Trend in the NBA

[frankbmd]

Don’t block my shot and don’t touch me.

I’m not sorry I missed the All Star game today.

It’s amazing how much defense they can jam into a 178-164 nail biter.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I had thought we might see 200 points from one side. Close.

[barrysloate]

I watched the first half and here is my take: A game played with nobody playing defense and hardly any fouls being called is not a real NBA game. And of course the 178-164 score is not normal either.

But I was in awe of the players' artistry and athleticism. Did you see the things Giannis whats-his-name was able to do in the first quarter? The skill level of these players is absolutely extraordinary.

So I did enjoy watching it as a showcase, without any concern of who won or lost.

[D. Bergin]

It was about a 1000 times better then the NFL Pro Bowl. They did tighten up the defense in the 2nd half. Not saying it was NBA Finals level intensity, but it did cut out most of the Harlem Globetrotters showboating that was going on in the first half.

That said, that first half bounce pass alley-oop from Steph Curry to Giannis, was absolutely incredible.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

It was about a 1000 times better then the NFL Pro Bowl. They did tighten up the defense in the 2nd half. Not saying it was NBA Finals level intensity, but it did cut out most of the Harlem Globetrotters showboating that was going on in the first half.

That said, that first half bounce pass alley-oop from Steph Curry to Giannis, was absolutely incredible.

Yes, the bounce pass was the play of the game. And I think the athletic ability of NBA players, combined with their incredible height, is simply awe inspiring. There might be things about NBA games that need improving, but as athletes these players are second to none, IMO.

[HRBAKER]

Agreed, it was easier to watch than the Pro Bowl.
That's a mighty low bar.

[frankbmd]

And to provide follow up from my point of view, I haven't watched a Pro Bowl in decades either.

As for the bars, both are so low I wouldn't trip over either, so their relative height is irrelevant.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I watched the first half and here is my take: A game played with nobody playing defense and hardly any fouls being called is not a real NBA game. And of course the 178-164 score is not normal either.

But I was in awe of the players' artistry and athleticism. Did you see the things Giannis whats-his-name was able to do in the first quarter? The skill level of these players is absolutely extraordinary.

So I did enjoy watching it as a showcase, without any concern of who won or lost.

I am sure I am out of synch these days, but I preferred the elegant fundamentals of Tim Duncan and many before him to all the streetball stuff.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I am sure I am out of synch these days, but I preferred the elegant fundamentals of Tim Duncan and many before him to all the streetball stuff.

Of course, the game has changed dramatically over the years. I started to follow NBA games seriously in the late 1960's, and I loved the way it was played then. Everything revolved around the center position, and you needed a Chamberlain or a Russell or a Thurmond to be successful. There were no three point shots, and players drove to the basket more. With the advent of the ABA, the game began to open up.

I agree that today's game is not perfect. But the athleticism of today's players is simply amazing. Have you seen Duke's Zion Williamson yet, who is likely to be the first pick in this year's draft? He's built like a cement truck but runs the court like a gazelle. I don't think he is a fully polished player, but as an athlete he is a phenomenon. Everything changes.

[barrysloate]

Chicago 168, Atlanta 161 in quadruple overtime. You don't see that every day. Third highest score in NBA history.

[Snapolit1]

My sons and younger nephews are all crazy about the NBA and college hoops. Clearly the sport with hugest buzz among younger folks. The athleticism is off the hook and they love the pace of the sport. And is growing exponentially internationally as well.

[Prof_Plum]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Chicago 168, Atlanta 161 in quadruple overtime. You don't see that every day. Third highest score in NBA history.

I watched most of that game. Unreal, crazy game, nearly 4 hrs long. 108 3pt shots attempted.