The Best Press Conference Moments Of These NBA Playoffs Thus Far

The playoffs may be known as the pinnacle of great basketball, but it is also a time for personal jabs and unparalleled pettiness

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On Apr 26, 2017

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Westbrook With The Rejection

A seemingly standard question directed at Adams gets heated once Russ decides to step in...

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Significance Scale: Relatively Insignificant

What else?

The reporter in question is The Oklahoman's Berry Tramel, whom Westbrook has explicitly expressed disdain for (presumptively as a result of past articles critical of teammates and/or past coach)

The Good: Despite the validity of the question and Westbrook's ball-dominant ways, he does step in with the leaderly desire to defend his teammates from criticism. Also who doesn't love Russ snapping at a reporter?
The Bad: This little clip is a microcosm of why the Thunder are now out of the playoffs; In an effort to do what he thinks is best for the team, Westbrook takes everything - shots and now questions - for himself.

Fizdale Goes Off!

Memphis Grizzlies Coach David Fizdale wasn't particularly happy with the officiating after game 2 of his team's series with the Spurs. Fortunately for us, he wasn't particularly shy about voicing his sentiments:

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Significance Scale: One for the AGES!

What else?

Fizdale was fined $30,000 for the rant, but his team responded with two impressive wins to even the series back up and seems to have injected the Grizz with a new energy.

The Good: Did you know the name "Fizdale" before this series? Well you sure do now! The man etched his name into NBA Playoff lore with his passionate speech and a couple memorable one-liners. "They not gonna rook us" - brilliant!
The Bad: He could be right about the free throws, but insisting that Conley doesn't get calls because "he doesn't go crazy [and] he has class"... and then comparing him to the paragon of keeping-your-mouth-shut, Kawhi Leonard, is a bit misguided. Then again - who cares?!

TAKE THAT FOR DATA"

David Fizdale

... Will probably be written on his tombstone

CP3 Gets Snappy

After a difficult home loss putting the Clippers down 3-2 against the Jazz, Chris Paul was faced with something of an... inane question:

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Significance Scale: Insignificant

What else?

Paul is averaging 27 pts, 10.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 steals on 53% shooting and 44% 3pt shooting. His stellar play has held up the Clippers but the ship seems to be sinking with an impending elimination game 6 in Utah

The Good: To Paul's credit, he responds with a level of respect many other players likely would not have showed here.
The Bad: Besides the question itself, its a sad foreshadowing of what feels inevitable. This Clippers team has disappointed in the Playoffs for years and little seems to change considering Blake Griffin's injury. With one more loss and a first round exit this year, its very possible that we're about to reach the end of the Paul/Blake/Deandre era.

Hoiberg Takes A Shot At Isaiah... And Misfires

Chicago Bulls Coach Fred Hoiberg was rightfully upset after Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics to two straight wins in Chicago to even the series. However, he chose to channel that frustration through a peculiar argument:

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Significance Scale: Only Significant If Thomas Torches The Bulls In Game 5

What else?

Thomas is averaging 25.53/6/4 on the series and is the Celtics' undisputed leader. With his primary defender - former Celtic Rajon Rondo - sidelined with a broken thumb, the door is open for IT to complete the comeback and take the C's to the next round

The Good: Well... at least Hoiberg went into his complaint with well-earned praise of IT, but that's about it for him. Otherwise, Thomas and Gerald Green's reactions sum it up nicely.
The Bad: First off, everyone dribbles the way Thomas dribbles. Does it hit a grey area in the rules? Perhaps, but the Bulls' Jimmy Butler benefits from the same lax attitude toward this particular rule. Second, this is such a poor excuse to focus on instead of - say - lineup changes or defensive schemes or the things you would expect a coach to focus on!

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