OKC playing some mixed basketball at the minute, not the time to be dropping form really. Opposite to the Clippers, who seem to have upped their game recently (13 out of 15 I think?).
Either way, there's a couple of great first round series at the minute, Miami-Knicks will be interesting, and Clippers-Grizzlies.
On another note, who reckons Dwight signed his 1 year extension cos he knew a big injury was imminent! He's getting traded this summer, without doubt.
Joined: Mar 07 2007 Posts: 7121 Location: Warrington
inside_man wrote:OKC playing some mixed basketball at the minute, not the time to be dropping form really. Opposite to the Clippers, who seem to have upped their game recently (13 out of 15 I think?).
Either way, there's a couple of great first round series at the minute, Miami-Knicks will be interesting, and Clippers-Grizzlies.
On another note, who reckons Dwight signed his 1 year extension cos he knew a big injury was imminent! He's getting traded this summer, without doubt.
Of course he's getting traded, unless the Magic can somehow land a superstar to pair with him, they really don't stand a chance of keeping him. I imagine they managed to worm their way with him, basically saying give us time so we can get something in return, which seems fair enough. They'll know New Jersey will be desperate this summer, so they could get Brooks and Lopez + a draft pick or two in return for Dwight, but whether NJ will let those two go remains to be seen.
The Clippers are playing better but they just don't pose enough threats for me. Paul and Williams are the only players who seem to attack the rim, Young, Butler and even Foye take too many jump shots. The Clippers rely hugely on three pointers, if they have an off night shooting you won't see them win many games. For me, if they are to beat the Grizzlies, Blake and Jordan will have to tighten up on defence, whilst Butler, Young and Foye need to do more than wait on the wing for looks, they need to take on the defence and open up looks for Blake and Jordan. I've said before, they'll do well to get out of the first round, purely because they don't defend well enough and they don't pose enough questions offensively. They rarely go clear when they're in dominant spells, they always do just enough to win.
As for the Thunder, I think they'll be fine come playoff time. Big players rise to the occasion and Durant will definitely rise, the only problem will be Westbrook and his shooting. When he has off nights, he doesn't just accept it, he will keep trying and he'll end up with games shooting two from thirteen. Westbrook has to become the playmaker and score when needed, not when he wants to, IMO.
Joined: Mar 07 2007 Posts: 7121 Location: Warrington
Galloping Ghost wrote:It seems you were spot on r.e Westbrook pal, horrible shooting night against the Lake show on sunday night.
Horrendous, wasn't it? Did you see him take the 3 at the buzzer in the 4th? He's played so well this season and I really thought he was better than he was this time last season, but he cost the Thunder in the playoffs last year and if he carries on like that, he'll cost them this year.
He's a volume shooter, which I don't mind, but when he's continually taking pull up jump shots when he has Durant and Harden on his team, it's just stupid. It's like he goes into scoring mode and refuses to make plays for others, which is an awful mentality to have in your point guard. Durant, for me, will have to step up and put him in his place come playoff time. If I was Brooks, I'd consider making Harden the no. 2 option if Russell carries on.
Joined: Feb 09 2011 Posts: 375 Location: The Friendly Confines
Roddy B wrote:Horrendous, wasn't it? Did you see him take the 3 at the buzzer in the 4th? He's played so well this season and I really thought he was better than he was this time last season, but he cost the Thunder in the playoffs last year and if he carries on like that, he'll cost them this year.
He's a volume shooter, which I don't mind, but when he's continually taking pull up jump shots when he has Durant and Harden on his team, it's just stupid. It's like he goes into scoring mode and refuses to make plays for others, which is an awful mentality to have in your point guard. Durant, for me, will have to step up and put him in his place come playoff time. If I was Brooks, I'd consider making Harden the no. 2 option if Russell carries on.
I think alot of it comes down to him not being a natural two guard. I don't think he makes palyers around him better, compare him to Rose for example, he can take over a game but also get his teamates involved.
Joined: Mar 07 2007 Posts: 7121 Location: Warrington
Galloping Ghost wrote:I think alot of it comes down to him not being a natural two guard. I don't think he makes palyers around him better, compare him to Rose for example, he can take over a game but also get his teamates involved.
You mean natural point guard? For me, he's just overly confident in his own abilities when he shouldn't be. There are two better scorers on the team, Harden is also a better playmaker but it's almost like Westbrook is trying to prove a point that isn't needed. He is a class player, but when he's off song, he has to give it to Harden or Durant.
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