NBA Finals thread

[ear3]

Cleveland loses game 1.  Embarrassing to be beaten by Golden State's bench.  Looking at Cleveland's offense tonight, you wonder how they made it through to the finals.  The entire Cleveland team just stands around waiting for the ball handler to set up an isolation play.  Compare that with the Golden State offensive set, where there is constant motion and cutting.  Cleveland wasn't bad defensively, but their strategy seemed to be to pull Golden State down into the mud, rather than try to elevate over them for the win.  There's only so long you can do that with a team like Golden State.  Hopefully things will go better in game 2.

 

[Staniam]

I cannot stand Golden State. In fact, I despise them. But they are the perfect team for the new age NBA. On top of that, their ball movement is timesless, the ball moves faster than any defender. When you have ball movement and screens, back screens and cutting, you create constant mismatches and open shots. Add on the fact that each and every player has equally bought into their systemain and you get wins like last night.

As far as Cleveland, there isn't another team in the East that is close to their talent level. That's why they're in the finals. Actually, that's why LeBron has made it to 6 straight finals. The Eastern Conference is simply weak, embarrassingly weak and it's been that way since 2010 when the Celtics made the Finals last.

The Cavs play well when they are running, making the extra pass and hitting threes. Gotta credit the Warriors defense.

I hate the Warriors. Especially Curry and Green.

 

[TylerC]

I hate the Warriors. Especially Curry and Green.

I'll admit that I'm a casual NBA follower at best.  (As a fan of the perpetually mediocre Indiana Pacers, it's hard to get excited.) That said, I sincerely don't understand Curry haters. He's undeniably amazing and fun to watch. I'm curious about what you don't like about him.

 

[ear3]

[member=41633]Staniam[/member] is a Lakers fan.  'nuff said.

I hate the Warriors. Especially Curry and Green.

I'll admit that I'm a casual NBA follower at best.  (As a fan of the perpetually mediocre Indiana Pacers, it's hard to get excited.) That said, I sincerely don't understand Curry haters. He's undeniably amazing and fun to watch. I'm curious about what you don't like about him.

 

[TylerC]

[member=41633]Staniam[/member] is a Lakers fan.  'nuff said.

Good. Now I know that logic and reason won't apply to this conversation.  [cool]

 

[Motown]

Hello from the Bay Area.....we love our Warriors! Previous to last year, the last time they won was over 40 years ago. The fans have been loyal all these years and deserve a taste of winning. I actually took the comments from Staniam as a compliment......he clearly understands how good this team is.

 

[TheMarvelousOne]

As an Oklahoman, I can legitimately say I hate the Warriors. Draymond Green, ugh...trash. Come on, Cavs!

 

[Staniam]

[member=41633]Staniam[/member] is a Lakers fan.  'nuff said.

Good. Now I know that logic and reason won't apply to this conversation.  [cool]

Despite the general outlook on Lakers fans, I'm a fan of the game first and foremost. Which is why I credited the Warriors a great deal. They play together as a team before anything else. That's why they win. That's why San Antonio has 15 straight 50 win seasons. They play as a team, they've bought into the system and beliefs of their coach. They play as a unit and realize that the team is greater than the sum of its parts so to say.

Why I can't stand the Warriors? Well first off yes, I am a Lakers fan and therefore I can't stand any team in the Pacific division. Over the years my disdain for Pacific Coast teams has fluctuated depending on which team is at the top or biggest threat to the Lakers. In the early 2000's it was the Kings. After that the Suns then most recently the Clippers and now Warriors. Sure it doesn't help the Lakers are at the bottom but if you want more reasons, keep reading.

Curry, he is immensely talented, yes. No one can deny that. He does things with the basketball not many others can do (though there are plenty who can). I'm old school, I like a player who has a complete game, on both sides of the ball. I like a player who doesn't flop and a player who can influence the game even when his offensive game isn't on part on any given night. Curry is not that player. You can call me a hater, a lot of my friends do. Especially when it comes to sports.

Curry isn't very valuable when his shot isn't falling or when he's going up against a ln athletic PG. He doesn't play the type of defense to be considered "unanimous" in the map voting. Ok he lead the league in steals but there's a reason he hasn't been named to the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd all defensive teams. Neff said. Curry also shoots like a kid from Jr high. It isn't a jump shot, it's a push shot. Might seem silly but I hate seeing that shot. He also pushes off and throws his arms and feet out more than nearly any player in the league. But he's the golden boy of the NBA so whatever.

And Green, he's dirty as all hell and rarely backs up all the shit he talks. Also, he tries to be big and bad but when someone pushes him a little his game is completely thrown off. I don't need any other reasons than that. Especially when he blatantly and purposely kicks opposing players and flops like no other. He's a baby.

 

[ear3]

Funny enough, I arrive at the same conclusion as [member=41633]Staniam[/member] but for diametrically opposed reasons.  As a Knicks fan, I was raised on Lakers hatred.  So my heart can't distinguish between Northern and Southern California when it comes to basketball teams.  So go Eastern Conference and go Cavs!

Plus J.R. Smith was a Knick.  I won't defend him personally -- he might be the only player who's more of a petulant child than Kobe was.  But he's the kind of guy who you love if he's on your team, but despise if you're facing him.

 

[Motown]

Staniam, I don't blame you for being a homer as the Lakers have an amazing tradition but I respectfully disagree with some of the comments about Curry and Green. Curry had a bad night last night, he was missing open shots, but we still won and he was able to set others up because he draws so much attention. On defense, he is certainly no Tony Allen but its not because he is not in the right spot or forgetting to cover guys.... its because bigger players can get physical with him.

If Curry is the MVP of the league than Draymond Green is the MVP of Warriors. I promise you if he was on your team you would love him and I completely understand why you would hate him if he isn't. He is a throw back player.....think Pistons, Charles Oakley, etc.

 

[erock]

HI ! 

Eric here, from Cleveland.  NOT A CAVS FAN !    But a basketball fan.  If you must know, my favorite team is..... DA BULLS !

I've thought Curry's game was great until he was named the first unanimous  MVP.    UNANIMOUS ?????    REALLY ???  First, EVER?

So because the guy can shoot from the beyond the 3 point line he's unanimous?    I don't remember the radio personalities name, but he said something along the lines of this.....

Curry, you take away his jump shot and what do you have?  You have a 6' 2"  180 pound guard.
No defense.  Has Steph ever shut down a dominate offensive player??

A unanimous MVP should be on both ends of the court.    I know I'm a Bulls fan, but MJ never won a unanimous MVP.  Kobe never won a unanimous MVP.    Magic never won a unanimous.........Shaq, Bird, Kareem, Russell.........need I go on?

That's the beef I have with Curry.  My eye's, he's not the total package and should not have received unanimous voting.

Does this mean the NBA is watered down like Tracy McGrady said????   

And just to be fair........LBJ is a HUGE cry baby and wants a call every single time he goes into the paint.    DUDE, no call, move on and STOP CRYING !

I just hope this years final is not a sweep and they give me something to watch worth staying up late to watch.

GO BASKETBALL !!!!    [tongue]

Eric

 

[promark747]

Agree 100% Eric.

 

[Staniam]

Green is not a throw back player. He isn't even on the level of the Pistons of old. For today's cry baby, weak, everybody is everybody's friend NBA he seems like a tough guy. But even 36 year old Ron Artest/Metta World Peace puts Draymond in his place.

Draymond is a dirty, flop happy wannabe tough guy who resorts to kicking other players in the groin and face. Even the commentators in game one were making fun of Draymond and his flopping. When Stan Van Gundy calls someone out for flopping it's bad.

 

[live4ever]

Haters gonna hate.  Go Dubs!

In all seriousness, I find Curry and Thompson the unlikeliest of formidable duos, and even as a fan I never really thought small ball would have a legit shot.  But that's what makes them so beloved here in the Bay Area.  This is not, by any means, a hardcore sports city in the way some other large cities are.  But put together a ragtag team that plays with heart and suddenly you've got something everyone seems to get behind (see: Giants, Warriors).  Honestly I think a star like Curry is a better fit for the Bay Area than someone like Kobe or Lebron.  It will be interesting if Durant signs with the Dubs but I have a feeling he may only hurt what the Warriors have going.

Steve Kerr was quite a coaching find.  Kudos to Mike Tannenbaum for that one (whoa a little basketball-football crossover for y'all). 

 

[ear3]

Yeah.  Steve Kerr really has proved why he is the coach of the year.  That took some stones to keep Curry out for the first half of the 4th quarter while he rode the bench for the lead.

Haters gonna hate.  Go Dubs!

In all seriousness, I find Curry and Thompson the unlikeliest of formidable duos, and even as a fan I never really thought small ball would have a legit shot.  But that's what makes them so beloved here in the Bay Area.  This is not, by any means, a hardcore sports city in the way some other large cities are.  But put together a ragtag team that plays with heart and suddenly you've got something everyone seems to get behind (see: Giants, Warriors).  Honestly I think a star like Curry is a better fit for the Bay Area than someone like Kobe or Lebron.  It will be interesting if Durant signs with the Dubs but I have a feeling he may only hurt what the Warriors have going.

Steve Kerr was quite a coaching find.  Kudos to Mike Tannenbaum for that one (whoa a little basketball-football crossover for y'all).

 

[Staniam]

The Warriors are not a "ragtag" team in even the slightest sense so idk why that was said. They have three all star players and a former all star coming off the bench as a 6th man in Iguadala. Bogus was one of the better centers barring injuries before he came to the Warriors. So ragtag is the wrong word.

As far as Durant to the Warriors, come on now. They'd have to get rid of most of their team outside of their big three just to have the money to sign him. Makes no sense whatsoever.

Durant will resign for two years with an optional second year. He'll have another contention year with Westbrook then be set up to make more money with the new cap.

People need to look at the salary cap rules before they go talking about possible free agent signings.

 

[#Tee]

hate both teams, but ill rather gs win because their team is home made which i can respect. bron likes to take the easy route stacking stars on his side.

 

[ear3]

If only he had better taste.  Kevin Love?  Meh.

hate both teams, but ill rather gs win because their team is home made which i can respect. bron likes to take the easy route stacking stars on his side.

 

[TheMarvelousOne]

Durant will stay in OKC for one more year. More of a free agent market after next year. 1yr deal for KD and then he'll be gone if they dont win a championship, along with Westbrook!

 

[ear3]

Ugh.  Game 2 was ugly for Cleveland.  Like a bunch of boys trying to play a man's game. 

Where is Kyre Irving in these series?  Unlike Kevin Love he's a legitimate All-Star, but he hasn't shown up at all.

Those back to back travel calls on LeBron were hilarious.  That's his step pattern on almost every single drive to the basket, and so if they wanted to, they could call a travel on every possession. 

I expect that Cleveland will take at least one game at home, though I'm having a hard time imagining how that happens at this point.