2015-16 NBA Season

[RedTeamGo!]

Wow. Curry and Thompson were terrible and they still won by double digits.

This is going to be a sweep and tarnish lebrons legacy.

[Stray]

If Lue (Lebron) can control the egos and sit some stars for defense the Cavs are still in this. They have a ton of pieces to play a versatile smallball w/Lebron at the 5 guarding Draymond. If they're rolling with their "big 3" then lol gl this'll be over quick.

[Kingspoint]

Wow. Curry and Thompson were terrible and they still won by double digits.

This is going to be a sweep and tarnish lebrons legacy.

Nah. The results of Game 1, even if it is by 40 points, have no bearing on the results of Game 2 in an NBA Finals series. Cleveland should win Game 2. Adjustments will be made.

[dubc47834]

Wow. Curry and Thompson were terrible and they still won by double digits.

This is going to be a sweep and tarnish lebrons legacy.

Aren't you the same dude who said I was talking crazy earlier in this thread??? GSW is just too damn good, just proves how good OKC was also

[RedTeamGo!]

Aren't you the same dude who said I was talking crazy earlier in this thread??? GSW is just too damn good, just proves how good OKC was also

I still think that was a crazy comment. NBA is all about matchups and the Cavs match up against the thunder way better than they do against Gsw.

- - - Updated - - -


Nah. The results of Game 1, even if it is by 40 points, have no bearing on the results of Game 2 in an NBA Finals series. Cleveland should win Game 2. Adjustments will be made.

Welp.

[Kingspoint]

The only adjustments made were by Golden State. Their Defense and effort far surpassed Cleveland's.

[Boston Red]

Does Blatt have a job yet? If not, these Finals are going to make him a lot of money at this rate.

[Chip R]

Does Blatt have a job yet? If not, these Finals are going to make him a lot of money at this rate.

I heard he just took a job overseas. Not sure where.

[texasdave]

I heard he just took a job overseas. Not sure where.

I think that it is in Turkey.

[RedTeamGo!]

Does Blatt have a job yet? If not, these Finals are going to make him a lot of money at this rate.

I don't see how. Blatt will never be a head coach in the NBA again. Dude was like a scared puppy lost in the jungle. He had very little to do with the success last year. Lebron was running the team (and probably still is).

Golden State is simply on fire, especially their bench players, Cleveland is on ice, and Irving and Kevin Love are soft.

This offseason is going to be very interesting in Cleveland. I expect them to gut the team sans Lebron. I have no idea what will happen.

[Revering4Blue]

The only adjustments made were by Golden State. Their Defense and effort far surpassed Cleveland's.

Not sure what adjustments the Cavs can make at this point that don't require a spot in a Jon Bon Jovi DirecTV commercial.


See, we've got the power to turn back time..

That guy named Wiggins we go back and find..

Let's go back and grab the coach who was here before..

And design a roster around LeBron at four...

See, that's the power to turn back time..

[tomnuetten]

Just amazing to watch Iguodala and Green play... both have lots of basketball IQ and both can pass...

Bogut pointed the way with his defense in the first few minutes (4 blocks ) aswell

[Chip R]

I don't see how. Blatt will never be a head coach in the NBA again. Dude was like a scared puppy lost in the jungle. He had very little to do with the success last year. Lebron was running the team (and probably still is).

Golden State is simply on fire, especially their bench players, Cleveland is on ice, and Irving and Kevin Love are soft.

This offseason is going to be very interesting in Cleveland. I expect them to gut the team sans Lebron. I have no idea what will happen.

Perhaps Blatt feels more comfortable coaching overseas. It would be interesting to see what he could do with a team without a huge superstar like LeBron.

If this series continues to go the way it has, OKC is going to look a lot better in people's eyes. They beat GS in Oakland, put up a 3-1 lead on them including a blowout win and even though they lost the series, it was extremely competitive. It could be one of those rare situations where a loss goes from a negative to a positive. Instead of being perceived as chokers, now they could be looked at as the only team who gave GS a run for their money and would have beat the Cavs in the finals had they got there. Maybe Durant re-signs and they get over on GS the way the Pistons in the 80s eventually got over on BOS and how CHI got over on DET.

[RedTeamGo!]

I would argue Chicago "got over" Detroit and others because of the NBA changing the rules to protect Jordan, but that's probably a different thread.

[cincrazy]

The Warriors are 10 times better than the Cavs. There are no adjustments Cleveland can make to win this series. Period. They're deeper, longer, more athletic, and simply put, hungrier. They went 73-9 during the regular season for a reason. They're the defending champs for a reason.

[Roy Tucker]

I wouldn't be shocked if the Cavs won game 3 but I think that's going to be all.

Golden State is the prettiest team I've seen since the '77 Trailblazers. And I've never seen anyone shoot like Curry with Klay Thompson a close second.

[Stray]

Agree I think Cleveland takes game 3 and loses 4 and 5.

Don't know HOW Cleveland wins game 3, but being a NBA fan that's what my gut says.

[texasdave]

Agree I think Cleveland takes game 3 and loses 4 and 5.

Don't know HOW Cleveland wins game 3, but being a NBA fan that's what my gut says.

They call that a 'Gentleman's Sweep', winning in 5.

[Rojo]

The Warriors are 10 times better than the Cavs.

Calling a Cavs upset got fashionable -- Warriors weren't putting away the Thunder, Cavs looked good in the play-off, Cleveland would have Love and Irving.

The problem is that the East just sucks. So it's really hard to compare. The Cavs putting down the Raptors was like the Warriors putting down the Rockets.

[tomnuetten]

the cavs just can´t defend the warriors.. it´s weird how bad they communicate and execute switching... while he made some nice (gambling) plays on defense, lebron is a big part of the reason the warriors can let the ball move the way they have so far...

late on switching, not bumming the runner, sometimes sleeping on the backdoor cut... and the others aren´t much better either. OKC did a great job on defense

[Revering4Blue]

Calling a Cavs upset got fashionable -- Warriors weren't putting away the Thunder, Cavs looked good in the play-off, Cleveland would have Love and Irving.

The problem is that the East just sucks. So it's really hard to compare. The Cavs putting down the Raptors was like the Warriors putting down the Rockets.

No question that the West is stronger at the top, but the East just sucks mantra is ridiculously overstated.

IMO, in best-of-three, neutral court match-ups based upon Playoff seedings - 8 vs. 8, 7 vs. 7, and so on:

8) Houston < Detroit

Caveat: Based on talent alone, the Rockets could have easily finished fourth in the West, but knowing what we know now...

7) Memphis < Indiana

Even healthy, the Grizz are an old team that can't shoot. If not for Vogel's poor rotation management in game five, the Pacers eliminate the Raptors.

6) Dallas < Charlotte

Yes, Dallas was hobbled. but so was Charlotte.

5) Portland < Boston

Splitting hairs here...Even if the Clipps were healthy, the Trailblazers would have likely won that first-round series, anyway. Ditto for Boston over Atlanta were Bradley healthy. But in a series between these teams, if healthy, I'd pick the men in Green in a nail-biter of a series.

4) LAC < Atlanta

Reality: The Clipps benefited from the Rocket's implosion and injuries to Memphis and Dallas, and are much closer to the aforementioned teams than they are to the top three in the West, or East, for that matter. While the Hawks were certainly not without flaws - sub-par rim-protection, for one - their roster, top-to-bottom, is stronger than the Clipps' by any objective metric. Plus, Mrs. Hooper would be likely be rendered useless by Hawks' floor stretching bigs.

3) OKC > Miami

Caveat: There's no telling how far a Heat team with a healthy Bosh and Whiteside could have gone...They may still be playing. There, I said it.

2) San Antonio > Toronto

Judging from Parker's decline, the Spurs would get destroyed by Lowry and Joseph, which gives the Raptors more than a puncher's chance here. Still, in the end, it's likely that Leonard neutralizes DeRozen, and that Aldridge is a bad matchup for the Raptors.

1) Golden State > Cleveland

RedTeamGo stated it best...It's all about match-ups, and this is a bad one for Cleveland.

Even with the addition of Channing Frye, of whom it would behoove Lue to play more often, the Cavs roster, as currently constructed, matches up poorly with Golden State, as LeBron - the only Cav who can consistently score against the warriors - and company are unable to generate the type of open looks that were available against Toronto.

As for the Warriors, you are obviously going to have to bring your A+ game to defeat them in a series. I also believe that the assumption that they expended too much energy late in the season chasing 73 wins has merit. That stated, given that Barnes, Bogut and others missed a significant amount of time during the season, IMO, the Warriors, if even relatively healthy throughout the season, would have reached 73 wins, possibly more, anyway, without expending too much energy so late in the season.

[texasdave]

Waiting three days between games is a no-go for me. That is too long.

I would bet my life savings on Houston beating Detroit in a playoff series, even as dysfunctional as they were this season.

[Revering4Blue]

Waiting three days between games is a no-go for me. That is too long.

Yeah, it's ridiculous. It's right up there with best-of-sevens in first round - practically eliminating first round upsets - as NBA absurdities that need to go, and even though I, for now, anyway, can stay up late with my schedule, don't even get me started on 9pm EDT plus start times. This is one of many cases where the NHL has it right with 8pm EDT start times.


I would bet my life savings on Houston beating Detroit in a playoff series, even as dysfunctional as they were this season.

You're braver than I am...As schizophrenic as they were, they were good enough to defeat virtually anyone in a SHORT series, especially on a neutral court, but also capable of going away meekly.

No matter...It's going to be interesting to see what Morey does with the roster given D'Antoni as coach. My guess: Buh-bye, Dwight Howard; Capella offers similar production for peanuts.

[Revering4Blue]

Kevin Love is out tonight.

Who do you start in his place?

Frye? Jefferson?

[Stray]

They call that a 'Gentleman's Sweep', winning in 5.

And tonight would be surprising but it just wasn't cuz it was kinda obvious lol.

If Cleveland wins g4 we have a series, if not this baby is over in 5.

I expect Golden State's A game in game 4, then for them to wrap it up in front of their fans.

[Wonderful Monds]

Is there anything dumber than Cleveland having traded for Kevin Love in hindsight? He isn't just useless to them - he actively hurts them! They don't even want him on the court!

And they traded Andrew Wiggins for the right. X)

[texasdave]

The NBA has a lot of WWE in it.

[Roy Tucker]

Is there anything dumber than Cleveland having traded for Kevin Love in hindsight? He isn't just useless to them - he actively hurts them! They don't even want him on the court!

And they traded Andrew Wiggins for the right. X)

I had that thought last night. Cavs would be a much more dynamic club with Wiggins.

Love just doesn't seem to be athletic enough to compete against a team like GS.

And yeah, game 4 is a must win for the Cavs. They win that one they may have a shot.

[Revering4Blue]

Is there anything dumber than Cleveland having traded for Kevin Love in hindsight? He isn't just useless to them - he actively hurts them! They don't even want him on the court!

And they traded Andrew Wiggins for the right. X)
LeBron and MJ have one thing in common....both are all-time great players but sub-par, and that's being generous, GMs. the only difference is that MJ stopped playing before he became a GM.

I've been as critical as anyone about the late Flip Saunders' fleecing of the Cavs. Love cannot play Bosh's Miami role with LeBron in Cleveland, and that should have been obvious from the get-go.

And, in addition to losing Wiggins, the Cavs gave away better bench contributors (C.J Miles, Tyler Zeller and Jarret Jack) than LeBron's old Miami pals - Miller and James Jones - in an effort to fit Love under the cap. Even with the, actually, solid, cheaply added acquisitions of Shumphert, Smith and Frye, along with the overpay for Mozgov, which wouldn't have been necessary if Zeller would have been retained, depth remains a problem. Tristan Thompson's ridiculous extension at LeBron's insistance was also a curious move

IMO, playing Devil's advocate, everyone was chasing the Spurs at that time, and the Warriors were also pursuing soon-to-be free agent Love, but wisely refused to fork over Thompson or Green for him, and I find it hard to believe that - with Minny over a barrel - that Wiggins had to be included to obtain Love, who, if the Cavs had to have him, could have been obtained cheaper then, at the '15 deadline, or signed as an offseason free agent.

IMO, it's bad enough that Love is a curious fit, but to overpay with Wiggins was unnecessary and indefensible. No matter how this series plays out, that is the crux of the issue here.

[dubc47834]

Is there anything dumber than Cleveland having traded for Kevin Love in hindsight? He isn't just useless to them - he actively hurts them! They don't even want him on the court!

And they traded Andrew Wiggins for the right. X)

Very few people were saying anything bad about Kevin Love all this season, to include the playoffs. All of a sudden because he gets a concussion he is soft and not athletic enough. Love stretches the floor for the Cavs. There is only 1 team that is athletic enough to play 7 games with GSW...and that's OKC. The Wiggins/Love trade was made for the short term viability to lure LBJ back. Hind sight is 20/20. Who's to say that if the Cavs still had Wiggins he would have developed the way that he has. I really think they are better with Love!!!

[Revering4Blue]

Very few people were saying anything bad about Kevin Love all this season, to include the playoffs. All of a sudden because he gets a concussion he is soft and not athletic enough. Love stretches the floor for the Cavs. There is only 1 team that is athletic enough to play 7 games with GSW...and that's OKC. The Wiggins/Love trade was made for the short term viability to lure LBJ back. Hind sight is 20/20. Who's to say that if the Cavs still had Wiggins he would have developed the way that he has. I really think they are better with Love!!!

Where to begin?

Better with Love than without him in regards to the current roster? Yes, but with LeBron entrenched at SF, Love is reduced to, more or less, a standstill jumpshooter. And taking him away from the basket for long stretches of time virtually negates one of Love's strengths: rebounding.

Here's the thing: As currently constructed, the Cavs cannot win a championship without LeBron playing PF for the majority of the time, but, they're going to need a larger contribution from the bench tp have a prayer in Hades of pulling out this series. This, IMO, is where Love can play a large role: adding to a rather punchless bench, especially when LeBron rests and Draymond Green rests. Just a thought?


Better with Love than Wiggins?

No.

Freaking.

Way.

And I spelled it out in my post above. And it isn't hindsight, as many - here or otherwise (yours truly included) - questioned the move at the time. With LeBron as a mentor, I would have gladly taken my chances that Wiggins - about as can't miss as any recent draftee - would have developed nicely - Think Jordan and Pippen, with Wiggins contributing, even as a rookie, significantly. And, frankly, there are zero legitimate, logical arguments out there that the Cavs match up better against the Warriors - and, frankly, the entire league, considering the change in the NBA landscape - with Love instead of Wiggins.

[Kingspoint]

If Love wants to come to Portland, I'd love to have him. We'd use him a lot better than Cleveland has.

[Chip R]

If CLE does lose this series, the pundits seem to believe Lue is gone. That makes no sense to me if he is LeBron's handpicked choice. I suppose he could get Mike Brown back.

[Kingspoint]

Cleveland won by 30 in Game 3 and still played some pretty stupid basketball for much of the game. Tristan Thompson got away with about 20 fouls, but a lot of things are being let go in the Finals. The refs have not made themselves a story in this.

James is so gifted as a player that he can overcome a ton of poor play by himself and his teammates. The same goes for Irving. GS just has to relax and move the ball around the way they normally do to come back and win the next game. It helped a lot that JR Smith finally hit some shots.

[Stray]

Finally a competitive game. This has been fun.

[Stray]

Iguodala is something else man. His hands on defense are crazy...and he has the strength and size to body Lebron. That's some weapon off the bench for sure.

[Stray]

Lebron has had a really mild performance. I mean the #s aren't horrible, but he's kinda been bad? I dunno. This isn't good enough down 2-1 at home tho.

Really weird game, but at least it was actually close.

[RedTeamGo!]

What a horrible 2nd half by Cleveland.

Lebron's legacy is officially tarnished. 2 for 7 in the finals. Wow.

[Razor Shines]

How is it tarnished? Ridiculous. Six straight finals. Puts him a notch below Kobe and Jordan to me, which is where he's always been. Pretty damn great though.


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[RedTeamGo!]

Jordan won 6 championships. LeBron is 2 for 7 in the finals, it's a terrible success rate.

[Razor Shines]

I did type "a notch below Jordan and Kobe"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WrongVerb]

Jordan also had Pippen and Rodman. HOF players themselves.

[nmculbreth]

What a horrible 2nd half by Cleveland.

Lebron's legacy is officially tarnished. 2 for 7 in the finals. Wow.

Real talk: How many times has Lebron lost while having the better team?

I get that he's played in the watered down Eastern Conference but getting your team the seven consecutive NBA finals is one heck of an accomplishment. I mean do you reall want to ding him for not being able to carry a fairly mediocre (atleast by NBA championship contender standards) Cavs team to a victory over a historically great Golden State team?

[Wonderful Monds]

I mean, I do put a ton of this on LeBron for reasons mentioned earlier; if he'd just worry about playing the damn game on the floor instead of also being the GM and head coach, the Cavs would be in a significantly better position up against the Warriors right now than they are with the LBJ-built team out there right now.

It's a pretty good chunk his own fault that team is as poorly constructed as it is, given how many of his demands have now ended up with the rest of the team pretty much hamstrung.

[Stray]

6 straight finals coming out of a terrible East.

[jimbo]

I did type "a notch below Jordan and Kobe"


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I'd put LeBron several notches below Jordan and Kobe.

[jimbo]

Jordan also had Pippen and Rodman. HOF players themselves.

They also played in a much more competitive league, unlike the watered down version it is now.

[dubc47834]

Just a week or so ago everyone was on the LBJ/Cavs bandwagon, saying they were gonna beat GSW. Now a playoff loss is on LBJ's hands because he is a bad GM. I think what most of you are failing to see is, that GSW is just that must better than the Cavs. I'm not much of a Lebron fan, but this isn't on him, at least I don't think so. Really the only move I think orchestrated that didn't pan out is Tristan Thompson, at least for the huge chunk of money.

[RedTeamGo!]

Just a week or so ago everyone was on the LBJ/Cavs bandwagon, saying they were gonna beat GSW. Now a playoff loss is on LBJ's hands because he is a bad GM. I think what most of you are failing to see is, that GSW is just that must better than the Cavs. I'm not much of a Lebron fan, but this isn't on him, at least I don't think so. Really the only move I think orchestrated that didn't pan out is Tristan Thompson, at least for the huge chunk of money.

Who is everyone?

As for LeBron playing GM - how about the rumors he demanded the Cavs trade Wiggins because Wiggins refused to sign with Lebron's agent? You know, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert's agent.

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2371873-did-andrew-wiggins-get-traded-because-he-picked-the-wrong-agent

[Stray]

Dray deserved to be suspended about 3 or 4 groin shots ago. Not sure why now, other than the NBA trying to squeeze more games outta this series.

[dubc47834]

Jordan won 6 championships. LeBron is 2 for 7 in the finals, it's a terrible success rate.

Wish I could fail 5 times in the finals!!!

[dubc47834]

Who is everyone?

As for LeBron playing GM - how about the rumors he demanded the Cavs trade Wiggins because Wiggins refused to sign with Lebron's agent? You know, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert's agent.

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2371873-did-andrew-wiggins-get-traded-because-he-picked-the-wrong-agent

Many on here, other forums I'm on, many of the national sports pundits called for the Cavs to win. If Cavs fans are honest with themselves, this power Lebron has is what it was gonna probably take to get him to come back. The Cavs loses have been less about his failures as "GM" than they are about his failures as a player. Sure his numbers are good, but he hasn't really dominated. MJ and Kobe would have tried to take this series over. Lebron doesn't have that in him I think.

[Revering4Blue]

Wish I could fail 5 times in the finals!!!

Utilizing the "number of rings" argument, Robert Horry > everyone.

Frankly, it's a very questionable metric, as, for example, Dr.J and Oscar Robertson have a combined three rings to their credits - I'm counting Dr.J's ABA era because it was, very arguably, as tough as the NBA in those days - and, at their respective peaks as players, were as good as ANYONE who ever played the game. The fact that they don't own as many rings as Jordan or Kobe doesn't/shouldn't change that.




Many on here, other forums I'm on, many of the national sports pundits called for the Cavs to win. If Cavs fans are honest with themselves, this power Lebron has is what it was gonna probably take to get him to come back. The Cavs loses have been less about his failures as "GM" than they are about his failures as a player. Sure his numbers are good, but he hasn't really dominated. MJ and Kobe would have tried to take this series over. Lebron doesn't have that in him I think.

Lets be honest, for the reasons that you, Cincrazy and others have mentioned, due to the Warriors' roster construction and ability to execute in crunch time, it likely wouldn't matter if the love-child (no pun intended) of Jordan, Kobe, Lebron or whomever were out there in Lebron's place. If we haven't learned anything, we've learned that a deep team with star power > a team with three players at near max-deals with suspect overall depth/talent. That's the clear direction of the league, and, IMO, it's refreshing.

[Stray]

Unless Curry does something absurd, this is gonna go 7. Dray has been the only inside presence worth a sack of beans in this series. Bogut has blocked a few shots, but also been outquicked on the glass like a million times. Festus and whoever else is on that bench can't do it.

Cleveland needs to destroy GSW on the boards. And there's no reason they shouldn't.

But if Curry and Klay go nuclear then GSW wins regardless. 3s mask it.

[Revering4Blue]

They also played in a much more competitive league, unlike the watered down version it is now.
Firstly, I apologize in advance for the long-winded response.

With all due respect, the fact that this myth continues to be perpetuated - especially by Jordan era Bulls fans, seeking something, anything, to diminish both Lebron's accomplishments and, especially the accomplishments of the current Golden State Warriors team - doesn't make it any less than what it is: a myth.

If need be, I'll be happy to post a comparison of both eras (The Lebron James Finals appearances era vs. The Jordan era Bulls championship years) - if one truly can - as well as dispel the equally ridiculous "Olajuwon's Rockets' championship teams were only possible due to Jordan's suspension, er, retirement" myth, but in the interests of time, I'll confine this to the years in which Jordan, Pippen and Rodman teamed up together.

Were the NBA Finals teams, let alone, Conference Finals teams, dispatched by the '96 -'98 Bulls, stronger than the teams that teams with LeBron lost to?

More to the point, did Jordan's Bulls face a team as strong as any team that defeated a LeBron James team (11' Mavs, 07' and'14 Spurs and '15 and -let's face it - '16 Warriors) in the finals?

For the record here are the teams, and key players, that LeBron-led teams that ultimately defeated in the ECF, as well as the eventual champions of each particular year:

07' Pistons - Rasheed Wallace, Webber, Hamilton and Billups. (With the late-season addition of Webber, arguably stronger than the '04 Champs)
11' Bulls - Rose, Noah, Deng and Boozer (Not sure that this team was as good as the recent editions with Butler and Gasol)
14' Pacers - George, West, Hibbert and Stephenson (On paper, arguably as strong, if not stronger - 1 through 10 - as the '98 team)
15' Hawks - Teague, Milsap, Horford and Korver (Stronger than given credit for, but didn't match up well with LeBron's Cavs)
16' Raptors - DeRozen, Lowry, Valacunas and Carroll (See above, though I will concede that the East was relatively weak at the top in '16)

Weakest link: '16 Raptors - unlike the others, lacked a dependable third scorer.

Eventual Champions:

07' Spurs - Duncan, Parker, Ginoblli and Horry (Possibly a notch below the '14 team, even though they were very deep)
11' Mavs - Nowitzki, Marion, Terry, Kidd and Chandler (See below)
14' Spurs - Duncan, Leonard, Ginobili and Parker (Kawaii Leonard is the difference here)
15' and '16 Warriors - Current event: No elaboration necessary. (If a deeper team with star power that produces matchup nightmares has existed, at least from the '90's forward, I've yet to witness it)

Weakest link : '11 Mavs - The deserved champs that year, but the only one that I rate arguably below the Bulls Champ victims. There were better Mavs teams in this era that fell short of the title, though.

As for Jordan, Pippen Rodman and company:

ECF:

'96 Magic - Shaq, Penny, Anderson, Scott and Grant (Similar to the Gervin Era Spurs: Solid starting five; Blue-Light Special bench)
'97 Heat - Mourning, Mashburn, Hardaway, Veshon Leonard and P.J Brown (Not quite the firepower of the '99 and '00 Heat editions)
'98 Pacers - Miller, Smits, Mark Jackson, Mullin and Jalen Rose. (Along with the '92 Knicks as the only two teams that pushed a Jordan Championship year team to seven games in a series. That stated, not as strong as the '00 team that reached the finals. And, as mentioned earlier, arguably weaker than the '14 Pacer team that proceeded to sleep walk and flat-out quit during the ECF Finals)

Weakest link: In a landslide, the '96 Magic, who were toast after Grant went down early in the ECF.

Finals Victims:

'96 Supersonics - Kemp, Payton, Schrempf, Hawkins and Perkins (Even with an hobbled Nate McMillian in the finals, a better perimeter defending team than either of the following Jazz teams, but, unlike the Jazz, got killed on the boards)
'97 Jazz -Malone, Stockton, Hornacek, Russell and Ostertag (Perimeter defense wasn't up to snuff, which factored, along with #23 given carte blanche - see Russell, Byron, shove - by the referees to do as he pleased, in the placement of the Jazz behind the eight-ball)
'98 Jazz - See above. (Same as above, but compounded by Center Rony Seikaly vetoing a mid-season trade to Utah - which, very likely, would have pushed the Jazz over the top)

Weakest link: Too close to call. IMHO, with the possible exception of the '11 Mavs, all rank below the teams which vanquished LeBron-led teams in the Finals.

One sidenote about the Jazz: I cannot, and did not rate the aforementioned Jazz teams highly because, honestly, I believe - and this just using the Jordan era as a metric - that the late 80's Jazz teams with Mark Eaton, Bob Hansen, Darrell Griffith, and Thurl Bailey were head-and-shoulders above the '97 and '98 teams. And, if they had held onto Adrian Dantley instead of trading him to the Pistons, they would have at least reached the Finals in late '80s, possibly winning it all. That team was THAT good.


Lastly, talk about a watered down league....

The '96 Bulls, considered the so-called best ever, by many (I'll argue that the Bulls teams with Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright and Scott Williams, that were, unlike the latter editions with Rodman and relative stiffs like Longley and Wennington manning the post, were actually able to defend down low and protect the rim..therefore were actually better teams than the '96-'98 teams) won 72 games during an expansion year - The Raptors and Grizzlies entered the league that season with Rosters so weak that, by comparison, the perpetually banged up, though they were, no question, awful, '16 76ers and '16 Suns looked like '86 Celtics.

As a result, EVERY team won five more games that season. Plus, that awful '96 Raptors squad actually beat the '96 Bulls. So much for The '96 Bulls sweeping the '16 Warriors talk.

While the assertion that Jordan, Pippen and Rodman teamed up during a stronger era than this current LeBron James era continues, as a fact, it just doesn't (pardon the pun) hold water.

[Chip R]

Dray deserved to be suspended about 3 or 4 groin shots ago. Not sure why now, other than the NBA trying to squeeze more games outta this series.

Charles Barkley said that LeBron instigated the thing by stepping over Green while he was on the floor. He said Green was "morally obligated" to retaliate. This morning Anthony Davis said that what LeBron did was violate one of those unwritten rules and he should have expected retaliation. He said he was surprised Green was suspended at all.

Seems like players think Green was justified in what he did. My thinking is is he had hit LeBron anywhere but the groin - and the same goes for Adams - nothing would have been called. Not even a common foul. It also didn't help Green that he hit LeBron.

[RedTeamGo!]

Are NBA players OK with nut-taps?

There wasn't even that much of an uproar over the Adams kick to the balls. If someone on a basketball court did that to me I would likely end up in jail.

[Chip R]

Are NBA players OK with nut-taps?

There wasn't even that much of an uproar over the Adams kick to the balls. If someone on a basketball court did that to me I would likely end up in jail.

I dunno. I'm sure it happens - unintentionally - more often than we think. While the LeBron nut shot may have been on purpose, I don't think the Adams kick was since he kicks his leg out a lot when he goes up with the ball. Kobe used to kick his legs out all the time when he was shooting jumpers to draw a foul and a lot of the time it worked. He didn't go for the groin but I wouldn't bet the farm that it hasn't happened a few times. I think if Green had kicked Adams in the ankle or thigh or shoulder or arm, no one would have said a word. But because it's a groin shot, everyone is up in arms. Is there some kind of guideline for the officials to call a groin shot differently than a shot to the leg or chest? The rule book doesn't differentiate between any physical act. It doesn't say a groin shot is worse than any other foul. Green is kind of an idiot for continuing to do this but the officials have to call it too.

[Kingspoint]

Kobe and MJ had teams loaded with quality supporting players. LeBron has had very little to work with. Kobe and MJ had one Coach, one System, for the most part. They both had a continuity on the teams that again is something LeBron has never come close to being a part of.

I think LeBron is far superior to Bryant, and a bit better than Jordan. Plug in LeBron for Kobe or MJ and he wins as many Champioships, if not more. Plug in MJ and Kobe for LeBron on his teams and neither of those two would own a ring on their finger.

As far as Green getting a Flagrant for the LeBron incident, that is bogus. Green started it. LeBron took it up two degrees (throwing him down and then stepping over him). Should have been a double-T and been done with.

MJ never wins an NBA title without Pippin.

[texasdave]

Poor Draymond, always in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in a little 'entanglement' with Donatas Motiejunas in the first round of the playoffs. Yep, Draymond is a boy scout. He never means any harm, but things just keep happening when he is around. Scout's honor! Born under a cloud, I tell ya.

[Kingspoint]

Poor Draymond, always in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in a little 'entanglement' with Donatas Motiejunas in the first round of the playoffs. Yep, Draymond is a boy scout. He never means any harm, but things just keep happening when he is around. Scout's honor! Born under a cloud, I tell ya.

He should have been suspended many games for a dozen other infractions, but not this one.

[RedTeamGo!]

He should have been suspended many games for a dozen other infractions, but not this one.

He was suspended for the dozen infractions, not this game. The NBA uses a point system. He accumulated enough flagrant fouls throughout the playoffs that one more he was suspended.

It's not like the NBA said "OH! He hit LeBron in the nads, SUSPENDED!"

[Chip R]

He was suspended for the dozen infractions, not this game. The NBA uses a point system. He accumulated enough flagrant fouls throughout the playoffs that one more he was suspended.

It's not like the NBA said "OH! He hit LeBron in the nads, SUSPENDED!"

Well, if he'd have hit Dellavadova, no one would have noticed.

[dubc47834]

Poor Draymond, always in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in a little 'entanglement' with Donatas Motiejunas in the first round of the playoffs. Yep, Draymond is a boy scout. He never means any harm, but things just keep happening when he is around. Scout's honor! Born under a cloud, I tell ya.

I haven't seen many people say Draymond is a Boy Scout. He is an instigator, hell if you ask his team mates and they were being honest, they would say the same thing. The problem is that Lebron in this instance is being exactly what Draymond called him. He basically campaigned the NBA to give Draymond the flagrant foul. The refs on court didn't call it, it shouldn't have been called period....just my opinion tho.

[dubc47834]

GSW get the W tonite. Steph goes for 35+

[texasdave]

I haven't seen many people say Draymond is a Boy Scout. He is an instigator, hell if you ask his team mates and they were being honest, they would say the same thing. The problem is that Lebron in this instance is being exactly what Draymond called him. He basically campaigned the NBA to give Draymond the flagrant foul. The refs on court didn't call it, it shouldn't have been called period....just my opinion tho.

Nevermind. It's not worth the effort.

[Razor Shines]

Kobe and MJ had teams loaded with quality supporting players. LeBron has had very little to work with. Kobe and MJ had one Coach, one System, for the most part. They both had a continuity on the teams that again is something LeBron has never come close to being a part of.

I think LeBron is far superior to Bryant, and a bit better than Jordan. Plug in LeBron for Kobe or MJ and he wins as many Champioships, if not more. Plug in MJ and Kobe for LeBron on his teams and neither of those two would own a ring on their finger.

As far as Green getting a Flagrant for the LeBron incident, that is bogus. Green started it. LeBron took it up two degrees (throwing him down and then stepping over him). Should have been a double-T and been done with.

MJ never wins an NBA title without Pippin.

I don't disagree with all of this and I'm usually defending Lebron but Jordan and Kobe were deadly jump shooters. Lebron...obviously....is not.


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[RedTeamGo!]

Klay Thompson might be a better all-around player than Curry. Not even joking.

[Razor Shines]

Klay Thompson might be a better all-around player than Curry. Not even joking.

Mark Jackson said he's a better defender than Kuwaii Leonard. I agree that Klay is better all around than he gets credit for but he's not Kuwaii.


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[dubc47834]

Nevermind. It's not worth the effort.

Your post I quoted was dripping with sarcasm. I responded with my opinion, as stated. Not sure what kind of effort you were putting into it in the first place.

If this Lebron that showed up tonite had showed up to start the series, it might be a closer series and all this talk would be moot.

[dubc47834]

That didn't look good for Bogut!

[Kingspoint]

I don't disagree with all of this and I'm usually defending Lebron but Jordan and Kobe were deadly jump shooters. Lebron...obviously....is not.


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...and Jordan had a lot more basketball smarts than James.

[RedTeamGo!]

I am not a Cavs fan, but this is such one sided officiating, I'm amazed the Cavs are winning.

[Roy Tucker]

Great ballgame.

Varajao ought to play soccer. What a flopper.

[Kingspoint]

Losing JR Smith for much of the 4th Qtr will really hurt.

...Love how they are calling out Varajeo.

- - - Updated - - -

Even Javy....

[Kingspoint]

Shumpert should never get off the bench. He's a terrible player.

- - - Updated - - -

They can do better than Lue.

[Kingspoint]

Jefferson should be in for Shumpert.

- - - Updated - - -

Great game for Irving...great series for Irving.

[dubc47834]

Jefferson should be in for Shumpert.

- - - Updated - - -

Great game for Irving...great series for Irving.

I don't think it really matters. From this point on this game falls on James/Irvings shoulders. They have got the Cavs this far, now just need to finish it off!!!

[Kingspoint]

Jefferson will do all the smart, little things. Shumpert won't.

[Roy Tucker]

Irving and James taking turns going one on one.

[Kingspoint]

Wow! The Irving Show!

[dubc47834]

The problem for the Cavs it has taken monster games from both James and Kyrie with Green being suspended. No way do,they keep this up for 2 more games.

[dubc47834]

Looks like my Warriors in 5 was wrong...can't win 'em all I guess!!!

[RedTeamGo!]

Wow, what a game by LeBron and Irving.

[Roy Tucker]

Man. I would have bet big $$$ on GS in this game. I thought the Cavs were dead men walking after game 4.

[Kingspoint]

Great performances by Irving/James in a Game 5 in an opponent's building...and GS's building.

Doubt has entered GS's head, even if it is a little. There's still more doubt than when this game started. And Bogut could be out for Game 6.

[Roy Tucker]

Warriors really missed Green on defense.

[RedTeamGo!]

Warriors really missed Green on defense.

And offense too, to be honest. Dude makes the team positionless. Really hard to guard.

[Wonderful Monds]

You can probably play some pretty good defense when you're constantly hitting everyone in the junk.

The way that "Dub Nation" has been acting like they should be anointed the championship is making them start to feel a LOT like "the best fans in baseball." Starting get to sick of GS's players tired acts as well.

Here's to LBJ and crew pulling off the monumental upset and knocking these self-righteous blowhards down a peg.

[Kingspoint]

Igoudala more than covered up for Green's absence, but nobody covered up for Igoudala's from the bench. Curry and Thompson both shot great going for 62 points. GS was on fire from three for most o the game.

LeBron and Irving were just better.

[IslandRed]

I don't have a dog in the fight but that was a fun game to watch. Great players playing great.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I loved Kyrie's Mortal Kombat "Finish Him" sequence there is the fourth. That was some vintage stuff and if the Cavs do somehow win this series, you can point to that as the starting point.

[Chip R]

The inside presence of CLE last night was too much for GS. There weren't a lot of plays where GS could spread it out and someone had a clear path to the basket. About every time they tried to put something up inside, they'd miss and CLE would rebound or block/alter the shot(s). CLE was also killing it on the offensive boards as well. It looked like they really missed Green last night. One wonders if CLE will try to goad him into a T and possible ejection and suspension.

[Rojo]

You can probably play some pretty good defense when you're constantly hitting everyone in the junk.

The way that "Dub Nation" has been acting like they should be anointed the championship is making them start to feel a LOT like "the best fans in baseball." Starting get to sick of GS's players tired acts as well.

Here's to LBJ and crew pulling off the monumental upset and knocking these self-righteous blowhards down a peg.

Come on now. They're a great team and they're fans are enjoying it. And this is a franchise that's had a mostly miserable existence. They're hardly the Yankees.

[westofyou]

Come on now. They're a great team and they're fans are enjoying it. And this is a franchise that's had a mostly miserable existence. They're hardly the Yankees.
This

Unless you've been not paying attention the Warriors have been pretty disappointing for the past 40 years, and up close it was not pretty

[Wonderful Monds]

Come on now. They're a great team and they're fans are enjoying it. And this is a franchise that's had a mostly miserable existence. They're hardly the Yankees.

Oh I'm aware.

And it's already gone to their heads. They are the worst.

[nmculbreth]

Oh I'm aware.

And it's already gone to their heads. They are the worst.

Can we name one winning franchise whose fans aren't considered to be insufferable? It sort of goes with the territory, no?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Can we name one winning franchise whose fans aren't considered to be insufferable? It sort of goes with the territory, no?

The Packers?

[Wonderful Monds]

Just in the NBA alone, the Spurs have a long familiarity with winning and they're perfectly fine.

In the Bay Area itself, the Giants have won the WS half the damn time this decade, and steamrolled the Reds and in the process and now get to have Johnny Cueto, and I still can't find much to fault them with.

[Razor Shines]

Just in the NBA alone, the Spurs have a long familiarity with winning and they're perfectly fine.

.
Uhhh....try living in Texas and not being a Spurs fan and I love certain Spurs fans dearly.

[Boston Red]

The Packers?

Child please

[Razor Shines]

The Packers?

Brilliant satire.


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[Rojo]

Oh I'm aware.

And it's already gone to their heads. They are the worst.

You mean the cheering and such? How about that "DE-FENSE" taunt? What's that about?

[Kingspoint]

Media spoke about this (or was it us here at redszone?) when GS was on their record winning streak to start the season......one Championship won't make for a public dislike of a franchise as a "hated winner", but put back-to-back titles together and it starts to turn quickly. Maybe the fans and players earn the bad reputations as arrogance by the fans comes with the territory, just as it probably does with the players. It's probably just human nature not to like anyone who is successful for too long a time. It's natural to want to knock them down a peg. The Blackhawks are doing it right. Mix the Championships in with some non-Championship seasons (See? Now didn't that little comment provoke a little hatred from non-Hawk fans?).

What gets me the most is that winning NBA teams seem to always be the biggest whiners, too.

[RedTeamGo!]

Curry's antics post 3's really gets under my skin for some reason. I am not saying that is rational, but it is what it is.

LeBron reportedly watched The Godfather Part II before the game 5 and says it really calmed him down and got him focused. That is kind of awesome.

[Revering4Blue]

This

Unless you've been not paying attention the Warriors have been pretty disappointing for the past 40 years, and up close it was not pretty

Sonny Parker, Joe Barry Carroll, Joe Smith, Adonal Foyle...

It was lots of fun...for opposing team's fanbases.

Purvis Short's rainbow jumper was a thing of beauty, though.

[Wonderful Monds]

You mean the cheering and such? How about that "DE-FENSE" taunt? What's that about?

Yes because that's what I mean, not the hoards of "Dubs" fans going on and on about how LeBron James is the most overrated player in the history of the NBA, or how a bunch of them on one of their discussion pages started the most gag inducing conversation about how LBJ "wouldn't even be the 3rd best player on the team" or how "we wouldn't even want that loser on our team for free"

[dubc47834]

Yes because that's what I mean, not the hoards of "Dubs" fans going on and on about how LeBron James is the most overrated player in the history of the NBA, or how a bunch of them on one of their discussion pages started the most gag inducing conversation about how LBJ "wouldn't even be the 3rd best player on the team" or how "we wouldn't even want that loser on our team for free"

You mean like the many Cavs fans who while Lebron was originally there supported the team, called LBJ the greatest ever, then once the greatest left basically stops supporting the team and called LBJ a baby and a quitter. Then once Lebron comes back the Q starts selling out again. Man most successful franchises have "those" fans. Back in the day nobody liked the Patriots, now they are loved by half the dang country. If you look at other teams message boards you're gonna see that type of stuff...they're "fans" for a reason...fanatics

[Wonderful Monds]

I'm not looking at anyone's message boards. Neutral sports sites. Reddit. Facebook. I'm not going to GSW forums to get awful takes like this:

"Just throw Curry out of the game. Let's not stop pretending this game is being officiated fairly."

[Wonderful Monds]

Curry ejected for throwing the most pathetic tantrum.

[dubc47834]

Curry ejected for throwing the most pathetic tantrum.

These refs have sucked...both ways!!!

[dubc47834]

The NBA and Cavs fans can thank Draymond Green for game 7. Him being suspended has cost his team momentum and has awoken King James. Congrats Cavs fans. I still think that GSW will win this series tho!

[Tom Servo]

LeBron is the GOAT.

[Razor Shines]

Curry ejected for throwing the most pathetic tantrum.

Unfortunately for Steph I think the media is really going to turn on him, hard. Especially if they lose. Cycles.


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[Stray]

The NBA still hasn't won over my benefit of the doubt when it comes to them doing whatever it takes for pub and money. So I'm inclined to halfway agree with her, but at the same time I think she's crazy for even putting the word "rigged" on her timeline as the wife of the first unanimous MVP in NBA history.

NBA got their game 7. I don't know if they wanted it but they definitely wanted it.

No idea what to make of this series tho because it's been so all over the place.

11055

[Wonderful Monds]

The NBA still hasn't won over my benefit of the doubt when it comes to them doing whatever it takes for pub and money. So I'm inclined to halfway agree with her, but at the same time I think she's crazy for even putting the word "rigged" on her timeline as the wife of the first unanimous MVP in NBA history.

NBA got their game 7. I don't know if they wanted it but they definitely wanted it.

No idea what to make of this series tho because it's been so all over the place.

11055

Someone from the league offices is going to be in touch with Steph Curry and his family's usage of social media. You can't even suggest criticizing a ref as a player or coach. Outright accusing fixing? I wouldn't be surprised if they outright fined Curry.

Didn't know he was married to the Dallas Latos of NBA.

[Stray]

They should fine the Curry's, but I don't even blame her.

Like, anyone who is a NBA fan...who isn't skeptical? We all are kinda unsure to some degree.

Even tho I think she shouldn't have said it as Steph's wife, I don't even disagree with her cuz ppl watching are saying the same thing.

NBA might fine em, but it's totally on the NBA to fix their image over time. So that this isn't the first thought that comes to ppl's head.

[PXShaman]

I am a little tired of this game is rigged stuff.
It was funny in 2006,2008 but now it just kills the fun of the GREAT game we just watched. A few bad calls, but if that was baseball it would of been considered a great game. Great game by the Cavs, Lebron playing his best Basketball in his life. Only thing you can knock him for is the 3 or 4 bad shots he takes a game.

[RedTeamGo!]

They should fine the Curry's, but I don't even blame her.

Like, anyone who is a NBA fan...who isn't skeptical? We all are kinda unsure to some degree.

Even tho I think she shouldn't have said it as Steph's wife, I don't even disagree with her cuz ppl watching are saying the same thing.

NBA might fine em, but it's totally on the NBA to fix their image over time. So that this isn't the first thought that comes to ppl's head.

Huh? The Warriors didn't lose because the refs. They lost because LeBron has awoken.

[R_Webb18]

NBA is rigged talk is just stupid.

[Kingspoint]

Someone from the league offices is going to be in touch with Steph Curry and his family's usage of social media. You can't even suggest criticizing a ref as a player or coach. Outright accusing fixing? I wouldn't be surprised if they outright fined Curry.

Didn't know he was married to the Dallas Latos of NBA.

Curry should be suspended for Game 7 for throwing his mouthpiece at the fan. Some things cross the line, and throwing things at a fan is one of those, Game 7, Curry or not. And I don't want to hear some whiner say that he lost his temper and that it was an accident, which even if it was (hello Rob Dibble), does not excuse it.

I didn't know Curry's wife was a bigger cry-baby than he is. There must be statues of the two of them adorning the entranceway of the house as you enter it (like Ronnie Lott and his wife at their house).

The most irritating thing about Curry (like Green) is that he thinks any treatment of him on the court as anything other than a God, is doing him a disservice. I really hope Cleveland beats them and gives it's fans an NBA title. They've earned it.

[Kingspoint]

I just finished watching.

What a magnificent game and performance by the Cavs, especially King James, who once again has earned that moniker. Best moment of the night was with just under five minutes to go and LeBron emphatically spelled it out to Curry to get that weak sauce out of here.

I replayed so many moments of the game that it took me 3 hours to fast-forward through a 2-1/2 hour game. Van Gundy and Jackson were excellent tonight.

[Kingspoint]

Nice find, Stray, of the tweet.

[Wonderful Monds]

There really were just about a constant stream of ridiculous highlight reel plays, especially in the second half. JR feeding LBJ on that savage oop is one of the most incredible plays I've seen in the NBA given the context. LeBron's absolute clowning of Steph on the block is somehow even better.

[Kingspoint]

There really were just about a constant stream of ridiculous highlight reel plays, especially in the second half. JR feeding LBJ on that savage oop is one of the most incredible plays I've seen in the NBA given the context. LeBron's absolute clowning of Steph on the block is somehow even better.
JR's expression was priceless, as he was setting it up. I've really enjoyed Smith in this series. Lue is failng to recognize that Jefferson should get a lot of minutes and Shumpert should not be getting very many. He at least went with Williams over Dillyvanilla, but it took him too long to figure that out.

Monster feed dunks, and highlight reels. Wish I had been in the building, but I was getting emotional by myself in the house here. As Van Gundy commended, dynamite dimes by James, too.

Portland and Cleveland came into the league together in '70-'71. They played 7, or was it 9, times against each other that year so fans could see at least a couple of wins. Went to a Triple-Overtime game in '72-'73 vs Cleveland that Portland won by 2. I think it was on the same night that Oregon State shocked Walton and UCLA, two days after the Ducks shocked UCLA. The SI cover was "Death Valley" referring to the stunning weekend sweep of the Bruins by the two schools in the Willamette Valley.

Tonight's game was just another reason why sports is so exciting. Out of this world performances, and tonight it was the entire Cavs' squad. Even the fans were fun to watch.

[Kingspoint]

Harrison Barnes lost money the last two games. He's still going to win the mega-lottery this Summer, but he lost millions these last two games.

[Boston Red]

The Warriors will win game 7 by about 30.

[Chip R]

The Warriors will win game 7 by about 30.

If CLE plays the way they have been the last two games and GS plays like they have it might be the other way around.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The Warriors will win game 7 by about 30.

They will have to make some adjustments or have one of those games where everything they throw up goes in. They need to find a way to not have Curry be the guy switching on pick and roles on defense and on offense they have to find a way to get Green back into that role. Lebron guarding Green, losing Bogut and now with Igudola's back problems have made any type of Warriors blow out pretty improbable.

[Bourgeois Zee]

It all hinges on Green.

Against Houston, he was the best player on the floor.

Against the Blazers, he was awesome offensively but struggled to contain Aminu.

He struggled against Durant (and couldn't shoot straight).

Against Cleveland, he's gotten eaten alive by LeBron.

Golden State needs him at full power because the extra parts-- Bogut, Iguodala, and Barnes-- are iffy or unavailable.

I'd actually love to see Kevin Love come out and hit about 15 three pointers, grab 20 rebounds, and put Cleveland on his back for the win.

[Roy Tucker]

I guess I'm old school. Ayesha Curry tweeting all kinds of garbage is a really bad idea.

Hush child. Let them settle it on the court. Don't feel the fire.

[BRM]

The most irritating thing about Curry (like Green) is that he thinks any treatment of him on the court as anything other than a God, is doing him a disservice. I really hope Cleveland beats them and gives it's fans an NBA title. They've earned it.

Interesting because this is how I've always felt about LeBron. Hopefully Game 7 is a good one. The first 6 have all been won by double digits. Would be nice to see a close one on Sunday.

[Razor Shines]

I guess I'm old school. Ayesha Curry tweeting all kinds of garbage is a really bad idea.

Hush child. Let them settle it on the court. Don't feel the fire.

I mean calling the league "rigged" that made your husband into a world wide star...he hangs out with POTUS...seems odd.


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[dabvu2498]

I mean calling the league "rigged" that made your husband into a world wide star...I mean he hangs out with POTUS...seems odd.


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Tom Brady wears Steph's shoes while watching him play, for goodness sakes!

[dubc47834]

Unfortunately for Steph I think the media is really going to turn on him, hard. Especially if they lose. Cycles.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's already started!

[dubc47834]

There really were just about a constant stream of ridiculous highlight reel plays, especially in the second half. JR feeding LBJ on that savage oop is one of the most incredible plays I've seen in the NBA given the context. LeBron's absolute clowning of Steph on the block is somehow even better.

That should of been a technical by the rules, taunting. If that was many other players than LBJ is woulda been called. I think the taunting rule is crazy, but if it's there it needs to be called.

[Chip R]

If GS loses Sunday, I think they would be the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit and blow a 3-1 lead in the same year.

[Bourgeois Zee]

That should of been a technical by the rules, taunting. If that was many other players than LBJ is woulda been called. I think the taunting rule is crazy, but if it's there it needs to be called.

If that's the case, Green should have never been allowed to play beyond Houston.

He's constantly taunting opponents.

(What irritates me, as a Kings' fan, is that Green is Cousins with less self control. (Kicking dudes in the junk, not cool.) But he's celebrated by talking heads instead of castigated.

[dubc47834]

LeBron is the GOAT.

He is an all time great, but GOAT....naaaahhh

[dubc47834]

If that's the case, Green should have never been allowed to play beyond Houston.

He's constantly taunting opponents.

(What irritates me, as a Kings' fan, is that Green is Cousins with less self control. (Kicking dudes in the junk, not cool.) But he's celebrated by talking heads instead of castigated.

That is true, he should be T'd up more also. I don't think Lebron is on Green/Cousins level, but you rarely see him get T'd up for taunting or crying to an official for not getting a call, which he does a lot

- - - Updated - - -


If GS loses Sunday, I think they would be the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit and blow a 3-1 lead in the same year.

Would also be 1st team to loss a 3-1 lead in the finals

[BuckeyeRed27]

He is an all time great, but GOAT....naaaahhh

If he has another game like the last 2 and they win this series, I think that is a very open conversation.

[WVRed]

If CLE plays the way they have been the last two games and GS plays like they have it might be the other way around.

I think Cleveland will have its heart ripped right out of its chest Sunday night.

Like it or not, Ayesha Curry is right. The NBA is rigged but then again you could make the case that every professional and even college have their flaws in this.

I think the zebras call it close. Cleveland will play with all the momentum and the refs take over in the last eight minutes to allow Golden State to win it. They are not losing the championship on their home court.

Regardless, LeBron should be named MVP, winning or losing.


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[Kingspoint]

Interesting because this is how I've always felt about LeBron. Hopefully Game 7 is a good one. The first 6 have all been won by double digits. Would be nice to see a close one on Sunday.

The difference I see is that LeBron doesn't complain about every non-call. He takes a lot of physical abuse the way Shaq did and goes about his business. Curry complains about being fouled when it is actually Curry doing the fouling.

[Kingspoint]

The refs have let the teams play it out. If anything, they have let too much go, but that's the general rule as the rounds advance. I think they've done a great job of not deciding the outcomes of any games. I know, not think, the NBA has fixed a lot of outcomes over the David Stern watch, but this year's playoffs have been void of any of that.

[Kingspoint]

Golden State has lost their composure.

LeBron, Kyrie, Jefferson, Thompson and Smith lead Cleveland to the greatest comeback in NBA history.

[Kingspoint]

Got to spend more time on Curry and his cry-baby attitude.

On Curry's 5th foul, he fouled Irving two times before they called him for a foul on the 3rd foul of Irving in 2 seconds as Curry was being aggressive trying to steal the ball. The refs let him get away with two fouls on the play, but enough was enough. Curry thought he had impunity.

Then Curry kicks his leg out and whines again because he didn't get a call. He then pouts about it like a baby and stands around while nine players go past him up the cort.

I've lost all respect for Kerr as he adamantly supported Curry's childish acts, making Kerr no better. He then repeated his support in the press conference.

Curry deserves to be a member of the team that choked the greatest in the history of the NBA.

People always show their true character amid adversity. Curry showed his true self in the 4th Quarter of Game 6.

[WVRed]

The refs have let the teams play it out. If anything, they have let too much go, but that's the general rule as the rounds advance. I think they've done a great job of not deciding the outcomes of any games. I know, not think, the NBA has fixed a lot of outcomes over the David Stern watch, but this year's playoffs have been void of any of that.

You're forgetting the Western Conference Finals where the Warriors came back from a 3-1 deficit. Either that or OKC choked on its home floor.

I know you want Cleveland to win, but while they have the momentum going into Game 7, they still have to play it in Oakland with Draymond actually playing. The odds still favor the Warriors.

[Kingspoint]

You can always count on Durant and Westbrook to self-destruct.

[dubc47834]

No way do the Cavs win game 7 in Oakland. I don't think this one hurts Lebrons legacy tho. Think about it, he losses to the team that had the greatest regular season ever. They come back from a 3-1 deficit to force a game 7, and during said stretch plays possibly his greatest stretch of playoff ball in his career. In not a big Lebron fan, but I know the guy is an all time great. If the Cavs would have lost game 5 I do think that you could have counted this one against his legacy, but even tho he had some help in getting to game 7, Green getting suspended and huge games by Kyrie, I don't think this one hurts him.

[Rojo]

People always show their true character amid adversity. Curry showed his true self in the 4th Quarter of Game 6.

This is a bit much, don't you think?

I'll be out at a bar rooting for the Warriors. But even though I'm indifferent to the Cavs, it would be nice for the city of Cleveland to grab a championship finally.

[Kingspoint]

This is a bit much, don't you think?

I'll be out at a bar rooting for the Warriors. But even though I'm indifferent to the Cavs, it would be nice for the city of Cleveland to grab a championship finally.

Not at all. People ALWAYS show their true character amid adversity. Anyone can fake goodness when things are going well. Curry has gotten away with a phoney reputation over the last two years. He has a long life ahead of him and there's plenty of time and room for development. But, the core of his character was revealed in these Finals. It's nothing new to me, as I saw this in him many times before this year's playoffs. He's an easy guy to rattle when things don't go exactly his way. Irving will own him again tonight.

[WVRed]

Not at all. People ALWAYS show their true character amid adversity. Anyone can fake goodness when things are going well. Curry has gotten away with a phoney reputation over the last two years. He has a long life ahead of him and there's plenty of time and room for development. But, the core of his character was revealed in these Finals. It's nothing new to me, as I saw this in him many times before this year's playoffs. He's an easy guy to rattle when things don't go exactly his way. Irving will own him again tonight.

So I guess LeBron showed his when he "took his talents to South Beach?"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rojo]

Not at all. People ALWAYS show their true character amid adversity. Anyone can fake goodness when things are going well. Curry has gotten away with a phoney reputation over the last two years. He has a long life ahead of him and there's plenty of time and room for development. But, the core of his character was revealed in these Finals. It's nothing new to me, as I saw this in him many times before this year's playoffs. He's an easy guy to rattle when things don't go exactly his way. Irving will own him again tonight.

Happy when he's winning: fake Stephen

Upset when he's losing: real Stephen.

Please.

It's folly to read too much about a person's character through the lens of a game or two.

[dubc47834]

GSW- 121 Clev- 109

[dubc47834]

Not at all. People ALWAYS show their true character amid adversity. Anyone can fake goodness when things are going well. Curry has gotten away with a phoney reputation over the last two years. He has a long life ahead of him and there's plenty of time and room for development. But, the core of his character was revealed in these Finals. It's nothing new to me, as I saw this in him many times before this year's playoffs. He's an easy guy to rattle when things don't go exactly his way. Irving will own him again tonight.

I enjoy coming here to read your NBA analysis, but this was way too much man. What he did was childish, doesn't make him and his character bad!!!

[Kingspoint]

Happy when he's winning: fake Stephen

Upset when he's losing: real Stephen.

Please.

It's folly to read too much about a person's character through the lens of a game or two.

Like I said...it wasn't a game or two for me....it was just exposed to the masses in this series.

[Kingspoint]

I enjoy coming here to read your NBA analysis, but this was way too much man. What he did was childish, doesn't make him and his character bad!!!

I hate whiners with Paul and Harden at the top of the list. Curry whines more every month over the last couple of years.

[Kingspoint]

So I guess LeBron showed his when he "took his talents to South Beach?"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

LeBron was an embarrassment to himself during that period and I rooted against him. If Curry changes, I'll change my feelings for him. LeBron changed.

[Kingspoint]

Love has to hit those open shots.

[dubc47834]

I hate whiners with Paul and Harden at the top of the list. Curry whines more every month over the last couple of years.

The NBA is full of whiners. If they don't get a call they whine, LBJ is pretty bad also.

[Kingspoint]

I love Golden State's style of basketball. I think they play it the way it should be played, but hey got away from it often during these playoffs, in each round, and have taken a lot of bad shots with bad posessions. Cleveland's normal Offense is a series of bad posessions, but the talent of Irving and James often overcomes it.

- - - Updated - - -


The NBA is full of whiners. If they don't get a call they whine, LBJ is pretty bad also.

There is way too much of it, yes.

[Kingspoint]

Cleveland's Defense has been good to start.

If GS listens to Kerr and moves the ball, they won't be stopped.

[Kingspoint]

Iggy has to be doped up in his back.

[Kingspoint]

Cleveland will.have to out-posession them (FG's and TO's), because they won't shoot a higher true percentage. Love is getting it done in the posession area.

[dubc47834]

Shumperts man bun is just turrible!!!

[dubc47834]

Green has the stroke tonite!!!

[dubc47834]

I think Lue is out thinking himself playing Williams this much. It's not hurt them much yet, but I think it will!

[dubc47834]

Just get that feeling GSW about to go on that run

[Roy Tucker]

Green is good, but not this good.

[Kingspoint]

Cleveland's poor Offensive movement is killing them.

[dubc47834]

Green is good, but not this good.

Green has these kind of games every now and then. Like Mark Jackson said, he's not afraid of GM 7

[dubc47834]

Cleveland's poor Offensive movement is killing them.

Game 5&6 Lebron/Irving hasn't showed up tonite. Don't seem to be as aggressive tonite for whatever reason

[Kingspoint]

Game 5&6 Lebron/Irving hasn't showed up tonite. Don't seem to be as aggressive tonite for whatever reason

I have a feeling that will change in the 2nd half and the poor ball movement will continue.

[Kingspoint]

Green has these kind of games every now and then. Like Mark Jackson said, he's not afraid of GM 7

Not a game for the timid.

[dubc47834]

Not a game for the timid.

This is what he shoulda done in game 5, his own fault for getting in that position.

[Kingspoint]

This is what he shoulda done in game 5, his own fault for getting in that position.

He was other-worldly from three against Portland.

[Boston Red]

A close game. How novel.

[Kingspoint]

A close game. How novel.

Some potential foul trouble shaping up.

[Kingspoint]

This is why it's so hard to win a Game 7 on the road. The home crowd can get you into a groove.

[Boston Red]

I don't think the refs will let foul trouble play a role. Curry has a free one coming to make up for getting called for a foul when Shumpert tackled him.

[Kingspoint]

I don't think the refs will let foul trouble play a role. Curry has a free one coming to make up for getting called for a foul when Shumpert tackled him.

They've done a good job avoiding that so far.

[Kingspoint]

Could have called Love there for his 4th and didn't.

[dubc47834]

Cavs with a nice run!

[Kingspoint]

LeBron has really made Irving a much better player. He was out of control before LeBron arrived. Now he's every bit that #1 overall pick as advertised.

[Roy Tucker]

That is an awful foul called on James. Terrible.

[Kingspoint]

Two terrible posessions in a row by James. He needs to not think all things live and die through him.

[dubc47834]

That is an awful foul called on James. Terrible.

Bad fouls all series...add it to the list!

[dubc47834]

Great game 7 so far!

[paintmered]

Time to start thinking of "30 for 30" titles for this series. And I loathe™ the NBA.

[Kingspoint]

The tension in this quarter will be intense. Who will be able to put the ball in the basket. Green, Thompson, Irvin and Curry, for sure. James really has to be careful that he doesn't take his team out of it by stopping the ball movement and taking bad shots. Same goes for Curry and not taking bad shots.

[Kingspoint]

Kyrie!

[Kingspoint]

Man, Love has choked on these wide open three's.

[Kingspoint]

What a great shot by Curry at the 6:48 mark....followed by a rainbow by Thompson.

[Roy Tucker]

Getting down to it now.

GS 3's are so dangerous. James or Irving have to take over.

[Kingspoint]

James has got to involve Irving a lot more.

GS needs to move the ball more and try not to let Cleveland get the Offensive Rebound.

[Boston Red]

Neither James nor Curry has had a great game. Irving and Green so far.

[PXShaman]

I can't take this game anymore. MY HEART CANT take it.

[Kingspoint]

Choke by Love.

[Kingspoint]

Looks like James trapped Iggy's shot.

- - - Updated - - -

What a horrible shot and posession by Curry.

- - - Updated - - -

That was a good block after seeing the replay.

[Boston Red]

Late game choke fest

[dabvu2498]

My God, the pressure in this game.

[Kingspoint]

Stupid foul by GS.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh, oh.

- - - Updated - - -

LeBron is hurt...oh, man.

[Boston Red]

Doesn't really matter if James is hurt.

[Kingspoint]

He may have to shoot left-handed.

[Boston Red]

Ok, well, I guess it does matter if he's gonna shoot.

[Kingspoint]

There's a lot of time left.

[Kingspoint]

Congratulations, Cleveland, and it's fans!

[Roy Tucker]

Wow. Just wow. What a gutty win.

[Tom Servo]

Down 3-1 in the series. Wow.

[Joseph]

Cleveland.....all that suffering, well it still counts, but it's got to be a little better now.

[Kingspoint]

Golden State is going to be that much tougher next year. I do not look forward to that.

[kaldaniels]

That was a butt ugly fourth quarter with all the missed shots. Kyrie came up huge with the last 3 when everyone else was bricking.

[Kingspoint]

Irving with the game-winning dagger. LeBron with a game-7 Triple-dub.

[Kingspoint]

So, the Paul Brown curse is over. That must mean the Bengals will win the Super Bowl in 7 months.

:p

[Wonderful Monds]

wwwwwwwwwoooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[Kingspoint]

Lue can get a full season in Cleveland now.

[Kingspoint]

The great Mr. Russell. Always good to see.

[Kingspoint]

Congratulations to LeBron.

What a Summer it is going to be in Cleveland. Love the College lettering "CLE".

"I'M HOME!" Put that on a shirt.

[Kingspoint]

Thompson and Curry missed 18 of 24 from three tonight.

[Roy Tucker]

David Blatt is crying somewhere.

- - - Updated - - -

Better get the riot control crew in Cleveland.

[RedTeamGo!]

There are so many fireworks (at least, I hope they are fireworks) going off in my neighborhood (Lakewood - about 5 miles west of The Q).

Wow. Cannot believe they pulled it off. LeBron just announced to the world he is still the best player on earth.

[Kingspoint]

How you feel now, Ayesha?

[Kingspoint]

Isaiah just said, "James belongs with Russell and Jordan now as the greatest of all time."

[dubc47834]

Congrats to all the Cavs fans on here. Specially the ones who stuck it out during James hiatus. Irving and James played lights out since game 5. If I'm in Golden States locker room I'm not happy with Green. Sure he played lights out, but he changed the momentum of this series. Good to see LBJ bring it home...should really piss off his detractors!

[Kingspoint]

Yes. Great season by the Warriors, and I'm glad to see their brand of basketball as a current example for great success.

[Kingspoint]

Couple of great truisms (or euphemisms) tonight:

Kerr: "That's life. Things happen. You move on."

James: "The big guy won't give you more than you can handle."

[dubc47834]

Isaiah just said, "James belongs with Russell and Jordan now as the greatest of all time."

As long as Bryant is on that list also...sure. To me, he needs 1 more to be on the list. He's in the conversation now, but for me Jordan, Russell, and Kobe are higher. But don't get me wrong, James is an all time great...top 5 right now

[Kingspoint]

Isaiah said it right:

"Jordan had to score. He didn't have to rebound. He didn't have to get the assist. LeBron had to score. He had to make the pass. He had to rebound. He had to get the block or the steal."

Same goes for Kobe. And, Kobe still didn't have to score because of Shaq.

[dubc47834]

Look at the guy who can't handle adversity, he is answering every question and came out to shake hands with the Cavs. Handled this so far with class!!!

[Revering4Blue]

As long as Bryant is on that list also...sure. To me, he needs 1 more to be on the list. He's in the conversation now, but for me Jordan, Russell, and Kobe are higher. But don't get me wrong, James is an all time great...top 5 right now

This may not be the best time for this argument. But...

1)Is there a logical argument out there - the only type which count - that Kobe is even the best Laker of all time?

2)Any NBA Best of All Time list is disingenuous without beginning with this guy: http://wiltfan.tripod.com/wiltrules.html

[dubc47834]

This may not be the best time for this argument. But...

1)Is there a logical argument out there - the only type which count - that Kobe is even the best Laker of all time?

2)Any NBA Best of All Time list is disingenuous without beginning with this guy: http://wiltfan.tripod.com/wiltrules.html

1. When many ex Lakers players say he is the greatest Laker ever, then yeah it's a logical argument!

2. Yes, Wilt is on that list!!!

[Revering4Blue]

Obviously happy for LeBron, Kyrie and Love, who never even sniffed the Playoffs under the then-GM David Kahn led T-Wolves.

But, as someone who rooted like hades for the early aughts New Jersey Nets to win it all, I'm ecstatic that Richard Jefferson is now a champion, because most have forgotten what a fine player he was in his prime.

This offseason is going to be interesting, as both Cleveland and Golden State face the losses of free agents/personnel. How will they retool.

[dubc47834]

Obviously happy for LeBron, Kyrie and Love, who never even sniffed the Playoffs under the then-GM David Kahn led T-Wolves.

But, as someone who rooted like hades for the early aughts New Jersey Nets to win it all, I'm ecstatic that Richard Jefferson is now a champion, because most have forgotten what a fine player he was in his prime.

This offseason is going to be interesting, as both Cleveland and Golden State face the losses of free agents/personnel. How will they retool.

Great point on Jefferson!!!

[Revering4Blue]

1. When many ex Lakers players say he is the greatest Laker ever, then yeah it's a logical argument!

2. Yes, Wilt is on that list!!!

Fair enough. It's a lot like picking the best Celtic of all time, it's hard to go wrong.

[kaldaniels]

Your move Browns.

[RedTeamGo!]

Obviously happy for LeBron, Kyrie and Love, who never even sniffed the Playoffs under the then-GM David Kahn led T-Wolves.

But, as someone who rooted like hades for the early aughts New Jersey Nets to win it all, I'm ecstatic that Richard Jefferson is now a champion, because most have forgotten what a fine player he was in his prime.

This offseason is going to be interesting, as both Cleveland and Golden State face the losses of free agents/personnel. How will they retool.

I think Love is as good as gone.

[Wonderful Monds]

When many ex Lakers players say he is the greatest Laker ever, then yeah it's a logical argument!!

That's not how logic works.

[Kingspoint]

I think Love is as good as gone.

They weren't using him right anyway. He's the best in the NBA at starting a fastbreak off of a rebound.

[Wonderful Monds]

There are so many fireworks (at least, I hope they are fireworks) going off in my neighborhood (Lakewood - about 5 miles west of The Q).

Wow. Cannot believe they pulled it off. LeBron just announced to the world he is still the best player on earth.

Cuyahoga River catches on fire again tonight too, calling it

[Tom Servo]

But, as someone who rooted like hades for the early aughts New Jersey Nets to win it all, I'm ecstatic that Richard Jefferson is now a champion, because most have forgotten what a fine player he was in his prime.

I should be happier for him as a Nets fan...but mostly I'm still kind of angry at him, Kidd, and Carter for seemingly always snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. :(

[Kingspoint]

Let's not forget JR. He really stepped up to the pressure.

[Revering4Blue]

I think Love is as good as gone.

Traded to Boston? Denver?

Ironically, the best fit for Love may be on the front-line with KAT and Wiggins in Minnesota. Make it happen, Thibbs.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think Love ends up in Boston, they have so many players they could trade cleveland for him.

[Revering4Blue]

I should be happier for him as a Nets fan...but mostly I'm still kind of angry at him, Kidd, and Carter for seemingly always snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. :(

They just ran into buzzsaws in L.A and San Antonio. It happens. But they were fun teams for this Pacers' fan to root for, especially after that epic first-round series in '02.

[IslandRed]

Mostly, I'm just hoping the general NBA fan base finds a new schtick. LeBron James just won a title for Cleveland, and he's the first guy to ever lead a Finals in all five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) for both teams. He may not be the greatest clutch scorer ever, but his legacy as an all-around brilliant player is safe now. Twitter needs to find something new to talk about.

[Kingspoint]

I think Love ends up in Boston, they have so many players they could trade cleveland for him.

They don't have to trade anything for him. Love can opt out. Cleveland doesn't own his Bird rights, so there's no reason for him not to opt out.

[Kingspoint]

At least, I thought he could opt out. Am I wrong?

[Kingspoint]

Yeoman effort by Igoudala tonight, too. Green was excellent.

[Revering4Blue]

At least, I thought he could opt out. Am I wrong?

The last year of the five year deal inked in '15 is an option year. Unless Dan Gilbert wishes to continue forking over what will be an average of over 20 Million per year for what has been reduced to a role player, they almost have to trade him.

[Wonderful Monds]

http://i.imgur.com/ONIEDcj.jpg