DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum NBA Finals Discussion II

If anyone deserves a shout out its Sperg. He essentially called this when LeBron made the decision to leave. He didn't get mad or overly emotional and essentially predicted LeBron would come back home.

That is some foresight right there.

I agree with the sentiment nordawg, but quibble a bit with you on the timing.

I think CLE has to win THE NEXT ONE to truly put GS on the ropes.

In playoff series like these, I look at individual games as a litmus test of what the series might be. In both their losses, GS showed a depth of character and reserves that belies their easier path to the Finals. They've erased big point deficits to take every game down to its final seconds. They have championship character, and won't quit on the finals series any more than they've quit on individual games.

Here's my thinking: If CLE goes up 3-1, the numerical odds skyrocket in their favor to win the championship. GS knows this... and will do everything they can to even the series at Quicken Arena.

If GS loses Game Four, their backs will have been broken. They haven't endured enough adversity this season to know what it takes to win when chit ain't relatively easy. If they rally a win in CLE, all bets are off. Even odds, for the rest of the series.

CLE wounded GS tonight, but the injuries weren't fatal. LBJ & Krew need to do some "neck steppin'" in Game Four to salt this series away. Only THAT will break GS's spirit.

Tonight, this series is far from over, IMHO.


.02

Sperg too. I didn't want to name everyone cause I'd leave someone out. They know who they are.

I have not been this entertained with anything Cleveland sports since 95,97 Tribe/late 80s Browns teams and I wasn't even that big a basketball fan before these playoffs.

I feel like all we accomplished was backing a deadly animal into a corner. A game 4 win would be a mortal wound.

I started doing push-ups near the start of the 3rd quarter because I was supposed to lift upper body but didn't want to go to our workout room. I'd do sets of 20, check the score, more sets of 20, check the score, then doing sets of 15, and I kept doing that until we FINALLY closed it out. I couldn't stop because we had the lead.

I ended up doing 521 pushups. I should be a bit sore tomorrow afternoon.

Oddly enough, I was doing pull-ups all of the 2nd half of Game 2 also. I guess I'll need to find something to keep myself busy for Game 4.

Agreed.
I feel the same way.

Hoops are a distant 2nd to football... but this is something truly special to watch.


____________



Delly


Is


Cleveland.

Dittos. The only reason I am watching is because of Cleveland and LeBron James. I have no other interest in the sport.
I hope James and crew can bring a long awaited championship to Cleveland

Delly! Delly! Delly!

Man, he played one incredible game tonight! This guy will do anything, sacrifice everything to help this team win a game. He plays without any concern for his body. His defense is incredible, and he brought the offense again tonight.

Let me also add that Lebron just refuses to lose. There really is nothing else that can be said. He left "beast mode" behind a long time ago, and has entered some seriously special level of rare air.

Can I also, again, say how impressed I am with Blatt? What a great hire! Man, he came in expecting to coach and develop a young team, got a great team, and still managed to out his systems in place, and never let the team get down. How many other teams would have given up after losing a player of the caliber of Kevin Love? How many teams would have completely folded up their tents and got ready for next year after also losing a player the caliber of Kyrie Irving? This team has played with even more intensity, and I think that starts at the top.

The 1st Cleveland championship will not be easy. It cannot be. Breaking that kind of tradition of heartache will take defeating every kind of imaginable problem. This team is on its way to doing so, but man, they have a huge task still ahead of them.

I think a lot of people don't like the NBA because they think it is a bunch of show and easy uncontested dunks, but there has been a TON of defense and very little easy shots by either team in this series. I'm gaining a new respect for the athletes in the NBA, especially how dominate James really is.

Man, Delly experienced extreme cramping, got an IV, and is at the Cleveland Clinic for treatment.

Matthew Dellavedova Taken To Cleveland Clinic After Scoring 20 In Cavs Game 3 Win
By BEN FONTANA, 92.3 The Fan

CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – Matthew Dellavedova might have played too hard in the Cavaliers game three win on Tuesday night in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Is that even possible?
Dellavedova was unavailable to the media after the game at Quicken Loans Arena. “Delly,” as he’s affectionately nicknamed, experienced severe cramping in the game and required an IV, as well as a trip to the Cleveland Clinic for treatment. Delly’s absence didn’t stop his Cavalier teammates from praising him after the game.
“One thing about Delly, every night he’s going to come out and bust his tail,” Tristan Thompson said. “He’s going to play hard every possession, and it starts with defense. He picks up 94 feet. He really tires to make whoever he’s guarding uncomfortable, and those are the little things that changes the game, and changes the series.”
Dellavedova started in his second straight NBA Finals game filling in for the injured Kyrie Irving, and stuffed the stat sheet. He played 38 minutes, netted 20 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and tallied 4 assists. He even dove on a loose ball with under a minute left and was fouled to keep the Cavs lead secure at the time.
“He plays right,” head coach David Blatt said. “He’s not afraid. He plays courageously. And everybody on this team has his back, so its not an issue of confidence. He’s going to give you whatever he has and you can ask for anything more than that.”
What stands out most is Dellavedova’s ‘grit.’ His willingness to go after the loose balls, dive on the floor, make the hustle plays. It’s almost becoming contagious. The veterans seem to agree.
“We see it every day in practice,” James Jones said in the locker room. “Now the world gets a chance to see it on the biggest stage and for that we’re grateful.”
“He’s playing unbelievable basketball right now,” Thompson added. “I’m just so happy for him. He’s in the gym busting his tail, watching film, helping us get better even though its only his second year in the league. He’s talking to older guys and trying to help them too. So you’ve got to be so happy for a guy like that.”
The Cavaliers seem to have a new-found confidence playing Delly-ball. It’s the hustle that sets the Cavaliers apart.
“Delly is going to give everything he’s got,” LeBron James said at the podium. “His body, he’s going to throw his body all over the place. And he’s going to compete at a high level however many minutes he’s out on the floor.”
Dellavedova has also seemed to create an indescribable spark offensively. His circus and-one bank shot in the lane in the 4th quarter sent Quicken Loans Arena into a frenzy.
“At this point, it’s Delly,” Thompson pointed out. “He’s done everything you guys think he can’t do. I’m not surprised at all. It was one hell of a and-one finish, and he also made the free throw, too which was the icing on the cake.”
Cleveland has all the confidence in the world in Dellavedova, who’s become a bit of a cult hero among fans in Cleveland during the Cavs playoff run. No Kyrie? No problem. The Cavs lead the NBA Finals 2-1 and it’s been Delly who’s played a big role
“They seem to like him, don’t they?” Coach Blatt joked. “Delly’s the most Cleveland-like Australian I’ve ever met in my life. And if you’re from Cleveland, you know just what I’m talking about. What’s not to love about the guy?”


link

Thank God for the advancements in modern day sports science health,

Delly and Delly memes wereally trending on twitter tonight. He's the new Tim Howard.

After the last couple of games I've personally been practicing singing Queen's 'We Are the Champions" whenever I take a shower. We gotta win this all! I'm ready.

I'm really nervous about Game 4. Oddly enough I wasn't all that nervous about last night. The Warriors are getting their first taste of adversity this season, and they are not sure what to do. But Curry's series of difficult threes in the 4th have given the team a glimmer of hope. We almost have to crush their spirits by taking Game 4 to truly believe this is possible.

I predicted early I thought the Cavs could win in 5 (with a healthy Irving mind you), but that it would go 6 just so they could win it all in Cleveland. That would be fitting. I say Cavs win Game 4, Warriors win Game 5 at home, and Cleveland wins its first title in 51 years at home in Game 6.

Storybook ending. I hope. Thank goodness for LeBron. He's not going to let these guys feel like they've accomplished squat yet. His experience in these matters cannot be overstated.

I've been more entertained these playoffs than any other time for cleveland sports. I grew up on the mid-late 80s browns, while they were fun to watch, as we're the 95/97 tribe, but this is alot more amazing to watch for me when you consider what this team has had to endure. Guys that were just guys in the regular season are now becoming heroes. It's a great story, I really hope they see it all the way through..i don't even know if i can watch thursday, the amount of stress of that game..lol

We need GM's "2 more wins" post, its worked so far

Wow what a game. Praying that Delly & Shumpret are OK.

2 more wins

Amazing game last night. The thing I am so impressed with is how the CAVS never let up on defense for one second.... NOT ONE SECOND. They need to continue that into tomorrow's game.

Delly continues to own Curry in the playoffs. I got a little pissed towards the end of the game when GS was coming back because it was when they moved Delly off him on onto K.Thompson. Then, they had TT guarding him? I didn't get it at all. I know there were some switches, but I feel like it was designed at times, too. I think Shumpert covered him a couple of times and then it went back to Delly. Maybe the fact Delly was cramping (and subsequently sent to the Cleveland Clinic) had a role to play?

JR Smith came up with some nice shots but I think we'll need more offense from him. Same with Shumpert as well. 13 combined points from these guys can't be a common theme.

As much as it's not fun watching ISO ball IMO, it is slowing down the Warriors offense and that is obviously important. Not too many fast breaks and easy shots. It's working. This might have been the best coached game I've seen from Blatt as well. He had a real nice game plan throughout.

Side note: I've never seen a wall of screens on consecutive trips by GS towards the end of the game. 3-4 guys in a line as Curry was trying to find a shot--- It worked, though.

Saw it, I think. When tied 1-1, that game 3 winner goes on to win series about 84% (?) of the time. Anybody confirm that when they saw it?

True stat ... Hope it rises to 85%

Another thing about Lee, he's not ready to battle a guy like TT on the boards for heavy minutes.

I didn't understand the Delly Shumpert switch to Curry either. I think Shumpert is the better defender in general but Curry gets wherever he wants on the floor when Shumpert is on him. Delly fights over and under screens relentlessly and still irritates Curry after the pick. Shumpert gets lost after the pick. Plus Thompson owns Delly. Odd switch indeed.

I don't think Blatt wants TT on Curry. He just gets switched onto him through picks. It's a beautiful strategy for GS. Not only is it a mismatch, but now Thompson is away from the glass and less likely to get the rebound.

The Cavs will win this if they continue to play harder than GS. LeBron's not going to let them lose as long as the rest of the team brings the effort. He's too smart, too experienced, too skilled. I can't believe the city of Cleveland is this close. Please, please get to 4 before GS does.

On a side note, I'm not a big Marc Jackson fan, but I love it when he says "hey mama, there goes that man!" He said it one time last night about LeBron or Delly, and I just loved it. Gave me chills. Want to hear him say it as the Cavs are winding down a series clinching win.

I think it was more out of necessity at that point. Delly was gassed. The whole team was gassed for that matter. I think it was a big reason GS was able to come back. When we were able to catch our wind a bit, we were able to hold them off. This is what worries me the most about our upcoming games. How much do we have left in the tank? Delly is getting IV treatment at the Cleveland Clinic. Shumpert is playing hurt. We're playing 7 guys for the majority of the game. I hope we've got enough to get across the finish line.

Don't want to take anything away from Della, but let's not forget the historical performance we're witnessing from this man-

http://youtu.be/c0QySjGj2J0

If the Cavs pull this off, it might be one of the greatest playoff runs ever.

I'm actually worried about game 4. I think that dive into the stands by Delly started to turn the tide for GS. When he went out, it allowed Curry to get comfortable and he was able to sustain it when Dellavedova came back into the game as well. I'm concerned he may have found his groove, and if Curry plays on Thursday like he did in the 4th quarter we're in trouble I think. Delly may be a bit banged up from that, too... I assumed that was why they went with Shumpert on Curry.

I'm pretty disappointed the other guys didn't pick it up enough to give Lebron a break this game. He even basically said that in the post game interview... that he can't keep this up all series.

Great win. Very good effort for 3 quarters and pulled it out in the end, but man I really don't like that fourth quarter. Can't rely on Curry having dumb turnovers like that.

j/c:

Man, I just read all the new replies since I was on here yesterday. It's hilarious to read all the ups and downs of the posters during the game. Did anyone else do the same thing? Amazing, isn't it?

A few observations:

--I didn't think the series was over after we lost Game 1 and Kyrie and I don't think the series is over now that we are up 2-1 and have the HC advantage. GS is known for coming back and we should not sell them short.

--I saw posters saying we were choking. I disagree w/that 100%. We weren't choking. We were tired and GS is a great offensive team. It's the Finals. It shouldn't be easy.

--TT was on Curry because of all the switches. GS sets an incredible amount of picks for Curry. I do think Delly was cramping late in the game so they put Shump on Curry for a bit. I don't think Delly had much left in his legs, but I could be wrong about that. Anyone who has ever played knows that feeling of when your thighs seemingly go dead. It's tough...

--I agree w/those who said that our ISO is actually kinda slowing the game down and is part of the reason for limiting their offense, especially their transition offense. That's an astute point.

--You guys have praised Delly a lot. I won't expound other than to say I totally agree w/you and he is the kind of guy a lot of us root for. Loved Blatt's comment about Delly being the most Cleveland-like Australian...or something like that. I know exactly what he means.

--TT was huge in this last game. I think he is the kinda guy who goes under the radar and never really gets a ton of credit. But, I also think he is the kind of role player that is needed on a championship team. He rebounds, he defends the ball, he understands help defense, he makes the other defense account for his rebounding presence which in turn frees up other cutters, drivers, and spot-up shooters. He also takes no junk out there. He isn't afraid of anyone...physically. I think he could hold his own in any fight and that is important when you play the way he does.

--Moz is very effective when on the floor. I didn't think he would match his scoring numbers from game 2, but he had some nice blocks, provided sound help on defense, was physical, and they had to account for his whereabouts when LBJ drove the ball. They had to keep a man on him and not help as much because Moz was still trying to cut to the basket.

--I thought JR and JJ made some timely shots. Shump had one big 3 that I remember. I don't expect a guy like JJ to consistently light it up, but if he hits 2-4 big 3s during the game, than it's a positive.

--I loved the great hustle by JJ, Miller, and obviously Delly.

--Finally, I never held it against LBJ when he left. He was a FA and he had that right. However, I thought it would always tarnish his legend for not finishing what he started. Guys like MJ, Kobe, Bird, and Magic all won their championships w/the team they began their careers with.

Now, w/LeBron returning to his home team and w/the team missing 2 out of their own Big 3 players, I believe that if the Cavs win this series.....it might just cement LeBron's status as arguably the greatest of all-time. I am NOT saying everyone would think that, but it would put him in the discussion. And that is truly amazing.

I was really down on LeBron early in the year. He was playing lazy. Not running back on defense. Not buying into the system. But obviously, the guy is smarter than I am and he knew what he was doing.

I just wonder what the big announcement will be? Does anyone think he will retire? Is that why he is giving it his all? Or, is it something completely different?

What big announcement?

I think he's referring to Lebron's secret motivation. He said it's driving him hard right now but he won't say what it is just yet.

Secret motivation, IMO= He thinks he more worthy of being the MVP.

So far, he's absolutely right. He is exponentially becoming more of an impact in the NBA Finals. Delly is outperforming Curry at this point.

Oh, and I found out how Delly has become so good in the playoffs, particularly The Finals......

I echo these concerns. I might not watch Game 4. I don't think my nerves can take it.

As to an announcement of some sort, LeBron was playing coy after Game 2 and said some cryptic stuff about having secret motivations that he won't share yet. I can guarantee you it's one of three things: a) he wants to win so badly for the city of Cleveland, b) he doesn't want to be 2-4 in Finals with one of those being a miracle win, and c) he's playing the MVP and he thinks he should be the MVP.

If the Cavs pull this off, I think they can repeat and maybe threepeat if they get everyone back. LeBron is VERY legacy conscious. That's why he has all these secret motivations. If he can get two in a row starting with this one, he's in the discussion for GOAT. If he can get a threepeat, he's at the doorstep. He's a globally thinking kind of guy. He will be the second player to ever own an NBA franchise. You can book that.

I bet his motivation is something like giving the fans a title because he left us the first time and this will help "right his wrongs".

That could easily be an option as well.

I guess it's fun to speculate and discuss what his motivation may or not be, but, truthfully, I don't care what it is if we get to four wins before GS does.

I don't see Game 4 being any different than Game 3 for either team. It's a must win for each team (more so for the Cavs).

As for the run the Warriors went on in the 4th and maybe it carries over to Thursday, the Cavs had a lead, were gassed, and Curry hit some crazy shots even he probably can't reproduce. Plus, the Cavs took that run and answered by closing the game for the win.

I'm not saying I except to win Game 4 or the series, just saying, I think the pressure of Game 4 is the same as last night and we're still controlling the game on offense and defense. At this point, I think the Warriors are getting worried.

It is interesting to note, this is the first time a Cleveland team lead a World Series or Finals, at least since I was born. The Tribe was 1-1 and 3-3 in 97 and they were always behind the Braves in 95. And of course, the Cavs were swept by the Spurs.