2021 NBA Play-Offs

10, 9, 8...76ers...

Second round, if they get there, could be a tough match-up with the Knicks. Thibodeau has done a fantastic job with the Knicks this year.

 Bucks/Heat could be interesting. 

Jokic will get MVP... but I'm a homer, so i vote for Embiid. 

Thibodeau will get coach of the year, New York bias? Maybe, but the like you mentioned,  the league needs the Knicks. 

Randell most improved.

I haven't seen much of Edwards, but LeMelo is damn good. High basketball IQ, as they say.

Oh, I'm not sure why Chris Paul isn't in the MVP conversation. Sure, Williams has done a great job, but Paul just makes everyone better, wherever he plays. 

i'd like to see a knicks/nets series. 

^That would be a conference finals. Certainly a possibility. I'd prefer a Sixers/Nets series. I think the Sixers match up better against the Nets, than they do with the Bucks. Either way it's a tough road for the Sixers. 

The Sixers have been vague about the nature of Thybulle's hand injury. He is a huge piece for them. His defense would be missed. 

Wish there was a first round knicks/heat, would have been good. 

I'm kind of writing off the Hawks, but McMillin has done a heck of a job there

uth/phx/den are all really good.

should be interesting.

hopefully we are healthy.

i thought last year was the clippers' year? lol.

^I'd be stunned if Denver makes it out of the west without Murray, it's a shame about that injury. 

Stephen curry is amazing 

mt Rushmore bound

Go Blazers!  

>>>uth/phx/den are all really good.

In-season good but playoff good will be a true test.   

         Agree that without Murray Denver is in a jam.

         I'm less convinced Utah will hold up during the playoffs but maybe that's because of the past two years.   

         Phoenix is another story.   With Paul they are more well-rounded and I see potential, especially with a half-broken Lakers team.

         This brings us to the Clippers, an enigma for us all. 

The West is wide open.   

In the East, no one touches the Nets unless an injury or Irving goes full head case.   So basically a 50/50 chance.  

>In the East, no one touches the Nets unless an injury or Irving goes full head case<

I'd be more worried about Harden's hamstring, they a funny injuries, than Irving flaking. (Not sure I believe what I just typed)

I still think the Sixers match up well defensively against the Nets, provided Thybulle is able to play his minutes.  The key match up on the other side will be Jordan vs Embiid. Jordan bullied Embiid the last go round. (Regular season)

oh yeah murray. i didn't see how long he was out for.

lebron knows what time it is...

curry sure is a swell shooter lltd. when he gets it going, its unstoppable.

Lebron:

https://apple.news/AJKOuP_dDR62J-d8O4lxtmw

How teams have to focus so much energy on curry enables so much freedom and space for  rest of the  team

Often triple teams on defense don't make a difference and CAN NOT STOP HIM

you wanna put your $ where your curry roll is?

Lol

I'm not saying the Warriors are going to win or go far

https://apple.news/Ars08AbERRXOV1oHS9uIUmQ

He got one of the worst teams in the league into the playoffs

 and had the most impact in my humble opinion

He works hard,  he is a professional,  he has fun and he's a great man off the court as well as on

So much fun to watch in the mind-boggling talent

http sources://apple.news/Ars08AbERRXOV1oHS9uIUmQ

https://apple.news/Ars08AbERRXOV1oHS9uIUmQ

i'll bet you some dnb schwag. we play each other in the play in game. 

$5-20 worth of stickers or something.

What's the bet on how soon this thread turns into another bizarro scream-fest?

And yeah, Curry certainly is a brilliant shooter/scorer. But that's just one of the many things that guy is beyond great at. He's truly one of the greatest players to ever lace up in the NBA, and it was fun and rather awesome to watch him prove that this year when he had so little around him to help/share the load, knowing he had to carry the team every night.

That little guy was hounded, pounded and surrounded all game every game this season but he still roared in all areas, because no one works harder, no one expends more energy than Curry, and he never lets up.

He's not the best defender in the world, but he's not terrible either, and it's certainly not because of lack of effort, which is another sign of his heart & character. Many players who know they're counted on to be scorers (or because they're posers) will conserve energy on defense, but Curry busts his butt on defense every possession and then he goes crazy on offense, constantly flying around the court working for a shot or a feed to an open teammate. He plays with joy and it's a joy to watch him play.

The Warriors are a very imperfect team and will likely go down fast, but it was really fun to follow them this year and watch how they came together throughout the season. Kerr and his staff cajoling their team to be a top five defense all season while endlessly mixing & matching a bunch of nuts & bolts on offense, trying to find units that could get something working besides Curry beating triple-teams. The transformation from where they started to where they've been the past month has been rather shocking; this year was Kerr's best coaching job by far and has illuminated how good he is.

So now they get to play two more, and just maybe four or five more after that, which is great because I love watching true greatness so I love watching Steph & Draymond play.

After they're out I'll probably pay attention to the Lakers if they're still in it, because LeBron is truly great and amazing to watch as well, but generally for me, watching basketball on TV is like watching paint dry, so once the Dubs are out I won't really care.

Good luck to all your teams, and...

GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True all dat

And I will be more than glad to donate some DNB swag to your collection Mr. turtle

sounds good lltd.

you name the price.

like to see montrez smack draymond in the chops!

On an earlier nba thread I blasted the Knick's picking up Dereck Rose. Got that dead wrong. 

Anthony Davis, he likes to sit out a hell of a lot of games. 
 

rooting for the Underdog this year, whoever that might be, do not want the lakers or nets to win it

Curry was the last player to make me buy a ticket

Luka might be the next one that makes me 

Coach Stotts Western Coach of the Month, Dame western Player of the Month

Go Blazers! 

luka is ridiculous.

ps. love lillard

not so much curry.

Curry is like GOD  or Phil Lesh

not a kobe fan btw -- Let's have some friction turts ... btw I have more DNB swag than any human alive possibly

don't care about the dollar limit  i will end you some crap anyway ( unless we meet soonish at a DNB show !!!!)

I had to scroll a long ways down to find a mention of the most deserving MVP candidate, Damian Lillard.    Say his name! 

I know, I know, I'm not living in Blazermania land any longer. ... but I've never thought that mattered... also an occasional Green Bay Packers  and FC Barcelona fan.

Damian Lillard is a great player for his time.

Steph Curry is a great player for all time.

Those that can't see it just can't see it, or refuse to see it.

"Oh, he chews on his mouthpiece. I hate that!"

Rather desperate.

And Draymond taking one in the chops? No problem. He'll laugh it off, and then continue to out-work, out-smart, out-play everyone else on the court.

He's the smartest & most instinctive player in the league, and no one works harder, on & off the court, to be great.

Fans hate him, but it's noteworthy that other players around the league do not.

"Oh, but he yells. I don't like him!"

Fans.

Meh.

GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>Fans hate him, but it's noteworthy that other players around the league do not<

With the exception of the multiple players he has kicked in the nuts?

From little Weber State University in Ogden, Utah (pronounced Wee-Ber). 

For those who like really exciting playoffs, there's an NHL Playoffs thread in the sports section.  LOL

Regarding Irving possibility flaking... as he explicitly stated in his last post game press appearance, "There’s a lot of stuff that’s going on in this world, and basketball’s just not the most important thing to me right now."  

I wouldn't necessarily call this flaking, but current events may affect his availability 

cool lltd, don't think i will be coming for any of the current dnb shows...we will see.

look curry is one of the best shooters we've seen, but his style of play is not very fun for me to watch. just jack 3's....it's infected the whole league.

and draymond is the hardest working player? ok ...and yeah those nut-kicked players probably have another opinion. 

My son lives and Denver and made a statement when I asked him if Denver was pumped for the nuggets, and it appears true from this thread, he said

"in Colorado no one gives a shit about any team except the Broncos"

Curry - after seeing him in person the one thing I noticed is no one I have seen play can separate himself from a defender and get off a shot as quickly as Curry. The jukes, head fakes, rock the baby, and lull them to sleep and then bam 3 pointer. He plays chess with defenders like Bird used to do. 

The NBA would be vastly improved if they eliminated the three point line, IMO.

Always been a debate over MVP. Some say it's the best player others the one who's value to his team is greatest. 
IMHO, I've always looked at the latter. Where would his team be without him, does he make everyone else around him better. 
Under that scenario these are my rankings for this year's MVP

Nikola Jokic hands down winner. 
Randle, Curry, Luka, and Chris Paul complete my top 5.
Emblid would be a top contender but I feel he  missed too many games to win the award. 

^Solid list, Bob. Can't disagree, except for my homer pick of Embiid. i agree that he missed too many games, but the Sixers are 10-11 without him... where would they be without him?

But I have no objection to Jokic as MVP

Prima Donna - a very temperamental person with an inflated view of their own talent or importance. "the prima-donna behavior of some of the stars".  

Are you insinuating Steph and Lebron are prima-donna's?  

>> "in Colorado no one gives a shit about any team except the Broncos" <<

Mostly true.

>Always been a debate over MVP. Some say it's the best player others the one who's value to his team is greatest. <

to me its a bit of both. i always thought of it also bob, more in line with you. if you take player X off of the team? what's left? 

>>>He's the smartest & most instinctive player in the league

Especially when he got an unnecessary T and cost the dubs a Championship.   Real brainiac there.  He's Rodman light and I have no beef with the warriors.  

Jokic is going to win MVP.  It's done.  

Kind of like the dubs tonight but it may come down to the post and if Davis has his way.   

Is it true the Celtics really made the playoffs ? They were too painful for me to watch this year.

Gotta play the Nets and all that high priced talent ? Oh fuck, this won't be pretty.

HBD KG

i'd love the celtics team if they were any other team than the celtics.

Turt.  Byrd or Kobe?

There's a lot to hate about the Celtics, especially if you're a bigot.

In 1950, the Celtics under a Jewish kid from Brooklyn Red Auerbach, became the first NBA franchise to draft a Black player when they selected Chuck Cooper. In 1964, they became the first NBA franchise to start five Black players when Naulls replaced the injured Heinsohn in the starting lineup.

The history behind the NBA's first all-Black starting five | NBA.com Canada | The official site of the NBA
https://ca.nba.com/news/boston-celtics-first-all-black-starting-five-in-....

And just for contrast - 

Pumpsie Green became the first African-American player in the history of the Boston Red Sox in 1959. They were the last team to desegregate in MLB. The Red Sox, under owner Tom Yawkey, were one of the most racist organizations across all of professional sports.Feb 23, 2020

I think that Tatum and Brown were not expected to be what they have turned into and it has fucked up Ainge 's ability to deal. Ainge had cleared a lot of salary space, and accumulated some great draft picks in some good GM decisions, but it has not really turned out as well as expected. I thought Walker over Hayward was going to lift them, but they are no better than with Hayward. Covid did effect Tatum, but I think the Celts need to make some big trades imo 

they are both legends lltd.

but i'm a purple n gold guy.

>>>>>just jack 3's

Plenty of points close to the hoop as well.

>>>just jack 3's<<<

That's not even close to describing the game Curry/the Warriors play. They're on national TV a lot, don't you watch?

>>>The NBA would be vastly improved if they eliminated the three point line<<<

Lots of people say that, and I'm not sure what to say personally. I agree that it's boring to watch a player walk the ball up the court and then "jack a 3", but I also think it's boring to watch a player walk the ball up the court, toss it to a big man under the basket and have him bang around and then bank in a little layup or short jump-hook or stuff it.

It seems to me that the 3-point line opens up the court, which allows for space for a team to move and pass the ball, which for me is more esthetically enjoyable to watch. I'm not a hockey fan, but if I'm not mistaken, in overtime there is one less player on the ice for both teams, which opens up the ice and there's a lot more flying around, longer passing and shots taken, and a lot less bunched up scrums in front of the net.

I always enjoy watching that more, and I think the 3-point line can do the same thing, it's just too bad that more teams don't play the Warriors style of offense, using that space to get everyone running, cutting, slashing, flying around, to have all five players passing the ball, everyone working together for the open shot, wherever it may be. For me that's a fun game to watch, and the 3-point line opens that up. Unfortunately I guess there are too many Hardens and not enough Curry, Thompson, Greens that play a true team game.

>>>those nut-kicked players probably have another opinion<<<

There was one time that really happened in a bad way, years ago. The other two times were physical basketball under the rim where contact was made (like the good old days tough-guys banging game so many seem to want back). He is respected around the league. If he was dirty he wouldn't be.

>>>Especially when he got an unnecessary T and cost the dubs a Championship<<<

That particular ticky-tack call was more LeBron being really smart (and seriously disrespectful, but with a purpose) but Draymond did put himself in that position by allowing his emotions toward the refs to consistently boil too often, and that hurt his team for sure.

That ferocity is his achilles heal, but it's also how an under-sized, comparatively average athlete became such a great player. It's his fuel, but like rocket fuel, it's highly combustible. He has learned to control it better, but we'll see how that goes when things get intense, starting tonight.

And Rodman light? I've thought about that comparison in the past, and it's probably a good one, but I think Green brings some things that Rodman didn't.

I'm not an expert on all the differences between basketball players, and I think Rodman was a great player (who also used ferocity to fuel his game) but did he provide much of ANYthing on offense?

Green is not a shooter but he CAN score, and more importantly he's a great facilitator. He's basically the team's point guard, and his passing and sense of the court on offense are outstanding. To my amateur's eye, his overall excellent defense and being able to effectively defend any player on the court/in the league from centers to guards, along with his quality point guard level skills makes him more of a Magic light to me. Obviously not in the same rhelm as Magic, but a guy who's effective on both sides of the court and can do more than meets the eye.

Anyway, it's nice to see this thread hasn't devolved into the foolishness that basketball threads here normally fall into. I expect the Warriors to lose tonight, the Lakers are just a better, more versatile team that the W's, and Curry has traditionally played poorly in Staples (apparently there's something with the lighting in the building that he struggles with - they say he squints in that place) but SF has been playing really good well (I corrected that, just for you JJ) this past month and they COULD win, which is all a fan can hope for.

The experts say it could actually work to the Warriors advantage if they lose tonight, as long as they win the next game, as it would give them a better matchup in the first round of full playoffs. I don't know anything about that, it seems to me that every team in the playoffs is probably going to be tough for the Warriors to beat four times, but this has been a really fun team to watch develop, with a couple of stars, a reclamation project and a bunch of youngsters & D-leaguers made good, so I hope they can carry this thing on a while longer.

We'll see.

i watch enough to see that whole philosopy spread. see james harden, and really any modern team.

the defensive 3 second and offensive 3 sec rules changed the entire way the game is played, not to mention the no-contact perimiter style.

every offense is pick n roll...IF there is any offense run at all.

there ARE more points scored overall, so that formula worked, i just don't care for it. shit, just take the 3 pt line away.

look, green IS a very good palyer i don't dispute it. 

I will take eight words

Green is the smartest player in the NBA

Hey  turtle

get off my lawn

And while I'm at it it's a pain to watch James Harden play

a travesty

And I Kinda did like the Lakers during the magic era but that was a long time ago

>green IS a very good palyer i don't dispute it. <

Sure he's good, just not as good as he thinks he is. 

He is better

Green, hit or kicked 3 players in the nuts over an 11 game span several years ago, wonder what the total ball busting is for his career?  Don't think that qualifies as a blocked shot...

Dame...  keeping it classy!     

I'm listening to my local radio station, so of course I'm receiving a biased account; however, it sounds like the refs are giving the Lakers the benefit of the doubt in the fouls called category.

No, he didn't Noodler. You & yours can keep saying it, but it's not true.

He did it one time in a fit of anger, the other two were incidental contacts in the heat of physical play, the kind of play so many seem to want, except when it's Draymond playing it.

But that's all the Green haters have, something from six years ago, so they keep throwing it out there, years & years & years later, despite the actual truth of the situation. No evidence of anything like it since then, since that's not the player he is, but keep throwing it out there, because it's all you got.

Crazy game so far. Draymond playing great again, as usual, Curry not playing so well, as usual in LA.

Nice to see the over-matched Dubs hanging in there. The Lakers seem to have finally woke up in the 3rd quarter, using their size advantage.

Keep fighting little Dubs!!!!!!!!!

Tied!

Pretty exciting game!

Lukewarm Curry...

Damn.

Well Turtle, you must have HATED that ending, LeBron jackin' a 3 for the win. Shitty modern basketball, right?

I call it clutch, all-time brilliance.

Can someone explain to me again why Jordan was better than Lebron?

Because LeBron just keeps winning huge games single-handedly, like he always has, year after year after year. Dude's fucking amazing.

The Warriors fought hard against a better team and was right there at the end, good effort boys.

And BTW, for you desperate Green haters/he kicked a guy in the balls!!! folks. Did you happen to notice what LeBron did when he was hard fouled by Green late in the game, when he was shoved backward while going up? He instinctively, as well all do, kicked his right foot up in the air.

Exact same thing Green did.

Six years ago.

But no one happened to be standing in front of James on that one.

Whatever, haters gonna' hate.

OK, good effort Dubs. So now,

Down with Memphis!!!!

 Noodler 

I hope you're good noodling on the guitar

because you're off and completely full of shit here 

Go puff some more Geritol

and this homer certainly felt that the defending champions got the benefit of the doubt many times especially on nonexistent illegal screen foul calls

Willie Mays @ seals stadium 

warriors @ cow palace

john Brodie @ kezar 

I'm looking forward to watching the Blazers on Saturday!!!  (I've seen Green get dirty in person before at Blazer games, remember watching those OKC games live on the tele as well, yada yada, maybe he'll be playing next weekend, maybe not).  

Oh, now lltd, the W's got a few ticky-tack calls too.

I may be wrong here because I don't follow the NBA that closely, but it seems to me that maybe more than the 3-point line, the biggest difference in the NBA now compared to "the good old days" is that the refs call every little contact now, where back in the golden era players could bang a little more under the basket.

Am I right?

Except for Draymond Green of course.

Because fuck him. He's mean!

GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At least some Warriors fans get to catch another home game. 

>>>they will draw the Jazz, who will be tougher for them than the Suns would have been<<<

I don't know anything about that, but apparently that's not what some non-biased "experts" think, I guess based on matchups.

It doesn't really matter. The Warriors have beaten both of them, but both teams are much better than the W's. This year.

Whatever happens, even if they lose to Memphis on Friday, this was a good season for the Warriors, better than almost everyone expected after Klay tore his achilles and the way they started the season. As they continue to re-build/re-tool toward a more competitive near future, they ended up pretty darn competitive this season.

And just for the hell of it, did anyone notice how often the word "great" and "Green" were used in the same sentence tonight by the national broadcasters?

Dude's great.

Whether you can see it or not.

Carry on.

>LeBron jackin' a 3 for the win. Shitty modern...

Yep. Too many spot up threes make for a boring sport.  Almost as bad as the 2 man isolation game in the 80's.

Eliminating the three would not eliminate long jumpers, it's just that they would only be worth 2 points. Without the three, last night lakers/warriors game would have been 93-85, lakers. (Not sure if there were any fouls on three point attempts, just subtracted 1 for every made 3) (curry would have still scored 31)

Lance, Green also kicked Harden in the head, defend him if you like, but he is a dirty player. FWIW, kyle Lowry is much worse.  He has a habit of undercutting guys while they are airborne,  dangerous stuff. 

Let's get something straight about mister 0-for 

Some players are hated for no reason, LeBron for instance, other than the crying. Mr. 0-for has earned every bit of hate coming his way

and I wish he was on my team 

>Some players are hated for no reason, LeBron for instance<

Well the was that obnoxious made for TV free agency period, before he joined Miami. 

Fuck Lebron he's the biggest asshole of a player and that shot was a fuckin Prayer. He should win a full scholarship for that heave. As a mouthpiece for social justice, he is a king, on the court I can only see a clown.

let's see...

lakers played terrible. better figure out the rotations!? not a fan of the coach...

lakers were getting mugged to start the game, finally got calls in the 3rd. 

>> that the refs call every little contact now, where back in the golden era players could bang a little more under the basket.

Am I right?<

basically, but the 3 second rules as i stated also are a factor.

lebron vs jordan? i'll let someone else. 

and i was happy about the jacked 3? lol...its HARDLY what he is known for or does..but he does do it in the clutch. hate him or not.

please someone tell AD he's 7' tall. god that guy is frustrating.

oh and greens hands to the face at the end....? mmhm.

>>>oh and greens hands to the face at the end....? mmhm.

I was asleep when that happened (stupid west coast start times), and googled "Green eye poke James" and who knew, all sorts of incidents popped up with Green poking both Lebron and James Harden in the eye in the past.   Enough that it's not a coincidence.     

Trash player.   I get it, when he's on your team you love it.  We had a guy from Ireland on our soccer team and when the game was late and close he'd wait for the ball to be on the other side of the field and he'd cold cock their best player.  Ref's turn around and see their player on him and give them a red card. 

Zhang Green is the smartest player in the NBA today

And he works as hard as any other player probably  harder 

Coach green knows what's going to happen two plays before it happens and has many many many more skills than Rodman

Playing point from the five he's an amazing passer  and playmaker

He does a great job guarding people litter 70 pounds more and 8 inches taller than he is

Be a blind hater if you choose to it's all good

But if he was on your team it would be fucking lucky

Zhang Green is the smartest player in the NBA today

And he works as hard as any other player probably  harder 

Coach green knows what's going to happen two plays before it happens and has many many many more skills than Rodman

Playing point from the five he's an amazing passer  and playmaker

He does a great job guarding people litter 70 pounds more and 8 inches taller than he is

Be a blind hater if you choose to it's all good

But if he was on your team it would be fucking lucky

Apparently I can't say it enough

shut up and give me a sticker.

Fu boy

I was thinking of mailing you a coffee mug or a shot glass Or  something more substantial

Because I love you

embellishment and flopping is it sad part of the NBA today

https://apple.news/A-DsreV85QtSgxYVkJMUJYQ

I'm sure it's close to impossible to correctly officiate a game and most crews do an amazing job

That "illegal screen" call On dray was completely weak you heathen

And the Warriors do you have a ton of turnovers party from being so fucking aggressive and the Lakers did play some amazing day but they're tall guys really did not play well

ha ha!

i thought the screen call was bunk also.

and i remember chick tellin' vlade to "get up off the floor"!

^Westbrook always gives the Sixers trouble, regardless of the team. Still believe the Sixers take this in 5.

Todays NBA ---  SUCKS what a yaaaaaawwwwwwwwnnnnnnnn fest. Quick now pass the ball to,  it's all about me, so I can go one on one then shoot,,, no defense hacks. POS is what it is compared to back in the day. Hate the Celtics, LOL,, that's like an Ali fan hating on Joe Frazier. What would one be without the other ? Not much.  Respect.

Oh yeah I can still see the baloons on the ceiling that were supposed to drop when Chamberlain's Lakers were supposed to beat Boston in game 7 of the 69 finals. 

The 1969 NBA World Championship Series to determine the champion of the 1968–69 NBA season was played between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, the Lakers being heavily favored due to the presence of three formidable stars: Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West. In addition, Boston was an aging team; they made the playoffs as the fourth place team in the Eastern Division, and were not favored to make it to the finals. The Celtics' finals victory – the last championship of the Bill Russell dynasty – is considered one of the great upsets in NBA history.

Todays NBA,,  Fuck I'd rather watch reruns of something I never watch the 1st time around.

Sorry, Ras, I'll get off your lawn.

^1st rd best of 7

Ja Ja.

Play in tournament didn't change anything in regards to playoff births or seating. Just a little extra advertising dollars. 

Warriors apologist

It's hard to keep winning when you only have eight players

and only five are veterans.  They just  wore down and made a lot of stupid turnovers towards the END

all in all it was a great season     AND the e future so bright I gotta wear  shades

exciting games And I am a bit surprised how well they did this season

I hope someone vaccinates LeBron's face soon

Warriors will be good next year. Hope Thompson comes back strong, but you never know. 

And before I'm corrected, playoff berth*

Not the Sixers best game, but they got the win. 10 steals, 5 blocks for the Sixers. Simmons with some very good defense and a line of 6/15/15.

Harris with 37 is not shabby. Embiid, limited minutes because of foul trouble,  took over when he needed to.

Thybulle, 2 steals, 2 blocks in just under 14 minutes 

Sixers once again were terrible in transition. They need to be better. Can't let a guy take the inbound and drive the length of the court for a lay it up

Laters

Quiet in here without the warrior's fans.  I agree they will be stronger next year with Klay and a lotto pick plus.   

Some excellent games thus far and more close games than I've seen in the past this early in the tourney.  Besides the stupid Nets this is a total free for all.  And the Nets I'm sure are holding their breath that something doesn't break.     

Never been a Trae Young fan but he delivered in a big way last night.   Doncic delivered as has JaMorant and Booker.  Mitchell being out hurt his team but you start to see this next gen group inching closer and closer each year and the NBA has a bright exciting future.  

Everyone said the Lakers are better this year on paper but I think Rondo was too important to their title run last year.   Davis has to step up more than that and be the dominant player he can be.  Wasn't that an issue last year?  He kind of goes in and out of delivering?  

Knicks fan energy is nice to have back including watching spike jump around like a little kid on his birthday.  Never a fan of the knicks but I think that younger generation now will understand why they are important for the league.     

>but I think Rondo was too important to their title run last year. <

bingo. bummed to have lost him, and being now on the clippers is a real gear grinder.

missed the game yesterday.

The knicks are winning by double digits tonight 

Much better game for the Sixers tonight. Lots of bright spots, I'll choose one. Thybulle gets 5 blocks and 4 steals in just under 20 minutes, more than Washington's entire team. The only negative for the Sixers is the play of Shake Milton. Hope Curry and Harris are good to go next game. Although, Westbrook's injury looked worse than either of their injuries. 

Oh, another problem is the Sixers transition defense,  it's been a problem all year. Not an issue so far in this series, but could be against a better opponent. 

Not sure if Randle just off or feeling the pressure (though he did make a couple of crucial baskets down the stretch). Rose was terrific last night showing glimpses of his MVP days. Don't think they'll really be able to stop Trae but the Knicks can win this series if they play the kind of D they showed in the 2nd half. Holding that team to 35 points for the half was impressive. Just shut down everyone else. Trae can't win it alone. 

Celtics getting ready for some home court payback. Now THAT'S funny.

Celtics need to make some significant changes this off-season 

Hell yeah, Brad's gotta go, he's had more than enough time to build a winner.

Stevens? Ainge put that team together. 

Yes Stevens, good guy, I liked him in college, but nice guys finish last. Sure Danny built the team (with some coach input I'm sure), but it's tough to fire a GM

C's were looking great a few years ago, solid team and all the draft picks.  Tough run.   

Knicks remind me of the knicks of old - rough and tumbled.  ATL got cold for too long and it will be interesting to see how the series plays out, especially when it shifts to ATL.  

6ers game was so fun last night !

.....annnnd the band i saw last weekend did the 76ers theme

((((10,9,8,76ers!))))

Speaking of Westbrook, here's some info on his Utah run-in with idiot fans. https://www.ksl.com/article/50175369/100m-lawsuit-against-utah-jazz-thro...

SALT LAKE CITY — A judge on Thursday dismissed a $100 million lawsuit against the Utah Jazz and NBA player Russell Westbrook that claimed defamation and infliction of emotional distress.

The case stems from a March 2019 verbal exchange between Shane Keisel and Westbrook during a game in which the Jazz hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder. The end of the altercation was captured on video and was heavily shared on social media. It led to Keisel getting a lifetime ban from Vivint Arena, Westbrook getting fined, and a wider conversation about racism among Jazz fans.

Now two years later, it seems to finally be put to rest — at least that incident.

On the same day the court threw out that case, the Jazz issued a statement saying that they had indefinitely banned three fans from Vivint Arena after they heckled family members of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.

"The Utah Jazz have zero tolerance for offensive or disruptive behavior. An incident occurred last night involving a verbal altercation during Game 2. Arena security staff intervened, and the investigation resulted in the removal and banning of three Jazz fans indefinitely," a team statement from the team reads. "We apologize to all who were impacted by this unfortunate incident and condemn unacceptable fan behavior. The Utah Jazz are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment."

*****

Didn't wanna say after game one, since the Jazz lost and I didn't want to be Capt Obvious, but warning - for some reason, the Jazz have trouble with Memphis. Brooks and Morant give them fits. I've seen games where it seemed like the Jazz had absolutely no answer whatsoever. Not saying the Jazz will lose, but they'll know Memphis was there.   

Sixers and Bucks look strong. 

Embiid is a special player, it's a privilege to watch him on a regular basis. The Sixers starting 5 really beat up on Washington. Next round won't be as easy. 

Nets looking good. 

Looks like I was a bit premature in writing off the Hawks.

Hawks should try to get Harrel from the Lakers in the offseason.  Put him back with LouWil and let them be that crazy productive second team.  Lakers don't seem to want Harrel's energy and is wasting space being a bench warmer.  

I don't know whether the nets are that good or the celtics are that bad.  Some good potential matchups with the sixers and bucks will confirm.  The fact that the C's could even steal a game is a little embarrassing for the nets.   

Celts are that bad, but in these watered down nba days all but what, 2 teams make the playoffs ? Quantity over quality,, barf. Profits profits profits 

I enjoy a good booing whenever Kyrie touches the ball in Boston but no way should they be throwing water bottles,, unless of course they're frozen,,, he did after all stomp on the leprechaun.

Sixers fans have a right to be pissed after that game.  Between some crazy calls against them in the final three minutes and the hack a Simmons with the game tied, it was kind of a pathetic way for the bullets (wiz) to win.   

Terrible and lopsided officiating in the sixers/wizards game. Surprised no one was T'd up, some good discipline there. Simmons needs to make his foul shots, or he needs to sit in the final minutes.  

After seeing some of the teams, the Jazz have a real shot this year. 

>>>>or he needs to sit in the final minutes.  

Yeah, I was surprised the Sixers didn't start subbing him in and out.   If Embiid is out then the sixers are done, even if/when they get through this series.     

>>>the Jazz have a real shot this year. 

They could come out of the west as it's a bit of a shit show.  I'd like to see Mitchell start hitting a higher percentage of his shots.  I think when Shaq made those disparaging comments to him post-game a month or so ago, that's what he's was trying to do.  Motivated him to elevate his game to the next level. 

The Process Continues 

biggest joke in basketball, build a team on and injury prone big man, and a 6-11 guard that cannot shoot, they should of traded Simmons ages ago 

>build a team on and injury prone big man<

Who is a finalist for this year's MVP

>and a 6-11 guard that cannot shoot<

Who can defend 1-5 and is a finalist for this year's Defensive Player of the year. 

Lumber - it's the post season, we ain't talking bout practice 

what has the process brought you except ridicule and early exits from the playoffs? not to mention it took years for you all to get rid of that last loser you had for a coach. Get ready for the off season 

they hack-a-shacked your star defender, the guard that cannot shoot, cannot wait to watch more of him choking at the line 

There is a God

How boston won 1 game with that team on the floor was a minor miracle

> not to mention it took years for you all to get rid of that last loser you had for a coach. <

You're correct on this. He stuck around about 3 years more than he should have.

If Embiid is out, you are correct,  they are done. 

Simmons averaged 6.9 assists and 3 TO this year, doing what a point guard does, run the offense. 

He also had 14.3 pts and had a 55% field goal percentage this year, 55% for a guy that can't shoot.  Sure, he shot 61% from the free throw line. 61% is not good, but better than his performance in the playoffs thus far 

What has the process brought?

Since the Process began, the sixers have as many championships as Boston, Milwaukee, Miami,  the clippers, and a host of other very good teams.

Also during that time, the Sixers went from a bottom dweller, to Eastern Conference champions and a series of playoff appearances. 

I'm not totally against the process.   I think it was an interesting strategy and if Embiid was healthy they would have made a decent run this year.   It proves that there is a way to get from the bottom to near the top which many teams can't seem to ever figure out. 

that was ugly.

Schroder 0-9 isn't going to get it done.   At least they let Harrel off the bench.  

Interesting to Stevens promoted after this year for the C's.   I want a job like that.  

^Ainge deserved to lose his job, he built that team.

Postseason you say, Fabes.

In the four playoff games this year, Simmons is shooting an abysmal 25% from the line. But he is averaging 30.3 minutes, 13.8 pts, 10.1 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, with a 5:1 assist to turnover ratio. Plus 1.3 steals and .5 blocks. And the guy who can't shoot is 64% from the field. 

How did Ben Simmons defend last night?

Bradley Beal 15.8 poss., 4 pts 1/2 from the field, 2 TOs

Daniel Gafford 7.48 poss., 0 pts 0 FGAs

Rui Hachimura 5.36 poss., 0 pts

Russell Westbrook 2.28 poss., 2 pts 0/3 from the field

Simmons held the Wizards to 1/6 overall from the field

Simmons 19 pts, 10 rebounds,  11 assists,  2, blks, 1 stl, 4 TO(brought his assists to turnover ratio down to about 4:1 for the series)  5 of 8 from the line 62.5%, and the guy who can't shoot was 7 of 11 from the field,  63.6%

Oh, Simmons was also the starting center last night. I seem to remember another point guard who started at the 5 in a playoff game, in Philly even.  Fabes, do you remember who that other point guard was?

Hopefully Embiid can get back soon, because they are done without him.

Jazz hung 47 on Memphis in the first quarter and put it out of reach. Was 91-58 in the third. Conley's hammy an issue, but rest will be good.  

Lumber, you beat a play in team, someone that technically did not make the playoffs 

let's see how the next round goes 

if Simmons played the wing or 3 position, another pg would easily get 10-12 assist a game, and Simmons would average over 20+ points a game scoring on shots he makes

not to mention that with a guard with a threat to make a three pointer it would open the middle for Embid even more, they should of traded Simmons years ago. 

Simmons is no Magic Johnson, hahaha

outside of Philly and Chicago there are no 5's in the league, the center is a dead position in today's game, will come around again, but not soon. 

he shoots so high because he only scores going to the rack, and he would excel so much more as a 3 running the wing on breaks 

Nicola Jokic is an mvp candidate and a C....

>a guard with a threat to make a three pointer it would open the middle for Embid even more<

I agree.

>if Simmons played the wing or 3 position, another pg would easily get 10-12 assist a game, and Simmons would average over 20+ points a game scoring on shots he makes<

They run him off ball quite a bit. A ton of their offense is run through the post. And another point guard wouldn't play the same defense.  They have shooters around him, that's why Curry and Green were brought in. 

Oh, heck of a game from Curry too.

>Lumber, you beat a play in team, someone that technically did not make the playoffs<

I didn't beat anyone.  The Celtics finished the regular season in the 7th spot, and the Wizards were 8th. So the play in didn't affect seating, just made some money for the league. 

>let's see how the next round goes<

Trae Young, like most small, quick guards, give the Sixers trouble. It won't be easy, Sixers took the season series 2-1.

But they need Embiid.

>Simmons is no Magic Johnson<

I know 

Nets looked like they were playing cat n mouse with the celts the whole series long. Could turn it off n on as they saw fit, gonna be tough to beat. Hate em

Agree, nothing to like about the nets but clearly the team to beat.   Bucks are deep and more of a team so this will be an interesting matchup.  I still am surprised the Celtic's even took a game.    

Also let's not forget the Karl Malone, Gary Payton Shaq Kobe Lakers team that couldn't put it together.  

Play in tournament didn't affect seeding *

I wouldn't crown the Nets just yet. The Bucks look strong and they're deep.

Hoping for a Blazer win tonight, that last performance by Dame was insane!!!  

Meniscus? If so Embid is done or will not be effective until he breaks trying, hope not I like the guy and his story in life. 
 

The first seed could pay dividends in healing time if they can step up and beat the Atl. With Embid resting.

Trae Young, there was big talk in Orlando how the Magic should take him that year but he got snagged by Atl. before they could pull it off.

I was definitely in the group that thought he would bust. 
 

but even so Atlanta fucked up, and should of taken Luca 

It sucks that the west coast games do not start until 10:30 on the east coast, I m lucky if I can get in a quarter before going to bed.

I am more interested in the Western match ups, just wished I could watch them. 

On the flip side Fabes, my Islander games at start at 5:30 and are done around 8. NFL Sunday games start at 11 AM. 

Hey, just for S's and G's, I got an e-mail from Ticketmaster about Jazz tix for the playoffs. Thought I'd post the link for anyone who may want to compare costs on this stuff. 

https://www.ticketmaster.com/west-conf-semis-rd2-hm-gm-salt-lake-city-ut...

I once looked into going to Vegas for an Islander game. $200 for the upper deck. Screw that. Not a fan of Las Vegas.   

Over the Warriors five year stretch of greatness, I spent some serious dough on standing room for playoff and finals games at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.

A couple of times I thought I was losing at least my perspective, if not my mind... until I was actually at those games.

At that point, every time, I realized it was money VERY WELL spent.

As always, you have to be in the room to appreciate what's really happening, and how great that can be.

The most money I've ever spent for any event ever was for standing room for Game 6 of the 2019 Finals between the Warriors and the Raptors. While a VERY cool spot to watch a game, it was damn pricey.

The Dubs were fighting for their lives, with Durant out, and they were winning a close game until Klay tore his knee. And even then it came down to the final seconds.

Ultimately it was brutal loss that ended a season, a championship run and a venue, but it was one of the greatest events I've ever attended, and the money I spent is a joke compared to what I saw & experienced that night, which for me was priceless.

Money is important, but money comes and goes. If you have a chance to go to one of these great events, especially if you care, I say...

GO TO THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

La bye bron

not a classy loser in my view

lance.  Right on buddy.  Priceless is priceless 

My buddies at work just scored Raiders ticket and are going out to Vegas for the week to watch the game and have fun. Tickets in the upper deck end zone face value were over $600.00. I passed on the trip cuz not into an animal house type of vacation with 4 other guys in Vegas in a house by the strip with a pool. In other words I am too old 

>>>>I was definitely in the group that thought he would bust.   

Ditto.   He had an inordinate amount of press on espn during college and his numbers didn't add up to it.   And while I'm still pissed ATL didn't select Doncic, at least they didn't pick a total bust.   The fact that he's comfortable riling up the NY crowd is promising.  

Lakers were likely never going to win this year with the shifts they had in the offseason but more so because their offseason was so short.   I question the coaching too, much like the clippers.  Some questionable decisions. 

I think when I first moved to ATL from SF, season tix for the Falcons started at like $200.   Regret not taking advantage of that price. 

Lastly, the raiders should be in oakland and it's a travesty they are not.  

Lance, I did pay a grand to go to the Super Bowl, so I understand the "experience" factor. Bought the ticket out side the venue. My brother thought I was nuts. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. 

Booker is like an evil curry. sure is a biatch but damn he was on fire. AD made of glass. We miss having the leagues best trainer in Gary vitti.

suns coach very good. Lakers coach is fucking clueless.

plus crowder and Paul? I don't like those guys.

lebron was playing hurt, that was clear. You know he has over 3 yrs worth of playoff years?!  That's 21 yrs of miles

"Street Clothes" Anthony Davis should have never been cleared to play. It was a bad look to put him out there and especially bad look for the trainers & doctors of the Lakers.  

Those damn Suns have some serious "dog" in them, led by Paul and Crowder.  The Lakers couldn't match that energy and wanted no part (until the end) of the game.  Agree with Turtle about Frank Vogel and his wet towel attitude and boring ass game plans.  Both him and Tye Lue suck way harder then I ever knew.

Now to Nikole Jokic......this guy is something extra special and has abilities like we've never seen from a 7 footer.  Somehow, he is able to constantly be on a 360 degree swivel and knows angles and right plays for every square inch on the court. Toying with mother fuckers out there and making everyone single person on his team BETTER.

Dame Lillard.  Not much more to say except his name and his body of work.  

The god damn Clippers need to get the fuck out of Staples Center ASAP.  There is something cursed about that team.  Paul George should take a sabbatical or hide under a rock if they lose the series.

Harden getting hurt may be the best thing for the Nets.   Call me crazy but it simplifies their system and who needs the ball.   And if Blake can play like he did last night, there is a better team hierarchy.

On the contrary, while it was expected one of the big three wouldn't make it to the finals, now they can't afford to lose another.   If Harden is out for the season, the nets are in a more precarious spot with two injury prone stars.  Bucks better take advantage of the opportunity too.     

Lastly, Nets may be one of the worst team names of a major sport.

Not a harden fan

nor Vanessa 

there are some nice performances and amazing skills on display every game

>The Sixers free throw shooting lost the game for them<

 7 turnovers first quarter turnovers and giving up 42 first quarter points was the problem. 

Hawks almost coughed that one up.  Excellent defense at the end and the refs seemed to be letting them play.   Hawks probably gave up 7 turnovers in the last 4 minutes.   It was ugly.  

Has limp dick Frank Vogel gotten fired yet? 

>They were 24-35 (including a 3-10 Bobby Simmons) in a 4 point game<

So if Simmons shot 80% from the line, they win. 70% they tie. Simmons will never shoot 80% from the line, unlikely to hit 70%. This game was lost in the first quarter, lousy defense and 7 turnovers. 

Dave, please don't misinterpret me, i understand math. But to blame this loss on poor foul shooting completely disregards the sixers' atrocious first half( 1st quarter especially)  This team wins with defense, and it was horrendous in that first quarter. 

ain't no D in dallas?

Philly needs to pick up their foul shooting or The Atl is going to blow them o u t 

Like i wrote, this team wins with defense. 

10 steals, 7 blocks.

Trae Young 6-16 37.5% from the field.  1-7, 14.3% from three 

And they took care of the ball...7 turnovers

Embiid didn't look too bad either. 

Regarding Philly's free throws...

Game 1... 24-35 68.5%

Game 2.... 14-22 63.6%

Again, this team wins with defense 

Embiid has carried the team all year, they go as far as he can take them.

Simmons will shoot 60% from the line, at best.

4 point 3 rebounds 7 assists

Ben Simmons is no Robin to Embid's Batman

they need more than Embid to get out of the East 

they should name this Team "Embid and The Inconsistents"

Nets absolutely destroying the bucks.   I expected them to win but not like this.

Jazz may make a series with the clippers especially if Conley comes back.     

Fabes, you can criticize Simmons all you want, but they cannot win without his defense.  4 pts on  2-3 from the field, 7 assists, 2 turnovers... 3.5:1 assist to turnover ratio

Fabes, you do know that Harris is their secondary scorer?

Chris Paul is the 5th best point guard of all time. Right behind Isiah Thomas. 

Paul said his shoulder is so healthy now he's ready to finally hit someone in the nuts again.

Who else is on your list, jr?

I know Pistol Pete is on Jr's list, as he should be on all lists 

KD and the Nets want it more

 Benny and the Jets

Donovan Mitchel, bad hombre.

den is missing their 2nd best player, not boding well.

>should name this Team "Embiid and The Inconsistents"<

Harris has been consistent 

Pistol Pete was a one of a kind 'individual' player and hall of famer BUT did not impact his team and the league like the 5 below. No signature games battling other superstars and winning championships, or at least getting close and showing out.

That list is fluid and makes you think about Spider Mitchell and his enormous playoff games...time will tell. 

<Who else is on your list, jr?

1. Magic

2. Steph

3. Oscar Robertson

4. Isiah 

5. CP3

stockton?

the glove?

there are a handful of guys who one could debate on that list.  those are just my choices. to me, stockton and payton are top 10 fo sho. 

while devin booker is a little bitch, i still love the suns and hope they win it all. that would solidify Paul in the 5 spot too, 

De'Andre Hunter out for the season 

 Game 3 Philly FT----25-39...64.1%

Final score 127-111 Sixers win

Harris played his usual game, 22/8/5

Simmons 18/4/7

The bench played well. Korkmaz got 14 points in 27 minutes of action. 

Good win for the Sixers. 

Losing Green is going to hurt.

i wonder how bad Embiid's ankle/knee is (left, not the right knee with the tear) 

Hawks went 6-23 from  from three. And three of those makes came after the game was out of reach.  

Too bad denver is missing Murray.

32/20/10 for Jokic. That's an impressive stat line

Simmons sure did wel posting up, and that is what his game should be, as a small forward posting up shorter players and dominating running the break. 
 

bfd he can dribble the ball, he is not a guard 

Aaron Gordon is being exposed as the worthless player he was for the magic. The dude never was consistent here at all, and had the benefit of getting plenty of shots. Cried his way out of Orlando and now is exposed as only being able to come off the bench and be a spotty performer. His manager should be shot, he should of talked him into staying,signing a huge contract cuz your the only name on the team, and had the freedom to start and shoot 12-20 shots a game, and continue the charade that he was an nba starter. So glad he is gone 

Simmons did well both posting up and at the point. You're hung up on labels. He's a match up nightmare, and can defend 1-5. His lack of an outside shot is an issue no matter what set they run. One thing for certain, he's not a 3 and D wing, and relegating him to the wing would dramatically limit his effectiveness. And Embiid is the most dominant post player in the league.

If the beard and Irving are both not to return, nets are done.

I'm with cornbread -

Cedric Maxwell thinks Boston’s next coach should be a person of color
https://celticswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-boston-celtics-maxwell-coaching/

Chauncey Billups ?

I like Chauncey, hope the Magic get him but I don't think they have a chance. I think he may of already turned down a bad job last year, and is waiting for job that is not a re-build. Celts would fit 

Hawks showed some heart. Embiid settled for outside shots most of the night, think his knee was a factor. 

Going to be interesting. 

>>>Didn't get why Jokic got tossed In Game 4. 

Horrible call.  They say cause he wound up but he nailed the ball and grazed the nose with his arm.   Did not seem intentional at all.   

Durant carried that team.  

Some perform the Heimlich maneuver on the Sixers 

Hawks didn't quit, but the Sixers sure did. Curry and Embiid were the only two who remembered there was a second half. Simmons was awful, and not just from the line.  I could go on, but suffice to say, championship teams do not give up 26 point leads.

Ugly win for the Sixers. Maxey comes up big. 

The officiating was abysmal. Collins should have been hit with at least a flagrant 1 for the shot to Embiid's face and the subsequent neck take down. Personally, I think it was a blatant attempt to injury Embiid, and Collins should have been ejected. If Howard pulled that nonsense, he'd likely be suspended. 

Clippers come up big too. Mann with 39. George with a solid game. Looks like I can't refer to him as Small George anymore 

Dwight Howard has become a cheap imitation of Dennis Rodman. 

jazz need 1 more player...

what a blow it. not sure how you don't like call a time out before you let a team come back 20+ pts.?

good game last night.

later kd.

Thr Simmons era in Philly is over

^^^^
There was a Simmons era? Pretty sure you have to accomplish something for it to be considered an era. Professional basketball players who can't shoot at least 70% from the free throw line should be forced to go back to college or high school. Did Embiib really think he was league MVP? The Philadelphia Seventychokesters.

Also just goes to show the regular season means nothing anymore, with both top seeds in each conference already on the golf course. 

Ben Simmons needs to see a sports psychologist, stat. Passing up wide open layups because he might get fouled and brick free throws was sad and pathetic to watch. You're a millionaire, Ben; find a shooting coach in the offseason and don't leave the gym until your broken shot is fixed. 

A little off topic, but Doris Burke just needs to go away and never come back.