missfee said:

Graycap23 said:

I'll give The Warriors a lot of credit but what a choke job by OKC.

Yes, choke they did. They had 3 excellent chances to take the series from GSW, but didn't...they could've, but didn't. Honestly, they had us worried there for a minute, but all the Warriors needed was a tiny window, the Thunder gave it to us in Game 5 and the Warriors never looked back. Still, the challenge was great. Now off to the finals....

So what's the consensus about KD? Do you guys think he's going to stay with OKC? I think he should.

[Edited 5/31/16 6:05am]

I say he probably signs a 1 year deal.............then he and Westbrook both would be FA next year.

uPtoWnNY said:

missfee said:

Sad situation. I read the same and though he thought it was an estranged girlfriend's apartment, turns out it actually wasn't, and the occupant straight shot him.

[Edited 5/31/16 6:05am]

But why was he trying to kick the door down? Was he drunk?Angry at his girlfriend? Something is missing from this story.

Warriors displayed toughness - they took a punch in the mouth from OKC, got up and punched back. That's what champions do - show heart. OKC had none at "winnin' time".

Not sure. Without knowing all the facts yet, it sounds like either a confrontation or a domestic situation. But I agree, there's definitely a lot of holes in the story. I don't know much about the guy, but its still very sad, he was so young.

Exactly. I'm not a fan of Charles Barkley at all, but I do agree with a statement he said while commentating, that your "true nature as a team shows under while under pressure". OKC is tough while they are winning, but when they fall, even as little as being down 5 points, they crack like porcelain. Did you guys see how they were chewing each other out on the floor???!!! Even Reggie Miller was like, umm why are they mean muggin' and pointing fingers at each other while they are playing? It was crazy how the Warriors got them shook.

[Edited 5/31/16 6:56am]

missfee said:

Unfortunately, some low-basketball IQ asswipes diminish LeBron's greatness because of his Finals record. The only Finals you can kill James over is the loss to Dallas. The 2007 Cavs team was a bunch of backups....there was no way they were beating the Spurs. And last year, his main guys were hurt and they STILL took GS to six games. This year, I don't expect him to beat a 73-win team, but we'll see.

WFAN's Mike Francesca compared LeBron to John Elway early in his career. For years, fans called John a loser, ignoring the fact he put mediocre teams on his back and took them to Super Bowls against superior NFC opponents.

uPtoWnNY said:

The finals are gonna be great. I didn't think the Warriors were gonna get through (with all the injures Stephen Curry had ankle, knee and elbow) but they have proven themselves. Good luck to both teams

I mean, yes LaBron is a great player but what is up with folks acting like he's never won a ring before? Stephen A. is like, he doesn't want to see LaBron lose in the Finals...umm ok fine, but why is such stock put into "well he needs to win one for Cleveland"? Sorry but for that to be a reason to see LaBron win yet another ring is kind of weak. He's already known for being one of the greatest players of this generation, what more does he have to prove? I would think that Steph and the Warriors have far more to prove in winning the Finals. And quite frankly, its dangerous to underestimate that logic. Cleveland may want the Warriors, but the Warriors want Cleveland...bad.

missfee said:

I mean, yes LaBron is a great player but what is up with folks acting like he's never won a ring before? Stephen A. is like, he doesn't want to see LaBron lose in the Finals...umm ok fine, but why is such stock put into "well he needs to win one for Cleveland"? Sorry but for that to be a reason to see LaBron win yet another ring is kind of weak. He's already known for being one of the greatest players of this generation, what more does he have to prove? I would think that Steph and the Warriors have far more to prove in winning the Finals. And quite frankly, its dangerous to underestimate that logic. Cleveland may want the Warriors, but the Warriors want Cleveland...bad.

I agree and disagree.

I agree because LBJ is treated a lot like Wilt or early-career Magic. They judge him more by his lossess and failures than his wins and successes. The Decision had a lot to do with that. But he doesn't have anything left to prove; the only question is whether he'll move into the GOAT discussions, which he needs at least 1 or 2 more chips for.

I disagree because LBJ's career as a Cav has been about delivering a title to Cleveland. That's what the whole "Witness" thing was about. That's what the Open Letter and Return was about. That's why Cleveland staked its hopes on him, cursed him after the Decision, and welcomed him back so quickly. And, to me, it's the only real pressure he has left, since he's done enough to be an all-time great.

I wouldn't want the Warriors now. They're like playing an NBA Jam squad that has loaded all the cheat codes. They neve rmiss when it counts. I think they take this thing in 6. Cavs have no answer for the Splash Brothers.

namepeace said:

missfee said:

I mean, yes LaBron is a great player but what is up with folks acting like he's never won a ring before? Stephen A. is like, he doesn't want to see LaBron lose in the Finals...umm ok fine, but why is such stock put into "well he needs to win one for Cleveland"? Sorry but for that to be a reason to see LaBron win yet another ring is kind of weak. He's already known for being one of the greatest players of this generation, what more does he have to prove? I would think that Steph and the Warriors have far more to prove in winning the Finals. And quite frankly, its dangerous to underestimate that logic. Cleveland may want the Warriors, but the Warriors want Cleveland...bad.

I agree and disagree.

I agree because LBJ is treated a lot like Wilt or early-career Magic. They judge him more by his lossess and failures than his wins and successes. The Decision had a lot to do with that. But he doesn't have anything left to prove; the only question is whether he'll move into the GOAT discussions, which he needs at least 1 or 2 more chips for.

I disagree because LBJ's career as a Cav has been about delivering a title to Cleveland. That's what the whole "Witness" thing was about. That's what the Open Letter and Return was about. That's why Cleveland staked its hopes on him, cursed him after the Decision, and welcomed him back so quickly. And, to me, it's the only real pressure he has left, since he's done enough to be an all-time great.

I wouldn't want the Warriors now. They're like playing an NBA Jam squad that has loaded all the cheat codes. They neve rmiss when it counts. I think they take this thing in 6. Cavs have no answer for the Splash Brothers.

I can respect your logic. No matter what happens, we're definitely in for a major showdown.

namepeace said:

the only question is whether he'll move into the GOAT discussions, which he needs at least 1 or 2 more chips for.

He'll never be on Jordan, Wilt, Oscar or Russell's level, but LeBron is an NBA immortal.

As much as I detest Jordan, he had that iron will, his refusal to lose, his assassin mentality. He wanted to drive the knife in and take your heart. Bird, Isiah & Kobe were like that too.

LeBron's role is different....he does more than Jordan (rebound, defend, getting his teammates involved AND score). I view LeBron as a combo of Oscar & Magic, only bigger and better.

Jordan's role was "closer"....he had Pippen to do the other stuff (being the point forward).

One thing LeBron & Curry have is they're freaks of nature. In my 40+ years of following basketball, I've never seen a dude like Curry....this cat shoots threes OFF THE DRIBBLE from beyond the 3-point line.....WTF????

[Edited 6/1/16 10:31am]

I always support the NBA ( I think, I can't remember. ) team that comes out of the East. Well no, I never ever never support anything coming out of Boston.

WTF... Thunder, can we say CHOCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCK. CHOCK......

I'm stuck supporting Cleveland, who will probably wreck my last nerve. I like Mr. James, the brotha has game but he ain't no "assassin" and he has lil' bit of history of bailing out mentally when things gets tuff n the hardwood. But's that my team...

Its time to grill my burgers, my polish sasuages and chill my Samauel Admas.

uPtoWnNY said:

namepeace said:

the only question is whether he'll move into the GOAT discussions, which he needs at least 1 or 2 more chips for.

He'll never be on Jordan, Wilt, Oscar or Russell's level, but LeBron is an NBA immortal.

As much as I detest Jordan, he had that iron will, his refusal to lose, his assassin mentality. He wanted to drive the knife in and take your heart. Bird, Isiah & Kobe were like that too.

LeBron's role is different....he does more than Jordan (rebound, defend, getting his teammates involved AND score). I view LeBron as a combo of Oscar & Magic, only bigger and better.

Jordan's role was "closer"....he had Pippen to do the other stuff (being the point forward).

One thing LeBron & Curry have is they're freaks of nature. In my 40+ years of following basketball, I've never seen a dude like Curry....this cat shoots threes OFF THE DRIBBLE from beyond the 3-point line.....WTF????

[Edited 6/1/16 10:31am]

U didn't answer my question sir......

How good would Lebron be if the ref's called his 12 plus violations a game?

LeBron who? Y'all know where I stand. Go Warriors! I was in the nosebleeds for game seven of the WCF and it was AH-MAZ-ING! The fourth quarter was the most hyped I've ever been at a sporting event, and the most hyped I've ever seen a crowd at a sporting event. I've been to A-FREAKING-LOT of concerts at Oracle and that was by far the loudest I've ever heard a crowd there. Warriors in six (although five or seven games seems possible, my pick is still six).

Cerebus said:

All games broadcast on preceded by

and


All times EST

Thu June 2, CLE @ GS 9:00 pm
Sun June 5, CLE @ GS 8:00 pm
Wed June 8, GS @ CLE 9:00 pm
Fri June 10, GS @ CLE 9:00 pm
Mon June 13, CLE @ GS 8:00 pm*
Thu June 16, GS @ CLE 9:00 pm*
Sun June 19, CLE @ GS 9:00 pm*

*if necessary

[Edited 6/5/16 20:25pm]

Graycap23 said:

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

He'll never be on Jordan, Wilt, Oscar or Russell's level, but LeBron is an NBA immortal.

As much as I detest Jordan, he had that iron will, his refusal to lose, his assassin mentality. He wanted to drive the knife in and take your heart. Bird, Isiah & Kobe were like that too.

LeBron's role is different....he does more than Jordan (rebound, defend, getting his teammates involved AND score). I view LeBron as a combo of Oscar & Magic, only bigger and better.

Jordan's role was "closer"....he had Pippen to do the other stuff (being the point forward).

One thing LeBron & Curry have is they're freaks of nature. In my 40+ years of following basketball, I've never seen a dude like Curry....this cat shoots threes OFF THE DRIBBLE from beyond the 3-point line.....WTF????

[Edited 6/1/16 10:31am]

U didn't answer my question sir......

How good would Lebron be if the ref's called his 12 plus violations a game?

Please....want me to go through the list of superstar players who get away with shit during games?

How about the refs calling Jordan for that foul on the last play in the '98 Finals? Or when he & Pippen fouled Charles Smith in '93?

Cerebus said:

LeBron who? Y'all know where I stand. Go Warriors! I was in the nosebleeds for game seven of the WCF and it was AH-MAZ-ING! The fourth quarter was the most hyped I've ever been at a sporting event, and the most hyped I've ever seen a crowd at a sporting event. I've been to A-FREAKING-LOT of concerts at Oracle and that was by far the loudest I've ever heard a crowd there. Warriors in six (although five or seven games seems possible, my pick is still six).

KING JAMES... that's who. Stop playin' .

Hey Cerebus, gotta pick on somebody. Can't mess with phunkdaddy cuz he has a man crush.. LeBron.

uPtoWnNY said:

namepeace said:

the only question is whether he'll move into the GOAT discussions, which he needs at least 1 or 2 more chips for.

As much as I detest Jordan, he had that iron will, his refusal to lose, his assassin mentality. He wanted to drive the knife in and take your heart. Bird, Isiah & Kobe were like that too.

I agree, but I will say he had to take his medicine and wait his turn behind Bird, Magic, and Zeke in the 80's. I think that forged his will to win such that when he got on top, he'd been through too much and no one was taking it from him (well, except him when he retired twice). LBJ had the same type of path but couldn't stay on top.

LeBron's role is different....he does more than Jordan (rebound, defend, getting his teammates involved AND score). I view LeBron as a combo of Oscar & Magic, only bigger and better.

And that is scary.

Jordan's role was "closer"....he had Pippen to do the other stuff (being the point forward).

When Pip + Cast got them out to a lead early, the game was usually over because Jordan closed, better than anyone I've seen short of Bird, Cap and Magic.

One thing LeBron & Curry have is they're freaks of nature. In my 40+ years of following basketball, I've never seen a dude like Curry....this cat shoots threes OFF THE DRIBBLE from beyond the 3-point line.....WTF????

We're watching once-in-a-lifetime athletes doing their things at or near their peak. I hope we can all appreciate that while we have it.

[Edited 6/1/16 10:31am]

uPtoWnNY said:

Graycap23 said:

U didn't answer my question sir......

How good would Lebron be if the ref's called his 12 plus violations a game?

Please....want me to go through the list of superstar players who get away with shit during games?

How about the refs calling Jordan for that foul on the last play in the '98 Finals? Or when he & Pippen fouled Charles Smith in '93?

If the refs had called travelling and palming the way the rules are written (or were written when Jordan played), neither Jordan nor any other ball-handler's stats from that time period would be as great as they are.

No one has a time machine but if someone did, I'd venture to say LeBron James would be a superstar in any era you wanted to place him.

The Cavs are healthy but IMO, if Golden State gets hot from the 3-point line, no one can beat them.

phunkdaddy said:

Graycap23 said:

U didn't answer my question sir......

How good would Lebron be if the ref's called his 12 plus violations a game?

Lol. Name the so called 12 violations

1 block after the ball as already hit the backboard.

8 travel calls including 1 shifting pivot foot change per quarter

1 flop per quarter

6 offensive fouls per game

at least 8 carries per game

12 whines to the ref per game............take your pick.

No player in the history of the NBA has gotten away with more than this guy.

His fundamentals are awful and the refs just make it worse.

I'm bored with it at this point.

A guy as "good" as he is doesn't need help from the refs.

namepeace said:

uPtoWnNY said:

As much as I detest Jordan, he had that iron will, his refusal to lose, his assassin mentality. He wanted to drive the knife in and take your heart. Bird, Isiah & Kobe were like that too.

I agree, but I will say he had to take his medicine and wait his turn behind Bird, Magic, and Zeke in the 80's. I think that forged his will to win such that when he got on top, he'd been through too much and no one was taking it from him (well, except him when he retired twice). LBJ had the same type of path but couldn't stay on top.

LeBron's role is different....he does more than Jordan (rebound, defend, getting his teammates involved AND score). I view LeBron as a combo of Oscar & Magic, only bigger and better.

And that is scary.

Jordan's role was "closer"....he had Pippen to do the other stuff (being the point forward).

When Pip + Cast got them out to a lead early, the game was usually over because Jordan closed, better than anyone I've seen short of Bird, Cap and Magic.

One thing LeBron & Curry have is they're freaks of nature. In my 40+ years of following basketball, I've never seen a dude like Curry....this cat shoots threes OFF THE DRIBBLE from beyond the 3-point line.....WTF????

We're watching once-in-a-lifetime athletes doing their things at or near their peak. I hope we can all appreciate that while we have it.

[Edited 6/1/16 10:31am]

LeBron can close, but he doesn't do it as good as Jordan. He's much better as a facillitator.

Cavs can't win this series trying to out-3 the Warriors. They'll get destroyed if they do. Cavs have to do it with inside-out halfcourt offense, defense and rebounding. It'll be tough, because Love is such a liability on 'D'.

How valuable has Andre Iguodala been? Mfer is the definiton of a two-way player - does all the little things you have to do in order to win. He can guard LeBron 1-on-1.

[Edited 6/2/16 11:21am]

Graycap23 said:

TD3 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

^.....and I don't trust Love, Kyrie or JR in big situations, especially on defense. This is a 73-win team they're facing, not Atlanta or Toronto. You play matador 'D' against these cats and you'll be down 20 real quick.

One thing I know for sure - JR will do some knucklehead shit at a crucial point late in the game. Dude can't help himself.

uPtoWnNY said:

Team Curry!

They playing some sucky defense tonight though.

Ruh-roh! Thou shalt not grab the jewels....