If anyone sees stever at TXR.....(Part Deux)

Ws up 106-81 with about 4 to play.

Dubs ain't dead yet.

One-game series.

Uphill climb in Houston, but they might still have it in them.

3rd and 4th: big energy and big fun!

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

Rebounds! Focus! Energy! Flow! Yeah!

When Kerr called T/O with his team down 17, that team flipped a switch.

Defense. They came out of that T/O flying all over the floor. It didn't hurt that the refs were calling a loose game but Houston just looked thunderstruck by the defense the Warriors were putting on them. Even though Oak was down 10 at the half, the camera caught Curry clapping. Houston just couldn't match that intensity and it sure looked like he knew it.  I'm not sure I've ever seen that kind of defensive intensity from Oak and I've seen them play great d.

Kerr is the perfect coach for tha team--they fit together like hand and glove.

It's hard to imagine the Rockets have a real chance in game 7.

The worm has been turned.    

derp.....(Part Deux)

I think the end has come for these Warriors. Harden has yet to have a great game this series. I can’t imagine the mvp on the best team in the league losing this series on homecourt. Was an odd game six. They let em off he hook and then just gave up in the fourth. Don’t see that happening in Houston.

115-86.

>>>>>I think the end has come for these Warriors

Yeah, they can't afford any more of those blow-outs.

Rockets have been one step ahead of them all year. Now they find themselves one step ahead with a chance to get to the finals with a win on their home court. Should be a good game. We’ll see which warriors team shows up. If it’s the lack luster team we saw in games five and six then they are toast. Same r son why they are traveling back to Houston and have to win a road game to get to the finals. Just haven’t had that same consistency. 

Dub

>>>I think the end has come for these Warriors. Harden has yet to have a great game this series.

Harden has this weird thing about him. When he's going bad, he doesn't get back on D, when he scores on a drive to the basket and thinks he got fouled, he doesn't really get back on D. His legs are moving but he's not there, he's not moving to the spot he needs to go to. This is the Conference Finals where every trip down the floor is important and he's just not there.

I've lost some respect for him this series.

He just has this cavalier way of playing that's kind of hard to wrap one's head around. 

I don't think I recognized the mental aspect of Paul not being on the floor. How many times did Houston not help? It's one thing to be absorbed in guarding someone but you have to have an eye on the freaking ball? That's how you play defense, by looking at the ball when you are playing man. If you can't do that as a team, you've got no shot at anything. 

I'm sorry, I know I've been bipolar in my predictions here, saying Houston was going to win before the series and then taking it back after game 1 and I guess that's what I get by not watching too much of these teams other than ESPN highlights, but I don't see them having a chance in hell to win game 7--they look so beat to me.  I think this is a team that shines in the regular season but can't really handle playoff defense.  Harden especially. 

Look at Harden's stats....

He has a huge game 1 in every series then he does less and less every game....

He had 41 game 1.....

No CP3, no win! Just like us without the NBA's current greatest 6th man IGGY we lost.... those 2 kind of even out the injuries on both ends. Just the Warriors have more talent left then the Rockets....

Welcome Back, Patrick McCaw! We could have used you earlier in this series. But after that horrible fall it's just good to see you back on the court again!

PS: Celtics take game 7 tonight!

I agree, Felina. Harden plays like a lil primodonna baby at times. Aside his ability to get to the rim his over game is just boring to watch. I just think they will pull it out on floor against a warriors team that has just been lack luster this year. That last game in Houston was an atrocity for both teams. Hope we get a cleaner fane tomorrow night.

Patrick McCaw is a D-League talent scrub. Your lack of NBA knowledge is showing 2 dank.  You're better when insulting gays.

"I just think they will pull it out on floor against a warriors team that has just been lack luster this year."

You obviously don't know that do to injuries the Warriors as a team only played 42 games total together this season..... That would be the Starters IE: KD, Klay, Steph, Dray, and whoever Steve Kerr wanted at center that night. But all in all the Warriors CORE 4 only played 42 games together over the season.

"Patrick McCaw is a D-League talent scrub."

Yea that's why last year as a rookie he was so clutch in the Finals against the Cav's. Maybe you're thinking of Brandon Cook?  Stick to whatever you think you know..... lol which as seen on here over almost 20 years in less than nothing

Go back to being a jradmin sock puppet.....

So do you like Lebron now that he’s back in Cleveland, Reardon?

I predict that the love affair between Liam and BRONBRON will be ending in a few weeks, at which point he will become an unhinged hater of BRONBRON. 

Just week ago Readrdon was referring to games as “Queen Lebronda”, so I was just wondering what was going on.

my money would be on chemical imbalance 

Kevin Love is a bitch ass pussy. Concussion protocol, lol!

Where's Rodney Good? Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Kyle Korver is a better overall player than Carmelo Anthony. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Markell Fultz was picked ahead of Jason Tatum. Ha ha ha ha ha!

It's a game and it's on! No one's gone yet.

Do you believe in leprechauns?

Watch closely....

Bronbron??

Thats just wrong...lol

Hats off to jeff green and cavs...

Celtics playing last two months w 50 starting lineup points  out w injuries...omg, how good are they gonna be?

Better get your last ring, bronnie boy

The east will live in boston and philly for next decade

Reardon nailed it again. 

For what its worth, pre series, as a die hard celtic fan, i liked Cavs in 6...and GS in 7...

And GS in 7 in finals...

Gotta give credit where it's due.  James this post-season has been absolutely ridiculous. 

I've always thought he was a one of a kind type talent who plays the right way but I didn't think he had it in him to get this team to another finals. 

I really didn't.

8 consecutive.

Phenomenal.  

Two game 7s, can't ask for much more.  Bron squeezed the life out of the Celtics like a boa, love how he puts his stamp all over a game when he's on. 

Dubs> Bron

Bron> Rockets

Tough loss for this young Boston team. Amazing season from them, and their playoff run was pretty fantastic, especially at home. 

>>> Tough loss for this young Boston team. Amazing season from them, and their playoff run was pretty fantastic, especially at home. <<<

Yes, so true.

Good work by James and the Cavs, and by the Celtics. I loved watching the Celtics keep going for it, regardless of the odds and the play by the Cavs. We'll see them again.

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

This worked out perfect because watching Lebron lose in the finals is my favorite part of the NBA season. 

The Warriors - or even the Rockets - are much more talented than the teams Lebron has struggled to beat so far this post-season. I don’t see the finals going past 5 games. 

After that, Lebron leaves Cleveland and the Browns go 1-15. 

Celts no banner.

Tatum is going to be a very good player...

I can't believe how smooth that kid is. He's like a cross between Pete Marivich, Reggie Miller and Kobe.

Every time the Celtics had something going, there were 3 of those moments in the 2nd half, James answered.

He just kept answering. Didn't hurt Rozier pulled a John Starks out there...what was he, 0-12 from distance? Can't get worse than that.

The Celtics are going to have it going on for quite some time though. 

Reardon hates Lebron and hates him tons. Always has, always will. He agonizes when the guy does anything good. This we know.

So he figures at least if Lebron wins something, he will have his zone predictions of Lebron winning to soften the pain--it's genuine pain.

If Lebron loses, then it's more of a win for him and in a big way--he wants him to lose with all his might, but at least he'll have this small consolation. 

Lance...could this be what's going on? You've seen him more than me.

Personally, I kind of admire someone who hates someone else this much.

tatum's dunk on lebron was sick.

Tatum was so smooth, gutsy, just fucking great. I'm looking forward to many years of his play.

I love Tatum, and yes that dunk was an absolute monster, but he s gotta stop complaining to refs so much. Its ok to think you never commit a foul, and that you get fouled on every shot you take, but.....ya dont gotta share those thoughts w gestures and constant bickering with refs....hes too good for that, and its not something he wants to move forward with as a team leader. And i didnt even mind the taunting of Lebron after the dunk, but, he s the last player ya wanna pis off w four minutes to go. Just let his play speak for itself.

Tatum did good and will be great but “gtfo outta here you punk ass rookie I just beat you on your homecourt ” were the last words had by lebron.

Boston gonna be scary next year

>>>Lance...could this be what's going on? You've seen him more than me<<<

Actually, I have likely not "seen" him more, as that character has been on auto-scroll with me for years. What, is he/she LIKING LeBron now?

Whatever, I come in here to hear about and talk a little about actual basketball, so I couldn't care less.

As for tonight, it's a shame that Iguodala and Paul are both out as you'd like to see these two great teams go at each other 100%, but at least both teams will be missing a super important player, leveling the field (court) a little.

For those who would argue that Chris Paul is more important to his team than Iguodala is to the Warriors, I won't make an argument about that here, but while Paul is obviously one of the Rockets best players I believe there is a compelling case to be made that Iguodala is integral to the Warriors success. IMO they are both seriously important players, and both will be seriously missed.

And while I haven't been able (or willing) to watch much of the eastern games I was able to sit through the 2nd half of last nights game, and based just on that I think the championship will be decided tonight, as no matter how great LeBron may be he isn't good enough to beat either Houston or GS single-handedly, and it sure looks like all Cleveland has is LeBron.

So as it should, with these two teams bearing down on each other for months, it comes down to one game. May the best team win.

And...

Go Warriors!!!!!

If Houston were fully healthy tonight, you'd have to like their chances at home in this series. With CP3 out, it definitely becomes a coin toss. 

Looking forward to some great basketball by both teams tonight. Hoping this one comes down to the wire.

Who haz meltdown?

Hopefully Curry realizes he can't grow a beard, regardless of how this series ends.

Warriors shooting bad right now. Thompson practically done for the half. Not a great start.

Most every loose ball and contested rebound went to Houston in that half. Theyre playin like its a game 7. GS just playin like crap, but we all know that can change in a heartbeat. 

>>>If Houston were fully healthy tonight, you'd have to like their chances at home in this series.  

Paul is everything. When Harden doesn't have the ball on offense, they look like this out of control, broken excuse for a half-asses offense.  Harden needs to have the ball in his hands to start the offense 95% of the time, cause when it's in anyone else's hands, it's a really bad shot the vast majority of the time. And they are throwing everyone at Harden so he's going to have to trust these guys and someone is going to have to step up big.

Does anyone think Houston can hold on?

For an entire half?

I don't.  

Are the refs warriors fans?

Damn, 22 missed 3’s in a row for the rockets. Embarrassing 

Whether or not the Warriors win, I'm so grateful to have witnessed some 3rd quarter magic from a packed bar.

Game over....

Vegas beat Caps 6-4

And, ya, this one was over awhile ago

Houston isn't championship caliber.  You don't lose close out games at home.

So we get Cavs/Warriors again.  Snooze....

Keep it in you pants, Liam.

Java Dave, please show a philzone legend the respect he deserves. I don't recall you ever being a big contributor to the NBA threads over the years.

Houston choked. Again. Without CP3, they just don't have the offense to hang with a team as good as the Warriors for 48 minutes. 

7 for 44

Houston haz meltz.

D no d offense again proved jack-a-3 system stupid.

I was around on these threads when you were still wearing your training bra, ya wee Brahlorado doofus.

As a native son of Cleveland, Ohio, it's my prerogative to tell Liam to reel it in.  Besides the jinx factor, braggadochio is an unflattering look.

Even though the NBA is a horseshit league, I'll say whatever I damn feel like saying about it.

I’ll stick with my prediction from 6 weeks ago: 

Bucky Badger (On Wisconsin) on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 – 02:41 pm 

I am going to go out on a limb and say Warriors over Cavs in 5 

>>>I was aroun on these threads when you were still wearing your training bra, ya wee Brahlorado doofus.

Right. You also do 900 pushups a day.

>> As a native son of Cleveland, Ohio, it's my prerogative to tell Liam to reel it in.

Nope. You aren't qualified to even speak to a legend like Jim Reardon, let alone be rude.

Take a lap, Java Dave.

Gotta say that it does seem like 2016 all over again, with key injuries, post season struggles, and another near miraculous West Conference Finals victory. 

Well, the Cavs and Warriors didn't have such great records this year. But, the Cavs still have the highest payroll in the NBA.  

Looking forward to Thursday's game to see how they look at each other, and then of course, how they play.

I wonder how the Warriors flip the switch that gets them going? It's totally effective, whatever it is. I have to agree with Liam/Reardon:

      >>> 1st half was one of the WORST halves of Basketball i've ever seen the Warriors play.

      I have NO idea how they even stayed within reach of being in the game at the start of the 3rd. <<<

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

p.s. Mark and Dave, please send the energy you're spending on each other to the Warriors, they are going to be working pretty hard to win. Thanks.

Well. How about that.

In the end I think the better team won.

Once again the Warriors showed their character tonight, and Houston just didn't have what it took to overcome a team as good as the Golden State Warriors.

A great great win for the Warriors, who know what it takes and who's character allows them to overcome adversity and win a game 7 on the road when down by 15.

So  now, since predictions seem to be so important, I say if Iguodala is back the Warriors sweep. If he's out maybe it takes five, but the Warriors are going to win this one.

Way to go Warriors!!!!

Way to go Bay Area!!!!

GO WARRIORS!!!!

BTW, I should say the Houston Rockets are a GREAT team.

(At this point I'm a bit into the big T and it was a fun day)

It's always so easy to dismiss the loser, but the Rockets really are a DAMN great team.

Just not quite great enough.

Why do we always look to minimize greatness?

So now, if Cleveland/Lebron (or should I say LeBron/Cleveland) can beat the great GS Warriors, how great will THAT be?

My bet is that people will just look to minimize the victory.

But really, it will just be great.

As tonight was.

>>>I won't make an argument about that here<<<

Well, I guess I DID make an argument about that there (a GOOD argument BTW) but at least for me it was a SHORT argument.

GW!!!!

BTW, Judit... this is a sports thread.

Mark & Dave are just riffing off each other.

It's not supposed to be rational, but at least it's more direct, not just MEMEMEIIIMEMEMEIII.

Let it go a little, please.

GO WARRIORS!!!!

I haven’t seen a choke artist game like that in a while. Rockets missed almost 30 threes in a row late into 2nd quarter continuing misses all the way in to the fourth. A lot of those were wide open shots. Not sure what happened to those guys. I give the warriors credit, beating the team with the best record in the league on their homecourt in game seven isn’t easy. That being said, Rockets served this one on to a silver platter for em. 

I was reading this is the first time in American sports that two teams have met in the finals four straight times. Tall about a rivalry! Everyone had already written the Cavs off but I think his one could go either way. Warriors didn’t get any better than last year, and Lebron/ Lue is quite familiar how they run there offense. Should be a good one to watch.

Too bad houston choked, it would have made for a much more enjoyable finals with Cleveland vs Houston.. oh well.

ya wee Brahlorado doofus, >>>

lol, terrible just terrible

GO CLEVELAND..

Look Out Cleveland the storm is comin' through
And it's runnin' right up on you
Look out Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Bye-bye baby don't cha lie so still

"hey everybody, jack a 3!"

not only is it stupid basketball, it's boring. fuck houston.

math?

Damn.  Vegas line to win series is W's -1000, Cavs +650.  Biggest line in 16 years. 

Wise guys usually get it right.  

And BTW, Rockets are not a great team.  They are a good team but not great.  Need to win a title (or at least a conference championship) to even consider using the word great.  Hoping for a W's sweep so Lebron considers moving West...

>>>>BTW, I should say the Houston Rockets are a GREAT team

ill have to disagree with that as well. This Rockets team hasn’t done anything to put them in that category. 

A team that is consistently awful when it matters most should be recognized for it. 

>>>>Mark & Dave are just riffing off each other.

All I really wanted was both of these teams to be healthy for the series--Houston had the bigger loss in Paul. Warriors would have had to lose either Durant or Curry to have been in same boat.

Was a shame because it could have made for an epic game 7.

If Lebron wins the title this year, in my book, he solidifies himself as being the second best player who ever played this game.  

But if GS wins out, they solidify themselves as one of the best teams who ever played this game.

Was also a shame that Iggy was injured in that 41-point blowout.  I have to think that he could've pushed the Warriors over the top in either (both?) games 4&5.

Would be nice to have a healthy Iggy to cover King James in the upcoming finals (MVP vs. MVP).

Two weird game sevens.   Both seemed more like who lost than who won.    Between Rozier and Ariza there were some bad choices and bad shooting.  

How did the rockets miss all those shots and only lose by 9.   If I'm a warriors fan, can't be too excited by that performance.  

I for one (and may be the only one) am excited for this finals matchup.   I would guess they both won't be here next year and it's nice to see both teams who are riddle with injuries and losses fight one more time.   Experts calling for it in 5 pretty evenly across the board.   Can Legbron carry his team ore than one game.   Will the warriors actually play to their potential?    

Good times ahead     

 is negativity  allowed in a sudo sports folder ?

my impression and or feeling (more accurately) is that James Harden is a loser

he's very effective and skilled and man he can go to the rim

my perception is he fouls 70% of the time if not more while on offense and 60% of the time on defense and rarely gets called and works them

 But he is constantly whining to the refs and  working them 

 I also get the feeling he's not a good teammate and he sure as hell isn't a good sport 

 I don't know if Dray Dray said something to him while trying to help him up, but pushing him away struck me wrong 

players with class congratulate the other team and whiny bitch runs off to the locker room

  Great team or not Houston basketball is so fucking boring their defense is solid but I just can't handle that offense Stone Age 

 And they play much more like an NFL team then an NBA team I know we don't call  fouls in the finals but JFC 

 I wouldn't vote for him as MVP in 1 million years character counts or does it 

 Will you please stop with the bron bron chanting. It's very unbecoming and you look extremely foolish and jaded

it is fine to be a fan and outspoken like we all are but be ready to eat a big serving of a crow my friend

Yeah I know turtle could say that in far fewer words

but Lance couldn't

 Dray Draying good, Bron Bronning bad, got it, lol

It's not the Bron Broning it's the BOOK IT Cleveland is winning the series mantra over and over again that gets old 

  And for turts Bron Bron clearly ranks above Kobe

Kobe:   5 rings

james : 3 rings

much better passer and rebounder than kobe though.

>>>>Kobe:   5 rings

james : 3 rings

And Robert Horry: 7 rings

let’s look at the LA Lakers 2004-05 season, the year after they lost in the NBA finals. Shaq left and Kobe stayed. What did the lakers do? They missed the playoffs. Lebron has been in the finals eight straight years, many of those teams with poor team mates. Kobe did stuff like miss playoffs.

ill take Lebron over Kobe. No question. 

Java Dave has been banned from this thread.  Bye bye Dave. 

>What did the lakers do? They missed the playoffs.<

they got gasol and won 2 more rings. yo.

also, the talent around him...? smush parker and ty lue...lol. i wouldn't have passed to them either.

also, you must consider the conferences..

look the east has not been competitive since....the 90's? the top eastern teams would barely make the playoffs in the west.

Yup, the east has sucked for a long time for sure. 

Lets not forget the Lakers were awful in 2005-06 and 06-07 as well, losing in the first round of the playoffs both years, AND Kobe had the likes of Lamar Odom (pre-crack) a young Andrew Bynum and Smush Parker. And they did nothing. 

SMUSH PARKER 

AND, YOUR BOY, Luke Walton 

Kobe was the biggest whiner, big shoes to fill there.

here's what the google search says about the roster.

look, making the playoffs in the west with that was an accomplishment.

for the most part, they won a shit ton of games with marginal talent throughout kobe's whole career.

i'm not arguing kobe is better than lebron. you can make a good case for him. he's one of the best, ever. what he has done, while not being repeatedly injured is crazy.

you try to win games with this crew.

>>But if GS wins out, they solidify themselves as one of the best teams who ever played this game.

If they didn't have Durant, then yeah, they would be creeping into the conversation, but those are 2 different teams, the Warriors with Durant the the Warriors w/out him, at least in my book.

So if they win, this will be #2 with Durant and they would need one more to be in that conversation.

It's not like other championship teams didn't add a great player during their dynasties but Durant is not just a great player, he is a defining player, arguably the best player on that team.

Others may disagree and think it all gets put in the same basket and while I get that argument, for me, I think of these Warriors teams pre-Durant and post-Durant. 

BTW--if the Warriors had beaten Cleveland w/out Durant in that 73 win season, then they would have been in that conversation just due to what they did in that regular season.  THIS Warriors team, the one with Durant, needs 2 more rings to be considered one of the all time greats.  

BTW...my top 4 are Jordan, Russell, James, Jabbar.  James could move to 2 pretty easily. 

Bryant is great but not in my top 5. I don't know many who have him in their top 5 outside of Lakers fans. Yeah, he's the closest to Jordan in terms of skill and hunger but he's still not in the top 5.

BTW: If this Finals is so boring, which teams do you think would add some more pizzazz to the proceedings?

Celtics?

Sixers?

Blazers?

Jazz?

Seems to me that there's potential for a Celtics vs. Jazz matchup next year...(or the year after)

I guess it's always is a losing effort comparing players from different eras. I mean, I don't have Chamberlain  in my top 5...and with those numbers?

Probably best to pick best of eras.  

Just like GD.

What's up Jonny?  How's it hangin?

Big love to you and yours...

>>>>but those are 2 different teams, the Warriors with Durant the the Warriors w/out him, at least in my book.

Yep, I felt at the time that I didn't want Durant to join the Warriors and break up that extremely entertaining team (truly "Strength in Numbers" - IMHO).  My only solace was that he didn't join somebody else's team (specifically the Spurs).

Is it true that Warriors fans have been booing KD lately when he has the ball?

I forgot Turiaf and Vujacic!! That’s a conference finals roster!!!! 

and you can talk shit on kobe, but at least he chose to compete for his TEAM.

he didn't bail when he could have...unlike...

Turtle, would you want to be teammates with Russell Westbrook?! 

^^^^^Hey Felina!

Right back atcha, Brother!  Hope all is well with you and yours.

Things are going well over here, with a few bumps in life's road, of course.

totally johnny d.

he is my favorite player today.

If W's do not pick up Durant, they win one championship, choke in 7 to Lebron and fade into history.  A one win champ like the Mavericks.  As ridiculed as the Durant transaction was (see meme above), it was huge for both sides.  Now they will go back to back and the whole narrative changes. 

If Lebron played in the West, no way he is in his 8th straight Finals.  Same reason why he is likely to stay home or go to Philly before he sacks up and comes West.  

Just add Larry Bird, Felina, and ya got a decent starting lineup...w Russell at power forward...lol.

And my top 5 is Jordan, Magic, Kareem, Kobe and Lebron in that order.  Yes, I weight rings as the biggest factor and I only consider modern era players (post 1979 for obvious reasons) because prior to that the game was extraordinarily different.  If you add pre '79, the big O, Wilt, etc would be in the mix. 

Bird was a poor mans Curry IMO.  

I cant really write a top 5...its always evolving, and like ppl have said, its tough w differant eras...but...if i look at it like a golf tourney, its easier for me to explain my view...

Michael and lebron are on top...tied or changing lead back and forth w birdie after birdie...

And although kareem, and Magic are tied for second (or third etc)...theyre only about ten strokes back on Sunday w no chance of winning said tourney...then ya got a bunch of all time greats...Russell, Oscar, Larry, Kobe,  prob a guy from San Antonio...Jerry West...and that list goes on and on...but, most are twenty to thirty strokes back...always make cut, always in the big money, but, always looking up at Michael and Lebron

Houston wasn't much better than the raptors, boston or even Phili. The east west superiority argument is bs.

Curry has a long ways to go before he can be compared to Larry Bird.

>>>Jordan, Magic, Kareem, Kobe and Lebron in that order.

^^^Lakers fan!!

:)

Fog, I will say that Bird was a solid defender where Curry is average.  But Bird was known for his clutch shooting and Curry is the best shooter I've seen in this generation.  Curry will match Bird with rings this year and frankly Bird was lucky to get three.  Two were against the Rockets and their one win against LA wouldn't have happened in 84 if game 7 wasn't in Boston.  The fact he won Rookie of the Year in 80 was also very questionable.  

Lebron is amazing on both sides of the ball.  A man-child if you will.  But best ever has to have criteria.  Rings, clutchness, ability to close/win, leadership, etc.  Lebron ranks very high in many categories but the concept folks discuss him as GOAT is silly.  Now in a couple years that could all change.  He could tack on more rings and eventually have his number retired in THREE arenas.  That would make a difference.  

Oh, and Jordan would've won eight straight rings if it wasn't for that baseball thing.  But Felina knows that. :)

That Durant quote is perfect, lol. 

Is it it me or was warriors/rockets softest seven game series (that went the distance)  ever played? I mean, both teams looked about as bad as professionals playing basketball can get at times. Rockets literally just gave up as soon as the warriors got the lead in that game seven. Not to mention game six would was just an atrocity, being up by 17 and then just once again giving up the game and not playing d. Warriors also just gave up in game two. Sloppy and terrible basketball was on display in that series. You win 65 games and you lose a game by 41 pts? Wtf. Shit was abysmal. 

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think Cavs are going o win this series. Without a doubt the Warriors declined from last year. As bad as Cavs have been thy looked better in their game seven than the warriors didn’t in theirs. Game 1 should be interesting. Cavs coming in off a huge win in Boston. They’re gotta be confident after watching the warriors stumble around the court like a bunch of high schoolers in that first half. Should be another classic series.

^Bay Area sports radio hosts feel that Warriors will sweep, or possibly go 5 so they can win it at home.  Pretty presumptive, if you ask me.

The Warriors-Rockets series certainly was strange, but I wouldn't call it soft.  To me, it was a war of attrition, based on the limited number of players each team chose to employ.  Seemed like a bunch of attempted chess-playing by each coach, resulting in tired legs (and lack of focus) (and injury?) as the end of the games approached.  Also ugly stunts like Kerr employing hack-a-Capela, which proved to be quite effective.  And Iso Ball, etc...

We'll see what this series brings.

It was more than that. Guys not getting back on d, curry missing point blank lay ups. Green unable to hit a three. Warriors were just not that good in that series. Fortunately for them Rockets puked up the worst game they played all year.

<<<Bay Area Sports>>>

Lol, well yeah they would say that. I also remember a 73-9 GS team losing the championship on their home floor to the Cavs when people were calling for a sweep, but I do think that if The Cavs don’t win game 1 then there isn’t much of a chance for them. Having to win game two doesn’t seem likely and there is no chance they can win the series going to Cleveland down 2-0. Not sure if iggy is playing in game 1 but I would look for the Cavs to pull out all the stops if he isn’t. That’s their best chance to win in Oakland.

People think Kobe was better than Bird??? Oh my 

>>>>Oh, and Jordan would've won eight straight rings if it wasn't for that baseball thing.

True. Too bad MJ couldn't stay away from the bookies.

MJs short live, and absolutely atrocious minor league baseball career will always be looked at as one of the most perplexing periods in sports.

 Hack a Capela was  brilliant it allowed Curry to play all but about one minute in the second half

 It was a very fun series played by human beings 

 Ebb and  flow highs and lows    

 The Rockets could not compete they were exhausted and if you looked in your eyes you knew they were going to lose once the second half started 

it reminded me of all the little boys at wrestling against my daughter in 70 and 75 pound weight class  

between the first and second round They were going what the fuck just happened it was so much doubt in their eyes and then before the third period started in their eyes they were dead men walking

their dads did not like it Max  30 seconds later  they were pinned

Cleveland delusional's who was put down $10 straight up I'm betting on the dubs

Vagrant obviously never saw larry shoot....guy didnt even hit a ton of 3 s...and could score 50 if needed...there were nights he put up shots from 20 differant locations, angles, (incl out of bounds , in air, heaving it over backboard ((in htfd, i was sitting in floor seats)), although it didnt count, he could hit nothing but net from anywhere on court), not just two or three "favorite" locations

Magic told the hartford press years later (when he had magics all stars and larry couldnt play charity event due to his back issues) that larry was by far...the best shooter in the league during thar era

But, again..differant eras as well...teams played much more physically than they do now...beating the knicks, bulls, detroit sometimes ...before you went to finals, was like fighting battle after battle, in a month long war...there werent alot of Torontos in league (number one seeds gettin swept)...both the East and the West had multiple title contenders every year...yet, past cpl years now, we ve basically known the two teams that would end up playing each other, before the first game of season was played...just completly differant eras

>>>Oh, and Jordan would've won eight straight rings if it wasn't for that baseball piece of shit Krause thing.

Much better.

>>>I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think Cavs are going o win this series.

You thought Houston was goign to win game 7, right?

Or am I mixing stuff up?

Well, Houston missed 27 3’s in a row which is an NBA record for a single game. Not sure I could have seen that kind of epic choke artistry coming. Warriors didn’t win that series, Houston lost it. This is prob the worst team out of all the four years they made it to the finals. The two championship teams were much better. We’ll see if their inconsistencies catch up with them.

Wilt Chamberlain was the best basketball player ever, btw.

Cleveland started Jeff Green in game seven and he produced, miracles, if this trend continues and Bron Bron can get some consistent help we might get a competitive series.

Way back when i liked the lakers during the Jerry West and Wilt era.

Pills and old age aside, what if bron beats this warriors team for a second time, what then in the discussion of GOAT? If he loses no change but if he beats the best team assembled twice........

Is Liam gonna be OK if the Dubs take it?

Seems like he's got a lot invested in this.

Reardon is a seer, Surfdead; a sage.

warriors in 5.

unless they actually use kevin love and thompson.

do teams not know that gs really doesn't have a center other than that eastern euro trash criminal thug?

Not having a real center is what allows/forces them to play "their game".

stand at half court and jack 3's?

That's only one part of their magic.

>>>>warriors in 5.

good call 

>>>Wilt Chamberlain was the best basketball player ever, btw.

Solid choice.

I'm the guy who picked Houston to win only to change my pick after game 1. At least you stayed the course.  

>>>Pills and old age aside, what if bron beats this warriors team for a second time, what then in the discussion of GOAT? If he loses no change but if he beats the best team assembled twice........

He's #2 all time and no one can say he's not.

Not Russell fans nor Jabbar fans nor anybody.

Is iggy playing game 1? 

Warriors in 5 if he does

On Iguodala’s injury: 

“When Iguodala first suffered the injury, he was listed as day-to-day. The team wasn’t sure whether he’d even miss Game 4. But here we are, more than a week later, and he’s still not even practicing. And both he, and the team, are perplexed. 

According to the Mercury News, Iguodala can walk without pain, but cannot currently run without pain.

Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Iguodala, frustrated with a lack of answers about the injury, received a second opinion. He’s clearly exercising all of his options to try and make it back onto the court.”

Seems like he's got a lot invested in this.>>>

Things are not always as they appear.

I'm relieved.

I personally don't buy into the number of rings being such a factor of NBA greatness.  That part has a lot to do with how fortunate one is to land on the right team at the right time.

Don't you think that LeBron might have more championships under his belt if he shared his career with Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant/Dennis Rodman?  Not to mention some other key teammates or a terrific coach (for more seasons)?

And I'm not saying that he's better than MJ was, either.  Just questioning the weight of the # of titles earned.

>>>>I personally don't buy into the number of rings being such a factor of NBA greatness.  That part has a lot to do with how fortunate one is to land on the right team at the right time.

Agreed which is why no one says that Robert Horry (7 rings) is one of the best ever. As much as I’m not a Lebron fan, during most of his Cleveland years he’s accomplished a lot with minimal support, which is a big plus. 

>>>stand at half court and jack 3's<<<

Are you talking about the Warriors? That doesn't come close to describing what "their game" is.

"Their game" offensively starts by playing great defense, which creates fast, athletic transitions to blaze by and gas out all those lumbering/hallowed "true centers", and overall their game is to play as a team, moving the ball selflessly, consistently hustling without the ball and working for the open shot.

The Warriors lead the league in assists, they tied for 15th on 3-point attempts.

That sounds like a team game to me. The horror.

BTW, the Lakers attempted more 3's this year than the Warriors did.

just one of the most CLUTCH players....ever...

Wilt the stilt was the greatest at getting pussy period. Russel owned Wilt. Russell is the greatest player ever, Jordan is next. Bird, just write him in as the greatest slow white guy that could not jump to play the game.

>Are you talking about the Warriors?<

poking fun....but yes to an extent.

it actually more describes the stupid rockets philosophy.

Agree w all above on the ring issue...i dont put a lot of stock in that arguement...Dan Marino is best example , although a football one etc...

I also dont get into the "greatest ever"....you just cant compare Oscar Robertson or Jerry West, Bill Russell, w anybody that played past the mid 70 s...you just cant do it...they are completly differant games. Rule changes, travel, size of league, better training, bigger players etc...the mold was broken when Magic played poing guard AND center.  (Even if it was only for a game etc...the fact that he was athletic enough to play all positions is my point).

Two differant games...comparing MJ to Oscar, or then Lebron for that matter (although their eras are closer) is like asking "who is greatest of all time, MJ, Brady, or Hank Aaron?"

just one of the most CLUTCH players....ever...>>>

c webb?

from Wikipedia

The 2001–02 NBA season was the Kings' 53rd season in the National Basketball Association, ... Despite Chris Webber missing the first 20 games due to an ankle injury, the Kings ... Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy has overtly admitted to the series being fixed by the league to ensure the Lakers play in the NBA finals, ...

god damnit foghorn we are talking about the LEGEND that is Robert Horry.

don't think Donaghy hit a 3...

Ughhhhhhhh!

Sorry all. Life stepped in for a few days and I wasn't able to keep up on any goings on around these here parts.

Congratulations to the Warriors for beating a beaten up Houston team!

Congratulations on beating a very inferior Cavs team to be NBA Champions once again!

I'm really proud of the Cavs for making it! After being down 2-0 I didn't think they could win 4 out of 5 to beat Boston.

Yes I'm handing them the Title. If the Cavs somehow win this thing they should build a statue of Bron Bron at every arena in the NBA!

Ha!!!!

Wish I had the time to go back and get caught up in this thread.

Did stever ever make it?

Go Cavs!!!!!!!

Cavs in 6! Hehehe

Watching the dead stream looking forward to Game 1 tomorrow, the old men dribblers will be much faster.

Go Dubs!

Russel is the greatest>> 

Hard to argue with that. I personally think that Lebron is a better player than Jordon. All around as a player he I just put performs pretty much anybody who has ever played the game. Jordon had no real defensive game. Kobe and lebron both much better. Jordon was he’s and should better as an offensive player and def the best scorer of all time but here are many aspects to the game. 

^ ???

Mj only had 9 defensive first team years....lol

Harden is prob gonna get that too. Terrible defender. Ai used to make Jordon look stupid on the court.

Hooper, hope all is well on the home front 

Harden will not get a defensive first team award....but, if he did,  itd be his first.

Yes, Hooper: I hope that good things are coming your way.

Congrats on your team busting through to the Finals.  LeBron has been absolutely incredible.  And I wouldn't be too terribly surprised if everything comes into alignment for the Cavs to somehow pull this off.

Still....GO WARRIORS! 

>>>I personally don't buy into the number of rings being such a factor of NBA greatness.  That part has a lot to do with how fortunate one is to land on the right team at the right time.

Of course I understand that argument but that's just how athletes are judged--it's maybe fairer in individual sports like tennis or golf but it's also how athletes who play in team sports are judged. Basketball more than football I think, because one person can influence a basketball game a lot more than one person can influence a football game. That's why there are many who believe Jim Brown, as one example, is the greatest RB of all time, despite winning nothing.

I think the QB position is judged a bit differently based on that influence thing, fair or not. So if Marino, who was on a great team his rookie season (and many others that followed), a team that had been to the super bowl the year before he arrived, if he had beat Montana and the Niners in the Super Bowl of his second year (an MVP season), he would be thought of a bit differently. He had plenty of other playoff games where he wasn't able to get his team over the hump too, and that's why he's not in the same sentence as Montana when talking about the greatest QBs ever. How many SBs woudl he have won had he been on the Niners and Montana had been on the Dolphins? I doubt he would have won 4--my guess is Joe would have won some for Miami.

>>> Not to mention some other key teammates or a terrific coach (for more seasons)?

What other key teammates? Mostly a bunch of average players who have rings because of 23. Some of them were able to show themselves as clutch players (John Paxton, Kerr), but don't kid yourself. There wasn't a ton of talent in that camp.

>>Don't you think that LeBron might have more championships under his belt if he shared his career with Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant/Dennis Rodman? 

I'm not sure. How many rings he would have won with Irving and Love would have told us. Do you think that team would have won 5 or 6 championships if those guys stayed together? Who knows? How many rings would Jordan have won with Irving and Love? More than Lebron? My guess is a bunch more but that's my guess. An argument can be made tha Micheal Jordan made Grant and Rodman look greater than they actually were because of playing with Michael...Pippen as well, to a degree but a lesser one. I think all three of them would tell you the same thing if they were being brutally honest with you.

To me, guys like Marino and Kobe and Duncan and others who stayed with their teams for a career get extra props, and guys who left to join better teams get less, but that's a whole different argument. (Montana doesn't count cause he left for a worse team and it wasn't really his choice to leave, his team was just being really stupid.)

>>>Ai used to make Jordon look stupid on the court.

Because of the one uber famous Iverson cross-over? The most famous few seconds of Iverson's career?  That's one play. Can you imagine if that's what Jordan was best known for? If anything, it's kind of damning for Allen. Jordan wasn't only the best player to ever play in team sports, he was the best practice player ever to play in team sports. It's too bad a talent like Iverson couldn't have learned more from the guy. 

LeBro is very good and can never be counted out.

Hoping the Warriors play up to their potential and go on to win the series and up their record to 3 - 1 in championships against the Cavaliers (replacing what 3 - 1 currently means, at least to most Cleveland fans and Turtle).

GO GS!!!!

Hey Lance, I was posting as judit, a Warrior-loving zoner, not admin.

Go WARRIORS!!!!!!!!

Best practice player>>

Practice? You talking bout practice?

Ai was the truth. In a league full of overgrown motherfucke, he was the best

Ami I the only zoner tho tho is Cleveland can win? Iggy our, and Love in. Tonight is the night to steal one in Oakland. Concerning that iggy isn’t in with so much time not played. Hope he’s ok.

Will players be driving to the lane and then dish it back out 16-feet to some another dude who will chuck up a 3-point shot that most likely won't go in? Can't wait. 2018 NBA basketball. It's fanfuckingtastic. 

Wow, JR Smith really is a dirty piece of shit, taking out Thompson’s knee and then acting all innocent. He pulled some dirty stuff on Al Horford last round, he should be on double secret probation at this point. 

Due to little known rule...whoever scores most points....wins!!

Jr smith.....worst brain fart in a finals ever....coulda won game w ten foot jumper...lol, let alone a foul shot...now ya gotta wonder....did  hillmiss second shot on purpose???? Did they both think they were up one???

Put the bong down, j.r.

Ouch!

My guys took it in the shorts tonight.

Many to blame. Bad call on the charge. Bad no call on James' following layup!

Hill's missed foul shot! JR'S boneheadedness!

Oh yeah......their horrible play in overtime.

Guess that's how a good night turns bad real fast!

If you are of the Warriors blood, you are loving it!!!!! As you should!

Have to lace them up and get Sunday's game.

Cavs in 6!

Go Cavs!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

When I get more time I'm going back to where I left off in the old thread and getting caught up to this point.

No

Lebron is sick. 51, 8 and 8 and takes a team that has no business being in these games and almost steals game 1. I think that’s going to be their best chance at taking one in Oakland though. 

JR Smith has always been a fool and he was again tonight. With all due respect to Jeff Green and George Hill, Kevin Love is the only other decent Cavalier and he’s often injured. The Warriors should stomp this team four straight by 30 a game. It’s a testament to Lebron (and also the Warriors tendency to be sloppy and not seem to care for all 48 mins) that they’re in it at all.

Im sticking with Warriors in 5. 

Tristain Thompson suspended maybe? The ball in the face was a bad move on your way off the court, Maybe he can get the GF to get him a pardon?

I m rooting for warriors, ...but, reversing that call was bullshit....i hate reviewing it to begin with...

Wow. What a game.

The Warriors got damn lucky, but then so did the Cavs.

The refs missed quite a few calls, and in recent history the Warriors tend to not get the calls, so especially on that strange over-turn on that charge they got very lucky there, and they also got lucky that the guy didn't know the score (?!?) at the end, but then the Cavs also got lucky, that Durant played the worst game I've ever seen him play. He was just bad.

I doubt he'll play as poorly going forward, and of course the Warriors strongly missed the great pressure player Iguodala, especially when playing against such a epically great player like LeBron.

LeBron James was brilliant tonight.

But then Curry was also brilliant, Klay was brilliant, Draymond was brilliant, as usual.

Ultimately it was a crazy and entertaining game, and a TOTAL backbreaker for the poor Cleveland Cavs.

As a Warriors fan I say let's get Iggy back and have Durant play even a solid game and get this damn thing over quickly, because I can't take many more of these damn basketball games.

In the end a VERY nice win for the Warriors. Way to overcome your own poor play and take advantage of the breaks when they came.

When it mattered most they played like champions, and the Cavs didn't.

GW!

LLGSW

Well, that was some game! Brilliance, sloppiness, chance, crazy. LeBron James was so good! Curry was so good! The Warriors played it to win and they did.

Let's do it again on Sunday.

>>>The Warriors got damn lucky, but then so did the Cavs.

No, the Cavs didn't get lucky. Durant having a bad game isn't called luck. Some of that is good defense and some of that is basketball.

I've never seen a dumber play.  I'd feel sorry for Smith if we weren't robbed of a James buzzer beater to win game #1 cause I kind of think that's what was going to happen.

I can't even begin to believe that a player lost track of the score in that situation.  

Smith is so frustrating, the passes he misses, the defensive lapses he makes, his decisions with the ball, but I have never in my life seen a worse play made by a player, considering the context. Never in my life.

As someone cheering for the dubs, the Cavs got hosed.   Home court refs were in full affect almost like the sacremento lakers series of yore.  Still, I get tired of seeing lebron cry even if he's right.  Suck it up dude.   I lose respect for him when he pulls that shit on every call.   Wah wah wah.   

This was their night to steal.  They had their chance.  The dubs came out in there typical overhyped bored manner and still manage to eek it out.    Lebron goes off for 51, Durant was cold from three and it doesn't matter.   

I too feel bad for Smith.  That will haunt you for a long time.   Split second mistake but watching the rebound even putting it back up would have been a touch shot.  

I don't think it was good defense on Durant, or at least not all the time..   He had open shots and missed them.  There were plenty of open shots by the dubs that didn't fall.   

Cavs out rebounded the fuck out of the dubs too.   I don't know why the Dubs didn't leave McGee in. He was causing all sorts of mismatches even though he missed the layup.  

The end of the game shit was weird.   The odd elbow shouldn't have been a technical.   Maybe a foul but not a technical.   The ball in the face might be a suspension but not sure how the NBA plays that one when the tech shouldn't have happened.     

And then Lebron and steph and Klay all talking shit.    This is going to get fun real quick.  The bad blood is out now.   

It's funny how people's opinions differ watching the same events unfold.

Not sure Smith lost the game really.

Bottom line is the Cavs lost. Warriors won.

Cavs cant play much better....

Warriors didnt play well...

And thats the read you got?

Lol...

Warriors in 5, maybe 4 and a half, as i could see most of Cavs quitting during game 5,  walking off floor, leaving Lebron out there by himself. Lebron would continue to play one on five for a few minutes, and then at next tv timeout, as cameras came back to game, even Lebron would be gone. All we d see is mystefied Warriors celebrating on floor.

It could happen. 

I only bring up the luck thing because I'm certain that many will yowl about it and use that word to minimize or deflect the quality & outcome of the game.

Personally I think luck, both good and bad, is happening all the time to us all, swirling around constantly.

The Warriors got lucky? Damn right. The Cavs got lucky? Damn right. Same as it always is.

Tonight the Warriors were slightly better able to take advantage of theirs.

We all should be so lucky tomorrow.

And not surprisingly Smith is saying he knew the score. It must suck being such a talented professional in such a rare space and have to lie.

Cavs coach said in press conferance when asked what did j.r. say in huddle after? He said that he thought they were up by one....

>>>The Warriors got lucky? Damn right.

Correct.

>>>>The Cavs got lucky? Damn right.

Incorrect.

Green said sometimes you need a little luck and he said the Warriors will take it. He said that for a reason. The reason being that the Warriors got lucky last night and I'm not taking talking about being fucked in a loving way.  Cleveland did not. They just got fucked.

To say both teams were lucky last night is like Smith saying he knew the game was tied. 

George 'brickthegamewinner' Paul

>>>George 'brickthegamewinner' Paul

you mean HIll?

Smith covering his ass is laughable.  He's going to make a bad situation worse by making claims he knew what was going on. 

Lue is as bad as any fan with his exaggerations "LeBron was clearly 4 feet outside the restricted area"..   UM, no he wasn't.   

Yes Hill, thanks.

Clearly outside, not four feet though. My problem with that is they reversed it and it should have stood as called and could easily have gone either way. The calls durant and curry were getting down the stretch were suspect and the same calls were not being made in clevelands favor. Durant was getting bailed out.

Still cleveland had its chance, series over, get out the brooms.

Well that game should be a wake-up call for the Warriors.  Things are about to get a lot more crazy before this thing is over.

Can we just get the announcers some personality injections before the next game?  It was like listening to golf.

Agreed, JJ... maybe I'll try to synch the DVR with Warriors radio

As for luck, by far the most lucky thing that happened was Klay NOT being lost for the season.  Initially it looked so bad that I thought he (and therefore the Warriors) were done, especially with Durant playing like shit off and on throughout the playoffs.  What's with him handling the ball when Curry's on the floor anyway?

GO WARRIORS!!!