The Rockets would still have HCA if they had a better record than the Portland even though they would technically be the 5th seed. But you are right that the scenario would mean that one of Clippers, Mavs, and Spurs would have to surpass Houston and Portland to be the 3rd seed. And then we would have to play the winner of GSW and OKC, assuming OKC gets the last seed.
Um... last year? Let's not dismiss Afflalo and Batum's defensive abilities... As well as Harden has played, there should still be concern about his playoff abilities. Really, what the Rockets should hope for is to play either Golden State/OKC at earliest in the WCF. Everything else is a toss-up.
Moreso Wes (who's injured) than Batum.. But don't forget they also picked up Affalo, who is also a pretty good defender.
Umm, last year? Lost in the shuffle of Lillard's miracle shot in game 6 was that Harden was in beast mode that night, with 34 points on 15 FGA's. He also was pretty good more often than not against OKC the previous year. And Aaron Affalo - he's a Harden stopper? Harden's line against Denver & Affalo this year: 26-10-10 41-10, on 21 shots Against Orlando/Affalo last year 27-10-8 31-6 Why are you afraid of him again?
Harden had a good game offensively, finally. Agreed. But if you couldn't see the struggles he had the past 2 series... well... agree to disagree. IIRC, Harden lit up the Blazers in the regular season. I see your point with Afflalo, but he is known to be a solid perimeter defender. Maybe I am being over dramatic. However, I believe Batum can give him issues. I mentioned Afflalo?
Pops managing minutes and injuries The Spurs are an experienced team that don't give a rat's ass about the season JUST MAKE THE PLAYOFFs then worry from there Rocket River
So, if the Spurs face the Rockets in the 1st Round. I wonder how many people would be rooting for the Spurs?
Yep, I know it's only half-time but these late bloomers looking like top shelf form of last year's NBA Finals. Kenny Smith said it best, yes our very own Kenny Smith said The Spurs are the most dangerous team in the NBA right now.
The Spurs don't care about the regular season. They just want to make sure they make it to the playoffs. Then they'll shift gears and then we'll see what they're made of.
Golden State, after a phenomenal season, could go: 1st round - Oklahoma City 2nd Round - San Antonio 3rd Round - Memphis/Houston Finals - Cavs I'm going to call it right now, they're not winning the title if they have to go through that playoff schedule.
Yeah but the Cavs didn't have Kyrie. You can say we didn't have Dwight. But if Kyrie played we probably would have lost.
If ki can put up 56+ pts with ease, its save to bet on the cavs to win it all. The spurs gave everything they had.
It was a regular season game. It means little in the grand scheme of things for Irving and the Cavs and even littler to San Antonio.
With ease? That was NOT with ease. He was making some really, really tough shots. It was more a testament to have hot and KI was that night than what the Spurs couldn't do.
Pop is such a goddam genius, he just had a full-strength Spurs team go in there and drop a game to the woeful Knicks. This is after giving up 56 points to Kyrie over the weekend. He's the Archie Moore of NBA coaching. He's just playing possum, the Spurs have the league exactly where they want them.
