Brooklyn Nets/Chicago Bulls: Game 6
– I am picking both road teams tonight. I would have picked the Nets even before I learned Luol Deng was not playing. Last night I recorded a podcast where I compared these Nets to the 2006 Phoenix Suns who came back from 3-1 down against the L.A. Lakers. I just think the Nets are the better team and that they will win the series. For the record, I feel the same about the Nuggets.
– Not sure if Joakim Noah is still supposed to be on a minutes restriction, but they will probably have to throw that out the window tonight.
– It feels like the Nets should be winning by at least 15, but they are letting the Bulls hang around. That is dangerous when you are on the road and you know what Nate Robinson can wants to do.
– During poor free throw shooting performances, I cannot help but think of the Charles Barkley commercial remix: “Make ya, make ya free throws.”
– Props to the Bulls for forcing Andray Blatche to take the pressure free throws down the stretch. Unfortunately for them, Blatche handled the pressure pretty well.
– I cannot believe the game came down to Deron Williams “beating” Noah on a jump ball. What an anti-climatic ending.
– So many minutes from the Bulls starters. It is going to be really hard to win a Game Seven on the road when they are so beat up and tired.
For Kyle's thoughts on the Warriors' series-clinching victory over the Nuggets, check after the jump.
Denver Nuggets/Golden State Warriors: Game 6
– Woah, woah, woah. David Lee has gone from “out for the playoffs” to “playing tonight?” This feels like a mind game to me, but good for Lee.
– And here comes Lee… (pause for 90 seconds)… and there he goes.
– Kenneth Faried seems to be back to his normal self. Will it be too little, too late?
– Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are a combined 2 for 13 in the first half, and the Warriors are only down two. That does not bode well for Denver. You know they can’t stay cold for a whole game.
– Back-to-Back three-pointers for Curry. Déjà vu. The Nuggets should be shaking in their boots or plan to do something about it quick.
– I always think of George Karl as a very good coach, but when there is a bad call and all he does is smile and look like “aw, shucks,” it is infuriating. He needs to show some passion, try and match the energy with Golden State.
– Another huge third quarter for Curry means the Warriors have all the momentum and a chance to close out the series. However, they did cool off in the last few minutes, leaving the door slightly cracked for the Nuggets.
– Andrew Bogut literally playing big for the Warriors tonight. They are going to need him if they make it to the next round against San Antonio.
– In my opinion, the Warriors are not even playing that great in the second half. It is just that Denver cannot make a shot.
– I have been complaining a lot about wrong charge/block calls in this postseason. There were three in this game, the two more obvious ones favored the Warriors.
– What an epic collapse by the Warriors… and they still might get the win.
– I guess Golden State just loves the drama. On to San Antonio.
