I guess I wanted Indiana to win, but I just hate stupid basketball. 3rd time this has happened in the playoffs.
shareI don’t like bad execution and/or strategy in any sport. Since I don’t support any teams but instead follow the game/sport, this is a maddening when I watch a team play to NOT lose instead of going for the kill- play for the win.
Looks like we’re gonna get DAL@BOS, BH….guess the Wolves shot their wad vs Denver. Too bad, I thought they’d match up better against the Celtics. I just don’t think Dallas can beat Boston, but we’ll see. A team with Doncic and Irving — provided they play to their respective abilities- will always have a punchers chance….and the Celtics sometimes lose focus and put up some shyt games on occasion….
I agree.. I did want Pacers to win that first game, to ensure a close series, knowing Boston wouldn't be in trouble losing the homecourt. Was hoping for the same in the West because it's possible "Inside the NBA" only has 2 more games left, since TNT isn't included in this deal.
I'm surprised Dallas made it this far, but both teams have that "My Turn, Your Turn" offense, without a lot of motion, but in the playoffs, they do slow it down. Those teams just have to surround themselves with great defense and hope the shots go in, but I would be pretty shocked if Dallas won. Boston has been going to the ECF for most of Tatum/Brown's career, so they might be due for one... I haven't counted out Minnesota yet, but it seems youth and a lack of energy by Ant might do them in.
I think Boston have a lot of 2-way players and will probably win it.. I predicted Denver beating Boston in The Finals.. Curious what happens around Draft time - lots of trades. Curious if Lakers actually sign JJ Redick.
I had the same pre-playoff prediction- Nuggets repeat, DEN over BOS…
Didn’t think about it like that but yeah, Inside the NBA coming to a wrap if the Wolves don’t show out like their season depends on it. Doncic hit a shot, a HUGE one, but fuck it, forget it, win game 3, put the pressure back on Dallas to win game 4.
We discussed it here in the past- but I stand corrected on Minnesota. When the Gobert deal went down, like many, I didn’t get it and now it bothers me that I didn’t see it. The organization correctly identified Denver as the team and built its squad accordingly- size and some depth, but size really. But maybe that’s the extent of this run. Slayed Denver, good for you, but now Dallas is proving to be a tough out….
The Edwards comparisons to Jordan could be put on pause- unless he takes these 4 to 5 games to another level. But, let’s be clear- His Airness was only ever tired fighting a flu in a 38 point performance in a Finals game win; and the late night Atlantic City trips when the Bulls were battling the Knicks in those infamous 90s playoff series- and I’m sure he wasn’t drinking soda while at the tables. But Ant is good, athletic as hell, jumps out the building, and his shot improvement and selection- really nice. But wow, take him off Irving if he’s getting this tired; make him the help defender or sag off or something.
Minnesota has three capable bigs and all can be effective. But damn, I can’t remember a DPOY ever being this unplayable at times….in the playoffs, no less…
The east for me is simple: I like the Pacers, I just don’t think any team that indifferent to defense will ever win a championship without catching some serious breaks. Boston easily had the best season of any team and now the opportunity to prove it’s the best of all teams…and break the tie with the Lakers for most titles all-time…
The draft appears average. Not much name recognition or high-end elite talent in college, looks like Euros will take the top spots. Lakers; I guess it’s Redick’s to lose….
They do that MJ comparisons to increase viewership. Stockbroker mentality, but he's still young, and most teams who win a title have chemistry and a few years together. I watched about half the game, but if he's playing good defense, he's going to be ahead of a lot of players. Teams switch all the time, so guys have to defend multiple positions. I thought it was a bit of a mistake for the defense to switch when Luka was 40 feet from the basket, but KAT certainly wouldn't have done a better job, but against Jokic, his weight/build helped, especially when there's one of the bigs with foul trouble. There's actually a lot of big guys - Jokic, Gobert/KAT, Embiid, Nurkic, Miles Turner (Rick Carlisle believed in him when everyone said he had a 'negative' contract) but the Celtics got rid of Robert Williams and might have problems in The Finals.
It seems like anyone on TV gets consideration, and it makes sense. They're talking to millions of people, and after thinking "Yeah, that sounds about right" many times, owners and GM's probably talk. Who knows how much the players play into the decision, but I still can't see JJ on the sideline coaching the Lakers in a playoff game, heated atmosphere. But, I think players will have a certain amount of respect for anyone who played in the league, and the trend seems to be to find younger coaches who can relate.
I've never liked draft picks, and always preferred trading them for a proven player. Trade the lottery pick and try your best with the 2nd round pick, either with a 4-yr guy or a Euro. I looked back at the last 10-15 years of the lottery, and most players are busts. Give me a guy like Josh Hart any day.
I know it gets attention- “clicks”- but the media did a good job staying away from that “Next Jordan” bullshyt for quite awhile. The ‘90s and ‘00s had an array: Harold Miner, Vince Carter, Grant Hill, Stackhouse, McGrady, etc.— never would’ve guessed I’d write the name “Kendall Gill” today, but I digress…
Glad you pointed it out- I did not like that switch AT ALL. You gotta know the situation. Up by 2, shot clock off, you have to fight through or go over the top of the screen and make Doncic drive to the hoop; at worst for the Wolves, a lob, a pull-up J or some other 2-POINT shot (a kick out 3 unlikely if you look at the play , all shooters covered and traffic in the passing lanes). Wolves did Dallas and Doncic a favor there, he gladly took that dagger 3….
TV guys are personable and usually speak well. I can buy the theory that owners not necessarily in the loop or familiar with basketball minutiae can be easily impressed by an engaging and smooth-talking color commentator.
Firing a title winning coach in Frank Vogel and hiring a first timer goes against the usual basketball hiring orthodoxy for teams with a championship window, no matter how narrow the window. With all due respect to Darvin Ham, a former player who comes off as a nice guy, it just wasn’t a good fit and at times he appeared a bit overwhelmed , which will happen when you have an aging great on an expiring clock. But this is the Lakers’ situation. Though scouting and development have improved , the overall management on the executive level hasn’t been that great for some time…
Tatum steps up, Horford sinks seven 3s, Holiday makes a play at the end (great steal, great anticipation), Pacers on the ropes. I was hoping for the Celtics/Wolves final to assure a ring for 1 of the 2 most respected vets in the league : Al Horford and Mike Conley. We shall see if Minnesota can answer back….