NBA Games Discussion Thread - Part 5

[Ruzious]

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That was an amazing 2-part play by Jrue Holiday, but what most people missed was the second straight game with a freakish play near the end by Giannis. See at the end of the play, Chris Paul does a horrendously dangerous intentional undercut on Giannis, but Giannis is both absurdly strong and absurdly graceful - landing easily on his feet as if Paul barely touched him - not to mention, he made the shot.

[FAH1223]

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[Kanyewest]

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That was an amazing 2-part play by Jrue Holiday, but what most people missed was the second straight game with a freakish play near the end by Giannis. See at the end of the play, Chris Paul does a horrendously dangerous intentional undercut on Giannis, but Giannis is both absurdly strong and absurdly graceful - landing easily on his feet as if Paul barely touched him - not to mention, he made the shot.

Chris Paul is dirty but I imagine what was in his mind is getting the foul on Giannis to get to the free throw line without converting the Bucket, at least that's how I saw it in the moment. But yeah, if he had fell, that would been a really bad look for CP3.

Similar thing could be said for Giannis earlier in the game on Booker- also didn't think it was dirty per se but excessive.

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[Ruzious]

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That was an amazing 2-part play by Jrue Holiday, but what most people missed was the second straight game with a freakish play near the end by Giannis. See at the end of the play, Chris Paul does a horrendously dangerous intentional undercut on Giannis, but Giannis is both absurdly strong and absurdly graceful - landing easily on his feet as if Paul barely touched him - not to mention, he made the shot.

Chris Paul is dirty but I imagine what was in his mind is getting the foul on Giannis to get to the free throw line without converting the Bucket, at least that's how I saw it in the moment. But yeah, if he had fell, that would been a really bad look for CP3.

Similar thing could be said for Giannis earlier in the game on Booker- also didn't think it was dirty per se but excessive.

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Not close imo - There was no way that anyone would get hurt by what Giannis did. Giannis hit him in the chest area rather than tried to undercut him.

[payitforward]

Unfortunately, I was unable to watch last night's game -- not b/c of an annoying social event but b/c of the even more annoying fact that my cable is completely out -- no TV & no Internet (connected via my phone to post this morning).

Thankfully -- as I keep telling Zards -- there is no need to watch the game; the box score tells you everything. Well, not exactly... , & what's even more more annoying is that the game won't be on my DVR either! Grrrr....

One thing that does jump out of the box score is the absolutely terrific game by Pat Connaughton who turned 6 shots & 2 FTAs into 14 points while grabbing 6 rebounds & committing no fouls. He was +10 off the bench in a close game. He & Holiday are probably the reason they were in any position to win. Connaughton was also good in game 4, but this outing seems to have been pretty special.

I'll probably be reduced to watching "full game highlights" on youtube. Get to see plenty more of Devin Booker than anyone else I'm sure!

[nate33]

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That was an amazing 2-part play by Jrue Holiday, but what most people missed was the second straight game with a freakish play near the end by Giannis. See at the end of the play, Chris Paul does a horrendously dangerous intentional undercut on Giannis, but Giannis is both absurdly strong and absurdly graceful - landing easily on his feet as if Paul barely touched him - not to mention, he made the shot.

Chris Paul is dirty but I imagine what was in his mind is getting the foul on Giannis to get to the free throw line without converting the Bucket, at least that's how I saw it in the moment. But yeah, if he had fell, that would been a really bad look for CP3.

Similar thing could be said for Giannis earlier in the game on Booker- also didn't think it was dirty per se but excessive.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, Chris Paul is definitely dirty and I think he has done some dirty plays this series in an attempt to harm people, but on that particular play, I think he was just desperately trying to foul Giannis because he knew if that shot went in, the game was over.

[doclinkin]

Unfortunately, I was unable to watch last night's game -- not b/c of an annoying social event but b/c of the even more annoying fact that my cable is completely out -- no TV & no Internet (connected via my phone to post this morning).

Thankfully -- as I keep telling Zards -- there is no need to watch the game; the box score tells you everything. Well, not exactly... , & what's even more more annoying is that the game won't be on my DVR either! Grrrr....

One thing that does jump out of the box score is the absolutely terrific game by Pat Connaughton who turned 6 shots & 2 FTAs into 14 points while grabbing 6 rebounds & committing no fouls. He was +10 off the bench in a close game. He & Holiday are probably the reason they were in any position to win. Connaughton was also good in game 4, but this outing seems to have been pretty special.

I'll probably be reduced to watching "full game highlights" on youtube. Get to see plenty more of Devin Booker than anyone else I'm sure!

Nope. Not if you know where to look.

[queridiculo]

Unfortunately, I was unable to watch last night's game -- not b/c of an annoying social event but b/c of the even more annoying fact that my cable is completely out -- no TV & no Internet (connected via my phone to post this morning).

Thankfully -- as I keep telling Zards -- there is no need to watch the game; the box score tells you everything. Well, not exactly... , & what's even more more annoying is that the game won't be on my DVR either! Grrrr....

One thing that does jump out of the box score is the absolutely terrific game by Pat Connaughton who turned 6 shots & 2 FTAs into 14 points while grabbing 6 rebounds & committing no fouls. He was +10 off the bench in a close game. He & Holiday are probably the reason they were in any position to win. Connaughton was also good in game 4, but this outing seems to have been pretty special.

I'll probably be reduced to watching "full game highlights" on youtube. Get to see plenty more of Devin Booker than anyone else I'm sure!

Connaughton and Portis played a huge role in cutting down the Suns 16 point 1st quarter lead, but after the half it was all about Middleton, Holiday and Giannis coming up huge on both ends of the court.

Booker was scorching, but once again the Suns stars let them down with Book dribbling into a crowd and letting Holiday rip the ball with a chance to put Phoenix up by one.

If the Bucks put the series away on Wednesday Paul and Booker are going to have a terrible summer of what ifs.

With a bit more poise from those two Phoenix would have had the series in the bag.

[Ruzious]

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That was an amazing 2-part play by Jrue Holiday, but what most people missed was the second straight game with a freakish play near the end by Giannis. See at the end of the play, Chris Paul does a horrendously dangerous intentional undercut on Giannis, but Giannis is both absurdly strong and absurdly graceful - landing easily on his feet as if Paul barely touched him - not to mention, he made the shot.

Chris Paul is dirty but I imagine what was in his mind is getting the foul on Giannis to get to the free throw line without converting the Bucket, at least that's how I saw it in the moment. But yeah, if he had fell, that would been a really bad look for CP3.

Similar thing could be said for Giannis earlier in the game on Booker- also didn't think it was dirty per se but excessive.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, Chris Paul is definitely dirty and I think he has done some dirty plays this series in an attempt to harm people, but on that particular play, I think he was just desperately trying to foul Giannis because he knew if that shot went in, the game was over.

Obviously, and I didn't imply anything differently. My point was how Giannis's physical response was incredible to what would have been an extraordinarily dangerous play by Paul - if he had done that to anyone else.

[Ruzious]

Unfortunately, I was unable to watch last night's game -- not b/c of an annoying social event but b/c of the even more annoying fact that my cable is completely out -- no TV & no Internet (connected via my phone to post this morning).

Thankfully -- as I keep telling Zards -- there is no need to watch the game; the box score tells you everything. Well, not exactly... , & what's even more more annoying is that the game won't be on my DVR either! Grrrr....

One thing that does jump out of the box score is the absolutely terrific game by Pat Connaughton who turned 6 shots & 2 FTAs into 14 points while grabbing 6 rebounds & committing no fouls. He was +10 off the bench in a close game. He & Holiday are probably the reason they were in any position to win. Connaughton was also good in game 4, but this outing seems to have been pretty special.

I'll probably be reduced to watching "full game highlights" on youtube. Get to see plenty more of Devin Booker than anyone else I'm sure!

Connaughton and Portis played a huge role in cutting down the Suns 16 point 1st quarter lead, but after the half it was all about Middleton, Holiday and Giannis coming up huge on both ends of the court.

Booker was scorching, but once again the Suns stars let them down with Book dribbling into a crowd and letting Holiday rip the ball with a chance to put Phoenix up by one.

If the Bucks put the series away on Wednesday Paul and Booker are going to have a terrible summer of what ifs.

With a bit more poise from those two Phoenix would have had the series in the bag.

I don't get that conclusion at all. If anything, Phoenix has over-achieved, and they certainly don't owe any apologies for how this series has gone, so far. That last defensive play was caused by Tucker forcing Booker to spin around - and Milwaukee - knowing Phoenix wanted Booker to take the shot - had a perfect triple-team with the best defensive guard in the game stripping him. That's great basketball with the better team winning. Phoenix made a boat-load of clutch 4th quarter shots before that great play by Milwaukee - with Paul and Booker leading the way. Next game's on Tuesday.

[gambitx777]

What's gonna be interesting is, once the finals are over. How are booker, holiday, and Middleton going to get along on team USA with literally a couple days to let the heart break fade.

Sent from my SM-G991U1 using RealGM mobile app

[queridiculo]

I don't get that conclusion at all. If anything, Phoenix has over-achieved, and they certainly don't owe any apologies for how this series has gone, so far. That last defensive play was caused by Tucker forcing Booker to spin around - and Milwaukee - knowing Phoenix wanted Booker to take the shot - had a perfect triple-team with the best defensive guard in the game stripping him. That's great basketball with the better team winning. Phoenix made a boat-load of clutch 4th quarter shots before that great play by Milwaukee - with Paul and Booker leading the way. Next game's on Tuesday.

That's an odd take.

Tucker made a decent play, but that doesn't mean that Chris Paul in Game 4 and Booker in game 5 haven't made bad decisions with the game on the line.

Booker dribbled into a crowd and compounded the mistake by picking up his dribble.

That's lack of poise more than anything, something you're told not to do at a very young age.

I also don't get the idea of Phoenix overachieving, they earned the best record in the league and have been dominant in their conference playoff games.

Games 4 and 5 came down to a handful of key possessions in the final minutes and the Suns leaders have come up short, not really sure how you can dispute that.

[Ruzious]

I don't get that conclusion at all. If anything, Phoenix has over-achieved, and they certainly don't owe any apologies for how this series has gone, so far. That last defensive play was caused by Tucker forcing Booker to spin around - and Milwaukee - knowing Phoenix wanted Booker to take the shot - had a perfect triple-team with the best defensive guard in the game stripping him. That's great basketball with the better team winning. Phoenix made a boat-load of clutch 4th quarter shots before that great play by Milwaukee - with Paul and Booker leading the way. Next game's on Tuesday.

That's an odd take.

Tucker made a decent play, but that doesn't mean that Chris Paul in Game 4 and Booker in game 5 haven't made bad decisions with the game on the line.

Booker dribbled into a crowd and compounded the mistake by picking up his dribble.

That's lack of poise more than anything, something you're told not to do at a very young age.

I also don't get the idea of Phoenix overachieving, they earned the best record in the league and have been dominant in their conference playoff games.

Games 4 and 5 came down to a handful of key possessions in the final minutes and the Suns leaders have come up short, not really sure how you can dispute that.

No, it's not an odd take. It's a take from understanding the situations and appreciating what both teams were trying to do. Did you even watch more than 1 or 2 plays in game 5? The first half was a roller-coaster, but the 2nd half was great basketball by both teams. Phoenix played great overall in the 4th quarter - making clutch play after clutch play. I honestly can't stand listening to the type of fans who choose a couple of questionable plays out of 100 to "prove" one team blew it rather than look at how it was actually the other team just playing better. Instead of appreciating that Milwaukee changed their defense to triple-teamed Booker with their 3 best defenders, you look at it as only Booker f'ing up - after he and Paul made big shot after big shot to make the game close.

And going into this season and into the playoffs, did anyone think Phoenix should be favored to win the NBA Championship? Of course not. Other than Paul, that team has very little playoff experience. They've done better than anyone could have expected. If they lose - on Tuesday - they'll still have had a very successful season - surpassing all reasonable expectations.

[queridiculo]

No, it's not an odd take. It's a take from understanding the situations and appreciating what both teams were trying to do. Did you even watch more than 1 or 2 plays in game 5? The first half was a roller-coaster, but the 2nd half was great basketball by both teams. Phoenix played great overall in the 4th quarter - making clutch play after clutch play. I honestly can't stand listening to the type of fans who choose a couple of questionable plays out of 100 to "prove" one team blew it rather than look at how it was actually the other team just playing better. Instead of appreciating that Milwaukee changed their defense to triple-teamed Booker with their 3 best defenders, you look at it as only Booker f'ing up - after he and Paul made big shot after big shot to make the game close.

And going into this season and into the playoffs, did anyone think Phoenix should be favored to win the NBA Championship? Of course not. Other than Paul, that team has very little playoff experience. They've done better than anyone could have expected. If they lose - on Tuesday - they'll still have had a very successful season - surpassing all reasonable expectations.

LOL, somebody over a tizzy over a perceived slight of the beloved Bucks huh?

I have watched every minute of this series, I have caught every minute of the Suns and Bucks in the playoffs so far since the 2nd round since those were the two teams I have had a rooting interest in.

I don't care how much you protest, this was a live ball possession and Booker made a bad decision.

Holiday made a great play and yes the Bucks played great and deserved the win, but if you can't acknowledge that the decision making of Booker and Paul let the Suns down in the final minutes of both of those games than quite frankly you are just too close to the situation to be objective.

[Ruzious]

No, it's not an odd take. It's a take from understanding the situations and appreciating what both teams were trying to do. Did you even watch more than 1 or 2 plays in game 5? The first half was a roller-coaster, but the 2nd half was great basketball by both teams. Phoenix played great overall in the 4th quarter - making clutch play after clutch play. I honestly can't stand listening to the type of fans who choose a couple of questionable plays out of 100 to "prove" one team blew it rather than look at how it was actually the other team just playing better. Instead of appreciating that Milwaukee changed their defense to triple-teamed Booker with their 3 best defenders, you look at it as only Booker f'ing up - after he and Paul made big shot after big shot to make the game close.

And going into this season and into the playoffs, did anyone think Phoenix should be favored to win the NBA Championship? Of course not. Other than Paul, that team has very little playoff experience. They've done better than anyone could have expected. If they lose - on Tuesday - they'll still have had a very successful season - surpassing all reasonable expectations.

LOL, somebody over a tizzy over a perceived slight of the beloved Bucks huh?

I have watched every minute of this series, I have caught every minute of the Suns and Bucks in the playoffs so far since the 2nd round since those were the two teams I have had a rooting interest in.

I don't care how much you protest, this was a live ball possession and Booker made a bad decision.

Holiday made a great play and yes the Bucks played great and deserved the win, but if you can't acknowledge that the decision making of Booker and Paul let the Suns down in the final minutes of both of those games than quite frankly you are just too close to the situation to be objective.

Actually, I was defending the Suns; not the Bucks. Regardless, it's obvious we're different types of basketball fans. You're looking for a scapegoat, and I'm appreciating what actually happened on both sides.

[queridiculo]

Actually, I was defending the Suns; not the Bucks. Regardless, it's obvious we're different types of basketball fans. You're looking for a scapegoat, and I'm appreciating what actually happened on both sides.

A scapegoat lol, you're too much.

Always took you for a pretty levelheaded guy but appreciating what happened on both sides is precisely what you are not doing in this instance.

[Ruzious]

Actually, I was defending the Suns; not the Bucks. Regardless, it's obvious we're different types of basketball fans. You're looking for a scapegoat, and I'm appreciating what actually happened on both sides.

A scapegoat lol, you're too much.

Always took you for a pretty levelheaded guy but appreciating what happened on both sides is precisely what you are not doing in this instance.

Explain that first sentence. Are you saying you weren't looking to make Booker and Paul scapegoats?

[queridiculo]

Actually, I was defending the Suns; not the Bucks. Regardless, it's obvious we're different types of basketball fans. You're looking for a scapegoat, and I'm appreciating what actually happened on both sides.

A scapegoat lol, you're too much.

Always took you for a pretty levelheaded guy but appreciating what happened on both sides is precisely what you are not doing in this instance.

Explain that first sentence. Are you saying you weren't looking to make Booker and Paul scapegoats?

I made a simple observation that there were key plays down the stretch in both games where the lack of execution potentially cost them a better outcome.

That's not scapegoating, that's objectively looking at those plays and saying yup, they could have done better and their decision making let them down.

[payitforward]

I really appreciate the two of you having this pointless scrap. It helps distract others from what a pain in the ass doc & I can be. So, thanks, & keep at it!

[Ruzious]

A scapegoat lol, you're too much.

Always took you for a pretty levelheaded guy but appreciating what happened on both sides is precisely what you are not doing in this instance.

Explain that first sentence. Are you saying you weren't looking to make Booker and Paul scapegoats?

I made a simple observation that there were key plays down the stretch in both games where the lack of execution potentially cost them a better outcome.

That's not scapegoating, that's objectively looking at those plays and saying yup, they could have done better and their decision making let them down.

Well, to me - when you say -

If the Bucks put the series away on Wednesday Paul and Booker are going to have a terrible summer of what ifs.

With a bit more poise from those two Phoenix would have had the series in the bag.

- that's exactly what scapegoating is.