Boston Celtics in the playoffs.

NOTE:  On NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports, Tony Williams of Metro NY and I discussed the news of the day and NNR Mock draft on fryingpansports.com/radio-show.  Thanks 4 listening.

After the Celtics went down 2 games in the 2017 NBA playoffs I tweeted this:

“TO Celtics-Thanks for playing. Pick up a home version of the game on your way out of the playoffs.”

I was right up to the point that Rondo broke his thumb.  Now the Celtics are back in the series because of a “Very Lucky Break.”  I don’t believe the Celtics can get past the Cavs but for now they could win this series.

That is what I think.  Tell us what you think by commenting here or tweeting me @NNRonDSN.

NOTE:  News, Notes and Rumors podcast are BACK.  Check out our thoughts on Fridays about the games coming up and Monday on the results of the weekend.  My co-host is Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports.  Podcasts can be heard on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. Thanks for your support.

Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. Read more at FryingPanSports

Cavs don’t need a stinking Defense, they have it now!

NOTE:  On NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports and I discussed the NFL news of the day and a current topic of interest on fryingpansports.com/radio-show.

During the 2 games in Cleveland the Fans were chanting “Defense-Defense.”  The players looked at each other wondering what Defense was.

Defense has been missing all season.  While the regular season is one thing, it will be difficult in the playoffs for the Cavs to win with a D that ranked 20th overall.  Playoff games are half court affairs that depend on Defense, rebounding and free throws as much as anything.  Cavs fans had hoped that the team would “flip a D switch” and become the type of squad they were last year when they ranked 4th in points allowed.  That defensive effort helped them win the title last season.

The problem is the team does not have enough defensive players.  They signed a rim protector (Andrew Bogit) but he lasted just 53 seconds before he was hurt.  James is a solid defender but that is about all the Cavs have.  JR Smith is no longer a factor on D and Shumpert is no factor on either end of the floor.

While the … Read more at FryingPanSports

The team that wins game 4 will win the title.

NBA Gm3

NOTE: On NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports and I review game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Statistics back up my position that whichever team wins game 4 will win the title. If the Cavs win and go up 3 games to 1, they have a great chance to win the title. In the past since the format of the NBA playoffs went to the 2-2-1-1-1 format 84% of the teams that went up 3 games to 1 won the title.

If the Warriors win game 4 they take back home court advantage. Statistically the vast majority of teams that have a 7th game at home win that game and the title.

A major question about the game is which Stephen Curry will we see? If it is they 4th quarter SC that led the Warriors to a 36 point quarter, the Cavs are in trouble. If it is the SC that played in the first 3 quarters, the Cavs have a good chance. Part of that will depend on Curry’s ability to shoot more accurately and the rest will depend on Matthew Dellavedova’s ability to keep pressure on Curry. Dellavedova has been outstanding on defense and contributed … Read more at FryingPanSports

The NBA refs are the worst in pro sports.

NBA Zebras

NOTE: Today on NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports and I review game 2 of the NBA Finals.

You would hope that in the NBA finals you would get the best of the best officials. These guys in both games were deaf, dumb and blind.

The zebras are still allowing the game to deteriorate to tackle basketball. That is going to get worse as the series continues. It can lead to injuries and fights. There is no excuse for the zebras allowing the play to get that physical. But even tackle basketball is inconsistent. At times they call touch fouls outside that would not be fouls during the regular season.

When the announcers are more accurate calling fouls and violations, the refs are not doing their jobs. It is not a case of the calls going to one team and not the other. This was just a case of the zebras swallowing their whistles. But there again, the calls are totally inconsistent. They decide to call traveling in the last 2 minutes of game 1 when they had ignored it all game long.

All any coach wants is consistency. Call it close or let them play a little. Coaches and … Read more at FryingPanSports

The Key for the Cavs will be shot selection.

NOTE: On NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports and I analyzed the depth chart of the Browns. There will be no shows until Friday the 29th. Have a great Memorial Day and thanks for listening.

The Cavs are playing better defense than at any time during the regular season. That part of the game will be fine. The question is will the Cavs continue to attack the basket or settle for jump shots and bad 3 pointers?

If they take good shots and move the ball around they will beat the Hawks. If they take long jumpers and fail to attack the basket, they will go down and go down hard.

It is just that simple. They have to use their heads and not take bad shots. Bad shots lead to defensive rebounds and fast breaks for the opponents. That will lead to losses for the Cavs and an exit from the playoffs. Let’s hope they use their heads.

That is what I think. Tell us what you think by commenting here or tweeting me @NNRonDSN.

NOTE: News, Notes and Rumors podcast are BACK. Check out our thoughts on Fridays about the games coming up and Monday on Read more at FryingPanSports

NBA Playoff version of Tackle Basketball has to stop.

NBA xNOTE: On NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports and I projected the records of the AFC North teams game by game. I want to thank all of you that take time to listen to the pod. We really appreciate you. Thanks.

Cavs forward Kevin Love is out for the next series and quite possibly the playoffs because the NBA refs won’t do their job. The series got more and more physical as it went on between the Celtics and Cavs. I have officiated basketball games between grown men including some former NBA players and could tell the game Sunday was getting away from the refs.

The NBA is built on stars playing in the premier event of the season—the playoffs. The league owners should take immediate action to make it clear that the officials must do a better job in keeping control of the game. If not, you will see more stars eliminated from the playoffs from dirty play.

I will watch the Cavs games because I am a fan of the team. But I have NO interest in watching any other team. The gutless guys with silent whistles have ruined the league for me. I have a feeling that … Read more at FryingPanSports