NBA Playoffs 2012 Running thread

Last 3-1 comeback that I remember in the NBA was the Heat-Knicks series when the Knicks had all of those suspensions in Games 6 and 7 for fighting and coming on to the court. Don't think it has been done in the finals.

 

That is what they said during the broadcast last night. And on SC this morning they noted that since the league went to the 2-3-2 format (which I abhor, btw), the team going down 3-1 has yet to force a Game 6 (it's happened six times, I believe).

 

I read that they switched to the 2-3-2 years ago because Red Auerbach didn't like it, basically. He thought the quality of play in games 5, 6 and 7 dropped.

But back then, they usually played back-to-back nights in games 1 and 2 and then games 3 and 4. With as much time as they take between games these days, I think they should switch back to the 2-2-1-1-1.

Cross country travel is a bullshit excuse since both teams have to do it.

If they're going to stick with this 2-3-2 crap they should at least speed it up ... Back-to-back games 1 and 2, travel day, back-to-back games 3 and 4, rest day, Game 5, travel day, back-to-back. Screw this day or two off between every game crap.

 

Ryan is right. 2-3-2 was instituted in 1985, when teams still all flew commercial. And as someone who covered the '84 Finals, flying Boston-LA-Boston WAS a grind.
In 1985, sitting poolside at the hotel (LA Airport Marriott), Steve Hershey declared that when the Lakers were in the Finals, the format should be 1-5-1.
The days off in the 2-3-2 are because Thursday and Sunday nights are the nights of the week with the highest TV ratings in general.
It will never change back. This would require David Stern to admit something was less than perfect with the NBA except, of course, for players making too much money.

 

BTW, how bad is Magic Johnson as an analyst? This morning as they were talking about whether the Thunder could win Game 5, Magic said it would depend on LeBron's health and whether he can overcome his cramps and be 100 percent for the game. Aside from the obvious 5-7 days of menstrual cramps jokes, why on earth would LeBron find it difficult to rehydrate and be ready for a game two days later? Yeesh. Thank god he and Shaq aren't on the same network.

 

I'm probably overreacting to this series, but they could use another shooter who is a serious threat outside to augment Westbrook and Durant. Harden is usually that guy, but he's gone cold and they don't really have someone else to step in and fill that role. They could use some depth there.

But you're right, the deeper issue isn't putting points on the board. It's stupid mistakes. And crappy officiating. There. I said it. Now shoot me down for being a homer. But how in the hell does a guy drive the lane like Westbrook did last night and only get fouled once or twice? Heck, LeBron gets breathed on too much and he gets a foul.

 

Yup, you're being a homer.

Greg Anthony said it best. The day Russell Westbrook or any other player hits every shot, every free throw, doesn't commit a turnover, makes every defensive rotation and doesn't make a single mental error is the day they can blame an official for a loss. Until then, it is up to them to make sure the game doesn't come down to a play where an official can decide the outcome.

 

Right. Both teams have to deal with it. But the NBA doesn't want either team to have to deal with it that many times in a series that determines the NBA champion. I guess.

I've never flown back and forth across the country four times in a two-week span while playing a professional sport, so I can't speak to its level of bullshit. I'd imagine there are those who hate it and those who don't mind it as much.

 

I will grant that because the NBA divides its teams by East-West, the need for cross-country flights is probably more likely to occur in basketball than any other sport. But it's not as if teams on the coasts never face off in the World Series or Stanley Cup Finals. MLB and NHL players never seem to complain, so I don't think it can really be that big of a deal.

 

I put the blame for the loss on the Thunder doing stupid crap or not making plays. But man it gets frustrating seeing some of the calls. And, yes, they had some go OKC's way too, but LeBron seems to get Jordan treatment now -- he gets the ball and there's a foul.

Of course, I also still blame David Stern for handing the Spurs the 2007 title, so I'm obviously not completely rational.

 

Yep. You're being a homer.

It didn't really make a difference in the outcome, but your boy Durant had at least two fouls in the second half (didn't watch the first half) given to someone else. And I know that shit happens all the time, but it wasn't even close on the two I saw. So....yeah, bitching about the officials makes you a bitter homer.

Miami is better than OKC so far. Simple as that. Refs haven't determined a single outcome.

 

LeBron shot 8 FTs last night. That's it. I'm sure he had the ball more than 8 times.