does. Korver is a massive defensive liability. That Cavs bench got toasted at the end of the 1st which led to Lebron coming back in after a minute of rest. The Cavs put together a team that has too many liabilities and can't find cohesive units. I blame Lebron for that. You can hide a bad defensive player, you cannot hide 3 of them on the court at the same time.  

lastexit78

I love the narrative of LeBron the underdog, poor LeBron. What a joke, the guy has basically dictated every decision the Cavs have made for the past 3 seasons. To his credit it worked and they have a title but now they lose and it’s “Poor LeBron doesn’t have enough help”. Maybe don’t trade Wiggins for Love and they would have had an elite, athletic wing who would have likely developed into an outstanding defender. Don’t force the Cavs to sign Tristan Thompson just because his agent his part of your inner circle. Also does anyone really think he would have come back to Ohio if they didn’t have Kyrie and a #1 pick in hand? I don’t fault players for playing where they want to, but he came home because it was a great situation, not because he’s Mr. Ohio and cares so much about those poor fans. Somehow Durant is the new NBA villain though because he took a new job in a better city, with better co-workers, less responsibility and more chances at team success. Oh and for essentially the same pay. Any of us working in the private sector would jump at a better opportunity but in professional sports it’s not acceptable.

 

As for LeBron’s game it’s flawed. All Time great no doubt but show me his highlight reel of final 3 minutes clutch plays in his 8 Finals appearances. It doesn’t exist. Minus two clutch 3’s by Ray Allen and Kyrie (LeBron didn’t even assist on either) he’d be starting down 1-7 in the NBA Finals. He’s not in the same league as a closer as Bird, Jordan or Kobe. Even Reggie Miller, Dwayne Wade, Isiah Thomas or Akeem for that matter. Being clutch counts and in Game 7 last season and last night he’s gone scoreless in the 8 biggest minutes in Cavs history.

The Juggler

Kevin Durant is pretty good.

Loved seeing Iguodala block the "King" at the end to seal it. Entertaining game.

The Juggler

Amongst the Ani said:

double post

agreed.

HesCalledDyer

lastexit78 said:

I love the narrative of LeBron the underdog, poor LeBron. What a joke, the guy has basically dictated every decision the Cavs have made for the past 3 seasons. To his credit it worked and they have a title but now they lose and it’s “Poor LeBron doesn’t have enough help”. Maybe don’t trade Wiggins for Love and they would have had an elite, athletic wing who would have likely developed into an outstanding defender. Don’t force the Cavs to sign Tristan Thompson just because his agent his part of your inner circle. Also does anyone really think he would have come back to Ohio if they didn’t have Kyrie and a #1 pick in hand? I don’t fault players for playing where they want to, but he came home because it was a great situation, not because he’s Mr. Ohio and cares so much about those poor fans. Somehow Durant is the new NBA villain though because he took a new job in a better city, with better co-workers, less responsibility and more chances at team success. Oh and for essentially the same pay. Any of us working in the private sector would jump at a better opportunity but in professional sports it’s not acceptable.

 

As for LeBron’s game it’s flawed. All Time great no doubt but show me his highlight reel of final 3 minutes clutch plays in his 8 Finals appearances. It doesn’t exist. Minus two clutch 3’s by Ray Allen and Kyrie (LeBron didn’t even assist on either) he’d be starting down 1-7 in the NBA Finals. He’s not in the same league as a closer as Bird, Jordan or Kobe. Even Reggie Miller, Dwayne Wade, Isiah Thomas or Akeem for that matter. Being clutch counts and in Game 7 last season and last night he’s gone scoreless in the 8 biggest minutes in Cavs history.

Beautiful post!  And with that, I'll just leave this here in regards to Mr. "I'm Averaging a Triple Double in the Finals, I'm ok.":

tempo_n_groove

lastexit78 said:

I love the narrative of LeBron the underdog, poor LeBron. What a joke, the guy has basically dictated every decision the Cavs have made for the past 3 seasons. To his credit it worked and they have a title but now they lose and it’s “Poor LeBron doesn’t have enough help”. Maybe don’t trade Wiggins for Love and they would have had an elite, athletic wing who would have likely developed into an outstanding defender. Don’t force the Cavs to sign Tristan Thompson just because his agent his part of your inner circle. Also does anyone really think he would have come back to Ohio if they didn’t have Kyrie and a #1 pick in hand? I don’t fault players for playing where they want to, but he came home because it was a great situation, not because he’s Mr. Ohio and cares so much about those poor fans. Somehow Durant is the new NBA villain though because he took a new job in a better city, with better co-workers, less responsibility and more chances at team success. Oh and for essentially the same pay. Any of us working in the private sector would jump at a better opportunity but in professional sports it’s not acceptable.

 

As for LeBron’s game it’s flawed. All Time great no doubt but show me his highlight reel of final 3 minutes clutch plays in his 8 Finals appearances. It doesn’t exist. Minus two clutch 3’s by Ray Allen and Kyrie (LeBron didn’t even assist on either) he’d be starting down 1-7 in the NBA Finals. He’s not in the same league as a closer as Bird, Jordan or Kobe. Even Reggie Miller, Dwayne Wade, Isiah Thomas or Akeem for that matter. Being clutch counts and in Game 7 last season and last night he’s gone scoreless in the 8 biggest minutes in Cavs history.

HesCalledDyer said:

lastexit78 said:

I love the narrative of LeBron the underdog, poor LeBron. What a joke, the guy has basically dictated every decision the Cavs have made for the past 3 seasons. To his credit it worked and they have a title but now they lose and it’s “Poor LeBron doesn’t have enough help”. Maybe don’t trade Wiggins for Love and they would have had an elite, athletic wing who would have likely developed into an outstanding defender. Don’t force the Cavs to sign Tristan Thompson just because his agent his part of your inner circle. Also does anyone really think he would have come back to Ohio if they didn’t have Kyrie and a #1 pick in hand? I don’t fault players for playing where they want to, but he came home because it was a great situation, not because he’s Mr. Ohio and cares so much about those poor fans. Somehow Durant is the new NBA villain though because he took a new job in a better city, with better co-workers, less responsibility and more chances at team success. Oh and for essentially the same pay. Any of us working in the private sector would jump at a better opportunity but in professional sports it’s not acceptable.

 

As for LeBron’s game it’s flawed. All Time great no doubt but show me his highlight reel of final 3 minutes clutch plays in his 8 Finals appearances. It doesn’t exist. Minus two clutch 3’s by Ray Allen and Kyrie (LeBron didn’t even assist on either) he’d be starting down 1-7 in the NBA Finals. He’s not in the same league as a closer as Bird, Jordan or Kobe. Even Reggie Miller, Dwayne Wade, Isiah Thomas or Akeem for that matter. Being clutch counts and in Game 7 last season and last night he’s gone scoreless in the 8 biggest minutes in Cavs history.

Beautiful post!  And with that, I'll just leave this here in regards to Mr. "I'm Averaging a Triple Double in the Finals, I'm ok.":

Great posts from both of you.

I personally watched Lebron fall off a cliff in the 4th quarter this series.  I thought for sure he'd be killing it...

eeriepadave

congrats to NBA champions, The Warriors.

cutz

tempo_n_groove said:

lastexit78 said:

I love the narrative of LeBron the underdog, poor LeBron. What a joke, the guy has basically dictated every decision the Cavs have made for the past 3 seasons. To his credit it worked and they have a title but now they lose and it’s “Poor LeBron doesn’t have enough help”. Maybe don’t trade Wiggins for Love and they would have had an elite, athletic wing who would have likely developed into an outstanding defender. Don’t force the Cavs to sign Tristan Thompson just because his agent his part of your inner circle. Also does anyone really think he would have come back to Ohio if they didn’t have Kyrie and a #1 pick in hand? I don’t fault players for playing where they want to, but he came home because it was a great situation, not because he’s Mr. Ohio and cares so much about those poor fans. Somehow Durant is the new NBA villain though because he took a new job in a better city, with better co-workers, less responsibility and more chances at team success. Oh and for essentially the same pay. Any of us working in the private sector would jump at a better opportunity but in professional sports it’s not acceptable.

 

As for LeBron’s game it’s flawed. All Time great no doubt but show me his highlight reel of final 3 minutes clutch plays in his 8 Finals appearances. It doesn’t exist. Minus two clutch 3’s by Ray Allen and Kyrie (LeBron didn’t even assist on either) he’d be starting down 1-7 in the NBA Finals. He’s not in the same league as a closer as Bird, Jordan or Kobe. Even Reggie Miller, Dwayne Wade, Isiah Thomas or Akeem for that matter. Being clutch counts and in Game 7 last season and last night he’s gone scoreless in the 8 biggest minutes in Cavs history.

HesCalledDyer said:

lastexit78 said:

I love the narrative of LeBron the underdog, poor LeBron. What a joke, the guy has basically dictated every decision the Cavs have made for the past 3 seasons. To his credit it worked and they have a title but now they lose and it’s “Poor LeBron doesn’t have enough help”. Maybe don’t trade Wiggins for Love and they would have had an elite, athletic wing who would have likely developed into an outstanding defender. Don’t force the Cavs to sign Tristan Thompson just because his agent his part of your inner circle. Also does anyone really think he would have come back to Ohio if they didn’t have Kyrie and a #1 pick in hand? I don’t fault players for playing where they want to, but he came home because it was a great situation, not because he’s Mr. Ohio and cares so much about those poor fans. Somehow Durant is the new NBA villain though because he took a new job in a better city, with better co-workers, less responsibility and more chances at team success. Oh and for essentially the same pay. Any of us working in the private sector would jump at a better opportunity but in professional sports it’s not acceptable.

 

As for LeBron’s game it’s flawed. All Time great no doubt but show me his highlight reel of final 3 minutes clutch plays in his 8 Finals appearances. It doesn’t exist. Minus two clutch 3’s by Ray Allen and Kyrie (LeBron didn’t even assist on either) he’d be starting down 1-7 in the NBA Finals. He’s not in the same league as a closer as Bird, Jordan or Kobe. Even Reggie Miller, Dwayne Wade, Isiah Thomas or Akeem for that matter. Being clutch counts and in Game 7 last season and last night he’s gone scoreless in the 8 biggest minutes in Cavs history.

Beautiful post!  And with that, I'll just leave this here in regards to Mr. "I'm Averaging a Triple Double in the Finals, I'm ok.":

Great posts from both of you.

I personally watched Lebron fall off a cliff in the 4th quarter this series.  I thought for sure he'd be killing it...

Playing 46 minutes doesn't help his cause. But, when he was out for those 2 minutes the Cavs were outscored 12-0. Lue has no choice but to play him that many minutes, but it does hurt him down the stretch. Damn if you do and damn if you don't. 

I don't see how you can blame James for making great passes to Love, who couldn't make a layup, and then to a wide open Korver, who's one of the best all-time 3 point shooters, and misses the shot. Hell, that's what teammates are for(just ask Jordan when he passed to players like kerr and Paxson for game WINNING shots)

And what the hell was Kyrie Irving doing dribbling the shot clock down when you HAVE to get the 2-for-1 ther? I couldn't believe he did that. Basketball 101.

But, with all of those problems with the Cavs, it really doesn't matter. This Warriors team is just TOO GOOD!!  Warriors have so many weapons that even if 2 players are having off nights, the other 2 or 3 players will be on ther game.  Plus, ther role players chip in too for the few minutes they get. Who's gonna beat them in the next 2-3 years?

lastexit78

I get that LeBron is having to play ridiculous minutes. He obviously has to. But the Cavs don't need to play at the Warriors pace for 48 minutes a night. Slow it down occasionally and maybe they would have something left in the 4th quarter. That's how they won last year and kept it competitive in 2015. It's like some kind of ego thing or something and it's not working. If LeBron went to Lue and said let's slow the pace which is the ONLY chance they have I'm pretty sure Lue would listen. But LeBron wants to try to beat the Warriors and their own game and it's probably headed for a sweep because of it. Reminds me of how the Steelers play the same stupid zone every time they face Brady and the Pats. If you can't change your philosophy even a little to matchup with your opponent you don't deserve to be competitive. The Cavs with LeBron on the block, slowing the game down would have given the Warriors a serious challenge and that's coming from probably the biggest Warriors fan on this board. The fact that they would rather fight fire with fire is an all time strategic blunder. 

tempo_n_groove

lastexit78 said:

I get that LeBron is having to play ridiculous minutes. He obviously has to. But the Cavs don't need to play at the Warriors pace for 48 minutes a night. Slow it down occasionally and maybe they would have something left in the 4th quarter. That's how they won last year and kept it competitive in 2015. It's like some kind of ego thing or something and it's not working. If LeBron went to Lue and said let's slow the pace which is the ONLY chance they have I'm pretty sure Lue would listen. But LeBron wants to try to beat the Warriors and their own game and it's probably headed for a sweep because of it. Reminds me of how the Steelers play the same stupid zone every time they face Brady and the Pats. If you can't change your philosophy even a little to matchup with your opponent you don't deserve to be competitive. The Cavs with LeBron on the block, slowing the game down would have given the Warriors a serious challenge and that's coming from probably the biggest Warriors fan on this board. The fact that they would rather fight fire with fire is an all time strategic blunder. 

I said this for the first two games.  Cavs changed their game plan...  Third game it seemed like they got it together then that ship went down...

Amongst the Ani

Warriors by 14 tonight. I think the Cavs come out hot and build a lead a 10 point lead early. Warriors work it back to a tie game at half and then throttle them half way through the 3rd.  

tempo_n_groove

Amongst the Ani said:

Warriors by 14 tonight. I think the Cavs come out hot and build a lead a 10 point lead early. Warriors work it back to a tie game at half and then throttle them half way through the 3rd.  

Cavs I think will win the next two games.  They won't go out like that.  This IS their MO.  I don't think Lebron has ever dominated a series.  Always a come from behind situation.

Amongst the Ani

That was pre-Durant. The difference between last year and this is Durant. Warriors showed last game when Lebron/Irving go off they can now match them. Last year in those final 3 games when Curry/Thompson went cold or couldn't get a shot off Warriors had no answer. Now they have the answer. 

23scidoo

Cavs don't loose tonight..

igotid88

no sweep

DewieCox

I bet they find the brooms in the ref's lounge.

mrussel1

The whole technical thing is pretty bizarre.  It kind of seems like bullshit..

mrussel1

lastexit78 said:

I get that LeBron is having to play ridiculous minutes. He obviously has to. But the Cavs don't need to play at the Warriors pace for 48 minutes a night. Slow it down occasionally and maybe they would have something left in the 4th quarter. That's how they won last year and kept it competitive in 2015. It's like some kind of ego thing or something and it's not working. If LeBron went to Lue and said let's slow the pace which is the ONLY chance they have I'm pretty sure Lue would listen. But LeBron wants to try to beat the Warriors and their own game and it's probably headed for a sweep because of it. Reminds me of how the Steelers play the same stupid zone every time they face Brady and the Pats. If you can't change your philosophy even a little to matchup with your opponent you don't deserve to be competitive. The Cavs with LeBron on the block, slowing the game down would have given the Warriors a serious challenge and that's coming from probably the biggest Warriors fan on this board. The fact that they would rather fight fire with fire is an all time strategic blunder. 

I think this is dead wrong.  You have to keep the Warriors on their heels defensively.  That's when they panic and commit fouls in the open court.  If you let them set their defense, you become a jump shooting team.  The right move is to push the pace.  Fatigue becomes a factor in the 4th obviously, but you can't run set offenses against them consistently. 

Indifference71

mrussel1 said:

The whole technical thing is pretty bizarre.  It kind of seems like bullshit..

Yeah I don't know what the hell that was all about.  That referee crew was all around awful last night.

tempo_n_groove

Cavs will win the next game too. 

Ill continue with with this prediction of cavs with two in a row.