NBA Playoffs Thread

[76ciology]

Yeah this celts v pacers will be closer that it looks, and might even be an upset

[76ciology]

If it’s TWolves vs Pacers in the Finals, I’ll cede any arguments I’ve had with 76ciology over the two big lineups.

I think Mavs would win it this year

[76ciology]

Celtics vs. Pacers

Siakam has to step up big in this series for the Pacers to beat the Celtics. If the Pacers can match the Celtics' offense and keep the game close, and if Siakam can be a more reliable go-to option for the Pacers than Tatum is for the Celtics, the Pacers have a chance to win.

Happening huh

[Negrodamus]

Tatum and Brown crawling into a hole in this 4th quarter at home. Looks familiar. Tatum could score 50 next game though.

[Mik317]

both teams just can field lineups of all useful players...we were hoping Kyle Lowry turned back the clock while Tobias read books

[Negrodamus]

I mean, Tatum is playing the position he should be: off ball second, even third star.

Completely juiceless at the end here.

[Mik317]

both teams are also now pulling a sixers with this close

[Negrodamus]

both teams are also now pulling a sixers with this close

This feels like a Sixer game. Game in hand and make 40 mistakes. Literally did it against the Knicks.

[Negrodamus]

I know Haliburton is “the guy” here in Indy, but he absolutely shouldn’t be the guy to take the last shot. He’s not fast enough to burn his guy off the dribble and his form isn’t good enough to take contested shots.

[76ciology]

Pacers got like 3 point guards on the floor and they’re playing like they have none

[Negrodamus]

I’m having ptsd, I feel like I’m currently watching the Sixers.

[phillynative]

Wow Siakim and Haliburton made some bad decisions down the stretch that cost them . Could have stole the 1st one and possibly break the Celtics morale in the second game. Disappointing end to the game from the pacers.

The Pacers have a good team but neither Siakim or Haliburton are true closers . It's going to be tough to score against that Celtics defense in pivotal moments in the half court.

Side note Siakim would be a nice fit next to Maxey and Embiid if you add shooting around them and another shotcreator/playmaker off the bench.

[FireMorey]

Both of these eastern conference teams stink. It's a travesty that one of them will be in the NBA finals. Neither have them have a shot to win a title unless the NBA rigs it of course, which is entirely possible, if not probable.

[mjkvol]

Damn. Inbound the ball once and the Pacers win the game. And c'mon Carlisle, you cannot let them shoot a 3! It should never have gotten to overtime, the Pacers had toughed out the win then just gave it away.

I think the Pacers grew up a lot in that Knicks series and found a toughness they never knew they had. This had a chance to be a long series if Indy could have pulled it out, let's see how they come out in game 2.

Two things:

1. Horrible call on Siakam when Brown grabbed his damn jersey and hung onto it, as JJ pointed out.

2. If this game doesn't get to OT, another fold job down the stretch by Tatum.

[76ciology]

Previously, the trend was to flop to get the referees' attention and draw a foul. Now, players are using tricks like pulling jerseys, which is a foul but difficult for referees to notice at game speed.

[76ciology]

It makes you think about our SG. The guy can’t just be a 3&D wing because it looks like you need an alternative ball handler if Maxey is denied in these playoffs

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[76ciology]

It's a significant advantage to have a couple of star backcourt players complemented by a roster of high-motor, athletic, and lengthy players who can outwork, outrun, outlength, and outjump the opposing team.

If you have that combination, it seems like you have a good chance of getting a higher frequency of good quality shots compared to the other team, which is one of the biggest things you can control in these playoff games.

[phillynative]

It makes you think about our SG. The guy can’t just be a 3&D wing because it looks like you need an alternative ball handler if Maxey is denied in these playoffs

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Definitely need a playmaking SG or big PG to pair him with.

[76ciology]

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Shades of Game 2 knicks vs Sixers

[76ciology]

It's a significant advantage to have a couple of star backcourt players complemented by a roster of high-motor, athletic, and lengthy players who can outwork, outrun, outlength, and outjump the opposing team.

The league aims for two things: keeping games close, which favors premier shot creators, and rewarding teams that can outwork and outmuscle their opponents with a roster of lengthy, hardworking players.

It's hard to win if you are soft, unathletic, and play with a low motor at the 3, 4, and 5 positions. Additionally, having alphas who aren't reliable shot creators down the stretch makes it even more challenging.