I don't see one so I will make one. I'm a Celtics fan disappointed in their performance tonight.
I'm a Knicks fan disappointed in their performance this millennium. Carry on. Also, f the cheatriots and sux, re: your tagline.
Speaking of which, 'f the yankees' I get, because fuck those fuckers. But 'f the jets'? The Jets have been terrible your entire life. I don't see how one can hate a team that their team has dominated for so long. That's gotta be your dad talking, I assume.
How lucky are Pats fans to be in a division where every other team has been an absolute trainwreck for 20 years? That's like 6 automatic wins every season, excepting a few flukes here and there.
Anyway, on the topic, the quality of the team in Milwaukee is causing me to pay attention to the NBA a little more recently. They've been mediocre to terrible my entire life, so I never got into pro hoops so much. But then along comes a certain man with a name you can't say without sounding drunk and now it's suddenly more fun. Call me a fairweather fan if you will, but screw it; the local team is finally good so I'm jumping on the Gannis bandwagon.
As a bonus, it's distracting me from thinking about all the money spent on a new arena. If the Bucks are still playing deep into the baseball season, that'll feel like we got something for our $480 million.
Lifelong Pistons fan, seems like they are really on and competing every other decade. There is really much to get me interested in a 16-17 team this year.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on December 29, 2018, 11:56:30 PM
Speaking of which, 'f the yankees' I get, because fuck those fuckers. But 'f the jets'? The Jets have been terrible your entire life. I don't see how one can hate a team that their team has dominated for so long. That's gotta be your dad talking, I assume.
How lucky are Pats fans to be in a division where every other team has been an absolute trainwreck for 20 years? That's like 6 automatic wins every season, excepting a few flukes here and there.
Anyway, on the topic, the quality of the team in Milwaukee is causing me to pay attention to the NBA a little more recently. They've been mediocre to terrible my entire life, so I never got into pro hoops so much. But then along comes a certain man with a name you can't say without sounding drunk and now it's suddenly more fun. Call me a fairweather fan if you will, but screw it; the local team is finally good so I'm jumping on the Gannis bandwagon.
As a bonus, it's distracting me from thinking about all the money spent on a new arena. If the Bucks are still playing deep into the baseball season, that'll feel like we got something for our $480 million.
This reminded me of the Indiana Pacers when they opened up then-called Conseco Fieldhouse in 1999. That season was likely the pinnacle of Pacers success in the NBA. Of course we had our most famous player playing at that time with Reggie Miller but that season saw the Pacers reach the NBA Finals for their only time in their history. In their first year at the new arena they had the best home record I believe the team has ever had, and included a 25-game home win streak to boot.
And now, the Pacers own the 3rd best record in the Eastern Conference and the 4th best record in the entire league, and barely anyone's talked about them.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on December 29, 2018, 11:56:30 PM
Speaking of which, 'f the yankees' I get, because fuck those fuckers. But 'f the jets'? The Jets have been terrible your entire life. I don't see how one can hate a team that their team has dominated for so long. That's gotta be your dad talking, I assume.
How lucky are Pats fans to be in a division where every other team has been an absolute trainwreck for 20 years? That's like 6 automatic wins every season, excepting a few flukes here and there.
Anyway, on the topic, the quality of the team in Milwaukee is causing me to pay attention to the NBA a little more recently. They've been mediocre to terrible my entire life, so I never got into pro hoops so much. But then along comes a certain man with a name you can't say without sounding drunk and now it's suddenly more fun. Call me a fairweather fan if you will, but screw it; the local team is finally good so I'm jumping on the Gannis bandwagon.
As a bonus, it's distracting me from thinking about all the money spent on a new arena. If the Bucks are still playing deep into the baseball season, that'll feel like we got something for our $480 million.
Jets did beat the Pats in the 2010 playoffs.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on December 29, 2018, 11:56:30 PM
Speaking of which, 'f the yankees' I get, because fuck those fuckers. But 'f the jets'? The Jets have been terrible your entire life. I don't see how one can hate a team that their team has dominated for so long. That's gotta be your dad talking, I assume.
How lucky are Pats fans to be in a division where every other team has been an absolute trainwreck for 20 years? That's like 6 automatic wins every season, excepting a few flukes here and there.
Anyway, on the topic, the quality of the team in Milwaukee is causing me to pay attention to the NBA a little more recently. They've been mediocre to terrible my entire life, so I never got into pro hoops so much. But then along comes a certain man with a name you can't say without sounding drunk and now it's suddenly more fun. Call me a fairweather fan if you will, but screw it; the local team is finally good so I'm jumping on the Gannis bandwagon.
As a bonus, it's distracting me from thinking about all the money spent on a new arena. If the Bucks are still playing deep into the baseball season, that'll feel like we got something for our $480 million.
And the best record in the League as of this typing (25-10 .714).
:nod:
Mike
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on December 27, 2018, 10:34:11 PM
I don't see one so I will make one. I'm a Celtics fan disappointed in their performance tonight.
I'm kind of disappointed with their performance most of this season. They've lost some awful games (Phoenix at home, Knicks by double digits at home). Take out that 8 game win streak and they're under .500. So much for 55 wins + and prohibitive favorites to make the NBA Finals out of the east. Hayward has been a bust (a goose egg in 22 minutes tonight), and it seems like many not name Kyrie have grossly underachieved at times.
I'm playing as the Celtics this year on NBA2k19 and they seem to like to lose by 20+ pts to the 76ers.
This is also my 200th post :sombrero:
If I liked the NBA, I would be a Washington Wizards fan, since I live outside of Baltimore, which doesn't have an NBA team anymore.
Too bad the Bulls are trash, otherwise I'd be more into the NBA
Quote from: ET21 on January 03, 2019, 09:27:56 AM
Too bad the Bulls are trash, otherwise I'd be more into the NBA
Same here!
Quote from: Henry on January 11, 2019, 02:35:24 PM
Quote from: ET21 on January 03, 2019, 09:27:56 AM
Too bad the Bulls are trash, otherwise I'd be more into the NBA
Same here!
Outside of North America, they'd be in serious danger of being relegated this season.
:-o
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on January 14, 2019, 08:02:26 PM
Quote from: Henry on January 11, 2019, 02:35:24 PM
Quote from: ET21 on January 03, 2019, 09:27:56 AM
Too bad the Bulls are trash, otherwise I'd be more into the NBA
Same here!
Outside of North America, they'd be in serious danger of being relegated this season.
:-o
Mike
They deserve to be relegated
I just watched the end of Lakers Rockets last night and what an ending it was.
Quote from: ET21 on January 15, 2019, 09:37:58 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 14, 2019, 08:02:26 PM
Quote from: Henry on January 11, 2019, 02:35:24 PM
Quote from: ET21 on January 03, 2019, 09:27:56 AM
Too bad the Bulls are trash, otherwise I'd be more into the NBA
Same here!
Outside of North America, they'd be in serious danger of being relegated this season.
:-o
Mike
They deserve to be relegated
That ship has sailed, now that G-League teams have affiliations like you have for MLB and the NHL. Would be interesting to see teams like the Cavs, Bulls, and Knicks be relegated to the G-League. Only issue is that some G-League teams share an arena or play in the exact same city as their parent, and the arenas are too small. It would work in the case of the Long Island Nets (Nassau Coliseum, though downsized, is adequate and far enough away from MSG and Barclays to be viable), but in the case of the OKC Blue, they play right across the street from Chesapeake at Cox Convention Center, so having 2 NBA teams in OKC is a little much.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 22, 2019, 08:54:21 PM
Quote from: ET21 on January 15, 2019, 09:37:58 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 14, 2019, 08:02:26 PM
Quote from: Henry on January 11, 2019, 02:35:24 PM
Quote from: ET21 on January 03, 2019, 09:27:56 AM
Too bad the Bulls are trash, otherwise I'd be more into the NBA
Same here!
Outside of North America, they'd be in serious danger of being relegated this season.
:-o
Mike
They deserve to be relegated
That ship has sailed, now that G-League teams have affiliations like you have for MLB and the NHL. Would be interesting to see teams like the Cavs, Bulls, and Knicks be relegated to the G-League. Only issue is that some G-League teams share an arena or play in the exact same city as their parent, and the arenas are too small. It would work in the case of the Long Island Nets (Nassau Coliseum, though downsized, is adequate and far enough away from MSG and Barclays to be viable), but in the case of the OKC Blue, they play right across the street from Chesapeake at Cox Convention Center, so having 2 NBA teams in OKC is a little much.
I've mentioned in interesting and engaging local 'sports bar' conversations here over the past few years that should the NCAA ever implode - and yes, there have been events in recent years that if followed to their logical conclusions would result in such an implosion - that whatever succeeds it, such as a conversion to an overseas private sports club model, could well become a part of a pro-rel federation with the current NBA being its 'first division'. Imagining current D-1 college teams being converted into private sports clubs with no upper age limits, completely separated from the academics side of their legacy universities, with other new clubs emerging and so forth.
IMHO, basketball would be an ideal sport for such an organizational model.
BTW, under my model, the current 30-team NBA would remain as it is now, with the playoffs continuing as they are now (top eight teams in each conference in a seeded bracket) and the teams that are in last place in each conference plus a wild card (second from bottom team with the worse record) at the end of each season being relegated. For the three teams that would be promoted to replace them, the one geographically farthest east would go into the Eastern Conference, the one geographically farthest west would go to the Western Conference and the one geographically in the middle would go to the conference that lost the wild card team, where the teams would remain for their respective tenures at that level.
Under that, as of this typing, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns would all relegate if the season ended today.
Mike
The Celtics have just been getting new players since they haven't won a championship since 2008 (the only one within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (and they are the only Boston sports team to not win a championship within the last 10 years (Sox: 2018, Pats: 2017, Bruins: 2011)).
We most likely will not have another Cavs-Warriors Finals this year, mainly because of LeBron.
I'll be watching for a Lakers-Warriors game on the West and a Celts-Sixers game on the East and hope for a decent Finals this year.
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Knicks haven't won a championship since 1973 (not within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (especially compared to rotten, spoiled Boston sports fans who have enough to tide them over a few decades).
FTFY
Quote from: Alps on January 26, 2019, 09:27:40 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Knicks haven't won a championship since 1973 (not within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (especially compared to rotten, spoiled Boston sports fans who have enough to tide them over a few decades).
FTFY
lol
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Celtics have just been getting new players since they haven't won a championship since 2008 (the only one within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (and they are the only Boston sports team to not win a championship within the last 10 years (Sox: 2018, Pats: 2017, Bruins: 2011)).
And look at Milwaukee, whose Bucks haven't won the Finals since their only championship win in 1971, and the Brewers, who haven't won the World Series since ever. I'm hoping the Bucks can make the Finals (and hopefully win!) this year.
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 26, 2019, 11:48:50 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Celtics have just been getting new players since they haven't won a championship since 2008 (the only one within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (and they are the only Boston sports team to not win a championship within the last 10 years (Sox: 2018, Pats: 2017, Bruins: 2011)).
And look at Milwaukee, whose Bucks haven't won the Finals since their only championship win in 1971, and the Brewers, who haven't won the World Series since ever. I'm hoping the Bucks can make the Finals (and hopefully win!) this year.
You have the Packers though.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 26, 2019, 11:56:09 PM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 26, 2019, 11:48:50 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Celtics have just been getting new players since they haven't won a championship since 2008 (the only one within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (and they are the only Boston sports team to not win a championship within the last 10 years (Sox: 2018, Pats: 2017, Bruins: 2011)).
And look at Milwaukee, whose Bucks haven't won the Finals since their only championship win in 1971, and the Brewers, who haven't won the World Series since ever. I'm hoping the Bucks can make the Finals (and hopefully win!) this year.
You have the Packers though.
I'm talking about the city, not the whole state of Wisconsin. Green Bay has overall been much more successful sports city than Milwaukee.
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 27, 2019, 04:16:49 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 26, 2019, 11:56:09 PM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 26, 2019, 11:48:50 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Celtics have just been getting new players since they haven't won a championship since 2008 (the only one within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (and they are the only Boston sports team to not win a championship within the last 10 years (Sox: 2018, Pats: 2017, Bruins: 2011)).
And look at Milwaukee, whose Bucks haven't won the Finals since their only championship win in 1971, and the Brewers, who haven't won the World Series since ever. I'm hoping the Bucks can make the Finals (and hopefully win!) this year.
You have the Packers though.
I'm talking about the city, not the whole state of Wisconsin. Green Bay has overall been much more successful sports city than Milwaukee.
The Packers are Milwalkees team though.
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
We most likely will not have another Cavs-Warriors Finals this year, mainly because of LeBron.
More like "definitely" or "most certainly" than "most likely"
It's more than halfway through the season and the Cavs still haven't made it to double digit wins.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 27, 2019, 09:11:30 AM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 27, 2019, 04:16:49 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 26, 2019, 11:56:09 PM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 26, 2019, 11:48:50 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Celtics have just been getting new players since they haven't won a championship since 2008 (the only one within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (and they are the only Boston sports team to not win a championship within the last 10 years (Sox: 2018, Pats: 2017, Bruins: 2011)).
And look at Milwaukee, whose Bucks haven't won the Finals since their only championship win in 1971, and the Brewers, who haven't won the World Series since ever. I'm hoping the Bucks can make the Finals (and hopefully win!) this year.
You have the Packers though.
I'm talking about the city, not the whole state of Wisconsin. Green Bay has overall been much more successful sports city than Milwaukee.
The Packers are Milwalkees team though.
And you could also say that Green Bay also follows Milwaukee's teams. But again, I'm talking about the cities themselves, not the whole state.
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 27, 2019, 04:17:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 27, 2019, 09:11:30 AM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 27, 2019, 04:16:49 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 26, 2019, 11:56:09 PM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 26, 2019, 11:48:50 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Celtics have just been getting new players since they haven't won a championship since 2008 (the only one within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (and they are the only Boston sports team to not win a championship within the last 10 years (Sox: 2018, Pats: 2017, Bruins: 2011)).
And look at Milwaukee, whose Bucks haven't won the Finals since their only championship win in 1971, and the Brewers, who haven't won the World Series since ever. I'm hoping the Bucks can make the Finals (and hopefully win!) this year.
You have the Packers though.
I'm talking about the city, not the whole state of Wisconsin. Green Bay has overall been much more successful sports city than Milwaukee.
The Packers are Milwalkees team though.
And you could also say that Green Bay also follows Milwaukee's teams. But again, I'm talking about the cities themselves, not the whole state.
Okay but the Packers are bigger in Milwaukee than the other two teams.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 27, 2019, 05:33:22 PM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 27, 2019, 04:17:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 27, 2019, 09:11:30 AM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 27, 2019, 04:16:49 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 26, 2019, 11:56:09 PM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 26, 2019, 11:48:50 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on January 26, 2019, 07:38:14 PM
The Celtics have just been getting new players since they haven't won a championship since 2008 (the only one within my life), which kinda makes them due for a championship soon (and they are the only Boston sports team to not win a championship within the last 10 years (Sox: 2018, Pats: 2017, Bruins: 2011)).
And look at Milwaukee, whose Bucks haven't won the Finals since their only championship win in 1971, and the Brewers, who haven't won the World Series since ever. I'm hoping the Bucks can make the Finals (and hopefully win!) this year.
You have the Packers though.
I'm talking about the city, not the whole state of Wisconsin. Green Bay has overall been much more successful sports city than Milwaukee.
The Packers are Milwalkees team though.
And you could also say that Green Bay also follows Milwaukee's teams. But again, I'm talking about the cities themselves, not the whole state.
Okay but the Packers are bigger in Milwaukee than the other two teams.
I wouldn't doubt the Brewers and the Bucks still being big in Milwaukee, especially with their recent success they've had over the past few years. I'm still hoping either of them win a championship soon.
I'm not going to argue this further. Why should I continue to argue with a guy from Massachusetts over sports teams from my home state? You've never even lived in Wisconsin so you wouldn't know.
And remember that the Brewers were one game away from making it to last year's World Series, too.
:nod:
Mike
Nothing would be more awesome than both the Bucks and the Brewers winning titles this year. Milwaukee is overdue for a championship. Of course I'd be happy with either team winning. Sure, the Packers have won a Super Bowl fairly recently, but they aren't technically Milwaukee's team, regardless of the tremendous support they recieve in the area.
Quote from: tchafe1978 on January 29, 2019, 07:03:36 PM
Nothing would be more awesome than both the Bucks and the Brewers winning titles this year. Milwaukee is overdue for a championship. Of course I'd be happy with either team winning. Sure, the Packers have won a Super Bowl fairly recently, but they aren't technically Milwaukee's team, regardless of the tremendous support they recieve in the area.
It's funny seeing the Packers be the worst Wisconsin team.
What's with the obsession with Wisconsin teams anyway?
As an Indiana Pacers fan I would like to congratulate the Milwaukee Bucks on winning the Central Division this year. As my team is likely taking the rest of the season off I would be more than happy to see Milwaukee win a championship over any teams from markets that are suffering through historic months-long droughts from their last championship.
Safe to say that Boston is the current king of the sports world, with the Red Sox and Patriots winning it all seemingly every year, and the Celtics and Bruins getting in on it as well, having won in 2008 and 2011, respectively.
Quote from: Henry on January 30, 2019, 11:30:31 AM
Safe to say that Boston is the current king of the sports world, with the Red Sox and Patriots winning it all seemingly every year, and the Celtics and Bruins getting in on it as well, having won in 2008 and 2011, respectively.
The Red Sox only won in 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018, so a lot, but not like the Patriots.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 30, 2019, 11:36:06 AM
Quote from: Henry on January 30, 2019, 11:30:31 AM
Safe to say that Boston is the current king of the sports world, with the Red Sox and Patriots winning it all seemingly every year, and the Celtics and Bruins getting in on it as well, having won in 2008 and 2011, respectively.
The Red Sox only won in 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018, so a lot, but not like the Patriots.
Name a baseball team that has won more World Series this century than Boston. Patriots have only won one more Super Bowl than the Red Sox' World Series since 2000.
Have to agree with Henry that Boston is the current king of the sports world. :)
Quote from: tchafe1978 on January 29, 2019, 07:03:36 PM
Nothing would be more awesome than both the Bucks and the Brewers winning titles this year. Milwaukee is overdue for a championship. Of course I'd be happy with either team winning. Sure, the Packers have won a Super Bowl fairly recently, but they aren't technically Milwaukee's team, regardless of the tremendous support they recieve in the area.
Thank you! This is what I was trying to say earlier.
Quote from: MantyMadTown on January 30, 2019, 12:46:08 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on January 29, 2019, 07:03:36 PM
Nothing would be more awesome than both the Bucks and the Brewers winning titles this year. Milwaukee is overdue for a championship. Of course I'd be happy with either team winning. Sure, the Packers have won a Super Bowl fairly recently, but they aren't technically Milwaukee's team, regardless of the tremendous support they recieve in the area.
Thank you! This is what I was trying to say earlier.
Wouldn't mind watching the Bucks go for a NBA title. I love watching Giannis play
Quote from: mgk920 on January 28, 2019, 08:18:30 PM
And remember that the Brewers were one game away from making it to last year's World Series, too.
:nod:
They should've been in that world series, too. Play a little small-ball in the (5th or 6th inning? maybe it was the 7th) of game 4 and that 13 inning marathon is replaced by a W for Milwaukee and a 3-1 lead in the series.
Then
we could've been the ones getting shitsmoked by fucking Bo$ton.
I've supported the Orlando Magic for years and I have no idea whether I should do the happy dance, run screaming or get drunk. These guys are spastic as hell-they've been winning games no one expected and losing games they should have won. Eighth seed anyone?
Otto Porter Jr changed the Bulls, too bad they were trying to tank :-D :-D :-D :ded:
Quote from: ET21 on March 04, 2019, 09:16:52 AM
Otto Porter Jr changed the Bulls, too bad they were trying to tank :-D :-D :-D :ded:
Seems the Celtics have replaced the Bulls in the teams trying to tank list. And now Stevens has lost Kyrie, who has become disinterested from the locker room. It's getting ugly fast. Someone needs to create a "Come to Jesus" moment.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on March 04, 2019, 09:20:28 PM
Quote from: ET21 on March 04, 2019, 09:16:52 AM
Otto Porter Jr changed the Bulls, too bad they were trying to tank :-D :-D :-D :ded:
Seems the Celtics have replaced the Bulls in the teams trying to tank list. And now Stevens has lost Kyrie, who has become disinterested from the locker room. It's getting ugly fast. Someone needs to create a "Come to Jesus" moment.
Wow the Celtics season is all coming apart for them. I thought they were gonna be good this year. Will they have any more good years ahead of them?
Celtics suck still
Looks like our dreams of a Kyrie-LeBron Finals are dead for this season, as the Lakers probably will not even make the playoffs; definitely not what we had in mind when the season started. Oh well...I think it would be nice to see the Bucks in the Finals, but I'll be cool with whoever wins the championship, as long as it's not the Warriors.
Quote from: Henry on March 05, 2019, 12:18:18 PM
Looks like our dreams of a Kyrie-LeBron Finals are dead for this season, as the Lakers probably will not even make the playoffs; definitely not what we had in mind when the season started. Oh well...I think it would be nice to see the Bucks in the Finals, but I'll be cool with whoever wins the championship, as long as it's not the Warriors.
Warriors vs baseball anyone?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.fightland.com%2Fcontent-images%2Farticle%2Fthe-warriors-movie-fights-and-why-reality-doesnt-matter%2FBaseballFuries_vice_670.jpg&hash=526bef1f8736b264f7b6de9f18eec7c4fa665234)
Rick
Quote from: nexus73 on March 05, 2019, 06:54:26 PM
Quote from: Henry on March 05, 2019, 12:18:18 PM
Looks like our dreams of a Kyrie-LeBron Finals are dead for this season, as the Lakers probably will not even make the playoffs; definitely not what we had in mind when the season started. Oh well...I think it would be nice to see the Bucks in the Finals, but I'll be cool with whoever wins the championship, as long as it's not the Warriors.
Warriors vs baseball anyone?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.fightland.com%2Fcontent-images%2Farticle%2Fthe-warriors-movie-fights-and-why-reality-doesnt-matter%2FBaseballFuries_vice_670.jpg&hash=526bef1f8736b264f7b6de9f18eec7c4fa665234)
Rick
:rofl:
https://www.nba.com/article/2019/04/15/cousins-injury-game-2-clippers (https://www.nba.com/article/2019/04/15/cousins-injury-game-2-clippers)
Hopefully, Cousins recovers in time for the Conference Finals.
Going to start predictions for the rest of the playoffs. I do not watch NBA pre-playoffs on TV but I keep up with how good/bad the players are.
WC:
Round 1
Warriors vs Clippers: Warriors in 5
Nuggets vs Spurs: Spurs in 7
Blazers vs Thunder: Blazers in 6
Rockets vs Jazz: Rockets in 5
Round 2:
Warriors vs Rockets: Rockets in 7. If warriors get back to full power, Warriors in 6.
Blazers vs Spurs: Blazers in 6 (Blazers know LA and his tactics, plus do better away than home in the 2nd half of the season)
WC finals:
Blazers vs Rockets: Rockets in 5.
EC:
Round 1:
Bucks vs Pistons: Bucks sweep (effort alone doesn't win playoff games)
Raptors vs magic: Raptors in 6
76ers vs Nets: 76ers in 7
Celtics vs pacers: Celtics in 5.
Round 2:
Bucks vs Celtics: Bucks in 5
Raptors vs 76ers: Raptors in 6
EC Finals:
Bucks vs Raptors: Bucks sweep. (Raptors have choked in Playoff games in the past really badly)
Finals: Rockets vs Bucks: Rockets in 5.
Will reevaluate at the start of each round if college doesn't get in the way.
SM-J737T
Normally, I don't root for WI teams, but since the Bulls are out of it, I'd like to see the Bucks win, although the Rockets are pretty damn good too.
Oh that Game 5 was good. Blazers came back in Q4 from a 15 point deficit to win via 37 foot buzzer beater. 1st since 1997 to close out a series excluding Lillards 2014 .9 shot.
Buzzer beater: https://www.nba.com/blazers/video/teams/blazers/2019/04/24/2579088/1556083337116-dame-game-winner-2579088
Recap: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bsagopMV3ps
#RIPCITY
#BLAZERSADVANCE
#LILLARDTIME
SM-J737T
Pretty boring 1st round of the playoffs so far compared to the NHLs 1st round. Hopefully the 2nd round matchups bring some good games (I'm looking at you BOS-MIL)
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 24, 2019, 02:25:39 AM
Oh that Game 5 was good. Blazers came back in Q4 from a 15 point deficit to win via 37 foot buzzer beater. 1st since 1997 to close out a series excluding Lillards 2014 .9 shot.
Buzzer beater: https://www.nba.com/blazers/video/teams/blazers/2019/04/24/2579088/1556083337116-dame-game-winner-2579088
Recap: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bsagopMV3ps
#RIPCITY
#BLAZERSADVANCE
#LILLARDTIME
SM-J737T
50 points. Franchise record for points in a playoff game. 10 treys. Franchise record for a playoff game. A game for the memory banks indeed!
Rick
Here in Seattle, I hear them thanking the Blazers for knocking out the traitors from OKC, the former SuperSonics!
Quote from: ET21 on April 24, 2019, 09:52:35 AM
Pretty boring 1st round of the playoffs so far compared to the NHLs 1st round. Hopefully the 2nd round matchups bring some good games (I'm looking at you BOS-MIL)
This year's Bucks-Celtics series should be much more exciting than last year's. The Bucks are so much better this year, plus the Celtics have all their core players, save for Marcus Smart. There's also the intrigue of both teams sweeping last round's opponents.
Quote from: MantyMadTown on April 24, 2019, 05:33:33 PM
Quote from: ET21 on April 24, 2019, 09:52:35 AM
Pretty boring 1st round of the playoffs so far compared to the NHLs 1st round. Hopefully the 2nd round matchups bring some good games (I'm looking at you BOS-MIL)
This year's Bucks-Celtics series should be much more exciting than last year's. The Bucks are so much better this year, plus the Celtics have all their core players, save for Marcus Smart. There's also the intrigue of both teams sweeping last round's opponents.
I agree. We'll see if Giannis can outscore Kyrie though . . .
Quote from: thspfc on April 24, 2019, 05:42:15 PM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on April 24, 2019, 05:33:33 PM
Quote from: ET21 on April 24, 2019, 09:52:35 AM
Pretty boring 1st round of the playoffs so far compared to the NHLs 1st round. Hopefully the 2nd round matchups bring some good games (I'm looking at you BOS-MIL)
This year's Bucks-Celtics series should be much more exciting than last year's. The Bucks are so much better this year, plus the Celtics have all their core players, save for Marcus Smart. There's also the intrigue of both teams sweeping last round's opponents.
I agree. We'll see if Giannis can outscore Kyrie though . . .
Oh he will...
Bucks in 6! Fear the Deer!
Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 25, 2019, 03:38:07 PM
Bucks in 6! Fear the Deer!
Adding another one to the collection would be better
(https://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/teamsites/images/legacy/celtics/celtics-banners300150.jpg)
And now we have to win one for Hondo:
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/celtics-legend-john-havlicek-mainstay-60s-and-70s-champions-dies-79
Sad to see Havlicek is gone. He was a great Buckeye.
Fun fact, he was drafted with the 95th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns as a wide receiver and briefly attended training camp before focusing on the Celtics, who had picked him with the 7th overall pick in the NBA draft.
Quote from: Buck87 on April 25, 2019, 10:37:55 PM
Sad to see Havlicek is gone. He was a great Buckeye.
Fun fact, he was drafted with the 95th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns as a wide receiver and briefly attended training camp before focusing on the Celtics, who had picked him with the 7th overall pick in the NBA draft.
He's not only one. Jimmy Walker (the father of Jalen Rose) and Bubba Smith were also drafted by both the NFL and NBA.
I feel for those Celtics fans who were there when Havlicek played. I hope the next championship will be dedicated in his honor.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on January 29, 2019, 09:11:44 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on January 29, 2019, 07:03:36 PM
Nothing would be more awesome than both the Bucks and the Brewers winning titles this year. Milwaukee is overdue for a championship. Of course I'd be happy with either team winning. Sure, the Packers have won a Super Bowl fairly recently, but they aren't technically Milwaukee's team, regardless of the tremendous support they recieve in the area.
It's funny seeing the Packers be the worst Wisconsin team.
It's also very satisfying as a Wisconsinite who dislikes football in general, but specifically the mess that has been the Packers over the last few years.
That was stressful. 4OT game Nuggets vs. Blazers on a conference day for me after midterm hell.
That being said, best game I've seen in a while, and it's clear each team is near equal.
Score: 140-137 Portland. Back and forth back and forth. Tied longest playoff game.
SM-J737T
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on May 04, 2019, 02:24:43 AM
That was stressful. 4OT game Nuggets vs. Blazers on a conference day for me after midterm hell.
That being said, best game I've seen in a while, and it's clear each team is near equal.
Score: 140-137 Portland. Back and forth back and forth. Tied longest playoff game.
SM-J737T
Those two teams went at it like Ali-Frazier. Tough, well-played and properly coached. Neither team gave an inch but Portland got the inch opening at the very end to pick up the win...barely. This game could have gone 5 or 6 OT's it seemed.
Denver's center set an NBA record for most minutes played in a game by a 7-footer. He gets the "Great Effort In A Magnificent Loss" award while McCollum gets the "Great Game To Play Your Best" for the Blazers.
Portland now has the best game ending shot in the playoffs and the best game in the playoffs. Team of destiny perhaps. Team with the most pop to watch, definitely. It has been a long time since that could be said about Portland's basketball franchise.
Rick
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PM
EC:
Round 1:
Bucks vs Pistons: Bucks sweep (effort alone doesn't win playoff games)
Bucks vs Celtics: Bucks in 5
So far, so good. Let's keep this going.
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PMEC Finals:
Bucks vs Raptors: Bucks sweep. (Raptors have choked in Playoff games in the past really badly)
But then change it up starting here:
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PMFinals: Rockets vs Bucks: Rockets in 5.
:P
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 09, 2019, 11:50:28 AM
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PM
EC:
Round 1:
Bucks vs Pistons: Bucks sweep (effort alone doesn't win playoff games)
Bucks vs Celtics: Bucks in 5
So far, so good. Let's keep this going.
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PMEC Finals:
Bucks vs Raptors: Bucks sweep. (Raptors have choked in Playoff games in the past really badly)
But then change it up starting here:
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PMFinals: Rockets vs Bucks: Rockets in 5.
:P
Sorry 3MX, your pick to win the Finals has been eliminated. History is being made in the Western Conference Finals, as two brothers (Stephen and Seth Curry) will face each other for the first time ever in this stage of the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Bucks will get the Raptors, who eliminated the 76ers on a shot that seemed to sit there forever and then fell through. Now that is the most definitive shot of the playoffs!
Quote from: Henry on May 13, 2019, 10:25:51 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 09, 2019, 11:50:28 AM
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PM
EC:
Round 1:
Bucks vs Pistons: Bucks sweep (effort alone doesn't win playoff games)
Bucks vs Celtics: Bucks in 5
So far, so good. Let's keep this going.
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PMEC Finals:
Bucks vs Raptors: Bucks sweep. (Raptors have choked in Playoff games in the past really badly)
But then change it up starting here:
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on April 19, 2019, 02:26:01 PMFinals: Rockets vs Bucks: Rockets in 5.
:P
Meanwhile, the Bucks will get the Raptors, who eliminated the 76ers on a shot that seemed to sit there forever and then fell through. Now that is the most definitive shot of the playoffs!
Uh, I guess Lillard's long trey to dagger OKC in the series did not register with you. That was the "definitive shot" of the playoffs IMO, historical even. Go ahead, read up on it!
Rick
Both of you, I still think Lillard's 2014 shot against the Rockets was better than both as if he missed, the Blazers would've lost, and had less than a second to shoot. And Leonard's shot was half luck with all the bounces.
Now for round 2 of predictions:
EC: Bucks vs Raptors: Bucks in 5. Bucks have DOMINATED this year and in the playoffs and I don't see that changing, plus the Raptors can get inconsistant.
WC: Blazers vs. Warriors: Warriors in 7. I want the Blazers to win, but the warriors have the offence that I'm not sure anyone in the WC can beat. Portland does have the capability to pull an upset but they need to have the series at 1-1 by game 2 to have a chance.
SM-J737T
Golden State vs Milwaukee in the finals.
Game 1: GSW
Game 2: MIL
Game 3: GSW
Game 4: GSW
Game 5: MIL
Game 6: GSW
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on May 13, 2019, 02:21:03 PM
Both of you, I still think Lillard's 2014 shot against the Rockets was better than both as if he missed, the Blazers would've lost, and had less than a second to shoot. And Leonard's shot was half luck with all the bounces.
Now for round 2 of predictions:
EC: Bucks vs Raptors: Bucks in 5. Bucks have DOMINATED this year and in the playoffs and I don't see that changing, plus the Raptors can get inconsistant.
WC: Blazers vs. Warriors: Warriors in 7. I want the Blazers to win, but the warriors have the offence that I'm not sure anyone in the WC can beat. Portland does have the capability to pull an upset but they need to have the series at 1-1 by game 2 to have a chance.
SM-J737T
You are being generous to Portland or figuring Golden State is not all that good compared to their past title winning teams to make it a 7 game series. The Blazers have their moments while the Warriors have their hot streaks. I'd pick the "hot streaks" for the win.
Rick
Quote from: nexus73 on May 13, 2019, 07:27:32 PM
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on May 13, 2019, 02:21:03 PM
Both of you, I still think Lillard's 2014 shot against the Rockets was better than both as if he missed, the Blazers would've lost, and had less than a second to shoot. And Leonard's shot was half luck with all the bounces.
Now for round 2 of predictions:
EC: Bucks vs Raptors: Bucks in 5. Bucks have DOMINATED this year and in the playoffs and I don't see that changing, plus the Raptors can get inconsistant.
WC: Blazers vs. Warriors: Warriors in 7. I want the Blazers to win, but the warriors have the offence that I'm not sure anyone in the WC can beat. Portland does have the capability to pull an upset but they need to have the series at 1-1 by game 2 to have a chance.
SM-J737T
You are being generous to Portland or figuring Golden State is not all that good compared to their past title winning teams to make it a 7 game series. The Blazers have their moments while the Warriors have their hot streaks. I'd pick the "hot streaks" for the win.
Rick
When golden state is down 2 of their best and went to 6 with the Clippers, yes I'm saying they'll go to 7. I had 5 originally before I edited it up now knowing KD won't be in G1/2
SM-J737T
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on May 13, 2019, 07:42:50 PM
Quote from: nexus73 on May 13, 2019, 07:27:32 PM
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on May 13, 2019, 02:21:03 PM
Both of you, I still think Lillard's 2014 shot against the Rockets was better than both as if he missed, the Blazers would've lost, and had less than a second to shoot. And Leonard's shot was half luck with all the bounces.
Now for round 2 of predictions:
EC: Bucks vs Raptors: Bucks in 5. Bucks have DOMINATED this year and in the playoffs and I don't see that changing, plus the Raptors can get inconsistant.
WC: Blazers vs. Warriors: Warriors in 7. I want the Blazers to win, but the warriors have the offence that I'm not sure anyone in the WC can beat. Portland does have the capability to pull an upset but they need to have the series at 1-1 by game 2 to have a chance.
SM-J737T
You are being generous to Portland or figuring Golden State is not all that good compared to their past title winning teams to make it a 7 game series. The Blazers have their moments while the Warriors have their hot streaks. I'd pick the "hot streaks" for the win.
Rick
When golden state is down 2 of their best and went to 6 with the Clippers, yes I'm saying they'll go to 7. I had 5 originally before I edited it up now knowing KD won't be in G1/2
SM-J737T
GS does not need Durant. Portland does not have a LeBron who needs offsetting.
Rick
Blazers-Raptors or Bucks final. Please beat Golden State!
Bucks in 6! Fear the Deer!
Golden State in 6 over Portland.
Bucks in 7 over the Warriors for all the marbles!
I really don't think Portland has a chance over Golden State. The Bucks have been really good during these playoffs, plus the Raptors have a history of choking in them, so I think the Bucks will win against the Raptors in 5. I really think they'll surprise the Warriors in the Finals and give them a run for their money. My pick is Bucks in 7.
Fear the deer!
Update: My prediction of the Bucks making the Finals was dead wrong :-(
NBA lottery was :popcorn: :-D :-D :-D
^^ especially with the Knicks fans convinced they would win the lottery.
Quote from: Big John on May 15, 2019, 05:25:24 PM
^^ especially with the Knicks fans convinced they would win the lottery.
Not convinced, just hopeful, and resigned to the expected disappointment.
I hated this lottery. The top 4 picks seemed completely random this year and I'm pretty pissed that the Lakers got the number 4 pick. I was pretty disappointed that the Knicks didn't get number 1 (because they had the worst record and I wanted Zion to be a good rival to the Sixers, Raptors, and Celtics), but at least the Pelicans get number 1 and the chance to draft Zion instead of some less-deserving big-market team like the Lakers.
Quote from: MantyMadTown on May 19, 2019, 12:48:18 PM
I hated this lottery. The top 4 picks seemed completely random this year and I'm pretty pissed that the Lakers got the number 4 pick. I was pretty disappointed that the Knicks didn't get number 1 (because they had the worst record and I wanted Zion to be a good rival to the Sixers, Raptors, and Celtics), but at least the Pelicans get number 1 and the chance to draft Zion instead of some less-deserving big-market team like the Lakers.
As a Bulls fan, I hated that they missed out on the Number 1 pick, but this isn't the first time a less-deserving team won the lottery. One draft that comes to mind is 1993, in which the Magic, who had just missed the playoffs by a hair at 41-41, won their second straight lottery, while the worst teams like the Mavericks (11-71) and Bullets (21-61) were more deserving and could've really used it. Of course, they traded their pick to the Warriors, and the guy who had been drafted No. 1 that year eventually ended up in Washington (where he oversaw the Bullets' transformation into the Wizards) before moving on to Sacramento (where he helped them achieve their greatest success so far).
Quote from: Henry on May 21, 2019, 10:16:20 AM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on May 19, 2019, 12:48:18 PM
I hated this lottery. The top 4 picks seemed completely random this year and I'm pretty pissed that the Lakers got the number 4 pick. I was pretty disappointed that the Knicks didn't get number 1 (because they had the worst record and I wanted Zion to be a good rival to the Sixers, Raptors, and Celtics), but at least the Pelicans get number 1 and the chance to draft Zion instead of some less-deserving big-market team like the Lakers.
As a Bulls fan, I hated that they missed out on the Number 1 pick, but this isn't the first time a less-deserving team won the lottery. One draft that comes to mind is 1993, in which the Magic, who had just missed the playoffs by a hair at 41-41, won their second straight lottery, while the worst teams like the Mavericks (11-71) and Bullets (21-61) were more deserving and could've really used it. Of course, they traded their pick to the Warriors, and the guy who had been drafted No. 1 that year eventually ended up in Washington (where he oversaw the Bullets' transformation into the Wizards) before moving on to Sacramento (where he helped them achieve their greatest success so far).
Hey, even the Bulls deserved it more than the Lakers, despite also being a big-market team who won
6 championships in the 90s. The thing is that the Lakers have always gotten so much attention, and now that they have LeBron, I bet there are people out there who would want to make the Lakers the next superteam. The Bulls don't really have anybody, at least not since Derrick Rose.
It's kinda sad that I'm even pitying the Bulls and the Knicks, choosing them over some big team from California such as the Lakers.
Tonight the night to see if the Raptors win against the Bucks and go the finals against the Warriors or if the Bucks win and force a game 7.
Toronto won, and will be making their first NBA Finals appearance.
There are now 24 of the current 30 NBA Franchises that have made it to the finals.
This also marks the first time a team from outside the USA has made it to the finals. Too bad the Grizzlies have been in Memphis for quite a long time now...
2nd place in a beauty contest has been decided. GS schemed their way to a few extra losses in the regular season so they could celebrate a sweep on their home floor for a change...LOL!
Rick
Who'd have thought that a Canadian team would make it to the NBA Finals? Seeing that the Blue Jays last made it to the World Series in 1993 (and went back-to-back wins that year), I think Toronto deserves this moment the most.
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 26, 2019, 02:45:26 PM
This also marks the first time a team from outside the USA has made it to the finals. Too bad the Grizzlies have been in Memphis for quite a long time now...
Quote from: Henry on May 26, 2019, 11:26:27 PM
Who'd have thought that a Canadian team would make it to the NBA Finals? Seeing that the Blue Jays last made it to the World Series in 1993 (and went back-to-back wins that year), I think Toronto deserves this moment the most.
Yup, this is the first time the Raptors are here, and for many of us, we thought we'd have a shot to be here since 2016, but LeBron stopped the party each time.
Just a bit of semantics, I'm in the minority on this issue, but I'm not much of a fan of the term "Canadian team", the only thing Canadian about the Raptors really is that they play their home games in Canada, that's about it, there is no domestic requirement in that the Raptors must be mostly Canadian players. In fact, this very Raptors team has only ONE Canadian on the team, the majority of the players are of course American players.
I am hoping however that this series does not turn political like the 1992 World Series did, (the 1992 Jays for the record by the postseason had NO Canadians on the team) but I blame that moreso on the fanbase regarding the Jays. Which is something to talk about for another day. The Raptors don't have that silly nationalistic flag waving like Jays fans do for the most part, there are some that do it but it's not on the same level at all.
Incidentally, the 1993 Blue Jays were the last team based in Canada that has won a Big 4 Championship.
Quote from: MisterSG1 on May 26, 2019, 11:59:34 PM
Incidentally, the 1993 Blue Jays were the last team based in Canada that has won a Big 4 Championship.
About Toronto championships, I spotted that post on Skyscraperpage forum that might be worth to mention here. http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=8584934&postcount=2172
QuoteOne thing I've noticed is that in the celebrations over the Raptors success, people have been exulting that this is the first time that a Toronto based team has been a championship series since the Blue Jays in 1993. These people have pointedly talked about the "big three sports" in the city, deliberately ignoring the Argonauts. I guess the Argos don't count because they play in an all Canadian league.
If soccer popularity still keep to rise, would we talk soon of a "Big 5" championship?
Quoteauthor=Stephane Dumas link=topic=24154.msg2419001#msg2419001
If soccer popularity still keep to rise, would we talk soon of a "Big 5" championship?
MLS attendance is the third highest of any pro league in America. Even though that is kind of a skewed statistic, at least MLS stadiums are nearly always full, compared to NBA arenas of teams that are tanking.
Pretty disappointed that my Bucks didn't make the championship. We seemed to play well in the first 2 games, but then we ended up choking and losing our next 4. I wonder what went wrong?
Still pretty salty about it so I don't really give a shit who wins the Finals. I hate both teams so I don't care if Toronto or Golden State wins.
Quote from: MantyMadTown on May 27, 2019, 08:52:37 PM
Pretty disappointed that my Bucks didn't make the championship. We seemed to play well in the first 2 games, but then we ended up choking and losing our next 4. I wonder what went wrong?
Some blame it on a jinx or curse known as the "Drake curse".
https://nypost.com/2019/05/16/drake-banned-on-milwaukee-radio-station-as-rappers-curse-continues/
https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-trolls-milwaukee-bucks-instagram-photo-manager-daughter-mallory-edens-2019-5
http://archive.fo/TvGrU
Others mentionned another curse from the Sixers Mike Scott.
https://brobible.com/sports/article/mike-scott-sixers-drake-curse-nhl/
Quote from: MantyMadTown on May 27, 2019, 08:52:37 PM
Pretty disappointed that my Bucks didn't make the championship. We seemed to play well in the first 2 games, but then we ended up choking and losing our next 4. I wonder what went wrong?
Still pretty salty about it so I don't really give a shit who wins the Finals. I hate both teams so I don't care if Toronto or Golden State wins.
I know it sucks, but at least it looks like the Bucks have a future, the Raptors don't exactly look hopeful once the high of this season comes crashing down. I'd be willing to bet my life savings that Leonard won't be playing in Toronto next season. The Raptors, despite their records have been the persistent underdogs in the playoffs since 2016, failing each time to LeBron. The reality of the Raptors is that despite their popularity within the city and surrounding area, as far as the NBA is concerned they are a "ghost market" as I like to say. So this is extremely big for fans in Toronto.
Especially with the NBA, its two main channels it airs games on, ESPN and TNT are not even available in Canada due to a duopoly the CRTC holds on Canadian consumers. As for the rare time, the Raptors are on an ABC broadcast, viewership numbers even in Canada into ABC don't measure into the overall effect. So these networks really don't even acknowledge the Raptors exist for the most part, because why would it be in their interest to, they legally cannot make money off Raptors fans, as they would be the smallest group of fans within the US. The best example of this was Chris Bosh, he was basically a nobody in Toronto, but when he joined LeBron in Miami, he was a superstar. There's also the issues of taxation why playing in Toronto is very undesirable for players. Basically, retention of Toronto players is an uphill battle.
Giannis will most likely get you there next year, and Toronto will be very lucky to see June basketball again, I'm just stating what most likely will happen, but I could be wrong.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 27, 2019, 07:47:26 AM
Quote from: MisterSG1 on May 26, 2019, 11:59:34 PM
Incidentally, the 1993 Blue Jays were the last team based in Canada that has won a Big 4 Championship.
About Toronto championships, I spotted that post on Skyscraperpage forum that might be worth to mention here. http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=8584934&postcount=2172
QuoteOne thing I've noticed is that in the celebrations over the Raptors success, people have been exulting that this is the first time that a Toronto based team has been a championship series since the Blue Jays in 1993. These people have pointedly talked about the "big three sports" in the city, deliberately ignoring the Argonauts. I guess the Argos don't count because they play in an all Canadian league.
If soccer popularity still keep to rise, would we talk soon of a "Big 5" championship?
This is actually something I've researched my own quite a bit, but remember this is an NBA forum, I'd be willing to discuss it in another thread. Basically, the Argonauts ever since the Blue Jays were founded in 1977 have taken a backseat in relevance, heck they are practically constant moochers since then. It's also interesting that this guy from Moncton mentions this, because Toronto FC won a MLS Cup in 2017, the reaction upon them winning, which has a fanbase leaps and bounds ahead of the Argonauts, was not nearly the kind of reaction and following that the Raptors got for just winning the Eastern Final.
Honestly, I grew up with the attitude that the CFL is very much akin to the AHL, although this isn't entirely the case because they play Canadian Football, which many will say is a totally different game from American football, but again, this is a topic for another day. It's the general big league attitude of Toronto why the Leafs can sell out, while the Marlies have trouble giving away tickets.
In fact call me crazy, but I believe it's inevitable that the Raptors become more popular than the Leafs in the future, and within the city itself, this is arguably already the case.
If Toronto (and I mean the city and area) was not chained up by the demands to play a version of gridiron that no one else plays in the world, I'm fairly sure there would have been an NFL team in this city established back in the 1950s. Interestingly enough, there was supposedly a version of baseball played in Ontario in the late 1800s that had 5 bases, but thankfully that died away, can you imagine, by force having to play this version of baseball that no one else around the world plays? And I use baseball as an example as it's more of a worldly sport than gridiron is.
One other token to think about regarding popularity of the MLS, remember that their games are mostly a weekly affair, similar to football. Thus a weekly game is more likely to draw larger groups of fans than something non consistent like the NBA or the NHL. Also, regarding the MLS Cup in Toronto back in 2017, the CHEAPEST seats for that game were around $100 a pop.
I seriously considered purchasing Game 7 tickets but backed out when I learned that the WORST seats in the arena would have costed $1100 a pop, I have photo evidence to prove it. Attendance in seats isn't the best way to judge how popular specific sports are.
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 26, 2019, 02:45:26 PM
This also marks the first time a team from outside the USA has made it to the finals. Too bad the Grizzlies have been in Memphis for quite a long time now...
Why is that too bad? I think it's dumb enough we have one team from Canada two would be worse.
Quote from: dvferyance on May 28, 2019, 10:42:39 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 26, 2019, 02:45:26 PM
This also marks the first time a team from outside the USA has made it to the finals. Too bad the Grizzlies have been in Memphis for quite a long time now...
Why is that too bad? I think it's dumb enough we have one team from Canada two would be worse.
Its pretty hard to say a city located in a Metro Area with six million people doesn't justify a top tier professional team. The NFL is the only big four North American sports league without a real presence in Toronto.
Quote from: dvferyance on May 28, 2019, 10:42:39 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 26, 2019, 02:45:26 PM
This also marks the first time a team from outside the USA has made it to the finals. Too bad the Grizzlies have been in Memphis for quite a long time now...
Why is that too bad? I think it's dumb enough we have one team from Canada two would be worse.
I'm assuming you're still sour because you lost....just for some NBA history here pal.
The Basketball Association of America is the precursor to the NBA, it was formed in 1946, it would merge with the NBL in 1949 to form the modern league.
Anyways, in this league, the Toronto Huskies existed for just one season, the first ever game played in history, which now the league considers to be so occurred on November 1, 1946 and it involved the Toronto Huskies hosting the New York Knickerbockers in Maple Leaf Gardens. Only two other teams from that initial year of the BAA survived along with the Knicks, the Boston Celtics, and the Warriors, who started out in Philadelphia.
The point I'm making, the NBA had a presence in Canada right from day one as the first ever game in that league was played in Toronto.
And for the record, the reason the revival NBA team in Toronto nearly 50 years later was not named the Huskies, because it was believed that their logo would look too similar to the T'Wolves logo. Jurassic Park was massively popular when the team naming occurred, and well that is that.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 28, 2019, 10:58:34 PM
Its pretty hard to say a city located in a Metro Area with six million people doesn't justify a top tier professional team. The NFL is the only big four North American sports league without a real presence in Toronto.
Ah, the NFL, this is really deserving of a thread all on its own, but to put it simply, the NFL doesn't exist in Toronto mainly because of the existence of the CFL. Many groups and people here in the Greater Toronto Area have been chasing the NFL dream since the 1950s, however, Toronto's most realistic time to get into the NFL which they missed out on, was the early 1990s, around the time the Jaguars were created. From what I can say right now, London and Mexico City are more likely candidates for expansion/relocation, even considering the language barrier or the Atlantic ocean. As well, the NFL if you ask me has the perfect balance for scheduling, as the way the league is aligned, any expansion would throw off that balance.
I've always been in favor of expanding American sports leagues into Canada, particularly NBA, MLB, and MLS. Not really with the NFL, though, because the NFL is done expanding, period.
Quote from: thspfc on May 29, 2019, 05:32:32 PM
I've always been in favor of expanding American sports leagues into Canada, particularly NBA, MLB, and MLS. Not really with the NFL, though, because the NFL is done expanding, period.
Lebensraum...LOL! There was a time when the CFL expanded into the US for two years. Who won the title in one of those years? Baltimore. Making this tale even stranger is that Baltimore's team had NO nickname at the start. They were just the Baltimore Football Club then. It is the only time a Grey Cup was won by an American based team.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_Stallions
Rick
Raptors steal Game 1 in the Finals...who would've thought that?
Quote from: Henry on May 31, 2019, 08:35:22 AM
Raptors steal Game 1 in the Finals...who would've thought that?
The Golden State strategy in the 1st quarter was to let the Raptors sit behind the 3-point line totally undefended and let them shoot the ball whenever they were ready. That dug the hole which the Warriors fell into. Hard to believe a team which did so well at defending the three when playing Portland would look like a bunch of junior high girls playing basketball for the first time in a PE class.
Then again this Warrior team also found a way to blow a 31 point lead to the Clippers earlier in the playoffs. The Clippers? Yeah, THE Clippers...LOL!
Now watch GS go on a 4 game winning streak and be stuck hoisting the trophy on da' road.
Rick
Go Raptors
Raptors lead 3-1 in the finals. I hope they'll win the next game. :)
This series reminds me of how a favored Oregon Duck team got rolled by Ohio State in the first College Football Playoff championship game. Raptor physical presence has been off the charts.
Rick
Quote from: nexus73 on June 08, 2019, 11:43:36 AM
This series reminds me of how a favored Oregon Duck team got rolled by Ohio State in the first College Football Playoff championship game. Raptor physical presence has been off the charts.
Rick
Some of the Warriors are also injured.
But in all seriousness, the Raptors deserve it, and I'm anti-dynasty plus don't like the Warriors atmosphere after KD joined. I don't think KD was all at fault, but they didn't feel the same afterwards.
SM-J737T
The Raptors fans showed their class when they cheered Kevin Durant 's injury.
Quote from: Big John on June 11, 2019, 09:22:05 PM
The Raptors fans showed their class when they cheered Kevin Durant 's injury.
I would have too . . . I'm a sportsman. :bigass:
Quote from: thspfc on June 12, 2019, 08:28:16 AM
Quote from: Big John on June 11, 2019, 09:22:05 PM
The Raptors fans showed their class when they cheered Kevin Durant 's injury.
I would have too . . . I'm a sportsman. :bigass:
Reminds me of when Eagles fans cheered after Michael Irvin caught his cleat in a seam of The Vet's turf and tore up his knee.
"The Raptors win! The Raptors win!"
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 13, 2019, 11:49:04 PM
"The Raptors win! The Raptors win!"
Time to sing "We are the champions"! ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 13, 2019, 11:49:04 PM
"The Raptors win! The Raptors win!"
About time someone different won a title again in the NBA.
I never thought the Warriors would lose for a second, even down 3-1 after game 4 or down 111-110 with 10 seconds left of game 6. Guess I was wrong. . .
Quote from: thspfc on June 14, 2019, 10:27:49 AM
I never thought the Warriors would lose for a second, even down 3-1 after game 4 or down 111-110 with 10 seconds left of game 6. Guess I was wrong. . .
It didn't help that Durant was injured, the outcome would have been different if he was truly in the series. Klay Thompson going down didn't help matters last night. Steph Curry basically leading a team himself if probably good enough to get the finals but not necessary win it.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 14, 2019, 10:35:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on June 14, 2019, 10:27:49 AM
I never thought the Warriors would lose for a second, even down 3-1 after game 4 or down 111-110 with 10 seconds left of game 6. Guess I was wrong. . .
It didn’t help that Durant was injured, the outcome would have been different if he was truly in the series. Klay Thompson going down didn’t help matters last night. Steph Curry basically leading a team himself if probably good enough to get the finals but not necessary win it.
Second time in four years that the Warriors lose the Finals in their own building, and in the same way: a missed three-pointer in the closing seconds. And even more depressing, it's the last-ever NBA game to be played in Oakland after 49 years.
So the Blues win the Stanley Cup, and the Raptors win the NBA Finals...what a week!
Quote from: Henry on June 14, 2019, 11:26:40 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 14, 2019, 10:35:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on June 14, 2019, 10:27:49 AM
I never thought the Warriors would lose for a second, even down 3-1 after game 4 or down 111-110 with 10 seconds left of game 6. Guess I was wrong. . .
It didn't help that Durant was injured, the outcome would have been different if he was truly in the series. Klay Thompson going down didn't help matters last night. Steph Curry basically leading a team himself if probably good enough to get the finals but not necessary win it.
Second time in four years that the Warriors lose the Finals in their own building, and in the same way: a missed three-pointer in the closing seconds. And even more depressing, it's the last-ever NBA game to be played in Oakland after 49 years.
So the Blues win the Stanley Cup, and the Raptors win the NBA Finals...what a week!
I'm actually kind of curious how the local fan base feels about the move to San Francisco. Personally I'd much rather see a game over over in San Fran versus Oakland. Oakland is generally the easier city to get in/out from.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 14, 2019, 11:56:26 AM
Quote from: Henry on June 14, 2019, 11:26:40 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 14, 2019, 10:35:48 AM
Quote from: thspfc on June 14, 2019, 10:27:49 AM
I never thought the Warriors would lose for a second, even down 3-1 after game 4 or down 111-110 with 10 seconds left of game 6. Guess I was wrong. . .
It didn't help that Durant was injured, the outcome would have been different if he was truly in the series. Klay Thompson going down didn't help matters last night. Steph Curry basically leading a team himself if probably good enough to get the finals but not necessary win it.
Second time in four years that the Warriors lose the Finals in their own building, and in the same way: a missed three-pointer in the closing seconds. And even more depressing, it's the last-ever NBA game to be played in Oakland after 49 years.
So the Blues win the Stanley Cup, and the Raptors win the NBA Finals...what a week!
I'm actually kind of curious how the local fan base feels about the move to San Francisco. Personally I'd much rather see a game over over in San Fran versus Oakland. Oakland is generally the easier city to get in/out from.
I wonder if they named the team the Golden State Warriors, and not Oakland Warriors, with a possible move to SF in mind in the far future.
Quote from: thspfc on June 14, 2019, 05:05:18 PM
I wonder if they named the team the Golden State Warriors, and not Oakland Warriors, with a possible move to SF in mind in the far future.
I wish they would change their name back to the SF Warriors. 99% of the time it drives me crazy when a team takes the state name or a variation thereof when there is more than one team in the league in that state. I'm fine with the Arizona, Carolina, and Minnesota teams, and the Angels and Marlins did the right thing. I'm looking at you, Florida Panthers. The only exception I'm fine with are the Texas Rangers, because Dallas or Arlington Rangers sounds dumb.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 14, 2019, 06:05:14 PM
I wish they would change their name back to the SF Warriors. 99% of the time it drives me crazy when a team takes the state name or a variation thereof when there is more than one team in the league in that state. I'm fine with the Arizona, Carolina, and Minnesota teams, and the Angels and Marlins did the right thing. I'm looking at you, Florida Panthers. The only exception I'm fine with are the Texas Rangers, because Dallas or Arlington Rangers sounds dumb.
How about Metroplex Rangers or DFW Rangers? ;) Now then the Astros are in the American League with the Rangers.
It's very doubtul then the Whalers might return to Hartford back when they was in the WHA and was known as New England Whalers, now then the Bruins are the only NHL team in New England, how about the New England Bruins instead of Boston Bruins just like the Patriots did in the early 1970s when they changed from Boston Patriots to New England Patriots? The Cleveland AHL team, the Cleveland Monsters who's the Columbus Blue Jackets farm team, was once called the Lake Erie Monsters.
The funny thing about the Patriots (and little known) is that there was another location name proposed before they settled on New England: The Bay State Patriots.
The difference between the Whalers changing from New England to Hartford and the Bruins changing to New England is: 1. longevity, and 2. the Whalers were forced to change to Hartford as a condition of admission to the NHL.
Some of those nickname city locations just don't work. When the franchise in New Britain, CT changed from being a Red Sox to a Twins affiliate, they changed their name from the New Britain Red Sox to the Hardware City Rock Cats, in homage to New Britain being home to Stanley Tools. However, the Hardware City moniker never caught on, and the city name returned a couple years later. A funny aside: I was living in Philly during the first season of the Rock Cats, and I'm watching a Phillies game, and Harry Kalas was giving the minor league scores. Reading was playing the Rock Cats that day. Harry and Whitey were both stumped as to where Hardware City was, and it took a half inning of research to find out. Meanwhile, I'm shouting "New Britain, Connecticut" at my TV.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 14, 2019, 08:15:03 PM
The funny thing about the Patriots (and little known) is that there was another location name proposed before they settled on New England: The Bay State Patriots.
which was quashed when the newspapers abbreviated the location.
I don't live in the Bay Area, but I believe it's a thing of civic pride so to speak, so the name "Golden State" is effectively neutral for the entire Bay Area....unless we want to try Bay Area Warriors (the term Bay Area is synonymous with the region) The long defunct "California Golden Seals" which played out of the arena which was finally known as Oracle Arena in their entire existence were the Oakland Seals originally. They did apparently true a few games as the "Bay Area Seals" before becoming the "California GOLDEN Seals", hmm Golden Seals, Golden State.....depending on how you want to define it, the current version of that same franchise is the San Jose Sharks, and they actually identify as San Jose. (As the Golden Seals moved to Cleveland and then merged with the Minnesota North Stars, the San Jose Sharks were founded by separating the shares of the North Stars to create the new Sharks)
Remember that SF and Oakland both have their own MLB and NFL teams (yes I know Oakland's is relocating) and thus being identifiable with the region is arguably marketing strategy involved.
Civic pride is definitely the case involving the Angels, while of course the Angels originally started out as the LA Angels, when they moved to Orange County, they became the California Angels as they were the only team in the AL in California at the time. When that certain company with a mouse got involved in pro sports, getting an NHL team known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, they also got involved with the Angels and of course rebranded them to Anaheim as well. When Disney was done with them, the new owners added Los Angeles back to the team, but because of a leasing agreement, had to call the team with its awkward name "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim". Since 2016, the "of Anaheim" has been dropped, but fans of that team apparently cannot adopt being called "Los Angeles". The announcers and all gear regarding the team identifies them simply as "the Angels".
Quote from: MisterSG1 on June 14, 2019, 10:35:57 PM
I don't live in the Bay Area, but I believe it's a thing of civic pride so to speak, so the name "Golden State" is effectively neutral for the entire Bay Area....unless we want to try Bay Area Warriors (the term Bay Area is synonymous with the region) The long defunct "California Golden Seals" which played out of the arena which was finally known as Oracle Arena in their entire existence were the Oakland Seals originally. They did apparently true a few games as the "Bay Area Seals" before becoming the "California GOLDEN Seals", hmm Golden Seals, Golden State.....depending on how you want to define it, the current version of that same franchise is the San Jose Sharks, and they actually identify as San Jose. (As the Golden Seals moved to Cleveland and then merged with the Minnesota North Stars, the San Jose Sharks were founded by separating the shares of the North Stars to create the new Sharks)
Remember that SF and Oakland both have their own MLB and NFL teams (yes I know Oakland's is relocating) and thus being identifiable with the region is arguably marketing strategy involved.
Civic pride is definitely the case involving the Angels, while of course the Angels originally started out as the LA Angels, when they moved to Orange County, they became the California Angels as they were the only team in the AL in California at the time. When that certain company with a mouse got involved in pro sports, getting an NHL team known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, they also got involved with the Angels and of course rebranded them to Anaheim as well. When Disney was done with them, the new owners added Los Angeles back to the team, but because of a leasing agreement, had to call the team with its awkward name "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim". Since 2016, the "of Anaheim" has been dropped, but fans of that team apparently cannot adopt being called "Los Angeles". The announcers and all gear regarding the team identifies them simply as "the Angels".
I still call them the Angels of Anaheim.
Quote from: Big John on June 14, 2019, 08:36:58 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 14, 2019, 08:15:03 PM
The funny thing about the Patriots (and little known) is that there was another location name proposed before they settled on New England: The Bay State Patriots.
which was quashed when the newspapers abbreviated the location.
:-D
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 14, 2019, 06:05:14 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 14, 2019, 05:05:18 PM
I wonder if they named the team the Golden State Warriors, and not Oakland Warriors, with a possible move to SF in mind in the far future.
I wish they would change their name back to the SF Warriors. 99% of the time it drives me crazy when a team takes the state name or a variation thereof when there is more than one team in the league in that state. I'm fine with the Arizona, Carolina, and Minnesota teams, and the Angels and Marlins did the right thing. I'm looking at you, Florida Panthers. The only exception I'm fine with are the Texas Rangers, because Dallas or Arlington Rangers sounds dumb.
Nah, Florida Panthers is fine, because to me, Miami Panthers just isn't working for me.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 14, 2019, 10:50:54 PM
Quote from: MisterSG1 on June 14, 2019, 10:35:57 PM
I don't live in the Bay Area, but I believe it's a thing of civic pride so to speak, so the name "Golden State" is effectively neutral for the entire Bay Area....unless we want to try Bay Area Warriors (the term Bay Area is synonymous with the region) The long defunct "California Golden Seals" which played out of the arena which was finally known as Oracle Arena in their entire existence were the Oakland Seals originally. They did apparently true a few games as the "Bay Area Seals" before becoming the "California GOLDEN Seals", hmm Golden Seals, Golden State.....depending on how you want to define it, the current version of that same franchise is the San Jose Sharks, and they actually identify as San Jose. (As the Golden Seals moved to Cleveland and then merged with the Minnesota North Stars, the San Jose Sharks were founded by separating the shares of the North Stars to create the new Sharks)
Remember that SF and Oakland both have their own MLB and NFL teams (yes I know Oakland's is relocating) and thus being identifiable with the region is arguably marketing strategy involved.
Civic pride is definitely the case involving the Angels, while of course the Angels originally started out as the LA Angels, when they moved to Orange County, they became the California Angels as they were the only team in the AL in California at the time. When that certain company with a mouse got involved in pro sports, getting an NHL team known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, they also got involved with the Angels and of course rebranded them to Anaheim as well. When Disney was done with them, the new owners added Los Angeles back to the team, but because of a leasing agreement, had to call the team with its awkward name "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim". Since 2016, the "of Anaheim" has been dropped, but fans of that team apparently cannot adopt being called "Los Angeles". The announcers and all gear regarding the team identifies them simply as "the Angels".
I still call them the Angels of Anaheim.
My father still thinks they are the California Angels.....
But myself, as the three letter abbreviation is LAA (and has been since the LA rebrand came around), I sometimes will say "The Blue Jays are in Los Angeles tonight", some do get confused and think they're playing the dodgers, although usually a game against the Dodgers is a tri-annual affair.
Quote from: MisterSG1 on June 14, 2019, 10:59:04 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 14, 2019, 10:50:54 PM
Quote from: MisterSG1 on June 14, 2019, 10:35:57 PM
I don't live in the Bay Area, but I believe it's a thing of civic pride so to speak, so the name "Golden State" is effectively neutral for the entire Bay Area....unless we want to try Bay Area Warriors (the term Bay Area is synonymous with the region) The long defunct "California Golden Seals" which played out of the arena which was finally known as Oracle Arena in their entire existence were the Oakland Seals originally. They did apparently true a few games as the "Bay Area Seals" before becoming the "California GOLDEN Seals", hmm Golden Seals, Golden State.....depending on how you want to define it, the current version of that same franchise is the San Jose Sharks, and they actually identify as San Jose. (As the Golden Seals moved to Cleveland and then merged with the Minnesota North Stars, the San Jose Sharks were founded by separating the shares of the North Stars to create the new Sharks)
Remember that SF and Oakland both have their own MLB and NFL teams (yes I know Oakland's is relocating) and thus being identifiable with the region is arguably marketing strategy involved.
Civic pride is definitely the case involving the Angels, while of course the Angels originally started out as the LA Angels, when they moved to Orange County, they became the California Angels as they were the only team in the AL in California at the time. When that certain company with a mouse got involved in pro sports, getting an NHL team known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, they also got involved with the Angels and of course rebranded them to Anaheim as well. When Disney was done with them, the new owners added Los Angeles back to the team, but because of a leasing agreement, had to call the team with its awkward name "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim". Since 2016, the "of Anaheim" has been dropped, but fans of that team apparently cannot adopt being called "Los Angeles". The announcers and all gear regarding the team identifies them simply as "the Angels".
I still call them the Angels of Anaheim.
My father still thinks they are the California Angels.....
But myself, as the three letter abbreviation is LAA (and has been since the LA rebrand came around), I sometimes will say "The Blue Jays are in Los Angeles tonight", some do get confused and think they're playing the dodgers, although usually a game against the Dodgers is a tri-annual affair.
That sure does sound like it would confuse the heck out of those that aren't in the know.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 14, 2019, 10:55:58 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 14, 2019, 06:05:14 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 14, 2019, 05:05:18 PM
I wonder if they named the team the Golden State Warriors, and not Oakland Warriors, with a possible move to SF in mind in the far future.
I wish they would change their name back to the SF Warriors. 99% of the time it drives me crazy when a team takes the state name or a variation thereof when there is more than one team in the league in that state. I'm fine with the Arizona, Carolina, and Minnesota teams, and the Angels and Marlins did the right thing. I'm looking at you, Florida Panthers. The only exception I'm fine with are the Texas Rangers, because Dallas or Arlington Rangers sounds dumb.
Nah, Florida Panthers is fine, because to me, Miami Panthers just isn't working for me.
"Florida Panthers" makes sense for that team because the endangered animal after which the team is named is the Florida panther. It's not like the NFL team in Charlotte or the old USFL team in Michigan, both of which use the name in reference to a cat generally.
I read somewhere that the basketball team in Miami was going to be the "Florida Heat" until the league decided to expand to Orlando as well. The league then told the Heat's owner he had to use "Miami."
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 15, 2019, 02:06:08 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 14, 2019, 10:55:58 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 14, 2019, 06:05:14 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 14, 2019, 05:05:18 PM
I wonder if they named the team the Golden State Warriors, and not Oakland Warriors, with a possible move to SF in mind in the far future.
I wish they would change their name back to the SF Warriors. 99% of the time it drives me crazy when a team takes the state name or a variation thereof when there is more than one team in the league in that state. I'm fine with the Arizona, Carolina, and Minnesota teams, and the Angels and Marlins did the right thing. I'm looking at you, Florida Panthers. The only exception I'm fine with are the Texas Rangers, because Dallas or Arlington Rangers sounds dumb.
Nah, Florida Panthers is fine, because to me, Miami Panthers just isn't working for me.
"Florida Panthers" makes sense for that team because the endangered animal after which the team is named is the Florida panther. It's not like the NFL team in Charlotte or the old USFL team in Michigan, both of which use the name in reference to a cat generally.
I read somewhere that the basketball team in Miami was going to be the "Florida Heat" until the league decided to expand to Orlando as well. The league then told the Heat's owner he had to use "Miami."
The pro teams in Arizona seem to have fitting state based names with the Phoenix Suns being the lone exception.
Anthony Davis is going to be a Laker next season. Maybe now LA can contend with two superstars?
Quote from: thspfc on June 17, 2019, 07:58:14 AM
Anthony Davis is going to be a Laker next season. Maybe now LA can contend with two superstars?
They'll want a third (well I should say, GM LeBron wants a third)
Atlanta Hawks player Chandler Parsons has suffered career-threatning injuries in car crash. (https://www.nba.com/article/2020/01/20/chandler-parsons-hawks-career-threatening-injuries)
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 14, 2019, 10:55:58 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 14, 2019, 06:05:14 PM
Nah, Florida Panthers is fine, because to me, Miami Panthers just isn't working for me.
"Florida Panthers" makes sense for that team because the endangered animal after which the team is named is the Florida panther. It's not like the NFL team in Charlotte or the old USFL team in Michigan, both of which use the name in reference to a cat generally.
I heard once then Phil Esposito who was the Tampa Bay Lightning General-manager at the time, was so angry of the name and shouted then Tampa Bay is also in Florida.
Another year, another Bulls team that sucks :sleep:
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 21, 2020, 08:23:28 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 14, 2019, 10:55:58 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 14, 2019, 06:05:14 PM
Nah, Florida Panthers is fine, because to me, Miami Panthers just isn't working for me.
"Florida Panthers" makes sense for that team because the endangered animal after which the team is named is the Florida panther. It's not like the NFL team in Charlotte or the old USFL team in Michigan, both of which use the name in reference to a cat generally.
I heard once then Phil Esposito who was the Tampa Bay Lightning General-manager at the time, was so angry of the name and shouted then Tampa Bay is also in Florida.
Maybe that's why he's no longer working for them! /sarcasm
The NBA is back! Starting July 31, there will be a shortened regular season with 22 teams.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29260860/sources-nba-approve-plan-22-team-return-eight-regular-season-games
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/sports/vince-carter-confirms-he-is-officially-retiringVince Carter Leaves the NBA.
They started last night. I was grabbing a plate of wings for supper at a local sports bar (they have a good weekly wing special on Thursdays) and I didn't even know that there was a game on.
Mike
So far, so good...The NBA and NHL bubbles are working. BTW, my pick is the Lakers, for sentimental reasons.
I'm so mad at Memphis right now, wanted the Suns.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 13, 2020, 06:22:05 PM
I'm so mad at Memphis right now, wanted the Suns.
Although I understand the sentiment, Memphis was in the eight seed spot at the suspension of the regular season, so I feel for them as well. If you want to be mad at a team, I suggest Portland. Although they are probably the best team to take the Lakers to task, until the bubble, they really were playing at an outlier quality.
Go Celtics!
I guess go Blazers. I like watching Lillard ball out
Well, it's not every year that the top seeds in both conferences go down 0-1. Has this happened before, or is it the first time?
Quote from: Henry on August 20, 2020, 11:24:02 AM
Well, it's not every year that the top seeds in both conferences go down 0-1. Has this happened before, or is it the first time?
2003
The Bucks postponed their playoff game today due to the Kenosha shooting.. The league followed suit by canceling all games today.
What a year...
Quote from: Big John on August 26, 2020, 05:43:31 PM
The Bucks postponed their playoff game today due to the Kenosha shooting.. The league followed suit by canceling all games today.
Word is the LA teams are boycotting the rest of the season.
Quote from: Alps on August 26, 2020, 10:57:57 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 26, 2020, 05:43:31 PM
The Bucks postponed their playoff game today due to the Kenosha shooting.. The league followed suit by canceling all games today.
Word is the LA teams are boycotting the rest of the season.
LeBoycott the games
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 26, 2020, 11:11:29 PM
Quote from: Alps on August 26, 2020, 10:57:57 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 26, 2020, 05:43:31 PM
The Bucks postponed their playoff game today due to the Kenosha shooting.. The league followed suit by canceling all games today.
Word is the LA teams are boycotting the rest of the season.
LeBoycott the games
I think a lot of fans will be done with the NBA if the season is cancelled for good. It'll be just like the 1994 MLB season, when it ended in a players' strike and fans of that league said they'd never watch another game again...well, at least most of them anyway.
Quote from: Henry on August 27, 2020, 10:41:05 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 26, 2020, 11:11:29 PM
Quote from: Alps on August 26, 2020, 10:57:57 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 26, 2020, 05:43:31 PM
The Bucks postponed their playoff game today due to the Kenosha shooting.. The league followed suit by canceling all games today.
Word is the LA teams are boycotting the rest of the season.
LeBoycott the games
I think a lot of fans will be done with the NBA if the season is cancelled for good. It'll be just like the 1994 MLB season, when it ended in a players' strike and fans of that league said they'd never watch another game again...well, at least most of them anyway.
I don't think the NBA is done. But I doubt what you are saying is accurate for a couple of reasons. First, this is an odd season with the bubble and all. Second, they would be quitting for a social justice reason and not a union contract related one. Third, their audience is younger, more urban and therefore more "in tune" with this message than general fanbase of the other leagues are.
I normally don't chime in on the Sports threads but I came across this article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer regarding the Sixers are targeting Penn's Landing for a potential new basketball arena (https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-76ers-penns-landing-new-arena-20200826.html) & thought it would be of interest.
Granted, if this proposal were ever to happen at all; such would be years away. The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031.
The comments in the article are pretty feisty. Opposition to the use of taxpayer funds to build this facility is coming from both liberals & conservatives.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 27, 2020, 11:41:37 AM
Quote from: Henry on August 27, 2020, 10:41:05 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 26, 2020, 11:11:29 PM
Quote from: Alps on August 26, 2020, 10:57:57 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 26, 2020, 05:43:31 PM
The Bucks postponed their playoff game today due to the Kenosha shooting.. The league followed suit by canceling all games today.
Word is the LA teams are boycotting the rest of the season.
LeBoycott the games
I think a lot of fans will be done with the NBA if the season is cancelled for good. It'll be just like the 1994 MLB season, when it ended in a players' strike and fans of that league said they'd never watch another game again...well, at least most of them anyway.
I don't think the NBA is done. But I doubt what you are saying is accurate for a couple of reasons. First, this is an odd season with the bubble and all. Second, they would be quitting for a social justice reason and not a union contract related one. Third, their audience is younger, more urban and therefore more "in tune" with this message than general fanbase of the other leagues are.
Fortunately for this discussion, they appear to be restarting shortly.
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 27, 2020, 12:55:08 PM
I normally don't chime in on the Sports threads but I came across this article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer regarding the Sixers are targeting Penn's Landing for a potential new basketball arena (https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-76ers-penns-landing-new-arena-20200826.html) & thought it would be of interest.
Granted, if this proposal were ever to happen at all; such would be years away. The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031.
The comments in the article are pretty feisty. Opposition to the use of taxpayer funds to build this facility is coming from both liberals & conservatives.
Taxpayer funding is a mixed bag. How much actual economic growth will the new arena generate? How much tax revenue will be collected above what is currently? That's the limit of where public dollars should be contributed.
Quote from: Alps on August 27, 2020, 03:57:58 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 27, 2020, 12:55:08 PM
I normally don't chime in on the Sports threads but I came across this article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer regarding the Sixers are targeting Penn's Landing for a potential new basketball arena (https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-76ers-penns-landing-new-arena-20200826.html) & thought it would be of interest.
Granted, if this proposal were ever to happen at all; such would be years away. The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031.
The comments in the article are pretty feisty. Opposition to the use of taxpayer funds to build this facility is coming from both liberals & conservatives.
Taxpayer funding is a mixed bag. How much actual economic growth will the new arena generate? How much tax revenue will be collected above what is currently? That's the limit of where public dollars should be contributed.
I just think it is totally ridiculous for the hockey team and basketball team in the same city to play in separate arenas (obviously, cities with multiple teams notwithstanding, but even LA has 3 teams playing at Staples Center; plus I consider the fact the Sharks use San Jose as the city name a valid reason to keep separate from the Warriors). Even the Pistons abandoned auburn Hills and joined the Red Wings at the Pizza! Pizza! Center. The Sports Complex has been there for 49 years now and is perfectly accessible from 95, the Schuykill, and the Orange Line, and has plenty of parking. Parking near Center City is at a premium. I lived in Philly when Wells Fargo opened and when The Vet was still there, so now I really feel old.
Here are the cases where NBA and NHL teams play in the same metropolitan area, but different arenas, and the driving distance between
Phoenix (18.5 miles)
Miami (34.9 miles)
Twin Cities (10.4 miles)
New York (odd because the Islanders moved to the Barclays Center but then moved back to Nassau) (25.8 miles)
Bay Area (46.8 miles)
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 09:02:43 AM
Here are the cases where NBA and NHL teams play in the same metropolitan area, but different arenas, and the driving distance between
Phoenix (18.5 miles)
Miami (34.9 miles)
Twin Cities (10.4 miles)
New York (odd because the Islanders moved to the Barclays Center but then moved back to Nassau) (25.8 miles)
Bay Area (46.8 miles)
Barclays was never designed for hockey. So it belongs on this list.
Quote from: Alps on August 31, 2020, 10:20:03 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 09:02:43 AM
Here are the cases where NBA and NHL teams play in the same metropolitan area, but different arenas, and the driving distance between
Phoenix (18.5 miles)
Miami (34.9 miles)
Twin Cities (10.4 miles)
New York (odd because the Islanders moved to the Barclays Center but then moved back to Nassau) (25.8 miles)
Bay Area (46.8 miles)
Barclays was never designed for hockey. So it belongs on this list.
But the Islanders played there for four plus seasons. They are moving back to Nassau while their new facility is under construction.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 09:02:43 AM
Here are the cases where NBA and NHL teams play in the same metropolitan area, but different arenas, and the driving distance between
Phoenix (18.5 miles)
Miami (34.9 miles)
Twin Cities (10.4 miles)
New York (odd because the Islanders moved to the Barclays Center but then moved back to Nassau) (25.8 miles)
Bay Area (46.8 miles)
Los Angeles (odd because the Kings, Clippers, and Lakers all play at Staples Center but the Anaheim Ducks are the lone tenant of the Honda Center). (30.4 miles)
(Formerly) Detroit (33.6 miles)
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 10:30:02 AM
Quote from: Alps on August 31, 2020, 10:20:03 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 09:02:43 AM
Here are the cases where NBA and NHL teams play in the same metropolitan area, but different arenas, and the driving distance between
Phoenix (18.5 miles)
Miami (34.9 miles)
Twin Cities (10.4 miles)
New York (odd because the Islanders moved to the Barclays Center but then moved back to Nassau) (25.8 miles)
Bay Area (46.8 miles)
Barclays was never designed for hockey. So it belongs on this list.
But the Islanders played there for four plus seasons. They are moving back to Nassau while their new facility is under construction.
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 10:30:02 AM
Quote from: Alps on August 31, 2020, 10:20:03 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 09:02:43 AM
Here are the cases where NBA and NHL teams play in the same metropolitan area, but different arenas, and the driving distance between
Phoenix (18.5 miles)
Miami (34.9 miles)
Twin Cities (10.4 miles)
New York (odd because the Islanders moved to the Barclays Center but then moved back to Nassau) (25.8 miles)
Bay Area (46.8 miles)
Barclays was never designed for hockey. So it belongs on this list.
But the Islanders played there for four plus seasons. They are moving back to Nassau while their new facility is under construction.
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 10:30:02 AM
Quote from: Alps on August 31, 2020, 10:20:03 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 09:02:43 AM
Here are the cases where NBA and NHL teams play in the same metropolitan area, but different arenas, and the driving distance between
Phoenix (18.5 miles)
Miami (34.9 miles)
Twin Cities (10.4 miles)
New York (odd because the Islanders moved to the Barclays Center but then moved back to Nassau) (25.8 miles)
Bay Area (46.8 miles)
Barclays was never designed for hockey. So it belongs on this list.
But the Islanders played there for four plus seasons. They are moving back to Nassau while their new facility is under construction.
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
LOL. Yes. The Clippers in Nassau would be weird.
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Well, the Clippers
did play some games in Anaheim in the 90s...
Quote from: Verlanka on September 02, 2020, 06:58:31 AM
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Well, the Clippers did play some games in Anaheim in the 90s...
And now they're looking to build a new arena in Inglewood, where the Lakers used to play. Not surprisingly, there's a lot of opposition to this plan.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 10:30:02 AM
Quote from: Alps on August 31, 2020, 10:20:03 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on August 31, 2020, 09:02:43 AM
Here are the cases where NBA and NHL teams play in the same metropolitan area, but different arenas, and the driving distance between
Phoenix (18.5 miles)
Miami (34.9 miles)
Twin Cities (10.4 miles)
New York (odd because the Islanders moved to the Barclays Center but then moved back to Nassau) (25.8 miles)
Bay Area (46.8 miles)
Barclays was never designed for hockey. So it belongs on this list.
But the Islanders played there for four plus seasons. They are moving back to Nassau while their new facility is under construction.
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
They could always move back to San D...yeah, I can't even finish that sentence without laughing.
Quote from: Alps on August 27, 2020, 03:57:58 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 27, 2020, 12:55:08 PM
I normally don't chime in on the Sports threads but I came across this article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer regarding the Sixers are targeting Penn's Landing for a potential new basketball arena (https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-76ers-penns-landing-new-arena-20200826.html) & thought it would be of interest.
Granted, if this proposal were ever to happen at all; such would be years away. The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031.
The comments in the article are pretty feisty. Opposition to the use of taxpayer funds to build this facility is coming from both liberals & conservatives.
Taxpayer funding is a mixed bag. How much actual economic growth will the new arena generate? How much tax revenue will be collected above what is currently? That's the limit of where public dollars should be contributed.
I think there's an increase in tax revenue generation if the city/metro area didn't have a team beforehand, but likely no net increase if a new one is built. After all, it's just moving money from one neighborhood/town/district to another. But even then, it takes 2-3 decades or more to make that all up, and that's only if they're a consistently successful franchise; just in enough time for the owners to beg for another arena...
Quote from: Verlanka on September 02, 2020, 06:58:31 AM
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Well, the Clippers did play some games in Anaheim in the 90s...
The more I think about it, the more I believe the Clippers made the right choice. They still are top 10 in terms of attendance at the Staples Center, and I'm not sure Orange County is where and NBA team wants to be located.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:33:47 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on September 02, 2020, 06:58:31 AM
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Well, the Clippers did play some games in Anaheim in the 90s...
The more I think about it, the more I believe the Clippers made the right choice. They still are top 10 in terms of attendance at the Staples Center, and I'm not sure Orange County is where and NBA team wants to be located.
By the way, this isn't meant as a political statement. From my anecdotal experience, NBA crowds are younger and more diverse than NFL or MLB crowds. Arenas located more toward the urban center makes sense. That is likely why almost all NBA arenas are "downtown." Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State have all moved to arenas located closer to the urban center of their respective metropolitan areas recently.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:42:24 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:33:47 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on September 02, 2020, 06:58:31 AM
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Well, the Clippers did play some games in Anaheim in the 90s...
The more I think about it, the more I believe the Clippers made the right choice. They still are top 10 in terms of attendance at the Staples Center, and I'm not sure Orange County is where and NBA team wants to be located.
By the way, this isn't meant as a political statement. From my anecdotal experience, NBA crowds are younger and more diverse than NFL or MLB crowds. Arenas located more toward the urban center makes sense. That is likely why almost all NBA arenas are "downtown." Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State have all moved to arenas located closer to the urban center of their respective metropolitan areas recently.
Though even if it was political statement, it would be correct because the NBA has alienated a lot of its right wing fanbase recently, or at least the casual fans who are right leaning. Putting all politics aside, it's clear that the NBA is not thinking in terms of money as they've been airing playoff games in the middle of the day, on weekdays, since their restart. :confused:
Quote from: thspfc on September 02, 2020, 04:30:21 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:42:24 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:33:47 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on September 02, 2020, 06:58:31 AM
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Well, the Clippers did play some games in Anaheim in the 90s...
The more I think about it, the more I believe the Clippers made the right choice. They still are top 10 in terms of attendance at the Staples Center, and I'm not sure Orange County is where and NBA team wants to be located.
By the way, this isn't meant as a political statement. From my anecdotal experience, NBA crowds are younger and more diverse than NFL or MLB crowds. Arenas located more toward the urban center makes sense. That is likely why almost all NBA arenas are "downtown." Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State have all moved to arenas located closer to the urban center of their respective metropolitan areas recently.
Though even if it was political statement, it would be correct because the NBA has alienated a lot of its right wing fanbase recently, or at least the casual fans who are right leaning. Putting all politics aside, it's clear that the NBA is not thinking in terms of money as they've been airing playoff games in the middle of the day, on weekdays, since their restart. :confused:
Just the first round. Now that they are into just four series, they are airing one in the early evening and one later. I think that is all part of the negotiation with the players, who want as short a time in the bubble as possible.
And the NBA knows what it's doing with its fanbase.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 04:47:48 PM
Quote from: thspfc on September 02, 2020, 04:30:21 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:42:24 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:33:47 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on September 02, 2020, 06:58:31 AM
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Well, the Clippers did play some games in Anaheim in the 90s...
The more I think about it, the more I believe the Clippers made the right choice. They still are top 10 in terms of attendance at the Staples Center, and I'm not sure Orange County is where and NBA team wants to be located.
By the way, this isn't meant as a political statement. From my anecdotal experience, NBA crowds are younger and more diverse than NFL or MLB crowds. Arenas located more toward the urban center makes sense. That is likely why almost all NBA arenas are "downtown." Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State have all moved to arenas located closer to the urban center of their respective metropolitan areas recently.
Though even if it was political statement, it would be correct because the NBA has alienated a lot of its right wing fanbase recently, or at least the casual fans who are right leaning. Putting all politics aside, it's clear that the NBA is not thinking in terms of money as they've been airing playoff games in the middle of the day, on weekdays, since their restart. :confused:
Just the first round. Now that they are into just four series, they are airing one in the early evening and one later. I think that is all part of the negotiation with the players, who want as short a time in the bubble as possible.
And the NBA knows what it's doing with its fanbase.
Ah, I thought they were still having midday games for some reason.
Quote from: thspfc on September 02, 2020, 05:06:04 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 04:47:48 PM
Quote from: thspfc on September 02, 2020, 04:30:21 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:42:24 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:33:47 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on September 02, 2020, 06:58:31 AM
Quote from: I-55 on September 01, 2020, 12:37:45 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 01, 2020, 09:50:02 AM
I have always thought the Clippers should have moved out there to develop their own identity.
I'm going to assume you meant to quote the previous post and have the Clippers in Anaheim?
Well, the Clippers did play some games in Anaheim in the 90s...
The more I think about it, the more I believe the Clippers made the right choice. They still are top 10 in terms of attendance at the Staples Center, and I'm not sure Orange County is where and NBA team wants to be located.
By the way, this isn't meant as a political statement. From my anecdotal experience, NBA crowds are younger and more diverse than NFL or MLB crowds. Arenas located more toward the urban center makes sense. That is likely why almost all NBA arenas are "downtown." Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State have all moved to arenas located closer to the urban center of their respective metropolitan areas recently.
Though even if it was political statement, it would be correct because the NBA has alienated a lot of its right wing fanbase recently, or at least the casual fans who are right leaning. Putting all politics aside, it's clear that the NBA is not thinking in terms of money as they've been airing playoff games in the middle of the day, on weekdays, since their restart. :confused:
Just the first round. Now that they are into just four series, they are airing one in the early evening and one later. I think that is all part of the negotiation with the players, who want as short a time in the bubble as possible.
And the NBA knows what it's doing with its fanbase.
Ah, I thought they were still having midday games for some reason.
Actually you are right about this. The Bucks play Game 3 at 2:30 Central tomorrow on ABC. Wonder if they feel the Friday of Labor Day is going to be a decent for ratings.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:42:24 PM
By the way, this isn't meant as a political statement. From my anecdotal experience, NBA crowds are younger and more diverse than NFL or MLB crowds. Arenas located more toward the urban center makes sense. That is likely why almost all NBA arenas are "downtown." Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State have all moved to arenas located closer to the urban center of their respective metropolitan areas recently.
I've seen polling data that confirms your observation about the politics of NBA fans, but those same polls show that NFL football has across the board appeal regardless of politics. That was just a couple years ago. They also showed the sport with the most left-leaning fans was tennis. Which surprised me since tennis strikes me as a country club sport for rich people with an inheritance to protect. The sport with the most conservative fan base was not surprising though: stock car racing. Some stereotypes are true. :P
Quote from: triplemultiplex on September 03, 2020, 09:00:56 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:42:24 PM
By the way, this isn't meant as a political statement. From my anecdotal experience, NBA crowds are younger and more diverse than NFL or MLB crowds. Arenas located more toward the urban center makes sense. That is likely why almost all NBA arenas are "downtown." Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State have all moved to arenas located closer to the urban center of their respective metropolitan areas recently.
I've seen polling data that confirms your observation about the politics of NBA fans, but those same polls show that NFL football has across the board appeal regardless of politics. That was just a couple years ago. They also showed the sport with the most left-leaning fans was tennis. Which surprised me since tennis strikes me as a country club sport for rich people with an inheritance to protect. The sport with the most conservative fan base was not surprising though: stock car racing. Some stereotypes are true. :P
Indeed. You-know-who was a major presence at the Daytona 500 this year, and, well, look how the reaction to the Confederate flag ban was at first.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on August 31, 2020, 02:22:02 AM
Quote from: Alps on August 27, 2020, 03:57:58 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 27, 2020, 12:55:08 PM
I normally don't chime in on the Sports threads but I came across this article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer regarding the Sixers are targeting Penn's Landing for a potential new basketball arena (https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-76ers-penns-landing-new-arena-20200826.html) & thought it would be of interest.
Granted, if this proposal were ever to happen at all; such would be years away. The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031.
The comments in the article are pretty feisty. Opposition to the use of taxpayer funds to build this facility is coming from both liberals & conservatives.
Taxpayer funding is a mixed bag. How much actual economic growth will the new arena generate? How much tax revenue will be collected above what is currently? That's the limit of where public dollars should be contributed.
I just think it is totally ridiculous for the hockey team and basketball team in the same city to play in separate arenas (obviously, cities with multiple teams notwithstanding, but even LA has 3 teams playing at Staples Center; plus I consider the fact the Sharks use San Jose as the city name a valid reason to keep separate from the Warriors). Even the Pistons abandoned auburn Hills and joined the Red Wings at the Pizza! Pizza! Center. The Sports Complex has been there for 49 years now and is perfectly accessible from 95, the Schuykill, and the Orange Line, and has plenty of parking. Parking near Center City is at a premium. I lived in Philly when Wells Fargo opened and when The Vet was still there, so now I really feel old.
Not sure when that area received its
Sports Complex moniker, but the old Spectrum first opened in 1967 and JFK (originally Municipal) Stadium was around much longer.
The issue with the proposed Penns Landing location is that while I-95, 676 & SEPTA's Market-Frankford (Blue) Line are within proximity; such are not necessarily conveniently accessible. While the site is accessible to/from I-95 from points north and to/from I-676 from Center City & points west; access to/from I-95 from points south is more cumbersome (ramps are either further south and/or only accessible from west of Penns Landing).
The nearest SEPTA station is the 2nd Street Station along the Market-Frankford Line which is located on the opposite side of I-95 with respect to Penns Landing. Such would be more of an uphill walk (crossing over I-95 & Columbus Blvd.) than a walk from the Sports Complex to the NRG/Pattison Ave. Station at the Broad St. Line.
As far as the 76ers seeking their own facility is concerned; the team's owner, then-Harold Katz, went down this road before circa 1993 before the then-proposed Spectrum II was built (opened as the then-CoreStates Center). Katz had a deal with then-NJ Gov. Jim Florio to build an arena across the river. However, when Christie Whitman defeated Florio in the '93 Governor's race & learned that taxpayer money was going to used for the endeavor; she halted such right then and there. Needless to say, Harold Katz wasn't too pleased with such but wound up (reluctantly) signing the lease for the current facility in South Philadelphia.
Whether the Sixers current owner, Josh Harris, will try to do similar be it at Penns Landing or across the river is not yet known.
Of course the Penns Landing proposal is
supposedly including the development/building of other venues along Columbus Blvd. as a means of getting the city officials and the like on-board & supporting this project. However, if past experience at other venues, including the Rivers (formerly SugarHouse) Casino, is any indication; those other adjacent residual development projects, more often than not, are either hopelessly delayed or altogether dropped. Case & point: when the then-SugarHouse Casino was proposed, the overall plan included a multi-story hotel and several shops along Delaware Ave. as part of the overall development package. To date, only the casino and multi-level parking garage were built. The sites where the shops were to be built in front of the casino are still open-air parking lots.
Bottom line: I would not hold my breath regarding the other development outside the arena and related parking facility upgrades becoming reality.
Quote from: Takumi on September 03, 2020, 09:35:55 PM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on September 03, 2020, 09:00:56 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 02, 2020, 02:42:24 PM
By the way, this isn't meant as a political statement. From my anecdotal experience, NBA crowds are younger and more diverse than NFL or MLB crowds. Arenas located more toward the urban center makes sense. That is likely why almost all NBA arenas are "downtown." Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State have all moved to arenas located closer to the urban center of their respective metropolitan areas recently.
I've seen polling data that confirms your observation about the politics of NBA fans, but those same polls show that NFL football has across the board appeal regardless of politics. That was just a couple years ago. They also showed the sport with the most left-leaning fans was tennis. Which surprised me since tennis strikes me as a country club sport for rich people with an inheritance to protect. The sport with the most conservative fan base was not surprising though: stock car racing. Some stereotypes are true. :P
Indeed. You-know-who was a major presence at the Daytona 500 this year, and, well, look how the reaction to the Confederate flag ban was at first.
Yeah, we defintiely found out who NASCAR's fans really are after the flag ban.
I honestly forgot this league was still going until I saw the Rockets/Lakers game last night
It looks like the 76ers plan for a new arena at Penn's Landing was dashed in favor of another development; one that will
not use taxpayer funds.
New York's Durst selected to develop Penn's Landing over 76ers arena proposal (https://www.inquirer.com/business/penns-landing-developer-selection-drwc-vote-durst-sixers-76ers-arena-stadium-20200909.html)
Quote from: Inquirer ArticleThe Durst Organization of New York has been selected to redevelop Penn's Landing, ending efforts by the Philadelphia 76ers to build themselves a new basketball arena there.
...
In choosing Durst's 3.5 million-square-foot proposal, the board rejected a plan pushed by the 76ers that the team valued at $4 billion, but that would have required a big tax break.
...
Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement later Wednesday that he welcomed Durst's plan to complete its project "without the need for a taxpayer subsidy."
That was fast. Easy come-easy go for the Sixers.
Miami Heat in the Finals! :cool:
Quote from: formulanone on September 28, 2020, 09:55:05 AM
Miami Heat in the Finals! :cool:
Gotta love those ratings though, the NBA which was built up in popularity by the likes of Bird, Johnson, and Jordan has now been decimated by Lebron James.
I'm not much of a fan of the whole "Canada's team" label applied to the raptors, but last year there were viewing parties outdoors all across Canada watching the Raptors. How do the Raps respond the next year? They stick up a giant middle finger to all Canadian fans by not standing for a second for O Canada.
Quote from: MisterSG1 on October 07, 2020, 09:23:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on September 28, 2020, 09:55:05 AM
Miami Heat in the Finals! :cool:
Gotta love those ratings though, the NBA which was built up in popularity by the likes of Bird, Johnson, and Jordan has now been decimated by Lebron James.
I'm not much of a fan of the whole "Canada's team" label applied to the raptors, but last year there were viewing parties outdoors all across Canada watching the Raptors. How do the Raps respond the next year? They stick up a giant middle finger to all Canadian fans by not standing for a second for O Canada.
Well, the Grizzlies left Vancouver in 2001, so the Raptors are the only team in Canada. Same goes for the Blue Jays, because the Expos left Montreal in 2004 and now have greater success as the Washington Nationals. Speaking of which, were the Blue Jays called Canada's team during their postseason run in the early 90s?
Quote from: Henry on October 08, 2020, 10:31:08 AM
Quote from: MisterSG1 on October 07, 2020, 09:23:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on September 28, 2020, 09:55:05 AM
Miami Heat in the Finals! :cool:
Gotta love those ratings though, the NBA which was built up in popularity by the likes of Bird, Johnson, and Jordan has now been decimated by Lebron James.
I'm not much of a fan of the whole "Canada's team" label applied to the raptors, but last year there were viewing parties outdoors all across Canada watching the Raptors. How do the Raps respond the next year? They stick up a giant middle finger to all Canadian fans by not standing for a second for O Canada.
Well, the Grizzlies left Vancouver in 2001, so the Raptors are the only team in Canada. Same goes for the Blue Jays, because the Expos left Montreal in 2004 and now have greater success as the Washington Nationals. Speaking of which, were the Blue Jays called Canada's team during their postseason run in the early 90s?
What I was more complaining about was the silly "nationalism" surrounding the team. You see it all the time here with the NHL, how people are coerced into rooting for teams that would normally be enemies just because they are "Canadian teams".
Despite the Raptors last year winning, only one player was from Canada on that team, and he did not play a second on the court in the Finals last year. Yet it was seen as something that "Canada" won by many. Mind you this was not as bad as when the Blue Jays won in the early 90s, which was before my time mostly but I've seen clips of the victory parade. You can see clips on youtube of it, it seems more like some sort of stereotypical military rally than anything else with people on the streets waving miniature Canadian flags. It's incredibly hypocritical because the Canadian media goes after anyone in a stadium within the US who chants USA against a "Canadian team" in any of the pro sports leagues. Aren't these one in the same? Not that I like either one, but what's different about the fan who chants USA in a playoff series against the Raptors to the fan who brings Canadian flags to games? (you saw this plenty in Oakland last year during the NBA Finals)
Honestly, the only thing Canadian about the Raptors or the Blue Jays is where they play their games and their ownership.
I hope the Los Angeles Lakers finish off the Miami Heat tonight. I'd like nothing more than for my favorite player, LeBron James, to get his 4th championship ring. It would suck to see him fall to 3-7 in NBA Finals appearances.
The Lakers had won the 2020 championship but the ratings fallen down. https://kwwl.com/2020/10/12/nba-finals-suffer-massive-drop-in-ratings/
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on October 09, 2020, 08:14:59 PM
I hope the Los Angeles Lakers finish off the Miami Heat tonight. I'd like nothing more than for my favorite player, LeBron James, to get his 4th championship ring. It would suck to see him fall to 3-7 in NBA Finals appearances.
What gets me is that there are still people out there that still want to put him on the level of Michael Jordan. Micheal Jordan wasn't on teams that lost a crap ton of NBA finals (much less conference finals). Lebron James might be in the top five as far as best basketball ball players but even if he got to six championships in the next two years he'd only be .500 in the finals. That coupled with the fact he's needed to jump around from team to team will keep him in my opinion from that level of someone like Jordan.
Love him or hate him, there's no denying that LeBron James gave the Lakers their most deserving championship, especially after the death of Kobe Bryant. He and GiGi would be proud of their accomplishments.
The Lakers dedicated their shortened NBA season and their championship ring to #8 and 24, Kobe Bryant (his birth month and date: 8/24) who was killed back in January along with his daughter and 7 others in a youth sports team in the ill-fated copter crash in Calabasas outside of L.A. The Clippers did good this year, but again failed to get past the second round. Fun fact the L.A. Clippers' developmental team: The Agua Caliente Clippers are named for the Agua Caliente Cahuilla tribe in Palm Springs but play in Ontario, CA and their nearest rival the South Bay Lakers play in the Lakers' training facility in El Segundo, CA.
I really should bet on NBA games, this entire playoff season was so predictable outside of the Heat
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on October 12, 2020, 09:32:20 AM
The Lakers had won the 2020 championship but the ratings fallen down. https://kwwl.com/2020/10/12/nba-finals-suffer-massive-drop-in-ratings/
I think COVID and the bubble had something to do with the drop in ratings. It's going to take a while for the NBA to break even ratings wise. Adam Silver somehow continually gets boat raced by the NFL during the fall season. The NBA needs to find a better viewing product because let's look ten years down the road from now: not a lot of Americans will watch sports on their TV's or listen to games on traditional radio anymore. Where does the NBA need to go? Those with smartphones or smart tablets. Why? Because the current demographic the NBA serves consume their content using smartphones and tablets. You also have those with Xbox and Playstation consoles that have the ability to stream live NBA games. I feel the NBA is restrictive using the traditional broadcasting model and that could be why the ratings look shoddy. I could be totally off, but, given our current situation, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
Klay :(
We're just three weeks away from the start of a new season...
The Atlanta Hawks have dismissed Lloyd Pierce as their coach.
Bulls have actually been watchable this season. Zach/Coby duo is :love: :love:
Quote from: ET21 on March 02, 2021, 09:12:59 AM
Bulls have actually been watchable this season. Zach/Coby duo is :love: :love:
Unfortunately you ran into Mr. Jokic last night who should be MVP. If the Nuggets record was better (they need to get healthy), he'd be a no-brainer.
Chris
Five more days to the All-Star Game, which is now a fan-free mega-event in Atlanta with the normal Saturday events being held on the same night. From what I understand, the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Shootout will take place before the game, and the Slam Dunk Contest at halftime.
I guess this is more or less the official NBA thread on this forum, so I'll drop FiveThirtyEight's 2021-22 NBA predictions here:
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-nba-predictions/
Quote from: webny99 on October 19, 2021, 10:44:04 AM
I guess this is more or less the official NBA thread on this forum, so I'll drop FiveThirtyEight's 2021-22 NBA predictions here:
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-nba-predictions/
I understand why they use ELO ratings, but they are based too much on previous years.
Underrated: Nuggets, Warriors, Lakers, Heat
Overrated: Clippers, Celtics, Timberwolves
Chris
https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/19/ben-simmons-76ers-suspension-season-opener
yikes
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 19, 2021, 10:53:07 AM
Quote from: webny99 on October 19, 2021, 10:44:04 AM
I guess this is more or less the official NBA thread on this forum, so I'll drop FiveThirtyEight's 2021-22 NBA predictions here:
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-nba-predictions/
I understand why they use ELO ratings, but they are based too much on previous years.
Underrated: Nuggets, Warriors, Lakers, Heat
Overrated: Clippers, Celtics, Timberwolves
On that note, I haven't listened to this week's sports podcast from FiveThirtyEight yet, but there's presumably some discussion of your point, given that it's titled
Why Our Model (Still) Hates The Lakers (https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-our-model-still-hates-the-lakers/) :D
The Bucks begin their title defense by beating many prognisticator's favorite to win the title this season, the Nets 127-104. Fear the Dear!
Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 19, 2021, 11:16:05 PM
The Bucks begin their title defense by beating many prognisticator's favorite to win the title this season, the Nets 127-104. Fear the Dear!
Oh Dear ;)
I live in a neighborhood called Deerwood. The Bucks are a favorite of mine. Go figure.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on October 20, 2021, 12:13:58 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 19, 2021, 11:16:05 PM
The Bucks begin their title defense by beating many prognisticator's favorite to win the title this season, the Nets 127-104. Fear the Dear!
Oh Dear ;)
I live in a neighborhood called Deerwood. The Bucks are a favorite of mine. Go figure.
Dang typos!
Celtics lost. Spoiled Brown's great day.
And my Nugs got some vengeance against the Suns. Shocking what happens when you actually have some healthy guards.
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 21, 2021, 12:40:18 PM
And my Nugs got some vengeance against the Suns. Shocking what happens when you actually have some healthy guards.
Chris
Nuggets gonna be scary when Jamal Murry comes back.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on October 21, 2021, 02:49:28 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 21, 2021, 12:40:18 PM
And my Nugs got some vengeance against the Suns. Shocking what happens when you actually have some healthy guards.
Chris
Nuggets gonna be scary when Jamal Murry comes back.
Yeah. Not a lot of people have a four headed monster like Jokic, Murray, MPJ, and Aaron Gordon.
Chris
Guess what everyone?
Draymond Green just took a knee to the n×ts!
EDIT: he's ok now, but still..
Hey look, Bulls aren't hot garbage so far. In fact, they are fun to watch!!
Quote from: ET21 on November 04, 2021, 05:49:39 PM
Hey look, Bulls aren't hot garbage so far. In fact, they are fun to watch!!
I concur! Hoping they get that elusive seventh ring sooner than later... :)
The Rockets went from absolutely disastrous to the hottest team in the NBA over the past couple weeks. After starting 1-16, they've rattled off 7 straight wins. They are the only team in NBA history to have a 15 game losing streak and a 7 game winning streak in the same season (let alone back-to-back). And remarkably, they are only 4 games behind for a potential playoff spot in a weak Western conference. I don't usually care for basketball, but this Rockets team looks like it could make some noise in a couple years.
WTF Celtics
If any Brooklyn Nets player gets caught with the COVID omicron virus and had close contact with Kyrie, it will fall on Kyrie, not the GM, the president, ownership group, the fans, or broadcasters. If he wishes to continue this anti-vax charade, good for him. Keep him out of Barclay Center for the rest of the NBA season and put him on the trade block. Brooklyn has enough headaches already on their own. They didn't need him in preseason, they don't need him now. Though, they got their backs against the wall with three more players contracting this stupid ass COVID bug. So, good luck not contracting the bug from a petty no-vax-for-me goober, Nets fans, and to coach Steve Nash.
OMG, the Orlando Magic won 3 games out of 4...oh...they're spoiling the tank...MY HEART! AGGHHH!
Bulls are so injured but still doing good. This team has been great to watch
Quote from: ET21 on February 07, 2022, 05:08:35 PM
Bulls are so injured but still doing good. This team has been great to watch
Too bad I missed out on watching them in person during their two championship runs in the 90s, but it's fun seeing them play well again. And that's something I haven't said about Chicago since 2011, when they were the top seed in the East and lost to Miami in the conference finals.
Quote from: webny99 on October 19, 2021, 07:29:14 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 19, 2021, 10:53:07 AM
Quote from: webny99 on October 19, 2021, 10:44:04 AM
I guess this is more or less the official NBA thread on this forum, so I'll drop FiveThirtyEight's 2021-22 NBA predictions here:
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-nba-predictions/
I understand why they use ELO ratings, but they are based too much on previous years.
Underrated: Nuggets, Warriors, Lakers, Heat
Overrated: Clippers, Celtics, Timberwolves
On that note, I haven't listened to this week's sports podcast from FiveThirtyEight yet, but there's presumably some discussion of your point, given that it's titled Why Our Model (Still) Hates The Lakers (https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-our-model-still-hates-the-lakers/) :D
Maybe the model was right to be skeptical of the Lakers after all. They were officially eliminated last night, with the Suns ending their season for the 2nd year in a row.
I had some hits and misses.
Hits:
Warriors, Heat, Clippers
Misses:
Lakers, Celtics, Timberwolves
Neutral:
Nuggets
Injuries obviously play quite a role in all of it, but the Lakers just suck minus LeBron who actually played great this year.
As the Celtics rose the Lakers crashed and burned :bigass:
More Lakers analysis: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/this-lakers-season-was-a-trainwreck-and-theres-no-easy-way-to-get-back-on-track/
Celtics will be the 2 seed in the playoffs, very happy with the turnaround.
For the second year in a row, my Houston Rockets are guaranteed to get one of the top four picks in the NBA Draft Lottery next month. Also now would be a good time to consider getting Frank Vogel to try to steer our ship in a better direction. Kenny Smith would also make a good coach in the NBA.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 12, 2022, 01:38:27 AM
For the second year in a row, my Houston Rockets are guaranteed to get one of the top four picks in the NBA Draft Lottery next month. Also now would be a good time to consider getting Frank Vogel to try to steer our ship in a better direction. Kenny Smith would also make a good coach in the NBA.
Is Stephen Silas not a good coach?
^ Not saying we need to get rid of Stephen (maybe move him down to assistant coach), just that now would be a good time to consider someone else as head coach. But also let's see who we pick up in the draft; the Rockets will need to upgrade just about everywhere, talentwise and healthwise.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 12, 2022, 12:42:12 PM
^ Not saying we need to get rid of Stephen (maybe move him down to assistant coach), just that now would be a good time to consider someone else as head coach. But also let's see who we pick up in the draft; the Rockets will need to upgrade just about everywhere, talentwise and healthwise.
Has any head coach ever been demoted? Doesn't seem like it would work.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 12, 2022, 01:13:41 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 12, 2022, 12:42:12 PM
^ Not saying we need to get rid of Stephen (maybe move him down to assistant coach), just that now would be a good time to consider someone else as head coach. But also let's see who we pick up in the draft; the Rockets will need to upgrade just about everywhere, talentwise and healthwise.
Has any head coach ever been demoted? Doesn't seem like it would work.
They're not making Alvin Gentry the permanent coach of the Kings, but offering him a job instead in the front office, per reports. That's about the closest I can think of.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 12, 2022, 01:13:41 PMHas any head coach ever been demoted? Doesn't seem like it would work.
It happened at least once that I know of: Kurt Rambis was the head coach of the LA Lakers in the 1999 season, then was downgraded to an assistant coach when his successor Phil Jackson took over as coach the next season.
Kudos to the Barclays Center fir playing the Dropkick Murphy's, as KD, Kyrie and the Nets are literally shipping up to Boston.
Wow what a second play in game, congrats to the Timberwolves
What do you all think of the Cavaliers and Clippers chances in the next play-in round?
Quote from: webny99 on April 13, 2022, 11:30:18 AM
What do you all think of the Cavaliers and Clippers chances in the next play-in round?
I think the Pelicans and the Hawks come out of the West and East respectively. I wouldn't be surprised by the Cavs, but I think Trae shows up.
If and when the midseason tournament ever comes to fruition, how would the scheduling formula change? Right now, it goes this way:
4 division opponents x 3 = 12 games
10 non-division opponents in same conference x 4 = 40 games
15 interconference opponents x 2 = 30 games
Grand total = 82 games
OAN, I find it ironic that the Cavs made the play-in tournament, while LeBron and the Lakers have taken an early vacation.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 11:32:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 13, 2022, 11:30:18 AM
What do you all think of the Cavaliers and Clippers chances in the next play-in round?
I think the Pelicans and the Hawks come out of the West and East respectively. I wouldn't be surprised by the Cavs, but I think Trae shows up.
Hawks maybe but I think that the Clippers beat the Pels or Spurs.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 13, 2022, 02:03:36 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 11:32:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 13, 2022, 11:30:18 AM
What do you all think of the Cavaliers and Clippers chances in the next play-in round?
I think the Pelicans and the Hawks come out of the West and East respectively. I wouldn't be surprised by the Cavs, but I think Trae shows up.
Hawks maybe but I think that the Clippers beat the Pels or Spurs.
RIP Clippers
Quote from: ET21 on April 14, 2022, 10:44:58 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 13, 2022, 02:03:36 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 11:32:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 13, 2022, 11:30:18 AM
What do you all think of the Cavaliers and Clippers chances in the next play-in round?
I think the Pelicans and the Hawks come out of the West and East respectively. I wouldn't be surprised by the Cavs, but I think Trae shows up.
Hawks maybe but I think that the Clippers beat the Pels or Spurs.
RIP Clippers
Pels did look good in the play in game but that was at home, we will see how they fare in Los Angeles.
https://www.facebook.com/ESPN/photos/a.114588455254586/5779353238778051/
Apparently, Draymond and Steph are trying to re-spark the debate about the 2016 Warriors being the greatest NBA team ever. Although it would be an interesting debate, I along with most other NBA fans are in the same sentiment that the 2016 Warriors team is not the greatest ever.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 15, 2022, 05:49:26 AM
:-/ :-|
https://www.facebook.com/ESPN/photos/a.114588455254586/5779353238778051/
Apparently, Draymond and Steph are trying to re-spark the debate about the 2016 Warriors being the greatest NBA team ever. Although it would be an interesting debate, I along with most other NBA fans are in the same sentiment that the 2016 Warriors team is not the greatest ever.
Perhaps the greatest regular season team in NBA history, tho even that's debatable. Just like the 2007 Patriots.
Actually, I think he meant the 2016-17 team.
https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/draymond_green_says_the_2016_17_warriors_are_the_greatest_team_ever_i_cant_see_anyone_beating_that_team/s1_16751_37403863
As much as I hate the Bulls, their 1995-96 team was the best I've seen play.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2022, 08:13:43 AM
As much as I hate the Bulls, their 1995-96 team was the best I've seen play.
Never watched the Bulls, but I'd put the 2017 Warriors over them as they only lost 1 game in the playoffs too an outstanding Cavs team. Would put the 96 Bulls in second.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2022, 08:13:43 AM
As much as I hate the Bulls, their 1995-96 team was the best I've seen play.
Never watched the Bulls, but I'd put the 2017 Warriors over them as they only lost 1 game in the playoffs too an outstanding Cavs team. Would put the 96 Bulls in second.
Unfortunately, you have to watch the Bulls to know how tough they were. They were more dominant against their era than the Warriors against theirs in my opinion.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 15, 2022, 07:30:06 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 15, 2022, 05:49:26 AM
:-/ :-|
https://www.facebook.com/ESPN/photos/a.114588455254586/5779353238778051/
Apparently, Draymond and Steph are trying to re-spark the debate about the 2016 Warriors being the greatest NBA team ever. Although it would be an interesting debate, I along with most other NBA fans are in the same sentiment that the 2016 Warriors team is not the greatest ever.
Perhaps the greatest regular season team in NBA history, tho even that's debatable. Just like the 2007 Patriots.
Or the 2001 Mariners and 1906 Cubs, who had the most wins in a single season but never won the World Series.
And FWIW, the 1995-96 Bulls remain the NBA's pinnacle of greatness. 72 wins and a championship, that's all that matters.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 15, 2022, 09:26:57 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2022, 08:13:43 AM
As much as I hate the Bulls, their 1995-96 team was the best I've seen play.
Never watched the Bulls, but I'd put the 2017 Warriors over them as they only lost 1 game in the playoffs too an outstanding Cavs team. Would put the 96 Bulls in second.
Unfortunately, you have to watch the Bulls to know how tough they were. They were more dominant against their era than the Warriors against theirs in my opinion.
Exactly, I'm convinced that Bulls team would have won't 75-78 games that year had they not given guys nights off. That Bulls team arguably had more difficult competition from teams that were established longer before star players moved around like they do now.
Paul George has Covid. Looks like my Pels pick will be good.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 15, 2022, 09:26:57 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2022, 08:13:43 AM
As much as I hate the Bulls, their 1995-96 team was the best I've seen play.
Never watched the Bulls, but I'd put the 2017 Warriors over them as they only lost 1 game in the playoffs too an outstanding Cavs team. Would put the 96 Bulls in second.
Unfortunately, you have to watch the Bulls to know how tough they were. They were more dominant against their era than the Warriors against theirs in my opinion.
Both teams are outstanding. Those are the 2 best in NBA history. I would love to see the teams play a 7 game series, not sure who would win. It goes to 7 regardless.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 01:42:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 15, 2022, 09:26:57 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2022, 08:13:43 AM
As much as I hate the Bulls, their 1995-96 team was the best I've seen play.
Never watched the Bulls, but I'd put the 2017 Warriors over them as they only lost 1 game in the playoffs too an outstanding Cavs team. Would put the 96 Bulls in second.
Unfortunately, you have to watch the Bulls to know how tough they were. They were more dominant against their era than the Warriors against theirs in my opinion.
Both teams are outstanding. Those are the 2 best in NBA history. I would love to see the teams play a 7 game series, not sure who would win. It goes to 7 regardless.
100% the Warriors would win. And this is coming from someone who said that Bulls team is the best ever.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 15, 2022, 01:44:18 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 01:42:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 15, 2022, 09:26:57 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2022, 08:13:43 AM
As much as I hate the Bulls, their 1995-96 team was the best I've seen play.
Never watched the Bulls, but I'd put the 2017 Warriors over them as they only lost 1 game in the playoffs too an outstanding Cavs team. Would put the 96 Bulls in second.
Unfortunately, you have to watch the Bulls to know how tough they were. They were more dominant against their era than the Warriors against theirs in my opinion.
Both teams are outstanding. Those are the 2 best in NBA history. I would love to see the teams play a 7 game series, not sure who would win. It goes to 7 regardless.
100% the Warriors would win. And this is coming from someone who said that Bulls team is the best ever.
Different rule sets and different eras. I don't think that the Warriors would necessarily translate super smoothly into past eras of the NBA that emphasized defense late like the mid/late 1990s.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2022, 01:47:12 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 15, 2022, 01:44:18 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 01:42:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 15, 2022, 09:26:57 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2022, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2022, 08:13:43 AM
As much as I hate the Bulls, their 1995-96 team was the best I've seen play.
Never watched the Bulls, but I'd put the 2017 Warriors over them as they only lost 1 game in the playoffs too an outstanding Cavs team. Would put the 96 Bulls in second.
Unfortunately, you have to watch the Bulls to know how tough they were. They were more dominant against their era than the Warriors against theirs in my opinion.
Both teams are outstanding. Those are the 2 best in NBA history. I would love to see the teams play a 7 game series, not sure who would win. It goes to 7 regardless.
100% the Warriors would win. And this is coming from someone who said that Bulls team is the best ever.
Different rule sets and different eras. I don't think that the Warriors would necessarily translate super smoothly into past eras of the NBA that emphasized defense late like the mid/late 1990s.
And I don't think the Bulls would be set up to defend 6'10" dudes that shoot threes more than post up. They'd be opened up. Also, 3 > 2.
More specifically... who guards who?
Ron Harper against Steph Curry. Huge advantage Warriors.
Scottie Pippen against Kevin Durant. Slight advantage Warriors.
Michael Jordan against Klay Thompson. Moderate advantage Bulls. (Not huge advantage because Klay's range would draw Jordan out on D affecting the rest of the team)
Luc Longley against Zaza Pachulia. Huge advantage Warriors.
Dennis Rodman against Draymond Green. Would be so much fun, let's call it a draw, but ever so slightly advantage prime Draymond if you ask me.
First guys off the bench:
Toni Kukoc against Andre Iguadola. Moderate advantage Warriors.
All right, the playoff matchups are now officially set!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Heat vs. (8) Bucks
(2) Celtics vs. (7) Nets
(3) Bucks vs. (6) Bulls
(4) 76ers vs. (5) Raptors
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Suns vs. (8) Pelicans
(2) Grizzlies vs. (7) Timberwolves
(3) Warriors vs. (6) Nuggets
(4) Mavericks vs. (5) Jazz
Who ya got winning it all?
Poor Clippers. Lose their best player for the play in-game and then promptly lose.
The fact that the GS Warriors needed to add Kevin Durant to elevate them is proof alone that the 2016 team wasn't the best ever; if it was, they would not even have needed to go after Durant. I look at it this way: if the 1996 Bulls played in 2016 (with 2016 rules in place), I believe they win almost 80 games in the regular season; while the 2016 Warriors would be happy just to make the playoffs if they played in 1996. The Western Conference was way more loaded in the mid-1990's than was in the mid-2010's
I would also put the Shaq/Kobe Lakers over the 2016 Warriors. Speaking of the Lakers, I would also put the Showtime 80's Lakers over them.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 11:32:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 13, 2022, 11:30:18 AM
What do you all think of the Cavaliers and Clippers chances in the next play-in round?
I think the Pelicans and the Hawks come out of the West and East respectively. I wouldn't be surprised by the Cavs, but I think Trae shows up.
As I said.
Quote from: KCRoadFan on April 16, 2022, 02:46:22 AM
All right, the playoff matchups are now officially set!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Heat vs. (8) Bucks
(8) Hawks
Quote from: jgb191 on April 16, 2022, 05:56:31 AM
The fact that the GS Warriors needed to add Kevin Durant to elevate them is proof alone that the 2016 team wasn't the best ever; if it was, they would not even have needed to go after Durant. I look at it this way: if the 1996 Bulls played in 2016 (with 2016 rules in place), I believe they win almost 80 games in the regular season; while the 2016 Warriors would be happy just to make the playoffs if they played in 1996. The Western Conference was way more loaded in the mid-1990's than was in the mid-2010's
I would also put the Shaq/Kobe Lakers over the 2016 Warriors. Speaking of the Lakers, I would also put the Showtime 80's Lakers over them.
The Shaq/Kobe Lakers really get knocked down a couple pegs by how badly they were handled by the 2003-2004 Pistons (ironically my team). The Pistons had every answer for that Lakers dynasty, I couldn't see that happening to the others we talking about.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 15, 2022, 07:30:06 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 15, 2022, 05:49:26 AM
:-/ :-|
https://www.facebook.com/ESPN/photos/a.114588455254586/5779353238778051/
Apparently, Draymond and Steph are trying to re-spark the debate about the 2016 Warriors being the greatest NBA team ever. Although it would be an interesting debate, I along with most other NBA fans are in the same sentiment that the 2016 Warriors team is not the greatest ever.
Perhaps the greatest regular season team in NBA history, tho even that's debatable. Just like the 2007 Patriots.
If Green didn't kick Stephen Adams in the crotch during the Warriors/Thunder series before meeting Cleveland, then, MAYBE, MAAAAYBE I'd consider them a good team, but not on the level of the 95-96 Bulls.
Quote from: Billy F 1988 on April 16, 2022, 03:40:39 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 15, 2022, 07:30:06 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 15, 2022, 05:49:26 AM
:-/ :-|
https://www.facebook.com/ESPN/photos/a.114588455254586/5779353238778051/
Apparently, Draymond and Steph are trying to re-spark the debate about the 2016 Warriors being the greatest NBA team ever. Although it would be an interesting debate, I along with most other NBA fans are in the same sentiment that the 2016 Warriors team is not the greatest ever.
Perhaps the greatest regular season team in NBA history, tho even that's debatable. Just like the 2007 Patriots.
If Green didn't kick Stephen Adams in the crotch during the Warriors/Thunder series before meeting Cleveland, then, MAYBE, MAAAAYBE I'd consider them a good team, but not on the level of the 95-96 Bulls.
Just so I'm clear, a bonehead action by one of their players precludes them from being good?
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 16, 2022, 05:44:05 PM
Quote from: Billy F 1988 on April 16, 2022, 03:40:39 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 15, 2022, 07:30:06 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 15, 2022, 05:49:26 AM
:-/ :-|
https://www.facebook.com/ESPN/photos/a.114588455254586/5779353238778051/
Apparently, Draymond and Steph are trying to re-spark the debate about the 2016 Warriors being the greatest NBA team ever. Although it would be an interesting debate, I along with most other NBA fans are in the same sentiment that the 2016 Warriors team is not the greatest ever.
Perhaps the greatest regular season team in NBA history, tho even that's debatable. Just like the 2007 Patriots.
If Green didn't kick Stephen Adams in the crotch during the Warriors/Thunder series before meeting Cleveland, then, MAYBE, MAAAAYBE I'd consider them a good team, but not on the level of the 95-96 Bulls.
Just so I'm clear, a bonehead action by one of their players precludes them from being good?
Probably from being good enough to win the NBA Finals during said year.
Maybe it's just me and my young age, but to me it seems a lot of people are viewing the 90s Bulls and 90s NBA through rose-colored glasses. Sure, they were the best then (and up to that point), but do you really think that they would absolutely smoke today's NBA? The amount of training, practice, and time that players spend preparing to play has gone up a lot since even the 90s. Physical talent may be the same now as it was in the 90s, but physical conditioning and devotion to the game is much more sophisticated now. Just look at youth basketball. To even compete you have to practice at a high level. The 90s Bulls in today's NBA would make the playoffs no doubt, but to say that the 2010s Warriors would barely squeak into the 90s NBA playoffs seems like at best an untenable statement. Even the 2017-18 Houston Rockets would probably beat the snot out of the 90s title-winning Rockets teams.
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 16, 2022, 06:23:59 PM
Maybe it's just me and my young age, but to me it seems a lot of people are viewing the 90s Bulls and 90s NBA through rose-colored glasses. Sure, they were the best then (and up to that point), but do you really think that they would absolutely smoke today's NBA? The amount of training, practice, and time that players spend preparing to play has gone up a lot since even the 90s. Physical talent may be the same now as it was in the 90s, but physical conditioning and devotion to the game is much more sophisticated now. Just look at youth basketball. To even compete you have to practice at a high level. The 90s Bulls in today's NBA would make the playoffs no doubt, but to say that the 2010s Warriors would barely squeak into the 90s NBA playoffs seems like at best an untenable statement. Even the 2017-18 Houston Rockets would probably beat the snot out of the 90s title-winning Rockets teams.
I agree, but I think people are saying the 90's Bulls are better than the mid-2010's Warriors relative to the other 29 teams in their respective eras.
Let me just say this about pre 2010-2020s NBA: No flopping allowed.
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 16, 2022, 06:23:59 PM
Even the 2017-18 Houston Rockets would probably beat the snot out of the 90s title-winning Rockets teams.
I have seen both the championship Rockets in the mid-1990s and the pretender Rockets of the mid-2010's. Let me say this: the 1990s Rockets never missed 26 three-pointers in any single playoff game like the 2018 team did. The 1990's Rockets was a more teamwork-focused game, while the 2010's Rockets, though more talented on paper, lacked the concept of teamwork. And remember this: Teamwork ALWAYS beats talent. Also I hated the live-by-the-three, die-by-the-three approach. James Harden may be the most talented athlete to ever put on a Rockets jersey, but he'll never ever come close to the greatness of Hakeem. For that reason the mid-1990s Rockets were the best years in franchise history.
Quote from: webny99 on April 16, 2022, 07:35:08 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 16, 2022, 06:23:59 PM
Maybe it's just me and my young age, but to me it seems a lot of people are viewing the 90s Bulls and 90s NBA through rose-colored glasses. Sure, they were the best then (and up to that point), but do you really think that they would absolutely smoke today's NBA? The amount of training, practice, and time that players spend preparing to play has gone up a lot since even the 90s. Physical talent may be the same now as it was in the 90s, but physical conditioning and devotion to the game is much more sophisticated now. Just look at youth basketball. To even compete you have to practice at a high level. The 90s Bulls in today's NBA would make the playoffs no doubt, but to say that the 2010s Warriors would barely squeak into the 90s NBA playoffs seems like at best an untenable statement. Even the 2017-18 Houston Rockets would probably beat the snot out of the 90s title-winning Rockets teams.
I agree, but I think people are saying the 90's Bulls are better than the mid-2010's Warriors relative to the other 29 teams in their respective eras.
Exactly. I think the Bulls were the best but the Warriors would beat them if somehow we had a time machine. It's all about how good they were ""at the time" when you make a comparison.
Wow. What a game. Celtics-Nets isn't quite Celtics-Lakers, but it's getting there.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 16, 2022, 05:56:31 AM
The fact that the GS Warriors needed to add Kevin Durant to elevate them is proof alone that the 2016 team wasn't the best ever; if it was, they would not even have needed to go after Durant. I look at it this way: if the 1996 Bulls played in 2016 (with 2016 rules in place), I believe they win almost 80 games in the regular season; while the 2016 Warriors would be happy just to make the playoffs if they played in 1996. The Western Conference was way more loaded in the mid-1990's than was in the mid-2010's
I would also put the Shaq/Kobe Lakers over the 2016 Warriors. Speaking of the Lakers, I would also put the Showtime 80's Lakers over them.
2016 Warriors would be great in 1996. Wouldn't beat the Bulls probably, but it's asinine to think that they wouldn't be outstanding.
Wow, what a night in the NBA... first the Nets blow a 17 point lead, then the Raptors lose in OT despite never trailing in regulation (I mean, how!?) as the James Harden-less Sixers get revenge for the 2019 semifinals (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChT3ewZXTfM). Brutal and potentially season-ending losses for both teams... especially the Raptors. And at halftime, the Bulls are up 14 on the Bucks!!
Was hoping for no first round sweeps, the Pelicans did their part but it's not looking good for the Hawks or Raptors.
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2022, 11:03:41 PM
Wow, what a night in the NBA... first the Nets blow a 17 point lead, then the Raptors lose in OT despite never trailing in regulation (I mean, how!?) as the James Harden-less Sixers get revenge for the 2019 semifinals (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChT3ewZXTfM). Brutal and potentially season-ending losses for both teams... especially the Raptors. And at halftime, the Bulls are up 14 on the Bucks!!
Was hoping for no first round sweeps, the Pelicans did their part but it's not looking good for the Hawks or Raptors.
as a Knicks fan, i'm hoping the Celtics sweep first round and then get swept second round
Quote from: Alps on April 20, 2022, 11:55:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2022, 11:03:41 PM
Was hoping for no first round sweeps, the Pelicans did their part but it's not looking good for the Hawks or Raptors.
as a Knicks fan, i'm hoping the Celtics sweep first round and then get swept second round
Well, the Nets are the only winless team left, so you might get your first wish (at the expense of mine).
No way the Celtics get swept in the next round though.
Quote from: webny99 on April 24, 2022, 07:16:27 PM
Quote from: Alps on April 20, 2022, 11:55:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2022, 11:03:41 PM
Was hoping for no first round sweeps, the Pelicans did their part but it's not looking good for the Hawks or Raptors.
as a Knicks fan, i'm hoping the Celtics sweep first round and then get swept second round
Well, the Nets are the only winless team left, so you might get your first wish (at the expense of mine).
No way the Celtics get swept in the next round though.
^^^ This. Can't believe the Nets were the ONLY team to be swept in round 1.
Unrelated thought: I'm not sure if it will be Raptors-76ers, but I have a feeling a team is going to come back from 0-3 to win a series at some point this postseason. One of those things like a home team hosting the Super Bowl that's bound to happen at some point and I think this is the year.
The two most talent-loaded teams (Lakers & Nets) have a combined ZERO playoff wins.....Nets got swept in the first round and Lakers never even made the playoffs. Which further proves that talent alone does not buy you wins.
My hopes are that both teams dismantle and rebuild their roster, and the era of manufacturing super-teams is over.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 25, 2022, 11:43:48 PM
The two most talent-loaded teams (Lakers & Nets) have a combined ZERO playoff wins.....Nets got swept in the first round and Lakers never even made the playoffs. Which further proves that talent alone does not buy you wins.
My hopes are that both teams dismantle and rebuild their roster, and the era of manufacturing super-teams is over.
So far the concept really hasn't planned out for anyone. Certainly doesn't help these so called super teams barely want to play in the regular season.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 25, 2022, 11:49:41 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 25, 2022, 11:43:48 PM
The two most talent-loaded teams (Lakers & Nets) have a combined ZERO playoff wins.....Nets got swept in the first round and Lakers never even made the playoffs. Which further proves that talent alone does not buy you wins.
My hopes are that both teams dismantle and rebuild their roster, and the era of manufacturing super-teams is over.
So far the concept really hasn't planned out for anyone. Certainly doesn't help these so called super teams barely want to play in the regular season.
The Miami Heat beg to differ; they won two championships with LeBron James and Chris Bosh running the show alongside Dwyane Wade.
Quote from: Henry on April 26, 2022, 11:04:16 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 25, 2022, 11:49:41 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 25, 2022, 11:43:48 PM
The two most talent-loaded teams (Lakers & Nets) have a combined ZERO playoff wins.....Nets got swept in the first round and Lakers never even made the playoffs. Which further proves that talent alone does not buy you wins.
My hopes are that both teams dismantle and rebuild their roster, and the era of manufacturing super-teams is over.
So far the concept really hasn't planned out for anyone. Certainly doesn't help these so called super teams barely want to play in the regular season.
The Miami Heat beg to differ; they won two championships with LeBron James and Chris Bosh running the show alongside Dwyane Wade.
That's just it, they actually played together. The current super team format includes phoning in the regular season.
I mean super-teams have existed in the NBA longer than I've been alive (all the way back to the 1960's Celtics); Red Aurbach is considered one of the greatest architects in sports history along with Jerry West and Jerry Krause. My deal is players' mentality of "I want to join 'em since I can't beat 'em" to eliminate competition.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 26, 2022, 11:57:47 AM
I mean super-teams have existed in the NBA longer than I've been alive (all the way back to the 1960's Celtics); Red Aurbach is considered one of the greatest architects in sports history along with Jerry West and Jerry Krause. My deal is players' mentality of "I want to join 'em since I can't beat 'em" to eliminate competition.
Only issue is that creates a beta attitude and when teams run into an a team with Alpha types(Buck, Celtics, Suns......ie teams that draft and develop organically via trades and use free agency to fill in the smaller holes) the Alpha teams types generally win unless the Alpha type teams/players are like when the Celtics big three were old per NBA players standards.
The Heat beat the Hawks in 5 earlier today - they will face either the Sixers or the Raptors in the conference semis.
The eastern conference semifinals matchups are set: Bucks vs Celtics starts Sunday and 76ers vs Heat starts Monday!
... and the western conference matchups are now set: Mavericks vs Suns and Grizzlies vs Warriors.
I can't believe the Timberwolves. Ultimately still a successful season, and I still think Memphis is the better team, but the way they played this series, Minnesota should have won. They had no business losing at least three of those games. Should have been a tied series at worst if they didn't repeatedly blow big leads and choke in the final minutes. Are all Minnesota sports the same?
Quote from: webny99 on April 29, 2022, 11:55:29 PMAre all Minnesota sports the same?
Yes. Every single one of them is a fucking joke that takes a shit as soon as the game comes to crunch time.
What a fucking embarrassment in a city that's done nothing but be losers for over 30 years.
^ I remember seeing Minnesota win a championship before (World Series if I remember correctly). I can't ever remember seeing the cities of Cincinnati, Buffalo, San Diego, Jacksonville, Portland, Salt Lake, Memphis, Nashville, or Oakland win a single championship, so imagine how the people in those cities are feeling. Until 2016, the city of Cleveland had to wait nearly a half-century between any two of their titles, maybe one of the longest droughts in North American sports history for any city. Until last fall, even Atlanta had to wait over a quarter-century between any two of their championships (both happen to be World Series). So you're not alone.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 30, 2022, 05:10:00 AM
^ I remember seeing Minnesota win a championship before (World Series if I remember correctly). I can't ever remember seeing the cities of Cincinnati, Buffalo, San Diego, Jacksonville, Portland, Salt Lake, Memphis, Nashville, or Oakland win a single championship, so imagine how the people in those cities are feeling. Until 2016, the city of Cleveland had to wait nearly a half-century between any two of their titles, maybe one of the longest droughts in North American sports history for any city. Until last fall, even Atlanta had to wait over a quarter-century between any two of their championships (both happen to be World Series). So you're not alone.
Mostly true, with the following exceptions:
The Portland Trail Blazers won the NBA championship in 1977.
The Oakland A's won the World Series in the 1970s and again in 1989.
The Cincinnati Reds won the World Series in the 1970s and in 1990.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 30, 2022, 05:10:00 AM
^ I remember seeing Minnesota win a championship before (World Series if I remember correctly). I can't ever remember seeing the cities of Cincinnati, Buffalo, San Diego, Jacksonville, Portland, Salt Lake, Memphis, Nashville, or Oakland win a single championship, so imagine how the people in those cities are feeling.
However, it's also worth noting that none of those cities have teams in
all four major sports leagues. At a quick glance, most have just one or two out of four.
Quote from: webny99 on April 30, 2022, 11:06:17 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 30, 2022, 05:10:00 AM
^ I remember seeing Minnesota win a championship before (World Series if I remember correctly). I can't ever remember seeing the cities of Cincinnati, Buffalo, San Diego, Jacksonville, Portland, Salt Lake, Memphis, Nashville, or Oakland win a single championship, so imagine how the people in those cities are feeling.
However, it's also worth noting that none of those cities have teams in all four major sports leagues. At a quick glance, most have just one or two out of four.
And nearly all of those have had teams at least still reach a championship round. No Minneapolis team has reached a championship round since the 1991 Twins. So no, don't tell me "other cities have it worse" because they haven't. We're all alone in our total embarrassing failure.
Well now it's the Wild's turn to disappoint y'all. :P
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 01, 2022, 03:13:41 PM
Well now it's the Wild's turn to disappoint y'all. :P
Considering they're playing the one team that's consistently had their number lately, it's definitely possible. But we can get it done.
Quote from: webny99 on April 24, 2022, 07:16:27 PM
Quote from: Alps on April 20, 2022, 11:55:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2022, 11:03:41 PM
Was hoping for no first round sweeps, the Pelicans did their part but it's not looking good for the Hawks or Raptors.
as a Knicks fan, i'm hoping the Celtics sweep first round and then get swept second round
Well, the Nets are the only winless team left, so you might get your first wish ...
No way the Celtics get swept in the next round though.
Wow. Bucks by 12 in Game 1. If a sweep happens, that's your best wish/prediction since the first reply to the NFL thread.
Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2022, 09:33:03 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 24, 2022, 07:16:27 PM
Quote from: Alps on April 20, 2022, 11:55:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2022, 11:03:41 PM
Was hoping for no first round sweeps, the Pelicans did their part but it's not looking good for the Hawks or Raptors.
as a Knicks fan, i'm hoping the Celtics sweep first round and then get swept second round
Well, the Nets are the only winless team left, so you might get your first wish ...
No way the Celtics get swept in the next round though.
Wow. Bucks by 12 in Game 1. If a sweep happens, that's your best wish/prediction since the first reply to the NFL thread.
Depending on what happens in game 2 for the Celtics should say a lot of how this series will go. I expect a lot better game out of the Celtics although I feel Bucks will win this in 6 games. But for the Celtics this wasn't a good sign for them that the Bucks came in and played a Celtics style game #1-Better than the Celtics and #2- Seemed perfectly alright in playing that type of game. As a Bucks fan my read from reading and listening to the Celtics talk their plan was to play a bullying style of basketball and wear out the Bucks and Giannis out......and watching game 1 and seeing the Bucks do that to the Celtics you know if that was the plan the Celtics are back at the drawing board today.
Grizzlies missed a golden opportunity yesterday. Green gets tossed and you blow a double digit lead. Maybe next to the 76ers(depending how you see series underdogs) the Grizzlies are the team that could least afford to loss game one. But Warriors showed their championship pedigree yesterday. If we get a Suns/Warriors Western conference finals that could be a series people talk about for a long time perhaps.
As a Celtics fan, I was concerned by the bandwagon effect in which most were picking Boston in part because of Khris Middleton's injury. They discovered that the Celts are not infallible, and there's a reason why Giannis is a champion/finals MVP.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 01, 2022, 02:42:42 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 30, 2022, 11:06:17 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on April 30, 2022, 05:10:00 AM
^ I remember seeing Minnesota win a championship before (World Series if I remember correctly). I can't ever remember seeing the cities of Cincinnati, Buffalo, San Diego, Jacksonville, Portland, Salt Lake, Memphis, Nashville, or Oakland win a single championship, so imagine how the people in those cities are feeling.
However, it's also worth noting that none of those cities have teams in all four major sports leagues. At a quick glance, most have just one or two out of four.
And nearly all of those have had teams at least still reach a championship round. No Minneapolis team has reached a championship round since the 1991 Twins. So no, don't tell me "other cities have it worse" because they haven't. We're all alone in our total embarrassing failure.
Well if you put it that way: From the 90s onward, the Vikings played four NFC Championship Games, The Timberwolves played in the Western Conference Championship in 2004, and the Twins played in a couple of AL Championship Series. And if you ask me, advancing to, but losing in, the Super Bowl/World Series/NBA Finals, isn't that much of a better feeling than losing in a Conference/League championship game or series, it's still not winning it all. I wish some fans would give their sports teams more credit than criticism; for all we know, your Timberwolves just might very well win it all next year.
And besides, it's not very nice to quote something I never said. What I said was that fans of those other cities know what you are feeling like.
Dealership sponsor for the 76ers has courtside seats. Then falls asleep during the game.
https://www.phillyvoice.com/sixers-game-man-sleeping-courside-playoffs-heat-dave-kelleher-chrysler-jeep-charles-barkley/?fbclid=IwAR1wT20U7yfq9Q5NyWvAdzrqIUe-wJpkiuW3eZYhC7ukubXuzJPUbTqoZao
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 09, 2022, 09:56:24 PM
Dealership sponsor for the 76ers has courtside seats. Then falls asleep during the game.
https://www.phillyvoice.com/sixers-game-man-sleeping-courside-playoffs-heat-dave-kelleher-chrysler-jeep-charles-barkley/?fbclid=IwAR1wT20U7yfq9Q5NyWvAdzrqIUe-wJpkiuW3eZYhC7ukubXuzJPUbTqoZao
I'd rather have slept through the 4th quarter of Bucks game yesterday......but who does that at a playoff game?!?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 09, 2022, 09:56:24 PM
Dealership sponsor for the 76ers has courtside seats. Then falls asleep during the game.
https://www.phillyvoice.com/sixers-game-man-sleeping-courside-playoffs-heat-dave-kelleher-chrysler-jeep-charles-barkley/?fbclid=IwAR1wT20U7yfq9Q5NyWvAdzrqIUe-wJpkiuW3eZYhC7ukubXuzJPUbTqoZao
He's also the spokesman. I wonder if he'll joke about it in his next round of ads.
Meanwhile, the 76ers were fined $50,000 for not being straightforward about Joel Embiid's status for Game 3. The local news was doing a quick bit a little after 6:00 before the game, the reporter was like, "Wait a minute, Embiid is warming up."
And now Ben Simmons is now asking for an apology: https://heavy.com/sports/brooklyn-nets/ben-simmons-apology-video/
If he really had back problems all season, why didn't he have the surgery sooner?
Quote from: elsmere241 on May 10, 2022, 12:16:11 PM
And now Ben Simmons is now asking for an apology: https://heavy.com/sports/brooklyn-nets/ben-simmons-apology-video/
If he really had back problems all season, why didn't he have the surgery sooner?
He had all season to do it, then does a video that implied he'd play in Celtics/Nets series......for him it's best he stays quiet and gets ready for 2022-2023 season. Not sure beyond his lawyers trying to get money he says 76ers owe him how many people are on his side at this point.
I don't really follow the NBA, but Monty Williams was a contemporary of mine at Notre Dame and one of the best human beings on earth, so I'm rooting hard for the Suns to win it all.
Of course, I watched the game, and the Celtics lost. The Bucks and Giannis are lethal.
What a comeback by the Bucks last night! I had them written off, I'm glad I was wrong. Bucks in 6! Especially if Middleton is back for game 6, which is a very likely possibility.
The GS Warriors might be the favorites to win the championship next month, but they looked anything but that lately. And some people insist the loss was a strategic move by GS to close it out at home. But then why would they want to extend the series like that? Every championship team know you close out every series as soon as they can to avoid the inherent and certain risk of fatigue and injury. And if some insist that the NBA conspires to extend the series to rake in more money, which I do not believe, then by that logic, every series would predictably go the full seven games (no point in watching the earlier games in the series).
Quote from: tchafe1978 on May 12, 2022, 10:16:40 AM
What a comeback by the Bucks last night! I had them written off, I'm glad I was wrong. Bucks in 6! Especially if Middleton is back for game 6, which is a very likely possibility.
That was championship grit on Wednesday. Get looking like the Celtics were gonna hold off the Bucks, but they found a way.
I still don't see Middleton at all playing this series. Maybe against the Heat if the Bucks eliminate the Celtics. This will be a hard fought game again.....listening to the press conferences you can tell the Celtics have the mindset of a team that will content for the championship if they won this series(compared to listening to the Nets and 76ers press conferences where you hear excuses etc). And when this series ends whomever loses will have woulda, shoulda, coulda's to follow them to offseason. Bucks and Celtics got their first wins of this series dominantly.....Bucks blew a sizable lead just to blow it in game three to hold on by the skin of their team, Bucks then blew sizable lead in game four and Celtics found a way to steal that one and run away, then game five the Celtics get a sizable lead to lose it in the end(point being Bucks and Celtics can both say they should have won series by now).
I would love to see a Mavericks-Heat Finals Part III. Miami won the first meeting in 2006, and Dallas won the second meeting in 2011. Both times, the Finals ended with the home crowd seeing the visiting team crowned champions. I really enjoyed seeing the 2011 Mavericks sweep the then-two-time defending champions LA Lakers in what was Phil Jackson's coaching finale; and then seeing them shock the sport universe by beating the star-studded Miami Heat team that had just gained LeBron and Chris Bosh.
What a day. I never expected the Celtics to win by as much as they did or that the Suns would have an epic fail. Wow. On to the Conference Finals.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 16, 2022, 05:25:51 AM
What a day. I never expected the Celtics to win by as much as they did or that the Suns would have an epic fail. Wow. On to the Conference Finals.
Celtics got hot. And when you get later into last games teams sometimes do the hail mary-ish approach that either works or you get blown out. Middleton being out for series maybe could have made the difference. But Bucks blew their chances when they had them so not feeling sorry.
As for the Suns......I don't know what was going through their heads. That was biggest no show for a game 7 that I have ever seen.
So for the fourth straight year, there'll be no repeat champion, thanks to the Celtics' historic Game 7 win over the Bucks...
I feel bad for Chris Paul, because he really deserved to win a ring. The NBA's biggest problem is that it has far too many players who've never won any.
Quote from: Henry on May 16, 2022, 12:57:57 PM
So for the fourth straight year, there'll be no repeat champion, thanks to the Celtics' historic Game 7 win over the Bucks...
I feel bad for Chris Paul, because he really deserved to win a ring. The NBA's biggest problem is that it has far too many players who've never won any.
He's a HOF caliber type player that could very well could have won many rings. Not gonna feel too sorry for him. He has spent many years and been on teams built to make runs for titles. He hasn't been Kevin Garnett having his talents wasted as a Timberwolf(before trade to Boston). I hope he gets one, but thinking of the Malones, Barkley's, Ewing's of years gone by Paul will not on top of list of players I wished won it all. If anything it makes that club mean that much more once you enter it or have repeat memberships to the Rings club.
Is anyone really surprised a Chris Paul team gagged in the playoffs again?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 02:35:24 PM
Is anyone really surprised a Chris Paul team gagged in the playoffs again?
I'm not a stan for CP3, but it wasn't his fault no one could hit a damn thing. Booker was brutal. Paul is obviously more of a facilitator than scorer, so if the rest of his team is garbage, he's not going to look good from a stats POV. But, I don't think even a good not great Booker and co. was beating Luka and Dinwiddie last night.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 16, 2022, 03:13:29 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 02:35:24 PM
Is anyone really surprised a Chris Paul team gagged in the playoffs again?
I'm not a stan for CP3, but it wasn't his fault no one could hit a damn thing. Booker was brutal. Paul is obviously more of a facilitator than scorer, so if the rest of his team is garbage, he's not going to look good from a stats POV. But, I don't think even a good not great Booker and co. was beating Luka and Dinwiddie last night.
Yes, hence why I chose the wording of "team" in there. For whatever reason this seems to be a theme where nobody can suddenly hit anything when it counts on notable teams that Chris Paul has been part of.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 03:17:43 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 16, 2022, 03:13:29 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 02:35:24 PM
Is anyone really surprised a Chris Paul team gagged in the playoffs again?
I'm not a stan for CP3, but it wasn't his fault no one could hit a damn thing. Booker was brutal. Paul is obviously more of a facilitator than scorer, so if the rest of his team is garbage, he's not going to look good from a stats POV. But, I don't think even a good not great Booker and co. was beating Luka and Dinwiddie last night.
Yes, hence why I chose the wording of "team" in there. For whatever reason this seems to be a theme where nobody can suddenly hit anything when it counts on notable teams that Chris Paul has been part of.
Gotcha. I had read it as a critique of CP3 himself. I now understand we're on the same page. :)
Missing one of their studs finally caught up to Milwaukee and Boston was able to grind them down.
Entertaining series, at least.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on May 16, 2022, 04:07:19 PM
Missing one of their studs finally caught up to Milwaukee and Boston was able to grind them down.
Entertaining series, at least.
If Middleton was playing, it's a completely different series. They got jack shit out of Grayson Allen or whoever else was trying to play the 3.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 16, 2022, 03:30:57 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 03:17:43 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 16, 2022, 03:13:29 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 02:35:24 PM
Is anyone really surprised a Chris Paul team gagged in the playoffs again?
I'm not a stan for CP3, but it wasn't his fault no one could hit a damn thing. Booker was brutal. Paul is obviously more of a facilitator than scorer, so if the rest of his team is garbage, he's not going to look good from a stats POV. But, I don't think even a good not great Booker and co. was beating Luka and Dinwiddie last night.
Yes, hence why I chose the wording of "team" in there. For whatever reason this seems to be a theme where nobody can suddenly hit anything when it counts on notable teams that Chris Paul has been part of.
Gotcha. I had read it as a critique of CP3 himself. I now understand we're on the same page. :)
Even stranger to me is how the Suns have never had an NBA championship with so many really good teams over so many eras.
OMG that was way too close was sweating at the end
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
Quote from: Rothman on May 30, 2022, 01:14:22 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
I feel the same way, but as a former L.A. resident, since both teams can't lose, I'll have to root against the team that plays the Lakers more often in the regular season, therefore...
Quote from: Henry on May 30, 2022, 12:39:52 PM
Quote from: Rothman on May 30, 2022, 01:14:22 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
I feel the same way, but as a former L.A. resident, since both teams can't lose, I'll have to root against the team that plays the Lakers more often in the regular season, therefore...
Go Celts!
Quote from: Henry on May 30, 2022, 12:39:52 PM
Quote from: Rothman on May 30, 2022, 01:14:22 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
I feel the same way, but as a former L.A. resident, since both teams can't lose, I'll have to root against the team that plays the Lakers more often in the regular season, therefore...
I'm invested in Golden State winning for several reasons:
- I hate the Lakers from being a Pistons fan and I'm surrounded by their fans. It feels a little strange to me that Lakers fandom persists this far north in California given how good Golden State has been.
- I also hate the Celtics due to being a Pistons fan.
Quote from: Rothman on May 30, 2022, 01:14:22 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
I feel like Darth Vader rooting for Golden State.
Quote from: formulanone on May 31, 2022, 09:03:17 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 30, 2022, 01:14:22 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
I feel like Darth Vader rooting for Golden State.
As opposed to the much more traditional Evil Empire that is the Celtics?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 31, 2022, 09:24:58 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 31, 2022, 09:03:17 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 30, 2022, 01:14:22 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
I feel like Darth Vader rooting for Golden State.
As opposed to the much more traditional Evil Empire that is the Celtics?
Didn't get more evil than the Pistons.
Quote from: Rothman on May 31, 2022, 09:26:27 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 31, 2022, 09:24:58 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 31, 2022, 09:03:17 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 30, 2022, 01:14:22 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
I feel like Darth Vader rooting for Golden State.
As opposed to the much more traditional Evil Empire that is the Celtics?
Didn't get more evil than the Pistons.
Got me there. All the same it was a lot of fun watching Michael Jordan not getting his way for years because of the thuggery tactics used against him and the Bulls. Almost equally as enjoyable when the Lakers tried to buy a championship with Karl Malone and Gary Peyton but didn't get their way either.
Quote from: formulanone on May 31, 2022, 09:03:17 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 30, 2022, 01:14:22 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 29, 2022, 11:51:18 PM
am always glad when heat lose but now need my least favorite city of sports to lose plz
Let the hate flow through you. :D
I feel like Darth Vader rooting for Golden State.
And Emperor Palpatine is rooting for the Celtics.
And my team, the Bucks, are Hans Solo frozen in carbonite until next season.......
golden state play some awesome basketball! if palpatine was that baller i would have supported the dark side but we all know he did not have a chance against mace window. boston celtics (https://www.sportsbetting3.com/nba/nba-championship-betting) are really a bit of a basketcase with tatum having to become a distributor to make this work. fair play to him and hes ballin out but this team was not built this way and it is all smoke and mirrors really.
Quote from: stlukeyo7 on May 31, 2022, 12:50:52 PM
golden state play some awesome basketball! if palpatine was that baller i would have supported the dark side but we all know he did not have a chance against mace window. boston are really a bit of a basketcase with tatum having to become a distributor to make this work. fair play to him and hes ballin out but this team was not built this way and it is all smoke and mirrors really.
Now if we had to decide which NBA team is Jar Jar I nominate the Knicks :awesomeface: :popcorn:
It's basically Lakers v. Nets like we all expected at the start of the season, but off target by 200-400 miles on each end.
What a boring Finals, guess it follows the theme of the overall playoffs
Quote from: ET21 on June 01, 2022, 09:24:03 AM
What a boring Finals, guess it follows the theme of the overall playoffs
I pay almost no attention to the NBA, but with Brad Stevens being from Indiana, it interests me a little bit.
Today marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most memorable, emotional, and exciting playoff games in NBA history. Game Seven of the de facto 2002 NBA Finals between LA Lakers at Sacramento Kings game was played on this date exactly two decades ago. I was rooting for Sacramento to win their first championship in their city's history, and I think most of the country outside California was too. As I remember it, of the twenty-something people at my sports bar watching it along with me that evening, only a handful were Lakers fans. It was so heartbreaking to see the Kings come so close to winning the 2002 Championship only to fall short on a number of occasions. I really thought the Kings were the better team than the Lakers; but officiating in Game 6 and self-destruction in Game 7 saved the Lakers. And let's not forget Robert Horry's Game 4-winning buzzer-beater three-pointer that also saved the Lakers.
The only other time I was that heartbroken for a city and a team was watching Stockton and Malone fall short of the 1998 Championship, I nearly teared up watching their post-game interview after having worked so hard for so many years together. I was really hopeful that 1998 would be the Jazz's year.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 02, 2022, 01:52:53 PM
The only other time I was that heartbroken for a city and a team was watching Stockton and Malone fall short of the 1998 Championship, I nearly teared up watching their post-game interview after having worked so hard for so many years together. I was really hopeful that 1998 would be the Jazz's year.
That, plus the 1997 championship, was won by the Bulls at the Jazz's expense. In addition, Utah was the only repeat opponent in Chicago's six-title run, coming at the very end of said run.
The Celtics took Game 1. A complete team effort.
Well, now the Warriors have tied it up with a vintage blowout performance in Game 2. And with that, it's on to Boston...
Celtics won last night and have taken a 2-1 lead.
still shocked at this from the lack of creativity in qtrs 1 2 and 4 from golden state to foul calling. curry was fouled a ton with no FT's
Celtics may very well take it after what we saw last night. Between Curry's potential injury and Green's continued foul troubles it's not looking so good for the Warriors.
What a time for me to lose complete interest in basketball being from Massachusetts. My loss I guess.
The Celtics have fallen behind the Warriors 3 games to 2. I believe Boston is finished. Also, there is nothing I find more annoying than Golden State fans chanting "WARRIORS! WARRIORS! WARRIORS!" If I never hear that obnoxious chant again (and I know I will), it will be too soon.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on June 14, 2022, 04:00:14 PM
The Celtics have fallen behind the Warriors 3 games to 2. I believe Boston is finished. Also, there is nothing I find more annoying than Golden State fans chanting "WARRIORS! WARRIORS! WARRIORS!" If I never hear that obnoxious chant again (and I know I will), it will be too soon.
This is what it ought to be:
What movie is that from?
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on June 14, 2022, 04:00:14 PM
The Celtics have fallen behind the Warriors 3 games to 2. I believe Boston is finished. Also, there is nothing I find more annoying than Golden State fans chanting "WARRIORS! WARRIORS! WARRIORS!" If I never hear that obnoxious chant again (and I know I will), it will be too soon.
Are you glad Marquette University changed their name?
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on June 14, 2022, 04:13:25 PM
What movie is that from?
The Warriors. 1979. Cult classic.
While we're at it, we could sing the song "The Warrior" by a rock band named Scandal who was a one-hit wonder in 1984. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47y5bo8wtqM
I would have no problem if the NBA renamed its Championship trophy after Steve Kerr, who just won his ninth, say it again 9th, NBA title tonight with 103-90 victory at Boston in Game Six. 5 (as a player) + 4 (as head coach) = 9 championship trophies....surpassed only by a very few.
And no matter what people say, coaches never get enough credit for the team winning it all. It is immensely difficult to coach a team of superstars. With talent and fame comes seemingly immoveable ego, which is tough for any coach to deal with, but the right coach will gain the attention, trust, and loyalty of the players. As long as you gain the support of your players, the probability is more favorable of the coaches job security, even more so than wins and losses. During these last couple of years, the players or management could have easily had the temptation to change coaches when things went south like many others organizations have done (some of those for the worse); so a credit to Steve Kerr getting his players and personnel to keep believing in him.
I see nothing wrong with the late Jerry Krause's infamously misquoted statement saying "Organizations (as a whole) win championships." His statement mutually included players along with the ownership, executives, management, coaches, players, and trainers. It's the type of culture implemented by the higher-up personnel that drives it all.
stagnant
Congratulations to the Warriors. They were the better team, especially since Steph's transcendent Game 4 performance. Thanks to the Celtics for a great season.
And the dynasty continues...four titles in eight years!
I don't see anyone comparing Curry to Jordan, though. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, since Steve Kerr played with one and coached the other, and I'd love to hear his thoughts on it. Not to mention that #30 is finally the series MVP.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 17, 2022, 12:55:34 AM
I would have no problem if the NBA renamed its Championship trophy after Steve Kerr, who just won his ninth, say it again 9th, NBA title tonight with 103-90 victory at Boston in Game Six. 5 (as a player) + 4 (as head coach) = 9 championship trophies....surpassed only by a very few.
Bill Russell had 11 championships as a player and two more as coach. 13>9. I like Kerr, but Russell has a better legacy and his name is on the Finals MVP award. I think it should be named after Phil Jackson, a player on two championships and coach for 11, if it were renamed. That's also 13 championships total. Jackson coached six consecutive champions with two different teams (there is a gap of one year when he wasn't coaching), three each with the Bulls and Lakers; nobody has ever done that in any major sport. I know of no awards named for Jackson.
Steve Kerr is a fine person and a great coach. I'd say Jackson would be more deserving of the honor if the trophy were renamed, but I don't think it should be renamed at all given Larry O'Brien's legacy as league commissioner.
Quote from: Henry on June 17, 2022, 01:10:48 PM
And the dynasty continues...four titles in eight years!
I don't see anyone comparing Curry to Jordan, though. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, since Steve Kerr played with one and coached the other, and I'd love to hear his thoughts on it. Not to mention that #30 is finally the series MVP.
Curry and Jordan are two very different players. Comparison is pretty useless due to the difference in position and style.
Quote from: Rothman on June 17, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
Quote from: Henry on June 17, 2022, 01:10:48 PM
And the dynasty continues...four titles in eight years!
I don't see anyone comparing Curry to Jordan, though. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, since Steve Kerr played with one and coached the other, and I'd love to hear his thoughts on it. Not to mention that #30 is finally the series MVP.
Curry and Jordan are two very different players. Comparison is pretty useless due to the difference in position and style.
It also goes back to what I had posted earlier: Curry's Warriors have the advantage of the current style of basketball with less emphasis on defense, less physical game, plus the benefit of the latest and greatest sports medicine and therapy. Players in the 1990s didn't have today's technology of sports science, played in a more physical game, and defense was paramount in winning a championship back then. As far as which era had tougher competition, it's very much debatable, but my opinion is that Jordan faced tougher obstacles than Curry did. Therein lies my point: While this year's Warriors I believe might have had a chance to make the playoffs in the 1990's, I just not convinced they would have been a championship contender in that era with their "live-by-the-three" game plan; I don't think it would have worked in that era, and if you were old enough to remember the 1990s then you would more likely agree with me. These young fans born in this century would not know what the game was like back then.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2022, 01:30:00 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 17, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
Quote from: Henry on June 17, 2022, 01:10:48 PM
And the dynasty continues...four titles in eight years!
I don't see anyone comparing Curry to Jordan, though. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, since Steve Kerr played with one and coached the other, and I'd love to hear his thoughts on it. Not to mention that #30 is finally the series MVP.
Curry and Jordan are two very different players. Comparison is pretty useless due to the difference in position and style.
It also goes back to what I had posted earlier: Curry's Warriors have the advantage of the current style of basketball with less emphasis on defense, less physical game, plus the benefit of the latest and greatest sports medicine and therapy. Players in the 1990s didn't have today's technology of sports science, played in a more physical game, and defense was paramount in winning a championship back then. As far as which era had tougher competition, it's very much debatable, but my opinion is that Jordan faced tougher obstacles than Curry did. Therein lies my point: While this year's Warriors I believe might have had a chance to make the playoffs in the 1990's, I just not convinced they would have been a championship contender in that era with their "live-by-the-three" game plan; I don't think it would have worked in that era, and if you were old enough to remember the 1990s then you would more likely agree with me. These young fans born in this century would not know what the game was like back then.
I'm just imagining how many delays we'd have in the 1980s and 1990s for reviewing if fouls should be flagrant 1 or 2.......many flagrant 1 and 2 fouls today were common fouls without argument in the 80s/90s
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2022, 01:30:00 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 17, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
Quote from: Henry on June 17, 2022, 01:10:48 PM
And the dynasty continues...four titles in eight years!
I don't see anyone comparing Curry to Jordan, though. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, since Steve Kerr played with one and coached the other, and I'd love to hear his thoughts on it. Not to mention that #30 is finally the series MVP.
Curry and Jordan are two very different players. Comparison is pretty useless due to the difference in position and style.
It also goes back to what I had posted earlier: Curry's Warriors have the advantage of the current style of basketball with less emphasis on defense, less physical game, plus the benefit of the latest and greatest sports medicine and therapy. Players in the 1990s didn't have today's technology of sports science, played in a more physical game, and defense was paramount in winning a championship back then. As far as which era had tougher competition, it's very much debatable, but my opinion is that Jordan faced tougher obstacles than Curry did. Therein lies my point: While this year's Warriors I believe might have had a chance to make the playoffs in the 1990's, I just not convinced they would have been a championship contender in that era with their "live-by-the-three" game plan; I don't think it would have worked in that era, and if you were old enough to remember the 1990s then you would more likely agree with me. These young fans born in this century would not know what the game was like back then.
This year's Warriors would destroy those Bulls. The level of athleticism nowadays is markedly different than it was 20-30 years ago. The skill set too. That said, those Bulls are still the "best team ever" to me.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 20, 2022, 12:02:28 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2022, 01:30:00 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 17, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
Quote from: Henry on June 17, 2022, 01:10:48 PM
And the dynasty continues...four titles in eight years!
I don't see anyone comparing Curry to Jordan, though. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, since Steve Kerr played with one and coached the other, and I'd love to hear his thoughts on it. Not to mention that #30 is finally the series MVP.
Curry and Jordan are two very different players. Comparison is pretty useless due to the difference in position and style.
It also goes back to what I had posted earlier: Curry's Warriors have the advantage of the current style of basketball with less emphasis on defense, less physical game, plus the benefit of the latest and greatest sports medicine and therapy. Players in the 1990s didn't have today's technology of sports science, played in a more physical game, and defense was paramount in winning a championship back then. As far as which era had tougher competition, it's very much debatable, but my opinion is that Jordan faced tougher obstacles than Curry did. Therein lies my point: While this year's Warriors I believe might have had a chance to make the playoffs in the 1990's, I just not convinced they would have been a championship contender in that era with their "live-by-the-three" game plan; I don't think it would have worked in that era, and if you were old enough to remember the 1990s then you would more likely agree with me. These young fans born in this century would not know what the game was like back then.
This year's Warriors would destroy those Bulls. The level of athleticism nowadays is markedly different than it was 20-30 years ago. The skill set too. That said, those Bulls are still the "best team ever" to me.
That's the thing I think tends to get undervalued over time, the progression in athletic conditioning. I'm also of the opinion that the Bulls dynasty was the greatest in NBA history. All the same athletes are way better conditioned today then they were two decades ago and the gap only gets more vast the further back in time you go.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2022, 12:14:32 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 20, 2022, 12:02:28 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2022, 01:30:00 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 17, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
Quote from: Henry on June 17, 2022, 01:10:48 PM
And the dynasty continues...four titles in eight years!
I don't see anyone comparing Curry to Jordan, though. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, since Steve Kerr played with one and coached the other, and I'd love to hear his thoughts on it. Not to mention that #30 is finally the series MVP.
Curry and Jordan are two very different players. Comparison is pretty useless due to the difference in position and style.
It also goes back to what I had posted earlier: Curry's Warriors have the advantage of the current style of basketball with less emphasis on defense, less physical game, plus the benefit of the latest and greatest sports medicine and therapy. Players in the 1990s didn't have today's technology of sports science, played in a more physical game, and defense was paramount in winning a championship back then. As far as which era had tougher competition, it's very much debatable, but my opinion is that Jordan faced tougher obstacles than Curry did. Therein lies my point: While this year's Warriors I believe might have had a chance to make the playoffs in the 1990's, I just not convinced they would have been a championship contender in that era with their "live-by-the-three" game plan; I don't think it would have worked in that era, and if you were old enough to remember the 1990s then you would more likely agree with me. These young fans born in this century would not know what the game was like back then.
This year's Warriors would destroy those Bulls. The level of athleticism nowadays is markedly different than it was 20-30 years ago. The skill set too. That said, those Bulls are still the "best team ever" to me.
That's the thing I think tends to get undervalued over time, the progression in athletic conditioning. I'm also of the opinion that the Bulls dynasty was the greatest in NBA history. All the same athletes are way better conditioned today then they were two decades ago and the gap only gets more vast the further back in time you go.
I concur with the Bulls being the greatest team ever, although I know fans in Boston and L.A. who might not feel the same way.
Quote from: Henry on June 20, 2022, 01:35:43 PM
I concur with the Bulls being the greatest team ever, although I know fans in Boston and L.A. who might not feel the same way.
That's okay; it's alright to be wrong.
Quote from: Henry on June 20, 2022, 01:35:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2022, 12:14:32 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 20, 2022, 12:02:28 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2022, 01:30:00 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 17, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
Quote from: Henry on June 17, 2022, 01:10:48 PM
And the dynasty continues...four titles in eight years!
I don't see anyone comparing Curry to Jordan, though. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, since Steve Kerr played with one and coached the other, and I'd love to hear his thoughts on it. Not to mention that #30 is finally the series MVP.
Curry and Jordan are two very different players. Comparison is pretty useless due to the difference in position and style.
It also goes back to what I had posted earlier: Curry's Warriors have the advantage of the current style of basketball with less emphasis on defense, less physical game, plus the benefit of the latest and greatest sports medicine and therapy. Players in the 1990s didn't have today's technology of sports science, played in a more physical game, and defense was paramount in winning a championship back then. As far as which era had tougher competition, it's very much debatable, but my opinion is that Jordan faced tougher obstacles than Curry did. Therein lies my point: While this year's Warriors I believe might have had a chance to make the playoffs in the 1990's, I just not convinced they would have been a championship contender in that era with their "live-by-the-three" game plan; I don't think it would have worked in that era, and if you were old enough to remember the 1990s then you would more likely agree with me. These young fans born in this century would not know what the game was like back then.
This year's Warriors would destroy those Bulls. The level of athleticism nowadays is markedly different than it was 20-30 years ago. The skill set too. That said, those Bulls are still the "best team ever" to me.
That's the thing I think tends to get undervalued over time, the progression in athletic conditioning. I'm also of the opinion that the Bulls dynasty was the greatest in NBA history. All the same athletes are way better conditioned today then they were two decades ago and the gap only gets more vast the further back in time you go.
I concur with the Bulls being the greatest team ever, although I know fans in Boston and L.A. who might not feel the same way.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-best-nba-teams-of-all-time-according-to-elo/
95-96 Bulls 1815
96-97 Bulls 1802
14-15 Warriors 1796
85-86 Celtics 1784
08-09 Lakers 1769
Objectively, it's only debatable in the sense that everything is debatable, but there's really no metric that doesn't have the 95-96 Bulls #1, and this particular one has their follow-up campaign #2.
The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in getting the two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant. While I believe he would put the Celtics over the top for their 19th championship next year, it would come at a great cost to their longer-term future. So the Celtics have a huge, rather tough, decision to make: Do they keep the team as is for the possibility of winning a (plural) number of championships in the longer term, or do they disrupt their distant future for the even greater probability of winning a (singular) championship next year? I can't see Kevin Durant's window of opportunities beyond next year.
Quote from: jgb191 on July 26, 2022, 10:53:35 PM
The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in getting the two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant. While I believe he would put the Celtics over the top for their 19th championship next year, it would come at a great cost to their longer-term future. So the Celtics have a huge, rather tough, decision to make: Do they keep the team as is for the possibility of winning a (plural) number of championships in the longer term, or do they disrupt their distant future for the even greater probability of winning a (singular) championship next year? I can't see Kevin Durant's window of opportunities beyond next year.
Celtics denied this claim that blew through Facebook like wildfire.
Quote from: jgb191 on July 26, 2022, 10:53:35 PM
The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in getting the two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant. While I believe he would put the Celtics over the top for their 19th championship next year, it would come at a great cost to their longer-term future. So the Celtics have a huge, rather tough, decision to make: Do they keep the team as is for the possibility of winning a (plural) number of championships in the longer term, or do they disrupt their distant future for the even greater probability of winning a (singular) championship next year? I can't see Kevin Durant's window of opportunities beyond next year.
Supposedly, the Celtics wanted KD in 2016, but he went to the GSW instead.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 27, 2022, 04:42:34 AM
Supposedly, the Celtics wanted KD in 2016, but he went to the GSW instead.
Am I the only one who has difficulty parsing the abbreviation "GSW"? My brain seems to want to relate it to "GSP" somehow–the Garden State Walkway, perhaps?
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 30, 2022, 03:11:42 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 27, 2022, 04:42:34 AM
Supposedly, the Celtics wanted KD in 2016, but he went to the GSW instead.
Am I the only one who has difficulty parsing the abbreviation "GSW"? My brain seems to want to relate it to "GSP" somehow–the Garden State Walkway, perhaps?
First time I heard of that.
Btw, add also then the Lakers, Clippers and Sacramento Kings (do not confuse them with the NHL LA Kings) are also in the Golden State. Funny they didn't complained like Phil Esposito, the first GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was angry then the Panthers was named Florida Panthers and not Miami Panthers shouting then Tampa Bay is also in Florida.
I wish the Warriors (and several other teams) could acknowledge the city they play in; I've seen the word 'Oakland' on the uniforms, so call it the Oakland Warriors.
Quote from: jgb191 on July 31, 2022, 12:17:58 PM
I wish the Warriors (and several other teams) could acknowledge the city they play in; I've seen the word 'Oakland' on the uniforms, so call it the Oakland Warriors.
They were the San Francisco Warriors at one point, and they once again play in that city. Unfortunately for Oakland, they adopted thE Golden State" name when they moved there in the early "˜70s.
Very sad news.....Boston Celtic/NBA legend Bill Russell passed away at 88 years of age.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10017227-bill-russell-dies-at-age-88-hall-of-famer-won-11-nba-titles-with-celtics
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 31, 2022, 12:26:47 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on July 31, 2022, 12:17:58 PM
I wish the Warriors (and several other teams) could acknowledge the city they play in; I've seen the word 'Oakland' on the uniforms, so call it the Oakland Warriors.
They were the San Francisco Warriors at one point, and they once again play in that city. Unfortunately for Oakland, they adopted thE Golden State" name when they moved there in the early "˜70s.
And before that, they were the Philadelphia Warriors! My high school's nickname is derived from the Philly version.
There's an Oakland, NJ BTW
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 31, 2022, 12:26:47 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on July 31, 2022, 12:17:58 PM
I wish the Warriors (and several other teams) could acknowledge the city they play in; I've seen the word 'Oakland' on the uniforms, so call it the Oakland Warriors.
They were the San Francisco Warriors at one point, and they once again play in that city. Unfortunately for Oakland, they adopted thE Golden State" name when they moved there in the early "˜70s.
There's also the Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz; they all get a pass because they just happen to play in not only their respective states' largest cities, but also the only true urban areas of those states. (Also, the Timberwolves are one of three Minnesota-branded teams that play in Minneapolis, and the Wild play in St. Paul.)
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 31, 2022, 07:40:50 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 30, 2022, 03:11:42 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 27, 2022, 04:42:34 AM
Supposedly, the Celtics wanted KD in 2016, but he went to the GSW instead.
Am I the only one who has difficulty parsing the abbreviation "GSW"? My brain seems to want to relate it to "GSP" somehow–the Garden State Walkway, perhaps?
First time I heard of that.
Btw, add also then the Lakers, Clippers and Sacramento Kings (do not confuse them with the NHL LA Kings) are also in the Golden State. Funny they didn't complained like Phil Esposito, the first GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was angry then the Panthers was named Florida Panthers and not Miami Panthers shouting then Tampa Bay is also in Florida.
Which leads one to wonder, did the Houston Astros feel slighted when the Washington Senators moved to Dallas-Ft. Worth (or, more accurately, Arlington, TX--to disambiguate itself from the VA county of the same name) and renamed themselves the Texas Rangers? ("Come on, Houston's in Texas too!")
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 31, 2022, 01:50:38 PM
Very sad news.....Boston Celtic/NBA legend Bill Russell passed away at 88 years of age.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10017227-bill-russell-dies-at-age-88-hall-of-famer-won-11-nba-titles-with-celtics
RIP to one of the most frequently disrespected GOATS.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 02, 2022, 12:47:27 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 31, 2022, 01:50:38 PM
Very sad news.....Boston Celtic/NBA legend Bill Russell passed away at 88 years of age.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10017227-bill-russell-dies-at-age-88-hall-of-famer-won-11-nba-titles-with-celtics
RIP to one of the most frequently disrespected GOATS.
It was easy to see why: When Russell and Wilt Chamberlain faced each other, Chamberlain had the more impressive stats (scoring and rebounding), but Russell held his own defensively, which led to the Celtics beating whatever team Chamberlain was on (Warriors, 76ers, Lakers) more often than not. In fact, most of Russell's 11 championships came at Wilt's expense, including the playoffs and Finals (once against the then-San Francisco Warriors, and once against the Lakers). These matchups perfectly exemplify the saying that defense wins championships, although Wilt was not that bad a defender either. Chamberlain died in 1999, and 23 years later, the rivalry is once again being played on the hardwood floor in the sky.
Quote from: Henry on August 01, 2022, 10:23:06 AM
Which leads one to wonder, did the Houston Astros feel slighted when the Washington Senators moved to Dallas-Ft. Worth (or, more accurately, Arlington, TX--to disambiguate itself from the VA county of the same name) and renamed themselves the Texas Rangers? ("Come on, Houston's in Texas too!")
Well, Texas Ranger (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Ranger_Division) is a profession. Basically the Texas version of the FBI. (Remember
Walker, Texas Ranger?) Calling them the Dallas/Ft. Worth/Arlington Rangers wouldn't make a whole lot of sense, since it'd cease being a reference to the Texas Ranger Division.
Surprised no one has complained about a couple of New York teams that don't even play in the state of New York. I'm fine with any team that uses the state as a location identifier as long as they are the only team in that state. The only exception I'll make is for the Texas Rangers, because Dallas/Ft. Worth/Arlington (choose one) Rangers just sounds silly. The Warriors should revert to the San Francisco Warriors, while the Florida Panthers should really be the Miami Panthers (or Les Nordiques de Quebec nouveau, but that's another story).
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on August 14, 2022, 08:57:12 PM
Surprised no one has complained about a couple of New York teams that don't even play in the state of New York. I'm fine with any team that uses the state as a location identifier as long as they are the only team in that state. The only exception I'll make is for the Texas Rangers, because Dallas/Ft. Worth/Arlington (choose one) Rangers just sounds silly. The Warriors should revert to the San Francisco Warriors, while the Florida Panthers should really be the Miami Panthers (or Les Nordiques de Quebec nouveau, but that's another story).
this is the NBA thread, the NY teams play in NY
For the first time ever, there'll be no games played on Election Day this season:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34407823/nba-avoids-scheduling-regular-season-games-election-day
(Technically, it would be the second, because COVID delayed the start of the 2020-21 season.)
Jamal Crawford's pro-am tournament in Seattle ended early because of some mishaps: https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/lebrons-visit-to-seattle-cut-short-due-to-safety-issues-for-players/?src=rss
TL;DR: A small venue (Seattle Pacific's auditorium), huge demand with lines overnight, and humid weather combined to make conditions unsafe for everyone.
Quote from: Bruce on August 22, 2022, 10:39:04 PM
Jamal Crawford's pro-am tournament in Seattle ended early because of some mishaps: https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/lebrons-visit-to-seattle-cut-short-due-to-safety-issues-for-players/?src=rss
TL;DR: A small venue (Seattle Pacific's auditorium), huge demand with lines overnight, and humid weather combined to make conditions unsafe for everyone.
Hopefully Chet is ok.
So Kevin Durant finally bowed to reality and stayed with the team he tried very publicly to leave, while attempting to throw his coach and GM under the bus. Instead, the owner held firm and called his bluff. It will be an interesting season for them, to say the least.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 25, 2022, 12:32:59 AM
Quote from: Bruce on August 22, 2022, 10:39:04 PM
Jamal Crawford's pro-am tournament in Seattle ended early because of some mishaps: https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/lebrons-visit-to-seattle-cut-short-due-to-safety-issues-for-players/?src=rss
TL;DR: A small venue (Seattle Pacific's auditorium), huge demand with lines overnight, and humid weather combined to make conditions unsafe for everyone.
Hopefully Chet is ok.
Sorry, he suffered a Lis Franc injury and is out for the whole season.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on August 25, 2022, 04:30:16 AM
So Kevin Durant finally bowed to reality and stayed with the team he tried very publicly to leave, while attempting to throw his coach and GM under the bus. Instead, the owner held firm and called his bluff. It will be an interesting season for them, to say the least.
In the next Collective Bargaining negotiations, there needs to be a stipulation clause in every
multi-year contract deal that says something like this:
"Players must successfully complete more than half the contract in order to request any trade from his incumbent team; requesting a trade before reaching the minimum of fifty percent (50%) completion constitutes a hefty fine and/or a multi-game (unpaid) suspension." This could help restore some much-needed order in the league. For example: Let's say (for the sake of argument) if a player signs a six-year deal; then that player cannot request a trade until his fourth year into the deal; failure to do so could result in, say, a fine of no less than four percent of the annual salary plus a four-game suspension without pay per occurrence.
Donovan Mitchell has been traded to the Cavaliers
Draymond Green punches teammate in practice: https://www.si.com/nba/warriors/news/report-video-of-draymond-green-punch-changes-everything-for-warriors
The NBA regular season begins 10 days from now, on October 18 - has anyone gone so far as to predict what they think the final standings (and playoffs) will look like? I always like to read such preseason predictions, and then compare them with the actual results after the season takes place.
Quote from: KCRoadFan on October 08, 2022, 03:14:38 AM
The NBA regular season begins 10 days from now, on October 18 - has anyone gone so far as to predict what they think the final standings (and playoffs) will look like? I always like to read such preseason predictions, and then compare them with the actual results after the season takes place.
FiveThirtyEight(.com) has NBA predictions every season, but they're not released yet. They'll likely come out next week based on when their NFL and NHL predictions came out.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34747794/sources-warriors-looking-leak-practice-scuffle-video
Draymond Green has been a ticking time-bomb for years and unfortunately detonated at the wrong time. He has some serious anger issues and if this isn't the time for him to get some help, then I don't know when it will be. The Warriors also need to step up and require that Draymond complete some much-needed anger therapy to cool his temper down before returning to the team.
If Draymond can't control himself, he could cost the Warriors a championship......
Quote from: webny99 on October 08, 2022, 09:41:38 PM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on October 08, 2022, 03:14:38 AM
The NBA regular season begins 10 days from now, on October 18 - has anyone gone so far as to predict what they think the final standings (and playoffs) will look like? I always like to read such preseason predictions, and then compare them with the actual results after the season takes place.
FiveThirtyEight(.com) has NBA predictions every season, but they're not released yet. They'll likely come out next week based on when their NFL and NHL predictions came out.
Just following up on this: https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2023-nba-predictions/
Along with an article about their projections: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/everyones-a-favorite-in-our-2022-23-nba-forecast/
The season starts today; I'm hoping my Bulls do a little bit better than the Cubs have done the last two seasons.
The Celtics beat the 76ers in the 2022-23 season opener.
Preseason Sacramento Kings were 4-0, with average margin of victory 27.5 points (30, 32, 1, 47).
Regular season Kings so far are 0-3, losing by less than 5 points a game (7, 2, 5).
It's probably difficult to condense into one Reynolds-number-like stat, but I wonder what the longest losing streak with smallest scoring differential is.
Brooklyn Nets and Steve Nash agree to part ways. Good for Nash.
https://sports.yahoo.com/brooklyn-nets-have-agreed-to-part-ways-with-head-coach-steve-nash-165714530.html
The Bucks are now 6-0. the only unbeaten team left in the league in the 2022-2023 season.
Mike
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 01, 2022, 01:14:25 PM
Brooklyn Nets and Steve Nash agree to part ways. Good for Nash.
https://sports.yahoo.com/brooklyn-nets-have-agreed-to-part-ways-with-head-coach-steve-nash-165714530.html
When they say "agreed to part ways" I wonder.....did Steve get terminated or did he resign? My guess is the latter; that Steve quit. Ownership and Management wanted this to stay together all season long whatever the outcome, but I think the players became too much to handle coaching.
Quote from: jgb191 on November 02, 2022, 02:18:58 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 01, 2022, 01:14:25 PM
Brooklyn Nets and Steve Nash agree to part ways. Good for Nash.
https://sports.yahoo.com/brooklyn-nets-have-agreed-to-part-ways-with-head-coach-steve-nash-165714530.html
When they say "agreed to part ways" I wonder.....did Steve get terminated or did he resign? My guess is the latter; that Steve quit. Ownership and Management wanted this to stay together all season long whatever the outcome, but I think the players became too much to handle coaching.
I agree. I wonder if there's a nondisclosure agreement. If there isn't, I hope Nash writes a book about this circus within a few years, especially trying to deal with Kyrie. I'll preorder the hardcover.
Quote from: mgk920 on November 01, 2022, 10:23:51 PM
The Bucks are now 6-0. the only unbeaten team left in the league in the 2022-2023 season.
Mike
Make that 7-0!
Quote from: tchafe1978 on November 02, 2022, 11:25:11 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 01, 2022, 10:23:51 PM
The Bucks are now 6-0. the only unbeaten team left in the league in the 2022-2023 season.
Mike
Make that 7-0!
Makes me wonder if the teams that lost to them learned their lessons... We'll see what happens as the season progresses.
Quote from: jgb191 on November 02, 2022, 02:18:58 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 01, 2022, 01:14:25 PM
Brooklyn Nets and Steve Nash agree to part ways. Good for Nash.
https://sports.yahoo.com/brooklyn-nets-have-agreed-to-part-ways-with-head-coach-steve-nash-165714530.html
When they say "agreed to part ways" I wonder.....did Steve get terminated or did he resign? My guess is the latter; that Steve quit. Ownership and Management wanted this to stay together all season long whatever the outcome, but I think the players became too much to handle coaching.
That's basically what happened. Nash told Sean Marks that nobody was listening to him, so it's a safe bet that Nash wanted out of this shitshow.
Nets have suspended Kyrie Irving.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/nets-suspend-kyrie-irving-antisemitic-beliefs-rcna55606 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/nets-suspend-kyrie-irving-antisemitic-beliefs-rcna55606)
Quote from: LM117 on November 04, 2022, 06:40:33 AM
Nets have suspended Kyrie Irving.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/nets-suspend-kyrie-irving-antisemitic-beliefs-rcna55606 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/nets-suspend-kyrie-irving-antisemitic-beliefs-rcna55606)
......thus spurring him to apologize for the controversy that got him suspended.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 04, 2022, 01:00:38 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 04, 2022, 06:40:33 AM
Nets have suspended Kyrie Irving.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/nets-suspend-kyrie-irving-antisemitic-beliefs-rcna55606 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/nets-suspend-kyrie-irving-antisemitic-beliefs-rcna55606)
......thus spurring him to apologize for the controversy that got him suspended.
There is a clear difference between forgiveness and saying sorry. Saying sorry is only but a bandage covering the gash that Irving's words in his statements cut very deep into the very religious group he is responsible for being a proven leader and contributor to their success. Saying "I ask for forgiveness" would allow those in his religious community an opportunity to render such. If that is not possible, then, this move to suspend him is a justified decision by the Nets front office. I would not wanna employ a person, colors, creed, religion aside, who willfully disregards a policy/multiple policies on antisemitism in the workforce. My bosses at the grocery chain store I work for would have me fired on the spot, no pay for something that disgusting. We have Jews in dire straights, Christians being cut up, blown up, kicked around, many other religions at war with one another, and Kyrie has the audacity to spread this crap online where everyone can see it. I'd say get him out of Brooklyn. Let that be a reminder to the other NBA owners and managers to never condone this type of behavior, and to the media partners to decry peacefully this type of behavior.
Quote from: Rothman on November 03, 2022, 06:58:13 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on November 02, 2022, 11:25:11 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 01, 2022, 10:23:51 PM
The Bucks are now 6-0. the only unbeaten team left in the league in the 2022-2023 season.
Mike
Make that 7-0!
Makes me wonder if the teams that lost to them learned their lessons... We'll see what happens as the season progresses.
Helping us be a distraction from the Packers trainwreck of a year so far lol
https://www.nba.com/news/kyrie-irving-requests-trade
I wonder if Kyrie is just bluffing the Nets to get a richer contract or if he really wants out of New York. Kevin Durant requested a trade last summer and look how that turned out.
Kyrie's best potential landing spot was the Lakers, but knowing him, he could just be trying to get more money from Brooklyn.
Or so I thought. Now he's a Dallas Maverick.
https://www.nba.com/news/nets-kyrie-irving-trade-dallas-mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are apparently interested in trading for Kyrie. This would be kind of like a trial size having Kyrie for only the rest of the season; if Kyrie and the Mavs shockingly work out (which I doubt very much), then great. Otherwise he is an unrestricted free agent and might I suspect this is nothing more than opening up a tremendous amount of salary cap space to sign a max contract player this summer to pair up with Luka Doncic.
Quote from: jgb191 on February 06, 2023, 12:25:00 AM
https://www.nba.com/news/nets-kyrie-irving-trade-dallas-mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are apparently interested in trading for Kyrie. This would be kind of like a trial size having Kyrie for only the rest of the season; if Kyrie and the Mavs shockingly work out (which I doubt very much), then great. Otherwise he is an unrestricted free agent and might I suspect this is nothing more than opening up a tremendous amount of salary cap space to sign a max contract player this summer to pair up with Luka Doncic.
The Mavs did end up trading for Kyrie, sending Spencer Dinwiddie, Dennis Smith Jr., and a couple draft picks. I, for the life of me, can't understand why any team would want Kyrie. Outside of his obvious basketball talent, the guy is a cancer on every team he's been on. Since winning the title with the Cavs, he's jumped from team to team, all with title hopes, only to want out after bringing the ship down. Maybe instead of crying to be traded every year, maybe he should look at himself and realize he's the problem.
I guess the Nets called Kyrie's bluff and actually traded him.
Quote from: tchafe1978 on February 06, 2023, 10:28:05 AM
I, for the life of me, can't understand why any team would want Kyrie. Outside of his obvious basketball talent, the guy is a cancer on every team he's been on
My best guess is the Mavs anticipate the available cap space that Kyrie's departure will leave the Mavs after this season. It's a forgone conclusion that Kyrie is probably either going to go to another team or retiring if no team offers him what he demands.
I doubt Kyrie would retire. Seems too early.
eBron James is expected to break Kareem Abdul Jabbar's career point scoring record (38387) as the Lakers are scheduled play the Milwaukee Bucks in Los Angeles (imagining if they were still the Minneapolis Lakers...) on Thursday night (2023-02-09). This is a somewhat big thing with the Milwaukee sports media. And Kareem did it without a three point line.
Mike
Quote from: Rothman on February 07, 2023, 07:14:33 AM
I doubt Kyrie would retire. Seems too early.
If Kyrie demands another max contract multi-year this summer, I expect no team to sign him forcing him to at least sit out a year if not retire or perhaps play overseas, maybe return back to Australia where he was born (a fact lost on many people) and try to find a contract there.
Kyrie is like the hot, crazy chick that every guy wants to sleep with but quickly realizes isn't dateable, who also believes the Earth is flat.
Not to take anything away from LeBron James, but stopping the game with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter to have a big media celebration just seemed wrong.
Let the festive celebrations and media accolades start after the actual event has ended, which is when all of these statistics actually matter.
Pretty fitting in this season that Lebron broke the record in a loss.
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 05:44:52 AM
Not to take anything away from LeBron James, but stopping the game with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter to have a big media celebration just seemed wrong.
Let the festive celebrations and media accolades start after the actual event has ended, which is when all of these statistics actually matter.
Did you have the same reaction for Cal Ripken, Jr. breaking Gehrig's streak? Honestly curious.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2023, 12:50:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 05:44:52 AM
Not to take anything away from LeBron James, but stopping the game with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter to have a big media celebration just seemed wrong.
Let the festive celebrations and media accolades start after the actual event has ended, which is when all of these statistics actually matter.
Did you have the same reaction for Cal Ripken, Jr. breaking Gehrig's streak? Honestly curious.
I seriously don't have any idea how that worked out. Did they stop the game? Wasn't that for games started or at-bats? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I'm fuzzy on what happens in baseball, but it's not the MLB thread.
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 12:54:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2023, 12:50:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 05:44:52 AM
Not to take anything away from LeBron James, but stopping the game with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter to have a big media celebration just seemed wrong.
Let the festive celebrations and media accolades start after the actual event has ended, which is when all of these statistics actually matter.
Did you have the same reaction for Cal Ripken, Jr. breaking Gehrig's streak? Honestly curious.
I seriously don't have any idea how that worked out. Did they stop the game? Wasn't that for games started or at-bats? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I'm fuzzy on what happens in baseball, but it's not the MLB thread.
The celebration started after the 5th inning when the game became official.
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 12:54:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2023, 12:50:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 05:44:52 AM
Not to take anything away from LeBron James, but stopping the game with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter to have a big media celebration just seemed wrong.
Let the festive celebrations and media accolades start after the actual event has ended, which is when all of these statistics actually matter.
Did you have the same reaction for Cal Ripken, Jr. breaking Gehrig's streak? Honestly curious.
I seriously don't have any idea how that worked out. Did they stop the game? Wasn't that for games started or at-bats? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I'm fuzzy on what happens in baseball, but it's not the MLB thread.
Because a baseball game that gets postponed before 5 innings are complete isn't official, the recognition of the record occurred at the end of the 5th inning. A baseball game has natural breaks between innings that basketball really doesn't have, so it's not a 100% perfect comparison, but a reasonable one.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on February 08, 2023, 01:00:20 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 12:54:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2023, 12:50:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 05:44:52 AM
Not to take anything away from LeBron James, but stopping the game with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter to have a big media celebration just seemed wrong.
Let the festive celebrations and media accolades start after the actual event has ended, which is when all of these statistics actually matter.
Did you have the same reaction for Cal Ripken, Jr. breaking Gehrig's streak? Honestly curious.
I seriously don't have any idea how that worked out. Did they stop the game? Wasn't that for games started or at-bats? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I'm fuzzy on what happens in baseball, but it's not the MLB thread.
Because a baseball game that gets postponed before 5 innings are complete isn't official, the recognition of the record occurred at the end of the 5th inning. A baseball game has natural breaks between innings that basketball really doesn't have, so it's not a 100% perfect comparison, but a reasonable one.
Then they could have waited 10 seconds for the break in between quarters and celebrated. Same natural break.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2023, 01:13:02 PM
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on February 08, 2023, 01:00:20 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 12:54:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2023, 12:50:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 08, 2023, 05:44:52 AM
Not to take anything away from LeBron James, but stopping the game with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter to have a big media celebration just seemed wrong.
Let the festive celebrations and media accolades start after the actual event has ended, which is when all of these statistics actually matter.
Did you have the same reaction for Cal Ripken, Jr. breaking Gehrig's streak? Honestly curious.
I seriously don't have any idea how that worked out. Did they stop the game? Wasn't that for games started or at-bats? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I'm fuzzy on what happens in baseball, but it's not the MLB thread.
Because a baseball game that gets postponed before 5 innings are complete isn't official, the recognition of the record occurred at the end of the 5th inning. A baseball game has natural breaks between innings that basketball really doesn't have, so it's not a 100% perfect comparison, but a reasonable one.
Then they could have waited 10 seconds for the break in between quarters and celebrated. Same natural break.
It just seemed weird and hokey. I mean, if it was at or near the last game of the season and neither team is getting into the playoffs, fine.
LeBron's career shattered my initial expectations.
When LeBron was drafted by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, while I anticipated he was good enough to win a plural number of World titles/rings; I (and so many others) never would have expected ten Finals consecutive appearances, which was unprecedented, and to me it was a mind-blowing accomplishment....I don't believe a soul on this planet expected that, LeBron himself probably never expected to pull that off. And same goes for topping Kareem with the career-leader in scoring last night. The only thing that disappointed me about him was that he didn't stay in Cleveland all through his career.
It goes without saying that the advances in sports science through the years has elevated players' strength and conditioning now than ever before I believe that the average playing career has been slightly extended along with that. Just seems though that although physical abilities have been elevated, the mental abilities of basketball have been seems to have regressed since back in the days; people seem to have forgotten that sports is more mental game than physical game (any sport for that matter); the mind and the will is the most powerful part of the body. Kyrie Irving is the quintessential example of immense physical talent, but diminished mental power; I really believe if you were to transplant the brain of any 1990's era HOFer into Kyrie's head, and you'd see the most unstoppable force in basketball history. It is also the same reason I'd put any 1980s and 1990s Finals combatants over any team in the last several years. Again teamwork and mind power defeats talent and physical abilites.
Kevin Durant has been traded to the Suns
Quote from: jgb191 on February 08, 2023, 11:27:35 PM
LeBron's career shattered my initial expectations.
When LeBron was drafted by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, while I anticipated he was good enough to win a plural number of World titles/rings; I (and so many others) never would have expected ten Finals consecutive appearances, which was unprecedented, and to me it was a mind-blowing accomplishment....I don't believe a soul on this planet expected that, LeBron himself probably never expected to pull that off. And same goes for topping Kareem with the career-leader in scoring last night. The only thing that disappointed me about him was that he didn't stay in Cleveland all through his career.
It goes without saying that the advances in sports science through the years has elevated players' strength and conditioning now than ever before I believe that the average playing career has been slightly extended along with that. Just seems though that although physical abilities have been elevated, the mental abilities of basketball have been seems to have regressed since back in the days; people seem to have forgotten that sports is more mental game than physical game (any sport for that matter); the mind and the will is the most powerful part of the body. Kyrie Irving is the quintessential example of immense physical talent, but diminished mental power; I really believe if you were to transplant the brain of any 1990's era HOFer into Kyrie's head, and you'd see the most unstoppable force in basketball history. It is also the same reason I'd put any 1980s and 1990s Finals combatants over any team in the last several years. Again teamwork and mind power defeats talent and physical abilites.
And a first professional championship to Cleveland along with the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL since the 1964 Browns unless we count the 1994 Crunch championship in indoor soccer. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDKOstMIc_g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6RvZ86wpIk
Does any sports fan on AARoads have anything at all to say about all that has happened in the NBA since the last NFL game was completed eleven days ago?
What in the world is going on with the New Jers....sorry I mean Brooklyn Nets??
I've never seen this kind of monumental collapse (of a roster we're talking about) in the NBA since the breakup of the 2004 LA Lakers lost three of their four superstars. It seemed like a planned demolition, because the Nets organization was probably fed up with the circus style drama and I guess you can say that they want a fresh new start.
It looks like to me that the Nets have kickstarted (and I mean kickstarted with all its meaning) their rebuilding process. With eight future draft picks in these two trades (Kevin and Kyrie). Now whether they trade that draft capital to manufacture a new superteam or actually use those draft picks to build young talent remains to be seen.
As for the Suns, I think they just might be a legitimate force to battle with to represent the West in the Finals.
The LA Lakers also traded Russell Westbrook to Utah in another big news around the league.
While I agree that the Suns with Kevin Durant are certainly more interesting now, they're still facing some stiff competition in the West. And as it stands, the top two teams are the Denver Nuggets and the Vancou--er, Memphis Grizzlies, although it's also refreshing to see the Sacramento Kings do very well too.
As for the Lakers, it looks like the LeBron experiment was destined to fail from the start, even though he did pass Kareem as the NBA's top scorer of all time. Aside from that bubble championship, there really hasn't been much to cheer about in L.A., especially when the Clippers are now the superior team, and that's something we never anticipated in a million years.
Quote from: Henry on February 14, 2023, 11:04:12 AM
Vancou--er, Memphis Grizzlies,
Probably unintentional, but this works out perfectly. Even better with just one dash.
Quote from: webny99 on February 14, 2023, 11:16:15 AM
Quote from: Henry on February 14, 2023, 11:04:12 AM
Vancou--er, Memphis Grizzlies,
Probably unintentional, but this works out perfectly. Even better with just one dash.
Especially when someone almost referred to the Brooklyn team as the New Jersey Nets.
The next TV deal is up for grabs, and rumor has it that NBC wants back in after more than 20 years out of the game. If it weren't for FOX taking away Roundball Rock for its college hoops coverage, I'd be all for it, because I can't imagine it with any other theme. That song would've felt way out of place on ESPN/ABC, so it's a good call for them making a new one.
Quote from: Henry on February 16, 2023, 11:23:04 AM
Quote from: webny99 on February 14, 2023, 11:16:15 AM
Quote from: Henry on February 14, 2023, 11:04:12 AM
Vancou--er, Memphis Grizzlies,
Probably unintentional, but this works out perfectly. Even better with just one dash.
Especially when someone almost referred to the Brooklyn team as the New Jersey Nets.
Yes, but New Jersey doesn't end with -er. :-P
Celtics interm coach Joe Mazzulla has been promoted to full time head coach. Well deserved.
Per rumor, I wouldn't mind seeing the NBA on NBC once again.
The GOAT Michael Jordan turns 60 today.
And the GOTM (greatest of the moment) is favored to win the Michael Jordan trophy for the third consecutive time, something even the GOAT didn't do.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 17, 2023, 03:05:04 PM
And the GOTM (greatest of the moment) is favored to win the Michael Jordan trophy for the third consecutive time, something even the GOAT didn't do.
In hindsight, that was purely voters being tired of MJ winning it and giving it to someone else. There's no full season MJ played for the Bulls save his rookie season that he wasn't the league MVP. Even Barkley who was one of those beneificiaries said as much.
Ugh, the dudes who own the Browns are now part owners of the Bucks:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35746705/sources-marc-lasry-agrees-sell-bucks-haslams-35b (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35746705/sources-marc-lasry-agrees-sell-bucks-haslams-35b)
Can't say I'm enthused about the ownership group of one of the most poorly run NFL teams horning in on "my" team. The last decade of Cleveland football does not fill one with confidence in this new ownership.
Lebron James is out a few weeks with a foot injury.
Yeah I watched the game when it happened. He injured it when he tried to do a little fake. I was like that's not good lol
AD needs to step up or Lakers won't even make the play in game.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on February 28, 2023, 12:01:43 PM
Ugh, the dudes who own the Browns are now part owners of the Bucks:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35746705/sources-marc-lasry-agrees-sell-bucks-haslams-35b (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35746705/sources-marc-lasry-agrees-sell-bucks-haslams-35b)
As long as they remain minority owners without much say in day to day operations of the team, they should be fine. But if the Haslams ever gain a controlling stake, look out.
Can't say I'm enthused about the ownership group of one of the most poorly run NFL teams horning in on "my" team. The last decade of Cleveland football does not fill one with confidence in this new ownership.
For the first time since 1998, the Cleveland Cavaliers have clinched a playoff spot with a roster that did not include Lebron James.
With the Mavericks stuck in 11th place, if this holds up the rest of the way, would it be the first time all three Texas teams missed the playoffs in the same season? The Rockets and Spurs are obviously heading for the draft lottery, but Dallas is having the most disappointing season so far.
On the flip side, it looks like all four California teams are going to be in the postseason, which also looks like a first, but let's look into that just to be sure.
About time: The Sacremento Kings have finally ended the longest active playoff drought in the big four North American sports!
16 years is a crazy playoff drought in a league where over half the teams make it every year. That's a record that may never be topped, especially now that the NBA has added the play-in round which counts as playoffs IMO.
Quote from: webny99 on March 30, 2023, 12:14:47 AM
About time: The Sacremento Kings have finally ended the longest active playoff drought in the big four North American sports!
16 years is a crazy playoff drought in a league where over half the teams make it every year. That's a record that may never be topped, especially now that the NBA has added the play-in round which counts as playoffs IMO.
Officially the NBA does not count the play-in round as the playoffs.
Quote from: Henry on March 29, 2023, 10:41:29 PM
With the Mavericks stuck in 11th place, if this holds up the rest of the way, would it be the first time all three Texas teams missed the playoffs in the same season? The Rockets and Spurs are obviously heading for the draft lottery, but Dallas is having the most disappointing season so far.
Very disappointing for the Mavericks, but I still think they will make the play-in over the Thunder. The problem is that they will still be the 9 or 10 seed facing a tough road to the actual playoffs.
Quote from: webny99 on March 30, 2023, 10:47:55 AM
Quote from: Henry on March 29, 2023, 10:41:29 PM
With the Mavericks stuck in 11th place, if this holds up the rest of the way, would it be the first time all three Texas teams missed the playoffs in the same season? The Rockets and Spurs are obviously heading for the draft lottery, but Dallas is having the most disappointing season so far.
Very disappointing for the Mavericks, but I still think they will make the play-in over the Thunder. The problem is that they will still be the 9 or 10 seed facing a tough road to the actual playoffs.
That's what they get for signing the flat-earther. He is a team malignant tumor.
I don't remember the last time all three Texas teams missed the playoffs. The Spurs run of 27 playoff season out of 28 years, was due to at least one of the Twin Towers on that team; they became the Twin Towers from 1997 (drafted Duncan) to 2003 (Robinson retired). Even before David Robinson was drafted, the Spurs made the playoffs ten straight seasons from the mid-1970's to the mid-1980's making the Conference Championship round three times in that earlier span.
As for the Mavericks, after Kyrie will be forced into retirement this summer (because no team in their right mind wants any part of him), the Mavericks should have some considerable salary cap space to work with to sign another free agent.
Quote from: jgb191 on March 31, 2023, 01:43:05 AM
I don't remember the last time all three Texas teams missed the playoffs. The Spurs run of 27 playoff season out of 28 years, was due to at least one of the Twin Towers on that team; they became the Twin Towers from 1997 (drafted Duncan) to 2003 (Robinson retired). Even before David Robinson was drafted, the Spurs made the playoffs ten straight seasons from the mid-1970's to the mid-1980's making the Conference Championship round three times in that earlier span.
As for the Mavericks, after Kyrie will be forced into retirement this summer (because no team in their right mind wants any part of him), the Mavericks should have some considerable salary cap space to work with to sign another free agent.
1976 was the most recent year with no Texas in the NBA playoffs. The Rockets missed, the Spurs were still in the ABA, and the Mavericks were yet to exist for another 5 years. If you count the ABA, it was 1973, as the Spurs made the ABA playoffs from 1974-1976.
The Celtics crushed the Bucks, 140-99. I'm guessing this game was to make up for the inexplicable loss to the Wizards, but I was surprised at the margin.
The NBAs one and done rule is staying. HS players will still not be able to be drafted into the NBA.
I've never had any problems with NBA teams drafting high schoolers if there are GMs believe in them; and even now I still don't have a problem with high school seniors entering the NBA today. Even The Logo himself drafted the Black Mamba back in 1996; Jerry West saw something special in (17-year-old) Kobe Bryant that nobody else could see until Kobe entered his prime several years after he was drafted.
Bucks beat the Bulls 105-92 tonight, clinching the#1 seed and homecourt throughout the playoffs. Go Bucks!
Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 05, 2023, 10:09:53 PM
Bucks beat the Bulls 105-92 tonight, clinching the#1 seed and homecourt throughout the playoffs. Go Bucks!
Well, the good news is that the Bulls still get a play-in spot, although their path to the playoffs will be tough as they have the 10-seed in the East.
Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 05, 2023, 10:09:53 PM
Bucks beat the Bulls 105-92 tonight, clinching the#1 seed and homecourt throughout the playoffs. Go Bucks!
FEAR the DEER!
:cool:
Mike
https://old.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/12dl10e/shelburne_utahs_lauri_markkanen_to_fulfill/
Interesting
Up next is a must-win game in Toronto, but I'm confident the Bulls can pull it out and keep their playoff hopes alive, although either the Heat or the Hawks will do them in in the second game.
Excited for the play ins to start tonight. Time for me to get into straight NBA mode now that March Madness is over, will be watching more NHL playoffs as well with the Bruins being ungodly good this year.
Quote from: Henry on April 05, 2023, 10:58:48 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 05, 2023, 10:09:53 PM
Bucks beat the Bulls 105-92 tonight, clinching the#1 seed and homecourt throughout the playoffs. Go Bucks!
Well, the good news is that the Bulls still get a play-in spot, although their path to the playoffs will be tough as they have the 10-seed in the East.
Wish they never made it and got eliminated lol, this team is a mess
Quote from: ET21 on April 11, 2023, 10:08:13 AM
Quote from: Henry on April 05, 2023, 10:58:48 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 05, 2023, 10:09:53 PM
Bucks beat the Bulls 105-92 tonight, clinching the#1 seed and homecourt throughout the playoffs. Go Bucks!
Well, the good news is that the Bulls still get a play-in spot, although their path to the playoffs will be tough as they have the 10-seed in the East.
Wish they never made it and got eliminated lol, this team is a mess
Perish the thought, they got the win in Toronto; now the harder game in Miami is coming up.
Quote from: Henry on April 12, 2023, 10:16:35 PM
Quote from: ET21 on April 11, 2023, 10:08:13 AM
Quote from: Henry on April 05, 2023, 10:58:48 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 05, 2023, 10:09:53 PM
Bucks beat the Bulls 105-92 tonight, clinching the#1 seed and homecourt throughout the playoffs. Go Bucks!
Well, the good news is that the Bulls still get a play-in spot, although their path to the playoffs will be tough as they have the 10-seed in the East.
Wish they never made it and got eliminated lol, this team is a mess
Perish the thought, they got the win in Toronto; now the harder game in Miami is coming up.
Demar's daughter the MVP
The playoff field is getting two firsts, with all four California teams in it, and all three Texas teams out of it. Which makes this season historic and surreal.
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/i-80-playoff-showdown-between-warriors-kings-tests-allegiance-solano-county-residents/
The I-80 series and Solano County is in the middle of this one given that both Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors have Solano County.
But other counties in NorCal you know where the alliances are.
Quote from: Henry on April 13, 2023, 10:05:51 PM
The playoff field is getting two firsts, with all four California teams in it, and all three Texas teams out of it. Which makes this season historic and surreal.
Not to mention both New York teams are in the playoffs, which is also amazing given their histories.
What an exciting win for the Kings over the Warriors to begin their series - 126-123!
Quote from: Henry on April 12, 2023, 10:16:35 PM
Quote from: ET21 on April 11, 2023, 10:08:13 AM
Quote from: Henry on April 05, 2023, 10:58:48 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 05, 2023, 10:09:53 PM
Bucks beat the Bulls 105-92 tonight, clinching the#1 seed and homecourt throughout the playoffs. Go Bucks!
Well, the good news is that the Bulls still get a play-in spot, although their path to the playoffs will be tough as they have the 10-seed in the East.
Wish they never made it and got eliminated lol, this team is a mess
Perish the thought, they got the win in Toronto; now the harder game in Miami is coming up.
Ty Miami for ending the Bulls, though I do agree, DeMar's daughter true MVP.
Although none of the Texas teams are in the playoffs, this is the year I am really interested in watching it.....no one is favored to win the championship this year.
It was refreshing to see Sacramento re-awakened after 16 years. I was cheering hard for the Kings to win it all in 2002, but turned out that the Lakers weren't going to be denied their 3-peat. That LA/Sacramento series in 2002 -- the real NBA Finals in my opinion -- was the greatest playoff series in NBA history I thought, and Game Seven (that went overtime) was one of the best games in all of sports history.
As far as Game Two last night, I expected nothing less from the referees regarding the stomping incident. Sabonis was appropriately administered a technical foul and rightly so, but Draymond also deserved the flagrant and ejection. But I think it ends there; there should be no suspensions going forward.
I looked this up: Both home courts are only about 70 miles apart; that's the closest playoff-matchup distance-wise in the first round. You can hear the noise from the Kings fans all the way from Oakland!
According to ESPN, the top three championship picks are the Bucks, Celtics and Suns. But with the field as packed as it is (the last non-lockout/COVID season without a 60-win team was 2000-01), there is no clear favorite this time around, so as they say, anything goes.
The Bucks are out, so the Celtics are emerging as the prohibitive favorites to win the East. So this sets up a redux of the late 90s/early 2000s battles between the Knicks and Heat, the two teams I loved to hate as a Bulls fan (along with the Pistons, who infamously walked off the court after losing the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals).
Since this is a roads forum, I Just noticed that all the four Eastern Conference teams remaining are all along I-95. ESPN must be having a wet dream over these playoffs.
And the Western Conference has the Bay Area and LA (both along US 101) in one semi with Denver and Phoenix in the latter (the only two markets that aren't super-big)
Quote from: tdindy88 on April 30, 2023, 07:44:13 PM
Since this is a roads forum, I Just noticed that all the four Eastern Conference teams remaining are all along I-95. ESPN must be having a wet dream over these playoffs.
And the Western Conference has the Bay Area and LA (both along US 101) in one semi with Denver and Phoenix in the latter (the only two markets that aren't super-big)
Congrats to the Warriors again now that they have to face Los Angeles Lakers
I was expecting a rivalry that has not been seen since the 2000's back when Sacramento Kings was in Natomas and their rivalry against the Kobe Bryant era Lakers.
But then again Different era different players.
The NBA got its wish of a LA vs SF playoff series; we haven't seen that in a while. Two major California markets a ratings dream.
Imagine if that happened in 2002 Western Conference Championship the Bay Area team instead of Sacramento.....imagine the ratings bonanza and even more money generated.
Someone told me that if you look a bunch of role players and put them in two of the largest cities, their matchup would still generate more money than a star-studded playoff-series between two mid-size cities. So it guess it's not the players but the city sizes that determine ratings/money. Imagine if the Blazers defied conventional logic at the time and drafted Michael Jordan in 1984.
Nuggs gonna take this all down.
Sixers take Game 1 from the Celtics.
https://twitter.com/billsimmons/status/1653214106105843713?s=61&t=YaXnONshRab24nce-Nwmvw
Joel Embiid is the 2022-23 NBA MVP.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2023, 01:53:00 AM
The NBA got its wish of a LA vs SF playoff series; we haven't seen that in a while. Two major California markets a ratings dream.
The last time the Warriors and Lakers met in the playoffs was 1991. While it may not be nearly as intense as Dodgers vs. Giants, it's really coming close to it, especially with abundant star power on both sides (Splash Brothers vs. King James and The Brow). In fact, don't be surprised if it comes down to a Game 7 again, as it did in the Warriors-Kings series.
As much as I would love for the Lakers/Warriors series to go the full seven games, for one reason I hope it doesn't make it to a Game Seven. I want the teams to either disprove the conspiracy that the NBA league office sets up a Game Seven, or if indeed the NBA executives have ordered Game Seven to be played, then I hope the better team defies that order and ends it as soon as they are capable of doing so.
Also I hate the notion of a "gentlemen's sweep" that the winning team is up 3-0 and decides to hand Game Four to the losing team before knocking them out in Game Five; I don't know if this really does happen. But if your opponent is playing in elimination game, then sweep them if capable. The last thing you want is to risk injury in that extra game which didn't need to by played and give your opponent any hope. The 2003 Dallas Mavericks came to mind: in the 2003 First Round, the Mavs won the first three games vs the Portland TrailBlazers, and decided to make the Portland fans happy by giving them Game Four so the Mavs could end the series at home. Well the Mavs did close out the series at home....in a hotly-contested Game Seven; Dallas was incredibly lucky to escape the first round from Portland.
Bucks fire HC Gud
Quote from: Big John on May 04, 2023, 06:18:06 PM
Bucks fire HC Gud
Coach Bud. I think most Bucks fans are rejoicing. He's not very good at adjustments and he's not the most engaging personality either. He coached a championship which was mostly Giannis, Kris, and Lopez willing them to the title despite Budenholzer.
Being bounced from the first round of the playoffs as a #1 seed by the #8 seed while your expectations are a championship or bust......oh, wait.
It was a major coaching mismatch, which I believe was the biggest factor in the series. Erik Spoelstra completely outcoached Mike Bud. Also many people underestimate the Heat for some reason; they're way better than they get credit for. Also if the Heat had the seventh best record in the East, then why were they placed at #8 seed?
This reminds me again of the Dallas Mavericks in 2007, the #1 seeded Mavs fell to the #8 GS Warriors, where the coaching decided the series (the players on both sides looked evenly matched). Former Mavs coach and then the Warriors coach Don Nelson knew everything about Mavs tendencies and weaknesses and outcoached his successor Avery Johnson. It was a coaching mismatch of epic proportions that culminated in seemingly considered one of the biggest upsets in playoff history at the time.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 05, 2023, 12:54:00 AM
It was a major coaching mismatch, which I believe was the biggest factor in the series. Erik Spoelstra completely outcoached Mike Bud. Also many people underestimate the Heat for some reason; they're way better than they get credit for. Also if the Heat had the seventh best record in the East, then why were they placed at #8 seed?
They lost the first play-in game to the Hawks, who had three fewer wins in the regular season. The winner of that matchup would be guaranteed the 7-seed, while the loser would get one more chance in the play-in tournament, and the Heat took advantage of their second chance by beating the Bulls and getting the last seed. So seeding no longer is a given when you have the seventh through tenth best teams in each conference jockeying for the last two spots in the playoffs these days.
So that means the #8 seeded team might not even have the eighth-best record in the league? This adds to my disagreement with the play-in.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 06, 2023, 01:29:35 AM
So that means the #8 seeded team might not even have the eighth-best record in the league? This adds to my disagreement with the play-in.
Plus a conference 1 seed doesn't guarantee you home court in The Finals against a lower seed from the other conference. Even though Denver is the 1 seed in the west, they would not have home court against Boston or Philly because both had a better record than the Nuggets.
^ Yeah that's always been like that as far as I can remember. Better regular season record gets home court advantage in the NBA Finals.
Case in point: let's take you back to the Lakers' three-peat:
In the 2001 NBA Finals, the #3 seeded LA Lakers had home court advantage vs #1 seeded Philadelphia; and same thing the next year, the 2002 NBA Finals the (again) #3 seeded LA Lakers had home court advantage over the #1 seeded NJ Nets. I considered both 2001 and 2002 as the biggest mismatch in NBA Finals history.
Quote from: Henry on May 02, 2023, 09:35:43 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2023, 01:53:00 AM
The NBA got its wish of a LA vs SF playoff series; we haven't seen that in a while. Two major California markets a ratings dream.
The last time the Warriors and Lakers met in the playoffs was 1991. While it may not be nearly as intense as Dodgers vs. Giants, it's really coming close to it, especially with abundant star power on both sides (Splash Brothers vs. King James and The Brow). In fact, don't be surprised if it comes down to a Game 7 again, as it did in the Warriors-Kings series.
True too!
LA Lakers win and beat the Warriors!
Well my Sixers are out yet again. Horrible 2nd half.
At least Joel Embiid got what he really wanted....the league MVP.
I wonder how many more chances Morant is going to get in the league. He had the opportunity of a lifetime.....all that money, talent, and fame is about to go down the drain if he can't correct his conduct.
Celtics-Heat. Lakers-Nuggets. Should be good.
San Antonio Spurs win the draft lottery and are likely to draft Victor Wembanyama. They had similar luck with David Robinson (1987) and Tim Duncan (1997).
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 16, 2023, 08:28:32 PM
San Antonio Spurs win the draft lottery and are likely to draft Victor Wembanyama. They had similar luck with David Robinson (1987) and Tim Duncan (1997).
And both big men started a run of five titles in 15 years. Robinson and Duncan were part of the first two championships (1999, 2003), then Duncan won the last three on his own (2005, 2007, 2014). It's rare enough for lightning to strike twice in one place, but will it happen a third time? Only time will tell.
My Nuggs came back and got the Lakers last night. Lebron is starting to look old. Jokic can't stop getting triple doubles. Murrary just had his 4th 20-point playoff 4th quarter in his career. The only two players with more are MJ and Allen Iverson, and Murray is only 26.
Must win for the Celtics vs. Heat tonight.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 19, 2023, 01:36:37 PM
Must win for the Celtics vs. Heat tonight.
Annnndddd........now we're down 0-2.
If the Finals is Heat-Nuggets, will it be sponsored by Ninja air fryers?
If Miami ends up winning the Finals next month, the Bucks owe former Coach Mike Bud a major apology for prematurely parting ways. It just goes to show that come playoff time, seeding and regular season records don't matter (except determining first-round matchups). All 16 teams begin the playoffs zero and zero.
So much for a Celtics-Lakers finals........
The Miami-Denver finals is going to be a ratings bonanza for ABC...
How many average basketball fans were actually pining for another Lakers-Celtics final?
It would be cool if the Nuggets win their first NBA championship. That would be big as the first Raptors championship in 2019.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 22, 2023, 07:57:40 AM
How many average basketball fans were actually pining for another Lakers-Celtics final?
I just wanted the Celts to win. Horrific coaching, unfortunately. Need a seasoned point guard.
Then again, seeing them beat LeBron would have been sweet.
As a basketball fan, even if I weren't a Nuggets fan, I would be cheering for Nuggets/Heat. Two tough teams that don't back down from anything. And add the "underdog" feel and I think we'll have a great series. They both have big chips on their shoulders.
Lakers/Celtics would have been so overrated....the rivalry just doesn't exist anymore. Sure the players today could try to revive the rivalry but that would mean a series of Finals meetings for the next several years and I just don't see that happening.
The Heat has already won NBA Finals, so I'd like to see the Nuggets win their first in franchise history. Always nice to see one less organization on the ring-less list.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 22, 2023, 11:35:36 AM
Lakers/Celtics would have been so overrated....the rivalry just doesn't exist anymore. Sure the players today could try to revive the rivalry but that would mean a series of Finals meetings for the next several years and I just don't see that happening.
The Heat has already won NBA Finals, so I'd like to see the Nuggets win their first in franchise history. Always nice to see one less organization on the ring-less list.
Seconded on both. It would be nice to see Denver celebrate its first NBA championship, meaning that the Spurs would no longer be the only former ABA team to win one (I hope those five NBA titles were worth it!).
First things first: the Heat will have to put the Celtics away tonight, which I believe will happen.
It's a really long layoff for the Nuggets (and possibly the Heat as well) as the first game of the finals isn't until 6/1.
Funny thing about a potential Denver-Miami Finals: It would match up the two cities that both gained MLB expansion teams 30 years ago, and both cities also have NFL teams that originated in the AFL (competing in the AFC). The last time they contested a championship was 1996, when the Avalanche (who were in their debut season after previously existing as the Quebec Nordiques) swept the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals.
I think another sweep is in order. As long as John Vanbiesbrouck doesn't make too many saves.
I sense that if Miami meets Denver in Game 1 of the Finals, I see this potential series going to seven the way they've played so far.
Nuggs in 6 vs. Heat.
Nuggs in 7 vs. Celtics.
The East finals is still not over, as the Celtics take Game 5 at home over the Heat. Two more wins and they'll be the first-ever NBA team to win a series after facing a 3-0 deficit. Must be the inspiration they took from the 2004 Red Sox, who remain the only MLB team to do the same thing, with the Yankees in the Heat's role.
I'm beginning to believe that the Celtics deliberately set up the Heat to be the first team in NBA history to choke away a 3-0 lead. The Celtics knew they were far more talented than the Heat, so it would seem like they see this as a golden opportunity to add up a history-making comeback story in their favor by spotting Miami the first three-and-a-half games then start playing in the second half of Game Four. I didn't think the Celtics were cold and calculating like this. It's like a grown man dangling candy to a child and when the child is close to taking it, the man pulls it away.
Game Six will determine if it was indeed a set-up or not. If Boston wins another double-digit margin game Saturday night, then their Master Plan has been revealed, because no way Miami has the firepower to match that of the Celtics in Game Seven, or any other game for that matter (expecting a major blowout if the series goes back to Boston).
Quote from: jgb191 on May 26, 2023, 12:49:38 AM
I'm beginning to believe that the Celtics deliberately set up the Heat to be the first team in NBA history to choke away a 3-0 lead. The Celtics knew they were far more talented than the Heat, so it would seem like they see this as a golden opportunity to add up a history-making comeback story in their favor by spotting Miami the first three-and-a-half games then start playing in the second half of Game Four. I didn't think the Celtics were cold and calculating like this. It's like a grown man dangling candy to a child and when the child is close to taking it, the man pulls it away.
Game Six will determine if it was indeed a set-up or not. If Boston wins another double-digit margin game Saturday night, then their Master Plan has been revealed, because no way Miami has the firepower to match that of the Celtics in Game Seven, or any other game for that matter (expecting a major blowout if the series goes back to Boston).
We tend to be quite superstitious here in the Boston area, especially about our sports teams. Witness the Curse of the Bambino, 1918-2004. If the Celtics do end up winning the series (which I won't predict), we will be crediting the appearance of Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter in Game 4 (when Miami was up 3-0) as the reason. Both belonged to the 2004 Yankees team that I believe blew the only 3-0 lead in MLB history. Could it happen? Who knows.
So it will be the Denver Nuggets vs the Boston Celtics in this year's NBA Finals. The Celtics will advance to the Finals in consecutive years for the first time this century (hasn't happened consecutively since the 1986 and 1987 Finals).
Despite Denver owning the top seed and Boston the #2 seed, the latter will have home court advantage due to better regular season record. While it seems most of the basketball world tends to root for the storied franchise, I'm going the other way, I want to see one less team on the title-less list, so I am supporting Denver to win their first in franchise history.
Game One -- Denver at Boston -- is Thursday night.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 28, 2023, 12:33:28 AM
So it will be the Denver Nuggets vs the Boston Celtics in this year's NBA Finals. The Celtics will advance to the Finals in consecutive years for the first time this century (hasn't happened consecutively since the 1986 and 1987 Finals).
Despite Denver owning the top seed and Boston the #2 seed, the latter will have home court advantage due to better regular season record. While it seems most of the basketball world tends to root for the storied franchise, I'm going the other way, I want to see one less team on the title-less list, so I am supporting Denver to win their first in franchise history.
Game One -- Denver at Boston -- is Thursday night.
Somebody's jumping the gun...
Quote from: Rothman on May 28, 2023, 10:03:41 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on May 28, 2023, 12:33:28 AM
So it will be the Denver Nuggets vs the Boston Celtics in this year's NBA Finals. The Celtics will advance to the Finals in consecutive years for the first time this century (hasn't happened consecutively since the 1986 and 1987 Finals).
Despite Denver owning the top seed and Boston the #2 seed, the latter will have home court advantage due to better regular season record. While it seems most of the basketball world tends to root for the storied franchise, I'm going the other way, I want to see one less team on the title-less list, so I am supporting Denver to win their first in franchise history.
Game One -- Denver at Boston -- is Thursday night.
Somebody's jumping the gun...
Yes, let's not jinx it.....
Just a question: why does overtime exist in basketball? It would be pretty easy to implement "continue until the score is no longer tied" as part of the fourth quarter, which would typically take less than two minutes after the clock hits 0.
For comparison, the NHL does it (a goal scored in overtime ends the game immediately), soccer depends on the league, the MLB has it as much as it can with teams being unable to score at the same time, and it doesn't work in the NFL because it's a lot easier to score 3 points than 7.
Quote from: 1 on May 28, 2023, 10:44:38 AM
Just a question: why does overtime exist in basketball? It would be pretty easy to implement "continue until the score is no longer tied" as part of the fourth quarter, which would typically take less than two minutes after the clock hits 0.
For comparison, the NHL does it (a goal scored in overtime ends the game immediately), soccer depends on the league, the MLB has it as much as it can with teams being unable to score at the same time, and it doesn't work in the NFL because it's a lot easier to score 3 points than 7.
Probably because of the nature of the game and "first one to score a basket in the 5th quarter wins" is a huge advantage to whoever gets the ball first. It'd be pretty silly.
Quote from: Rothman on May 28, 2023, 10:46:32 AM
Quote from: 1 on May 28, 2023, 10:44:38 AM
Just a question: why does overtime exist in basketball? It would be pretty easy to implement "continue until the score is no longer tied" as part of the fourth quarter, which would typically take less than two minutes after the clock hits 0.
For comparison, the NHL does it (a goal scored in overtime ends the game immediately), soccer depends on the league, the MLB has it as much as it can with teams being unable to score at the same time, and it doesn't work in the NFL because it's a lot easier to score 3 points than 7.
Probably because of the nature of the game and "first one to score a basket in the 5th quarter wins" is a huge advantage to whoever gets the ball first. It'd be pretty silly.
Not the 5th quarter. No break in action. It would be a continuation of the fourth quarter. No change in possession happens when the clock hits 0 (unless a basket just went in to tie the game, in which case the other team gets the ball like they always do after a basket is made).
Quote from: 1 on May 28, 2023, 10:44:38 AM
Just a question: why does overtime exist in basketball? It would be pretty easy to implement "continue until the score is no longer tied" as part of the fourth quarter, which would typically take less than two minutes after the clock hits 0.
For comparison, the NHL does it (a goal scored in overtime ends the game immediately), soccer depends on the league, the MLB has it as much as it can with teams being unable to score at the same time, and it doesn't work in the NFL because it's a lot easier to score 3 points than 7.
Google "Elam Ending".
Quote from: 1 on May 28, 2023, 11:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 28, 2023, 10:46:32 AM
Quote from: 1 on May 28, 2023, 10:44:38 AM
Just a question: why does overtime exist in basketball? It would be pretty easy to implement "continue until the score is no longer tied" as part of the fourth quarter, which would typically take less than two minutes after the clock hits 0.
For comparison, the NHL does it (a goal scored in overtime ends the game immediately), soccer depends on the league, the MLB has it as much as it can with teams being unable to score at the same time, and it doesn't work in the NFL because it's a lot easier to score 3 points than 7.
Probably because of the nature of the game and "first one to score a basket in the 5th quarter wins" is a huge advantage to whoever gets the ball first. It'd be pretty silly.
Not the 5th quarter. No break in action. It would be a continuation of the fourth quarter. No change in possession happens when the clock hits 0 (unless a basket just went in to tie the game, in which case the other team gets the ball like they always do after a basket is made).
Well, whatever. I think it would still feel unfair and silly, for what I outlined.
^ Back in the 1980's the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), a minor league operation, had two sets of overtime rules for winning the game. First, they had a "first to three points" in the OT–in other words, first team to score three points wins. This ended games very quickly, really too quickly. So, they devised another rule in which it was a "lead by three points" wins. This prolonged the OT a bit longer–as there was no game clock running, only the shot clock. These rules were made to shorten OT plus to add excitement and risk to get to three or lead by three as quick as possible. It also was a byproduct of the CBA's "7-Point System" . In this, standings were not determined by wins and losses but by points accumulated through the season. If a team scored more points than the other team in a quarter, that team would receive one point. This would be for all four quarters in the game. The team that won would receive three points in the standings. So, if a team won every quarter, and obviously the game, they would receive all seven points. Tied quarters would enable each team to receive 0.5 points. A team could win the first three quarters of a game, be outscored in the fourth and lose, would receive three points with the other team receiving four points for winning the fourth quarter and the game. An auxiliary scoreboard was mounted in each CBA arena showing the quarter score with the game score on the regular scoreboard. So, winning in OT meant receiving three points in the standings.
This did lead to instances where a team with a better win-loss record ended up behind a team that accumulated more points than the better win-loss team. For example, in the 1981-82 season, which was the first season to use the "7-Point System" , the Alberta Dusters, with a record of 12-34, finished in third place ahead of the 14-32 Anchorage Northern Knights because they scored more points throughout the season. The next season, the Rochester Zeniths, at 29-15, won the East Division over the 30-14 Lancaster Lightning because of scoring more points–basically winning more quarters throughout the season.
After a few years of the OT experimentation, the CBA reverted back to the traditional five minute OT period.
Why does an OT period exist in basketball (and some other sports)? Because most players, coaches, and fans do not like tied games. They want to see a game that is played to a winning (and losing) outcome.
As far as the Celtics possibly achieving NBA history, there have been three instances in the NBA and one instance in the ABA in which a team has come back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the series. In order...
1. 1951: New York Knicks vs the Rochester Royals in the Championship Series.
2. 1974: Indiana Pacers vs the Utah Stars in the ABA Western Division Finals.
3. 1994: Denver Nuggets vs the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Semifinals.
4. 2003: Portland Trail Blazers vs the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference First Round.
Unfortunately, the teams that came back to tie the series lost Game 7. However, all Game 7's were won by the home team. Boston is playing Game 7 at home tonight (Monday) becoming the first team to come back from the 3-0 deficit and play at home. We all will see if history will be made or will see if the trend continues.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 28, 2023, 10:33:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 28, 2023, 10:03:41 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on May 28, 2023, 12:33:28 AM
So it will be the Denver Nuggets vs the Boston Celtics in this year's NBA Finals. The Celtics will advance to the Finals in consecutive years for the first time this century (hasn't happened consecutively since the 1986 and 1987 Finals).
Despite Denver owning the top seed and Boston the #2 seed, the latter will have home court advantage due to better regular season record. While it seems most of the basketball world tends to root for the storied franchise, I'm going the other way, I want to see one less team on the title-less list, so I am supporting Denver to win their first in franchise history.
Game One -- Denver at Boston -- is Thursday night.
Somebody's jumping the gun...
Yes, let's not jinx it.....
I do not believe in curses, jinxes, or superstition. Miami's spirits are shattered beyond repair. What I do believe in is that it is practically pointless for the Heat to even waste fuel and make the trip to Boston especially when everyone knows Miami can't (and won't) win Game Seven.
I know this Celtics team all too well, we can get blown out in game 7 and I wouldn't be shocked.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 26, 2023, 06:46:06 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on May 26, 2023, 12:49:38 AM
I'm beginning to believe that the Celtics deliberately set up the Heat to be the first team in NBA history to choke away a 3-0 lead. The Celtics knew they were far more talented than the Heat, so it would seem like they see this as a golden opportunity to add up a history-making comeback story in their favor by spotting Miami the first three-and-a-half games then start playing in the second half of Game Four. I didn't think the Celtics were cold and calculating like this. It's like a grown man dangling candy to a child and when the child is close to taking it, the man pulls it away.
Game Six will determine if it was indeed a set-up or not. If Boston wins another double-digit margin game Saturday night, then their Master Plan has been revealed, because no way Miami has the firepower to match that of the Celtics in Game Seven, or any other game for that matter (expecting a major blowout if the series goes back to Boston).
We tend to be quite superstitious here in the Boston area, especially about our sports teams. Witness the Curse of the Bambino, 1918-2004. If the Celtics do end up winning the series (which I won't predict), we will be crediting the appearance of Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter in Game 4 (when Miami was up 3-0) as the reason. Both belonged to the 2004 Yankees team that I believe blew the only 3-0 lead in MLB history. Could it happen? Who knows.
There's also the 2016 Patriots, who overcame a 28-3 deficit in Super Bowl LI and won in OT. Six years later, the Falcons are still haunted by that memory, especially the part where another White victimized them with the winning score. Game 6 of the East finals is probably going to have that same bad effect on the Heat after the buzzer-beater in Miami that ruined their last best chance to win. To date, this is only the second playoff game to end this way with the winning team facing elimination; the other? Michael Jordan making "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo at Cleveland in the (then) decisive Game 5 of the East quarterfinals in 1989.
(Derrick = James)
welp
Quote from: jgb191 on May 29, 2023, 12:37:16 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 28, 2023, 10:33:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 28, 2023, 10:03:41 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on May 28, 2023, 12:33:28 AM
So it will be the Denver Nuggets vs the Boston Celtics in this year's NBA Finals. The Celtics will advance to the Finals in consecutive years for the first time this century (hasn't happened consecutively since the 1986 and 1987 Finals).
Despite Denver owning the top seed and Boston the #2 seed, the latter will have home court advantage due to better regular season record. While it seems most of the basketball world tends to root for the storied franchise, I'm going the other way, I want to see one less team on the title-less list, so I am supporting Denver to win their first in franchise history.
Game One -- Denver at Boston -- is Thursday night.
Somebody's jumping the gun...
Yes, let's not jinx it.....
I do not believe in curses, jinxes, or superstition. Miami's spirits are shattered beyond repair. What I do believe in is that it is practically pointless for the Heat to even waste fuel and make the trip to Boston especially when everyone knows Miami can't (and won't) win Game Seven.
They're professionals. No pros count themselves out of anything. Anyway, Nuggs in 6.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 29, 2023, 12:37:16 AM
I do not believe in curses, jinxes, or superstition. Miami's spirits are shattered beyond repair. What I do believe in is that it is practically pointless for the Heat to even waste fuel and make the trip to Boston especially when everyone knows Miami can't (and won't) win Game Seven.
Uhhhh..... dude..... :sombrero: :-D :D :) :pan: :biggrin: :bigass:
With the washed-up LeBron and the choke-artist Celtics gone (they had a chance to make history tonight, had they bothered to show up for the game), ESPN is in a bit of a pickle as far as ratings and ad dollars go. Sucks to be them. :)
And Miami has two teams in their respective sport's finals. Too bad they'll probably lose both in 6 or 7. I just don't see Vegas or Denver losing, but since they have to play the games....
Tatum seemed hurt during the game.
Tatum appears to have hurt his ankle at the start of the game, which seemed to bother him throughout. However, that isn't why they lost. The team as a whole once again became inconsistent when it mattered the most, reminding everyone of why they went 0-3 to begin with. Plus, the Heat were just better.
I was wrong about Game Seven; I was wrong! Just goes to remind everyone, including me, of Kevin Garnett's two-word celebratory quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wcz_kDCBTBk
Game Seven is usually determined by which team wanted the game more. All signs pointed towards the Celtics to win game seven -- home court, greater talent, and momentum. What I forgot to factor in was how little fuel the Celtics had left after they tied the series, Celtics inconsistency, Heat's resolution, and the coaching mismatch in Miami's favor. Erik Spoelstra >>>>>>>>>>> Joe Mazzulla was the biggest factor in the series.
The Miami Heat are arguably the best-run organization in all of sports from team captain (Jimmy Butler) to coach (Erik) to director (Alonzo Mourning) to president (Pat Riley).
As for the Finals, the Nuggets will be too over-rested by Game One and the Heat should take advantage and I believe they will use that to win the first game. I predict the Heat will also be good enough to take one additional game at home. So I predict Denver wins their first in franchise history in six games.
I think the Celtics-Heat series came down to a couple of things:
Jimmy Butler is great in the playoffs and while he can take over a game offensively shooting the ball, he can also do so distributing and on defense.
Jayson Tatum is great also, but doesn't have the passing of Jimmy and obviously he hurt his ankle in Game 7 limiting him.
Boston doesn't have a lot of offense outside of Tatum/Brown/Horford. When Brown was having a bad game last night (8 turnovers), there's not a lot of other places to turn.
Miami's bench is much better providing an offensive spark than Boston's.
Spoelstra has a lot more experience than Mazzulla. I don't think Mazzulla is a bad coach, but playoff coaching is different than regular season and he just hasn't experienced it yet.
Miami has a hardnosed mentality, and the prospect of becoming the first team go lose after being up 3-0 wasn't going to phase them.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 30, 2023, 03:58:02 PM
I think the Celtics-Heat series came down to a couple of several things:
Jimmy Butler is great in the playoffs and while he can take over a game offensively shooting the ball, he can also do so distributing and on defense.
Jayson Tatum is great also, but doesn't have the passing of Jimmy and obviously he hurt his ankle in Game 7 limiting him.
Boston doesn't have a lot of offense outside of Tatum/Brown/Horford. When Brown was having a bad game last night (8 turnovers), there's not a lot of other places to turn.
Miami's bench is much better providing an offensive spark than Boston's.
Spoelstra has a lot more experience than Mazzulla. I don't think Mazzulla is a bad coach, but playoff coaching is different than regular season and he just hasn't experienced it yet.
Miami has a hardnosed mentality, and the prospect of becoming the first team go lose after being up 3-0 wasn't going to phase them.
And your prediction for the winner of the NBA Finals next month?
By the way, I fixed it for you in the quote box.
I called Nuggs in 6 if they faced the Heat and Nuggs in 7 if they faced the Celtics. I'll stick with it.
I just don't see how Miami can score enough to keep up with us. They're very good defensively, don't get me wrong, but you can't stop Jokic completely. Murray has his off nights, but then you still have Gordon, MPJ, and KCP to deal with just in the starting lineup who are all better offensively than anyone else on the Miami roster.
Starter by starter:
Jokic >>> Bam
Gordon > Martin (and I like Martin quite a bit)
Butler >> MPJ
Murray >>> Strus
KCP >> Vincent
The defensive matchups are going to be interesting. MPJ and Butler play the same position, but I highly doubt each guards the other. I'm guessing Butler will go back and forth between Gordon and Murray and MPJ will likely guard Strus. Martin likely guards MPJ, who will still have a height advantage even having a PF on him. I doubt Love plays during the series as he's too slow to stick with anyone other than Jokic but doesn't have the bulk or height to deal with him. Bam is a good defender, and he'll get some blocks in this series because we drive so aggressively, but he's not the guy to stop the Joker (as if anyone can). Herro coming back would be a boon for Miami, but he's still not better than Bruce Brown off the bench.
Should be interesting, but the Nuggets are the deserved favorites and have far fewer holes than Boston did from a roster perspective.
Guess the Marlins and Rockies will have a grudge series later on in the MLB season, especially since the NBA Finals coincides with their respective teams' 30th anniversaries...
But I'm hoping for a Nuggets championship, since Jeff lives in Denver and has adopted its sports franchises as his secondary teams (but rooting for the Chicago teams when they play against them). And I'm also sick and tired of the Heat winning all the time; here's also hoping that a former ABA team outside the Spurs will be able to raise its first championship banner!
Quote from: Henry on May 30, 2023, 10:54:07 PM
Guess the Marlins and Rockies will have a grudge series later on in the MLB season, especially since the NBA Finals coincides with their respective teams' 30th anniversaries...
But I'm hoping for a Nuggets championship, since Jeff lives in Denver and has adopted its sports franchises as his secondary teams (but rooting for the Chicago teams when they play against them). And I'm also sick and tired of the Heat winning all the time; here's also hoping that a former ABA team outside the Spurs will be able to raise its first championship banner!
The Marlins and Rockies already had a series in Denver, which the Rockies took 3 of 4. This was while the Nuggets were sweeping the Lakers. The return trip back to Miami is July 21-23.
Would be cool if Denver win the NBA championship. They won the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup and a National League Pennant (not the World Series yet homever, close but no cigar).
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 31, 2023, 02:17:48 PM
Would be cool if Denver win the NBA championship. They won the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup and a National League Pennant (not the World Series yet homever, close but no cigar).
On the other side of things, Miami has won a World Series, Super Bowl and NBA Finals, but no Stanley Cup (which the Panthers have a chance to get against the Vegas Golden Knights). I'll be tuning in tomorrow and the rest of the Finals, rooting for the Nuggets.
Speaking of the baseball and Miami, the Heat remind me of my second favorite Cinderella-story in sports, when the 2003 Marlins defeated the two heavily favored powerhouses that season in the Yankees and Cubs. Everyone counted out the Marlins when they were down 3-1 in the 2003 NLCS, yet they went on to win the World Series.
Needless to say, my favorite Cinderella-story in sports in the 1995 NBA Champions Houston Rockets....the lowest seeded team and lowest regular season record to win the NBA Finals. Everyone counted them out when they were down 3-1 in the second-round going to Phoenix, and that series vs the Suns ended with Mario Elie blowing the "Kiss of Death" to the stunned-silenced Suns fans in attendance; the Finals culminated with perhaps the greatest line in sports history "Don't Ever Underestimate the Heart of a Champion"
NBA finals kicks off today. Nuggets in 5 or 6 is my prediction.
NBA Finals begin tonight. Apparently there is a belief in Denver that they are being disrespected by the national media, who didn't expect or want them to be in there. Many wanted Heat-Lakers or (sigh) Celtics-Lakers. Some media members didn't want to go there. That should give the Nuggets extra motivation.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 01, 2023, 07:16:56 PM
NBA Finals begin tonight. Apparently there is a belief in Denver that they are being disrespected by the national media, who didn't expect or want them to be in there, and wanted Heat-Lakers or (sigh) Celtics-Lakers. Some reporters don't want to go there. That should give the Nuggets extra motivation.
Hope that is answered once Denver Wins the finals.
One down, three to go...
Crap, the Heat won and it's now tied 1-1. I hope the Nuggets will rebound for the next games.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on June 06, 2023, 02:39:29 PM
Crap, the Heat won and it's now tied 1-1. I hope the Nuggets will rebound for the next games.
Historically speaking, Denver teams typically are at a disadvantage when playing on the road. As it stands, if the Nuggets lose one or both of the next two games in Miami, they could be in serious trouble.
The Heat relish the underdog role, and would like nothing more than to take down their last Goliath behind their notoriously rowdy fanbase. In addition to being the first-ever 8-seed to win the Finals, they also have a chance to become the first-ever NBA champion to participate in a play-in tournament. Again, anything is possible once Game 3 tips off less than 24 hours from now.
Quote from: Henry on June 06, 2023, 10:04:52 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on June 06, 2023, 02:39:29 PM
Crap, the Heat won and it's now tied 1-1. I hope the Nuggets will rebound for the next games.
Historically speaking, Denver teams typically are at a disadvantage when playing on the road. As it stands, if the Nuggets lose one or both of the next two games in Miami, they could be in serious trouble.
Shouldn't this go both ways, though? While Denver is used to playing at 5000 feet above sea level, Miami is used to playing at sea level and would be at a disadvantage at 5000 feet in Denver.
Reports are that Chris Paul is being waived by the Phoenix Suns. He was supposedly notified today.
https://www.azfamily.com/2023/06/07/chris-pauls-future-with-phoenix-suns-uncertain-after-multiple-conflicting-reports/
I still believe it's anybody's series (regardless of who wins Game 4 tonight). I think Miami is still good enough to win at least one more game.
Suns need to rebuild; get rid of Kevin Durant and get some draft picks. I think it's time Chris Paul changes position from point guard to assistant coach, and then work your way up to head coach.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 09, 2023, 10:57:48 AM
I think it's time Chris Paul changes position from point guard to assistant coach, and then work your way up to head coach.
Paul has said time and again that he's not interested in coaching.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 09, 2023, 10:57:48 AM
I still believe it's anybody's series (regardless of who wins Game 4 tonight). I think Miami is still good enough to win at least one more game.
Suns need to rebuild; get rid of Kevin Durant and get some draft picks. I think it's time Chris Paul changes position from point guard to assistant coach, and then work your way up to head coach.
There's zero chance the way this series has gone that the Nuggets don't close it out in Denver.
Quote from: KeithE4Phx on June 09, 2023, 07:22:40 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 09, 2023, 10:57:48 AM
I think it's time Chris Paul changes position from point guard to assistant coach, and then work your way up to head coach.
Paul has said time and again that he's not interested in coaching.
I seem to remember Steve Kerr feeling the same way after his final playing season in 2003 instead choosing to join the TNT broadcast team. Also in 1998, Phil Jackson vowed never to coach again.....that is until Jerry West called him with an offer in 1999.
Chris Paul may never coach in the NBA or maybe (if the right offer comes his way) he does coach. I'll take him over several current and recent head coaches.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 11, 2023, 12:54:14 AM
Quote from: KeithE4Phx on June 09, 2023, 07:22:40 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on June 09, 2023, 10:57:48 AM
I think it's time Chris Paul changes position from point guard to assistant coach, and then work your way up to head coach.
Paul has said time and again that he's not interested in coaching.
I seem to remember Steve Kerr feeling the same way after his final playing season in 2003 instead choosing to join the TNT broadcast team. Also in 1998, Phil Jackson vowed never to coach again.....that is until Jerry West called him with an offer in 1999.
Chris Paul may never coach in the NBA or maybe (if the right offer comes his way) he does coach. I'll take him over several current and recent head coaches.
I don't think there's really a precedent of dirty players making successful coaches.
Props to the Denver Nuggets for winning the NBA Finals 4-1.
One South Florida bubble burst, a good chance the other is popped tomorow.
It could've went either way for me (as both teams played their hearts out this postseason) but congratulations to the Nuggets. They absolutely deserve this championship.
Another team permanently eliminated from the title-less list! Nuggets win their first in franchise history.
The only NBA teams left on that list are the Nuggets, Grizzlies, Magic, Thunder, Kings, Clippers, Jazz, Pelicans, Hornets, Timberwolves, Nets, Suns, and Pacers.
I hope to see the Nuggets keep Jokic for the duration of his career so that he can deliver several more titles for the Nuggets. I'm already hearing conversations about him on the short list of the greatest athletes in Denver sports history (including Peyton Manning and John Elway).
Congrats to the Nuggets and Denver for their first ever NBA championship. Here's a crazy fact: the Nuggets are the first Western Conference Team to win a championship since 1979 who are not based in California or Texas.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 13, 2023, 05:09:31 AM
Congrats to the Nuggets and Denver for their first ever NBA championship. Here's a crazy fact: the Nuggets are the first Western Conference Team to win a championship since 1979 who are not based in California or Texas.
More trivia on the table, the Nuggets along with the San Antonio Spurs, are the two teams from the original ABA (1967-76) who never won a ABA championship. Also, the Denver Nuggets was originally called the Denver Rockets but at the time when the ABA talked of the merge with the NBA since they already have a team called the Rockets, the Denver Rockets did a contest and changed their name to Nuggets as a nod and tribute to the original Nuggets (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets_(1948%E2%80%941950)).
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on June 13, 2023, 08:21:07 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 13, 2023, 05:09:31 AM
Congrats to the Nuggets and Denver for their first ever NBA championship. Here's a crazy fact: the Nuggets are the first Western Conference Team to win a championship since 1979 who are not based in California or Texas.
More trivia on the table, the Nuggets along with the San Antonio Spurs, are the two teams from the original ABA (1967-76) who never won a ABA championship. Also, the Denver Nuggets was originally called the Denver Rockets but at the time when the ABA talked of the merge with the NBA since they already have a team called the Rockets, the Denver Rockets did a contest and changed their name to Nuggets as a nod and tribute to the original Nuggets (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets_(1948%E2%80%941950)).
Conversely, the other two former ABA teams have won a championship in the ABA, but not the NBA. The Pacers won in 1970, 1972 and 1973, and the New York Nets won in 1974 and 1976. These two teams would compete in three NBA Finals combined, and end up on the losing end each time (the Pacers in 2000, and the then-New Jersey Nets in 2002 and 2003).
Congrats to the Nuggets for winning their first championship!
To begin the earliest batch of summer news:
Adam Silver announced yesterday that he has tripled up on the Ja(mel) Morant suspension. Morant's first suspension was only a meager eight games, now it is more than thrice what his first length was. Even so, I still believe it's way too lenient, but Adam Silver is the commissioner and I'm not.
Mike Jr. Dunleavy has been promoted to now being the new GM of the Warriors. And the Michael Jordan era is finally over, he sold his ownership stake. There is something about legendary players that turn into a complete bust in other higher up basketball roles (coach, manager, VP/CEO, Owner/Chairman, etc).
NBA Draft is next week, I sure hope the Spurs get some good luck from this draft. I don't know anything about this Victor Wembanyama player but I haven't heard very many positive things about his physical size.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2023, 02:54:46 AM
And the Michael Jordan era is finally over, he sold his ownership stake. There is something about legendary players that turn into a complete bust in other higher up basketball roles (coach, manager, VP/CEO, Owner/Chairman, etc).
MJ selling NBA ownership stake was merely a ploy for his NASCAR stint with Denny Hamlin.
"Mr. Paul Goes to Washington", as the Suns trade Chris to the Wizards for Bradley Beal.
Quote from: Henry on June 19, 2023, 10:27:05 PM
"Mr. Paul Goes to Washington", as the Suns trade Chris to the Wizards for Bradley Beal.
and he finds out about the trade from his son who heard aeard aboutg it broadcast.
Quote from: Big John on June 19, 2023, 10:31:07 PM
Quote from: Henry on June 19, 2023, 10:27:05 PM
"Mr. Paul Goes to Washington", as the Suns trade Chris to the Wizards for Bradley Beal.
and he finds out about the trade from his son who heard aeard aboutg it broadcast.
and if you believe that......it was announced by Phoenix two or three weeks ago that they were going to either waive or trade Paul
No surprise here: Victor Wembanyama is now the No.1 overall pick of the San Antonio Spurs. Then he's followed by Brandon Miller to Charlotte, and Scoot Henderson to Portland. And the Thompson twins round out the top five.
Quote from: Henry on June 19, 2023, 10:27:05 PM
"Mr. Paul Goes to Washington", as the Suns trade Chris to the Wizards for Bradley Beal.
Whereupon he was shipped post-haste to Golden State for Jordan Poole and draft picks.
https://arizonasports.com/story/3526156/chris-paul-traded-warriors-wizards-redirect-former-suns-pg/
Boston Celtics have traded Marcus Smart to Memphis in a three-team deal that brings Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics. Trading Smart is very controversial.
Following Damian Lillard going to Milwaukee, the Celtics have acquired Jrue Holiday from Portland.
James Harden is now in his fifth -- that's 5th -- team of his career.....four of which in the last 20 months or so. And it seems like the former OKC Thunder stars always get reunited with him....Russell Westbrook with the Rockets and now Clippers, and Kevin Durant with the Nets.
As for the Clippers, this year looks to be their one and only shot at the title with so much talent stockpiled on that roster. Everybody is a free agent next summer, and it doesn't look very likely that they'll be able to keep all of them together next season, unless they all take paycuts.
Harden has managed to blowtorch his way out of town with his last three teams. The Clippers were probably his only choice, and that says as much about them as it does about him. It will be interesting to see how their Big 4 play together.
Personally I'm not a fan of this in-season tournament. If you need gimmicks to make your regular season games interesting, that's indicative of a problem that gimmicks can't solve. Once the real playoffs start nobody will care about what happened in this tournament.
Quote from: jgb191 on November 01, 2023, 05:58:56 PM
James Harden is now in his fifth -- that's 5th -- team of his career.....four of which in the last 20 months or so. And it seems like the former OKC Thunder stars always get reunited with him....Russell Westbrook with the Rockets and now Clippers, and Kevin Durant with the Nets.
As for the Clippers, this year looks to be their one and only shot at the title with so much talent stockpiled on that roster. Everybody is a free agent next summer, and it doesn't look very likely that they'll be able to keep all of them together next season, unless they all take paycuts.
The Clippers cannot beat the Nuggets. It's their bogey-team.
Quote from: thspfc on November 03, 2023, 10:25:48 AM
Personally I'm not a fan of this in-season tournament. If you need gimmicks to make your regular season games interesting, that's indicative of a problem that gimmicks can't solve. Once the real playoffs start nobody will care about what happened in this tournament.
Tell that to the WNBA, where the in-season tournament originated. Then again, nobody cares about the WNBA anyway.
I'll go a step further and say I disagree with the Play-in tournament. For several decades it's been 82 games deciding the playoff set-up. If you can't make it in the top eight seeds after 82 games, you don't deserve a playoff spot.
Quote from: Henry on November 03, 2023, 11:37:59 PM
Quote from: thspfc on November 03, 2023, 10:25:48 AM
Personally I'm not a fan of this in-season tournament. If you need gimmicks to make your regular season games interesting, that's indicative of a problem that gimmicks can't solve. Once the real playoffs start nobody will care about what happened in this tournament.
Tell that to the WNBA, where the in-season tournament originated. Then again, nobody cares about the WNBA anyway.
You are just anti-woman. There are plenty of fans outside of your man-only realm.
Quote from: Alps on November 06, 2023, 06:49:44 PM
Quote from: Henry on November 03, 2023, 11:37:59 PM
Quote from: thspfc on November 03, 2023, 10:25:48 AM
Personally I'm not a fan of this in-season tournament. If you need gimmicks to make your regular season games interesting, that's indicative of a problem that gimmicks can't solve. Once the real playoffs start nobody will care about what happened in this tournament.
Tell that to the WNBA, where the in-season tournament originated. Then again, nobody cares about the WNBA anyway.
You are just anti-woman. There are plenty of fans outside of your man-only realm.
I resent that comment. I never said I wasn't a fan; in fact, I follow the Storm and Sky on a regular basis.
As for the NBA's new in-season tournament, let's just see how it plays out.
Chicago Sky is the most recent championship in the city as well, better then what the Bulls have done in the last 25 years
As you are all likely aware, there was a brawl on Tuesday night early in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. And once again, Draymond Green made himself look like an immature, undisciplined, hot-tempered jackass. Although he received a five-game suspension (while Klay Thompson, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert got $25,000 fines), I am beyond fed up with Green's many antics. I think the league should ban him for at least a season without pay, although I doubt that would get Green to clean up his act. I see Draymond Green as the NBA's version of Ndamukong Suh.
I'm calling it now: Seattle and Las Vegas for the next expansion teams! The rebirth of the Sonics would make a great companion team for the Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena, while the recent news of the Oakland A's relocation is boosting Vegas' chances even higher than before.
Quote from: Henry on November 16, 2023, 10:14:50 PM
I'm calling it now: Seattle and Las Vegas for the next expansion teams! The rebirth of the Sonics would make a great companion team for the Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena, while the recent news of the Oakland A's relocation is boosting Vegas' chances even higher than before.
Seattle deserves an expansion team, since the removal of the Sonics was one of the worst crimes in NBA history. And now that Las Vegas has the Golden Knights, Raiders, and soon the Athletics, it only makes sense that an NBA franchise should follow. One question: if Seattle and Vegas got teams, would the league expand to 34 teams, or would two (2) franchises have to relocate?
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 17, 2023, 05:57:51 AM
One question: if Seattle and Vegas got teams, would the league expand to 34 teams, or would two (2) franchises have to relocate?
There are 30 teams right now, so how in the world did you get to 34? Adding Seattle and Las Vegas to the current batch would make 32, and I think the dust has settled after the crazy franchise shift of the aughts and early teens that saw (in this order) the Grizzlies, Hornets-Pelicans, Sonics-Thunder and Nets switch cities.
New York does not need two teams, I'd say move the Nets to Baltimore.
Quote from: jgb191 on November 19, 2023, 06:07:01 PM
New York does not need two teams, I'd say move the Nets to Baltimore.
The NYC metro area has 1/15 of the US population. It deserves two teams.
Quote from: 1 on November 19, 2023, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on November 19, 2023, 06:07:01 PM
New York does not need two teams, I'd say move the Nets to Baltimore.
The NYC metro area has 1/15 of the US population. It deserves two teams.
How many teams does the London metro area currently have in the Premiere League? Manchester currently has two.
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on November 20, 2023, 01:30:08 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 19, 2023, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on November 19, 2023, 06:07:01 PM
New York does not need two teams, I'd say move the Nets to Baltimore.
The NYC metro area has 1/15 of the US population. It deserves two teams.
How many teams does the London metro area currently have in the Premiere League? Manchester currently has two.
Mike
Seven.
Arsenal
Brentford
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham
Quote from: 1 on November 19, 2023, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: jgb191 on November 19, 2023, 06:07:01 PM
New York does not need two teams, I'd say move the Nets to Baltimore.
The NYC metro area has 1/15 of the US population. It deserves two teams.
It would be very interesting, indeed, if the NCAA ultimately implodes, to see how things would go WRT North American basketball if it would be converted to a promotion and relegation federation (as was suggested a few years ago by a national radio sports talk show host after the Charlotte Hornets had their 7-whatever season).
Mike
Las Vegas billionaire Miriam Adelson said in an SEC filing that she is selling $2,000,000,000 in stock because she wants to use the money to buy control of a sports team, probably the Dallas Mavericks.
https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/miriam-adelson-intends-to-buy-sports-team-after-selling-2b-in-las-vegas-sands-stock
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 09:34:11 AM
Las Vegas billionaire Miriam Adelson said in an SEC filing that she is selling $2,000,000,000 in stock because she wants to use the money to buy control of a sports team, probably the Dallas Mavericks.
https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/miriam-adelson-intends-to-buy-sports-team-after-selling-2b-in-las-vegas-sands-stock
In effect this appears to create a joint venture between Mark Cuban and the Adelson family for a big project in the Dallas area. https://theathletic.com/5097552/2023/11/28/mavericks-sale-mark-cuban-miriam-adelson/ (https://theathletic.com/5097552/2023/11/28/mavericks-sale-mark-cuban-miriam-adelson/)
QuoteAdelson's skill in real estate and arena development, as well as launching casino gaming and entertainment in Dallas were appealing factors in Cuban's sale, league sources said. He told the Dallas Morning News last year that he intended to partner with Las Vegas Sands Corp. to build a casino and resort in Dallas that would also include a place [i.e. a new arena] for the Mavericks. Texas does not have legalized sports betting.
The sticking point on the casino-resort-arena development seems to be that despite some past efforts Texas law doesn't permit the gambling which is envisioned as part of this project. The Adelson family is famously megadonors to Republicans, who dominate the Texas legislative and executive branches, and presumably that influence will get the required legislation passed. And in addition to that direct financial influence, if that still wasn't enough to get the legislation through Cuban and Adelson would have leverage to threaten to move the team to some city that wants an NBA franchise...such as, oh, maybe Las Vegas.
They're just open with their corruption now I guess.
For all the reasons Texas sucks, at least they've been able to stand up to the gambling industry so far. Don't cave, Texas! Don't sell out your citizens for a basketball arena! It will cost you a helluva lot more in the long run.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on December 01, 2023, 03:05:48 PM
They're just open with their corruption now I guess.
For all the reasons Texas sucks, at least they've been able to stand up to the gambling industry so far. Don't cave, Texas! Don't sell out your citizens for a basketball arena! It will cost you a helluva lot more in the long run.
Is there a particular reason you're anti-gambling?
It's blatantly predatory. It's an industry that relies on getting people addicted. And it exploits people who are bad at math.
The gambling companies behave like drug dealers, "Your first bet is free!"
They're trying to filter for those targets who have that gambling jonse. Most people are 'casual' gamblers, but the core of their market is addicts. The externalization of the cost of gambling addiction doesn't come from their profits, oh no; it lands squarely on the rest of society.
But more generally, the gambling industry ads nothing of value to society, the economy, or the individual. It's a money pit that steals resources from worthwhile endeavors. This is not a value-additive industry. It simply consumes capital that could be used for useful things. It's a collective burden on civilization that I do not abide. A handful of people profit from turning millions of people into degenerates.
I live in a state with a lottery and indian casinos. Both are incredibly sad and pathetic. Right now, the lottery advertises giving people scratch-offs as stocking stuffers. Can you even imagine being so degenerate that you'd be happy to get a scratch-off for Christmas? That's what the lottery is counting on. And every casino I've ever stepped in (which admittedly is very, very few) has always been the most depressing display of humans wasting their lives and money on nothing I have ever seen.
When I was in Alaska, the only legal gambling they have is pull-tabs. And in pretty much every bar I was in, there was always 2 or 3 people, sitting by themselves with a gigantic stack of pull-tabs. Like, they must buy them at 100 a time. These are the people the gambling industry is hoping to find and get their claws into. And damn the consequences to those people and their families.
This is absolutely a net negative for our society. I can see it with my own eyes.
Fair enough. Thank you for a thoughtful reply.
The Lakers now have a separate banner for In-Season Tournament championships. Hopefully, the other 29 NBA teams will follow suit.
Both Drayniond Green and Nikola Jokic were ejected last night.
I am not surprised that Draymond Green did it again. This time he clocked center Jusuf Nurkic across the face. Suspending Green is not enough in my opinion. Eventually, he should be banned from ever playing in the NBA again. Although I didn't watch the game (it would have gone on too late for me), I knew it was only a matter of time before Green let his immaturity rear its ugly head again.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 13, 2023, 06:59:33 AM
Both Drayniond Green and Nikola Jokic were ejected last night.
Green should be suspended for a year. The ref that ejected Joker should be suspended for a year. That was absurd. Jokic gets the worst star treatment of anyone in the NBA.
If I were the NBA commissioner, I wouldn't let Draymond play again until he agrees to be drug tested weekly and make him complete an anger management class. He had already gone way too far before this punch on Nurkic.
Pee ESPN, Draymond has been suspended indefinitely
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 13, 2023, 08:12:39 PM
Pee ESPN, Draymond has been suspended indefinitely
I guess he did get a little pissy in that Suns game.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 13, 2023, 08:15:32 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 13, 2023, 08:12:39 PM
Pee ESPN, Draymond has been suspended indefinitely
I guess he did get a little pissy in that Suns game.
His track record also didn't help him.
Time for celebrity boxing. Draymond Green vs Zach Randolph. Book it.
As if kicking Stephen Adams in the gunny sack while in a playoff game wasn't bad enough, the multiple ejections, and so on, along with Green's most recent raff with Nurkic, I don't know, man. I just think Adam Silver is leading too much of a leash on some of these players, Green included (and yes, even Jokic!). There's only so much BS you can take from a hot tempered jack like Green, and at some point, 'ya gotta put your foot down and lay the law down on Green.
And it's not just Jokic getting the so-called "star" treatment; many others do, too, and that irks a lot of traditional NBA fans. Me not being one among them, I'm a bit irked at this kind of treatment myself because it tells me that those in power within the NBA are too pussy to call things the way they need to be. If you call foul on one guy for bumping an elbow, but you see Jokic do the same thing but don't call it the same way, that's what I mean. This Brady-like treatment in the NBA, man. That shit needs to stop. (Which, of course, won't, because, yeah, "stars with the most g's and blings get no consequence".)
I think everyone, myself included, is ticked off that many superstars abuse their superstar status just because they are superstars.
It's all about the $$$$$!
1) Anyone with millions of $'s can easily buy their way out of trouble. Money = power of abuse. The more money one gets, the more powerful and abusive (s)he potentially becomes.
2) You cannot fire players....you can only either trade away your troubles or decide to not re-sign a troubled player to a renewed contract. Only if a contract has been explicitly violated can a team terminate it. Google search 'Jay Williams'
3) Television and casinos depend on superstars to attract ticket-buyer, commercial-takers, and gamblers which generate the revenue.
I don't like it either, but that's just the unfortunate reality of the world of professional sports.
Hot take of the day. The NFL had three games yesterday vs. the NBA's five.
https://awfulannouncing.com/nba/nfl-christmas-day-games-ratings.html
Bulls have had a good December so far. Drummond last night was :-o :-o
https://apnews.com/article/herb-kohl-died-f2f0a85ca0b84af794f73c22b7d8d420
Herb Kohl former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks dead at 88.
The Red Wings was once known as "Dead Wings", I guess the Pistons might be now known as "Dead Pistons".
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/fans-chant-for-detroit-pistons-owner-tom-gores-to-sell-the-team-after-25th-straight-loss/ar-AA1lSuru
Quote
Detroit Pistons fans have had enough.
As the Pistons fell apart late in their 119-111 loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday — their 25th straight after starting the season 2-1 — a relatively loud "Sell the team!" chant broke out at Little Caesars Arena.
The Pistons have struggled for years since Tom Gores bought the team in 2011 and have never won a playoff game since he's been the owner. (Though their playoff victory drought dates back to 2008.) The team has not made the playoffs since the 2018-19 season, when they were swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.
Meanwhile Mark Cuban will sold isome parts of his share of the Dallas Mavericks.
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Business/wireStory/nba-approves-sale-dallas-mavericks-las-vegas-sands-105944928
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on December 28, 2023, 08:40:12 AM
Meanwhile Mark Cuban will sold isome parts of his share of the Dallas Mavericks.
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Business/wireStory/nba-approves-sale-dallas-mavericks-las-vegas-sands-105944928
But that's not all: Ex-MLB player Alex Rodriguez (along with Marc Lore) has purchased the Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA Lynx franchises.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39198084/sources-alex-rodriguez-marc-lore-timberwolves-majority-owners
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 30, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
My daughter was at the Celtics game where they blew the 20-whatever point lead.
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 30, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
so they do not own the outright "most losses in a row" record - but they share it.
Quote from: Alps on December 30, 2023, 11:19:27 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 30, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
so they do not own the outright "most losses in a row" record - but they share it.
I remember several years ago when a national radio sports talker was thinking out loud that perhaps it is time for basketball to go to a promotion and relegation system, this after the Hornets had their 7-(whatever) season and he loathed the thought of them having the most chances in the draft lottery.
Mike
Quote from: Alps on December 30, 2023, 11:19:27 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 30, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
so they do not own the outright "most losses in a row" record - but they share it.
Most consecutive losses in a season, though.
https://www.nba.com/news/draymond-green-back-practice-warriors-after-suspension
Anybody want to take a guess to see if Draymond gets suspended once more this season? I'm going to guess yes, I believe he'll be suspended again before the end of the season. And I'm sure other teams will be tempted to put his temper to the test; they'll bait him to see if he'll bite.
Quote from: mgk920 on December 31, 2023, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Alps on December 30, 2023, 11:19:27 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 30, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
so they do not own the outright "most losses in a row" record - but they share it.
I remember several years ago when a national radio sports talker was thinking out loud that perhaps it is time for basketball to go to a promotion and relegation system, this after the Hornets had their 7-(whatever) season and he loathed the thought of them having the most chances in the draft lottery.
Mike
It was 7-59 from back in 2012, which yielded an even worse winning percentage than what the infamous 9-73 Philadelphia 76ers put up 51 seasons ago.
https://apnews.com/article/warriors-milojevic-hospitalized-medical-emergency-4932cc2c1f8ef971924c09851867797eWarriors Assistant Coach Dejan Milojevic dead at 46.
Quote from: Henry on January 09, 2024, 11:15:17 PM
,,,,, than what the infamous 9-73 Philadelphia 76ers put up 51 seasons ago.
Which not many under the age of 60 remembers (at least meaningfully). Myself included.
I started following the 76ers in 1976-77 which is the year they lost to the Trail Blazers in the Finals (after having a 2-0 game lead in the Finals, ugh).
I was amazed when I found out around that time about the 9-73 season they had gone through in 1972-73 I am not sure how I found out about that season --- it was either via an almanac or some record book (maybe the Guinness one?). It was something which listed the then-all time worst winning percentage.
I don't think my family was much into basketball then since I have absolutely no memory of this. I do remember family members going to Phillies games around that time, and NFL football was always on during the season, and I also very vaguely remember Flyers Stanley Cup celebrations about a year later.
The talk of Chicago has been the Bulls' Ring of Honor fiasco, where they showed Jerry Krause on the Jumbotron and the crowd booed. They probably haven't forgotten about the way he broke up the team after its sixth championship, but I feel it was disrespectful to his widow, and the absences of Jordan and Pippen didn't help matters either.
Quote from: Henry on January 20, 2024, 12:02:57 AM
The talk of Chicago has been the Bulls' Ring of Honor fiasco, where they showed Jerry Krause on the Jumbotron and the crowd booed. They probably haven't forgotten about the way he broke up the team after its sixth championship, but I feel it was disrespectful to his widow, and the absences of Jordan and Pippen didn't help matters either.
It was bad. There are multiple reasons why the Bulls Dynasty ended and why they've been mostly uncompetitive for the past 26 years. Jerry Krause wasn't the only reason. He isn't even the only Jerry.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 22, 2024, 07:37:21 PM
Quote from: Henry on January 20, 2024, 12:02:57 AM
The talk of Chicago has been the Bulls' Ring of Honor fiasco, where they showed Jerry Krause on the Jumbotron and the crowd booed. They probably haven't forgotten about the way he broke up the team after its sixth championship, but I feel it was disrespectful to his widow, and the absences of Jordan and Pippen didn't help matters either.
It was bad. There are multiple reasons why the Bulls Dynasty ended and why they've been mostly uncompetitive for the past 26 years. Jerry Krause wasn't the only reason. He isn't even the only Jerry.
This ranks among my most shameful moments as a Chicago sports fan, right up there with the Steve Bartman debacle in the 2003 NLCS and the Bears' Double Doink playoff game.
Bucks just fired HC Griffin.
OKC Thunder are now 1st in the western conference.
Quote from: Big John on January 23, 2024, 02:53:47 PM
Bucks just fired HC Griffin.
Wasn't his fault no one but Giannis can play defense on that team.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on January 24, 2024, 10:39:24 AM
Quote from: Big John on January 23, 2024, 02:53:47 PM
Bucks just fired HC Griffin.
Wasn't his fault no one but Giannis can play defense on that team.
Shocking when Dame is your main acquisition.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 24, 2024, 11:02:16 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on January 24, 2024, 10:39:24 AM
Quote from: Big John on January 23, 2024, 02:53:47 PM
Bucks just fired HC Griffin.
Wasn't his fault no one but Giannis can play defense on that team.
Shocking when Dame is your main acquisition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7emGfOVTTU
The new coach it is.
I doubt that Doc Rivers is really going to help the Bucks get further than their former coach. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39378013/doc-rivers-finalizing-deal-bucks-coach-sources-say
A defense of the firing of Bucks HC Griffin:
https://www.theringer.com/nba/2024/1/23/24048664/milwaukee-bucks-fire-adrian-griffin-doc-rivers-rumors
Perhaps it was necessary for a win-now team, but it's not a good look for the Bucks, especially if Doc Rivers turns out not to be the savior.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 22, 2024, 07:37:21 PM
Quote from: Henry on January 20, 2024, 12:02:57 AM
The talk of Chicago has been the Bulls' Ring of Honor fiasco, where they showed Jerry Krause on the Jumbotron and the crowd booed. They probably haven't forgotten about the way he broke up the team after its sixth championship, but I feel it was disrespectful to his widow, and the absences of Jordan and Pippen didn't help matters either.
It was bad. There are multiple reasons why the Bulls Dynasty ended and why they've been mostly uncompetitive for the past 26 years. Jerry Krause wasn't the only reason. He isn't even the only Jerry.
Michael and Phil both walked away from the team even though they stated that they were offered contracts to stay one more year....so both of them also contributed to the breakdown of the team. Even though I wasn't convinced that they were going to win the 1999 Championship; both could have returned to Bulls if they wanted to, which they didn't.
https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/barnes-goes-off-for-career-high-39-points-as-kings-beat-warriors-134-133/
Here's one of a few cases Warriors never wanted to be in and it's losing at home to teams in other parts of California like the Kings and Lakers.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2024/01/28/james-outduels-curry-with-a-triple-double-as-lakers-take-double-ot-thriller-vs-warriors-145-144/72386238007/
NBA All-Star game/week is next week in Indianapolis. Wonder if it will actually be watchable this year.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 15, 2024, 06:55:05 AM
NBA All-Star game/week is next week in Indianapolis. Wonder if it will actually be watchable this year.
Some of the skills competitions? Sure. The game? Zero chance.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 15, 2024, 06:55:05 AM
NBA All-Star game/week is next week in Indianapolis. Wonder if it will actually be watchable this year.
I'll definitely be tuning into the Rising Stars game tonight. Vince Williams Jr. - a VCU alum - has been balling out for the Grizzlies this season and got his two-way contract converted to a full guaranteed contract this year. He had a double-double last night against Giannis and the Bucks.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 15, 2024, 06:55:05 AM
NBA All-Star game/week is next week in Indianapolis. Wonder if it will actually be watchable this year.
Actually the NBA All-Star game is this weekend in Indianapolis with festivities Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Since outside perhaps the up and comers game there will be no real basketball played until Thursday of next week, I'm enjoying the time off of watching my favorite sport. Streaming catch up, here I come!
Quote from: Life in Paradise on February 16, 2024, 12:36:11 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 15, 2024, 06:55:05 AM
NBA All-Star game/week is next week in Indianapolis. Wonder if it will actually be watchable this year.
Actually the NBA All-Star game is this weekend in Indianapolis with festivities Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Since outside perhaps the up and comers game there will be no real basketball played until Thursday of next week, I'm enjoying the time off of watching my favorite sport. Streaming catch up, here I come!
And for the first time since 2017, it'll be the traditional East vs. West format. Also, I'm waiting to see if Drew Carey shows up at the game, just like I did with Bob Barker before him. (because, you know, TPIR?)
The skills competition, 3-point contest, Stephen Curry v. Sabrina Ionesco and the Dunk Contest of All-Star Weekend were last night. Not bad overall. Hopefully, the game itself will be more watchable this year.
What an All-Star Game! The West won 211 to 186 (the previous record for most points is 196). It's also not too far away from the highest scoring basketball game in NBA History: The Detroit Pistons defeated the Denver Nuggets 186-184 in triple overtime at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado on December 3, 1983 (about 10 months before I was born). My favorite player Lebron James only scored 8 points in 13 minutes and 48 seconds of playing time and he didn't play in the second half. Congratulations to Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard for winning the MVP award with 39 points, although if the West had won, Karl Anthony-Towns would have gotten the MVP award as he scored 50 points.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on February 18, 2024, 11:24:49 PM
What an All-Star Game! The West won 211 to 186 (the previous record for most points is 196). It's also not too far away from the highest scoring basketball game in NBA History: The Detroit Pistons defeated the Denver Nuggets 186-184 in triple overtime at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado on December 3, 1983 (about 10 months before I was born). My favorite player Lebron James only scored 8 points in 13 minutes and 48 seconds of playing time and he didn't play in the second half. Congratulations to Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard for winning the MVP award with 39 points, although if the West had won, Karl Anthony-Towns would have gotten the MVP award as he scored 50 points.
If only that 1983 game had gone to another overtime - one or both teams might have scored 200. (Come to think of it, how would those old monochrome "dot-display" scoreboards, which were used back in the day, have displayed it? I've seen the older scoreboards, which some arenas used well into the 2000's - as I recall, those displays only have room for a 1 to the left of the tens and ones digits.)
I hear the All-Star Game just made Adam Silver angry because of the way they ran up the score, but it's always been that way. I wouldn't be surprised if in the offseason, he pulled a Roger Goodell and scratched the actual game altogether, leaving only the Skills Competition, 3-Point Shootout and Slam Dunk Contest. Or, if he wanted to leave in the game, do what Gary Bettman did and have random divisions play one quarter each, with the best players from each quarter teaming up and playing the fourth quarter.
After hearing many complaints, Commissioner Adam Silver and his key people worked very hard to change the rules to encourage more competition and spent time evangelizing these changes to all 30 teams. The result was the first 200-point game (by one team) in ASG history. He may be (rightly) PO'd, but the league is still run by the players, most of whom apparently want to limit their exertion in the ASG.
And who can blame them? Why put any effort into a game that doesn't matter and marginally increases the chance of an injury that could endanger their livelihood? There's nothing at stake in an All Star game. The players don't get any more money for being there. They'd rather have three off days to spend with their family or whomever. It's the problem of every All Star game.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on February 20, 2024, 10:15:51 AM
And who can blame them? Why put any effort into a game that doesn't matter and marginally increases the chance of an injury that could endanger their livelihood? There's nothing at stake in an All Star game. The players don't get any more money for being there. They'd rather have three off days to spend with their family or whomever. It's the problem of every All Star game.
I've read that the winners of the All Star game get $100,000 and the losers $25,000.
The NBA All-Star game (as well as any all-star event) was a much bigger deal when you couldn't easily just watch every notable player in the league on a regular basis on TV. I still recall as a kid being limited to the occasional national broadcast in the 1980s and whoever the Pistons were playing.
Perhaps all All-Star Games are destined to be an afterthought in the era of analytics, load management, brand management, and so forth (hence the Pro Bowl. The ratings were great. However, from a competitive standpoint, it's still a bad look for the NBA in particular since its stars are so visible.
Quote from: Life in Paradise on February 20, 2024, 01:00:46 PM
I've read that the winners of the All Star game get $100,000 and the losers $25,000.
Chump change for All Star talent.
The only all-star game that has ever mattered was in baseball before interleague play. It was the only time you would EVER see some of the great players play against each other.
I think next year they should have it on ABC instead of TNT to make it more accessible (I seriously doubt it will happen though).
The NBA season resumes tonight. Anyone planning to watch? I know I will.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on February 22, 2024, 01:48:48 PM
The NBA season resumes tonight. Anyone planning to watch? I know I will.
I'm going to the Nuggets game tonight. Got free tickets, so trying to take my toddler son. If he hates it, we're not out anything.
The LA Clippers unveiled their new logo/jerseys/court today. They will officially start using them in the 2024-25 season.
I greatly look forward to tonight's NBA on ABC game: Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James is just 9 points away from reaching 40,000 career points. I definitely want to see James when he hits that milestone. One question will be whether Nuggets guard Jamal Murray will be able to play after reaggravating his sprained right ankle injury in Thursday's win against the Miami Heat.
Well, it has happened! LeBron James has hit 40,000 points! It happened with 10:39 left in the second quarter. WAY TO GO LEBRON!
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 02, 2024, 09:20:12 PM
Well, it has happened! LeBron James has hit 40,000 points! It happened with 10:39 left in the second quarter. WAY TO GO LEBRON!
Which was only half of an historic weekend in basketball, because the next day, Caitlin Clark broke the all-time collegiate scoring record that had been held by Pistol Pete Maravich for well over five decades. Expect her to go No. 1 in the upcoming WNBA Draft. So congratulations to both LeBron and Caitlin!
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 02, 2024, 09:20:12 PM
Well, it has happened! LeBron James has hit 40,000 points! It happened with 10:39 left in the second quarter. WAY TO GO LEBRON!
Congrats to him. Joker stole the show alas.
Quote from: Henry on March 04, 2024, 10:07:23 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 02, 2024, 09:20:12 PM
Well, it has happened! LeBron James has hit 40,000 points! It happened with 10:39 left in the second quarter. WAY TO GO LEBRON!
Which was only half of an historic weekend in basketball, because the next day, Caitlin Clark broke the all-time collegiate scoring record that had been held by Pistol Pete Maravich for well over five decades. Expect her to go No. 1 in the upcoming WNBA Draft. So congratulations to both LeBron and Caitlin!
I'm glad Liberty got Sabrina, but they've got maybe one more year to win the title before the Fever dominate.
Quote from: Alps on March 05, 2024, 07:02:07 PM
Quote from: Henry on March 04, 2024, 10:07:23 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 02, 2024, 09:20:12 PM
Well, it has happened! LeBron James has hit 40,000 points! It happened with 10:39 left in the second quarter. WAY TO GO LEBRON!
Which was only half of an historic weekend in basketball, because the next day, Caitlin Clark broke the all-time collegiate scoring record that had been held by Pistol Pete Maravich for well over five decades. Expect her to go No. 1 in the upcoming WNBA Draft. So congratulations to both LeBron and Caitlin!
I'm glad Liberty got Sabrina, but they've got maybe one more year to win the title before the Fever dominate.
I'm happy that the Sky got their one championship to add to the Bulls' six. So maybe we should start a WNBA thread for stuff like this.
Quote from: Henry on March 05, 2024, 10:01:28 PM
Quote from: Alps on March 05, 2024, 07:02:07 PM
Quote from: Henry on March 04, 2024, 10:07:23 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 02, 2024, 09:20:12 PM
Well, it has happened! LeBron James has hit 40,000 points! It happened with 10:39 left in the second quarter. WAY TO GO LEBRON!
Which was only half of an historic weekend in basketball, because the next day, Caitlin Clark broke the all-time collegiate scoring record that had been held by Pistol Pete Maravich for well over five decades. Expect her to go No. 1 in the upcoming WNBA Draft. So congratulations to both LeBron and Caitlin!
I'm glad Liberty got Sabrina, but they've got maybe one more year to win the title before the Fever dominate.
I'm happy that the Sky got their one championship to add to the Bulls' six. So maybe we should start a WNBA thread for stuff like this.
Alps already did (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=33355.0).
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 30, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
I don't pay much attention to the NBA, seeing as how I grew up in (and live in) an area without NBA-level basketball. But there's something kind of weird about the Pistons having had a 28-game losing streak yet not, as of this afternoon, having the worst record in the league—the Wizards are presently on a 16-game losing streak and have a worse overall record than Detroit.
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 08, 2024, 02:18:03 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 30, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
I don't pay much attention to the NBA, seeing as how I grew up in (and live in) an area without NBA-level basketball. But there's something kind of weird about the Pistons having had a 28-game losing streak yet not, as of this afternoon, having the worst record in the league—the Wizards are presently on a 16-game losing streak and have a worse overall record than Detroit.
And, fun fact, if the Wizards don't win another game for the next 11, they will try to avoid tying the record for most consecutive losses by playing... the Pistons.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 08, 2024, 02:26:46 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 08, 2024, 02:18:03 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 30, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
The Detroit Pistons won a game for the first time in 2 months. This broke their 28 game losing streak and advanced the team to 3-29.
I don't pay much attention to the NBA, seeing as how I grew up in (and live in) an area without NBA-level basketball. But there's something kind of weird about the Pistons having had a 28-game losing streak yet not, as of this afternoon, having the worst record in the league—the Wizards are presently on a 16-game losing streak and have a worse overall record than Detroit.
And, fun fact, if the Wizards don't win another game for the next 11, they will try to avoid tying the record for most consecutive losses by playing... the Pistons.
Well, this is now moot. The Wizards failed to do their part.
The Wizards and Spurs are eliminated from playoff contention.
Quote from: Hunty2022 on March 09, 2024, 12:19:46 PM
The Wizards and Spurs are eliminated from playoff contention.
To think there was a time, an era not far away when the Spurs was a big powerhouse...
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on March 16, 2024, 01:37:09 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on March 09, 2024, 12:19:46 PM
The Wizards and Spurs are eliminated from playoff contention.
To think there was a time, an era not far away when the Spurs was a big powerhouse...
They'll come again soon enough with Wemby.
Tonight, I am attending my first NBA game in 30 years. I will be at Fiserv Forum watching the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Los Angeles Lakers. I will be attending the game with my uncle. I have had this game marked on my calendar since I got my basketball magazine before the season began. The real reason I'm attending this game is to see my favorite player LeBron James in action, since he is at the tail end of his career. My mother once saw Michael Jordan play, and this may be my last chance to see LeBron James play.
I'm enjoying being able to watch a few Bucks games over-the-air this spring, just like ye olden days when they'd put on a few Brewers and Bucks games each season on WMLW. Perhaps the pending death of regional market sports cable channels has a silver lining.
Quote from: Hunty2022 on March 09, 2024, 12:19:46 PMThe Wizards and Spurs are eliminated from playoff contention.
Add the Pistons, Hornets, Trail Blazers and Grizzlies to that list.
Quote from: Henry on March 26, 2024, 11:08:23 PMQuote from: Hunty2022 on March 09, 2024, 12:19:46 PMThe Wizards and Spurs are eliminated from playoff contention.
Add the Pistons, Hornets, Trail Blazers and Grizzlies to that list.
And the Raptors and Jazz too.
https://apnews.com/article/bronny-james-nba-draft-c61a2e0d1834b6f86d27abc941c981bb?user_email=150ac7711ce8b1b19cf5248a92d9ad5f5d716cfc4d7bde616aa4256dbf42b199&utm_medium=APNews_Alerts&utm_source=Sailthru_AP&utm_campaign=news%20alert%20-%20bronny%20james%20-%20040524&utm_term=AP%20News%20Alerts
Bronny James to enter NBA Draft.
QuoteLOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James will enter the NBA draft after one season at Southern California that was shortened by his recovery from cardiac arrest.
The 19-year-old son of LeBron James announced (https://www.instagram.com/bronny/) Friday on his Instagram account that he also plans to retain his college eligibility and will enter the transfer portal.
"I've had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete," James wrote.
James posted his decision hours before USC was set to introduce Eric Musselman as its new coach. He replaces Andy Enfield, who left on Monday to become coach at SMU.
But also the transfer portal. My guess is that we will see him somewhere else in college next year.
I sure wouldn't take on that risk without him having a chance to prove himself.
I sympathize with Bronny. He has a near impossible job in front of him, no matter where he goes or what he does.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 06, 2024, 11:29:35 AMI sympathize with Bronny. He has a near impossible job in front of him, no matter where he goes or what he does.
And he's not particularly good. (By NBA standards, for sure, but by high level NCAA standards, he didn't do much either.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2024/04/17/kings-defeat-warriors-play-in-tournament-will-play-pelicans/73351822007/
Yes Sacramento Kings beat the Warriors!
This is the only sport that a Norcal rivalry will remain. Instead of a Bay Bridge series it is the I-80 series with Solano County as one of the places in Northern California split with both Kings and Warriors fans.
And the Lakers "won" the right to get swept by the Nuggets for the second consecutive year.
I am happy that Lebron James and the Lakers won over New Orleans for the second straight game. The Pelicans were a lot more competitive this time, and it took being perfect from the free throw line to get it done, but a win is a win. I fully expect the Lakers to fall to the Nuggets, just like last season, but I hope it isn't a sweep. I was even more happy to see the Sacramento Kings send the Golden State Warriors back to San Francisco with their tails between their legs. I'm sure Kings' fans feel the same way since Golden State bounced their team from the playoffs in seven games in the first-round last year.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 17, 2024, 12:41:07 PMAnd the Lakers "won" the right to get swept by the Nuggets for the second consecutive year.
Mmmhmmm.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 23, 2024, 12:54:37 AMQuote from: JayhawkCO on April 17, 2024, 12:41:07 PMAnd the Lakers "won" the right to get swept by the Nuggets for the second consecutive year.
Mmmhmmm.
Mmmmmmmhmmmmmm.
https://sports.yahoo.com/report-amazon-nba-reach-agreement-on-broadcast-deal-202757041.html
Amazon to Air NBA games in the 2025-2026 season.
Wolves with their first sweep in franchise history, a generally non-competitive brooming of the Suns. A lot of people thought Phoenix would win this series because they crushed Minnesota in the regular season meetings. I myself can't deny that I was worried, but Phoenix's complete lack of depth did them in badly. Ant Edwards is so good.
No Steph, LeBron or KD in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
The OKC Thunder sweep the NOLA Pelicans in the first round!
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 30, 2024, 06:49:37 AMNo Steph, LeBron or KD in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2024/04/30/denver-nuggets-eliminate-los-angeles-lakers-nba-playoffs/73487212007/
True and also in rare cases when LA Lakers is eliminated.
Here is one to watch the Mavericks vs. Clippers.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2024/04/29/dallas-mavericks-los-angeles-clippers-picks-predictions-nba-playoffs-game-5/73504870007/
https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2024-04-29/los-angeles-clippers-dallas-mavericks-series-analysis
I would expect the Celtics, the Knicks and the Pacers will likely win their Game 5s and proceed to the second round of the playoffs. The other two series are likely toss-ups. Given that Cleveland is my favorite team, I hope they advance to the second round and Orlando doesn't. I think the Clippers/Mavericks series could go either way. One thing is for certain. I have a lot of games to watch.
The Sixers and Bucks live for another day.
I'd really like to see a Game Seven for Sixers/Knicks series. It doesn't surprise me that the Knicks fans made a short drive down to Phila, but how come Sixers won't return the favor at MSG?? I believe MSG is only about ninety miles from Wells Fargo arena. The Lakers/Nuggets was also entertaining and disappointing at the same time....I was expecting a competitive series as well but only over in five games.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2024, 03:15:02 PMI'd really like to see a Game Seven for Sixers/Knicks series. It doesn't surprise me that the Knicks fans made a short drive down to Phila, but how come Sixers won't return the favor at MSG?? I believe MSG is only about ninety miles from Wells Fargo arena. The Lakers/Nuggets was also entertaining and disappointing at the same time....I was expecting a competitive series as well but only over in five games.
I would guess because there are a lot more Knick fans than Sixer fans, and because this is the best Knick team in years and a Sixer team that has largely disappointed.
Celtics exorcise the ghosts of last year and beat the Heat in 5.
I made a bet before the playoffs began that the Pacers and Knicks would both win their series in 6 games. It pays 40-1. Here's hoping I have a good night tonight.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 02, 2024, 10:15:34 AMI made a bet before the playoffs began that the Pacers and Knicks would both win their series in 6 games. It pays 40-1. Here's hoping I have a good night tonight.
The Bucks are out, thanks to the Pacers. So you're halfway there.
Tasty little win for my bank account.
https://www.foxla.com/sports/clippers-collapse-without-kawhi-leonard-la-fails-to-advance-to-2nd-round
https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-clippers-nba-playoffs-score-995ace1c2a4d6a2ea85826da6e4b4a4c
LA Clippers eliminated from playoffs and congrats to Mavericks to the second round.
Lakers fired their head coach, too.
Mike
For only the sixth time, the NBA has crowned its unanimous Rookie of the Year, so the Wemby era has officially begun.
Any news on the new TV package? I'd heard that there is a possibility that NBC might edge out Turner/TBS as the second broadcast network (with more games going to Peacock, of course). That would put the Inside the NBa crew of Ernie/Kenny/Barkley and Shaq at real risk, which would be bad.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 07, 2024, 01:41:41 PMAny news on the new TV package? I'd heard that there is a possibility that NBC might edge out Turner/TBS as the second broadcast network (with more games going to Peacock, of course). That would put the Inside the NBa crew of Ernie/Kenny/Barkley and Shaq at real risk, which would be bad.
If that happens, NBC may want to force Fox to give up its college hoops theme, since they had it first. And assuming ABC/ESPN will be the top channel, I'm anticipating a throwback to their shared MLB coverage that ran from 1977-89, and was briefly revived in 1994-95 (as The--ill-fated--Baseball Network). Even if Turner doesn't make it back (and I think it's highly unlikely, considering their award-winning coverage and studio show), I can see Kenny, Barkley and Shaq get new jobs at the network(s) that would replace it. At least Ernie will still have MLB, the NHL and NCAA Tournament (during the annual crossover to CBS) to keep him busy.
Quote from: Henry on May 07, 2024, 10:14:31 PMQuote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 07, 2024, 01:41:41 PMAny news on the new TV package? I'd heard that there is a possibility that NBC might edge out Turner/TBS as the second broadcast network (with more games going to Peacock, of course). That would put the Inside the NBa crew of Ernie/Kenny/Barkley and Shaq at real risk, which would be bad.
If that happens, NBC may want to force Fox to give up its college hoops theme, since they had it first. And assuming ABC/ESPN will be the top channel, I'm anticipating a throwback to their shared MLB coverage that ran from 1977-89, and was briefly revived in 1994-95 (as The--ill-fated--Baseball Network). Even if Turner doesn't make it back (and I think it's highly unlikely, considering their award-winning coverage and studio show), I can see Kenny, Barkley and Shaq get new jobs at the network(s) that would replace it. At least Ernie will still have MLB, the NHL and NCAA Tournament (during the annual crossover to CBS) to keep him busy.
I don't think that show works without Ernie.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 08, 2024, 08:50:16 AMI don't think that show works without Ernie.
Yeah, every comedy team needs a straight man. Ernie is the counterpoint to the at times goofiness of the other guys.
Well, the Cleveland Cavaliers season is over. The Boston Celtics won both the game 113-98 and the series 4-1. Although it was expected that the Celtics would prevail, my favorite team was missing a few players: Donavon Mitchell, Jarret Allen, and Caris LeVert. Still, the Cavs made it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2018, so it was a successful season.
Fun fact about playoff scheduling:
The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend always has a Western Conference Finals game, never Eastern, because there are two cities with Eastern Conference teams where it would be virtually impossible to hold games that day.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 02:35:57 PMFun fact about playoff scheduling:
The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend always has a Western Conference Finals game, never Eastern, because there are two cities with Eastern Conference teams where it would be virtually impossible to hold games that day.
I don't know about Charlotte, but the Indy 500 and a Pacers playoff game has happened on the same day multiple times.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 16, 2024, 02:46:34 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 02:35:57 PMFun fact about playoff scheduling:
The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend always has a Western Conference Finals game, never Eastern, because there are two cities with Eastern Conference teams where it would be virtually impossible to hold games that day.
I don't know about Charlotte, but the Indy 500 and a Pacers playoff game has happened on the same day multiple times.
I'd have to look it up, but my memory of their appearances in the EC Finals is that their games were on Saturday/Monday, not on Sunday.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 03:02:42 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on May 16, 2024, 02:46:34 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 02:35:57 PMFun fact about playoff scheduling:
The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend always has a Western Conference Finals game, never Eastern, because there are two cities with Eastern Conference teams where it would be virtually impossible to hold games that day.
I don't know about Charlotte, but the Indy 500 and a Pacers playoff game has happened on the same day multiple times.
I'd have to look it up, but my memory of their appearances in the EC Finals is that their games were on Saturday/Monday, not on Sunday.
I think it is honestly a nonissue. The Pacers would theoretically not play until the Indy 500 is long over, and Charlotte Motor Speedway is well northeast of Uptown Charlotte.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on May 16, 2024, 03:12:18 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 03:02:42 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on May 16, 2024, 02:46:34 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 02:35:57 PMFun fact about playoff scheduling:
The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend always has a Western Conference Finals game, never Eastern, because there are two cities with Eastern Conference teams where it would be virtually impossible to hold games that day.
I don't know about Charlotte, but the Indy 500 and a Pacers playoff game has happened on the same day multiple times.
I'd have to look it up, but my memory of their appearances in the EC Finals is that their games were on Saturday/Monday, not on Sunday.
I think it is honestly a nonissue. The Pacers would theoretically not play until the Indy 500 is long over, and Charlotte Motor Speedway is well northeast of Uptown Charlotte.
I can't speak to Charlotte, but playing even an evening game in Indy would absolutely be a huge issue. 400,000 people go to the Indy 500, many of them are staying downtown.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 03:42:59 PMQuote from: 74/171FAN on May 16, 2024, 03:12:18 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 03:02:42 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on May 16, 2024, 02:46:34 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 02:35:57 PMFun fact about playoff scheduling:
The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend always has a Western Conference Finals game, never Eastern, because there are two cities with Eastern Conference teams where it would be virtually impossible to hold games that day.
I don't know about Charlotte, but the Indy 500 and a Pacers playoff game has happened on the same day multiple times.
I'd have to look it up, but my memory of their appearances in the EC Finals is that their games were on Saturday/Monday, not on Sunday.
I think it is honestly a nonissue. The Pacers would theoretically not play until the Indy 500 is long over, and Charlotte Motor Speedway is well northeast of Uptown Charlotte.
I can't speak to Charlotte, but playing even an evening game in Indy would absolutely be a huge issue. 400,000 people go to the Indy 500, many of them are staying downtown.
It's okay. The Hornets never make the playoffs anyway. :-P
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 03:02:42 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on May 16, 2024, 02:46:34 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 16, 2024, 02:35:57 PMFun fact about playoff scheduling:
The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend always has a Western Conference Finals game, never Eastern, because there are two cities with Eastern Conference teams where it would be virtually impossible to hold games that day.
I don't know about Charlotte, but the Indy 500 and a Pacers playoff game has happened on the same day multiple times.
I'd have to look it up, but my memory of their appearances in the EC Finals is that their games were on Saturday/Monday, not on Sunday.
They've played conference finals games on the same day as the Indy 500 before.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2013/05/26/pacers-and-racers-indy-500-and-indiana-pacers-promote-each-other-on-big-day-for-indianapolis/?sh=38b45d6b2baf
Ahh yes, the Racers and the Pacers. I remember that too, I know they've played on Sunday evening after the race before. Last time I think they lost the game, which put a little of a damper on Race Day.
Though this Western Conference Finals being on the Sunday might be a newer development of late.
Well, that was a surprise. The Denver Nuggets led the Minnesota Timberwolves 3 games to 2. Denver has won the last three games. Finishing off Minnesota should have been easy, right? Guess again. Denver really laid an egg, being blown out by the Timberwolves 115-70: https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-min-0042300236/box-score. Game 7 is Sunday back in Denver. Will the Nuggets recover and advance to the Western Conference Finals, or will Minnesota upset them again and reach the WCF for the first time since 2004 (the only time they ever got that far in the playoffs).
Both Game Seven's yesterday were won by the road teams, a rare feat in NBA history. Pacers eliminated the Knicks, and the T-Wolves dethroned the former Champions Nuggets!
The T-Wolves remain undefeated in the second round series of the playoffs -- a perfect 2-0....won in both 2004 vs the Kings and 2024 the Nuggets. And yes this is the second time in franchise history that the T-Wolves not only win the first round of the playoffs, but also advance to the Western Conference Championship Series exactly two decades since their first time in 2004. In fact I remember Latrell Sprewell being on that team in 2004.
Wolves should be slightly favored against Dallas, which would be a first because even though they were the 1 seed in 2004 not a lot of people expected them to beat the juggernaut Lakers in that conference finals.
Since this is a roads forum, I suppose it's appropriate to mention that the Western Conference will be represented in the NBA Finals by a team with Interstates 35W and 35E.
Speaking of the playoffs, I am very happy for the Indiana Pacers. But boy do I know our upcoming path is a tough one. But the team has exceeded expectations this year and anything from this point on is a bonus.
I'm calling it right now: Wolves vs. Celtics in the NBA Finals!
Celtics beat Pacers in Game 2, and the Mavericks upset the T-Wolves to go 2-0 in the Conference Finals.
And now the Celtics and Mavericks lead 3-0 in the conference finals.
Why do I get this feeling like the T-Wolves have deliberately set up the Mavs to make NBA history -- the first team ever to lose a playoff series after being up 3-0?
Bill Walton (my fellow UCLA alum) has passed away at age 71. Whether on the court or in the broadcast booth, he always knew how to keep us entertained.
R.I.P. Bill Walton. Also, the Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 105-102 to complete the sweep, and advance to the NBA Finals for the 23rd time in franchise history. Only the Los Angeles Lakers have been to the Finals more times (32). I expect the Dallas Mavericks to complete the sweep of the Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow, and advance to the Finals for the third time in franchise history.
Very sad to hear of Bill Walton's passing; he was truly one of a kind. Happy that the Celtics are in the finals, presumably against the Dallas Mavericks.
Well, the Western Conference Finals is not over yet. The Minnesota Timberwolves have defeated the Dallas Mavericks 105-100 and have avoided being swept. Game 5 is Thursday night at 8:30 PM EST in Minneapolis on TNT. Don't miss it!
At this point it seems like the Western Conference is just a contest to see who gets slaughtered by Boston in the Finals.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 28, 2024, 11:17:33 PMAt this point it seems like the Western Conference is just a contest to see who gets slaughtered by Boston in the Finals.
Maybe. But Boston's path hasn't exactly been a gauntlet.
You'd think that the Celtics and Yankees would always win championships in the same year, but this little tidbit of information will prove otherwise:
There have been only two instances the Celtics winning the NBA Finals and the Yankees winning the World Series in the same year, and they were 1961 and 1962. However, there have been missouts on the daily double (with one team winning and the other losing), notably in 1957 (Celtics win and Yankees loss), 1958 (Celtics loss and Yankees win), 1960, 1963, 1964, 1976 and 1981 (all Celtics wins and Yankees losses).
Will this be the year that we see both teams make the championship round? The Celtics have already done their part, now the Yankees need to do theirs.
I'd be okay with both not making it. Too bad the Celtics are already in the Finals.
I plan on wagering on whichever Western Conference team makes it. I don't believe in the Celts at all.
https://apnews.com/article/nba-playoffs-mavericks-timberwolves-game-5-f792c38e04c789fcc19cf7ccd34364cf?user_email=150ac7711ce8b1b19cf5248a92d9ad5f5d716cfc4d7bde616aa4256dbf42b199&utm_medium=APNews_Alerts&utm_source=Sailthru_AP&utm_campaign=NewsAlert_0530_NBAMavs&utm_term=AP%20News%20Alerts
Here is an update from the Western Conference finals.
Celtics/Mavericks in the NBA Finals. The first game will be in Boston next Thursday.
That is a pretty long ass time to sit between series. I'd prefer there be a shorter interval, so both teams don't get suddenly cold/rusty.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 31, 2024, 08:26:53 AMThat is a pretty long ass time to sit between series. I'd prefer there be a shorter interval, so both teams don't get suddenly cold/rusty.
The TV contract likely assumed a 7-game conference final when determining dates.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 31, 2024, 08:26:53 AMThat is a pretty long ass time to sit between series. I'd prefer there be a shorter interval, so both teams don't get suddenly cold/rusty.
Well, at least it's pretty much the same for both teams (much like the bye week before the Super Bowl). Much better that than one team having a week of extra rest and the other team having no extra rest.
For the first time in the NBA's 77-year history, the Dallas Mavericks will be facing someone other than the Miami Heat in the Finals (2006 & 2011)! This time it will be the Boston Celtics; it's always very cool to see a
first in history being made like this.
Although this is the first such matchup in history, this will be the Celtics 16th Finals opponent all-time from either Texas or California (out of 22 total Finals appearances including this year). Last time the Celtics face a Finals team not from either one the those two states, most of us weren't even alive yet!
Quote from: Big John on May 31, 2024, 09:35:04 AMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 31, 2024, 08:26:53 AMThat is a pretty long ass time to sit between series. I'd prefer there be a shorter interval, so both teams don't get suddenly cold/rusty.
The TV contract likely assumed a 7-game conference final when determining dates.
A tradition that began over two decades ago (2003 Finals), in which dates were predetermined. Before then during the NBA on NBC era, NBA Finals games were only scheduled almost immediately after both Finalist teams had won their conference championships.
I think its also about locking in dates at the arenas, especially when you have the Stars using the same arena in Dallas.
Anyway, if the Stars do make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, I think it will be the first time since 2003 when both finals share an arena. Back then it was the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey - before the Devils moved to Newark and the Nets to Brooklyn.
I remember 1992 well, being a huge fan of both the Bulls and Blackhawks when they both made the finals. To this day, there's still no instance of one city winning both in the same year, which is a bad omen for Dallas.
As for the Celtics not facing a team from CA or TX in the Finals, I see four matchups being against the St. Louis Hawks, one against the Minneapolis Lakers (before they moved to Los Angeles), one against the Milwaukee Bucks and one against the Phoenix Suns, so it's only 15 appearances against a team from either state. I was four when they faced Milwaukee and six when it was against Phoenix.
Quote from: Henry on May 31, 2024, 10:05:03 PMI remember 1992 well, being a huge fan of both the Bulls and Blackhawks when they both made the finals. To this day, there's still no instance of one city winning both in the same year, which is a bad omen for Dallas.
As for the Celtics not facing a team from CA or TX in the Finals, I see four matchups being against the St. Louis Hawks, one against the Minneapolis Lakers (before they moved to Los Angeles), one against the Milwaukee Bucks and one against the Phoenix Suns, so it's only 15 appearances against a team from either state. I was four when they faced Milwaukee and six when it was against Phoenix.
Precisely, so Dallas this year will be their 16th Finals (out of 22 total appearances) against a team from one of those two states. And as mentioned before most of us weren't even alive last time a Finals opponent for the Celtics were outside Texas and California.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 31, 2024, 05:09:58 PMI think its also about locking in dates at the arenas, especially when you have the Stars using the same arena in Dallas.
Anyway, if the Stars do make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, I think it will be the first time since 2003 when both finals share an arena. Back then it was the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey - before the Devils moved to Newark and the Nets to Brooklyn.
Now that the Stars lost, there'll be no scheduling conflict in Dallas.
Brad Stevens (HS and college in Indiana) and Mark Cuban (college in Indiana) are two of my favorite people in the NBA, so I'll be happy with either outcome.
Go Mavs
Under Mark Cuban ownership, the Mavericks fortunes turned around seemingly right at the turn of the century when he bought the team. I remember in November & December 1999, the Mavericks had one of the worst records in the NBA, then one of the better records in January-April 2000. As a Texas native, I'm glad Mark bought the team and helped make the Texas Triangle a constant contenders for the championship.
It has been a really long time since the Mavericks were consistently bad. I don't know how the perception of some their really bad 1990s era teams seems so fresh in my head.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 05, 2024, 10:13:53 AMUnder Mark Cuban ownership, the Mavericks fortunes turned around seemingly right at the turn of the century when he bought the team. I remember in November & December 1999, the Mavericks had one of the worst records in the NBA, then one of the better records in January-April 2000. As a Texas native, I'm glad Mark bought the team and helped make the Texas Triangle a constant contenders for the championship.
And they won their first championship in 2011 against Miami Heat when LeBron played for them and that loss of the Heat against the Mavericks inspired once that meme. :sombrero:
(https://blacksportsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Lebron-James-Rings.jpg)
I wonder what Dirk Nowitzki's career would have been like if the Milwaukee Bucks hadn't traded his draft rights to the Dallas Mavericks. I suspect his career might have been very different, and I wonder if he would have ever made it to the NBA Finals at all? In current events, the NBA Finals starts tomorrow, and I expect the Celtics to ultimately prevail. If the Mavericks are to win the championship, Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić will have to play exceptional basketball.
Nowitzki turned out to be the best player in the 1998 draft in my opinion, although (individual-talent-wise) Paul Pierce and Vince Carter might have their cases as well.
Interesting you brought up the Milwaukee Bucks; they drafted the #2 (Ferdinand Alcindor Jr.) and #6 (Dirk Nowitzki) all-time career scoring leaders and traded them both away to the Lakers and Mavericks, respectively. Had the Bucks kept him in 1998, Nowitzki would have joined Olympic Gold-Medalist Glenn Robinson, and All-Stars Chris Gatling and Ray Allen, and probably would had the talent to reach the Finals at least once (or two).
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on June 05, 2024, 02:22:17 PMQuote from: jgb191 on June 05, 2024, 10:13:53 AMUnder Mark Cuban ownership, the Mavericks fortunes turned around seemingly right at the turn of the century when he bought the team. I remember in November & December 1999, the Mavericks had one of the worst records in the NBA, then one of the better records in January-April 2000. As a Texas native, I'm glad Mark bought the team and helped make the Texas Triangle a constant contenders for the championship.
And they won their first championship in 2011 against Miami Heat when LeBron played for them and that loss of the Heat against the Mavericks inspired once that meme. :sombrero:
(https://blacksportsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Lebron-James-Rings.jpg)
Also the year the Mavericks exacted their revenge on Dwyane Wade, who helped the Heat beat them in 2006.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 05, 2024, 09:30:21 PMNowitzki turned out to be the best player in the 1998 draft in my opinion, although (individual-talent-wise) Paul Pierce and Vince Carter might have their cases as well.
Interesting you brought up the Milwaukee Bucks; they drafted the #2 (Ferdinand Alcindor Jr.) and #6 (Dirk Nowitzki) all-time career scoring leaders and traded them both away to the Lakers and Mavericks, respectively. Had the Bucks kept him in 1998, Nowitzki would have joined Olympic Gold-Medalist Glenn Robinson, and All-Stars Chris Gatling and Ray Allen, and probably would had the talent to reach the Finals at least once (or two).
The Bucks were drafting Nowitski for the Mavs. Just like the Hornets drafted Kobe for the Lakers. These were pre-set trades agreed upon ahead of time.
Anyway, even if they had held onto him, a Herb Kohl owned team would have found a way to screw it up. Loved that he saved the team from leaving in the late 80s, but he was by and large a terrible owner. Just like his college roommate Bud Selig was a terrible owner of the Brewers.
Why did ESPN find it necessary to spend all day talking about Dan Hurley?
Because the Lakers are involved, and he's the reigning college basketball champion coach.
It's also interesting you guys brought up the 2011 Finals, in which Mavs Coach Jason Kidd won his one and only Championship in three Finals appearances. I believe this will be a more competitive series than many fans expect to be. I wouldn't be surprised to see it go at least six or the full seven. The Mavs have a coaching advantage and have the two best players in the Finals, will those factors be enough to overcome a more well-balanced Celtics team?
Game 1 is in the books. Boston dominated for much of the game, and prevailed 107-89. Despite cutting it to 8 in the third quarter, the Mavericks just didn't have enough firepower to overcome their deficit. Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots in his first game in 38 days, after missing 10 games with a calf injury. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks in scoring with 30 points, although Kyrie Irving only had 12 points. Game 2 is Sunday at 8PM EST on ABC.
Any reactions to the Lakers coaching situation/predicament? Who should be their backup candidate? Mark Jackson, JJ Redick, Kenny Smith, Sam Cassell, Brian Shaw? Even JB Bickerstaff is a good coach, who was unjustifiably canned by the Cavaliers.
Dan Hurley came to his senses when he finally figured out how different the NBA game from the college game. My guess is Rick Pitino and John Calipari may have made private phone calls to Dan to think twice about jumping to the NBA.
Tomorrow night, the Finals resumes in Dallas for the next two games. It's not going to be an easy road for the Celtics, as they may be up 2-0, but will face the daunting task of winning at least one in American Airlines Center (and let's be honest, how many of you got that mixed up with the former American Airlines Arena in Miami?).
Quote from: Henry on June 11, 2024, 03:23:10 PMTomorrow night, the Finals resumes in Dallas for the next two games. It's not going to be an easy road for the Celtics, as they may be up 2-0, but will face the daunting task of winning at least one in American Airlines Center (and let's be honest, how many of you got that mixed up with the former American Airlines Arena in Miami?).
Sounds like a Dallas fan wrote this.
Quote from: Rothman on June 11, 2024, 04:55:24 PMQuote from: Henry on June 11, 2024, 03:23:10 PMTomorrow night, the Finals resumes in Dallas for the next two games. It's not going to be an easy road for the Celtics, as they may be up 2-0, but will face the daunting task of winning at least one in American Airlines Center (and let's be honest, how many of you got that mixed up with the former American Airlines Arena in Miami?).
Sounds like a Dallas fan wrote this.
Sounds more like a Celtics fan using reverse psychology. As much as I'd love for the Mavs to win, the Celtics had just played their final home game this season; it's a clean sweep.
As the finals shifts to Dallas, we can see that Luka is phenomenal, but he needs (way) more help from his teammates if the Mavs are to win.
This is likely joever, but would be hilarious if Boston blew a 3-0 series lead.
This has probably been the least compelling playoffs in a long time. The three game sevens were duds, and the semis and finals have been very dull series.
There's only been one competitive series that actually mattered. The east was a joke, the Bucks and Knicks injuries would have prevented them from ever competing with the Celtics and nobody else had the talent. Credit to the Pacers for making a run but they were dead meat against Boston and everyone knew it. The west was a little better, particularly the conference semis, but still just not that thrilling.
NBA is a drama/storyline league. The only big one of the whole postseason is Kyrie going up against the Celtics and he hasn't been given a fair roll of the dice in this series.
Lifted from the Hockey thread...
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on June 14, 2024, 06:30:45 AMNow it'll take a miracle for Edmonton, Florida leads 3-0 in the Finals.
And it'll also take a miracle for Dallas, Boston leads 3-0 in the Finals.
I fully expect the Celtics to finish their sweep of the Mavericks tonight. Dallas had a good chance at pulling off the upset in Game 3 if Luka Doncic hadn't fouled out. I thought that 20-point spurt by the Mavericks in the fourth quarter was quite shocking to say the least. Of course, if Dallas does manage to keep their season alive tonight, Game 5 will be Monday in Boston at 8:30 PM EST.
Well, so much for a sweep. The Dallas Mavericks crushed the Boston Celtics 122-84. Boston looked pathetic, and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla pulled his starters out of the game in the third quarter. Now the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5 on Monday.
Not surprised that the Celtics list, but I am surprised by the margin. i expect things will be different on Monday for Game 5 (617 day).
You're entitled to an 'off day' every now and then. That's why it is a 'best four of seven' series and not 'one and done'.
Mike
My biggest issue with the NCAA basketball tournaments is that a one and done game doesn't really determine who is "actually best." What happened to the Celtics isn't super uncommon with teams that get a big playoff series lead.
It's called "Let's phone this one in and win it at home."
Sixteen years ago today, the Celtics won championship number 17. Will history repeat itself tonight?
Well, it's over! The Boston Celtics have won their 18th NBA Championship, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88. The 2023-24 season has concluded and I am looking forward to the 2024-25 season next fall.
https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-celtics-score-0cdf7b0fb7bc641a5007c8dff836832a?user_email=150ac7711ce8b1b19cf5248a92d9ad5f5d716cfc4d7bde616aa4256dbf42b199&utm_medium=APNews_Alerts&utm_source=Sailthru_AP&utm_campaign=NewsAlert_0619_NBA_finals&utm_term=AP%20News%20Alerts
Yes Boston has the 2024 Championship.
Celtics win championship #18 at home. Finally.
The Celtics are run by former Zionsville HS and DePaw University player, and Butler coach Brad Stevens. Hire a Hoosier if you want to build a winning team.
Congrats to the Celtics on the chip!!
Least compelling NBA playoffs ever I'd say. Congrats to the Celtics, but I didn't feel the need to watch even one minute of the finals.
The Dallas Mavericks need to return to rebuilding mode. The Kyrie experiment has been a utter failure as we all just witnessed. Why the Mavs even traded for him (let alone extend his contract) made no logical sense. Trade Luka to an actual title contender like Denver. The Mavs are my second-favorite NBA team, even so I hate to see Luka waste his prime years staying with a club going nowhere. I repeat the Mavs are nowhere near title contention. Get a stack of draft picks by trading Luka.
And I agree this was no reasonable Finals matchup. If it had been Denver, the Finals would still not be over yet. The Nuggets are the best team in the NBA as clearly demonstrated a year ago. Why the NBA chose to pick Dallas to be in the Finals is puzzling (and yes I believe the Mavs were elected by the NBA to come out of the West). My best guess is that the league really wanted to see an 18th banner hung over Boston that they gave the Celtics the easiest opponent to beat. It would be like the NFL setting up Atlanta Falcons to face the Chiefs in the Super Bowl for the easy title. Had the league let the players battle it out, the Nuggets would easily have come out of the West.
But still credit to the Celtics for winning, Brad Stevens is proving himself to be a brilliant manager and he could be the next Jerry West building something special there. But I wish to see Luka and Nikola team up together in Denver and form their own empire (like the 1960's Celtics, '80s/'00s Lakers, '90s Bulls, and the '10s Warriors), bringing Denver several more championships.
And one more thing, the Finals could have been saved if the Celtics had put in just enough effort to battle the Mavs in Game Four in a dramatic climatic finish down to the wire than just handing the game over. As soon as Game Four started everybody knew how it was it going to end like it did.
^
NBA Finals appearance = going nowhere? I'm a bit confused.
Anytime there's a conspiracy theory about pro sports being rigged by the illuminati, I just skip the rest.
I would be happy if my team was a low playoff seed and unexpectedly made the finals.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2024, 11:37:12 AM(and yes I believe the Mavs were elected by the NBA to come out of the West).
Technically true that they were "elected" by the NBA players from the other other 7 playoff teams in the West...
Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 18, 2024, 11:59:54 AMAnytime there's a conspiracy theory about pro sports being rigged by the illuminati, I just skip the rest.
... but otherwise I agree.
Sorry for the rant, but really if it wasn't rigged the Nuggets or T-Wolves would have come out of the West. So the Mavericks of all the teams making it to the Finals? Even the play-in teams could have beaten them.
And yeah going nowhere, I believe that. We already know they're not going back to the Finals, and besides Kyrie and Luka, the remaining talent pool looks very low compared to other teams (though Lively seems to have potential). If Luka want to win a ring, he'll go to an actual contending (not a middle-of the-pack) team.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2024, 03:50:25 PMSorry for the rant, but really if it wasn't rigged the Nuggets or T-Wolves would have come out of the West. So the Mavericks of all the teams making it to the Finals? Even the play-in teams could have beaten them.
No. The Nuggets didn't have the bench depth this year and you could tell the starters were tired. The T-Wolves are good defensively, but aren't built to score a ton and that bit them.
There was no conspiracy.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2024, 03:50:25 PMSorry for the rant, but really if it wasn't rigged the Nuggets or T-Wolves would have come out of the West.
Why?
Anyway, if the NBA is rigged, they did a crappy job sticking an international superstar in San Antonio of all places.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 18, 2024, 03:53:33 PMQuote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2024, 03:50:25 PMSorry for the rant, but really if it wasn't rigged the Nuggets or T-Wolves would have come out of the West. So the Mavericks of all the teams making it to the Finals? Even the play-in teams could have beaten them.
No. The Nuggets didn't have the bench depth this year and you could tell the starters were tired. The T-Wolves are good defensively, but aren't built to score a ton and that bit them.
There was no conspiracy.
Allow me to
partially disagree with your comment. I agree that the Nuggets bench is thinner than last year even so they showed in the playoffs that they could still compete with best in the west. I think Nikola Jokic is the best basketball player alive right now. The Nuggets had a double-digit lead in the second half vs the T-Wolves in Game Seven but for whatever reason the floor fell from their feet and collapsed in the second-half. If they had just hung on to win, then they could have beaten Dallas in the conference championship and at least pushed the Celtics to the distance and a far more competitive, perhaps nail-biting, Finals.
I'm not a Nuggets fan, but I see a very bright future ahead, and I'm rooting for them to bring more titles to Denver (at least until my Texas teams return to contention). Bring in Luka Doncic from Dallas, and we could see a rivalry with the Celtics in a number of NBA Finals.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 19, 2024, 01:21:26 PMQuote from: JayhawkCO on June 18, 2024, 03:53:33 PMQuote from: jgb191 on June 18, 2024, 03:50:25 PMSorry for the rant, but really if it wasn't rigged the Nuggets or T-Wolves would have come out of the West. So the Mavericks of all the teams making it to the Finals? Even the play-in teams could have beaten them.
No. The Nuggets didn't have the bench depth this year and you could tell the starters were tired. The T-Wolves are good defensively, but aren't built to score a ton and that bit them.
There was no conspiracy.
Allow me to partially disagree with your comment. I agree that the Nuggets bench is thinner than last year even so they showed in the playoffs that they could still compete with best in the west. I think Nikola Jokic is the best basketball player alive right now. The Nuggets had a double-digit lead in the second half vs the T-Wolves in Game Seven but for whatever reason the floor fell from their feet and collapsed in the second-half. If they had just hung on to win, then they could have beaten Dallas in the conference championship and at least pushed the Celtics to the distance and a far more competitive, perhaps nail-biting, Finals.
I'm not a Nuggets fan, but I see a very bright future ahead, and I'm rooting for them to bring more titles to Denver (at least until my Texas teams return to contention). Bring in Luka Doncic from Dallas, and we could see a rivalry with the Celtics in a number of NBA Finals.
I don't disagree that the Nuggets are very good. I live in Denver and they are the NBA team I cheer for. That said, you could just tell this year they didn't have quite all of the pieces. They need another 3-and-D guy badly. Losing Bruce Brown hurt a lot more than most people outside the organization think.
Poor Pistons
Quote from: epzik8 on June 19, 2024, 03:02:41 PMPoor Pistons
I feel bad for my college contemporary Monty Williams. He was so close to winning it all in Phoenix. I'd rather see him take an assistant's job with a contender than get another HC job with a Pistons-esque team.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on June 19, 2024, 05:04:26 PMQuote from: epzik8 on June 19, 2024, 03:02:41 PMPoor Pistons
I feel bad for my college contemporary Monty Williams. He was so close to winning it all in Phoenix. I'd rather see him take an assistant's job with a contender than get another HC job with a Pistons-esque team.
Or just sit back and cash the checks.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 19, 2024, 06:00:46 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on June 19, 2024, 05:04:26 PMQuote from: epzik8 on June 19, 2024, 03:02:41 PMPoor Pistons
I feel bad for my college contemporary Monty Williams. He was so close to winning it all in Phoenix. I'd rather see him take an assistant's job with a contender than get another HC job with a Pistons-esque team.
Or just sit back and cash the checks.
And settle down to a cushy broadcast job for a couple million a year while collecting those checks. :)
https://apnews.com/article/lakers-redick-hired-e2f1e90ef9681f77e8b19e112a77c9a3?user_email=150ac7711ce8b1b19cf5248a92d9ad5f5d716cfc4d7bde616aa4256dbf42b199
QuoteLOS ANGELES (AP) — JJ Redick is being hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, a person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the Lakers hadn't yet publicly announced the decision to hire the former guard for his first coaching job. The 39-year-old Redick is an extraordinary choice by the Lakers, who hired a 15-year veteran with absolutely no coaching experience to lead a franchise with 17 NBA titles, one of the biggest brand names in world sports — and LeBron James, the top scorer in league history. Redick was a proficient outside shooter for six teams before his retirement in September 2021, when he moved into a career in broadcasting and podcasting. He joined ESPN's lead commentary team earlier this year.
Three guesses (and the first two don't count) as to who will be the guy calling the shots. Hint: He's a current player, and his son is about to join him. :-D
1 million people are expected in Downtown Boston today to celebrate the Celtics' 18th championship. The weather should be reasonable.
Bronny James is now an LA Laker, taken at #55.
Nepotism wins the day for a middle of the road Lakers team.
Lakers :-o
Yep, the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 27, 2024, 06:17:53 PMBronny James is now an LA Laker, taken at #55.
In-Season Tournament repeat incoming :-D
Nepotism in the NBA? Shocking.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 27, 2024, 06:52:39 PMYep, the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA.
If the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA, which team is now the Buffalo Bills of the NBA?
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on June 28, 2024, 03:52:57 PMQuote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 27, 2024, 06:52:39 PMYep, the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA.
If the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA, which team is now the Buffalo Bills of the NBA?
The New York Knicks. 2-6 in the finals series according to Statmuse.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on June 28, 2024, 03:52:57 PMQuote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 27, 2024, 06:52:39 PMYep, the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA.
If the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA, which team is now the Buffalo Bills of the NBA?
I'd say either the Jazz or the Nets, who both lost 2 in a row and have never won one. Knicks once lost 3 in a row, but that was in the very early days of the league and they have actually won a couple times.
The Suns are 0-3 in the Finals.
Maybe they are more like the Vikings, since they have lost them over the course of a number of years.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on June 28, 2024, 04:23:13 PMQuote from: Stephane Dumas on June 28, 2024, 03:52:57 PMQuote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 27, 2024, 06:52:39 PMYep, the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA.
If the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA, which team is now the Buffalo Bills of the NBA?
I'd say either the Jazz or the Nets, who both lost 2 in a row and have never won one. Knicks once lost 3 in a row, but that was in the very early days of the league and they have actually won a couple times.
Well the Nets did won 2 championships in 1974 and 1976 back when there was in the ABA before joining the NBA and moving to New Jersey(and moved later again to Brooklyn), ironically their last ABA championship was against the Denver Nuggets, another ABA team who joined the NBA and won their first NBA championship in 2023.
Edit: The Buffalo Bills won 2 championships back when they was in the AFL before the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. I guess the Nets have much more common points with the Bills than we expected.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on June 28, 2024, 06:35:46 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on June 28, 2024, 04:23:13 PMQuote from: Stephane Dumas on June 28, 2024, 03:52:57 PMQuote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 27, 2024, 06:52:39 PMYep, the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA.
If the Lakers are now the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA, which team is now the Buffalo Bills of the NBA?
I'd say either the Jazz or the Nets, who both lost 2 in a row and have never won one. Knicks once lost 3 in a row, but that was in the very early days of the league and they have actually won a couple times.
Well the Nets did won 2 championships in 1974 and 1976 back when there was in the ABA before joining the NBA and moving to New Jersey(and moved later again to Brooklyn), ironically their last ABA championship was against the Denver Nuggets, another ABA team who joined the NBA and won their first NBA championship in 2023.
Edit: The Buffalo Bills won 2 championships back when they was in the AFL before the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. I guess the Nets have much more common points with the Bills than we expected.
I agree with the Nets being the 'Buffalo Bills' of the NBA, besides for playing their home games in New York.
Mike
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 28, 2024, 04:45:08 PMThe Suns are 0-3 in the Finals.
Maybe they are more like the Vikings, since they have lost them over the course of a number of years.
Purple team syndrome.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 28, 2024, 08:23:24 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on June 28, 2024, 04:45:08 PMThe Suns are 0-3 in the Finals.
Maybe they are more like the Vikings, since they have lost them over the course of a number of years.
Purple team syndrome.
A certain team named after a bird would beg to differ. They won two Super Bowls in a span of 12 years.
Quote from: Henry on June 28, 2024, 10:00:54 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 28, 2024, 08:23:24 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on June 28, 2024, 04:45:08 PMThe Suns are 0-3 in the Finals.
Maybe they are more like the Vikings, since they have lost them over the course of a number of years.
Purple team syndrome.
A certain team named after a bird would beg to differ. They won two Super Bowls in a span of 12 years.
Yeah, but they aren't really a "purple team." They are the OG version of the Browns.
https://deadline.com/2024/06/lebron-james-will-opt-out-lakers-contract-report-1235997796/
Here is an update on Lebron James time with the LA Lakers.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/klay-thompson-to-join-mavericks-on-three-year-50-million-deal-after-warriors-complete-trade-per-report/
NBA Star Klay Thompson moves from the Golden State Warriors to Dallas Mavericks.
Quote from: bing101 on July 02, 2024, 03:59:27 PMhttps://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/klay-thompson-to-join-mavericks-on-three-year-50-million-deal-after-warriors-complete-trade-per-report/
NBA Star Klay Thompson moves from the Golden State Warriors to Dallas Mavericks.
I was hoping he'd go to the Lakers, which is what his dad wanted, but either way, the Splash Brothers have broken up, and (with four championships and six Finals overall) it was great while it lasted.
The Lakers have no flexibility to offer Klay much unless GSW wants to do a sign and trade. And the Lakers roster is a bunch of junk. And they aren't going anywhere except on Lebron's retirement tour over the next couple of seasons.
Buddy Hield is coming to Golden State to replace Klay Thompson as a secondary shooter behind Steph Curry. If he can't be a third Splash Brother, maybe he could be a Splash Cousin?
Quote from: SEWIGuy on July 03, 2024, 09:10:44 AMThe Lakers have no flexibility to offer Klay much unless GSW wants to do a sign and trade. And the Lakers roster is a bunch of junk. And they aren't going anywhere except on Lebron's retirement tour over the next couple of seasons.
The Lakers already have Bronny, and Bryce may join them too before the old man retires. At least the Warriors are better equipped to give Curry an exciting Last Dance-ish ending.
Now it's official! (https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-finalizes-deals-nbc-amazon-194935755.html)
ESPN/ABC, unfortunately, will continue to be the big guns in town, but NBC returns as the Number 2 partner, and Amazon will claim their own piece of the pie. Cue in the TPIR theme...
Another huge loss for the NBA: Pat Williams, the architect of (what might have been) the Orlando Magic empire with Penny and Shaq, expired yesterday at the age of 84 years. His presence during the Draft Lottery was stunning to put it mildly, being seated four times when his team's ping-pong ball bounced his way (once with the Sixers plus the memorable three with the Magic). He then proceeded to build another very good Magic team that made the 2009 NBA Finals. Though his teams fell short of the titles, Pat had accomplished in his career what most GMs today could only dream of.
Fun Fact, it was the recently passed Jerry West, arguably the greatest executive in NBA history, that stole away Shaquille O'Neal to the Lakers from Pat Williams to add to his collection of championship empires that he built. Unfortunately, Pat's fatal flaw in his career was that he couldn't offer Shaq more than Jerry did, and it was the demise of the promising Magic team that might have contended for many years had Shaq stayed in Orlando.
Empire? The Magic got blown out in one Finals with Shaq and Penny Hardaway.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 18, 2024, 09:24:12 PMEmpire? The Magic got blown out in one Finals with Shaq and Penny Hardaway.
Not to mention that the Miami Heat downstate are far more successful nowadays, with three championships on their resume, all courtesy of Dwyane Wade (winning one with Shaq and two with LeBron James and Chris Bosh). IOW, the Heat are everything the Magic could've been, plus the South Beach atmosphere is far more exciting than the one at Disney World.
Quote from: jgb191 on July 18, 2024, 09:10:58 PMAnother huge loss for the NBA: Pat Williams, the architect of (what might have been) the Orlando Magic empire with Penny and Shaq, expired yesterday at the age of 84 years. His presence during the Draft Lottery was stunning to put it mildly, being seated four times when his team's ping-pong ball bounced his way (once with the Sixers plus the memorable three with the Magic). He then proceeded to build another very good Magic team that made the 2009 NBA Finals. Though his teams fell short of the titles, Pat had accomplished in his career what most GMs today could only dream of.
Fun Fact, it was the recently passed Jerry West, arguably the greatest executive in NBA history, that stole away Shaquille O'Neal to the Lakers from Pat Williams to add to his collection of championship empires that he built. Unfortunately, Pat's fatal flaw in his career was that he couldn't offer Shaq more than Jerry did, and it was the demise of the promising Magic team that might have contended for many years had Shaq stayed in Orlando.
Orlando COULD have offered more. They had his Bird rights and there was no luxury tax back in the day. But they low balled him from the start.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 18, 2024, 09:24:12 PMEmpire? The Magic got blown out in one Finals with Shaq and Penny Hardaway.
The 1995 Finals wasn't a blowout. As a Rockets fan, the Magic made me sweat and I was nerve-racked for all four games they were all close contests; even coach Rudy T confirmed that the Finals was a lot harder than the 4-0 sweep indicated. And a fact lost on just about everybody, the 1995 Magic were the last team to eliminate a team with Michael Jordan in the playoffs.
I also think had Shaq stayed in Orlando, he and Penny could have dominated the East in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
Quote from: jgb191 on July 19, 2024, 10:33:12 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on July 18, 2024, 09:24:12 PMEmpire? The Magic got blown out in one Finals with Shaq and Penny Hardaway.
The 1995 Finals wasn't a blowout. As a Rockets fan, the Magic made me sweat and I was nerve-racked for all four games they were all close contests; even coach Rudy T confirmed that the Finals was a lot harder than the 4-0 sweep indicated. And a fact lost on just about everybody, the 1995 Magic were the last team to eliminate a team with Michael Jordan in the playoffs.
I also think had Shaq stayed in Orlando, he and Penny could have dominated the East in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
That Bulls team definitely was wonky in 94-95. Jordan actually looked wonky and out of shape until the 95-96 season. Had Shaq stayed I don't think they were going to make through the Bulls again until Jordan retired for real.
Quote from: Henry on July 10, 2024, 10:36:56 PMNow it's official! (https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-finalizes-deals-nbc-amazon-194935755.html)
ESPN/ABC, unfortunately, will continue to be the big guns in town, but NBC returns as the Number 2 partner, and Amazon will claim their own piece of the pie. Cue in the TPIR theme...
To see NBC as the number 2 partner, let's hope they would bring back the theme song who was used in the 1990s.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 22, 2024, 09:39:35 PMQuote from: Henry on July 10, 2024, 10:36:56 PMNow it's official! (https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-finalizes-deals-nbc-amazon-194935755.html)
ESPN/ABC, unfortunately, will continue to be the big guns in town, but NBC returns as the Number 2 partner, and Amazon will claim their own piece of the pie. Cue in the TPIR theme...
To see NBC as the number 2 partner, let's hope they would bring back the theme song who was used in the 1990s.
John Tesh says a new recording is on the way. But for now, we'll have to settle for one more season of the original theme being heard on FOX's college hoops games (no matter how wrong it feels to be used on another network). Let me be the first to admit, I'd rather the NBA come to FOX than stay on ESPN/ABC; let's see if that idea materializes in a dozen years. This is another sign that the NBA is trying way too hard to be like the NFL (and MLB had that same problem in the 80s, when NBC and ABC were broadcasting its games).
Turner may not be out of it just yet, as it's set to match Amazon's offer for the third section of the upcoming contract:
https://sports.yahoo.com/tnt-submits-matching-nba-rights-offer-reportedly-targeting-amazons-package-202846401.html
I do hope that next season will not be their last, so stay tuned.
On a side note, I always liked how the lasers would cut out the NBC logo.
(https://i.imgur.com/wGhNOhr.png)
I doubt NBC would use Roundball Rock given that NBC Sports Regional like NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California have been using this as their NBA theme since 2019. It had to be updated one way or another. It's the era of the recent champs that's at play here.
I listened to the two themes you mentioned, and they sound nothing like the theme I remember that's on FOX now (well, they did include a snippet of the original melody, but otherwise, it feels like a completely different song). For comparison purposes, let's do three versions of the CBS college hoops theme (the 1993 original, the 2004 remake, and the 2021 update):
At least the current theme stays faithful to the classic one.
Quote from: bing101 on July 24, 2024, 11:17:26 AM
I doubt NBC would use Roundball Rock given that NBC Sports Regional like NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California have been using this as their NBA theme since 2019. It had to be updated one way or another. It's the era of the recent champs that's at play here.
They have already said that Roundball Rock is returning. Why would they care what a regional is using?
I'm happy that the NBA is returning to NBC after 22 years. Many fond memories of their 1990-2002 run which were some of the best in league history. I'm sad for TNT, though. The pending demise of the TNT studio show/Inside the NBA - the best studio show in sports - is a crime and should be a stain on the honor of those who are responsible.
https://apnews.com/article/nba-tv-prime-video-4c215a9f7444036c7a448ab51a7b73a7
Here is more on Amazon's deal with the NBA.
I think it's fitting that NBC will air Sunday Night Basketball as a spinoff of their popular Sunday Night Football series. It's kind of like how ABC once had Monday Night Baseball in the summer to complement their Monday Night Football fall programming back in the late 70s and throughout the 80s.
The Bucks defeated the Orlando magic 112-107 last night at the fiserv.forum in Milwaukee to advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semi-final game on the mid-season NBA Cup tournament, Friday night in Las Vegas, NV. It is an interesting something to break the usual flow of the season.
:nod:
Mike
Why was I thinking that the Bucks would be playing the Thunder in the semifinal on Friday night? :banghead: They defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night (110 - 102) and will play the Thunder on Tuesday Night for the NBA Cup title.
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on December 16, 2024, 11:19:07 AMWhy was I thinking that the Bucks would be playing the Thunder in the semifinal on Friday night? :banghead: They defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night (110 - 102) and will play the Thunder on Tuesday Night for the NBA Cup title.
Mike
The Bucks did beat the Thunder in the NBA Cup final. And they didn't celebrate like the Lakers did last year.
The talk of the Christmas Day games was the Spurs-Knicks game that was re-created into Dunk the Halls, basically Disney's take on Space Jam. After seeing the sideshow, I tend to agree with Bugs Bunny, who once asked "what kind of Mickey Mouse organization would do something like that?"
Lots of sports on Christmas Day, on multiple platforms. As for the ratings:
https://nypost.com/2024/12/26/sports/nfl-netflix-set-ratings-record-in-battle-with-nba-on-christmas-day/
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 27, 2024, 01:04:22 PMLots of sports on Christmas Day, on multiple platforms. As for the ratings:
https://nypost.com/2024/12/26/sports/nfl-netflix-set-ratings-record-in-battle-with-nba-on-christmas-day/
NFL preseason games get better ratings than NBA games. Not even in the same universe of competition.
Agree, which makes the NBA's attempts to try to compete (NBA Cup!) kind of sad.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 31, 2024, 12:54:59 PMAgree, which makes the NBA's attempts to try to compete (NBA Cup!) kind of sad.
The NBA Cup is fine.
But the NBA has been on Christmas day for years. In fact, the NFL avoided Christmas to the point where if Christmas fell on a Sunday, they would play most of the games on Saturday. I think the fear was that not enough people would show up, but they have since realized that family gatherings can be rescheduled!
What is going on with Jimmy Butler?? He had a great thing going in Miami making two improbable NBA Finals run in 2020 and 2023. I guess I understand him wanting to go to a title contender, but Pat Riley is the last person in the NBA you want to tick off. I wonder if he and Nikola Jokic might make an interesting combo....might Denver be interested in getting him if Jimmy Butler can help push the Nuggets to the top? The Joker is my favorite NBA player right now, and I'd love to see him return to the top and hoist another Larry O'Brien trophy.
Quote from: jgb191 on January 07, 2025, 10:22:01 AMWhat is going on with Jimmy Butler?? He had a great thing going in Miami making two improbable NBA Finals run in 2020 and 2023. I guess I understand him wanting to go to a title contender, but Pat Riley is the last person in the NBA you want to tick off. I wonder if he and Nikola Jokic might make an interesting combo....might Denver be interested in getting him if Jimmy Butler can help push the Nuggets to the top? The Joker is my favorite NBA player right now, and I'd love to see him return to the top and hoist another Larry O'Brien trophy.
It's simple. He wants a significant contract extension and the Heat don't want to give him one. Why is Riley "the last person in the NBA you want to tick off?" What's he going to do about it?
Also, as someone who has followed Jimmy since he first stepped on the court at Marquette, he has a sad history of sabatoging relationships. He might be the only MU basketball alumnus I know of, who wants nothing to do with the program. He reportedly has strained relationships with former teammates as well. His time in Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia ended terribly.
Could it be related to the trauma he suffered during his childhood? Where his parents just kicked him out of the house? Who knows...
Quote from: SEWIGuy on January 07, 2025, 10:47:23 AMQuote from: jgb191 on January 07, 2025, 10:22:01 AMWhat is going on with Jimmy Butler?? He had a great thing going in Miami making two improbable NBA Finals run in 2020 and 2023. I guess I understand him wanting to go to a title contender, but Pat Riley is the last person in the NBA you want to tick off. I wonder if he and Nikola Jokic might make an interesting combo....might Denver be interested in getting him if Jimmy Butler can help push the Nuggets to the top? The Joker is my favorite NBA player right now, and I'd love to see him return to the top and hoist another Larry O'Brien trophy.
It's simple. He wants a significant contract extension and the Heat don't want to give him one. Why is Riley "the last person in the NBA you want to tick off?" What's he going to do about it?
Also, as someone who has followed Jimmy since he first stepped on the court at Marquette, he has a sad history of sabatoging relationships. He might be the only MU basketball alumnus I know of, who wants nothing to do with the program. He reportedly has strained relationships with former teammates as well. His time in Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia ended terribly.
Could it be related to the trauma he suffered during his childhood? Where his parents just kicked him out of the house? Who knows...
It wouldn't be the first time we've seen this drama play out with an individual. James Harden is the same way, with his days in Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn and Philly also ending badly. As for Jimmy Butler, I can't say much about him other than what's been already said, but the Miami-haters are counting the days until the Heat finally get blown up. The last time it happened was back in '08, when they did get blown up only two years after winning it all, although Dwyane Wade (a Chicago native and Marquette alum) managed to survive that disaster and forge a new dynasty with LeBron James and Chris Bosh that produced two more championships to go with the one he already had in '06 and four Finals appearances. It's not like Pat Riley's a cheapskate, especially with those Armani suits he's been known for wearing, but if he's not going to give Butler what he wants, then good riddance, and let the next team have Butler as their latest cancer.
The Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis. Wonder how many saw that coming.
First time the NBA makes national headlines since June is via an awful trade.
I'm not sure what the thinking was but the Lakers at least got a guy that will keep them relevant past LeBron's playing days.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 02, 2025, 10:35:53 AMThe Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis. Wonder how many saw that coming.
Not me, that's for sure. Back in 1988, lots of people (including me) didn't saw coming when Wayne Gretzky was traded to the LA Kings back then.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2025, 01:45:32 PMI'm not sure what the thinking was but the Lakers at least got a guy that will keep them relevant past LeBron's playing days.
I wondered the same thing, will the Mavericks will be cursed as the Boston Red Sox who got once the "curse of the Bambino" after they traded Babe Ruth? Btw, wasn't once some rumors then the Mavericks would have moved to another city?
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on February 02, 2025, 04:17:52 PMQuote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 02, 2025, 10:35:53 AMThe Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis. Wonder how many saw that coming.
Not me, that's for sure. Back in 1988, lots of people (including me) didn't saw coming when Wayne Gretzky was traded to the LA Kings back then.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2025, 01:45:32 PMI'm not sure what the thinking was but the Lakers at least got a guy that will keep them relevant past LeBron's playing days.
I wondered the same thing, will the Mavericks will be cursed as the Boston Red Sox who got once the "curse of the Bambino" after they traded Babe Ruth? Btw, wasn't once some rumors then the Mavericks would have moved to another city?
Not that I recall. They were competitive almost immediately after joining the league.
I vaguely recall some of that talk in the 1990s when the Mavericks were the worst team in the NBA.
The Mavs were competitive not long after expansion through the 1980s but spent the 90s in the toilet. They didn't get good again until almost the very instant Mark Cuban bought the team in 2000. They made the Finals in 2006 and won it all in 2011.
I don't hate this trade because Doncic was definitely injury-prone and by several accounts, was too lazy to condition properly. Not worth a supermax contract when it comes up. That's the Lakers' problem now.
Think is, Anthony Davis never has been the guy who can lead a team. Now he's old and just as injury prone as ever. Yeah, sure Doncic has had some issues of his own, but he proved that he can lead a team into a deep playoff run.
It's still a head scratcher. Trading an injury-prone 25-year old for an injury prone 32-year old (and a first -round pick) strains credulity. Perhaps Dallas' management saw something (or things) that the rest of us don't. For the sake of their fan base, I hope so.
As for Luka, the best-case scenarios is that being traded to sunny Los Angeles where he will soon be the guy motivates him to stay in shape and to lead the Lakers to deep playoff runs, especially after LeBron retires. Worst case scenario he becomes star-struck and smitten with the celebrity lifestyle and the team becomes kind of like the football team of his old city - the Cowboys.
That trade surely shocked the hell out of me! But Luka and LeBron may not get a chance to play together, as the latter is rumored to get traded soon. We'll see in three days if this, or any other, blockbuster trades follow, but none of them will reach the magnitude of what we got over the weekend.
It remains to be seen which team got the better end of the deal; until then let the speculation commence and opinions fly!
The Mavericks apparently thought Luka wasn't worth the $350 million extension. The source of the breakup reportedly is due to Luka being out of shape, his hot-head temperament, and defensive liability. Speaking of which, Anthony Davis does upgrade the Mavs' defense a lot. It was a decision between a world-class, internationally-renowned talent with a legendary offensive arsenal or an All-Star talent lesser offensive capability but way better defense.
My opinion is hard to sway: defense wins championships! If you have to try to outscore your opponent, you'll win many games, but probably not the most critically important games -- the Finals (hence last year's result). I'm having a hard time blaming the Mavs for making this trade, although it is almost as hard justifying trading away one of the greatest offensive talent in basketball history, who is just entering his prime who can still perform for at least the next decade.
Can Davis work well with Klay and Kyrie to propel the Mavs to championship contention? How long will it take for Luka to topple LeBron as the primary focal point of the Lakers? We'll find out the answers in the coming months.
Defense does not win championships in the NBA. You need bother, but you have no shot without a good offense. You can get by with a mediocre defense.
The Miami Heat are finalizing a deal to send Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick, per Adam Schefter.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have signed Lonzo Ball to a two-year extension, so he'll likely remain with them through 2027.
As for the ex-Bull Jimmy Butler, if precedence is any indication, he'll shatter another team's championship hopes. But he may surprise everyone and give Steph Curry one final shot at a championship before he is through. It's going to be very interesting to see how well Butler meshes with the Warriors, and same goes for Luka and the Lakers.
I'm just praying the OKC Thunder management doesn't do anything stupid before the trade deadline tomorrow. The team can't get much better than this as it is with the current lineup. I just hope Chet Holmgren can get healthy before the playoffs.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 05, 2025, 11:33:23 PMI'm just praying the OKC Thunder management doesn't do anything stupid before the trade deadline tomorrow. The team can't get much better than this as it is with the current lineup. I just hope Chet Holmgren can get healthy before the playoffs.
I could say the same about the Rockets. Their current core seems great as it is, and I think adding a superstar would ruin the current chemistry.
In less than a week, the two stars of their respective underdog team in last two NBA Finals have been traded. Jimmy Butler led the Heat to within three games of the 2023 Championship (lost 4-1 vs the Nuggets); a year later Luka Doncic led the Mavericks to within three games of the 2024 Championship (lost 4-1 vs the Celtics) -- both stars traded within the last five days.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on February 05, 2025, 08:24:07 PMDefense does not win championships in the NBA.
Oh yeah I forgot; we don't live in the 1990's anymore.
I have a hard time making any sense of the Luka Dončić trade to Los Angeles. I've heard the complaints the guy doesn't have the best conditioning or workout ethic. I've heard he has a bad temper. That still doesn't take away from the fact the guy is one of the very best players in the league and has at least another decade worth of top level performance ahead of him. The only thing I can figure is the Mavericks' management were betting against Dončić to stay healthy and injury-free over the next several years.
I wasn't too surprised to see Jimmy Butler leave the Heat.
I just saw the news Chet Holmgren is off the injury report and is cleared to play in the Thunder's Friday night game against the Raptors. It will be interesting to see how well he is able to play.
Mavs needed defense but over traded to get it.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on February 02, 2025, 04:17:52 PMQuote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 02, 2025, 10:35:53 AMThe Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis. Wonder how many saw that coming.
Not me, that's for sure. Back in 1988, lots of people (including me) didn't saw coming when Wayne Gretzky was traded to the LA Kings back then.
Or flash back to 1993, when no one expected Joe Montana to leave the 49ers for the Chiefs either. But both the Oilers and 49ers added one more championship with their respective replacement stars: Edmonton won the Stanley Cup in 1990 with Mark Messier leading the way, and San Francisco took home the Lombardi Trophy nearly five years later with Steve Young at QB.
There has been a lot of hubbub about the decline of the All-Star Game, and the increasingly desperate gimmicks the league has done to make players care and fans watch again. I wonder if a USA vs the world tournament, kind of like the Four Nations Face-Off in the NHL, would be a solution.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 18, 2025, 05:59:56 AMThere has been a lot of hubbub about the decline of the All-Star Game, and the increasingly desperate gimmicks the league has done to make players care and fans watch again. I wonder if a USA vs the world tournament, kind of like the Four Nations Face-Off in the NHL, would be a solution.
Didn't they try that already?
Anyway, until the players care, and I completely understand why they don't, its going to be bad.
All-Star games in all sports are stupid in the era of free agency.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 18, 2025, 09:08:54 AMAll-Star games in all sports are stupid in the era of free agency.
To expound on this. The whole reason we had All-Star games in the past was because players rarely changed teams, and we thought it would be cool to see this NL pitcher face this AL batter, or Jordan and Bird to play on the same team, whatever. Now in the era of Superteams, intraleague play, free agency, etc., these are no longer unique events.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 18, 2025, 10:28:50 AMQuote from: JayhawkCO on February 18, 2025, 09:08:54 AMAll-Star games in all sports are stupid in the era of free agency.
To expound on this. The whole reason we had All-Star games in the past was because players rarely changed teams, and we thought it would be cool to see this NL pitcher face this AL batter, or Jordan and Bird to play on the same team, whatever. Now in the era of Superteams, intraleague play, free agency, etc., these are no longer unique events.
All star events were also big at a time when you couldn't see the stars all that much during the regular season because much fewer games were televised to a national audience. Now you can see them pretty much whenever you want.
I know this was over a week ago, but Happy retirement to Hubie Brown who at 91 years of age just broadcasted his final game in a place where his NBA career began -- he was the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1972. I'm not sure if he played in the NBA, but I heard that he was drafted in the 1955 NBA Draft.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 18, 2025, 09:08:54 AMAll-Star games in all sports are stupid in the era of free agency.
So are primetime game shows, but you do have a point.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 18, 2025, 10:28:50 AMTo expound on this. The whole reason we had All-Star games in the past was because players rarely changed teams, and we thought it would be cool to see this NL pitcher face this AL batter, or Jordan and Bird to play on the same team, whatever. Now in the era of Superteams, intraleague play, free agency, etc., these are no longer unique events.
All-Star Games used to be special for the above reason, but now they've lost all their luster. And circling back to the game show thing, primetime shows used to be special because they had limited runs (no more than six episodes a year) and we were rooting for someone to win big on something like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, but now, having celebrities play instead of civilians (Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!) and offering bigger cash prizes and more expensive prizes (The Price is Right, Let's Make a Deal, Press Your Luck) is becoming all too common, which is also the reason for those shows losing their own luster.
Is any mainstream sport running an interesting all-star game anymore? I haven't been impressed by what the NHL, NFL or MLB are offering either.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 19, 2025, 10:03:42 PMIs any mainstream sport running an interesting all-star game anymore? I haven't been impressed by what the NHL, NFL or MLB are offering either.
No.
I watched the NBA All-Star Game, and while I found the to-40-points objective to be unusual, I didn't mind it. Maybe the NBA saw a need to change things up for the All-Star Game. After all, the 2024 All-Star Game was all scoring (211-186), and little defense. I was bummed that Lebron James was unable to play due to a sore ankle. I also wasn't surprised that Stephen Curry was named MVP, since he can hit 3-pointers like a knife through butter (butter is also commentator Mark Jones' catch phrase).
It's not the NBA, and wasn't an All-Star Game, but the 4 Nations Face Off finale last night between the USA and Canada was epic.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 21, 2025, 01:39:22 PMIt's not the NBA, and wasn't an All-Star Game, but the 4 Nations Face Off finale last night between the USA and Canada was epic.
There is a hockey thread...
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2025, 01:44:05 PMQuote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 21, 2025, 01:39:22 PMIt's not the NBA, and wasn't an All-Star Game, but the 4 Nations Face Off finale last night between the USA and Canada was epic.
There is a hockey thread...
I think he responded since Max R compared the NHL, NFL, and MLB's All Star games. To me it's a valid response from what I have heard, and was brought up in an NBA Radio discussion of the pros and cons to this year's All Star game, which a lot of people didn't mind the changes, just the interruptions.
LeBron James becomes first NBA player to score 50,000 total points - https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/lebron-james-becomes-first-nba-player-score-50000-total-points-2025-03-05/
If your a fan of the Lakers congrats with this one.
Quote from: bing101 on March 05, 2025, 01:17:59 AMLeBron James becomes first NBA player to score 50,000 total points - https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/lebron-james-becomes-first-nba-player-score-50000-total-points-2025-03-05/
If your a fan of the Lakers congrats with this one.
My daughter is, and she's happy for LeBron reaching that milestone.
For the first time since 2019, the Rockets have just made the playoffs, clinch the Southwest division, and win 50 games in the regular season with their victory over the Jazz tonight. I really like this version of the Rockets far more than that 2018 & 2019 version with their emphasis on defensive intensity and teamwork, rather than the die-by-the-three back in the James Harden era.
As a fan of Houston sport, I'm really happy that the three-ring circus is finally over with and behind us: the James Harden fiasco in the right ring, the Astros scandal in the left ring, and the Deshaun Watson drama in the center-stage ring.
The Rockets and Texans have something in common: both teams each received loads of draft picks in return for James Harden and Deshaun Watson, respectively (and both trades occurred in only about a year apart from one another). The draft capital seems to be paying off so far as both teams climb out of the bottom and clawing their way closer to contention. There is still a lot of work to do for both teams, but for now look to be headed in a better direction than a few years ago.
The Bulls have continued their tradition of being mediocre and clinching a play in spot
Quote from: ET21 on April 08, 2025, 02:50:30 PMThe Bulls have continued their tradition of being mediocre and clinching a play in spot
At this point the play-in tournament should be named for them.
As if I didn't need another reason to hate the Kroenke family, both the GM, Calvin Booth (yay), and the head coach, Mike Malone (WTF?!?!) were fired by the Nuggets today.
Lots of weird firings in the NBA recently. I'm also confused by the Grizzlies firing their coach recently.
I could be wrong but I really believe that Mike Malone is a great coach....perhaps one of the best coaches in the NBA currently. Although quite a shaky season, the Nuggets have done well considering how depleted the roster is compared to their title run a couple of years ago and that can't be on the coach. Since Nikola Jokic is my favorite NBA player right now, this is shuddering news to me. I really hope the new GM finds a way to rebuild that roster; I'd like to see "The Joker" win another Larry O'Brien trophy....hopefully multiple titles. I'm cheering for him.
The 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 08, 2025, 07:52:03 PMThe 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Out of all the non-Bulls championships, this one stood out to me the most because of how Jokic handled that team flawlessly. Plus, the Nuggets have made a fan out of Jeff now. Maybe this is their Paul Westhead moment, with the Lakers making a similar move in '82 and riding Pat Riley to a championship that year.
Quote from: jgb191 on April 08, 2025, 07:52:03 PMThe 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Giannis absolutely carried the Bucks to the 2021 title. And I would suggest that Jamal Murray was a better #2 than Khris Middleton.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 09:05:23 AMQuote from: jgb191 on April 08, 2025, 07:52:03 PMThe 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Giannis absolutely carried the Bucks to the 2021 title. And I would suggest that Jamal Murray was a better #2 than Khris Middleton.
Despite me not being a huge fan, I'd put Kawhi with the Raptors at least in the conversation.
Middleton is woefully underrated. Murray is streaky as hell.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 10:30:36 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 09:05:23 AMQuote from: jgb191 on April 08, 2025, 07:52:03 PMThe 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Giannis absolutely carried the Bucks to the 2021 title. And I would suggest that Jamal Murray was a better #2 than Khris Middleton.
Despite me not being a huge fan, I'd put Kawhi with the Raptors at least in the conversation.
Middleton is woefully underrated. Murray is streaky as hell.
Middleton WAS woefully underrated. Injuries have taken their toll.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 11:19:19 AMQuote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 10:30:36 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 09:05:23 AMQuote from: jgb191 on April 08, 2025, 07:52:03 PMThe 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Giannis absolutely carried the Bucks to the 2021 title. And I would suggest that Jamal Murray was a better #2 than Khris Middleton.
Despite me not being a huge fan, I'd put Kawhi with the Raptors at least in the conversation.
Middleton is woefully underrated. Murray is streaky as hell.
Middleton WAS woefully underrated. Injuries have taken their toll.
Sure. His overall career is underrated is more what I meant.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 11:30:19 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 11:19:19 AMQuote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 10:30:36 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 09:05:23 AMQuote from: jgb191 on April 08, 2025, 07:52:03 PMThe 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Giannis absolutely carried the Bucks to the 2021 title. And I would suggest that Jamal Murray was a better #2 than Khris Middleton.
Despite me not being a huge fan, I'd put Kawhi with the Raptors at least in the conversation.
Middleton is woefully underrated. Murray is streaky as hell.
Middleton WAS woefully underrated. Injuries have taken their toll.
Sure. His overall career is underrated is more what I meant.
Oh no doubt. In Bucks history, only Kareem and Giannis are clearly better. Middleton, Moncrief and Dandridge are on that next level down.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 11:33:13 AMQuote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 11:30:19 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 11:19:19 AMQuote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 10:30:36 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 09:05:23 AMQuote from: jgb191 on April 08, 2025, 07:52:03 PMThe 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Giannis absolutely carried the Bucks to the 2021 title. And I would suggest that Jamal Murray was a better #2 than Khris Middleton.
Despite me not being a huge fan, I'd put Kawhi with the Raptors at least in the conversation.
Middleton is woefully underrated. Murray is streaky as hell.
Middleton WAS woefully underrated. Injuries have taken their toll.
Sure. His overall career is underrated is more what I meant.
Oh no doubt. In Bucks history, only Kareem and Giannis are clearly better. Middleton, Moncrief and Dandridge are on that next level down.
No Vin Baker or Sam Cassel love? :)
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 11:41:21 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 11:33:13 AMQuote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 11:30:19 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 11:19:19 AMQuote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2025, 10:30:36 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2025, 09:05:23 AMQuote from: jgb191 on April 08, 2025, 07:52:03 PMThe 2023 Nuggets remind me of the 1994 Rockets where Hakeem was the only All-Star on a championship team. I can't think of any other team where only one All-Star carried his team all the way to the title the way Hakeem did up until Jokic did it in 2023.
Giannis absolutely carried the Bucks to the 2021 title. And I would suggest that Jamal Murray was a better #2 than Khris Middleton.
Despite me not being a huge fan, I'd put Kawhi with the Raptors at least in the conversation.
Middleton is woefully underrated. Murray is streaky as hell.
Middleton WAS woefully underrated. Injuries have taken their toll.
Sure. His overall career is underrated is more what I meant.
Oh no doubt. In Bucks history, only Kareem and Giannis are clearly better. Middleton, Moncrief and Dandridge are on that next level down.
No Vin Baker or Sam Cassel love? :)
LOL, no. I probably should have Oscar Robertson up there as well, but he was at the end of his career and didn't play long for them.
I could be remembering the chronology wrong but wasn't this Rockets team where Big Shot Rob began becoming a thing?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 09, 2025, 12:24:06 PMI could be remembering the chronology wrong but wasn't this Rockets team where Big Shot Rob began becoming a thing?
Yes he was on the '94 team. But it was the next year that he started hitting the Big Shots.
Robert Horry was on both Rockets championship teams (plus the next year in 1996 before being traded to Phoenix for Sir Charles), but I never heard the famed nickname Big Shot Rob until his Lakers three-peat run.
Going back to Mike Malone, I pose this question: As great a coach as he is, would he have been the Nuggets' all-time winningest coach and only championship all in franchise history if he didn't have The Joker? I would have a really difficult time listing players in NBA history I would take over The Joker; I would take him over the big men like Patrick Ewing, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, and Alonzo Mourning. Mike Malone is a spinoff from the Gregg Popovich tree and it makes sense for the Spurs to offer him a job in San Antonio; their respective cultures look to align quite well.
Something else to wonder: In this century several coaches were fired only a year or two after winning a Championship: Larry Brown, Tyrone Lue, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, Mike Budenholzer, and now Mike Malone. So could it be reasonable to guess that Joe Mazzulla could be fired in the next year or two?
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on April 08, 2025, 03:03:17 PMQuote from: ET21 on April 08, 2025, 02:50:30 PMThe Bulls have continued their tradition of being mediocre and clinching a play in spot
At this point the play-in tournament should be named for them.
Them and the Heat
Quote from: jgb191 on April 09, 2025, 03:09:08 PMRobert Horry was on both Rockets championship teams (plus the next year in 1996 before being traded to Phoenix for Sir Charles), but I never heard the famed nickname Big Shot Rob until his Lakers three-peat run.
Going back to Mike Malone, I pose this question: As great a coach as he is, would he have been the Nuggets' all-time winningest coach and only championship all in franchise history if he didn't have The Joker? I would have a really difficult time listing players in NBA history I would take over The Joker; I would take him over the big men like Patrick Ewing, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, and Alonzo Mourning. Mike Malone is a spinoff from the Gregg Popovich tree and it makes sense for the Spurs to offer him a job in San Antonio; their respective cultures look to align quite well.
Something else to wonder: In this century several coaches were fired only a year or two after winning a Championship: Larry Brown, Tyrone Lue, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, Mike Budenholzer, and now Mike Malone. So could it be reasonable to guess that Joe Mazzulla could be fired in the next year or two?
The Celtics aren't know for their shoot from the hip impulses. So unless they completely tank, otherwise fall apart, or the new ownership decide to flex their muscles a la Mat Ishbia, I would say no.
My Bulls are scheduled to host the Heat tomorrow night, and hopefully they can get the first of two wins needed to make it to the playoffs (while also beating the Hawks in the play-in final on Friday).
The Rockets are up against the five-time Champions Golden State Warriors in the first-round of the playoffs. Jimmy Butler III returns home to his birthplace city of Houston to battle the Rockets in the playoffs. If there is one player I'm most afraid of in the playoffs it is the Houston-native born Jimmy Butler III; he's made that Warriors team even scarier than ever. The pressure is always on the higher seed to win. I'm clinging to one simple fact to use as hope: Fred VanVleet is undefeated vs the Warriors in the Postseason, and we're hoping it stays that way in this year's playoffs.
NBA Playoffs return to Houston for the first time in six years. I'm happy seeing both the Rockets and Texans being the beneficiaries of the blockbuster trades getting huge returns for James Harden and Deshaun Watson, respectively, and building off the draft capital as a result of getting rid of both of those drama kings.
Quote from: Henry on April 15, 2025, 10:51:01 PMMy Bulls are scheduled to host the Heat tomorrow night, and hopefully they can get the first of two wins needed to make it to the playoffs (while also beating the Hawks in the play-in final on Friday).
Nevermind, the Heat won by 19 points, so it's wait til next year in Chicago, and with that, the drought is now at 27 years.
Quote from: Henry on April 16, 2025, 11:13:18 PMQuote from: Henry on April 15, 2025, 10:51:01 PMMy Bulls are scheduled to host the Heat tomorrow night, and hopefully they can get the first of two wins needed to make it to the playoffs (while also beating the Hawks in the play-in final on Friday).
Nevermind, the Heat won by 19 points, so it's wait til next year in Chicago, and with that, the drought is now at 27 years.
Jerry's gotta sell the team. Just like the White Sox. Terrible organization from the top down.
Quote from: Henry on April 16, 2025, 11:13:18 PMQuote from: Henry on April 15, 2025, 10:51:01 PMMy Bulls are scheduled to host the Heat tomorrow night, and hopefully they can get the first of two wins needed to make it to the playoffs (while also beating the Hawks in the play-in final on Friday).
Nevermind, the Heat won by 19 points, so it's wait til next year in Chicago, and with that, the drought is now at 27 years.
Mediocrity as it's finest
All that hopium, winning 15 of the last 20, MIA on a 12-21 overall slide. Beaten down by 25+
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 17, 2025, 09:00:16 AMJerry's gotta sell the team.
I remember way back (around Christmas 1999) seeing another Jerry (Jones's) press conference severely criticizing the Bulls' Jerry being too passive and not taking charge of the Bulls "nearly a year ago" and continuously deferring to his GM -- another Jerry (Krause) -- letting him make all the decisions and just staying back behind the scenes. Oh the irony....Cowboys' Jerry is receiving criticism for doing the exact opposite the Bulls' Jerry has done, which is taking charge of his own franchise.
My point is -- it just seems to me that so many owners constantly get bad rap from fans no matter what. Bulls' Jerry for not doing enough and being too passive, and the Cowboys' Jerry for being too active on his team.
I don't get it, what exactly do fans expect the owners to do? Do they need to take charge of their team (Jones) or just stand back and just write checks (Reinsdorf)?
P.S. There is yet another Jerry (the logo the late Jerry West) that knows all about taking charge and building a championship empire.
I think owners should hire people who know how to run the team, give them resources and set them loose. And the problem with Reinsdorf is that he IS too involved. He hires insiders all the time and always fires them a season or two too late. The fact the White Sox have hired from within for their last two GM positions is an absolute joke. And there is no reason why Billy Donovan should still be coaching that team.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 21, 2025, 09:32:22 AMI think owners should hire people who know how to run the team, give them resources and set them loose.
Although this part I can agree with (hire the right people), I can't complain about owners who desire to manage their own franchise (after all it is
their property). I certainly like the way Mark Cuban and the Maloof Brothers changed the culture and long-term fortunes by being semi-actively involved. I guess there has to be balance between how active to be and when to step back.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 21, 2025, 09:32:22 AMthe problem with Reinsdorf is that he IS too involved.
That seems like a stark change from the 1990's when he hired Krause and stood back and let him run the show; Reinsdorf wasn't involved in much of the decisions other than helping shaping the player contracts, and Reinsdorf did still offered everyone contracts after their last title run to come back to the Bulls in the 1999 season (as per the sports documentaries) but most (if not all) of them declined and walked away.
Personal note: I typically like to use first names when referring to people, but since there were two Jerry's in the Bulls' organization, I had to differentiate between them by using their last names.
I really hope Jimmy Butler is okay; I would have like to see GS at full strength. Rockets and Warriors showing some brief flashes of vintage NBA back when chippiness and physicality were frequent occurrences (not that it's not a bad thing, both teams know playoffs mean season is on the line, but I hate seeing players get hurt and needing to miss time which affects the quality and outcome of the game).
The Miami Heat were absolutely demolished by the Cleveland Cavaliers last night, being swept at home. It was painful to watch.
For the first time ever in NBA history, the Timberwolves win a playoff series in back-2-back years, which had never been done before -- until tonight when the just knocked off the LeBron-led (or is it Luka-led?) LA Lakers. Which triggers this thought-provoking question: Who is the LA Lakers team captain? LeBron or Luka?
And now the Mavericks fans all over my state can sleep better knowing that the Lakers aren't going to go very far with Luka either.
If ESPN were to revive my favorite series "The Top 5 Reasons (You Can't Blame ...)," Mavs GM Nico Harrison (for trading Luka Doncic) would surely be featured and vindicated by ESPN for what many thought was a blunder move.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 01:28:08 AMIf ESPN were to revive my favorite series "The Top 5 Reasons (You Can't Blame ...)," Mavs GM Nico Harrison (for trading Luka Doncic) would surely be featured and vindicated by ESPN for what many thought was a blunder move.
Why would he be vindicated? This wasn't just about one season.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 01:28:08 AMIf ESPN were to revive my favorite series "The Top 5 Reasons (You Can't Blame ...)," Mavs GM Nico Harrison (for trading Luka Doncic) would surely be featured and vindicated by ESPN for what many thought was a blunder move.
Oh, so the Mavericks did better than the Lakers in the playoffs?
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 01, 2025, 10:02:30 AMQuote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 01:28:08 AMIf ESPN were to revive my favorite series "The Top 5 Reasons (You Can't Blame ...)," Mavs GM Nico Harrison (for trading Luka Doncic) would surely be featured and vindicated by ESPN for what many thought was a blunder move.
Oh, so the Mavericks did better than the Lakers in the playoffs?
And last year they went all the way to the Finals.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 01, 2025, 09:01:28 AMQuote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 01:28:08 AMIf ESPN were to revive my favorite series "The Top 5 Reasons (You Can't Blame ...)," Mavs GM Nico Harrison (for trading Luka Doncic) would surely be featured and vindicated by ESPN for what many thought was a blunder move.
Why would he be vindicated? This wasn't just about one season.
I'm wondering if he would have been worth paying him the $345 million; not a lot of cap space left to build a team around him. He is a liability on defense. I personally didn't like the trade very much only because Nico didn't bother to notify Luka and didn't get enough in return....I would have been intrigued by getting Giannis in return for Luka to the Bucks -- that could have been a real possibility. I also believe the new owners order Nico to trade Luka, the decision wasn't his which could be why Nico rushed his decision to trade him.
Speaking of Giannis, all he needs to do is say the magic word out loud to the Buck management and he'll be traded within days. The other Texas teams (Spurs & Rockets) might want to consider trading for him as he could boost either team to title contention within a year or two.
And speaking of my Rockets, I was very much intrigued by the prospect of having Luka come to Houston and join a team comprised of role players. They are in need of a scorer that could compliment our defense, and maybe Coach Ime Udoka might be able to keep Luka's hothead in check.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 10:37:33 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on May 01, 2025, 09:01:28 AMQuote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 01:28:08 AMIf ESPN were to revive my favorite series "The Top 5 Reasons (You Can't Blame ...)," Mavs GM Nico Harrison (for trading Luka Doncic) would surely be featured and vindicated by ESPN for what many thought was a blunder move.
Why would he be vindicated? This wasn't just about one season.
I'm wondering if he would have been worth paying him the $345 million; not a lot of cap space left to build a team around him. He is a liability on defense. I personally didn't like the trade very much only because Nico didn't bother to notify Luka and didn't get enough in return....I would have been intrigued by getting Giannis in return for Luka to the Bucks -- that could have been a real possibility. I also believe the new owners order Nico to trade Luka, the decision wasn't his which could be why Nico rushed his decision to trade him.
Speaking of Giannis, all he needs to do is say the magic word out loud to the Buck management and he'll be traded within days. The other Texas teams (Spurs & Rockets) might want to consider trading for him as he could boost either team to title contention within a year or two.
And speaking of my Rockets, I was very much intrigued by the prospect of having Luka come to Houston and join a team comprised of role players. They are in need of a scorer that could compliment our defense, and maybe Coach Ime Udoka might be able to keep Luka's hothead in check.
While I don't necessarily disagree with your takes here, none of what you posted explains why Nico would be vindicated for trading Luka. The Mavericks did worse than the Lakers, and got noticeably worse when he was gone. The Lakers did better than the Mavericks, and played markedly better once Luka arrived. And, half of the Mavericks fans no longer tune in. So you lost your best player, you lost your fanbase, and you didn't win anything. Seems like a greeeaaaatttt trade.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 10:37:33 AMSpeaking of Giannis, all he needs to do is say the magic word out loud to the Buck management and he'll be traded within days. The other Texas teams (Spurs & Rockets) might want to consider trading for him as he could boost either team to title contention within a year or two.
The Bucks need to trade him this off season. They have nothing to build around him. Dame will miss the year. No draft picks. No other talent. It's done, it's over, done.
And it pains me to say that because I never thought I would see the Bucks win another title, and he is absolutely reponsible for that. Easily one of my favorite all-time athletes, especially for what he does off-court and what he means to the City of Milwaukee.
But it's time for the rebuild and he can't be part of that.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 01, 2025, 10:50:02 AMQuote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 10:37:33 AMQuote from: SEWIGuy on May 01, 2025, 09:01:28 AMQuote from: jgb191 on May 01, 2025, 01:28:08 AMIf ESPN were to revive my favorite series "The Top 5 Reasons (You Can't Blame ...)," Mavs GM Nico Harrison (for trading Luka Doncic) would surely be featured and vindicated by ESPN for what many thought was a blunder move.
Why would he be vindicated? This wasn't just about one season.
I'm wondering if he would have been worth paying him the $345 million; not a lot of cap space left to build a team around him. He is a liability on defense. I personally didn't like the trade very much only because Nico didn't bother to notify Luka and didn't get enough in return....I would have been intrigued by getting Giannis in return for Luka to the Bucks -- that could have been a real possibility. I also believe the new owners order Nico to trade Luka, the decision wasn't his which could be why Nico rushed his decision to trade him.
Speaking of Giannis, all he needs to do is say the magic word out loud to the Buck management and he'll be traded within days. The other Texas teams (Spurs & Rockets) might want to consider trading for him as he could boost either team to title contention within a year or two.
And speaking of my Rockets, I was very much intrigued by the prospect of having Luka come to Houston and join a team comprised of role players. They are in need of a scorer that could compliment our defense, and maybe Coach Ime Udoka might be able to keep Luka's hothead in check.
While I don't necessarily disagree with your takes here, none of what you posted explains why Nico would be vindicated for trading Luka. The Mavericks did worse than the Lakers, and got noticeably worse when he was gone. The Lakers did better than the Mavericks, and played markedly better once Luka arrived. And, half of the Mavericks fans no longer tune in. So you lost your best player, you lost your fanbase, and you didn't win anything. Seems like a greeeaaaatttt trade.
Maybe "vindicated" was the wrong word to use; what I meant was if Nico Harrison was indeed following orders from his bosses (either the new majority owners or CEO Rick Wells) to trade Luka -- and it is an
'if' as no one seems to know for sure -- then it would hard to place the blame on him. He might be a scapegoat in that situation to cover for the higher ups.
And yeah no one said it was a great trade; I agree that trade was horrific, I think it was because Nico didn't get enough in return; he could have waited until the offseason and try to pull Giannis from the Bucks. Adam Silver also failed to step-in and review/block the trade. But I'm also wondering if Luka's lack of defense and other glaring issues justifies offering one of the largest contract in NBA history. And as we saw last year Luka can't carry a team all the way to the title all by himself; I wished that the Mavs could have resigned Jalen Brunson and/or kept Kristaps Porzingis to help him carry the load....probably would have won the Finals last year with Brunson still on the Mavs.
It's been an exciting first round, with the Timberwolves advancing to the second round for the second year in a row (and the first occurrence of such), LeBron James losing to said team in the same round, and both of his former teams contesting a series, with the Cavs sweeping the Heat. Also, Giannis losing to the Pacers, the Thompson twins making their playoff debut, and a premature confetti drop in Orlando (is there some sort of rule against its teams winning a championship and celebrating it in their own backyard that is Disney World?). To borrow a quote from a rival network's coverage of another sport, you can't script June.
I'm liking the idea of a Rockets trade for Giannis. A trade of VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and a few draft picks for Giannis would likely be beneficial for both teams. The Rockets are a great team with a great culture, but they need a star talent who can fit (cough, cough, not KD). Giannis would fit that bill pretty well.
Quote from: CoreySamson on May 02, 2025, 01:13:48 AMI'm liking the idea of a Rockets trade for Giannis. A trade of VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and a few draft picks for Giannis would likely be beneficial for both teams. The Rockets are a great team with a great culture, but they need a star talent who can fit (cough, cough, not KD). Giannis would fit that bill pretty well.
There's a good bet Texas will be his new home one way or another. Spurs think it's time to unleash Wemby with another superstar, and they have a gazillion draft picks to facilitate any trade.
Speaking of the Spurs: https://www.nba.com/news/gregg-popovich-becomes-spurs-team-president
Thank you Coach Pop for all your contributions to the Spurs (tied with the Mavs as my second favorite team, behind the Rockets). He will continue to be the Spurs President, now solely as President. Coach Pop arrived with the Spurs as their GM in 1994, then took over the coaching job in 1996. It seems fitting that the Indiana native moved to San Antonio, a military-focused city. Pop (Air Force) and fellow Spurs alumnus the Admiral David Robinson (Navy) served this country.
Mitch Johnson will continue to be head coach until further notice....not yet clear if he will be offered the head coaching job full-time.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 02, 2025, 01:30:58 PMSpeaking of the Spurs: https://www.nba.com/news/gregg-popovich-becomes-spurs-team-president
Thank you Coach Pop for all your contributions to the Spurs (tied with the Mavs as my second favorite team, behind the Rockets). He will continue to be the Spurs President, now solely as President. Coach Pop arrived with the Spurs as their GM in 1994, then took over the coaching job in 1996. It seems fitting that the Indiana native moved to San Antonio, a military-focused city. Pop (Air Force) and fellow Spurs alumnus the Admiral David Robinson (Navy) served this country.
Mitch Johnson will continue to be head coach until further notice....not yet clear if he will be offered the head coaching job full-time.
Johnson will be the full time coach.
Even though all three Texas teams are sadly eliminated, I still have one last horse in the Playoff race -- indeed a dark horse. Because Nikola Jokic is my favorite player in the league, I'm rooting for Denver, who just snatch Game One at OKC from seemingly certain defeat, although Nikola is going to need some more help from his teammates if the Nuggets are to win their second title in three seasons.
A Nuggets upset of the Thunder would be the justice Sonics fans so richly deserve!
If you're one of those sports fans that enjoy seeing the home crowd leave the game disappointed; then you must be loving the last couple of weeks of this year's playoffs. The visiting team is undefeated in the second round so far at 5-0; and since April 24th: 19 road wins to 11 home wins. In the first round, the Warriors/Rockets series finished with two straight road victories as did the Grizzlies/Thunder and the Heat/Cavs series, and if that wasn't enough, the Pistons/Knicks series posted only one home win out of their six-game series.
The Cavs, Celtics and T-Wolves all won. Some semblance of normalcy (among favored teams) has been restored.
Pacers now up 3-1. If they finish off the Cavs, their first home game in the conference finals (Game 3) will be Sunday 5/25 at 8pm ET. Good luck finding a hotel room.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 12, 2025, 03:01:46 PMPacers now up 3-1. If they finish off the Cavs, their first home game in the conference finals (Game 3) will be Sunday 5/25 at 8pm ET. Good luck finding a hotel room.
I believe you mentioned this last year, but this has happened before. And most people going to an NBA game aren't taking hotel rooms - they are usually just coming from their house.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 12, 2025, 03:24:55 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 12, 2025, 03:01:46 PMPacers now up 3-1. If they finish off the Cavs, their first home game in the conference finals (Game 3) will be Sunday 5/25 at 8pm ET. Good luck finding a hotel room.
I believe you complained about this last year, but this has happened before. And most people going to an NBA game aren't taking hotel rooms - they are usually just coming from their house.
I don't see this as a complaint by any stretch. Maybe just a heads up to any Boston or New York fan that might want to travel.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 12, 2025, 03:27:58 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on May 12, 2025, 03:24:55 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 12, 2025, 03:01:46 PMPacers now up 3-1. If they finish off the Cavs, their first home game in the conference finals (Game 3) will be Sunday 5/25 at 8pm ET. Good luck finding a hotel room.
I believe you complained about this last year, but this has happened before. And most people going to an NBA game aren't taking hotel rooms - they are usually just coming from their house.
I don't see this as a complaint by any stretch. Maybe just a heads up to any Boston or New York fan that might want to travel.
Yes, I changed my wording.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 12, 2025, 03:27:58 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on May 12, 2025, 03:24:55 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 12, 2025, 03:01:46 PMPacers now up 3-1. If they finish off the Cavs, their first home game in the conference finals (Game 3) will be Sunday 5/25 at 8pm ET. Good luck finding a hotel room.
I believe you complained about this last year, but this has happened before. And most people going to an NBA game aren't taking hotel rooms - they are usually just coming from their house.
I don't see this as a complaint by any stretch. Maybe just a heads up to any Boston or New York fan that might want to travel.
Definitely not a complaint. I book my room for race weekend a year in advance. Save up points so I don't have to pay > $400/night.
Looking back, if the Pacers beat the Cavs, they'll have a big connection to both potential conference finals opponents, as with the Celtics, Larry Bird is their shared connection (played in Boston, coached and worked the front office in Indy), and they could reignite an intense rivalry with the Knicks that dates back 30 years, when it was Reggie Miller taking on Patrick Ewing seemingly every year.
Quote from: Henry on May 12, 2025, 03:50:47 PMLooking back, if the Pacers beat the Cavs, they'll have a big connection to both potential conference finals opponents, as with the Celtics, Larry Bird is their shared connection (played in Boston, coached and worked the front office in Indy), and they could reignite an intense rivalry with the Knicks that dates back 30 years, when it was Reggie Miller taking on Patrick Ewing seemingly every year.
Also the Celtics President is an Indy native and former Butler coach.
For the first time ever in franchise history -- the Dallas Mavericks have won the NBA Lottery! :clap:
Finally the Mavs join the other two Texas triangle teams to win it. Spurs won in 1987 (Robinson), 1997 (Duncan), and 2023 (Wemby); and the Rockets won their only one in 2002 (Yao Ming). NOTE: the 1984 draft (selecting Hakeem Olajuwon #1) doesn't count as it was the last draft before the Lottery was commissioned the following year in 1985. Also of note, this is the first time ever that the Spurs have the #2 pick in their team history.
It's going to be a very intriguing summer with the real possibility of Giannis perhaps coming to Texas (either Rockets or Spurs), plus Cooper Flag coming to Dallas.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 12, 2025, 07:43:29 PMFor the first time ever in franchise history -- the Dallas Mavericks have won the NBA Lottery! :clap:
Finally the Mavs join the other two Texas triangle teams to win it. Spurs won in 1987 (Robinson), 1997 (Duncan), and 2023 (Wemby); and the Rockets won their only one in 2002 (Yao Ming). NOTE: the 1984 draft (selecting Hakeem Olajuwon #1) doesn't count as it was the last draft before the Lottery was commissioned the following year in 1985. Also of note, this is the first time ever that the Spurs have the #2 pick in their team history.
It's going to be a very intriguing summer with the real possibility of Giannis perhaps coming to Texas (either Rockets or Spurs), plus Cooper Flag coming to Dallas.
Sweet the Mavericks can just trade the #1 pick away to the Lakers also.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 12, 2025, 03:01:46 PMPacers now up 3-1. If they finish off the Cavs, their first home game in the conference finals (Game 3) will be Sunday 5/25 at 8pm ET. Good luck finding a hotel room.
Will it be anything like race week in late may?
Mike
I tuned in to the Pacers/Knicks game just in time for the ending of madness with about four minutes left in the 4th Q and the Knicks with a 14-point lead, probably the same time when some fans tuned out of the game thinking Game One was over by then. Then Aaron Nesmith caught fire making several three-pointer in a row to close the gap, and then Tyrese making a game-saving basket as the 4th Q expired (initially thought to be a game-winning three-pointer) sending the game into OT. Tyrese them preceded to reprise the choke gesture (reprising the classic moment of Reggie Miller's gesture to Spike Lee). The Pacers closed the game on a 13-6 scoring differential.
On a breaking news note: SGA beats out the Joker for MVP. I mentioned this before: I'm a Joker fan, so double disappointment.....the Nuggets season got closed out by the Thunder, and Jokic got out-voted for MVP.
Jokić deserved to get out-voted for MVP. SGA clearly had a better season.
Instead of exorcising the ghost of Reggie Miller, the Knicks resurrected it.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on May 22, 2025, 12:04:02 PMJokić deserved to get out-voted for MVP. SGA clearly had a better season.
I'm fine with SGA winning it, but, in your opinion, why do you say SGA had a clearly better season?
PPG: SGA #1, Joker #3
Rebounds: SGA >#50, Joker #3
Assists: SGA #14, Joker #2
Steals: SGA #5, Joker #2
And SGA clearly has a better supporting cast around him. Couldn't find the stats off-hand on my phone, but the +/- without Jokic on the court is MUCH worse than without SGA on the court.
I had to Google SGA. Showing how much I watch the NBA.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on May 22, 2025, 12:04:02 PMJokić deserved to get out-voted for MVP. SGA clearly had a better season.
The Thunder had the better season as a team; they have a lot more loaded roster. But since MVP is an individual achievement award, Joker, and Giannis, had the better individual performance this season.
I think if you took each MVP candidate off their respective teams -- The Thunder would still be a playoff team (assuming everybody else is healthy); The Bucks and Nuggets would be lottery teams (in the Bucks case, probably the worst record in the NBA without Giannis). One might even make a case for Jimmy Butler -- the Warriors would also have been lottery bound if they hadn't made the mid-season trade for him.
I had Joker #1, Giannis #2, and SGA #3 in my opinion of MVP worth.
I could be wrong, but SGA might be the first Canadian MVP in NBA History; I don't know of anyone else from Canada who had won an MVP before SGA.
Copied from ESPN's article about SGA's MVP win:
Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting from the floor and also averaged 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks. The only other player in NBA history to average at least 30 points on 50% shooting, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 block per game in a season is Michael Jordan, who did it in 1987-88 and 1990-91 -- the seasons that he won the first two of his five MVPs.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 22, 2025, 02:41:46 PMQuote from: Bobby5280 on May 22, 2025, 12:04:02 PMJokić deserved to get out-voted for MVP. SGA clearly had a better season.
The Thunder had the better season as a team; they have a lot more loaded roster. But since MVP is an individual achievement award, Joker, and Giannis, had the better individual performance this season.
I think if you took each MVP candidate off their respective teams -- The Thunder would still be a playoff team (assuming everybody else is healthy); The Bucks and Nuggets would be lottery teams (in the Bucks case, probably the worst record in the NBA without Giannis). One might even make a case for Jimmy Butler -- the Warriors would also have been lottery bound if they hadn't made the mid-season trade for him.
I had Joker #1, Giannis #2, and SGA #3 in my opinion of MVP worth.
I could be wrong, but SGA might be the first Canadian MVP in NBA History; I don't know of anyone else from Canada who had won an MVP before SGA.
Steve Nash is Canadian and won two MVPs.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on May 22, 2025, 03:17:44 PMCopied from ESPN's article about SGA's MVP win:
Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting from the floor and also averaged 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks. The only other player in NBA history to average at least 30 points on 50% shooting, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 block per game in a season is Michael Jordan, who did it in 1987-88 and 1990-91 -- the seasons that he won the first two of his five MVPs.
But cherry picking my own stats, Jokic is the FIRST player in history to be in the top 3 in the league in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 22, 2025, 03:20:21 PMQuote from: jgb191 on May 22, 2025, 02:41:46 PMQuote from: Bobby5280 on May 22, 2025, 12:04:02 PMJokić deserved to get out-voted for MVP. SGA clearly had a better season.
The Thunder had the better season as a team; they have a lot more loaded roster. But since MVP is an individual achievement award, Joker, and Giannis, had the better individual performance this season.
I think if you took each MVP candidate off their respective teams -- The Thunder would still be a playoff team (assuming everybody else is healthy); The Bucks and Nuggets would be lottery teams (in the Bucks case, probably the worst record in the NBA without Giannis). One might even make a case for Jimmy Butler -- the Warriors would also have been lottery bound if they hadn't made the mid-season trade for him.
I had Joker #1, Giannis #2, and SGA #3 in my opinion of MVP worth.
I could be wrong, but SGA might be the first Canadian MVP in NBA History; I don't know of anyone else from Canada who had won an MVP before SGA.
Steve Nash is Canadian and won two MVPs.
You're right and I forgot about him, probably because he wasn't the most popular choice for MVP in either of those years (Shaq in 2006 & Kobe in 2007). Here's another fun fact: This is the league's 79th season; only eleven (of 79) seasons the MVP went to players born outside the United States (Hakeem Olajuwon was the first in 1994), which means seven of those eleven outsiders were crowned in each of the seven years. The last American-born MVP was James Harden back in 2018. Furthermore, until SGA was crowned just now, the last six MVPs were born outside North America.
Most of the best top tier players are now born outside the United States.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 23, 2025, 08:45:22 AMMost of the best top tier players are now born outside the United States.
Yeah the last time the all NBA first team was an American majority was 2020. The US will still likely be winning Olympic gold medals because the ones born outside the US come from all different countries.
Quote from: JayhawkCOBut cherry picking my own stats, Jokic is the FIRST player in history to be in the top 3 in the league in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
If we're cherry picking, SGA was the leader of a team that won 68 regular season games and has one of the best defenses in NBA history. I couldn't believe some of the brutal steals they committed against the Timberwolves last night.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on May 23, 2025, 09:42:10 AMQuote from: JayhawkCOBut cherry picking my own stats, Jokic is the FIRST player in history to be in the top 3 in the league in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
If we're cherry picking, SGA was the leader of a team that won 68 regular season games and has one of the best defenses in NBA history. I couldn't believe some of the brutal steals they committed against the Timberwolves last night.
But if you take him off that team (or just put him on the bench), is it a drastically different defense? No. Having Caruso, Williams, Hartenstein, Holmgren, and Dortz is a very good defensive line up.
I'm not saying SGA isn't deserving. He's clearly either 1a or 1b, but I think all too often these awards go to the best player on the best team, and that isn't, to me, what defines most valuable.
The Knicks are 6-1 on the road in the playoffs. Because of that, I refuse to count out the Knick until it's official. My best guess is that MSG is too tough and demanding place for this young Knicks team to perform; they seem to play way better when they're away from the pressures and bright lights of MSG. Sometimes home-court can be a disadvantage as we're seeing.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 27, 2025, 12:10:51 PMThe Knicks are 6-1 on the road in the playoffs. Because of that, I refuse to count out the Knick until it's official. My best guess is that MSG is too tough and demanding place for this young Knicks team to perform; they seem to play way better when they're away from the pressures and bright lights of MSG. Sometimes home-court can be a disadvantage as we're seeing.
Well, they're now 6-2 with a loss to the Pacers in Indy. And unless a miracle happens in Game 5, it'll be lights out in New York.
The Knicks aren't going to quit in front of the home crowd at MSG. I think they at least have a good shot at forcing a Game 6. However, if they're able to make the series go back to Indy it may take a miracle for them to force game 7.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on May 28, 2025, 04:32:54 PMThe Knicks aren't going to quit in front of the home crowd at MSG. I think they at least have a good shot at forcing a Game 6. However, if they're able to make the series go back to Indy it may take a miracle for them to force game 7.
I would argue if there's a team in the playoffs that could come back from 3-1, it's the Knicks just given their 20-point comebacks they've already completed.
It's highly likely that the NBA champion will be from a city that contains its state's name.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 28, 2025, 04:51:20 PMIt's highly likely that the NBA champion will be from a city that contains its state's name.
Or, similarly, it's highly likely that the NBA champion will be from a state that's in the team's name.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 28, 2025, 04:55:45 PMQuote from: NWI_Irish96 on May 28, 2025, 04:51:20 PMIt's highly likely that the NBA champion will be from a city that contains its state's name.
Or, similarly, it's highly likely that the NBA champion will be from a state that's in the team's name.
It won't be the Timberwolves, as the Thunder are in the Finals for the first time in 13 years.
If the Pacers win against the Knicks, we will have a final between 2 teams in search of their first championship.
If the Knicks win against the Pacers, New York will try to get its first NBA championship since the last one in 1973.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 29, 2025, 01:22:57 PMIf the Pacers win against the Knicks, we will have a final between 2 teams in search of their first championship.
If the Knicks win against the Pacers, New York will try to get its first NBA championship since the last one in 1973.
For the time being, the Sonics' 1979 trophy is held by the Thunder. They only will give it up when a new team comes to Seattle.
The Knicks force a game 6, will they be able to push for a game 7 as well?
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 30, 2025, 06:44:48 AMThe Knicks force a game 6, will they be able to push for a game 7 as well?
I predict Game 6 and (if necessary) Game 7 will be very close and go either way (one of which might even need OT to decide); I don't see a heavy favorite. I believe coaching will be a key factor; both teams are very talented, whichever coach gets better use of his players and/or manage the game better could swing the series.
The Knicks made some good adjustments in Game 5. I think the Pacers are favored for Game 6.
On the TNT broadcast after the game Charles Barkley said Game 6 is a must win situation for the Pacers. They don't want to come back to Madison Square Garden for Game 7 because they might get their butts stomped like they just did in Game 5.
The Pacers beat the Knicks in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semis last year. This is pretty much a toss up series.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 29, 2025, 01:22:57 PMIf the Pacers win against the Knicks, we will have a final between 2 teams in search of their first championship.
If the Knicks win against the Pacers, New York will try to get its first NBA championship since the last one in 1973.
Coincidentally, the Pacers are also trying for their first championship since 1973. They won the ABA title that year.
It's official now, we get a final between the Thunder and the Pacers.
I was at Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night and it was an amazing night! I'm so happy for the Pacers right now! But I am a realist and know that we are heavily an underdog going in and rightfully so. It's 2000 all over again even down to the heavily favored Western Conference opponent.
And since this is a roadgeek forum, St. Louis finds itself at the crossroads of the NBA Finals. One interstate from St. Louis will take you east to the Eastern Conference Champs and one interstate will take you southwest to the Western Conference Champs.
Quote from: tdindy88 on June 01, 2025, 09:16:45 AMI was at Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night and it was an amazing night! I'm so happy for the Pacers right now! But I am a realist and know that we are heavily an underdog going in and rightfully so. It's 2000 all over again even down to the heavily favored Western Conference opponent.
And since this is a roadgeek forum, St. Louis finds itself at the crossroads of the NBA Finals. One interstate from St. Louis will take you east to the Eastern Conference Champs and one interstate will take you southwest to the Western Conference Champs.
You could say the same thing about Kansas City or Nashville, though the route through St. Louis is far shorter. Eventually, you'll also be able to add Memphis to the list.
At least this will be one finals where the typical rhetoric about the NBA rigging things for big markets won't probably be heard/seen much. I guess if you don't count the Sonics title in 1979 this will be a first time NBA champion no matter what.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 01, 2025, 09:26:05 AMAt least this will be one finals where the typical rhetoric about the NBA rigging things for big markets won't probably be heard/seen much. I guess if you don't count the Sonics title in 1979 this will be a first time NBA champion no matter what.
This is what makes the NFL unique. Packers-Chiefs pulls ratings equal to and possibly better than Rams-Jets.
Oklahoma hoping for its first ever major pro sports championship. Indiana for its second if you don't count the ABA titles.
Again, which will be awarded first this year, the Larry O'Brien trophy or the Stanley Cup?
:hmmm:
Mike
I think if the Knicks had won the Eastern Conference title instead of the Pacers the broadcast media would have been openly rooting for New York. I wouldn't be surprised to hear some slight bitching and moaning from the same broadcasters about "small town teams" taking up this year's final.
I'm rooting for the Thunder. I still remember the pain of them losing the 2012 NBA finals; a victory here would avenge that to some degree. They have a much better team this time, IMHO. The squad they had back then was great, but it was more like a group of stars fighting over the spotlight (especially with Russel Westbrook hogging the ball in attempts to get out from under the shadow of Kevin Durant). That's not the case this time. This version of the Thunder is more of a real team with everyone from SGA to the guys on the bench helping out each other.
I don't see the Thunder losing this series. They were the best team all year long and have continued to look like it through the entire playoffs.
After watching the Knicks-Pacers series, and all the turnovers both teams gave up, it does make me feel confident about the Thunder's chances. The Thunder were the best team in the league at forcing turnovers and scoring points off turnovers. But they still have to make shots. The Thunder have gone through some bad cold streaks with shooting; they've only gotten around that by not faltering on defense.
The Thunder's situation is on par with other sports relocations/rebrands (see Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens, Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals--although Montreal is now dead--and Charlotte Bobcats-Hornets/New Orleans Hornets-Pelicans as examples). As it stands out, if the Thunder win the NBA championship this season, it will be their first ever, as the Seattle SuperSonics history would be separate from their own, including the 1979 title. But as the 2016 NBA Finals has shown us, along with Super Bowl XLII, nothing is guaranteed, as both those contests had what was arguably the best team ever actually losing at the worst possible time. OTOH, if the Pacers somehow break through as the underdog and steal the Thunder's, well, thunder, they'll be the first team ever to win championships in both the ABA and NBA, which neither the San Antonio Spurs nor Denver Nuggets have done.
Let's be real, no amount of spin is going to change the fact that the Sonics and the Thunder are the same franchise.
I think this Finals will be closer contest than most people think....I'll say Thunder win in six games, with Game 6 going down to the wire. Pacers have a coaching advantage; Rick Carlisle is great at making adjustments during a series. Plus Rick (Mavericks 2011) and Pascal Siakam (Raptors 2019) have invaluable championship experience that I believe can keep the Pacers alive and extend the series. Ultimately, I still believe defense win championships so I have to go with the Thunder.
And it will be nice to see one of these cities to win the O'Brien Trophy for their first time ever. Indianapolis has celebrated a championship with the Colts in Super Bowl XLI, while OKC has yet to celebrate anything in that city's history.
Thibs got canned.
I'm sure everyone in Seattle is going to root for the Pacers to retaliate against the team that broke their hearts 17 years ago. They also rooted for the Heat in 2012 and got vindicated big-time.
The Seattle metro has a shit-ton of money. Yet they expected the SuperSonics to just keep playing in crappy Key Arena. They lost the team because they were unwilling to help fund a new, modern arena worthy of hosting NBA games. OKC had such a facility with the then-new Ford Center (now Paycom Center).
BTW, OKC recently approved building a new arena for the Thunder, to be built in place of the old Cox Convention Center across the street from Paycom Center.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on June 04, 2025, 11:47:43 AMThe Seattle metro has a shit-ton of money. Yet they expected the SuperSonics to just keep playing in crappy Key Arena. They lost the team because they were unwilling to help fund a new, modern arena worthy of hosting NBA games. OKC had such a facility with the then-new Ford Center (now Paycom Center).
BTW, OKC recently approved building a new arena for the Thunder, to be built in place of the old Cox Convention Center across the street from Paycom Center.
Key Arena was completely renovated just over a decade before the Sonics moved. Futhermore, it was pretty obvious from the beginning that Clay Bennett had no intention of operating in good faith. Even when local officals agreed to fund a portion of a new arena, he gave the state about five week deadline to fund its portion at a time when the legislature wasn't even in session.
What's done is done, but your post reads like it was written by the Thunder PR department.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 04, 2025, 12:31:40 PMQuote from: Bobby5280 on June 04, 2025, 11:47:43 AMThe Seattle metro has a shit-ton of money. Yet they expected the SuperSonics to just keep playing in crappy Key Arena. They lost the team because they were unwilling to help fund a new, modern arena worthy of hosting NBA games. OKC had such a facility with the then-new Ford Center (now Paycom Center).
BTW, OKC recently approved building a new arena for the Thunder, to be built in place of the old Cox Convention Center across the street from Paycom Center.
Key Arena was completely renovated just over a decade before the Sonics moved. Futhermore, it was pretty obvious from the beginning that Clay Bennett had no intention of operating in good faith. Even when local officals agreed to fund a portion of a new arena, he gave the state about five week deadline to fund its portion at a time when the legislature wasn't even in session.
What's done is done, but your post reads like it was written by the Thunder PR department.
Can you blame the guy though for being a homer on the one major professional franchise his market has? The Thunder being one of the best NBA franchises since moving out of Seattle probably makes things extra rose tinted in the Oklahoma market.
To that end I'm conflicted on this Finals. I would enjoy seeing OKC win because it was tarnish the legacy of Kevin Durant further and being something very different. Then against Indianapolis is a small market also and doesn't have the Super Sonics exit from Seattle baggage.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 04, 2025, 12:42:36 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on June 04, 2025, 12:31:40 PMQuote from: Bobby5280 on June 04, 2025, 11:47:43 AMThe Seattle metro has a shit-ton of money. Yet they expected the SuperSonics to just keep playing in crappy Key Arena. They lost the team because they were unwilling to help fund a new, modern arena worthy of hosting NBA games. OKC had such a facility with the then-new Ford Center (now Paycom Center).
BTW, OKC recently approved building a new arena for the Thunder, to be built in place of the old Cox Convention Center across the street from Paycom Center.
Key Arena was completely renovated just over a decade before the Sonics moved. Futhermore, it was pretty obvious from the beginning that Clay Bennett had no intention of operating in good faith. Even when local officals agreed to fund a portion of a new arena, he gave the state about five week deadline to fund its portion at a time when the legislature wasn't even in session.
What's done is done, but your post reads like it was written by the Thunder PR department.
Can you blame the guy though for being a homer on the one major professional franchise his market has? The Thunder being one of the best NBA franchises since moving out of Seattle probably makes things extra rose tinted in the Oklahoma market.
Then he should just say "they're my team and I'm rooting them no matter what." Don't try to whitewash the fact that the owner engaged in pretty sh*tty tactics to take a team away from its fanbase. Just own it.
I was hoping -- after the surprising success of OKC housing the Hornets during the Katrina recovery years -- that OKC would host a pro sports team. Though I was hoping for an expansion team and not pulling a team that was seemingly well-supported by fans of Seattle-Tacoma area. I think 32 teams looks like the ideal number for the NBA (adding OKC and perhaps a city like Baltimore).
As for the Knicks firing Tibbs: There could be -- and I stress could be -- factors that are out of the public view such as A. clashing of the coach and management (perhaps ownership or players sided against Tibbs); B. While Tibbs is a fine coach his lack of utilizing his bench could have worn his starters and maybe burned them out (which may have led to point A; C. Knicks are perhaps looking for a new voice like Frank Vogel, Mike Malone, Mike Brown, Mike Buddenholzer all good coaches in their own right.
I wouldn't rule out Giannis going to New York City. Word on the street has it that he prefers to stay in the East and play for a bigger media market. Perhaps the Knicks can get a trade package going to Milwaukee that included KAT and other players for Giannis.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 04, 2025, 02:17:24 PMI wouldn't rule out Giannis going to New York City. Word on the street has it that he prefers to stay in the East and play for a bigger media market. Perhaps the Knicks can get a trade package going to Milwaukee that included KAT and other players for Giannis.
As a pretty big Bucks fan, Giannis has never given any indication that he wants to go to a larger market. He has been absolutely fine with Milwaukee as long as they are competitive.
Now if he doesn't think they are competitive any longer, there are certain places that he could demand a trade to AND would have assets to make it worth it. And its doubtful that the Knicks would have what it takes.
It would need to be a team with numerous first round picks and/or young talent. Something like Houston, San Antonio or the Nets. The Knicks have no picks, and it certainly isn't going to be for players like KAT, who would give the Bucks no flexibility cap wise.
Quote from: SEWIGuyWhat's done is done, but your post reads like it was written by the Thunder PR department.
If you think I'm spinning things I could accuse you of the same for implying the Sonics' exit from Seattle was all abrupt and unfair. I'm not going to listen with a smile on my face to any
"the Thunder deserves to lose because..." crap involving that past controversy. Fans in Seattle can go pound sand if they want to hate on the Thunder. They voted for the team to leave.
Key Arena was built in 1962. Its renovation took place during the 1993-94 NBA season, 14 years before the November 2007 announcement the SuperSonics would move to OKC. The renovation to Key Arena cost $73 million, which was considerably less than what other new arenas cost at the time. The renovation came a few years after efforts to build a new arena in the late 1980's and going into the 1990's failed.
In 2006 Seattle residents voted 74% to 26% to pass Initiative 91, which banned the use of tax dollars on arena projects unless the city could prove it would return a profit on the investment. That is a pretty wide margin of victory. That election among other factors doomed the SuperSonics' future in Seattle city limits. Clay Bennet tried pushing a proposal to build a new $500 million arena nearby in Renton. That went nowhere. His next option was to move the team.
The only controversial thing that happened was the Sonics getting out of their lease with Key Arena 3 years early. Seattle would have still lost the team even if they stayed at Key Arena til 2010.
If there is anyone
or anything to blame for OKC getting an NBA team, blame it on Hurricane Katrina. That terrible storm caused the New Orleans Hornets to temporarily move to OKC and play in the Ford Center. When the Hornets played there OKC proved beyond any doubt it could support an NBA team.
The Renton initiative is the one I am talking about regarding the legislature. And thanks for providing another datapoint that Bennett was negotiating in poor faith - I had forgotten about him breaking the lease. As soon as he bought the team, it was clear he had no intention of keeping it in Seattle.
Regardless I'm rooting for them in the series because I find the Pacers and Pacer fans exceedingly annoying.
The Thunder absolutely gagged this game away.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 05, 2025, 11:10:47 PMThe Thunder absolutely gagged this game away.
Yeah, looks like the pressure finally got to them. Plus, I believe that they have a curse placed squarely on them, by the spurned former fans in Seattle.
Never underestimate a Rick Carlisle-coached team; Rick is one of the best coaches in recent history and I would say one of the top three coaches in the league right now and it's showing.
Tyrese also coming to be the next Big Shot Rob(ert Horry) the way he's been nailing clutch shots.
I can't recall another NBA season where big leads and home court advantage seem to mean so little in the endbb
Game 1 of this series felt very similar to Game 1 of the series against the Denver Nuggets on May 5. The Nuggets won that game when Aaron Gordon hit a 3 point shot with only a couple or so seconds left on the clock; the Nuggets pulled ahead 121-119.
The obvious problem with the Thunder in this first game against the Pacers is their shooting was just fucking terrible. If their shooting had been competent at all the game would have been a blowout win in the Thunder's favor. The Pacers gave up 20 turnovers in the first half! But thanks to poor shooting from their opponents they were able to stay roughly within 10 points much of the game and then close the gap at the end.
The Thunder have to follow through much better on their shots. If they can't manage to do that the Pacers are going to win this series. Great defense goes only so far. You still gotta make shots fall thru the net.
Absolute gut punch of a game. But if there is any team in the NBA that could come back from this, it's the Thunder. All they have to do is win the next three home games and win one of three in Indiana.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 05, 2025, 05:00:59 AMThe Renton initiative is the one I am talking about regarding the legislature. And thanks for providing another datapoint that Bennett was negotiating in poor faith - I had forgotten about him breaking the lease. As soon as he bought the team, it was clear he had no intention of keeping it in Seattle.
Regardless I'm rooting for them in the series because I find the Pacers and Pacer fans exceedingly annoying.
Sorry for anything this Pacer fan did to annoy you.
Quote from: Life in Paradise on June 07, 2025, 06:03:01 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on June 05, 2025, 05:00:59 AMThe Renton initiative is the one I am talking about regarding the legislature. And thanks for providing another datapoint that Bennett was negotiating in poor faith - I had forgotten about him breaking the lease. As soon as he bought the team, it was clear he had no intention of keeping it in Seattle.
Regardless I'm rooting for them in the series because I find the Pacers and Pacer fans exceedingly annoying.
Sorry for anything this Pacer fan did to annoy you.
Ha! No biggie. Its not as individuals, but as a collective is what bothers me. I lived there for awhile in the 90s, and found the whole Hoosiers narrative around what's good and right about basketball to be absolute nonsense.
And the Pacers knocking out the Bucks the last two seasons doesn't help!
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 07, 2025, 07:27:15 PMQuote from: Life in Paradise on June 07, 2025, 06:03:01 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on June 05, 2025, 05:00:59 AMThe Renton initiative is the one I am talking about regarding the legislature. And thanks for providing another datapoint that Bennett was negotiating in poor faith - I had forgotten about him breaking the lease. As soon as he bought the team, it was clear he had no intention of keeping it in Seattle.
Regardless I'm rooting for them in the series because I find the Pacers and Pacer fans exceedingly annoying.
Sorry for anything this Pacer fan did to annoy you.
Ha! No biggie. Its not as individuals, but as a collective is what bothers me. I lived there for awhile in the 90s, and found the whole Hoosiers narrative around what's good and right about basketball to be absolute nonsense.
And the Pacers knocking out the Bucks the last two seasons doesn't help!
Sounds more like an inferiority complex stemming from residing in the second best state to border Illinois.
Not a Pacers fan BTW. a nominal Bulls fan though I haven't watched an NBA game start to finish since June 1998.
Am looking forward to a real football team finally playing in Lambeau Field in September 2026 though.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on June 07, 2025, 09:20:58 PMSounds more like an inferiority complex stemming from residing in the second best state to border Illinois.
Oh.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on June 07, 2025, 09:20:58 PMNot a Pacers fan BTW. a nominal Bulls fan though I haven't watched an NBA game start to finish since June 1998.
Why would I care about your NBA opinion then?
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on June 07, 2025, 09:20:58 PMAm looking forward to a real football team finally playing in Lambeau Field in September 2026 though.
Oh.
Quote from: NWI_Irish96 on June 07, 2025, 09:20:58 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on June 07, 2025, 07:27:15 PMQuote from: Life in Paradise on June 07, 2025, 06:03:01 PMQuote from: SEWIGuy on June 05, 2025, 05:00:59 AMThe Renton initiative is the one I am talking about regarding the legislature. And thanks for providing another datapoint that Bennett was negotiating in poor faith - I had forgotten about him breaking the lease. As soon as he bought the team, it was clear he had no intention of keeping it in Seattle.
Regardless I'm rooting for them in the series because I find the Pacers and Pacer fans exceedingly annoying.
Sorry for anything this Pacer fan did to annoy you.
Ha! No biggie. Its not as individuals, but as a collective is what bothers me. I lived there for awhile in the 90s, and found the whole Hoosiers narrative around what's good and right about basketball to be absolute nonsense.
And the Pacers knocking out the Bucks the last two seasons doesn't help!
Sounds more like an inferiority complex stemming from residing in the second best state to border Illinois.
Not a Pacers fan BTW. a nominal Bulls fan though I haven't watched an NBA game start to finish since June 1998.
Am looking forward to a real football team finally playing in Lambeau Field in September 2026 though.
I hope you meant the Michigan water border or something, because I know you aren't talking about the state that smells like a refinery. There's a reason you never hear about Chicagoans vacationing in Gary.
(I'm a former Illinoisan who lives in Wisconsin, so I won't stand for Indiana taking shots at either state. I like the Bulls and the Bucks, both of which have won titles more recently than Notre Dame football, but I don't have a strong opinion on this year's Finals.)
The flat landers (nobody beats Illinois in the flat department) and FIBs love the Indiana Dunes. They are around the corner from Gary.
And before anyone asks, I lived in Chicago once upon a time.
No mention that the Pacers Halliburton is from Oshkosh WI?
OKC gets its revenge, and wins Game 2. Game 3 shifts to Indiana, and is a must-win for the Pacers.
I don't think game 3 is in any way a "must win" for the Pacers.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 09, 2025, 09:06:48 AMI don't think game 3 is in any way a "must win" for the Pacers.
If anything, this might have been a "must win" for the Thunder. OKC looks like they are in trouble now.
This Finals is still far from over. Assuming the Thunder hold serve (undefeated at home) the rest of the Finals, they only need to win one of the next two (Game Four or Game Six) in Indianapolis. I originally predicted Thunder in Six and I'll stick with it.
This Finals is not a mismatch like it was last year. Last year's finals was over before it even started....the biggest Finals mismatch since the 2001 Finals.
Game 4 should be a barometer for how the rest of the series plays out. That game is now a must-win for the Thunder, as if the Pacers should win it as well, we may be looking at the biggest Finals upset since 2016. Then again, OKC is the best team in the NBA for a reason, so they should somehow find a way to return the favor in Indy and tie the series up again. I find it amusing that the Pacers have never lost in the postseason when Caitlin Clark is in the stands, so she's obviously their good-luck charm; we'll have to see if she shows up at Gainbridge Fieldhouse again.
The Pacers had that game in the bag but gagged it away. I guess both teams are even now (literally since it is now 2-2) in choking games they should have won away. I'm enjoying this series so far, it has been fun to watch two competitive teams in the Finals.
The Thunder are now one win away from their first NBA championship (or second, if you include the Sonics' 1979 title).
This game was pretty stressful to watch (at least for me anyway). It was looking like the Pacers were going to finally catch up to the Thunder in the 4th quarter. Thankfully the Thunder found another gear and pulled away for good. They caught a major break with Halliburton playing obviously hurt; the guy finished with zero field goals. T.J. McDonald played a really good game and made up some of that point difference lost with Halliburton.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on June 16, 2025, 11:48:49 PMThis game was pretty stressful to watch (at least for me anyway). It was looking like the Pacers were going to finally catch up to the Thunder in the 4th quarter. Thankfully the Thunder found another gear and pulled away for good. They caught a major break with Halliburton playing obviously hurt; the guy finished with zero field goals. T.J. McDonald played a really good game and made up some of that point difference lost with Halliburton.
TJ McConnell
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45539931/buss-family-agrees-sell-lakers-mark-walter-sources-say
The Buss Family agrees to sell the Los Angeles Lakers.
I wonder if the Thunder will close out the series tonight, or if the Pacers have enough juice (and pride) to extend the series to Game 7.
At the end of the Game 5 broadcast they showed a stat that 75% of the time the team that wins Game 5 after the series is tied 2-2 goes on to win the title. DraftKings has the Thunder favored by 6 points in Game 6. FanDuel has the Thunder at -6.5. Tyrese Haliburton is still listed as questionable due the calf strain he suffered in Game 5.
If the Thunder can do so, they need to close out the series tonight in Indianapolis. They don't need to fart around and let it go to Game 7. The outcome may not go the way it did when the Thunder routed the Nuggets in that Game 7 match. The Thunder would have a very loud home crowd on their side. Considering how well the Thunder played all season if they were to falter in Game 7 the level of disappointment would just be staggering. A one-game, winner-takes-all situation would be a very tense scenario.
I see that this year the Stanley Cup was awarded before the Larry O'Brien trophy. What one is first is always a fun speculation.
Mike
Quote from: Bobby5280 on June 19, 2025, 10:54:43 AMAt the end of the Game 5 broadcast they showed a stat that 75% of the time the team that wins Game 5 after the series is tied 2-2 goes on to win the title. DraftKings has the Thunder favored by 6 points in Game 6. FanDuel has the Thunder at -6.5. Tyrese Haliburton is still listed as questionable due the calf strain he suffered in Game 5.
If the Thunder can do so, they need to close out the series tonight in Indianapolis. They don't need to fart around and let it go to Game 7. The outcome may not go the way it did when the Thunder routed the Nuggets in that Game 7 match. The Thunder would have a very loud home crowd on their side. Considering how well the Thunder played all season if they were to falter in Game 7 the level of disappointment would just be staggering. A one-game, winner-takes-all situation would be a very tense scenario.
Looks like we're headed towards Game 7, with the Pacers building an insurmountable lead. If so, it will now be the closest they've ever come to winning a championship, surpassing the 4-2 loss to the Lakers a quarter-century ago.
Home court or no home court -- all the pressure is now squarely on the Thunder to win in Game Seven! Statistically since returning to the traditional 2-2-1-1-1 format, it's been a 50/50 probability for the home team in Game Seven's -- The Heat won at home in 2013, and the Cavs won on the road in 2016. This will be the third Game Seven since the reverted format.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 20, 2025, 10:43:53 AMHome court or no home court -- all the pressure is now squarely on the Thunder to win in Game Seven! Statistically since returning to the traditional 2-2-1-1-1 format, it's been a 50/50 probability for the home team in Game Seven's -- The Heat won at home in 2013, and the Cavs won on the road in 2016. This will be the third Game Seven since the reverted format.
Coincidence that LeBron James was on both previous Game 7 winning teams. I knew the Thunder would never win in Indy anyway, so their last chance is at home, but if they lose, I can see it being attributed to a curse placed on them by the former Sonics fans, plus OKC fans don't care about what happened 46 years ago or any other time in Seattle either.
Quote from: Henry on June 20, 2025, 10:56:24 PMQuote from: jgb191 on June 20, 2025, 10:43:53 AMHome court or no home court -- all the pressure is now squarely on the Thunder to win in Game Seven! Statistically since returning to the traditional 2-2-1-1-1 format, it's been a 50/50 probability for the home team in Game Seven's -- The Heat won at home in 2013, and the Cavs won on the road in 2016. This will be the third Game Seven since the reverted format.
Coincidence that LeBron James was on both previous Game 7 winning teams. I knew the Thunder would never win in Indy anyway, so their last chance is at home, but if they lose, I can see it being attributed to a curse placed on them by the former Sonics fans, plus OKC fans don't care about what happened 46 years ago or any other time in Seattle either.
Completely phoning in a Game 6 isn't attributable to curses.
Quote from: jgb191 on June 20, 2025, 10:43:53 AMHome court or no home court -- all the pressure is now squarely on the Thunder to win in Game Seven!
It's not accurate at all to say that "all" the pressure is on the Thunder in Game 7. Each team has some pressure on them in this situation. But between the two teams, the Pacers have more pressure on them. The Pacers have to go into a hostile road environment and play in front of a crowd that is one of the best crowds in the NBA. That crowd is going to be insane. They are going to do everything they can to make it uncomfortable for the Pacers to play there.
This is going to be the biggest sporting event in the history of the state of Oklahoma. In this situation, you don't want to be the road team going into that environment. You want to be the home team. If OKC had to go to Indiana for Game 7, I'd say the pressure is on OKC. But this is not that. I'm personally hoping for a blowout. I hope the Thunder win by 40.
https://apnews.com/article/kevin-durant-suns-rockets-trade-0f70dd6296c4093cf6b4f27800ba99cd
Heres one Kevin Durant moves from the Suns to Rockets in this deal for the 2025-2026 season.
Quote from: bing101 on June 22, 2025, 02:29:46 PMhttps://apnews.com/article/kevin-durant-suns-rockets-trade-0f70dd6296c4093cf6b4f27800ba99cd
Heres one Kevin Durant moves from the Suns to Rockets in this deal for the 2025-2026 season.
The Rockets must be looking to take a step back from two seed.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 22, 2025, 03:24:26 PMQuote from: bing101 on June 22, 2025, 02:29:46 PMhttps://apnews.com/article/kevin-durant-suns-rockets-trade-0f70dd6296c4093cf6b4f27800ba99cd
Heres one Kevin Durant moves from the Suns to Rockets in this deal for the 2025-2026 season.
The Rockets must be looking to take a step back from two seed.
Durant helps them considerably...if he can stay healthy. I think the Rockets realized that Green wasn't a guy worth paying, so they dumped his contract. I think the Suns should have held out for more however.
To follow this up, Durant still averaged 27/7/4 this season - a season in which the Suns had a winning record when KD played. The more I think about it, the more I think the Suns got worked here.
Obviously we disagree that post-Golden State Kevin Durant can truly elevate a team to the next level. There isn't anything he did with the Suns or Nets that suggested he can. The Rockets will probably be a playoff team again, but won't make a deep run.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 22, 2025, 04:27:51 PMObviously we disagree that post-Golden State Kevin Durant can truly elevate a team to the next level. There isn't anything he did with the Suns or Nets that suggested he can. The Rockets will probably be a playoff team again, but won't make a deep run.
Durant makes them better. He doesn't make them a championship contender. And I just quoted two stats that shows he can elevate a team.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 22, 2025, 05:31:44 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on June 22, 2025, 04:27:51 PMObviously we disagree that post-Golden State Kevin Durant can truly elevate a team to the next level. There isn't anything he did with the Suns or Nets that suggested he can. The Rockets will probably be a playoff team again, but won't make a deep run.
Durant makes them better. He doesn't make them a championship contender. And I just quoted two stats that shows he can elevate a team.
Stats often lie. Yeah sure, the Nets despite being a dumpster fire were better than they were before they had Kevin Durant. The worse part of Durant's tenure in Brooklyn wasn't that he kept getting hurt it was that he appeared to be totally unmotivated for most of those seasons (which reflected in their regular season records). The Suns weren't any better and actually got worse over his tenure. I wouldn't be surprised if this looked great on paper for Houston but all of the sudden, they win something like 45 games next year.
With Game 7 being held in Oklahoma City, this marks the first time in history a pro sports championship has ever been decided in Oklahoma City (and probably Oklahoma as a whole, unless Tulsa hosted some weird one-off thing I don't know of).
The Rockets needed a clutch scorer. They got a clutch scorer, and they honestly didn't give up that much in return. They have lots of excess draft capital, and there's a lot of depth on the roster to replace Jalen Green at the guard position.
But there's some downside too. I'm concerned about Durant's injury history, his personality (will it mesh with the team?), and his contract (due at the end of next season. Will they keep him around 2-3 years after this one?). I think I would have preferred Giannis, but we'll see what Durant can do.
Quote from: CoreySamson on June 22, 2025, 07:23:46 PMThe Rockets needed a clutch scorer. They got a clutch scorer, and they honestly didn't give up that much in return. They have lots of excess draft capital, and there's a lot of depth on the roster to replace Jalen Green at the guard position.
But there's some downside too. I'm concerned about Durant's injury history, his personality (will it mesh with the team?), and his contract (due at the end of next season. Will they keep him around 2-3 years after this one?). I think I would have preferred Giannis, but we'll see what Durant can do.
Giannis isn't getting dealt.
I'm genuinely surprised Indiana is still hanging in despite Haliburton going out so early in the game.
Looks like Indiana is running out of gas with the lead up to 11. We'll see if they got anything left after this timeout.
A reminder that the OKC Thunder are effectively a new franchise created in 2007 and do not claim the history of the franchise they stole from Seattle. There's going to be a lot of inaccurate reporting about the "Thunder's second championship" coming up.
Quote from: Bruce on Today at 02:42:11 AMA reminder that the OKC Thunder are effectively a new franchise created in 2007 and do not claim the history of the franchise they stole from Seattle. There's going to be a lot of inaccurate reporting about the "Thunder's second championship" coming up.
Playing pretend is nice, but everyone know they are Sonics. It isn't too much different from people knowing the real Cleveland Browns now play in Baltimore.
I was disappointed Tyrese Haliburton got hurt early in the game. It puts a damned asterisk on the Thunder's win and title victory. That's despite TJ McConnell coming into the game and playing really well for a stretch. Other players from the Pacers' bench were contributing too. Ultimately the Thunder was able to pull away for good in the 2nd half. In the future whenever this Game 7 event is discussed everyone will be asking, "what if Haliburton had been able to play the entire game?"
Haliburton's injury looked pretty bad. The game broadcast showed a slow motion shot of him stepping forward with his left leg and extending the right leg behind him pretty far. I could almost see some kind of "pop" happen below Haliburton's right calf muscle. Not good. Early word on the Achilles injury makes it look like Haliburton will miss all of the next season. Even if/when he is able to return the injury may cost him a step or two in speed. Hopefully this doesn't end his career.
The injury sucks, but it is part of sports.
Congrats to the Thunder team and the fans of Oklahoma -- they get to celebrate their first ever championship in the city's history. Both the Finals combatants can only get better; I wouldn't believe they have reached their peak as of yet. Since the Warriors repeated in 2017/2018: Toronto, Milwaukee, Denver, and OK City celebrated the first championship in their franchise or city's history.
-------------------------
As a fan of Houston sports, here is my personal take on Kevin Durant:
Reasons for Concern
-- Possible return of his Achillies injury (suffered in 2019)
-- Getting Older. At 36, he is around the same age as Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
-- His mental toughness/resolve has been in question a lot (fairly or unfairly questioned).
-- Compatibility with Ime Udoka's tight ship coaching to be determined.
-- The Western Conference is a gauntlet.
-- Rockets mortgaged their future by giving the Suns several future draft picks.
Reasons for Optimism
-- His talent and scoring ability is precisely what the Rockets were in dire need of.
-- Championship experience; Kevin is a Finals MVP....twice consecutively
-- The Rockets got rid of Dillon Brooks.
-- Ironically Kevin being a free agent a year from now also be a big plus: he knows this is last chance to play his best to get a new contract deal. Even if he chooses to bolt, that will free up a considerable cap space to sign other free agents.
Making a prediction for next year, I'll say 50-55 wins in the regular season, and reach the Western Conference Finals likely vs Thunder (unless Nikola Jokic can do something about that).
Quote from: Bobby5280 on Today at 12:38:48 PMIt puts a damned asterisk on the Thunder's win and title victory.
No it doesn't -- The Thunder won the Championship fair and square! They didn't do anything unfair or illegal; they still played their game fairly.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on Today at 12:38:48 PMI was disappointed Tyrese Haliburton got hurt early in the game. It puts a damned asterisk on the Thunder's win and title victory.
It most certainly does not.
Quote from: jgb191 on Today at 12:51:04 PMCongrats to the Thunder team and the fans of Oklahoma -- they get to celebrate their first ever championship in the city's history. Both the Finals combatants can only get better; I wouldn't believe they have reached their peak as of yet. Since the Warriors repeated in 2017/2018: Toronto, Milwaukee, Denver, and OK City celebrated the first championship in their franchise or city's history.
-------------------------
As a fan of Houston sports, here is my personal take on Kevin Durant:
Reasons for Concern
-- Possible return of his Achillies injury (suffered in 2019)
-- Getting Older. At 36, he is around the same age as Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
-- His mental toughness/resolve has been in question a lot (fairly or unfairly questioned).
-- Compatibility with Ime Udoka's tight ship coaching to be determined.
-- The Western Conference is a gauntlet.
-- Rockets mortgaged their future by giving the Suns several future draft picks.
Reasons for Optimism
-- His talent and scoring ability is precisely what the Rockets were in dire need of.
-- Championship experience; Kevin is a Finals MVP....twice consecutively
-- The Rockets got rid of Dillon Brooks.
-- Ironically Kevin being a free agent a year from now also be a big plus: he knows this is last chance to play his best to get a new contract deal. Even if he chooses to bolt, that will free up a considerable cap space to sign other free agents.
Making a prediction for next year, I'll say 50-55 wins in the regular season, and reach the Western Conference Finals likely vs Thunder (unless Nikola Jokic can do something about that).
The number 10 pick and a bunch of seconds isn't "mortgaging" anything. He has always been a solid pro and easy to coach, so he will fit in fine with Udoka.
Injury and age are indeed factors. But I think they didn't think Jalen Green was getting them anywhere, and the team needed a proven scorer immediately.
I hope Clay Bennet and the rest of the Thunder ownership group, as well as GM Sam Presti, are able to keep this Thunder squad together for a long time. I'm sure they'll do everything they can to keep SGA in OKC. Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein and several others will get more expensive to keep. It's a young team that will probably only get better. If they can improve their shooting and keep the same defensive swagger they'll be really scary to opponents next season.
Regarding Kevin Durant, I'm not sure what to think about him going to the Rockets. A number of different sports analysts correctly predicted Houston was where he would land. Maybe the big picture will sort itself out after the 2025 NBA Draft later this week.
When is the last time an NBA team found a viable franchise guy with the number 10 pick?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on Today at 02:32:03 PMWhen is the last time an NBA team found a viable franchise guy with the number 10 pick?
I mean, the best player in the NBA was a second round pick.
Quote from: jgb191 on Today at 12:51:04 PMCongrats to the Thunder team and the fans of Oklahoma -- they get to celebrate their first ever championship in the city's history. Both the Finals combatants can only get better; I wouldn't believe they have reached their peak as of yet. Since the Warriors repeated in 2017/2018: Toronto, Milwaukee, Denver, and OK City celebrated the first championship in their franchise or city's history.
-------------------------
The Milwaukee Bucks also won the 1971 NBA championship.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on Today at 02:47:17 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on Today at 02:32:03 PMWhen is the last time an NBA team found a viable franchise guy with the number 10 pick?
I mean, the best player in the NBA was a second round pick.
So Jokic in 2014? Anyone else since then?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on Today at 03:05:11 PMQuote from: JayhawkCO on Today at 02:47:17 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on Today at 02:32:03 PMWhen is the last time an NBA team found a viable franchise guy with the number 10 pick?
I mean, the best player in the NBA was a second round pick.
So Jokic in 2014? Anyone else since then?
Haliburton was #12 in 2020. The same draft also had all-stars Tyrese Maxey (PHI's best player last year with Embiid hurt) at 21 and Desmond Bane got picked 30th and Orlando's trade stash sure looks like that of what you'd pay for a franchise guy.
Quote from: jgb191 on Today at 12:51:04 PMCongrats to the Thunder team and the fans of Oklahoma -- they get to celebrate their first ever championship in the city's history. Both the Finals combatants can only get better; I wouldn't believe they have reached their peak as of yet. Since the Warriors repeated in 2017/2018: Toronto, Milwaukee, Denver, and OK City celebrated the first championship in their franchise or city's history.
To be more precise, in the case of the Milwaukee Bucks, it's their 2nd NBA championship after their first one won in 1971.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on Today at 03:50:14 PMQuote from: jgb191 on Today at 12:51:04 PMCongrats to the Thunder team and the fans of Oklahoma -- they get to celebrate their first ever championship in the city's history. Both the Finals combatants can only get better; I wouldn't believe they have reached their peak as of yet. Since the Warriors repeated in 2017/2018: Toronto, Milwaukee, Denver, and OK City celebrated the first championship in their franchise or city's history.
To be more precise, in the case of the Milwaukee Bucks, it's their 2nd NBA championship after their first one won in 1971.
Also, the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, Avalanche and Broncos previously won championships for their respective cities, and OKC had never won any titles until last night. As much as I hate ESPN (especially the ever-annoying Stephen A. Smith), I had to tune in to witness history in the making.
I also find it ironic that just before the Thunder clinched the championship, one of their first great players got traded to the Rockets, completing the sweep of the 2012 Big 3 playing in Houston at some point in their careers.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on Today at 07:39:40 AMQuote from: Bruce on Today at 02:42:11 AMA reminder that the OKC Thunder are effectively a new franchise created in 2007 and do not claim the history of the franchise they stole from Seattle. There's going to be a lot of inaccurate reporting about the "Thunder's second championship" coming up.
Playing pretend is nice, but everyone know they are Sonics. It isn't too much different from people knowing the real Cleveland Browns now play in Baltimore.
At least the Washington Nationals acknowledge their Montreal roots, because they were the Expos.