Golden State vs Cleveland: Any thoughs on the Love situation?

[westx]

I don't know a lot about Kevin Love except for the reports that he isn't a good defensive player. I did watch the press conference after Cleveland won the East and he seemed annoyed that Lebron was getting all of the questions. One instance, he pretended not to know that the question was directed at him and of course everybody played it off with a slight laugh. It was probably nothing, but, I didn't like the read on it personally. I think I would probably be agree with some that believe Cleveland should go with Jefferson. There are other things at play in this last game like JR Smith knocking down the 3s and Curry/Thompson not so well at the 3 point line. Kerr seems like a good coach and will make some adjustment for his scorers, but, it should be a fun game to watch what goes down.

 

[Okie70]

Don't know where that intel came from. Warriors planning was Love was a good shooter and rebounder but average or less on D. Game 3 seemed to prove that. He did not play great tonight.

Do not know what happened to Cavs after Wed. night. Irving playing like a little LeBron or Westbrook. Good shooter but one on one rarely works against the Warriors. Cavs good but D is not great.

 

[outhereincali]

Cavs played awful in the second half and deserved to lose. Kevin Love is nothing special on defense but neither is Steph Curry. Mike Breen got it right welcome to the new NBA. The Warriors made more points from 3 point range than they did from the rest of the field, in fact they were mediocre. Go figure. It's all but over now.

 

[Okie70]

No one says Curry great on D including himself. He did lead the NBA in steals so he has some skills. But he defers to Green, Thompson and Igoudala who are all better on D. And overall the team better on D than any team but SA.

 

[Maverick1971]

I don't know a lot about Kevin Love except for the reports that he isn't a good defensive player. I did watch the press conference after Cleveland won the East and he seemed annoyed that Lebron was getting all of the questions. One instance, he pretended not to know that the question was directed at him and of course everybody played it off with a slight laugh. It was probably nothing, but, I didn't like the read on it personally. I think I would probably be agree with some that believe Cleveland should go with Jefferson. There are other things at play in this last game like JR Smith knocking down the 3s and Curry/Thompson not so well at the 3 point line. Kerr seems like a good coach and will make some adjustment for his scorers, but, it should be a fun game to watch what goes down.

Cleveland dominated game 3 because their backs were against the wall and they played like it. Jefferson certainly played well and that provided a spark. However, long term he wasn't the solution. He had 3 points in 25 minutes last night.

 

[Texxxxas]

Cavs played awful in the second half and deserved to lose. Kevin Love is nothing special on defense but neither is Steph Curry. Mike Breen got it right welcome to the new NBA. The Warriors made more points from 3 point range than they did from the rest of the field, in fact they were mediocre. Go figure. It's all but over now.

Curry brings a lot more to the table, than Love does...especially for the rest of the team. So Curry has value, Love is a waste of money. People were once fooled by Love's oh by the way stats. Never bought into the hype. The Cavs should trade him. Dumb move to let Wiggins go for him, and yes I said it back then. I'm no fan of Wiggins, but Love is not that dude. That was Lebron's call...his bad.

 

[Texxxxas]

Don't know where that intel came from. Warriors planning was Love was a good shooter and rebounder but average or less on D. Game 3 seemed to prove that. He did not play great tonight.

Do not know what happened to Cavs after Wed. night. Irving playing like a little LeBron or Westbrook. Good shooter but one on one rarely works against the Warriors. Cavs good but D is not great.

Kyrie and Thompson did their part, James was too passive for 3 and a half quarters. He tends to do that, when he feels the pressure.

 

[outhereincali]

Curry brings a lot more to the table, than Love does...especially for the rest of the team. So Curry has value, Love is a waste of money. People were once fooled by Love's oh by the way stats. Never bought into the hype. The Cavs should trade him. Dumb move to let Wiggins go for him, and yes I said it back then. I'm no fan of Wiggins, but Love is not that dude. That was Lebron's call...his bad.

I guess the Cavs went for the let's win now instead of drafting a 19 year old. I thought I read that Love is opting out of his contract. He doesn't know how good he has it in Cleveland. LeBron and Kyrie have all the responsibility and he can be the third wheel and get paid an 8 figure salary. I also think that LeBron and the city of Cleveland are desperate to win a title ASAP. Did you see that 30 for 30 how the city of Cleveland has gone more then 50 years without a title? And of course Curry brings a lot more to the table than Kevin Love does, I mean I ain't that slow

 

[outhereincali]

Kyrie and Thompson did their part, James was too passive for 3 and a half quarters. He tends to do that, when he feels the pressure.

I think the Cavs as a team was rattled the whole game. Even when they were ahead at halftime it was obvious the Warriors had their three point game going on. But the tipoff was watching the Cavs missing all those free throws. When I see a team missing a lot of free throws when the championship is at stake, I see a team that does not have the proper focus. And the Warriors obviously did.

I think LeBron was doing everything possible to get his team involved that explains the near triple double but his team kept throwing up rocks. And with the exception of game 3 the other night this is the second straight finals that J R Smith disappeared. One last thing the Warriors did a great job of denying LeBron the ball.

 

[Texxxxas]

I think the Cavs as a team was rattled the whole game. Even when they were ahead at halftime it was obvious the Warriors had their three point game going on. But the tipoff was watching the Cavs missing all those free throws. When I see a team missing a lot of free throws when the championship is at stake, I see a team that does not have the proper focus. And the Warriors obviously did.

I think LeBron was doing everything possible to get his team involved that explains the near triple double but his team kept throwing up rocks. And with the exception of game 3 the other night this is the second straight finals that J R Smith disappeared. One last thing the Warriors did a great job of denying LeBron the ball.

Lebron was passing up open shots, and avoided taking advantage of smaller players. In those situations he buckled under pressure. Saying he was trying to get others involved, is all about perception...but I'm not buying. He nutted up. LeBron wasn't denied the ball, he was giving it up. Kyrie and Thompson didn't need him to jump start their game anyway, they balled. If others were struggling, LeBron should have been more aggressive, not passive. You put too much stock in his near triple double, that did not impact the game. Every stat is not what it seems. I saw the game, his impact was not felt. He thinks he is the best, so he should have played like it. If not, what's the point in saying what he did about Curry and the MVP. LeBron hand picked his team, that put the Cave over the salary cap. I'm not trying to hear the excuses.

 

[Texxxxas]

"We can also dismiss this notion that LeBron has no help. Kyrie Irving was a star -- dare I say Dwyane Wade-like? -- on 14-of-28 shooting for 34 points, and with a focused aggression until the very end. As the fourth quarter unwound and slipped away from the Cavaliers, it was Irving who continued to attack, and LeBron, aside from his strange altercation with Green, who either sputtered or, worse, watched."

"Tristan Thompson was again, at times, a force, and his 10 points and seven rebounds in just 28 minutes again seemed to justify his large off-season contract. Kevin Love added 11 points on just six shots off the bench, plus five rebounds, in only 25 minutes of action.
This loss must fall on LeBron James. He is the Chosen One. It is on him, fair or not, and he's now on the brink of another Finals loss and a 2-5 record when a championship is on the line. And, increasingly notably, an 0-3 Finals mark when Pat Riley and the Miami Heat aren't in the picture."

That's why I'm not buying, what the excuse makers are selling. LeBron also allowed Green to get in his head. Time to man up.

 

[Maverick1971]

"We can also dismiss this notion that LeBron has no help. Kyrie Irving was a star -- dare I say Dwyane Wade-like? -- on 14-of-28 shooting for 34 points, and with a focused aggression until the very end. As the fourth quarter unwound and slipped away from the Cavaliers, it was Irving who continued to attack, and LeBron, aside from his strange altercation with Green, who either sputtered or, worse, watched."

"Tristan Thompson was again, at times, a force, and his 10 points and seven rebounds in just 28 minutes again seemed to justify his large off-season contract. Kevin Love added 11 points on just six shots off the bench, plus five rebounds, in only 25 minutes of action.
This loss must fall on LeBron James. He is the Chosen One. It is on him, fair or not, and he's now on the brink of another Finals loss and a 2-5 record when a championship is on the line. And, increasingly notably, an 0-3 Finals mark when Pat Riley and the Miami Heat aren't in the picture."

That's why I'm not buying, what the excuse makers are selling. LeBron also allowed Green to get in his head. Time to man up.

Yep, LeBron's rep is going to be further damaged after these finals. I really thought they had a shot. This was setup perfect for them. An easy road to the Finals coming out of the putrid eastern conference and GS coming in worn down after OKC taking them to the brink. To be sent packing in what will likely be a 4-1 beat down is inexcusable. LeBron will now have 5 finals losses and moreso some of them have really been bad (2011 vs Dallas, 2014 vs. SA). I really don't count the first one as it was a miracle he was able to get that team to the finals and they were beaten by a vastly superior SA team.

 

[outhereincali]

Well game 5 has gotten more interesting. If you didn't already know Draymond Green has been suspended for Game 5. With les than 3 minutes to go he got involved in an altercation with LeBron. LeBron flailed and then walked over Draymond. And as he walked over him Draymond hit LeBron in the nuts. But it wasn't anywhere near as viscous as to what he did to Steven Adams.

But is it different when you do it to LeBron as to say Steven Adams? Of course.

Was it a bad as what he did to Steven Adams not just one but twice? Not even close.

But has Draymond had this coming for a long time. Has he done things like this for a few years now? Yes

Now comes the conspiracy theories. If you've been keeping up with the Finals you've heard them all. And all of them are ridiculous. Any athlete worth his salt as a competitor would never do the things they're suggesting.

And it may not matter. The Warriors will just put in Andre Iguodala who just as good as Draymond Green. They may not even miss a beat.

 

[clob94]

GS 108 Clev 102.

Refs try to keep it close because the new commissioner, like the old commissioner, always wants 7 games.

 

[Texxxxas]

Well game 5 has gotten more interesting. If you didn't already know Draymond Green has been suspended for Game 5. With les than 3 minutes to go he got involved in an altercation with LeBron. LeBron flailed and then walked over Draymond. And as he walked over him Draymond hit LeBron in the nuts. But it wasn't anywhere near as viscous as to what he did to Steven Adams.

But is it different when you do it to LeBron as to say Steven Adams? Of course.

Was it a bad as what he did to Steven Adams not just one but twice? Not even close.

But has Draymond had this coming for a long time. Has he done things like this for a few years now? Yes

Now comes the conspiracy theories. If you've been keeping up with the Finals you've heard them all. And all of them are ridiculous. Any athlete worth his salt as a competitor would never do the things they're suggesting.

And it may not matter. The Warriors will just put in Andre Iguodala who just as good as Draymond Green. They may not even miss a beat.

Losing Green hurts their depth and defense. Being able to have both Green and Iguodala means a lot to that team. That said, GS wins. I like that Andre didn't allow LeBron to score on him in game 4, that's MVP type stuff, that people don't pay attention to.

 

[Texxxxas]

See what happens when Andre goes out, they miss having both of those guys to guard LeBron. With Andre on the bench, LeBron is having his way. People really tend to dismiss defense. With Green, that doesn't happen.

 

[outhereincali]

Well we may have counted LeBron out to early. I don't care if Draymond Green played or not that was a fantastic game. And there was no reason to think Cleveland could keep it up for a whole game but they did. In fact it was the Warriors who went cold in the second half. What were they from the 3 point line in the second half 3 for 21? Klay Thompson had six three balls in the first half. How many 3 balls did Klay Thompson have in the second half? Zero that's how many. It would be crazy to pick the Cavs to come from behind and win the finals. But try to make the Warriors beat you with 2 pointers let them make as many as they want see if they can win.

But give it up to LeBron and especially Kyrie. Man was that an economic game from Kyrie. And he had it any way he wanted. And it was like he was telling the Warriors hey I can shoot the 3 ball to. And say whatever you want about him, LeBron was huge. It was like he was telling everybody I'm going to take it to the cup every time, they're not going to stop me, and I don't care if I don't even have one assist. And that's what he did. The home crowd booed him every time he had his hands on the ball, heck they even did that in the warm ups. But by the end of the third quarter they stopped doing it. Back to Cleveland for game 6.

And to our fellow orange blood Tristan Thompson. Dude please make some free throws not even Wilt was this bad. And I don't want to hear it about how it wasn't the same without Draymond Green in there. Last year LeBron was on his own because Kyrie and Kevin Love didn't pay in the Finals.

 

[Texxxxas]

Nah, he didn't get counted out to early. Green wasn't there and Bogut got hurt. Who could forecast that.

You don't have to want to hear it about Green, but he makes a difference. His defense, rebounds, and energy matter. Huge difference without him. LeBron also made excuses about not having Kyrie, so of course GS fans are going to do the same. It's what fans do, even if I don't agree with the excuses, myself. It's the norm.

 

[outhereincali]

LeBron and Kyrie won this game pretty much by themselves they scored 82 of the Cavalier's 112 points. But if they're going to pull off a miracle everyone else has to get involved. Richard Jefferson played well coming off the bench. JR Smith played well in the first quarter then he disappeared and getting into foul trouble didn't help any. Should Kevin Love be benched for Jefferson? And one more time Tristan, please, pretty please with sugar on it, make some damn free throws. We know you're a horse on the boards especially on offense and you're capable of getting some points on put backs, and dunks. Don't make the coach have to take you out.

 

[outhereincali]

Well Game 6 is on in a few hours. My heart is with the Cavs but I think GS will win the series.

 

[Texxxxas]

Well Game 6 is on in a few hours. My heart is with the Cavs but I think GS will win the series.

I think GS wins the series, but I can't call it tonight. Kyrie is putting up MVP numbers. Steph needs to step it up, he has been getting a pass.

 

[Scholz]

GS wins it tonight. They've got their tough guy back. They got out-toughed in game 5.

 

[Texxxxas]

GS wins it tonight. They've got their tough guy back. They got out-toughed in game 5.

I hope you're right.

 

[DawgDawson]

Win or lose you've got to be proud of the effort by the Cav's resident Longhorn.

 

[outhereincali]

Tristan Thompson, way to represent the burnt orange tonight !!!!!!!! I knew you were in for a big night on offense cause you were making your free throws. And without Andrew Bogut in there you were just camping out underneath the basket. Draymond who? Can you do it one more time this time in the other guys arena? If you can the Cavs have a chance.

 

[outhereincali]

So now we come to Game 7. If the Cavs supporting cast does what they need to do Kyrie and especially LeBron will take care of the rest. The Cavs have a great chance to do what nobody has ever done in NBA Finals history and that is come from behind after being down 3 games to 1 and right now they're a better team than the Warriors.

The key for GS is their three point game. Will Steph Curry come out angry after what happened in Game 6? If he and especially Klay Thompson come out firing on all cylinders it will open it up for the rest of their three point shooters and they have a bunch.

Imo, it's real simple. If the Cavs hold their 3 point game to 35% or less they'll win. If the Warriors 3 point game is on they'll win.

 

[westx]

So now we come to Game 7. If the supporting cast does what they need to do Kyrie and especially LeBron will take care of the rest. The Cavs have a great chance to do what nobody has ever done in NBA Finals history and that is commis from behind after being down 3 games to 1 and right now they're a better team than the Warriors.

The key for GS is their three point game. Will Steph Curry come out angry after what happened in Game 6? If he and especially Klay Thompson come out firing on all cylinders it will open up their rest of their three point shooters and they have a bunch.

Imo, it's real simple. If the Cavs hold their 3 point game to 35% or less they'll win. If the Warriors 3 point game is on they'll win.

Bogut's absence thus far, has had a bigger impact on the Warriors than I thought it would. I am not saying that is why the Cavs have one the last 2 games, but, it has affected them. Makes for an interesting finally tonight.

 

[westx]

I think GS wins the series, but I can't call it tonight. Kyrie is putting up MVP numbers. Steph needs to step it up, he has been getting a pass.

This is a little off topic, ,but, do you see Buddy Hield being comparable Curry in the NBA?

 

[outhereincali]

This is a little off topic, ,but, do you see Buddy Hield being comparable Curry in the NBA?

I don't know if anyone can come along and shoot a 3 ball like Steph Curry.

 

[westx]

I don't know if anyone can come along and shoot a 3 ball like Steph Curry.

You are right, but, the 3pt thing is something that can be practiced without all of the athletic ability. Hield has that practice ethic from the reports during the season. However, Curry has a lot of moves and has other parts to his game. I watched Hield but, just don't remember his athletic ability and defense outside of the 3pt play.

 

[RoboCocks21]

Congrats to our Ex Longhorn on getting a ring.

 

[outhereincali]

Congrats to our Ex Longhorn on getting a ring.

Tristan is the first horn from the Barnes era, a starter who helped his team win a championship. Everyone knows it's LeBron, Kyrie, and everyone else but Tristan played great. He got into foul trouble in the first half, but he played great in the second half. And did you notice who Doris Burke interviewed after LeBron and Kyrie? Tristan. Hey I appreciate the love you gave to your father on tv.

Tristan representing burnt orange tonight!!!!!!!!!!

 

[westx]

I just saw a very impressive stat for Lebron on ESPN:

"1st player in NBA history to lead all players from both teams in all 5 categories for an entire playoff series, regardless of round or series length 1)Points 2)Rebounds 3)Assists 4)Steals 5)Blocks."

 

[Scholz]

Lebron beasted. That block was insane.

 

[Texxxxas]

This is a little off topic, ,but, do you see Buddy Hield being comparable Curry in the NBA?

I didn't expect that from Curry, so it's hard to think Hield will be comparable. Hield doesn't have the handle that Curry does, and his jumper isn't as nice, so I don't know if he'll be able to get his shot off, against the best defenders in the league. Lucky for him, elite defenders in the NBA are hard to find. I also think it depends on the team he goes to, because not every coach is going to give you the freedom, that Curry has.

I think Curry has the best jumper in the NBA, but I think Kyrie has the tightest handle (but his jumper is also wet), and most nights neither can be guarded. I didn't think either of those guys would be as good as they are in the NBA, so I won't count Hield out. He can work to improve his shot and his handles. He has been working with Kobe, on getting space on that fade away, so I know he wants to be great.