Alrighty, It's the 2012 NBA Playoffs Thread

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

The Rose injury really killed the East IMO.

Too soon.

[Arles]

Yeah, you watch the Western conference and see real teamwork and strong offense. You watch the East and see 1-on-1 and stagnant offense. Not sure it matters who wins the East, but you never know (esp with the officiating this year).

[whomario]

Just finished watching both games (was away from any internet over the weekend) and found both games pretty entertaining, but there surely is a fundamental difference for sure.

There also was a chart around recently, i think of the 10 least efficient offenses in the reg season came out of the east (and i´m not buying that the defense is so good there).


I love Durant´s performance, that was propably his best "controlled but stepping up when need to" game of his career, don´t think he ever had 8 assists to 1 TO before as well.
The thunder big men were massive, going 22-25 from the field combined (with Ibaka´s 11-11 obviously the biggest factor but Perkins and Collison contributed offensively as well)

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

A compromise: At the end of this series, can we call it Celtics 0, Heat 0, Refs 4?

Studies have shown (Scorecasting had a good analysis of this) that refs, especially in basketball, will generally call in favor of the home team. Seems like that's holding form here.

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Groundhog: We said the same thing for Philly-Boston Game seven "Who ever wins gets killed by Miami"

So, the one word that describes this NBA Playoffs is: "Youneverknow"

No, we know. The refs gave the first two to the Heat, the next two to the Celtics to make it look good...and the next two will go to the Heat again.

[Noop]

Miami was screwed last night. LeBron got called for 4 offensive fouls... 4 that is absurd and on all 4 it could have gone either way. Wade pointing to Haslem while he stood underneath the rim during the final moments of regulation is so frustrating.

It is clear to me that Miami needs a coach because the lack of Xs and Os in key moments is clear.

Phil Jackson to Miami.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Arles

Yeah, you watch the Western conference and see real teamwork and strong offense. You watch the East and see 1-on-1 and stagnant offense. Not sure it matters who wins the East, but you never know (esp with the officiating this year).

It's pretty pathetic that the majority of the east games come down to whomever can have their moderately offensively talented bigger guy hit the most 18 footers. I don't think that either Miami or Boston are particularly good teams and the result is that so many of these games will turn on a call or two.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Noop

Miami was screwed last night. LeBron got called for 4 offensive fouls... 4 that is absurd and on all 4 it could have gone either way. Wade pointing to Haslem while he stood underneath the rim during the final moments of regulation is so frustrating.

It is clear to me that Miami needs a coach because the lack of Xs and Os in key moments is clear.

Phil Jackson to Miami.

Pierce got screwed on foul calls too - and yes I agree, a couple of the ones on Lebron were ticky-tack. The refs were calling absolutely EVERYTHING last night, and it was up to the players to adjust their games accordingly. If the biggest scorer on each team fouls out of a playoff game you know the refs were a part of the problem for both sides.

That being said - it all came down to execution at the end, and Miami's execution at the end (as you pointed out) was horrible. Given the lead that the Celtics got out too (which I can't believe they pissed away AGAIN) Miami was lucky to even be in it at the end.

FWIW it's worth though - not sure if you caught it, but it seemed like the analysts were saying that Spolestra likely had a play drawn up and that Lebron ad-libbed basically - as you could see by the fact that he was dribbling towards Wade & whoever else on that side of the court as they were frantically trying to run away from him, rather than spacing, and then had to throw that weak-ass pass back across the court to Haslem.

[molson]

Obviously there's been a ton of luck involved but it's ridiculous and surreal that the Celtics still have some small chance to go to the finals. This team didn't even get over .500 for good until March. They really got it together down the stretch, otherwise they would have been a 1st-round out against whoever they played.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Pierce got screwed on foul calls too - and yes I agree, a couple of the ones on Lebron were ticky-tack. The refs were calling absolutely EVERYTHING last night, and it was up to the players to adjust their games accordingly. If the biggest scorer on each team fouls out of a playoff game you know the refs were a part of the problem for both sides.

That being said - it all came down to execution at the end, and Miami's execution at the end (as you pointed out) was horrible. Given the lead that the Celtics got out too (which I can't believe they pissed away AGAIN) Miami was lucky to even be in it at the end.

FWIW it's worth though - not sure if you caught it, but it seemed like the analysts were saying that Spolestra likely had a play drawn up and that Lebron ad-libbed basically - as you could see by the fact that he was dribbling towards Wade & whoever else on that side of the court as they were frantically trying to run away from him, rather than spacing, and then had to throw that weak-ass pass back across the court to Haslem.

The refs made themselves a story and that should never happen in the playoffs. There were so many non-calls and stupid calls last night. Miami totally blew it last night and I know he won't publicly admit it but LeBron has to be pissed at Wade for telling him to pass it to Haslem.

Spolestra needs to find another job because it is clear the stars of the team have no respect for him. I know Phil Jackson was flirting with Orlando, well he can flirt with Miami and have 2 superstars who would love to have the amount of rings he already has.

This Miami team is so damn erratic because one night they are amazing and next they're looking like a middle school team.

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by Noop

The refs made themselves a story and that should never happen in the playoffs. There were so many non-calls and stupid calls last night.

The refs made themselves the story in game 1 and game 2 as well, Noop.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by Noop

The refs made themselves a story and that should never happen in the playoffs. There were so many non-calls and stupid calls last night. Miami totally blew it last night and I know he won't publicly admit it but LeBron has to be pissed at Wade for telling him to pass it to Haslem.

Spolestra needs to find another job because it is clear the stars of the team have no respect for him. I know Phil Jackson was flirting with Orlando, well he can flirt with Miami and have 2 superstars who would love to have the amount of rings he already has.

This Miami team is so damn erratic because one night they are amazing and next they're looking like a middle school team.

I've felt all series the refs have been calling the wrong things and letting some stuff go that should be called. Ticky tacky technicals, offensive fouls, moving pics, and not calling obvious driving fouls when someone gets laid out.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

The refs made themselves the story in game 1 and game 2 as well, Noop.

No doubt. However, last night was an offensive display that has Boston fans acknowledging how bad it was on both sides and they won last night.

Originally Posted by Desnudo

I've felt all series the refs have been calling the wrong things and letting some stuff go that should be called. Ticky tacky technicals, offensive fouls, moving pics, and not calling obvious driving fouls when someone gets laid out.

I agree. This was been a poorly ref'd series and has taken away from what has been otherwise a fun and competitive series of games.

[RainMaker]

They have been intimidated by home courts in the series. Games 2 and 3 were pretty horrible displays of that. Didn't think Game 4 was that badly officiated. There were a lot of 50/50 calls in that game which will always draw the ire of fans. I think it seemed odd because Lebron usually gets 90% of the 50/50 calls and didn't seem to get any last night.

He does play incredibly physical on the offensive end, especially off the ball. Kind of like Shaq where you could call a foul on him on almost any possession.

[RedKingGold]

There is no way that Pat Riley and Phil Jackson could work together.

[Arles]

Originally Posted by molson

Obviously there's been a ton of luck involved but it's ridiculous and surreal that the Celtics still have some small chance to go to the finals. This team didn't even get over .500 for good until March. They really got it together down the stretch, otherwise they would have been a 1st-round out against whoever they played.

It's called facing the #5 team in the first round and the #8 team in the second round. That's not too tough a path (and still took Boston 7 games in round 2). Had Rose not been hurt, we'd be watching an equally awful offensive series between Chicago and Miami.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by Arles

It's called facing the #5 team in the first round and the #8 team in the second round. That's not too tough a path (and still took Boston 7 games in round 2). Had Rose not been hurt, we'd be watching an equally awful offensive series between Chicago and Miami.

I think it would take 7 games for the Celtics to beat the Bobcats.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Arles

It's called facing the #5 team in the first round and the #8 team in the second round. That's not too tough a path (and still took Boston 7 games in round 2). Had Rose not been hurt, we'd be watching an equally awful offensive series between Chicago and Miami.

Ya, that's why I said the thing about luck. I'm just impressed, as I was during the season, that they got better as the season went along. And the late season success did get them out a first round series with Indiana or Chicago or Miami.

[Arles]

They did turn it on at the end. But, if you reflect, they faced a banged up Atlanta team that missed both Smith and Horford for games in the series. Played the #8 seed and now face a Miami team without Bosh. If they find a way to make it through this series, I think the West winner might win in 3 games.

That is, unless their top two players get struck by lightning

[larrymcg421]

Don't forget that Boston is missing Bradley, who was key to the successful second half turnaround. This has forced them to play a hobbled Ray Allen, who has not been better than an absent Chris Bosh.

[Desnudo]

I get that an ab strain is painful, but I don't think Bosh is doing his image any favors. I find it hard to imagine any of the other stars in this series sitting out because of it. That's a storyline no one seems to want to write about it.

[Easy Mac]

Can we just get a moratorium on talking heads talking about a game within 2-3 days of the game being played. All I heard last week was that these series were over and they would be lucky to get to five games. Now, the other teams are probably the favorites to win each series.

[spleen1015]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

I get that an ab strain is painful, but I don't think Bosh is doing his image any favors. I find it hard to imagine any of the other stars in this series sitting out because of it. That's a storyline no one seems to want to write about it.

If it was Lebron in this situation, he would be getting crucified by now.

[korme]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

I get that an ab strain is painful, but I don't think Bosh is doing his image any favors. I find it hard to imagine any of the other stars in this series sitting out because of it. That's a storyline no one seems to want to write about it.

Dude have you ever strained your abs? Painful as hell. And I think the smart thing to do is to rest him as long as possible- worst case scenario is he comes back for game 5, re-injures it and is unavailable for the Finals

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by korme

Dude have you ever strained your abs? Painful as hell. And I think the smart thing to do is to rest him as long as possible- worst case scenario is he comes back for game 5, re-injures it and is unavailable for the Finals

I had to walk to school uphill through 10 feet of snow with one once.

Do you think Kobe or Jordan sits? Jordan, out with a strained ab. I don't see it.

Pierce is playing with a sprained knee. Bradley played with two damaged shoulders. Hell, Rondo played with one arm last year.

It's more an observation on motivation than any attempt to crucify Bosh who actually seems like the only non-douche on the Heat.

[korme]

Bosh is not Kobe or Jordan. Do I think the Bulls sit Horace Grant in this situation? Probably.

[Suicane75]

Of course they sit Horace Grant, he's like 50.

[jbergey22]

Bosh is soft we all know this. Kobe and Mj can play with injuries Bosh can not.

Before anyone mentions this no I would not say it to his face because it then becomes personal. My opinion is based on basketball only which I feel I have a right to my opinion as I pay for NBA products and its the occupation he signed up for. Rant off.

[Young Drachma]

Inside the mind of the San Antonio Spurs' Stephen Jackson - Grantland

Long as we know b/c it's Grantland, but it's good.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by korme

Bosh is not Kobe or Jordan. Do I think the Bulls sit Horace Grant in this situation? Probably.

Does Horace Grant allow himself to be sat?

[Easy Mac]

Ho Grant probably wouldn't have killed a masseuse the day before a game.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Bosh is soft we all know this. Kobe and Mj can play with injuries Bosh can not.

Before anyone mentions this no I would not say it to his face because it then becomes personal. My opinion is based on basketball only which I feel I have a right to my opinion as I pay for NBA products and its the occupation he signed up for. Rant off.

Jbergey is a fat guy sitting on his couch mocking people who's entire living is based on their body condition based on some idiotic BS. But I wouldn't say it to his face because it then becomes personal. My opinion is based on this forum only since I paid taxes which allowed Al Gore to create the internet which allowed this forum to exist....

[stevew]

I dont know if he's soft, but it was pretty funny that Bosh got called out on the new Nicky Minaj record for crying

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Bosh is soft we all know this. Kobe and Mj can play with injuries Bosh can not.

Before anyone mentions this no I would not say it to his face because it then becomes personal. My opinion is based on basketball only which I feel I have a right to my opinion as I pay for NBA products and its the occupation he signed up for. Rant off.

Sure, I'd ask him to his face how bad it was. If he wants to take the time to fly out and have a beer.

[Groundhog]

So, LeBron drives and Garnett blocks him. It looked like a foul at first, refs don't blow the whistle, Celtics get a bit of a fast break before Rondo holds it up, then attacks the hoop, misses, Garnett rebounds and puts it back in and draws the foul. Ever since the block LeBron has been off-screen. Replay shows the block was clean, and LeBron pouting and turning and walking away from the Celtics hoop? Way to hustle back, King.

[Desnudo]

i've got this on DVR, but have been watching the gamecast. Judging by the <40% shooting for each team, I'm guessing I should tee it up in the 2nd half?

[Groundhog]

2nd Q was better than the 1st... but yeah, hardly required viewing so far.

[DaddyTorgo]

Shocked that the Celtics are still in this. They couldn't have played any worse in the first half. Nothing was falling.

[Noop]

Horrible calls again.

[Noop]

Miami is such a mentally soft team. Wade either needs to be traded or needs to find a jumper because he loafs on defense and offers nothing offensively.

[Noop]

So Garnett gets called for a crap foul and to make it even the refs don't call a foul on that push? Crap refs.

[heybrad]

I can't stand either of these teams but this is a great game.

[larrymcg421]

Pierce!

[SirFozzie]

Hey, Brad.


Huge 3 by Pierce.. but before anyone says ANYTHING.. I'm disappointed by Allen's flop. That's not selling to the ref, that is a FLOP. Plain and simple

[heybrad]

A little home cooking there? That looked like a charge on Wade to me.

[SirFozzie]

It's a bang bang play, I could see it called either way, and it wouldn't go amiss.

If they called it on Wade, after the reversal and the Allen flop, the refs wouldn't get off the floor alive

[SirFozzie]

(exhales). When I saw that ball go free, my first thought was "You have to be fucking kidding me"

[DaddyTorgo]

Great win by the C's!

I'm sad now that they didn't manage to take Game 2...which they should have. Now they have 2 chances to close it out...

[heybrad]

Maybe I'm just tired but Doris Burke is looking alright!

[Groundhog]

That was some impressive D by the Celtics on that last inbound. Cut off about 4 of the first 5 options on the inbound play and forced a tough 3.