NBA Regular Season & Playoffs 2018-19 Thread

ButtersSuki · 24-10-2018 5:28am

Blake turning back the clock a little with 50, 14, 6, and the game winner.

Gwynplaine · 24-10-2018 10:03am

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Blake turning back the clock a little with 50, 14, 6, and the game winner.

He's a great player. He's black, but has freckles and a copper topper. Strange looking.

ButtersSuki · 24-10-2018 11:15am

Gwynplaine wrote: »

He's a great player. He's black, but has freckles and a copper topper. Strange looking.

His mother is white and has red hair. But not sure what his race has to do with anything....

irishman86 · 24-10-2018 1:11pm

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Blake turning back the clock a little with 50, 14, 6, and the game winner.

I feel hes one of the most underrated players in the game. Hes the perfect center in the game. Sadly hes been on two teams with well star centers

Osmosis Jones · 24-10-2018 4:07pm

Blake can be a top 3 PF when he's healthy and on his game, unfortunately even if he stays fit I don't think he'll go anywhere with Detroit, and his contract is too big for anyone to trade for him.

ButtersSuki · 24-10-2018 10:49pm

He's always been an under-rated passer (esp. for his height and position), but this was overlooked because of all the insane highlight reel dunks. The athleticism has clearly declined hugely but this isn't surprising given the injury history. His 3 point shooting has improved enormously as the athleticism has declined, but the shot still looks a little unnatural. He's evolved his game quite well all things considered and while he make make an Eastern Conf. All Star Team, there's not a chance he'd make it out West. And that contract..........

I do feel sorry for him on one level as he did get royally shafted by the Clippers. But I'm sure his contract and endorsement money will ease the pain.

Osmosis Jones · 24-10-2018 11:10pm

Luke Walton fined 15k for barely criticising the refs

Embiid only given a warning for this flop that resulted in Drummond's ejection

K.O.Kiki · 25-10-2018 5:13pm

Steph "Skyfúcker" Curry has returned!

Looks like Kawhi is perfectly healthy too; averaging 28 ppg on 35 mpg.

ButtersSuki · 25-10-2018 9:21pm

Curry with 51 in 3 quarters. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (probably), I think him and Klay will have some (possibly very) minor regrets when they retire that Kerr sat them when they were on fire like this. Sure the game is over and in the bag but you get so few shots at 60, 65 or dare I say it 70 in the league that I really feel you should let them go for it - let them have the next night off if you’re worried about fatigue. The Suns let the kid go for 70 in a not even close loss a few years ago, just let them go for a career high Steve.....

Osmosis Jones · 25-10-2018 10:04pm

Yeah even though it's the right thing to do I hate it when they get benched. Both Lillard and McCollum had games with 50 points in <30 minutes last season and neither got to play after that.

ButtersSuki · 25-10-2018 10:18pm

Osmosis Jones wrote: »

Yeah even though it's the right thing to do I hate it when they get benched. Both Lillard and McCollum had games with 50 points in <30 minutes last season and neither got to play after that.

I'd love to see how high they could push it if they were given free reign and let at it. It's a shame because some coaches let you do it, and we'd never have the 60+ scoring games if everyone was pulled at 50. I know others have done it, but Kerr is very keen on it. I guess it's part of his philosophy and team ethos etc., but I just don't and believe that as competitors that they're entirely happy with it.

2smiggy · 26-10-2018 9:18am

watched the Celtics again last night, were poor enough again, just that OKC were worse, especially Westbrook.

Still a 3-2 start to the year, with only Tatum and Morris mainly keeping them going, is not too bad. Could easily have been 1-4 thou to be honest.

ButtersSuki · 26-10-2018 12:55pm

2smiggy wrote: »

watched the Celtics again last night, were poor enough again, just that OKC were worse, especially Westbrook.

Still a 3-2 start to the year, with only Tatum and Morris mainly keeping them going, is not too bad. Could easily have been 1-4 thou to be honest.

Yeah they look poor - and I say this as a fan.

In other news, Houston have apparently offered 4 1st rounders and Brandon Knight for Butler. If it happens (and I can't see it tbh) that would leave Houston with a $150m+ salary bill next year AND a $98M tax penalty.

Vital Transformation · 26-10-2018 5:20pm

Kawhi's no look steal from the other night.

ButtersSuki · 27-10-2018 9:56am

Houston lose again, now 1-4. Will they panic buy and overpay for Butler?

ButtersSuki · 27-10-2018 11:06am

Random thoughts:
Boogie ejected from the bench in street clothes last night. :rolleyes: I'd question why he's even ravelling tbh, should be rehabbing and resting - any "team bonding" can be in SF.

The Hornets pinstriped tops and shorts with no pinstripes combo is very weird. I can't see the design logic in this.

Finally, Derrick Jones Jr. had some monster dunks in summer league and three down a huge one this week too. Can't post a link right now but worth looking for.

Osmosis Jones · 27-10-2018 11:36am

Bit more confident about Portland's playoff chances after the start to the season. OKC and Twolves look completely dysfunctional. I'm sure they'll figure it out but with the west right now every game is massive so dropping them early could be crucial.

ButtersSuki · 27-10-2018 5:32pm

Strange-ish take on the Paul-Rondo fight on the Bill Simmons Podcast - they stated that the Paul mushing his finger into Rondo's face was far more disrespectful than the spitting. I've spent a lot of time ion the states, that's a new one on me, but you'd have to take their word for it.

On the spit, whilst he definitely spat, I'm still not 100% sure it was intentional. Either way, I still can't believe all of them got off so lightly.

Osmosis Jones · 27-10-2018 5:36pm

Simmons is a huge Celtics fan isn't he?

CP3's response to go for the eyes was weird, but I don't begrudge him for retaliating after being spat at and actually think he's unfortunate to get any suspension. Definitely thought all 3 guys would get 5+ games though yeah.

ButtersSuki · 27-10-2018 6:40pm

Osmosis Jones wrote: »

Simmons is a huge Celtics fan isn't he?

CP3's response to go for the eyes was weird, but I don't begrudge him for retaliating after being spat at and actually think he's unfortunate to get any suspension. Definitely thought all 3 guys would get 5+ games though yeah.

He is but he hates the Lakers and isn’t a Rondo supporter - he wasn’t excusing Rondo in any way.

Paul threw a few and landed 2 punches - he was always getting suspended for that regardless of any provocation.

I’m a Celtics fan, Rondo - any player who spits - should have gotten 10games as a minimum.

Osmosis Jones · 28-10-2018 2:43am

Sky's broadcast is really bad, literally ever halftime they just show a recap of one of the last few year's finals for 15 minutes.

Osmosis Jones · 28-10-2018 8:01pm

Ty Lue sacked. I expect Love to be gone by the deadline.

ButtersSuki · 28-10-2018 9:52pm

Osmosis Jones wrote: »

Ty Lue sacked. I expect Love to be gone by the deadline.

No shock, he had to be the luckiest coach in NBA history the way things fell for him in 2016. I don’t rate him at all and think he’ll really struggle to find another head coaching job if he decides to stay in coaching.

Love would/could have been a great trade asset if they hadn’t given him such a huge contract this summer. I’m not sure what the market would be for him now though...of course someone will take him. Honestly think he’s still undervalued and poorly utilised - the one Cavs game I watched extended highlights of they didn’t use him well at all - again.

ButtersSuki · 29-10-2018 7:06am

Curry breaks little known and largely irrelevant NBA record of opening the season with at least 5 made 3’s in his 7 games (previous record was 6). Now if he could continue this and make at least 5 3’s in every game this year, that would just be incredible.

If he was doing this off catch and shoot/spot ups that would be one thing; to do it from the distance he does it from, the degree of difficulty, the step backs/side steps, off the dribble and with the coverage he receives is actually ridiculous.

K.O.Kiki · 29-10-2018 3:00pm

I honestly want Steph to get another MVP, just so NO-ONE can ever say he's overrated.

Osmosis Jones · 29-10-2018 5:08pm

Went through the fixtures on Sky there, Celtics and Lakers ranking 1 and 2 for most games being broadcast unsurprisingly, what is a surprise though is that the Bucks are third.

ButtersSuki · 29-10-2018 10:18pm

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

I honestly want Steph to get another MVP, just so NO-ONE can ever say he's overrated.

I'd strongly argue he's actually under-rated (or perhaps under-appreciated) given what he's achieved to date and how he has changed how shooting is perceived in the league. For various reasons he hasn't quite garnered the respect his game deserves from certain players and certain media outlets and I think most of that is hugely unfair. He has changed how the PG position will forever be judged from now on. He is the most important player on that team (even more so than KD) for a variety of reasons.

The no MVP in the Finals is a tough one - he should have been the MVP of the 1st win, he was injured in the second, and arguably could have been this year's.

TBH, I don't get why he isn't fully appreciated.

Osmosis Jones · 30-10-2018 2:39am

Well Klay just broke the record for 3s in a game with 14, they had 92 points vs the Bulls at half time and aren't slowing down with 110+ halfway through the third quarter.

Osmosis Jones · 30-10-2018 2:44am

Aaaand the starters have been pulled. Klay has 52 in 27 minutes, could've legitimately gone for 80+.

K.O.Kiki · 30-10-2018 11:31am

After his slump, Klay improved his 3-pointer stats back to .420% / 6.9 3PA.

And Kerr once again sits a hot starter in the 4th.
It's crazy to think that Curry/Klay could've had multiple 70+ point games at this stage in their careers.

ButtersSuki · 30-10-2018 12:16pm

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

After his slump, Klay improved his 3-pointer stats back to .420% / 6.9 3PA.

And Kerr once again sits a hot starter in the 4th.
It's crazy to think that Curry/Klay could've had multiple 70+ point games at this stage in their careers the season.

FYP. We're 8 games into the season, they should really just be warming up and feeling their way in at this stage. It's an insanely high-level of basketball, at the highest level. That said, Chicago looked awful.

ButtersSuki · 30-10-2018 9:42pm

The Clippers did a tribute video for Austin Rivers when the Wizards visited last week. A tribute video for a guy who was a bench player for a few years and one of the most despised players and teammates in the league (and that's before we talk about the dad issue)? FFS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWM_7Rw88xM

I prefer this one (pretty sure I posted this a few years ago):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrK2Fv1s0qk

ButtersSuki · 31-10-2018 1:15am

Whilst it was cool to see Klay do that last night I don't think anyone would think he's a better shooter than Steph. Which is another thing that annoys me about Kerr's substitution policy - Curry could easily have gone for 15 and more the other night, and on many more occasions to be fair. Likewise, Klay could have aimed for 18-20 last night.

I reckon one of them will beat 15 later this year anyway....if they want AND if they're allowed.

Steph's run of 5 made 3s is over too which really annoys me. Would have been awesome to see him hit 5 per game in all 82. Hard to hit 5 when you only attempt 4 though. :rolleyes:

Osmosis Jones · 31-10-2018 3:27am

Rockets drop to 1-5, I know Harden is injured but they look terrible. They shot 32% from the field as a team tonight.

ButtersSuki · 31-10-2018 11:55pm

Osmosis Jones wrote: »

Rockets drop to 1-5, I know Harden is injured but they look terrible. They shot 32% from the field as a team tonight.

Yeah they look awful. The injuries and suspensions don't help but Paul missed 10games at the start of last year too don't forget and they weren't like this.

Losing Ariza and M'Bah Moute have hurt more than they bargained for defensively, and gaining Melo hasn't helped - it was never going to help defensively but when pretty much everyone is saying Melo is past it, then maybe you need to ask yourself why.........

I know Anderson didn't do much in the Play Offs, but he was good in the regular season last year, and that's another hole. They're in trouble.

Wait for the panic trade!

ButtersSuki · 01-11-2018 3:46am

So Rose goes for a career high 50 against arguably the best defence in the league.

Paully D · 01-11-2018 9:40am

ButtersSuki wrote: »

So Rose goes for a career high 50 against arguably the best defence in the league.

Rolling back the years.

Such a shame he was destroyed by those injuries

ButtersSuki · 01-11-2018 9:32pm

Brian Windhorst has started a new podcast relatively recently. I like Windhorst on tv and when he's contributing to other podcasts, but there's something about this that gives off a vibe that's he's not entirely comfortable in the hosting chair. He seems to be speaking more slowly, and a bit uncertain at times. The audio quality of the 3 I've listened to has been shocking, and I can't understand why this would be the case. Content wise it's good, but the delivery is quite monotone and dare I say, a bit boring - but I have levelled that charge at the Woj pod previously and that's grown on me.

Open Floor, Simmons/Ringer, and The Lowe Post remain my go to pods though, in more or less that order.

ButtersSuki · 02-11-2018 12:49am

Jimmy sitting/being sat last night would likely indicate we're somewhat closer to a deal, but given how it's gone so far, who knows?

ButtersSuki · 02-11-2018 12:55am

JR Smith in trouble for tweeting he would like to be traded. And his side ho ain't happy either.....:rolleyes:

kmart6 · 02-11-2018 1:26am

Thought he answered a question at a practice? Didn't see a tweet....

irishman86 · 02-11-2018 3:01am

ButtersSuki wrote: »

JR Smith in trouble for tweeting he would like to be traded. And his side ho ain't happy either.....:rolleyes:

I dont mean to sound rude, but dam hes just stupid
Is it his life goal to get fined

2smiggy · 02-11-2018 9:39am

watched the Celtics against the Bucks last night, and both Kyrie and Hayward looked a lot better and more comfortable. Tight game , the Bucks look good. And of course Giannis looked a class above again.

Still the Celtics at 6-2 after a shaky start to the year is very decent !!

On another note, would any team be mad enough to take on JR Smith ? A contract of $57 for 4 years signed in 2016 :pac:

ButtersSuki · 02-11-2018 10:28am

kmart6 wrote: »

Thought he answered a question at a practice? Didn't see a tweet....

You may be correct, I read it as a tweet and the way it was phrased suggested a tweet, but it may have been a question. Apologies.

Does that mean you follow Smith on twitter?:eek:

ButtersSuki · 02-11-2018 11:59am

Anyone see the Patrick Beverly "sliding tackle" on Westbrook the other night?
Dirty, dirty play at around 2:15:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4LLYSuNiEA

Lots of history between them obviously and some taunting in the game itself, but that's potentially a serious injury type play there.

kmart6 · 02-11-2018 6:02pm

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Does that mean you follow Smith on twitter?:eek:

God no, saw Woj tweeting it and was phrased as a question to Smith.

ButtersSuki · 02-11-2018 7:21pm

irishman86 wrote: »

I dont mean to sound rude, but dam hes just stupid
Is it his life goal to get fined

The reality is a $10,000 fine means nothing to him.

K.O.Kiki · 04-11-2018 3:10am

LMFAO

Man fvck the Warriors! :pac:

https://twitter.com/cjzero/status/1058557088518103040

ButtersSuki · 05-11-2018 12:45am

Giannis with a nice triple double as they run up 144 against Sacramento.

Jimmy Butler "resting" again tonight. This story needs to move on and fast, so I'm hoping it's trade related.

On a completely different note, was catching up on pods over the weekend. Simmons was talking about tickets prices in New Orleans. You can get a floor seat 3 rows back from the court for as little as $100 for some games. And that was on a resale market. That's insane value, I've paid multiples of that for average/crap seats across the League and never been anywhere near 3 rows from the court. I realise it's New Orleans and there's a million things to do there (drink mainly :rolleyes:) and that football is king in Louisiana, but wow. I've been there twice but there were no games on both times I was there. Did get to an LSU football game in Baton Rouge though - that was pretty cool.

Osmosis Jones · 05-11-2018 12:55am

The Jimmy stuff is mad, they've reportedly had offers of Josh Richardson or 4 Rockets first round picks on the table, both of those are great deals for a guy who refuses to play, is hated by your franchise player, and will be gone in a year anyway.

NBA Regular Season & Playoffs 2018-19 Thread

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