NBA Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers

[Pacersike]

Not so fun so far, but I'll wait for the second half. I didn't know Ajay Mitchell was Belgian, I'm of part Belgian ancestry myself.

Good on you, that's a good part to have and probably the best it's just a part. Belgians need a Trump part ; )

[GermanFan120]

Someone let the team down.

What a pathetic game.

[Wizop]

Step One in beating the Thunder is to stop beating ourselves.

[jowglenn]

Now the Pacers have their backs against the wall. Blown lead in game 4, aborted comeback in game 5... we're going to find out what these guys are made of in game 6. We've seen miracle after miracle from these Pacers all postseason. Do they have one more miracle comeback left in them? A series comeback to win a title?

[Wizop]

Now the Pacers have their backs against the wall. Blown lead in game 4, aborted comeback in game 5... we're going to find out what these guys are made of in game 6. We've seen miracle after miracle from these Pacers all postseason. Do they have one more miracle comeback left in them? A series comeback to win a title?

and if we don't, doe that affect our offseason? we should discuss this in the other thread, but I'm less willing to bring back everyone if we can't stop beating ourselves.

[jowglenn]

and if we don't, does that affect our offseason? we should discuss this in the other thread, but I'm less willing to bring back everyone if we can't stop beating ourselves.

Honestly I don't think the outcome of game 6 (and/or game 7) should have any effect on our offseason moves. Whether we win the title or just fall short, we should make whatever offseason transactions are best for the team. Changing the decisions based on the outcome of just a few games is foolhardy thinking. If there's a move that would help us if we lose, it's still a move that would help us if we win. A lot of teams through history have been victims of the moment, and let themselves make rash decisions based on a few games that could have easily gone the other way. Champion vs one or two games short of champion is a small difference that can come down to a few plays here or there and is hardly enough to require drastic changes in offseason plans.

[GermanFan120]

and if we don't, does that affect our offseason? we should discuss this in the other thread, but I'm less willing to bring back everyone if we can't stop beating ourselves.

Honestly I don't think the outcome of game 6 (and/or game 7) should have any effect on our offseason moves. Whether we win the title or just fall short, we should make whatever offseason transactions are best for the team. Changing the decisions based on the outcome of just a few games is foolhardy thinking. If there's a move that would help us if we lose, it's still a move that would help us if we win. A lot of teams through history have been victims of the moment, and let themselves make rash decisions based on a few games that could have easily gone the other way. Champion vs one or two games short of champion is a small difference that can come down to a few plays here or there and is hardly enough to require drastic changes in offseason plans.

As a former Mavs fan, I absolutely agree with you. Sure Luka was fat, but Mavs used to have Luka + Brunson.

[boomershadow]

If Haliburton is banged up enough to not get a single FG in game 5, I say let him sit the next one. Avoid any possible longer term accident happen while trying to play through, and just maybe it'll be a different enough look it'll catch OKC off guard for a game.

[Pacers Forever]

If Haliburton is banged up enough to not get a single FG in game 5, I say let him sit the next one. Avoid any possible longer term accident happen while trying to play through, and just maybe it'll be a different enough look it'll catch OKC off guard for a game.

I agree because he’s so banged up that his effectiveness has been compromised to the point that he’s a liability. Also as you mentioned it is a very good time to throw a different look at their defense because they’ve nailed the secret to disrupting our offense by aggressively attacking Tyrese with Dort very close to the half court line.

[Wizop]

If Haliburton is banged up enough to not get a single FG in game 5, I say let him sit the next one. Avoid any possible longer term accident happen while trying to play through, and just maybe it'll be a different enough look it'll catch OKC off guard for a game.

I assume the risk of making it worse by playing is something they've discussed with the Doctors. He'll play if there is no such risk.

[JMaster5K]

If Haliburton is banged up enough to not get a single FG in game 5, I say let him sit the next one. Avoid any possible longer term accident happen while trying to play through, and just maybe it'll be a different enough look it'll catch OKC off guard for a game.

I assume the risk of making it worse by playing is something they've discussed with the Doctors. He'll play if there is no such risk.

Start TJ & Benn! (go full transition and P&R into ISO) then,... when SGA is tired,... bring out Drew to dog him?..... o0

OK,... yes,.. I am clutching at straws here,... but somehow,... I just have the faith we are going to pull this out?

[Wizop]

Start TJ & Benn! (go full transition and P&R into ISO)

go all small ball with TJ, Benn, Nesmith/Nembhard, Toppin, and Siakam.

or just go old school Boston's sixth man bringing Haliburton off the bench.

[Dave_R]

Knicks fan coming in peace.
I was wrong about two things. First, I thought the Knicks would beat the Pacers - obviously wrong on that account.
Second, I predicted the "No 'Cers" would win only a single game against OKC. Looks like they got two (because I think it's over tonight).
Also, if Haliburton can WALK, he should play. Bill Russell played through many injuries (including ones to his legs) and stated that unless his leg was broken, he was going to find a way to play. C'mon Hali - take your medicine and take your loss like a man and grow from it and come back stronger next year.

[Wizop]

Knicks fan coming in peace.
I was wrong about two things. First, I thought the Knicks would beat the Pacers - obviously wrong on that account.
Second, I predicted the "No 'Cers" would win only a single game against OKC. Looks like they got two (because I think it's over tonight).
Also, if Haliburton can WALK, he should play. Bill Russell played through many injuries (including ones to his legs) and stated that unless his leg was broken, he was going to find a way to play. C'mon Hali - take your medicine and take your loss like a man and grow from it and come back stronger next year.

Game is tomorrow. I'd bring Tyrese off the bench but we'll see soon enough.

[nykballa2k4]

If Haliburton is banged up enough to not get a single FG in game 5, I say let him sit the next one. Avoid any possible longer term accident happen while trying to play through, and just maybe it'll be a different enough look it'll catch OKC off guard for a game.

I assume the risk of making it worse by playing is something they've discussed with the Doctors. He'll play if there is no such risk.

I am really nervous about Hali playing. Hope he doesn't. Quite a few guys have blown their achillies while trying to play through calf injuries. You have a good team and are a contender for the top seed next year in the east. That's what happened to KD no?

[Wizop]

Tony East posts

Pacers have officially listed Tyrese Haliburton as questionable for Game 6 with a right calf strain.

[jowglenn]

TONIGHT

THE INDIANA PACERS WILL SHOCK THE WORLD

[GermanFan120]

Can Walker play some mins?

[GermanFan120]

Congrats to Chokelahoma Thunder for winning the NBA championship.

Yes, it is already over.

[Pacers Forever]

Can Walker play some mins?

No I don’t believe Walker will be healthy enough to play and I think this late in the series he wouldn’t be a game changer. Mathurin, McConnell, and Sheppard would be my guess as players to get any extra minutes if Tyrese doesn’t play at full strength.