The king once again showed why he rules supreme over the NBA.
The Toronto Raptors knew they were facing an uphill battle to get back in this series, considering they dropped their first two games on their home court and knew they had to win four of the next five games in order to win this series. To that effect, they made a change to their starting lineup, inserting Fred VanVleet in place of Serge Ibaka to get more offense on the floor.
However, the Cavs would storm out to an early lead while the Raptors continued to struggle from the floor, with DeMar DeRozan scoring just eight points while shooting 3 for 12 from the field. It came to a head at the end of the first half when Serge Ibaka had a basket waived off and Kevin Love subsequently hit a 3-pointer and Jeff Green hit a layup at the buzzer, putting the Cavs up by 15 at the half and getting coach Dwane Casey yelling at the officals while storming off the court in frustration. The Cavs would lead by 17 points in the third quarter.
But the Raptors would claw all the way back into this game. DeMar DeRozan was benched, and C.J. Miles was put in his place, making some key jump shots including three 3-pointers to get Toronto back into the game, finishing with 13 points. But it was Kyle Lowry and O.J. Anunoby who sparked the furious comeback, with Lowry scoring 27 points and Anunoby scoring 18 points including the game-tying 3-pointer with eight seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
But everyone in the arena knew who would be taking the final shot in the closing seconds. The Cavs chose to advance the ball from their baseline instead of from half court, and Lebron James dribbled the ball into the front court with O.G. Anouby guarding him and forcing him toward the sideline. But Lebron would hit a floating jumper off the glass which went in the bucket as time expired, sealing the Cavs win and once again adding to his incredible NBA legacy. Lebron finished with 38 points, six rebounds, and seven assists while Kevin Love scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Kyle Korver scored 18 points while George Hill added 12 points and Jeff Green added 11 points. Serge Ibaka scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Raptors while Jonas Valanciunas added 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Raptors finaly showed the heart of a champion in this series only to have it ripped out by the King of the (Cleve)Land.
Cleveland leads series 3-0.
Great report last night I watched on Netflix the doco The Carter Effect about Vince Carter and how he influnced the basketball scene in Canada. It was excellent and enlightening.....and during the credits it listed Lebron James as a producer and featured Tristan Thompson Anyway I highly recommend anyone who loves basketball to watch and appreciate Vince "Half Man Half Amazing" Carter, who is still playing in the NBA after 20 years I give it a 4.5 out of 5
Now I'm hearing calls for Casey's job and for the team to be blown up. That's bs. The Raptors just have to make a few tweaks to the roster, and they'll be right back in the mix for the next few years. LeBron's not playing forever.
Now I'm hearing calls for Casey's job and for the team to be blown up. That's bs. The Raptors just have to make a few tweaks to the roster, and they'll be right back in the mix for the next few years. LeBron's not playing forever.
As a Canadian and huge Raptors fan, I really do appreciate your positive comments. I don't think they need to fire Casey, but we certainly need to make a change or two. We finished fist this season, but can't seem to get by LeBron. I hate to keep saying maybe next year, but.....
Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals
Game 4
Golden State Warriors 118 New Orleans Pelicans 92
The New Orleans Pelicans came out on fire in game 3 and held the Golden State Warriors to one of their most subpar performances of the playoffs. They were hoping to build on that momentum in this game and even up the series. Meanwhie, the Warriors were hoping to get their offense back on track while improving their defensive play.
The Warriors blew out of the gate early on and never trailed in this game. Kevin Durant and Stephren Curry sparked Golden State to a 17 point lead toward the end of the first quarter. Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic woud try to bring the Pelicans back into this game, cutting their deficit to five points with a little over a minute remaining in the second quarter, but that would be as close as they would get in this game. The Warriors blew the game open in the third quarter and never looked back, easily cruising to victory. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 38 points while also grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out five assists. Stephen Curry finished with 23 points whie Klay Thompson added 13 points and Draymond Green added eight points, nine rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocked shots.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 26 points and 12 rebounds. E'Twaun Moore added 20 points while Jrue Holiday scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds. However, Rajon Rondo was held to just six points and six assists in this game, though he did grab 11 rebounds. But this game was over early for New Orleans, and now their season may be coming to a premature end as well.
Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals
Game 4
Houston Rockets 100 Utah Jazz 87
The Houston Rockets have won most their games in these playoffs with torrid shooting from the floor, usually from James Harden. Tonight would not be much different than the other games except for who would ride in as the Rockets savior.
Houston jumped out of the gate early and never trailed in this game. They held a comfortable lead for most of this game, but Utah would make a couple of runs to get close, once in the second quarter before halftime, and the second with just under six minutes remaining in the game when they cut the deficit to five points. However, it was Chris Paul who led the way to victory for the Rockets, scoring 27 points while grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out six assists. James Harden added 24 points while Clint Capela had a huge game in the paint, scoring 12 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 25 points and nine rebounds but got into foul trouble, and Utah would fall appart in the fourth quarter after he fouled out of this game. Joe Ingles scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds while Rudy Gobert added 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Now I'm hearing calls for Casey's job and for the team to be blown up. That's bs. The Raptors just have to make a few tweaks to the roster, and they'll be right back in the mix for the next few years. LeBron's not playing forever.
As a Canadian and huge Raptors fan, I really do appreciate your positive comments. I don't think they need to fire Casey, but we certainly need to make a change or two. We finished fist this season, but can't seem to get by LeBron. I hate to keep saying maybe next year, but........
Painful playoff losses are part of "the process". The Bad Boy Pistons had some brutal playoff defeats to Bird's Celtics - eventually, Detroit learned how to beat them. Same with Jordan's Bulls against those same Pistons. DeRozan, Lowry, every Raptor player, has to do what Jordan, Magic & Isiah did - seriously work on their game during the summer and come focused, with a vengeance.
The window won't last forever. Toronto has to get it done before free agency and age takes its toll. Boston and Philly are ready to take over the east once LeBron starts slipping. Raptors have to keep pace.
uPtoWnNY said: As a Canadian and huge Raptors fan, I really do appreciate your positive comments. I don't think they need to fire Casey, but we certainly need to make a change or two. We finished fist this season, but can't seem to get by LeBron. I hate to keep saying maybe next year, but........
Painful playoff losses are part of "the process". The Bad Boy Pistons had some brutal playoff defeats to Bird's Celtics - eventually, Detroit learned how to beat them. Same with Jordan's Bulls against those same Pistons. DeRozan, Lowry, every Raptor player, has to do what Jordan, Magic & Isiah did - seriously work on their game during the summer and come focused, with a vengeance.
The window won't last forever. Toronto has to get it done before free agency and age takes its toll. Boston and Philly are ready to take over the east once LeBron starts slipping. Raptors have to keep pace.
LBJ is a once in a generation player. But as you said, I don't think TOR has a legitimate superstar to match the emerging superstars for BOS or PHI.
Good night, sweet Prince | 7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016
Props will be withheld until the showing and proving has commenced. -- Aaron McGruder
Painful playoff losses are part of "the process". The Bad Boy Pistons had some brutal playoff defeats to Bird's Celtics - eventually, Detroit learned how to beat them. Same with Jordan's Bulls against those same Pistons. DeRozan, Lowry, every Raptor player, has to do what Jordan, Magic & Isiah did - seriously work on their game during the summer and come focused, with a vengeance.
The window won't last forever. Toronto has to get it done before free agency and age takes its toll. Boston and Philly are ready to take over the east once LeBron starts slipping. Raptors have to keep pace.
LBJ is a once in a generation player. But as you said, I don't think TOR has a legitimate superstar to match the emerging superstars for BOS or PHI.
We certainly do have a legitimate superstar on our team, but most American's don't acknowlege this fact because he plays for a Canadian team. His name is Demar Derozan. You should check his stats. They are quite impresssive. It's too bad he gets overlooked so often.
LBJ is a once in a generation player. But as you said, I don't think TOR has a legitimate superstar to match the emerging superstars for BOS or PHI.
We certainly do have a legitimate superstar on our team, but most American's don't acknowlege this fact because he plays for a Canadian team. His name is Demar Derozan. You should check his stats. They are quite impresssive. It's too bad he gets overlooked so often.
I wouldn't call Lowry & DeRozan superstars yet - superstars get it done at what Magic Johnson calls "winnin' time". To me, they're all-stars.
To quote Walt 'Clyde' Frazier, "the regular season is where you make your name, but the postseason is where you make your fame".
The Rockets shot 3s at a bad clip last night and still demolished the Jazz. Looking good!
We are 24 - 0 when Clint Capela has 3 or more blocks. He got 4 in the last three minutes of the game, sealing our victory.
We are 51 - 5 in games where Harden, Paul and Capela all play.
Utah & New Orleans aren't on the same level as Houston & Golden State. Both series will end soon, then we can get to conference finals. Whoever wins will be the eventual champion.
We certainly do have a legitimate superstar on our team, but most American's don't acknowlege this fact because he plays for a Canadian team. His name is Demar Derozan. You should check his stats. They are quite impresssive. It's too bad he gets overlooked so often.
I wouldn't call Lowry & DeRozan superstars yet - superstars get it done at what Magic Johnson calls "winnin' time". To me, they're all-stars.
To quote Walt 'Clyde' Frazier, "the regular season is where you make your name, but the postseason is where you make your fame".
I guess you're right, but Derozan has had an amazing season, but tends to be overlooked quite often. Even if they pull off a win tonight, I can't see them coming back to win the series. I guess it's on to the Blue Jays now.
We certainly do have a legitimate superstar on our team, but most American's don't acknowlege this fact because he plays for a Canadian team. His name is Demar Derozan. You should check his stats. They are quite impresssive. It's too bad he gets overlooked so often.
I wouldn't call Lowry & DeRozan superstars yet - superstars get it done at what Magic Johnson calls "winnin' time". To me, they're all-stars.
To quote Walt 'Clyde' Frazier, "the regular season is where you make your name, but the postseason is where you make your fame".
Thank you, u/t.
Lowry and DeRozan are definitely All-Stars and top players in this league. They could make the All-NBA team and even end up in the Hall of Fame someday.
But not every All-Star and/or Hall of Famer is a superstar.
The fact that they're an All-Star duo and haven't even gotten to the conference finals hurts the case for them as superstars.
Good night, sweet Prince | 7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016
Props will be withheld until the showing and proving has commenced. -- Aaron McGruder
The Rockets shot 3s at a bad clip last night and still demolished the Jazz. Looking good!
We are 24 - 0 when Clint Capela has 3 or more blocks. He got 4 in the last three minutes of the game, sealing our victory.
We are 51 - 5 in games where Harden, Paul and Capela all play.
Utah & New Orleans aren't on the same level as Houston & Golden State. Both series will end soon, then we can get to conference finals. Whoever wins will be the eventual champion.
Maybe. But after what King James has done in these playoffs, I am NOT counting him out. BTW, did you see this? It'a "Saturday Night Live" skit but it wasn't used. Hwoever, it's freaking AWESOME!
Utah & New Orleans aren't on the same level as Houston & Golden State. Both series will end soon, then we can get to conference finals. Whoever wins will be the eventual champion.
Maybe. But after what King James has done in these playoffs, I am NOT counting him out. BTW, did you see this? It'a "Saturday Night Live" skit but it wasn't used. Hwoever, it's freaking AWESOME!
If LeBron gets help from his guys, Cavs have a chance against the Rockets, but NOT against the Warriors. No one has an answer for Kevin Durant - he's the X-factor. He'll shoot over anyone Houston and Cleveland throw at him. Dude is a bigger, better version of George "Iceman" Gervin, only KD is bringing it on the defensive end.
It'll be another Finals heartbreak for LeBron, and of course the haters will run their stupid mouths.
I wouldn't call Lowry & DeRozan superstars yet - superstars get it done at what Magic Johnson calls "winnin' time". To me, they're all-stars.
To quote Walt 'Clyde' Frazier, "the regular season is where you make your name, but the postseason is where you make your fame".
Thank you, u/t.
Lowry and DeRozan are definitely All-Stars and top players in this league. They could make the All-NBA team and even end up in the Hall of Fame someday.
But not every All-Star and/or Hall of Famer is a superstar.
The fact that they're an All-Star duo and haven't even gotten to the conference finals hurts the case for them as superstars.
If Lowry & DeRozan want to be considered "elite" they need to take a page from Jordan's book. It took Michael seven years of heartbreak, losing to Boston & Detroit, taking a beating from the Bad Boys, before he reached the promised land. He did it the old-fashioned way by constantly working on his game, getting his body right, pushing his guys (especially Pippen) to raise their game, so he could trust them at winnin time.
Remember what the Spurs did in 2014 after losing to the Heat in 2013? That's what I want to see from Toronto - lazer FOCUS. It won't be easy....look at what Boston is doing now....imagine what they'll do with a healthy Kyrie & Heyward?????? And if Ben Simmons gets a jump shot.......
The Philadelphia 76ers came into this game in the unenviable position of being down 0-3 in this series and needing to win four straight in order to adavnce to the Easten Conference Finals. Problem is, no team in NBA history has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit to win a seven game series. The odds are stacked agianst the Sixers, but they also know you can only win one game at a time, so their focus was to not let the Boston Celtics sweep them out of their own arena.
They would do this by getting back to basics and focusing on their strengths, particularly their play inside the paint. They outscored the Celtics 42 to 24 inside the paint, and they also got help from some unlikely sources. The liitle-used T.J. McConnell was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time this season, and he made the most of it, scoring 19 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out five assists. Dario Saric also had a monster game, leading the Sixers with 25 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Ben Simmons scored 19 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out five assists while Joel Embiid added 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Jason Tatum led the Celtics with 20 points while Marcus Morris added 17 points off the bench. Marcus Smart added 14 points while Terry Rozier and Al Horford added 11 and 10 points respectively.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into these playoffs looking more precarious than they have in a very long time since Lebron James has played for them. Their first round series against the Indiana Pacxers did not change very many people's minds, as they struggled mightily just top advance to the conference semifinals. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors came into these playoffs with the best record in their history and the number one seed in the Eastern conference, but they had a tougher than usual first round series against the Washington Wizards but still felt confident against a more vulnerable Cavs squad. However, that confidence quickly eroded after losing their first two games at home and losing in dramatic fashion to Lebron James in game 3.
So it really was no surprise that the Cavs would dispatch the Raptors in this game and sweep this series. They jumped out to an early lead and never let up. The Raptors looked like they were sleepwalking at times, especially since they had their hearts ripped out from them in the last game. The Cavs broke this game wide open in the second half, as Lebron James scored 29 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. Kevin Love scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds. Kyle Korver added 16 points while Jeff green added 15 points and George Hill added 12 points.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Raptors with 18 points while DeMar DeRozan and C.J. Miles each added 13 points and Serge Ibaka added 12 points. But Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet each struggled to get going offensively, scoring just five points apiece. It was a bitter and disappointing end to a season which held so much promise.
The Cavs now await the winner of the Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers series.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into these playoffs looking more precarious than they have in a very long time since Lebron James has played for them. Their first round series against the Indiana Pacxers did not change very many people's minds, as they struggled mightily just top advance to the conference semifinals. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors came into these playoffs with the best record in their history and the number one seed in the Eastern conference, but they had a tougher than usual first round series against the Washington Wizards but still felt confident against a more vulnerable Cavs squad. However, that confidence quickly eroded after losing their first two games at home and losing in dramatic fashion to Lebron James in game 3.
So it really was no surprise that the Cavs would dispatch the Raptors in this game and sweep this series. They jumped out to an early lead and never let up. The Raptors looked like they were sleepwalking at times, especially since they had their hearts ripped out from them in the last game. The Cavs broke this game wide open in the second half, as Lebron James scored 29 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. Kevin Love scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds. Kyle Korver added 16 points while Jeff green added 15 points and George Hill added 12 points.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Raptors with 18 points while DeMar DeRozan and C.J. Miles each added 13 points and Serge Ibaka added 12 points. But Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet each struggled to get going offensively, scoring just five points apiece. It was a bitter and disappointing end to a season which held so much promise.
The Cavs now await the winner of the Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers series.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into these playoffs looking more precarious than they have in a very long time since Lebron James has played for them. Their first round series against the Indiana Pacxers did not change very many people's minds, as they struggled mightily just top advance to the conference semifinals. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors came into these playoffs with the best record in their history and the number one seed in the Eastern conference, but they had a tougher than usual first round series against the Washington Wizards but still felt confident against a more vulnerable Cavs squad. However, that confidence quickly eroded after losing their first two games at home and losing in dramatic fashion to Lebron James in game 3.
So it really was no surprise that the Cavs would dispatch the Raptors in this game and sweep this series. They jumped out to an early lead and never let up. The Raptors looked like they were sleepwalking at times, especially since they had their hearts ripped out from them in the last game. The Cavs broke this game wide open in the second half, as Lebron James scored 29 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. Kevin Love scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds. Kyle Korver added 16 points while Jeff green added 15 points and George Hill added 12 points.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Raptors with 18 points while DeMar DeRozan and C.J. Miles each added 13 points and Serge Ibaka added 12 points. But Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet each struggled to get going offensively, scoring just five points apiece. It was a bitter and disappointing end to a season which held so much promise.
The Cavs now await the winner of the Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers series.
Cleveland wins series 4-0.
LeBron James is simply out of this world. He's doing this with freaking Kyle Korver as one of his starters. Kyle Korver! LeBron is legendary.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into these playoffs looking more precarious than they have in a very long time since Lebron James has played for them. Their first round series against the Indiana Pacxers did not change very many people's minds, as they struggled mightily just top advance to the conference semifinals. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors came into these playoffs with the best record in their history and the number one seed in the Eastern conference, but they had a tougher than usual first round series against the Washington Wizards but still felt confident against a more vulnerable Cavs squad. However, that confidence quickly eroded after losing their first two games at home and losing in dramatic fashion to Lebron James in game 3.
So it really was no surprise that the Cavs would dispatch the Raptors in this game and sweep this series. They jumped out to an early lead and never let up. The Raptors looked like they were sleepwalking at times, especially since they had their hearts ripped out from them in the last game. The Cavs broke this game wide open in the second half, as Lebron James scored 29 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. Kevin Love scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds. Kyle Korver added 16 points while Jeff green added 15 points and George Hill added 12 points.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Raptors with 18 points while DeMar DeRozan and C.J. Miles each added 13 points and Serge Ibaka added 12 points. But Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet each struggled to get going offensively, scoring just five points apiece. It was a bitter and disappointing end to a season which held so much promise.
The Cavs now await the winner of the Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers series.
Lowry and DeRozan are definitely All-Stars and top players in this league. They could make the All-NBA team and even end up in the Hall of Fame someday.
But not every All-Star and/or Hall of Famer is a superstar.
The fact that they're an All-Star duo and haven't even gotten to the conference finals hurts the case for them as superstars.
If Lowry & DeRozan want to be considered "elite" they need to take a page from Jordan's book. It took Michael seven years of heartbreak, losing to Boston & Detroit, taking a beating from the Bad Boys, before he reached the promised land. He did it the old-fashioned way by constantly working on his game, getting his body right, pushing his guys (especially Pippen) to raise their game, so he could trust them at winnin time.
Remember what the Spurs did in 2014 after losing to the Heat in 2013? That's what I want to see from Toronto - lazer FOCUS. It won't be easy....look at what Boston is doing now....imagine what they'll do with a healthy Kyrie & Heyward?????? And if Ben Simmons gets a jump shot.......
MJ basically had to wait until the C's and Pistons got old, and his supporting cast rounded into form.
SA was a team with a championship pedigree in 2014. They blew a Finals they should have won in 2013 and had every incentive to finish MIA (who'd played a lot of basketball at that point going to 4 straight Finals) off in big fashion, a la LA in '85 against the C's.
TOR did have a lot of focus this year. They changed their style and earned a top seed. That to me is impressive. But LBJ is a once in a lifetime player, and DeRozan and Lowry are not remotely in that orbit.
TOR is to the '10s what the Hawks were to the 80's.
Good night, sweet Prince | 7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016
Props will be withheld until the showing and proving has commenced. -- Aaron McGruder
If Lowry & DeRozan want to be considered "elite" they need to take a page from Jordan's book. It took Michael seven years of heartbreak, losing to Boston & Detroit, taking a beating from the Bad Boys, before he reached the promised land. He did it the old-fashioned way by constantly working on his game, getting his body right, pushing his guys (especially Pippen) to raise their game, so he could trust them at winnin time.
Remember what the Spurs did in 2014 after losing to the Heat in 2013? That's what I want to see from Toronto - lazer FOCUS. It won't be easy....look at what Boston is doing now....imagine what they'll do with a healthy Kyrie & Heyward?????? And if Ben Simmons gets a jump shot.......
MJ basically had to wait until the C's and Pistons got old, and his supporting cast rounded into form.
SA was a team with a championship pedigree in 2014. They blew a Finals they should have won in 2013 and had every incentive to finish MIA (who'd played a lot of basketball at that point going to 4 straight Finals) off in big fashion, a la LA in '85 against the C's.
TOR did have a lot of focus this year. They changed their style and earned a top seed. That to me is impressive. But LBJ is a once in a lifetime player, and DeRozan and Lowry are not remotely in that orbit.
TOR is to the '10s what the Hawks were to the 80's.
Yes, LeBron is a better player, but I thought Toronto had a better team. But I didn't count on two things; 1) LeBron getting help from his guys & 2) Toronto's lack of mental toughness. DeRozan & Lowry had a COMBINED 18 POINTS in playoff elimination game! C'mon, that shit is unacceptable.
Did you hear DeRozan's press conference after the game? Pathetic is being kind.
You know what the Raptors need? Cats like Draymond Green and Marcus Smart - nasty, pain-in-the-ass mfers who play with a chip on their shoulder.
Someone posted this at Operationsports.com about Rodney Hood. Dude needs a serious reality check;
"When the Cavs called a timeout with a 30-point lead and 7:38 left Monday, Lue tried inserting Hood for James. It was a great opportunity for a struggling youngster to try and find his rhythm without any pressure before the next series. Instead, Hood refused to go in, multiple sources confirmed. A number of veterans huddled around him during the timeout and tried talking sense into him, but Hood still refused to go, so Jose Calderon subbed into the game instead. *Hood dressed quickly and was one of the first players out of the locker room after the game. *
For him, of all people, to refuse to go into a game during garbage time is grounds for a fine and suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. Lue hung in there with Hood when most other coaches would’ve gone away from him long ago. When these playoffs began, an opposing executive texted me “(Hood) is not built for this,” meaning the postseason. Now we’re seeing why.
Cavs GM Koby Altman intends to meet with Hood soon to discuss why he refused to go into the game and to get his side of the story, one source told The Athletic. Hood has struggled with stiffness in the past and, given how long he was sitting, the Cavs want to give him an opportunity to tell his side of the story. But according to multiple people who witnessed the exchange, this had nothing to do with stiffness and everything to do with a young player pouting.
“This is the playoffs. We’re trying to win a championship,” one Cavs player told The Athletic. “This isn’t about you.”
Once the Cavs won Gm1 they took Toronto's heart IMO, they never recovered from that. I think the Raptors need to give serious thought to breaking up Lowry & Derozan, that tandem doesn't work in the post season. Also they gotta find a better low post player, Jonas is too soft IMO, missing all those layups in game one......
MJ basically had to wait until the C's and Pistons got old, and his supporting cast rounded into form.
SA was a team with a championship pedigree in 2014. They blew a Finals they should have won in 2013 and had every incentive to finish MIA (who'd played a lot of basketball at that point going to 4 straight Finals) off in big fashion, a la LA in '85 against the C's.
TOR did have a lot of focus this year. They changed their style and earned a top seed. That to me is impressive. But LBJ is a once in a lifetime player, and DeRozan and Lowry are not remotely in that orbit.
TOR is to the '10s what the Hawks were to the 80's.
Yes, LeBron is a better player, but I thought Toronto had a better team. But I didn't count on two things; 1) LeBron getting help from his guys & 2) Toronto's lack of mental toughness. DeRozan & Lowry had a COMBINED 18 POINTS in playoff elimination game! C'mon, that shit is unacceptable.
Did you hear DeRozan's press conference after the game? Pathetic is being kind.
You know what the Raptors need? Cats like Draymond Green and Marcus Smart - nasty, pain-in-the-ass mfers who play with a chip on their shoulder.
I have told my husband so many times that these 2 have to get "nasty". I'm glad they're not assholes, but they need to get mad, stir some shit up once in a while. Sometimes, they're too nice.
Someone posted this at Operationsports.com about Rodney Hood. Dude needs a serious reality check;
"When the Cavs called a timeout with a 30-point lead and 7:38 left Monday, Lue tried inserting Hood for James. It was a great opportunity for a struggling youngster to try and find his rhythm without any pressure before the next series. Instead, Hood refused to go in, multiple sources confirmed. A number of veterans huddled around him during the timeout and tried talking sense into him, but Hood still refused to go, so Jose Calderon subbed into the game instead. *Hood dressed quickly and was one of the first players out of the locker room after the game. *
For him, of all people, to refuse to go into a game during garbage time is grounds for a fine and suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. Lue hung in there with Hood when most other coaches would’ve gone away from him long ago. When these playoffs began, an opposing executive texted me “(Hood) is not built for this,” meaning the postseason. Now we’re seeing why.
Cavs GM Koby Altman intends to meet with Hood soon to discuss why he refused to go into the game and to get his side of the story, one source told The Athletic. Hood has struggled with stiffness in the past and, given how long he was sitting, the Cavs want to give him an opportunity to tell his side of the story. But according to multiple people who witnessed the exchange, this had nothing to do with stiffness and everything to do with a young player pouting.
“This is the playoffs. We’re trying to win a championship,” one Cavs player told The Athletic. “This isn’t about you.”
Sounds like he's the second coming of Scottie Pippen, LOL.
Chris Paul was interviewed Sunday night after the Rockets' Game 4 victory. Sunday was also Paul's birthday. And the main story line was, of course, that Chris Paul had never played in a Conference Finals. Now, he was one game away from the CF! Was he thinking about it?
"No, I only focus on the next game. I've been in this situation before, up 3-1. Shit went bad in a hurry".
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Toronto Raptors 103 
Cleveland Cavaliers 105
last night I watched on Netflix the doco The Carter Effect about Vince Carter and how he influnced the basketball scene in Canada. It was excellent and enlightening.....and during the credits it listed Lebron James as a producer 
and featured Tristan Thompson 
Anyway I highly recommend anyone who loves basketball to watch and appreciate Vince "Half Man Half Amazing" Carter, who is still playing in the NBA after 20 years 
I give it a 4.5 out of 5 
Golden State Warriors 118 
New Orleans Pelicans 92
Houston Rockets 100 
Utah Jazz 87
Boston Celtics 92 
Philadelphia 76ers 103
The TNT reporter didn't miss a beat, LOL.