2019 NBA Playoff Discussion

[BC867]

I don't believe there has ever been an MVP who has failed to perform at a level to win the Finals MVP for his team despite the awards being given to him in the same year.

I know that in Major League baseball there have been MVP's during the season who disappointed in the post-season.

I have to think that there have been some in the NBA as well.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

You’ve got the least credibility on this board in regards to green.

I rewatched and it’s either intentional or so flagrantly reckless so as to blur the line between intentional and unintentional. I live draymond a game, up to the point where he becomes a dangerous classless punk.

Reckless and intentional are completely different conversations. Green has always played in a wreckless fashion that is both an asset and a detriment to his game and —sometimes to other players and teammates— his whole career. I’ve never denied it. I have a problem with the claim it (eye scratches) was intentional and it clearly wasn’t. You want to ridiculously claim I have zero credibility in this argument when I’ve seen the man play well over 300 times on TV and in person.

 

[Superbone]

have you seen the pics of his finger before they reset it? All the reports are that he's constantly shaking it and looking at it even in warmups. He missed 2 FT's last night, it's clearly bugging him. And the Rockets are defending him really well off the ball.

And what's he thinking trying to dunk at the end of the game yesterday? And while I'm at it, why did the Warriors give up so easily at the end of OT? Reminded me of the last Spurs game where they just refused to foul.

 

[Hoop Head]

And the rockets are playing REAL guard heavy minutes. Out of 260 possible minutes last night a traditional “big” played 60. That’s like 23% where a normal PF/C combo likely plays 40%.

The Warriors have basically made Capela a liability by running the "Hampton 5" lineup with Curry, Klay, Iggy, KD, and Draymond. Capela is a traditional rim protecting big on defense and they can't put him on anyone but Green but Green plays a lot at the top of the key orchestrating the offense, which pulls Capela out of the paint. The Cousins injury has probably helped the Warriors more in this series than it's hurt because of how they've been able to play really small. Capela has had the worst plus/minus of any Rocket so far with a -8 in the last game, a -17 in game 2, and -17 in game 1. They were talking about that on The Jump the other day and how D'Antoni should be starting Rivers or someone in Capela's place but D'Antoni has stubbornly kept playing him his normal minutes.

 

[Cheesebeef]

that Rockets-Warriors series which should be the best of the playoffs is just annoying to watch with all the bitching and moaning on both sides to the refs after seemingly EVERY play.

 

[Superbone]

Whine #2. Rockets up 124-121, Harden drives in Draymond in front he hits the floater and runs over Green no call 5 point lead. Both announcers immediately said is that a no call or what there? It was either a block or a charge, it was outside the circle. It is not a no call. it's a foul they didn't show a replay so I don't know but watching live I am inclined to think it was a charge.

Yeah, they missed that one. Looked like a clear charge.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

The big positive development for Houston was PJ Tucker finally remembering he was PJ Tucker in the final 9 minute of play. He is THE X-factor for the Rockets.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

that Rockets-Warriors series which should be the best of the playoffs is just annoying to watch with all the bitching and moaning on both sides to the refs after seemingly EVERY play.

They’ve been much better last two games in that regard...

 

[Superbone]

Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) Tweeted:
Marcus Smart is “hopeful” about tomorrow, with all the usual caveats about not being certain and being smart about his recovery.

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Isn't he always "smart" about his recovery? I would think he's "smart" about everything. He IS Smart!

 

[Superbone]

They’ve been much better last two games in that regard...

I have noticed that also. It looks to me like both teams are making a concerted effort not to complain on every call.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Reckless and intentional are completely different conversations. Green has always played in a wreckless fashion that is both an asset and a detriment to his game and —sometimes to other players and teammates— his whole career. I’ve never denied it. I have a problem with the claim it (eye scratches) was intentional and it clearly wasn’t. You want to ridiculously claim I have zero credibility in this argument when I’ve seen the man play well over 300 times on TV and in person.

You’re credibility is lost on your inability to be objective. That has ZERO to do with your volume of viewing. In fact, I think your large viewership negatively impacts your argument. It’s intentional. He’s a dirty player. Most of us would love him on our team but he’s a POS if he hurts your player or impacts a series due to his dirtiness. Deal with it.

 

[Hoop Head]

Reckless and intentional are completely different conversations. Green has always played in a wreckless fashion that is both an asset and a detriment to his game and —sometimes to other players and teammates— his whole career. I’ve never denied it. I have a problem with the claim it (eye scratches) was intentional and it clearly wasn’t. You want to ridiculously claim I have zero credibility in this argument when I’ve seen the man play well over 300 times on TV and in person.

Ok, how many times has Draymond swiped someone's eyes like he did Harden? If you've watched him that much surely you've seen him do that frequently and this isn't just a coincidence that he's swiped at Harden's injury intentionally.

 

[Russ Smith]

And what's he thinking trying to dunk at the end of the game yesterday? And while I'm at it, why did the Warriors give up so easily at the end of OT? Reminded me of the last Spurs game where they just refused to foul.

I don't get why he tried to dunk either. Steph can't palm the ball so he has missed a bunch of one hand dunks in his career where he is up high enough but doesn't have a good grip. That one looked like he just wasn't high enough. The lefty layup he missed earlier again I would chalk up 50% to just missing and 50 to the finger on his left hand.

I thought it was a bit odd but I think Kerr probably figured 5 points with 3 great FT shooters on the Rockets seems unlikely. I'd have fouled/

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

You’re credibility is lost on your inability to be objective. That has ZERO to do with your volume of viewing. In fact, I think your large viewership negatively impacts your argument. It’s intentional. He’s a dirty player. Most of us would love him on our team but he’s a POS if he hurts your player or impacts a series due to his dirtiness. Deal with it.

Look, I often get mad at Green. But, he did not do this on purpose last night. Hardens style of play contributed to the contact. You believe what you want, I believe what I want. Your opinion is no more or less valuable than mine on this issue. Apparently, the league agrees with me because he has not been punished or warned by the league. Should he have been called for a common foul? Absolutely...

 

[slinslin]

Ben Simmons is still a liability in the half court.

 

[Yuma]

Ok, how many times has Draymond swiped someone's eyes like he did Harden? If you've watched him that much surely you've seen him do that frequently and this isn't just a coincidence that he's swiped at Harden's injury intentionally.

I have watched him arguably more than anyone on the board, and almost every foul looks like it can be explained away by a guy who plays hard. When you see it over and over every game, it starts being one of those, I can see it once or twice, but almost EVERY game? I won't say he's a dirty player, but geez, he does that ALL the time! Plus his mouth is something Steve Kerr has been unable to reign in. When this guy slows down, he will be out of the league if he cannpt control his emotions, which result in his smart mouth. Somethimes T'd up at the wrong moment in games, too. Probably why I am way more high on them keeping Durant and letting Green go!

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Seth Curry with a nice buzzer beater...

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

L2MR says Paul should’ve been called for jumpball foul and should’ve called charging by Harden late in OT.


I wonder if Harden just wants them to have a “fair shot.”

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

https://official.nba.com/l2m/L2MReport.html?gameId=0041800223

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

I wonder if all the basketball world including some here will be slamming NBA for similar misses in game 1 for two days...

I doubt it.


Moral of the story is poo happens, don’t put your team in a position for refs to determine outcome.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Look, I often get mad at Green. But, he did not do this on purpose last night. Hardens style of play contributed to the contact. You believe what you want, I believe what I want. Your opinion is no more or less valuable than mine on this issue. Apparently, the league agrees with me because he has not been punished or warned by the league. Should he have been called for a common foul? Absolutely...

That might be the weakest argument yet. There is a huge gulf between we know you didn't do it and we aren't quite positive you did it. The NBA has to have almost court of law proof to act on something like this as the consequences would typically be extreme not to mention it's just not good for the league. It isn't like the referee report at all where they just issue opinions without action.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I wonder if all the basketball world including some here will be slamming NBA for similar misses in game 1 for two days...

I doubt it.


Moral of the story is **** happens, don’t put your team in a position for refs to determine outcome.

If you're feeling like everyone is out to get the Warriors, you might want to reread the past few pages. I'd say, barring the Green conversation, we're far more pro-Warriors than Rockets.

There are players on each team that rub a lot of fans the wrong way but nobody in the league gets away with more crap out there than Chris Paul unless it's James Harden. They make that team extremely unlikable even for someone like me who is still quite fond of PJ Tucker and Mike D.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

That might be the weakest argument yet. There is a huge gulf between we know you didn't do it and we aren't quite positive you did it. The NBA has to have almost court of law proof to act on something like this as the consequences would typically be extreme not to mention it's just not good for the league. It isn't like the referee report at all where they just issue opinions without action.

If you say so...point is—again—you, I, nor anyone else can look at that play and know exactly if it was or wasn’t intentional. It should’ve been a foul, for sure.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

If you're feeling like everyone is out to get the Warriors, you might want to reread the past few pages. I'd say, barring the Green conversation, we're far more pro-Warriors than Rockets.

There are players on each team that rub a lot of fans the wrong way but nobody in the league gets away with more crap out there than Chris Paul unless it's James Harden. They make that team extremely unlikable even for someone like me who is still quite fond of PJ Tucker and Mike D.

Clear use of the word some should clearly signify I don’t think it’s everyone.

 

[AzStevenCal]

If you say so...point is—again—you, I, nor anyone else can look at that play and know exactly if it was or wasn’t intentional. It should’ve been a foul, for sure.

I absolutely agree and that's why the league rarely takes action - intent is always difficult to prove. But there is enough history to suggest he intended contact