Who will be 8th seed? Thunder vs Pelicans

[BlazerCaravan]

If we're gonna face the Spurs I'd rather face them in the 1st round, than the 2nd or WCF.

I'd rather face anyone in the second round than no one... the Spurs are a tough get no matter what.

 

[Further]

Another scenario: we beat Warriors twice and win season series. That means we must win 6 more games than them in the remaining 18 games. GS might rest players. They might even tank out of fear of Thunder. And all of the sudden WE are the number one seed and we face New Orleans first round. Perfect!

No chance the Warriors lose one third of their remaining games.

 

[KingSpeed]

No chance the Warriors lose one third of their remaining games.

What if Kerr starts resting their players? What if he even pursues the 2 seed? Also, I remember one year, the Knicks had a 5 game lead for the division (1992, I think) with 5 games remaining and they lost the division to Boston. Knicks lost 5 in a row, Boston won 5 in a row. It happens.

 

[PHXBlazer1]

I know you have to beat the best to be the best, but playing a healthy, hungry Thunder as a reward for having the best record in the NBA all season would kinda suck for the Dubs.

 

[KingSpeed]

I know you have to beat the best to be the best, but playing a healthy, hungry Thunder as a reward for having the best record in the NBA all season would kinda suck for the Dubs.

It's true. We haven't seen them all together with the new players yet.

 

[stampedehero]

I want it to be OKC. Could you imagine Golden State's reward for the #1 seed is the Thunder? Yikes.

+> That would be great. Any way to weaken the current leader is AOK with me. The GS home record is their advantage. A subtle but important parameter are the ref crews and who favors the home team. That crew that worked our Houston game ought to be suspended.

 

[stampedehero]

I think we should win every game we possibly game, the Spurs are catching fire and I rather not face them in the first round if we fall to the 4th seed.

+> Yea They won 6 and use the playoffs as a rebirth stimulation like no other team.

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

I will not assume that the Thunder will be better with everyone healthy. Durant is great of course, but I think it's easy to underestimate the douchebaggedness of Westbrick and the conflict that will ensue when they discover there is only one basketball during crunch time.

Westbrick will fuck it up when it matters.

 

[Further]

I will not assume that the Thunder will be better with everyone healthy. Durant is great of course, but I think it's easy to underestimate the douchebaggedness of Westbrick and the conflict that will ensue when they discover there is only one basketball during crunch time.

Westbrick will fuck it up when it matters.

But that just hasn't been the case in the recent past. Not the douchebaggedness-o-Westbrook, but that when both healthy they win at a higher percentage. Or even take Westbrook out of the equation, when Durant is heathy, regardless of Westbrook, they win more games.

However, Durant was already supposed to be healed, then the date was pushed back twice. That's just not good news for Durant. His foot and ankle could very well require an offseason to fully heal. And if he tries to play during the pain, he could end up compensating and cause worse damage.

If healthy they will be one of the toughest teams in the league to handle, but I don't see them getting healthy this year.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

Looks like Ibaka is out now.

 

[magnifier661]

Looks like Ibaka is out now.

Any "surgery", even being minor, will sideline you for at least 2-3 weeks. This doesn't look good for OKC.

 

[WarriorFan]

And I am not afraid of Golden State AT ALL. They can't guard Aldridge. We would win in 5 games. You heard it here first.

I've seen you say this before and say that it is because Lee can't defend anyone. You know that he doesn't play, right. The starting 4 is Draymond, who is probably the frontrunner for DPOY. Alongside him is Bogut, who is in the top 3 among rim protectors, as measured by FG% allowed within 3 ft of the rim.

LMA is good, but why do you think he is so unguardable? And even if he can't be stopped, does it matter? I'd think that for the Blazers to win the series, they need huge performances from Batum and Lillard. In most the Blazers games I've seen, LMA will get his 25 but I rarely see him just take over a game.

 

[WarriorFan]

In most the Blazers games I've seen, LMA will get his 25 but I rarely see him just take over a game.

I looked this up just to make sure I wasn't missing a bunch of games were he carried the scoring load for the team, at a quick glance, it looks like he has scored 30 or more 9 times and the blazers are 3-6 in those games. Again, does it matter if he gets some huge point total? Seems like the Warriors plan should be to let Portland force the ball to him and focus on stopping Lillard.

Losing Wes realy hurt, I thought he could be the game changer becuase then Steph would really have to step up on the deefensive end. Now, Lillard will have Thompson, Igoudala, and Livingston on him and Curry can relax a bit.

 

[magnifier661]

I've seen you say this before and say that it is because Lee can't defend anyone. You know that he doesn't play, right. The starting 4 is Draymond, who is probably the frontrunner for DPOY. Alongside him is Bogut, who is in the top 3 among rim protectors, as measured by FG% allowed within 3 ft of the rim.

LMA is good, but why do you think he is so unguardable? And even if he can't be stopped, does it matter? I'd think that for the Blazers to win the series, they need huge performances from Batum and Lillard. In most the Blazers games I've seen, LMA will get his 25 but I rarely see him just take over a game.

You should watch last year's first round series vs Houston.

 

[WarriorFan]

You should watch last year's first round series vs Houston.

Fair enough. I'm sure stats aren't telling the whole story but it looks like.he had 2 really incredible games. It also looks like he hasn't done that at all this year. Is that really the reason why gs doesn't have a chance?

Not trying to take anything away from lma, he's really, really good. I just don't think he's that type of player. His value comes from his consistency, not because he is someone I'd consider unstoppable.

 

[KingSpeed]

I've seen you say this before and say that it is because Lee can't defend anyone. You know that he doesn't play, right. The starting 4 is Draymond, who is probably the frontrunner for DPOY. Alongside him is Bogut, who is in the top 3 among rim protectors, as measured by FG% allowed within 3 ft of the rim.

LMA is good, but why do you think he is so unguardable? And even if he can't be stopped, does it matter? I'd think that for the Blazers to win the series, they need huge performances from Batum and Lillard. In most the Blazers games I've seen, LMA will get his 25 but I rarely see him just take over a game.

You don't watch much.

Aldridge dominated you guys fall of last season in GS. Mo Williams and Wes Mattheed got ejected so Aldridge took over and dominated. Did you watch Aldridge play in playoffs last year? 46/18 in Houston in Game 1. 43/9 in Houston in Game 2. I never mentioned Lee. I don't care about Lee. Green can't guard Aldridge in a playoff series. Either can Bogut. Blazers in 5 if they play each other. You'll see. If you get out of the first round, that is.

 

[KingSpeed]

I looked this up just to make sure I wasn't missing a bunch of games were he carried the scoring load for the team, at a quick glance, it looks like he has scored 30 or more 9 times and the blazers are 3-6 in those games. Again, does it matter if he gets some huge point total? Seems like the Warriors plan should be to let Portland force the ball to him and focus on stopping Lillard.

Losing Wes realy hurt, I thought he could be the game changer becuase then Steph would really have to step up on the deefensive end. Now, Lillard will have Thompson, Igoudala, and Livingston on him and Curry can relax a bit.

You're not acquainted with a guy named Arron Afflalo.

 

[magnifier661]

Fair enough. I'm sure stats aren't telling the whole story but it looks like.he had 2 really incredible games. It also looks like he hasn't done that at all this year. Is that really the reason why gs doesn't have a chance?

Not trying to take anything away from lma, he's really, really good. I just don't think he's that type of player. His value comes from his consistency, not because he is someone I'd consider unstoppable.

Never said GS doesn't have a chance, but excluding LMA as a major factor for success is equally ridiculous.

Keep in mind that GS still has a lot to prove. They are a jump shooting team. And yes, a very damn good one. But when their jumpers aren't falling, they absolutely struggle.

Portland is mainly a jump shooting team, but our difference maker is Aldridge. When our shots aren't falling, Aldridge can post up and score on anyone that tries to single coverage on him. And if they double, then we get wide open shots.

Portland has won many games when shots weren't falling. I looked up GS and saw no game where they shot in the low 40's and still won the game. If you have, then please enlighten me.

GS is probably the most efficient scoring team and could destroy anyone they face. Their defense is stellar too. The only concern is when refs allow more contact and the game becomes trench warfare. Will GS be able to overcome without a legit low post scorer? I haven't seen it so far.

 

[WarriorFan]

You don't watch much.

Aldridge dominated you guys fall of last season in GS. Mo Williams and Wes Mattheed got ejected so Aldridge took over and dominated. Did you watch Aldridge play in playoffs last year? 46/18 in Houston in Game 1. 43/9 in Houston in Game 2. I never mentioned Lee. I don't care about Lee. Green can't guard Aldridge in a playoff series. Either can Bogut. Blazers in 5 if they play each other. You'll see. If you get out of the first round, that is.

I was at that game. He played well, but I'd say the difference was that Wes was 8 for 9 with 23 points and Lillard ended with 20 after not scoring for much of the first half. Lma shot 7 of 21. I can't make an excuse for the loss, they choked, but I left thinking wtf, Wes didn't miss! And afflalo is no Wes.

 

[magnifier661]

I was at that game. He played well, but I'd say the difference was that Wes was 8 for 9 with 23 points and Lillard ended with 20 after not scoring for much of the first half. Lma shot 7 of 21. I can't make an excuse for the loss, they choked, but I left thinking wtf, Wes didn't miss! And afflalo is no Wes.

The FG% didn't tell the entire story. Before the ejections, Aldridge was like 1-12. Then after the ejection, Aldridge went beast mode and got to the line like 7 times and completely dominated you guys in the low post.

And the game earlier this season was a win by us. We were jobbed by the refs 3 times on that last play. They didn't call a time out when Batum asked for it, then they fouled Wes, then they failed to give us the ball when it was clearly off of livingston's foot.

And guess what? Dame had a shitty game, Wes was average and Batum sucked. Guess who was dominating your PFs and Center?

Let me give you a hint.

10/20, 26 points, 13 rebounds. He held your PF you praise to 2/7 and 5 rebounds.

 

[WarriorFan]

Never said GS doesn't have a chance, but excluding LMA as a major factor for success is equally ridiculous.

Keep in mind that GS still has a lot to prove. They are a jump shooting team. And yes, a very damn good one. But when their jumpers aren't falling, they absolutely struggle.

Portland is mainly a jump shooting team, but our difference maker is Aldridge. When our shots aren't falling, Aldridge can post up and score on anyone that tries to single coverage on him. And if they double, then we get wide open shots.

Portland has won many games when shots weren't falling. I looked up GS and saw no game where they shot in the low 40's and still won the game. If you have, then please enlighten me.

GS is probably the most efficient scoring team and could destroy anyone they face. Their defense is stellar too. The only concern is when refs allow more contact and the game becomes trench warfare. Will GS be able to overcome without a legit low post scorer? I haven't seen it so far.

Maybe GS won't be able to win if they can't hit their shots, if it continues for the series I'd say they are done. But I take some comfort in the fact that that their d is toward the tip of the league. I think they can squeak out a win if they need to but yeah, as curry goes, they go.

And I know you never said they had no shot. I initially replied to kingspeed.

 

[magnifier661]

Maybe GS won't be able to win if they can't hit their shots, if it continues for the series I'd say they are done. But I take some comfort in the fact that that their d is toward the tip of the league. I think they can squeak out a win if they need to but yeah, as curry goes, they go.

And I know you never said they had no shot. I initially replied to kingspeed.

My dream scenario would be a WCF match up with GS. It would be epic! I think both teams match up very well. I would still consider GS the favorites, but it could go either way.

GS is a damn good team. Probably the best this season. And they may be like Dallas was when they won it all and never stop the hot perimeter shooting. There are no guarantees in that regard, but history usually proves that players lose their jump shot in the post season. We will see!

 

[WarriorFan]

The FG% didn't tell the entire story. Before the ejections, Aldridge was like 1-12. Then after the ejection, Aldridge went beast mode and got to the line like 7 times and completely dominated you guys in the low post.

And the game earlier this season was a win by us. We were jobbed by the refs 3 times on that last play. They didn't call a time out when Batum asked for it, then they fouled Wes, then they failed to give us the ball when it was clearly off of livingston's foot.

And guess what? Dame had a shitty game, Wes was average and Batum sucked. Guess who was dominating your PFs and Center?

Let me give you a hint.

10/20, 26 points, 13 rebounds. He held your PF you praise to 2/7 and 5 rebounds.

Exactly, before the ejections, he was 1 for 12 (didn't look it up, taking your numbers) and after green got ejected he went off, against lee.

 

[WarriorFan]

My dream scenario would be a WCF match up with GS. It would be epic! I think both teams match up very well. I would still consider GS the favorites, but it could go either way.
We will see!

cheers! If they meet in the playoffs I'll be at one of the games up there, there is some good golf in oregon. I'll buy you a drink at the game.

 

[H.C.]

Fair enough. I'm sure stats aren't telling the whole story but it looks like.he had 2 really incredible games. It also looks like he hasn't done that at all this year. Is that really the reason why gs doesn't have a chance?

Not trying to take anything away from lma, he's really, really good. I just don't think he's that type of player. His value comes from his consistency, not because he is someone I'd consider unstoppable.

GS does have a chance, so does Portland.
But with all due respect, Green is listed at 6"7...
He may be in the running for DPoY but really.. he's undersized... To ask him to solo coverage a 6"11 PF for 4 straight games at least is a little silly.
What goes unnoticed in the playoff series last year is that Lillard lit up Houston as well.
In game 1&2 they had their defense keyed in to stop the 3 ball and layups. Letting Aldridge go 1 on 1..
Not only did Aldridge light them up..
But Lillard dropped 31 in game one on 9-19 shooting with 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
In game two he nearly got a triple double. Wasn't the best shooting night for him, but he did other things.
This is also when Bev was considered "The Lillard Stopper".
Lillard finished the series shooting 48% from 3, and 46% from the field.. With two less FTA than Aldridge.

Aldridge had a huge series, but with the defense keyed on a playoff rookie Lillard in game 1 and 2.. He more than showed up.
He's better this year too.. Especially defensively.

 

[magnifier661]

cheers! If they meet in the playoffs I'll be at one of the games up there, there is some good golf in oregon. I'll buy you a drink at the game.

I would love to take you up on that offer, but I actually live close to Loss Angeloss. I would most likely have to meet you in Oakland and buy you one. That is, you give me front row seats so I can razz your players in front of their home town!

 

[Strenuus]

Never said GS doesn't have a chance, but excluding LMA as a major factor for success is equally ridiculous.

Keep in mind that GS still has a lot to prove. They are a jump shooting team. And yes, a very damn good one. But when their jumpers aren't falling, they absolutely struggle.

Portland is mainly a jump shooting team, but our difference maker is Aldridge. When our shots aren't falling, Aldridge can post up and score on anyone that tries to single coverage on him. And if they double, then we get wide open shots.

Portland has won many games when shots weren't falling. I looked up GS and saw no game where they shot in the low 40's and still won the game. If you have, then please enlighten me.

GS is probably the most efficient scoring team and could destroy anyone they face. Their defense is stellar too. The only concern is when refs allow more contact and the game becomes trench warfare. Will GS be able to overcome without a legit low post scorer? I haven't seen it so far.

I'd like to add a little bit to the bolded part. With the acquisition of Afflalo, we can actually post up two guys, one on each block. That makes it even more dangerous.

 

[Strenuus]

By the way, props to WarriorFan for having intelligent conversation and dialogue about this. That makes this fun!

 

[magnifier661]

I'd like to add a little bit to the bolded part. With the acquisition of Afflalo, we can actually post up two guys, one on each block. That makes it even more dangerous.

Very true... Imagine if we had WE$ too?! Klay would most likely be in foul trouble the entire series

 

[Strenuus]

Very true... Imagine if we had WE$ too?! Klay would most likely be in foul trouble the entire series

It's still tender in my nether regions thinking about that, mags.

But, yeah, damn. Having AAA come off the bench and provide post up play.... God I hope he comes back next year.