Cleveland just set a record for worst combined point difference during a series that they won. Doesn't bode well for the future. I bet they'll get past the 76ers (new guys' first time on the block) or Boston (super depleted) in round 3 if they make it, but I'm not sure they'll get past Toronto in round 2. On a general note, I'm watching less than before even though I haven't stopped watching altogether. The officiating is so inconsistent from one play to the next and the style of play is less fun as well. It's usually easier to settle for a half-decent 3 than it is to get a wide open 2 or a shot at the rim, so you're getting more points for less work. I know the analogy doesn't quite work, but it's almost like watching an NFL game where field goals are worth more than touchdowns.
That is a funny post, and I don't live in Houston anymore, but I-45 was under construction for about 20 years straight, so it's hard to think of it as the poster child of "finished."
Esp that section from south of downtown to Galveston. It was under construction when I was a little kid and they are still working on it today.
Golden State may still win it all due to having by far the most talented roster, but man, they sure fall apart quick when they are losing. I get that Draymond Green will always be a punk because that's just who he is as a person, but seeing Kevin Durant become one this season has been kind of sad. Those guys can dish it out, but can't take it.
I thought PJ was more or less the size of Charles Barkley, but Charles looks WAY bigger, and I don't just mean the weight he's put on.
The "metagame" of the NBA certainly has helped out PJ Tucker quite a bit (not to discount his own drive and hard work and such). Tweeners are a lot more welcome or even needed than they used to be.
Another consequence of the new reliance on the 3 point shot - there's a higher variance involved in 3s than in 2s, and so with everyone depending on 3s so much, games are more likely to be blowouts one way or the other
I was just thinking about this this morning! These teams have difficulty manufacturing points when the rainbows aren't falling.
Golden State does have probably 3 of the best 5 or 6 3-point shooters in the NBA, so naturally, they do shoot lots of 3s, but they shoot a dang lot of 15-foot jump shots--usually pretty open--and layups off of great movement and passing.
I just mean that such a high percentage of their shot attempts (not just the Warriors, pretty much everyone's) are 3's, such that games are more likely to be blowouts than they used to. Even in the 2016 Finals, game 7 while freaking amazing was really the only good game of the series.
"Statalyzer, post: 1577504, member: 15414"]Actually I love Curry's reaction there.” He is either: 1. Impressed and giving CP3 a peer-to-peer acknowledgment 2. Amused that CP3 thinks he’s in Curry’s league by making a couple of lucky 3s, or 3. Remembering the CP3 voodoo doll in his gym bag and in that moment deciding to tweak its hamstring.[/QUOTE]
Jalen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Terryville Rozier combined to shoot 8 of 42 last night. Boston is my title favorite next year but the young guys weren't up to it in their first time on the big stage, which is pretty normal (eg OKC in the 2012 Finals). And I hope I'm wrong but I don' see tonight being a good game without Chris Paul. A team that has 4 of the 5 best players between the two teams should never lose a game 7 and it really shouldn't be close.
The best two teams on each side won. I agree with you, Stat, that Boston is in the driver's seat next season with Uncle Drew and Hayward back. I think Brook Lopez would be the perfect addition for them. "3 and D (rim protector)" stretch 5, but maybe Monroe wants to stay. Kyrie/Jaylen/Tatum/Hayward/Horford as their normal lineup with Smart/Rozier/Lopez getting the lion's share of bench minutes. A healthy Boston is set.
Mavs seem to be attempting the Philly-style rebuild. It took the Sixers 5 horrendous seasons to get where they are today. Mavs just finished "season 2" of the effort. They need to dump contracts like Powell and McRoberts to get to the next step of the effort. Drafting Bamba seems like the right move as well. Also need another PG through trade or free agency.