NBA Playoffs Thread

[BobboFitos]

the jazz really need stops. ugh.

[dw2006]

Deron Williams pulled a steve nash down the stretch- unbelievable scoring in a game that was too far out of reach to matter. Maybe it will give him some confidence in the next game though.

[Aloysius]

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SA putting on a clinic.

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I thought you said this was gonna be a competitive series? Thanks for nothing man.

Boozer - he's got a really similar game to Brand who I watch game in and game out (Boozer's a better rebounder, worse shot-blocker, better passer, slightly more limited offensive arsneal overall I'd say, but otherwise v. close).

The problem with undersized power forwards is they really struggle with big frontcourts. Not merely neutralized (and yeah I guess "they'll still find a way to get their 20/10") they just have no chance of dominating a game (which I think Boozer needs to do for Utah to have a chance, unless Deron does what he did at the end of the 4th for a whole game).

The adjustment is a high-screen / side-screen game that keeps Boozer away from the basket (which Sloan did with some impact), but this is obviously not good. Sure, like Brand, Boozer can stick the mid-range jumper, but it kills other facets of their game.

Just speaking from the experience of watching Brand alot.

Spurs in 3.

-Al

[Vyse]

Boozer similar to Brand? Um, Brand in the post is way, way, way, waaaaaaaaaaaaay better than Boozer, and it's not remotely close. Brand is also disgusting to play when he faces up versus you.

Boozer isn't really that strong in the post. He's stronger on the pick and roll I'd say -- his jumper extends farther -- but that's it. I definitely wouldn't call him a better passer, and would instead say the reason he gets more assists is Utah's passer-friendly system. (Remember Raul Lopez averaging 7+ assists when he was starting a few years back? Carlos Arroyo's 6+? Come on now.)

[Aloysius]

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Um, Brand in the post is way, way, way, waaaaaaaaaaaaay better than Boozer, and it's not remotely close.

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Are you serious? Boozer in the low post has been an absolute monster from what I've seen this playoffs. I don't watch Utah alot during the regular season fwiw.

Trust me - I [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] Brand and think he is an overall better player (and also mentioned he has more of an overall offensive arsenal than Boozer), but Boozer on the block is really good (when it's not San Antonio haha).

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Brand is also disgusting to play when he faces up versus you.

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Brand is quicker and a much better ball-handler, so yeah, this is part of where Brand is an overall more complete offensive player.

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I definitely wouldn't call him a better passer

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Sloan runs a very pretty offense and Dunleavy runs, well, he doesn't really run a coherent offense. So I hear you. But Brand is a weak passer (maybe weakest part of his game), it's less that Boozer is really awesome like Duncan or something.

-Al

[Clarkmeister]

I just said I thought the line was out of whack relative to the Detroit line. I do think there was a little value on Utah at +425, and I bet on them there.

Utah is resillient. I wouldn't write them off yet.

[Vyse]

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Are you serious? Boozer in the low post has been an absolute monster from what I've seen this playoffs. I don't watch Utah alot during the regular season fwiw.

Trust me - I [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] Brand and think he is an overall better player (and also mentioned he has more of an overall offensive arsenal than Boozer), but Boozer on the block is really good (when it's not San Antonio haha).

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Boozer on the block is fine. He's good. He's above average. But he's not Brand. Brand is one of the best low post threats in the league. Seriously, who's better? Are there five? No way. Boozer is more limited in terms of post move set, and doesn't have Brand's beautiful fadeaway either.

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Good point - Sloan runs a very pretty offense and Dunleavy runs, well, he doesn't really run a coherent offense. But Brand is a weak passer (maybe weakest part of his game), it's less that Boozer is really awesome like Duncan or something.


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Watching the Clippers the last two years, I've always been extremely impressed by Brand's passing and thought it was quite underrated. Boozer's passing is quite fine, it's just that Sloan's offensive system is way better.

[Aloysius]

Clark - oh ok. Yeah Utah is resilient I agree and I like their team but if by "writing them off" you mean "don't think they have a chance to win this series" then yeah, I've written them off.

-Al

[Aloysius]

Vyse - not to get too heated about this (because basically I am in favor of anyone lauding Brand I love that guy) but Brand is really not a very good passer at all. This is especially true when he's doubled, he makes some very poor decisions (and often takes too long to pass out). I mean a good amount of this is on Dunleavy who I can not stand.

Oh and really my main point was how, despite their greatness, Boozer or Brand due to their size will struggle against a big frontcourt, and their ability to dominate / takeover a game is virtually lost.

-Al

[Vyse]

I think Brand is a top 12 player in the NBA and has no problem dominating a game.