NBA Finals 2015-2016 thread

[celticsclay]

Surprised no one commented on LeBron's postgame interview.  As soon as Sager started asking about Game 7 and what it'd mean for Cleveland, he got visibly emotional and then started tightening up.  Like you could almost see the gravity of the moment getting in his head already.

Really looking forward to Sunday night, it's going to be an absolute war.  Love having a Game 7 where I don't really have any emotional stake in the winner haha.

Speaking of LeBron's interview, he seems to act a lot more polite and humble now since he's been back in Cleveland.  Maybe he grew up or maybe he got a new PR team too help him out lol, or maybe he's always acted like this but I just never noticed. 

I noticed it first last year when they were facing the C's and in the playoffs and the first thing he said in his postgame interview was "that is very a well coached team".  Then after knocking out Toronto this year, he pretty much starts gushing about how great the fans in Toronto are mid-interview (which offended me as a C's fan because he said he's never been apart of something like that, well what about Game 6 in 2012 in Boston, lol)?  And then last night he was talking about how great Steph and the Warriors were.

Maybe in the past I never noticed, but it seems to me most people always just talk about themselves and their teammates, but now it seems like LeBron goes out of his way to say something nice about his opponent.  Maybe it's all just an act, but to me it seems like he's grown up and matured a little.

I always wanted LeBron to not win a ring until the league had humbled him.  He was always an incredible talent, and you'd hate to see a player that great never get one, but he was way too full of himself.  I'm not sure he was more humble by the time he won in Miami but he seems to have come a long way by now.

Lebron always had incredibly complementary things to say about the Celtics when he knocked us out in 2011 and 2012.

in my honest opinion, he has gotten a lot better since his decision and that awful Miami Big 3 celebration in the offseason. A LOT better from that. I find that get-together party was cocky because the season didn't even start yet.

He still says question things here and there, like when Steph won unanimous MVP

He answers questions that are asked of him.  I can't really blame an athlete for honestly answering a question he is asked.  In fact it is a bit refreshing when they answer honestly, even if it makes look kind of ****y

He is the worst athlete this side of Rae Carruth

[Donoghus]

Surprised no one commented on LeBron's postgame interview.  As soon as Sager started asking about Game 7 and what it'd mean for Cleveland, he got visibly emotional and then started tightening up.  Like you could almost see the gravity of the moment getting in his head already.

Really looking forward to Sunday night, it's going to be an absolute war.  Love having a Game 7 where I don't really have any emotional stake in the winner haha.

Speaking of LeBron's interview, he seems to act a lot more polite and humble now since he's been back in Cleveland.  Maybe he grew up or maybe he got a new PR team too help him out lol, or maybe he's always acted like this but I just never noticed. 

I noticed it first last year when they were facing the C's and in the playoffs and the first thing he said in his postgame interview was "that is very a well coached team".  Then after knocking out Toronto this year, he pretty much starts gushing about how great the fans in Toronto are mid-interview (which offended me as a C's fan because he said he's never been apart of something like that, well what about Game 6 in 2012 in Boston, lol)?  And then last night he was talking about how great Steph and the Warriors were.

Maybe in the past I never noticed, but it seems to me most people always just talk about themselves and their teammates, but now it seems like LeBron goes out of his way to say something nice about his opponent.  Maybe it's all just an act, but to me it seems like he's grown up and matured a little.

I always wanted LeBron to not win a ring until the league had humbled him.  He was always an incredible talent, and you'd hate to see a player that great never get one, but he was way too full of himself.  I'm not sure he was more humble by the time he won in Miami but he seems to have come a long way by now.

Lebron always had incredibly complementary things to say about the Celtics when he knocked us out in 2011 and 2012.

in my honest opinion, he has gotten a lot better since his decision and that awful Miami Big 3 celebration in the offseason. A LOT better from that. I find that get-together party was cocky because the season didn't even start yet.

He still says question things here and there, like when Steph won unanimous MVP

He answers questions that are asked of him.  I can't really blame an athlete for honestly answering a question he is asked.  In fact it is a bit refreshing when they answer honestly, even if it makes look kind of ****y

He is the worst athlete this side of Rae Carruth

I'll give you some credit.   That's some high quality over-the-top hyperbole there.

[spikelovetheCelts]

LeBron's Finals Stats:  30.2 points, 8.5 assists, 11.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.7 steals 51%/40%/70%

Kevin Love's Finals Stats:  7 points, 0.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, 0.3 steals 37%/31%/69%

Lol good god.   Safe to say Kevin Love is gone regardless of whether or not they win, right?   I'd still gladly trade for him.

Dude, why?  He can't guard a bank with a loaded shotgun, lol .

Because I still think he'd be a brilliant fit in Brad's system as a top option.   Thomas was like the 4th string PG on the Suns before we traded for him.  System matters.  Love is a versatile offensive weapon... it just doesn't make sense to use him like that when you have Kyrie and LeBron on the team. 

The defense is a concern, but let's just trade for Nerlens Noel and pair them together.

Love will rebound where ever he lands. He will be traded by Cleveland this offseason for sure. If they win on Sunday. They can justify anything. Including giving away Wiggins and 2 first for a bench warming Russian who will be gone too.

[MBunge]

Surprised no one commented on LeBron's postgame interview.  As soon as Sager started asking about Game 7 and what it'd mean for Cleveland, he got visibly emotional and then started tightening up.  Like you could almost see the gravity of the moment getting in his head already.

Really looking forward to Sunday night, it's going to be an absolute war.  Love having a Game 7 where I don't really have any emotional stake in the winner haha.

Speaking of LeBron's interview, he seems to act a lot more polite and humble now since he's been back in Cleveland.  Maybe he grew up or maybe he got a new PR team too help him out lol, or maybe he's always acted like this but I just never noticed. 

I noticed it first last year when they were facing the C's and in the playoffs and the first thing he said in his postgame interview was "that is very a well coached team".  Then after knocking out Toronto this year, he pretty much starts gushing about how great the fans in Toronto are mid-interview (which offended me as a C's fan because he said he's never been apart of something like that, well what about Game 6 in 2012 in Boston, lol)?  And then last night he was talking about how great Steph and the Warriors were.

Maybe in the past I never noticed, but it seems to me most people always just talk about themselves and their teammates, but now it seems like LeBron goes out of his way to say something nice about his opponent.  Maybe it's all just an act, but to me it seems like he's grown up and matured a little.

I always wanted LeBron to not win a ring until the league had humbled him.  He was always an incredible talent, and you'd hate to see a player that great never get one, but he was way too full of himself.  I'm not sure he was more humble by the time he won in Miami but he seems to have come a long way by now.

Lebron always had incredibly complementary things to say about the Celtics when he knocked us out in 2011 and 2012.

in my honest opinion, he has gotten a lot better since his decision and that awful Miami Big 3 celebration in the offseason. A LOT better from that. I find that get-together party was cocky because the season didn't even start yet.

He still says question things here and there, like when Steph won unanimous MVP

He answers questions that are asked of him.  I can't really blame an athlete for honestly answering a question he is asked.  In fact it is a bit refreshing when they answer honestly, even if it makes look kind of ****y

LeBron's problem is a sense of entitlement.  Not that he expects things to be handed to him, because he's worked his behind off for everything he has, but in that he expects things to work out for him and when they don't, he gets a little petulant.

Mike

[celticsclay]

Surprised no one commented on LeBron's postgame interview.  As soon as Sager started asking about Game 7 and what it'd mean for Cleveland, he got visibly emotional and then started tightening up.  Like you could almost see the gravity of the moment getting in his head already.

Really looking forward to Sunday night, it's going to be an absolute war.  Love having a Game 7 where I don't really have any emotional stake in the winner haha.

Speaking of LeBron's interview, he seems to act a lot more polite and humble now since he's been back in Cleveland.  Maybe he grew up or maybe he got a new PR team too help him out lol, or maybe he's always acted like this but I just never noticed. 

I noticed it first last year when they were facing the C's and in the playoffs and the first thing he said in his postgame interview was "that is very a well coached team".  Then after knocking out Toronto this year, he pretty much starts gushing about how great the fans in Toronto are mid-interview (which offended me as a C's fan because he said he's never been apart of something like that, well what about Game 6 in 2012 in Boston, lol)?  And then last night he was talking about how great Steph and the Warriors were.

Maybe in the past I never noticed, but it seems to me most people always just talk about themselves and their teammates, but now it seems like LeBron goes out of his way to say something nice about his opponent.  Maybe it's all just an act, but to me it seems like he's grown up and matured a little.

I always wanted LeBron to not win a ring until the league had humbled him.  He was always an incredible talent, and you'd hate to see a player that great never get one, but he was way too full of himself.  I'm not sure he was more humble by the time he won in Miami but he seems to have come a long way by now.

Lebron always had incredibly complementary things to say about the Celtics when he knocked us out in 2011 and 2012.

in my honest opinion, he has gotten a lot better since his decision and that awful Miami Big 3 celebration in the offseason. A LOT better from that. I find that get-together party was cocky because the season didn't even start yet.

He still says question things here and there, like when Steph won unanimous MVP

He answers questions that are asked of him.  I can't really blame an athlete for honestly answering a question he is asked.  In fact it is a bit refreshing when they answer honestly, even if it makes look kind of ****y

LeBron's problem is a sense of entitlement.  Not that he expects things to be handed to him, because he's worked his behind off for everything he has, but in that he expects things to work out for him and when they don't, he gets a little petulant.

Mike

I agree with this, although I will add to be fair that the warriors have also been coming off as petulant lately when things don't go their way. I get last night was super frustrating for steph and some of the calls were not great, at the same time throwing his mouth piece at a fan and his wife going off on social media are not very impressive. In my opinion, if Lebron threw his mouth guard at a fan he would be getting torn apart right now and Curry is kind of getting a free pass. I get that some of that is because of how Lebron has carried himself previously compared to Curry, but still.

[Donoghus]

This is absolutely amazing.

https://twitter.com/theSTASHED/status/743855898582355969

[Beat LA]

LeBron's Finals Stats:  30.2 points, 8.5 assists, 11.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.7 steals 51%/40%/70%

Kevin Love's Finals Stats:  7 points, 0.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, 0.3 steals 37%/31%/69%

Lol good god.   Safe to say Kevin Love is gone regardless of whether or not they win, right?   I'd still gladly trade for him.

Dude, why?  He can't guard a bank with a loaded shotgun, lol .

Because I still think he'd be a brilliant fit in Brad's system as a top option.   Thomas was like the 4th string PG on the Suns before we traded for him.  System matters.  Love is a versatile offensive weapon... it just doesn't make sense to use him like that when you have Kyrie and LeBron on the team. 

The defense is a concern, but let's just trade for Nerlens Noel and pair them together.

Love will rebound where ever he lands. He will be traded by Cleveland this offseason for sure. If they win on Sunday. They can justify anything. Including giving away Wiggins and 2 first for a bench warming Russian who will be gone too.

Well done, TP.  I see what you did there .

[Beat LA]

This is absolutely amazing.

https://twitter.com/theSTASHED/status/743855898582355969

Bob Costas.  Ugh.

[Beat LA]

LeBron's Finals Stats:  30.2 points, 8.5 assists, 11.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.7 steals 51%/40%/70%

Kevin Love's Finals Stats:  7 points, 0.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, 0.3 steals 37%/31%/69%

Lol good god.   Safe to say Kevin Love is gone regardless of whether or not they win, right?   I'd still gladly trade for him.

Dude, why?  He can't guard a bank with a loaded shotgun, lol .

Because I still think he'd be a brilliant fit in Brad's system as a top option.   Thomas was like the 4th string PG on the Suns before we traded for him.  System matters.  Love is a versatile offensive weapon... it just doesn't make sense to use him like that when you have Kyrie and LeBron on the team. 

The defense is a concern, but let's just trade for Nerlens Noel and pair them together.

Okay, but be forewarned - Nerlens clogs more than the paint, lol . 

[Endless Paradise]

Actually the refs ruled the kick of Adams a Flagrant 1, then the league upgraded it to a Flagrant 2.

My point still stands: refs messing up a call doesn't mean the league shouldn't have the authority to correct them after the fact.

Because it didn't amount to anything, and was a reaction to Lebron throwing him down and straddling him near the end of a game that had lots of physicality allowed in it.

It doesn't matter why he did it. He was very well aware that he couldn't do it anymore. Why is he supposed to be an exception? No one else can retaliate except for Draymond, who's already working with a thin margin for error?

Only because of the stupid cumulative point system and the league pandering to Lebron's whining from his press conference.

You can call the point system stupid all you want; the simple fact of the matter is that Draymond was well aware of how it worked and the fact that he was a point away from suspension. Yet for some reason, people keep wanting to absolve him of blame. How about he keep his cool and understand he can't afford to put his team in the position he ultimately put them in? Or better yet, how about he not even get to that point by, you know, not getting a bunch of prior flagrants?

Why is it that no other player in the postseason was even close to being in danger of a suspension? Does Draymond have some inoperable, unique condition that prevents him from doing things to accumulate flagrants? He's a professional basketball player who can demonstrate the kind of body control one would expect of such a person, but who, inexplicably, also just can't control the flailing of his arms and legs?

I mean, seriously, it's basically like you're saying, "well, sure, Draymond did a lot of nonsense leading up to this, but it's STUPID and UNFAIR he's ultimately being held responsible for the totality of his actions. Everything he does should be judged in the context of a vacuum." Like, that's not how it works. Once you gain a rep for doing some sneaky, outright dirty stuff, you probably should stop doing it when you've got the league's attention.

Draymond's foul on Lebron was not a flagrant. If that is a flagrant there would 2-3 flagrant fouls every single game. Whether or not he had committed flagrants prior to that really seems pretty irrelevant unless we want to start having games called differently for different players based on their reputations. A travel is a travel. A foul is a foul. That was not a flagrant foul. End of story.

Except it was and was ruled as such. End of story.

Also:

Yet for some reason, people keep wanting to absolve him of blame.

I think few are giving any excuses to Draymond.  This is about the NBA and the ridiculous bias/poor judgement it displayed.  There isn't a single person in the world who thinks if the situations were reversed and LeBron was one flagrant away from suspension, the league would have retroactively given him a flagrant for a backhand swipe that wasn't even called a foul on the floor.

Mike

If LeBron kept hitting players in the nuts all playoffs, you've found your one person.

*ding* *ding* *ding*

[wiley]

Actually the refs ruled the kick of Adams a Flagrant 1, then the league upgraded it to a Flagrant 2.

My point still stands: refs messing up a call doesn't mean the league shouldn't have the authority to correct them after the fact.

Because it didn't amount to anything, and was a reaction to Lebron throwing him down and straddling him near the end of a game that had lots of physicality allowed in it.

It doesn't matter why he did it. He was very well aware that he couldn't do it anymore. Why is he supposed to be an exception? No one else can retaliate except for Draymond, who's already working with a thin margin for error?

Only because of the stupid cumulative point system and the league pandering to Lebron's whining from his press conference.

You can call the point system stupid all you want; the simple fact of the matter is that Draymond was well aware of how it worked and the fact that he was a point away from suspension. Yet for some reason, people keep wanting to absolve him of blame. How about he keep his cool and understand he can't afford to put his team in the position he ultimately put them in? Or better yet, how about he not even get to that point by, you know, not getting a bunch of prior flagrants?

Why is it that no other player in the postseason was even close to being in danger of a suspension? Does Draymond have some inoperable, unique condition that prevents him from doing things to accumulate flagrants? He's a professional basketball player who can demonstrate the kind of body control one would expect of such a person, but who, inexplicably, also just can't control the flailing of his arms and legs?

I mean, seriously, it's basically like you're saying, "well, sure, Draymond did a lot of nonsense leading up to this, but it's STUPID and UNFAIR he's ultimately being held responsible for the totality of his actions. Everything he does should be judged in the context of a vacuum." Like, that's not how it works. Once you gain a rep for doing some sneaky, outright dirty stuff, you probably should stop doing it when you've got the league's attention.

Draymond's foul on Lebron was not a flagrant. If that is a flagrant there would 2-3 flagrant fouls every single game. Whether or not he had committed flagrants prior to that really seems pretty irrelevant unless we want to start having games called differently for different players based on their reputations. A travel is a travel. A foul is a foul. That was not a flagrant foul. End of story.

Except it was and was ruled as such. End of story.

Also:

Yet for some reason, people keep wanting to absolve him of blame.

I think few are giving any excuses to Draymond.  This is about the NBA and the ridiculous bias/poor judgement it displayed.  There isn't a single person in the world who thinks if the situations were reversed and LeBron was one flagrant away from suspension, the league would have retroactively given him a flagrant for a backhand swipe that wasn't even called a foul on the floor.

Mike

If LeBron kept hitting players in the nuts all playoffs, you've found your one person.

*ding* *ding* *ding*

Both parties are at fault for Green missing game 5. Green himself, as he admitted, and the NBA for a dumb decision.  In this case Green did something silly in the heat of the moment during a tussle.  The NBA sat in its big office and had plenty of time to make a sound decision, but instead laid an egg.

[Endless Paradise]

I don't entirely agree, but that's a hell of a lot more of a reasonable position to take than the one that seems to completely ignore Draymond's role in his suspension and paint him as some unwitting victim.

[staticcc]

Surprised no one commented on LeBron's postgame interview.  As soon as Sager started asking about Game 7 and what it'd mean for Cleveland, he got visibly emotional and then started tightening up.  Like you could almost see the gravity of the moment getting in his head already.

Really looking forward to Sunday night, it's going to be an absolute war.  Love having a Game 7 where I don't really have any emotional stake in the winner haha.

Sorry but what? He tigthened up? Game 5 AND 6 were elimination games too you know.

[greece66]

less than 2 hrs left

really excited

[jpotter33]

FYI, Danny Crawford (terrible), Monty McCutchen (terrible), and Mike Callahan (not too bad) are the refs for tonight.

Callahan is one of the few refs that I think is pretty good. From my memory, he's been a fairly consistent official in games that I've watched.