What I just witnessed is a professional parallel to UF and Clayton. What a damn fine performance by the Pacers and Haliburton. Yeah, Nembhard is a damn nice player. But his "brain farts" at UF are merely a signature of Mike White's limitations as a coach. This is going to be a fun series to watch, unless the refs decide to muck it up. SGA played like the MVP, except the last shot. You need to play the game so that one shot going in or not is the difference between the W and the L. I haven't been that engaged by the NBA and a series in a LONG time. Maybe all the way back to the Lakers versus the Pistons and the Bad Boys.
This series might just turn into a really good set of games. If styles make fights…. The way both teams play should be entertaining. I’m hoping for seven games.
It’s fun reading The Athletic and seeing the Andrew Nembhard analysis. As @tampajack1 points out, he has become a top level NBA player. These articles portray him as one of the league’s top defenders, taking SGA with much help.
Yes great game and will be a great series. The Pacers are a bit like the Gators in that there are no dominant players but a bunch of really good role players and one incredibly clutch player who's top 20. As a Canadian it's interesting to see Nembhard go up against SGA. They're friends on the National Team, but it's the Finals - and no love is lost.
There was a reason why when Nembhard was here that every player combination on those teams statistically played better with Nembhard on the floor. He was good! At the time, I couldn't believe how many posters here were pulling for him to leave the program. It was a bit surprising to watch his step-back three go in during crunch time of Game 1. Nembhard couldn't hit a three off the dribble while he was in college to save his life. Of course, his next step-back was an airball (that Siakim followed up for two points), but 1 of 2 ain't bad in that situation. I'm pulling for the Pacers, but I think the Thunder will win. Not a big fan of the Pacers, but I can't pull for the Thunder since their owners lied about their intentions to move the team out of Seattle.
Right now, the Thunder figured out "something" that allowed them to pull away in Game 2. Good for them. It is 1-1 and until further notice, the Pacers are still ahead, based on their away win. It appeared like the Thunder decided to be less manic on defense and work more on their offense, their tall, skinny dude especially. Good outside shooting also. Time for the Pacers to change gears also. They to me have the two best/most impactful players: Haliburton and their big who is a lot bigger than anyone else on the court. Add in a possible "top level" effort from Nembhard and that is a lot for the Thunder to overcome. Remember, they are young. It is all probable that, unless the Pacers begin to fold from the defensive pressure, youth will manifest in the 5th - 7th games. There are two things I find irritating from the show going on, and a special report at the end. The first is, why does the Pacers' coach get so much TV time whereas the Thunder's coach is mainly MIA? One is personable and the other a statue? Aren't both playing their version of chess? C'mon, stop pushing the dialog and let it come naturally. The second is, the silly "experts" columns who now proclaim "The Thunder are in complete control and the Pacers are reeling". Really? There is nothing but polarity? You are a bum or you are elite? This is all SO lousy. I read the title, shake my head, and shut it all down. Don't feed the silliness and click. It is a stupid game. And the "special report", although this is NOT much news as it is a confirmation of previous "knowledge". If I had to make a recommendation for all of you, it is to figure out what is the time of a halftime, set your stopwatch (or do the math on your regular clock) and then...walk away from the TV and mute it. The ESPN/ABC halftime shows are just...plain...AWFUL!!! What in the H__L are they doing, trying to make it look SO bad that when the TNT guys come in next year they are going to look so much better? Do they really need that push? They aren't Tom Brady who needs some assistance. Maybe they are deciding to burn it all down before they are getting "downsized" and it is all about being pissed. No one can stop it at the top? Really? I truly do not like the blather during the baseball world series but they are almost comatose compared to this HUGE pile of crap. please....STOP IT!!!
The Pacers just made this series even more interesting. I don’t really listen or pay attention to much of the opinions/ analysis pre-game or during ( volume is low or muted). Both teams have moments & stretches where they play to their strengths and grab a win. I’m enjoying the unpredictable moments.
I was enjoying the series until they said saikum was going to sign for $188 million and I about got sick. By having a cable package and watching it I am contributing to this madness. Things are just out of control. I’m sure YouTube tv will be $150 in a few years and I’ll have to stop watching.
yes the good part about both teams is that they both play as a team. Not much hero ball, unless you count Haliburton's end of game heroics.
