Q-is-here wrote: ↑Fri Jun 07, 2024 8:22 am
I didn't watch much of the game but it sure looked like Boston did a better job containing Luka, Kyrie, and the ally-oop brothers than the Wolves did. Anyone see anything they did differently in terms of scheme? Or may be their individual defenders were just flat-out better than ours.
I'm curious about the same thing. How does an elite passer like Luka with some athletic guys who love to dunk end up with only one assist...especially against a team not known for its rim protection?
That aside, while I usually cheer for the team that dispatched us, I'm all about Boston in this one. Luka's smirk in our series really made me dislike him, and I am looking forward to watching him cry and whine as they go down 4-1.
I'm neutral for now on the series. I get why folks don't like Luka and would love to see him go down, but at the same time it's a bit of an indictment against our Timberwolves.
But we know how these series can be very unpredictable, so let's see what happens next. Just frustrated at how effective Boston was at stopping them....
Q-is-here wrote: ↑Fri Jun 07, 2024 8:22 am
I didn't watch much of the game but it sure looked like Boston did a better job containing Luka, Kyrie, and the ally-oop brothers than the Wolves did. Anyone see anything they did differently in terms of scheme? Or may be their individual defenders were just flat-out better than ours.
I'm curious about the same thing. How does an elite passer like Luka with some athletic guys who love to dunk end up with only one assist...especially against a team not known for its rim protection?
That aside, while I usually cheer for the team that dispatched us, I'm all about Boston in this one. Luka's smirk in our series really made me dislike him, and I am looking forward to watching him cry and whine as they go down 4-1.
I'm neutral for now on the series. I get why folks don't like Luka and would love to see him go down, but at the same time it's a bit of an indictment against our Timberwolves.
But we know how these series can be very unpredictable, so let's see what happens next. Just frustrated at how effective Boston was at stopping them....
Yeah, that's why I would normally cheer for Dallas...makes our wolves look better. But I already have my internal narrative prepared that allows me to cheer for the Celtics with impunity: "Dallas was just a bad matchup for us...we would have beaten everyone else...including Boston!"
I'm curious about the same thing. How does an elite passer like Luka with some athletic guys who love to dunk end up with only one assist...especially against a team not known for its rim protection?
That aside, while I usually cheer for the team that dispatched us, I'm all about Boston in this one. Luka's smirk in our series really made me dislike him, and I am looking forward to watching him cry and whine as they go down 4-1.
I'm neutral for now on the series. I get why folks don't like Luka and would love to see him go down, but at the same time it's a bit of an indictment against our Timberwolves.
But we know how these series can be very unpredictable, so let's see what happens next. Just frustrated at how effective Boston was at stopping them....
Yeah, that's why I would normally cheer for Dallas...makes our wolves look better. But I already have my internal narrative prepared that allows me to cheer for the Celtics with impunity: "Dallas was just a bad matchup for us...we would have beaten everyone else...including Boston!"
I dislike Kyrie more than Luka. Kyrie is an arrogant, selfish dick some really twisted views. Even if I really liked Luka, I’d be pulling for Boston solely because of Kyrie. Other reasons to root for Boston in this series: (1) Tatum, Brown, White, Holiday and Horford strike me as the sorts of players to root for - good guys, team players; (2) the Celtics are a foundational part of NBA history - a great storied franchise in a working class city; and (3) Boston winning, especially if it’s in 4 or 5 games, will help humble a Wolves team that I believe needs humbling to motivate them for next season.
I'm neutral for now on the series. I get why folks don't like Luka and would love to see him go down, but at the same time it's a bit of an indictment against our Timberwolves.
But we know how these series can be very unpredictable, so let's see what happens next. Just frustrated at how effective Boston was at stopping them....
Yeah, that's why I would normally cheer for Dallas...makes our wolves look better. But I already have my internal narrative prepared that allows me to cheer for the Celtics with impunity: "Dallas was just a bad matchup for us...we would have beaten everyone else...including Boston!"
I dislike Kyrie more than Luka. Kyrie is an arrogant, selfish dick some really twisted views. Even if I really liked Luka, I’d be pulling for Boston solely because of Kyrie. Other reasons to root for Boston in this series: (1) Tatum, Brown, White, Holiday and Horford strike me as the sorts of players to root for - good guys, team players; (2) the Celtics are a foundational part of NBA history - a great storied franchise in a working class city; and (3) Boston winning, especially if it’s in 4 or 5 games, will help humble a Wolves team that I believe needs humbling to motivate them for next season.
I agree with Kyrie off the court. Kyrie on the court is fine and not the flopping crybaby that Luka displays.
Yeah, that's why I would normally cheer for Dallas...makes our wolves look better. But I already have my internal narrative prepared that allows me to cheer for the Celtics with impunity: "Dallas was just a bad matchup for us...we would have beaten everyone else...including Boston!"
I dislike Kyrie more than Luka. Kyrie is an arrogant, selfish dick some really twisted views. Even if I really liked Luka, I’d be pulling for Boston solely because of Kyrie. Other reasons to root for Boston in this series: (1) Tatum, Brown, White, Holiday and Horford strike me as the sorts of players to root for - good guys, team players; (2) the Celtics are a foundational part of NBA history - a great storied franchise in a working class city; and (3) Boston winning, especially if it’s in 4 or 5 games, will help humble a Wolves team that I believe needs humbling to motivate them for next season.
I agree with Kyrie off the court. Kyrie on the court is fine and not the flopping crybaby that Luka displays.
Kyrie used to be in my top 10 of least favorite NBA players...terrible teammate, flat earth crap, apparent anti-semitism, etc. But the more I listen to him now, it seems like he has grown up and gone through a total personality transformation. He seems to be a terrific guy now as NBA players go...great dad, son, and husband, and more measured in his statements (if he ever really believed them at all...I always looked at him as an immature guy who needed to stir things up a little). His interviews now are generally smart and humble. His teammates now rave about his leadership and mentorship...who would have ever thought that? Not to mention he is one of the most uniquely skilled players in the Association. I don't like the way he beat us in the finals, but I no longer dislike him as a person. In fact I've done a 180 on him.
But I'm still cheering for the Celtics, because I detest Luka. I want to see a sweep with Luka whining the entire time.
I dislike Kyrie more than Luka. Kyrie is an arrogant, selfish dick some really twisted views. Even if I really liked Luka, I’d be pulling for Boston solely because of Kyrie. Other reasons to root for Boston in this series: (1) Tatum, Brown, White, Holiday and Horford strike me as the sorts of players to root for - good guys, team players; (2) the Celtics are a foundational part of NBA history - a great storied franchise in a working class city; and (3) Boston winning, especially if it’s in 4 or 5 games, will help humble a Wolves team that I believe needs humbling to motivate them for next season.
I agree with Kyrie off the court. Kyrie on the court is fine and not the flopping crybaby that Luka displays.
Kyrie used to be in my top 10 of least favorite NBA players...terrible teammate, flat earth crap, apparent anti-semitism, etc. But the more I listen to him now, it seems like he has grown up and gone through a total personality transformation. He seems to be a terrific guy now as NBA players go...great dad, son, and husband, and more measured in his statements (if he ever really believed them at all...I always looked at him as an immature guy who needed to stir things up a little). His interviews now are generally smart and humble. His teammates now rave about his leadership and mentorship...who would have ever thought that? Not to mention he is one of the most uniquely skilled players in the Association. I don't like the way he beat us in the finals, but I no longer dislike him as a person. In fact I've done a 180 on him.
But I'm still cheering for the Celtics, because I detest Luka. I want to see a sweep with Luka whining the entire time.
I have no ideal what kind of dad, son or husband Kyrie is. None of us have a window into those aspects of his life. But we do have an extensive record of repulsive comments, including anti-Semitic comments, and Kyrie abandoning his teammates with his “I play when I want to play and do what I want to do” attitude. Maybe he’s transformed into a different person, but I have my doubts. I think he’s become more media savvy out of concern over his brand. He’s been on a lot of teams with a lot of teammates and now we have some positive comments after what’s been a very shorts stint with Dallas. Let’s watch this play out over time. I love and believe in personal transformations, but I’ve been around long enough to know they are truly rare. And we all know savvy media management can easily manipulate public perception. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other reasons to root for Boston, including Luka’s smugness.
Boston's offense has sooooo much space to operate in. Now if they aren't making their open 3s, they will struggle like every other team in the NBA. but there is so much room for the dribble drive game to finish or draw in an extra defender and make the easy kick out pass.
I agree with Kyrie off the court. Kyrie on the court is fine and not the flopping crybaby that Luka displays.
Kyrie used to be in my top 10 of least favorite NBA players...terrible teammate, flat earth crap, apparent anti-semitism, etc. But the more I listen to him now, it seems like he has grown up and gone through a total personality transformation. He seems to be a terrific guy now as NBA players go...great dad, son, and husband, and more measured in his statements (if he ever really believed them at all...I always looked at him as an immature guy who needed to stir things up a little). His interviews now are generally smart and humble. His teammates now rave about his leadership and mentorship...who would have ever thought that? Not to mention he is one of the most uniquely skilled players in the Association. I don't like the way he beat us in the finals, but I no longer dislike him as a person. In fact I've done a 180 on him.
But I'm still cheering for the Celtics, because I detest Luka. I want to see a sweep with Luka whining the entire time.
I have no ideal what kind of dad, son or husband Kyrie is. None of us have a window into those aspects of his life. But we do have an extensive record of repulsive comments, including anti-Semitic comments, and Kyrie abandoning his teammates with his “I play when I want to play and do what I want to do” attitude. Maybe he’s transformed into a different person, but I have my doubts. I think he’s become more media savvy out of concern over his brand. He’s been on a lot of teams with a lot of teammates and now we have some positive comments after what’s been a very shorts stint with Dallas. Let’s watch this play out over time. I love and believe in personal transformations, but I’ve been around long enough to know they are truly rare. And we all know savvy media management can easily manipulate public perception. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other reasons to root for Boston, including Luka’s smugness.
Yep.
Beware when a person's public persona "transforms" very quickly... especially after they lost a lot of money and are looking to recapture that kind of money.
I'm not saying Irving is good/bad. Don't know/don't care. But I know there are tens millions at stake for him to project a certain image right now.
I get the Irving hate. He's been an odd guy and poor teammate most of his 20s, and I'm generally in the "once a dick, always a dick" camp. But I'm always pleased and surprised when an athlete I've written off changes later in life and becomes a better guy. Doesn't happen often, but I think it may be happening with Kyrie. Here are some notable (mostly local) examples:
Glen Perkins: He was hated by his Stillwater teammates and by his Gopher teammates, and also by his Twins teammates early in his career. But he went through a transformation around the age of 30, and it's difficult to find a more likable guy now.
Kevin Love: A good (unfortunately late) friend of mine was part of the Wolves' organization during the Love years. He would often tell me what a horrible person Love was. He told me the only guy who liked him was one of the locker room guys who he tipped well. But Love went public with his depression issues after going to the Cavs, and it seemed to change him. He seems to be very well liked on his new team(s), and seems like a really good guy now.
Rod Carew: Carew was surly and unlikable during most of his 20s. Now he seems like one of the sweetest guys in baseball.
George Foreman: His demeanor change was so dramatic, some people think his early years were a pro wrestling-like fake demeanor. I don't think so...I think he was just an angry a-hole. But man did he ever change!
So maybe you guys are right and Irving is just on a phony redemption tour. But it seems sincere to me...I think he just finally grew up.
Anyway, I love watching his brilliance on the court, and even though I dislike him, I love watching Luka's brilliance also. Still, my dislike for Luka makes my choice to cheer for the Celtics (who seem to have almost nothing but likable guys) quite easy. I can admire the amazing things they do on the court, while also cheering for them to get stomped by a better team!
FNG wrote: ↑Mon Jun 10, 2024 10:12 am
I get the Irving hate. He's been an odd guy and poor teammate most of his 20s, and I'm generally in the "once a dick, always a dick" camp. But I'm always pleased and surprised when an athlete I've written off changes later in life and becomes a better guy. Doesn't happen often, but I think it may be happening with Kyrie. Here are some notable (mostly local) examples:
Glen Perkins: He was hated by his Stillwater teammates and by his Gopher teammates, and also by his Twins teammates early in his career. But he went through a transformation around the age of 30, and it's difficult to find a more likable guy now.
Kevin Love: A good (unfortunately late) friend of mine was part of the Wolves' organization during the Love years. He would often tell me what a horrible person Love was. He told me the only guy who liked him was one of the locker room guys who he tipped well. But Love went public with his depression issues after going to the Cavs, and it seemed to change him. He seems to be very well liked on his new team(s), and seems like a really good guy now.
Rod Carew: Carew was surly and unlikable during most of his 20s. Now he seems like one of the sweetest guys in baseball.
George Foreman: His demeanor change was so dramatic, some people think his early years were a pro wrestling-like fake demeanor. I don't think so...I think he was just an angry a-hole. But man did he ever change!
So maybe you guys are right and Irving is just on a phony redemption tour. But it seems sincere to me...I think he just finally grew up.
Anyway, I love watching his brilliance on the court, and even though I dislike him, I love watching Luka's brilliance also. Still, my dislike for Luka makes my choice to cheer for the Celtics (who seem to have almost nothing but likable guys) quite easy. I can admire the amazing things they do on the court, while also cheering for them to get stomped by a better team!
...it's been kind of frustrating to see Dallas miss all these damn shots they were making against us. 24% on 3s so far in the two games against Boston. I also think part of that is defense. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday is one hell of a defensive pairing in the backcourt.
It looks like Boston might have finally put everything together. This is a team that has lost the Eastern Conference Finals in 4 of the past 7 seasons and the one time they did win it they went on to lose in the Finals. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have played 231 (!) combined playoff games and they may finally win it all. Talk about a long, hard slog.
