Damn Philly! No answer for Leonard. One man practically beat them.

Philly the better team in the series but Kawai Leonard was the best

player in the series and he proved it. Thanks for a great season Sixers.

Congratulations to the Raptors. They will have to have other guys contribute

in the ECF against Milwaukee. Leonard alone won't get it done against these guys.

phunkdaddy said:

Damn Philly! No answer for Leonard. One man practically beat them.

Philly the better team in the series but Kawai Leonard was the best

player in the series and he proved it. Thanks for a great season Sixers.

Congratulations to the Raptors. They will have to have other guys contribute

in the ECF against Milwaukee. Leonard alone won't get it done against these guys.

Philly has nothing to be ashamed of, phunk....it took a lucky bounce to beat them. Playoff failure is part of the 'process' too (shit, Jordan had seven years of failure before he won his first title). The future is bright for Philly IF those young cats improve their games and come back with a purpose. Next season, the goal should be the best record in the eastern conference (like the Bucks did).

Because of what happened last season, folks have forgotten how great Kawhi Leonard is....dude's one of the top 5 players in the game, and a Finals MVP.

Speaking of big-shot-makers, how about C.J. McCollum? He saved Portland yesterday, but they don't have enough to beat Golden State. Same with Toronto against Milwaukee. Bucks are too deep, especially with Brogdon back. Kawhi might get in foul trouble trying to stay with Giannis.

That was one of the most stressful games I've ever watched and I've seen a few in my time. All I can say is WOW! Congrats to the Raps! What a game! Now the first and second best of the season will battle is out. Maybe the Vegas odds makers were right and it will be a Raps/GS final. However it plays out, I'm one happy fan!!

Empress said:

That was one of the most stressful games I've ever watched and I've seen a few in my time. All I can say is WOW! Congrats to the Raps! What a game! Now the first and second best of the season will battle is out. Maybe the Vegas odds makers were right and it will be a Raps/GS final. However it plays out, I'm one happy fan!!

Toronto made that trade for moments like yesterday's...Walt 'Clyde' Frazier always says "the regular season is where you make your name, but the postseason is where you make your fame". Fame was on full display yesterday.

uPtoWnNY said:

Empress said:

That was one of the most stressful games I've ever watched and I've seen a few in my time. All I can say is WOW! Congrats to the Raps! What a game! Now the first and second best of the season will battle is out. Maybe the Vegas odds makers were right and it will be a Raps/GS final. However it plays out, I'm one happy fan!!

Toronto made that trade for moments like yesterday's...Walt 'Clyde' Frazier always says "the regular season is where you make your name, but the postseason is where you make your fame". Fame was on full display yesterday.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see the emotion Kawhi displayed. It was wonderful to see him freaking out like the rest of us. He's usually all business and so focused, so I loved seeing him scream and jump up and down! Maybe that win will make him think twice about leaving TO. He's treated like a god here and the stands are full for every game. I hope he stays with us for another 2-3 years and says a big FU to LA.

RodeoSchro said:

You mean, where the hell was James Harden, don't you? Someone posted on another board that Harden almost seemed to be thinking, "It's not fair they lost their best guy, so I'll just hang back to make it even". That's the best explanation I can come up with for Harden's fourth-quarter disappearing act.

Here's another explanation -- he's tired. His usage rate must have been sky high. And it didn't matter. They didn't have homecourt against GSW, who didn't even need that.

A fire must be lit under the posterior of Mr. Harden. And perhaps under the posterior of Mr. Capella while we're at it. And if I'm pontificating, I'd like to see Mr. Faried get some playing time. I have to quit now. I did not mean to get so formal!

I thought they'd miss Ariza and they did.

We have no excuse whatsoever to lose this series.

Agreed, but you know, if GSW brings back Klay, this HOU squad is not beating that Warriors squad 4 times in any series.

They're stuck with CP3's huge contract as he gets older, and their roster clearly can't contend with GSW when a series is on the line.

Time to look at a coaching change.

Some new teams, terrific. Don't really care who wins. Would be nice to see outlier like Bucks or Toronto.

2freaky4church1 said:

Some new teams, terrific. Don't really care who wins. Would be nice to see outlier like Bucks or Toronto.

As much as I would love Portland to take out the Warriors, I seriously doubt it will happen so I will be rooting hard for whoever comes out of the Bucks/Raptors series. That series should be goood and go seven games, assuming Kawhi's teammates decide to show up.

namepeace said:

RodeoSchro said:

You mean, where the hell was James Harden, don't you? Someone posted on another board that Harden almost seemed to be thinking, "It's not fair they lost their best guy, so I'll just hang back to make it even". That's the best explanation I can come up with for Harden's fourth-quarter disappearing act.

Here's another explanation -- he's tired. His usage rate must have been sky high. And it didn't matter. They didn't have homecourt against GSW, who didn't even need that.

A fire must be lit under the posterior of Mr. Harden. And perhaps under the posterior of Mr. Capella while we're at it. And if I'm pontificating, I'd like to see Mr. Faried get some playing time. I have to quit now. I did not mean to get so formal!

I thought they'd miss Ariza and they did.

We have no excuse whatsoever to lose this series.

Agreed, but you know, if GSW brings back Klay, this HOU squad is not beating that Warriors squad 4 times in any series.

They're stuck with CP3's huge contract as he gets older, and their roster clearly can't contend with GSW when a series is on the line.

Time to look at a coaching change.

Co-sign on what namepeace said. D'Antoni is a gimmick coach....his way of adjusting is shooting more threes. His offense is built for the regular season, but in the playoffs, that shit is easier to defend than constant ball movement. Chris Broussard said that Houston needs to add a frontcourt player who can get buckets on his own (Capela's just a catch & dunk guy). That plus tweaking the offense and hoping another team knocks off GS would help. And that shit Chris Paul did to Curry was ridiculous. But Curry got the last laugh.

MajesticOne89 said:

2freaky4church1 said:

Some new teams, terrific. Don't really care who wins. Would be nice to see outlier like Bucks or Toronto.

As much as I would love Portland to take out the Warriors, I seriously doubt it will happen so I will be rooting hard for whoever comes out of the Bucks/Raptors series. That series should be goood and go seven games, assuming Kawhi's teammates decide to show up.

Warriors in 5, Bucks in 6.

Empress said:

uPtoWnNY said:

Toronto made that trade for moments like yesterday's...Walt 'Clyde' Frazier always says "the regular season is where you make your name, but the postseason is where you make your fame". Fame was on full display yesterday.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see the emotion Kawhi displayed. It was wonderful to see him freaking out like the rest of us. He's usually all business and so focused, so I loved seeing him scream and jump up and down! Maybe that win will make him think twice about leaving TO. He's treated like a god here and the stands are full for every game. I hope he stays with us for another 2-3 years and says a big FU to LA.

You forgot to mention Ibaka - he did all the little things you need to do in these tight playoff games.

uPtoWnNY said:

Empress said:

I was also pleasantly surprised to see the emotion Kawhi displayed. It was wonderful to see him freaking out like the rest of us. He's usually all business and so focused, so I loved seeing him scream and jump up and down! Maybe that win will make him think twice about leaving TO. He's treated like a god here and the stands are full for every game. I hope he stays with us for another 2-3 years and says a big FU to LA.

You forgot to mention Ibaka - he did all the little things you need to do in these tight playoff games.

There is an 86% chance that you should put away all the sharp objects tonight, LOL.

RodeoSchro said:

uPtoWnNY said:

You forgot to mention Ibaka - he did all the little things you need to do in these tight playoff games.

There is an 86% chance that you should put away all the sharp objects tonight, LOL.

Being a Knicks fan since 1970, I know not to get my hopes up....I'm expecting them to get the 5th pick.

uPtoWnNY said:

RodeoSchro said:

There is an 86% chance that you should put away all the sharp objects tonight, LOL.

Being a Knicks fan since 1970, I know not to get my hopes up....I'm expecting them to get the 5th pick.

If they did get the 1st pick, who would you like to see them draft? Zion, or someone else?

Or The Prayer For Zion

The lottery has just occurred, Here is the draft order:

1. New Orleans Pelicans
2. Memphis Grizzlies
3. New York Knicks
4. Los Angeles Lakers
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
6. Phoenix Suns
7. Chicago Bulls
8. Atlanta Hawks
9. Washington Wizards
10. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks)
11. Minnesota Timberwolves
12. Charlotte Hornets
13. Miami Heat
14. Boston Celtics (via Sacramento Kings)

Bullshit, fucking bullshit....a team with a 6% chance gets the top pick....the fucking Pelicans.....a team no one gives a fuck about....fucking bullshit.

Knicks will either draft Barrett or use the pick in a possible trade for Davis.

Now they have to hit a home run in free agency.

Western Conference Finals

Game 1

Portland Trail Blazers 94 Golden State Warriors 116

The Golden State Warriors came into these Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers after having dispatched the Houston Rockets without Kevin Durant, who suffered a calf injury in game 5 and was out for game 6. Durant was still injured coming into this game, and he is doubtful for game 2 of this series.

Nevertheless, the Warriors would get by just fine, though there were some dicey moments where it appeared the game would get away from them. Golden State would lead by 14 points midway through the third quarter, but Portland would go on a run to cut their lead to six points at the end of the third quarter. But Stephen Curry would spark a run of his own in the fourth quarter as the Warriors pulled away with the victory. Curry scored 36 points including hitting 9 of 15 shots from behind the 3-point line as well as dishing out seven assists and grabbing six rebounds. Klay Thompson scored 26 points while Draymond Green added 12 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.

Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 19 points while C.J. McCollum, Maurice Harkless, and Rodney Hood each scored 17 points. Enes Kanter added 10 points and six rebounds.

Golden State leads series 1-0.

uPtoWnNY said:

a team with a 6% chance gets the top pick....

Knicks will either draft Barrett or use the pick in a possible trade for Davis.

Now they have to hit a home run in free agency.

Their hopes are on the killer D's -- Davis and Durant. They could land both if they play this right.

But it is the Knicks.

phunkdaddy said:

Damn Philly! No answer for Leonard. One man practically beat them.

Philly the better team in the series but Kawai Leonard was the best

player in the series and he proved it. Thanks for a great season Sixers.

Congratulations to the Raptors. They will have to have other guys contribute

in the ECF against Milwaukee. Leonard alone won't get it done against these guys.

Might be time to consider addition by subtraction. They're already at the Shaq-Kobe crossroads and they haven't even won yet.

And can ANYONE teach Ben Simmons how to shoot?

namepeace said:

And can ANYONE teach Ben Simmons how to shoot?

Shit, Michael Jordan wasn't a great jump shooter when he came into the league, but over time he made himself deadly from mid-range. Magic, Jason Kidd.....they couldn't shoot early on, either.If Simmonns busts his ass and puts the work in, he can do it. Like I told phunk, Simmons has to be a gym rat like Mullin & Bird, get in the gym and shoot 1000+ Js.

namepeace said:

uPtoWnNY said:

a team with a 6% chance gets the top pick....

Knicks will either draft Barrett or use the pick in a possible trade for Davis.

Now they have to hit a home run in free agency.

Their hopes are on the killer D's -- Davis and Durant. They could land both if they play this right.

But it is the Knicks.

I'd rather have Kawhi & Durant....I'm worried about Davis' injury history.

uPtoWnNY said:

namepeace said:

And can ANYONE teach Ben Simmons how to shoot?

Shit, Michael Jordan wasn't a great jump shooter when he came into the league, but over time he made himself deadly from mid-range. Magic, Jason Kidd.....they couldn't shoot early on, either. If Simmonns busts his ass and puts the work in, he can do it. Like I told phunk, Simmons has to be a gym rat like Mullin & Bird, get in the gym and shoot 1000+ Js.

No doubt. Don't know what the trade rumors are all about. Simmons is still a 22 year old buck

who played 1 year of college ball. The Sixers have already gotten rid of a guard who was supposedly a good shooter who had a case of the yips and a bum shoulder. Now some Sixers fans want to dump a 6-10 point who can pass and slash in the lane and is relatively healthy. The shot will come in time.

Eastern Conference Finals

Game 1

Toronto Raptors 100 Milwaukee Bucks 108

The Milwaukee Bucks came into the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in nearly two decades after somewhat easily dispatching the Boston Celtics in five games while the Toronto Raptors came into this series after a long and bruising seven game series against the Philadelphia 76ers that ended with a miracle shot. The question would be who would have the advantage in this game; the Bucks with their over a week off to recuperate and plan against their next opponent, or the Raptors with the momentum coming from such a dramatic series victory?

Early on, it was the Raptors that had the momentum, as the Bucks looked rusty from the extended time off from the end of their last series. Toronto led by 13 early on, but Milwaukee would crawl back into the game in the second quarter, cutting the Raptors lead to five. But Toronto would again push the lead back to 10 thanks to Kawhi Leoanrd who scored a game high 31 points while also grabbing nine rebounds. Kyle Lowry had a strong game, scoring 30 points and grabbing eight rebounds, and Pascal Siakam added 15 points and six rebounds.

But Milwaukee would not roll over. They persisted even as the Raptors turned their attention to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 24 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out six assists. But he got help down the stretch from Brook Lopez, who led the Bucks with 29 points and 11 rebounds, Malcolm Brogdon, who scored 15 points off the bench, and Nikola Mirotic who scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Khris Middleton added 11 points and 11 rebounds for Milwaukee, bit it was the suffocating defense the Bucks put on the Raptors that turned the game, as Toronto was held scoreless for the last three and a half minutes of the game, thus allowing Milwaukee to take the lead and extend it to seal the victory.

Milwaukee leads series 1-0.

Game 2 tonight! The entire team better be present tonight as we can't go down 0-2. Go Raps!!!

Western Conference Finals

Game 2

Portland Trail Blazers 111 Golden State Warriors 114

The Golden State Warriors managed to easily hold of the Portland Trail Blazers in game 1 despite the absence of Kevin Durant, who suffered a calf injury in game 5 of the confence semifinals and not only was out for game 1 but was out of this game and expected to be out for the next two games as well. However, the Warriors expected the Blazers to rebound from game 1, and their prognostication was on point.

The Blazers came out with more energy and used that to propel themsleves to a 17 point lead. Part of that had to do with the civil war battle between Stephen Curry of the Warriors and his little brother Seth Curry of the Blazers often going head to head against each other. But the Warriors would make a huge run the third quarter to take the lead thanks to Stephen Curry, who finished with 37 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, and Klay Thompson who scored 24 points.

But the Blazers were not done. They once again regained the lead and led by eight points with four an a half minutes remaining in the game. But this time around, instead of relying solely on the Splash Brothers the Warriors went old school and used back door routing by Draymond Green and Kevon Looney to cut through the Blazers defense, scring a number of dunks and alley-oops in the process. Draymond Green finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, seven assissts, and five blocked shots while Kevon Looney finished with 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench. But the game went down the wire, as Seth Curry hit a huge 3-pointer that put the Blazers up by one with 1:03 remaining in the game. But as mentioned earlier, Kevon Looney gave Golden State the lead again with an alley-oop dunk assisted by Draymond Green, and Green himself made a driving layup to put the Warriors up by three with 12.3 seconds remaining. Damian Lillard had a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, but Andre Iguodala would block his shot before it had a chance to elevate, which Stephen Curry then grabbed and dribbled out the clock for the victory.

Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 23 points. 10 assists, and five rebounds while C.J. McCollum scored 22 points. Seth Curry scored 16 points while Maurice Harkless and Rodney Hood each added 12 points. But for the Blazers, it was a missed opportunity to steal a crucial victory on the road.

Golden State leads series 2-0.

Portland is done.

Eastern Conference Finals

Game 2

Toronto Raptors 103 Milwaukee Bucks 125

The Milwaukee Bucks had to overcome rust and a feisty Toronto Raptors squad to win game 1 of this series. The Raptors, meanwhile, felt as though they let game 1 slip through their hands, so they were hoping to use that as momentum to even up the series by stealing a victoey in this game.

This game wouldn't even be close. The Bucks scored the first nine points of this game and led wire to wire. The Bucks led by 25 points at the half, and despite a couple of mimi-runs by the Raptoirs to cut the lead to 13, Milwaukee cruised to victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points amd 17 rebounds in just 35 mnutes of action. Ersan Ilyasova scored 17 points while Nikola Mirotic scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds, Malcolm Brogdon scored 14 points off the bench, George Hill added 13 points, and Khris Middleton added 12 points.

Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 31 points and eight rebounds while Kyle Lowry scored 15 points and Norman Powell added 14 points mostly in garbage time. No other Raptors player reached double digits in scoring.

Milwaukee leads series 2-0.

2freaky4church1 said:

Portland is done.

So is Toronto. Milwaukee has so much depth, especially with Brogdon back.