2nd round playoffs thread

[Nodack]

I didn't see him favoring it at all. They know he is their biggest asset so, I don't think they would risk further injury but, it is the playoffs. He wasn't going to play much but, they went down 16-2 before inserting him. He instantly made an impact. Livingston getting tossed forced Curry to play more than they wanted. Livingston definitely got fouled on the head on his layup and getting hit in the head instantly brings out the anger in people and he let the ref have it and wouldn't let up. The ref missed the call but, Livingston should have let it go.

[Superbone]

The Portland fans were so happy when Livingston got ejected but they didn't think it through too well. Less Livingston means more Curry.

[carey]

I never would have thought OKC would be up 3-2. The Spurs are not dead but...

[Mori Chu]

Yeah, wow. I really spoke too soon when I said I thought the series was slipping away from OKC. They're really in the driver's seat. Duncan had only 5 points after a scoreless game two nights ago. The Spurs don't have an answer for OKC's speed and athleticism.

[Ring_Wanted]

Another example of refs being unfair in late game situations. The NBA needs to acknowledge and fight this stupidity. It's disgusting. https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA/status/730224105413181440

[Superbone]

Sorry, I will never feel sorry for the Spurs after the Horry incident. Too bad, so sad.

[Ring_Wanted]

I'm not sorry for the Spurs either (have enough sorrow with the Suns as it is). I just like things done right.

[Indy]

I'm not sorry for the Spurs either (have enough sorrow with the Suns as it is). I just like things done right.

Exactly.

[OE32]

The Spurs are not the team we thought they were. The big 3 are showing their age. I think they need an upgrade at PG. Aldridge needs some help underneath. Maybe it's BOBAN TIME.

[Mori Chu]

I wasn't upset after the game where Manu crowded the inbounder and got elbowed. I felt like the lack of calls there didn't change the outcome of the game. But in this replay the and-1 very well may have changed the game's outcome. It's too bad.

I do agree that the Spurs to some degree have it coming to them after the B.S. reffing against us so many times. I still don't like seeing bad officiating.

[Aztec Sunsfan]

This Spurs are all of the sudden looking very pedestrian in their execution, so they have no answer for the talent disadvantage against KD and Westbrook. All game long they were insecure in offense, you just not felt like they are about to score, but the opposite, trying to force things with Aldridge and Parker. That last possesion with Tony taking that mid range shot is very clear in that. I even look the Spurs a little bit burned out, they have the superior team-play, but they look like going through the motions for some stretches, even pasive and slow against a hungrier team.

Westbrook is a wrecking ball and is "Pippening" this series away for OKC, the spotlight is on KD's scoring, but man, Russell seems to be everywhere in the court, and from a intensity point of view, he is almost outmatching by himself the entire Spurs team. I remember this critic to Aldridge in his Portland days, a lack of intensity, to raise his level on the big stage. He switched teams just to fall short in the same way he did in Portland.

At least Popovich can find comfort in having Kawhi instead of KD or Westbrook, I guess some would say.

[UglyTruth]

This series is showing that home court can be overrated.

Spurs went from being this big bad team at home who never lost a game during the regular season to losing 2 games in the playoffs already and we're barely in the 2nd round.

[carey]

The Raptors go up 3-2. The injury to Whiteside is a real bummer for the Heat.

[Mori Chu]

Heat at full strength should have won.

[Superbone]

Heat at full strength should have won.

Boo hoo. Raptors aren't full strength either.

[Hermen]

Lame thing is that Toronto and Miami will "kill" each other in this series, so whoever wins probably won't be able to do anything against the Cavs. Today Deng and Caroll got hurt, and DeRozan has problems with his thumb that got hit again.

[ShelC]

Yea the east sucks. Some good battles, but you're basically just waiting to watch the Cavs vs Spurs/Thunder/Warriors.

And is anyone really impressed with or think DeRozan is worth big money? I just don't see it but people talking like he's a top tier perimeter player cashing in and going someplace like the Lakers. I think he's 2nd tier at best and is only near the top of the FA list because it's a weak class of FAs.

[Ring_Wanted]

Derozan is a third option on a good team, not your 1A/A' player. He'll get the max or close to it per market dynamics, not because he actually deserves it, but that's the NBA today. He'd do better on the Mavs than on the Lakers. Atlanta too. Despite no 3pt shot, I think Bud can find him great scoring opportunities. I like him more than many people, though. Works hard, unselfish despite what his numbers may suggest, good character.

[Mori Chu]

Heat at full strength should have won.

Boo hoo. Raptors aren't full strength either.

I just meant that if *both* teams were at full strength, I think the Heat are better. Raptors guards are really sputtering through this playoffs; not impressed with them.

[carey]

I just meant that if *both* teams were at full strength, I think the Heat are better. Raptors guards are really sputtering through this playoffs; not impressed with them.

In all fairness they are both beat to shit. DeRozan's thumb on his shooting hand is a mess and Lowry's elbow fucking looks like this...