2013-14 Playoffs: Thoughts and even some Predictions

[spreedom]

Here are the match ups for the postseason this year:

East
Indiana vs. Atlanta
Chicago vs. Washington
Toronto vs. Brooklyn
Miami vs. Charlotte


West
San Antonio vs. Dallas
Houston vs. Portland
LA Clippers vs. Golden State
OKC vs. Memphis

[spreedom]

My predictions:

East
Indy in 5
Chicago in 5
Brooklyn in 6
Miami in 4 (tempted to go 5, but the Heat are just going to load up on Jefferson and dare the Bobcats to make threes)
---
Chicago in 6
Miami in 5
---
Miami in 6

West
San Antonio in 5
Houston in 7
LAC in 6
OKC in 5
---
San Antonio in 5
LAC in 7
---
San Antonio in 6

Finals
San Antonio in 6

[twelli]

Dallas in 7
Dallas in 7
Dallas in 7
Dallas in 7

[NewMexiMav]

Originally Posted by twelli

Dallas in 7
Dallas in 7
Dallas in 7
Dallas in 7

Rep

[DevinHarriswillstart]

So glad the Clippers lost. This is what classy players like Griffin do after getting their sixth foul...

[Underdog]

Blake Griffin is a one-trick, overrated bitch.

[EricaLubarsky]

Calathes is juicing. Anyone see that?

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Calathes is juicing. Anyone see that?

Yep, 20 game suspension. Takes the sting off of trading his rights after the season he just had.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Ins't throwing water on someone assault? Just sayin'...

[EricaLubarsky]

Too bad we aren't in the East. Top 2 teams there are looking awful.

[sike]

Love the Warriors and ATL taking game 1 vs the Clips and the Pacers!!!

Memphis still with a shot at game 1 vs the Thunder.

[LonghornDub]

I'll cheat a bit and post my predictions even though the first four games have already been played:

West

Spurs def. Mavs 4-0
Thunder def. Grizzlies 4-2
Clippers def. Warriors 4-3
Rockets def. Blazers 4-3

Spurs def. Rockets 4-2
Thunder def. Clippers 4-1

Thunder def. Spurs 4-2

East

Pacers def. Hawks 4-2
Heat def. Bobcats 4-0
Nets def. Raptors 4-1
Bulls def. Wizards 4-2

Heat def. Nets 4-2
Bulls def. Pacers 4-2

Heat def. Bulls 4-1

Finals

Thunder def. Heat 4-3

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

I'll cheat a bit and post my predictions even though the first four games have already been played:

West

Spurs def. Mavs 4-0
Thunder def. Grizzlies 4-2
Clippers def. Warriors 4-3
Rockets def. Blazers 4-3

Spurs def. Rockets 4-2
Thunder def. Clippers 4-1

Thunder def. Spurs 4-2

East

Pacers def. Hawks 4-2
Heat def. Bobcats 4-0
Nets def. Raptors 4-1
Bulls def. Wizards 4-2

Heat def. Nets 4-2
Bulls def. Pacers 4-2

Heat def. Bulls 4-1

Finals

Thunder def. Heat 4-3

Your spelling sucks - "Spurs" and "Thunder" is not how you spell "Mavs."

[spreedom]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

So glad the Clippers lost. This is what classy players like Griffin do after getting their sixth foul...

Thought it was a bad call on Griffin... among other ticky-tack fouls that really could have gone uncalled.

And seriously, Blake is as annoying as any NBA player ever, but are we really calling him a one-trick pony now?

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by spreedom

Thought it was a bad call on Griffin... among other ticky-tack fouls that really could have gone uncalled.

And seriously, Blake is as annoying as any NBA player ever, but are we really calling him a one-trick pony now?

UD called him a one-trick pony. I called him classless.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

UD called him a one-trick pony. I called him classless.

He is a one-trick pony... Water over the shoulder is easy - I bet he couldn't do a decent spit take if his life depended on it.

[EricaLubarsky]

NBA missed another call benefitting the Warriors that would have changed the game. Good job, NBA>

[Jack.Kerr]

Blake Griffin: Overrated or Underachieving?

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

NBA missed another call benefitting the Warriors that would have changed the game. Good job, NBA>

The league is going overboard with this now. Its debatable that it was even a foul. Paul was already losing control of the ball- in part because he was in the middle of his patented flail flop routine. So happy to see that little troll choke on two(un)clutch ft's too.

I hope the Warriors take Game 2 and dispatch of these clowns so Blake and CP can go back to making cheesy commercials. Just watched that Bad Boys 30 for 30. Those dudes would've made Blake pee his pants. Rick Mahorn would have squeezed him like a pimple. Biggest front-running flopping whiners in the league

[spreedom]

Originally Posted by mac222b

The league is going overboard with this now. Its debatable that it was even a foul. Paul was already losing control of the ball- in part because he was in the middle of his patented flail flop routine. So happy to see that little troll choke on two(un)clutch ft's too.

I hope the Warriors take Game 2 and dispatch of these clowns so Blake and CP can go back to making cheesy commercials. Just watched that Bad Boys 30 for 30. Those dudes would've made Blake pee his pants. Rick Mahorn would have squeezed him like a pimple. Biggest front-running flopping whiners in the league

I barely consider most of the Bad Boys' defensive tactics to be real basketball. Cheapshot artists that happened to be basketball players.

[Jack.Kerr]

Originally Posted by mac222b

The league is going overboard with this now. Its debatable that it was even a foul. Paul was already losing control of the ball- in part because he was in the middle of his patented flail flop routine. So happy to see that little troll choke on two(un)clutch ft's too.

Agree. Runner-up for the best non-call was Harden's flop on a fastbreak, which the officials properly ignored, allowing a breaking TrailBlazer to go in for a dunk. Ignore the flopping and flailing and it will stop when players see that it results in no advantage.

I hope the Warriors take Game 2 and dispatch of these clowns so Blake and CP can go back to making cheesy commercials. Just watched that Bad Boys 30 for 30. Those dudes would've made Blake pee his pants. Rick Mahorn would have squeezed him like a pimple. Biggest front-running flopping whiners in the league

Agree. Much tougher league 25 years ago. Had gotten a bit out of hand by the time the NBA finally cracked down, but....it was brutal for a time there.

[Underdog]

Man, I really like how Memphis is built right now... The moves they've made this season have really bolstered their playoff presence, even if they don't beat OKC.

[sike]

And the Grizz take a game in OKC. Series tied 1-1.

[sefant77]

Thunder never gonna win with the Durant%Westbrook combo...their offense is terrible...

Should have dumped Westbrook to NO when Paul wanted there out. And then amnesty Perkins and keep Harden

Paul
Harden
Durant
Collison
Ibaka

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by sefant77

Thunder never gonna win with the Durant%Westbrook combo...their offense is terrible...

Should have dumped Westbrook to NO when Paul wanted there out. And then amnesty Perkins and keep Harden

Paul
Harden
Durant
Collison
Ibaka

They should've taken that Rondo-for-Westbrook offer from Boston a few years back and paired a pass-first, defensive-minded PG with Durant... Not that Durant/Paul wouldn't have been an awesome combo, but Rondo was actually on the table.

[spreedom]

I don't disagree that Rondo might be a better fit next to Durant (though I think he might create some spacing issues since he is a poor perimeter shooter) but I really think the biggest problem for OKC is that Scotty Brooks isn't a very creative coach. He rarely draws up plays for open looks out of timeouts, and most of the team's late-game possessions are very predictable, with Durant or Westbrook having to create off the dribble 95% of the time.

OKC would have at least one title by now if they had a play caller like Carlisle. As much as we might complain about late-game offense, Carlisle is probably the best at drawing up plays out of timeouts and dead balls. Watching the Thunder, with all of their offensive talent, is frustrating to me as a basketball fan because they just don't do anything special with the handful of gifted offensive players that they have.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by spreedom

I don't disagree that Rondo might be a better fit next to Durant (though I think he might create some spacing issues since he is a poor perimeter shooter) but I really think the biggest problem for OKC is that Scotty Brooks isn't a very creative coach. He rarely draws up plays for open looks out of timeouts, and most of the team's late-game possessions are very predictable, with Durant or Westbrook having to create off the dribble 95% of the time.

OKC would have at least one title by now if they had a play caller like Carlisle. As much as we might complain about late-game offense, Carlisle is probably the best at drawing up plays out of timeouts and dead balls. Watching the Thunder, with all of their offensive talent, is frustrating to me as a basketball fan because they just don't do anything special with the handful of gifted offensive players that they have.

Excellent post.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Man, I really like how Memphis is built right now... The moves they've made this season have really bolstered their playoff presence, even if they don't beat OKC.

The Courtney Lee, Mike Miller and even Udrih! moves were stellar indeed.
less Tayshaun Prince goes along way. Not sure if that makes sense? Man he fell off a cliff

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by sike

And the Grizz take a game in OKC. Series tied 1-1.

That game was epic and unreal. So many swings. Even my girlfriend, who knows and cares to know nothing about basketball, was riveted. God knows I have suffered through my share of Grey's Anantomy....

Anyone else think that Durant shot should NOT have counted?! He hadnt begun his shooting motion when he got bumped. Just because the whole thing had an insane degree of difficulty and looked cool shouldnt blind the refs to that fact.

Haven't heard anyone else mention this(neither of the announcers did)

[dude1394]

Good grief. Chicago and Washington starting at 9:30 pm. That is stinking ridiculous.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Pretty cool seeing Nene be the X factor in that series. Chicago might get swept if they don't make adjustments.

[sefant77]

James Harden showing why he is a flopping disgrace of the game. Blazers gonna win this series...have fun being stuck with Harden and Dwight, Houston. You deserve this.

Nice post from RealGM

its the emptiest 25 ppg you'll ever get, he actively tries to go for the foul rather than trying to make the shot, it may work at times but what about the times it doesnt work? ive seen the dude cost the rockets games because he tries to draw a foul rather than trying to get a good shot off, and that type of play does not translate into the playoffs when the refs will swallow their whistles more often, he plays zero defense, makes zero cuts to the basket, i dont see him set screens, i dont see him come off of screens, those last two is more bad coaching but some on the onus needs to be put on him for his lack of effort, when he doesnt have the ball his offense consists of standing 3 feet behind the 3 point line with his arms at his sides not in a ready position, his go to move is to ref bait and snap his head back, jump into traffic to draw a foul or extend his arms in the hope that some will reach in, the euro step and a step back jumper, hes the type of dude that can average 25 in the nba but he would be garbage in a pick up game because his game is garbage, the guy averages more freethrow makes per game than he does field goals per game in both the playoffs and the regular season, thats insane, and proves the point that he plays for the foul rather than playing for the shot, i like the 6 assists per game in the regular season but it hasn't carried over in the playoffs, a star player raises his game in the post season, james harden has not done that as the star player of the rockets

[sefant77]

And in other news:

LMA has Dirks 2011 cheat code so far in this playoffs. Dude is nailing jumper after jumper

[sefant77]

Epic...the Rockets are just an overall dumb and overrated team

Harden shows again that he is just a limited flopper. Terrible off the ball, terrible defense...horrible body language (specially after b2b TO with 2min to go).

Game is close in the last minute and after scoring he just let Matthews run in their half and give him a layup after a long Lillard pass. Then Lin fouls with being 3 down but 31 seconds to play. Incredible stupid. And then Harden fouls out with an offense foul off the ball...epic. Clutchfans should be exploding

[DevinHarriswillstart]

And now the Rockets will face the wrath of the Moda Center.

Hey Dwight...still feeling good about that decision?

Ben Golliver ✔ @BenGolliver
In 2014 playoffs, only 2 players to attempt at least 19 shots and shoot less than 33 percent are James Harden (Gm 1) & James Harden (Gm 2)

[Dirkadirkastan]

When was the last time more road teams lead 2-0 than home teams in the first round? Has that ever happened?

[Sportstudi]

Originally Posted by sefant77

James Harden showing why he is a flopping disgrace of the game. Blazers gonna win this series...have fun being stuck with Harden and Dwight, Houston. You deserve this.

Nice post from RealGM

Another post from RealGM, perfectly describing Harden's "ability" to play basketball.

Harden's whole game is predicated on free throws and 3 pointers. Well, in the playoffs, the refs aren't giving him the whistle on his flop-on-every-drive style of play, and the perimeter defense tightens up and doesn't give as many clean looks from long distance. The playoffs take away the two incredible strengths of his game.

In OKC, he was still mostly effective in the playoffs (the 2012 Finals notwithstanding) because KD and Westbrook got most of the defense's attention. In Houston, he is getting the #1 guy type of defensive treatment. And it's hurting Houston a lot.

And that's not even bringing up his defense, or lack thereof.

If Adams turns out to be the quality 7 footer that OKC has looked for since forever (he looks pretty impressive thus far) and if Lamb turns out to be a decent rotation player, that trade won't be nearly as lopsided as it once seemed. The Thunder also have the #21 pick in this year's draft as a result of that trade as well.

Harden is still going to be better than any of those guys, but his disappearing act on the most important stage is becoming a thing. And what good is being a superstar for 82 games if you become an ordinary player for games 83-86?

You can also add that he has basically excluded the long 2 from his game to inflate his TS%. If you shoot only FT's (given you can convert 80% or more) at a high rate in addition with many 3's it really boosts your TS% although you ain't even a good shooter.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

When was the last time more road teams lead 2-0 than home teams in the first round? Has that ever happened?

Well it should give hope to teams that decide not to tank.

[TripleDipping]

Houston is done. McHale looks clueless yesterday. Or maybe that's just how he looks period.

[Dirkadirkastan]

Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

When was the last time more road teams lead 2-0 than home teams in the first round? Has that ever happened?

Just found this. It is indeed a first.