2015 NBA Playoffs Thread

[Chris]

I'm not basketball expert, I've followed the sport for far less time than a lot of you, but when I watch NBA games I feel like I routinely see guys taking 3-4 steps to the basket and it's rarely called.

 

[czvo]

I'm not basketball expert, I've followed the sport for far less time than a lot of you, but when I watch NBA games I feel like I routinely see guys taking 3-4 steps to the basket and it's rarely called.

That's because they changed the rule a few years back. The NBA now has a different definition of traveling when compared to Europe or the NCAA. The gather step no longer counts. It used to be, when a guy was dribbling, steps started counting when he picked up his dribble. Now, its the first step AFTER picking up the dribble. To most observers, this looks like a travel... because it is on basically every other level of the game.

This really only applies when a player is on the move though. If they attempt to do this from a standstill position, it will look to obvious, and officials will call it.

 

[czvo]

.

 

[godfather]

I know a lot of folks in here are pissed that the Spurs won, but I wouldn't be concerned, for two reasons:

1. If Parker and Splitter aren't healthy, this team is going to have a hell of a time getting out of the West

and

2. It's a little silly to be concerned about potential finals opponents in the first round.

People are delusional if they think the Spurs are just going to roll over. Barkley last night picked the Spurs to get beaten down, badly, again, and I literally laughed if he really thought that was going to happen. Lose the game? Sure, it wasn't out of the realm, but you don't follow this team very closely, if you think they're just going to get smoked like that in back-to-back games.

Pop is too good of a coach, they have too many veterans on the team that know what to do, how to adjust, and they're never going to panic.

That said, I am sticking with my guns, I think the Clippers will win this series in 7 games. I don't think last night's game was a bad indictment, really on the Clippers. I think the Spurs treated this as a must win game, Duncan had a vintage performance, because the guy is still capable of really bringing it. Spurs had a 10 point lead, the game appeared to be over, and they forced them into overtime.

The test for the Clippers will be if they can be poise enough to go into SA and at least get one game there. Overall, they look a lot quicker and more athletic. And we've seen one thing that does bother the Spurs over the last few years, are teams that are very athletic and fast. So far, they really don't have much of an answer for Blake and DeAndre. That really didn't change much in game 2.

Not extremely confident without a doubt, but still feel pretty good about the Clippers winning this series. But anyone that thought it'd be a walk in the park, don't have a firm grip on reality at the moment.

 

[David.]

Vegas odds are kinda scary. Greatest basketball and math minds our there.. Theyre almost guaranteeing cavs make is to the finals, but almost guaranteeing the Warriors take us out.

5/13 odds we make it in.. Basically 2/1 odds we win it all.
5/7 odds Warriors do.. Even slightly better odds they win it all than we do, even though they have half the chance as we do of making it in.

Not going to do the exact math, but they're a little better than a 2-1 favorite against us if we make it in.. 70% chance of beating us should we play

 

[macbdog]

Vegas odds are kinda scary. Greatest basketball and math minds our there.. Theyre almost guaranteeing cavs make is to the finals, but almost guaranteeing the Warriors take us out.

5/13 odds we make it in.. Basically 2/1 odds we win it all.
5/7 odds Warriors do.. Even slightly better odds they win it all than we do, even though they have half the chance as we do of making it in.

Not going to do the exact math, but they're a little better than a 2-1 favorite against us if we make it in.. 70% chance of beating us should we play

Vegas makes odds that encourage betting, not to necessarily pick the winner. Vegas goal is to break even on the bets n make their cash on the rake. The Cavs we're favored for awhile, inwoyldnt be shocked if the move to favoring the Warriors in response to too many bets on the Cavs to win- simply trying to balance out the bets.

 

[randymoss1881]

If you catch the ball on the move, you get two steps. That's how I understand it, anyway.

Which is the reason a guy like Tristan can catch the ball and take a step or two without dribbling before dunking it. You see guys do this all the time on pick and rolls to the basket.

Ya I thought you can take 2 steps (4 in the nba) but you won't be allowed to dribble after that. Like the TT example after he gets it off the pick&roll he gets his 2 steps but he's not allowed to dribble again.

 

[CavsHomer]

LOL, guys please watch this video. Kawhi Leonard receives his DPY Award, but before, there's a KIA official who also says a few words and he (obviously) uses the word "KIA" quite often, so it even sounds like he says "...Kia Leonard..." (1:13).

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr5h4iI4GiI

 

[Chris]

That's because they changed the rule a few years back. The NBA now has a different definition of traveling when compared to Europe or the NCAA. The gather step no longer counts. It used to be, when a guy was dribbling, steps started counting when he picked up his dribble. Now, its the first step AFTER picking up the dribble. To most observers, this looks like a travel... because it is on basically every other level of the game.

This really only applies when a player is on the move though. If they attempt to do this from a standstill position, it will look to obvious, and officials will call it.

Got it. That makes sense.

 

[KilgoreTrout]

Bucks are a disaster.

 

[czvo]

Rose has looked fantastic tonight.

 

[czvo]

OH MY GOD. The Warriors cannot miss.

 

[randymoss1881]

OH MY GOD. The Warriors cannot miss.

Them dudes don't even need to have control of the ball. It's crazy

 

[PIP]

The Bulls always have 6 on the court when you account for Aaron Brooks' lips...

 

[tocov]

Jesus Milwaukee's offense is horrid.
They are doing an okay job containing but have absolutely no offensive chops. Such a fucking shame.