The Clippers aren’t all flash and no substance. What they are is top heavy. Their starters are one of the best in the league, but their bench has needed work in the last few years. Paul Pierce didn’t end up playing much after excelling last year on the Wizards, Smith, Stevenson, Davis all pretty much washed out, so we really only have Jamal Crawford. Austin Rivers has been a steal though, credit to Doc for trusting his son, and Jeff Green seems like a great player half the time. But shit, its the Clippers curse, the ghost of Donald Sterling still haunts this franchise
J.J. Reddick gets props for his long ball, although his heel problems seem to be throwing him off his stroke. Crawford is a real threat. I think Rivers’ inside game is going to hit a brick wall in the next game, however.
Yeah, I don’t give them much chance to win the series. However, the Blazers played terribly in LA during games 1 and 2, so maybe the Clippers will still win. But without Paul and Griffin, they have zero chance of beating the Warriors
Yeah, the bench didn’t show up in the first two games, and barely showed up in game three. If it hadn’t been for C.J. and Dame stepping up (finally), it would have been 3-0 and all over regardless of injuries. Alan Crabbe seems to be back on his game, which is good, as I don’t trust Aminu to be consistent in his shooting. Plumlee is really showing his worth in this series, although any shot from further than 6 inches is usually a brick. :smack:
So despite Jason Terry’s personal guarantee of a Rockets victory, the Warriors completely dismantled and embarrassed Houston to finish off that series. Without Curry.
The Blazers took care of business against a depleted Clippers team. And Charlotte went up 3-2 over Miami, which is interesting because a lot of people think Miami is the toughest matchup for Cleveland in the East.
The Blazers’ win certainly wasn’t a cakewalk. They managed to barely stay on top much of the game against a determined Clippers defense and with poor shooting on both sides (especially Crawford), and only really surged in the second half of the 4th quarter. My misgivings about Aminu proved correct and Henderson continues to heave up clangers. Plumlee had his third double-double for the series despite Jordan’s huge presence. They really need to sew this thing up tomorrow night at home, but it’s going to take better than 30% shooting. Then they’ll only have to worry about GSW. :eek:
Oh, Al-Farouq Aminu is the most inconsistent player in the league. Dude could go for 30/10 (as in the previous game) or 4/4 on any given night.
His saving grace is his fierce defensive game. He causes a lot of headaches for even much larger guys. But yeah, he’s frustrating to watch, as you never know who is going to show up. I think Mo Harkless is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Stotts should have started him long ago instead of Noah Vonleh, who proved nigh-on useless.
The Hawks finished off the Celtics in the only game last night. Gotta say I’m a little surprised at that series. That game was in Boston last night, too. Doesn’t really matter as they were playing to be the team that gets bounced by the Cavs anyway.
What were you expecting?
Especially after the Celtics’ injuries, this seems about what most people thought would happen for the series. And of course, despite a couple of large Atlanta wins, it was only two points away from going to seven games.
They tried their best to lose this one, but despite Aminu throwing the ball away at every opportunity, the Blazers managed to pull it out of their asses in the final minute. Now, on to GSW with no rest to speak of. Game one on Monday. I’m expecting a sweep, but am hoping the Blazers can give them a fight.
Wow, what a blowout. Aldridge had a great game. Let’s see if Portland can do the same to GSW today.
Ah, who am I kidding. . .
The Spurs were actually outscored in the 2nd half - their halftime lead was 40. Have no idea what happened to OKC in the first half (Kawhi and Aldridge most likely), but OKC seemed to put it behind them.
Well, that was just sad. Green is one of the best all-around players I’ve seen. Still, 12 points isn’t a rout.
It really wasn’t that close IMHO - some garbage time make up. That was functionally a 17-20 point loss, I think.
ETA: I should add I do expect the Blazers to do a little better going forward.
This playoffs have been horrible. Can we just fast forward to the Spurs/GS series and then stop after that?
You’re right, but allow me my fantasy, please. Damian had 30 with a head cold, so I think things will improve. Crabbe had a good game, McCollum fell on his ass, and Henderson got himself ejected for squabbling. It would be nice if they could steal one in GS before Curry gets back in the lineup, but can’t do it if that sort of play continues.
I guess I just don’t think much of Atlanta and I certainly didn’t think Avery Bradley would be such a huge loss to Boston.
No kidding. The NBA has become pretty top heavy in recent years. Eight playoff teams from each conference is just unnecessary.
If the participation in this thread is any indication, basketball may be going the way of the dodo.
The playoffs, as mentioned, are a joke, from the quantity of teams playing to the never-ending seven-game series bullshit. Then you have teams like the Blazers who managed to squeak out four against LA, and then having to travel the next day to start another series against the top-rated team in the nation, with little time for rest or scouting reviews.