The Final game it comes down to this,

We are ALL going to be emotionally drained come Thursday.

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

To hell with facts, stats, reasoning, etc. All Pelicans' fans need to enjoy the game and do all they can to cheer them on to victory. The other 81 games do not matter now.

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Yes! Yes! Yes!

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Originally Posted by Caffeinedisastr

We are ALL going to be emotionally drained come Thursday.

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#Facts. I'm drained now. So pray for me!

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Originally Posted by Caffeinedisastr

We are ALL going to be emotionally drained come Thursday.

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#Facts. I'm drained now. So pray for me!

.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

But according to this, we have to take away our victories against GS, SA, Cleve, etc too right? Because we are as far from them pt differential wise as those other teams are from us. Fine, I will grant you the wins over the teams we are much better than only if you also grant the losses against the teams we are much inferior to. Which will leave us in about the same place.

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No we don't. Like before you aren't really getting my argument. All things being equal is a key point.

You are going to beat some teams you are worse then, lose to some you are better then as a playoff caliber team. By taking your logic to its natural endpoint we just recalculate the season w/l based on our level of competition after determining how good each team is based on some sort of combination of metrics. Which is rather meaningless because how do you actually make that determination of who should of beat whom? It devolves into the ultimate what if.

We made our road tougher because while we struggled against higher level competition more so then other Western Playoff teams(understandable) we made it double hard because we also struggled more then other Western playoff teams against poor competition. To make the playoffs you need the right balance, the right magic number. Instead of winning more winnable games we are now stuck having to beat a much harder team to get that magic number to get into the playoffs. 45 gets you in.

We were 10% below the average for Western conference playoff teams against above .500 competiton. We are 14% behind the average for Western Conference teams against sub .500 competition. 1 more victory on either side of that spectrum gets you in and tonight doesnt matter. To me it is harder to swallow losses to competition below you then the completion you lose above you. As you yourself say.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Enjoy the game. Every minute of it. Go crazy if they win, appreciate the season as a whole if they lose. How I am gonna look at it.

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Lol I can't imagine you going crazy. My image of you is Sir William Regal.

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Originally Posted by Silverfoxx

Lol I can't imagine you going crazy. My image of you is Sir William Regal.

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this guy?

http://www.mytinyphone.com/uploads/u...619/444159.jpg

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Originally Posted by N.O.Bronco

No we don't. Like before you aren't really getting my argument. All things being equal is a key point.

You are going to beat some teams you are worse then, lose to some you are better then as a playoff caliber team. By taking your logic to its natural endpoint we just recalculate the season w/l based on our level of competition after determining how good each team is based on some sort of combination of metrics.

We made our road tougher because while we struggled against higher level competition more so then other Western Playoff teams(understandable) we made it double hard because we also struggled more then other Western playoff teams against poor competition. To make the playoffs you need the right balance.

EDIT: This board sometimes frustrates me. The rest of my point didn't post for some weird reason and created a double post. Trying to fix now

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I think we are arguing about two different things. You are saying we need to beat bad teams more often. I agree. I think we need to win more games in total moving forward and that will likely include more wins against bad teams than what we had this year.

My frustration is the whining that has happened and will happen if we lose to SA about how "we should have won this game and that game". We didn't. So, what's the point of playing that game? And if you are gonna play that game, play it from all sides. Every fan base thinks they should have 3-8 more wins. So, it serves no purpose IMO.

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Originally Posted by Silverfoxx

Lol I can't imagine you going crazy. My image of you is Sir William Regal.

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You should have seen me the other day. Ref with a BS call on one of my kids and I lost it. Blacked out for a minute, my wife told me that I told the ref I would end him if he pulled that (blank) again

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Do whatever you want, nobody is stopping you. I was responding to a poster that said the Spurs weren't very good on the road. I never said the game was impossible to win or told anyone how to think. Do whatever you want. I will go in hoping for a win, but knowing the season is a success as long as nobody gets seriously hurt personally. But I don't need everyone to share my philosophy.

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He didn't say that. He said they aren't the best. Not remotely close to the same.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

I think we are arguing about two different things. You are saying we need to beat bad teams more often. I agree. I think we need to win more games in total moving forward and that will likely include more wins against bad teams than what we had this year.

My frustration is the whining that has happened and will happen if we lose to SA about how "we should have won this game and that game". We didn't. So, what's the point of playing that game? And if you are gonna play that game, play it from all sides. Every fan base thinks they should have 3-8 more wins. So, it serves no purpose IMO.

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It serves as much purpose as any other argument on a message board.

I am saying that we were worse then any other western conference playoff team against above .500 competition and below .500 competition. That through that prism it is much harder to swallow the sub .500 record then the above .500 record. So yes, in part I am saying we needed to be better against bad competition. Pointing this fact out doesnt require me to go into some wild hypothetical where i have to go back and rejudge every game for balance. Its taking a look back with hindsight and seeing realistic missed opportunities that could of better positioned this team. The latter is a subjective argument for sure. The former point is more just identifying something this team needs to improve on going forward.

We also have to remember that the current roster is much better than the roster we started with...

My 2 cents, SAS will rest their guys. PO start on the 18th, Pop will give their older guys a week off to heal. And I don't think SAS care much about seeding against the west, they have HC against the Cle anyway.

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Originally Posted by BlueJay

My 2 cents, SAS will rest their guys. PO start on the 18th, Pop will give their older guys a week off to heal. And I don't think SAS care much about seeding against the west, they have HC against the Cle anyway.

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According to Monty Williams in his interview with Jimmy Smith today, it's pretty apparent that Coach Pop is not going to be sitting his key guys in this game:
"We talked last night and we both know what's at stake," according to Monty.
Obviously, Pop thinks the #2 seed is worth competing hard for.

Here's the whole article: http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.s...orts_index.ssf

They are playing, and they will play hard. Saying they dont care about the 2nd seed and home court advantage is idiotic. The western conference is extremely deep, and home court goes a long way. Let's stop looking for a handout, and start hoping our guys are ready to play a hard fought game.

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

First, AD has taken over plenty. Just last night AD put up 24-11-6-5. . .

Second, Duncan is one of the best defensive bigs in the league. He can guard AD while he plays. This Spurs team will not be a pushover unless Pops rests people.

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I don't really agree. AD can both get around and shoot over Duncan. And when I mean take over I mean AD needs a game that is pushing 40+ points

Article for others who cannot WAIT for tomorrow night. http://bigeasybeliever.com/2015/04/1...layoff-chance/

Also, William Regal appearing on this forum may be a foreshadowing of other extremely unlikely things to :D

officially no bonner andd splitter because of injury. good for our bigs

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Originally Posted by Schmide234

I don't really agree. AD can both get around and shoot over Duncan. And when I mean take over I mean AD needs a game that is pushing 40+ points

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I think are you greatly underestimating Duncan's defense. He has been one of the best defenders all year. Probably top 2/3 defender AD will have faced this year. just look at this article for an idea of his defense this year, written in March. http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles...-the-year-race

I'm not saying AD will get shut down. But let's not pretend that the Spurs have no one who can guard him. Duncan can. And can do a good job of it.

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

I think are you greatly underestimating Duncan's defense. He has been one of the best defenders all year. Probably top 2/3 defender AD will have faced this year. just look at this article for an idea of his defense this year, written in March. http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles...-the-year-race

I'm not saying AD will get shut down. But let's not pretend that the Spurs have no one who can guard him. Duncan can. And can do a good job of it.

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I recognize how good of a defender Duncan is. But AD is a very special offensive player and there isn't another big in the league that has the variety of skills he has. I imagine a 38 year old duncan cannot run the floor with Davis, guard drives to the rim, contest (well) AD's midrange, box out, and contest our guards shots all at the same time. I think if AD is active this game he can have one of those career nights.

Again just my opinion. Duncan has been an incredible defender in the league, but AD has shot well against SA and put up solid numbers. He just needs to bring it to the next level.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

You should have seen me the other day. Ref with a BS call on one of my kids and I lost it. Blacked out for a minute, my wife told me that I told the ref I would end him if he pulled that (blank) again

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Haha lay off the 400 degrees

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Originally Posted by Schmide234

I find myself getting a bit annoyed with Anthony Davis' unwillingness to take over games. There isn't a single person on the spurs that can guard AD, and yes that includes Kawhi. He needs to put this team on his back for 1 game and truly have a MVP performance if we want the W

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I disagree with you. I think Davis is totally willing to take over games. But there are a couple of problems. One is that, like most big men, he's not a ball-dominant player like most guards. So, for the most part he has to be given his opportunities by other players. Which brings me to number two: There was a significant stretch, especially early in the season, where Davis seemed to be lost in the game plan at the end of close games. Which brings me to number three: Since Jrue Holiday went down, Tyreke Evans became our primary point man. Although I think he's improved his distributing, in crunch time he's clearly much more comfortable dribbling around for a while, looking for an opportunity to penetrate to the basket, or take an ill-advised jump shot. Reke consistently has Davis trailing him on fast-breaks and he almost refuses to get him involved. Evans is a frustrating player. Sometimes I love him and sometimes I hate him. But to me, it looks like his mentality and skill-set are much better suited to a team that doesn't have a player like Davis, who should be fed the ball like it's lunch hour. Davis and Evans seem to have genuine affection for each other, which it's amazing how little on-court chemistry they have.

Just think. Tomorrow night is arguably the biggest night for New Orleans Basketball. So many factors lead into this being a positive turning point for us to be a legit franchise. It seems we have established a little rivalry with the Thunder and if we win tonight, it's a full on rivalry for the foreseeable future. (Your only as good as your rival so having OKC and to an extent the Clippers will get us more nationally televised games.) Beating the defending champs just to get to the best team in the league, student vs teacher scenario, even ESPN giving us actual time. A few years ago, we were in danger of losing this team, now we are at this point. I am proud of this team and its execs. Win or lose, im proud to be a New Orleans Pelican Fan. Let's Geaux Pels.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

You should have seen me the other day. Ref with a BS call on one of my kids and I lost it. Blacked out for a minute, my wife told me that I told the ref I would end him if he pulled that (blank) again

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I can't believe I missed this post.

Honestly this is exactly how I figured MM would be. Passion. Lots of Passion. I can just imagine the ref (possibly doing it for free or like. . .$50) like, "Wtf is going on here? This is 8 year old's playing basketball."

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

I can't believe I missed this post.

Honestly this is exactly how I figured MM would be. Passion. Lots of Passion. I can just imagine the ref (possibly doing it for free or like. . .$50) like, "Wtf is going on here? This is 8 year old's playing basketball."

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Nah, it was a pretty big high school game. Playoffs.

He was pretty scared. I am 6'5", 230. This was a nerdy guy with a little fro - looked kind of like Gabe Kaplin. Pudgy and weak. He left immediately after the game.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Nah, it was a pretty big high school game. Playoffs.

He was pretty scared. I am 6'5", 230. This was a nerdy guy with a little fro - looked kind of like Gabe Kaplin. Pudgy and weak. He left immediately after the game.

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Haha. For some reason I thought you meant your actual kid. Now I realize you meant your team. By your response it seems you guys lost. I'm sorry.

Please don't end me.

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

Haha. For some reason I thought you meant your actual kid. Now I realize you meant your team. By your response it seems you guys lost. I'm sorry.

Please don't end me.

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Up 7 with 1:43 left. Lost by 1.

You wouldn't believe the calls if I told you.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Up 7 with 1:43 left. Lost by 1.

You wouldn't believe the calls if I told you.

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Sounds like you guys are the Pelicans of that high school division.

2008... it still hurts! :crytear:

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Originally Posted by luckyman

Bronc, please do not stoop to their pathetic level. Seems I have a lot of fans over there from something posted over here. :hihi:

Well, they know where to find me. I'm right here. Of course you have to be human instead of Riverwalk scum to post here so...moving on. Big one tomorrow night.

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I would have to go a lot more classless/racist/ignorant then comparing their forum to dick cancer(a pretty fair comparison if I must say so) to stoop to their level.

Hey guys, Spurs fan here. I wish your team luck for tomorrow's game, and although I want my team to win (obviously), I don't mind losing as long as we're healthy marching into the playoffs. Anyway, it's an absolute travesty that your team has to claw its just to get to the playoffs whereas teams from the East with LOSING records will make it to the Final 8. Monty has a great young core and I'm expecting NOLA to have an even better season next year regardless of the outcome of the game tomorrow. Cheers!

I don't see this game being played out on an even court. I think that Pops will make roster moves to give us an advantage....oh, the humanity of it all...!

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Originally Posted by BlueJay

My 2 cents, SAS will rest their guys. PO start on the 18th, Pop will give their older guys a week off to heal. And I don't think SAS care much about seeding against the west, they have HC against the Cle anyway.

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A Tiger agrees with a Blue Jay....

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Originally Posted by KawhiLeonard

Hey guys, Spurs fan here. I wish your team luck for tomorrow's game, and although I want my team to win (obviously), I don't mind losing as long as we're healthy marching into the playoffs. Anyway, it's an absolute travesty that your team has to claw its just to get to the playoffs whereas teams from the East with LOSING records will make it to the Final 8. Monty has a great young core and I'm expecting NOLA to have an even better season next year regardless of the outcome of the game tomorrow. Cheers!

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Thanks buddy, same to you.

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Originally Posted by KawhiLeonard

Hey guys, Spurs fan here. I wish your team luck for tomorrow's game, and although I want my team to win (obviously), I don't mind losing as long as we're healthy marching into the playoffs. Anyway, it's an absolute travesty that your team has to claw its just to get to the playoffs whereas teams from the East with LOSING records will make it to the Final 8. Monty has a great young core and I'm expecting NOLA to have an even better season next year regardless of the outcome of the game tomorrow. Cheers!

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Jimmer's not part of the core, actually.

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I've been there a few times and got to the point where I just had to report that site to the league, which then got forwarded to the league's legal office. They even responded to me a few days later that they are monitoring that site. :confused:

Anyway, I'd advise folks to stay off that place. It's like the old nola comment section but 3 times worse. No rules is putting it lightly

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Quoted from Spurs talk... please tell me no one actually said this

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Originally Posted by KawhiLeonard

Hey guys, Spurs fan here. I wish your team luck for tomorrow's game, and although I want my team to win (obviously), I don't mind losing as long as we're healthy marching into the playoffs. Anyway, it's an absolute travesty that your team has to claw its just to get to the playoffs whereas teams from the East with LOSING records will make it to the Final 8. Monty has a great young core and I'm expecting NOLA to have an even better season next year regardless of the outcome of the game tomorrow. Cheers!

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High class. I think we all hope both teams make it out of there without any injuries.

What I wanna know is, where all the married woman at?!

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Up 7 with 1:43 left. Lost by 1.

You wouldn't believe the calls if I told you.

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Wait...
Wasn't there a pudgy guy with an afro calling Sunday's game against Houston?

Coincidence?

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Originally Posted by Sovereign

Quoted from Spurs talk... please tell me no one actually said this

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No one said what? Do you mean report that site to league fan relations?

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Originally Posted by Blakes_Ex_Sanch

What I wanna know is, where all the married woman at?!

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Welcome to PR!

Wish it was on ESPN.

Game starts at 10am here.

we beat the best team in the league, we beat our competition head to head, we ended the longest winning streak in the league this year, we've beaten the spurs before, and we will do it again, tonight is the night, FLOCK UP! MY BODY IS READY

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Originally Posted by luckyman

No one said what? Do you mean report that site to league fan relations?

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Yes he's talking about what you said. Lol

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Originally Posted by jgman

we beat the best team in the league, we beat our competition head to head, we ended the longest winning streak in the league this year, we've beaten the spurs before, and we will do it again, tonight is the night, FLOCK UP! MY BODY IS READY

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I'm going to keep this simple because I am simple.... I truly believe the odds are in our favor tonight .... the Pels play well and the Spurs don't, we win comfortably.... the Spurs play well and we don't, adios playoffs.... both teams play less than than their best, its likely a tossup..... both teams play well, I think we get by on our home floor with a great crowd behind them ..... call me a homer, but I like our chances .....

remember Monty's first playoff series, we lost 4-2 against the Lakers, CP had like 2 or 3 triple doubles and we we're tied 2-2 after 4 games, no one expected us to win 1. The day before the 4th game (we won) Monty showed a video of a pack of buffalo fighting off lions who had gotten ahold of one of their young to the team. I fully expect Monty to employ some similar lame motivation tactic that still gets the team ramped up enough to win this game

Omer Asik better have the game of his life to make up for that damn tip in he made last game against the Spurs that cost us the game. If not for that this game may not be so significant. Damn you Asik and your point blank missed dunks.

As I said before AD is the most promising player not only in NOP but in the whole NBA. Still Omer is the most important player in this team. No inferiority complex to any Center and Asik will describe the meaning of: FORT COMME UN TURC.

I'd say Tyreke is very important. Moreso than Asik with Splitter out. With Jrue still on a minute restriction, Tyreke has to play smart and attack the rim without missing gimmes.

The good thing is he usually plays very well at home and Jrue is back to take some of the weight off him regardless.