Official 2012-2013 NBA Playoffs Thread

[Miramonti]

Well I don't know what happened but the Bulls kept leaving Gerald Wallace wide open on the perimeter.. LOL

the bulls are so aggressive with their help defense that he seems like the right person to leave behind the arc. He's made them pay tho. Other options are deron williams, joe johnson, cj watson...other guys that could also make them pay.

 

[dbk]

Joakim Noah has been uber tonight.. WOW. That jumpshot is going down!

Bellinellllllliiiiiii Dagger!!!

 

[Miramonti]

Noah has done everything good and nothing bad. He's a winner. Belineli has been a rock as well. Busting his @ss to not be a liability on defense, and capitalizing on opportunities on offense. And cans his free throws...huge.

Unbelievable to pull this one out in NY.

 

[dbk]

Noah has done everything good and nothing bad. He's a winner. Belineli has been a rock as well. Busting his @ss to not be a liability on defense, and capitalizing on opportunities on offense. And cans his free throws...huge.

Unbelievable to pull this one out in NY.

Now, the ultimate test... The Heat! Will DRose come back?!?! I hope so

 

[Miramonti]

Now, the ultimate test... The Heat! Will DRose come back?!?! I hope so

I don't even want to think about it, especially without rose, lol. That's only 2 days away too.

Thibs is one of the best coaches in the league. If there's anything to believe in, it's his ability to get the most out of his team.

 

[dbk]

Charles Barkley nailed it when he said that the Nets played "cool".. and that they didn't want to have a single drop of sweat while playing..

Doesn't Joe Johnson make 18mil a year? I can't remember a single thing he did in the game..

 

[preslove]

Over under for bulls wins... 1.

The Heat won't play "cool." They have plenty of guys to put in for intensity. Someone will get hot. This could be a sweep, but I could see Noah doing something superhuman and them all clicking. Any wins will be in chicago though, lol.

Unless Hinric and Deng came back 100%.

 

[dbk]

Over under for bulls wins... 1.

The Heat won't play "cool." They have plenty of guys to put in for intensity. Someone will get hot. This could be a sweep, but I could see Noah doing something superhuman and them all clicking. Any wins will be in chicago though, lol.

Unless Hinric and Deng came back 100%.

Yeah the only way the Bulls will realistically have a shot vs the Heat is if the refs allow the game to be physical. I highly doubt it though. I foresee a lot of flops by Bosh and LBJ. over under 2 flagrant fouls by Bulls in the series.

 

[Crono]

Joakim Noah has been uber tonight.. WOW. That jumpshot is going down!

Bellinellllllliiiiiii Dagger!!!

Joakim looks like he's on something. He played the whole game and at the end of it he still looked pumped and was yelling while everyone else looked exhausted.
He's a good player though, had a ton of blocks and rebounds, more so than the entire Nets team it seemed like, lol.

I haven't watched much basketball this year other than this game and last saturday's Nets/Bulls game - I work nights during the week so it's hard to catch games - but the only Nets player who impressed me at all is Deron Williams. The rest of the team's defense was spotty at best, though they did get more aggressive and played with far more energy in the second half. Still pretty entertaining, though even if the Nets had won I wouldn't have liked their chances against the Heat at all. They barely competed against a battered and depleted Bulls team.

Bulls vs Heat should be great to watch, though it's weird that I'll be rooting a bit for the Bulls. Doesn't seem quite right.

 

[fustercluck]

Time for Rose to come back for the next series - Anyone think he will?

Noah and Boozer have been great. Nets were seemingly never in that game, Joe Johnson cold as ice.

 

[HendrixFan]

Charles Barkley nailed it when he said that the Nets played "cool".. and that they didn't want to have a single drop of sweat while playing..

Throughout the series the in game announcers noticed the same thing. It seemed like they didn't care if they were to win or lose. The Nets never played with any urgency, even when they were down 3-2. I expected them to, as most teams do, pick up their level of play come playoff time. They never did.

 

[Miramonti]

Charles Barkley nailed it when he said that the Nets played "cool".. and that they didn't want to have a single drop of sweat while playing..

Doesn't Joe Johnson make 18mil a year? I can't remember a single thing he did in the game..

I thought the only one consistently trying to play with an edge was Deron Williams. He had a tough go of it with Butler guarding him, but for the most part was trying to take the battle to the bulls. He hasn't always played like that, but it was good to see him competing on every play. Everyone else, not so much.

Joe Johnson's contract should be up there with Rashard Lewis, Marbury's, Eddie Curry's, etc....complete disasters. He can be...check that...could have been a great player but he seems to be a poster child for getting the contract of a life time and then stopping work on ones game.

 

[Miramonti]

I would be very shocked if Derrick Rose didn't play tomorrow. I'm hoping to read in the morning that it will be a 'game time decision.'

 

[manly]

Joe Johnson's contract should be up there with Rashard Lewis, Marbury's, Eddie Curry's, etc....complete disasters. He can be...check that...could have been a great player but he seems to be a poster child for getting the contract of a life time and then stopping work on ones game.

He had a nice start in Phoenix and some quality seasons in Atlanta but I've never thought of him as a superstar. But in fact, he's paid as one of the top few superstars in the game! With JJ and Rudy Gay, they always talk about 'size' and how they can always get their shot off. But analysts forget to add how inefficient too many of those shots are. Johnson was playing hurt (Joakim Noah actually had the same injury), but that begs the question. Why is your hobbled player who's John Starks-cold still in the game firing away airballs?

Not to mention there's a big difference between JJ and say Rashard Lewis. At the time it was signed, Lewis' mega-deal probably was panned more. But the Nets acquired Johnson thinking he'd be the linchpin of their team, while the Hawks were more than glad to get rid of what was universally known as a bad multi-year contract.

OTOH looking at regular season numbers, he's had a solid career with 6 ASG appearances. Hardly a complete disaster and any comparison to Starbury is unfair. I can't say he's mailed it in after getting paid. He's just not worth the 'cap figure', to borrow an NFL term.

I would be very shocked if Derrick Rose didn't play tomorrow. I'm hoping to read in the morning that it will be a 'game time decision.'

Why play now? He's consistently said in many words that he's not ready. Assuming he's sound in mind and body, the Bulls are no doubt a better team than the 2011 version that got smoked by the Heat. But so are the Heat! Although the Bulls could almost certainly use D-Rose now, even for just 20 MPG, I doubt he could get 'in sync' quickly enough for them to pull off a monumental upset.

 

[HendrixFan]

Why play now? He's consistently said in many words that he's not ready. Assuming he's sound in mind and body, the Bulls are no doubt a better team than the 2011 version that got smoked by the Heat. But so are the Heat! Although the Bulls could almost certainly use D-Rose now, even for just 20 MPG, I doubt he could get 'in sync' quickly enough for them to pull off a monumental upset.

If Rose is to play against the Heat, he should have gotten some warmup reps in game against lesser competition. I do hope to see him back, but if he comes back under those circumstances he would be setting himself up for failure.

 

[vi edit]

NBA playoffs are one of my favorite times of the year. So many games to watch and so many of them are excellent battles. Chicago gutted out an incredible series against Brooklyn. Down an MVP, an all star, and their best 1/2 guard defender and they go up 17 points at halftime. Brooklyn should be ashamed. That much talent and payroll..so little to show for it. They made a run after the half, but it was a farce. Chicago wanted it more and ripped it out of the Net's hands in multiple games.

That game last night between OKC and Memphis was a crazy final 30 seconds of action. Durant pulling up for a jumper with 11 seconds left instead of holding on for the last shot almost defies any logic...but it worked.

Re: Derrick Rose. Send him home. Don't even let him travel with the team and show up on the bench. At this point stop any team activities he's been doing and just forget that he's even a member of that team. Kill all of the wishy washy he'll be back/he won't be back and just let the team focus on playing. They've been doing an excellent job so far and playing beyond what they should be able to do. But all of that noise outside the locker room about Derrick coming back and with as depleated as they are they *NEED* another body to come in and give some guys a breather. But it's just all an annoying tease that's frustrated everyone for 2 months now.

 

[fustercluck]

If Rose doesn't come back it's going to really hurt his reputation, whether it's fair or not. They need him to have a chance at beating the heat in a 7 game series. He's not going to put on a uniform and automatically score 40 points or anything but...yeah they need him. Maybe if they bulls are down 0-2 and head back to Chicago he could at least get on the floor for a while and get the crowd to absolutely insane.

 

[Miramonti]

He had a nice start in Phoenix and some quality seasons in Atlanta but I've never thought of him as a superstar. But in fact, he's paid as one of the top few superstars in the game! With JJ and Rudy Gay, they always talk about 'size' and how they can always get their shot off. But analysts forget to add how inefficient too many of those shots are. Johnson was playing hurt (Joakim Noah actually had the same injury), but that begs the question. Why is your hobbled player who's John Starks-cold still in the game firing away airballs?

Not to mention there's a big difference between JJ and say Rashard Lewis. At the time it was signed, Lewis' mega-deal probably was panned more. But the Nets acquired Johnson thinking he'd be the linchpin of their team, while the Hawks were more than glad to get rid of what was universally known as a bad multi-year contract.

OTOH looking at regular season numbers, he's had a solid career with 6 ASG appearances. Hardly a complete disaster and any comparison to Starbury is unfair. I can't say he's mailed it in after getting paid. He's just not worth the 'cap figure', to borrow an NFL term.


Why play now? He's consistently said in many words that he's not ready. Assuming he's sound in mind and body, the Bulls are no doubt a better team than the 2011 version that got smoked by the Heat. But so are the Heat! Although the Bulls could almost certainly use D-Rose now, even for just 20 MPG, I doubt he could get 'in sync' quickly enough for them to pull off a monumental upset.

Johnson has had plenty of moments that display his talent. Overall he is allstar quality, but he fails to come thru when his teams need him most and is no where close to the consistent leader a max player should be. He had a great game against the bulls in the playoffs a couple years ago, but was ineffective in the closeout game (iirc.) Same this year...a great game when it went to triple overtime, but disappeared in game 7. He was ailing, but atleast be a decoy and set others up instead of settling for 3's and bricking them each time. He's also one of those on the nets that's 'too cool for school' and doesn't put all his energy into a game.

And I was wrong about Rose, he's out tonight. Still a "chance" for the series.

 

[Schfifty Five]

As each new article appears on espn about Rose not being ready to come back, the more I am annoyed of him. We get it Rose, you've got some sand in your vag right now. How many different excuses have you given now?

1. Won't come back until you can confidently dunk on your left foot.
2. Won't come back till you are 110% mentally ready.
3. Won't come back b/c your muscle memory isn't there.

....zzzzzzz.......

 

[Atomic Playboy]

As each new article appears on espn about Rose not being ready to come back, the more I am annoyed of him. We get it Rose, you've got some sand in your vag right now. How many different excuses have you given now?

1. Won't come back until you can confidently dunk on your left foot.
2. Won't come back till you are 110% mentally ready.
3. Won't come back b/c your muscle memory isn't there.

....zzzzzzz.......

Better to wait and take it slow than come back too soon and become the next Penny Hardaway. How is Derrick Rose going to help the Bulls at this point? They haven't played with him all year. They're going to change to a completely new offensive scheme going in to face the Heat? I don't think so (although that would be a great way to throw a wrench in the Heat's preparation on defense). Never mind that Rose is going to be rusty. I'm excited for a healthy Derrick Rose to return, but I'm really skeptical that this is the time he should do it. The Bulls aren't beating the Heat regardless of what Rose does (unless he hits LeBron with his car or something).

 

[zerocool84]

If Rose doesn't come back it's going to really hurt his reputation, whether it's fair or not. They need him to have a chance at beating the heat in a 7 game series. He's not going to put on a uniform and automatically score 40 points or anything but...yeah they need him. Maybe if they bulls are down 0-2 and head back to Chicago he could at least get on the floor for a while and get the crowd to absolutely insane.

As each new article appears on espn about Rose not being ready to come back, the more I am annoyed of him. We get it Rose, you've got some sand in your vag right now. How many different excuses have you given now?

1. Won't come back until you can confidently dunk on your left foot.
2. Won't come back till you are 110% mentally ready.
3. Won't come back b/c your muscle memory isn't there.

....zzzzzzz.......

Like already said in this thread, it's too late now to come back. No one can go from not playing for a year to playing in the Playoffs and especially playing against the Heat. He has no chemistry with the players, doesn't know any of their moves, nothing. He doesn't even know himself yet or how explosive he can be. The Bulls have already gone farther than people predicted. No reason for him to come back anymore. He lost his chance during the regular season.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Better to wait and take it slow than come back too soon and become the next Penny Hardaway. How is Derrick Rose going to help the Bulls at this point? They haven't played with him all year. They're going to change to a completely new offensive scheme going in to face the Heat? I don't think so (although that would be a great way to throw a wrench in the Heat's preparation on defense). Never mind that Rose is going to be rusty. I'm excited for a healthy Derrick Rose to return, but I'm really skeptical that this is the time he should do it. The Bulls aren't beating the Heat regardless of what Rose does (unless he hits LeBron with his car or something).

I just want him to stop saying he may or may not come back. Just straight up say, I'm out till next season. He needs to stop giving his fans/teammates false hope.

 

[dbk]

Yeah I don't understand why he's acting like he's unsure when all the reports, based on insider sources, are stating that he's finished. I think most people would be understanding if he decides to NOT play this year.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

I went 7 for 8 on my first round picks; whiffed on Denver (and I also expected the Bulls/Nets to be a boring series, and it was one of the best). A day late and a dollar short, predictions for the 2nd round:

Chicago vs. Miami: Rose doesn't play, it doesn't affect anything. Miami in 5.

Indiana vs. New York: This one has me stumped. I don't know what to expect from the Knicks, but I don't like how they've resorted to isolation play in the postseason so far, completely abandoning the style of play that led them to close out the season on a 16-2 streak. Seeing as how I have the benefit of knowing Indy has already stolen one in New York, I'm taking the Pacers in 6.

Golden State vs. San Antonio: This is a tough match up for San Antonio because the Warriors are FAST. But the Spurs are just too well coached to lose to the plucky upstarts. Golden State is amazing at home, so they may stretch it to 7, but the Spurs win the series.

Memphis vs. OKC: Calling the upset. I don't know if it qualifies as an upset given the injury to Westbrook at this point; it was never going to be easy for OKC, and I fear that injury doomed them. Memphis is bigger, they can get physical, and Durant is going to be exhausted. The Thunder barely won the first game at home, and even if they hold serve in game 2, I don't see them grabbing four wins against the Grizzlies right now.

 

[dbk]

of the 6 i actually picked.. i got all 6 right

Miami in 4: Chicago is too depleted to even have a chance.

Knicks in 6: I think the Knicks can come back from the opening loss. But the biggest reason is because I don't think think the Pacers will be able to keep JR Smith and Melo down for the entire series. Also, the NBA won't let them. I suspect that the refereeing will be considerably different in Game 2.

San Antonio in 5: Too veteran, too much depth, too much Pop. Spurs can match GSW in outside shooting with their underrated shooters. The key for GSW, besides needing Steph Curry to blowup, is for Bogut to dominate Duncan. I think it'll go the other way. Tim Ducan is playing with young legs this season (Deer Antler?!). Just look at the roster on the Spurs. GSW will not be able to handle Manu, Parker, and Leonard... Greene, Bonner spotting up.. just too much

Grizzlies in 7: Once Westbrook went down, Thunder lost the edge in this matchup. They were lucky to pull out the win in Game 1. Grizzlies will wear them out in this series. I was disappointed in seeing Tayshaun Prince covering KD. It should be Tony Allen, Allen does all the little things to disrupt. Tayshaun plays D by the book - plus he could not solve the dribble pop jumpers from KD. Reaction time was just too slow.