NBA Playoffs

[wcburrs87]

Actually, if you watch the games, for the most part GS isn't helping on LeBron.

The #1 reason CLV is in this is because their defense has been incredible. And that's been a team effort. Curry isn't missing wide open shots. They are really into him. Even Thompson, who had a very good game was forced to make tough shots. GS has gotten very little in transition and easy, close-to-the-basket looks while in the half court. CLV has dictated pace and shortened the game. They have been masterful in this regard.

 

[LizReed]

Despite what ADP and TomDudes are saying, GS did get a favorable whistle late in the game.

 

[wcburrs87]

Another thing, but GS's depth has been overrated so far. I thought this could be a big advantage for them, but it was pretty much a non-factor last night. Each team's starters played a total of 196 minutes. Sure, GS put a couple more guys in the game, but it's not like they did much of anything.

 

[Ninetynine5.0]

Also, he has the other guys playing some very good D. GS did not play well, yes, but give CLE some credit here - they played well on the defensive end - especially early. It's the only way they are going to have any semblance of a chance here.

 

[wcburrs87]

Offensively, GS really hasn't been right in either game. And this absolutely has more to do with CLV's defense than just them being off. They absolutely deserve credit.

 

[tomdudes]

Cap tip to Liz for excellent use of one of my favorite BW-isms.

 

[adp98]

Burrs, every time Lebron is iso'd on the wing they have a help defender waiting in the lane. Every single time. He simply beats the help or usually dishes. They are also helping on the high screen and role and why Shumpert/Matthew D are getting open looks up top. C'mon man, you're supposed to know hoops.

 

[NovaTras22]

where'd your broom go Gdog?

 

[wcburrs87]

Burrs, every time Lebron is iso'd on the wing they have a help defender waiting in the lane. Every single time. He simply beats the help or usually dishes. They are also helping on the high screen and role and why Shumpert/Matthew D are getting open looks up top. C'mon man, you're supposed to know hoops.

ADP, do a little reading and you'll see that GS's strategy is to defend James straight up. One, no one is "waiting in the lane" because that's illegal defense. Two, what you're describing is a secondary player coming off his man to add support at the rim. That's basketball and every team does it. However, when James has the ball on the wing or up top they are playing him straight up and have rarely ran two guys at him. GS's defense thru two games has been fine. They don't mind James taking 35+ shots. They are tied 1-1 because their offense has been subpar, but CLV gets much of the credit here.,

 

[adp98]

I watched the game. The weak side big helps when they iso James on the wing. They don't run at him right away because the Cavs space the floor. However, they are clearly helping. It's the guy opposite, low block. Which is why the corner 3 and wing 3 is always open. They are not employing a strategy of playing LeBron straight up and taking away Jr Smith. Seriously, our LeBron hate and Jordan nut sucking has no limits. Watch the game.

 

[wcburrs87]

http://warriors.247sports.com/Bolt/...iors-defended-LeBron-James-in-Game-1-37615676

You're wrong. I do watch the games. Enough with the James' hate narrative. He's he best player in the world. We're talking about GS defensive strategy through two games.

And your James is out there with five blind midgets mindset is overplayed. I doubt you watch much NBA during the RS. But tune in during the playoffs and have it all figured out.,

 

[adp98]

You realize that was game 1 right? He went for 44 and 6. and they adjusted. So game 2, he went for 39 and 11 dimes.

 

[Ninetynine5.0]

Just amazing to me that GS (and everyone since Love went down) knows they really only have to contain one guy - and they still cannot do it. An excellent NBA team, with more than one good defender, cannot contain one guy on the floor. CLE could actually be up 2-0 here. If they win this series, good lord. It's like Danny and the Miracles out there.

 

[wcburrs87]

You realize that was game 1 right? He went for 44 and 6. and they adjusted. So game 2, he went for 39 and 11 dimes.

They didn't change. Why would they? They won game one. Again, GS defense isn't the problem. It's their offense. James is shooting 39% from the field in the two games. He has 83 points on 73 shots. They can live with this. GS main problem right now is at the other end.

 

[NorCalVU10]

amazing that that was curry's worst shooting performance ever. Terrible shot with the chance to take the lead, and didn't even give them a chance with 4.5 seconds to go. He will bounce back.

 

[LizReed]

Cold-shooting for GS in a big game? Maybe they should have recruited more big men.

 

[adp98]

They didn't change. Why would they? They won game one. Again, GS defense isn't the problem. It's their offense. James is shooting 39% from the field in the two games. He has 83 points on 73 shots. They can live with this. GS main problem right now is at the other end.

Burrs, you don't understand hoops nearly as much as you think you do. They have two problems, Lebron James and Cleveland's defense.

 

[NovaHoops2002]

Burrs, you don't understand hoops nearly as much as you think you do.

To be honest, at least he formulates his own opinions. Most of the time you just regurgitate what is said during the broadcast or in the pre/post game.

 

[adp98]

Another thing, but GS's depth has been overrated so far. I thought this could be a big advantage for them, but it was pretty much a non-factor last night. Each team's starters played a total of 196 minutes. Sure, GS put a couple more guys in the game, but it's not like they did much of anything.

To be honest, at least he formulates his own opinions. Most of the time you just regurgitate what is said during the broadcast or in the pre/post game.

I watch the game and say what my two eyes see. I don't look for articles on the internet to form my opinions.

 

[TheDean]

Even if Cleveland wins two in a row at home to go up 3-1, can they win a decisive G5 or G7 on the road?

I think CLE wins G3 and then GS takes G4 (2-2). Then GS G5 - CLE G6 - GS G7.

 

[wcburrs87]

Burrs, you don't understand hoops nearly as much as you think you do. They have two problems, Lebron James and Cleveland's defense.

Actually, I do. You barely watch the NBA and then oversimplify things after checking in.

The Cavs are 63/184 (34%) from the field. 18/58 (31%) on 3's. They just came off a series where they shot 40% from the arc and 49 threes in four games. James is terrific. When CLV does have success on offense it's primarily because of him. This isn't being debated. However, it's not like these games are 125-223 and wonderfully played on offense and he's been unstoppable. It's been grind it out, physical, often ugly offensive basketball. James isn't doing whatever he wants out there offensively without any resistance. Yes, he's carrying them in many ways, but he's supposed to. Are we really shocked by this?

All I'm saying is that the #1 reason this series has been close so far and tied 1-1 is because of CLVs team defense. To a man they bought in. They are scrappy and have been the tougher team. GS put forth some amazing numbers on the offensive end this year. Really, go look them up. And the Cavs are totally into them so far and they don't look like 1/5 of the team they resembled in the RS.

 

[wcburrs87]

I watch the game and say what my two eyes see. I don't look for articles on the internet to form my opinions.

I formed my opinion with my two eyes and then supported it with an article after you tried to shoot it down. There is a difference.

 

[nardibynature123]

If the Cavs lose the series and Lebron averages what he has over the past 2 games will he get the finals MVP in a losing effort?

 

[TheDean]

If the Cavs lose the series and Lebron averages what he has over the past 2 games will he get the finals MVP in a losing effort?

There would be a case for it but I doubt it. In 1969 Jerry West won the first finals MVP award after LAL lost to BOS in 7. Only losing player to win it. He averaged 38 points during the series and had a triple double in Game 7 (42 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists). Also scored 53 in game 1.

 

[wcburrs87]

If the Cavs lose the series and Lebron averages what he has over the past 2 games will he get the finals MVP in a losing effort?

Good question. I was thinking about this last night. I think it would have to go at least 7. I do think it's hard to give it to a guy if his team loses. Now, if it was an overall playoff MVP like in the NHL, then I think it's easier. Still, I think it's possible this year. Definitely wouldn't rule it out.

 

[adp98]

If LeBron James isn't playing golden State could shoot 10. Percent and they still win by 30. For a guy who loves hoops I feel sorry you're missing one of the greatest performances we've seen by a guy carrying 4 others in the NBA Finals. LeBron James is the first 5 reasons Cleveland is in this. It's like judging LeBron in this series based on his shooting numbers. You're missing it. It's not like LeBron is their best defendr either....or he had 16 boards.

 

[wcburrs87]

If LeBron James isn't playing golden State could shoot 10. Percent and they still win by 30. For a guy who loves hoops I feel sorry you're missing one of the greatest performances we've seen by a guy carrying 4 others in the NBA Finals. LeBron James is the first 5 reasons Cleveland is in this. It's like judging LeBron in this series based on his shooting numbers. You're missing it. It's not like LeBron is their best defendr either....or he had 16 boards.

I'm not missing anything. Why do you routinely skip over the parts when I acknowledge James' greatness? His greatness has never been disputed.

I'm actually seeing things much clearer than you.

CLV's shooting percentage last night was the worst for a team winning a NBA finals game ever. So, don't sit here and tell me that their defense isn't the reason they are making this a series. If they didn't collectively defend their asses off, then James could still get a triple-double and it wouldn't matter.

ADP, he's the best player in the world. No one is in denial here. He played 50 minutes last night and had the ball in his hands throughout. Usage rates way up there. Does anyone really expect that he's not going to have monster numbers?

 

[adp98]

And maybe next time you'll pick an article from the game we're talking about not the one prior. Because we all know teams never make adjustments during the finals.

I formed my opinion with my two eyes and then supported it with an article after you tried to shoot it down. There is a difference.

 

[adp98]

Because you said the number one reason, not 2, not number 3, the number one reason this series is tied is due to Cleveland's defense. That shows your unbelievable bias against LeBron. The first 5 reasons this series is tied is LeBron. Take him away and and Cleveland gets killed on the boards which means runouts, second chances and also takes away their Cleveland's best defender. You act like the defense is somehow independent of LeBron. If this were Jordan you'd be saying he's the best defender and that's wwhy GS is struggling on offense. Yet with leBron you just say, chalk it up to the D. Who do you think is the most important player for Cleveland's D? You think a 6'8 physical freak playing D and cleaning the glass helps a team of limited players defend? It's amazing. I'm done here as I'm arguing with a guy who doesn't get it. Shame on me.

 

[wcburrs87]

And maybe next time you'll pick an article from the game we're talking about not the one prior. Because we all know teams never make adjustments during the finals.

It does'nt matter their approach for the most part didn't change. Not sure you're watching the games that closely.

 

[wcburrs87]

The #1 reason is their defense. Their offensive numbers blow thru two games. Yes, when they do have success on offense it's mostly because of James. But you're acting like they are this well-oiled machine every time down the court. That's not the case. But they have been machine-like on the other end and you can't be that way with just one player doing it. Again, watch the games. I'm giving James plenty of credit. It's not 5-on-1 out there, though I see your agenda leans to that.

 

[wcburrs87]

ADP, most of the stuff your saying doesn't really need to be said. I'm pretty sure everyone understands that James is very much involved here.

 

[pipermal1]

ADP dont feel bad I have done the same thing.

 

[wcburrs87]

ADP dont feel bad I have done the same thing.

Who are you? Not sure I'm familiar with you.

 

[Ninetynine5.0]

Pipermal has been posting for a long time. BTW - Their defense is good because of Lebron. He plays his ass off on that end and he demands the others on the court do the same. That was part of the discussion before they made the Love trade - can LeBron get him to give a shit about defense.


Again, this team without LeBron is a lottery team. We know this because they were one last year and the guys they brought in were part of one as well. These are marginal players AT BEST. With Lebron they are within 3 wins of a championship. Christ, the Jordanless Bulls won 55 games. This is not that.

 

[wcburrs87]

I agree the Cavs don't make the playoffs without Lebron, but this is the NBA. Take away the better the players and that's what you get. The Thunder were a lottery team without Kevin Durant this year.

James is the best player in the world and his fingerprints are all over what we're seeing. I get all of that.

 

[gldendog]

I love the idiots who try to argue that Lebron isn't the best player in the league. It's not even remotely a discussion. The 2nd best player isn't within a country mile.

 

[wcburrs87]

I love the idiots who try to argue that Lebron isn't the best player in the league. It's not even remotely a discussion. The 2nd best player isn't within a country mile.

Totally agree....

 

[wcburrs87]

Just to refresh some memories, but 5 of 6 Jordan title teams had 3 or less double-figure scorers in the playoffs. One year it was just him and Pippen. This CLV team currently has four players scoring in double-figures (This excludes Love who only played in 2 or 3 games). Not saying this tells the entire story, but it's worth noting.

Someone on here cited Kerr as one of Jordan's best teammates (I don't agree with this) in one of his runs. Well, he went for 6.8 ppg, 5.0, and 4.9 in three title seasons (playoffs) or played the scoring role of a Delladova.

Jordan played with another All-NBA player five times (Pippen). James has had four such teammates. CHI's first title was won without another All-NBA player. Both of James titles were won with another All-NBA player. Obviously, that can change this year.

Again, James deserves a lot of the credit and in my mind is already a top 5 player ever, but some people just forget about what Jordan did. I get it. It's always been human nature to look at the now and think it's something we never seen before, but that's usually false most of the time.

 

[nardibynature123]

Pippen was on all of those teams. Was he just not an All-NBA player then?