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Entertainment & Artistry => Sports/Outdoors & Manpoon => Topic started by: Jake on April 15, 2018, 10:21:59 PM

Title: NBA
Post by: Jake on April 15, 2018, 10:21:59 PM
in the 90's, when Bulls rained supreme, I would watch as many games as I could. I remember spending the time with my dad, fresh immigrants, learning and loving the game. After that, it was every once in a while, then I favored football, and then I stopped watching sports all together. I decided to give it another shot in the last off season - yes, the NBA off season was full of drama, and it was spectacular. The season it self was pretty great as well. I actually only watched a few games, but follow the entire league closely and would watch highlights almost daily (Instagram is great for that type of thing BTW). And now the playoffs are here - and I will watch as many games as I can.

The difference this time around is that I am not rooting for any one team especially - but I mostly track what my favorite and more interesting players are doing. I do wish that Thunder will win the Championship this year, but it is highly unlikely with the way that both Rockets and GSW have been playing. Westbrook is my favorite player.

Anyone else watching the NBA?
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on April 16, 2018, 09:16:11 AM
Love it.  Like you, I used to watch a lot in the 90s.  I started watching more in the past 5 years or so and got really into it with the Cavs doing so well.  My kids both love basketball and we all watch the games together (even my wife).  We went to a Cavs game earlier this year and we went to one of the Finals watch parties last year which was surprisingly fun :)

I do follow the entire league and watch a lot of highlights and stay up on the news.  And I have to say that I don't like Westbrook.  There is a reason Harden and Durant left OKC and I think it is him.  No one averages a triple double for the season and is a team player.  Sorry.  I don't think they have a shot at the title either.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on April 16, 2018, 09:49:10 AM
Quote
Love it.  Like you, I used to watch a lot in the 90s.  I started watching more in the past 5 years or so and got really into it with the Cavs doing so well.  My kids both love basketball and we all watch the games together (even my wife).  We went to a Cavs game earlier this year and we went to one of the Finals watch parties last year which was surprisingly fun :)

It helps when your team is doing well, that is for sure! my daughter and wife are not interested at all, and my son is just starting to get interested, so we'll see how that turns out.

Quote
And I have to say that I don't like Westbrook.  There is a reason Harden and Durant left OKC and I think it is him.

He is a super polarizing player. you either love him or hate him. I just love watching him play - he is super explosive and is entertaining both on the court and in the interviews :D as for Harden and KD leaving, it is hard to have two superstars on a single team, let alone three - at that point no one is satisfied with how much they get to touch the ball.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Perspective on April 16, 2018, 10:04:46 AM
I got into it a couple of years back when the raptors made a playoff run. I like it when it's competitive (teams are evenly matched) but regular season games I don't enjoy that much....
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on April 16, 2018, 10:52:39 AM
as for Harden and KD leaving, it is hard to have two superstars on a single team, let alone three - at that point no one is satisfied with how much they get to touch the ball.
Really?  Seems like the Cavs have done it alright (fuck Kyrie - the dude is a flat-earther... give me a break).  And the Warriors?  The Rockets have done really well despite everyone's concerns with Harden and CP.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on April 16, 2018, 11:54:40 AM
Been watching/following the NBA for 33 years, since the Kings moved to Sacramento. The Kings were only good for about 6 of those years but I still follow the rest of the league. It's definitely gotten more fun/exciting in the last 5 years or so.

For now I'm pretty busy, so I don't watch much (especially since I no longer get the Kings games where I live). I do have sports people in my twitter feed and occasionally I'll listen to an NBA related podcast so that's mostly how I end up keeping up to date on what's happening. I'll watch playoff games here and there and probably a lot of the finals.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on April 16, 2018, 12:00:33 PM
Also, I don't really love or hate Westbrook. :D

I tend to root for guys that a lot of people hate, especially if the reasons for the hate are dubious. Westbrook falls into that category just enough that I do kinda want him to succeed, but not enough that I actively root for him.

LeBron on the other hand, is entirely there, and so I've ended up wanting Cleveland (and previously Miami) to win when it got down to the finals.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on April 16, 2018, 12:19:18 PM
Woot!  The King reigns supreme :)
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on April 28, 2018, 11:05:38 AM
and OKC is out. Too bad. But this season and series just intensified my respect for Westbrook. He is a beast. There is not another player right now (or that I can remember) that plays with such intensity, energy, and passion - every single game, every single minute. He is awesome to watch. PG didn't show up this game, and that's too bad - but he did have a great series. Melo should retire. He just looks so lazy on the court - very sluggish. But with all that said - I will be cheering for Utah in the second round match up. They have some awesome players themselves. I knew all about Mitchel, but what about that Ingles guy - he is fun to watch as well.

Ober, what do you think will happen in game 7? Looks like James is in a similar spot to Wesbrook in that his supporting cast doesn't always show up to play.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on April 30, 2018, 08:28:03 AM
Sorry I didn't see this before the game.  I was frankly worried they'd lose that series.  You're absolutely right that Lebron isn't getting the support he needs.  The only reason they won that game is because he put up 45.  I will say that he was out for a bit in the 3rd and 4th quarter with some cramping and the team did step up.  Love was heating up and Tristan finally came alive.  I think George Hill played a big role in that game too.  For whatever reason, we've always had issues getting past the Pacers.  I'm not saying it will be a cake walk to the Finals but I think we match up against the Raptors better than the Pacers.  I think we'll have trouble against the 76ers (who should have no problem with the Celtics).

I don't think Utah will get past the Rockets.  The Rockets are clicking on all cylinders and I think they have a shot at taking out the Warriors in the West.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on May 29, 2018, 11:31:25 AM
You guys still watching? Both conference finals were exciting. I'm bummed that Celtics didn't win - but you have to respect LJ for pulling it out - guy is a beast. I think that Celtics will dominate next year if all guys are healthy and they keep a similar squad.

On the other side, I think that Rockets lost it because they lost CP3 the last two games. I don't like him much, but he is a difference maker for that team, for sure. I lost some love for Harden after his shitty playoff performance and hope that LJ gets MVP and not him.

I think that warriors take it in 6 games.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on May 29, 2018, 01:43:50 PM
My guess is Warriors in 5 (maybe 4).

Interesting that the two home teams with higher seeds both shot horribly from 3 in game 7 and lost to the teams with championship experience.

I lost some love for Harden after his shitty playoff performance.

???
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on May 29, 2018, 05:30:38 PM
I'm still watching.  I'm always going to root for the Cavs, but I don't think Lebron can drag this squad over the finish line 4 times in a row.  I think the Warriors are beatable but I hope it's at least an entertaining series.  I'm hoping for at least 6 games.  God, if they get swept I'll be pissed. 

Game 7 in the east was a good one.  And yeah, if the Celtics maintain plus add back Kyrie and Haywood... yikes.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on May 29, 2018, 07:37:07 PM
I lost some love for Harden after his shitty playoff performance.

???

Doesn't look like he is the leader of that team and chokes when the going gets tough. He had nice stats during the regular season and even through most of the playoffs but he should use his skills to drive the ball into the paint more instead of trying for that 3 point shot - he was 19 for 78 through that series!! holy shit...that is just ugly. In game 11 he missed all 11 that he took. If he say converted half of those attempts to regular shots and made half of those, they would have one the game. Overall, the 3 point baskeball a lot of the teams (mainly west coast) play, looks cool when they go in, but when they don't, it is not fun to watch. But I guess that is what the rockets do - their coach was mic's up one of the games vs the jazz and said something along the lines "defense and shooting 3s is what we do"
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on May 29, 2018, 07:39:48 PM
I'm still watching.  I'm always going to root for the Cavs, but I don't think Lebron can drag this squad over the finish line 4 times in a row.  I think the Warriors are beatable but I hope it's at least an entertaining series.  I'm hoping for at least 6 games.  God, if they get swept I'll be pissed. 

You know, if he pulls this off, and wins a championship this year, that will be an incredible feat. At that point I would be ready to say he is [almost] as good as Jordan and would move him up in my ranking past Kobe.

I caught a glimpse of some sports talk show earlier today and they had like 20+ analysts predict the winner and they all chose the warriors.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on May 29, 2018, 07:42:24 PM
I lost some love for Harden after his shitty playoff performance.

???

Doesn't look like he is the leader of that team and chokes when the going gets tough. He had nice stats during the regular season and even through most of the playoffs but he should use his skills to drive the ball into the paint more instead of trying for that 3 point shot - he was 19 for 78 through that series!! holy shit...that is just ugly. In game 11 he missed all 11 that he took. If he say converted half of those attempts to regular shots and made half of those, they would have one the game. Overall, the 3 point baskeball a lot of the teams (mainly west coast) play, looks cool when they go in, but when they don't, it is not fun to watch. But I guess that is what the rockets do - their coach was mic's up one of the games vs the jazz and said something along the lines "defense and shooting 3s is what we do"

Yeah... I didn't watch many games but I don't think he choked. He still scored nearly 30 points a game and took on a greater load the last two games with Paul out. I doubt he was going to make half his shots if he just got closer, it just doesn't work that way. Honestly I'm shocked that the Rockets did as well as they did against the Warriors, who were an amazing team and then added Durant. Harden actually impressed me with this series.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on May 29, 2018, 07:44:25 PM
If the Cavaliers win the championship this year, LeBron is the greatest player of all time.

If he got swept and then retired I'd probably put him at #2, although I would listen if somebody argued that was enough for #1.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on May 29, 2018, 09:32:14 PM
I'm still watching.  I'm always going to root for the Cavs, but I don't think Lebron can drag this squad over the finish line 4 times in a row.  I think the Warriors are beatable but I hope it's at least an entertaining series.  I'm hoping for at least 6 games.  God, if they get swept I'll be pissed. 

You know, if he pulls this off, and wins a championship this year, that will be an incredible feat. At that point I would be ready to say he is [almost] as good as Jordan and would move him up in my ranking past Kobe.

I caught a glimpse of some sports talk show earlier today and they had like 20+ analysts predict the winner and they all chose the warriors.
I'm sorry, but you put Kobe above Lebron?  At this point, I question anyone putting MJ above Lebron.  MJ never carried a team like LB has.  He always had a healthy supporting cast.  Who did Lebron have this year?  Kevin Love?  He's been hurt a lot and he couldn't even play the last 2 games and LB still pushed them over the line in that series.  And did you watch the Toronto series?  And this is his 15th year in the league.  Kobe isn't even in the same conversation anymore.

And yes, the Cavs are severe underdogs.  Severe.  I don't question that.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on May 30, 2018, 10:18:51 AM
Haha, I knew that will get a reaction from a cavs fan ;) LBJ could grow wings and a halo and MJ would still be the GOAT to me :) just like LBJ is to you.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on May 30, 2018, 11:43:23 AM
I get that.  And I don't blame you for feeling that way.  It's ok to be wrong.  ;)
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on May 30, 2018, 07:18:27 PM
Yay sportsball!   :dunno:
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on May 31, 2018, 08:39:30 PM
I'm ok with people having Jordan above LeBron. Kobe on the other hand... (then again, my bias is generally anti-Lakers from the late 90's on, so...)
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on June 01, 2018, 12:08:11 AM
Fuck the refs.  That game was horribly officiated all the way around.  Also, WTF JR?  Cavs should have won that game.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on June 01, 2018, 09:54:54 AM
Fuck the refs.  That game was horribly officiated all the way around.  Also, WTF JR?  Cavs should have won that game.

that game was pretty awesome. And I agree, this was CAVS to win for sure. And if they did, that would give them an unbelievable boost of confidence. Now, unfortunately, it will be the other way around I suspect. WTF JR, but also WTF Hill for missing a game winning free throw - he is an 80%+ FT shooter and missed the biggest one of his life. But I can just see all the JR memes coming :D
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on June 01, 2018, 12:04:10 PM
To be honest, I think the game in general is a boost of confidence regardless of the outcome.  Everyone expected that to be a blowout and this to be a series sweep.  The sweep could still happen but I have more faith that it will be a close series and I am not convinced that the Warriors will end up with the trophy.  They didn't look as solid as past years.  There were flashes of it, but the Cavs played well last night.

And yeah, Hill should have made the free throw.  No doubt.  But he also looked like he was going to vomit stepping up to the line for that shot.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on June 01, 2018, 12:23:12 PM
Honestly, I think 1 for 2 is the expected outcome there. An 80% shooter only makes both 64% of the time, and then add the pressure of the moment and I don't fault him at all. The fact that he made the first to tie it was huge.

Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on June 01, 2018, 12:57:59 PM
https://www.google.com/amp/fox8.com/2018/06/01/10-top-memes-after-j-r-smiths-game-1-blunder/amp/
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on June 04, 2018, 12:03:18 AM
Well that sucked.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on July 01, 2018, 10:01:43 PM
Well that sucked.

That probably did, too..
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on July 02, 2018, 08:44:32 AM
Ugh.  Well it's back to the Cavs sucking.  But I listened to some sports radio on Saturday and the one guy put it into perspective.  He'll either retire or leave at some point and he's given a lot to the city and won a championship here.  So kudos to him and I hope he does well in LA.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on July 02, 2018, 06:46:03 PM
Yeah, I don't think a Clevelander can be too mad at LeBron.

It's funny because I've been rooting for LeBron, plus I like Kawhi and I root for DeMarcus Cousins, so if either of them join James in LA then normally it would be a team I follow a little and root for to win (except against the Kings). But it's the Lakers, so even if all three of them were there together it would be really hard to be happy if they won anything.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on July 03, 2018, 08:46:21 AM
Yeah, I don't think a Clevelander can be too mad at LeBron.

It's funny because I've been rooting for LeBron, plus I like Kawhi and I root for DeMarcus Cousins, so if either of them join James in LA then normally it would be a team I follow a little and root for to win (except against the Kings). But it's the Lakers, so even if all three of them were there together it would be really hard to be happy if they won anything.

Cousins went to the Warriors last night.  Which kind of blows my mind that they are really trying to build up further unless they think someone is going to bail. 
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on July 03, 2018, 05:46:46 PM
My guess is that there aren't a lot of teams with cap room who wanted Cousins at a high price this year coming off the achilles injury, so the Warriors are assuming it's a one-year rental and so is Cousins. If he comes back healthy then he'll get a bigger payday next year from someone else when the salary cap takes a big jump.

For me, this is a big conundrum.. I like rooting for LeBron and Cousins, and they're on the Lakers who I hate and the Warriors who I desperately want to ignore. Go Rockets I guess.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on July 09, 2018, 11:49:59 AM
this is a very exciting off season again. I think that the biggest surprise so far is PG staying in OKC long term - that made me happy.

I wonder what will happen with Butler and Kawhi - the latter is a very interesting case.

Oh, also pretty shocked Parker went to Charlotte. But I guess he wants to get what he can before he retires.

WAtched the draft too - that Luka Doncic kid will be a monster and Dallas will be a perfect fit.

Cavaliers will be in the bottom 3 teams next season. Lue will finally have to coach and I doubt he is any good at it.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on July 09, 2018, 12:17:35 PM
I was surprised PG stayed in OKC.  I don't think Melo will.

I bet Butler will stay in Minnesota but I could be wrong.  I agree Kawhi will be interesting no matter where he lands.

I didn't watch the draft and haven't watched any of the summer games.

I frankly don't know what will happen with the Cavs.  They still have Love and a few other pieces and I'm curious to see what Sexton can do.  I won't be surprised if they squeak into the playoffs again but they'll probably be out in the first round.  I certainly don't think Lue is necessarily a bad coach.  He made a lot of bold moves in the playoffs that paid off.  I think you underestimate him.  I think losing Jeff Green is a big loss.  I'm curious if anyone else will go.  There are rumors around Korver too.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on July 18, 2018, 12:58:38 PM
Wow on the DeMar/Kawhi trade. Holy cow. I think that Toronto will come out the loser on that deal when Kawhi leaves next year
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on July 18, 2018, 01:51:39 PM
I know that deal was a rumor a while ago.  I'm surprised he didn't go to Philly.  Does Toronto even have a coach replacement yet? 
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: charlie on July 19, 2018, 12:58:09 AM
I think Toronto was ready to let go of DeRozan (or Lowry) anyway since they weren't really going very far with the team they had last year. Maybe that's a bad idea with LeBron gone from the East but then again this gives them a better team with Kawhi healthy so maybe they're going all in this year and rebuild if he leaves next year.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Perspective on July 19, 2018, 09:27:43 AM
From the little basketball I watched DeRozan really carried the team. I think they should have moved Lowry instead...
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on July 19, 2018, 09:37:40 AM
From the little basketball I watched DeRozan really carried the team. I think they should have moved Lowry instead...

I bet they tried that, but it wasn't enough.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Perspective on July 19, 2018, 10:17:25 AM
Toronto isn't happy: https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/derozan-was-so-much-more-than-just-the-numbers-he-put-up-for-raptors

Not to mention...
Quote
He leaves as the all-time Raptors leader in games played, points, field goals and free throws to name just a few of his firsts.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on July 19, 2018, 10:37:34 AM
From everything I read, he's not happy about the move.  He intended to retire as a Raptor.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on July 19, 2018, 10:38:55 AM
Toronto isn't happy: https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/derozan-was-so-much-more-than-just-the-numbers-he-put-up-for-raptors

Not to mention...
Quote
He leaves as the all-time Raptors leader in games played, points, field goals and free throws to name just a few of his firsts.

oh yeah. This is a HUUUUUGE gamble for the team. DeMar was a franchise player. People loved him there. And I think he loved being there as well. Poor guy probably thought he will play their until the end of his career.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on July 19, 2018, 11:47:48 AM
the last interesting (to me) move left to make is Melo. I wonder where he will end up and how he will do next year. (and what his 2K2019 rating will be!? :rofl: )
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Perspective on July 19, 2018, 12:19:50 PM
Toronto isn't happy: https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/derozan-was-so-much-more-than-just-the-numbers-he-put-up-for-raptors

Not to mention...
Quote
He leaves as the all-time Raptors leader in games played, points, field goals and free throws to name just a few of his firsts.

oh yeah. This is a HUUUUUGE gamble for the team. DeMar was a franchise player. People loved him there. And I think he loved being there as well. Poor guy probably thought he will play their until the end of his career.

He did. According to the article he discussed that publicly, and he didn't even consider interview offers with other teams when he became a free agent. He just signed directly with the raptors.

Sports is a vicious world man, no love.
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on July 19, 2018, 05:41:01 PM
the last interesting (to me) move left to make is Melo. I wonder where he will end up and how he will do next year. (and what his 2K2019 rating will be!? :rofl: )

aaaaand I didn't have to wait very long. ATL - he'll be good for some of the young blood they have there
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: Jake on July 19, 2018, 05:42:14 PM
the last interesting (to me) move left to make is Melo. I wonder where he will end up and how he will do next year. (and what his 2K2019 rating will be!? :rofl: )

aaaaand I didn't have to wait very long. ATL - he'll be good for some of the young blood they have there

LOL - he was waived right away. So what, Rockets now?
Title: Re: NBA
Post by: ober on July 19, 2018, 09:36:39 PM
Yeah, I was going to post that earlier but the article said he likely wouldn't stay there.