NBA 2016-2017

[cougjunkie]

i think there are a lot of things that go into the worse record this year. chemistry being one of those things, figuring out how to play together, who will shoot and how often, etc. i haven't looked, but i'd guess their average margin of victory is about as good or better than last year. i do agree that the lack of bench could come into play, but they are so good, they'll be fine. time will tell, however. i could definitely be wrong. but i don't see them giving up that 4 game lead. IMO, Curry and Thompson are going to light it up the last month of the year.

Say they do light it up, they win 70 games, lock up the 1 seed. Is it a problem integrating KD back in to the offense before the playoffs?

[smokymountainrain]

Say they do light it up, they win 70 games, lock up the 1 seed. Is it a problem integrating KD back in to the offense before the playoffs?

maybe a little. but KD is just that good that even if there are some issues there, and maybe it causes a loss or two, their ceiling is so much higher with him, if i'm a warriors fan i don't lose any sleep over it.

[CardiacCoug]

Say they do light it up, they win 70 games, lock up the 1 seed. Is it a problem integrating KD back in to the offense before the playoffs?

What's interesting is that their offensive efficiency goes down with Durant on the court.

But their defensive efficiency goes way up with Durant playing. KD is a hugely underrated defensive player. That's where he helps GSW the most and so I think he'll have no problem giving them a playoff boost.

[PaloAltoCougar]

I'm bummed KD is out for awhile, but perhaps even more bummed GS is bringing on Matt Barnes as a stopgap.

[New Mexican Disaster]

I'm bummed KD is out for awhile, but perhaps even more bummed GS is bringing on Matt Barnes as a stopgap.

His man bun can help soothe the pain.

[creekster]

As far as Cousins goes, the guy has gotta be so thrilled to be getting out of such a terrible organization in the Kings. You can't blame Cousins for what a bad team that has been. Coaching carousel, horrible draft picks, when they finally do make a great draft pick in Isaiah Thomas they can't hang on to him. Cousins is going to play great and I wouldn't be surprised if the Pelicans take their first round opponent to 6 or 7 games.

I was thinking of this post last night when I watched Gobert frustrating Cousins. I am starting to think that maybe Cousins does deserve blame for making the Kings so bad. I know he is going to get his points and boards, but I think the Pelicans were better without him.

[cougjunkie]

Kawhi Leonard deserves the MVP. That is all.

Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs are 8-1 vs. BOS/GSW/HOU/OKC/CLE...

In those games Leonard is averaging:
30.8 PPG
5.8 RPG
3.6 APG
2.1 SPG#MVP

[creekster]

Kawhi Leonard deserves the MVP. That is all.

FWIW, I agree. That game yesterday was astonishing. Makes that amazing block, bedlam breaks loose all around him and he remains stoic and calm. One of my favorite players.

[smokymountainrain]

maybe a little. but KD is just that good that even if there are some issues there, and maybe it causes a loss or two, their ceiling is so much higher with him, if i'm a warriors fan i don't lose any sleep over it.

bump. I suck at this game.

[PaloAltoCougar]

bump. I suck at this game.

By far, the biggest problem with the current slump is Curry. If he hits even 30% of his threes, I think the Warriors change 3 of their last 4 losses into wins. He's really been struggling with his shot, coupled with a larger number of turnovers than usual. I'm wondering if there's something amiss with him, perhaps off the court. And the team just tweeted they're sitting Curry, Thompson, Iguodala and Green for tomorrow night's game at SA, so they'll be only a half game ahead of the Spurs when they return home, even though Leonard is sitting it out, too.

[smokymountainrain]

By far, the biggest problem with the current slump is Curry. If he hits even 30% of his threes, I think the Warriors change 3 of their last 4 losses into wins. He's really been struggling with his shot, coupled with a larger number of turnovers than usual. I'm wondering if there's something amiss with him, perhaps off the court. And the team just tweeted they're sitting Curry, Thompson, Iguodala and Green for tomorrow night's game at SA, so they'll be only a half game ahead of the Spurs when they return home, even though Leonard is sitting it out, too.

Does seem like something isnt right with him. I based my prediction on him stepping up in KD's absence, instead he's taken a couple steps back. Should be fun to watch this play out.

[Sizzle]

Kawhi Leonard deserves the MVP. That is all.

I think I'd give it to Westbrook. Leading the league in scoring at almost 32 points a game, and averaging 10.1 assists and 10.5 rebounds per game with 1.6 steals per game, with Oklahoma City in the playoffs. James Harden isn't that far behind either, averaging 29 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds a game, and the Rockets have a better record (likely 3rd in the West). None of this is meant as a slight at Kawhi either, because he is putting together an MVP worthy season as well, and is easily the best defender of the three. I used to think Oscar Robertsons' alleged triple double season was mythical and would never be duplicated, and for RW to do it while leading the league in scoring and keeping his team in the playoff hunt is incredible.

[CardiacCoug]

Impressive GSW back-to-back road wins in Texas the last couple of nights.

Plus 36 or so points on the Spurs during the last 2.5 quarters of this game.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Impressive GSW back-to-back road wins in Texas the last couple of nights.

Plus 36 or so points on the Spurs during the last 2.5 quarters of this game.

When they were down something like 29-7 late in the first, and since they'd lost their two previous meetings by 20+, the missus and I nearly turned off the game in favor of other pursuits. We were richly blessed for hanging in. That was probably the Warriors' best win of the season. I hope KD's return doesn't mess this up.

[CardiacCoug]

When they were down something like 29-7 late in the first, and since they'd lost their two previous meetings by 20+, the missus and I nearly turned off the game in favor of other pursuits. We were richly blessed for hanging in. That was probably the Warriors' best win of the season. I hope KD's return doesn't mess this up.

Yep 92% Spurs win probability (seems like it would have been higher!) got erased pretty fast. http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/w...s=pregm&both=N