if rose is rose and dh12 is dh12, then they are serious title contenders. however, rose is concerning with the injury and long layoff. dh12 has under achieved for 2 yrs, been injured, been a cancer for two separate organizations, and couldn't get along with another superstar (kobe). why would this be different?
"It was definitely tough," Rose said. "All I can say is I guess God [does] everything for a reason. I've been in those situations before, knocked them down, but to miss both [free throws] -- I let my team down. The only thing I can do is learn from it."
...
"Derrick's always been someone who's his [own] biggest critic," Bulls center Joakim Noah said. "He takes losses very hard. And he wouldn't be the competitor that he is if he wasn't like that. He knows that we have his back. We love him. And we know we wouldn't be in the position that we're in today if it wasn't for a guy like that. And he knows that. At the end of the day, we have each other's back. But we all feel down right now, it's not just him. Everybody could have done better."
i favor OKC in this series, but i dont think OKC is a 2nd seed.
I am assuming based on the placement of the teams in the regular season that Rose and Howard came back strong and had big years and that possibly Love did but Granger didn't.
I thought I said Love possibly had a big year and would also give the Thunder major problems. I also believe I said I thought your coach would win a game.I am assuming based on the placement of the teams in the regular season that Rose and Howard came back strong and had big years and that possibly Love did but Granger didn't.
In that case, even THE Walker Wiggle will concede. With Love and Granger both in traction. An emotionally exhausted Spurs lose in 5.
This was a difficult day for the organization, discovering just hours after making the playoffs that two of our All-Stars had been badly injured while rehearsing what would've been an all time great Game 1 half time show. We assure our fans the Coyote has been fired, and we thank you all for your support in these trying times.(http://old.wallcoo.net/sport/NBA_San_Antonio_Spurs/images/wp0708_coyotebike.jpg)(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/3775867614_2d13abe462_o.jpg)
I wonder if SA will simply punt on trying to match up against Howard: go small, spread the floor as much as possible, and live and die by the three. I'll be curious to hear from Dubs.
I'm not concerned about injuries for San Antonio. I *am* concerned about Javale's ability to cover Howard. I'm interested in hearing Wiggle's thoughts on it.Other than McGee who the heck is going to cover Howard anyways. I don't see that going well for Zeller, just not ready to match Howard's physical presence.
Spurs.
He'll score much much much more when a player not named McGee has to cover him. And I don't think McGee will be particularly effective, he's just better than the alternatives.I wonder if SA will simply punt on trying to match up against Howard: go small, spread the floor as much as possible, and live and die by the three. I'll be curious to hear from Dubs.
At this point in his career Howard is scoring 17 points a game, we'll likely concede that. The Thunder aren't changing their line-up to deal with Danny Granger.
What if SA went Iggy at the 1 and Thornton at the 2. Kemba as the spark off the bench
Iggy would be the best option for stopping rose IMO
Dwight poses a threat though
I think JaVale McGee would need to give San Antonio 30+mpg against Dwight Howard to give San Antonio a chance in this series. McGee came close to that against A.Bynum two years ago. Maybe it is possible. Then again, D.Howard owned him when ORL-WAS were playing against each other in the East.
I think Kevin Love will be the one who has to defend Dwight Howard when McGee goes to the bench (likely in foul trouble). I think SAS should go small with Thad Young. Force Dwight to stay on K-Love out on the perimeter. Taj Gibson can check T.Young at PF. That way both team's interior / team defenses are seriously comprised (rather than only SAS' defense).
Remember when Mike Tyson came out of prison and wasn't the same boxer anymore, even though he looked like the same guy? That's Dwight Howard since 2011's NBA lockout. He's not a force of nature anymore. The Eye Test backs it up, and so do the results: Howard dragged a 219-102 record from four half-decent Magic teams from 2008 to 2011, then went just 75-55 in these past two seasons once his body started breaking down. There's been a not-so-subtle dip in his offensive numbers …
2011: 22.9 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 59% FG, 60% FT, 227 dunks, 26.0 PER (second in NBA)
2013: 17.1 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 58% FG, 49% FT, 187 dunks, 19.4 PER (38th)
… and defensively, Dwight isn't the NBA's most impactful player anymore. You would rather have Marc Gasol or Joakim Noah, both of whom are just better at anchoring a defense. Throw in the undeniable injury risks, the maturity issues, and the words "not even a hint of any leadership whatsoever."
This might actually be the most lopsided series of them all, IMHO. I just can't see how SAS is going to be able to generate nearly enough offense. I'd give them maybe one home game...OKC in 5.
I guess I'll be in THE Walker Wiggle's book now :-\
I think Kevin Love will be the one who has to defend Dwight Howard when McGee goes to the bench (likely in foul trouble). I think SAS should go small with Thad Young. Force Dwight to stay on K-Love out on the perimeter. Taj Gibson can check T.Young at PF. That way both team's interior / team defenses are seriously comprised (rather than only SAS' defense).
I think Kevin Love will be the one who has to defend Dwight Howard when McGee goes to the bench (likely in foul trouble). I think SAS should go small with Thad Young. Force Dwight to stay on K-Love out on the perimeter. Taj Gibson can check T.Young at PF. That way both team's interior / team defenses are seriously comprised (rather than only SAS' defense).
Couldn't I have Taj pursue Love out on the perimeter, and let Dwight cheat off of the lesser threat in Thad Young? I'll certainly concede face up jumpers from Young (shooting 35% or less outside of 10 feet) if it takes shots away from Love.
I would be comfortable with Taj Gibson on Thad Young but not with Udonis Haslem or Patrick Patterson. I think Landry Fields would be the best option at PF in that matchup if Taj Gibson is resting.
I like Haslem over Patterson as relief for T.Gibson on K-Love. Physical toughness.
Keep forgetting Kevin Love is on this team. 26ppg two years and 13-15rpg for three straight years. You would think he wouldn't be hard to remember.
Most overlooked star in the CB Draft?
He'll score much much much more when a player not named McGee has to cover him. And I don't think McGee will be particularly effective, he's just better than the alternatives.I wonder if SA will simply punt on trying to match up against Howard: go small, spread the floor as much as possible, and live and die by the three. I'll be curious to hear from Dubs.
At this point in his career Howard is scoring 17 points a game, we'll likely concede that. The Thunder aren't changing their line-up to deal with Danny Granger.
Pick your poison, Lucky and then drink to avoid having to watch Love follow up his 38 and 24 game with a 36, 21 and 6 three pointer Game 2.
He'll score much much much more when a player not named McGee has to cover him. And I don't think McGee will be particularly effective, he's just better than the alternatives.I wonder if SA will simply punt on trying to match up against Howard: go small, spread the floor as much as possible, and live and die by the three. I'll be curious to hear from Dubs.
At this point in his career Howard is scoring 17 points a game, we'll likely concede that. The Thunder aren't changing their line-up to deal with Danny Granger.
Like Howard's 7 point game elimination game against Aron Baynes bad? Or worse than that?
He'll score much much much more when a player not named McGee has to cover him. And I don't think McGee will be particularly effective, he's just better than the alternatives.I wonder if SA will simply punt on trying to match up against Howard: go small, spread the floor as much as possible, and live and die by the three. I'll be curious to hear from Dubs.
At this point in his career Howard is scoring 17 points a game, we'll likely concede that. The Thunder aren't changing their line-up to deal with Danny Granger.
Like Howard's 7 point game elimination game against Aron Baynes bad? Or worse than that?
That one certainly did skew his playoff averages last season. In Games One, Two, and Three, Dwight led the Lakers in scoring every game.
In the playoffs last season:
Taj Gibson 6.5 points and 3.0 rebounds
Udonis Haslem 5.0 points and 3.6 rebounds
Pick your poison, Lucky and then drink to avoid having to watch Love follow up his 38 and 24 game with a 36, 21 and 6 three pointer Game 2.
Are we using a randomizer for those numbers? Why not just say that Love will average eleventy points and forty-five rebounds in his first ever playoff series?
Pick your poison, Lucky and then drink to avoid having to watch Love follow up his 38 and 24 game with a 36, 21 and 6 three pointer Game 2.
Are we using a randomizer for those numbers? Why not just say that Love will average eleventy points and forty-five rebounds in his first ever playoff series?
http://www.roll-dice-online.com (http://www.roll-dice-online.com)
So how does Chase Budinger keep Granger in check? His defense has been weak enough to keep him from becoming a full-time NBA starter, and he rates poorly both in isolation and against spot ups, which is exactly how Granger is going to work him.
So how does Chase Budinger keep Granger in check? His defense has been weak enough to keep him from becoming a full-time NBA starter, and he rates poorly both in isolation and against spot ups, which is exactly how Granger is going to work him.
I don't believe you're going to make Kevin Love give the ball up so Danny Granger can hoist jumpers. Granger hasn't hit from 40% on two-point FGs from any spot on the floor outside of the key since 2009.
http://www.hoopdata.com/player.aspx?name=Danny%20Granger
Pick your poison, Lucky and then drink to avoid having to watch Love follow up his 38 and 24 game with a 36, 21 and 6 three pointer Game 2.
Are we using a randomizer for those numbers? Why not just say that Love will average eleventy points and forty-five rebounds in his first ever playoff series?
http://www.roll-dice-online.com (http://www.roll-dice-online.com)
The dice never lies. I'm going Spurs on this one.
So how does Chase Budinger keep Granger in check? His defense has been weak enough to keep him from becoming a full-time NBA starter, and he rates poorly both in isolation and against spot ups, which is exactly how Granger is going to work him.
I don't believe you're going to make Kevin Love give the ball up so Danny Granger can hoist jumpers. Granger hasn't hit from 40% on two-point FGs from any spot on the floor outside of the key since 2009.
http://www.hoopdata.com/player.aspx?name=Danny%20Granger
Funny 2009 is also when Dwight Howard peaked.
2013: 17.1 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 58% FG, 49% FT, 187 dunks, 19.4 PER (36th)
Swept in the first round of the playoffs.
Is Iman Shumpert and Andre Iguodala a neutral matchup at SG?
Edit: Playmaking I suppose. That is what separates the two. As a two guard, matched up head to head, they both seem quite similar as jump-shooters + shot creators + scorers. They are both top notch defensive players (one-on-one and help defense sequences). Both seem to create possessions at a very healthy clip for a SG. Shumpert gives secondary ball-handling. But not the passing / playmaking of Iguodala. The difference. Surprisingly close matchup.
So how does Chase Budinger keep Granger in check? His defense has been weak enough to keep him from becoming a full-time NBA starter, and he rates poorly both in isolation and against spot ups, which is exactly how Granger is going to work him.
I don't believe you're going to make Kevin Love give the ball up so Danny Granger can hoist jumpers. Granger hasn't hit from 40% on two-point FGs from any spot on the floor outside of the key since 2009.
http://www.hoopdata.com/player.aspx?name=Danny%20Granger
Funny 2009 is also when Dwight Howard peaked.
2013: 17.1 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 58% FG, 49% FT, 187 dunks, 19.4 PER (36th)
Swept in the first round of the playoffs.
Howard's still won two rebounding titles since 2009. What's Granger done?
More importantly, what are the Spurs going to do about Derrick Rose, whose career playoff averages are 25 points, 7.3 assists, and nearly 5 boards a game?
So how does Chase Budinger keep Granger in check? His defense has been weak enough to keep him from becoming a full-time NBA starter, and he rates poorly both in isolation and against spot ups, which is exactly how Granger is going to work him.
I don't believe you're going to make Kevin Love give the ball up so Danny Granger can hoist jumpers. Granger hasn't hit from 40% on two-point FGs from any spot on the floor outside of the key since 2009.
http://www.hoopdata.com/player.aspx?name=Danny%20Granger
I'd laugh off the Ridnour gameplan, but I think he might actually have the second most career playoff appearances on the Spurs. Experience matters.
Edit: Granger has 22 to Rid's 18.
Edit 2: Wow, Thad Young has 30 appearances? Who knew? Your guys aren't all as green as Love is when it comes to the postseason, I guess.
I'd laugh off the Ridnour gameplan, but I think he might actually have the second most career playoff appearances on the Spurs. Experience matters.
Edit: Granger has 22 to Rid's 18.
Edit 2: Wow, Thad Young has 30 appearances? Who knew? Your guys aren't all as green as Love is when it comes to the postseason, I guess.
Quick tell me your favorite 2013 Udonis Haslem playoff moment?
I'll just make this blanket statement about our defensive gameplan: we're going to rely on Rose and Shumpert to disrupt guard play, and rely upon our team defense to make rotations/adjustments and choke off ball penetration.
In a word, we're going to make the Spurs beat us with their shooting. The only guy in the Spurs' top six who can do it consistently well is Love. I think every shot hoisted by Granger, Thad Young, or Kemba Walker is a small victory for OKC.
Is there some stat that measures transition defense that can be compared to transition offense? Like is there some stat that shows Dwight doesn't run the floor as well or often as McGee? Honest question.
After a turnover, simply turns and watches a Heat fast break without even pretending to attempt to get back on defense. He wouldn’t have had a chance at disrupting the break anyway as it was a LeBron-Wade-Chalmers 3-on-1, but he made no effort whatsoever.
Literally the exact same thing happens except it’s a Wade-Chalmers 2-on-1. (-1)
The Heat get a steal immediately after Play #40. It’s a full 5 seconds after the steal before Howard appears in the picture. Wade gets a backdoor dunk off a ridiculous pass from LeBron. (-2)
Jogs back in transition defense. Again about 5 seconds pass on the shot clock before Howard gets below the 3-point line, but Wade misses a floater. (-1)
Can't see San Antonio scoring anywhere near enough points to stay competitive in this series.
I just went back and re-read all the comments in this thread. Best basketball analysis by GMs so far.
I just went back and re-read all the comments in this thread. Best basketball analysis by GMs so far.Yes, this was my favourite GM debate too. Picked up late but lots of quality back and forth on the team's relative strengths and weaknesses.
Pick your poison, Lucky and then drink to avoid having to watch Love follow up his 38 and 24 game with a 36, 21 and 6 three pointer Game 2.
Are we using a randomizer for those numbers? Why not just say that Love will average eleventy points and forty-five rebounds in his first ever playoff series?
http://www.roll-dice-online.com (http://www.roll-dice-online.com)
Dice is always nice. I will definitely try it out. Thanks for sharing this awesome app.