Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

[cima]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

I wouldn't say having to guard LeBron in the post was taking a toll on him. He just never got in any sort of rhythm on offense from jump. They came down turning the ball over with lackadaisical passing yet again and nobody could knock down a shot for like the first two quarters pretty much. That's not to take away from LeBron's performance, but Jimmy was pretty much off from the start of the game, so guarding LeBron in the post wasn't the problem.

It wasn't the main factor but I would't dismiss it so quickly; it certainly was a contributing factor to his overall mediocre performance.

But obviously it wasn't just him, they turned the ball over on almost every one of their first 5 possessions. Gasol dribbling off his foot...just ugly all around. Well at least both teams got this out of their system. I have a feeling game 3 will go down to the wire.

[JODYE]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

He just gonna act like his hair plugs had nothing to do with him not using the headband though lol

I'm not a huge fan of that +/- stat, especially when one player is exceptionally skewed because it doesn't tell the whole story. I think it is useful when averaging out a particular lineup, but isolating it individually it's very flawed.

That said, I thought the Cavs as a whole did a much better job being aggressive, and were looking into pushing it in transition more often than in Game 1. This really is where LeBron is at his best. When he as a full head of steam going at the basket where he can either attack the rim or kick it out to the wings for open looks.

I thought in iso situations Butler did a great job on LeBron (they gave him a couple bail out fouls), but the thing that the Cavs did well was run more pick and rolls below the 3 point line to get LeBron a little more separation and this afforded him more looks at the rim. Couple that with pretty uninspired help defense and slow rotations (a stark contrast from Game 1) and you'll have last night's result offensively.

[The 24th Letter]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

Jimmy has that strip of LeBron on the way up down to a science...He get's him like twice a game it seems...

Also, do we see any star look visibly tired more than LeBron? He's in good shape, everyone knows about his training regimen...I don't get it...guess that's just the way he's built..

[jeebs9]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

One of the thing I still don't understand what the Bulls do. Is forcing LeBron to his left hand. It's already been proven it doesn't work. Why not just play him straight up?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VrW08_9FL5g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And then someone reminded me of this....

Spoiler

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/60Sdo6tz5Yg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[cima]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

Jimmy has that strip of LeBron on the way up down to a science...He get's him like twice a game it seems...

Also, do we see any star look visibly tired more than LeBron? He's in good shape, everyone knows about his training regimen...I don't get it...guess that's just the way he's built..

It must be, his build is pretty much a clone of Karl Malone. I'm sure if Malone was running around like LeBron does, he would have been fatigued and cramping as well. Just so much force and speed from a body that shouldn't be capable of it.

[wwharton]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

One of the thing I still don't understand what the Bulls do. Is forcing LeBron to his left hand. It's already been proven it doesn't work. Why not just play him straight up?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VrW08_9FL5g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And then someone reminded me of this....

Spoiler

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/60Sdo6tz5Yg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What does "work" mean? Lebron is tough to guard no matter your approach, but there are things he does better than others. If I have a good defensive team, I personally would coach to force EVERY player to their weaker hand because if everyone is doing their job, it makes it easier for the guys behind to get in the right place to help... and also cuts off half the court if you're inviting the offense to be run to one side and the PG/dribbler takes it.

Also, if bodied up with the defender, it's more difficult for a right handed shooter to create contact and get a pull up jumper if driving left. There are other benefits too... it's not just "Lebron can't go left". Hell, he's actually left handed.

[jeebs9]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

What does "work" mean? Lebron is tough to guard no matter your approach, but there are things he does better than others. If I have a good defensive team, I personally would coach to force EVERY player to their weaker hand because if everyone is doing their job, it makes it easier for the guys behind to get in the right place to help... and also cuts off half the court if you're inviting the offense to be run to one side and the PG/dribbler takes it.

Also, if bodied up with the defender, it's more difficult for a right handed shooter to create contact and get a pull up jumper if driving left. There are other benefits too... it's not just "Lebron can't go left". Hell, he's actually left handed.

I totally understand those things you mention. I was just trying to say he is left handed lol

[wwharton]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

I totally understand those things you mention. I was just trying to say he is left handed lol

lol okay then, gotcha.

I will say that it's a fun fact but really no more than that. I'm actually left handed but my right is my dominant hand when playing sports too. There isn't much of an advantage to it without the same development that anyone else would have with their off hand. I think the bottom line is Lebron is big and fast and can get by you going either way... you are at a huge disadvantage if you just leave it up to him to decide which way to go (play him straight up). If you try to force him one way you (and everyone behind you) at least have an idea of what he's going to try to do. If you're going to pick a side, you pick his off-hand.

[areobee401]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

@MrMichaelLee John Wall has been diagnosed with five non-displaced fractures in his left hand. His playing status has yet to be determined #wizards

Ouch

[23]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

How'd he do that

[King_B_Mack]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

lol okay then, gotcha.



I will say that it's a fun fact but really no more than that. I'm actually left handed but my right is my dominant hand when playing sports too. There isn't much of an advantage to it without the same development that anyone else would have with their off hand. I think the bottom line is Lebron is big and fast and can get by you going either way... you are at a huge disadvantage if you just leave it up to him to decide which way to go (play him straight up). If you try to force him one way you (and everyone behind you) at least have an idea of what he's going to try to do. If you're going to pick a side, you pick his off-hand.

I thought i was the only weirdo out there. I'm right handed and when I play ball, I'm usually using my right hand for shooting, but then my left is more dominant on drives, lay ups and such.


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[aholbert32]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

@MrMichaelLee John Wall has been diagnosed with five non-displaced fractures in his left hand. His playing status has yet to be determined #wizards

Ouch

Well ****. Whats the likelihood he plays again this series. Is a soft cast a possibility?

[jeebs9]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

WTF!!! How did John hurt himself that badly?.... Basketball gods.... If you see this message. Please put a soft case on his wrist please!

[JODYE]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

I think I read somewhere that he had stated that there wasn't much pain after the fall, but was more so worried about his effectiveness and lack of mobility.

Not sure if a soft cast makes those things any better.

[aholbert32]

Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - 2nd Round Discussion Thread

I think I read somewhere that he had stated that there wasn't much pain after the fall, but was more so worried about his effectiveness and lack of mobility.

Not sure if a soft cast makes those things any better.

My concern is the swelling. Thats what kept him out of game 2. He couldnt palm the ball with his left and didnt feel in control. I dont know how you keep the swelling down when he is going to constantly contact that hand with the ball and other people.