NBA Finals Cleveland vs Golden State

[Covert Rain]

Curry is a good defender, the didn't hide him. And I don't think any defensive assignment in the league is as taxing as chasing Westbrook around.

Amazing how having such a gifted offensive PG who can play defense can completely change your defensive makeup. You are right. They didn't have to hide him. GSW wasn't caught up in a ton of bad defensive rotations. My brother pointed this out as we watched the last couple games. They were able to face up Durant consistently.

 

[SO91]

He isn't great but he's better than people think and much better than Westbrook apparently thought given how poorly he shot when covered by Curry in the series.

I do think Cleveland is capable of winning because LeBron is still LeBron, and because if Smith and Love get hot from 3 they can beat anybody.

Last year they didn't have Love and Kyrie so they were weaker on offense but better on defense. This year it'll be interesting to see. The Warriors can't guard Irving any more than anybody else can but they have guys who can exploit his defense. And Love, UCLA guy I like the guy but he can't guard anybody and I expect the Warriors to treat him the way they treated Kanter and do everything they can to cause switches and then attack him off the bounce and make him defend guys who can knock it down.

As someone else said LeBron can win 2 games by himself, he's that good. The question is will Clevelands better offense offset the weaker defense.

He's a passable defender, but I think people get caught up in praising him for defense. They do hide him at times, but it works, so no complaining. The Westbrook chuckle got blown out of proportion. I thought he was laughing at the idiotic question from that reporter.

 

[SO91]

One thing that GSW did against OKC was double off Roberson to help on Durant and Westbrook.

They won't be able to do that to help on LeBron or Kyrie because out of the starting lineup of Kyrie/JR/LeBron/Love/Thompson, which player do you double off? Their all capable of knocking down the 3pt shot if you leave them open (besides Thompson who of course is the center).

They'll put Iggy on him and live with Lebron getting his numbers while playing solid team defense. I want to see 7 games for the entertainment, but I think 6 is the max.

 

[Russ Smith]

One thing that GSW did against OKC was double off Roberson to help on Durant and Westbrook.

They won't be able to do that to help on LeBron or Kyrie because out of the starting lineup of Kyrie/JR/LeBron/Love/Thompson, which player do you double off? Their all capable of knocking down the 3pt shot if you leave them open (besides Thompson who of course is the center).

My guess is doubling off Thompson is not a good idea either since as you say he's a 5 and will be near the rim most of the time.

They are clearly going to be harder to defend this year than they were last.

 

[Russ Smith]

He's a passable defender, but I think people get caught up in praising him for defense. They do hide him at times, but it works, so no complaining. The Westbrook chuckle got blown out of proportion. I thought he was laughing at the idiotic question from that reporter.

People keep saying that because they don't know the context. the reporter is from ESPN, she didn't ask Westbrook a question at all. She asked Durant about the steal by Curry, off Durant, that sealed game 5. She asked something like he led the league in steals the last 2 seasons do you think he's an underrated defender, and Westbrook started laughing. She wasn't even talking to him that's why people reacted the way they did, it was so obvious.

I love the guy but facts are facts, Westbrook for the series when guarded by Curry 31% 10 To's, when guarded by everyone else, 45% shooting, don't know the turnovers. He's a great player but he didn't do very well head to head with Curry. With Thompson he was able to get to the rim and draw fouls so Klay started backing off and then he hit that pullup. That's why Kerr switched it up and put Curry on him more often. He was something like 5-19 against Curry in the last 3 games, because Curry was able to stay in front without fouling so he didn't have to back off and give him the pullup.

Westbrook was a terrific defender in college, when he came into the NBA he was very good, but like many guys as his offensive stats got better and his name got bigger, his defense changed. He goes for steals now he doesn't stay home and guard his man.

 

[Dback Jon]

Who does the league want to win?

Warriors with the feel good 73-win season capped by a Championship?
Cavaliers with LeBron finally winning his town a Championship?

 

[Errntknght]

In the last game in particular I thought Westbrook got caught up in trying to beat Curry at Curry's game. I think they should put Curry on Kyrie a good bit and try to get him to do the same thing. I expect them to rotate various guys on Lebron but have Iggy on him down the final stretch if the game is close.

 

[AzStevenCal]

He's a passable defender, but I think people get caught up in praising him for defense. They do hide him at times, but it works, so no complaining. The Westbrook chuckle got blown out of proportion. I thought he was laughing at the idiotic question from that reporter.

From what I've seen most of the praising comes in opposition to negative comments about his defense. And IMO they don't hide him any more than any great offensive player gets hidden. They do try to protect him but it's not like with Nash where we really had to hide him. Curry is a well above average defender for his position. Maybe not great but much better than "passable". But he's an offensive threat perhaps without equal so it makes sense they'd want to limit his defensive responsibilities which is quite different than actually hiding him.

 

[Russ Smith]

Who does the league want to win?

Warriors with the feel good 73-win season capped by a Championship?
Cavaliers with LeBron finally winning his town a Championship?

I think they'd be happy either way. Hell even as a Warrior fan as bummed as I'll be if they lose, I have to admit for the Cleveland fans to have a hometown guy lead them to a title would make it hurt a little less. I'm not a LeBron fan but when he came back some of the things I disliked went away and he's obviously an all time great player.

I hope the Warriors win but I had expected them to lose to SA and watch the Spurs win this year so at this point I'm playing with house money.

 

[SO91]

From what I've seen most of the praising comes in opposition to negative comments about his defense. And IMO they don't hide him any more than any great offensive player gets hidden. They do try to protect him but it's not like with Nash where we really had to hide him. Curry is a well above average defender for his position. Maybe not great but much better than "passable". But he's an offensive threat perhaps without equal so it makes sense they'd want to limit his defensive responsibilities which is quite different than actually hiding him.

I don't like to get into discussions about what is great, good, passable, etc. I think he's good enough for the team he's playing on and that's enough. I don't think asking that question at that time was anything more than an attempt to praise Curry for a steal, a measure which is really a terrible way to judge a defensive player. My opinion of course. The reporters and ESPN are notorious for riding a guy's jock hard, and to me it seemed like another attempt at a narrative that didn't need to be asked to two guys that were competing against him at the time. The question was for KD as Russ pointed out, but they were both at the podium.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I don't like to get into discussions about what is great, good, passable, etc. I think he's good enough for the team he's playing on and that's enough. I don't think asking that question at that time was anything more than an attempt to praise Curry for a steal, a measure which is really a terrible way to judge a defensive player. My opinion of course. The reporters and ESPN are notorious for riding a guy's jock hard, and to me it seemed like another attempt at a narrative that didn't need to be asked to two guys that were competing against him at the time. The question was for KD as Russ pointed out, but they were both at the podium.

I agree with most of this but I do think "passable" sells Curry short no matter which definition you use. But you're right, ESPN loves to glorify almost as much as they love to tear down. Right now they are high on Curry but give them the slightest chance to rip the guy apart and they'll jump on it.

 

[Phrazbit]

And all that aside, you can absolutely cheat a bit on defense and take plays off while JR Smith is out there. He has one move, chuck terrible shots... sure, some nights they go in, but he is going to be chucking up those awful shots regardless of the defense against him.

And I think it is odd that we're questioning the Warriors potentially having defensive matchup issues when the Cavs are going to be stuck putting Irving, an unquestionably lousy defender, on either Curry or Thompson.

Any game the Cavs win will require LeBron to go bonkers because I think his teammates are going to be outplayed across the board.

 

[Russ Smith]

And all that aside, you can absolutely cheat a bit on defense and take plays off while JR Smith is out there. He has one move, chuck terrible shots... sure, some nights they go in, but he is going to be chucking up those awful shots regardless of the defense against him.

And I think it is odd that we're questioning the Warriors potentially having defensive matchup issues when the Cavs are going to be stuck putting Irving, an unquestionably lousy defender, on either Curry or Thompson.

Any game the Cavs win will require LeBron to go bonkers because I think his teammates are going to be outplayed across the board.

ESPN is overloading me on stats now and I assume they're reliable. Kevin Love is allowing opponents to shoot 65% against him in the paint this year which is the highest in the playoffs, Adams on the other hand was allowing only 38% which was the lowest. So they were saying look for Draymond Green to suddenly look more effective in the paint this series.

I kind of expect Irving to be a big guy in this series I think he'll do what Westbrook did and take it personally and try to "show out" against curry. But I think he has the type of game that might make it work offensively. If he plays better on defense because he's locked in he could be huge. But I agree he's not a good defender, Delly is not even close to him on offense but he's a much better defender.

Curry has to be somewhat breathing a sigh of relief, he survived Beverly trying to take his legs out and wound up getting hurt on a no contact play. He was held and bumped a ton in the Portland and OKC series but he didn't have some nutjob trying to take him out. And now Delly is a role player not a starter he only has to worry about that maybe 20 MPG. Delly last year in the finals was almost to the Bowen level where he had Warrior players worried he was going to sweep the leg instead of concentrating on shooting.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I predict a great finals. I think this is almost pick'em but for GS home court.

Last year lebron took series to 6 games being surrounded by role players. He literally didn't have a second or even third banana and still win two games. This year he's coming in relatively fresh with an easy trip through the east and less wear on his body throughout that trip bc he could rely on the rest of the team more. The liability that love and Irving present on D is more than made up for in regards to what they bring to the table. I'll they are pure additions to last years squad (along with Richard Jefferson and Frye) that took GS to 6 games.

That said, I believe this GS team took their game to new heights this year. It was hard to believe that they could do what they did last year better, but they did. And much better. And I think the comeback from 3-1 deficit plays into their 73 game mystique. Do I believe that mystique affects the cavs? No. But I think it affects GS's belief in themselves. And I think they believe themselves invincible right now, and not in an arrogant way, but in an inevitability way. And that confidence rolls down hill . . . hard and fast. And it's what I believe will result in GS winning in game 7.

And though I don't hate lebron. There's something to him having such a woeful finals record that, for some reason, just brings me a little glee.

 

[chickenhead]

Lebron just does so many dumb passive aggressive things. If the Cavs can beat the Warriors it'll be quite the accomplishment, and obviously great for the Cleveland fans. But I'd rather it be the Browns or the Indians.

 

[devilalum]

I can't figure out why I hate Steph Curry so much. Thought it might be because he's really good but I always liked watching Jordan and Lebron.

I think it might be the showboating but other players doing that don't bother me.



sent from a fone

 

[Iceman]

This is what kind of eats at me with the Cavs. I get it, but not a big fan of bringing in top notch players instead of playing against them (ie, Jordan vs Magic or Bird or Barkley, etc). Now its who can build the strongest team to make sure they dominate. On the other side, the Warriors sure seemed to do the opposite and developed an amazing team with their personal.

My statements and reasoning may be wrong, but I just can't get it out of my head. I hate to say this, but the Spurs are a team that did it all with players they had for many many years (before Aldridge came in) and they have been solid every year- the right way IMO.

Anyhow, I can see this going 7 games easily and it being toss up on who wins. I am just going out on a limb and saying the Warriors in 7 just because their defense is a little bit better than the Cavs

 

[AzStevenCal]

I can't figure out why I hate Steph Curry so much. Thought it might be because he's really good but I always liked watching Jordan and Lebron.

I think it might be the showboating but other players doing that don't bother me.



sent from a fone

And I'm the opposite. Not since Magic Johnson have I enjoyed watching a non-Suns player play this game as much as I've enjoyed watching Curry. Magic and Curry are both a little flamboyant but they love to play the game and you can see that in everything they do. At the other end of the showboating spectrum, I also use to love watching Kareem. He was so smooth and correct in everything he did on the court. And I'd have felt the same way about Duncan if it hadn't been for his incessant whining.

But when Curry gets going, I can't help but laugh at the incredible things he does. It takes me back to my youth when I use to watch the Harlem Globetrotters on a small black and white TV. The guy is a wizard. I know we each have our own tastes but I just can't fathom all the Curry "hate" over the past couple of years.

 

[Iceman]

And I'm the opposite. Not since Magic Johnson have I enjoyed watching a non-Suns player play this game as much as I've enjoyed watching Curry. Magic and Curry are both a little flamboyant but they love to play the game and you can see that in everything they do. At the other end of the showboating spectrum, I also use to love watching Kareem. He was so smooth and correct in everything he did on the court. And I'd have felt the same way about Duncan if it hadn't been for his incessant whining.

But when Curry gets going, I can't help but laugh at the incredible things he does. It takes me back to my youth when I use to watch the Harlem Globetrotters on a small black and white TV. The guy is a wizard. I know we each have our own tastes but I just can't fathom all the Curry "hate" over the past couple of years.

Man, you said exactly what I think as well. There are times when Curry throws up shots and I think "that was lucky", but then I rethink it and say "he actually meant to take that type of shot." The guy is a wizard and has the most amazing moves/shots I've seen in a long time

 

[Russ Smith]

And I'm the opposite. Not since Magic Johnson have I enjoyed watching a non-Suns player play this game as much as I've enjoyed watching Curry. Magic and Curry are both a little flamboyant but they love to play the game and you can see that in everything they do. At the other end of the showboating spectrum, I also use to love watching Kareem. He was so smooth and correct in everything he did on the court. And I'd have felt the same way about Duncan if it hadn't been for his incessant whining.

But when Curry gets going, I can't help but laugh at the incredible things he does. It takes me back to my youth when I use to watch the Harlem Globetrotters on a small black and white TV. The guy is a wizard. I know we each have our own tastes but I just can't fathom all the Curry "hate" over the past couple of years.

The thing with him is he's not only the best shooter in the game, by far, but he's among the best at finishing against size. he's not Rod Strickland or Tony Parker good at it but at least once a game he makes one of those floaters that nearly hit the top of the backboard. The first time you see it you think lucky shot, but after about 10 times you realize he is doing that on purpose.

The long 3's are amazing but going to the rim near full speed going up off one leg and arching the ball up over a 7 footer and having it hit glass with touch and drop in, amazing.

Just for fun grab a ball and try that in a gym sometime, it is insanely hard.

I'm biased of course but so glad the TWolves picked Rubio and Flynn and not him.

 

[Dback Jon]

They are letting love get mugged out there with no call

 

[Russ Smith]

Who would have thought Lebron would be the weakest link on defense for the Cavs. He gave up 7 to Barnes and another 2 to Ezeli when he didn't switch in transition and gave up a dunk.

Refs letting both teams play so far,.

Another slow start by Klay Thompson. At least Livingston looks back to himself had a tough last series as his knees were apparently sore from playing so much against Portland.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

Barbosa is one the Suns also should have kept. smh

 

[Russ Smith]

3 weird calls in a row. Ball clearly off James out of bounds goes back to Cleveland. Then in the scramble for the ball Green and Jefferson tie up, James dives on Green they correctly call jump ball, but then it's James and Green instead of Jefferson and Green? I thought Green fouled James on the miss before the jump anyways but a weird sequence there.

And then Love bobbles a pass dribbles it to get control. Stops pivots twice and then dribbles again and makes a turnaround while the entire crowd is yelling double dribble. I guess the ref was saying the first dribble was him gathering the ball after bobbling it, looked like a dribble.

 

[Dback Jon]

Green auditioning for the Rockettes again