HoyaFanNY
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Never throw to the venus on a spider 3 Y banana!
Posts: 4,995
|
Post by HoyaFanNY on May 24, 2011 5:55:28 GMT -5
a choke job of epic proportions last night by okc. the last few minutes of regulation durant looked timid, westbrook had his usual end of game meltdown and brooks looked like he had no clue on the sideline. dirk was awesome.
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,522
|
Post by MCIGuy on May 24, 2011 9:13:44 GMT -5
OKC just isn't ready. Their youth becomes so apparent in a series like this. Durant wanted no part of that last night. He was a speed runner in what was actually a marathon. He came out so strong in the first five minutes it looked as if he would put up 50 points. But he was invisible the rest of the way, especially in the 4th quarter and beyond. OKC needed him to match Dirk to an extent and Durant didn't man up. That's part of growing pains I suppose. I didn't expect OKC to win this series but, man, that was an epic meltdown at the end of yesterday's game. I will go as far as to say it was inexcusable. As soon as The Beard went down OKC seemed unable to get off a good shot. And I hate to pile on Westbrook but how did this guy manage to rack up any assists this season. He seems to have horrible instincts in terms of passing the rock. Iverson is practically John Stocton compared to Westbrook. The kid is talented but he needs to develop a more reliable jumper, cut down on turnovers and learn how to create for others.
Fun game though. Can't hate Dallas or Dirk or Jason.
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,522
|
Post by MCIGuy on May 24, 2011 9:17:42 GMT -5
I've never seen a scapegoat like Russell Westbrook. I guess if you're Durant, that's what humility can by you. Because he was terrible, soft and scared late in tonight's game. But nothing will be on him. Durant is just growing as a player and the league's promotion of him is like it was when they kept searching for "next MJ". That isn't needed right now-there are plenty of superstars to allow Durant to learn/improve/grow--but right now, he's teflon. He takes awful shots late in games, stands 30 ft away from hoop and then Westbrook gets obliterated for "being selfish". What is he supposed to do? If a guy doesn't want the ball--he won't make himself open. Even when he got open last night he couldn't do anything, at least not in the last part of the game.
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on May 24, 2011 10:47:10 GMT -5
Does Scott Brooks have any plays for the team to run? They just dribble at top of key, wait for Durant to decide if he feels like getting open or not (why doesn't he post up more with smaller guys on him? It would help entire team when the inevitable double comes and if doesn't he's got height advantage to get shot off) then PG (Westbrook or Maynor) have to drive and either shoot or pass to Harden or someone for an outside shot that is hurried. All that is missing is Jeff still around and standing in a corner.
That isn't story though--they are built to be a defensive team and they couldn't get any stops up 15 with 5 min to go? Maybe it's the Grant Hill era Piston Uniforms (although they've won more series this year then Hill--who never won any until last year in Phoenix) but this team seems to be given their placement as elite without earning it. No offense to Memphis, but Thunder didn't knock off the champs, they didn't beat the #1 seed, and they've gagged against the first contender they've faced. It's a process for young teams, so not writing them off but tire of hearing Durant placed with the Bryant, James, Wade, Dirk group when he's not done anything yet. Just let it happen and don't force it.
|
|
derhoya
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 584
|
Post by derhoya on May 24, 2011 11:52:05 GMT -5
What do people think of ESPN v TNT coverage? I strongly dislike HATE everything ESPN has to offer besides Magic (he's so so) and Wilbon vs TNT's alternatives. The play by play people just stink too. Everything is PG and everyone agrees with everyone. Jackson's comments before commercial breaks always provide a good laugh in how forced and uncreative they are. Whatever happened to Bill Walton??
Also, welcome everyone to the Mavericks' bandwagon. Everyone should be a Nowitzness. If Caron Butler hadn't have hurt his knee back in early January, I think this team would certainly have been the #1 seed in West and possibly, yes I'm saying this, been near the Bulls' 72 win total. They were nasty with him in and he wasn't such a liability defensively like Peja is.
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on May 24, 2011 12:09:31 GMT -5
What do people think of ESPN v TNT coverage? I strongly dislike HATE everything ESPN has to offer besides Magic (he's so so) and Wilbon vs TNT's alternatives. The play by play people just stink too. Everything is PG and everyone agrees with everyone. Jackson's comments before commercial breaks always provide a good laugh in how forced and uncreative they are. Whatever happened to Bill Walton?? Also, welcome everyone to the Mavericks' bandwagon. Everyone should be a Nowitzness. If Caron Butler hadn't have hurt his knee back in early January, I think this team would certainly have been the #1 seed in West and possibly, yes I'm saying this, been near the Bulls' 72 win total. They were nasty with him in and he wasn't such a liability defensively like Peja is. ESPN/ABC is a disgrace covering the NBA and has been. How Tirico horns into this is another question, he's one of the most talkative play by play guys ever. He NEVER lets the action speak for itself--take Taj Gibson's 2 dunks in Game 1 of ECF--Marv let them speak for themself and then commented--Tirico would've given a detailed second by second dissertation of what a dunk is, why the dunk is being celebrated, and how great Doris Burke is as a sideline reporter. (Burke has it written in her contract that someone must always praise her because it happens for some reason whenever someone works with her and she's had a bad year/taken a step down. That Philly Cheesesteak segment/Nova-Hoya game was one of the worst broadcasts I've ever watched in any sport and she knows nothing about NBA basketball but tries way too hard to pretend she does--stick to the substandard womens' game) Mike Breen is average. When calling game, he's alright but his defense of all things the league pushes is sickening. Everyone is great on/off the court. Can't stand Mike Wilbon. He knows nothing about sports-he's outdated and obsesses over the Jordan Era Bulls at any opportunity. Magic is awful television--proven for years. Legler and his "our league" stuff and Barry does the same schtick are tired but Barry is at least likeable and will provide some original thought. Jalen Rose looks like the robot programmed when speaking on television and they forgot to adjust the volume, I respected Chris Mullin as a player but it's like watching a brutal audition tape when he's on the air. Hannah Storm is a pro and although I've never been a Stuart Scott fan, what he's dealing with/working through, I wish him full recovery and hope work can distract his pain/sickness. I do enjoy Van Gundy and Mark Jackson's honesty and of course Hubie--who can teach you more about NBA in 1 half then most guys do in a lifetime, but I miss Bill Walton (retired due to discomfort/pain in back/hips) humor--and of course the morons at ABC/ESPN wouldn't pair him with Steve Jones which was amazing television. I'd watch blowouts just because I wanted to hear what they were saying and laugh. TNT is best in business and not even close. Glad they've stepped into the NCAA tournament as well because they are excellent but also to prevent ESPN from ruining that--as they do just about any/everything they touch. I will now turn it over to MCI so he can destroy ESPN/ABC's coverage some more!
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,522
|
Post by MCIGuy on May 24, 2011 12:14:11 GMT -5
What do people think of ESPN v TNT coverage? I strongly dislike HATE everything ESPN has to offer besides Magic (he's so so) and Wilbon vs TNT's alternatives. The play by play people just stink too. Everything is PG and everyone agrees with everyone. Jackson's comments before commercial breaks always provide a good laugh in how forced and uncreative they are. Whatever happened to Bill Walton?? I have gotten used to the ESPN/ABC team. The studio team is solid and I've grown to accept Van Gundy, Mr Hand Down Man Down and Mike Breen. Breen is still kinda boring though. I would have gone for Kevin Harlan (sp?). But I HATE the ABC/ESPN music, its dry broadcasts and its dull visuals. I hated NBC too to be honest. But I've been in love with TNT's broadcasts since the mid 90s, even before Sir Chuck came aboard.
|
|
kchoya
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Enter your message here...
Posts: 9,934
|
Post by kchoya on May 24, 2011 12:32:04 GMT -5
What do people think of ESPN v TNT coverage? I strongly dislike HATE everything ESPN has to offer besides Magic (he's so so) and Wilbon vs TNT's alternatives. The play by play people just stink too. Everything is PG and everyone agrees with everyone. Jackson's comments before commercial breaks always provide a good laugh in how forced and uncreative they are. Whatever happened to Bill Walton?? Also, welcome everyone to the Mavericks' bandwagon. Everyone should be a Nowitzness. If Caron Butler hadn't have hurt his knee back in early January, I think this team would certainly have been the #1 seed in West and possibly, yes I'm saying this, been near the Bulls' 72 win total. They were nasty with him in and he wasn't such a liability defensively like Peja is. ESPN/ABC is a disgrace covering the NBA and has been. How Tirico horns into this is another question, he's one of the most talkative play by play guys ever. Who are you, Tony Kornheiser?
|
|
kchoya
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Enter your message here...
Posts: 9,934
|
Post by kchoya on May 24, 2011 12:36:52 GMT -5
What do people think of ESPN v TNT coverage? I strongly dislike HATE everything ESPN has to offer besides Magic (he's so so) and Wilbon vs TNT's alternatives. The play by play people just stink too. Everything is PG and everyone agrees with everyone. Jackson's comments before commercial breaks always provide a good laugh in how forced and uncreative they are. Whatever happened to Bill Walton?? But I HATE the ABC/ESPN music, its dry broadcasts and its dull visuals. I hated NBC too to be honest. But I've been in love with TNT's broadcasts since the mid 90s, even before Sir Chuck came aboard. How can you not love this intro/music?
|
|
TBird41
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
"Roy! I Love All 7'2" of you Roy!"
Posts: 8,740
|
Post by TBird41 on May 24, 2011 13:01:56 GMT -5
OKC just isn't ready. Their youth becomes so apparent in a series like this. Durant wanted no part of that last night. He was a speed runner in what was actually a marathon. He came out so strong in the first five minutes it looked as if he would put up 50 points. But he was invisible the rest of the way, especially in the 4th quarter and beyond. OKC needed him to match Dirk to an extent and Durant didn't man up. That's part of growing pains I suppose. I didn't expect OKC to win this series but, man, that was an epic meltdown at the end of yesterday's game. I will go as far as to say it was inexcusable. As soon as The Beard went down OKC seemed unable to get off a good shot. And I hate to pile on Westbrook but how did this guy manage to rack up any assists this season. He seems to have horrible instincts in terms of passing the rock. Iverson is practically John Stocton compared to Westbrook. The kid is talented but he needs to develop a more reliable jumper, cut down on turnovers and learn how to create for others. Fun game though. Can't hate Dallas or Dirk or Jason. I think your right about OKC's youth. Barring a Celtic like infusion of veteran talent, it seems like NBA teams built around young stars need to work their way up / gain experience at the various levels before they can win a title.
|
|
|
Post by williambraskyiii on May 24, 2011 13:07:50 GMT -5
But I HATE the ABC/ESPN music, its dry broadcasts and its dull visuals. I hated NBC too to be honest. But I've been in love with TNT's broadcasts since the mid 90s, even before Sir Chuck came aboard. How can you not love this intro/music? or the way in which it was conceived?
|
|
rosslynhoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 2,595
|
Post by rosslynhoya on May 24, 2011 13:21:14 GMT -5
How can you not love this intro/music? or the way in which it was conceived? Wow, and I thought the Journey links were fighting words.
|
|
derhoya
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 584
|
Post by derhoya on May 24, 2011 14:23:12 GMT -5
Wow, lots of great flashback memories of Jordan hitting 22-ft jumpers over pesky jazz/sun/knicks/piston/insert team defenders when listening to those sweet Tesh toons. I bet he got so much a s s, like boy band a s s.
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on May 24, 2011 23:57:45 GMT -5
Bulls let one get away tonight and that will haunt them into offseason. They should win Game 5, and know they won't quit, but you can't give away possessions, miss FT's, and not score when a team is struggling (1st Quarter). As much as the mistakes late hurt, this game was lost in 1st Quarter when Heat were awful and Bulls came out with a small lead due to their own inept offense.
Know Rose is the MVP, but that last possession was brutal--he's got to be on the move because that is where he makes plays--especially the high degree of difficulty passes and instead settles for an off balance attempt that he loses control and then has to throw for airball. Missed FT didn't help but at least he tied it up.
Ronnie Brewer has been impressive in this series--not afraid to take a shot and make plays.
Miami's bench won them 2 games--Haslem in Game 2 and the Gay Biker Mike Miller tonight.
Hope Bulls can push it to 6, and expect them to battle but it's so difficult for them to get offense. Heat can get good looks any trip, but Bulls are not getting good spacing due to Korver's inability to help them and Deng's slow release-he's got to be ready to shoot quicker. Asik getting injured now is crappy for them--good rotation guy/gives rest for Noah/Boozer but Gibson has been awful in games 3 and 4.
Heat-Mavs appears likely but Bulls are type I won't give up on due to my respect for how hard they play and they make opponents beat them in spite of their offensive deficiencies. Other series is OVER. OKC gagging a 15 pt lead in Game 4, they are done.
|
|
DanMcQ
Moderator
Posts: 32,035
|
Post by DanMcQ on May 25, 2011 9:46:58 GMT -5
Thunder clearly would be doing better if they played veteran defensive stopper and chemistry-builder Perkins down the stretch.
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on May 25, 2011 11:26:10 GMT -5
Thunder clearly would be doing better if they played veteran defensive stopper and chemistry-builder Perkins down the stretch. Better to lose in Conference Finals and have young team built to contend for years then have an old team blow up a chance at a championship and guy you trade for is a tweener who doesn't make you better.
|
|
hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 10,438
|
Post by hoyarooter on May 25, 2011 11:33:15 GMT -5
Thunder clearly would be doing better if they played veteran defensive stopper and chemistry-builder Perkins down the stretch. Better to lose in Conference Finals and have young team built to contend for years then have an old team blow up a chance at a championship and guy you trade for is a tweener who doesn't make you better. Don't mean to bag on Jeff, but +1. The Thunder aren't there yet, but they are progressing, and the Former Celtic makes them a better defensive team than they were before.
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,522
|
Post by MCIGuy on May 25, 2011 11:39:05 GMT -5
I don't want to see the Bulls in the Finals until they add on another scorer. I dislike teams that can't score and I don't care how hard those teams play either. Those great squds in the 80s could score. If it wasn't for Rose's highlights these Bulls would be as much of a snooze fest as the Pistons that won it all last decade. I could respect that Detroit team but at times it was a bit of an eye sore.
|
|
DanMcQ
Moderator
Posts: 32,035
|
Post by DanMcQ on May 25, 2011 12:54:08 GMT -5
RDF: we get that you don't like the player Jeff Green is now and that you alone have the answer(s) to solving the problem(s) you see. Thanks for taking the bait though. The point was, that just like he would not have propelled the Celtics to the Finals, Perkins won't propel OKC to the Finals.
|
|
guru
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,654
|
Post by guru on May 25, 2011 13:02:31 GMT -5
RDF: we get that you don't like the player Jeff Green is now and that you alone have the answer(s) to solving the problem(s) you see. Thanks for taking the bait though. The point was, that just like he would not have propelled the Celtics to the Finals, Perkins won't propel OKC to the Finals. Dan, he can't make/force Jeff to become the player he needs to/wants to/should be -- player has to that on his own. Thing is -- it takes work/practice. He doesn't live in a world/universe/jurisdiction where a player can just snap his fingers/wish on star and become an all star. Thing is -- it's up to him. It's about work/getting better. Also, the Celtics should think about upgrading their coaching staff. He sees lots of strength/muscle/nutritional issues.
|
|