2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Like real basketball, as well as basketball video games? Talk about the NBA, NCAA, and other professional and amateur basketball leagues here.

What's gonna happen?

Rockets in 4
2
18%
Rockets in 5
5
45%
Rockets in 6
1
9%
Rockets in 7
0
No votes
Wolves in 4
1
9%
Wolves in 5
0
No votes
Wolves in 6
0
No votes
Wolves in 7
1
9%
Rockets win so convincingly that CP3's second round exit is made even more painful
0
No votes
Thibs collapses before game 1, his dying words being "play Butler... 48 minutes"
1
9%
 
Total votes : 11

2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Lamrock on Thu Apr 12, 2018 12:57 pm

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. The Minnesota Timberwolves have beaten the Denver Nuggets and clinched their first playoff berth in 14 seasons. Their reward? A first round match-up with the Houston Rockets...

Although Jimmy Butler probably still isn't 100%, Minnesota is pretty much healthy going into this series and have a lot of talent. Houston should run them out of the building, but I think Minny might be able to pull out a close win at home. Rockets in 5.
Image
User avatar
Lamrock
 
Posts: 10936
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 4:02 pm
Location: Washington State

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Kevin on Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:14 pm

death, taxes, and lamrock playoff threads.

Rockets in 5 with Butler or KAT going crazy at home for 1 game.
Rest In Peace Kobe
User avatar
Kevin
Fuck the Celtics
 
Posts: 8041
Joined: Sat Nov 16, 2013 9:47 pm
Location: Staples

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby JaoSming on Thu Apr 12, 2018 2:19 pm

I'll take 2 surprise wins for Rockets in 6
Opinions are my own.

JaoSming
2KTV Producer
NBA 2K Developer
 
Posts: 29904
Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2005 12:45 am
Location: 2K

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby [Q] on Thu Apr 12, 2018 4:32 pm

Too bad Jimmy Buckets got hurt (still crying for my fantasy team), they could have avoided this
Image
User avatar
[Q]
NBA Live 18 Advocate
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 14396
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2002 8:20 am
Location: Westside, the best side

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Brave Sir Rubin on Thu Apr 12, 2018 4:46 pm

Rockets in 5 highly entertaining high scoring games.
Image
User avatar
Brave Sir Rubin
Showerfun
 
Posts: 972
Joined: Sun Sep 22, 2002 5:07 pm
Location: Oregon

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Andrew on Thu Apr 12, 2018 9:32 pm

Rockets in 5. If the league were still using the 5-7-7-7 format then it'd likely be a 3-0 sweep, but the expansion to the 7-7-7-7 format back in the 2002-2003 season has given outmatched lower seeds an extra opportunity to pick up a lone win and avoid the broom. I think the Timberwolves will do just that, but the Rockets are primed for a good run this year if they remain healthy.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby shadowgrin on Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:21 pm

The best transition team on offense vs a team that plays terrible transition defense.

Rockets in 5, with the lone Minny win c/o Paul or Harden having an off-night for their usual playoff choke.
HE'S USING HYPNOSIS!
JaoSming2KTV wrote:its fun on a bun
shadowgrin
Doesn't negotiate with terrorists. NLSC's Jefferson Davis. The Questioneer
 
Posts: 23230
Joined: Thu Dec 12, 2002 6:21 am
Location: In your mind

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby SoF'nAwesome on Fri Apr 13, 2018 12:53 am

Rockets in 5. Would have liked more if they faced OKC
User avatar
SoF'nAwesome
MVP
 
Posts: 2110
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:30 pm

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby NovU on Fri Apr 13, 2018 1:21 am

So fun watching the Rockets. But they are bound to have off shooting nights from distance. Rockets in easy 5.
THX TO DOPE-JAO FOR THE SPECIAL SIG! <3
Image
Enjoy! <3 Jao
User avatar
NovU
Crap, what am I going to brag about now?
 
Posts: 11325
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2007 6:50 pm

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Dee4Three on Fri Apr 13, 2018 1:29 am

This may be the most interesting series, the other two would be OKC vs UTA and PHI vs MIA (My opinion).

Rockets in 6, or maybe 7. The Wolves with a healthy Butler is scary, if they hit stride at the right time... who knows?
"I don't know if I practiced more than anybody, but I sure practiced enough. I still wonder if somebody - somewhere - was practicing more than me." - Larry Bird

Check out my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvHJXrqit8Dc6HBY5P6EmAA


Follow me on Twitter

https://twitter.com/Dee4Three84
User avatar
Dee4Three
NLSC Team Member
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 9673
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2014 12:34 pm
Location: New Hampshire, USA

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby air gordon on Sat Apr 14, 2018 4:23 am

get 'er done Thibs. feed the KAT

will enjoy buckets vs harden

maybe if teague shows up the timberbulls can make it a series
Jump.
Scott Skiles answer to the question on how Eddy Curry can become a better rebounder
User avatar
air gordon
 
Posts: 7867
Joined: Wed Nov 13, 2002 4:06 pm
Location: windy city

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Lamrock on Mon Apr 16, 2018 11:19 pm

What a weird game. Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns all played like shit, and some truly bizarre late-game shenanigans gave Minnesota the chance to force OT in the end. I was kinda buzzed by the time this game came on, and I'm glad I was.

James Harden and Capela were absolutely unstoppable but Minnesota kept it close throughout. Major shout-out to Derrick Rose for playing his heart out.

Did not feel like a playoff game. Big missed opportunity here for the Wolves.
Image
User avatar
Lamrock
 
Posts: 10936
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 4:02 pm
Location: Washington State

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Andrew on Mon Apr 16, 2018 11:48 pm

When you think about it, the Timberwolves really are more of a third or fourth seed level team this year, and likely would've had 50+ wins if not for Butler's injury. They're not your typical eighth seed. I'll admit that I'd forgotten all about that, what with their push to qualify for the postseason after they dropped off in the wake of Butler's injury, and the subsequent tightening of the race in the West.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Dee4Three on Tue Apr 17, 2018 12:13 am

Capela can't outplay Towns like that.... Towns looked slow and honestly... out of shape? Not sure if anybody else noticed that, but he just didn't look good out there.
"I don't know if I practiced more than anybody, but I sure practiced enough. I still wonder if somebody - somewhere - was practicing more than me." - Larry Bird

Check out my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvHJXrqit8Dc6HBY5P6EmAA


Follow me on Twitter

https://twitter.com/Dee4Three84
User avatar
Dee4Three
NLSC Team Member
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 9673
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2014 12:34 pm
Location: New Hampshire, USA

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby shadowgrin on Tue Apr 17, 2018 12:20 am

Lamrock wrote:Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns all played like shit

The usual from Chris Paul in the playoffs then.

Butler and Towns already feeling the effect of Thibs' minutes management from the regular season.
HE'S USING HYPNOSIS!
JaoSming2KTV wrote:its fun on a bun
shadowgrin
Doesn't negotiate with terrorists. NLSC's Jefferson Davis. The Questioneer
 
Posts: 23230
Joined: Thu Dec 12, 2002 6:21 am
Location: In your mind

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Dee4Three on Tue Apr 17, 2018 12:24 am

shadowgrin wrote:
Lamrock wrote:Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns all played like shit

The usual from Chris Paul in the playoffs then.

Butler and Towns already feeling the effect of Thibs' minutes management from the regular season.


Which bugs me if that's the case, a center can't play 35.6 MPG anymore? Towns looked slow, tired and out of shape (like I mentioned above). They almost pulled off game 1 in Houston with Butler and Towns playing really poor, I wonder if that shows the Rockets are vulnerable.
"I don't know if I practiced more than anybody, but I sure practiced enough. I still wonder if somebody - somewhere - was practicing more than me." - Larry Bird

Check out my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvHJXrqit8Dc6HBY5P6EmAA


Follow me on Twitter

https://twitter.com/Dee4Three84
User avatar
Dee4Three
NLSC Team Member
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 9673
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2014 12:34 pm
Location: New Hampshire, USA

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby [Q] on Tue Apr 17, 2018 1:26 am

"Wolves Game 1 usage:

Rose 30.8%
Dieng 28.6%
Teague 26.4%
Wiggins 25.7%
Crawford 22.2%
Butler 15.6% <---
Towns 14.2% <---

Not ideal."
Image
User avatar
[Q]
NBA Live 18 Advocate
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 14396
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2002 8:20 am
Location: Westside, the best side

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Dee4Three on Tue Apr 17, 2018 1:27 am

[Q] wrote:"Wolves Game 1 usage:

Rose 30.8%
Dieng 28.6%
Teague 26.4%
Wiggins 25.7%
Crawford 22.2%
Butler 15.6% <---
Towns 14.2% <---

Not ideal."


Wow.

Is this 2011?
"I don't know if I practiced more than anybody, but I sure practiced enough. I still wonder if somebody - somewhere - was practicing more than me." - Larry Bird

Check out my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvHJXrqit8Dc6HBY5P6EmAA


Follow me on Twitter

https://twitter.com/Dee4Three84
User avatar
Dee4Three
NLSC Team Member
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 9673
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2014 12:34 pm
Location: New Hampshire, USA

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby air gordon on Tue Apr 17, 2018 1:52 am

shadowgrin wrote:
Lamrock wrote:Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns all played like shit

The usual from Chris Paul in the playoffs then.

Butler and Towns already feeling the effect of Thibs' minutes management from the regular season.

nah. Towns played soft aka horford style. dude just kept on fanning out instead of pinning whoever on those switches. i think gibson and his broke neck had more inside points smh

harden is awesome. he is so underrated
Jump.
Scott Skiles answer to the question on how Eddy Curry can become a better rebounder
User avatar
air gordon
 
Posts: 7867
Joined: Wed Nov 13, 2002 4:06 pm
Location: windy city

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby NovU on Tue Apr 17, 2018 4:15 am

Harden's been a true beast even with CP3 joining him didn't hinder his awesome productivity. Glad he'll win the season MVP this year.
THX TO DOPE-JAO FOR THE SPECIAL SIG! <3
Image
Enjoy! <3 Jao
User avatar
NovU
Crap, what am I going to brag about now?
 
Posts: 11325
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2007 6:50 pm

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Jackal on Tue Apr 17, 2018 6:10 am

air gordon wrote:nah. Towns played soft aka horford style. dude just kept on fanning out instead of pinning whoever on those switches. i think gibson and his broke neck had more inside points smh

harden is awesome. he is so underrated


This shit right here was baffling. He'd get a switch on a small and either get waved off to the corner or just slip there himself without establishing position and demanding the ball against the mismatch. I lost count on how often he had Gordon or Tucker guarding him and let Wiggins/Teague shoot long shots instead of taking it down into the paint himself. I was afraid C-Webb was going to have an aneurysm repeating himself.

This version of James Harden is a beast to watch. No bullshit flopping or acting shit. Just straight up offensive destruction. Nothing a defense can do against him, insane offensive skills.
User avatar
Jackal
 
Posts: 14877
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2003 2:59 am

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Jeffx on Tue Apr 17, 2018 8:05 am

Dee4Three wrote:Capela can't outplay Towns like that.... Towns looked slow and honestly... out of shape? Not sure if anybody else noticed that, but he just didn't look good out there.


Took the words right out of my mouth. Why the f*** was he drifting to the 3-point line when smaller guys got switched on him?????? My dad & I were screaming at the TV, "get in the damn paint and call for the friggin' ball!" That game was there for the taking.
Jeffx
 
Posts: 3181
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 4:09 am
Location: Bronx, New York

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Stress Fracture on Tue Apr 17, 2018 9:19 pm

Barkley said that KAT should demand the ball in the post when he has the switch, not letting his guard isolate the big man switched on them.

Pretty sure they'll adjust in Game 2
benji wrote:LeBron is such a choker. And people were talking about him as an all-time great. As having possibly surpassed Kobe. What a joke.

velvet bliss wrote:Andrew, you the real MVP.

Andrew wrote:He who flops and flails to the Finals and a title, flops and flails best.
Stress Fracture
 
Posts: 2949
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:03 pm

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Andrew on Thu Apr 19, 2018 2:15 pm

Not so close this time around. Towns was once again a non-factor on offense, though you could probably say that of the Timberwolves as a whole.

Rough shooting night for Harden though, reminds me of Karl Malone going 2-20 (or something like that) all those years ago.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: 2018 PLAYOFFS: (1) Houston vs. (8) Minnesota

Postby Kevin on Thu Apr 19, 2018 3:11 pm

Towns looks like a rookie back there, what a disaster.
Rest In Peace Kobe
User avatar
Kevin
Fuck the Celtics
 
Posts: 8041
Joined: Sat Nov 16, 2013 9:47 pm
Location: Staples

Next

Return to NBA & Basketball

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 21 guests