Any comments on the NBA playoffs?
I guess the Miami Heat meltdown (largely due to injuries) is interesting. Lebron came to Miami for help in winning a championship, but it just doesn't look good. They don not appear to have the intestinal fortitude to barrel through the playoffs and win.
It also looks like Kobe and Lakers are struggling.
The Spurs look pretty impressive and I would have to pick them to win.
Any other thoughts?
The Spurs look to be the best.Originally Posted by Bob Hunter
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Yes they do - Again However the I-35 crown will be hard fought between SA and OKC. Could go either way in my estimation. Miami is a great team with all 3 stars in but it looks like with one out they have no depth or balance. I'm still thinking that OKC's youth prevail in the west.
No clue with the east now that Miami is struggling. Boston maybe.
"And as we pass the collection plate, please give as if the person next to you was watching."
-Rev. Lovejoy
Go Spurs Go!
Tim Duncan is looking the best he has looked in 10 years. The Spurs have moved their offense to more a perimeter based offense, but this year they've been able to get Duncan more involved offensively because of his great health this year. I love the "team ball" that San Antonio plays. Most of the NBA teams, especially the Heat, just run isolation plays all day long and we're seeing how that turns out.
SAS and OKC match up will be a great series. OKC is strong and have a lot of energy, but I really feel like the experience of the Spurs and coaching skills of "Pop" will help them come out on top.
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The Thunder struggle with the Spurs. Too much experience & poise plus the best coach in the NBA equals Spurs over Thunder.
Remember how Dallas won it last year? Team ball. They had such great production across the board and their perimeter shooting ran the score up on opponents. Miami is looking a lot like the Cavs from a few years ago. Dwayne Wade is hurting and not able to elevate his shots or transition to defense very quickly. Bosch is out with a strained abdominal and Lebron is doing fine, but this is exactly the scenario he faced in Cleveland. Not enough talent on the floor to compete. I watch these guys play and they look just like the Cavs 2009.
Oooops could be too early to count Kobe and crew out. Lets see OKC youth bounce back in the back to back tonight.
@Bob good point. Heat / Cavs
"And as we pass the collection plate, please give as if the person next to you was watching."
-Rev. Lovejoy
I told my friends we'd lose when Bosh went down. Spoelstra has said that Bosh is the most irreplaceable member of the Big 3 and he's right. If James or Wade is out, the other one carries a bigger load doing the same thing while the other is replaced with a shooter and there is more floor spacing.
However, Bosh is our half court offense. The Pick 'n' Roll and Pick 'n' Pop with Bosh is how we get our room for James and Wade to drive. Anthony, Turiaf, and Haslem can't score, so Hibbert doesn't have to follow them on the pick n roll. He just walls off the paint and dares Wade or James to try and get through 3 guys to get to the rim. If Bosh is playing, the opposing teams have a decision to make:
(1) Keep the Big Man at home in the paint and guard the penetration. - Result: We kick to Bosh and he shoots and scores.
(2) Respect Bosh and send the Big Man out to contest the shot.
--- (a) Collapse your perimeter players down to contest the penetration. - Result: We kick it out to a perimeter shooter who shoots and scores
--- (b) Keep your perimeter defenders at home and contest the kick-out. - Result: We penetrate to the hole and get an easy basket or a foul and 2 free throws.
Without Bosh, those options change to one:
(1) Keep your Big Man at home in the paint, walling off penetration, and keep perimeter players at home on shooters, leaving Anthony/Turiaf/Haslem all alone and dare them to try and score from 15 feet. -
Result:
(a) We kick to Haslem and he bricks the shot.
(b) We penetrate and Hibbert stuffs the shot or we turn the ball over and whine to the refs that no foul was called like punks.
(c) We kick a bad pass out to the perimeter... and turn the ball over.
(d) We take mid-range contested fadeaways (lowest percentage shot in basketball) with our lowest-percentage jump-shooters (James/Wade).
So, the biggest problem is that Miami does not have a capable big man, and the offense cannot function because 2-on-5 has never worked in the NBA, ever. Thus, we need our role players to step up and play a bigger role than they have shown they're capable of...
Bosh allows Wade and James to be the two best players in the NBA, by keeping defenses from being able to zero in on them. Their versatility and incredible court vision and passing abilities for star scorers makes all of this possible, but they need Bosh - or someone - to keep the defense honest. Without that, it's just 2 on 5.
Which brings us to the second biggest problem in Miami: Erik Spoelstra.
Mark Cuban commented that in the game 2 meltdown last year, when Dallas made a 25-point comeback, Spoelstra didn't make adjustments. He said he knew they'd win the series at that point because Spoelstra couldn't make the necessary adjustments and Carlisle (Jim Carrey) could. He was right. Spoelstra didn't change up his rotations, didn't change up the pick-n-roll game, nothing. He kept Bibby in the rotation even though Bibby had the worst playoff series of any player in NBA history (according to Hollinger's Player Efficiency Rating and Win Shares). He also didn't make adjustments in the Big-Man rotation to keep Chandler off the glass, or get Big Z back in the rotation to force Chandler to stay out high on Pick-n-Roll coverage. He kept James Jones on the bench even though Bibby couldn't hit a 3 to save his life, and couldn't cover Barrea.
Well, guess what, surprise surprise.... Spoelstra is once again failing to make the necessary adjustments.
- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!Post Thanks / Like - 2 Thanks, 0 Laughing
And, eventually, you get your butt bailed out as a coach when you have the best two players in basketball go off and play like the best two players in basketball and play simply unstoppable. Nice win on the road. Let's go back home and get up 3-2!!!! And let's get Bosh back for Boston!!!
Seriously, though, I would absolutely love a Kevin Garnett - Tim Duncan NBA Finals. The two best Power Forwards ever to play the game, who are defensive masterminds, now playing mostly a lot of 5 instead of 4, late in the twilight of their careers, playing as well as they have in years..... Oh yea. I want it.
- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!Post Thanks / Like - 3 Thanks, 0 Laughing
The Spurs have swept another opponent, and have run their winning streak to 18 games. I believe this is the 3rd time this season that the Spurs have had a winning streak of 10+ games. I think the second closest team had a winning streak of 8. I'm not very confident that they will sweep the Thunder, but I do believe it will be the Spurs playing in the NBA Finals!
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I would definitely say that Spurs may still be the best team in the West (and perhaps in the NBA, though that is hard to really know for certain). OKC's comebacks against the Lakers give me plenty of hope that they can do the same to the Spurs or at least take the series to 7 games. The Spurs having a food days to rest now will definitely work in their favor, but OKC is still the best young team (and possibly the youngest team) in the league and so don't count them out too early. If Durant, Westbrook, and harden all go off in the series together the Spurs will have their hands full.
As far as the East goes, I can't call out a favorite to win it. The teams all seem fairly even in many degrees, or at least, they all seem capable. It would be kinda cool to see the Pacers win out in the East, but I think Miami and Boston both still have better teams overall. (Next year may be a different story)
If Bosh is healthy enough for the ECF, the Miami Heat are still the best team in basketball. We'll see, though. I agree with others who have said that there's no way the Thunder will beat SA. Spurs in 6.
- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!
RE: Miami VS INDY Game 4
I watched the 1st quarter of the game before I had to leave it. Miami looked sick and disorganized the entire period and Indiana could never truly capitalize. Pacers could not convert on the many stupid turnovers the heat were committing. Indy had a chance to psychologically put them away in the 1st half but Failed. I was really surprised to see that the dynamic duo teed off and decided to play ball the second half. Give credit to the team for never quitting and playing through a horrible start.
"And as we pass the collection plate, please give as if the person next to you was watching."
-Rev. Lovejoy
From what I've seen, I'll take OKIE City over SA. Spurs are being lulled to sleep and will have a really long rest period. City will step it up a notch. Thunder in 7.
"And as we pass the collection plate, please give as if the person next to you was watching."
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I'll correct this. The Heat have 3 of the best players on their roster. From what I saw on Sunday, and have seen throughout the last 2 seasons, I think calling them the best "team" is a stretch. Forget using best, just calling them team is sometimes inaccurate.
The Spurs are one of those few teams who can't be lulled to sleep. The longer they rest the more time they have to sharpen their skills.
Spurs' experience will trump the youthfulness of OKC. This series will be close and when it comes down to close games is when experience and coaching comes into play. Against OKC, having coach Pop will be the Spurs' greatest advantage.
They are not the best "team" they have three of the best players, but they are NOT the best team and that is pretty obvious when Wade & James combine for 70 points or whatever. That is total dominance by two superstars. A team effort requires across the board effort, shared scoring and team defense. It's just not there with Miami. Juan Howard and some of those guys are not able to carry the load without Wade & James.
It appears that Kobe was the only on the team that wanted to win last night.
OKC is extremely tough, but I believe the Spurs will have the advantage. SAS and OKC series should be just as good, if not better, than the Finals.
If the series runs 7 games, I'll be surprised but if it should, then I can see OKC winning 2 of the last three or something.
I find these responses curious. A "team" is the collection of players. Sure, Miami's team may be lopsided, and the others around them may not contribute much on offense, but they're still, collectively, a "team", and when those 3 are healthy and on their game, that "team" is the best in the NBA, despite the lack of quality after those 3.
Slice the vocabulary any way you want, my point still stands, and I think it is correct.
- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!
Watching the Pacers-Heat game on Tuesday evening, it brought back memories of Celtics-Lakers in 1984. If you remember, McHale's hit of Rambis as he was going for a layup was considered by many as being the turning point in the series.
And during that series, Larry called out the Cs as being "sissies" for what he considered soft play.
So, when Larry speaks this time, he knows what he is doing.
Game 6 should be interesting.
"Fully embracing the Gospel, fully engaging the world"
They don't play like a team though.
If we remember? That was 26 years ago. You and I might remember, but many naznetters weren't even born yet.
Just knew that reminder would help make you feel better. Have a great day!
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I remember the Celtic-Laker rivalry. And the Laker-Knicks games that go so out of hand there wasn't much basketball going on. I don't like to see games where flagarant fouls are the featured highlights and not actual plays.If we remember? That was 26 years ago. You and I might remember, but many naznetters weren't even born yet.
Just knew that reminder would help make you feel better. Have a great day!
I think the Pacers just didn't show up last night, but I could see this series going to game seven.
I do have to wonder what they did to Dwayne Wade to manage his pain. He is back to feeling and playing great. I often wonder what is going on behind the scenes with the medical staff that brings these players around so quickly. I mean, the guy was really hurting a few days ago.
If some teammates know their roles, specifically on offense, and fulfill that role, aren't they playing like a team? If their "contribution" is to move around, set screens, get rebounds, and shoot when they need to, aren't they still playing like a team?
Most good things have been said far too many times and just need to be lived. - Shane Claiborne
Sure, but what I saw Sunday when I went to the game was 6 or 7 guys with Heat jerseys who got in the way of LeBron and Wade. A team can't expect its 2 star players to drop a combines 70 points every game, eventually someone else will have to step up, and I don't see that coming from anyone.
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Agreed!
The Heat has a good "team," but to say that they play good team ball when compared to the San Antonio Spurs is quite a stretch. David's point is this, this style may work for the most part in the regular season, but it is not a recipe for success in a 7 game playoff series.
I realize that this all a matter of opinion. That being said, allow me to jump in here. When a team like the Spurs are in the same league, how can you make the statement that the Heat is the best team in the NBA? The Spurs are literally 9 - 11 players deep...and most of those guys would probably be starting at their respective positions if they were with other organizations.
The Heat has the biggest super stars in the NBA, this is a fact. But to say that they are the best team? I don't see any quantitative evidence to qualify that statement.
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Well, this would be relevant if I said the team that played Sunday. I didn't. I said the team when everyone is 100% healthy. Also, "playing like a team" is still a matter of opinion. I think Ryan is correct - they fulfill their roles, they "play like a team."
You're correct, this team without a healthy Chris Bosh cannot and will not win an NBA Championship. That is most certainly true.
- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!
Because Miami, 9-deep, plays amazing defense, better than any other team in basketball when they clamp down. That contribution from those "role players" cannot be overlooked. Also, when the shooters are knocking down shots (Miller 45% from 3 this season, Chalmers 40%), they're doing what they need to do... spacing the floor and making things impossible on the other defense.
I realize that the Heat don't have as many talented players as other teams. Not even close. You'll never hear me argue that point!But, I believe, they still have more total "talent" than any other team in basketball, and when they're playing they're game, and healthy, no team is better.
- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!
They made some waves last night, let's see if they can continue it. What did they do to Wade to get him out of pain? I wanna know. ..Because Miami, 9-deep, plays amazing defense, better than any other team in basketball when they clamp down. That contribution from those "role players" cannot be overlooked. Also, when the shooters are knocking down shots (Miller 45% from 3 this season, Chalmers 40%), they're doing what they need to do... spacing the floor and making things impossible on the other defense.
I realize that the Heat don't have as many talented players as other teams. Not even close. You'll never hear me argue that point!
Told him to just play and stop trying to get the refs to give him sympathy calls?? lol. I don't know. They drained his knee, maybe that helped?
- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!
I'm confused. So it wasn't a team that played on Sunday? It was a different team? You are one team with this player and a different team without that player (Bosh)? I see 10+ guys wearing the same jersey, but sometimes I wonder if they are all on the same page.
Yes, you are confused. If you think the OKC are the same team without Durant as they are with him, or that last year's Mavs team was the same team without Dirk, you'd rightly be called crazy. Thus, I would contend that this Heat team is not the same team without Bosh. We're no-where near as good. Yes, that's right.
- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!
That is obvious. The Bulls with Rose don't lose to the 76'ers in the first round.
The Heat have the same problem. If Wade and James aren't on...there is no team to pick up the slack. Without James and Wade, you have use as Ryan described, guys that move around.
Boston plays Miami for Eastern Conference finals.
Any predictions?
Can anyone beat the spurs?
Can anyone beat OKC ? Heat in 5 OKC in 7 OKC over MIA in ? Nothing new here. I think the odds makers had OKC / MIA as the most probable finals pairing at the beginning of the shortened season. VEE shall see.
"And as we pass the collection plate, please give as if the person next to you was watching."
-Rev. Lovejoy
I don't think so.
I'm choosing the Miami Heat for the Championship this year only because I'd like to see James win it all. He is an amazing athlete. When he comes on the floor, most of the other players look like Continental Leaguers. Some of them are near his category, but he is the best...currently. Durant can wait another year. The Spurs are way over-rated and will fall soon. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. If I am wrong, come on down and I will buy your lunch at Diquis in Palma Norte.
Friend,
Wes
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