monsterpile wrote:I started watching the Pistons vs Cavs in the 2nd half. It's no wonder they say that Glen is intrigued with the way the SVG model has worked out there lots of talent to that team that they added. I find myself cheering for the Pistons as the underdog. We will see if Drummond's FT issues becomes a problem down the stretch.
It just sucks how the refs favor the elite teams. The Cavs catch a lot of officiating breaks.
You're right. The genesis of this goes back to 1976 when Julius Erving came into the league and then really took off when Bird and then Magic started playing. Those three teams were talented and happened to be playing in 3 of the largest media markets in the league. Officiating, especially in the playoffs, changed forever. The only way you were going to beat one of these teams was to really knock them out. No lesser market team was going to get a fair shake in a close series. Milwaukee got jobbed just about every year against either Philly or Boston. I bet most of you remember the crime the NBA committed against Sacramento when they lost to the Lakers. But believe it or not, before the late 70's the league really wasn't like this. There was much more integrity. But the David Stern era changed everything, and not so coincidentally the popularity of the NBA exploded. The casual fan came in because they didn't care about specific teams, just that they were entertained. And those marquis teams did plenty of entertaining.
I have to admit that in later years (after MJ retired) Stern made a concerted effort to change things. The league had long since gained immense popularity, and that wasn't going to change. So things today are much more on the up and up compared with the WWE-like charade you had in the 80's. But Lebron and his Cavs are still going to get more calls than Detroit. And as long as the league has mega-stars the issue will continue.
I agree generally that the cavs got some key whistles. But Detroit's execution sucked when it mattered. They did nothing to force the Cavs hand going the other way. Love was good, even though it pains me to admit it. The Cavs are going to be tough with Love and Bron. Irving is gravy as I see it.
thedoper wrote:I agree generally that the cavs got some key whistles. But Detroit's execution sucked when it mattered. They did nothing to force the Cavs hand going the other way. Love was good, even though it pains me to admit it. The Cavs are going to be tough with Love and Bron. Irving is gravy as I see it.
I agree with you maybe a couple calls earlier going the Pistons way may have helped them keep it closer but they didn't play well enough down the stretch. They don't have anything to be ashamed of though they put up a pretty good fight.
monsterpile wrote:I started watching the Pistons vs Cavs in the 2nd half. It's no wonder they say that Glen is intrigued with the way the SVG model has worked out there lots of talent to that team that they added. I find myself cheering for the Pistons as the underdog. We will see if Drummond's FT issues becomes a problem down the stretch.
It just sucks how the refs favor the elite teams. The Cavs catch a lot of officiating breaks.
You're right. The genesis of this goes back to 1976 when Julius Erving came into the league and then really took off when Bird and then Magic started playing. Those three teams were talented and happened to be playing in 3 of the largest media markets in the league. Officiating, especially in the playoffs, changed forever. The only way you were going to beat one of these teams was to really knock them out. No lesser market team was going to get a fair shake in a close series. Milwaukee got jobbed just about every year against either Philly or Boston. I bet most of you remember the crime the NBA committed against Sacramento when they lost to the Lakers. But believe it or not, before the late 70's the league really wasn't like this. There was much more integrity. But the David Stern era changed everything, and not so coincidentally the popularity of the NBA exploded. The casual fan came in because they didn't care about specific teams, just that they were entertained. And those marquis teams did plenty of entertaining.
I have to admit that in later years (after MJ retired) Stern made a concerted effort to change things. The league had long since gained immense popularity, and that wasn't going to change. So things today are much more on the up and up compared with the WWE-like charade you had in the 80's. But Lebron and his Cavs are still going to get more calls than Detroit. And as long as the league has mega-stars the issue will continue.
Yes and no. A lack of transparency with officials was always a big part of Stern's tenure. It's actually amazing how the Donaghy thing has been largely forgotten by most people. Even in a league that's had more than its fair share of ridiculous/crazy/suspicious games and series over the years.
thedoper wrote:I agree generally that the cavs got some key whistles. But Detroit's execution sucked when it mattered. They did nothing to force the Cavs hand going the other way. Love was good, even though it pains me to admit it. The Cavs are going to be tough with Love and Bron. Irving is gravy as I see it.
Yeah they didn't execute down the stretch. They have some nice players, but they lack that closer type player.
lipoli390 wrote:It's the Warriors. The Spurs won't win more than one game against GS if they square off. The only team with a chance of nearing the Warriors is the Cavs.
Why do you think the cavs have a better chance against the Warriors than the spurs. Is it so let because of LBJ. Just curious
Yes, primarily the LBJ effect. I see him potentially rising to a new level. But my thinking really encompasses the Cavs' core three: LBJ, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. The Cavs gave the Warriors a run for their money in last year's finals without two of the three core guys.
lipoli390 wrote:It's the Warriors. The Spurs won't win more than one game against GS if they square off. The only team with a chance of nearing the Warriors is the Cavs.
Why do you think the cavs have a better chance against the Warriors than the spurs. Is it so let because of LBJ. Just curious
Yes, primarily the LBJ effect. I see him potentially rising to a new level. But my thinking really encompasses the Cavs' core three: LBJ, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. The Cavs gave the Warriors a run for their money in last year's finals without two of the three core guys.
The good and bad thing about the Cavs is the whole team is basically full of wildcards. Health is an issue for a bunch of key guys. Name a player other than Lebron you know what you are going to get. TT maybe? It's a team that if somehow they actually stay healthy and come together could be really tough. On the other hand they haven't done it yet. It's going to be interesting to see how they can come together down the stretch. Lue has a number of ways he can go with player rotations match ups etc.
