Hey guys,

It's that time again, it's the official 2016 NBA Playoffs Discussion Thread

Here's the list of playoffs to see

Round 1 of the Playoffs:

Eastern Conference Playoffs:

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #8 Detroit Pistons
#4 Atlanta Hawks vs. #5 Boston Celtics
#3 Miami Heat vs. #6 Charlotte Hornets
#2 Toronto Raptors vs. #7 Indiana Pacers

Western Conference Playoffs:

#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 Houston Rockets
#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #5 Portland Trailblazers
#3 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #6 Dallas Mavericks
#2 San Antonio Spurs vs. #7 Memphis Grizzlies

The Playoffs will air on ESPN, abc, NBA TV and TNT starting This Saturday

Game 1 begins this weekend

FACT: 5 years ago, the Grizzlies def. Spurs in the 1st Round of the Playoffs and that was the same year that the Mavs def. the Thunder in the Conference Championship and then went on the win the NBA Finals def. the Miami Heat in a 2006 Championship Rematch

In 2012, the Thunder swept the Mavs in the 1st rounds of the playoffs and the following year in 2013, the Grizzlies swept the Spurs in the Conference Championship

and last year, the Warriors def. the Rockets in the Conference Championship and went on to win the NBA Title for the 1st time in 40 years

Plus, the last time the Pistons def. LeBron and the Cavaliers was 10 years ago in the Conference Semi-Finals and the last 2 times, the Cavs def. the Pistons in 2007 and again in 2009

LeBron James & Reggie Jackson
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/513724636_zpszleijjcn.jpg

Paul George & DeMar DeRozen
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/gettyimages-501344208_zpstajgmdnv.jpg

Al Jefferson & Dwyane Wade
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/9192915_zpsd5qxrdhe.jpg

Jeff Teague & Isaiah Jamar Thomas
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/498637190_zpse4qxzjsu.jpg

Mark Price & Isiah Thomas
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/476475872_zpsclkbj3ic.jpg

Reggie Miller & Vince Carter
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/3111857_zps0x1ht1so.jpg

Alonzo Mourning & Vlade Divac
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/355095_zpstylafnfw.jpg

Larry Bird & Dominique Wilkins
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/bird-vs-wilkins-2_zpsn7awkrzx.jpg

James Harden & Stephen Curry
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/stephen-curry-james-harden_zpsldowc0bs.jpg

Damien Lillard & Chris Paul
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/cp3_690_011415_zpsqxlydz2d.jpg

Kevin Durant & Dirk Nowitzki
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/DirkNowitzkiKevinDurantOklahomaCityThundercojrWBXxUvgl_zps2glnefkb.jpg

Tim Duncan & Zach Randolph
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/ZachRandolphSanAntonioSpursvMemphis0R5sKff9TSil_zpsy425fmsi.jpg

2011 Highlights

Grizzlies def. the Spurs in Game #6 - Zach Randolph scores 31 points & 11 rebounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h08di_yyifU

Thunder vs. Mavs in Game #1 - Dirk Nowitzki scores 48 points 24-24 Free Throws
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tktg1wtY4pU

Mavs makes a comeback in Game #4 - Dirk Nowitzki scores 40 points
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcRxWV_de4c

Magic Johnson on Dirk's performance in WCF Game 4, Dallas at OKC 05/23/2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2NuXzYK2ZM

I'm afraid to say this but...

Golden State will beat Cleveland in the Finals.

There's one thing Cleveland has that Golden State doesn't...a curse!

The NBA finals this year is Golden St.-San Antonio. I know they're in the same conference, but you know what I mean.

I'd love to see the Clippers win it all, If it can't be the Lakers anymore it would be cool if our Clippers could become champs! Not to be negative, but I doubt it, seems the pattern is they make it to the playoffs but never get very far!

I'd like to see Cleveland do well! Even though I'm in California, I'm not in Northern California and the Warriors get on my nerves!!! I'd like to see a team that doesn't win very much, an underdog team win!!!

The Miami Heat will be a tough challenge for anyone in the East

I can't WAIT to see the Hawks/Celtics Game

Reminds me of the days of Dominique Wilkins and Larry Bird

Hey guys, the last time the Spurs def. the Grizzlies was a few years ago in the 2013 Western Conference Finals

In fact, they swept the Grizzlies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BrdbOCw5b0

First game of the playoffs, home team goes down. Indiana over Toronto.

First game of the playoffs, home team goes down. Indiana over Toronto.


I'm thinking of rooting for the Indiana Pacers in support of the Coopers/Romanos/Horvaths and Royers!!! :lol: :D

Paul George played AWESOME!

Warriors off to a solid start with the 104-78 victory over the Rockets in Game 1 of WCQF.

I'm not watching the playoffs this year, I think the NBA is currently in the worst shape it's ever been, it's a terrible league right now. But I'll be watching some of the NHL playoff games, playoff hockey is always exciting.

But I'll be watching some of the NHL playoff games, playoff hockey is always exciting.

Yes. Yes it is. The NBA right now is for something to do during NHL commercial breaks. I saw the last minute or two of Bos-Atl, which was a close game, and it was still relatively boring. Do they need that many time-outs?

Paul George played AWESOME!agreed

Well guys,

Game #1 is over and 7 teams with Home Court Advantage in Round 1 have all won, but only 1 team on the road has won

In the Eastern Conference:

The Cavs def. the Pistons 106-101

The Hawks def. the Celtics 102-101

The Heat BLEW OUT the Hornets 123-91

and the only road team to win Game #1 are the Pacers who went to Toronto and def. the Raptors 100-90

Meanwhile in the Western Conference:

We saw BLOWOUTS!

The Warriors BLEW OUT the Rockets 104-78

The Spurs BLEW OUT the Grizzlies 106-74

The Thunder BLEW OUT the Mavericks 108-70

and the Clippers BLEW OUT the Blazers 115-95

The Largest Margin of Victories in the West was an average of 29 points each and the Largest Margin of Victories in the East was an average of 12 points each

and so, the Cavs, the Pacers, the Heat, the Hawks, the Warriors, the Spurs, the Thunder and the Clippers each take Game 1 and 1st Blood

Starting tomorrow night, for the next 3 nights, we will see Game #2 and that will be on TNT and NBA TV

NBA TV will show the Paul George and the Pacers taking on Kyle Lowry, Demar DeRozen and the Raptors Monday Night @ 7E/6C/4P and they will show Michael Jordan's Hornets taking on D-Wade and the Heat on Wednesday Night @ 7E/6C/4P

also, TNT will air the Playoffs for the next 3 nights

Monday Night Double Header will see Dirk Nowitzki and Mavs taking on Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the Thunder followed by James Harden, Dwight Howard and the Rockets taking on Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and the Warriors

Tuesday Night Doubleheader will see Brad Stevens' Celtics taking on Mike Budenholzer's Hawks followed by Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies taking on Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Khawi Leonard and the Spurs

and a Wednesday Night Double Header will see Reggie Jackson and the Pistons taking on LeBron James and the Cavaliers followed by Damien Lillard and the Blazers taking on CP3, BG32, DeAndre Jordan and the Clippers

RIP Grizzlies and Pistons.

Spurs and Cavaliers entered the second round ahead of the Warriors as Curry got "inj-CURRED"!

I might be wrong with the Cavs losing it all...there may be a chance with the Warriors starting to lose some steam.

I might be wrong with the Cavs losing it all...there may be a chance with the Warriors starting to lose some steam.

I think the Spurs would take out a depleted Warriors team.

I think the Spurs would take out a depleted Warriors team.

True...

It may be Cavs vs Spurs in the Finals...it can go either way.

Not unless the Warriors face either the Clippers which I would LOVE to see b/c it would a be a HUGE DOGFIGHT like it was 2 years ago or the Warriors might face the Blazers, but 1st thing 1st, they gotta def. the Rockets in either the Golden State or Houston

http://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2016-04-25/spurs-ready-to-wait-for-semifinals-after-sweep-of-memphis

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/Spurs2016_zpszgwkpnfm.jpg
San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills, left, plays air guitar and center Tim Duncan, right, joins in on the keyboards as they play along with music from the arena loudspeakers during a timeout in the second half of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, April 24, 2016, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) The Associated Press

The San Antonio Spurs know they didn't face a fair fight in the first-round of the playoffs, so they took what they could from a sweep of an injury-depleted opponent
By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Sports Writer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs know they didn't face a fair fight in the first-round of the playoffs, so they took what they could in sweeping an injury-depleted opponent.

A physical test they hope prepared them for the Western Conference semifinals.

The Spurs finished off their ninth postseason sweep in franchise history Sunday by routing the Memphis Grizzlies 116-95. Now they await either Oklahoma City or Dallas, which will offer a much tougher series than the Grizzlies, who reached the playoffs despite using an NBA-record 28 players this season.

"They fought very hard," Spurs guard Tony Parker said of the Grizzlies. "Obviously, they had a lot of injuries, so it was not the same. I've had some great battles against the Grizzlies over the years in the playoffs. You just have to give a lot of credit because they tried, and it was just too hard and too many injuries."

This was the third time the Spurs swept Memphis, including the 2004 first round and the 2013 Western Conference finals.

This series was a foregone conclusion before the first tipoff. But Spurs coach Gregg Popovich stopped on his way off the court to talk with Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph and give him a playful forearm to the chest. Popovich then complimented the Grizzlies' passion and drive for 48 minutes of each game.

"That physicality will help us I think in the next round," Popovich said.

Here are some things to know while the Spurs wait for their next opponent:

RESTED SPURS: With the Grizzlies so depleted by injuries, Popovich was able to take it easy on his starters. Even with Kawhi Leonard playing more than 42 minutes in Game 3, the Spurs starters still averaged fewer than 25 minutes played per game during this series. Tim Duncan, who turns 40 on Monday, played just 13:32 in Game 3 and 19 minutes in Game 4. In wrapping up the series, six reserves played at least 13 minutes, and Andre Miller was the only Spur who played who didn't score Sunday.

HITTING THE BOARDS: LaMarcus Aldridge finished the series by posting a double-double in each of the two victories in Memphis. He scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Game 3 and was only a point off matching those numbers Sunday. He helped the Spurs dominate Memphis in the paint, where they outrebounded the Grizzlies 41-36. Banging up against Randolph should only sharpen Aldridge for the semifinals.

The series win also provided a nice bit of redemption for Aldridge, who was with Portland last season when Memphis ousted the Trail Blazers 4-1 in the first round. Aldridge said he wasn't thinking of that right now. "Anybody that knows me knows that I don't like to look back on things until the end of the season," Aldridge said. "But I'm in the moment, and I'm enjoying the ride."

KAWHI LEADING THE WAY: Kawhi Leonard, the two-time defensive player of the year, led the Spurs in scoring three of the four games. He also tied his postseason career-high with 32 points in Game 3. He did lead them in minutes played each game.

STAYING SHARP: The Spurs didn't play with the precision they did most of the season in going 67-15. Yet they still finished this series shooting 50 percent in Game 4. Parker wasn't sure how many practices Popovich will schedule before the next series starts. After a physical series with Memphis, Manu Ginobili is hoping for some rest first.

"I think we're due a couple days off, and then we'll have a couple good practices to get the rhythm back," Ginobili said. "I think it's very important. We need it."

SWEEPING BY PHIL: Popovich now has nine postseason sweeps in best-of-seven series, the most all-time. He broke a tie with Phil Jackson in that category.

credit: usnews.com

Well guys,

What a series we had today 2 Game #7's and 2 teams from the East SURVIVES 7 Games

The Miami Heat def. the Charlotte Hornets 4-3 and the Toronto Raptors def. the Indiana Pacers and they get their 1st playoff series win in 15 years

and now, we have the Conference Semi-Finals

The Eastern Conference Semi-Finals will see the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Atlanta Hawks in Last Year's Return Match of the Eastern Conference Finals

and the Miami Heat will take on the Toronto Raptors and this will be the 1st time that these 2 teams have met up in the NBA Playoffs

and in the Western Conference Semi-Finals, you will see the San Antonio Spurs taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in another Western Conference Showdown and the Golden State Warriors will take on the Portland Trailblazers

and speaking of which, the Spurs dominated @ home once again as they BLEW OUT the Thunder 124-92

and the Warriors w/o Curry SURVIVES the Blazers 118-106

also, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 38-points and Klay Thompson also scored 37-points, plus Russell Westbrook got a Technical during the 3rd Quarter

and the Spurs and Warriors each take Game 1 and 1st Blood

The Spurs will host the Thunder Monday Night on TNT

also, this the 3rd time that the Spurs and the Thunder have met up in the Western Conference Playoffs, but this is the 1st time that they've met outside the Western Conference Championship

In 2012, the Thunder won 4 in a row after being down 2-0 in favor of the Spurs, but lost in the Finals to the Miami Heat

The Spurs on the other hand, won 4-2 and just when the Thunder thought that they were going to win, the Spurs said not so fast as they won Game 5 in San Antonio and Game 6 in OVERTIME in OKC and then, they would go on to win their 5th NBA Title when they def. the Heat 4-1 and won it @ home on Father's Day 2014

Tim Duncan & Kevin Durant
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/tim-duncan-and-kevin-durant_zpsbcc0ee92.jpg

LeBron James & Jeff Teague
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/lebron-james-jeff-teague-nba-cleveland-cavaliers-atlanta-hawks_zpsvecperfo.jpg

Demar DeRozen & Dwyane Wade
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/4f2f2ac69db1d.image_zps9l8pkwhr.jpg

Damian Lillard & Stephen Curry
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/PI-NBA-DamienLillard-StephCurry-021614.vresize.1200.675.high.63_zpsf9fl2yrm.jpg

I wonder if the Cavs will sweep the Hawks again?

I wonder if the Cavs will sweep the Hawks again?

I'm guessing yes.

I'm guessing yes.

I agree with you.

Hey guys,

We had a Double Header that ended with 2 OVERTIME Games in Game #4

The Miami Heat SURVIVES in Miami against the Toronto Raptors while the Golden State Warriors SURVIVES the Rip City against the Portland Trailblazers

Steph Curry Scored 40 points

Here are the stories:

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160509_TOR@MIA

Wade gets 30, Heat rally and beat Raptors 94-87 in OT
By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Basketball Writer
May 9, 2016

MIAMI (AP) Just about everyone struggled to score, with one very notable exception.

Dwyane Wade was rolling.

And the Miami Heat couldn't be more thankful.

Wade scored 30 points, including the layup that sent the game to overtime and finished off Miami's frantic comeback from a nine-point deficit, as the Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 94-87 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night.

The series is tied 2-2, heading to Toronto for Game 5 on Wednesday.

''It looked dark for a minute,'' Wade said, ''but there was no quit in us.''

It looked dark for a lot of minutes before Wade and the Heat figured it out. Goran Dragic had 15 points, including a three-point play that just about clinched it for the Heat with 22.4 seconds left in overtime. Joe Johnson also scored 15, despite still being without a 3-pointer in this series - but setting the tone with two blocked shots in the first 59 seconds of the extra session.

Wade didn't score in overtime until his steal and dunk closed the scoring. He didn't have to, either.

''I was tired,'' Wade said. ''I was using myself as a decoy. All eyes were on me and I wasn't going to force anything.''

Miami led for only 13 seconds in the fourth quarter, but never trailed in overtime - the third time in four games the Heat and Raptors needed five extra minutes to decide a winner.

''That's what you get when two teams are trying to make the conference finals,'' said Toronto's Kyle Lowry, who fouled out late in regulation after scoring just 10 points on 2-for-11 shooting and blamed himself for the loss. ''We're going at it.''

Terrence Ross and Cory Joseph each scored 14 for Toronto, which shot 39 percent.

Bismack Biyombo and DeMarre Carroll added 13 apiece for the Raptors, while the starting backcourt of Lowry and DeMar DeRozan - who is obviously bothered by a thumb injury - combined for 19 points on 6-for-28 shooting.

''Two tough-minded teams,'' Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. ''They came out and forced their will on us at the end of the game.''

Miami was down 77-68 midway through the fourth, and still trailed 79-72 when Lowry got the roll on a 15-footer with 5 minutes left.

That's when Wade went to work.

He scored the next five for Miami, getting the Heat within 79-77. The deficit was still two when Lowry fouled out - on an offensive foul - with 1:58 left. The Heat finally got the equalizer with 12.6 seconds left, Wade getting to the rim for a layup that knotted the game at 83-all.

Joseph missed a jumper to end regulation and the Raptors scored a mere four points in the extra session.

''I don't think there's any doubt this game was going to go into overtime,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''It's just one heck of a series.''

It's even in games, 2-2.

The Heat have outscored the Raptors, 379-374.

The difference has been Wade, who's averaging 27.3 points in this series - nine more than any other player.

''I'm as confident as I've been all season right now,'' Wade said.

TIP-INS

Raptors: Instead of dealing with the prospects of a 5 a.m.-ish arrival in Toronto, the Raptors were spending Monday night in Miami. They'll fly Tuesday and plan to practice in Toronto. ... Lucas Nogueira made his playoff debut, checking in with 4:04 left in the opening quarter. He's the fourth Raptor to make his playoff debut in 2016.

Heat: The Heat have led in the fourth quarter of all four games in the series. ... Miami had 11 assists in the game's first 15:24. The Heat then had no assists for the next 18:26.

WADE WATCH

Wade's season of climbing the scoring charts continued. With his ninth point, he passed Magic Johnson (3,701) for 13th on the NBA's playoff scoring list. He's also passed Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Scottie Pippen and Dirk Nowitzki in these playoffs alone, and now with 3,723 he's within 32 of tying No. 12 Hakeem Olajuwon (3,755). Wade is the NBA's 39th all-time regular-season scorer, up from No. 54 when this season began.

NEW CENTERS

Biyombo started in place of injured center Jonas Valanciunas and made an impact, dunking on Amare Stoudemire - Miami's starter in place of injured center Hassan Whiteside - while getting fouled 3:05 into the game, flexing his muscles for good measure. Biyombo finished with a game-high 13 rebounds. Stoudemire had six points and three rebounds.

VOTE-GETTERS

Toronto general manager Masai Ujiri and Miami president Pat Riley both received votes in the NBA's executive of the year balloting, which was revealed Monday. Ujiri finished fourth, while Riley tied for eighth. San Antonio general manager R.C. Buford won the award, followed by Portland's Neil Olshey and Golden State's Bob Myers.

Meanwhile....

Curry returns with 40 points in 132-125 OT win over Blazers
By ANNE M. PETERSON
AP Sports Writer
May 10, 2016

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Stephen Curry nailed a 3-pointer in overtime and gestured to the crowd, exclaiming over and over: ''I'm back! I'm back!''

Golden State's superstar certainly was.

Curry returned from a sprained right knee to score an NBA-record 17 points in overtime, finishing with 40 as the Warriors rallied to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals with a 132-125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

''I love this game, I love playing and love competing. And really, really missed being out there with my teammates,'' Curry said. ''To help our team get a win tonight and in that fashion, that was a good feeling in that moment to be back on the floor and playing.''

Playing for the first time since he was injured in Game 4 of the first-round series against Houston, Curry was rusty for three quarters and sensational down the stretch after the Warriors trailed by as much as 16 points.

Originally expected to play about 25 minutes off the bench, Curry picked up a heavier workload in the second half after Shaun Livingston, who had been starting in his absence, was ejected in the second quarter after arguing a call and picking up two technical fouls.

Curry's victorious return came hours after a person with knowledge of the award told The Associated Press that Curry would repeat as NBA MVP, with the announcement coming as early as Tuesday.

The Warriors can win the series Wednesday night at home in Game 5.

Damian Lillard finished with 36 points and 10 assists for Portland.

Curry's fast-break layup gave the defending NBA champions a 120-118 lead with 2:21 left in the extra period. He followed with a 3-pointer, strutting and pumping his fist in celebration.

''You knew he'd catch his rhythm eventually,'' Klay Thompson said. ''He's probably the best player in the world, the best shooter of all-time. He was getting good looks. We'll take those all day.''

Harrison Barnes' layup extended the lead to 125-118 and Portland couldn't catch up. Thompson finished with 23 for the Warriors.

Curry finally made his first 3 of the game to give the Warriors a 103-100 lead with 4:35 left in regulation, but Portland was ahead in the final minute before Barnes tied it at 111-all with a 3-pointer with 51 seconds left. Both Lillard and Curry missed to force the OT.

Curry led the Warriors to an NBA-record 73 wins in the regular season, a year after leading the team to its first NBA championship in 40 years. He averaged just over 30 points per game this season.

''Remarkable,'' Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. ''I mean, he looked fresh. He had his rhythm. He made tough shots, he made nice passes, he fought through screens. Obviously 17 points in overtime. It was a hell of a performance.''

The Trail Blazers narrowed the series to 2-1 on Saturday night when Lillard scored 40 points in a 120-108 Portland victory while Golden State was still without its star guard. The Blazers became the only team to defeat the Warriors twice this season.

Curry came off the bench with 5:56 left in the first quarter and Portland up 16-2. His only points in the quarter came off a pair of jumpers before he went back to the bench.

Livingston felt he was fouled just before halftime and was thrown out after arguing with referee Scott Foster. The 12-year veteran guard was averaging 12.1 points and 5.5 assists in the playoffs. He had started six of the eight playoff games while Curry nursed his knee injury.

Portland led 67-57 at the half, scoring a franchise playoff-record 41 points in the second quarter alone. Lillard led all scorers with 17 points.

Curry said his legs were sore after the game.

''To be expected,'' he said. ''I pride myself in the work I put in in the offseason to get through the 82-game schedule and be fresh for the playoffs. I was off my feet for a week and some change. You obviously lose a little bit but deep down when I got the work the last four days and broke a sweat and put the time in, that helped me get through these 38 minutes.''

TIP-INS

Warriors: The Warriors are 11-0, counting the playoffs, in games after a loss. ... The Warriors are 8-1 in Game 4s since returning to the postseason in 2013. ... Green blocked seven shots, most of his career in the regular season or playoffs.

Trail Blazers: Plumlee has eight playoff games this season with 10-plus rebounds, matching Cleveland's Kevin Love for the most.

CURRY'S NUMBERS

Curry led the league in scoring during the regular season with 30.1 points per game and broke his own record with 402 3-pointers.

He also averaged 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds, led the NBA with 2.1 steals per game, while shooting 50.4 percent from the field, 45.4 percent from 3-point range and 90.8 percent from the foul line.

credit: cbssports.com

3x NBA Champion Dwayne Wade & 2015 NBA Champion Steph Curry have reasons to smile after winning Game #4 in OT
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/504629378_zpsl8d3np1l.jpg

Cavs enjoying their break and might be watching the current Heat-Raptor round to see which one of them are the Cavs facing.

Warriors are #2 to enter the next round.

Cavs enjoying their break and might be watching the current Heat-Raptor round to see which one of them are the Cavs facing.

I'd like to see a Cavs vs Heat series!

The NBA finals this year is Golden St.-San Antonio. I know they're in the same conference, but you know what I mean.

On second thought, maybe not.

Well guys,

1st off, what a Game #7 it has been for the Raptors and the Heat and even though the Raptors won, I tip my hat off to both teams

What another AWESOME Series

and now, the Raptors win 4-3 and will head to the Eastern Conference Finals for the 1st time in Franchise History

also, the Warriors def. the Blazers 4-1, the Cavs SWEEPS the Hawks and the Spurs feel the Thunder as OKC def. San Antonio 4-2

and now, starting tomorrow, the NBA Playoffs continues with the Conference Championship Games

TNT will host the 2016 Western Conference Finals and ESPN will host the Eastern Conference Finals

The Western Conference Finals will see the Golden State Warriors host the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Eastern Conference Finals will see the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Toronto Raptors

NOTE: this will be the 1st time that the Warriors and Thunder faced off since 1992 when OKC was then known as the Seattle Supersonics and they def. the Warriors in the Playoffs

Warriors vs. Thunder-The Battle of Juggernauts in the West
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/d3542bf6e662064d6febc8840ce9dc30-711x329x1_zpstnaloman.png

Raptors vs. Cavaliers-The TOP 2 Teams in the East doing battle once more
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/toronto_home_zpsvnil2ylp.jpg

Russell Westbrook & Steph Curry
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/image3_zpsfbmyeelp.jpeg

Klay Thompson & Kevin Durant
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/lcljl5wnfang1x4stg8b_zpsvjuaptik.jpg

Serge Ibaka & Draymond Green
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/serge-ibaka-draymond-green-nba-oklahoma-city-thunder-golden-state-warriors-590x900_zpsnwrakwad.jpg

Kyle Lowry & LeBron James
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/-c6e5e7949d4fd252_zpsjspqq7zp.jpg

Kyrie Irving & DeMar DeRozan
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/IMAGE_JAN052015_REUTERS_KYLIE-IRVING_zpsdellqdsx.jpg

Patrick Patterson & Kevin Love
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/512565246_zps6rlzyojt.jpg

I wanted to see a Cavs v Heat series, well...as in the words of Mick Jagger...

OagFIQMs1tw

I wanted to see a Cavs v Heat series, well...as in the words of Mick Jagger...

OagFIQMs1tw


It's OK. I understand. But you have to realize that in facing Toronto you're dealing with a kindred spirit, a soulmate if you will. Don't believe me? Check this out:

Cleveland, Toronto fans share sporting pain - Toronto Star Mon. May 16, 2016 (https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/05/16/cleveland-toronto-fans-share-sporting-pain.html)

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/raptors-salvage-pride-in-game-3--hand-cavs-their-1st-playoff-loss-045147136.html

Hey guys,

Fierce Raptors hand Cavs first playoff loss

A relentless Bismack Biyombo snags a team-record 26 rebounds as Toronto gets back in the series.

Love, Irving struggle

Here's the story:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/cleveland-cavaliers-v-toronto-raptors-20160522-035437-632_zpswlkne9aw.jpg
Raptors salvage pride in Game 3, hand Cavs their 1st playoff loss
Eric Freeman
May 21, 2016, 11:51 PM

The first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals confirmed what most observers thought entering the series — that the Cleveland Cavaliers are far superior to the Toronto Raptors and every other team in the conference. Cleveland took a 2-0 lead in the series by a combined 50 points, extended their playoff winning streak against the East to 17 games, and essentially made their participation in the NBA Finals a formality. Meanwhile, the Raptors looked overwhelmed and overmatched, a conference finalist more by default than by merit.

Game 3 didn't necessarily change the sense of this series in a meaningful way, but the Raptors at least managed to salvage some pride and prove that their 2-1 record against the Cavaliers this regular season is not irrelevant to this matchup. Toronto took the first home conference finals game in franchise history by a convincing 99-84 result, leading by double figures for much of the contest and proving that the Cleveland offense can look relatively ordinary. The Cavs are still overwhelming favorites in this series despite suffering their first East postseason loss since Derrick Rose banked in a buzzer-beating three-pointer in Game 3 of the 2015 conference semis, but the Raptors have at least put considerable pressure on them for Monday's Game 4 and beyond.

The Cavs' 84-point total tells the biggest story of the night. After several series in which they set records for three-pointers and generally looked like an unstoppable offensive force, the Cavaliers cooled off considerably to shoot 35.4 percent from the field, including 34.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Playing without starting center Jonas Valanciunas for the sixth-straight game, the Raptors stepped up their defensive pressure at every position, kept the Cavaliers out of the paint, and forced them into tough jumpers. With Kyrie Irving (3-of-19 FG and 1-of-7 3FG) and Kevin Love (1-of-9 FG and 1-of-4 3FG) experiencing especially poor shooting nights, the Cavs struggled to score consistently and lacked the unreal shooting streaks that have typified their romp through the rest of the conference this spring. Only Channing Frye made better than 40 percent of his three-pointers among the five Cavs who attempted more than two. With little room inside, they had no great options and settled for jumpers.

On the other side, the Raptors got a necessary boost in their own outside shooting after going just 14-of-57 (24.6 percent) in the first two games of the series. Toronto shot 9-of-18 from beyond the arc in the first half to lead by as many as 18 in the second quarter and 60-47 at the break. With DeMar DeRozan scoring 21 of his eventual game-high 32 points and the team as a whole committing just one turnover before halftime, the Raptors got a steady stream of scoring as Kyle Lowry suffered through considerable foul trouble (just 10 first-half minutes). Lowry-less minutes had been a death knell for the Raptors throughout the series, but they persevered on their home floor in Game 3.

However, the biggest performance by a Raptor came from someone who didn't score at all until the final 97 seconds of the third quarter. Rugged big man Bismack Biyombo had been a mixed bag as Valanciunas's fill-in, but he was amazing on Saturday with a franchise-record 26 rebounds, including eight offensive, and four blocks. That rebounding mark ties Hakeem Olajuwon and Dwight Howard for the most rebounds in a playoff game since 1984.

Biyombo's effort and toughness inside obviously had the practical effects of ending and extending many possessions, but he also sent a message that the Raptors would not be easily eliminated despite the tenor of the first two games. Others scored more, but Biyombo's night is the best evidence of why the Raptors won this game.

That effort served Toronto especially well as their shooting reverted to form in the second half, when they went just 3-of-13 on three-pointers. On balance, this was not an ideal offensive night for the Raptors — they shot a good-not-great 45.8 percent from the field and went to the line for just 13 foul shots, a very low number given the extent to which Lowry and particularly DeRozan usually depend on fouls shots. DeRozan had nine of those attempts, but his trips were far from given. In fact, his 32 points were arguably more impressive for how he got them than for the total itself.

The Cavs likely will not be terribly worried about their ability to win Games 4 and 5, because they're the better, more experienced team and nearly went into the fourth quarter down just seven points before Cory Joseph made this buzzer-beater:

Massive underdogs usually win Game 3 if they're going to take any one at all, and the Cavs offense has been so dominant this postseason that it's more likely Game 3 was an outlier than a shift in form. They'll expect a better performance on Monday and remain likely to end the series sooner rather than later.

Nevertheless, the Raptors look reinvigorated and ready to compete in Game 4 and beyond. This win showed impressive character and resilience, enough to suggest that the Raptors should be able to avoid blowouts no matter how well they play from here on out. For that matter, head coach Dwane Casey did not shy away from complaining about inconsistent officiating in his post-game press conference — he arguably protested too much to convince of his point — and seems to be angling for a style that plays to his stars' strengths in an attempt to even the series.

Again, the Cavs aren't in extreme danger just yet. Whatever results come to pass, though, the Raptors have given everyone reason to pay a lot more attention to what looked like a chore of a series. Another win like this one would change that dynamic considerably and perhaps bring back the ever-present pressure that seemed to test the Cavs' chemistry throughout the regular season. If nothing else, Cleveland no longer looks impervious to whatever the rest of the East throws its way.

Meanwhile....

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/how-bismack-biyombo-saved-the-eastern-conference-finals-162807748.html

How Bismack Biyombo saved the Eastern Conference finals
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical
Yahoo Sports
May 22, 2016, 11:28 AM

TORONTO – All around, they were standing and screaming inside the Air Canada Centre, celebrating the vanquishing of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time in the Eastern Conference playoffs. When the Toronto Raptors turned to congratulate the most improbable savior of the season, they found him crumpled on the court, gasping for air. Finally, Bismack Biyombo had been brought to his knees, with the Cavaliers’ Dahntay Jones walking briskly from the scene of the crime.

“He hit me in the nuts,” Biyombo told The Vertical late Saturday night.

In the final seconds of a 99-84 Game 3 victory for the Raptors, the Cavaliers had punctuated a nauseating night of basketball with a retaliation for a flagrant foul on LeBron James, the Mutombo-style finger pointing, the rejections at the rim, and a historic night of muscle and sweat and chasing down missed shots. Biyombo was a menace, and changed the course of these Eastern Conference finals. “Our lion,” Kyle Lowry told The Vertical.

Biyombo had the best night of his basketball life, 26 rebounds and four blocks and six of seven points in the fourth quarter. He crushed James on the foul and turned back Kyrie Irving at the rim. When he inspired a mid-court confrontation with his alter ego, Tristan Thompson, it triggered Thompson swinging his arm to untangle himself – and backhanding James in the mug.

For the Raptors, it was a chance to end the Cavaliers’ 10-0 run through these playoffs. For Biyombo – who’ll assuredly reject his 2016-17 players option and move into free agency – he could be the most interesting test case of a free-agent market flushed with television money. He can barely catch the ball, but could command $12 million-$14 million a year on this free-agent market. Surround him with shooters, and let the man loose.

Only three previous players in the past 32 years of NBA playoff history had ever delivered 25-plus rebounds in a game: Hakeem Olajuwon, Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan. The great Canadian writer Bruce Arthur had delivered that fact to Biyombo on his walk from the postgame news conference. “Wow,” Biyombo beamed. “Oh, wow.

“Thank you,” he said.

Olajuwon. He’s the patron saint of every young African player, which is why it pained Toronto general manager Masai Ujiri to tell Biyombo the truth. Never mind that Charlotte drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2011 draft. Never mind that young teenagers dream of becoming an NBA star. Charlotte owner Michael Jordan was enamored with him – only to see that he had misjudged Biyombo’s broader abilities. Charlotte let him walk – and Biyombo needed to get over the fact that he was never going to be an offensive talent. How he played in Game 3 – how he has played most of this season – is how he’d flourish in the NBA.

After Ujiri signed him to a two-year, $6 million free-agent contract, they traveled together to South Africa for the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program. Olajuwon was there, and Biyombo swooned. He wanted to work out with Olajuwon. Suddenly, it was Ujiri with the Mutombo finger wag.

“He sees Hakeem, and he wants to work out with him,” Ujiri told The Vertical late Saturday night. “So I called him into the room, and said, ‘Biz, with all due respect, I’ve had all kinds of guys go work out with Hakeem. At the end of the day, there’s only one Hakeem in the world and there will never be another one. That guy was a ballerina. I don’t care what you think you’re going to do with that guy but … no, forget it.’

“Go watch Tyson Chandler. Rebound. Block shots. Run. That’s your bread and butter. Listen, Biz, I don’t know if anyone’s throwing you the ball in the post.”

Charlotte coach Steve Clifford always believed Biyombo would be better on his second stop in the NBA because he would no longer be carrying the burden of that high draft selection. Such immense expectations had been thrust upon him as a young teen in the Congo, when those endlessly long arms and disposition to physically dominate inspired professional scouts to discover him. At 16 years old, he traveled to Qatar for his first pro tryout. And then Jordan. And Lebanon. Yemen. For half a year, he chased tryouts throughout the Middle East. Finally, he was signed and whisked away to the Spanish ACB League – a 17-year-old far from home and learning the hard way.

“It helped me grow up,” Biyombo told The Vertical. “It helped me become a gentleman. My dad allowed me to start making a lot of decisions, and he let me make a lot of mistakes. You grow fast. A lot of time, still now, people say that I look older than my age. I stopped playing video games because I thought I was wasting my time. I started reading books – book after book after book.”

At 23 years old, Biyombo has had the self-awareness, the conviction, to transform himself into the player he can be in the NBA – not the player he imagined. He always wanted to be a blend of Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo, and here it was in the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night: Everyone was talking about Biyombo because the rebounding, the blocks, reminded them of the great Africans.

“Once [Mutombo] gave me permission to use his finger wag, I just want to leave his legacy,” Biyombo said.

Finally, Bismack Biyombo had left his impression on LeBron James on Saturday night, on Raptors history with the franchise’s first conference finals victory. For now, Toronto’s back in this series, and Cleveland’s Jones could be living with a Game 4 suspension for the lowest of blows. Biyombo raised hell in the Air Canada Centre, dropped James to the floor and himself ended Game 3 gasping for air, a nut shot for a night of sheer nuisance. Welcome to the NBA, Bismack Biyombo. It’s been waiting for you.

credit: sports.yahoo.com

It's OK. I understand. But you have to realize that in facing Toronto you're dealing with a kindred spirit, a soulmate if you will. Don't believe me? Check this out:

Cleveland, Toronto fans share sporting pain - Toronto Star Mon. May 16, 2016 (https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/05/16/cleveland-toronto-fans-share-sporting-pain.html)

Well...the way the Cavs played last Saturday...I have some doubts.

I feel this Cleveland sports deficit will continue...

Well guys, the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors both have their backs up against the wall and now, they need to win in order to force Game 7's

The Raptors will head back home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers while the Golden State Warriors will travel to OKC to take on the Thunder

Can the Raptors keep their Home Winning Streak ALIVE or will the Cavs get their 1st postseason win in Canada and head back to the Finals once again?
also, can the Warriors FINALLY get their 1st postseason road win in OKC or will it be celebration time in OKC for the Thunder?

Find out this Friday Night on ESPN and this Saturday Night on TNT

Tonight's Cavs/Raptors game is crucial for both teams.

If Cleveland wins...then we'll be back in the finals (I can only see them win in a marginal victory).

If Toronto wins...it may be more crucial for the Raptors since it'll be in Cleveland.

alright guys,

The NBA Finals Begins TONIGHT on abc

The Cavs def. the Raptors 4-2 and the Warriors def. the Thunder 4-3 and they will meet up once again

Who will win the rematch?

Will the Cavs get revenge on the Warriors or will The Splash Brothers and Company repeat once again?

THAT'S THE QUESTION!

alright guys,

The NBA Finals Begins TONIGHT on abc

The Cavs def. the Raptors 4-2 and the Warriors def. the Thunder 4-3 and they will meet up once again

Who will win the rematch?

Will the Cavs get revenge on the Warriors or will The Splash Brothers and Company repeat once again?

THAT'S THE QUESTION!

The Warriors will win it all!

The Warriors have Curry and Cleveland has a curse!

My city is cursed and will NEVER win again!
ohno:ohno:ohno:ohno:ohno:

The Warriors will win it all!

The Warriors have Curry and Cleveland has a curse!

My city is cursed and will NEVER win again!
ohno:ohno:ohno:ohno:ohno:

No matter how bad the curse is, the Cavs aren't forfeiting yet.

No matter how bad the curse is, the Cavs aren't forfeiting yet.

The Can'ts are gonna get swept!

Yesterday's game prooves God is NOT a Cleveland Fan! Flying pigs are more accurate than Cleveland winning it all, whether It's the Cavs, Browns, or Indians!

There's NEVER Next Year!

The Can'ts are gonna get swept!

Yesterday's game prooves God is NOT a Cleveland Fan! Flying pigs are more accurate than Cleveland winning it all, whether It's the Cavs, Browns, or Indians!

There's NEVER Next Year!

It wouldn't surprise me either if GS sweeps em in four straight. But we'll see.

OKC had GS on the ropes, up 3 games to 1, then suddenly OKC forgot how to play and couldn't win a 4th game. Sounds fishy to me. Wouldn't surprise me if these NBA playoff games are rigged, the West Conference finals were scripted to have OKC go up 3 games to 1, only to have GS make the "miraculous" comeback and take the series in 7 games. This way, all 7 games were played, and everyone made money. The Warriors are the NBA's golden boys these days, it's very obvious because everything goes in their favor. No way was the NBA going to allow OKC in the finals over GS.

I'd rather have Golden State or San Antonio than watch crybaby LeBron James and his flopping

OKC can't win b/c Durant and Westbrook can't get along and co-exist

OKC can't win b/c Durant and Westbrook can't get along and co-exist

I don't agree, OKC eliminated San Antonio and they should have eliminated Golden State also. I think it has little to do with Durant/Westbrook and whether they get along or not. The NBA is in love with the Warriors right now and the league is milking that team for all it can get.

I agree with Charles Barkley when he said the NBA is a bad league right now. GS going 73-9 isn't so much a reflection of how good they are, it's more a reflection of how bad the rest of the league is. It was the same thing 20 years ago when the Bulls went 72-10. It was an expansion year, Toronto and Vancouver entered the league, talent in the league was diluted and there were several bad teams. Michael Jordan had been away from the NBA for awhile, didn't play at all in 93-94, missed most of 94-95, came back for the end of the season and playoffs. So maybe the Bulls winning 72 games in 95-96 was the NBA's way of welcoming MJ back to the league. :lol: They almost won 70 games again in 96-97, had a 69-11 record but lost their last two regular season games to finish 69-13.

Well guys, the Golden State Warriors have won the 1st games @ home and they a 2-0 lead in the 2016 NBA Finals and now, they head to Cleveland on Wednesday and Friday Night

If the Cavs win both games, they go 2-2, but if the Warriors win both games then it will be a Clean Sweep for the 1st time in 9 years

The Cavs have been swept in the past, in fact, 9 years ago, they got swept by the San Antonio Spurs

Will the Cavs get swept....again?

THAT'S THE QUESTION!

also, the Warriors isn't the only tam that comeback from a 3-1 deficit, last year, the Houston Rockets overcame a 3-1 deficit in the Western Conference Semi-Finals against the Los Angeles Clippers

and so, it comes to show you that anything and I do mean ANYTHING can happen in the NBA

Well guys, the Golden State Warriors have won the 1st games @ home and they a 2-0 lead in the 2016 NBA Finals and now, they head to Cleveland on Wednesday and Friday Night

If the Cavs win both games, they go 2-2, but if the Warriors win both games then it will be a Clean Sweep for the 1st time in 9 years

The Cavs have been swept in the past, in fact, 9 years ago, they got swept by the San Antonio Spurs

Will the Cavs get swept....again?

THAT'S THE QUESTION!

I have one answer...YES!

The Can'ts are All Out!

Looks like It's 52 years of losing!

Cleveland will NEVER win a Championship!

With the Golden State Warriors winning Last Night, they are now 1 game closer to repeat as NBA Champions

With the Golden State Warriors winning Last Night, they are now 1 game closer to repeat as NBA Champions

The Series Is Over!

Cleveland Will NEVER Win A Championship In My ****ing Lifetime!

I Have ZERO Hope!

Looks like God Does Hate Cleveland!
ohno:ohno:ohno:ohno:ohno:

I think the Warriors can go ahead and start planning the parade route!

I think the Warriors can go ahead and start planning the parade route!

They might...but they'll have to postpone.

If the Cavs lose game 6, then okay...

The Western Conference has had 14 wins in the last 25 years if the Warriors win.

Yesterday was one of the bigger surprises in my recent sports memory. I guess Draymond Green was more important to the Warriors then I thought.

Yesterday was one of the bigger surprises in my recent sports memory. I guess Draymond Green was more important to the Warriors then I thought.

If the Warriors win with Green tomorrow, then...the case is true!

I still wish the Cavs would win it all, not because it ends the 51 1/2 year professional sports deficit in Cleveland, but it will almost even-out the Eastern Conference with wins.

So far...in the last 24 years...there was 11 victories for the Eastern Conference for four teams....

Chicago Bulls (1991-1993, 1996-1998)
Miami Heat (2006, 2012-2013)
Boston Celtics (2008)
Detroit Pistons (2004)

Well either the Cavs got mad and finally decided to play some basketball, or the NBA wants to stretch the series to the full 7 games so everyone can make the maximum amount of money. It's probably a combination of the two. :lol:

Seriously though, losing Andrew Bogut has really hurt the Warriors. He's the only big player GS has, they're a small team anyway but now they're really small without Bogut in the lineup. Cleveland has several big players, they tower in comparison to the small guys Golden State has, maybe the Cavs have figured out how to use that size to their advantage.

LOL at Curry fouling out in game 6. He's such a chump, a total puss, I can't stand him. :lol:

Should be a great game 7, I'm sure Golden State will play aggressive and try to pull out all the stops. If Cleveland can keep the game score close, they'll have a chance.

No matter...

I think this game will go in the history books, whoever wins!

I'm still rootin' for the Cavs not only for my city...but for the Eastern Conference!

I hope the Cavs can do it. Not that I'm a Cleveland fan, I just dislike Golden State. LeBron seems to be on a mission, but it will be tough to beat GS game 7 in their building. Will see what happens.

I'm very surprised that 2016 NBA Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers Part II goes to 7 games. it is a deciding one whereas either 1 of these two teams will can win the championship on 6/19.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/much-money-abc-nba-nba-201221014.html

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb296/tnawrestlingfan/tnasuperstarsfan/812003e7044cfd129b3390591cc7ba75_zpsxx1ndoc2.jpg
Here’s How Much Money ABC & the NBA Make with an NBA Finals Game 7
By Brad Tuttle | Money
June 17, 2016 4:12 PM

Are the NBA Finals rigged? That’s what Ayesha Curry, wife of Golden State Warriors’ guard and reigning league MVP Stephen Curry, tweeted last night. The message was posted after Curry received his sixth foul and was ejected from the NBA Finals’ Game 6—which was won by the Cleveland Cavaliers, extending the series for a final, decisive Game 7 on Sunday.

“I’ve lost all respect sorry this is absolutely rigged for money… Or ratings in not sure which,” Ayesha Curry post in a tweet, which she later deleted. “I won’t be silent . Just saw it live sry.”

Granted, the wife of a player is hardly an unbiased observer. But Ayesha Curry is not the only one who’s been claiming that the NBA Finals are “absolutely rigged.”

Tim Donaghy, the disgraced former NBA referee who was pushed out of the league after a scandal involving his gambling on games, told Sports Illustrated this week that he thought the NBA decided to suspend the Warriors’ Draymond Green for the Finals’ Game 5 in order to ensure more games would be played. “It gives Cleveland a better chance of prolonging the series,” Donaghy said of the questionable suspension of Green, the Warriors’ best defender.

Donaghy also said that in his experience, referees always seemed to favor teams that were losing in a playoff series, in order give them the best chance of prolonging it. “It was always a situation where the team down in the series was going to benefit from those calls,” he said.

There is no proof whatsoever that anyone has rigged anything. But plenty of Warriors’ fans, as well as the conspiracy-minded in general, are quick to note that the Warriors had dominated before Green’s suspension. They were up 3-1 in the series and neither Curry nor his sharp-shooting “Splash Brothers” teammate Klay Thompson had even been playing up to their potential. All the Warriors needed was to win one more game to take the championship. Then Green was suspended, and the Warriors lost Game 5 at home. Warriors’ starting center Andrew Bogut was hurt in that same game and is now out for the series, making it easier for the Cavaliers to trounce to victory in Game 6 and force a Game 7.

And, the conspiracy-minded are quick to point out, the NBA and ABC—the network with broadcast rights to the Finals—stand to make big money because the series didn’t end in only five games. Just how much money?

Well, last year, AdAge cited data from ispot.tv indicating that ABC pulled in $223.9 million in advertising revenues over the course of last year’s NBA Finals matchup, which again featured the Cavaliers versus the Warriors. That series only lasted six games, however. A Game 7 is typically a ratings and money-making bonanza. AdAge estimated that had there been a Game 7 last year, it would have likely drawn an audience of 32 million viewers and a 21.2 household rating, up from an average of 20 million viewers and an 11.6 rating for the previous games in the 2015 NBA Finals.

As for the advertising revenues, “A seventh game likely would have tossed another $45 million on the pile,” AdAge reported.

So, if the 2016 NBA Finals had ended with a Game 5 victory by the Warriors, ABC would have missed out on the ad revenues of Game 6 and Game 7—which will probably total in excess of $80 million, based on estimates from last year.

This figure doesn’t include any other money made based on the NBA Finals going beyond five games. The arenas hosting the games obviously benefit financially when there are more games, and ticket sellers are cashing in thanks to added drama and simply more games being played. Players, sponsors, and the league in general also stand to benefit, in largely unquantifiable ways, when the NBA Finals is competitive and extends to a full seven games.

So while there’s no real evidence that the NBA Finals are rigged, it’s quite clear that lots of people would be getting rich if they were.

credit: finance.yahoo.com

Tomorrow I shall attempt to watch the whole NBA game, instead of the last 5 minutes like I usually do. But beware, no team that lost game 7 has ever come back to win the championship.

I hope the Cavs can do it. Not that I'm a Cleveland fan, I just dislike Golden State. LeBron seems to be on a mission, but it will be tough to beat GS game 7 in their building. Will see what happens.


Us too!!! California people here, and we are rooting for the Cavs! ;) Hey , we live in 'Laker Land", not "Warrior Land"! :D


Go Cavs!! I Can't believe it came down to game 7, it's so cool!;) But as much as I'm rooting for the Cavs. I have to admit, Klay Thompson is a hotty! :D :eek: Wish he played for the Cavs! ;)

Oh the heck with that hotty!!! Cavs WON!!! AWESOME!!!! I'm crying tears of joy along with LeBron!!!!


FRIGGIN AWESOME !!!!

Hey Mr. Cleveland!!!!! Where you at??????? Your city/team ROCKS!!!!


CLEVELAND ROCKS!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Well congrats to the Cavs and the city of Cleveland, first pro sports championship for the city in 52 years. LeBron James is awesome, but he couldn't do it alone, Kyrie Irving really stepped up his game and that's what put the Cavs over the top.

Excellent game 7, close score all the way, I figured Cleveland would have a good chance to win in that type of game. However, as I mentioned before, losing Andrew Bogut really hurt the Warriors. When he went down with the injury, it turned the series around, he's the only decent big player they have, compared to Cleveland who has Tristian Thompson and Kevin Love.

Will be interesting to see how the Warriors come back next season after this loss. They are not as good as their record indicates, they went 73-9 against a weak league with several bad teams, hopefully the league will be stronger and more competitive next season. Golden State is a soft team overall, without Bogut they are undersized and they rely too much on the 3 point shooting, they need a decent back up center that's for sure. I think Curry is overrated too.

Things were too easy for the Warriors during the regular season, then in the playoffs facing tougher competition on a regular basis, their weaknesses started getting exposed. OKC nearly upset them, then the Cavs won in finals. But if Andrew Bogut hadn't gotten injured, we might be talking about a Warriors repeat.

This game will go into History Books...not because Cleveland snapped a losing streak...but we're the only team to win the 7th game after going 1-3.

So...I must play this...

VMnjF1O4eH0

Whoops...Wrong Song!...

04854XqcfCY