1) Warriors are very fortunate that Tony Allen is injured. Dude was giving them all sorts of trouble.
2) Warriors have one of the best three point shooting squads in the history of the game.
3) Draymond Green is a poor man's Lebron James.
4) I am in Japan, unable to watch the gawdamn playoffs, but I can still son you from overseas.
Big_Stacks"I don't worry about hittin' power, cause I don't give 'em nuttin' to hit." 4,670 Posts
motown67 said:
Stacks
Do you remember when we discussed the Griz's chances in the playoffs in the middle of the regular season? I said that their downfall has been teams being able to break their defense because they can't score enough to keep up if that happens. Well that's what's happened in the last two games. In Game 2 the Warriors panicked. Game 3 Memphis just imposed their will on GS. Now the Warriors have adjusted and it's not just any team the Griz have to keep up with but the best offensive team in the NBA.
Duly noted, and um, yep! The Grizzlies have to slow down the game, tighten up the defense on the perimeter, and stop with the cotdamn turnovers. If not, then they will be fishing with Kenny Smith after game 6. And yes, Jeff Green needs to be more aggressive to help shoulder the scoring load. I have to give GSW their credit, they have played with a lot of heart in this series. They were tested, responded well, and hats off to Steve Kerr for coaching his young charges through the adversity.
Peace,
Big Stacks from Kakalak
Big_Stacks"I don't worry about hittin' power, cause I don't give 'em nuttin' to hit." 4,670 Posts
motown67 said:
Griz need to invest in 1-2 shooters during the summer
I'd also add to waive Nick Calathes. He's awful and I cringe every time he touches the rock.
If the Griz just had one guy that could consistently shoot a 3 they would go from really good to incredible. Last night the Warriors just packed it into the paint and had the smalls consistently leave their men to go for double teams knowing that none of the Griz players they were leaving were going to consistently hit a J.
If the Griz just had one guy that could consistently shoot a 3 they would go from really good to incredible. Last night the Warriors just packed it into the paint and had the smalls consistently leave their men to go for double teams knowing that none of the Griz players they were leaving were going to consistently hit a J.
Ironically, their most consistent perimeter shooter is Z-Bo
Big_Stacks"I don't worry about hittin' power, cause I don't give 'em nuttin' to hit." 4,670 Posts
LaserWolf said:
You can't win championships with out a 3 point game.
Hey LaserWolf,
I wouldn't go that far. The Heat really only had Ray Allen as their most consistent 3-baller. Same with the Bulls and Lakers, they had a guy or two max that could hit 3s. It's really about the execution, and the Grizz didn't get it done in the past 2 games, shitty ball control, (defensive) rebounding, and defense.
Big_Stacks"I don't worry about hittin' power, cause I don't give 'em nuttin' to hit." 4,670 Posts
Hey Motown,
I went to bed at about 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter, thinking the Clips had it sealed. You are right, they're idiots. More than that, they lack killer instinct.
You can't win championships with out a 3 point game.
Hey LaserWolf,
I wouldn't go that far. The Heat really only had Ray Allen as their most consistent 3-baller. Same with the Bulls and Lakers, they had a guy or two max that could hit 3s. It's really about the execution, and the Grizz didn't get it done in the past 2 games, shitty ball control, (defensive) rebounding, and defense.
Peace
Big Stacks from Kakalak
The three ball is crucial.
Ray Allen = one of the best ever.
Rob "Big shot" Horry.
Derek Fisher
Steve Kerr, all time best.
Ginobili has been known to get hot quickly from deep.
All of these dudes had crucial roles in winning multiple titles.
You can't win championships with out a 3 point game.
Hey LaserWolf,
I wouldn't go that far. The Heat really only had Ray Allen as their most consistent 3-baller. Same with the Bulls and Lakers, they had a guy or two max that could hit 3s. It's really about the execution, and the Grizz didn't get it done in the past 2 games, shitty ball control, (defensive) rebounding, and defense.
Peace
Big Stacks from Kakalak
The three ball is crucial.
Ray Allen = one of the best ever.
Rob "Big shot" Horry.
Derek Fisher
Steve Kerr, all time best.
Ginobili has been known to get hot quickly from deep.
All of these dudes had crucial roles in winning multiple titles.
We can name plenty of three point bombers on championship teams of the last 20+ years but it was until recently that the 3 is more utilized/prioritized.
Horry didnt just shoot the 3.
Vernon Maxwell & Kenny Smith were bombers but worked off an Hakeem interior.
Dan Majerlie was shooting deep w/ the Suns but Barkely was the inside threat. Plus Thunder Dan wasnt Jason Kapono.
Kerr and Paxson were a spot up shooters, and didnt shoot volume threes like that.
James Jones from Miami and now w/ the Cavs just shoots the 3.
Larry Bird was a 3 beast but didnt rely on it on some stretch four bullshit.
When Shaq left Kobe had Gasol and I know the Triangle isnt a 3 barrage system.
The games done changed and dudes shoot way more threes now and you need that weapon in your arsensal.
I cant remember the last team that won/finalist when the leading scorer was a three point bomber/Batman.
Bird ( not a specialist) and Reggie (Jalen was the leading scorerby the time they went to the Finals)
If the Warriors get there it would be the first, cause I dont count LeBron and Tony Parker as bombers.
Dirk won when he left the three line and played closer.
The 3 has still been a Robin skill-set.
Mark Price was one the earliest off the dribble three point bomber point guards who still got his team involved.
Just look up the number threes taken by teams in this years playoffs vs the Finalists from '85 -'15.
I went to bed at about 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter, thinking the Clips had it sealed. You are right, they're idiots. More than that, they lack killer instinct.
Peace,
Big Stacks from Kakalak
Didn't watch, but I went to bed with about 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter, thinking the Clips had it sealed. WTF happened. Game 7 should be epic.
After that game, im just penciling in GS in The Finals.
LAC and Houston are too schizophrenic.
Big_Stacks"I don't worry about hittin' power, cause I don't give 'em nuttin' to hit." 4,670 Posts
batmon said:
After that game, im just penciling in GS in The Finals.
LAC and Houston are too schizophrenic.
I just have trouble in believing in Blake Griffin and James Harden as 'Batmen' for their squads (and I've expressed doubts all season long). They just don't seem to be leadership material. Oh, and incidentally, I expect Tom Thibodeaux to get fired early next week.
I thought the Clippers were more balanced. Griffin an important part.
Houston is all Harden all the time. I thought. But the comeback last night might have been with Harden on the bench. Thought I saw that the last time I checked the score last night.
After that game, im just penciling in GS in The Finals.
LAC and Houston are too schizophrenic.
I just have trouble in believing in Blake Griffin and James Harden as 'Batmen' for their squads (and I've expressed doubts all season long). They just don't seem to be leadership material. Oh, and incidentally, I expect Tom Thibodeaux to get fired early next week.
Blake Griffin has come a long long way.
But there is something wrong w/ that roster.
The mix of talent is explosive yet somehow there's something "dumb" about them.
Whereas I dont get "dumb" from Memphis.
As for Chicago, Tom is a great coach who needs a health full season from the roster, and a 3rd helper beside Butler & Rose.
They play D, got big men, versatile guards and have some 3 point ability. I dont know what they could add to put them over the top.
A new coach depending on who they get will change the culture for worse or do what Kerr did after Jackson. Tweak an established culture.
Houston is all Harden all the time. I thought. But the comeback last night might have been with Harden on the bench. Thought I saw that the last time I checked the score last night.
Josh Smith
Big_Stacks"I don't worry about hittin' power, cause I don't give 'em nuttin' to hit." 4,670 Posts
batmon said:
Big_Stacks said:
batmon said:
After that game, im just penciling in GS in The Finals.
LAC and Houston are too schizophrenic.
I just have trouble in believing in Blake Griffin and James Harden as 'Batmen' for their squads (and I've expressed doubts all season long). They just don't seem to be leadership material. Oh, and incidentally, I expect Tom Thibodeaux to get fired early next week.
Blake Griffin has come a long long way.
But there is something wrong w/ that roster.
The mix of talent is explosive yet somehow there's something "dumb" about them.
Whereas I dont get "dumb" from Memphis.
As for Chicago, Tom is a great coach who needs a health full season from the roster, and a 3rd helper beside Butler & Rose.
They play D, got big men, versatile guards and have some 3 point ability. I dont know what they could add to put them over the top.
A new coach depending on who they get will change the culture for worse or do what Kerr did after Jackson. Tweak an established culture.
Great points, Batmon. I too can't put my finger on Chicago's woes other than poor health (and maybe scoring). I agree that they need another scorer to help Rose and Butler. I think they get lax on offensive and defensive execution when they're up, so coaching may be an issue there. From playing, I know that you have to stay focused when you're up, as it's easy to lose your edge under those circumstances. I agree with you that Thibodeaux is a great coach, but I think his window has closed in Chicago (from an upper management perspective). About the Clippers, they just don't execute well at times in spite of their immense talent. Again, as I say, you have to LEARN how to win and that it's not just about talent. It's a mentality you have to have to put out full effort to win at all costs. It reminds me of boxers who lack killer instinct. When you have a fighter going, you have to take them out to prevent their chance of turning the tables. I think this is an aspect of people's (or team's) dispositions. I think of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Kobe Bryant as examples of 'killers' who take opponents down when they're on the ropes. I don't know if that can be taught or is it a matter of having that mentality or not. It's like scrapping where some people let the guy get up off the floor, while others kick the shit out of them until the fight is broken up (I'm in the latter camp, fo sho).
Golden State is going to the NBA Finals. Whichever one they get in the Conference Finals, they'll take.
For those that were short-sighted in what you saw during the regular season. that's on you.
Clippers have been stuck in their ways with the same roster for 3 seasons. Nothing new, go read my posts.
Houston is all Harden all the time. I thought. But the comeback last night might have been with Harden on the bench. Thought I saw that the last time I checked the score last night.
Josh Smith
um, no.
Dude is Lamar Odom without a consistent J or basketball IQ.
I'll say this, I caught fear during game 3. I'm aware of their defense, ball movement, ability to drive (some thought they were all jump shooting). But wasn't sure if they would be able to adjust. Kerr deserves a ton of credit. That dude is a G.
How bad does the NBA want Cleveland in the finals? Can't tell me a GS-ATL final would be good for ratings.
What do you think the NBA is doing/will do to assure Clev makes it?
Big_Stacks"I don't worry about hittin' power, cause I don't give 'em nuttin' to hit." 4,670 Posts
JonnyPaycheck said:
I'll say this, I caught fear during game 3. I'm aware of their defense, ball movement, ability to drive (some thought they were all jump shooting). But wasn't sure if they would be able to adjust. Kerr deserves a ton of credit. That dude is a G.
How bad does the NBA want Cleveland in the finals? Can't tell me a GS-ATL final would be good for ratings.
Hey Jonny,
As you said, GSW weathered the storm and Kerr made very sound adjustments to overcome Memphis. The youngins stepped up on the defense, attacked the basket, and peppered in jumpers at better times than in Games 2 and 3. As far as the jump shooting goes, I just thought GSW relied upon it too much given their athleticism which allows them to attack the rim (and get on the foul line). They balanced it out better from Game 4 onward. I don't think the Clippers or the Rockets have solid enough execution on the offensive or defensive ends to beat GSW. Plus, I don't think the two teams have the personnel to overcome their fundamental weaknesses. So, GSW is very likely to end up in the finals unless they have some sort of unforeseen meltdown. The only issue is that both LAC and Houston have better athleticism to deal with them on the perimeter if they somehow decide to become better defensive teams virtually overnight (unlikely to happen). I can't call Atlanta versus Cleveland yet, I have to mull over it a bit. I think Atlanta has the talent advantage, but LeBron is likely to be LeBron and compensate for their shortcomings in talent.
Comments
1) Warriors are very fortunate that Tony Allen is injured. Dude was giving them all sorts of trouble.
2) Warriors have one of the best three point shooting squads in the history of the game.
3) Draymond Green is a poor man's Lebron James.
4) I am in Japan, unable to watch the gawdamn playoffs, but I can still son you from overseas.
Duly noted, and um, yep! The Grizzlies have to slow down the game, tighten up the defense on the perimeter, and stop with the cotdamn turnovers. If not, then they will be fishing with Kenny Smith after game 6. And yes, Jeff Green needs to be more aggressive to help shoulder the scoring load. I have to give GSW their credit, they have played with a lot of heart in this series. They were tested, responded well, and hats off to Steve Kerr for coaching his young charges through the adversity.
Peace,
Big Stacks from Kakalak
Peace,
Big Stacks from Kakalak
Ironically, their most consistent perimeter shooter is Z-Bo
Just trying to figure it out.
Hey LaserWolf,
I wouldn't go that far. The Heat really only had Ray Allen as their most consistent 3-baller. Same with the Bulls and Lakers, they had a guy or two max that could hit 3s. It's really about the execution, and the Grizz didn't get it done in the past 2 games, shitty ball control, (defensive) rebounding, and defense.
Peace
Big Stacks from Kakalak
I went to bed at about 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter, thinking the Clips had it sealed. You are right, they're idiots. More than that, they lack killer instinct.
Peace,
Big Stacks from Kakalak
The three ball is crucial.
Ray Allen = one of the best ever.
Rob "Big shot" Horry.
Derek Fisher
Steve Kerr, all time best.
Ginobili has been known to get hot quickly from deep.
All of these dudes had crucial roles in winning multiple titles.
We can name plenty of three point bombers on championship teams of the last 20+ years but it was until recently that the 3 is more utilized/prioritized.
Horry didnt just shoot the 3.
Vernon Maxwell & Kenny Smith were bombers but worked off an Hakeem interior.
Dan Majerlie was shooting deep w/ the Suns but Barkely was the inside threat. Plus Thunder Dan wasnt Jason Kapono.
Kerr and Paxson were a spot up shooters, and didnt shoot volume threes like that.
James Jones from Miami and now w/ the Cavs just shoots the 3.
Larry Bird was a 3 beast but didnt rely on it on some stretch four bullshit.
When Shaq left Kobe had Gasol and I know the Triangle isnt a 3 barrage system.
The games done changed and dudes shoot way more threes now and you need that weapon in your arsensal.
I cant remember the last team that won/finalist when the leading scorer was a three point bomber/Batman.
Bird ( not a specialist) and Reggie (Jalen was the leading scorerby the time they went to the Finals)
If the Warriors get there it would be the first, cause I dont count LeBron and Tony Parker as bombers.
Dirk won when he left the three line and played closer.
The 3 has still been a Robin skill-set.
Mark Price was one the earliest off the dribble three point bomber point guards who still got his team involved.
Just look up the number threes taken by teams in this years playoffs vs the Finalists from '85 -'15.
Didn't watch, but I went to bed with about 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter, thinking the Clips had it sealed. WTF happened. Game 7 should be epic.
LAC and Houston are too schizophrenic.
Peace,
Big Stacks from Kakalak
Houston is all Harden all the time. I thought. But the comeback last night might have been with Harden on the bench. Thought I saw that the last time I checked the score last night.
Anyway, schizoid.
Blake Griffin has come a long long way.
But there is something wrong w/ that roster.
The mix of talent is explosive yet somehow there's something "dumb" about them.
Whereas I dont get "dumb" from Memphis.
As for Chicago, Tom is a great coach who needs a health full season from the roster, and a 3rd helper beside Butler & Rose.
They play D, got big men, versatile guards and have some 3 point ability. I dont know what they could add to put them over the top.
A new coach depending on who they get will change the culture for worse or do what Kerr did after Jackson. Tweak an established culture.
Josh Smith
Great points, Batmon. I too can't put my finger on Chicago's woes other than poor health (and maybe scoring). I agree that they need another scorer to help Rose and Butler. I think they get lax on offensive and defensive execution when they're up, so coaching may be an issue there. From playing, I know that you have to stay focused when you're up, as it's easy to lose your edge under those circumstances. I agree with you that Thibodeaux is a great coach, but I think his window has closed in Chicago (from an upper management perspective). About the Clippers, they just don't execute well at times in spite of their immense talent. Again, as I say, you have to LEARN how to win and that it's not just about talent. It's a mentality you have to have to put out full effort to win at all costs. It reminds me of boxers who lack killer instinct. When you have a fighter going, you have to take them out to prevent their chance of turning the tables. I think this is an aspect of people's (or team's) dispositions. I think of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Kobe Bryant as examples of 'killers' who take opponents down when they're on the ropes. I don't know if that can be taught or is it a matter of having that mentality or not. It's like scrapping where some people let the guy get up off the floor, while others kick the shit out of them until the fight is broken up (I'm in the latter camp, fo sho).
Peace,
Big Stacks from Kakalak
Crazy.
For those that were short-sighted in what you saw during the regular season. that's on you.
Clippers have been stuck in their ways with the same roster for 3 seasons. Nothing new, go read my posts.
um, no.
Dude is Lamar Odom without a consistent J or basketball IQ.
How bad does the NBA want Cleveland in the finals? Can't tell me a GS-ATL final would be good for ratings.
Hey Jonny,
As you said, GSW weathered the storm and Kerr made very sound adjustments to overcome Memphis. The youngins stepped up on the defense, attacked the basket, and peppered in jumpers at better times than in Games 2 and 3. As far as the jump shooting goes, I just thought GSW relied upon it too much given their athleticism which allows them to attack the rim (and get on the foul line). They balanced it out better from Game 4 onward. I don't think the Clippers or the Rockets have solid enough execution on the offensive or defensive ends to beat GSW. Plus, I don't think the two teams have the personnel to overcome their fundamental weaknesses. So, GSW is very likely to end up in the finals unless they have some sort of unforeseen meltdown. The only issue is that both LAC and Houston have better athleticism to deal with them on the perimeter if they somehow decide to become better defensive teams virtually overnight (unlikely to happen). I can't call Atlanta versus Cleveland yet, I have to mull over it a bit. I think Atlanta has the talent advantage, but LeBron is likely to be LeBron and compensate for their shortcomings in talent.
Peace,
Big Stacks from Kakalak