timschochet's thread - Ranking hemorrhoids (1 Viewer)

[pizzatyme]

I don't care for LeBron the person, but I have to give the player his props. In this series he reminds me of Magic. And when that happens, he's done something.

As for the Warriors, I agree that Green needs to hit the pine. If he's not hitting 3s or driving to the hoop, he's useless.

I think the Warriors found something down the stretch when James has the ball at the top of the key. They collapsed perfectly to take the ball out of James' hands.

If it were me, I'd start Livingston, Curry, Thompson, Ezeli, and Barnes. IMO they need Livingston's ability to drive the basket when the Cavs overplay the Splash Bros.

Bogut has been horrible thus far and I like Ezeli's energy. Maybe Bogus is better with less minutes.

I'll also say that it's amazing to watch the Warriors jack up 3s with no one under the basket. If that's the case, go small and make Mozgov run his ### off on defense.

 

[Capella]

Gunz - let's go no Kobe for now.

Ty

-C

 

[[icon]]

Rooting for Lebron to somehow pull this off.... but Warriors -115 for a nice sum was too juicy to pass up at Sportsbook.com.

 

[No. 16]

I'd start David Lee over Green if I were Kerr or at least give Lee and Splash Bros. some run with Iggy/Barnes/Livingston/Barbosa and Bogut/Green.

David Lee can make the Cavs pay for trapping Curry. He's the only big on the roster that can catch a pass, finish inside, and make a play from the elbows. That should be Green's role but he's been terrible. Plus David Lee has the one track mind to on defense to keep Tristan Thompson off the ####### glass.

My god. How hard is it to box out that guy?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

I believe LeBron has a pretty good idea of what he is doing out there and that when a guy is open, LeBron will get him the ball. He has done that for years and amazingly, has caught flak for it. He has changed his game this series based on what the #1 defensive team in the league is doing and the fact that he's missing the 3rd and 4th best players on his team (2 all-stars).

If he consistently played like this and was never trying to hit an open guy, I'd absolutely be ripping him for it (I know your comments are directed my way)

Not you alone, but you're certainly a guilty party.

"If he consistently played like this, I'd be ripping him" - why? Do you think he should be passing through ball more, to guys who are shooting a higher percentage than he is (Mozgov and Jones)?

Why? Because a career with a sub .500TS% and usage approaching 40% would be freaking horrible and indicative of a chucker. We have 12 years of evidence that that is not true of LeBron though.

If they're open, yes. If James Jones is open at the 3 point line, he should get the ball every single time down the floor. The problem is, James Jones isn't very adept at getting open. If Mozgov has an open roll to the rim, he should be getting the ball, as he has plenty of times this series.

 

[[icon]]

Jesus christ....

Dubs?...Spash Brothers?....

Warriors sound like a Saturday morning cartoon. Worst nicknames of all time?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Quick fact #1: No team starting Dellavedova has ever lost a game in the NBA finals.

Quick fact #2: Cavs are 5 6-0 in the playoffs when Delly plays more than 20 minutes

Quick fact #3: Dellavedova >>> Kobe and it isn't close.

Updated.

 

[thecatch]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

I believe LeBron has a pretty good idea of what he is doing out there and that when a guy is open, LeBron will get him the ball. He has done that for years and amazingly, has caught flak for it. He has changed his game this series based on what the #1 defensive team in the league is doing and the fact that he's missing the 3rd and 4th best players on his team (2 all-stars).

If he consistently played like this and was never trying to hit an open guy, I'd absolutely be ripping him for it (I know your comments are directed my way)

Not you alone, but you're certainly a guilty party."If he consistently played like this, I'd be ripping him" - why? Do you think he should be passing through ball more, to guys who are shooting a higher percentage than he is (Mozgov and Jones)?

You raise a superficially interesting point but you know the answer. Lebron is winning on the highest level with a historically poor supporting cast. If Love were out there shooting 60% while Lebron forced bad fade aways, there would definitely be chatter, especially if they were losing.

 

[TobiasFunke]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

I believe LeBron has a pretty good idea of what he is doing out there and that when a guy is open, LeBron will get him the ball. He has done that for years and amazingly, has caught flak for it. He has changed his game this series based on what the #1 defensive team in the league is doing and the fact that he's missing the 3rd and 4th best players on his team (2 all-stars).

If he consistently played like this and was never trying to hit an open guy, I'd absolutely be ripping him for it (I know your comments are directed my way)

Not you alone, but you're certainly a guilty party.

"If he consistently played like this, I'd be ripping him" - why? Do you think he should be passing through ball more, to guys who are shooting a higher percentage than he is (Mozgov and Jones)?

He's averaging 10.5 assists per 100 possessions in the postseason. Here's a list of the non-PGs who played at least 100 minutes this season and averaged greater than 10.5 assists per 100 possessions: LeBron James (10.7)

Last night 6 of his 8 assists were three-point shots.

He's passing when a pass is the right play.

 

[Jack White]

My pick here was Warriors in six, and I thought it easily could go seven.

I think the Warriors will win Thursday as home court means nothing in this series.

There was a time when I thought a healthy Bogut could be a key factor in a title run. But he plays soft. Can't get rebounds in traffic, has trouble hanging onto the ball. Does he have tiny hands, or are they just weak?

 

[tommyGunZ]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

I believe LeBron has a pretty good idea of what he is doing out there and that when a guy is open, LeBron will get him the ball. He has done that for years and amazingly, has caught flak for it. He has changed his game this series based on what the #1 defensive team in the league is doing and the fact that he's missing the 3rd and 4th best players on his team (2 all-stars).

If he consistently played like this and was never trying to hit an open guy, I'd absolutely be ripping him for it (I know your comments are directed my way)

Not you alone, but you're certainly a guilty party.

"If he consistently played like this, I'd be ripping him" - why? Do you think he should be passing through ball more, to guys who are shooting a higher percentage than he is (Mozgov and Jones)?

He's averaging 10.5 assists per 100 possessions in the postseason. Here's a list of the non-PGs who played at least 100 minutes this season and averaged greater than 10.5 assists per 100 possessions: LeBron James (10.7)

Last night 6 of his 8 assists were three-point shots.

He's passing when a pass is the right play.

Is this where we pretend LeBron isn't playing PG?

 

[[icon]]

Quick fact #1: No team starting Dellavedova has ever lost a game in the NBA finals.

Quick fact #2: Cavs are 5 6-0 in the playoffs when Delly plays more than 20 minutes

Quick fact #3: Dellavedova >>> Kobe and it isn't close.

Updated.

That settles it.

 

[Jack White]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

I believe LeBron has a pretty good idea of what he is doing out there and that when a guy is open, LeBron will get him the ball. He has done that for years and amazingly, has caught flak for it. He has changed his game this series based on what the #1 defensive team in the league is doing and the fact that he's missing the 3rd and 4th best players on his team (2 all-stars).

If he consistently played like this and was never trying to hit an open guy, I'd absolutely be ripping him for it (I know your comments are directed my way)

Not you alone, but you're certainly a guilty party.

"If he consistently played like this, I'd be ripping him" - why? Do you think he should be passing through ball more, to guys who are shooting a higher percentage than he is (Mozgov and Jones)?

He's averaging 10.5 assists per 100 possessions in the postseason. Here's a list of the non-PGs who played at least 100 minutes this season and averaged greater than 10.5 assists per 100 possessions: LeBron James (10.7)

Last night 6 of his 8 assists were three-point shots.

He's passing when a pass is the right play.

Couldn't agree more. And this is why Kerr has been reluctant to double LeBron.

 

[Sammy3469]

It's been a privilege to watch LeBron these 3 games. The shots may not be dropping, but every other aspect of his game has been beautiful to watch. The Warriors may win the series, but LeBron's legacy is the bigger winner.

 

[Sammy3469]

Couldn't agree more. And this is why Kerr has been reluctant to double LeBron.

You listen to some of the coaches and ex-players (SVG, Vogel, Thibs, J Rose etc.) in the media the past couple of days and they are in awe of some of the reads he's making. A GS defender on the perimeter take a misstep one way/takes a step to double and he hits the open guy.

 

[SeveredHorseHeads]

I loved the fact that no one could keep Lebron from getting the inbounds pass late in the game. He looked like a giant TE out there.

 

[Jack White]

It's been a privilege to watch LeBron these 3 games. The shots may not be dropping, but every other aspect of his game has been beautiful to watch. The Warriors may win the series, but LeBron's legacy is the bigger winner.

I'm torn.

Part of me is rooting for the Warriors because Steve Kerr was a Bull. And part of me is rooting for LeBron because I root for the sport more than I do for teams.

And LeBron winning four to six titles is great for the sport.

 

[CoolHandLukeB]

Delly diving for some knees

https://vine.co/v/eOiFq0AE5Ee

 

[TobiasFunke]

He's averaging 10.5 assists per 100 possessions in the postseason. Here's a list of the non-PGs who played at least 100 minutes this season and averaged greater than 10.5 assists per 100 possessions: LeBron James (10.7)

Last night 6 of his 8 assists were three-point shots.

He's passing when a pass is the right play.

Is this where we pretend LeBron isn't playing PG?

This is where we answer questions with facts. He's making the right passes given the circumstances. If you want to compare him to other guys who dominate the ball despite not being labeled PGs, go for it. I'll get you started: James Harden- pretty much universally considered the second-best non-PG passer in the game- averaged 9.4 assists per 100 possessions this season. Kobe Bryant averages 6.8 assist per 100 possessions for his career.

And like I said before, the Cavs are not running an efficient offense right now. They're running the offense that they're forced to run due to limited personnel and their needs on the other end. You're acting like the wins are proof of the effectiveness of an iso strategy. That's a silly argument. It's like saying the the 2000 Ravens' Super Bowl was proof of the greatness of Trent Dilfer and a run-heavy offense.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

If Cavs win it all, Dellly needs to be MVP.

Ummmmm......

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

LeBron's legacy is the bigger winner.

Hard to believe this is what it takes, but this is right on.

The Skips of the world (and the thread):

He's a selfish player and his teams will never be good.

He got the Cavs to the finals, but he can't win the big one.

He won the big one, but look at the cast around him. Bosh and Wade are better than anything Larry, Magic or Jordan ever had.

He got the Cavs to the finals again, but they have no chance without Love and Kyrie.

He has the Cavs tied 1-1, but no way he can do it with one hand tied behind his back and ankle weights.

Cavs are up 2-1, this Lebron guy might OK after all.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Just so we're clear here - I think LeBron should be taking all these shots, and more.

I'm just surprised the efficiency crew is so quiet.

I'd say there's been 1-2 shots per quarter that have made me cringe and think he shouldn't have pulled the trigger. In the live discussion of the game last night, I think I described one particularly bad iso as "indulgent".

LeBron could be playing more efficiently. He's getting a pass on it because his team has two wins and an OT loss when his team was the underdog going into the series and got worse when Irving got injured.

LeBron is doing a good job finding open shooters when the offense has a lot of movement, but the team has settled for a LOT of left-side isos for LeBron and hoping he makes something happen.

Some of that might be by design. If we believe Blatt is slowplaying us, he's a genius for calling some isos, giving LeBron permission to stand there and run the shot clock down while everyone on the floor for CLE has a chance to catch their breath and get ready for the next defensive possession. Whatever trade off CLE is making in offensive efficiency with those isos, they are making it back on the other end with better defense.

I also wonder if Shumpert's injury changed their play calling on the fly. CLE has an effective program running right now by having whoever Curry is guarding pick for LeBron, and watching Curry try to defend the PnR. I really like that inverted Dean Smith set where the guards set up on the elbows, let LeBron choose which guard picks for him, and then LeBron attacks the basket or drops off a pass to an open man. But when Shumpert got hurt, CLE could not afford any more hurts, mich less any more injuries. As effective as making Curry defend the R in the PnR is, CLE couldn't afford to let their guards consistently screen bigger, stronger players and risk more hurts.

There's also an element of GSW trying to program LeBron and make him predictable. For the most part they've refused to double-team LeBron, surrendering a lot of drives to the hoop and offensive rebounds, but shutting off spotted-up three-point shooters. So GSW is baiting LeBron into a style of play he'd rather not do, but seems to be the rational choice. (there were also stretches last night where IMO Iguodala got in LeBron's head and dared LeBron to shoot jumpers over him; solid gamesmanship by Iggy there) The way to slow LeBron down is to make him predictable - that's how DAL won their title, they zone trapped LeBron in ways where they knew exactly how he would respond.

 

[coyote5]

Delly diving for some knees

https://vine.co/v/eOiFq0AE5Ee

That's a shoulder block to the hip.

 

[ArbyMelt]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

There is a difference between Kobe going 1 on 2 and shooting a contested 21 foot jumper and Lebron backing his man in and missing a shot in the paint. The Warriors have the best set of defenders in the NBA to cover Lebron, so they aren't helping a whole lot on his isolations so there aren't a lot of open passing lanes.

Statistically, there is no difference. A miss is a miss.

From a strategic standpoint, assuming both shots will be missed, the Kobe shot is a better miss, as it will lead to offensive rebounds on a far higher percentage than LeBron's miss.

One of the analysts made a good point last night. Even though Lebron is shooting a low %, he is going to the basket. When he goes to the basket and misses, all 5 GSW players are in the lane, and they can't run the fast break. Its slowing the game down. So its a "good" miss. If Lebron is chucking from long-range, the GSW will get more fast breaks. So I think they are OK with shooting 40% if he is getting into the paint. He is running the shot clock down, stopping their fast break and making it a shorter game.

 

[Kev4029]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

I believe LeBron has a pretty good idea of what he is doing out there and that when a guy is open, LeBron will get him the ball. He has done that for years and amazingly, has caught flak for it. He has changed his game this series based on what the #1 defensive team in the league is doing and the fact that he's missing the 3rd and 4th best players on his team (2 all-stars).

If he consistently played like this and was never trying to hit an open guy, I'd absolutely be ripping him for it (I know your comments are directed my way)

And probably 4th or 5th best player as well (Varajeo).

 

[Kev4029]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

There is a difference between Kobe going 1 on 2 and shooting a contested 21 foot jumper and Lebron backing his man in and missing a shot in the paint. The Warriors have the best set of defenders in the NBA to cover Lebron, so they aren't helping a whole lot on his isolations so there aren't a lot of open passing lanes.

Statistically, there is no difference. A miss is a miss.

From a strategic standpoint, assuming both shots will be missed, the Kobe shot is a better miss, as it will lead to offensive rebounds on a far higher percentage than LeBron's miss.

Statistically there is a huge difference. Lebron isn't going to shoot 30% on shots in the paint over the long haul, regardless of how contested the shot is, Kobe shooting 30% on contested 20 foot jumpers isn't a statistical abnormality.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

This is a rather atypical performance by LeBron. We know that he is a very willing passer and will definitely get the ball to the open man (unlike your typical chuckers) but he is having to change his game for his team to have a chance.

Is changing his game offensively to take more shots and pass less a good strategy when the results are that he shoots a worse percentage than others he could be passing to?

There is a difference between Kobe going 1 on 2 and shooting a contested 21 foot jumper and Lebron backing his man in and missing a shot in the paint. The Warriors have the best set of defenders in the NBA to cover Lebron, so they aren't helping a whole lot on his isolations so there aren't a lot of open passing lanes.

Statistically, there is no difference. A miss is a miss.From a strategic standpoint, assuming both shots will be missed, the Kobe shot is a better miss, as it will lead to offensive rebounds on a far higher percentage than LeBron's miss.

One of the analysts made a good point last night. Even though Lebron is shooting a low %, he is going to the basket. When he goes to the basket and misses, all 5 GSW players are in the lane, and they can't run the fast break. Its slowing the game down. So its a "good" miss. If Lebron is chucking from long-range, the GSW will get more fast breaks. So I think they are OK with shooting 40% if he is getting into the paint. He is running the shot clock down, stopping their fast break and making it a shorter game.

Lost in the admiration of LeBron's huge counting numbers and the surprise of Curry's low shooting percentage has been CLE's outstanding transition defense. They've pretty much taken away GSW's fast break, and it's spilled over into some wasted GSW halfcourt possessions where they've launched early shots with no one in rebounding position, impatient plays to try to speed the game up. If Blatt deserves credit for the 2-1 lead in the Finals, it starts with making the GSW break disappear.

 

[Sammy3469]

One of the analysts made a good point last night. Even though Lebron is shooting a low %, he is going to the basket. When he goes to the basket and misses, all 5 GSW players are in the lane, and they can't run the fast break. Its slowing the game down. So its a "good" miss. If Lebron is chucking from long-range, the GSW will get more fast breaks. So I think they are OK with shooting 40% if he is getting into the paint. He is running the shot clock down, stopping their fast break and making it a shorter game.Lost in the admiration of LeBron's huge counting numbers and the surprise of Curry's low shooting percentage has been CLE's outstanding transition defense. They've pretty much taken away GSW's fast break, and it's spilled over into some wasted GSW halfcourt possessions where they've launched early shots with no one in rebounding position, impatient plays to try to speed the game up. If Blatt deserves credit for the 2-1 lead in the Finals, it starts with making the GSW break disappear.

They're also frequently denying Curry the ball on the inbounds which is forcing the other guys to start the offense and thus wasting time running something to get Curry the ball to set the offense.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

One of the analysts made a good point last night. Even though Lebron is shooting a low %, he is going to the basket. When he goes to the basket and misses, all 5 GSW players are in the lane, and they can't run the fast break. Its slowing the game down. So its a "good" miss. If Lebron is chucking from long-range, the GSW will get more fast breaks. So I think they are OK with shooting 40% if he is getting into the paint. He is running the shot clock down, stopping their fast break and making it a shorter game.Lost in the admiration of LeBron's huge counting numbers and the surprise of Curry's low shooting percentage has been CLE's outstanding transition defense. They've pretty much taken away GSW's fast break, and it's spilled over into some wasted GSW halfcourt possessions where they've launched early shots with no one in rebounding position, impatient plays to try to speed the game up. If Blatt deserves credit for the 2-1 lead in the Finals, it starts with making the GSW break disappear.

They're also frequently denying Curry the ball on the inbounds which is forcing the other guys to start the offense and thus wasting time running something to get Curry the ball to set the offense.

Absolutely. And they are using different players to deny Curry, confusing both Curry and the inbounder. They aren't just having Delly deny the pass and risk having a ball thrown over him and giving Curry a running start. Sometimes they deploy a help defender as the denier and have Delly play behind him, like a double zone in football. By the time GSW works it out, CLE has three guys back on defense.

 

[hxperson]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

Those people would be wrong. He is being murdered every time down the court and he is truly their only average offensive weapon. GS doesn't have to be worried about anyone else.

Where have you been the last 10 years?

Those people would simply point out that when Mozgov and Jones take shots, the result is a make 50% of the time, while a LeBron shot results in a make 40% of the time.

James Jones plays 14 mpg....so people were criticizing Kobe primarily for not passing to Jordan Farmer?

Have you seen Mozgov make a shot more than 2 feet from the basket? Are you suggesting that he is a similar option to Pau Gasol in his prime (or even today, for that matter).

And outside of those two, nobody on this Cleveland rotation shoots consistently above 40% if they aren't dunking the basketball (JR smith is shooting 42.5% this playoffs, but he's a streak shooter. Shumpert and Delly are far below 40% anywhere on the court).

 

[[icon]]

Kobe shooting 30% on contested 20 foot jumpers isn't a statistical abnormality.

FYP

 

[matuski]

If I said it once I've said it 100 times Warriors in 6.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Whatever trade off CLE is making in offensive efficiency with those isos, they are making it back on the other end with better defense.

I think this hits the heart of the issue, and I'd take it a step further. Not only are the ISO sets Clev is running helpful on the defensive end, they may in fact be the most efficient sets offensively as well. I'm guessing the points per play suggest otherwise - like you point out the PNR involving Curry as the defender seemed successful (with the added bonus of forcing him to use energy on D), but does anyone really believe the Cleveland offense would be more efficient if Mozgov and James were getting more shots? I don't, even enough their eFGs are higher. I think more usage from those guys would hurt their efficiency.

Which begs the question, is Clev really sacrificing offensive efficiency to slow the game down and give their players a bit of a blow to increase defensive efficiency, or are those benefits simply additional benefits of also running the most efficient and effective offensive set (ISO) given the personnel and circumstance?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

does anyone really believe the Cleveland offense would be more efficient if Mozgov and James were getting more shots? I don't, even enough their eFGs are higher. I think more usage from those guys would hurt their efficiency.

If Jones was getting more catch and shoot 3s? Yes. If he's having to create his own shot? No.

If Mozgov was rolling to the rim for dunks or getting deep post position vs someone other than Bogut? Yes. Shooting mid-range jumpers or backing down Bogut from 10+ feet out? No.

 

[Slapdash]

If I said it once I've said it 100 times Warriors in 6.

Cavs have to run out of gas at somepoint with all of these minutes.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

I really want to see Cleveland win as it would be a great story and their fan base really are due for a title. I'm fearful that this is all setting up for yet another giant kick in the balls though.

 

[[icon]]

Shtick aside...

Whats the most number of minutes a star player has averaged in the Finals while going on to win the title?

 

[tommyGunZ]

"His usage rate is ridiculous"

Yes, let's have James Jones taking the ball more instead.

I agree 100%.But let's be honest here, if other superstars were shooting 40% from the field over the 1st 3 games, there would be plenty of posters in here claiming that MozGov and Jones should be getting more shots than they are currently getting since they're shooting 50% from the field.

Those people would be wrong. He is being murdered every time down the court and he is truly their only average offensive weapon. GS doesn't have to be worried about anyone else.

Where have you been the last 10 years?

Those people would simply point out that when Mozgov and Jones take shots, the result is a make 50% of the time, while a LeBron shot results in a make 40% of the time.

James Jones plays 14 mpg....so people were criticizing Kobe primarily for not passing to Jordan Farmer?Have you seen Mozgov make a shot more than 2 feet from the basket? Are you suggesting that he is a similar option to Pau Gasol in his prime (or even today, for that matter).

And outside of those two, nobody on this Cleveland rotation shoots consistently above 40% if they aren't dunking the basketball (JR smith is shooting 42.5% this playoffs, but he's a streak shooter. Shumpert and Delly are far below 40% anywhere on the court).

Sadly, Farmar was actually one of the more competent shooters Kobe played with - but that's another discussion entirely.

And no, I don't think Cleveland would be better off with Mozgov and Jones and Shumpert and Delly getting more shots by design. I think LeBron is doing exactly what he should be doing - dominating the ball and FGAs.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I really want to see Cleveland win as it would be a great story and their fan base really are due for a title. I'm fearful that this is all setting up for yet another giant kick in the balls though.

Golden State is still the Vegas favorite, although it's pretty close. I would guess that very few people in Cleveland are making their parade plans at this point. Or at least I hope they're not. Cleveland would have to win tomorrow to set up a giant kick in the balls. If the Warriors win tomorrow- and they're favored by 2- everything changes. Suddenly a team that went 39-2 at home in the regular season would be two home wins from the title.

 

[JMon348]

Crazy stat:

Every team that has been down 2-1 in the 2015 Playoffs have won the series.

Warriors vs MEMRockets vs LACCavs vs CHIHawks vs WASClippers vs SAS

 

[Captain Quinoa]

We are very confident and yet completely terrified if that's possible.

 

[Popinski]

James is awesome. This is the best performance I've ever seen by a single player. When he went out, Cleveland was absolutely lost on offense.

I know we can all be prone to hyperbole, but this is far from the best performance ever by a player. Hell, this isn't even the best performance from LeBron James.

It's as if some people have just started watching LeBron play. Or maybe the script of losing 2 stars has finally made it obvious enough that everyone is finally acknowledging it.

Ok, give me an example. Not a huge NBA fan, but I generally watch the playoffs every year. I'm 37 years old, so that means I have watched probably the last 25 playoffs. Give me an example of a 3-game stretch of a player playing better than James this series. And if James played better than this, please point me to those games and I will gladly go back and rewatch.

And please don't give me this sabermetric efficiency crap that says he played better in Miami than this. Sometimes a guy in his position is going to have to take some inefficient shots with the group of guys he's playing with and the style Cleveland has to play to have a chance this series.

LeBron in the 2009 playoffs was as good as any player I've ever seen, but it tends to be forgotten because the Cavs lost in the ECF. I'm not looking up exact 3 game stretches, but he's had other periods in which he's been better including 2007 vs. Detroit, closeouts vs Boston and San Antonio, 2011 vs. Miami, 2012 vs. Indiana, etc, That's not even counting the many monster performances he's had in earlier rounds when his teams cruised to victories. And while he's still an excellent defender, his impact and intensity on that end was off the charts when he was with Miami.

At minimum, he's going to be on the short list of greatest players ever when he retires. He has set such a ridiculous standard that it should hardly be surprising that he is capable of doing what he is in these Finals.

 

[CurlyNight]

I haven't read all the responses so this may be old news, but Delly taken to hospital after game last night for severe cramping. Anyone surprised? Man that guy was incredible last night, along with his side kick LeB!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2491713-matthew-dellavedova-injury-updates-on-cavaliers-guards-cramps?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

If the Lebron iso show is slowing the game and forcing all-5 Warriors into the paint, would they be better off doubling James and living with the 3s to make the pace faster and open up the floor when they get a rebound?

 

[[icon]]

I haven't read all the responses so this may be old news, but Delly taken to hospital after game last night for severe cramping. Anyone surprised? Man that guy was incredible last night, along with his side kick LeB!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2491713-matthew-dellavedova-injury-updates-on-cavaliers-guards-cramps?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

I'm pretty sure this is news to everyone in here. Thanks for sharing.

So how many Warrior wins are you away from rooting for them, again? Would Thursday do it or do you require series lead to make the switch?

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Shtick aside...

Whats the most number of minutes a star player has averaged in the Finals while going on to win the title?

Basketball reference goes back to 85-86 and there is no way that I can see to do this exactly, but based on the methodology that I used, here are the 5 highest MPG that I can see.

Majerle (92-93) - 46.83

Barkley (92-93) - 46.16

Jordan (92-93) - 45.67

Payton (95-96) - 45.67

Shaq ( 99-00) - 45.5

 

[CurlyNight]

I haven't read all the responses so this may be old news, but Delly taken to hospital after game last night for severe cramping. Anyone surprised? Man that guy was incredible last night, along with his side kick LeB!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2491713-matthew-dellavedova-injury-updates-on-cavaliers-guards-cramps?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

I'm pretty sure this is news to everyone in here. Thanks for sharing.

So how many Warrior wins are you away from rooting for them, again? Would Thursday do it or do you require series lead to make the switch?

Actually, 0. I can't stand them, and I've been in the Bay Area for over 20 years now. Plus the family/friends serious rivalry going on is actually fun, especially now that Cavs are ahead!

 

[TobiasFunke]

What say we let our friend Curly enjoy the great action in these playoffs however the hell she sees fit this time around?

 

[[icon]]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaarrriiors!

Come out and playayay! And they did.

No room on the 'wagon. Keep walking.

It was a reference to the movie, The Warriors. :whoosh:

I understand that. But you need to stick with your 5 other favorite NBA teams and not get on this bus. Keep. It. Moving.

Being a Bay Area-lite, this bus in parked in my backyard ready to hop on it if the Spurs go out.

nip

 

[[icon]]

What say we let our friend Curly enjoy the great action in these playoffs however the hell she sees fit this time around?

I don't see anyone stopping her from doing anything.