NBA Games Discussion Thread

[Kanyewest]

BTW, the Pacers traded Jermaine O'Neal to the Raptors; they received (TJ Ford was one of the players) and Roy Hibbert. Talk about highway robbery.

[Ruzious]

Grats to Indy for making this a legit series. I can't help rooting against Miami - but not for the typical reasons. For some reason, I'm repulsed by the sight of Birdman.

Re OKC's failure, everyone writes it off to simply the injury to Westbrook, but look at their reliance on Kendrick Perkins. He can't play - other than to defend strictly low post centers - which there are fewer and fewer of. His postseason stats - 37 fouls, 24 points, 24 turnovers!, and 27% FG%. 100% terrible.

[dangermouse]

Wow, those stats. I remember a couple of months ago getting in an argument with a Thunderphile on the Trade Board. He was saying Okafor was only marginally better than Perk and wouldn't really help his team any more than Perk does. He then went on to talk about some weird intangible team chemistry b.s. that I couldnt get my head around, that proved Perk was good enough.

Anyway, glad the Pacers got up today but I lost money haha. Happy to lose it though to see the series go 1-1. Pacers D is incredible. They have the perfect system and players to shut down the Heat and give them a big headache.

Im beginning to think Paul George should have gone #1. But there is absolutely no way anyone knew he would be this good.

[closg00]

I remember arguing loudly about how McGee and Hibbert were about the same player. That was about two years ago, and I think I was mostly right... then. Maybe. Probably not. My goodness has Hibbert grown as a smart, team defender and all-around awesome big.

Javale... not so much. Imma go try to wipe the red off my face now.

On draft-night, we all mourned when Hibbert was nabbed one-pick ahead of us. I -too was hoping that JaVale would be on a path to be playing like HIbbert, but he never filled-out and well....

[closg00]

This has been a fantastic game. Absolutely great defense on both ends. I have so much respect for Indiana right now. Larry Bird did a great job putting that team together. They mesh perfectly.

All they need is an upgrade at SG.

Larry Bird
*Drafted-well
*Targeted the right FA's
*Developed his young players
*Created a good culture for a small-market team

[pancakes3]

I remember arguing loudly about how McGee and Hibbert were about the same player. That was about two years ago, and I think I was mostly right... then. Maybe. Probably not. My goodness has Hibbert grown as a smart, team defender and all-around awesome big.

Javale... not so much. Imma go try to wipe the red off my face now.

On draft-night, we all mourned when Hibbert was nabbed one-pick ahead of us. I -too was hoping that JaVale would be on a path to be playing like HIbbert, but he never filled-out and well....

Wait. The less athletic, more skilled Georgetown product ends up being much better than the raw, athletic Nevada guy?

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Grats to Indy for making this a legit series. I can't help rooting against Miami - but not for the typical reasons. For some reason, I'm repulsed by the sight of Birdman.

Re OKC's failure, everyone writes it off to simply the injury to Westbrook, but look at their reliance on Kendrick Perkins. He can't play - other than to defend strictly low post centers - which there are fewer and fewer of. His postseason stats - 37 fouls, 24 points, 24 turnovers!, and 27% FG%. 100% terrible.

Those numbers were Vesely-esque. Perkins moves slowly. He might be15 pounds heavier than he needs to be to play his best.

OKC is the team I could see agreeing to trade for a C like Nene, and certainly Okafor. I think the Wizards could get a nice trade for Seraphin from the Thunder. They might gladly take Vesely or Singleton to get rid of Perkins.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Wow, those stats. I remember a couple of months ago getting in an argument with a Thunderphile on the Trade Board. He was saying Okafor was only marginally better than Perk and wouldn't really help his team any more than Perk does. He then went on to talk about some weird intangible team chemistry b.s. that I couldnt get my head around, that proved Perk was good enough.

Anyway, glad the Pacers got up today but I lost money haha. Happy to lose it though to see the series go 1-1. Pacers D is incredible. They have the perfect system and players to shut down the Heat and give them a big headache.

Im beginning to think Paul George should have gone #1. But there is absolutely no way anyone knew he would be this good.

Yes, dm, IMO Paul George just moved to the top of that 2010 draft class in front of Monroe, Wall, Cousins, and Ed Davis. He probably wasn't rated as high as Porter is now on draft night.

I am glad Indy won. In one sequence, Lebron wrapped up Hibbert in his arms in a bear hug. Even after jump ball was called James held on an three to five seconds. It was unsportsmanlike and cocky but the refs did nothing. At times he was awarded FTs on no or minimal contact. He's already great enough without gift calls. Battier looked like an offensive lineman who was run blocking in some of the illegal screens he set. When Battier wasn't getting away with that he held expertly.

For Indy to win under the circumstances makes me think they are the better team, and perhaps by a good bit .

[jimij]

The refs were as biased as usual for the Heat and Indiana was still able to win - very impressive. Couldn't believe that Sam Young got a techincal foul for staring at LeBron (who was staring right back) and Wade can do a flying elbow to the back of Stephenson's head and there''s no call. Just ridiculous.

That said, I've felt all year that Indy was the only team that could challenge Miami in the East with Rose out. The Knicks were built for the regular season but Indy is built for the playoffs when the rotations tighten and defense wins. With George and Hibbert starting to really shine its not like they lack talent either. The only thing Indy could really use is an upgrade at backup PG and a healthy Granger. Personally I expect them to re-sign West this offseason and trade Granger for a couple of role players.

[montestewart]

I remember arguing loudly about how McGee and Hibbert were about the same player. That was about two years ago, and I think I was mostly right... then. Maybe. Probably not. My goodness has Hibbert grown as a smart, team defender and all-around awesome big.

Javale... not so much. Imma go try to wipe the red off my face now.

On draft-night, we all mourned when Hibbert was nabbed one-pick ahead of us. I -too was hoping that JaVale would be on a path to be playing like HIbbert, but he never filled-out and well....

Wait. The less athletic, more skilled Georgetown product ends up being much better than the raw, athletic Nevada guy?

Leonsis?

or Adelson?

[hands11]

MEM coming out on a tear.

19-5 in the first.

[hands11]

Grats to Indy for making this a legit series. I can't help rooting against Miami - but not for the typical reasons. For some reason, I'm repulsed by the sight of Birdman.

Re OKC's failure, everyone writes it off to simply the injury to Westbrook, but look at their reliance on Kendrick Perkins. He can't play - other than to defend strictly low post centers - which there are fewer and fewer of. His postseason stats - 37 fouls, 24 points, 24 turnovers!, and 27% FG%. 100% terrible.

Now what possible reason could that be ?

Maybe its the fact he looks like a freak ?

[closg00]

Wade is a POS.
http://tracking.si.com/2013/05/25/nba-d ... t=uk_t2_a6

[montestewart]

Wade is a POS.
http://tracking.si.com/2013/05/25/nba-d ... t=uk_t2_a6

What was bizarre was the casters viewing the replay and saying things like, "Clearly not intentional." Maybe not clearly intentional, though Wade's flying through the air and raising his elbow to the face of a defender in his path should make it a little hard to say, "Clearly not intentional."

Like the out of bonds off Wade's hand. Easy to see in real time as it happened, but the refs call it out on Indiana, and casters are united in their agreement with the call. But wait, the refs have to check the slow motion replay, so the casters eventually do the same, from multiple angles. Each angle shows the ball touching Wade's fingers as he reaches for it. Still, they say he clearly didn't touch it. Finally, they show a reverse angle, and not only does the ball clearly touch his fingers, but his fingers move in response, and the ball's angle alters. Whoops! Guess they shouldn't have shown that replay.

Phil and Steve work for the Wizards, but they aren't nearly as big homers as these casters are for Miami.

[FAH1223]

Tim Duncan is amazing. Spurs now up 3-0 and on their way to the Finals for first time in 6 years.

Can they beat Miami?

[jimij]

Tim Duncan is amazing. Spurs now up 3-0 and on their way to the Finals for first time in 6 years.

Can they beat Miami?

I'm hoping instead the question is "can they beat Indiana?"

[dangermouse]

I'd love to see Duncan crush James' dreams. Again.

[verbal8]

I'd love to see Duncan crush James' dreams. Again.

I am fine with Paul George and Hibbert doing it

[FAH1223]

Tim Duncan is amazing. Spurs now up 3-0 and on their way to the Finals for first time in 6 years.

Can they beat Miami?

I'm hoping instead the question is "can they beat Indiana?"

Indiana stands no chance

[FAH1223]

John Wall needs to just study Tony Parker. I remember when he came into the league and he couldn't shoot a lick.

I wonder how Duncan and LeBron feel about this? In preparation for next week's finals:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGY6UamVRSU[/youtube]