uPtoWnNY said:

So let me get this straight, after three years, NOW Phil Jackson wants a do-over????? NOW he wants top rebuild?????????

He apparently thought that, with minimal effort, he could attract stars to go with 'Melo and do what Riles did in Miami.

That press conference made me sick to my stomach - he IS as bad as Isiah Thomas. He has no idea how to be a GM - he's a coach masquerading as one. Did you catch those subtle jabs at Hornacek, yet he praised Kurt Rambis. He even admitted to undermining his head coach, more than we knew. He has no business stopping practices - either coach the damn team yourself, or stay out of the way and focus on being a GM 24/7. No wonder there was so much confusion among the players. If I'm Hornacek, I tell Phil goodbye, but I guess he's getting well paid being a puppet.

I agree with that. Hornacek may not be a great coach, but he's a competent one, and Phil keeps trying to fit his Triangle peg into a round hole. Like you said, no one can do that better than him. I love Kurt "Clark Kent" Rambis as a player, but as a coach, I don't see why PJ loves him so much.

Phil's an expert at deflecting blame, yet he picked the coach and the players. And if it's true that the Knicks are open to Rose coming back, Dolan should fire Phil now.

I don't agree with how he handled it, but I understand why KP blew off his meeting - the kid is clearly frustrated with all the dysfunction.

I do, too. And actually, there was nothing else KP could have done. And it's a wake-up call for them.

This is straight up B.S. - and the next two years will be more of the same. There is absolutely nothing to like about this franchise anymore.

As I said in another thread, GM Phil is showing the exact opposite traits Coach Phil did, and the results don't lie. Knicks fans and the NBA need better from the Knicks.

^Exactly. Phil's arrogance and know-it-all attitude is killing the franchise.

After watching Celtics-Bulls, it's obvious Boston is a flawed #1 seed, and Chicago's not a true #8. IT has no wingman like Jordan had Pip and Shaq had Kobe. They're paying Horford to be that #2 guy, but he's not stepping up. Lopez is wearing them out on the boards and Butler is wearing them out on the wing. Plus Wade & Rondo are battle-tested.

There nothing like the NBA playoffs...

I'm considering not watching the regular season and just wait for the playoffs.

HOW 'BOUT them Bulls!! Just think the Bulls org considered cutting Rondo during the regular season... but know that Rondo the coach, well things have gotten much better. Not getting ahead of myself, if the Bulls can toss out the Celtics than its a good thing. I doubt if they can go any further though.

TD3 said:

There nothing like the NBA playoffs...

I'm considering not watching the regular season and just wait for the playoffs.

HOW 'BOUT them Bulls!! Just think the Bulls org considered cutting Rondo during the regular season... but know that Rondo the coach, well things have gotten much better. Not getting ahead of myself, if the Bulls can toss out the Celtics than its a good thing. I doubt if they can go any further though.

They have no answer for Butler. And Portis is hitting big shots.

uPtoWnNY said:

TD3 said:

There nothing like the NBA playoffs...

I'm considering not watching the regular season and just wait for the playoffs.

HOW 'BOUT them Bulls!! Just think the Bulls org considered cutting Rondo during the regular season... but know that Rondo's the coach, well things have gotten much better. Not getting ahead of myself, if the Bulls can toss out the Celtics than its a good thing. I doubt if they can go any further though.

They have no answer for Butler. And Portis is hitting big shots.

I KNOW, the Celtics look daze and confursed. Danny Ainge said, he regrets not offering more to make Bultler a Celtics. I heard the head coach is on the hot seat, Boston loses in the 1st round, he's gone. WTF?!

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 2

Utah Jazz 91 Los Angeles Clippers 99

The Los Angeles Clippers were stunned to be beaten at the buzzer on their home floor, and they were determined to come into game 2 with a sense of urgency. And they did just that, dominating inside the paint and led the game from wire to wire. The Clippers stormed out to a 12-point lead in the first quarter, reeling off a number of dunks that earned the team's Lob City nickname years ago. DeAndre Jordan's tomahawk jam put an exclamation point on the end of the first quarter. The Big Three of Jordan, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul combined on 10-of-13 shooting and six rebounds in the first quarter as the Clippers shot 65 percent. They outscored the Jazz 18-0 in the paint. The second quater would be more of the same for the Clippers, and they would go into halftime with a nine point lead. Utah wopuld make a couple of runs in the second half to get with a bucket of tying the game, but they could not stop the Clippers inside the paint. Blake Griffin led all scorers with 24 pointswhile Chris Paul scored 20 points and dished out 10 assists. DeAndre Jordan scored 18 points while also grabbing 15 rebounds. Gordon Heyward led the Jazz with 20 points while Derrick Favors and Joe Johnson each added 13 points in a losing effort.

Series tied at 1-1.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 2

Atlanta Hawks 101 Washington Wizards 109

In what turned out to be a back-and-forth and ultimately foul-plagued game, the Washington Wizards were able to pull out a late comeback victory thanks to their backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal. Beal scored 16 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter while John Wall scored a game high 32 points while also dishing out nine assists and grabbed five rebounds. They needed those points, as their frontcourt of Markieff Morris and Otto Porter Jr. both got into serious foul trouble early and scored a combined seven points. The Wizards led by nine at the half, but the Hawks would come storming back in the third quarter, taking the lead after going on a 13-0 run thanks to Paul Milsap who scored 16 of his 27 points in that quarter. But they could not stop Washington's backcourt in the fourth as the Wizards rallied back to take the victory. Marcin Gortat would add 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards whike Dennis Schroder scored 23 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 19 points for the Hawks.

Washington leads series 2-0.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 2

Oklahoma City Thunder 111 Houston Rockets 115

Coming into game the Oklahoma City Thunder was determined to play significantly better than they did in game 1, as Houston easily routed them. Russell Westbrook was determined to carry the team on his back if needed, and he most certainly did all he could to launch OKC to victory. The Thunder jumped out to a double digit lead on Russell Wesatbrook's herculean effort, as he scored a career playoff high 51 points while also dishing out 13 assists and grabbing 10 rebounds.

But even that wasn't enough to overcome the Rockets. James Harden and company would come storming back on a huge rally to take the lead, and they would tie the game with 3:15 remaining in the game. But then the supporting cast took over, going on a 10-0 run thanks to some clutch 3-pointers from Patrick Beverley and Eric Gordon. Westbrook would launch a 7-1 run in the closing minute but OKC could get no closer. Harden would score 35 points and grab eight rebounds, while Patrick Beverley added 15 points and six rebounds, Eric Gordon added 22 points, and Lou Williams added 21 points off the bench. Andre Roberson scored 12 points and Victor Oladipo and Doug McDermott each added 11 points for OKC.

Houston leads series 2-0.

I'm happy the Bulls are taking it to the Celtics. I feel for Isaiah Thomas to suffer such a loss

on the eve of the playoffs. The Bulls are just too athletic for the Celtics. The Celtics aren't

quite as good as their record would indicate. They would not have won 51 games if they

were in the Western Conference. I want to see some new blood in the Finals.

I'm rooting for Washington in the East this year and the paper Clips in the West.

TD3 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

They have no answer for Butler. And Portis is hitting big shots.

I KNOW, the Celtics look daze and confursed. Danny Ainge said, he regrets not offering more to make Bultler a Celtics. I heard the head coach is on the hot seat, Boston loses in the 1st round, he's gone. WTF?!

I wouldn't be surprised. It's the way the cookie crumbles.

phunkdaddy said:

I'm happy the Bulls are taking it to the Celtics. I feel for Isaiah Thomas to suffer such a loss

on the eve of the playoffs. The Bulls are just too athletic for the Celtics. The Celtics aren't

quite as good as their record would indicate. They would not have won 51 games if they

were in the Western Conference. I want to see some new blood in the Finals.

I'm rooting for Washington in the East this year and the paper Clips in the West.

Not Cleveland...

TD3 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

They have no answer for Butler. And Portis is hitting big shots.

I KNOW, the Celtics look daze and confursed. Danny Ainge said, he regrets not offering more to make Bultler a Celtics. I heard the head coach is on the hot seat, Boston loses in the 1st round, he's gone. WTF?!

Even as a Lakers fan, I'd say letting go of Stevens would be a huge mistake.

The fact a team whose featured player is 5"9 is a No. 1 seed at all is a testament to how he's developed a roster sorely lacking in star power. Butler alone would not be enough, but the lack of star power is on Ainge, not Stevens.

If they lose this series, they should consider it a blip on the screen and an awakening to the need for an elite player.

Which I hope they DON'T get.

Out of all the teams in the east, I give Washington the best chance of upsetting Cleveland. Their backcourt will be tough for the defensively-challenged Cavs to deal with.

uPtoWnNY said:

Out of all the teams in the east, I give Washington the best chance of upsetting Cleveland. Their backcourt will be tough for the defensively-challenged Cavs to deal with.

Agreed. I also think Gortat is a tough matchup for the Cavs bigs.

How 'bout those Rockets!!!

namepeace said:

uPtoWnNY said:

Out of all the teams in the east, I give Washington the best chance of upsetting Cleveland. Their backcourt will be tough for the defensively-challenged Cavs to deal with.

Agreed. I also think Gortat is a tough matchup for the Cavs bigs.

The Cavs have no bigs. Love and Frye aren't rim protectors. Gortat should feast in the paint.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 2

Portland Trail Blazers 81 Golden State Warriors 110

The Golden State Warriors came into game 2 without Kevin Durant, who had injured himself in game 1 and was being held back as a precautionary measure. It didn't matter; the Warriors easly handled the Blazers in this game. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists in just 30 minutes of action. Draymond Green scored only six points but grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out 10 assists. Klay Thompson added 16 points while JaVale McGee added 15 points off the bench. Maurice Harkless led the Blazers with 15 , but the backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum was shut down in this game, scoring just 12 and 11 points respectively.

Golden State leads series 2-0.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Cleveland Cavaliers 119 Indiana Pacers 114

The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to win their first two games in this series but looked shaky in both of them. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers felt they let a couple of games slip away from them, as they could easily have been up 2-0 themselves instead of being down 0-2. The Pacers were determined to take advantage of their home court. And early on they did just that, storming out to a 26 point lead in the second quarter and leading by 25 points at the half. led by Paul George, who scored 36 points in this game while also grabbing a playoff career high 15 rebounds and nine assists.

But then Lebron James would lead a devastating comeback in the third quarter. After Cleveland cut the deficit to 77-62 and then watched Indiana extend the margin to 20, the Cavs finished the quarter on a 17-4 run to make it 91-84, led by Lebron James who scored 13 points in that quarter.

The Cavs then kept their pedal to the metal, comeing all the way back to take the lead midway through the fourth quarter. Paul George would hit a 3-pointer with 5:15 remaining in th game to give Indiana a 104-103 lead - its last of the game. James answered with a layup out of a timeout and the Cavs never trailed again. Lebron finished the game with 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, and Channing Frye each scored 13 points. Jeff Teague scored 15 points for the Pacers while dishing out seven assists, and Lance Stephenson finished with 15 points off the bench. The Cavs will look to close out the series in a sweep in game 4.

Cleveland leads series 3-0.

[Edited 4/20/17 20:09pm]

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Toronto Raptors 77 Milwaukee Bucks 104

The Milwaukee Bucks put the rundown on the Toronto Raptors in game 1 but struggled to contain the backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in game 2, as the Raptors bounced back to even the series. The Bucks wers hoping to come home with the same effort thay had in game 1.

And they did just that, storming out to a huge first quarter lead, led wire to wire, and never looked back. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 20 points while Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds in just 33 minutes of play. Greg Monroe added 16 points off the bench. But it was Milwaukee's defense that overwhelmed the Raptors, as DeMar DeRozan was held scoreless from the field, scoring only eight points from the free throw lline. Kyle Lowry also had a miserable game, scoring just 13 points while teammate David Wright matched his point total off the bench.

Milwaukee leads series 2-1.

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Toronto Raptors 77 Milwaukee Bucks 104

The Milwaukee Bucks put the rundown on the Toronto Raptors in game 1 but struggled to contain the backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in game 2, as the Raptors bounced back to even the series. The Bucks wers hoping to come home with the same effort thay had in game 1.

And they did just that, storming out to a huge first quarter lead, led wire to wire, and never looked back. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 20 points while Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds in just 33 minutes of play. Greg Monroe added 16 points off the bench. But it was Milwaukee's defense that overwhelmed the Raptors, as DeMar DeRozan was held scoreless from the field, scoring only eight points from the free throw lline. Kyle Lowry also had a miserable game, scoring just 13 points while teammate David Wright matched his point total off the bench.

Milwaukee leads series 2-1.

What a shit-show last night from the Raptors. I was disgusted.

Empress said:

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Toronto Raptors 77 Milwaukee Bucks 104

The Milwaukee Bucks put the rundown on the Toronto Raptors in game 1 but struggled to contain the backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in game 2, as the Raptors bounced back to even the series. The Bucks wers hoping to come home with the same effort thay had in game 1.

And they did just that, storming out to a huge first quarter lead, led wire to wire, and never looked back. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 20 points while Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds in just 33 minutes of play. Greg Monroe added 16 points off the bench. But it was Milwaukee's defense that overwhelmed the Raptors, as DeMar DeRozan was held scoreless from the field, scoring only eight points from the free throw lline. Kyle Lowry also had a miserable game, scoring just 13 points while teammate David Wright matched his point total off the bench.

Milwaukee leads series 2-1.

What a shit-show last night from the Raptors. I was disgusted.

Bucks have youth and LENGTH. It's scary to think what kind of player the Greek Freak will be in 3-5 years.

Yay for the Cavs coming back and winning game 3 last night, hope they keep the momentum going.

uPtoWnNY said:

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

San Antonio Spurs 94 Memphis Grizzlies 105

The Memphis Grizzlies came home knowing if they had any chance of evening up this series, they needed to show some intensity. So they went back to their tried and true formula, which was tough physical play. The Grizzlies kept even with the Spurs in the first half and went into halftime with a four point lead. But they would turn up the intensity in the third quarter, hitting 10 of their first 14 shots. They also played much stingier defense, harassing the Spurs into missing 11 of their first 17 shots in the quarter. Memphis would lead by as much as 22 points before cruising to victory. Mike Conley Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points and eight assists, while Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph each added 21 points. Kawhi Leonard was held to just 18 points in the game for San Antonio while LaMarcus Aldridge scored 16 points and Kyle Anderson added 15 points off the bench.

San Antonio leads series 2-1.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Boston Celtics 104 Chicago Bulls 87

The Chicago Bulls stunned the Boston Celtics by wiining the first two games of this series on the road, and they were hoping that home court advantage would propel them to a victory and commanding lead in this series. But they would have to do this without Rajon Rondo, who broke his right thumb in game 2 and is listed as out indefinitely. Meanwhile, the Celtics came into this game with a sense of desperation and knew if they had any chance to get back into this series, they had to come out on fire.

And the Celtics did that. They jumped out to an early 20 point lead in the first half thanks to some explosive shooting from behind the arc. The Celtics hit 7 of 11 3-point shots in the first quarter alone, leaving the Bulls flat-footed. But the Bulls would come charging back in the second quarter, cutting the Celtics lead to just three at halftime. The Bulls would cut the lead to one at the start of the third quarter.

But then the Celtics took control. They were led by some screen rolls that led to easy buckets for Al Horford, who finished the game with 18 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Thomas returned from needed family time to score 16 points and dish out nine assists, while Jae Crowder added 16 points for Boston while Avery Bradley added 15 points including four 3-pointers. Dwyane Wade led the Bulls with 18 points but shot just 6 for 18 from the floor. Jimmy Butler struggled just as much, scoring just 14 points on 7 for 21 shooting from the floor. In addition to their poor shooting, Chicago was sloppy down the court, committed 18 turnovers.

Chicago leads series 2-1.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Houston Rockets 113 Oklahoma City Thunder 115

Russell Westbrook tried to singlehandedly carry the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory in game 2 but came up short. Coming home, he knew he would need to get some help to defeat the Houston Rockets. This time around, his supporting cast stepped up to the plate, as OKC jumped out to an early lead and kept the Rockets at bay for the first three quarters.

But Houston would stage another comeback and had a chance to win the game on the final shot. However, James Harden's 3-pointer at the buzzer would hit off the rim, and the Thunder hung on to win. Russell Westbrook had another triple double, scoring 32 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists. Taj Gibson added 20 points, while Andre Roberson and Victor Oladipo each added 12 points for OKC. James Harden scored 44 points for the Rockets while Lou Williams added 22 points off the bench and Ryan Anderson added 18 points.

Houston leads series 2-1.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Los Angeles Clippers 111 Utah Jazz 106

The Utah Jazz stole game 1 from the Los Angeles Clippers yet were bounced out in game 2. They were hoping home court would play into their favor, and for the first three quarters of the game it did just that. They were buoyed by Gordon Hayward who scored a career high 40 points in the game as well as grabbing eight rebounds. But Chris Paul would take over in the fourth quarter, leading the Clippers on a 15-0 run that would propel them to victory. Paul scored a season high 34 points while dishing out 10 assists and grabbing seven rebounds. DeAndre Jordan'sscored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while Luke Mbah a Moute scored a career playoff high 15 points. However, Blake Griffin left the game with 3:18 remaining in the second quarter and did not return after landing awkwardly following a transition layup. The Clippers ruled it a bruised right big toe. The five-time All-Star had 11 points, six rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes. George Hill scored 26 points for the Jazz including 13 points in the third quarter while Joe Johnson added 15 points off the bench.

LA Clippers lead series 2-1.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 4

Toronto Raptors 87 Milwaukee Bucks 76

DeMar DeRozan was almost literally MIA in game 3 of this series, not making a single field goal and scoring only eight points off free throws in a lopsided loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. He knew he needed to step up in this game if he was going to keep the Bucks from running away with this series.

And he would explode in this game, scoring 33 points, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out five assists, and making four steals as the Raptors bounced back to even the series. Toronto also turned up the defense, frustrating Milwaukee at every turn and holding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greg Monroe to just 14 points each and Khris Middleton to just 10 points. Nevertheless, Milwaukee would make a final rally in the fourth quarter thanks to Tony Snell. who led the Bucks with 19 points including a 3-pointer which got the Bucks within seven with a little over three minutes remaining in the game. But Kyle Lowry would answer with a bucket before setting up another basket with a drive-and-dish to center Jonas Valanciunas to seal the deal. Lowry finished with 18 points while Valanciunas and Norman Powell each finished with 12 points for the victorious Raptors, who now head back to Canada needing to win just two of their next three games to move on to the conference semifinals.

Series tied at 2-2.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 3

Washington Wizards 98 Atlanta Hawks 116

The Atlanta Hawks found themselves manhandled by the Washington Wizards in the first two games of this series and were hoping that home court would open up their offense. It turned out to be exactly what they needed, as they stormed out to a 25 point lead in the first quarter and were never seriously challenged after that. Paul Milsap led the Hawks with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, and Dennis Schroder scored 27 points. John Wall continued his dazzling play in this series, scoring 29 points but got no help from the rest of his starting cast. The other Washington starters combined to score 30 points on 14-of-45 shooting, of which 12 of those points came from Bradley Beal who shot 6 for 20 fromn the floor. Brandon Jennings did add 13 points off the bench for the Wizards.

Washington leads series 2-1.

Missmusicluver72 said: