The Lebron Thread (2015-16 Pt. 4)

[BasketballFan7]

Kevin Love playing for his future on Sunday. No way he isn't a goner if they lose.

He's likely a goner no matter what happens--and that includes the highly unlikely 30/15 game from Love. And its best for everyone--including Kevin.

Agreed. Move Bron to the 4, jumper or no jumper. Set Love free, get pieces in return. Let him go to a team where they can use him better.

I don't see him being traded if they win a ring, but we shall see.

[colts18]

LeBron's opponents shot 2-12 FG against him last night. For the series, they are shooting 30.9 FG% (-17.1 FG% from their regular season average), the best in the series.

I wonder how reliable it is, because Love also looks great in that stat: 36.4 DFG% (-12.6 FG%) - better than any Warriors player.

Maybe our eyes are lying and Love has played good man defense in this series.

[bleeds_purple]

Maybe our eyes are lying and Love has played good man defense in this series.

I thought he played pretty good on-ball defense the whole game except for that one time he ICEed the screen but still let the ball handler blow by him (forget who that was). He was switching/hedging pretty well in screen action.

The problem really is just lack of foot speed. There are times where the Warrior's off-ball actions force a switch and require that switching player to run across the floor to cover a shooter who's darting across the lane to get to a three point shot. RJ is simply better equipped to handle that situation given his superior quickness and agility.

Ultimately, they have to move love for a three. If I'm the Cavs I start looking into guys like Crowder and Aminu. Get a young guy in his mid-20s that can defend on the wing and be a triple threat (i.e. pass, shoot, drive) when the ball is swung to him.

[INKtastic]

This is going to be a long 2 days between games now. I just hope Kyrie is ok. Honestly the replay didn't even look bad at all, he merely got his foot stepped on, not as if he stepped on someone else and rolled it or something. Doesn't seem like it should be a big deal. He says he will play in game 7, but when asked his answer was weirdly short and quick which I read (perhaps incorrectly) as he is hurting a bit. He went back to the locker room at the end instead of hanging out with the team as he usually does. They need him to come up big in game 7. If not they are going to need some sort of team wide 3 point shooting wave

The igoudala injury will obviously loom big also if he's out there as compromised as last night.

Do you mean after the game? He stayed on the court for the in arena post game interview.

[JulesWinnfield]

This is going to be a long 2 days between games now. I just hope Kyrie is ok. Honestly the replay didn't even look bad at all, he merely got his foot stepped on, not as if he stepped on someone else and rolled it or something. Doesn't seem like it should be a big deal. He says he will play in game 7, but when asked his answer was weirdly short and quick which I read (perhaps incorrectly) as he is hurting a bit. He went back to the locker room at the end instead of hanging out with the team as he usually does. They need him to come up big in game 7. If not they are going to need some sort of team wide 3 point shooting wave

The igoudala injury will obviously loom big also if he's out there as compromised as last night.

Do you mean after the game? He stayed on the court for the in arena post game interview.

I didn't see it with my own 2 eyes because as the buzzer sounded I switched immediately to NBA tv. But in the post game presser when the reporter was asking him about his foot, the question began with "Kyrie, you headed back to the locker room instead of hanging out on the court with your teammates as you usually do, is everything ok there?" So I'm basically just parroting the question from the reporter and in essence taking his word for things. Kyrie's answer was very short. "It's alright, I'll be good."

Watching the replay, it just looks like he got his toe stepped on. Wasn't even really as much his foot it seems. Either way I hope he's fine

[MisterHibachi]

So I doubt there will be many adjustments by either side in game 7. All about execution at this point, the coaches have mostly done their jobs. So, death line up should start again and probably Love as well. If Barnes starts hitting those open 3s then its curtains. But if Iggy is hobbled, then the Cavs really do have a chance. I thought Draymond was a little winded down the stretch with TT bodying him up all game, so maybe that happens again. If Iggy is hobbled and Draymond struggling to suck oxygen, then the Cavs should be in good position down the stretch, and it really will come down to the second half of the fourth quarter. Nate Duncan tweeted that every finals game 7 since the merger has been within 10 points. A slow, half court game doesn't really favour the Cavs because their half court offense is still inferior to the Warriors. If Barnes remains ineffective, and Iggy and Draymond aren't at full strength then the Cavs have a chance.

[MisterHibachi]

Probably a good thing they're playing game 7 on the road. All the craziness in downtown Cleveland on Sunday probably would've gotten to some of the players.

[Tim_Hardawayy]

Question for you guys, I'm wondering what the consensus is on Kyrie, and if maybe I'm being too harsh on him. I described him in another thread on the general board as "inconsistently brilliant" so far. To me, he's had games where he's looked amazing, but he hasn't been reliable, and its basically dependent on his individual brilliance as he doesn't seem to have a knack for being a positive contributor when his own offense isn't working for him.

So, what are you all's thoughts? His overall numbers look great, so there is that.

[rich316]

So I doubt there will be many adjustments by either side in game 7. All about execution at this point, the coaches have mostly done their jobs. So, death line up should start again and probably Love as well. If Barnes starts hitting those open 3s then its curtains. But if Iggy is hobbled, then the Cavs really do have a chance. I thought Draymond was a little winded down the stretch with TT bodying him up all game, so maybe that happens again. If Iggy is hobbled and Draymond struggling to suck oxygen, then the Cavs should be in good position down the stretch, and it really will come down to the second half of the fourth quarter. Nate Duncan tweeted that every finals game 7 since the merger has been within 10 points. A slow, half court game doesn't really favour the Cavs because their half court offense is still inferior to the Warriors. If Barnes remains ineffective, and Iggy and Draymond aren't at full strength then the Cavs have a chance.

Many assumed that starting the death lineup and losing Bogut was actually good for the Dubs - the problem is that when Draymond is the starting center, he's then asked to use so much more energy on defense and rebounding. Their offense goes nitro when he is the facilitator on offense and making things happen on the offensive glass - when he is trying to hold off TT from the opening tip, it's much more difficult for him to be a main cog on offense. That's huge, especially when Lebron is his primary defender.

[MisterHibachi]

So I doubt there will be many adjustments by either side in game 7. All about execution at this point, the coaches have mostly done their jobs. So, death line up should start again and probably Love as well. If Barnes starts hitting those open 3s then its curtains. But if Iggy is hobbled, then the Cavs really do have a chance. I thought Draymond was a little winded down the stretch with TT bodying him up all game, so maybe that happens again. If Iggy is hobbled and Draymond struggling to suck oxygen, then the Cavs should be in good position down the stretch, and it really will come down to the second half of the fourth quarter. Nate Duncan tweeted that every finals game 7 since the merger has been within 10 points. A slow, half court game doesn't really favour the Cavs because their half court offense is still inferior to the Warriors. If Barnes remains ineffective, and Iggy and Draymond aren't at full strength then the Cavs have a chance.

Many assumed that starting the death lineup and losing Bogut was actually good for the Dubs - the problem is that when Draymond is the starting center, he's then asked to use so much more energy on defense and rebounding. Their offense goes nitro when he is the facilitator on offense and making things happen on the offensive glass - when he is trying to hold off TT from the opening tip, it's much more difficult for him to be a main cog on offense. That's huge, especially when Lebron is his primary defender.

Agree about it being too taxing for Dray to play centre for 40 minutes against TT.

I actually take back my 'no adjustment' comment. I think there's potential for Kerr to double LeBron, and Duncan mentioned this on his podcast too - make the others beat you. Kerr's probably thinking to the 2013 finals and how Pop drowned after refusing to change the coverage on LeBron. I think we should expect to see hard doubles on LeBron, and he'll find guys for sure. JR, Kyrie, Shump, Jefferson, Love, maybe Frye all need to hit those shots.

Also, Delly has been absolute crap these finals.

[toodles23]

Agree about it being too taxing for Dray to play centre for 40 minutes against TT.

I actually take back my 'no adjustment' comment. I think there's potential for Kerr to double LeBron, and Duncan mentioned this on his podcast too - make the others beat you. Kerr's probably thinking to the 2013 finals and how Pop drowned after refusing to change the coverage on LeBron. I think we should expect to see hard doubles on LeBron, and he'll find guys for sure. JR, Kyrie, Shump, Jefferson, Love, maybe Frye all need to hit those shots.

Also, Delly has been absolute crap these finals.

Yep, I'd be surprised if Kerr didn't. Lebron is the only guy on the Cavs (besides maybe Jefferson) that has experience in a game like this - do you really trust Kyrie, JR, Shump, and Love to get things done in a Finals game 7 on the road? I don't, and the Warriors coaching staff are probably thinking the same thing.

[Arman_tanzarian]

35.1 Finals PER is the 2nd highest I see on RealGM after 02 Shaq (38.5). Would need a ~60 PER night.

Last night, 42.5 Game Score translated to 55.9 PER, but pace is usually faster in GS, but Game 7's tend to be grind-out so who knows.

I think 2000 Shaq was higher too.

Went only to 91 MJ which was 34.1 PER.

*Edit: My comprehension levels suck. Just saw "since 02"

[rich316]

Agree about it being too taxing for Dray to play centre for 40 minutes against TT.

I actually take back my 'no adjustment' comment. I think there's potential for Kerr to double LeBron, and Duncan mentioned this on his podcast too - make the others beat you. Kerr's probably thinking to the 2013 finals and how Pop drowned after refusing to change the coverage on LeBron. I think we should expect to see hard doubles on LeBron, and he'll find guys for sure. JR, Kyrie, Shump, Jefferson, Love, maybe Frye all need to hit those shots.

Also, Delly has been absolute crap these finals.

Yep, I'd be surprised if Kerr didn't. Lebron is the only guy on the Cavs (besides maybe Jefferson) that has experience in a game like this - do you really trust Kyrie, JR, Shump, and Love to get things done in a Finals game 7 on the road? I don't, and the Warriors coaching staff are probably thinking the same thing.

I really only trust Lebron, Kyrie, and TT in this game, and to an extent RJ because he had finals experience already. Love and JR could easily lay a brick-fest if Kerr decided to sell out against Lebron and force those guys to hit shots. The Cavs can afford to not have Love do much, but they will need JR to be on point, not the out-of-control mess he was in game 4.

[MisterHibachi]

Agree about it being too taxing for Dray to play centre for 40 minutes against TT.

I actually take back my 'no adjustment' comment. I think there's potential for Kerr to double LeBron, and Duncan mentioned this on his podcast too - make the others beat you. Kerr's probably thinking to the 2013 finals and how Pop drowned after refusing to change the coverage on LeBron. I think we should expect to see hard doubles on LeBron, and he'll find guys for sure. JR, Kyrie, Shump, Jefferson, Love, maybe Frye all need to hit those shots.

Also, Delly has been absolute crap these finals.

Yep, I'd be surprised if Kerr didn't. Lebron is the only guy on the Cavs (besides maybe Jefferson) that has experience in a game like this - do you really trust Kyrie, JR, Shump, and Love to get things done in a Finals game 7 on the road? I don't, and the Warriors coaching staff are probably thinking the same thing.

I really only trust Lebron, Kyrie, and TT in this game, and to an extent RJ because he had finals experience already. Love and JR could easily lay a brick-fest if Kerr decided to sell out against Lebron and force those guys to hit shots. The Cavs can afford to not have Love do much, but they will need JR to be on point, not the out-of-control mess he was in game 4.

If Kerr doubles and Love struggles to hit those shots, there's no reason to not bring Frye in. He's got a bad match up, but you gotta see if he can hit those shots. But then again its game 7. Lue probably gonna play 7 guys max.

[MisterHibachi]

LeBron is 19 defensive rebounds from passing Duncan for first on the Finals list. Won't get it this year, but if he makes to the Finals again, which of course isn't guaranteed. Also second for steals with 72 (Magic 1st at 102). 9 blocks from cracking into the top 10.

[SideshowBob]

35.1 Finals PER is the 2nd highest I see on RealGM after 02 Shaq (38.5). Would need a ~60 PER night.

Last night, 42.5 Game Score translated to 55.9 PER, but pace is usually faster in GS, but Game 7's tend to be grind-out so who knows.

I think 2000 Shaq was higher too.

Went only to 91 MJ which was 34.1 PER.

*Edit: My comprehension levels suck. Just saw "since 02"

No you're right. I spotted 00 Shaq too, dunno why it slipped my mind.

[RSCD3_]

LeBron's opponents shot 2-12 FG against him last night. For the series, they are shooting 30.9 FG% (-17.1 FG% from their regular season average), the best in the series.

I wonder how reliable it is, because Love also looks great in that stat: 36.4 DFG% (-12.6 FG%) - better than any Warriors player.

I seem to remember you bringing it up earlier to show why curry was playing much better defensively then kyrie where IMO it's been a near wash. I would say love is overrated by that stat also.

[rich316]

LeBron is 19 defensive rebounds from passing Duncan for first on the Finals list. Won't get it this year, but if he makes to the Finals again, which of course isn't guaranteed. Also second for steals with 72 (Magic 1st at 102). 9 blocks from cracking into the top 10.

Likely passes Kobe and Kareem for playoff points next year, with MJ the year after if he doesn't totally break down.

[Dupp]

Question for you guys, I'm wondering what the consensus is on Kyrie, and if maybe I'm being too harsh on him. I described him in another thread on the general board as "inconsistently brilliant" so far. To me, he's had games where he's looked amazing, but he hasn't been reliable, and its basically dependent on his individual brilliance as he doesn't seem to have a knack for being a positive contributor when his own offense isn't working for him.

So, what are you all's thoughts? His overall numbers look great, so there is that.

He's been great. Especially if you throw out game one and two where the whole team looked awful.
I agree he is inconsistently brilliant but I think he's been very consistent from game three. He's scoring at a high rate, making a decent amount of plays and getting steals. Most importantly he's making quicker decisions than we are use to seeing which has paid off big time.
He's still prone to bad possessions but that's who he is. We've seen a whole lot less dribbling out the clock with him. He's outplayed curry for the most part so you can't ask too much more than that.

Irvings always been a guy to elevate his game so it's no surprise really but very welcoming for me after a horrid year.

[Dupp]

LeBron's opponents shot 2-12 FG against him last night. For the series, they are shooting 30.9 FG% (-17.1 FG% from their regular season average), the best in the series.

I wonder how reliable it is, because Love also looks great in that stat: 36.4 DFG% (-12.6 FG%) - better than any Warriors player.

I seem to remember you bringing it up earlier to show why curry was playing much better defensively then kyrie where IMO it's been a near wash. I would say love is overrated by that stat also.

The stat also looked odd to me as it showed Kyrie giving up almost 30% better fg % than anyone else which I really don't think that's true. He's had his fair share of defensive breakdowns but I think he's been really solid on that end for the last three games. With mistakes sprinkled in like J R and shump but yeah not that bad.