Series Thread: ECF: Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavs

[Gman]

LeBron is getting older, that's all...

One of the things I respect the most about James is the work he obviously puts in... that guy is in phenomenal shape. Kudos to him for that.

But Father Time is undefeated... James just can't give 110% in all phases of the game the way he used to... so, yeah, the defense has suffered in a noticeable way.

James can still come through in spurts on that end, though.

 

[GNG]

All that needs to be said. Talent is usually the ultimate factor in the NBA in terms of being able to win. You think just because the Celtics are beating a really bad Cavs team that it would translate to the Finals should they advance. That's the very definition of dumb.

 

[Heatles84]

So you have no rebuttal. Shocker.

 

[BigKen]

So how many years left until LeBron James Jr declares? Asking for an organization.

IF he's not 6'8" 265 then he'll be declaring hi8mself eligible for the Army.

 

[trojanfan12]

Yeah 74th was too low since he's 4th all time. Hid defense is still quite good except that he doesn't always put full effort on each play. Probably because he is 33 and playing more minutes than anyone else in basketball.

Yeah, Lebron can still be an elite defender, but at 33 and with the miles he has on him, he can't be an elite defender all game long. Has to pick his spots now so he can save his energy for offense.

 

[Myles]

 

[Heatles84]

LeBron is getting older, that's all...

One of the things I respect the most about James is the work he obviously puts in... that guy is in phenomenal shape. Kudos to him for that.

But Father Time is undefeated... James just can't give 110% in all phases of the game the way he used to... so, yeah, the defense has suffered in a noticeable way.

James can still come through in spurts on that end, though.

And that's all I'm saying. It's not an insult to Lebron to say he's in a steady decline.

 

[Carnzo]

I'm not counting King James out but I like what I'm seeing by the Celts.
The kids are amazing me.

 

[Wamu]

I'm not counting King James out but I like what I'm seeing by the Celts.
The kids are amazing me.

I'm happy the Celtics got both games in Boston. But LeBron's a freak & it wouldn't surprise me if the series is tied up after 4 games. I just hope the Celtics can get 1 of the next 2. I don't want the series to be tied up when they return to the Garden.

 

[gordontrue]

I'm sure Kyrie doesn't mind and is enjoying watching his team's success... but there's something a little funny about Kyrie feeling under appreciated on the Cavs and wanting to go be the man somewhere - and then the Cavs and Celtics both make it to the ECF just fine without him.

 

[gordontrue]

I'm happy the Celtics got both games in Boston. But LeBron's a freak & it wouldn't surprise me if the series is tied up after 4 games. I just hope the Celtics can get 1 of the next 2. I don't want the series to be tied up when they return to the Garden.

Yeah, I think I'd actually give the Cavs the edge if they get it back to 2-2, even though Boston would still have HCA.

Celtics, of course will have the very clear edge if they win either of the next 2.

 

[BigKen]

Heatles84 said: ↑
All that needs to be said. Talent is usually the ultimate factor in the NBA in terms of being able to win. You think just because the Celtics are beating a really bad Cavs team that it would translate to the Finals should they advance. That's the very definition of dumb.


Well, the Cavs aren't all that bad.......they did beat the Pacers and Raptors to get into this match with Celtics. As far as the Celtiucs are concerned, they have their two "best" players out. Worst case.....Celtics will take the Warriors to 7 games and they will all be within 3 points. Best case, the Celtics beat the Warriors in 6 or 7 by 2-3 points or the Warriors will take out the C's in 5 by 8-10 each.

IN MY OPINION..................If the Celtics get to the finals with the either the Rockets or the Warriors, Every game will be exhausting for both teams and whoever wins will be celebrating the series is over and not the championship.

 

[trojanfan12]

I'm not counting King James out but I like what I'm seeing by the Celts.
The kids are amazing me.

Hayward goes down for the year, then they lose Kyrie for the year. Would have been easy to use the "we're missing our 2 best players" excuse.

Instead, Stevens accelerated the learning curve for the youngsters and they've responded. Maybe even better than Stevens thought they would.

They're also making the Raptors look even worse for getting swept by the Cavs.

 

[gordontrue]

Heatles84 said: ↑
All that needs to be said. Talent is usually the ultimate factor in the NBA in terms of being able to win. You think just because the Celtics are beating a really bad Cavs team that it would translate to the Finals should they advance. That's the very definition of dumb.


Well, the Cavs aren't all that bad.......they did beat the Pacers and Raptors to get into this match with Celtics. As far as the Celtiucs are concerned, they have their two "best" players out. Worst case.....Celtics will take the Warriors to 7 games and they will all be within 3 points. Best case, the Celtics beat the Warriors in 6 or 7 by 2-3 points or the Warriors will take out the C's in 5 by 8-10 each.

IN MY OPINION..................If the Celtics get to the finals with the either the Rockets or the Warriors, Every game will be exhausting for both teams and whoever wins will be celebrating the series is over and not the championship.

I'm still focused on the Cavs finding a way to get to the Finals... BUT if its the Celtics... I wouldn't put anything past this BOS team. Watching this defense go up against the Warriors would be interesting.

 

[Wamu]

Yeah, I think I'd actually give the Cavs the edge if they get it back to 2-2, even though Boston would still have HCA.

Celtics, of course will have the very clear edge if they win either of the next 2.

I agree w/ you. But LeBron's LeBron & in a weird way I kinda expect him to put the Cavs on his shoulders again & tie this series up.

 

[Wamu]

Hayward goes down for the year, then they lose Kyrie for the year. Would have been easy to use the "we're missing our 2 best players" excuse.

Instead, Stevens accelerated the learning curve for the youngsters and they've responded. Maybe even better than Stevens thought they would.

They're also making the Raptors look even worse for getting swept by the Cavs.

Do you think the Raptors have to change the roster up for next year?

 

[trojanfan12]

I'm still focused on the Cavs finding a way to get to the Finals... BUT if its the Celtics... I wouldn't put anything past this BOS team. Watching this defense go up against the Warriors would be interesting.

Yeah, when I first saw @BigKen post I thought..."I want some of what he's smoking. The Warriors are a different animal."

Then I thought about it for a minute and the Celtics are quick enough and athletic enough to be able to switch everything and stay with the Warriors.

So he may be right about how the series plays out if we see it.

 

[FSU rules]

should go back tied to the TD Garden unless Brown completely plays out of his mind.

 

[gordontrue]

unless Brown completely plays out of his mind.

Which at this point wouldn't surprise me

 

[trojanfan12]

Do you think the Raptors have to change the roster up for next year?

Hard to say. It depends on if they think Casey was really the problem. I might be inclined to see what they can do next year with a new coach.

On the other hand though, next year the Celtics should be healthy and the Sixers will be better for the experience they got this year, so they are looking at being, at best, the 3rd best team in the East with a decent sized gap between them and the top 2 teams.

And the top 2 teams are young. Looking at it like that, they may want to have a fire sale, gather as many assets as they can and start over.