NBA Playoffs Thread

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

Both teams have acquitted themselves well.

The winner has earned this.

I love both teams but, as predicted, that stretch when sas got away with murder decided the game.

Okc should trade chets sorry a$$.

Also going to be interesting to see how sas deals with playing after slaying their dragon. Okc was their goal. Can they refocus?

 

[26MichaelUK]

Going to be a great Finals ! Knicks and Spurs just as good as OKC and Knicks !

Spurs might be heavily favored, but I wouldn't count out the Knicks at all.

Me and my buddy literally texted the exact same thing.

 

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

Everybody didn't know it but the Wemby era has already begun.

Also, great as wemby is, this is a very young very complete team. They're way more than just him.

 

[26MichaelUK]

Also, great as wemby is, this is a very young very complete team. They're way more than just him.

Their guards are TOUGH.

 

[MidseasonTweak]

Their guards are TOUGH.

Castle, Fox and Harper are elite. YOUNG too.

 

[26MichaelUK]

Castle, Fox and Harper are elite. YOUNG too.

Facts.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Facts.

I believe ESPN reported that the average age of OKC is 2 years younger than SA.

I didn’t fact check it but that seems insane.

 

[26MichaelUK]

I believe ESPN reported that the average age of OKC is 2 years younger than SA.

I didn’t fact check it but that seems insane.

Really? Thanks for the info.

 

[caliman]

I believe ESPN reported that the average age of OKC is 2 years younger than SA.

I didn’t fact check it but that seems insane.

Definitely seems believable. San Antonio has grizzled vets like Harrison Barnes, Kornet, Biyambo, and Jordan McLaughlin on the bench. Don’t think OKC has anyone that old, let alone 4 of them.

 

[Smeegs]

I believe ESPN reported that the average age of OKC is 2 years younger than SA.

I didn’t fact check it but that seems insane.

If that’s based on the average age of the entire roster, then it is a very misleading stat.

The back end of SA’s bench is full of really old guys who rarely play (Plumlee, Biyombo, Barnes, Oleynick, etc.), which skews the average. But they’re obviously an extremely young team in terms of who actually plays.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Really? Thanks for the info.

I did just fact check it. OKC is younger. But not 2 years. Just about one year younger.

Close enough to be the same. These two are going to battle for several years if they stay intact.

 

[caliman]

Great to see the Spurs move on. Really started to dislike OKC with all the flopping that they do.

On a UK note, i think Cason Wallace may have given Dort his walking papers.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

If that’s based on the average age of the entire roster, then it is a very misleading stat.

The back end of SA’s bench is full of really old guys who rarely play (Plumlee, Biyombo, Barnes, Oleynick, etc.), which skews the average. But they’re obviously an extremely young team in terms of who actually plays.

That’s true. It’s based on the whole team.

I would think the average of each team’s first 7 is pretty close and probably SA is younger.

 

[Laparkafan]

Does okc sacrifice the draft picks for Giannis or go after AD and sacrifice less?

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Does okc sacrifice the draft picks for Giannis or go after AD and sacrifice less?

I think they stand pat. With a healthy Williams they probably win this series.

 

[Runt#1969]

They got the Wemby draft for the ages, drafted Castle and drafted Harper and Fox coming over just adds a perfect storm around a player like him. Add in our own 6th man of the year, Mr. Johnson ( can't help but wanna call him that every time I see him wearing his cowboy hat, just to be respectful...) and there is so much to like about a young, hungry team that looks destined, but is now truly believing itself.

Can't go without mentioning guys like Vandy's Kornet, Vessell, that subtle move over to more Champagnie rather than go with Barnes ( yayy!) ... those moves and a smart, great coach, they are blossoming before our eyes.

What a series. Won't be the last between those two.

And for the rest of the NBA... drama ? Stories?

take your pick. ....Like what will my Lakers ever, ever do ? lol

In the meantime, we have got a totally awesome NBA finals that is historic in the making for either the Knicks or Spurs. I Only hope it goes to 7 games as well.

Let's make it nine next time for OKC and the Spurs, too, eh ?

why not

 

[LineSkiCat14]

He's getting mauled all over. Eventually he falls down to sell the call but the last two games that whistle isn't coming.

The only thing changed is media coverage. The coordinated pr effort won this series for the spurs. Okc was overconfident and thought they didn't need to play the pr game.

But that falling is tough. Sometimes he falls because of the foul and other times not. A lot of it isnt SGA at all. I think the NBA doesnt quite know how to officiate the mid range game, when the last 10 years have been that garbage *** Curry 3pt game.

I think the call came in from the front office. The NBA was getting a lot of pressure on how OKC and SGA were perceived to being given fouls. I bet theres gonna be some changes in the offseason.

 

[BookofMormon]

If they stay healthy, they're the team to beat in the West for a long time.

SA struck draft gold.

Landed the 1 with generational Wemby.

Best player in the next draft fell to them at 4 in Castle.

Somehow landed the second pick during the Flagg draft, and landed a kid in Harper who would go first in many years.

The new draft rules are likely to prevent this happening again, but for now the Spurs have a core that should dominate for a decade.

They got the Wemby draft for the ages, drafted Castle and drafted Harper and Fox coming over just adds a perfect storm around a player like him. Add in our own 6th man of the year, Mr. Johnson ( can't help but wanna call him that every time I see him wearing his cowboy hat, just to be respectful...) and there is so much to like about a young, hungry team that looks destined, but is now truly believing itself.

Can't go without mentioning guys like Vandy's Kornet, Vessell, that subtle move over to more Champagnie rather than go with Barnes ( yayy!) ... those moves and a smart, great coach, they are blossoming before our eyes.

What a series. Won't be the last between those two.

And for the rest of the NBA... drama ? Stories?

take your pick. ....Like what will my Lakers ever, ever do ? lol

In the meantime, we have got a totally awesome NBA finals that is historic in the making for either the Knicks or Spurs. I Only hope it goes to 7 games as well.

Let's make it nine next time for OKC and the Spurs, too, eh ?

why not

 

[20MRoster]

Were watching two different games i guess. SGA is doing his best Harden impression. Hes jumping into several defenders. Caruso never got what should have been an F1 and that helped OKC get back into it before the half. And now OKC is living at the line.

What more do you want?

Truth. SGA and OKC are disgusting to watch. Glad the Spurs pulled it off.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

What’s the thinking on the finals?

I thought the Knicks might have an advantage because of the Spurs youth.

But they are not playing young. OKC is a very tough, seasoned playoff team and almost impossible to beat at home. But SA played like the more veteran team.

And they are good. Wemby is a true freak. Fox is getting healthy.

On the other hand, NY is well rested while the Spurs had a very taxing path to the finals.

NY has their own special dude in Brunson.

NY is going to have a hard time guarding SA. Can they score enough to win?

Can’t wait!!

 

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

Their guards are TOUGH.

Honestly Harper is already better than Fox. Castle is crazy good. Its a helluva young roster.

 

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

But that falling is tough. Sometimes he falls because of the foul and other times not. A lot of it isnt SGA at all. I think the NBA doesnt quite know how to officiate the mid range game, when the last 10 years have been that garbage *** Curry 3pt game.

I think the call came in from the front office. The NBA was getting a lot of pressure on how OKC and SGA were perceived to being given fouls. I bet theres gonna be some changes in the offseason.

Exactly. Sas won the pr battle and the league intervened. It swung the pendulum too far because OKC got mauled with no calls.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Good for Wemby. Hard not to like the guy.

Fox/Johnson vs. Towns. Someone is going to get the ring that Cal cost them in college.

Fox didn't win a title because of officiating. Did u watch the unc game?

Johnsons team wasn't going to win the title regardless but ill agree should have made final four.

And the refs made sure UK wouldn't go 40 and 0 either as I recall. Cal did make some dumb decisions down the stretch though like letting the air out of the offense.

 

[sefus12]

Great to see the Spurs move on. Really started to dislike OKC with all the flopping that they do.

On a UK note, i think Cason Wallace may have given Dort his walking papers.

People need to stop listening to the media and acting like OKC is the only team that flops. EVERY TEAM DOES IT. SGA is just better at it, plus his odd style of play tends to draw a lot of contact. Hell, it’s much better to see SGA’s skinny *** flop than it is LBJ.

My god the media/social media has a lot of persuasion over some of you folks.

 

[Johnnie Africa]

OKC/Spurs seem to me to be a new Lakers/celtics like rivalry. Everyone seems to be completely ignoring that arguably OKCs 2nd best player was injured most of the series as well. Wouldn’t be shocked if OKC came back and won next year.

 

[BookofMormon]

Better at it or simply does it as part of his game plan. They showed stats on how often he is on floor after he shoots and it's far more than the next guy. The basketball world is rejoicing that OKC is out of the Finals.

People need to stop listening to the media and acting like OKC is the only team that flops. EVERY TEAM DOES IT. SGA is just better at it, plus his odd style of play tends to draw a lot of contact. Hell, it’s much better to see SGA’s skinny *** flop than it is LBJ.

My god the media/social media has a lot of persuasion over some of you folks.

SA will also be better - they are so young.

OKC/Spurs seem to me to be a new Lakers/celtics like rivalry. Everyone seems to be completely ignoring that arguably OKCs 2nd best player was injured most of the series as well. Wouldn’t be shocked if OKC came back and won next year.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Better at it or simply does it as part of his game plan. They showed stats on how often he is on floor after he shoots and it's far more than the next guy. The basketball world is rejoicing that OKC is out of the Finals.

SA will also be better - they are so young.

Barring injuries the Spurs are set up for a long run at the top.

 

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

People need to stop listening to the media and acting like OKC is the only team that flops. EVERY TEAM DOES IT. SGA is just better at it, plus his odd style of play tends to draw a lot of contact. Hell, it’s much better to see SGA’s skinny *** flop than it is LBJ.

My god the media/social media has a lot of persuasion over some of you folks.

Yes. The part of it that never gets mentioned is his drive rate. He drives the ball more than anyone in the league by a wide margin. Everyone else is just gunning threes.

But the pr/social media push from other teams worked. Last few games castle and harper were able to just maul him and others relentlessly.

Will be interesting watching the calls brunsen gets. He and harden are two actual foul merchants, so will be interesting to see if harper and castle just get to maul brunsen all series with no calls.

Going to be an interesting series in general. Okc would've annihilated the knicks. Will sas be able to refocus after climbing their personal mountain?

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Yes. The part of it that never gets mentioned is his drive rate. He drives the ball more than anyone in the league by a wide margin. Everyone else is just gunning threes.

But the pr/social media push from other teams worked. Last few games castle and harper were able to just maul him and others relentlessly.

Will be interesting watching the calls brunsen gets. He and harden are two actual foul merchants, so will be interesting to see if harper and castle just get to maul brunsen all series with no calls.

Going to be an interesting series in general. Okc would've annihilated the knicks. Will sas be able to refocus after climbing their personal mountain?

The Knicks are going to have to outscore SA. They can’t guard them. Fox, Castle and Harper will abuse Brunson.

Kat can’t guard Wemby. But surely he will do a better job than Chet did.

The Knicks haven’t turned into Boston but they are launching a ton of threes now. If they make them it’s gonna be a series. If not it’s over fast.

 

[caliman]

People need to stop listening to the media and acting like OKC is the only team that flops. EVERY TEAM DOES IT. SGA is just better at it, plus his odd style of play tends to draw a lot of contact. Hell, it’s much better to see SGA’s skinny *** flop than it is LBJ.

My god the media/social media has a lot of persuasion over some of you folks.

Yes. The part of it that never gets mentioned is his drive rate. He drives the ball more than anyone in the league by a wide margin. Everyone else is just gunning threes.

But the pr/social media push from other teams worked. Last few games castle and harper were able to just maul him and others relentlessly.

Will be interesting watching the calls brunsen gets. He and harden are two actual foul merchants, so will be interesting to see if harper and castle just get to maul brunsen all series with no calls.

Going to be an interesting series in general. Okc would've annihilated the knicks. Will sas be able to refocus after climbing their personal mountain?

You mean San Antonio was allowed to play defense like OKC does? All Dort and Caruso do is hack, hold and flop all game long.

 

[26MichaelUK]

The Knicks are going to have to outscore SA. They can’t guard them. Fox, Castle and Harper will abuse Brunson.

Kat can’t guard Wemby. But surely he will do a better job than Chet did.

The Knicks haven’t turned into Boston but they are launching a ton of threes now. If they make them it’s gonna be a series. If not it’s over fast.

I genuinely think you would've done a better job than Chet.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I mean the Knicks beat them 2-1 this season. I get that Spurs have grown since then. But they knicks are extremely better also.

Brunson wont be doing a whole lot on defense, but thats why they have guys like OG, Hart, Alvarado. Knicks also are a pretty tough and very experienced team. They arent rolling over and their fans are going to travel. This is a much closer match up than some think.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I also really like NYK front court to bother Wemby. Wemby is gonna get his, but I believe Mitch is gonna bang with him a lot better than chet and harvesting. What they lack in length, they make up for in big bodies.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

I mean the Knicks beat them 2-1 this season. I get that Spurs have grown since then. But they knicks are extremely better also.

Brunson wont be doing a whole lot on defense, but thats why they have guys like OG, Hart, Alvarado. Knicks also are a pretty tough and very experienced team. They arent rolling over and their fans are going to travel. This is a much closer match up than some think.

I’m wanting to agree with you. The Knicks have looked really good in the playoffs. But they have had a pretty easy road. But that could help them too? SA has had a hard road. Mentally and physically taxing.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I’m wanting to agree with you. The Knicks have looked really good in the playoffs. But they have had a pretty easy road. But that could help them too? SA has had a hard road. Mentally and physically taxing.

Yeah thats why its so tough to peg them. But, they didnt just "come out" of the East.. they obliterated opponents and broke some records. Theyre just playing so connected. I mean, theyre maybe playing the "best" basketball weve seen in a decade? More? I don't see them making a many mistakes this series.

But, SAS has the talent. I wouldnt be totally shocked if SAS just whacked them over the head with this talent.

Ultimately I think the Knicks in 6. Thats my prediction. I dont feel extremely strong on that, though.

 

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

You mean San Antonio was allowed to play defense like OKC does? All Dort and Caruso do is hack, hold and flop all game long.

Congratulations on being another that swallowed the social media push hook line and sinker.

It all generated from an entire season of calling sga a foul merchant because no one can stop him. It worked. Okc will need to find a way to push back that narrative.

 

[BookofMormon]

Barring injuries the Spurs are set up for a long run at the top.

They have the best player in the sport, and it will be by a wide margin at some point.

Harper has the potential to be DWade, top 10 NBA player. That kid hasn't even cracked the surface. He would likely be the 1 pick in half the drafts of this decade, could have even seen him ahead of AJD this year.

Castle has the potential to be a first team all defense Point Wing, Jimmy Butler type and top 15 type of player.

I honestly don't see how they don't dominate for the next decade other than injury, as long as they can retain.

 

[caliman]

Congratulations on being another that swallowed the social media push hook line and sinker.

It all generated from an entire season of calling sga a foul merchant because no one can stop him. It worked. Okc will need to find a way to push back that narrative.

That’s hilarious. My take has nothing to do with social media.

For all the whining that OKC fans are doing, SGA still took almost 10 free throws a game in the series.

 

[bigblueinsanity (the real)]

That’s hilarious. My take has nothing to do with social media.

For all the whining that OKC fans are doing, SGA still took almost 10 free throws a game in the series.

I don't have an nba team. I like both those teams. Im just calling it straight.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

They have the best player in the sport, and it will be by a wide margin at some point.

Harper has the potential to be DWade, top 10 NBA player. That kid hasn't even cracked the surface. He would likely be the 1 pick in half the drafts of this decade, could have even seen him ahead of AJD this year.

Castle has the potential to be a first team all defense Point Wing, Jimmy Butler type and top 15 type of player.

I honestly don't see how they don't dominate for the next decade other than injury, as long as they can retain.

And they are well coached.