2017 NBA Playoffs

[MindofShadow]

I don't either

and i don't think GS is going to have too much trouble with the Cavs honestly.

[Curtis Metcalf]

Best team vs. best player
I think the Warriors have too much for even LBJ to overcome. Gotta give the best player of the era a puncher's chance. But I don't see how the Cavs can either slow the W's down enough defensively or keep up with them offensively.

[MindofShadow]

Lebron barely had enough last year

And they added durant lol

[Curtis Metcalf]

Yup. Exactly. Doesn't seem fair...
Of course, fair's got nothing to do with it.

[Metro]

Golden State's bench got a lot weaker. This year, though, they were smarter about resting to be ready for the Finals.

The big change to me is how much better the Cavs' bench is this year. The Warriors need a lot of mental toughness to make sure they keep the Cavs for staying close into the fourth quarter.

They can do it.

I can't say I would be happy to see it, though.

[Curtis Metcalf]

I used to think the Warriors bench was better last year. Maybe not though. I saw an article somewhere (I thought it was on FiveThirtyEight but I can't find it there) pointing out that role players look a lot better playing with the Warriors front line guys. According to the article, the productivity of this year's bench is about the same as last year's. Could be.

I think the Cavs might be better offensively this year but probably not defensively. At least not over the last half of the regular season. We'll have to see if they can slow the Warriors down enough to have a chance. Interestingly, they seem to be doing some different things in the playoffs. Might turn out to be a smart move.

[Metro]

The interchangeable parts on Cleveland are much better this year *because* they are designed to take advantage of GS' relative weakness (McGee/Pachulia v. Bogut/Ezeli). It's like CLE learned from GS the last two years, but kept a smarter, better James at the center of the mix.

Curry, KD, Clay, Dray, & Iguodala can outperform James, Irving, Love, Thompson, and Smith for periods, but will their margin at 42 minutes be enough to overcome their bench issues (Livingston, McGee, etc.) especially if James coordinates their style of 3-point attack while playing center with Frye, Korver, Shumpert, and Williams?

I think GS probably has enough consistency and mental toughness to do it, but they might surprise me, especially if they get arrogant like they did last year.

[MindofShadow]

you almost have to admire what Ainge did raping the Nets

but good lord, boston has had enough success damnit

and then of course lakers hit #2. roarrrrr

[Curtis Metcalf]

The interchangeable parts on Cleveland are much better this year *because* they are designed to take advantage of GS' relative weakness (McGee/Pachulia v. Bogut/Ezeli). It's like CLE learned from GS the last two years, but kept a smarter, better James at the center of the mix.

Curry, KD, Clay, Dray, & Iguodala can outperform James, Irving, Love, Thompson, and Smith for periods, but will their margin at 42 minutes be enough to overcome their bench issues (Livingston, McGee, etc.) especially if James coordinates their style of 3-point attack while playing center with Frye, Korver, Shumpert, and Williams?

I think GS probably has enough consistency and mental toughness to do it, but they might surprise me, especially if they get arrogant like they did last year.

Interesting analysis. I agree that the Cavs have become more like GS and that LBJ is even better this year. He's shooting the ball better this year and he's finding capable shooters which they have many -- Love, Irving, Korver, Frye, Smith, Williams. He's the best player on the planet with a well-designed roster around him.

To me, their challenge is that many of their best offensive players are not that good defensively. The Warriors core players are pretty good to great on both sides of the ball, especially Dray and Klay. I don't know if the Cavs can defend well enough to keep the Warriors in reach. When the Dubs are hitting shots, it's hard to see how anybody can score with them.

It will be interesting to see what kind of pace the Cavs try to play at. They should probably be opportunistic in transition but otherwise, keep it under control.

I'm looking forward to the duel. These two teams are clearly head and shoulders better than everybody else.

[Curtis Metcalf]

So what did we learn from Game 1?

• 20 to 4 in turnovers and 35% shooting won't get it done.
• That Durant dude is pretty good.

I think the Cavs need to play pretty near perfection and hope the Warriors don't to win. Four times. It's not impossible but it is unlikely as far as I can see. 

[Tanksleyd]

Durant...?
Better defense
Better scoring though
Is the more achievable goal
If LeBron is to dance, once more

[Hypestyle]

new game tonight, yes?

So how might this one turn out?

When do they go to Cleveland?

[Curtis Metcalf]

new game tonight, yes?

So how might this one turn out?

When do they go to Cleveland?

Hey Hype,
It's a 2-2-1-1-1 format, GSW have home court advantage.
So games 3 & 4 are in Cleveland, Wednesday and Friday.

Cavs will make some adjustments and play better. The question is whether the Warriors will also play better. We'll see.

It's almost more of a must win for Golden State. A win by the Cavs steals home court advantage. On the other hand, a W's win and game 3 is most definitely a must win. Down 3-0 is death.