Series Thread: 2nd Round: 1) Cavs vs 4) Pacers

[Wamu]

Sucks to have 2 series ruined by injuries (Curry, Mitchell) but that's part of the game and part of most titles, healthiest teams have an advantage

Yep. Healthier the team better the chances of winning it all.

And like I've said before injuries suck, especially this time of the season.

 

[ElPatron1]

I don’t see how the Cavs series was ruined by Mitchell injury. He played in all 4 games and they’re down 3-1

It really didn't, but Garland would have likely helped, especially with his speed and mobley for sure. Garland was a liability vs the heat, but was def needed vs the pacers.

As bad as the Cavs have played, outside of the injuries if they just held on to their 8 point lead with 54 seconds the series is tied 2-2

 

[dtgold88]

Wow mathurin gone did not see that coming

Didn't either but guess right call by rule....didn't quite matter, I guess.

 

[dtgold88]

Probably not

But Indy was not going to win this series if they let it get back to Cleveland at 2-2

Odds certainly not with us based on history of sport.....but agree there's a shot IF they are healthy.

But I'll be taking Indiana and ML tonight.

 

[shopson67]

Didn't either but guess right call by rule....didn't quite matter, I guess.

Never really got a good view of what he did. Whatever it was doubled Hunter over and provoked him, but it didn't seem very forceful (no wind up) and wasn't below the belt?

 

[dtgold88]

They are pulling another game 1... hitting everything from 3. I salute them.

Bigger than that was found a way to counter our 3-2 zone. Way too many easy shots by a big right by hoop with smaller guy on him and no help near.

Hopefully, KA can counter their counter.

And, yes, making shots would help, too.

 

[dtgold88]

Never really got a good view of what he did. Whatever it was doubled Hunter over and provoked him, but it didn't seem very forceful (no wind up) and wasn't below the belt?

No idea...but guessing by reaction got him in a spot that hurt/was noticeable. I thought same thing, though, that Hunter would be ejected too if Mathurin was.

 

[shopson67]

Bigger than that was found a way to counter our 3-2 zone. Way too many easy shots by a big right by hoop with smaller guy on him and no help near.

Hopefully, KA can counter their counter.

And, yes, making shots would help, too.

The easy switching in the NBA has gone to extreme levels. When you've got bigs like the Cavs yet have guards covering bigs at the rim, it has gone too far.

 

[shopson67]

No idea...but guessing by reaction got him in a spot that hurt/was noticeable. I thought same thing, though, that Hunter would be ejected too if Mathurin was.

Nah, Hunter was just a two hand shove in retaliation. If he was going to be ejected, then Turner had to be too.

 

[dtgold88]

MR. Cavs fan over here:
- We were out hustled, outplayed, outgunned.. they wanted it more
- Everyone was off, jittery, and not in rhythm.
- I'm a guy who likes to play with percentages. I look like a complete failure in that I was 85% likely the Cavs would continue the train and even the series 2-2. I told many people. I look bad LOL>
- While I hate being down 3-1, I look forward to how our team reacts. It's a good gut check for a young team. Throw them to the wolves and do something legendary. If they go down, they go down swinging. This could be the opportunity to do something great.

sounds about right...in the Cavs forums I'm in the usual overreactions and really no different than last year after Cs series where we need to break up the core 4, rebuild, etc.

It's a bad game - incredibly bad - but we've seen them in playoffs (maybe not quite to this level in first half) by the Cavs and others and some have made you forget about it by the next game. Hell, pretty sure we were rolled in Orlando in games 3 and 4 last year (37 game 3?) and won the series with no Allen, Wade and hobbled DG and DM.

We'll see what we are made of.

 

[dtgold88]

The easy switching in the NBA has gone to extreme levels. When you've got bigs like the Cavs yet have guards covering bigs at the rim, it has gone too far.

True but never saw that as an issue before we went to that 3-2 zone.....which clearly worked in game 3 when Indiana was surprised.

 

[dtgold88]

Nah, Hunter was just a two hand shove in retaliation. If he was going to be ejected, then Turner had to be too.

good point.

 

[dtgold88]

He's likely cost himself some money that's for sure.

 

[dtgold88]

Mitchell could miss game 5 too.

That could be a series ender if he does.

could definitely see winning game 5 without him IF the other guys play and are right. The series without his return? Nope.

 

[dtgold88]

I don’t see how the Cavs series was ruined by Mitchell injury. He played in all 4 games and they’re down 3-1

I agree......missing DG for 2 games hurt them more.....and Mobley/Hunter for another. Or at least Mobley.

 

[dtgold88]

It wasn’t.

But the combination of Mitchell, Garland and Mobley could certainly ruin it.

I think the Cavs win game 2 with Garland and Mobley.

Guess can never be 100% sure....but 99.999% sure you are right about that. Not quite as sure but likely take game 1 with healthy DG, too.

Oh, well.

 

[Sir Robin Of Camelot]

Why is your mother fucking ping pong balls? And why are you over there when she is doing that? This is disturbing

She confused ping pong balls with ben wa balls. Easy mistake.

 

[logic]

She confused ping pong balls with ben wa balls. Easy mistake.

Sounds like you speak from experience.

 

[WiggyRuss]

True but never saw that as an issue before we went to that 3-2 zone.....which clearly worked in game 3 when Indiana was surprised.

I think they only went to the zone because Mobley clearly was hobbling around and they didnt want him and Garland running off screens- the zone allowed them less movement- but was more of a gimmick to catch them off guard for a one-time boost- then a good long term defensive strategy.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Mitchell could miss game 5 too.

That could be a series ender if he does.

even if he plays he is not going to have much mobility- same as Garland. Hunter has a brick for a thumb and cant shoot a 3.....Mobley is doing somewhat better but he wouldnt be playing if he didnt have too. I think its over. They had pretty good injury luck all year and then it all come at once. What a shame.