Of course the nuggets couldn't close in SA.

Also, RIP Hondo.

https://youtu.be/o49pzrVZOOA

Ungood fucking show. Wake up my team.

AndCallMeCharlie wrote:

Al Holford really is a special player

Yep.

He was brilliant. I have no idea why bucks were playing at such a slow pace. They didn't generate many live ball turns, which doesn't help, but they just walked up the whole game and allowed Boston to set defense.

Warriors game was interesting.

They clearly fouled harden on a bunch of threes, but their general defense against him was awesome. Didn't let him create and didn't break their usual stuff too much.

Off games from klay and a little bit curry counters the misses from harden. Interesting series.

dynamiteReady wrote:

Too early to say if the Bucks got found out, but the game plan look very clear, and, well... That's the kind of scoreline the Bucks usually dish out. I think it's just a blip though. They can reverse this by doing the same to Kyrie.

Pretty much exactly what the Bucks did...

And I think it might stay that way for the rest of the series.
Barring injuries.

Facewon wrote:

Anyone know if there's stats on whether the penalising of "simulation" in soccer has had an effect over the years?

Good question. It depends on what you mean. It's been outlawed for a long time, but apparently, retrospective punishment had been introduced only recently (2017), and I don't think it's made much of a difference, after taking a very crude look at the numbers (i.e. the number of people actually caught for diving in the year since then).

Tbh, I don't think it's something that needs to be 'cleaned up'. For soccer, at least, I actually think of it as valid part of the game. Perhaps with VAR, something could be done (like give the managers a limited number of 'challenge' calls). 

But think of the type of players who usually get pulled up for simulation in top flight football. They're usually highly skilful players, and in some ways, diving is one of the latent techniques they use to create more space for themselves (edit - as well gain more direct awards, like penalties, etc)...

Just like Harden overtly proves, ironically...

Wonder how Houston are going to do without him?...

Anyhoo. Warriors in 5 or 6 now. But wow I'd think about putting money on them losing gme 3.

Vintage warriors complacency game in the making.

Bucks definitely sped things up. Some tweaks defensively. But mainly, they hit more shots and Cs hit less.

Gianis worked out how to go at primary defender bit more and pick gaps in the wall too.

Still, more impressed with Cs than I was previously. This could go 7.

Be well handy for bucks if brogdon can go ok.

Facewon wrote:

Heh? He's not out is he?

My bad, misread the report.

Of course.

Yeah it's basically the best sports writing around imo.

I'll need to see replays, but while refs called some tough ones, I think Gianis is working out how to get through.

Also, wow 4 OT. Those minute counts were Woah.

That's amazing. 

But also, damn boys, it's only round 2 game 3.

More Harden grumbling.

Goldsbury is a good read and mind on Bball.

His piece on shot charts recently is fascinating too.

Him and lowe mentioning the flopping was right on.

Nice one lads, nearly there.

Oh I doubt we're getting past the Raps if we see off Boston.

It's a tricky one. In a strong 4 horse race losing a second round series in 7 you can make a case for running back.

Losing in 5 or 6 with the 3 games we've seen in the middle is an issue.

On one hand, losing kyrie not the end of the world because chemistry issues without epic production is meh.

On the other, it fucks AD chase. And AD + what's left after trade = New Orleans v2.

I mean, at least one of philly or raps will likely be in same boat. Swappsies?