It's that time again. Time for the elite teams of the NBA to challange for the Larry O'Brien trophy, though realistically it appears only two teams really have a shot at grabbing that piece of hardware, and one of them won it last year, only to top themselves with an amazing regular season run, and the other is in the same conference.



#8 Detroit Pistons vs. #1 Cleveland Cavaliers
#7 Indiana Pacers vs. #2 Toronto Raptors
#6 Charlotte Hornets vs. #3 Miami Heat
#5 Boston Celtics vs. #4 Atlanta Hawks




#8 Houston Rockets vs. #1 Golden State Warriors

#7 Memphis Grizzlies vs. #2 San Antonio Spurs

#6 Dallas Mavericks vs. #3 Oklahoma City Thunder
#5 Portland Trail Blazers vs. #4 Los Angeles Clippers

[Edited 6/1/16 18:40pm]

Go Raptors!!

I hate to say it, but I do not want Golden State to win. Any other team, but them.

My money is on Curry & The Warriors.

I'm thinking the Cavs won't get out of the East.

Upset special: The Celtics.

Go Spurs Go!

1st Round: As much as I hate to say it, the C's arrow is clearly on the way up. GC is right; they could take the Hawks this year.

MEM is a bad draw for SA in the 1st round. It'll probably be a short series, but a physical one.

Predictions: Cavs, Raptors, Heat, Celtics advance in East. Warriors, Spurs, Thunder, Clips in West.

2d round: Fascinating matchups in the West. Yet another bad draw for the Spurs v. OKC. Clips-Warriors is a blood feud and will be must-see TV. MIA could sneak up on TOR in the East, and BOS-CLE would be interesting. Still going chalk.

Predictions: Cavs and Heat in the East, Warriors and Spurs in the West.

Conference Finals: Too much LBJ will slide the Cavs back into the Finals. But I think the Spurs could be the equivalent of the old guys at the Y who play together all the time, and regularly beat the young hotshots full court. That being said, will they have enough to make it past the Warriors after bruising with the Grizz and running with the Thunder? I don't think so.

Predictions: Cavs win ECF, Warriors win WCF.

Finals: The Cavs can't fix their roster and chemistry issues. GS is too good. It'll be yet another short series.

Prediction: Warriors d. Cavs 4-1, win NBA Finals.

Looking forward to seeing how wrong I'll be!!!!!!

[Edited 4/15/16 13:16pm]

namepeace said:

1st Round: As much as I hate to say it, the C's arrow is clearly on the way up. GC is right; they could take the Hawks this year.

MEM is a bad draw for SA in the 1st round. It'll probably be a short series, but a physical one.

Predictions: Cavs, Raptors, Heat, Celtics advance in East. Warriors, Spurs, Thunder, Clips in West.

2d round: Fascinating matchups in the West. Yet another bad draw for the Spurs v. OKC. Clips-Warriors is a blood feud and will be must-see TV. MIA could sneak up on TOR in the East, and BOS-CLE would be interesting. Still going chalk.

Predictions: Cavs and Heat in the East, Warriors and Spurs in the West.

Conference Finals: Too much LBJ will slide the Cavs back into the Finals. But I think the Spurs could be the equivalent of the old guys at the Y who play together all the time, and regularly beat the young hotshots full court. That being said, will they have enough to make it past the Warriors after bruising with the Grizz and running with the Thunder? I don't think so.

Predictions: Cavs win ECF, Warriors win WCF.

Finals: The Cavs can't fix their roster and chemistry issues. GS is too good. It'll be yet another short series.

Prediction: Warriors d. Cavs 4-1, win NBA Finals.

Looking forward to seeing how wrong I'll be!!!!!!

[Edited 4/15/16 13:16pm]

Good analysis.........but I'm thinking the Cavs might get knocked off.

If the ref's call what actually happens in the games, the Cav's don't get out of the East.

Graycap23 said:

Good analysis.........but I'm thinking the Cavs might get knocked off.

If the ref's call what actually happens in the games, the Cav's don't get out of the East.

I wouldn't be surprised. They've got roster and chemistry issues that can't be fixed, and may very well be baked in.

namepeace said:

Graycap23 said:

Good analysis.........but I'm thinking the Cavs might get knocked off.

If the ref's call what actually happens in the games, the Cav's don't get out of the East.

I wouldn't be surprised. They've got roster and chemistry issues that can't be fixed, and may very well be baked in.

Can u imagine.............the Cavs make it to the Finals and lose again.

That would result in Lebron being 2-5 in the Finals.

Yikes.

Graycap23 said:

namepeace said:

I wouldn't be surprised. They've got roster and chemistry issues that can't be fixed, and may very well be baked in.

Can u imagine.............the Cavs make it to the Finals and lose again.

That would result in Lebron being 2-5 in the Finals.

Yikes.

LeBron is compared to Jordan, Kobe, and Magic, but I think his legacy will be a lot like Wilt's. His Finals record isn't all his fault, but it will still follow him.

Graycap23 said:

Go Warriors!

As someone who suffered deeply with this team for over TWENTY FIVE YEARS! (1987 up to last season) y'all have no idea how much I'm enjoying all this. I blead Warrior's colors. I used to have season tickets. I have actual LOVE for this team that goes beyond the love I have for most of my friends... and maybe some of my family. This season in particular has just been insane. There were many seasons when I doubted we would WIN nine games. 73 is a massive, HUGE accomplishment that I can't really find the words for (trust me, I've been trying). It will always mean something, but it won't mean as much if we don't win it all this year. Sooo...

Go Warriors!

The way people predict other teams are going to beat the Warriors makes me laugh. Because all of them did it so many times this season. No team beat the Warriors more than once. Not one team. So please, somebody explain to me how they're going to beat them 4 out of 7 times.

A lot of people on this Celtics coming out of the East upset. Can't say I see it, to be honest. Since I don't like the Cavs or the Celtics, I have no real feeling on it one way or the other. On pure basketball, I just don't see it. Kevin Love will be the deciding factor, imo.

The East is weird this season. It felt like the East was going to really improve and put forth a serious contender. Not so much. I'm honestly not sure what I'm expecting from the East playoffs, but I'd like to see Miami do something.

[Edited 4/16/16 1:25am]

Empress said:

I hate to say it, but I do not want Golden State to win. Any other team, but them.

I'm sure you have some perfectly logical reason for that... right?

The question for Cleveland is can Irving and Love raise their game to LeBron's level? IMO, no (neither player impresses me), but LeBron's greatness will get the Cavs to the Finals, where he'll come up short against a better GS or SA.

That was vintage PG13 yesterday and typical Toronto.

Celtics should kick themselves for blowing that game. Can't turn the ball in the playoffs where every possession is crucial.

Cerebus said:

Only the Spurs have a chance against the Warriors.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 1

Indiana Pacers 100 Toronto Raptors 90

The Toronto Raptors have been one of the rising teams in the NBA the past few seasons, finishing with at least 50 wins in each season and qualifying for the playoffs. However, their recent string of reugular season success has not translated into success during the postseason, as they lost in seven games in the first round to the Brooklyn Nets in 2014 and were swept by the Washington Wizards last season. Earning the number two seed in this year's playoffs, the Raptors are hoping the third time is the charm as they pursue an NBA title. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers are back in the playoffs after losing Paul George to a serious leg injury last season.

The Raptors started out well, but they eventually began to struggle, with both stars Kyle Lowry and Demar DeRozan struggling from the field and the free throw line, and the team turning the ball over 20 times, leading to 25 Indiana points. Lowry would finish with 11 points on just 3 for 13 shooting from the floor, while DeRozan finished with 14 points on 5 for 19 shooting. However, the Raptors stayed in the game thanks to Jonas Valanciunas, who scored 12 points and set a Raptors' playoff record with 19 rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Paul George would have a monster game for the Pacers, finishing with 33 points including 17 points in the third quarter. Monta Ellis added 15 points while Solomon Hill scored 13 points off the bench. The Pacers would close out the game with a 11-1 run with four minutes remaining the game to secure the victory. Cory Joseph would lead the Raptors with 18 points.

Indiana leads series 1-0.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 1

Houston Rockets 78 Golden State Warriors 104


The Golden State Warriors have been absoultely dazzling this season, winning a record 73 games during the regular season, steamrolling past their opponents in style. The start of the playoffs would be no different, as they basically picked up where they left off. Stephen Curry scored 24 points before injuring his ankle in the third quarter, and his status for game 2 is uncertain. Nevertheless, he was picked up by his teammates. Klay Thompson scored 16 points while Draymond Green added scored 12 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out four assists, and blocked four shots. James Harden led the Rockets with 17 points, though he never made it to the free throw line. Dwight Howard added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Golden State leads series 1-0.

[Edited 4/17/16 7:01am]

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 1

Boston Celtics 101 Atlanta Hawks 102

The Atlana Hawks were coming into this series trying to show the world that last season was no fluke, and that they were true contenders for the NBA title, while the Boston Celtics were trying to show they are the real deal after a good season for the up-and-coming young squad. The Hawks would come out blazing, with contributions from Al Horford, Paul Milsap, and Kent Bazemore, which would bring Atlanta to a 19 point lead near the end of the first half.

But the Celtics would come storming back, taking the lead with seven minutes remaining in the game thanks to Isaiah Thomas, who led Boston with 27 points, and Marcus Smart, who added 15 points. Avery Bradley would score 18 points for the Celtics, but he would exit the game late in the fourth quarter with a right hamstring injury, and his status for future playoff games is not good.

This would open the game up for Jeff Teague, who would secure the victory for the Hawks with clutch shooting and a couple of assists. Teague finshed with 23 points while dishing out 12 assists. Al Horford lead the Hawks with 24 points while Kent Bazemore added 23 points. The Celtics would cut the deficit to just one point with 0.4 seconds left, and Marcus Smart would grab the inound pass from the Hawks and heaved it one handed towards the basket for a miracle shot, but it would just hit the glass before bouncing away. Granted, despite the impressive attempt, the shot would not have counted as time expired before he released the ball.

Atlanta leads series 1-0.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 1

Dallas Mavericks 70 Oklahoma City Thunder 108


Garth Brooks is one of the most storied singers in the history of country music, and he is a native Oklahoman. One of the biggest hit songs of his career is "The Thunder Rolls", and that title was an apt description of last night's game against the Dallas Mavericks. OKC came out storming at the gate and never looked back. Russell Westbrook led all acorers with 24 points while also dishing out 11 assists. Kevin Durant added 23 points, Serge Ibaka added 17 points and nine rebounds, and Enes Kanter added 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Thunder never trailed in this game, and they led by as much as 45 points. Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 18 points, but no other Mavs player reached double digits.

Oklahoma City leads series 1-0.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 1

Detroit Pistons 101 Cleveland Cavaliers 106


When Lebron James returned to the Cavaliers last season, his goal was to bring a championship to the shores of Lake Erie, and in pursuit of that they obtained Kevin Love to form a new big three of Lebron, Love, and point guard Kyrie Irving, who was drafted with the first pick a couple of seasons earlier. Unfortunately for the Cavs they lost Kevin Love early during the playoffs last year, and Kyrie Irving would injure his knee in the semifinal series against the Bulls and reaggravate that same injury in game one of the NBA Finals. This year, though, all three are healthy at the start of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons are making their first playoff appearance since 2009, and they are looking to show they're not just happy to be there. And early on in the game they did just that, exploding from beyond the arc and easily keeping up with the Cavs big three. They would lead by five points at the half.

But the game would remain tight down the strech, and the Cavs would get just enough firepower and defense to grab the lead and pull away with the victory. The Cavs big three accounted for 81 of their total 106 points, with Kyrie Irving leading the way with 31 points. Kevin Love added 28 points while Lebron James added 22 points while dishing out 11 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the Pistons with 21 points while Marcus Morris added 20 points, yet he scored just one point in the second half. Reggie Jackson scoreed 17 points for Detroit while Andre Drummond had 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Pistons would make 15 3-point shots in this game but missed a few open ones down the stretch, where their playoff inexperience showed.

Cleveland leads series 1-0.

missfee said:

Is it me or are the Rockets in dire need of a good barber???? Just sayin'.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 1

Charlotte Hornets 91 Miami Heat 123


The Miami Heat were making their first playoff appearance since Lebron James returned to Cleveland, and they woud be carried to an easy and explosive victory primarily by the veterans they acquired since then. Luol Deng had the unfortunate task of replacing Lebron James on the Heat roster, but he looked like the clutch player of old from his days with the Chicago Bulls, leading all scorers with 31 points. The Heat would shoot from a torrid pace in the first quarter, scoring a record 41 points in that quarter and shooting 70% from the floor, never looking back and easily cruising to the win. Hassan Whiteside would score 21 points for Miami while also grabbing 11 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade would add 16 points. But their acquired veterans, Joe Johnson and Amar'e Stoudamire each added 11 points. Nicolas Batum scored 24 points for the Hornets while Kemba Walker added 19 points and Al Jefferson added 13 points.

Miami leads series 1-0.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 1

Memphis Grizzlies 74 San Antonio Spurs 106

The San Antonio Spurs came into these playoffs as the only other team likely to compete for the NBA title along with the Golden State Warriors, and their 67 win regular season would be incredibly impressive by any standard were it not for the Warriors' 73 wins.

And like the Warriors did yesterday, the Spurs came out blazing and, aside from Vince Carter shooting a 3 pointer for the Grizzlies after San Antonio made the initial basket of the game, they never trailed. Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 20 points while LaMarcus Aldridge added 17 points amd Tony Parker and Patty Mills each added 15 points. Vince Carter led Memphis with 16 points while Lance Stephenson added 14 points off the bench, but Zach Randolph had a miserable game, scoring just six points on 3 for 13 shooting from the floor.

San Antonio leads series 1-0.

In other NBA news, Luke Walton says no to the Knicks. Smart move Luke, listen to your old man.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baske ... -1.2604814