2020 Playoffs: (2) LA Clippers vs. (7) Dallas

[Lamrock]

Buckle up because I have four more of these to make after today's result.

Mavs taking on the Clippers in round 1. In a post-KD Warriors world, the playoffs are wide open, but realistically it's probably going to be one of three teams winning it all: the Lakers, Clippers or Bucks. Right now my money is on the Clippers. They've managed their loads, and are more or less as healthy as they're gonna get. The Mavericks apparently have the best offense of all time but their defense is abysmal. I'll give them a game because Luka will get his calls and KP should give the Clippers trouble, but that's it.

[Kevin]

Mavs in 7 only because I'm scared the Lakers will face off Clips. Probably Clips in 6 though. I believe in Luka Magic

[Andrew]

The Clippers in five hard-fought games.

[[Q]]

Dallas looked really sharp against the Lakers, so I hope that carries over and they take out the Clippers. They also are one of the best teams in my career 2k20 so I hope they live up to the hype

[deihatein]

I'm not optimistic that the Mavs are even making this to a 6. They just don't have an answer to the plethora of scores the Clippers have, plus they can defend Luka really, really well. Plus Carlisle tendency to go small when fucking Zubac is becoming Shaq is gonna be trouble.

On the plus side it's good to see Mavs playoff basketball

[jenz]

I'm just hopeful more than anything else. Mavs in 7.

Whatever happens, I'm excited to witness Luka magic in the playoffs.

[Jeffx]

Damn, Luka Doncic is a bad man. If KP can stay healthy, he & Luka could be a scary duo in the years to come.


Unlike many Knick fans, I don't blame or hate on the kid for wanting out. He knew the deal, and went to a franchise that knows what it's doing. He would have wasted his career in NY.

[Andrew]

Phil Jackson's tenure in the Knicks' front office was a sour end to his NBA career (at least, I'm assuming it's the end). Ironically, he ended up being a worse GM than Jerry Krause ever was, while doing similar things as far as overstepping his bounds. Granted, Phil at least had success as a coach which Krause did not, but he still did to the Knicks' coaches what he despised so much when he was on the sidelines. I think he got the job too late, at a stage in his life when he didn't want to put in the effort with scouting and so forth (and probably couldn't with his health issues). He was probably never going to really throw himself into the job with the full enthusiasm and commitment it required. His general approach ultimately alienated a young star in the making, too. Red Auerbach may have had a point; Phil surpassed him in rings, but Auerbach was still the better architect when it came to spotting talent and building teams.

As for Doncic, he's definitely got the skills to be a star for years to come. It's crazy how people tried to downplay his rookie season.

[Jeffx]

Not just Auerbach, but I'll take Pat Riley over Phil in a heartbeat. Look at what he's done as a coach AND team president. When he came to the Knicks, he didn't try to run showtime..he adjusted to the talent he had. And I'm really impressed with this current Heat team.

Pretty soon, Doncic will be a Top 3 player in the NBA....book it.

[Andrew]

Definitely. Riley may not have as many rings as Phil or Red, but he's still got a handful as a coach, and was shrewd enough as an executive to put together teams that won a couple more while Erik Spoelstra took the reins on the sidelines. He's put in the work in the front office and as you said, adjusted with the times and to the situation.

[jenz]

DAL 2 - Clippers 1 tomorrow, who says no?

Also, this is my 1,000th post. I'd like to thank everyone on this site for contributing to my interests in the NBA, pc gaming and graphic arts.

[Kevin]

That ankle sprain looks bad but he went in again. Probably just adrenaline preventing him from feeling the pain?

No way he plays next game, right?

[Andrew]

Depends if it's as bad as it looks, but if he does play, it's difficult to imagine he won't be hampered by it.

[jenz]

Depends if it's as bad as it looks, but if he does play, it's difficult to imagine he won't be hampered by it.

Welp, this aged like milk Andrew.

[Andrew]

Then I guess it wasn't as bad as it looked?

[Kevin]

40-point triple-double, we're seeing the rise of a possible all-time great here. Meanwhile, Playoff Piss scored 7 points in the 1st quarter and scored only 2 points in the remaining 45 minutes of game time.

[Andrew]

Doncic is special, no question. People are getting ahead of themselves with historical comparisons and forgetting that sustained excellence is also part of being an all-time great - remember, Derrick Coleman was putting up some numbers comparable to Karl Malone for a cup of coffee - but he sure looks like the future of the league.

[Kevin]

Euroleague MVP at 18 (17-18). Rookie of the Year at 19 (18-19). NBA All-Star at 20 (19-20).

Trajectory is going up, no reason to doubt him.

[Andrew]

Where did I doubt him? I'm just saying to pump the brakes on the "all-time greats" talk until his resume is a bit longer.

[deihatein]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I really thought this is just going to be in 5 but credit to Pandemic P. Hoping it's continues

[jenz]

Unfortunately, KP is out again in game 5. This might also be the game PG gets out of his slump. Still hoping for the best.

[Andrew]

Seems George was indeed motivated today.

[Kevin]

Mavs in 7 still in play. Trust me, I've seen the script for this season.

[Andrew]

KP has been ruled out for the rest of the series with a meniscus tear.

[deihatein]

Hello darkness my best friend