2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

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What's gonna happen?

Celtics in 4
0
No votes
Celtics in 5
0
No votes
Celtics in 6
1
7%
Celtics in 7
3
20%
Cavaliers in 4
3
20%
Cavaliers in 5
1
7%
Cavaliers in 6
4
27%
Cavaliers in 7
1
7%
To fill the week-long gap between the conference finals and NBA Finals, Boston and Houston play a series for third place
0
No votes
Isaiah Thomas on LeBron's title chances: "I don't know who the fuck that is."
2
13%
 
Total votes : 15

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Dee4Three on Mon May 14, 2018 7:51 am

I Hate Mondays wrote:I'm honestly taking the Celtics over the Cavaliers right now as the East team with the slightest chance to compete with whatever team is emerging from the West.


One game changed your above opinion about it being a cakewalk for the Cavs?

I mean, it was a convincing win. So I see why. The Celtics just play really well together, defensively and offensively.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby I Hate Mondays on Mon May 14, 2018 8:05 am

Dee4Three wrote:
I Hate Mondays wrote:I'm honestly taking the Celtics over the Cavaliers right now as the East team with the slightest chance to compete with whatever team is emerging from the West.


One game changed your above opinion about it being a cakewalk for the Cavs?

I mean, it was a convincing win. So I see why. The Celtics just play really well together, defensively and offensively.


That was some trash talk to trigger those crazy Celtics fans haha. I actually have real money on Cavaliers winning in 7. Might've been a bad bargain
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Dee4Three on Mon May 14, 2018 8:10 am

I Hate Mondays wrote:
Dee4Three wrote:
I Hate Mondays wrote:I'm honestly taking the Celtics over the Cavaliers right now as the East team with the slightest chance to compete with whatever team is emerging from the West.


One game changed your above opinion about it being a cakewalk for the Cavs?

I mean, it was a convincing win. So I see why. The Celtics just play really well together, defensively and offensively.


That was some trash talk to trigger those crazy Celtics fans haha. I actually have real money on Cavaliers winning in 7. Might've been a bad bargain


Ha, understood.

Marcus Morris - 20 and 10, with 1 turnover

LeBron James - 15 and 7, with 7 turnovers.

Cleveland will get swept if James gets outplayed by Morris that badly each game. Morris called it leading up to the game, he backed it up.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Sauru on Mon May 14, 2018 8:48 am

dwayne2005 wrote:I read that fact about Isaiah being the most efficient scorer for a player over 25 points per game and took it as fact (already knew it must be wrong when I read it because of Stephen Curry's 2015-16 but I had selective amnesia). This is the list I came up with:

1. Stephen Curry (Warriors) - 66.9%* in 2015-16 sustained for 30.1 points per game (89.9% win-loss over 79 games)
2. Charles Barkley (76ers) - 66.5% in 1987-88 sustained for 28.3 points per game (43.8% win-loss over 80 games)
3. Kevin McHale (Celtics) - 65.5%* in 1986-87 sustained for 26.1 points per game (71.4% win-loss over 77 games)
4. LeBron James (Heat) - 64.9% in 2013-14 sustained for 27.1 points per game (67.5% win-loss over 77 games)
5. Kevin Durant (Thunder) - 63.5%* in 2013-14 sustained for 32.0 points per game (71.6% win-loss over 81 games)
6. Karl Malone (Jazz) - 62.6% in 1989-90 sustaind for 29.3 points per game (67.1% win-loss over 82 games)
7. Isaiah Thomas (Celtics) - 62.5% in 2016-17 sustained for 28.9 points per game (67.1% win-loss over 76 games)
8. Bernard King (Knicks) - 61.9% in 1983-84 sustained for 26.3* points per game (58.4% win-loss over 77 games)
9. James Harden (Rockets) - 61.9% in 2017-18 sustained for 30.4 points per game (81.9% win-loss over 72 games)
10. David Robinson (Spurs) - 61.5% in 1990-91 sustained for 25.6 points per game (67.1% win-loss over 82 games)
11. Michael Jordan (Bulls) - 61.4% in 1988-89 sustained for 32.5 points per game (58.0% win-loss over 81 games)
12. Larry Bird (Celtics) - 61.2% in 1986-87 sustained for 28.1 points per game (73.0% win-loss over 73 games)
13. Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks) - 61.2% in 2010-11 sustained for 23.0 points per game (75.3% win-loss over 73 games)
14. Kyrie Irving (Celtics) - 61.0% in 2017-18 sustained for 24.4 points per game (68.3% win-loss over 60 games)
15. Shaquille O'Neal (Magic) - 60.5% in 1992-93 sustained for 29.3 points per game (60.5% win-loss over 81 games)
16. Klay Thompson (Warriors) - 59.7%* in 2015-16 sustained for 22.1 points per game (88.8% win-loss over 80 games)
17. Kevin Love (Timberwolves) - 59.1%* in 2013-14 sustained for 26.1 points per game (50.6% win-loss over 77 games)
18. George Gervin (Spurs) - 58.7%* in 1979-80 sustained for 33.1 points per game (51.3% win-loss over 78 games)
19. Kobe Bryant (Lakers) - 58.0% in 2006-07 sustained for 27.9 points per game (50.6% win-loss over 77 games)
20. Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets) - 57.7% in 1992-93 sustained for 26.1 points per game (67.1% win-loss over 82 games)
21. Tim Duncan (Spurs) - 57.6% in 2001-02 sustained for 25.5 points per game (70.7% win-loss over 82 games)
22. Dominique Wilkins (Hawks) - 57.0% in 1992-93 sustained for 28.8 points per game (54.9% win-loss over 71 games)
23. Scottie Pippen (Bulls) - 55.5% in 1991-92 sustained for 21.0 points per game (81.7% win-loss over 82 games)
24. Russell Westbrook (Thunder) - 55.4% in 2016-17 sustained for 31.6 points per game (56.8% win-loss over 81 games)

*Curry's peak was 67.5% in 2017-18 and McHale's peak was 65.6% the following season, but they scored about 4 points per game worse so on balance I thought these were better representative seasons. Kevin Durants bests were 64.7% and 65.1% but they were over 6 points per game worse than the given season. Bernard King peaked at 61.9% in 1983-84 but was a significantly better scorer in 1984-85 but I have not included that season since he played only 55 games. George Gervin peaked at 60.4% in 1976-77 but he was about a 10 points per game better scorer in 1979-80. Kevin Love had over 61% this year, but he scored under 18 points per game which is well below the bar I have set here.

He may not have been the most efficient, but the Celtics had one of those players in 2016-17 and you couldn't fault Isaiah for running the offense. I also have a theory great players up their games when teams are jampacked because they need to get their points per game (it may mean they're capable of being even better than they normally are, but they lack motivation). It happened with McHale and LeBron James, and probably Kevin Durant. It might be assumed it has happened with Stephen Curry. In fact, you could easily argue Larry Bird shouldn't have taken so many shots when Kevin McHale was overall a more efficient scorer and they HAD multiple capable scorers, unlike the 2016-17 Celtics.



so what you are saying is michael jordan is the most efficient guard in the history of the nba since anything after hand checking was banned is skewed.


also what a game. thats what i like to see.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Andrew on Mon May 14, 2018 9:03 am

Obviously far from over because we've seen LeBron's teams win a lot of series after losing Game 1, but the Celtics couldn't ask for a better start.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby NovU on Mon May 14, 2018 9:15 am

Seems like the roller coaster season continues for the Cavs. So many big losses and big wins.

Kudos to the Celtics, they played like the championship caliber team.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Sauru on Mon May 14, 2018 10:10 am

NovU wrote:Seems like the roller coaster season continues for the Cavs. So many big losses and big wins.

Kudos to the Celtics, they played like the championship caliber team.



man its messed up. i was so happy to get gordan hayward but now i am wondering if we are doing better because he got hurt? i went from happy as hell to i sort of want to trade him for another piece.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby SoF'nAwesome on Mon May 14, 2018 2:46 pm

Sauru wrote:
NovU wrote:Seems like the roller coaster season continues for the Cavs. So many big losses and big wins.

Kudos to the Celtics, they played like the championship caliber team.



man its messed up. i was so happy to get gordan hayward but now i am wondering if we are doing better because he got hurt? i went from happy as hell to i sort of want to trade him for another piece.

hayward(and kyrie) being absent made room for the rookies and the whole team to grow like they wouldn't have if the stars were around. but next season this team should only get better now that they have had a team with rookies get that playoffs experience of eliminating lebron james. also technically they don't need a new piece, nor hayward they just need brad stevens

next game is game 7 for cavs
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Sauru on Mon May 14, 2018 4:35 pm

SoF'nAwesome wrote:
Sauru wrote:
NovU wrote:Seems like the roller coaster season continues for the Cavs. So many big losses and big wins.

Kudos to the Celtics, they played like the championship caliber team.



man its messed up. i was so happy to get gordan hayward but now i am wondering if we are doing better because he got hurt? i went from happy as hell to i sort of want to trade him for another piece.

hayward(and kyrie) being absent made room for the rookies and the whole team to grow like they wouldn't have if the stars were around. but next season this team should only get better now that they have had a team with rookies get that playoffs experience of eliminating lebron james. also technically they don't need a new piece, nor hayward they just need brad stevens

next game is game 7 for cavs



yeah i was just finding it funny how much of a roller coaster my emotions have been on this season. i was so happy to have landed hayward but now i believe i prefer tatum and brown over him. having all 3? even better
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby NovU on Mon May 14, 2018 10:33 pm

A lot depends on how much Hayward is capable of buying into a great defense Celtics played without him for the season. Celtics have room to improve on offense. Meaning they will probably be fine, Celtics will in my opinion will get better on offense while getting bit worse defensively with Hayward back in the line up.

Real issue is how far they can go in dwindling years of LeBron domination era before players leaving for more moeny and if they can keep contending after years. You cant pay everyone. This season been good but that now require decisions in keepers. Celtics probably should let Smart walk if he doesnt accept modest contract. Rozier, and Brown are looking like great talents that other teams will make a run for. Tatum, you cant let this kid go, cant let that happen. Now, this team could end up like either Spurs and enjoy success for a long time or OKC that couldnt keep anyone but Westy, or even worse, Hawks team that lost 4 all stars in Korver Teague, Horford, Millsap, a once Spurs of East.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Dee4Three on Tue May 15, 2018 12:28 am

I've heard people are concerned about a logjam at the SF position, but I just don't see it.

Hayward, Tatum, and Brown are interchangeable at the 2, 3, and 4 positions. Having a lineup of Irving, Brown, Hayward, Tatum and Horford is absolutely acceptable size wise, length wise and speed wise in today's NBA. Look at the havoc created this season even without Hayward, the biggest difference between this years Celtics and Lasts is that extra length on defense. If they decide to keep Rozier one more year and really go for it, a bench mob of Rozier, Smart, and Marcus Morris is pretty awesome. Assuming we keep Theis and he comes back at full strength, the defense on the bench will also be more than acceptable. But, that starting lineup would be scary for teams, as they have the speed, athleticism, firepower, size, and youth to beat anybody in the league, including Golden State.

Ainge has alluded to the Celtics having to get rid of Rozier or Smart, and I think it would be Rozier at this point. Rozier is going to get paid, and has stated that he feels he's a starter in the league, and said that's what he wants to be at some point. I think Smart knows his ceiling is now, this is the best Smart will be. He's a guy that Brad knows is comfortable with coming off the bench, he's cool with being that spark. I think Smart knows that his bread and butter would be to stay in Boston and possibly win a chip. I would hate to lose Rozier, but Ainge can't just let him walk. I think with how Stevens coaches, he will be able to find a fitting replacement as a backup. He used Larkin sparingly this year, but Larkin looked comfortable on the floor and was a nice spark for the C's. Not saying Larkin would be the C's backup PG next year, just saying Stevens will get the best out of whoever ends up at that position.

If the Celtics make the finals this year, it would be a hell of an achievement. For those who have caught most of the games this year (People living in and around Boston, or who have League Pass), you know that the way they are playing now isn't a huge surprise. It's been next man up all year, and the drive and determination from each player has been at an elite level. Tatum could have averaged 20 ppg this year, he is that good offensively. An offensive game that's mature beyond his years, he just didn't have the same opportunity as he has had in the playoffs during the regular season. Kid's 20 years old, and he had 7 straight playoff games with 20+ points.... talk about impressive.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby air gordon on Tue May 15, 2018 2:24 am

kudos to horford for putting on the big boy pants.
dwayne2005 wrote: Both Cleveland and Boston were extremely lucky to get passed the first round this year, something people have already forgotten (in fact, Cleveland may not have gotten through without 6th man of the year: the refs). Even though 2 of the 4 games in Cleveland's second round sweep were decided by a couple of points in their favor (could have easily swung the other way).

this is just nonsense and i was rooting for toronto to win. cavs reamed the raptors twice. Raptors did a lot whole lot to win in game 1 but forgot about the 4th.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby [Q] on Wed May 16, 2018 12:25 pm

It's a shame that LeBron has so many haters. He is one of the best players of all time and it's just a pleasure to watch him work. Some of these passes he's hitting his teammates with for open layups are ridiculous and shouldn't be possible by a man that big
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Sauru on Wed May 16, 2018 12:35 pm

[Q] wrote:It's a shame that LeBron has so many haters. He is one of the best players of all time and it's just a pleasure to watch him work. Some of these passes he's hitting his teammates with for open layups are ridiculous and shouldn't be possible by a man that big



i feel like his haters are caused by those who kiss his ass. people get sick of the nick wrights of the world so they bash on lebron. then there is of course the stupid fucking decision special he had.

overall though people should sit back and appreciate greatness. the man is playing the game at a skill level equaled by a very few ever. possible one 1 other ever. his longevity also has to be admired.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Andrew on Wed May 16, 2018 12:46 pm

Exactly. It was the same with Kobe before him, and MJ before that. Even Dwyane Wade and Blake Griffin were fairly popular and enjoyed before the hype train really got going.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Lamrock on Wed May 16, 2018 1:08 pm

I honestly think the Celtics would beat the Rockets in a 7 game series right now
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Sauru on Wed May 16, 2018 1:10 pm

i dont know about you guys but i thought this was a pretty awesome game
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Andrew on Wed May 16, 2018 1:13 pm

Tremendous heart and great defense by the Celtics, and there goes my prediction of Cavs in 5. I still can't count them out until they're out, but the Celtics have turned in two fantastic performances.

I agree with Jeff Van Gundy that that Flagrant 1 should've been a Flagrant 2, though. Yes, it's the Playoffs and physical play is to be expected, but a blatant shove in the small of someone's back while they're in the air is crossing the line into dangerous and dirty. Hard play and things get chippy comes with the territory, but that's a cowardly and dirty play. As JVG (and Mark Jackson) said, if that isn't a Flagrant 2, what is?

Anyway, the bigger story is how the Celtics got the job done again. For all the bad shots he's prone to taking, Smart's defense is fantastic. Rozier is going to get paid this offseason. Taytum and Brown have a bright future, and they're already playing really well now.

With the next two games in Cleveland, this great start could be undone very quickly, but the Celtics are not to be underestimated (which I did, again, coming into the series).
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby SoF'nAwesome on Wed May 16, 2018 1:16 pm

make that celts in 4 lol
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Jackie Kong on Wed May 16, 2018 1:24 pm

That goes for every coach that did not vote for Brad as coach of the year.
It is all about team defense and intensity. Trading Thomas last off-season was really needed the way I see it because many could say that a defense is as strong as its weakest link and there is no worse defender in the league than Isaiah.
Even without Irving and Hayward, this team looks much stronger out there than last year this time around.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Dee4Three on Wed May 16, 2018 1:27 pm

Great game, amazing 3rd quarter by Rozier.

I think that's the best you will see out of LeBron in this series, and the C's got the win. I actually think the Celtics take game 3, I don't see this team letting off the gas.

Agreed with Jackie Kong about the defense, I mentioned that as the biggest difference between this year's team and last. New additions Baynes, Tatum, Morris are all impacting the game on defense in a big way (Morris more in game 1). And anybody who saw Jaylen Brown in summer league last year knew that he was going to take his game to the next level, and he has done just that. Any 5 Boston puts on the floor is putting in 100% effort at all times, it's fun to watch.

Not saying sweep, but I think the Celtics go up 3-0.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Dee4Three on Thu May 17, 2018 1:03 am

The way the Cavs offense is, nobody can get in a rhythm. If you watch, LeBron dribbles on a lot of possessions until less than 10 seconds remain on the shot clock, and will either shoot or pass... the player who catches that pass either has to fire right away, or make a quick move to the hoop. That's not winning basketball, and it takes his teammates out of the game completely. Korver is designed for that type of offense, as he is a catch and shoot player, and Jr Smith CAN do that, but he is more comfortable it seems making a move with his dribble (Face up). Jr Smith went 0-7 in this game based off of being forced to take shots at the end of the shot clock, where he had no other option but the chuck.

Jeff Green played 28 minutes and took 5 shots, you can't turn Jeff Green into a spot up shooter... but when the ball is being dribbled by one person deep into the shot clock so many times, players like Jeff Green can't get into a rhythm. Why does Jordan Clarkson not fit in? Why is he not playing? Because he's not a guy who can just stand on the perimeter and wait until the end of the shot clock before receiving a pass. He needs to be allowed to handle the ball a little more, maybe create for himself once in awhile. Rodney Hood was averaging 17 PPG with the Jazz as the starting SG, and they were in the middle of an 8 game win streak when that trade happened. You are telling me Hood is trash? Absolutely not... but again... You can't have Hood just standing on the perimeter with his hands at his sides, watching one person dribble on the perimeter until under 10 seconds to go on the shot clock. Kevin Love was a beast offensively before CLE, but turning Love into a corner three specialist and not using him for all he is worth, takes him out of the game. Not only is Love taken away from the basket with that style, which takes away his ability to get offensive rebounds (Kevin Love is flat out a gifted rebounder), but it takes away his ability to score down low, which he absolutely has.

This whole "LeBron can't do it himself, his teammates are trash", is really laughable. George Hill is a solid player.... until you turn George Hill into Kyle Korver. When you watch the Cavs play, that's what most every player on that team looks like. A bunch of dudes standing on the perimeter, waiting for LeBron to decide if he will shoot or pass, and when that pass comes, it's usually an "assist pass", where the receiver just doesn't have the time to do much at all in regards to creativity. It's the same reason why IT didn't work out, and Wade, and Rose... turning those 3 guys into a bunch of Korver's is a losing formula. If you know basketball, and watch the games, it's so easy to see that LeBron is taking his teammates out of the game, and that the players are not being used to strengths. Jae Crowder called it when he said that the Cavs were looking for the assist pass, as opposed to the right pass. That's clearly taking a shot at LeBron, and he is 100% right. This comment was obviously made before he got traded.

Last night, the second leader in assists on the Cavs was 2. The Celtics as a team had 6 turnovers (Actually 5, because the last dribble out was the 6th), LeBron himself had 6 turnovers. LeBron had more turnovers than the entire Celtics team.. why? Because he is literally dribbling/handling the ball 90% of the time. He is not making the players around him better.... All I have seen today are ESPN articles saying "LeBron did everything but get the win" and "The King dominated, but not enough to get the Win" and "The hard truth, this Cavs team is not built for a title run". This is so ridiculous, because if you watch them play, you can see that they have the players to do it, but it is MADE into a one man show. I can't even describe to you how much I hate empty stats, and the lauding over a player getting a 40 point triple double without seeing the bigger picture (bigger problem) is really ignorant and silly. It's not as black and white as a 40 point triple double, in fact the 40 point triple double is part of the problem. Close minded people, or people who just look at the box score will say "You are just a hater", or "You are F'in retarded for saying that" or "Appreciate greatness...", But there is a reason why the Cavs offense looks like crap most of the time. Another one I love is "You will find a way to hate this man no matter what", that's a cop out and a blanket statement. The reasons for the critiques are black and white if you actually know the game of basketball.

While all 5 Celtics are getting back on defense, and getting at the 50-50 balls, LeBron (The leader of the team) is in the backcourt complaining to the refs. This happened a good 4-5 times last night, maybe more. My buddy who I work with was actually at the game because he has season tickets, and he told me he couldn't believe how many times LeBron didn't get back on defense. Again, empty stats... what kind of example does that set for the rest of your team? You think the guys on the bench/floor are not getting a little peeved that LeBron James, the leader of the team is not getting back on defense? and at the same time commanding the ball close to 90% of the time? I would be absolutely pissed. They are in a place though where they can't say anything, and that's unfortunate. All 5 starters on the Celtics attempted over 12 shots, LeBron and Kevin Love were the only two players to take over 8 shots on the entire Cavs team. Nobody is being made better, nobody else is able to get into a rhythm and get involved... it's really obvious.

Lue is strapped as well, because he can't really make any decisions without a huge backlash. I also don't think Lue is the most competent coach anyway, and he would be outcoached by Stevens regardless. The Cavs needed a passive coach like Lue in order to ensure that LeBron can do whatever he wants on the court. I made a stink about LeBrons stat padding in other threads, and just the empty stats in general, last night was absolutely a perfect example of that. Yes, he had a good shooting first quarter, but the rest of the game he didn't do as much. OF COURSE LeBron will have high assist numbers if he is dribbling to the end of the shot clock and passing a lot, OF COURSE LeBron will get numerous rebounds when hes laying off his man letting him shoot, and just standing under the hoop, OF COURSE LeBron will score a lot when he is handling the ball as much as he does on every possession. When being guarded by Marcus Morris straight up in this series, LeBron is 4-14 from the floor with 3 turnovers. Last game, he was 2-8 when being guarded by Morris. Marcus Morris is not an elite defender.... they can talk all they want about his stats, but he is being shut down in single coverage by an average defender. I was actually surprised that ESPN did a post on Morris's defense (Stating he is backing up his trash on James), I was shocked.

Long post, but I am so sick of hearing about empty stats, or how LeBron's teammates are trash. If anybody is watching these games, they see that his teammates have no chance of getting into rhythm. That's the biggest problem with the Cavs. You can't turn every Cavs player into Kyle Korver, the players have different skill sets and need to be used according to said skill sets.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby [Q] on Thu May 17, 2018 1:44 am

The problem is that LeBron is not on a team with an established offensive system like the Spurs where everyone has a role or a certain movement or idea to default to if everything breaks down. It turns into iso streetball or Live Run where one guy dribbles around until he gives up or realizes nothing is happening

I wouldn't exactly call his performance a bunch of "empty stats". It's not like he was doing that in garbage time against the 12th man. He still had to put the ball in the bucket. He still had to make all those ridiculous passes and set up his teammates. A better description would be like those guys who put up great numbers on losing teams

Sauru wrote:i dont know about you guys but i thought this was a pretty awesome game

I would have to disagree lol
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby shadowgrin on Thu May 17, 2018 2:06 am

Tough loss for LeBron, amazing performance and triple-double yet it's still not enough to get the W despite getting help from Love and Korver.
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Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (2) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

Postby Dee4Three on Thu May 17, 2018 2:12 am

[Q] wrote:The problem is that LeBron is not on a team with an established offensive system like the Spurs where everyone has a role or a certain movement or idea to default to if everything breaks down. It turns into iso streetball or Live Run where one guy dribbles around until he gives up or realizes nothing is happening

I wouldn't exactly call his performance a bunch of "empty stats". It's not like he was doing that in garbage time against the 12th man. He still had to put the ball in the bucket. He still had to make all those ridiculous passes and set up his teammates. A better description would be like those guys who put up great numbers on losing teams

Sauru wrote:i dont know about you guys but i thought this was a pretty awesome game

I would have to disagree lol


We will have to agree to disagree. They are all not empty stats, but I would not call that an amazing performance (Which I outline why in my comments above). I don't think players are being made better, players are not being used to strengths, and dribbling deep into the shot clock by one person is happening all the time. The defense comment is not a lie either, and sets a bad example for the rest of the team. If that is the effort your "Leader" is showing, you can't expect the rest of the team to show an amazing amount of effort. Standing in the backcourt complaining, or just not getting back on defense, is not being a leader by example.

His stats are at the expense of what? His entire teams rhythm? Just like many stated that many of Westbrooks triple doubles were questionable for his teams betterment, same with last nights and many of James. Westbrook would put up monster stat games, but his decision making was very questionable in several of the games as it seemed to take his teammates out of rhythm. James isn't immune to that same type of criticism, he deserves that treatment. One thing I never see Westbrook do is just not get back on defense, I've never questioned his motor or will, he has always set the highest example in that regard.
Last edited by Dee4Three on Thu May 17, 2018 2:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
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