0fficial 2017-2018 NBA Postseason Thread....NBA Finals Cavs vs Warriors 0-4(dubs back 2 back champs)
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Let's not forget Payton was hurt in that series and a certain coach waited til Game 4 to allow Payton to defend him for the majority of the possessions.....Nate McMillan was the person guarding Jordan in the first three games the majority of the time.
Selective memory I see. How many open shots did Steve kerr, BJ Armstrong, Toni K, etc etc hit for MJ that helped him win?? What about Kenny Smith robert Horry etc etc?? What about Derek Fisher RIC Foxx etc etc?? What about M Cooper Byron Scott etc etc?? What about Danny ainge, Dennis Johnson?? You really can't be serios. You know how many "role players" I can name that played major parts in teams winning series and championships.... please stop now bro.. Houston lost just like GS lost a few years ago.. it is what it is
You don't get a lot of things. And your bitch ass still owe me money. You forget that you lying faggot?? Stick to posting stats about LBJ......
Steph Curry better than LeBron.
I told you to come collect but you to pussy to come see me part time Golden State fan.
Crazy how your fag ass gave up your Laker fanhood up for life just to hop on the Warriors nuts for a week. Magic said you hoes cant come back next month. You Warrior fans now.
And when those role players were hurt, they went right on and won series no problem. Because their superstars made anyone good role players. Not the otherway around. You cats keep implying Iggy is who makes your superstars great. So like I said, they ain’t shit.
If your four all pros and two MVPs were so great, they would make another Iggy off the bench. Point blank period.
I promise you this, if Ariza had missed the series and Durant got hurt and missed the last two games, we would have ended you niggas is six. No one would have been comparing missing Ariza to missing Durant.
Post your address faggot. You sent me a bogus address in the pm. So post your real one!Steph Curry better than LeBron.
I told you to come collect but you to pussy to come see me part time Golden State fan.
I'm not comparing u missing the point. I never said cp3 not being there didn't matter. Of course it impacted the outcome and so did iggy. And you can say that about dam near every series in the playoffs since 1980. Injuries happened all the time. And even with the greats, I can't name one that didn't benefit from some type of luck or good fortune...
funny how you know i was talking about you. show me when i rooted for the warriors. i'll wait. But of course, you'll change the subject again, just like you just did. You never have a reply for facts, you just jump to another topic. Next you'll talk about sneakers and NY. Go ahead, try to issue a reply to my previous statement. You can't right?Crazy how your fag ass gave up your Laker fanhood up for life just to hop on the Warriors nuts for a week. Magic said you hoes cant come back next month. You Warrior fans now.
Nigga mentioning Iggy and the CP3 injury in the same breath.
what he say?
The bum ass shooting guards he faced are more amazing.
Damn man Bron stormed out the room like that rich aunt that everybody want to pay for Big mama funeral after the family came up with $500.
Old nigga stop taking things out of contextNigga mentioning Iggy and the CP3 injury in the same breath.
Was Hood playing that bad to the point where he gets ZERO PLAYING TIME. Clarkson doesn’t do shit when he gets out there but he still gets some run
Draymond Green of Golden State Warriors had two missed infractions in final seconds of Game 1
9:15 AM CT
The league said Green committed a lane violation by entering into the paint to establish rebounding position prior to George Hillreleasing the second of two free throw attempts with 4.7 seconds remaining.
Hill missed the shot, leading to a wild sequence in which JR Smith grabbed the offensive rebound and dribbled out past the 3-point line with the score tied 107-107 rather than looking to score before the clock expired.
Had the lane violation been called, Hill would have been awarded another attempt to make the free throw.
The league also said Green should have been called for a foul with 12.1 seconds to go for grabbing LeBron James' arm and affecting his freedom of movement. That contact preceded James' pass to Hill that led to Klay Thompsonfouling the Cavs point guard and putting him on the line.
The Cavs were in the bonus at the time, meaning if the foul on Green was called, James -- and not Hill -- would have been the one attempting two free throws with the Cavs down 107-106.
James shot 10-for-11 from the free throw line in the defeat.
The L2M also offered an explanation as to why the charge call on Kevin Durant with 36.4 seconds remaining was overturned and ended up as a blocking foul on James.
"The crew was not reasonably certain whether James was in the restricted area after an offensive foul was called against Durant," the report said. "Upon replay review, it was confirmed that James was outside the restricted area. The referees also reviewed whether James was in a legal guarding position, which is an additional reviewable matter for this replay trigger. Replay showed James was not in a legal guarding position because he was turning his body and moving into Durant when contact occurred. Thus the initial call on the floor was overturned and James was assessed a blocking foul."
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...d-two-missed-infractions-final-seconds-game-1
9:15 AM CT
Dave McMenamin ESPN Staff Writer
The league said Green committed a lane violation by entering into the paint to establish rebounding position prior to George Hillreleasing the second of two free throw attempts with 4.7 seconds remaining.
Hill missed the shot, leading to a wild sequence in which JR Smith grabbed the offensive rebound and dribbled out past the 3-point line with the score tied 107-107 rather than looking to score before the clock expired.
Had the lane violation been called, Hill would have been awarded another attempt to make the free throw.
The league also said Green should have been called for a foul with 12.1 seconds to go for grabbing LeBron James' arm and affecting his freedom of movement. That contact preceded James' pass to Hill that led to Klay Thompsonfouling the Cavs point guard and putting him on the line.
The Cavs were in the bonus at the time, meaning if the foul on Green was called, James -- and not Hill -- would have been the one attempting two free throws with the Cavs down 107-106.
James shot 10-for-11 from the free throw line in the defeat.
The L2M also offered an explanation as to why the charge call on Kevin Durant with 36.4 seconds remaining was overturned and ended up as a blocking foul on James.
"The crew was not reasonably certain whether James was in the restricted area after an offensive foul was called against Durant," the report said. "Upon replay review, it was confirmed that James was outside the restricted area. The referees also reviewed whether James was in a legal guarding position, which is an additional reviewable matter for this replay trigger. Replay showed James was not in a legal guarding position because he was turning his body and moving into Durant when contact occurred. Thus the initial call on the floor was overturned and James was assessed a blocking foul."
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...d-two-missed-infractions-final-seconds-game-1
Clarkson is the backup point....while hood is the 3rd or 4th shooting guard or small forward depending on Lue combinations
That's my guess at answering your question
So yea the Cavs didn't win, but they're admitting there was some iffy officiating
Draymond Green of Golden State Warriors had two missed infractions in final seconds of Game 1
9:15 AM CT
OAKLAND, Calif. -- The NBA's "Last Two Minute Report" for Game 1 of the Finals on Thursday revealed two infractions that should have been called on Golden State's Draymond Green in the waning seconds of regulation ahead of the Warriors' 124-114 overtime win.
Dave McMenamin ESPN Staff Writer
The league said Green committed a lane violation by entering into the paint to establish rebounding position prior to George Hillreleasing the second of two free throw attempts with 4.7 seconds remaining.
Hill missed the shot, leading to a wild sequence in which JR Smith grabbed the offensive rebound and dribbled out past the 3-point line with the score tied 107-107 rather than looking to score before the clock expired.
Had the lane violation been called, Hill would have been awarded another attempt to make the free throw.
The league also said Green should have been called for a foul with 12.1 seconds to go for grabbing LeBron James' arm and affecting his freedom of movement. That contact preceded James' pass to Hill that led to Klay Thompsonfouling the Cavs point guard and putting him on the line.
The Cavs were in the bonus at the time, meaning if the foul on Green was called, James -- and not Hill -- would have been the one attempting two free throws with the Cavs down 107-106.
James shot 10-for-11 from the free throw line in the defeat.
The L2M also offered an explanation as to why the charge call on Kevin Durant with 36.4 seconds remaining was overturned and ended up as a blocking foul on James.
"The crew was not reasonably certain whether James was in the restricted area after an offensive foul was called against Durant," the report said. "Upon replay review, it was confirmed that James was outside the restricted area. The referees also reviewed whether James was in a legal guarding position, which is an additional reviewable matter for this replay trigger. Replay showed James was not in a legal guarding position because he was turning his body and moving into Durant when contact occurred. Thus the initial call on the floor was overturned and James was assessed a blocking foul."
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...d-two-missed-infractions-final-seconds-game-1
Kinda the Same thing Bosh said
J.R. Smith on playing with LeBron: “It’s a blessing… and a curse”
By Kurt HelinJun 2, 2018, 11:00 PM EDT
Getty Images
OAKLAND — J.R. Smith and LeBron James have been friends since high school, there may not be a player in the league that knows LeBron and his game better. Smith has won a ring with the man.
With all that time has come some great insight into the joys and the challenges of playing with LeBron.
“It’s a lot of pressure,” Smith said of being on LeBron’s team. “Not for myself or my teammates, but just playing on his team. It’s almost… it’s a blessing and — it’s a gift and a curse. You play on his team, and you’re playing with the best player in the world and you get to witness some great historic things and be a part of it.
“Then, on the other side, if you don’t help that person win, they’re looking at you, too. So it’s a lot of pressure, depending on how you look at it.”
Of course, Smith has his own way of looking at it.
“I tell him all the time he has the opportunity to play with me as well,” Smith said.
Smith is going to feel that pressure of playing with LeBron in Game 2 Sunday — Smith was 3-of-10 shooting in Game 1, then had the game (and potentially series) changing blunder at the end. Smith said he’s moved on. The Cavaliers need him to have a short memory and be good J.R. if they are going to even the series.
J.R. Smith on playing with LeBron: “It’s a blessing… and a curse”
By Kurt HelinJun 2, 2018, 11:00 PM EDT
Getty Images
OAKLAND — J.R. Smith and LeBron James have been friends since high school, there may not be a player in the league that knows LeBron and his game better. Smith has won a ring with the man.
With all that time has come some great insight into the joys and the challenges of playing with LeBron.
“It’s a lot of pressure,” Smith said of being on LeBron’s team. “Not for myself or my teammates, but just playing on his team. It’s almost… it’s a blessing and — it’s a gift and a curse. You play on his team, and you’re playing with the best player in the world and you get to witness some great historic things and be a part of it.
“Then, on the other side, if you don’t help that person win, they’re looking at you, too. So it’s a lot of pressure, depending on how you look at it.”
Of course, Smith has his own way of looking at it.
“I tell him all the time he has the opportunity to play with me as well,” Smith said.
Smith is going to feel that pressure of playing with LeBron in Game 2 Sunday — Smith was 3-of-10 shooting in Game 1, then had the game (and potentially series) changing blunder at the end. Smith said he’s moved on. The Cavaliers need him to have a short memory and be good J.R. if they are going to even the series.
Uh oh
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...stionable-game-2-nba-finals-left-ankle-sprain
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is optimistic his left ankle sprain will not prevent him from suiting up for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
Golden State is listing Thompson as questionable. The guard is still experiencing swelling and stiffness in the ankle.
"I'm not moving as much," he said Saturday after practice. " go to bed, and it swells up. I'm optimistic."
He sustained the injury in Game 1, when Cavaliers guard JR Smithinadvertently undercut his left leg while trying to pick off a pass. Thompson briefly exited the game to receive treatment in the locker room but returned soon after.
He finished the game with 24 points and was 8-of-16 from the field and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-7 sharpshooter said, "I am planning on playing [Sunday].
"It's sore. The more I watch the replay, it pissed me off. To tumble into someone's leg like that, not intentional, sucks. He was remorseful. I've got to do all I can to be right for tomorrow."
ADVERTISEMENT
Thompson did very little at practice. He was seen walking around Oracle Arena gingerly, with a noticeable limp.
"[Trying to] to keep it loose," he said. "Do everything I can to minimize the swelling ... Do everything I can to play."
If Thompson is a scratch, Nick Young likely will start.
"From what I saw, [Klay] is looking pretty good," Stephen Curry said. "Pretty happy. Pretty upbeat. He obviously didn't do much on the floor but doesn't really need to. Only worry about 5 o'clock tomorrow (PT). So hopefully he'll get some more treatment, recovery and keep making progress. If I was betting, I'd say Klay was playing just based on who he is and his attitude today, for sure."
Andre Iguodala, who has missed the past five games with a left lateral leg contusion, is doubtful for Sunday. He did not participate in practice.
The team is going forward with the mindset that the versatile forward will not be returning on this homestand. Both players will be receiving around-the-clock treatment.
When healthy, Iguodala typically has the task of trying to slow down LeBron James. The four-time MVP was asked about the Warriors' injury predicament.
"Well, they're damn good with him, and they're damn good without him, no matter offensively or defensively," James said regarding Iguodala's status. "Listen, they've had a two-time MVP sit out playoff games, and they've won, all right. They're good. They're great, actually. So let's not get too far on that."
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...stionable-game-2-nba-finals-left-ankle-sprain
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...stionable-game-2-nba-finals-left-ankle-sprain
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is optimistic his left ankle sprain will not prevent him from suiting up for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
Golden State is listing Thompson as questionable. The guard is still experiencing swelling and stiffness in the ankle.
"I'm not moving as much," he said Saturday after practice. " go to bed, and it swells up. I'm optimistic."
He sustained the injury in Game 1, when Cavaliers guard JR Smithinadvertently undercut his left leg while trying to pick off a pass. Thompson briefly exited the game to receive treatment in the locker room but returned soon after.
He finished the game with 24 points and was 8-of-16 from the field and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-7 sharpshooter said, "I am planning on playing [Sunday].
"It's sore. The more I watch the replay, it pissed me off. To tumble into someone's leg like that, not intentional, sucks. He was remorseful. I've got to do all I can to be right for tomorrow."
ADVERTISEMENT
Thompson did very little at practice. He was seen walking around Oracle Arena gingerly, with a noticeable limp.
"[Trying to] to keep it loose," he said. "Do everything I can to minimize the swelling ... Do everything I can to play."
If Thompson is a scratch, Nick Young likely will start.
"From what I saw, [Klay] is looking pretty good," Stephen Curry said. "Pretty happy. Pretty upbeat. He obviously didn't do much on the floor but doesn't really need to. Only worry about 5 o'clock tomorrow (PT). So hopefully he'll get some more treatment, recovery and keep making progress. If I was betting, I'd say Klay was playing just based on who he is and his attitude today, for sure."
Andre Iguodala, who has missed the past five games with a left lateral leg contusion, is doubtful for Sunday. He did not participate in practice.
The team is going forward with the mindset that the versatile forward will not be returning on this homestand. Both players will be receiving around-the-clock treatment.
When healthy, Iguodala typically has the task of trying to slow down LeBron James. The four-time MVP was asked about the Warriors' injury predicament.
"Well, they're damn good with him, and they're damn good without him, no matter offensively or defensively," James said regarding Iguodala's status. "Listen, they've had a two-time MVP sit out playoff games, and they've won, all right. They're good. They're great, actually. So let's not get too far on that."
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...stionable-game-2-nba-finals-left-ankle-sprain
George Karl is an idiot. I remember that series..... talking about "it's a long series" ..nigga it's the fucking NBA Finals! Put GP on MJ. GP wasn't hurt enough for you to even notice it and he was a lockdown defender at that point in his career. Stupid ass coaches.
Kinda the Same thing Bosh said
J.R. Smith on playing with LeBron: “It’s a blessing… and a curse”
By Kurt HelinJun 2, 2018, 11:00 PM EDT
Getty Images
OAKLAND — J.R. Smith and LeBron James have been friends since high school, there may not be a player in the league that knows LeBron and his game better. Smith has won a ring with the man.
With all that time has come some great insight into the joys and the challenges of playing with LeBron.
“It’s a lot of pressure,” Smith said of being on LeBron’s team. “Not for myself or my teammates, but just playing on his team. It’s almost… it’s a blessing and — it’s a gift and a curse. You play on his team, and you’re playing with the best player in the world and you get to witness some great historic things and be a part of it.
“Then, on the other side, if you don’t help that person win, they’re looking at you, too. So it’s a lot of pressure, depending on how you look at it.”
Of course, Smith has his own way of looking at it.
“I tell him all the time he has the opportunity to play with me as well,” Smith said.
Smith is going to feel that pressure of playing with LeBron in Game 2 Sunday — Smith was 3-of-10 shooting in Game 1, then had the game (and potentially series) changing blunder at the end. Smith said he’s moved on. The Cavaliers need him to have a short memory and be good J.R. if they are going to even the series.
Look at Jordan Clarkson, the pressure playing with Bron's got him looking like he's never played basketball in life.
Man. Jordan Clarkson probably had flights, hotels and all kinds of shit booked for June way back early this season.
Warriors’ Kevin Durant looks to break out of shooting slump
By Connor Letourneau
June 2, 2018 Updated: June 2, 2018 7:30pm
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
Kevin Durant (35) after winning Game 1 of the The NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Oakland, California, on Thursday, May 31, 2018.
If Warriors forward Kevin Durant takes 15 shots on a given night, he tries to make sure at least 13 of them are no-brainer, wide-open looks. The other two are what he calls "heat checks" — gutsy shots like contested three-pointers or off-kilter, fade-away jumpers that test the limits of his improvisation.
While reviewing video from Thursday night’s overtime win over the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Durant was disappointed in his shot selection. The ratio of no-brainer looks to "heat checks" was completely out of whack.
"I didn't take smart shots," said Durant, who finished 8-for-22 from the field, including 1-for-7 from three-point range. "I took risky looks. I took some shots that I know I can hit, but I'd rather get better shots than that."
That Durant — arguably the most efficient scorer in NBA history — is missing shots at an alarming rate has been one of the more curious developments in Golden State’s latest championship push. In four of his past five games, he has failed to shoot at least 38 percent from the field. Outside of Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, when his late heroics helped lift the Warriors to victory over Houston, Durant has shot 1-for-13 in the fourth quarter since May 22.
In Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, he seemingly let his shooting slump spill into other aspects of his performance.
Durant, the primary defender on LeBron James with Andre Iguodala sidelined by a bone bruise in his left knee, offered minimal resistance as James rang up 51 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Before Cleveland guard J.R. Smith carved out a spot in Finals infamy by forgetting that the game was tied late in regulation, Durant was in line to shoulder the blame because he hadn’t used his size advantage over the 6-foot-6 Smith to corral the defensive rebound and set up a possible game-winner.
"We're all victims of our expectations that we've set," Stephen Curry said of Durant, who still managed an impressive Game 1 stat line: 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks, one steal and only one turnover. "I mean, the fact that they're saying K.D. had a bad game is kind of funny, just with what you expect from him every single night."
By most measures, Durant has done his part this postseason. He ranks first on the team in points per game (28.8), and second in rebounding (7.2) and blocks (1.1). When Curry missed the entire first round and Game 1 of the conference semifinals with a knee injury, Durant assumed more playmaking duties, delivered a steady stream of highlights and shepherded the Warriors to a 5-1 record.
But in the West finals against the Rockets, when Golden State’s movement-heavy system repeatedly gave way to Durant in isolation situations, a steady drumbeat of questions began rat-a-tat-tatting on social media: Why was Durant — long known as one of the league’s most selfless All-Stars — suddenly not getting his shots in the flow of the offense? With Curry out for so long, had Durant forgotten that No. 30, not No. 35, is the face of the franchise?
Last year, when he dominated the playoffs and took home NBA Finals MVP honors, Durant totaled 37 isolation possessions in the postseason. With at least three more games left in these playoffs, he has already had 128.
The concerns over Durant’s style of play heightened in Game 5 of the West finals, when TNT aired a conversation in which Steve Kerr shared a story about Michael Jordan before telling Durant to "trust your teammates early." Within hours, video of that interaction rippled through the blogosphere, dredging up a familiar narrative.
A friendly moment between coach and player had been distilled to the notion that Durant could no longer co-exist with Curry. Still, Kerr’s message got its intended result: Durant started to look for his teammates earlier in the shot clock as Golden State slowly returned to its pass-happy ways.
Now, with Curry back to his signature dribbling displays and 30-foot jumpers, Durant is trying to move past a forgettable Game 1 performance. Like many elite scorers, he is more likely to play solid defense and box out if his shots are falling.
This is a player who studies shot charts after each game. With efficiency — not gaudy point totals — serving as his chief focus, Durant has built a reputation as the most shot-conscious volume shooter in NBA history.
His true shooting percentage, an advanced stat that considers all types of shots, ranks No. 1 among the 16 multi-time scoring champions. If he stays healthy and makes the most of his touches, Durant could have an outside chance at eclipsing 38,387 career points, the current record, held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
"He's an unbelievable talent and safety valve anytime we need him to get a bucket," Kerr said. "He's focused. He knows he didn't play very well in Game 1. He's excited for Game 2."
By Connor Letourneau
June 2, 2018 Updated: June 2, 2018 7:30pm
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
Kevin Durant (35) after winning Game 1 of the The NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Oakland, California, on Thursday, May 31, 2018.
If Warriors forward Kevin Durant takes 15 shots on a given night, he tries to make sure at least 13 of them are no-brainer, wide-open looks. The other two are what he calls "heat checks" — gutsy shots like contested three-pointers or off-kilter, fade-away jumpers that test the limits of his improvisation.
While reviewing video from Thursday night’s overtime win over the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Durant was disappointed in his shot selection. The ratio of no-brainer looks to "heat checks" was completely out of whack.
"I didn't take smart shots," said Durant, who finished 8-for-22 from the field, including 1-for-7 from three-point range. "I took risky looks. I took some shots that I know I can hit, but I'd rather get better shots than that."
That Durant — arguably the most efficient scorer in NBA history — is missing shots at an alarming rate has been one of the more curious developments in Golden State’s latest championship push. In four of his past five games, he has failed to shoot at least 38 percent from the field. Outside of Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, when his late heroics helped lift the Warriors to victory over Houston, Durant has shot 1-for-13 in the fourth quarter since May 22.
In Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, he seemingly let his shooting slump spill into other aspects of his performance.
Durant, the primary defender on LeBron James with Andre Iguodala sidelined by a bone bruise in his left knee, offered minimal resistance as James rang up 51 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Before Cleveland guard J.R. Smith carved out a spot in Finals infamy by forgetting that the game was tied late in regulation, Durant was in line to shoulder the blame because he hadn’t used his size advantage over the 6-foot-6 Smith to corral the defensive rebound and set up a possible game-winner.
"We're all victims of our expectations that we've set," Stephen Curry said of Durant, who still managed an impressive Game 1 stat line: 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks, one steal and only one turnover. "I mean, the fact that they're saying K.D. had a bad game is kind of funny, just with what you expect from him every single night."
By most measures, Durant has done his part this postseason. He ranks first on the team in points per game (28.8), and second in rebounding (7.2) and blocks (1.1). When Curry missed the entire first round and Game 1 of the conference semifinals with a knee injury, Durant assumed more playmaking duties, delivered a steady stream of highlights and shepherded the Warriors to a 5-1 record.
But in the West finals against the Rockets, when Golden State’s movement-heavy system repeatedly gave way to Durant in isolation situations, a steady drumbeat of questions began rat-a-tat-tatting on social media: Why was Durant — long known as one of the league’s most selfless All-Stars — suddenly not getting his shots in the flow of the offense? With Curry out for so long, had Durant forgotten that No. 30, not No. 35, is the face of the franchise?
Last year, when he dominated the playoffs and took home NBA Finals MVP honors, Durant totaled 37 isolation possessions in the postseason. With at least three more games left in these playoffs, he has already had 128.
The concerns over Durant’s style of play heightened in Game 5 of the West finals, when TNT aired a conversation in which Steve Kerr shared a story about Michael Jordan before telling Durant to "trust your teammates early." Within hours, video of that interaction rippled through the blogosphere, dredging up a familiar narrative.
A friendly moment between coach and player had been distilled to the notion that Durant could no longer co-exist with Curry. Still, Kerr’s message got its intended result: Durant started to look for his teammates earlier in the shot clock as Golden State slowly returned to its pass-happy ways.
Now, with Curry back to his signature dribbling displays and 30-foot jumpers, Durant is trying to move past a forgettable Game 1 performance. Like many elite scorers, he is more likely to play solid defense and box out if his shots are falling.
This is a player who studies shot charts after each game. With efficiency — not gaudy point totals — serving as his chief focus, Durant has built a reputation as the most shot-conscious volume shooter in NBA history.
His true shooting percentage, an advanced stat that considers all types of shots, ranks No. 1 among the 16 multi-time scoring champions. If he stays healthy and makes the most of his touches, Durant could have an outside chance at eclipsing 38,387 career points, the current record, held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
"He's an unbelievable talent and safety valve anytime we need him to get a bucket," Kerr said. "He's focused. He knows he didn't play very well in Game 1. He's excited for Game 2."
If Lebron opts in or comes back....he shoulda hit that Jordan after THe parade(if they pull it off) or season ending meetings which ever it is
"I'll see y'all in two weeks"
Even tho it seem like he only took off three days after game 5 last yr...
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