NBA Playoffs 2012 Running thread

[JackReacher]

I worded that wrong. I think it's weird that he seems less willing or unable or whatever to drive to the lane off an iso play. Dude's a beast.

 

[dreunc1542]

What seems weird to me is that after that game yesterday, it's still somehow LeBron that everyone is harping on here. Wade and Bosh were a combined 11-30. If that happens three more times, the Heat will lose the series. Also, if the Heat can't figure out a way to slow down the Thunder's offense, they will lose the series. Those things seem like more important takeaways from last night's game than LeBron's play.

 

[JackReacher]

Yeah. Unfortunately, I fell asleep at halftime. I'll do better tomorrow since I'm off Friday.

 

[heyabbott]

What seems weird to me is that after that game yesterday, it's still somehow LeBron that everyone is harping on here. Wade and Bosh were a combined 11-30. If that happens three more times, the Heat will lose the series. Also, if the Heat can't figure out a way to slow down the Thunder's offense, they will lose the series. Those things seem like more important takeaways from last night's game than LeBron's play.

Maybe Wade and Bosh hate LeBron so much they're willing to tank the series?

 

[bigpern23]

What seems weird to me is that after that game yesterday, it's still somehow LeBron that everyone is harping on here. Wade and Bosh were a combined 11-30. If that happens three more times, the Heat will lose the series. Also, if the Heat can't figure out a way to slow down the Thunder's offense, they will lose the series. Those things seem like more important takeaways from last night's game than LeBron's play.

I think it's because so much of the spotlight on this series is on LeBron and Durant. They're the two best players and they play the same position, often guarding each other. So when you see Durant score 17 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, while LeBron scores seven, the light shines brightly on LeBron.

Everyone wants to see these two duel. We want to see them going basket for basket. As much as it seems like everyone hates LeBron, or just focuses on his failings, I think it's really that everyone just wants to see him be great and be great in big games.

 

[Elliotte Friedman]

Haven't had a ton of time to watch the NBA playoffs, but now that the NHL season is done, I can invest some time.

OKC is incredibly fun to watch. Their attacking style, tremendous skillset and team play. And the way those guys get faster as the game continues, it's really something.

Give Durant or Westbrook a step on you to the basket and it's a highlight-reel dunk. They do a great job of spreading out teams and attacking a defenceless lane.

 

[LongTimeListener]

I don't know how long they can ride this under the cap rules, but five starters under 29 is sounding like the makings of a nice long dynasty-style run.

 

[bigpern23]

I don't know how long they can ride this under the cap rules, but five starters under 29 is sounding like the makings of a nice long dynasty-style run.

I think the Thunder likely will have to jettison either Harden or Ibaka after the season. Both are in the final year of their rookie deals and the Thunder are on the hook for like $40million for Durant, Westbrook and Perkins next year. The cap was $58 million this year, so unless Harden or Ibaka (or both) take less than market value, the Thunder will likely have to let one of them go (I doubt anyone is going to take on Perkins' contract in a trade).

 

[Blitz]

Yeah, I can't stand all the hollering and screaming by the PA announcers.
Life used to be so much simpler.

Me and Lawrence Tanter agree with you wholeheartedly.

I had to Google this guy, but he indeed seems to get it. And he's been doing the same schtick a while now and hasn't seen the need to change. (Said Dr. Buss even agreed that things didn't need to be hyped)

 

[deviljets7]

 

[Deeper_Background]

Pat Riley and Alonzo Mourning's Struggle

As the camera zoomed in, this was my sequence of thoughts:

Is that Pat Riley?
Who's that black guy with Riley?
Is that Riley's bodyguard?
Why does Riley have a bodyguard?
Wait, is that Alonzo?
Yes, that is definitely Alonzo.
Is Alonzo Riley's bodyguard?

As someone that was rooting for the Thunder, this was just fantastic to watch. Sure, Riley's disgust with the situation on the court (and with people who have chosen to live in Oklahoma City) is comical, but the real beauty is in Alonzo. He's like one part Sinbad/First Kid, two parts Fruit of Islam, and 17 parts Pat Riley's bodyguard. Just the best.

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=the-triangle&id=29406&wjb

 

[mb]

Keep firing away Russell. It's not like you've got any help.