*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (4 Viewers)

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Enjoy the Celts. Last time you're going to see them together.

they had a good run...nothing to be ashamed of.

Yep. I just hope their success this year doesn't prompt them to give multi-year deals to their aging population. Injuries played a huge part of them getting this far in the East.With Pierce/Allen hobbled, I don't see this series going long with James/Wade dominating again.

Having to go 7 vs. a team of athletes in Philly wasn't that impressive.

It's about the same thing that happened to them against Atlanta their first year together. That being said I don't know how they can beat Miami this year. KG could go off and steal a game and Rondo almost certainly will steal 1. A flukey game could happen too for another win (I think Pierce is too beat up + gonna be too tired guarding LeBron to win one on his own this year and Allen might be a liability with his ankles ruined), but even all that happening and they only win 3 of the 4 they need.

They could win a couple games.I think you mentioned 'their first year together' (5 years ago). All the guys on their team were in their prime. I give all the credit to KG for raising his game this year -- it just isn't that team anymore.

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce (particularly the former) look old and beat up. I can't see where LeBron and Wade (in their primes) aren't attacking these 2 relentlessly. I think Paul George and Danny Granger will look good in their defense of Wade/Lebron -- compared to how Allen/Pierce will fare.

Ray should be playing 20-25 mins/game off the bench. Unfortunately, he's not afforded that.

 

[bosoxs45]

Durant Traveled.

 

[EYLive]

Wasn't that 3 full steps?

Yes. And typical Spur flop job by Green after the corner 3 miss.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Why do the Spurs even carry Dejuan Blair on their postseason rosters?

 

[mr. furley]

i hate NBA refs

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

i guess the lakers should have kept fisher

 

[ivnabru]

Enjoy the Celts. Last time you're going to see them together.

they had a good run...nothing to be ashamed of.

Yep. I just hope their success this year doesn't prompt them to give multi-year deals to their aging population. Injuries played a huge part of them getting this far in the East.With Pierce/Allen hobbled, I don't see this series going long with James/Wade dominating again.

Having to go 7 vs. a team of athletes in Philly wasn't that impressive.

It's about the same thing that happened to them against Atlanta their first year together. That being said I don't know how they can beat Miami this year. KG could go off and steal a game and Rondo almost certainly will steal 1. A flukey game could happen too for another win (I think Pierce is too beat up + gonna be too tired guarding LeBron to win one on his own this year and Allen might be a liability with his ankles ruined), but even all that happening and they only win 3 of the 4 they need.

They could win a couple games.I think you mentioned 'their first year together' (5 years ago). All the guys on their team were in their prime. I give all the credit to KG for raising his game this year -- it just isn't that team anymore.

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce (particularly the former) look old and beat up. I can't see where LeBron and Wade (in their primes) aren't attacking these 2 relentlessly. I think Paul George and Danny Granger will look good in their defense of Wade/Lebron -- compared to how Allen/Pierce will fare.

Ray should be playing 20-25 mins/game off the bench. Unfortunately, he's not afforded that.

All I meant with that is even when they were in their primes (or closer to them at least) they had issues with athletic teams they should have killed. Atlanta was an 8-seed in 07-08 too and they had a lot more trouble than you'd expect.Ray's really hurt right now, that's why he looks so bad. He was actually having one of his better years shooting the ball before he started having these ankle injuries. If it wasn't playoff time he would have shut it down and had surgery by ow. Pierce has a knee injury right now too, he was also looking pretty good until then. I'm not sure any of the 3 is really showing their age any more than the last year. Although who knows if Ray will ever really recover from his current ankle problems.

 

[saintfool]

spurs looking pretty crummy here. nice active thunder defense tonight. SA needs to get used to the speed of the OKC defenders. i'm not surprised by the way OKC looks offensively but SA needs to get something going here.

 

[LHUCKS]

This is the part where Westbrook implodes and forgets that he is the second best scorer on his team.

 

[Abraham]

Spurs can take every punch and never seem put of it.

 

[saintfool]

This is the part where Westbrook implodes and forgets that he is the second best scorer on his team.

this is where parker shows some veteran savvy.

 

[LHUCKS]

The Spurs late game experience/composure will be the difference in this series.

It's crazy how the Spurs have continually ousted more talented teams over the past 10 years.

 

[LHUCKS]

This is the part where Westbrook implodes and forgets that he is the second best scorer on his team.

this is where parker shows some veteran savvy.

 

[LHUCKS]

####### bank is weak.

 

[phrozen]

Huge 3 there

 

[saintfool]

the depth of the spurs helps a ton here. they can put steviejax and leonard on durant.

 

[LHUCKS]

If the Spurs protect the ball this well for the remainder of this series, it's going to be a short series.

OKC needs to turn them over.

 

[LHUCKS]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.

Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

 

[saintfool]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

well considering the spurs have been doing it since the late 90's, it's kind of their remarkable.

 

[saintfool]

uh oh, OKC....

 

[bosoxs45]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

well considering the spurs have been doing it since the late 90's, it's kind of their remarkable.

 

[LHUCKS]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

well considering the spurs have been doing it since the late 90's, it's kind of their remarkable.

Yeah, but IMHO it's more impressive now given the age of their stars and IMHO the increased athleticism of the NBA. They simply out-execute opposing teams.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

This is going to be one entertaining sweep.

 

[Abraham]

To watch the first three quarters in two minute clips you would think the thunder were up a dozen by now.

San abtinionil is really good.

 

[Abraham]

Did that three just cover ?

 

[slayer666]

When Gregg Popovich asked his squad for some nasty... the Thunder definitely got handed some serious nasty.

 

[matuski]

Duncan isn't done, but a team can come in and out physical them inside. Is Perkins going to be healthy? I think OKC/SA will be an awesome series.

Pop hasn't let Ginobli run wild yet, im interested to see when he plays this wildcard.

Well played, Pop. Well played.

 

[bosoxs45]

James Harden is a hero to gamblers who took OKC to cover 5.5 point spread by hitting 2 three pointers late

 

[saintfool]

Yeah, but IMHO it's more impressive now given the age of their stars and IMHO the increased athleticism of the NBA. They simply out-execute opposing teams.

the difference in this team is the depth. this was an unusual game for the season because the big 3 of SA logged a lot of minutes. they needed to, of course, but the deep rotations have been working for them. it's a model for other teams, i think, if they bother to emulate.

 

[Kenny Powers]

This is going to be one entertaining sweep.

OKC totally self destructed in the 4th Q and the game was still pretty close. Also, the refs were terrible and the Spurs got every single call except the late charge on Ginobili. There were 3-4 charges called on OKC that were clear blocking by Spurs. OKC's defense was so bad in the 4th it might not have made a difference, but the refs gave the Spurs quite a few gifts.This will go at least 6 games.

 

[Moe.]

What a cover. Are we going to have the pleasure of watching Joey Craword ref all of these games? He is so bad at his job.

 

[EYLive]

This is going to be one entertaining sweep.

The home team won game 1. Let's not get crazy.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

This is going to be one entertaining sweep.

OKC totally self destructed in the 4th Q and the game was still pretty close. Also, the refs were terrible and the Spurs got every single call except the late charge on Ginobili. There were 3-4 charges called on OKC that were clear blocking by Spurs. OKC's defense was so bad in the 4th it might not have made a difference, but the refs gave the Spurs quite a few gifts.This will go at least 6 games.

Maybe you're right, but I have the feeling that if SA had needed to do more they would have done more.

 

[Abraham]

This is going to be one entertaining sweep.

OKC totally self destructed in the 4th Q and the game was still pretty close. Also, the refs were terrible and the Spurs got every single call except the late charge on Ginobili. There were 3-4 charges called on OKC that were clear blocking by Spurs. OKC's defense was so bad in the 4th it might not have made a difference, but the refs gave the Spurs quite a few gifts.This will go at least 6 games.

The thunder outplayed then for three quarters and lost. Not because they self destructed but because the better team found focus and beat them like a red headed step child. I want okc to win, but SA is the better team. Even when they play awful (like tonight) they still win. Going to get ugly

 

[Abraham]

Is kanye west's nerd style so big these says that it's worth dressing like idiots? These guys look stupid.

 

[thecatch]

This is going to be one entertaining sweep.

OKC totally self destructed in the 4th Q and the game was still pretty close. Also, the refs were terrible and the Spurs got every single call except the late charge on Ginobili. There were 3-4 charges called on OKC that were clear blocking by Spurs. OKC's defense was so bad in the 4th it might not have made a difference, but the refs gave the Spurs quite a few gifts.This will go at least 6 games.

I didn't think the refs were terrible at all. Maybe a couple of calls go the other way in OKC but thats why you fight for home court advantage.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

that would be late 80s or early y2k pistons.90's pistons was the suck

 

[Abraham]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

that would be late 80s or early y2k pistons.90's pistons was the suck

94 rockets. Everyone knows their role and even the young guys add a ton.

 

[LHUCKS]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

that would be late 80s or early y2k pistons.90's pistons was the suck

They won their last championship in '90, but whatever.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

94 rockets. Everyone knows their role and even the young guys add a ton.

Pete Chilcutt was the glue of that team.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

that would be late 80s or early y2k pistons.90's pistons was the suck

They won their last championship in '90, but whatever.

 

[LHUCKS]

I used to hate the Spurs, but I've grown to love particularly this year.Their brand of team, high IQ basketball is very unique. I don't know what othe team you'd compare them to. Maybe the 90s Pistons? I don't even like that comparison.

that would be late 80s or early y2k pistons.90's pistons was the suck

94 rockets. Everyone knows their role and even the young guys add a ton.

Good one.

 

[Zaxxon]

It's crazy how the Spurs have continually ousted more talented teams over the past 10 years.

Name five. Include franchise and year.

2010-2011 Grizzlies. Oh, wait.

 

[Dr. No]

obviously the thunder aren't done after one game, and i anticipate a highly competitive 6 or 7 game series.

but how are the Spurs balling this hard after being seemingly years past their prime. I thought they had pretty well become the MLB equivalent of the 90's Atlanta Braves who were good enough to make teh playoffs, win their division, etc... but weren't really considered a threat for the title.

But they look damn good and with home field and that nice game one win, i like their chances in this series, and i like whoever wins this series better than whoever comes out of the east.

Anyway... i used to watch a lot of NBA but now i don't get started until the semi-finals.. but i watch the results and stats.

Seems to me Duncan is a shell of what he used to be, Parker is solid, Ginobili is doing what he's done for years... but yet they look so good... have they added quality role players?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

obviously the thunder aren't done after one game, and i anticipate a highly competitive 6 or 7 game series.but how are the Spurs balling this hard after being seemingly years past their prime. I thought they had pretty well become the MLB equivalent of the 90's Atlanta Braves who were good enough to make teh playoffs, win their division, etc... but weren't really considered a threat for the title.But they look damn good and with home field and that nice game one win, i like their chances in this series, and i like whoever wins this series better than whoever comes out of the east.Anyway... i used to watch a lot of NBA but now i don't get started until the semi-finals.. but i watch the results and stats.Seems to me Duncan is a shell of what he used to be, Parker is solid, Ginobili is doing what he's done for years... but yet they look so good... have they added quality role players?

1) Duncan, Parker and Ginobli played very low minutes during the season to keep them fresh for playoffs. 2) They have one of the best coaches of all-time3) Completely unselfish play. If a guy is open, he is getting the ball. No "superstar" dribbling for 20 seconds then chucking.4) Deep bench. Splitter, Jackson, Neal, Ginobli, Bonner.5) Guys know their role and stick to it. 6) Team play >>> Individual ball.Duncan is having his best year in a long time. Basic stats don't back it up because of the limited minutes but he is playing great.Parker was a legitimate MVP candidate this year. Again, if he played more minutes you'd have heard more about it. Parker played the most minutes on the Spurs and was 60th overall in the league.

 

[Abraham]

obviously the thunder aren't done after one game, and i anticipate a highly competitive 6 or 7 game series.but how are the Spurs balling this hard after being seemingly years past their prime. I thought they had pretty well become the MLB equivalent of the 90's Atlanta Braves who were good enough to make teh playoffs, win their division, etc... but weren't really considered a threat for the title.But they look damn good and with home field and that nice game one win, i like their chances in this series, and i like whoever wins this series better than whoever comes out of the east.Anyway... i used to watch a lot of NBA but now i don't get started until the semi-finals.. but i watch the results and stats.Seems to me Duncan is a shell of what he used to be, Parker is solid, Ginobili is doing what he's done for years... but yet they look so good... have they added quality role players?

Not sure I understand the braves analogy. The spurs have 4 titles in the last 13 years and the core (popp, Duncan, Parker, Manu) has been together for three of them, iirc. They have the deepest team in the league.

 

[Dr. No]

Not sure I understand the braves analogy. The spurs have 4 titles in the last 13 years and the core (popp, Duncan, Parker, Manu) has been together for three of them, iirc. They have the deepest team in the league.

no, i'm well aware of their titles and success.I meant that since 2008 for the past 4 years they have top grade regular season numbers and the same guys only to bomb out in the playoffs badly.. sometimes in really gross fashion like last season.I know about the big 3, i'm asking.. what's different this year? why do they seem to be doing so much better?the prior post stated they had played fewer minutes and possibly the shorter season helps a team like that.I guess i wanted to be educated on the role players.

 

[matuski]

I meant that since 2008 for the past 4 years they have top grade regular season numbers and the same guys only to bomb out in the playoffs badly.. sometimes in really gross fashion like last season.

this tends to happen without your best player.

 

[Abraham]

Oh, ok.

Well, down low they have a rejuvenated Boris diaw with Duncan. Dejuan Blair and Tiago splitter back those guys up and don't offer much dropoff. Steven jackson and Gary Neal are available to spell Parker and Danny green. And oh yeah, Manu is ready on the bench and Matt bonner can come in and fire away from deep.

The big thing is they have tons of size to use up front and tons of energy guys to come off the bench. And they all know their role and what they are supposed to do. Jackson doesn't come in and try to take over offensively because threat isn't his jOb, for example.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I guess i wanted to be educated on the role players.

Their role players aren't anything special individually. Bonner - Unathletic (but tall) 3 point specialist. Pretty useless doing anything else.Green/Neal - Middling players with very good 3 point rangeSplitter - Solid but unspectacular big man. Backup for most teams.Leonard - Rookie. Very good defender.Jackson - Vet. Good defender. Can score when needed. Brings the crazy.Diaw - Fat big man with range and old man game.Overall, a bunch of mediocre guys that thrive in Pop's system and don't do things that they can't. The biggest thing IMO is that they are all very good outside shooters (other than Splitter). None of them can be left alone.