NBA Playoffs Thread

dukiejay

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I think it depends what brand/style of basketball that you prefer. Throughout the winter, I admit to being more of a college guy, or maybe better put, I’m more apt to tune in to a big college game. But I definitely love the NBA, too....specifically the playoffs.
 
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dukesince91

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I only watch the NBA during the playoffs. I enjoy when it's a tournament and you have to win or go home. Pacing yourself throughout the regular season doesn't do anything for me. Oh yeah, no one in the sports or entertainment world is worth the kind of money that they're paid!
 

dukiejay

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These playoffs and finals have been bad.

Not very entertaining at all, unfortunately. It would be nice if Houston could steal one tonight....that would at least make for more intrigue with two series knotted up at two apiece.
 

dukiejay

Heisman
Mar 2, 2005
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I only watch the NBA during the playoffs. I enjoy when it's a tournament and you have to win or go home. Pacing yourself throughout the regular season doesn't do anything for me. Oh yeah, no one in the sports or entertainment world is worth the kind of money that they're paid!

With exception to the NFL, pretty much all professional sports team's are pacing. It's just reality.

And I agree about the money thing....no one is worth what they make, but it's dictated by market these days. A lot of NBA contracts are simply absurd.
 

GillJET

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Dec 10, 2016
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Yeah its the lack of close games that turns me off from the NBA. It's one thing when blowouts happen in the NCAA Tournament, because it's single elimination games. But who wants to watch the same 2 teams playing in a best of 7 series, and most every game is a blowout?

If it wasn't for LeBron, I'd probably find the playoffs unwatchable right now.
 
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Mar 10, 2016
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Finally an entertaining game. Really wasn’t expecting Houston to be able to pull this game off. Absolutely no clue what to expect for game 5.
 
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nets on nets on nets

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Cavs over Celtics in 6.
Cavs over Rockets in 7.

Tonight's game is MASSIVE.

I would also love to see Houston take Game 5 at home, really put pressure on GS. GS shot themselves in the foot last night, they took way too many stupid three's. Would be very interesting to see how GS plays with their backs against the wall. Somebody get Draymond thrown out please.
 

Mac9192

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Jan 25, 2017
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I don't know what was worse, the Warriors play in the second half, or Miller and Webber as announcers.
If Golden State is the best team in the nba, or as some say, a dynasty, then the nba is weak.
I fell asleep when the Warriors were up 10, and those two hacks were dribbling down their legs raving over GS, and woke up to see the Rockets won. And it's not like the Rockets have been very impressive.
If Golden State is supposed to be as good as everyone says then the series should have been over by now.
 
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Mar 10, 2016
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I just don’t understand the change in offensive philosophy seen from Golden State in some of their recent losses. Yesterday especially, it was obvious how much iso ball they were playing down the stretch. I’m surprised Draymond didn’t have some harsh words for KD for some of those offensive possessions towards the end of the game. They’re bailing Houston out whenever they don’t make use of all those offensive weapons.
 

nets on nets on nets

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I just don’t understand the change in offensive philosophy seen from Golden State in some of their recent losses. Yesterday especially, it was obvious how much iso ball they were playing down the stretch. I’m surprised Draymond didn’t have some harsh words for KD for some of those offensive possessions towards the end of the game. They’re bailing Houston out whenever they don’t make use of all those offensive weapons.
As someone who really wants GS to lose, these are my thoughts exactly. The only team capable of beating GS is themselves, and they do that by taking terrible shots.

Since getting KD 22 months ago, they have had to go through ZERO adversity, they just blow everybody out. So I guess it shouldn’t shock us that when the game got tight, and the series gets tight, that they got tunnel vision. It was basically KD and Steph alternating between playing hero ball, and played right into Houston’s hands. Houston can’t guard GS when they move the ball, nobody can guard them actually.

Iguodala out also really hurt GS, they already have a very thin rotation.
 

Laettner

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Steph had an epic meltdown during Cavs game 7 in 2016 at home, last night looked similar. Maybe he should stop dancing during playoff games. Game 5 will be interesting.

Cavs in 7, Lebron will win Game 7 all by himself and there's nothing Stevens can do about it.
 

PatrickYates

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As someone who really wants GS to lose, these are my thoughts exactly. The only team capable of beating GS is themselves, and they do that by taking terrible shots.

Since getting KD 22 months ago, they have had to go through ZERO adversity, they just blow everybody out. So I guess it shouldn’t shock us that when the game got tight, and the series gets tight, that they got tunnel vision. It was basically KD and Steph alternating between playing hero ball, and played right into Houston’s hands. Houston can’t guard GS when they move the ball, nobody can guard them actually.

Iguodala out also really hurt GS, they already have a very thin rotation.

People really underestimate the value of, in order, Iggy, Draymond, and Klay. Iggy and Green are GOAT level glue guys. And, in an era where 3 & D wings are highly valued, Klay might be the best one outside of Kahwi. Iggy didn't play, and he's a tremendous stabilizing force. Klay was obviously hobbled a little bit after his injury. And Curry isn't 100%.
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The real "problem" with dynasties is how much ball they play. If a team makes the NBA finals, that team has essentially played high level hoops for 9 months. They have June, July, and August off, with practice starting in Sept for all intents and purposes. After 3+ years, that would wear on a team. And a guy with Curry's body type, and Iggy's age, will feel that even more acutely.
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It just underscores what a freak LBJ is. He's been playing hoops, with almost no breaks, for the better part of a decade. It is just insane.
 

nets on nets on nets

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Curry 1-11 after this and Warriors scored 4 baskets total

Let's say Lebron did a "shimmy" in the 3rd quarter, and then proceeded to play a terrible 4th quarter. Would Lebron even be alive right now?? Lebron-haters would be DESTROYING him, and that would be the subject of jokes for years. There would already be multiple meme's mocking him.

Steph though...crickets. It's hilarious how when Steph plays bad, he's hurt. When he plays great, he's the best 3 point shooter ever. The bias is disturbing.
 

Mac9192

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Let's say Lebron did a "shimmy" in the 3rd quarter, and then proceeded to play a terrible 4th quarter. Would Lebron even be alive right now?? Lebron-haters would be DESTROYING him, and that would be the subject of jokes for years. There would already be multiple meme's mocking him.

Steph though...crickets. It's hilarious how when Steph plays bad, he's hurt. When he plays great, he's the best 3 point shooter ever. The bias is disturbing.
It's just the way it is. Lebron is always making headlines, and when you're one of the best ever, criticism comes your way.

i.e. see Duke and Coach K
 

nets on nets on nets

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It's just the way it is. Lebron is always making headlines, and when you're one of the best ever, criticism comes your way.

i.e. see Duke and Coach K
Valid point. As a Duke and Lebron fan, it's super annoying.
Steph is the Villanova of the NBA, everyone is fascinated when they are doing great. But when they are average, they get to skate by without criticism.
 

PatrickYates

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Straight class. I wish more players realized that this is the way to be. We need all types I suppose, but this is the best type of leader.

Like I said earlier, Tatum is essentially untouchable now. He is the only player on the roster that the Celts won't consider as part of a trade. I imagine Danny Ainge is giggling to himself thinking about the decade or so of job security that DA earned for himself by pulling off that heist in the last draft. All while the Lakers deal with Lonzo Ball's attendant circus of the absurd and idiotic.
 

Laettner

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Valid point. As a Duke and Lebron fan, it's super annoying.
Steph is the Villanova of the NBA, everyone is fascinated when they are doing great. But when they are average, they get to skate by without criticism.

KD got roasted for passing up the final shot in Game 4. If they lose tonight the media will be circling GSW.
 

nets on nets on nets

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Like I said earlier, Tatum is essentially untouchable now. He is the only player on the roster that the Celts won't consider as part of a trade. I imagine Danny Ainge is giggling to himself thinking about the decade or so of job security that DA earned for himself by pulling off that heist in the last draft. All while the Lakers deal with Lonzo Ball's attendant circus of the absurd and idiotic.
Completely untouchable. My "way too early prediction" of Jayson's career is that he is a future 1st team All-NBA player and also a top 5 player in the league once he hits his prime.
Will be more valuable than Kyrie Irving in a few years and will go down as the greatest Duke player in the history of the NBA......



Until RJ Barrett comes along.
 
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PatrickYates

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Completely untouchable. My "way too early prediction" of Jayson's career is that he is a future 1st team All-NBA player and also a top 5 player in the league once he hits his prime.
Will be more valuable than Kyrie Irving in a few years and will go down as the greatest Duke player in the history of the NBA......



Until RJ Barrett comes along.

IDK about "top 5" player in the L, or all-NBA. But I do think he'll be the star player on one of the best teams in the league. The Celts simply have too much talent, and the assets to acquire even more talent, for Tatum to be 1st team All-NBA. Guys like Davis, Simmons, and a few others will put up bonkers numbers.
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And Tatum won't put up as good of a stat line, because he doesn't need to do it. Also, unlike some other players, he won't have the ball in his hands as much. Simmons is the de facto PG in Philly. With Embiid to pass too, Simmons will put up crazy numbers even as he continues to be a detriment shooting jumpers. Tatum doesn't automatically get the ball as much. As such, he probably won't get that many 1st team selections. But he'll be on that second team, and he'll ben a top 2-3 guy when Execs are asked who'd they'd want on their team. Tatum, and possibly RJ and Cam Reddish, are going to be the molds for what GMs want their wings to look like.
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Given that we are approaching the end of the K era, it is comforting to know that we'll have these wings to point to for the next decade.
 

nets on nets on nets

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Does Houston win tonight?
I hope so. Must win for Houston tonight, because they aren't winning game 6 in GS.
Houston needs Iguodala to be inactive again tonight. Klay is apparently "questionable" too, but he's expected to play. GS has zero depth, so Iggy being out really hurts them. No excuses though, they still have 4 of the 20 best players in the league.
 

bullcity gamer

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I read Danny Ainge took Villanova’s Donte DiVincenzo out to lunch after DiVincenzo worked out for the Celtics on Monday. Boston has a late 1st round draft pick. DiVincenzo would thrive under Brad Stevens and be a good fit in the Celtics system.
 

dukehokie

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I read Danny Ainge took Villanova’s Donte DiVincenzo out to lunch after DiVincenzo worked out for the Celtics on Monday. Boston has a late 1st round draft pick. DiVincenzo would thrive under Brad Stevens and be a good fit in the Celtics system.

Would love to see DiVencenzo with Pop or Stevens.
 
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Would love to see DiVencenzo with Pop or Stevens.
Popovich is a shell of his former self. Puts in question just how much credit Duncan should get for "the Spurs way"

I frequent a Spurs forum and they have been questioning him for a few seasons now. When the team struggles and more precisely his tactics are rightfully questioned, he defaults to passive aggressive arrogance & ranting about political/social commentary.
 
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Warriors getting shut down defensively by this Rockets team

I think we can put to rest any sort of hypothetically matchup against the 1996 Bulls