NBA 2011-12 Season Thread

[kalorama]

Speaking of Paul, the Clippers could take a 3-1 tonight against the Grizzlies. I think Memphis is psychologically weak and in trouble. Last year they had no expectations and came out and beat the Spurs. This year they were expected to beat the Clippers, and I really think they underestimated the Clippers. Tonight I expect another close game, but unless Memphis digs deep, I see Paul and Griffin dominating and winning this game.

"Psychologically weak" is a bit harsh. They simply lack the most important element that Paul brings to the Clippers, which is veteran playoff leadership. The Grizzlies most veteran players--Randolph and Gay--aren't really take charge leaders and don't have a lot of big game playoff experience. And with Randolph still working his way back from injury and Gay having never actually played in the postseason before, they don't really have a tested and ready go-to player at the end of games who can manufacture points out of nothing. Their most playoff tested guy is Tony Allen, wh'oe always been a role player. Basically, they're young and lack experience.

[streator]

happy to see the knicks extend the series at least one more game. miami's looking like a lock for eastern conference champs at this point, unfortunately.

okc should be able to beat the spurs if they're hitting shots & keeping the pace high. i think either team has a good chance to beat miami in a finals series.

[Dreadstar]

Enh, Miami just wanted to win at home so they could all celebrate at the shawarma joint a couple blocks from the American Airlines Arena.

[Vibranium]

Enh, Miami just wanted to win at home so they could all celebrate at the shawarma joint a couple blocks from the American Airlines Arena.

I honestly would not be surprised if that was the case....

[Libaax]

"Psychologically weak" is a bit harsh. They simply lack the most important element that Paul brings to the Clippers, which is veteran playoff leadership. The Grizzlies most veteran players--Randolph and Gay--aren't really take charge leaders and don't have a lot of big game playoff experience. And with Randolph still working his way back from injury and Gay having never actually played in the postseason before, they don't really have a tested and ready go-to player at the end of games who can manufacture points out of nothing. Their most playoff tested guy is Tony Allen, whose always been a role player. Basically, they're young and lack experience.

They truly lack experience in the playoffs. I watching game 3 and agreed completely with the commentator who couldnt understand why they were shooting jump shots when it was 1-2 minutes left of the game when it was the toughness of Randolph,Gasol that was the only real trouble for Clippers through out the game. Those guys was killing the Clippers on the boards and their moves down the post,big man skills.

Grizzlies should understand its their front court that is the trouble for teams like Clippers and not OJ Mayo,Conley shooting jumpers. They are good team defensivly but they will lose this series because Clippers has more scoring options on the first five, the bench. They get shut down less than Grizzlies are. It is only the horrible turnovers that are given the Grizzlies any chance. They are being outscored with 57% shooting almost every game.

[Hiromi]

Caron Butler comes back and all of a sudden the Clippers can hold a lead through the third quarter, nice.
Another close game though.

[Cavemold]

Cp3 clutch

[Hiromi]

Paul has to be one of if not the best late game players in the NBA right now.

[Libaax]

Paul is immense closer of games, there was so much pressure on him when he doesnt have big shot Billups to help as scorer,PG. He must always handle the ball late in games.

I saw the game today and it was another thriller of mental toughness, runs. Paul was great but Griffin was also great in the first 4 quarters and carried the team when Paul wasnt taking over the game. Clippers has strong role players in Butler and Reggie Evans,Kenyon Martin defence, offensive rebounding. I wonder if they can beat Spurs. Spurs doesnt rebound as well as Memphis.

[The Once And Forever]

Pacers just won the series, feels so fucking fantastic.

It'd be a miracle of miracles if they advanced past the Heat, but this moment is so sweet.

[Hiromi]

Hawks force a game 6, while Boston obviously still holds the advantage in that series I could very well see the Hawks actually coming back in that one, especially since each game in this post season brings some new injury or suspension.

[jesse_custer]

That Hawks/Celtics game had some ugly shooting. Al Horford was the difference for Atlanta; also, Boston was just giving up three-pointers - something they normally don't do. Although the series just got more interesting, I think Boston closes this one at home.

Also, big wins from the Bulls and Nuggets.

[JDogindy]

Pacers just won the series, feels so fucking fantastic.

It'd be a miracle of miracles if they advanced past the Heat, but this moment is so sweet.

At this point in time, I'm glad that we finally won a postseason series for the first time in seven years.

Tonight, Miami is going to get rid of the Knicks, but if New York actually causes a Game 6 to occur, it may actually help the Pacers out by allowing the Indiana/Miami series to possibly go seven games.

[Tuan]

Close out games are easy eh? Well, Mr. B, I guess you found out the hard way. Next time, just shut your yap and play a little harder, okay? Thank you.

[FirestormTheNuclearMan]

Finally the Bulls are able to win a playoff game without Rose. Still need another win In Philly on Thursday to tie the series but Bulls avoid the worst case scenario of winning 0 games without Rose. They pushed the 76ers around, and each time the 76ers would try to decrease the lead the Bulls would answer right back.