****OFFICIAL 2012 NBA PLAYOFFS THREAD****

[dirk digler]

Great sports weekend with the draft and now the NBA Playoffs starting today

First Round Matchups Today:

76ers vs Bulls
Knicks vs Heat
Magic vs Pacers
Mavs vs Thunder

Sunday:

Jazz vs Spurs
Celtics vs Hawks
Clippers vs Grizzlies
Nuggets vs Lakers

[okcchief]

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

David Stern bringing in Joe Crawford for tonights Sunday night Raw #WWE

Great

[BIG_DADDY]

Originally Posted by Urc Burry

People who bitch about the decision are idiots. It's not like he went out and said hey let's make a show out of where I'm deciding to go. Everyone wanted to see it and you are probably lying if you say you didn't watch it. If I remember correctly he donated every penny he made off of it to charity. He had no talent around him in Cleveland and he made the right decision to leave. He would of wasted his career there.

Wow, talk about not getting it.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I think any fan of sports should feel close to the same exact way. The problem is, between all the vicious unwarranted attacks on him and ESPN going out of their way to do his PR work, people don't see the truth. It wasn't just about The Decision or his desire to win a championship elsewhere. There's a lot more to this story that should make any fan of sports angry.

You're a Cavs fan, so feel free to be pissed at Lebron. That's totally understandable.

But I wouldn't speak for just "any sports fan" on this one. I like Lebron James for one reason and one reason only- I like watching him play. I love what he does with the ball on an average game. I REALLY love what he does with the ball when he's angry. The guy is the most aggressive and unstoppable force the game has seen when he's in the right mode.

Durant's great to watch. Kobe is great to watch. Jordan was great to watch. It's possible that all three of them will be considered better players by the end of their respective careers. I can accept that. But none of them do on the court what Lebron does. Lebron is a tank that rapes people, and I ****ing love it. As a spectator, I'll take that over the lights out shooter any time. Any. Time.

What you're saying about how any sports fan should hate him given what he's like doesn't really tell me anything. What makes him such a big asshole besides if it's not about The Decision or how he's embarrassed by his receding hair line? Again, the dude is an outstanding citizen. Never even been questionable that he's 100% clean from drugs and PEDs. He does charity stuff all the time. And he's a little more receptive to his fans than some other athletes (again, I'll use Tony Gonzalez as an example).

Tell me what to hate about him. From one sports fan to another. Because I'm not seeing it. I don't give a shit about The Decision or if he's arrogant. Don't give one shit.

[BIG_DADDY]

Originally Posted by SNR

You're a Cavs fan, so feel free to be pissed at Lebron. That's totally understandable.

But I wouldn't speak for just "any sports fan" on this one. I like Lebron James for one reason and one reason only- I like watching him play. I love what he does with the ball on an average game. I REALLY love what he does with the ball when he's angry. The guy is the most aggressive and unstoppable force the game has seen when he's in the right mode.

Durant's great to watch. Kobe is great to watch. Jordan was great to watch. It's possible that all three of them will be considered better players by the end of their respective careers. I can accept that. But none of them do on the court what Lebron does. Lebron is a tank that rapes people, and I ****ing love it. As a spectator, I'll take that over the lights out shooter any time. Any. Time.

What you're saying about how any sports fan should hate him given what he's like doesn't really tell me anything. What makes him such a big asshole besides if it's not about The Decision or how he's embarrassed by his receding hair line? Again, the dude is an outstanding citizen. Never even been questionable that he's 100% clean from drugs and PEDs. He does charity stuff all the time. And he's a little more receptive to his fans than some other athletes (again, I'll use Tony Gonzalez as an example).

Tell me what to hate about him. From one sports fan to another. Because I'm not seeing it. I don't give a shit about The Decision or if he's arrogant. Don't give one shit.

I don't like him because of the way the decision went down, not the fact that he left. He knew he was leaving when the other teams were picking up their top free agents and he left them holding the bag. The celebration was flat out ridiculous expecially the not 7 statement.

AS a player you're right, he is pretty awesome. I don't think he is a closer. I don't think he likes the pressure of the final moment. I don't think he is a team leader either. He is also a flopper. I agree with your assessment at being the most physical player in the game when he gets angry. He certainly was given the most physical gifts of any player I have ever seen.

[okcchief]

The decision and counting the Championships rubbed me as wrong as anyone. However, LeBron has always done a lot of good things off the court. He's not a thug just misguided and young. If I was held to everything I did at 25 or whatever for the rest of my life I'd be in trouble. I can understand why Cleveland fans can't let go. I believe he would have had just as good a shot of winning a title there and I'm sure that smarts.

The thing is people have the right to like who they want in sports. Every great sports star that's loved is hated. Nothing wrong with that.

[BIG_DADDY]

Originally Posted by okcchief

The decision and counting the Championships rubbed me as wrong as anyone. However, LeBron has always done a lot of good things off the court. He's not a thug just misguided and young. If I was held to everything I did at 25 or whatever for the rest of my life I'd be in trouble. I can understand why Cleveland fans can't let go. I believe he would have had just as good a shot of winning a title there and I'm sure that smarts.

The thing is people have the right to like who they want in sports. Every great sports star that's loved is hated. Nothing wrong with that.

I have never seen anyone despised the way LeBron is though. Lakers fans rooting for the Celtics was the kicker for me. Sitting in two bars with everyone rooting against him was another. It's not just Cleveland fans that are not forgiving him. I imagine that will change one day but probably not before he gets a championship.

I have to say that watching the media try and do his PR work for him is more than a little annoying. GO OKC, good luck with the game tonight. Hopefully they can get out of the gates this time.

[okcchief]

Originally Posted by Mr. Flopnuts

Losing a guy like KD is just KILLING people in Seattle. I know, I know, I'm not going to keep this shit up forever. I'm just saying. Whatever though, ancient history.

As hard as I try, I just CAN'T root against that team. They're everything you hope for in a franchise right now. Win or lose this series, if they can keep them together, it's a dynasty in the making.

And believe it or not, I'm happy for you. Not everyone down there, but for class act, hardcore fans...Abso****inglutely. Enjoy every oz. of it.

There was a group of people there the other night from Seattle in Sonic jerseys. They pretty much had the same sentiment and rooted for the Thunder. I definitely understand its not easy for real Sonics fans. Not really worth blaming OKC either. Both cities are good sports towns and worthy of teams. Hopefully, Seattle will get one soon.

In the irony of life I'm currently considering a job opportunity in Seattle lol

[notorious]

I am back from the mountains, and I finally get to watch a Finals game!


BTW, I saw a still photo of Lebron pushing Durant last game. Did it look that bad in real time?

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Originally Posted by notorious

I am back from the mountains, and I finally get to watch a Finals game!


BTW, I saw a still photo of Lebron pushing Durant last game. Did it look that bad in real time?

You missed the first two wrestling matches? Shame on you.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by SNR

You're a Cavs fan, so feel free to be pissed at Lebron. That's totally understandable.

But I wouldn't speak for just "any sports fan" on this one. I like Lebron James for one reason and one reason only- I like watching him play. I love what he does with the ball on an average game. I REALLY love what he does with the ball when he's angry. The guy is the most aggressive and unstoppable force the game has seen when he's in the right mode.

Durant's great to watch. Kobe is great to watch. Jordan was great to watch. It's possible that all three of them will be considered better players by the end of their respective careers. I can accept that. But none of them do on the court what Lebron does. Lebron is a tank that rapes people, and I ****ing love it. As a spectator, I'll take that over the lights out shooter any time. Any. Time.

What you're saying about how any sports fan should hate him given what he's like doesn't really tell me anything. What makes him such a big asshole besides if it's not about The Decision or how he's embarrassed by his receding hair line? Again, the dude is an outstanding citizen. Never even been questionable that he's 100% clean from drugs and PEDs. He does charity stuff all the time. And he's a little more receptive to his fans than some other athletes (again, I'll use Tony Gonzalez as an example).

Tell me what to hate about him. From one sports fan to another. Because I'm not seeing it. I don't give a shit about The Decision or if he's arrogant. Don't give one shit.

He quit on his team in the Cavs. vs. Celtics playoff series. Literally quit, in a way we have rarely ever seen a superstar quit in a series of that magnitude. He quit on his team, his coach, his fans, his city.

For a guy as good as he is, he sure whines a lot about dedication. LeBron bitches that practices are too hard. That Pat Reilly is too hard on his players. And as a fan, I don't find it exciting to watch a man of that calibre flop the way he does.

During his time in Cleveland, he was treated like a prima donna in a way we've never seen before. His posse was treated better than some of his own teammates. He demanded they build a practice facility near his home (and they did). And what did he do in return? He knew he was going to Miami, and yet for months soaked in all the attention the Cavs' front office was giving, flying across the country to him to court him and wine/dine him. He waited until the very last minute of free agency to make "The Decision" -- most players have the respect for their team to make a decision quickly, so the team can move on.

"The Decision"... obviously. Prior to the decision, he attended rallies where Cleveland fans showered him with pleas to stay. Post-decision, he partied it up and then got mad at fans who were angry with him. It took him a full year to say anything that even slightly resembled an apology. Anybody who knows the history of Cleveland sports, and he knows them, knows that The Decision was about the cruelest thing anybody can do to a fan base. Oh, and in the process, he managed to tell fans that he "spoils" them and that. People are pissed at Brandon Carr, a class act who handled free agency like a gentleman. Now imagine that Carr was not only a great player, but one of the top players in the game. Now imagine Carr handled it the way LeBron did.

He didn't tell a single teammate he was leaving or even considering leaving. They didn't find out he was leaving until it was announced on national TV. In Miami, in the heat of a playoff race, he tells reporters he's considering going back to Cleveland. During the season, he says stuff like: “If I could clone myself, we’d be all right. But I can’t.” Why he didn't inform the Cavs of his decision to sign with the Heat - “The last day I wanted it to be about me.” In Miami, in the middle of a playoff hunt, he talks about wanting to return to Cleveland one day. Great message to your current teammates.

And you can talk all day long about what a great guy he is because he forks over a check to charity and stays out of trouble. What anybody who has ever worked with him will tell you is that he is one of the absolute worst people to work with.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by notorious

I am back from the mountains, and I finally get to watch a Finals game!


BTW, I saw a still photo of Lebron pushing Durant last game. Did it look that bad in real time?

It was definitely a foul and it probably influenced Durant's shot a little. But I'd agree that it's probably not the kind of call you want to make on the last shot.

[okcchief]

I forgot about his last series in Cleveland. He did check out of that one.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

Blah blah blah blah

For a guy as good as he is, he sure whines a lot about dedication. LeBron bitches that practices are too hard. That Pat Reilly is too hard on his players. And as a fan, I don't find it exciting to watch a man of that calibre flop the way he does.

Blah blah blah blah blah blah

All that holds meaning to you as a Cleveland fan. I respect that, and why you don't like the guy. Hell, I was ****ing furious when measly ol' Andre Rison joined the Raiders and bashed Kansas City on his way out. Multiply that by several hundred and I understand what Lebron's actions mean to you, and why you think he's despicable.

But for me, I could not care less. I'm a sports fan because I like watching Lebron James, and I guess I can thank God that I don't work with anybody quite like Lebron James in my own job. All I have to do is watch the guy on TV. I'm good with that relationship.

I kept that one paragraph of yours in because I've picked up this twice now in the thread that Lebron is a flopper. I have to say this: What. The. Hell?

I've seen a lot of Lebron games over the year. Maybe not as many as others, but I've seen over half his playoff games, and most of the really important ones. Whenever the Cavs/Heat are on national TV during the regular season I try to tune in especially if it's a great match. I've never ONCE seen him try to do the bitch take the charge offensive foul crap. Not. Once. I have no ****ing clue what you're talking about calling Lebron a flopper.

Does he sell calls? Michael Jordan sold calls. Kobe Bryant sold calls. Get that shit out of here. If that makes him a flopper, then you get to call Michael Jordan a flopper too.

James Harden is a flopper. Manu Ginobili is a flopper. Shane Battier is a dirty stupid pussy flopper. Lebron James is NOT, however, a flopper.

[okcchief]

Originally Posted by SNR

All that holds meaning to you as a Cleveland fan. I respect that, and why you don't like the guy. Hell, I was ****ing furious when measly ol' Andre Rison joined the Raiders and bashed Kansas City on his way out. Multiply that by several hundred and I understand what Lebron's actions mean to you, and why you think he's despicable.

But for me, I could not care less. I'm a sports fan because I like watching Lebron James, and I guess I can thank God that I don't work with anybody quite like Lebron James in my own job. All I have to do is watch the guy on TV. I'm good with that relationship.

I kept that one paragraph of yours in because I've picked up this twice now in the thread that Lebron is a flopper. I have to say this: What. The. Hell?

I've seen a lot of Lebron games over the year. Maybe not as many as others, but I've seen over half his playoff games, and most of the really important ones. Whenever the Cavs/Heat are on national TV during the regular season I try to tune in especially if it's a great match. I've never ONCE seen him try to do the bitch take the charge offensive foul crap. Not. Once. I have no ****ing clue what you're talking about calling Lebron a flopper.

Does he sell calls? Michael Jordan sold calls. Kobe Bryant sold calls. Get that shit out of here. If that makes him a flopper, then you get to call Michael Jordan a flopper too.

James Harden is a flopper. Manu Ginobili is a flopper. Shane Battier is a dirty stupid pussy flopper. Lebron James is NOT, however, a flopper.

James does flop. You aren't being honest if you say he doesn't. As long as they allow it though I can't blame him or anyone else.

[BIG_DADDY]

Originally Posted by SNR

All that holds meaning to you as a Cleveland fan. I respect that, and why you don't like the guy. Hell, I was ****ing furious when measly ol' Andre Rison joined the Raiders and bashed Kansas City on his way out. Multiply that by several hundred and I understand what Lebron's actions mean to you, and why you think he's despicable.

But for me, I could not care less. I'm a sports fan because I like watching Lebron James, and I guess I can thank God that I don't work with anybody quite like Lebron James in my own job. All I have to do is watch the guy on TV. I'm good with that relationship.

I kept that one paragraph of yours in because I've picked up this twice now in the thread that Lebron is a flopper. I have to say this: What. The. Hell?

I've seen a lot of Lebron games over the year. Maybe not as many as others, but I've seen over half his playoff games, and most of the really important ones. Whenever the Cavs/Heat are on national TV during the regular season I try to tune in especially if it's a great match. I've never ONCE seen him try to do the bitch take the charge offensive foul crap. Not. Once. I have no ****ing clue what you're talking about calling Lebron a flopper.

Does he sell calls? Michael Jordan sold calls. Kobe Bryant sold calls. Get that shit out of here. If that makes him a flopper, then you get to call Michael Jordan a flopper too.

James Harden is a flopper. Manu Ginobili is a flopper. Shane Battier is a dirty stupid pussy flopper. Lebron James is NOT, however, a flopper.

Puhhleasse.