NBA Playoffs: 1st Round

[Mori Chu]

I was going to make a thread for each series, but honestly I don't know if we get enough traffic to warrant it. So how about a "first round" thread where we talk about the games that are on?

[Mori Chu]

Today (Sat 4/18) we have:

Wizards vs Raptors, game 1
Pelicans vs Warriors, game 1
Bucks vs Bulls, game 1
Dallas vs Houston, game 1

[Superbone]

I just don't have any desire at all to watch any of the East series. The West games will be interesting though.

[Mori Chu]

I think the most underrated / ignored East team is the Wizards. They have been up and down, but I blame a lot of that on Beal missing big chunks of the season, as well as their shaky coach Wittman. I actually really like their roster for the most part. They need a bit more shooting, but I love Wall and Beal, and I like their big men a lot. Gortat and Nene both contribute. I think the Wiz will roll over the Raptors. They're up right now in Game 1 in Toronto.

[Cap]

Paul Pierce is still Paul Pierce. Impressive.

[Mori Chu]

This game is more fun than it has any right to be.

[Mori Chu]

I think of Lou Williams as kind of a poor man's Isaiah Thomas, bleh. But he's stepping up here.

If you aren't watching this game, turn it on. Wiz 77 - Raps 75 with 2:54 left. The entire nation of Canada turned out for this game.

[carey]

Raps were down 15 5 game minutes ago.

[Mori Chu]

Kyle Lowry kind of stunk up this game. Fouled out with 7 points on 2-10 shooting (0-4 from 3). Ouch.

[Mori Chu]

When people talk about the best point guards in the NBA, people mention Chris Paul, they say Russell Westbrook. And I guess Curry counts as a PG, though I don't usually think of him as one. But if you ask me what PG I would want to start a team with, I'd say John Wall any day of the week. Love his game.

[carey]

General Grievis!

[Cap]

Pierce hasn't touched the ball on offense for several minutes. I'd like to see him get a chance to take the game winner.

Nothing against Wall and Beal, of course.

[Cap]

OK, now there's something against Wall.

[TOO]

When people talk about the best point guards in the NBA, people mention Chris Paul, they say Russell Westbrook. And I guess Curry counts as a PG, though I don't usually think of him as one. But if you ask me what PG I would want to start a team with, I'd say John Wall any day of the week. Love his game.

Wouldn't take Wall over Curry/Paul in terms of game, but he's right there. If likability is a factor, I'd also take Wall.

[Cap]

Pondexter hits from 30 to end the 3rd, part of what has grown to a 14-point run.

[carey]

Back to 17 point lead for the W's. They can just put up points so fast it's a bit ridiculous.

[Cap]

Did that totally look like point shaving or what?

[The Bobster]

Did that totally look like point shaving or what?

What? Is Stevin Smith back in the league?

[Cap]

Pau Gasol with the Nash-like assist from the ground!

[Mori Chu]

"IT4" has 22 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds in Game 1 though the Celtics fall to the Cavs. He's making us look bad for giving up on him so quickly.