2012 NBA

[Paelos]

Yep. $20 steam bet on OKC, assuming they make it through to the next round, and the Spurs do as well.

In the event that neither OKC or the Spurs win, it's a push. In the event that either team doesn't make the next round, it's a push.

*$20 and/or the term dollars or cash does not actually represent actually currency or value if anybody from the state gaming commission or IRS happens to be watching said forum. Details of any and all natures related to the winner of the bet will be worked out via Steam and/or F13 PMs.

[ghost]

Oh, so you're bailing if your team doesn't make it to the next round?

[Paelos]

Oh, so you're bailing if your team doesn't make it to the next round?

Yep, because at that point they will have blown a 3-1 lead, which is statistically unlikely, and on top of that I'm not even sure the Spurs are actually good given who they played.

[Paelos]

Our bet is on. I'm still waiting to hear more from the Heat/Lebron haters after the last two games on both TV or radio. It's gone eeeeeeeeeerily quiet.

[Rasix]

Our bet is on. I'm still waiting to hear more from the Heat/Lebron haters after the last two games on both TV or radio. It's gone eeeeeeeeeerily quiet.

Facebook is silent.  My ragey brother-in-law hasn't made a baby Bron-bron comment in days.

[Mosesandstick]

Remember that last year Lebron was playing out of this world until the finals. They'll come back.

[Rasix]

Remember that last year Lebron was playing out of this world until the finals. They'll come back.

Ohh yah.  I don't think Miami can win it. It's only a matter of time.  Fatigue will set in with the amount of minutes Lebron and Wade have to play.

[ghost]

It's hard to bash a guy that throws down 40 points, 18 boards and 9 assists.  But that's been the issue with James for his entire career-  he can't seem to replicate this stat line on a regular basis.  Everyone knows that he has the talent to dominate every game that he plays in, but for whatever reason he doesn't.  He seems like a good guy, doesn't get into trouble and is a spectacular talent.  It's tough to dislike him, in my opinion, even with the disaster that was "the decision".  That doesn't change the fact that time is creeping up on him as far as being the central guy in an offensive set like Miami's.  If he doesn't win the title in the next 2-3 years it probably isn't going to happen with him being "the guy".  

[Paelos]

I want Miami in the finals simply because it'll be great for the sport. Also, I absolutely cannot stand Boston.

[01101010]

 It's tough to dislike him, in my opinion, even with the disaster that was "the decision".  

Unless you live or are from Cleveland and have that city loyalty thing going. Granted, Modell is the pinnacle of loathing in that town, but LeBron is second... a distant second, but still.

[ghost]

Boston was my team growing up and I really like Rondo.  He's a hell of a talent too.  I don't really care who comes out of the East as long as it remains somewhat competitive.  Either the Spurs or OKC will be a hard matchup, so we've got a pretty good finals coming our way.  

[Paelos]

Stern has his fingers crossed for an OKC v. Heat matchup.

Having all his young big named superpowers in one finals would be a huge draw.

[ghost]

It really would be Stern's wet dream.  The Spurs are on a mission though.  They know that this is their last real chance.  I suspect that Tim and possibly Manu will retire after the season if they win the title, so they're going to leave it all on the court. 

[Threash]

I don't think this is the Spurs last real chance, those guys simply reload and come back with a contender every couple years.  This might be Duncans last shot, at least as a big piece of the team.

[Paelos]

OKC made it closer on the road against the Spurs than I thought they would. They might be able to steal game 2 if they can keep the intensity through the 4th quarter.

[ghost]

This seems like one that will go 7 games.

[Mosesandstick]

Will probably be a better series than the finals 

[ghost]

I don't think so.  These are 4 really good teams.

[Paelos]

The Eastern side of things has been abysmal to watch. Even the ESPN talking heads can't get behind it.

[ghost]

It's certainly not the return of Show Time versus Bird, et. al.

[Malakili]

The Eastern side of things has been abysmal to watch. Even the ESPN talking heads can't get behind it.

Ever since Rose went down its been "Alright, so let's wait for the Heat to get to the finals."  Even the 2 day panic during which they tried to hype up the pacers didn't make it actually interesting...  I listen to way too much ESPN radio..

[Rasix]

These drives of Paul Pierce are causing me physical pain.  Celtics are just so goddamn old.  It would be interesting to see them play OKC just for the comedy factor.

[ghost]

I would love to see Rondo play for the Heat or the Lakers.

[ghost]

Nation Mesmerized By Spurs' Dazzling Pass-Screen-Pass-Shoot Brand Of Offense

 

[Threash]

The Eastern side of things has been abysmal to watch. Even the ESPN talking heads can't get behind it.

Ever since Rose went down its been "Alright, so let's wait for the Heat to get to the finals."  Even the 2 day panic during which they tried to hype up the pacers didn't make it actually interesting...  I listen to way too much ESPN radio..

Also i think the Magic with Howard would have put up a much better fight against a Boshless Miami than the Pacers did.

[Paelos]

The game between Boston and Miami last night was another unwatchable clunker.

The Celtics continue to suck shooting the ball, as they only hit 39.5%, and 52.4% of their free throws.

Miami shot 50% from the floor and still only put up 93 points? Ugh. The Vegas over/under before the game started was a paltry 179. It still went under. Compared to the back and forth awesomeness of the Thunder/Spurs series, this is a joke so far.

[HaemishM]

52% of free throws is goddamn criminal.

[ghost]

The Celtics are currently putting a beatdown on Miami just at half.  I'm sure that the Heat will come back and make it close (if not win), but it's pretty much all Rondo right now.

Addendum:  Heat making a big push-  turning into a hell of a game.

[Paelos]

This is what I've wanted to see out of the East all playoffs and haven't gotten. Great game with a great finish.

[caladein]

Second overtime playoff game of the night.

[Paelos]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lsob3td-dA

THUNDERSTRUCK! 

[Nebu]

Next video can we get more highlights and fewer self-congratulations?

Thanks!

OKC played with greater intensity in the second half of all of their wins.  I was impressed by their hunger and intensity for such a young team. 

[ghost]

Well, they clearly have a lot more talent than the Spurs, who, aside from Tony Parker, should be out on the court with canes and walkers. 

[Nebu]

Well, they clearly have a lot more talent than the Spurs, who, aside from Tony Parker, should be out on the court with canes and walkers. 

I disagree.  I think that Ginobili and Duncan still have a lot of game left in them.  OKC just showed that NBA basketball is a 4 quarter game and you need to have spring and quickness all 4 quarters if you want to be competitive.  San Antonio did well all season by making better decisions to offset their age.  They just didn't capitalize on it as well this year in the playoffs. 

Interestingly, Boston is doing what San Antonio couldn't.  They are using their ball movement to offset their lack of youth.  Having a young PG in Rondo certainly helps though. 

[ghost]

Westbrook, Harden and Durant have way more athleticism and overall game than Parker, Duncan and Ginobili have, and I love the Spurs.  Ginobili is my favorite player, but he just doesn't have the athletic ability to keep up with some of the younger stars.