I thought Dame did a nice job of keeping his head in the game when Patrick TRIED to get in his head in the third. It didn't occur. Damian played like a vet all night long. Especially in the fourth and OT.
31/9/5 in his playoff debut. Portland has a superstar on their hands, along with a great big brother in LMA, who also would be a superstar, if he were a more flashy player in a larger market.
People kept saying that Houston was the more experienced team, but LA has been there three times before. He knew EXACTLY what he needed to do, and he set the tone for the other guys.
They looked like the team we watched earlier in the year when they got me believing. I didn't like their play in the last couple of months. But deep down I felt like they where they were at and what they were doing. The team had a quiet calm about itself. And that calm from LA, Dame, Nic and everyone else. I think they seriously believe in what they are able to do. And they sold themselves early on, on this.
I think it's irresponsible, but you have to admire Beverley's competitive spirit. That being said, someone should reach out to him and give him the hard facts about his injury. He's already damaged the cartilage a bit; does he want to damage more of it? It's an awfully big risk. I get he's their starter, but Jeremy Lin is a terrific ballplayer. He's nowhere near the defender PB is, but he is great on offense.
Nah fuck him. And to make matters better, Lillard will elevate his game knowing Beverly is still playing.
Finally, someone in the press is talking sense. http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/10821288/patrick-beverley-bravery-backfire
He's already playing with an injury that needs surgery after the season. Of course the Rocket docs cleared him. If he was smart, his agent would seek an independent doctor not employed by the team.
Pardon the ignorance.... is he for sure having surgery in the offseason? I honestly haven't paid much attention. I was thinking he had his little operation and was done (like Roy a few years back when he came back after like a week or two)?
He was told he would need surgery, then James Andrews said he wouldn't. My guess is after this series, or whenever their playoff run ends, everyone will agree he will need surgery. That loose flap of cartilage gets caught in the joint and it tears more. I'm with PapaG; I don't think he's getting the best advice for him, but rather for the Rockets.
Thanks - I wasn't up-to-date. As for Beverley, I don't know that it's the "advice" he's getting. I think the dude is a little bit naïve and bat-shit crazy.
I don't see Bev lasting the whole series. The way he plays and the fact he is banged up . . . there is only so many times you can shoot cortisone to kill the inflammation and pain.
There has recently been some new debate on the subject. not the best source but basically they are saying they don't think meniscus removal isn't the answer, but they don't know the right answer yet.
I love all the internet board police on here giving a medical diagnosis with no knowledge of the situation. Beverly consulted with James Andrews which lead him to the decision to not have surgery and continue to play. Nobody here has any sort of an idea if playing on his knee has a heightened risk of further injury. Roy had half a dozen surgeries on his knees over many years; he played on it one week after surgery. In the end he had no meniscus remaining in either knee. He ignored doctors recommendations and minute restrictions. That is a totally different situation.
