When the last time the wizards won a chip?
2016-2017 NBA Playoffs is finally here..Spurs vs Dubs (0-4), Cavs vs Celtics(4-1)
- Thread starter Mask
- Start date
Bulls' Jimmy Butler looks forward to guarding Celtics' Isaiah Thomas
CHICAGO -- Bulls All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler says he is looking forward to the challenge of guarding Boston Celtics All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas in their upcoming playoff series, which begins Sunday night in Boston.
"I look forward to that matchup," Butler said after Friday's practice. "Especially what he's done this year for that team. I know that it's going to come at some point in time. I don't know when -- but I'm going to make it tough for him. For anybody that I'm guarding. Not just me, it's going to be a team effort. I'm going to get beat at times, I'm going to need guys to be there. If not, then we'll do it over and over again 'til somebody is there if I'm beat. But I look forward to that challenge. I want that."
Bulls forward Jimmy Butler, right, expects to make it tough on Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas when the two NBA All-Stars tangle in their first-round playoff series beginning Sunday in Boston. Dennis Wierzbicki/USA TODAY Sports
Butler knows he likely won't be asked to guard Thomas the entire game, but he had no hesitation when asked how long he could stay with Thomas, on top of all the other things he is asked to do on both ends of the floor.
"The whole game," Butler said.
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said his team has a certain number of minutes it would like to see Butler switch onto Thomas, but he wants to see how the game unfolds as to exactly when to put that plan in motion.
"We do have a plan in place, but obviously you have to adjust if things are going in the wrong direction," Hoiberg said. "But we do have a plan on how we are going to try to slow him down a little bit, which is obviously difficult to do with the No. 2 scorer in the NBA this year.
"We need to understand it's a team problem, it's not just the guy guarding him, it's not just an individual assignment. He's so good getting into the paint, getting downhill, splitting a ball [screen], pick-and-roll, coverage. He's obviously a guy who can shoot it all over the floor with unlimited range, and he gets himself to the free throw line a bunch. You have to have a great awareness at all times of where he is and make sure all five guys on the floor know where he is."
Butler doesn't sound concerned that Thomas' height could pose a problem.
"He's been that height for a long time now, so he's mastered it," Butler said. "He's really good at what he does. Coming off, pulling up, shooting shots. Getting to the rim, getting to the free throw line. 5[-foot-]8, 6-8, whatever it is, the guy knows how to put the ball in the basket."
Butler said he expects to be physical with Thomas, but he also understands that the Bulls have to try to keep the rest of the Celtics in check as well.
"He's a big part to what they do," Butler said. "We all know that. I think they know that. But you can't take him out the game and think that you can win. Because they got a lot of other really good players, role players that make shots, create for others. They guard, they rebound, pass the ball. They got a really good team; they're really good at what they do."
CHICAGO -- Bulls All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler says he is looking forward to the challenge of guarding Boston Celtics All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas in their upcoming playoff series, which begins Sunday night in Boston.
"I look forward to that matchup," Butler said after Friday's practice. "Especially what he's done this year for that team. I know that it's going to come at some point in time. I don't know when -- but I'm going to make it tough for him. For anybody that I'm guarding. Not just me, it's going to be a team effort. I'm going to get beat at times, I'm going to need guys to be there. If not, then we'll do it over and over again 'til somebody is there if I'm beat. But I look forward to that challenge. I want that."
Bulls forward Jimmy Butler, right, expects to make it tough on Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas when the two NBA All-Stars tangle in their first-round playoff series beginning Sunday in Boston. Dennis Wierzbicki/USA TODAY Sports
Butler knows he likely won't be asked to guard Thomas the entire game, but he had no hesitation when asked how long he could stay with Thomas, on top of all the other things he is asked to do on both ends of the floor.
"The whole game," Butler said.
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said his team has a certain number of minutes it would like to see Butler switch onto Thomas, but he wants to see how the game unfolds as to exactly when to put that plan in motion.
"We do have a plan in place, but obviously you have to adjust if things are going in the wrong direction," Hoiberg said. "But we do have a plan on how we are going to try to slow him down a little bit, which is obviously difficult to do with the No. 2 scorer in the NBA this year.
"We need to understand it's a team problem, it's not just the guy guarding him, it's not just an individual assignment. He's so good getting into the paint, getting downhill, splitting a ball [screen], pick-and-roll, coverage. He's obviously a guy who can shoot it all over the floor with unlimited range, and he gets himself to the free throw line a bunch. You have to have a great awareness at all times of where he is and make sure all five guys on the floor know where he is."
Butler doesn't sound concerned that Thomas' height could pose a problem.
"He's been that height for a long time now, so he's mastered it," Butler said. "He's really good at what he does. Coming off, pulling up, shooting shots. Getting to the rim, getting to the free throw line. 5[-foot-]8, 6-8, whatever it is, the guy knows how to put the ball in the basket."
Butler said he expects to be physical with Thomas, but he also understands that the Bulls have to try to keep the rest of the Celtics in check as well.
"He's a big part to what they do," Butler said. "We all know that. I think they know that. But you can't take him out the game and think that you can win. Because they got a lot of other really good players, role players that make shots, create for others. They guard, they rebound, pass the ball. They got a really good team; they're really good at what they do."
Speaking of that chip.. Wiz never ran off their best player in franchise history who won them that chip.
What time the heat play tho? Stay focused.
Q&A with Rudy Gobert: Playoffs a new story for Stifle Tower
One of the best individual matchups in the first round of the NBA playoffs pits a couple of old-school centers against each other, big men who make major impacts despite never making a jump shot, putting their stamp on games by protecting the rim, dominating the glass, freeing their teammates with screens and finishing above the rim.
The Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan is the bigger name of the two big men. He has playoff and All-Star experience, plays in a major market and stars in a national endorsement deal.
Rudy Gobert just wrapped up a breakout regular season in relative anonymity for the small-market Utah Jazz. He led the league in blocked shots (2.64 per game), ranked second behind Jordan in field goal percentage (66.1), fourth just behind Jordan in rebounds (12.8) and also averaged career highs in scoring (14.0) and free throw percentage (65.3).
Gobert, 24, is considered a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA honors. But he wonders whether the average NBA fan -- and many media voters -- fully understand the force he has become given his lack of national exposure. There is no doubt that Jordan and other centers around the league do.
It's an old-school pivot battle when Rudy Gobert and DeAndre Jordan meet in Saturday night's Game 1. Juan Ocampo/NBAE/Getty Images
"Man, he definitely is a big part of their team in getting those guys open, protecting the basket and rebounding the basketball," Jordan said recently. "He's definitely gotten a lot, lot better. It's always fun to play against a big like that."
As Gobert prepared for his first playoff series, he took a few minutes to discuss the state of the Jazz, his case for Defensive Player of the Year and the franchise's future among other topics with ESPN.com.
ESPN.com: You guys have had as many injuries as anybody in the league. Derrick Favors has been in and out of the lineup and not himself all year long. George Hill has been in and out of the lineup, as well as he's played. Rodney Hood has been struggling with a knee injury since before the All-Star break. How big of an accomplishment is winning 50 games [actually 51] given the circumstances and where this franchise has been recently?
Gobert: We didn't get lucky with injuries this year once again, but I think you've got to give the coach and the players credit. A lot of guys stepped in to contribute and win 50 games. Last summer, we [put in a lot of work] in the gym. It really paid off. Hopefully it's going to pay off in the playoffs. We've had a lot of injuries and guys who don't usually start have started and helped us win.
ESPN.com: You lead the league in blocked shots, defensive real plus-minus and defensive win shares. Your team allows the fewest points in the league and ranks third in defensive rating. How do you feel about your chance to win Defensive Player of the Year?
Gobert: Obviously it's a great award. I would love to win it. At the same time, it's not my vote. It's a media vote, and it's not really in my hands. I just hope the guy who's been the most impactful defender this year is going to win it. If it's fair, I'm going to be happy for whoever it is.
ESPN.com: If it's fair, is it you?
Gobert: [Laughs.] You have to study a lot of things. There's a lot of factors. I think guys like Draymond Green have had a tremendous season. I see a lot of guys like [Andre] Roberson who have had a fantastic defensive season, Patrick Beverley, Kawhi [Leonard], one of the best two-way players in the game. We all do it differently but impact the game defensively in a great way for our team. I mean, I think I should definitely be in the conversation. I don't want to be the guy that says, 'You should definitely vote for me.' I want the people to check out the impact, check out the stats and make their own choice. I don't want to be the one that's going to make my own campaign.
"Draymond is great at guarding multiple positions and switching, but for myself, I impact people that I'm not guarding. You know? When I'm out there and one of the guards has the ball, I'm not the primary defender, but he knows that if he drives, I'm going to be there."
Jazz C Rudy Gobert
I want the people to make their own choice but make sure they study the case. Just check all the stats you need to check. Just don't vote because you feel like somebody is going to read or somebody is going to look. I think that would be not the smartest thing to do. Check the stats, check the impact and make your vote. If it's fair, it's fair. You've got to respect everybody's view.
ESPN.com: Does playing in a small market for a team that's not on national television very often put you at a disadvantage when it comes to these type of awards?
Gobert: Definitely. I wish it wouldn't be the case. It might sound like I'm complaining, but I'm not. It's a fact. The people that have the votes, they watch the nationally televised games. When you see something on the stats and when you see something live, it's always different. You may see something in your head when you see something live. It's definitely not an advantage for the teams that don't play however many times on national TV.
ESPN.com: Draymond obviously has a very good case for Defensive Player of the Year. A lot of people point to his versatility, the fact that he can guard so many different positions. You're a true paint-protecting, rim-protecting big man. Do you think a traditional big can have as much of an impact as a guy who can guard basically any position on the floor?
Gobert: Draymond is great at guarding multiple positions and switching, but for myself, I impact people that I'm not guarding. You know? When I'm out there and one of the guards has the ball, I'm not the primary defender, but he knows that if he drives, I'm going to be there. So he's not going to play the same way. That's the way I think the rim protector impacts the game. Any great rim protector doesn't only impact the game when he blocks shots; he impacts the game because he's already in the mind of [opponents] before they even get a shot up or before they even drive. That's what makes a good defensive team.
The good defensive play is not necessarily the blocked shot. I always say that. When I play the best defensive games, it's not necessarily the ones when I get the most blocks. I can get zero blocks and have a great defensive game, just because I was right there at the right time and the guy is probably turning it over or taking bad shots. I don't block it, but it's still great defense and their [shooting] percentage goes way down. I think that's the way you can impact the game without having to switch on to different players.
ESPN.com: Another big man who is in the same mold of you -- not the same player, but same style of center -- you'll see in the first round. That's DeAndre Jordan. Is he a guy that's been kind of a measuring stick for you as you've developed as a young, rim-protecting, screen-setting, finishing big?
Gobert: I don't want to be the guy that gets inspired by one player. I like to watch every player. DeAndre is very good. A lot of people criticize DeAndre because there are a lot of things that he doesn't do well, but the things he does well, he's great. He's a great screener. He's very, very athletic and very powerful. He's a great finisher around the rim. Defensively, he's very vocal and he's been one of the best defensive players for quite a few years now. When I watch DeAndre, I watch the way he sets screens. This summer, I wanted to be one of the best screeners in the game, and you study and take things from these players.
ESPN.com: You've said you believe you're the best big man in the game. I think there's going to be a lot of people who agree with you on their All-NBA ballots. How much are you looking forward to the individual challenge of dealing with DeAndre Jordan in the playoffs?
Gobert: You know, I don't really see that as an individual challenge. That's what I say. I don't guard DeAndre Jordan, I guard the Los Angeles Clippers. It's a five-on-five game. I trust my teammates and their ability to be there when they have to be there. I'm going to be there when I have to be there for them. It's really a team concept, and offense is really a team concept. But he's a very good player, and it's going to be a tough matchup.
ESPN.com: You guys have had by far the best season since you've been in Utah. You broke through and made the playoffs. Fifty wins is a nice milestone. Will the Jazz's season be a success if you don't get past the Clippers in the first round?
Gobert: The regular season will be a success but definitely not the season. I think we are really an ambitious team. We've got a group of guys who want to win. Our goal this season was to make the playoffs, but we want more than that. The Clippers, we all know that's a very good team. They've been around for [several] years, and they don't always win, but they always give their opponent a tough matchup. A few times I think they could have gone further, but they get unlucky and have lost. It's a very good team. We know it's going to be a tough matchup, but we definitely want more. We want to go as far as we can.
ESPN.com: Does playoff experience matter?
Gobert: I mean, I'll tell you that in a few weeks. [Laughs.] Obviously, experience matters in everything. I think playoff experience matters for sure. We're excited. We're very excited. We just want to go out there and win games. We know it's going to be very tough. Whether we do get past the Clippers or not, we just want to go out there and give it the best shot we can and give everything we can.
ESPN.com: How important are the playoffs for you in terms of being on a national stage and getting the kind of showcase that you don't get very often in the regular season to let media and fans see the sort of player you've developed into?
Gobert: I think it's a great opportunity for the world to get to watch the Utah Jazz. They didn't get to see us much [in the regular season], but it's a great opportunity for us to show the world what we can be as a team. There's a lot of fans that only watch the nationally televised games, so it's a great opportunity for us, but that's not why we go out there. We just go out there to try to keep getting better and win games.
ESPN.com: What do you think when you hear your general manager Dennis Lindsey say that they want you to be the Utah Jazz's version of Bill Russell?
Gobert: That means that they want to win games. Bill Russell is one of the greatest players of all time. I've never been a big fan of comparisons. It's a totally different era, a different time, but he's a guy that won 11 championships. I wouldn't be mad if that happens to me.
ESPN.com: Fast forwarding into the summer here. How do you feel about your chances of keeping Gordon Hayward in Utah?
Gobert: I don't really know, to be honest with you. We haven't really talked about it. We're really focused on the season right now and on the moment. I think Gordon is a guy that wants to win with us. We've been through a lot the last few years, and the way we've improved, that wouldn't be great if he leaves us right now. But sometimes you've got some personal choices, and we can't be mad at him if he leaves us. But I think we can accomplish great things in the near future here, so we all want him to stay.
ESPN.com: Are you convinced that you can win a championship with Gordon Hayward as your go-to guy and the core that you have in place?
Gobert: I'm convinced that we can win a championship as a team, yeah. It's not about who the go-to guy is. Gordon is a big part of our team. I'm convinced that we can definitely give it a shot. If we keep getting better, we definitely want to have high expectations and want to aim for the highest goal.
One of the best individual matchups in the first round of the NBA playoffs pits a couple of old-school centers against each other, big men who make major impacts despite never making a jump shot, putting their stamp on games by protecting the rim, dominating the glass, freeing their teammates with screens and finishing above the rim.
The Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan is the bigger name of the two big men. He has playoff and All-Star experience, plays in a major market and stars in a national endorsement deal.
Rudy Gobert just wrapped up a breakout regular season in relative anonymity for the small-market Utah Jazz. He led the league in blocked shots (2.64 per game), ranked second behind Jordan in field goal percentage (66.1), fourth just behind Jordan in rebounds (12.8) and also averaged career highs in scoring (14.0) and free throw percentage (65.3).
Gobert, 24, is considered a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA honors. But he wonders whether the average NBA fan -- and many media voters -- fully understand the force he has become given his lack of national exposure. There is no doubt that Jordan and other centers around the league do.
It's an old-school pivot battle when Rudy Gobert and DeAndre Jordan meet in Saturday night's Game 1. Juan Ocampo/NBAE/Getty Images
"Man, he definitely is a big part of their team in getting those guys open, protecting the basket and rebounding the basketball," Jordan said recently. "He's definitely gotten a lot, lot better. It's always fun to play against a big like that."
As Gobert prepared for his first playoff series, he took a few minutes to discuss the state of the Jazz, his case for Defensive Player of the Year and the franchise's future among other topics with ESPN.com.
ESPN.com: You guys have had as many injuries as anybody in the league. Derrick Favors has been in and out of the lineup and not himself all year long. George Hill has been in and out of the lineup, as well as he's played. Rodney Hood has been struggling with a knee injury since before the All-Star break. How big of an accomplishment is winning 50 games [actually 51] given the circumstances and where this franchise has been recently?
Gobert: We didn't get lucky with injuries this year once again, but I think you've got to give the coach and the players credit. A lot of guys stepped in to contribute and win 50 games. Last summer, we [put in a lot of work] in the gym. It really paid off. Hopefully it's going to pay off in the playoffs. We've had a lot of injuries and guys who don't usually start have started and helped us win.
ESPN.com: You lead the league in blocked shots, defensive real plus-minus and defensive win shares. Your team allows the fewest points in the league and ranks third in defensive rating. How do you feel about your chance to win Defensive Player of the Year?
Gobert: Obviously it's a great award. I would love to win it. At the same time, it's not my vote. It's a media vote, and it's not really in my hands. I just hope the guy who's been the most impactful defender this year is going to win it. If it's fair, I'm going to be happy for whoever it is.
ESPN.com: If it's fair, is it you?
Gobert: [Laughs.] You have to study a lot of things. There's a lot of factors. I think guys like Draymond Green have had a tremendous season. I see a lot of guys like [Andre] Roberson who have had a fantastic defensive season, Patrick Beverley, Kawhi [Leonard], one of the best two-way players in the game. We all do it differently but impact the game defensively in a great way for our team. I mean, I think I should definitely be in the conversation. I don't want to be the guy that says, 'You should definitely vote for me.' I want the people to check out the impact, check out the stats and make their own choice. I don't want to be the one that's going to make my own campaign.
"Draymond is great at guarding multiple positions and switching, but for myself, I impact people that I'm not guarding. You know? When I'm out there and one of the guards has the ball, I'm not the primary defender, but he knows that if he drives, I'm going to be there."
Jazz C Rudy Gobert
I want the people to make their own choice but make sure they study the case. Just check all the stats you need to check. Just don't vote because you feel like somebody is going to read or somebody is going to look. I think that would be not the smartest thing to do. Check the stats, check the impact and make your vote. If it's fair, it's fair. You've got to respect everybody's view.
ESPN.com: Does playing in a small market for a team that's not on national television very often put you at a disadvantage when it comes to these type of awards?
Gobert: Definitely. I wish it wouldn't be the case. It might sound like I'm complaining, but I'm not. It's a fact. The people that have the votes, they watch the nationally televised games. When you see something on the stats and when you see something live, it's always different. You may see something in your head when you see something live. It's definitely not an advantage for the teams that don't play however many times on national TV.
ESPN.com: Draymond obviously has a very good case for Defensive Player of the Year. A lot of people point to his versatility, the fact that he can guard so many different positions. You're a true paint-protecting, rim-protecting big man. Do you think a traditional big can have as much of an impact as a guy who can guard basically any position on the floor?
Gobert: Draymond is great at guarding multiple positions and switching, but for myself, I impact people that I'm not guarding. You know? When I'm out there and one of the guards has the ball, I'm not the primary defender, but he knows that if he drives, I'm going to be there. So he's not going to play the same way. That's the way I think the rim protector impacts the game. Any great rim protector doesn't only impact the game when he blocks shots; he impacts the game because he's already in the mind of [opponents] before they even get a shot up or before they even drive. That's what makes a good defensive team.
The good defensive play is not necessarily the blocked shot. I always say that. When I play the best defensive games, it's not necessarily the ones when I get the most blocks. I can get zero blocks and have a great defensive game, just because I was right there at the right time and the guy is probably turning it over or taking bad shots. I don't block it, but it's still great defense and their [shooting] percentage goes way down. I think that's the way you can impact the game without having to switch on to different players.
ESPN.com: Another big man who is in the same mold of you -- not the same player, but same style of center -- you'll see in the first round. That's DeAndre Jordan. Is he a guy that's been kind of a measuring stick for you as you've developed as a young, rim-protecting, screen-setting, finishing big?
Gobert: I don't want to be the guy that gets inspired by one player. I like to watch every player. DeAndre is very good. A lot of people criticize DeAndre because there are a lot of things that he doesn't do well, but the things he does well, he's great. He's a great screener. He's very, very athletic and very powerful. He's a great finisher around the rim. Defensively, he's very vocal and he's been one of the best defensive players for quite a few years now. When I watch DeAndre, I watch the way he sets screens. This summer, I wanted to be one of the best screeners in the game, and you study and take things from these players.
ESPN.com: You've said you believe you're the best big man in the game. I think there's going to be a lot of people who agree with you on their All-NBA ballots. How much are you looking forward to the individual challenge of dealing with DeAndre Jordan in the playoffs?
Gobert: You know, I don't really see that as an individual challenge. That's what I say. I don't guard DeAndre Jordan, I guard the Los Angeles Clippers. It's a five-on-five game. I trust my teammates and their ability to be there when they have to be there. I'm going to be there when I have to be there for them. It's really a team concept, and offense is really a team concept. But he's a very good player, and it's going to be a tough matchup.
ESPN.com: You guys have had by far the best season since you've been in Utah. You broke through and made the playoffs. Fifty wins is a nice milestone. Will the Jazz's season be a success if you don't get past the Clippers in the first round?
Gobert: The regular season will be a success but definitely not the season. I think we are really an ambitious team. We've got a group of guys who want to win. Our goal this season was to make the playoffs, but we want more than that. The Clippers, we all know that's a very good team. They've been around for [several] years, and they don't always win, but they always give their opponent a tough matchup. A few times I think they could have gone further, but they get unlucky and have lost. It's a very good team. We know it's going to be a tough matchup, but we definitely want more. We want to go as far as we can.
ESPN.com: Does playoff experience matter?
Gobert: I mean, I'll tell you that in a few weeks. [Laughs.] Obviously, experience matters in everything. I think playoff experience matters for sure. We're excited. We're very excited. We just want to go out there and win games. We know it's going to be very tough. Whether we do get past the Clippers or not, we just want to go out there and give it the best shot we can and give everything we can.
ESPN.com: How important are the playoffs for you in terms of being on a national stage and getting the kind of showcase that you don't get very often in the regular season to let media and fans see the sort of player you've developed into?
Gobert: I think it's a great opportunity for the world to get to watch the Utah Jazz. They didn't get to see us much [in the regular season], but it's a great opportunity for us to show the world what we can be as a team. There's a lot of fans that only watch the nationally televised games, so it's a great opportunity for us, but that's not why we go out there. We just go out there to try to keep getting better and win games.
ESPN.com: What do you think when you hear your general manager Dennis Lindsey say that they want you to be the Utah Jazz's version of Bill Russell?
Gobert: That means that they want to win games. Bill Russell is one of the greatest players of all time. I've never been a big fan of comparisons. It's a totally different era, a different time, but he's a guy that won 11 championships. I wouldn't be mad if that happens to me.
ESPN.com: Fast forwarding into the summer here. How do you feel about your chances of keeping Gordon Hayward in Utah?
Gobert: I don't really know, to be honest with you. We haven't really talked about it. We're really focused on the season right now and on the moment. I think Gordon is a guy that wants to win with us. We've been through a lot the last few years, and the way we've improved, that wouldn't be great if he leaves us right now. But sometimes you've got some personal choices, and we can't be mad at him if he leaves us. But I think we can accomplish great things in the near future here, so we all want him to stay.
ESPN.com: Are you convinced that you can win a championship with Gordon Hayward as your go-to guy and the core that you have in place?
Gobert: I'm convinced that we can win a championship as a team, yeah. It's not about who the go-to guy is. Gordon is a big part of our team. I'm convinced that we can definitely give it a shot. If we keep getting better, we definitely want to have high expectations and want to aim for the highest goal.
Bulls know they're in for a challenge vs. the Celtics
CHICAGO -- Dwyane Wade is proud of theChicago Bulls for qualifying for the postseason after such an up-and-down season. The future Hall of Famer seemed happy about the chance to perform on the postseason stage yet again as he spoke in front of his locker after Wednesday's 112-73 destruction of the Brooklyn Nets. But as Wade discussed the Bulls' upcoming series against the Boston Celtics, he knows his group is in for a major challenge.
"It says 1 [vs.] 8," Wade said of the seedings of each team. "But I think it's going to be a little tougher than that."
After 14 seasons in the league, Wade has seen enough basketball to know that it's going to be difficult for the Bulls to pull off a first-round upset -- but not impossible. The Bulls were by no means confident that they would shock the Celtics in the first round, but they understand that they have a chance to knock off the top seed in the conference if they get huge contributions from Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo and Wade.
"I just told the guys how proud I am of them," Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg said of the message he gave his team after the game. "Our backs were against the wall. We had that four-game [winning] streak against four really good teams that really got us back in the playoff picture. ... It's just a great job of being resilient by our players of hanging in there and sticking in there. Finding a way to battle all the way to the last day ... and getting ourselves into the postseason. Now the fun begins."
Aside from the usual energy in a postgame series, what will be a lot of fun to watch will be how Rondo handles his return to the Boston. The former Celtic isn't worried about facing his old team, but he does appreciate how loud it will likely be at TD Garden during Game 1 on Sunday night.
"I'm with the Bulls now," Rondo said. "I just want to go out there and win. My only focus is to get the win."
"It's going to be crazy. Their fans are one of the best I've ever seen, especially at this time of the year. So I'm looking forward to going there and playing."
While the Bulls will have to rely on Butler, Wade and Rondo to carry the majority of the weight for this series, Wade knows the playoff pressure will be good for the younger players on the Bulls' roster.
"Once these guys play their first game, play the first couple minutes, it ain't getting no harder than that," Wade said. "So you want them guys to get out there and get that experience of that first game. We're not putting too much pressure on them. We've got guys, leaders with Jimmy and Rondo, myself, other guys, Niko [Mirotic], Robin [Lopez]. Guys who are going to help this team along the way and we're not going to put too much pressure on the young guys."
In order for the Bulls to win the series, one of the single biggest keys will be slowing down Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas. Rondo had high praise for the young guard as he discussed the series.
"He's probably playing the best out of any point guard," Rondo said. "As far as scoring the ball. And his team is winning so [either] him or Kyrie [Irving], take your pick."
As pleased as the Bulls were with the fact they made the playoffs, Wade delivered another dose of reality when asked if he thought the Bulls had had a successful season now that they qualified for the NBA's big dance.
"I'm not going to use that word," Wade said. "I'm just going to say I'm proud of these guys through everything. Wins, losses, injuries, trades, all the things that we went through as a team, to continue to stick together and find a way. That's what it's about. It's about finding a way. And we were able to accomplish that in our first year together. That's all we're focusing on and that's all we should be focusing on."
CHICAGO -- Dwyane Wade is proud of theChicago Bulls for qualifying for the postseason after such an up-and-down season. The future Hall of Famer seemed happy about the chance to perform on the postseason stage yet again as he spoke in front of his locker after Wednesday's 112-73 destruction of the Brooklyn Nets. But as Wade discussed the Bulls' upcoming series against the Boston Celtics, he knows his group is in for a major challenge.
"It says 1 [vs.] 8," Wade said of the seedings of each team. "But I think it's going to be a little tougher than that."
After 14 seasons in the league, Wade has seen enough basketball to know that it's going to be difficult for the Bulls to pull off a first-round upset -- but not impossible. The Bulls were by no means confident that they would shock the Celtics in the first round, but they understand that they have a chance to knock off the top seed in the conference if they get huge contributions from Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo and Wade.
"I just told the guys how proud I am of them," Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg said of the message he gave his team after the game. "Our backs were against the wall. We had that four-game [winning] streak against four really good teams that really got us back in the playoff picture. ... It's just a great job of being resilient by our players of hanging in there and sticking in there. Finding a way to battle all the way to the last day ... and getting ourselves into the postseason. Now the fun begins."
Aside from the usual energy in a postgame series, what will be a lot of fun to watch will be how Rondo handles his return to the Boston. The former Celtic isn't worried about facing his old team, but he does appreciate how loud it will likely be at TD Garden during Game 1 on Sunday night.
"I'm with the Bulls now," Rondo said. "I just want to go out there and win. My only focus is to get the win."
"It's going to be crazy. Their fans are one of the best I've ever seen, especially at this time of the year. So I'm looking forward to going there and playing."
While the Bulls will have to rely on Butler, Wade and Rondo to carry the majority of the weight for this series, Wade knows the playoff pressure will be good for the younger players on the Bulls' roster.
"Once these guys play their first game, play the first couple minutes, it ain't getting no harder than that," Wade said. "So you want them guys to get out there and get that experience of that first game. We're not putting too much pressure on them. We've got guys, leaders with Jimmy and Rondo, myself, other guys, Niko [Mirotic], Robin [Lopez]. Guys who are going to help this team along the way and we're not going to put too much pressure on the young guys."
In order for the Bulls to win the series, one of the single biggest keys will be slowing down Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas. Rondo had high praise for the young guard as he discussed the series.
"He's probably playing the best out of any point guard," Rondo said. "As far as scoring the ball. And his team is winning so [either] him or Kyrie [Irving], take your pick."
As pleased as the Bulls were with the fact they made the playoffs, Wade delivered another dose of reality when asked if he thought the Bulls had had a successful season now that they qualified for the NBA's big dance.
"I'm not going to use that word," Wade said. "I'm just going to say I'm proud of these guys through everything. Wins, losses, injuries, trades, all the things that we went through as a team, to continue to stick together and find a way. That's what it's about. It's about finding a way. And we were able to accomplish that in our first year together. That's all we're focusing on and that's all we should be focusing on."
Rockets finish regular season smoothly, now get ready for playoffs
HOUSTON -- The objective for the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night was for the eight-man rotation employed by coach Mike D’Antoni to finish the regular season with a smooth performance. James Hardenrecorded his 22nd triple-double, all five starters scored in double figures, center Clint Capela made 11 of 12 shots and Ryan Anderson made 6 of the team's 19 3-pointers.
The Rockets finished with a 55-27 record after a 123-118 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 55 wins are tied for the fourth-most in franchise history, and Harden made some history as well.
He did all he could during his MVP campaign, leading the league in assists and becoming the first man in league history to score 2,000 points, grab 600 rebounds and have 900 assists in a season. He also finished one point shy of tying the league mark for points scored or assisted on with 4,538.
The big picture with the Rockets goes beyond awards and records, though. They want to win the franchise's first NBA title since 1995.
It will be a difficult road, beginning with a first-round matchup against Russell Westbrook, Harden's closest opponent in the MVP race, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is Sunday night.
If the Rockets surpass the Thunder, they could face the Spurs or Clippers in Round 2. And if the Rockets have their way, they'll have another date with the Warriors, this time in the West finals.
Guard Patrick Beverley said the Rockets fear no team and that they’ve earned the right to be confident in their abilities.
“You got to be happy,” Beverley said. “Fifty-five wins in the West, third-best team in the NBA, it wasn’t great. But for our first year as a unit being together under a new coach, new offense, new defensive schemes, new players before trade deadline, to get 55 wins in this league or 55 wins in any league is tough, and we were fortunate to play so well in our first year all together.”
Houston ran out to a 31-9 start this season, putting itself in strong standing in the West. But the team went just 24-18 to close the season, including 11-8 in the final 19 games. Harden dealt with a jammed wrist (which isn’t giving him any problems now), Anderson missed six games with an ankle injury, and several other players dealt with minor health issues.
D’Antoni said he was proud of how his team went through that funk of injuries and mediocre play to maintain their No. 3 seed heading into the postseason.
“We’ve just got to do the little thing now throughout the rest of the way,” guard Eric Gordon said. “We’ve had a great start, and when you’ve had a great start to the season, we’ve just built off that and really had good chemistry, and we really know how to play this season. So it’s just been good to follow through and just ended up having a good year.”
Last season, the Rockets needed to win their final regular-season game to make the postseason and reach a 41-41 record. To review what happened would require a miniseries, but this season has been different. Everything has moved so smoothly with D’Antoni as the coach, and Harden is in such a good place with the structure of this team.
“I’m excited, especially because this is the first time that I’ve been here, guys are on the same page,” Harden said. “We have a coaching staff that has a system, and everybody knows that system offensively and defensively and just the personnel as well. The guys, we have more than enough in this locker room to compete with anybody in the league.”
HOUSTON -- The objective for the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night was for the eight-man rotation employed by coach Mike D’Antoni to finish the regular season with a smooth performance. James Hardenrecorded his 22nd triple-double, all five starters scored in double figures, center Clint Capela made 11 of 12 shots and Ryan Anderson made 6 of the team's 19 3-pointers.
The Rockets finished with a 55-27 record after a 123-118 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 55 wins are tied for the fourth-most in franchise history, and Harden made some history as well.
He did all he could during his MVP campaign, leading the league in assists and becoming the first man in league history to score 2,000 points, grab 600 rebounds and have 900 assists in a season. He also finished one point shy of tying the league mark for points scored or assisted on with 4,538.
The big picture with the Rockets goes beyond awards and records, though. They want to win the franchise's first NBA title since 1995.
It will be a difficult road, beginning with a first-round matchup against Russell Westbrook, Harden's closest opponent in the MVP race, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is Sunday night.
If the Rockets surpass the Thunder, they could face the Spurs or Clippers in Round 2. And if the Rockets have their way, they'll have another date with the Warriors, this time in the West finals.
Guard Patrick Beverley said the Rockets fear no team and that they’ve earned the right to be confident in their abilities.
“You got to be happy,” Beverley said. “Fifty-five wins in the West, third-best team in the NBA, it wasn’t great. But for our first year as a unit being together under a new coach, new offense, new defensive schemes, new players before trade deadline, to get 55 wins in this league or 55 wins in any league is tough, and we were fortunate to play so well in our first year all together.”
Houston ran out to a 31-9 start this season, putting itself in strong standing in the West. But the team went just 24-18 to close the season, including 11-8 in the final 19 games. Harden dealt with a jammed wrist (which isn’t giving him any problems now), Anderson missed six games with an ankle injury, and several other players dealt with minor health issues.
D’Antoni said he was proud of how his team went through that funk of injuries and mediocre play to maintain their No. 3 seed heading into the postseason.
“We’ve just got to do the little thing now throughout the rest of the way,” guard Eric Gordon said. “We’ve had a great start, and when you’ve had a great start to the season, we’ve just built off that and really had good chemistry, and we really know how to play this season. So it’s just been good to follow through and just ended up having a good year.”
Last season, the Rockets needed to win their final regular-season game to make the postseason and reach a 41-41 record. To review what happened would require a miniseries, but this season has been different. Everything has moved so smoothly with D’Antoni as the coach, and Harden is in such a good place with the structure of this team.
“I’m excited, especially because this is the first time that I’ve been here, guys are on the same page,” Harden said. “We have a coaching staff that has a system, and everybody knows that system offensively and defensively and just the personnel as well. The guys, we have more than enough in this locker room to compete with anybody in the league.”
Top-seeded Celtics believe they have yet to play their best
BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics allowed themselves a brief moment to savor the accomplishment of earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday night, rallying around the notion that few considered that feat possible entering the 2016-17 campaign.
But unlike recent seasons when the team reveled in smaller goals -- sneaking into the playoffs two seasons ago or climbing the East playoff ladder a bit last year -- players were already seemingly focused on the next challenge by the time they departed the Celtics' locker room.
"We just want to win," Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas said. "We're a totally different team than we were last year and the year before. We have some new pieces, we're playing at a higher level and we want more. In previous years we just kind of wanted to make the playoffs and see what happened. Now we want to advance, and advance as far as possible."
Added teammate Jae Crowder: "I think a lot of teams in the past were happy to be in the playoffs. We've got a much different feeling in the locker room. Playing on those teams, it's just a much different mentality. Everybody wants to actually win."
The Celtics know some will be leery of their potential until they prove they can win in the playoffs. That's probably best for a team that has a chip on its shoulder and is fueled almost entirely by doubt.
Even before securing the top spot, the Celtics had heard all the chatter: that the Cleveland Cavaliers were the team to beat in the East regardless of seeding and that Boston hasn't proved anything by simply earning the top spot.
The Celtics don't exactly disagree with this. Coach Brad Stevens said before Wednesday's 112-94 win over the Bucks that the Cavs are the team to beat until someone dethrones them. And Thomas has said all season that he's eager to learn how to win in the postseason, peppering pal Tom Bradywith text messages asking how Thomas can elevate his play on the big stage.
With Wednesday's finale finalizing the playoff path, the Celtics seemed almost relieved to simply arrive at the postseason. Finally, this team can embrace that next challenge and try to show it is not the same team that got swept by Cleveland in 2015 and bounced in six games by Atlanta last year.
Al Horford, a member of that Hawks team that defeated Boston, said he noticed something about these Celtics last season. He felt like he could help the team get to that next level, even as some of those around him suggested Boston might still be in building mode.
"I think that probably a lot of people around me didn't quite see it, but after playing [the Celtics] last year in the playoffs and just looking at the potential of our group, I just felt really strong about what we have here," Horford said. "I'm just happy to be a part of this."
Horford has repeatedly been asked this season about his decision to leave the comforts of the Hawks in order to explore the potential of the Celtics. Earning the top spot in the East in a small way validates his decision, and Horford spent Tuesday's practice gushing about how this is the most excited he has been for a playoffs during his NBA career.
But playoff success will truly determine if Horford made the correct decision.
The Celtics believe they have not played their best basketball yet. Part of the reason earning the No. 1 seed resonates with them is because they endured so many injuries and so many ups and downs over the course of the regular season that it's remarkable they ultimately topped the conference, finishing two games ahead of a Cavaliers team that prioritized rest at the finish line.
Boston wrapped up the regular season with not only the best record in the East but also, thanks to an ability to swap picks with the Nets, the best chance at landing the No. 1 pick in May's draft lottery.
There's potential here for even more growth, regardless of how the postseason plays out. But maybe only slightly less important than the pingpong balls is Boston showing it's capable of winning in the playoffs. The deeper this team can penetrate in the postseason, the more intriguing it becomes to free agents this summer. With the right maneuvering, Boston can finagle max cap space to chase another big-name free agent.
One year after showcasing their potential in front of Horford, it won't be overlooked that the Celtics have drawn Jimmy Butler's team in the first round this season. While not a free-agent-to-be like Horford, Butler has drawn well-documented interest from Boston. It can't hurt for the Celtics to put their best foot forward in front of one of the league's top talents.
But these Celtics aren't overly concerned about the summer and beyond. They're focused on the right now.
"We for sure congratulated each other on a good season. Don't let that get twisted," Crowder said. "But we know we have a bigger picture ahead of us, so we just congratulated each other and told each other we know the season that's ahead. Good work this year, and we've got a lot more work to do."
The Celtics have put themselves in the best possible position for postseason success. The Bulls are a bit of a tough draw, given their playoff experience and how well they played late in the season. Still, Boston will be favored in the series.
Boston will benefit from having home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, including a potential showdown with the Cavaliers, should both teams be fortunate enough to make it that far. Having the top seed would be most valuable then.
"It's a huge advantage," Horford said. "And I feel like we have the best home court, so we need to take advantage of this. This is a tough building to play in. And I know, for many years, I hated coming in here. I'm just excited to be on the good side."
For a Boston team that had to claw its way to simply snag the last playoff berth in the East two seasons ago, the No. 1 spot simply shows how far the team has come.
"They definitely weren't thinking No. 1 seed when I got here. I know that for a fact," Thomas said. "They were barely thinking playoffs. How fast it's come, it's good. It says a lot abut the direction this organization is going in and the work we put in as players and coaches."
Did Thomas think the Celtics had the potential to get to this point?
"I did," he said. "But I'm different from others."
BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics allowed themselves a brief moment to savor the accomplishment of earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday night, rallying around the notion that few considered that feat possible entering the 2016-17 campaign.
But unlike recent seasons when the team reveled in smaller goals -- sneaking into the playoffs two seasons ago or climbing the East playoff ladder a bit last year -- players were already seemingly focused on the next challenge by the time they departed the Celtics' locker room.
"We just want to win," Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas said. "We're a totally different team than we were last year and the year before. We have some new pieces, we're playing at a higher level and we want more. In previous years we just kind of wanted to make the playoffs and see what happened. Now we want to advance, and advance as far as possible."
Added teammate Jae Crowder: "I think a lot of teams in the past were happy to be in the playoffs. We've got a much different feeling in the locker room. Playing on those teams, it's just a much different mentality. Everybody wants to actually win."
The Celtics know some will be leery of their potential until they prove they can win in the playoffs. That's probably best for a team that has a chip on its shoulder and is fueled almost entirely by doubt.
Even before securing the top spot, the Celtics had heard all the chatter: that the Cleveland Cavaliers were the team to beat in the East regardless of seeding and that Boston hasn't proved anything by simply earning the top spot.
The Celtics don't exactly disagree with this. Coach Brad Stevens said before Wednesday's 112-94 win over the Bucks that the Cavs are the team to beat until someone dethrones them. And Thomas has said all season that he's eager to learn how to win in the postseason, peppering pal Tom Bradywith text messages asking how Thomas can elevate his play on the big stage.
With Wednesday's finale finalizing the playoff path, the Celtics seemed almost relieved to simply arrive at the postseason. Finally, this team can embrace that next challenge and try to show it is not the same team that got swept by Cleveland in 2015 and bounced in six games by Atlanta last year.
Al Horford, a member of that Hawks team that defeated Boston, said he noticed something about these Celtics last season. He felt like he could help the team get to that next level, even as some of those around him suggested Boston might still be in building mode.
"I think that probably a lot of people around me didn't quite see it, but after playing [the Celtics] last year in the playoffs and just looking at the potential of our group, I just felt really strong about what we have here," Horford said. "I'm just happy to be a part of this."
Horford has repeatedly been asked this season about his decision to leave the comforts of the Hawks in order to explore the potential of the Celtics. Earning the top spot in the East in a small way validates his decision, and Horford spent Tuesday's practice gushing about how this is the most excited he has been for a playoffs during his NBA career.
But playoff success will truly determine if Horford made the correct decision.
The Celtics believe they have not played their best basketball yet. Part of the reason earning the No. 1 seed resonates with them is because they endured so many injuries and so many ups and downs over the course of the regular season that it's remarkable they ultimately topped the conference, finishing two games ahead of a Cavaliers team that prioritized rest at the finish line.
Boston wrapped up the regular season with not only the best record in the East but also, thanks to an ability to swap picks with the Nets, the best chance at landing the No. 1 pick in May's draft lottery.
There's potential here for even more growth, regardless of how the postseason plays out. But maybe only slightly less important than the pingpong balls is Boston showing it's capable of winning in the playoffs. The deeper this team can penetrate in the postseason, the more intriguing it becomes to free agents this summer. With the right maneuvering, Boston can finagle max cap space to chase another big-name free agent.
One year after showcasing their potential in front of Horford, it won't be overlooked that the Celtics have drawn Jimmy Butler's team in the first round this season. While not a free-agent-to-be like Horford, Butler has drawn well-documented interest from Boston. It can't hurt for the Celtics to put their best foot forward in front of one of the league's top talents.
But these Celtics aren't overly concerned about the summer and beyond. They're focused on the right now.
"We for sure congratulated each other on a good season. Don't let that get twisted," Crowder said. "But we know we have a bigger picture ahead of us, so we just congratulated each other and told each other we know the season that's ahead. Good work this year, and we've got a lot more work to do."
The Celtics have put themselves in the best possible position for postseason success. The Bulls are a bit of a tough draw, given their playoff experience and how well they played late in the season. Still, Boston will be favored in the series.
Boston will benefit from having home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, including a potential showdown with the Cavaliers, should both teams be fortunate enough to make it that far. Having the top seed would be most valuable then.
"It's a huge advantage," Horford said. "And I feel like we have the best home court, so we need to take advantage of this. This is a tough building to play in. And I know, for many years, I hated coming in here. I'm just excited to be on the good side."
For a Boston team that had to claw its way to simply snag the last playoff berth in the East two seasons ago, the No. 1 spot simply shows how far the team has come.
"They definitely weren't thinking No. 1 seed when I got here. I know that for a fact," Thomas said. "They were barely thinking playoffs. How fast it's come, it's good. It says a lot abut the direction this organization is going in and the work we put in as players and coaches."
Did Thomas think the Celtics had the potential to get to this point?
"I did," he said. "But I'm different from others."
Didn't y'all have wes unseld serving niggas?
My pops told me about that nigga
He gat all the tapes
Thats the reason why the game should be at like 8pm eastern; thats prime time and it would be 5 on the west coast; Thats also a good bar time for both coast; and no competition for that 8pm time slot; shit is retarded
You faggit niggas talking cash shit... I guess y'all can have this day since I was baking you niggas 4 yrs straight
Yes.. Wes stayed on payroll for over 30years.. Wade couldnt even retire with that fuck ass franchise... Also, Kevin Love is actually named after Wes...
You lied to us bro. We disappointed in you. You said Heat would make the playoffs... Yall aint been shit since Bron left.
Stop it
We made the playoffs last year bruh stop it.. Cavs ain't been shit since Bron left literally
Spurs aren't about to do shit. Unless LA gets it together. He's soft G.
Now, if he can flip a switch, they may have a shot. Until then, they're done. Soft Gasol. Soft Aldridge. Done.
Go Raptors!
You wasn't baking shit
Only 1 series that counted, Nate robinson was serving u niggas and the nets
Ya reign on top was short like leprechauns, as we crush willies, thugs and Rap-a-dons
Man ain't no one trying to see Portland get waxed.Thats the reason why the game should be at like 8pm eastern; thats prime time and it would be 5 on the west coast; Thats also a good bar time for both coast; and no competition for that 8pm time slot; shit is retarded
Was this before or after he wasn't with Denver
And yea the heat are back to them Eddie jones and zo years back in 2002 and 2003
I used to legitimately hate Curry and it started here^^^
But instead of getting mad, I started thinking, "That was actually dope". To be able to shoot and look away knowing that it's going in? And be good at it? Man it is "showboating" but I respect the skill. It's no different than if a dude shooting with his eyes closed. Dope. I don't even take it as disrespect because I feel like if the other teams don't want to see, stop it. I say the same thing about the Warriors getting mad about seeing 3-1 everywhere. Shut em' up if you want it to go away. That's what I want them to do.
I have absolutely no problem with Steph's arrogance antics. It was that edge what has made him the monster and two time MVP he is... When you put in work like he did in college, and you come in with fools dissing you with shit like this:
- Not a true point guard.
- Out of control at times.
- Shot-selection.
- Stuck between 1 and 2.
- Ability to defend position at next level?
- Lateral quickness.
- Versatility to defend multiple positions.
- Limited upside?
- Backup/Fringe Starter?
- College system makes him difficult to evaluate.
- Average athleticism.
- Average size.
- Average wingspan.
- Frail frame.
- Relies too heavily on outside shot.
LeBron James is a simply beautiful basketball player. I talk shit to fuck with folks but he seriously is the most complete player I've ever seen on a basketball court
Cavs got their hands full this series.
LeBron James is a simply beautiful basketball player. I talk shit to fuck with folks but he seriously is the most complete player I've ever seen on a basketball court
Tell him to hit a jumpshot.
Can't say I disagree with your assessment. Lebron seems to be the only one ready. And it's easy for him to get upset with others for lacking.
LeBron James is a simply beautiful basketball player. I talk shit to fuck with folks but he seriously is the most complete player I've ever seen on a basketball court
Fag
To me it is pretty simple. Put effort in defending. Only two teams can score with them and that is Houston and Golden State. Everyone else, if they commit to playing defense, it should be an easy ride to the finals.
Similar threads
