The reason I love the play in games is simple, even if as a Cavaliers fan I was burned by it this season: it rewards the teams that are getting hot at the right time of the year, thus raising the overall level of play in the playoffs. The Cavs have been toast for a month and a half, anyone who is paying attention would have predicted their first round sweep if they would have been automatically included. And though Atlanta *might* get swept, they were by far the more dangerous team at this time of year. And in the West, the Pelicans are living proof that the trade deadline can matter to almost any team, no matter where they sit in the standings. They were hot at the right time, and it has resulted in already taking a game from the mighty Suns. Keep the play-in, ignore the within-4 games stipulation. If a team loses to another that is more than 4 games behind it (at THIS time of year!), then it just doesn't matter, does it? Let the hotter team ride into the playoffs guns blazing.
The First Four games in the NCAAs are recognized as playoffs, even though they are play-ins too. I see no reason why the play-in tourney in the NBA should not be called playoffs.
Let's put some real skin in the game for the Stern Cup. Let the worst four teams compete, with the winner getting the first pick in the draft! Also no more tanking.(or at least less tanking).
Isn't the Sabres playoff drought the third longest in North America major sports? The aforementioned Kings and my beloved Mariners, with their drought approaching drinking age
I didn't have him in my top three ... but I would also say (as I did last week when I posted my full ballot) that the DPOY is very hard. Easily digestible data is hard to come by.
The voting results certainly were interesting. If Bam had been healthy (my pick) things may have been different. Watching Bridges in game 1 showed why he deserved to be in the conversation but Smart certainly plays physical and fearless on D having gone back and rewatched his game highlights from the year.
I like to imagine Jonas Valanciunas’ agent keeps up with play in statistics more than most. JV moves to 4-1 in the play ins, with pretty big games outside of the Clippers small balling JV out of the lineup last week.
The reason I love the play in games is simple, even if as a Cavaliers fan I was burned by it this season: it rewards the teams that are getting hot at the right time of the year, thus raising the overall level of play in the playoffs. The Cavs have been toast for a month and a half, anyone who is paying attention would have predicted their first round sweep if they would have been automatically included. And though Atlanta *might* get swept, they were by far the more dangerous team at this time of year. And in the West, the Pelicans are living proof that the trade deadline can matter to almost any team, no matter where they sit in the standings. They were hot at the right time, and it has resulted in already taking a game from the mighty Suns. Keep the play-in, ignore the within-4 games stipulation. If a team loses to another that is more than 4 games behind it (at THIS time of year!), then it just doesn't matter, does it? Let the hotter team ride into the playoffs guns blazing.
Whoever wins the Stern Cup, if they celebrate too hard, they'll be clowned like the T-Wolves were last week.
The First Four games in the NCAAs are recognized as playoffs, even though they are play-ins too. I see no reason why the play-in tourney in the NBA should not be called playoffs.
Let's put some real skin in the game for the Stern Cup. Let the worst four teams compete, with the winner getting the first pick in the draft! Also no more tanking.(or at least less tanking).
I have similar thoughts to this. I think it's intriguing though not sure if it's watchable, lol
Isn't the Sabres playoff drought the third longest in North America major sports? The aforementioned Kings and my beloved Mariners, with their drought approaching drinking age
With my luck tonight ... you are correct. Will check it out.
Comments already with a 1 AM ET posting. RESPECT!
Any thoughts on the DPOY going to Smart this year Marc?
Huge smart fan. Happy to see him recognized. If he is deserving or not I don't know but guy plays his butt off
I didn't have him in my top three ... but I would also say (as I did last week when I posted my full ballot) that the DPOY is very hard. Easily digestible data is hard to come by.
Comments from Melbourne Australia at 3pm :D
The voting results certainly were interesting. If Bam had been healthy (my pick) things may have been different. Watching Bridges in game 1 showed why he deserved to be in the conversation but Smart certainly plays physical and fearless on D having gone back and rewatched his game highlights from the year.
Worldwide Leader!
Minor typo on Ballmer’s net worth... missing a comma, you might say.
Good catch. But I need you to anticipate the mistakes BEFORE I make them.
I like to imagine Jonas Valanciunas’ agent keeps up with play in statistics more than most. JV moves to 4-1 in the play ins, with pretty big games outside of the Clippers small balling JV out of the lineup last week.
I e been following Valanciunas since Toronto, and have seen a lot of Vucevic since he came to Chicago. Which is better?