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[spyder_ur]

Not that anyone was asking, but from this angle -

https://streamable.com/bhoi

it looks like Waiters lost his balance, was falling forward, and pushed off Ginobili to avoid having to move his feet.

That makes some sense. Hard to tell but he was leaning a bit, unless he was leaning with the intention of pushing Ginobili. That seems weird though; at no point in your training as a player would you be inclined to make contact with anyone while throwing the ball in.

As for the discussion about Ginobili, I've played and watched a ton of basketball and that is always a situation where the ref can just reset the inbound clock and tell the player to move back, similar to free kicks in soccer or batting area violations in baseball. There's no punishment for it perhaps maybe a delay of game if repeated.

This is one of the great things about sports.

It's a play that we have never seen before, ever, but we feel we should have had an offensive foul on Waiters."

Thousands of NBA games have been played and this is a play that the NBA Crew Chief has NEVER seen. We think we have sports properly analyzed and then humans go and ruin the whole thing - the refs, Waiters, Green and Ginobili's lackluster passes.

 

[Macadinho94]

Missed all of the commotion last night but what was the consensus on this?

 

[rambis]

a fan grabbed Adams arm when he tried to get back into the play at the end
https://twitter.com/CauldronICYMI/status/727359450911223808

http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_8.html?nav=ArticleList

Holy shit. Cry moar spurs .

 

[Gotdatmoney]

There is no way that out of bounds wasnt past 5 secs. But like, come the fuck on, Spurs should have scored there. You have a fast break, fumble the ball like dumbasses and then shoot a 3 despite only being down 1. That entire play was like "how could you not score there?"

 

[Tom Penny]

Spurs had no business being in the game then got their chance and blew it. I just feel bad for LMA who is the only Spur who elevated his game.

 

[boxter432]

first time seeing this.

waiters pushed.
waiters should have thrown it to adams

green should have dribbled in towards adams for sure (which would open up mills or Manu for a layup, or a couple dribbles and dished to Manu.

 

[Macadinho94]

Goddamn, Warriors game is back at being at 3:30am local time for me. Guess I won't be watching this one live tonight.

 

[Fjordson]

I up your photo

Lmao, nice.

That was an epic game man. Hope more are like that in he series.

 

[Gully State]

I dunno if I really want to see more fuckball between the Spurs and Thunder. The errant passes, blown layups and general sloppiness was staggering. Hopefully it's just a close series that goes all the way to game 7.

 

[spyder_ur]

I dunno if I really want to see more fuckball between the Spurs and Thunder. The errant passes, blown layups and general sloppiness was staggering. Hopefully it's just a close series that goes all the way to game 7.

I feel like I don't know what fuckball means and don't really see it used elsewhere other than sports threads here. The game wasn't particularly sharply played, but it wasn't that bad other than the last play. Aesthetically, I hate watching the Thunder play, and the Spurs weren't quite as sharp shooting or passing wise as they usually are. That's why I think they'll still win in 6.

 

[Ronin Ray]

I feel like I don't know what fuckball means and don't really see it used elsewhere other than sports threads here. The game wasn't particularly sharply played, but it wasn't that bad other than the last play. Aesthetically, I hate watching the Thunder play, and the Spurs weren't quite as sharp shooting or passing wise as they usually are. That's why I think they'll still win in 6.

I reserve all usage of the word Fuckball for JR Smith.

 

[thehypocrite]

I feel like I don't know what fuckball means and don't really see it used elsewhere other than sports threads here. The game wasn't particularly sharply played, but it wasn't that bad other than the last play. Aesthetically, I hate watching the Thunder play, and the Spurs weren't quite as sharp shooting or passing wise as they usually are. That's why I think they'll still win in 6.

Fuckball refers to the lack of a cohesive offensive/defensive scheme that involves all players. It's based more on the execution than the results.

 

[Gully State]

I feel like I don't know what fuckball means and don't really see it used elsewhere other than sports threads here. The game wasn't particularly sharply played, but it wasn't that bad other than the last play. Aesthetically, I hate watching the Thunder play, and the Spurs weren't quite as sharp shooting or passing wise as they usually are. That's why I think they'll still win in 6.

Same here....The worst live game I've ever gone to was a OKC vs PHX game in Phoenix and I've never forgiven the Thunder since. For all the talent they have on their roster, it's such a shame that they play the way they do. In their defense though, they are trying to move the ball more these days (at least I see Westbrook really making an effort this season).

 

[spyder_ur]

I reserve all usage of the word Fuckball for JR Smith.

Seems like it should apply here...

Fuckball refers to the lack of a cohesive offensive/defensive scheme that involves all players. It's based more on the execution than the results.

But maybe not to the Spurs, whose play almost never can be described as that.

Same here....The worst live game I've ever gone to was a OKC vs PHX game in Phoenix and I've never forgiven the Thunder since. For all the talent they have on their roster, it's such a shame that they play the way they do. In their defense though, they are trying to move the ball more these days (at least I see Westbrook really making an effort this season).

It's kind of shame. They have two of the best 10 players of this generation and it feels to me like their era is going to pass without a title - the Penny/Shaq comparisons are apt in this way. Oh by the way - I've gone to a couple games in Phoenix and the building was absolutely dead.

I feel like two things have really hurt their franchise reaching that peak:
-They never found the right coach. I hated the Donovan hire when it happened, and I still do. A steady veteran tactician hand is what they needed, IMO. I don't recall perfectly who was available last year, though, but they also held on with Brooks a year or two too long.
-Presti never found the right piece around Westbrook/Durant. To me, this is a versatile wing guy who can defend multiple positions, shoot, and ideally create some shots for teammates as well as allow them to play more experimental lineups. Ironically, this should have been Harden. If they could've landed Batum that would be basically perfect, but lesser priced guys would also fit and they've missed them, for whatever reason.

The coaching is what's immediately apparent though. It's why I'm pumped about the Celtics having Stevens - no matter how the roster shakes out I've got confidence that he'll get the most out of guys and have them prepared.

But the Thunder have home court in the second round of the playoffs, so what do I know.

 

[Gully State]

Seems like it should apply here...



But maybe not to the Spurs, whose play almost never can be described as that.



It's kind of shame. They have two of the best 10 players of this generation and it feels to me like their era is going to pass without a title - the Penny/Shaq comparisons are apt in this way. Oh by the way - I've gone to a couple games in Phoenix and the building was absolutely dead.

I feel like two things have really hurt their franchise reaching that peak:
-They never found the right coach. I hated the Donovan hire when it happened, and I still do. A steady veteran tactician hand is what they needed, IMO. I don't recall perfectly who was available last year, though, but they also held on with Brooks a year or two too long.
-Presti never found the right piece around Westbrook/Durant. To me, this is a versatile wing guy who can defend multiple positions, shoot, and ideally create some shots for teammates as well as allow them to play more experimental lineups. Ironically, this should have been Harden. If they could've landed Batum that would be basically perfect, but lesser priced guys would also fit and they've missed them, for whatever reason.

The coaching is what's immediately apparent though. It's why I'm pumped about the Celtics having Stevens - no matter how the roster shakes out I've got confidence that he'll get the most out of guys and have them prepared.

But the Thunder have home court in the second round of the playoffs, so what do I know.

I thought Donovan was supposed to be the tactician that Brooks wasn't but it turns out he's just a different type of player's coach. But yeah, trading Harden was a huge mistake. You know who I'd be intrigued to see on the Thunder lineup? Ricky Rubio. I think Westbrook can handle 2's. Rubio would instantly improve ball movement in that lineup and he's a really good defender at the 1 position. The rest of the Thunder team should be able to cover for his lack of perimeter scoring.

 

[Eos]

Thunder also need to improve their bench... because it's pretty much non-existent.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

But maybe not to the Spurs, whose play almost never can be described as that.

That final sequence definitely qualifies.

 

[Gully State]

That first quarter yesterday was atrocious too..

 

[UncleMeat]

As a Thunder fan, I'm already dreading the inevitable "what should have been" 30 for 30.

 

[Fjordson]

If KD leaves and they have to rebuild Presti should deal Steven Adams to Golden State plz.

 

[DaMan121]

Rule seems pretty clear - "...Until the passed ball has crossed the plane of the boundary, no player shall have any part of his person over the boundary line..."

Ginobli was the first to violate the rules. Doesn't matter than the elbow was "more egregious" (and certainly exaggerated by ginobli's penchant for the...uh...dramatic).

That pic of Ginobli with his toe on the line is not when Waiters elbows him. If you look at the video, the contact occurs when there is a foot between them. The patented Ginobli flail seems like an automatic ignore by the refs.

 

[Gully State]

That pic of Ginobli with his toe on the line is not when Waiters elbows him. If you look at the video, the contact occurs when there is a foot between them. The patented Ginobli flail seems like an automatic ignore by the refs.

You're right. It happened before. Ginobli's infraction should've been called first and Waiter's elbow push would've never happened.

 

[Macadinho94]

If KD leaves and they have to rebuild Presti should deal Steven Adams to Golden State plz.

Sign Barnes then trade him to OKC for Adams, sound good?

 

[Jack The Nipper]

I can only wish for more games like the okc/spurs

hoping the hawks/blazers can do something

Curious to see who will pan out in the raptors and heat... they are both a bit tired id imagine.

 

[Eos]

Heat will probably win in 6 or 7. If it wasn't for Lowry's elbow, the raptors would win the series.

 

[phanphare]

raps are going to need a healthy dose of biz to stay in it. they need to be in the rebound game.

 

[Kave_Man]

raps are going to need a healthy dose of biz to stay in it. they need to be in the rebound game.

Biz/JV combo has just been so amazing these playoffs.

I love that Biz's stone hands have actually softened as well. His major problem is now he catches the ball but he needs to gather himself before he can go up, but luckily he's so strong he can get away with it sometimes.

 

[flak57]

It didn't look like Waiters was falling at all. Shove was pretty blatant.

Seems clear as day from that first replay angle he was off balance and falling forward. No idea how "shove was pretty blatant" applies to my post.

 

[phanphare]

Biz/JV combo has just been so amazing these playoffs.

I love that Biz's stone hands have actually softened as well. His major problem is now he catches the ball but he needs to gather himself before he can go up, but luckily he's so strong he can get away with it sometimes.

man, you should have seen biz back in 2012/13 lol

guys couldn't even just hand the ball of to him

 

[Kave_Man]

man, you should have seen biz back in 2012/13 lol

guys couldn't even just hand the ball of to him

I remember it from the few games we played against you guys.

Heck start of the year it was still around that. He worked hard as did the coaching staff that he's now getting bounce passes in traffic that he's throwing down.

Also in terrible news; I was looking forward to being able to watch Raps/Heat with the TNT and ESPN coverage but seems Canada still gets stuck with Matt and Jack/Leo.

 

[BigJonsson]

What, I thought I read that there is no local TV in the 2nd round and we'd get tnt

 

[Gully State]

Seems clear as day from that first replay angle he was off balance and falling forward. No idea how "shove was pretty blatant" applies to my post.

I see it as he hunched forward. His feet were firmly planted and didn't look off balance to me. Whatever the case, your post implied that he accidentally shoved Ginobli because he lost balance when the video shows that he went out of his way to shove Ginobli even if he did momentarily lose it, (bend over/fall over -> gather -> elbow push).

Just looking at the last possession according to /r/NBA

1-Ginobili steps out of bounds
2-Kawhi holds Westbrook, preventing him from getting open
3- Waiters pushes off
4- Danny Green fouls KD to force turnover
5- Ibaka holds both Aldridge and Kawhi on rebound
6- Fan holds Adams to keep him from getting back into play after he contests Mills shot.

4 and 6 weren't addressed by the NBA...

 

[flak57]

I see it as he hunched forward. His feet were firmly planted and didn't look off balance to me. Whatever the case, your post implied that he accidentally shoved Ginobli because he lost balance when the video shows that he went out of his way to shove Ginobli even if he did momentarily lose it, (bend over/fall over -> gather -> elbow push).

So... you're saying I'm saying he fell forward and accidentally ricocheted off Ginobili? Lol, cmon.

I said that angle makes it look like he threw an elbow at ginobili to regain his balance. As opposed to some crafty move trying to make space or some weird retaliation for Ginobili being too close.

 

[Gully State]

So... you're saying I'm saying he fell forward and accidentally ricocheted off Ginobili? Lol, cmon.

I said that angle makes it look like he threw an elbow at ginobili to regain his balance. As opposed to some crafty move trying to make space or some weird retaliation for Ginobili being too close.

That's what I said you were implying. But if you look at the video, it's not the case...Even if he did lose his balance, he had his balance regained prior to shoving Ginobili.

 

[nillah]

Hey it's all fair play in Texas, right?

 

[Macadinho94]

Ethan Strauss
‏@SherwoodStrauss
Quick media shootaround session. Looked like they wanted to move things along so Curry could shoot with some privacy (behind a curtain)

Who would have thought a 9 days ago he'd be back for Game 3 of the WC SF?

 

[Atomic Playboy]

I see it as he hunched forward. His feet were firmly planted and didn't look off balance to me. Whatever the case, your post implied that he accidentally shoved Ginobli because he lost balance when the video shows that he went out of his way to shove Ginobli even if he did momentarily lose it, (bend over/fall over -> gather -> elbow push).

Just looking at the last possession according to /r/NBA

1-Ginobili steps out of bounds
2-Kawhi holds Westbrook, preventing him from getting open
3- Waiters pushes off
4- Danny Green fouls KD to force turnover
5- Ibaka holds both Aldridge and Kawhi on rebound
6- Fan holds Adams to keep him from getting back into play after he contests Mills shot.

4 and 6 weren't addressed by the NBA...

4 was addressed. "Green and Durant make incidental body contact as they jump for the inbounds pass. Green then cleanly strips the ball." Ruled a correct no-call. 6 was not addressed. You also missed Patty Mills holding Adams out of bounds, ruled an incorrect no call. It's still probably the most poorly officiated single play in NBA history. 5 missed fouls, plus missing fan interference? Doesn't bode well for the integrity of the product.

 

[Gigglepoo]

It's still probably the most poorly officiated single play in NBA history. 5 missed fouls, plus missing fan interference? Doesn't bode well for the integrity of the product.

I know that referees are supposed to swallow their whistles late so the players can decide the game but this took that idea to a whole 'nother level. Really incredible. I loved it but I probably would have been pulling my hair out if I was a fan of either team.

 

[flak57]

That's what I said you were implying. But if you look at the video, it's not the case...Even if he did lose his balance, he had his balance regained prior to shoving Ginobili.

Opposite for me. Looks like he's reached the tipping point and so starts shuffling his feet wildly right up until the elbow.

 

[Frenden]

The last play was a clusterfuck, but the Spurs shouldn't have left themselves in that position if they wanted a win. You can't leave the final play in the refs hands and expect a good outcome.

This loss was due primarily to the same offensive morass that has plagued their first quarters all year long, Kawhi having a quiet night, and Pop's atrocious fourth quarter starting lineup. Seriously, Pop. I love you, but, c'mon.

If the Spurs' offense doesn't act more like game one and less like game two, who cares if they even beat OKC, 'cause they wouldn't stand a chance against the W's. And I say that as a devout Spurs homer.

 

[Gully State]

I think at the end of the day, even with the officiating blunder...The Spurs still had every opportunity to win on that last play. There was an easy layup opportunity that was there, a TO that could've been potentially called and a wide open 3 pointer that was missed.

 

[MetalFearSolid]

What are these rumors that the Lakers would trade their #1 pick?

For who someone like Boogie Cousins?

 

[CreeperBlocks]

What are these rumors that the Lakers would trade their #1 pick?

For who someone like Boogie Cousins?

No

Derozan

Masai keeps winning

 

[Fjordson]

Who would have thought a 9 days ago he'd be back for Game 3 of the WC SF?

Awww shit. Hype.

 

[Gully State]

game 3 is too early..What worries me more is that he's going to be playing a ton of ball in the off season with team USA..

 

[Servbot24]

game 3 is too early..What worries me more is that he's going to be playing a ton of ball in the off season with team USA..

He's gonna be doing all kinds of games and workouts. A basketball player can't be afraid of playing basketball.

 

[CreeperBlocks]

Alright HeatGAF. Good Luck and let's have a great series

 

[MetalFearSolid]

Let's move on from our fake series win.
Redemption against Joe Johnson for Nets series.

 

[Fjordson]

Matt Moore from CBS had an interview with a knee specialist saying that injuries like Curry's really have no added risk because the ligament is fine structurally. It's just about how much pain someone wants to play with.

 

[Brinbe]

LET'S GET IT. GO RAPS GO