|
|
Post by dandayr on Jul 31, 2020 22:27:56 GMT
I'm most excited, to the extent that I may watch it live rather than tape. Having said that, I'm a little worried that maybe it'll be an anti-climax, largely because of the lack of crowds and the often-consequential intensity. In a desperado-fashion I tried watching some of the WNBA but it was even more uninspiring than I can remember when I viewed it pre-lockdown. what did you decided - anti-climax or ok with it? maybe its novelty - but having just watched the UTA v NOP game on the replay on mix tonight, I found it more watchable than normal. Thought there were less distractions to it and easier to the eye. Great having the 2m spacing round the court and not all those rich chairs right up to the court lines. Jst feels you are more focussed on the court and can see more of the game (makes no sense, but its how it feels). Plus the 'arena' commentator and music noise is so much lower and less of a distraction - sometimes watching NBA the arena music and chants becomes a tv turnoff to me (prob an age thing!). I will watch the games I can on mix and any they put on sky youtube |
|
|
|
Post by massiveridersfan on Aug 1, 2020 7:44:47 GMT
Loving watching so many games and the increased number of cameras means replays/reviews are even better.
|
|
|
|
Post by Solly on Aug 1, 2020 12:16:24 GMT
I'm most excited, to the extent that I may watch it live rather than tape. Having said that, I'm a little worried that maybe it'll be an anti-climax, largely because of the lack of crowds and the often-consequential intensity. In a desperado-fashion I tried watching some of the WNBA but it was even more uninspiring than I can remember when I viewed it pre-lockdown. what did you decided - anti-climax or ok with it? maybe its novelty - but having just watched the UTA v NOP game on the replay on mix tonight, I found it more watchable than normal. Thought there were less distractions to it and easier to the eye. Great having the 2m spacing round the court and not all those rich chairs right up to the court lines. Jst feels you are more focussed on the court and can see more of the game (makes no sense, but its how it feels). Plus the 'arena' commentator and music noise is so much lower and less of a distraction - sometimes watching NBA the arena music and chants becomes a tv turnoff to me (prob an age thing!). I will watch the games I can on mix and any they put on sky youtube
dandayr - was certainly watchable, aided by the Lakers Clippers battle as one of the early matches.
While there was a lot of artifice such as the noise and those novel, but rather odd, sudden video appearances of 'fans' (rugby league have been offering personalised cardboard cutouts at every game for £50 total, can't imagine the NBA equivalent is any less than that for just a single match), it all seemed to fit together well. The players didn't seem unduly affected by the difference in atmosphere and still seemed to putting in shifts as they were doing pre-covid.
I have to say I didn't feel totally comfortable seeing Rudy Gobert having such fun out there. I know he has 'apologised', and, as a first-time covid-offender maybe he needs to be given a second chance, but it still gave me unease seeing a multi-millionaire so easily forgiven.
Soccer players over here can kill someone, serve a prison sentence and when released watch teams scramble for their services just because they score goals. I guess the NBA have similar ethics.
|
|
|
|
Post by connors on Aug 1, 2020 13:30:53 GMT
Bit harsh equating Gobert to a killer. He was a twat and he got rightly hammered in media and by his team mates. A lot of accounts suggest Mitchell has not forgiven him at all.
Not sure he got off that lightly to be honest.
By the way-what footballer are you talking about or was that a hypothetical scenario you outlined?
|
|
|
|
Post by Solly on Aug 1, 2020 13:43:46 GMT
By the way-what footballer are you talking about or was that a hypothetical scenario you outlined? Lee Hughes - 6-year sentence in 2004. |
|
|
|
Post by connors on Aug 2, 2020 6:27:12 GMT
My initial thoughts on NBA return are -
The games are decent!
Players seem to be taking it to the hole a lot more and relying on 3s less ......at least in the games I’ve watched.
Seems teams aren’t using as many small ball line ups at the moment.
I like the virtual crowd and crowd noise.
The announcers are clearly impacted by the lack of buzz from the crowd.
The Clips are deep but they need Williams and Harrell back.
Noah is proof that if you can play you can play!
|
|
|
|
Post by Solly on Aug 5, 2020 19:11:54 GMT
Am really enjoying the number of games Sky are now showing. But I do hope that they get back good viewing stats and so continue the contract. Am currently watching Jazz (esp. Mitchell) vs Grizz (esp. Morant) but am already being irritated by the number of stoppages. The Nets upsetting the (without Giannis after HT) Bucks early last evening was thrilling, but the length of time it took to play out the final couple of minutes was outrageous. Multiple time outs, coaches' challenges, and the refs taking all day to hand the ball over to inbound, really got my goat  It becomes increasingly difficult to deflect Mrs S's cries of "Can't we watch something else" when I appear mendacious for saying "Won't be long now, there's only a few seconds to go"... |
|
|
|
Post by dandayr on Aug 5, 2020 20:16:12 GMT
yep the number of stoppages seemed a lot - then I remembered last season I had watched more college than NBA so had probably just forgot how many stoppages there are.
I only have sky sports mix - but have set the box to record any NBA on it. Already started to delete the live ones and will just watch the reply versions as they have cut out the stoppages and saves me fast forwarding every couple of minutes.
|
|
|
|
Post by massiveridersfan on Aug 10, 2020 6:09:19 GMT
There have been some great games recently - loving being able to watch a couple of games every day. From famine to feast. Going to miss it when it concludes.
|
|
|
|
Post by connors on Aug 10, 2020 15:28:04 GMT
Its a shame there are not as many NBA fans on here as there once were.
The race for the 8th spot in the West in quite interesting now with the "play in" almost guaranteed. All that is in doubt is who it will be betweenn.
Current 8th seed Memphis have been in terrible form in the bubble. The team with the worst overall record that still have a chance is the Suns...unbeaten in the bubble! Just shows how everything has been changed in this strange situation.
I like the play in. If the 8th seeded team wins it they are through. If 9th seeded team wins it they have to play again and win that too. Fairly neat solution in my books.
Currently I would fancy any of the "other" 3 teams over the Grizzlies. The Blazers are fit and have Lillard and revitalised Melo's experience to call on. The Spurs have the great Pop steering them. The Suns are on fire behind Booker. I can see these teams all winning two in a row against Grizzly Grizzlies.
Glad I got that off my chest!!
|
|
|
|
Post by thetriplethreatcoach on Aug 11, 2020 7:24:52 GMT
Its a shame there are not as many NBA fans on here as there once were. The race for the 8th spot in the West in quite interesting now with the "play in" almost guaranteed. All that is in doubt is who it will be betweenn. Current 8th seed Memphis have been in terrible form in the bubble. The team with the worst overall record that still have a chance is the Suns...unbeaten in the bubble! Just shows how everything has been changed in this strange situation. I like the play in. If the 8th seeded team wins it they are through. If 9th seeded team wins it they have to play again and win that too. Fairly neat solution in my books. Currently I would fancy any of the "other" 3 teams over the Grizzlies. The Blazers are fit and have Lillard and revitalised Melo's experience to call on. The Spurs have the great Pop steering them. The Suns are on fire behind Booker. I can see these teams all winning two in a row against Grizzly Grizzlies. Glad I got that off my chest!! New member here, big NBA fan! The restart has been strange to watch, but for the first time, with all the games being in Orlando they tip off at a reasonable time here. I purchased league pass for the remaining 2 months to catch as much of it as I can (serious withdrawal symptoms beforehand!) I’m a nuggets fan so it’s hit and miss for me! But enjoying seeing what tactics coaches have to consider in terms of rotations, minutes restrictions, resting players etc! Phoenix are unreal at the moment, they deserve to sneak in! Grizzlies losing JJJ is a huge blow and one they’ll suffer for inevitably. |
|
|
|
Post by Solly on Aug 11, 2020 13:35:59 GMT
Great 20pt-odd comeback from the Mavs yesterday vs Jazz.
This has inspired me to have a modest wager on them for the Western Conference, as well as an even-modester wager on the Blazers.
To me, it looks like the Clippers are the team to beat for the whole show.
Lakers look in trouble due to the shortness of their bench. Lebron will undoubtedly wring everything out of his ageing body in the playoffs, but he can't keep doing it alone at the guard position. And when Javel McGee is a starter, and Dwight Howard is coming off the bench, then its definitely a case of barrel and scraping.
I've also put a very modest wager on the Pacers to win in the East. Bucks are way out in front, but put too much on Giannis. Raptors of course have the over-achieving Nurse to spur them on, but that won't quite be enough to keep refilling the well. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2020 13:45:13 GMT
Blimey! really? I love my Mavs. Luka is everything I thought he'd be, and more. But the idea of getting through Clippers and Lakers? Maybe next year. The win "at" Utah , was great, probably meaningless but very enjoyable. Saturday's win against Bucks was far, far better with a nice "little" Luka triple-double. |
|
|
|
Post by edware on Aug 11, 2020 16:48:02 GMT
From a purely selfish point of view I am loving the bubble and being able to watch the games at a reasonable hour.
How about them Suns? Watched them crush OKC last night- have been the form team since the restart. They have been really fun to watch.
|
|
|
|
Post by connors on Aug 12, 2020 11:12:20 GMT
Wow - this is almost like a forum for NBA fans :-)
Coaches resting anyone after the hiatus is quite laughable in my books. Why they cannot play them in some reduced capacity is beyond me. Rustiness and rhythm must surely be more critical factors than tiredness at present. They had a month of "pre-season".......
I agree the Clippers look the best squad if they have all their parts back in the bubble and willing/able to play. These are not givens with some of their players including their main man Kawhi. However I just have a sneaky feeling Lebron will once again raise his game and drag AD with him.
I can see Portland getting the number 8 seed now and holding on to it. Phoenix are doing well but not sure they are built for playoff success yet. Certainly not beating the Lakers in 7 in an epic round 1 upset.
What the NBA needs though is more Bookers and Lillards. Those gunners who just get hot and stay hot! Dame Dollar is 10th now in 50pt games all time. There are only seriously bad dudes on the list above him (well and James Harden).
|
|
|
|
Post by connors on Aug 16, 2020 8:15:43 GMT
What a superb game the play in contest was. Proper knock out basketball.
Some great performances. Lillard has been ridiculous these last 3 games but he got serious help from CJ and Nurk. In fact the battle between the bigs was really refreshing to see showing that there is more than one way to play the game.
Honestly if you don’t enjoy games like that or watching the likes of Lillard in the zone you don’t like basketball!
There seems to be a growing number of pundits suggesting the Lakers could be upset in round 1. I don’t see it myself although AD will need to regain his pre COVID form quickly.
Lakers are definitely missing Bradley and Rondo more than I thought. Waiters and Smith are not adequate replacements.
Really looking forward to the playoffs now. My Lakers v Bucks finals prediction is looking shaky now though........
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2020 9:43:43 GMT
Interesting words about Chris Finch from David Griffin after he fired Gentry
"Gentry's coaching staff remains employed and includes assistant Chris Finch, who Griffin said will be a head coaching candidate for several teams.
"We feel very strongly about the assistant coaching staff," Griffin said. "Some of those individuals potentially will be head coaching candidates elsewhere — Chris Finch certainly among them. And we feel strongly about Chris. He'll be part of our conversation moving forward. And it's our intention that many of our staffers here will continue with the next regime in some form."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2020 9:47:05 GMT
A few thoughts daveballblog.wordpress.comI thibk the NBA have done a great job. Bit surprised there's not a couple of playoff games today, though |
|
|
|
Post by Solly on Aug 16, 2020 12:25:33 GMT
Yes Lilliard has been driving everyone on.
And I thought that Melo was washed up, but he seems to have found a good fit in Portland.
Lakers could be vulnerable if Lebron & Davis have to carry too much load. Or maybe I'm being fanciful cos I've managed to get a few quid on them (for the Western Conference) at whopping odds of 35/1!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2020 12:49:30 GMT
How did you get that?
|
|
|
|
Post by Solly on Aug 16, 2020 13:04:50 GMT
On Blazers, not Lakers!
35/1 was available prior to them making the play-in match.
25/1 is still out there, probably cos everyone thinks Lakers will wallop them.
but Blazers have a deeper starting five with Lillard, McCollum, Nurkic & Melo - a big 4 players vs Lakers only having a big 2
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2020 13:40:34 GMT
|
|
jumbo
Bench Player
Posts: 158 
|
Post by jumbo on Aug 16, 2020 18:11:25 GMT
I follow the Blazers. Delighted but not surprised that we made it through. Couldn't see Dame letting us miss the play-offs. He's just been on a different level.
First time I've watched anything other than highlights of Morant. He looks really good. Reminds me a bit of Derrick Rose when he first came in to the league. Super explosive. Great finisher. If he can consistently knock down the 3 he will be pretty unstoppable. Like the Grizz in general. Brandon Clarke looks a good young player. Same with Brooks. Add in Jaren Jackson Jr and that's four good pieces. Not sure what's going to happen with the cap or what their situation is but with their top players all being on rookie deals they will surely have the space to add a key player or two at some point in the next year or two. They could be really dangerous if they get it right. Suppose it depends who is available, would they go to the Grizz, and is the money there to pay them long term or will they be thinking about big contracts needed in the future to their current guys.
The west in general is going to be even more stacked. You have the 8 teams that made the play offs this year with 7/8th seeds looking up not down. Plus the Grizz and the Pelicans coming through. Be interesting to see what the Suns do next year too. Then there's the Warriors. Going to be some seriously good teams missing the playoffs next year.
|
|
|
|
Post by edware on Aug 17, 2020 5:47:39 GMT
The West is indeed stacked. It got me thinking about why there always seems to be a huge imbalance between the conferences. I know there have been a fair few championship teams out the East, but generally speaking the west is always much more competitive overall. Are the organisations just better run in the west?
The argument for ditching conferences is a strong one. I want to see the best teams in the play offs, not the magic or whoever get blitzed in 4 games.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2020 8:08:32 GMT
This was a golden opportunity to alter the play offs. But I guess the eastern franchises block it and will always do so.
|
|
