NBA basketball...................... (1 Viewer)

[tdubel]

At this stage of my life I rarely root for any particular professional team. I enjoy watching talented athletes and especially those with good character and strong work ethics. A great athlete = good genetics, good coaching, good training, a strong work ethic and motivation. Sure there are teams that play well together, have chemistry and a great coach...that is exciting and rewarding to watch.
But with so much depending on money and getting the "superstars" it has taken the fun out of cheering for a local team. The politics are annoying as well. Its their right to protest and pontificate but I watch sports to escape the crazy political and economic times we live in. I can watch 24 hours of news to get angry, depressed and disillusioned if that's what I want.
Having played many sports myself in High School and college I honestly enjoyed the game and effort more than the outcome. When my friends get depressed or elated from a local team's standing I tend to laugh it off and tell them to get a life!
No offense to those who love their teams and get an "escape" from watching them.
Of course I do get somewhat patriotic when I watch a USA team or athlete in the Olympics but I still appreciate the individual performers.

These athletes make a lot of money and have the thrill of being pros so I can't feel sorry when they lose a game or championship.
Injuries are part of the game and those teams that can stay healthy by luck or good training get what they deserve. Having a deep bench
and a great coach is part of making a team successful.

Enjoy the games!

Rich,
Thank you for saying this much more eloquently than I could. I agree, I am not introducing politics, I am saying exactly what you are. It is entertainment and my point was exactly what you said, it is supposed to be a life escape, the last thing I care about honestly is what Politics Steve Kerr believes in, I think that should be checked at the door or use your own personal platform, not the NBA and the public that watches it!

I watch sports for fun, do I get po'd when Pittsburgh loses, surely, but it is still sports and life goes on. They get paid a lot to entertain the public, and that for the most part they do and I am grateful for it and enjoy it, whether my team wins or not, if you love sports, they are still fun to watch any team and that includes the Patriots, or the Yankees or any other perennial winner that is not my team.

And to both George and Brad, you guys have been sports fans long enough, injuries, referees, bad coaching, good coaching, it is all part of it, 99.9% of the time, at the end of the game, the team with the best score wins and they are the BEST at that moment in time which is all that matters. I learned this early on in life when probably, arguably one of the greatest college basketball teams of all time - the UNLV Runnin Rebels 1991 LOST to Duke. They were not the best team that year, Duke won fair and square when it mattered most - the Championship.

TD

 

[tdubel]

agreed...

the best group of healthiest players won...
not the best team...

had GS been 100%...
even 80%...

5 maybe 6 games and they would have won...

Skin this cat anyway anybody wants to post here, the best team won, the best team is the team that is the Champions. As stated previously, injuries, referees, any number of 100 different variables always goes into it. And at the end of every game in any sport, the team that wants it most usually wins, they somehow find a way to win. Golden State almost did it or at least forced a Game 7, but they didn't, next year will come soon enough and I am sure they will still be a force to be reckoned with. It is a disservice to the sport to think anything else, Toronto deserves respect for being the Champions, at the end of the day, that is the only stat that is going into the records books, there are no asterisks.

TD

 

[Warrior]

I learned this early on in life when probably, arguably one of the greatest college basketball teams of all time - the UNLV Runnin Rebels 1991 LOST to Duke. They were not the best team that year, Duke won fair and square when it mattered most - the Championship.

TD

Man, you had to bring that up? LOVED that UNLV team...………………..what a shame.

 

[tdubel]

Man, you had to bring that up? LOVED that UNLV team...………………..what a shame.

Yup, I did too.

Also after speaking with both you and Brad privately, I get it. I hope you both understood my replies and my own reaction, I have no skin in either of these finals, it was a view point of generic fan, they were exciting games.

And Brad, no politics from me on this one, my dig at Steve Kerr was actually meant to be the opposite point and Rich stated it better than I did.

TD

 

[Warrior]

Yup, I did too.

Also after speaking with both you and Brad privately, I get it. I hope you both understood my replies and my own reaction, I have no skin in either of these finals, it was a view point of generic fan, they were exciting games.

And Brad, no politics from me on this one, my dig at Steve Kerr was actually meant to be the opposite point and Rich stated it better than I did.

TD

Understood; glad we talked about it and you understanding how much skin I had in one of those games.

Sports for me is entertainment, just like TV shows, movies, concerts, theater, what I love/HATE about it the most is there is no script, it just plays out and whatever happens happens.

I have a group of about 12 friends who get together for Patriots games on Sundays and playoff/championship games as well. We have a lot of fun, the comedy, the joy and the sadness (along with a lot of F bombs), a whole range of emotions week to week and game to game. I've got a lot of great memories that I've shared with that group, so we all enjoy sports very much, for those who don't enjoy sports or don't get it, I haven't the time or inclination to explain it to you.

Growing up I played sports to a high degree; baseball into my late 20's/early 30's, football and hockey up through high school, I also have a lot of great childhood memories with my late Father and Uncle, my Dad took me to a lot of Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins games, he snuck me and my friends into a lot of games too, as a Boston Police officer he did details at key games and would get me in to see them, my late Uncle worked as the head of security at the old Garden as well. To be able to call my Dad after the 2002 Super Bowl and the 2004 WS and share that joy with him will be something I'll take to my grave, sports is the thread that binds.

Games like game 7 the other night suck, they leave a mark, they eat at you; as I explained to you, that loss easily goes into my top 5 all time Boston sports losses, it's gonna leave a mark, nothing I can do about it, monumentally annoying, as I write this three days later, I am still pissed off over it; that game and the 2008 Super Bowl are two of the worst sports experiences of my life, instead of going to a parade today with my friends, I get to sit here and fume.

I try to put things into perspective, this too shall pass.

Like a kidney stone.

And that's going out a different hole.

 

[nysoldiers]

Today I watched my seven year old grandson strike out on a very bad ump call. He was very upset and maybe embarrassed as well. I told him that bad calls and bad swings are part of the game.
Still its a great learning experience that life throws good pitches and bad pitches at you. You learn to deal and move on, try harder next time, practice more and realize life is not perfect.
I understand the social and emotional aspects of being a sports fan. My dad took me to the old Madison Square Garden in NYC to see the Rangers and Knicks. We were originally Brooklyn Dodgers fans and then the NY Mets.
I vividly remember Maris and Mantle slugging it out for the home run record and I had tears in my eyes when the US Olympic hockey team beat the Russians.
Its just hard for me to link my happiness to a team of professional athletes whose main loyalty is to the almighty dollar.
But everyone makes their own enjoyment and that's the way it should be. I also enjoy the memories so that's a good thing!

 

[jazzeum]

At this stage of my life I rarely root for any particular professional team. I enjoy watching talented athletes and especially those with good character and strong work ethics. A great athlete = good genetics, good coaching, good training, a strong work ethic and motivation. Sure there are teams that play well together, have chemistry and a great coach...that is exciting and rewarding to watch.
But with so much depending on money and getting the "superstars" it has taken the fun out of cheering for a local team. The politics are annoying as well. Its their right to protest and pontificate but I watch sports to escape the crazy political and economic times we live in. I can watch 24 hours of news to get angry, depressed and disillusioned if that's what I want.
Having played many sports myself in High School and college I honestly enjoyed the game and effort more than the outcome. When my friends get depressed or elated from a local team's standing I tend to laugh it off and tell them to get a life!
No offense to those who love their teams and get an "escape" from watching them.
Of course I do get somewhat patriotic when I watch a USA team or athlete in the Olympics but I still appreciate the individual performers.

These athletes make a lot of money and have the thrill of being pros so I can't feel sorry when they lose a game or championship.
Injuries are part of the game and those teams that can stay healthy by luck or good training get what they deserve. Having a deep bench
and a great coach is part of making a team successful.

Enjoy the games!

If you don’t root for any particular team, then I’m wondering why you’re even taking the time to post here. The people who post in the sports threads have been fans of their local teams since they were children and will probably root for them until they fade away.

The athletes do make a lot of money but they have a skill that, rightly or wrongly, is prized by society. I never begrudge them what they earn because they worked hard to get there and their careers are short. It certainly doesn’t bother me what they make as long as the owners are financially responsible. When you owned your own business, did you not strive to get every last dollar that you could. I’m sure you didn’t leave money on the table.

Of course, we only have rooting interests and it’s not life or death but do you not care for what interests you. I know I don’t approach interests with a laissez faire approach.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

So why did GSW lose. It wasn't just injuries. The GSW were good enough to win against the Clippers and the Rockets. But they also a weak bench even compared to previous years. Key role players from years past like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston didn't contribute much this year. The bench of Jordan Bell, Jonas Jerebko, Quinn Cook and Alfonzo McKinnie were no match for the Raptors bench. Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka added to the both the defence and offence. VanVleet was essential to defending Stephen Curry and also hit crucial 3-pointers in the series. Except for Curry and Thompson the GSW were terrible at 3 point shooting. And Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry had great series and led the team.

Terry

 

[Combat]

I didn't even realize Toronto had an NBA team until the finals. But congrats to them. Leonard is a real beast. To think they should have lost to the Sixers except for his miracle four bounce three pointer to win game seven. That was a Jordan-like game winner for the ages.

 

[jazzeum]

So why did GSW lose. It wasn't just injuries. The GSW were good enough to win against the Clippers and the Rockets. But they also a weak bench even compared to previous years. Key role players from years past like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston didn't contribute much this year. The bench of Jordan Bell, Jonas Jerebko, Quinn Cook and Alfonzo McKinnie were no match for the Raptors bench. Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka added to the both the defence and offence. VanVleet was essential to defending Stephen Curry and also hit crucial 3-pointers in the series. Except for Curry and Thompson the GSW were terrible at 3 point shooting. And Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry had great series and led the team.

Terry

The Raptors won because as Tom said they had the best team on the floor. They couldn’t afford to lose both Thompson and Durant. It’s simple as that. In game 3 no Thompson and you saw the result. Game 4 was closer with Thompson but even with one of your best players you’re not going to consistently shut down a team like the Raptors.

Not having both made all the difference. Had both been fully healthy it’s a five game series at most. Injuries happen and that’s the way it goes.

 

[Combat]

The GS injuries remind me a bit of the 1989 NBA Finals. The great Lakers team swept the first three round of the playoffs then lost Byron Scott and Magic Johnson in the finals where they were beaten by the Pistons. A tough way for the Kareem/Magic era to end. Injuries are killers but part of the game like bad calls.

 

[Warrior]

I didn't even realize Toronto had an NBA team until the finals.

This is comedic gold.

Wow, how awesome, Toronto wins the NBA title; how long can Drake walk around with bandages on his Curry/Durant tattoos, we'll have to see I guess.

Last year in hockey, the Capitals finally broke through.

This year, the Charlie Brown/curse of the Bambino Red Sox/curse of the Billy Goat Cubs/"Believeland" Cadavers/Got swept three strait years in the finals St. Louis Blues actually won a Stanley Cup.

I'm going to bet the mortgage for 2020 on The Maple Laughs, 52 years without a cup for them, they're due.

Either that or the Buffalo Sabres………………………….Brad, you are right; needless to say, I need a nice, long break from all things sports for awhile.

 

[jazzeum]

The GS injuries remind me a bit of the 1989 NBA Finals. The great Lakers team swept the first three round of the playoffs then lost Byron Scott and Magic Johnson in the finals where they were beaten by the Pistons. A tough way for the Kareem/Magic era to end. Injuries are killers but part of the game like bad calls.

I had forgotten about that. Injuries happen; you just hope they don’t happen when it matters but sometimes they do.

Moving on, the offseason will be interesting to see where players end up. It’s all a guessing game now.

 

[Warrior]

The GS injuries remind me a bit of the 1989 NBA Finals. The great Lakers team swept the first three round of the playoffs then lost Byron Scott and Magic Johnson in the finals where they were beaten by the Pistons. A tough way for the Kareem/Magic era to end. Injuries are killers but part of the game like bad calls.

Yup, a tough way for it to end, but what a run it was. Magic got the better of Bird for sure, beat him in the NCAA Championship game, then twice in the finals, the one time he lost to him, the Lakers should have won that series too.

He was something else, just a great, great basketball player, a privilege to watch him play the game, the Laker fast break was a sight to see.

 

[jazzeum]

Lakers have made the first strike of the offseason, acquiring Anthony Davis.

 

[Warrior]

Lakers have made the first strike of the offseason, acquiring Anthony Davis.

That didn't take long.

Crown them now.

This has been quite a sports week for me; David Ortiz was shot, the Bruins **** themselves at home in a game 7, the Warriors lost to "We the north" and now LeBron just got gifted another NBA title.

I need a new hobby.

 

[Combat]

Yup, a tough way for it to end, but what a run it was. Magic got the better of Bird for sure, beat him in the NCAA Championship game, then twice in the finals, the one time he lost to him, the Lakers should have won that series too.

He was something else, just a great, great basketball player, a privilege to watch him play the game, the Laker fast break was a sight to see.

That was a golden era for the NBA. The Lakers could have won ten or more championships except for the fact that they had to go against Bird and the Celtics, Dr J and the Sixers, and Thomas and the Pistons. All those teams were stacked. And that leaves out the great Jazz teams with Malone and Stockton and Spurs with Gilmore and Gervin, the Rockets with Moses (the sweatiest man in sports) Malone, Ralph Sampson etc. The most underrated player on that Lakers team was James Worthy. He was too fast to be covered by a power forward and too big to be covered by a smaller forward.

 

[mikemiller1955]

Lakers have made the first strike of the offseason, acquiring Anthony Davis.

they gave up the long term future for him...
traded Ball...Hart...and Ingram...
gave 3 future 1st rounders...
and 1 4th rounder...
hope he's worth it...

 

[Combat]

they gave up the long term future for him...
traded Ball...Hart...and Ingram...
gave 3 future 1st rounders...
and 1 4th rounder...
hope he's worth it...

Yes, that is a ton of talent and players to give up. Have to wonder about their depth this year and whether they can sign at least one other big name. And imagine if you trade seven guys for one guy and he gets injured. The Lakers front office has been amateur hour since Jerry Buss passed away. They couldn't make the deal for Davis during the season and screwed up their coaching search. So they had to make a big move from the perspective of their fans.

 

[mikemiller1955]

Yes, that is a ton of talent and players to give up. Have to wonder about their depth this year and whether they can sign at least one other big name. And imagine if you trade seven guys for one guy and he gets injured. The Lakers front office has been amateur hour since Jerry Buss passed away. They couldn't make the deal for Davis during the season and screwed up their coaching search. So they had to make a big move from the perspective of their fans.

Even though it was costly...I think this is the best move for the Lakers...I have been a fan since I was a child and don't think I watched an entire game...start to finish...in the last 5 seasons...

when they got Lebron...I had high hopes that they would be competitive again...but he never seemed to mesh with the coaching and roster...LeBron's injury last season all but made me quit watching them all together...

I want to be a good fan...^&grin....but it's hard to watch your team lose every night...

still...as they were late West Coast games for the most part...when I retired to bed...I tried to suffer through watching them til I fell asleep...and it was brutal...

barring injuries...they should be very competitive this year...