I'd like to see a win/loss breakdown on the navy road alternates. I'm convinced they're cursed and that the Thunder's record is disproportionately worse in them.

With that you also would need a breakdown of the strength of schedules, while there are times they play in them against poor teams, it seems like they have more often than not worn them against better than average teams. Plus with the rules for when alternates can be worn, it is also more likely they are playing away in them.

Nah, that's too logic-y. I'm just gonna go with cursed. ;)

Steve Nash announces retirement from the NBA - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/3/21/8270221/steve-nash-announces-retirement-from-the-nba)

Steve has always been one of the best; we wish him the best.

Another Silliman on Sports NBA article:

THE BABY FACE, THE BEARD AND THE MASK

The MVP race in the NBA calls for a rap. See if you don’t agree:

He came from Charlotte
Daddy name of Dell
A loosed limbed baller
shootin’ faster than hell
Creates for Golden State
So fast there is no wait
With Klay he drains the splash
His bro… so money they like cash
On defense he’s harrassin’
Assistin’ and a passin’
Buckets he amassin’
He’s the Baby-Faced Assassin

He’s the Beard you always feared
He resembles Kimbo Slice
Crosses you over, not once but twice
Euro steps you in the face
Can’t stop him with even mace
Launched the Rockets to record pace
His beard be seen from space
On late game shots he ain’t no coward
Doing this all with no Dwight Howard
Gets to the line like no one’s business
In a style uniquely his-ness
There’s no guardin’ one James Harden

Next we find The Mask
Charged with daunting task
Of leading gimpy Thunder
At a pace so fast you’ll all but wonder
How he survives broken hand, broken face
No Serge, no KD… yet stays in the playoff race
With trippy dubbies at a pace
With MJ, Wilt and Oscar be compared
Flying so high… the air be rared
No one outruns Russell
No one has his drive, his hustle
And on fashion, he’s all muscle

Even yet another Silliman on Sports NBA article:

10557

Bank Robbers Buy Hawks Suite
March 29, 2015
By Stan Silliman

BANK ROBBERS USE FUNDS ON HAWKS SUITE

From a suite at the Hawks Philips Arena to a suite in the pen. Okay, not a suite, more like an 8’ x 12’ cell.

Do I need to back up? Okay. In 2009, four guys from Atlanta – Zach Vaughn, Derek Spinks, Henry Cobb and William Leese – concocted a scheme to syphon $4.3 million dollars from the Bank of New York Mellon and then went on a five year spending spree. Before they were recently caught, convicted and sentenced, they spent money on vehicles, gold, trips and a suite at the Hawks games.

Apparently, the idiots didn’t realize that had they not bought or leased a Philips Arena suite, they would not have ended up in a Silliman on Sports column. Otherwise, there would not have been a sports angle. When a crime caper enters the sports world, all bets are off.

We checked the Philips Arena suites. The rental ones are nice – big screen TVs, wood paneling, fully stocked bar and cookies. Yummy cookies. Macadamians. Probably not worth spending five years at Ray James Correctional or UCO Atlanta tasty, but delicious cookies otherwise.

Zachary Vaughn worked at the bank from 2005 to 2013. He noticed that one of the bank’s customers had $4.3 million sitting there in reserve funds. Not moving at all. Idle! Just sitting there. Money needs to move around, not just sit idly. We’re sure this is what banker Zachary Vaughn thought. This money needs exercise! It needs to be wired to my friend, Derek Spinks. Spinks can then give it more exercise by investing it in a company owned by C & L Logistics and Transportation owned by Cobb and Leese. Spread money around! Enrich the community. Put the money back into the idle account after it’s done the community some good!

The court testimony didn’t quite come out like this but we’re sure Zachary Vaughn had good reasons for freeing the money from its sedentary state. Maybe, during his testimony, he might have even mentioned cookies. Hey, macadamia farmers got to eat, too!

How did Vaughn get away with it for years, you ask. He moved more money. He found bigger bank accounts with idle money, moved 500K here, 300K there and pretty soon he had placed the $4.3 million back into the original idle account. He was a money moving machine as well as a good money trainer. Zachary Vaughn was the Billy Blanks of moving money from one account to another. Money from twenty different Bank of New York accounts got exercise.

Vaughn did all this without once consulting Jimmy Conway. If Vaughn had talked to Jimmy (played by Robert DeNiro in “Goodfellas”), Jimmy would have told him not to spend any of their stolen funds. “No jewels, no furs, no fancy cars. If I catch you, you’ll end up in the trunk on the way to the garbage heap,” Jimmy would’ve told him. “And if Tommy DeVito gets wind, your knee caps will look like Derrick Rose’s.”

Alright, Jimmy would have never mentioned Derrick Rose… but I’m writing a sports column. And, by the way, tying up the Billy Blanks reference with the Atlanta Hawks? The Hawks now have a player named Thabo. You’re welcome.

Random NBA Trivia - With win tonight Pacers are the #8 seed in East and will face Hawks as #1 seed. Last year Pacers were the 1 seed and Hawks were #8. FIrst time in NBA history that top seed and bottom seed have switched places in back to back years. Recall that Hawks took the 1-seed Pacers to 7 games last year. Pacers were down 3-2 and had to win games 6 and 7 to advance.

Russell Westbrook wins NBA scoring title.

https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.%2b5Ff8urlq63mITjxUl4OiA&pid=15.1&P=0


Russell Westbrook won the NBA scoring title, but he?d rather have a playoff spot | For The Win (http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/04/russell-westbrook-nba-scoring-title-playoffs-eliminated)

2014-15 Regular Season NBA Player Stats and League Leaders - Scoring Per Game - National Basketball Association - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring-per-game/sort/avgPoints)

Spurs have to play Clippers, with Clips having home court adv. instead of playing Dallas and Spurs having home adv. Pretty huge game last night. Give Pelicans credit - they won a huge game when it counted.

Houston gets Dallas and winner of that gets winner of Spurs - Clips. Prize for getting thru that is probably Warriors. West is BRUTAL.

Welcome to the Big Leagues, Oklahoma City...


Hell hath no fury like a city scorned. The Seattle-area, sworn enemy of the Oklahoma City Thunder and their owner Clay Bennett, must have experienced some wonderful schadenfreude when the Thunder missed the playoffs on Wednesday night thanks to a New Orleans Pelicans win over the San Antonio Spurs...

Shawn Kemp Is Co-Hosting A Party In Seattle To Celebrate The Thunder Missing The Playoffs (http://nextimpulsesports.com/2015/04/16/shawn-kemp-is-co-hosting-a-party-in-seattle-to-celebrate-the-thunder-missing-the-playoffs/)


As a parting gift to former teammate, Enes Kanter, the Utah Jazz's Trevor Booker decided to hit him with some end-of-the-season shade after the Thunder missed the playoffs.

Trevor Booker would like to remind Enes Kanter the Thunder missed the playoffs - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/4/15/8425867/trevor-booker-would-like-to-remind-enes-kanter-the-thunder-missed-the)

Welcome to the Big Leagues, Oklahoma City...



Shawn Kemp Is Co-Hosting A Party In Seattle To Celebrate The Thunder Missing The Playoffs (http://nextimpulsesports.com/2015/04/16/shawn-kemp-is-co-hosting-a-party-in-seattle-to-celebrate-the-thunder-missing-the-playoffs/)



Trevor Booker would like to remind Enes Kanter the Thunder missed the playoffs - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/4/15/8425867/trevor-booker-would-like-to-remind-enes-kanter-the-thunder-missed-the)

Now I know why Seattle is called the Emerald City...that's the color of envy!

Whatever. I don't mind the Booker thing, since they obviously have bad blood and since Kanter hasn't been shy about dogging the situation at Utah. Kanter will likely get the last laugh anyway. He's about to make a truckload of money that he wouldn't have made there, and he's far more likely to win a ring here.

The Kemp is just him pandering to the home crowd. And we can sit here and dog Seattle all we want, but true Sonics fans have every right to be pissed. They just misplace a lot of their anger.

Anyone have any upset predictions for NBA first round series? Kinda like the Mavs to give the Rockets all they want. Wouldn't mind seeing the #2 seed upset. Clips - Spurs series looks like a dandy.

Hopefully LeBron tears his ACL in the playoffs. He's getting another free pass but atleast Kendrick Perkins gets another ring this year.

Looking at your post history, I am not sure how you are not banned here.

That comment is not something any sports fan would say. You should be ashamed of wishing such a thing, and if you do call yourself a Thunder fan, then you only bring shame to our fanbase. Please leave.

Spurs - Clips was only one of the first round series tied after 2 games. Spurs are favored by 4.5 tonight in SA. This series is looking like a Rocky fight. Still kinda like the Clippers to win the series but game 2 was a great performance by Spurs especially Duncan.

Perk gets into it today with his old team (Celts). Would have been more discussion had JR Smith not pulled his stunt later in the game.

Spurs...WOW! What a game last night. Really thought Clips woudl win that and take charge of series. Don't count out Tim D at 39 years old!

Spurs Clips series is really good. GREAT games.:D Whoever wins this, the next series with Rockets should be really good too.

Warriors Grizz will be good. Bulls - Cavs. Man, some good stuff in NBA despite Thunder being home.

What a game - Bulls over Cavs to go up 2-1. Thibs was gonna have some questions to answer about not fouling on the JR Smith 3 and but then D-Rose bailed him out on the game winner.:)

Bill Simmons and ESPN part ways after failed contract negotiations


(President of ESPN John) Skipper said that the differences between the company and Simmons were “about more than money,” although he would not offer details. He added: “We’ve had an excellent run with Bill, almost 15 years. It’s been good for us and good for him. It was a decision I had to make and he had to make to move forward.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=OVsW_6AomOQ
Don't Mess with Bill... FOX, CBS & NBC 'you better leave him alone...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/the-turnstile/bill-simmons-and-espn-part-ways-after-failed-contract-negotiations-144805002.html

As much as he is about his own brand, it does not surprise me he thinks he is worth vastly more than others would.

Wild finish today in Chicago. LJ hits a biggie!

As much as he is about his own brand, it does not surprise me he thinks he is worth vastly more than others would.

It's important to note the big difference between monetary and cultural value. Monetarily, Skip Bayless is valuable to ESPN. Culturally, Bill Simmons, like him or not, both revolutionedsports writing/coverage in the digital age and promoted high quality sports writing with Grantland and the 30 for 30 series that's been lacking. Here's a good article: https://medium.com/the-cauldron/sad-reality-skip-bayless-is-a-better-business-investment-than-bill-simmons-for-espn-658116b5d249

Having said that, Simmons definitely brings on a lot of his own criticism. But if ESPN is firing him because even partially because of his Roger Goodell criticism then we know who ESPN is selling out to...

The concern about public media figures who are as opinionated as guys like Bill Simmons, Stephen A. Smith & Skip Bayless are that they eventually say something that offends someone. The telecast media giants will protect their reputations at the expense of individuals that are viewed as being too big to fire.

Was Bill Simmons problem exasperated when he called out ESPN on a dare; you decide?

The drama behind Bill Simmons' exit from ESPN | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/05/11/drama-behind-bill-simmons-exit-from-espn/)

Surprised Monty Williams was fired by the Pelicans. Some quick speculation about Scott Brooks landing there. Not a bad gig to coach KD and RW and then head to Big Easy and coach A. Davis!:)

NBA vacancies in New Orleans, Orlando & Denver with interims named in the latter two.


There is no shortage of good NBA head coaches available that each of these three teams should take a look at it. Here are some of the top available coaching candidates:

NBA News & Rumors: Available Head Coaches & Candidates | Heavy.com (http://heavy.com/sports/2015/05/nba-news-rumors-head-coach-candidates-tom-thibodeau-scott-brooks-mike-dantoni-alvin-gentry-mark-jackson/)

Klay Thompson's dad: Warriors will 'go hard' for Kevin Durant


Appearing on his Bay Area radio show, Thompson said he "heard it on good authority, ... that they're gonna go hard after Kevin Durant."

Oklahoma City Thunder - NBA - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/OKC/oklahoma-city-thunder)

Since when in the hell did we become somebody's farm team?

Absolutely CRAZY Rockets - Clips game 6 last night. Clips up 19 toward end of 3rd quarter and found themselves down 15 late in the 4th! They shot 18% from field in 4thqtr and got outscored 40-15! Oh Harden was on the bench. Josh Smith and Corey Brewer were on fire. Brewer was +20 in his 20 minutes of play.

Wow. I went to bed heading into the 4th thinking it was over.

EVERYBODY is going to "go hard" for KD. Problem is, a max deal is a max deal is a max deal. Nobody can outbid anyone else, so the ONLY variable is situational, not monetary. Can a team offer KD a better chance of winning a ring? Are they willing to go substantially over the cap to acquire the teammates that will get him that ring? That's really all that it boils down to. GS is already built to be a championship-caliber team, but how much of the existing team will have to be dealt to make room for KD?

If OKC stays healthy next year it is as suited as any team in the league to win it all. If they DO win it, I think it is nearly-guaranteed that he re-signs here. But if everything falls apart yet again, THAT is when we should get very nervous. At that point the ticking clock of his career becomes our enemy.

Frankly I'm a lot more worried about re-signing Russell the NEXT year. We were able to essentially max him - including a five year deal - thanks to what was basically a loophole in the CBA. It allowed us to be one of the only teams (if not THE only) to carry two five year max players under the new CBA. The lack of the ability to carry a third is a part of the reason for the Harden trade. We could only offer him four years, Houston and others could give him five.

When Russell's contract is up, we won't be able to offer him a five year max deal even though we would surely be willing to do so. Other teams WILL be able to do so. Other organizations will have a financial edge in the Russell sweepstakes; they DON'T (and can't) have a financial edge in the KD negotiations no matter how "hard" they go.

You don't have to take the max. I believe Kevin Durant has the best package of endorsement and he can double his value by taking a little less. If you're a charismatic super star being a winner enhances your long term value more than being the highest paid guy in the league.

Michael Jordan used that business plan to become a billionaire. With an endorsement package paying him between $ 30 and $ 40 M per year he accepted a salary of $ 3 million for several years. This allowed the Bulls to stay under the cap and surround MJ with decent players. It was a deferred payment plan with Jordan collecting $ 35 million salary in his last two years with the Bulls.

The Big 3 at the Heat - James, Wade and Bosh - all accepted the same salary at near the max but still less that what Kobe or Amare Stoudemier were getting.

Durant, with his close to $ 60 million in endorsements, doesn't need the max for financial security like say, Carmello Anthony, as much he can benefit by being a champion.

You don't have to take the max. I believe Kevin Durant has the best package of endorsement and he can double his value by taking a little less. If you're a charismatic super star being a winner enhances your long term value more than being the highest paid guy in the league.

Michael Jordan used that business plan to become a billionaire. With an endorsement package paying him between $ 30 and $ 40 M per year he accepted a salary of $ 3 million for several years. This allowed the Bulls to stay under the cap and surround MJ with decent players. It was a deferred payment plan with Jordan collecting $ 35 million salary in his last two years with the Bulls.

The Big 3 at the Heat - James, Wade and Bosh - all accepted the same salary at near the max but still less that what Kobe or Amare Stoudemier were getting.

Durant, with his close to $ 60 million in endorsements, doesn't need the max for financial security like say, Carmello Anthony, as much he can benefit by being a champion.

Good insight, Stan. Thanks for this post - makes perfect sense.

EVERYBODY is going to "go hard" for KD. Problem is, a max deal is a max deal is a max deal. Nobody can outbid anyone else, so the ONLY variable is situational, not monetary. Can a team offer KD a better chance of winning a ring? Are they willing to go substantially over the cap to acquire the teammates that will get him that ring? That's really all that it boils down to. GS is already built to be a championship-caliber team, but how much of the existing team will have to be dealt to make room for KD?

If OKC stays healthy next year it is as suited as any team in the league to win it all. If they DO win it, I think it is nearly-guaranteed that he re-signs here. But if everything falls apart yet again, THAT is when we should get very nervous. At that point the ticking clock of his career becomes our enemy.

Frankly I'm a lot more worried about re-signing Russell the NEXT year. We were able to essentially max him - including a five year deal - thanks to what was basically a loophole in the CBA. It allowed us to be one of the only teams (if not THE only) to carry two five year max players under the new CBA. The lack of the ability to carry a third is a part of the reason for the Harden trade. We could only offer him four years, Houston and others could give him five.

When Russell's contract is up, we won't be able to offer him a five year max deal even though we would surely be willing to do so. Other teams WILL be able to do so. Other organizations will have a financial edge in the Russell sweepstakes; they DON'T (and can't) have a financial edge in the KD negotiations no matter how "hard" they go.



Let me correct a few things here that are incorrect.

1. The 1 5 year contract at a time. Is only for players signing after their rookie deals. (Ie 1 5 year Extention at a time) All unrestricted FA's can sign 5 year deals. (Both Kevin this year and Russ next year can as well as surge the year after that. And starting next summer we can give a rookie a 5 year extentiin also). (Thunder could not give harden a 5 year deal because It would have been an Extention off his rookie contract aT the time of the trade.

2. Max deals are not all alike. The thinder can give Kevin (and then Russ). 5 year deals with 7.5% annual raises. Other teams can only give 4.5% raises. Huge money difference.

3. The reason KD and then Russ will become free agents. Is because vets can only sign extensions of 2 years. And they can sign 5 year contracts as free agents

.

http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gifOklahoma City Thunder has secured the 14th pick.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Houston with ball and chance to win and Hardin can't get a shot off due to Splash Brothers double team. Hardin a brilliant game but he couldnt get shot off at end. Great defensive trap wins game. Heck of a game.

Crazy WCF so far, Houston could have easily won both games, but that second one will sting for a long time. Had a timeout remaining and 12 seconds and you don't even get a shot up to have a chance to win? In hindsight, poor decision making across the board. HOU is going to look back at that one for a long time.

I understand not calling a timeout when harden is driving, but when he stopped and had to give ball to Dwight Howard at the top of the key, Houston should have called a timeout.

Great game in Clev tonight BUT both series now 3-0...YAWN.

The Miami Heat & the Washington Wizards are among the suitors for Thunder Superstar Kevin Durant.

Miami offers OKC: South Beach, 789 feet Four Seasons Hotel along with the Florida Marlins http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/icons/icon6.png .


Miami's plan, according to the Miami Herald's Dan Le Batard, is to re-sign Goran Dragic this summer, then the following summer re-sign Hassan Whiteside and go after Kevin Durant in free agency.

Report: Heat want Wade to use opt-in clause to go after Durant - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25202092/report-heat-want-dwyane-wade-opt-in-so-they-can-go-after-kevin-durant?FTAG=YHF7e3228ehttp://)

Washington offers OKC: The Nations' Capitol, White House & Washington Monument along with whoever wins the 2017 Presidency http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/icons/icon7.png .


Durant, a native of Prince George’s County, can be an unrestricted free agent in 2016, when, by an amazing coincidence, the Wizards could have enough salary-cap space to offer him a maximum contract.

Anonymous NBA player is reportedly ?pretty sure? Kevin Durant will join the Wizards - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/05/28/anonymous-nba-player-is-reportedly-pretty-sure-kevin-durant-will-join-the-wizards/)

The Miami Heat & the Washington Wizards are among the suitors for Thunder Superstar Kevin Durant.

Miami offers OKC: South Beach, 789 feet Four Seasons Hotel along with the Florida Marlins http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/icons/icon6.png .



Report: Heat want Wade to use opt-in clause to go after Durant - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25202092/report-heat-want-dwyane-wade-opt-in-so-they-can-go-after-kevin-durant?FTAG=YHF7e3228ehttp://)

Washington offers OKC: The Nations' Capitol, White House & Washington Monument along with whoever wins the 2017 Presidency http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/icons/icon7.png .



Anonymous NBA player is reportedly ?pretty sure? Kevin Durant will join the Wizards - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/05/28/anonymous-nba-player-is-reportedly-pretty-sure-kevin-durant-will-join-the-wizards/)

Is there any team or fan base that would not love to have him? Expect rumors like this to persist until his next contract is signed and made public

Exploring The Rise Of Oklahoma City Blue Guard Semaj Christon


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zCrhpo0OH4&feature=player_embedded

Exploring The Rise Of Oklahoma City Blue Guard Semaj Christon - Ridiculous Upside (http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2015/6/1/8691435/exploring-the-rise-of-oklahoma-city-blue-guard-semaj-christon)

FInals start tonight. Can get 2-1 odds on the Cavs as the series dog. GS is giving 6 tonight. I think this could be really interesting IF Irving is semi-healthy and if LJ can score from 3 better than he did in the earlier series. He was fantastic in every aspect except his long jumpers which were really bad. Enjoy watching GS play so should be some fun!

I got Warriors in 6.

I got Warriors in 6.

It could be that or less now if Irving is out or ineffective. He played great last night and Cavs gave them all they wanted. The last possession by Cavs looked like they phoned Scott Brooks - lets fire up a 3 in a tie game, last possession. They definitely let that one get away - Warriors won a game where they didn't play great which bodes bad for Cavs. But was VERY entertaining game.:)

If Kyrie is out this series is over and the ratings will crater.

If Kyrie is out this series is over and the ratings will crater.

Agree. He gives them some chance especially playing at the level he was at last night. Sounds like some serious disagreement between his camp and the team on the injury and whether he can play, pain tolerance, etc. If GS plays the same game plan as last night, Lebron will have 40 plus every game and GS will win the series. Basically let him have his and not allow anyone else in the game. GS can score in BUNCHES.

Put a fork in the Cavs and the playoffs- they're done.
Kyrie Irving Is Out For The Finals And His Dad And Agent Are Pissed (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/05/kyrie-irving-injury_n_7521732.html)

It's inbelievable how easy a road the Warriors have had to the title. Most teams have some kind of heartbreak before winning a title. They've just watched everyone else get injured while benefitting from favorable match ups.

More depressing, this would have been the best season for a Thunder run. Ugh.

It's inbelievable how easy a road the Warriors have had to the title. Most teams have some kind of heartbreak before winning a title. They've just watched everyone else get injured while benefitting from favorable match ups.

More depressing, this would have been the best season for a Thunder run. Ugh.

Every team they have played has had an injured starting pg. they are good but really fortunate too.

Remember the 2012 NBA Finals when OKC took game 1 opener 105-94. Thunder talk about a championship, parade route and the likes; then we lost the next 4 games.

Golden State, hopefully will not allow themselves to get overconfident.

LeBron James has always had the support players around him when he won championships in Miami. He has the players around him in Cleveland (Irving, Love, Thompson). Yes, the big three (James, Bosh & Wade), along with Mike Miller; let us not forget that Wade had already won an NBA championship (2006) with Miami Heat.

Durant will have the support he needs to go forward. We need to keep him at the 3 (SF) where he has been less prone to injury. You have McGary (PF); along with Ibaka, Collison & Kanter who can play the 4 (PF) or 5 (C) in any given situation. This puts less pressure on Steve Adams. Adams should learn from Donovan-Williams and staff about making 'smart fouls.'

Donovan will give Durant the support he needs to take the Thunder to the next level. Look for players who can play Donovan's style where he gets maximum player potential & performance.

Look for the Thunder to be back in the game...

BIG game 3 tonight. Game 2 was the 9th straight game 2 where LeBron team wins when trailing 1-0. He was included in 76% of Cav's Game 2 baskets (scored or assisted).

I still see the Warriors winning in 5 or 6. I don't see what happened in game 2 as being sustainable... But we'll see...

I still see the Warriors winning in 5 or 6. I don't see what happened in game 2 as being sustainable... But we'll see...

Yes, don't see Steph going 2-15 very often. But I will say that is their issue. I was at the game in OKC when both Durant and Westbrook were out and our somewhat rag tag crew took them to the wire because they were ice cold and couldnt buy a 3. Finally hit a few at end to edge us. Cavs are only playing 7 guys and LJ is playing crazy minutes though. Could get worn down in these games where only 1 day break in between. At least at 1-1 it's more interesting to watch!

LJ w 123 in 3 games. Most in finals history. Up 2-1! Very entertaining games so far.

LJ w 123 in 3 games. Most in finals history. Up 2-1! Very entertaining games so far.

He's going to set a record for shots too. He's not really efficient; just shooting a ton. But it's working.

I've still got the Warriors.

He's going to set a record for shots too. He's not really efficient; just shooting a ton. But it's working.

I've still got the Warriors.
He's involved in something like 75% of their buckets. But yes shooting a bunch. Delly was huge tonight.

I've never been a huge Lebron supporter....but what he is doing (to help his team) is very impressive thus far. Look no further than the struggles Durant had in the 12-13 playoffs after Westbrook went down with the knee injury. If Ibaka would have been out as well, I imagine that Durant's shot volume would have been comparably off the charts as well. So, its somewhat excusable to see Lebron tryin to do it all, sans Irving and Love.

I've never been a huge Lebron supporter....but what he is doing (to help his team) is very impressive thus far. Look no further than the struggles Durant had in the 12-13 playoffs after Westbrook went down with the knee injury. If Ibaka would have been out as well, I imagine that Durant's shot volume would have been comparably off the charts as well. So, its somewhat excusable to see Lebron tryin to do it all, sans Irving and Love.

Totally agree. Showing how good he really is more now than ever in my view.

With that said, still think GS has a great shot to win this series especially if they get it to 2-2. Cleveland better win game 4 and game 6. GS has been off (due in large part to very tough defense by Cavs). Delly had to be hospitalized after the game for goodness sakes! That dude leaves it ALL on the floor - literally last night.

If Lebron wins this series he is on the pantheon of immortal basketball legends. He might already be there but this performance is insane.

This is a progressive proposal by the NCAA.

NCAA proposes new NBA draft rule to allow underclassmen to return to school (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13142145/ncaa-proposes-new-nba-draft-rule-allow-underclassmen-return-school)


College underclassmen will now have the opportunity to return to school even after declaring for the NBA draft, if a new proposal sponsored Wednesday by the NCAA men's basketball oversight committee is adopted by the membership in January.