It's the 2011 NBA playoffs! Mavs Win!

[stevew]

The ESPN ombudsman needs to question why they ran stories about Gasol's girlfriend problems but gag ordered the Gloria/Delonte stuff. maybe West had a previous love for being a Celtic, but he is a competent rotation player who played for the minimum. When the Heat had like 5 rotation guys on their roster.

[stevew]

Miami just killed the Celtics.

LeBron made up for last season.

Nope. Not after that epic tank job abortion last year.

[SirFozzie]

Congrats to the Heat and their fans here, At least they made you work hard for it :(

[Noop]

Nope. Not after that epic tank job abortion last year.

You and I are bias.

[Cuckoo]

Excellent game for the Thunder. They came out with some extremely sloppy play but rebounded, and whether it was the home crowd or younger/fresher legs, it's clear which team was impacted more by the triple OT game. It was very nice to see a team effort, guys like Cook, Muhammed and Collison getting more into the scoring.

Now, they have to do the job again on the road, the pressure on Memphis for the first time in the series. If OKC can, it's a new kind of red river rivalry...

[Groundhog]

Fatigue was definitely a huge factor tonight for both teams. This was a battle of the 2nd-stringers.

[RainMaker]

The ESPN ombudsman needs to question why they ran stories about Gasol's girlfriend problems but gag ordered the Gloria/Delonte stuff. maybe West had a previous love for being a Celtic, but he is a competent rotation player who played for the minimum. When the Heat had like 5 rotation guys on their roster.
Lebron is more marketable than Pau.

[RainMaker]

Miami just killed the Celtics.

LeBron made up for last season.
Wade was the best player in the series. Lebron had a nice final couple minutes, but the Heat are Wade's team and his brilliance in the series was what got them over the hump.

And I don't think you can ever make up for quitting on your team. It's a cardinal sin in sports.

[Arles]

Wade played well, but Lebron closed three games for the Heat. In the NBA, that's the most important role and James did that in spades against Boston. Some of those late threes he hit (not to mention the defense) were amazing. We'll see how the Chicago series goes, but right now Lebron is best player on Miami.

[Neon_Chaos]

Miami just killed the Celtics.

LeBron made up for last season.

The only way he'll make up for last season is if he brings an NBA Championship to Cleveland.

[Atocep]

And I don't think you can ever make up for quitting on your team. It's a cardinal sin in sports.

I don't think it hurt Pippen much.

[RainMaker]

Wade played well, but Lebron closed three games for the Heat. In the NBA, that's the most important role and James did that in spades against Boston. Some of those late threes he hit (not to mention the defense) were amazing. We'll see how the Chicago series goes, but right now Lebron is best player on Miami.
Wade was brilliant, kept them in that game in the first half when Boston was shooting lights out. He's got the highest PER in the playoffs on the team by a wide margin. Lebron has been great, but Wade has been the team's best player. He had 34 points on 19 shots, grabbed 10 boards, and had 4 steals.

[RainMaker]

I don't think it hurt Pippen much.
It hurt his legacy, just as his migraine issue did.

[Arles]

Wade was brilliant, kept them in that game in the first half when Boston was shooting lights out. He's got the highest PER in the playoffs on the team by a wide margin. Lebron has been great, but Wade has been the team's best player. He had 34 points on 19 shots, grabbed 10 boards, and had 4 steals.
The PERs for Lebron and Wade are almost identical after tonight's game. Lebron is at 27+ and Wade is at 28.1. I'd hardly say that's a wide margin.

Their stats have been almost identical in the postseason. Lebron averaged 25.3 PPG, 46.2% FG, 9.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.3 BPG and 1.3 SPG. Wade is at 25.3 PPG, 46.1% FG, 5.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1 BPG and 1.8 SPG.

The difference is that Lebron closed so much better than Wade in this series and that's why I give him the nod. Either way, Wade + Lebron have been the two best players in the postseason for the Eastern conference thus far.

[BishopMVP]

I think Boston's coffin was sealed bringing the ball up the court late 3rd quarter when (injured) Rondo flipped the ball to Pierce and Pierce reacted with a look of confusion and revulsion before tossing it back and jogging up court. Everyone I was watching with was bitching about the free throw disparity, but the Heat were at least attacking the rim, and of the two Celtics that can drive to the hoop, one was injured and the other showed no inclination to try and take over.

If I'm forced to I'll take my chances with LeBron shooting multiple 3's in the last two minutes, but I'd rather do it up 6 than tied, and the urgency to put the Heat in a hole wasn't there on the offensive end for long stretches of this game and last. In a game like this Pierce needed to take over and he didn't even try. Allen has the skillset to fade gracefully, and I never really saw KG's prime, but seeing Pierce effectively shy away from attacking LeBron is the biggest indication this Celtics incarnation is over.

[DaddyTorgo]

Perkins trade.

Team breaking down - Rondo injured to death (fuck you Dwayne Wade). How much does Garnett have in the tank - or was he just tired because after Perk trade he had no defensive help?

'Nuff said.

[Noop]

Perkins trade.

Team breaking down - Rondo injured to death (fuck you Dwayne Wade). How much does Garnett have in the tank - or was he just tired because after Perk trade he had no defensive help?

'Nuff said.

You know what I am fine with this and I hope you guys enjoy the playoffs from home.

[DaddyTorgo]

You know what I am fine with this and I hope you guys enjoy the playoffs from home.

Fine with your guys taking cheap shots? Hopefully it comes back to bite you then.

(and no, not saying no Celtics have ever taken cheap shots - and if they do they deserve what's coming to them also)

[Noop]

Fine with your guys taking cheap shots? Hopefully it comes back to bite you then.

(and no, not saying no Celtics have ever taken cheap shots - and if they do they deserve what's coming to them also)

Wade didn't take a cheap shot at Rondo though. He fell on him but its not like he purposely meant to injury his elbow. Anyway my comment had more to do with I am fine with you saying f D.Wade.

The Celtics are an incredibly dirty team and you seriously have no room to talk.

[Arles]

Yeah, the Wade-Rondo play looked more like two guys got tangled up and then tried to immediately prevent the other from getting the ball. Plays like that happen 2-3 times a game, it was just bad luck that Rondo tried to brace himself as he fell with his elbow at a bad angle.

[Lathum]

This is the first place I have seen any ever remotely suggest Wade is at any fault for the Rondo play.

the Celtics are old and looked it. Pretty cut and dry.

[Lathum]

The only way he'll make up for last season is if he brings an NBA Championship to Cleveland.

This is just a silly statement. Do you honestly think LeBron could have done anymore than he did for the Cavs? He was worth 40+ wins a season for them plus deep runs into the playoffs.

The concept that LeBron owes Cleveland anything is moronic to me.

[Noop]

This is the first place I have seen any ever remotely suggest Wade is at any fault for the Rondo play.

the Celtics are old and looked it. Pretty cut and dry.

Well you know how Boston fans can be its okay.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Well you know how Boston fans can be its okay.

DT != Boston fans

This would be the same as me calling you an empty seat.

[Noop]

DT != Boston fans

This would be the same as me calling you an empty seat.

*Shrug*

Miami has some shitty fans. Boston has a lot of fans like the ones on this site arrogant and delusional. I understand there are exceptions to the rule but this way is easier for me. :)

SN: I actually like DT outside of sports threads.

[Noop]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/pearlized/nco2011.jpg

[stevew]

The Heat ticket agency must be like Southwest Airlines.....they make all the fat ass people buy two seats and that's why there is nobody in a bunch of seats.

[Noop]

The Heat ticket agency must be like Southwest Airlines.....they make all the fat ass people buy two seats and that's why there is nobody in a bunch of seats.

I have no issue with you taking shots at the Heat.

[Radii]

love the no country for old men photoshop

[DaddyTorgo]

*Shrug*

Miami has some shitty fans. Boston has a lot of fans like the ones on this site arrogant and delusional. I understand there are exceptions to the rule but this way is easier for me. :)

SN: I actually like DT outside of sports threads.

Ditto. No hatred for Noop here.

Hatred for LeBron. I actually don't mind Wade as a player - but now I'm forced to root against him so that he doesn't carry LeBron to a title.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The concept that LeBron owes Cleveland anything is moronic to me.

Pretty much my reaction as well.

[Lathum]

Hatred for LeBron. I actually don't mind Wade as a player - but now I'm forced to root against him so that he doesn't carry LeBron to a title.

again just a silly statement.

Why the hate for LeBron?

And to say Wade would carry Lebron to a title is absurd. Did Pierce carry Garnett and Allen to a title? Did Kobe carry Pau to one? Did Shaq carry Wade to one?

If you don't realize you need at least 2 stars to win a title in the NBA then you just aren't paying attention.

[RainMaker]

I don't think the Celtics need to blow up the team or anything. It wasn't like they were blown out in every game. They had Games 4 and 5 for the taking and that was with their MVP injured. A healthy Rondo and this probably goes 7 games. Sure the guys are a year older, but if they can get a body who can play in the paint, they can improve this offseason for a final run.

Also, the play on Rondo was dirty. He threw him to the ground. It happens a lot in the league and rarely ever causes an injury. I don't think Wade tried to hurt him, but he did try to throw him to the floor. Although it is funny to see Boston fans complain as Rondo is usually the one dishing out the cheap shots.

[Arles]

If he didn't try to hurt him, it's not a dirty play. Was it trying to get an edge on the opponent? Sure, but it's no different than watching Kobe grab Jason Terry's jersey coming off a screen or KG shoving a guy before the rebound comes down. Plays that aren't necessarily legal and give you an advantage (but aren't called fouls) aren't dirty plays. If that was the case, every trip down the floor would have 5-6 dirty plays.

To me, a dirty play is something done with the intent to injure. IE, what Bynum did to Barea, Bruce Bowen sliding his feet under the jumpshooter, Robert Horry shoving Steve Nash into a table or one of Dwight Howard's many elbows. Sneaky, veteran plays to try and shield someone from the ball or keep them from rubbing off a screen isn't what I would call "dirty". All Wade was trying to do was shield Rondo from getting the ball and Rondo fell awkward.

[RainMaker]

All Wade was trying to do was shield Rondo from getting the ball and Rondo fell awkward.
The ball was 20 feet away from them when he threw him down and out of bounds.

[SirFozzie]

I was going to fire back at the Boston-fans-shots earlier in this thread, but really, what's the point? No one's going to change their minds, are they?

But I do want to say this.

Time and time again in this series, they out played the Celtics in the last couple minutes of close games, something the Celtics had done to Cleveland/Miami for a couple years running. They earned the victory. We can what-if (Rondo's injury, Perkins trade, etcetera) all we want, but, right now I don't know if it would have changed anything. Miami had to make big shots to win, and they did so. Repeatedly.

As part of it, I fully expected the Heat to embrace the role of the villain. To steal a quote, I expected them to say after they had crushed the Celtics, "Now witness the firepower of this fully operational battle station!. To rub it in... to reinforce the Hatred many of us had for them.

They didn't.

They played it respectfully. They admitted the Celtics Big Three getting together was the impetus of their Big Three. They treated like beating the Celtics was a big deal, because to them, it WAS a big deal. It was a giant monkey off their back. The Celtics had been D-Wade and Lebron's boogey man, the giant roadblock they couldn't get past. And they did it. Convincingly.

It makes me hate them less, respect them a bit more. I don't think you'll be able to count me as a Heat Fan, but it's no longer, for example, Red Sox-Yankees level of hate. They're still a rival (at least until the breakdown of the Big Three is complete), and I'll still root extra hard for the Celtics to beat em when we play next year, but.. at least they handled victory with class.

[Arles]

The ball was 20 feet away from them when he threw him down and out of bounds.

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SE1uy27QZ4s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE1uy27QZ4s

Just watch it again. Rondo pokes the ball away from Wade. Wade shields Rondo from the ball in hopes it goes out of bounds and the Heat retain possession. While Wade is shielding him, Rondo tries a "swim move" of sorts to get around Wade and this causes Wade to lose his balance. Then, they both fell down. It was certainly a obstruction-esque foul by Wade, but nothing dirty. I'm also not sure where you get the "threw him down and out of bounds" comment when the play happened at the free throw line. Finally, Wade has his back to Rondo the entire play (a la a box out), so it's hard to see that Wade had intent to injure when he never really saw Rondo.

[jeff061]

Beat by the Jets and the Heat in a single year to get kicked out of the playoffs. Ugh. The only saving grace is the teams that won flat out deserved it.

[jeff061]

again just a silly statement.

Why the hate for LeBron? =

Are you for real with this question?

[MrBug708]

First Team
Forward LeBron James, Miami
Forward Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
Center Dwight Howard, Orlando
Guard Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
Guard Derrick Rose, Chicago

Second Team
Forward Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers
Forward Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Center Amar'e Stoudemire, New York
Guard Dwyane Wade, Miami
Guard Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

Third Team
Forward LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland
Forward Zach Randolph, Memphis
Center Al Horford, Atlanta
Guard Manu Ginobili, San Antonio
Guard Chris Paul, New Orleans

Receiving Votes
Rajon Rondo, Boston, 68; Paul Pierce, Boston, 55; Carmelo Anthony, Denver-New York, 53; Kevin Love, Minnesota, 48; Tim Duncan, San Antonio, 43; Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers, 36; Tony Parker, San Antonio, 27; Kevin Garnett, Boston, 22; Deron Williams, Utah-New Jersey 19; Steve Nash, Phoenix, 17; Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee, 13; Monta Ellis, Golden State, 11; Nene, Denver, 11; Andrew Bynum, L.A. Lakers, 9; Kevin Martin, Houston, 7; Tyson Chandler, Dallas, 7; Joakim Noah, Chicago, 5; Marc Gasol, Memphis, 3; Al Jefferson, Utah, 3; Kendrick Perkins, Boston-Oklahoma City, 3; Andrea Bargnani, Toronto, 2; Chris Bosh, Miami, 2; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 1; Emeka Okafor, New Orleans, 1; Eric Gordon, L.A. Clippers, 1; Gerald Wallace, Charlotte-Portland, 1; Jason Kidd, Dallas, 1; Luis Scola, Houston, 1; Luol Deng, Chicago, 1; Ray Allen, Boston, 1

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Shoulda been Wade.

[Lathum]

Are you for real with this question?

Yep.

What did the guy do that was so bad? The Decision was self indulgent, but at least the money generated went to charity.

Exercise his free agent rights after giving Cleveland 7 years and going about as far as possible with them?

In an era of sports stars who do things far worse, Mike Vick, Donte Stallworth, etc... I think the LeBron hatred is silly.

[MrBug708]

Love should have been third team, but thanks to Kevin McHale, that team will be bad for a long time

[jeff061]

Yep.

What did the guy do that was so bad? The Decision was self indulgent, but at least the money generated went to charity.

Exercise his free agent rights after giving Cleveland 7 years and going about as far as possible with them?

In an era of sports stars who do things far worse, Mike Vick, Donte Stallworth, etc... I think the LeBron hatred is silly.

lol. I'm not even going to entertain this discussion with you. Like teaching an infant quantum physics at this point.

[Radii]

What did the guy do that was so bad? The Decision was self indulgent, but at least the money generated went to charity.

Exercise his free agent rights after giving Cleveland 7 years and going about as far as possible with them?

In an era of sports stars who do things far worse, Mike Vick, Donte Stallworth, etc... I think the LeBron hatred is silly.


Its "sports fan" hate. Its not "Michael Vick is a criminal so I don't want to root for him" hate. Its "in the context of sports where I prefer to have players that I root for and against, Lebron James' handling of his free agency situation was repugnant and gives me a better sports fan reason to hope he never wins a title more than almost anyone else in the NBA."

I can understand someone not caring and not rooting against him themselves, sure, fine, whatever. I cannot fathom the idea that you can't understand why others would root for him to lose, if that makes sense.

I'm also fine with "Lebron doesn't owe Cleveland anything" ... now at least... but holding a TV special to announce that you're leaving Cleveland shows an extreme level of detachment and disrespect to the large amount of people that essentially paid you your millions for the last 6 years.

[Arles]

Love should have been third team, but thanks to Kevin McHale, that team will be bad for a long time
Which forward do you drop out of this list?
Lebron, Durant, Gasol, Dirk, Randolph and Aldridge

I don't see Love as even in the same zip code of those guys. Putting up nice rebound and point numbers on a crap team isn't going to get you 3rd team. Love's a nice player, but you can't make a legit argument that he should be listed above guys like Dirk, Gasol, Randolph and Aldridge this year.

[Chief Rum]

Yep.

What did the guy do that was so bad? The Decision was self indulgent, but at least the money generated went to charity.

Exercise his free agent rights after giving Cleveland 7 years and going about as far as possible with them?

In an era of sports stars who do things far worse, Mike Vick, Donte Stallworth, etc... I think the LeBron hatred is silly.

Quit on his team last year?
Describing the Decision as just "self-indulgent" is like calling the Pacific Ocean "a little wet".
Not calling Cleveland before said Decision to let them know what was up?
The lack of any sense of modesty in the offseason as he lived it up in Miami?
His lack of class in tweets and in how he acted when he went back to Cleveland last month?

There are plenty of legit reasons to dislike LeBron. I wouldn't go as far as hatred, but he's pretty dislikeable.

[Pumpy Tudors]

my grizzlies no longer looking good in postseason

[Desnudo]

Wade is not a dirty player. He plays hard and physical. I wish some Celtics had stepped up and played at the same level of intensity.

It was clear they just ran out of gas and also have some chemistry issues integrating people like Jeff Green into the rotation. The expressions on their faces and body language said it all.

I think the loss of Tom Thibodeau also has really hurt their defensive execution, and possibly the ability of the team to gel. It's something that doesn't get mentioned because it's not an exciting topic, but look at the impact he had on the Bulls.

[RainMaker]

Their defense was good this year. I don't think they took too far of a step back in that area.

[RainMaker]

Quit on his team last year?
Describing the Decision as just "self-indulgent" is like calling the Pacific Ocean "a little wet".
Not calling Cleveland before said Decision to let them know what was up?
The lack of any sense of modesty in the offseason as he lived it up in Miami?
His lack of class in tweets and in how he acted when he went back to Cleveland last month?

There are plenty of legit reasons to dislike LeBron. I wouldn't go as far as hatred, but he's pretty dislikeable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9BqUBYaHlM

[Radii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9BqUBYaHlM

FAN UP

[gstelmack]

Quit on his team last year?

That's the big one to me.

[Neon_Chaos]

This is just a silly statement. Do you honestly think LeBron could have done anymore than he did for the Cavs? He was worth 40+ wins a season for them plus deep runs into the playoffs.

The concept that LeBron owes Cleveland anything is moronic to me.

Well, I'm not the quitter who had a goal to win a title for them.

[Desnudo]

Their defense was good this year. I don't think they took too far of a step back in that area.

Stats were good during the regular season obviously. They just seemed to lack the fierocity and ability to come up with key plays or stops. Rondo playing with one arm probably didn't help, but I don't believe Doc brings the same discipline and motivation as Tibs did and it impacted the series.

[RainMaker]

Stats were good during the regular season obviously. They just seemed to lack the fierocity and ability to come up with key plays or stops. Rondo playing with one arm probably didn't help, but I don't believe Doc brings the same discipline and motivation as Tibs did and it impacted the series.
Stats were close to the same in the playoffs. The only real difference in their numbers came in free throws given up. But the Heat have seen a rather astronomical jump in those numbers in the playoffs. Differential is 5 times that of any team that competed in the 2nd round.

[Noop]

Boozer: Heat Have Two Great Players - RealGM Wiretap (http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/213682/Boozer_Heat_Have_Two_Great_Players)

I hope Bosh takes this personally and proceeds to dominate Boozer.

I doubt it though.

[Gary Gorski]

Boozer: Heat Have Two Great Players - RealGM Wiretap (http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/213682/Boozer_Heat_Have_Two_Great_Players)

I hope Bosh takes this personally and proceeds to dominate Boozer.

I doubt it though.

What is there to take personally? When has Bosh EVER proven that he's a great player? Wade's led a team to a ring. LeBron has proven he's the difference between contender and lottery team. Bosh....played in the playoffs twice in 7 seasons where his team was 3-8 in two first round exits. Bosh is a good player but how can you be a "great" player if you're not capable of getting anywhere unless you team up with two hall of fame players?

[cartman]

Bosh is a good player but how can you be a "great" player if you're not capable of getting anywhere unless you team up with two hall of fame players?

So you are saying he's a clone of Bill Cartwright? :)

[RainMaker]

I don't see it as a slight. Lebron is a two-time MVP. Wade is one of the best players in the world. Wouldn't it be a slight to LBJ/Wade to put Bosh in the same sentence as them?

You guys have been scapegoating him all year and now want him to be on equal billing.

[Logan]

I assume he feels like he's a great player whenever he checks his bank account.

Him and Eddy Curry.

[Hoya1]

Put me in the very small camp of actually liking Chris Bosh. He's taking a lesser role to fit in with this team. The problem is that both LeBron and Wade need the ball in their hands too often to run any sort of offense through Bosh. I'm not saying he hasn't struggled, but I don't think he deserved the criticism he's getting here. I mean, it's not like Miami was the only team trying to sign him to a max contract last offseason.

Right now, he doesn't look comfortable when the ball finally gets into his hands in the half court. He's hesitating way too much. That's mental indecision. I think that if they used Bosh as part of the offense, this could be a scary team.

[Radii]

Bill Simmons: Phil Jackson and his aching body no longer need the NBA grind - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/110513&sportCat=nba)

I really enjoyed Simmons' Phil Jackson column today.

[duckman]

Bill Simmons: Phil Jackson and his aching body no longer need the NBA grind - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/110513&sportCat=nba)

I really enjoyed Simmons' Phil Jackson column today.
Good stuff.

[RainMaker]

I'll just leave this here.

Source: Mike Dunleavy on Los Angeles Lakers coaching short list - ESPN Los Angeles (http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6540897)

[Noop]

I don't see it as a slight. Lebron is a two-time MVP. Wade is one of the best players in the world. Wouldn't it be a slight to LBJ/Wade to put Bosh in the same sentence as them?

You guys have been scapegoating him all year and now want him to be on equal billing.

Who said they wanted him getting equal billing? I just want him to think he should get equal billing.

[Noop]

When did Zach Randolph turn into a good NBA player?

[Noop]

Why is Westbrook taking more shots then Durant?

[Noop]

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - The Thread of the 2010-11 NBA Season(IBTLo) (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=2400786&postcount=849)

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - The Thread of the 2010-11 NBA Season(IBTLo) (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=2400852&postcount=858)

[Suicane75]

I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami.

I've never rooted so hard against a team in my life. I know it's irrational and I don't care.

[Noop]

I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami I hate Miami.

I've never rooted so hard against a team in my life. I know it's irrational and I don't care.

I am the same way toward the Patriots and most Boston area teams. Although I respect the Patriots ability to consistently retool their team without suffering any major setbacks.

[RainMaker]

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - The Thread of the 2010-11 NBA Season(IBTLo) (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=2400786&postcount=849)

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - The Thread of the 2010-11 NBA Season(IBTLo) (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=2400852&postcount=858)
You predicted a team with 2 top 5 players and another top 20 player would be very good in a 30-team league.

[MrBug708]

I'll just leave this here.

Source: Mike Dunleavy on Los Angeles Lakers coaching short list - ESPN Los Angeles (http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6540897)

Ya, no.

[Noop]

You predicted a team with 2 top 5 players and another top 20 player would be very good in a 30-team league.

I posted the stuff about Boston and my fear that Chicago would be the only team that would give Miami a challenge. So where exactly are you getting this from? It is certainly not in those two post I cited.

[stevew]

Chicago vs Memphis is Stern's worst nightmare. Bennett Salvador is probably on speed dial though.

[RainMaker]

I posted the stuff about Boston and my fear that Chicago would be the only team that would give Miami a challenge. So where exactly are you getting this from? It is certainly not in those two post I cited.
Sorry, I thought you were trying to cite your predictions coming true. I still think that Boston series would have been interesting if Rondo was healthy. Miami probably would have won, but it might have gone 7 and been much more fun.

[Noop]

Sorry, I thought you were trying to cite your predictions coming true. I still think that Boston series would have been interesting if Rondo was healthy. Miami probably would have won, but it might have gone 7 and been much more fun.

We would have beaten Boston in 6 rather then 5.

[Neon_Chaos]

Chicago vs Memphis is Stern's worst nightmare. Bennett Salvador is probably on speed dial though.

Atlanta vs. Memphis was Stern's worst nightmare.

Atlanta's gone... time for the other city as well. :)

[DaddyTorgo]

We would have beaten Boston in 6 rather then 5.

Who's this we? Are you on the team now?

[Noop]

Who's this we? Are you on the team now?

LOL. I get it DT you're bitter but excuse my slip I meant Miami would have beaten Boston in 6 rather then five if Rondo wasn't hurt. Feel better?

[duckman]

Who's this we? Are you on the team now?
http://www.slackers.co.za/uploads/20090514/SandyVagina.png

[RainMaker]

Ads everywhere but this was hilarious.

Video: To All Mavs Fans: Hitler Reacts To The Lakers Being Swept By The Mavericks! (http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhef75GC3y3sqaji64)

[MrBug708]

Who's this we? Are you on the team now?

Come on, this is ridiculous, everyone uses we when talking about their team.

[Galaxy]

Ads everywhere but this was hilarious.

Video: To All Mavs Fans: Hitler Reacts To The Lakers Being Swept By The Mavericks! (http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhef75GC3y3sqaji64)

Am I only one who finds the Hilter jokes overplayed, uncreative, and just not that funny anymore?

[molson]

Saw this headline on ESPN.com, but I'm wondering if it's gramatically correct.

"Why the Heat is better than the Bulls"

Shouldn't it be "Why the Heat are better than the Bulls"?

Damn it to hell team names that don't end in S.

[Radii]

Saw this headline on ESPN.com, but I'm wondering if it's gramatically correct.

"Why the Heat is better than the Bulls"

Shouldn't it be "Why the Heat are better than the Bulls"?

Damn it to hell team names that don't end in S.


The biggest problem I have with this headline is that there are no terrible puns made. It should have been "Miami HEATing up, more talented than Chicago" or something like that. Practically unreadable otherwise.

[Noop]

I know I'm his biggest critic but Westbrook has played great today.

[MrBug708]

First game 7 triple double since Pippen did it in 1992

[MrBug708]

Dola

Hopefully this will end the asinine Marbury comparisons.

[Cuckoo]

What a series... It was clear that Memphis and OKC are two evenly-matched teams. I think if the Grizzlies had home court advantage, they probably move on. They definitely made a fan out of me, not just in how they played but how the players, coaches and fans went about things, passionate and respectful. They got beaten pretty well at times but never gave up, never complained, gave credit where credit was due and came right back out battling. It'll be fun to watch these two compete for years to come.

It will be interesting to see what OKC can do against Dallas. They'll be the underdog for the first time this postseason, and I have absolutely no expectations. Interestingly, though, I think they match-up better with the Mavs than they did Memphis. Durant is going to be the happiest person alive to actually get a little bit of breathing room from time to time.

[Groundhog]

Definitely think this is a problematic match-up for the Mavs. Who defends Westbrook and Durant? I like both teams, but I think Thunder will be the ones advancing, assuming they aren't fatigued after the 7 games. As much as I want the Heat to lose to the Bulls, I kinda hope they win so I have a clear team to root against in the finals. If it's Bulls vs Thunder/Mavs, I have no clue who to cheer for.

[Noop]

Dola

Hopefully this will end the asinine Marbury comparisons.

One game won't erase it in my eyes. I just was acknowledging that he did indeed play excellent today.

[MrBug708]

But one playoff series marks a career?

[bhlloy]

Very impressed with the Bulls so far. They are definitely a team that is bigger than their sum of parts - they have a ton of guys who are long, athletic and can guard multiple positions and they win most of the hustle and second chance plays. They might be the one team who can actually match up with the Heat. It's going to be a long series but I like their chances.

[Coffee Warlord]

Holy shit, did you see that from Taj?

[Neon_Chaos]

Impressive win by the Bulls.

[stevew]

How do the refs not call a T when Miami has 6 guys on the court?

[Noop]

Eek! That game was brutal and Bosh was not to blame this time. Miami has to figure something out quick else I see a sweep coming.... seriously.

[remper]

I seriously doubt Miami gets swept, they have way too much talent for that. But I thoroughly enjoyed watching that game, being a Chicagoan and all. :)

[TroyF]

Thoughts:

1) There is also a terrific article on Brian Shaw on the ESPN site right now. I don't have the link handy, but it was one of the best articles I've read in a long time.

2) Westbrook played sensationally yesterday. It's amazing what happens to OKC when they decide that Durant, not Westbrook should be the focal point of the offense. Not only do they score more, but the role players also get more involved. THAT Westbrook is the one who could lead OKC to the title. The problem is that as they go deeper they won't be able to afford the two selfish ass games he has in a series. He needs to play like that all the time. All the talk above defending him centered on "he's a mismatch for Conley, it's better if he's taking a lot of shots" I think it says a lot that in the critical do or die game he takes half the shots of Durant and the game was over after three quarters.

3) If Luol Deng outplays Lebron James the entire series, Miami is going to go home and go home quickly.

4) Last night showed why the Bulls are so tough for Miami to deal with. It's a TEAM. 23 assists to 11 for the Heat. In the Bulls three best post season games (the two close outs and this one) they've had 27 assists, 23 assists and 34 assists. When the Bulls decide to play like that, it's a double whammy for Miami. They need to move the ball better and play less ISO, but they also need to play team defense and stop penetration. I agree that a healthy Rondo changes the Celtics series. Boston would have tied the series at 2 had he been healthy IMO.

The Heat's other problem is how difficult the Bulls are to score on in the half court when they play D like that and the offensive rebounding of the Bulls. If Miami can't get transition points, they are going to have a tough time winning the series. Of course you have to get a defensive rebound in order to get a transition point.

One game, things can change. (for starters the Bulls haven't played like that consistently in the post season, just a game a series so far) Wednesday night is critical for the Heat. I can't see them winning this series from down 2-0.

[albionmoonlight]

With a team as talented as Miami, anything can change. But it does seem like the Bulls will win this series.

To me, the more interesting question will be how the Heat play for the next 3-6 games. If the Heat fold and basically give into the frustration, I think that this does not bode well at all for the longer term future of the team. If, however, Miami keeps fighting and fighting and fighting and ends up losing a hard-fought series to a better team, then I think that they will be very well positioned over the next 5 years when they can add some mid-level talent.*

*Assuming, of course, that the new CBA will allow the Heat to collect role players and ring chasers to complement their three all-stars.

[stevew]

My beef is that I want there to be 7 games in like 10 days. I want to see how Miami tries to bounce back tonight, but Wednesday is so far away.

[RainMaker]

I think some of you guys are really giving too much credit to Game 1. Bulls were at home, they played with a ton of energy. Lebron and Wade didn't play that well (yes the defense did have something to do with that). The Bulls were efficient offensively.

I just don't see that all happening again. The Heat still have 2 of the best players in the world. Still have one of the best PF in the league. Wade or Lebron will go off multiple times in this series and there is nothing that can be done to stop it. It's a nice win but the Heat just need to win 1 game in Chicago and they definitely have the talent to do it.

[Coffee Warlord]

Don't Taj me, bro!

See, I actually think Spoelestra figured he could try and pull a Indiana/Atlanta act on the Bulls - kill 'em with defensive speed and lock down Rose early. Trouble is, the Heat don't have the players who can do it (few teams do - the Bulls just ran into 2 of them in a row), and I think that's exactly what we saw last night. Heat trying to be what they're not, and the Bulls picked them apart.

We'll see if the Heat adjust. If they don't, it's going to be a short series.

[TroyF]

I think some of you guys are really giving too much credit to Game 1. Bulls were at home, they played with a ton of energy. Lebron and Wade didn't play that well (yes the defense did have something to do with that). The Bulls were efficient offensively.

I just don't see that all happening again. The Heat still have 2 of the best players in the world. Still have one of the best PF in the league. Wade or Lebron will go off multiple times in this series and there is nothing that can be done to stop it. It's a nice win but the Heat just need to win 1 game in Chicago and they definitely have the talent to do it.

I really don't think anyone is truly counting out the Heat. I know I ended my post with "it's only game 1" That said. . .

As a rule, the easiest game to steal from the home team is game one. In these playoffs the favored seed with home court was 6-6 in game one. (the winners include teams who easily could have lost game 1 including the Celtics vs. Knicks, OKC vs. Nuggets, Bulls vs. Pacers, etc)

Game 2? The home team is 11-1. (The only loss being the Mavericks beating the Lakers in the series they swept)

Could the Heat win game 2? Sure they can. But game 1 has always been the easiest to steal and despite having the big three there are problems with the Heat we've known all along. They got by the Celtics, but we all know that was not a healthy Celtics team they got by either. (can we all agree on that one?)

This Bulls team was better during the regular season and it was a team who struggled in game one this postseason. The Heat not only lost the game, but it really wasn't that competitive. While the Heat can win game 2 and this series, that performance wasn't a very good sign IMHO.

[RainMaker]

With the playoffs, I've just sort of come to the understanding that each game is unique. Teams get blown out a lot and come back to win the next one all the time.

[Arles]

With "home officiating" and close teams in ability in the playoffs, winning on the road is very difficult. I think both Dallas-OKC and Miami-Chicago will have the home teams win 1-6. Then, the road team has to hope for some breaks in game 7.

For those of you scoring at home, enjoy the free throw discrepancy on the home-road splits. I expect Chicago to be +10-15 net in the first two home games, then Miami be +10 in game 3 alone at home. There's no better bet in sports than the home team in the NBA playoffs having a nice free throw advantage when the teams are somewhat close in ability.

[Sgran]

To beat the Bulls you need to have one or two perimeter players catch fire from outside (like Crawford and Johnson did once for Atl). Miami will get one or two games like that. Bulls in 6.

[whomario]

I hope/think that the Mavs have used this time between series to work on zone defense, have used it before against the Thunder with some success and would likely be a good strategy with no one able to guard Westbrook and the best defense on Durant will be Marion who will likely play no more than 25 minutes at the 3 (gets those and the few at the 4 when Dirk sits).

They definitely will dare the Thunder to get hot from outside and dare Westbrook to kick the ball out or try to score in heavy traffic. Plus Chandler won´t have to worry about picking up fouls against his primary assignment which is huge seeing how important he is to their team defense.

On the flipside the Thunder will have to find a way to contain Dirk and Terry on their own because Terry gets his points off the ball whereas both Thabo and Harden are better defending a ballhandler and not only is Nowitzki an unholy problem for every Thunder defender, he also won´t have to worry about spending that much energy on defense.
Sure Ibaka has the length and athleticism but he is better as a help defender as of now and i can easily see him in foul trouble all series long. And Nowitzki really hasn´t been bothered by length and athleticism since the GS series (where he also had no help which allowed the warriors to run secondary defenders at him like crazy).
And Collison is brilliant but he´ll be very "conventional" in defending Nowitzki and actually isn´t as comfortable defending outside the paint.

[Neon_Chaos]

Game 1 between the Bulls and the Heat was the most-watched NBA Game in Cable TV history.

Bulls – Heat Game 1 Sets NBA Cable Viewing Record, Averages 11.1 Million viewers - Ratings | TVbytheNumbers (http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/16/bulls-heat-game-1-sets-nba-cable-viewing-records-averaging-11-1-million-viewers/92846/)

[Sgran]

I hope/think that the Mavs have used this time between series to work on zone defense, have used it before against the Thunder with some success and would likely be a good strategy with no one able to guard Westbrook and the best defense on Durant will be Marion who will likely play no more than 25 minutes at the 3 (gets those and the few at the 4 when Dirk sits).

They definitely will dare the Thunder to get hot from outside and dare Westbrook to kick the ball out or try to score in heavy traffic. Plus Chandler won´t have to worry about picking up fouls against his primary assignment which is huge seeing how important he is to their team defense.

On the flipside the Thunder will have to find a way to contain Dirk and Terry on their own because Terry gets his points off the ball whereas both Thabo and Harden are better defending a ballhandler and not only is Nowitzki an unholy problem for every Thunder defender, he also won´t have to worry about spending that much energy on defense.
Sure Ibaka has the length and athleticism but he is better as a help defender as of now and i can easily see him in foul trouble all series long. And Nowitzki really hasn´t been bothered by length and athleticism since the GS series (where he also had no help which allowed the warriors to run secondary defenders at him like crazy).
And Collison is brilliant but he´ll be very "conventional" in defending Nowitzki and actually isn´t as comfortable defending outside the paint.

It will be interesting to see if Brooks tries to reign in Westbrook or if he lets him do his Derrick Rose imitation and attack the rim mercilessly, even early in the shot-clock without even looking for Durant. The Mavs have no one who can stay in front of Westbrook, so the question is whether they collapse and try to draw the charge or have Chandler protect the rim. Does Kidd guard Westbrook or Harden? Does Carlisle try to put Berrea on Westbrook and play 2 feet off him?
This series is going to be a real chess match. Should be fun.

[cartman]

Durant was awesome tonight, but Dirk was a beast. 48 points!

[TroyF]

In game one of the Western Conference Finals the Oklahoma City Thunder withstood an amazing performance by Dirk Nowitzki by shooting close to 60% themselves and riding their star and hot role players to a terrific win.

Or not. Instead the role players played lights out, Durant played like the superstar he is and Westbrook threw up a game with more turnovers than assists, scored 20 points on 15 shot attempts while everyone else on the team scored 92 points on only 57 shot attempts.

I don't think OKC wins a title until this kid grows up. (and I'm not ruling out the fact he can't grow up before our eyes this series either) He must understand the defense better and understand when to impose his will. When Durant was going off tonight and he couldn't break down the Dallas defense, he needed to distribute the ball. Instead he chose to just attack blindly, got bailed out with some FT attempts, but overall was the single worst OKC starter on the floor.

[TroyF]

One other note: That performance by Dirk was one of the single best playoff performances in history. Simply breathtaking if you are a hoops fan.

[stevew]

Just a minor note....I can't believe you get 7 playoff technicals before you get suspended for a game. Perkins has 4 already. I think they need to make the limit 5 or less.

[RainMaker]

I'm fine with it. I don't want to see guys suspended for arguing calls or a little chest bumping in the playoffs. Fighting and flagrants are another story and the league does make suspensions independently on that.

Do you really want to see a team in a Finals game have to play without a star because he argued too many calls?

[Radii]

Do you really want to see a team in a Finals game have to play without a star because he argued too many calls?

Yep. I would love to see that. Whiny bitches should be punished for being whiny bitches.

[TroyF]

I'm fine with it. I don't want to see guys suspended for arguing calls or a little chest bumping in the playoffs. Fighting and flagrants are another story and the league does make suspensions independently on that.

Do you really want to see a team in a Finals game have to play without a star because he argued too many calls?

Ummmm, yes?

[Arles]

I'm fine with it. I don't want to see guys suspended for arguing calls or a little chest bumping in the playoffs. Fighting and flagrants are another story and the league does make suspensions independently on that.

Do you really want to see a team in a Finals game have to play without a star because he argued too many calls?
No, I'd rather see that a suspension happen because he took a step towards a teammate after he got hip-checked into the scoring table. :banghead:

Actually, suspending a player for 5 technicals (which can be rescinded if they aren't legit) might be a nice change in viewing games. Still, I don't see the need to suspend anyone in the playoffs barring a major, disastrous event. The irony is that the NBA suspends more players for playoff games than any other major league (MLB, NFL, NHL) despite having about 1/3 of the active roster size.

Still, great night for Dirk - he put on quite the clinic.

[RainMaker]

Technicals just seem so random nowadays. Tyson Chandler got called for one in the 1st and I have no clue what he did. The refs seem to be quick on the whistle these days.

It's the playoffs, players get emotional. I don't mind a little jawing, a little trash talk, a chest bump here and there. You give a technical here and there to keep things in line, but I don't want players getting suspended over minor stuf flike that. It's much better than seeing two teams hugging and kissing after the game and acting like they didn't give a shit. Maybe I just miss some of the rivalries we had back in the day. The pure hatred teams had for one another.

[sooner333]

Westbrook had a bad game, but I don't think it's because he pressed too much. Everyone wants to whip on Westbrook, whether its because he shoots 30 times, 15 times, doesn't have assists, etc. The 30 times may be a bit fair, but last night was just a bad performance by a great basketball player.

[duckman]

Dirk should be at least fined for that cheap shot he took on Durant. Pretty clear he made no play on the ball. He just threw his shoulder into KD.

The refs need to allow the Thunder defenders to get somewhat physical with Dirk. Way too many ticky-tack fouls. I would have the Thunder hip checking him up and down the court all night and driving through when he does that fade away to make him fall way back and land on his back every time. If you're going to get called for fouls, might as well make him feel them.

[TroyF]

Westbrook had a bad game, but I don't think it's because he pressed too much. Everyone wants to whip on Westbrook, whether its because he shoots 30 times, 15 times, doesn't have assists, etc. The 30 times may be a bit fair, but last night was just a bad performance by a great basketball player.

No, it was a selfish performance. Or stupid. Your call.

There was a time in the game where Westbrook was 1-8 and Durant was 7-8 from the floor. The teammates for Russell were playing great basketball. But Russell didn't see it, he kept driving and throwing up his arms. Yes, he got some calls as he usually does, but he also shot 3-15 on those when they didn't call a foul.

If you aren't shooting well as a PG, start distributing the ball. Create offense. Understand that other players on the floor are shooting well and get the damned ball to them. Hell, not just Durant. Get it to Harden, Ibaka and Cook.

If there was one turning point in the game, I thought it came at the end of the first half. Dallas just had a T on them and Westbrook hit the FT to put OKC up by 6.

The next two possessions for the Thunder ended in wild shot attempts by Westbrook. Dallas was already angry from what they perceived to be an elbow (I actually think Perkins had an elbow in the first quarter that could have been his second T that was missed, but I did not think that play was cheap at all) and those wild shots were just what the doctor ordered for them. They went on a tear outscoring OKC 16-3 to end the half.

Look, I understand I've been hard on him, but when you look at Thunder box scores, it's not all that hard to see that they are a different team when he takes less shots and does other things on the floor. The triple double was amazing. A big part of why OKC won that game was that Westbrook took a total of 15 shot attempts (was fouled on 3) and distributed the ball to the guys who were hot.

Last night he took in the area of 23 shot attempts, tried to impose his will on a game that he didn't need to do and did not play distributor. I think it cost the Thunder a game they could have won, even with Dirk playing like Dirk did.

[Noop]

Westbrook went from a great game against Memphis where he showed all the qualities of an excellent point guard. Only to return back to his selfish star hogging self and his performance cost his team. As a point guard your job is to run the offense even at the expense of yours. 3 assist? He has the talent to average 10 a game if he wasn't so busy trying to shine. Harden seems to be the one who gets it while Westbrook should be playing in Cleveland where he can shoot to his hearts delight.

[MikeVic]

Is there a way to figure out what the record is for most made free throws without a miss in one playoff game? The 24/24 line from Dirk looks to be crazy good.

[Atocep]

Is there a way to figure out what the record is for most made free throws without a miss in one playoff game? The 24/24 line from Dirk looks to be crazy good.

You could watch Sportscenter and they'd tell you that it's the record. ;)

Paul Pierce had the previous best with 21 without a miss and I believe it was Karl Malone at 18 before that.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I figured it out by simply googling "most made free throws without a miss in one playoff game" and selecting the first result that google returned with. ;)

[MikeVic]

OK OK, thanks for being smarter than me! Or less lazy. Thanks for the quick smug answers. ;)

[molson]

Is there a way to figure out what the record is for most made free throws without a miss in one playoff game? The 24/24 line from Dirk looks to be crazy good.

This is a pretty fun tool:

Player Game Finder | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi)

Here's a search I did for players with a 100 FT% in a regular season game, listed in descending order by number of FT attempts since 1985 (Dominique Wilkins went 23 for 23 in a 1992 game)

Player Game Finder | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&player=&match=game&year_min=1986&year_max=2011&age_min=0&age_max=99&team_id=&opp_id=&is_playoffs=N&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&game_month=&game_location=&game_result=&is_starter=&is_active=&is_hof=&pos=&c1stat=ft_pct&c1comp=eq&c1val=1&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=fta)

Here's the same search but for playoff games - already including Dirk.:

Player Game Finder | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&player=&match=game&year_min=1986&year_max=2011&age_min=0&age_max=99&team_id=&opp_id=&is_playoffs=Y&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&game_month=&game_location=&game_result=&is_starter=&is_active=&is_hof=&pos=&c1stat=ft_pct&c1comp=eq&c1val=1&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=fta)

Edit: And nobody asked, but because this can be a little addicting, Kevin Johnson and Byron Scott tie the (post 1986) record for most minutes played in a playoff game without scoring a single point, with 43 each (not surprisingly, Dennis Rodman has both of the next two spots). And in regular season games since 85-86, Tim Hardaway has the regular season record for most field goal attempts without making a single one (he went 0 for 17 in a 1991 game).

[Fidatelo]

And here is a fun link breaking down Dirk's performance into a stat called "Points Per Miss" or PPM: http://tinyurl.com/3ma27n3

[whomario]

Nowitzki is so focused on Basketball right now, i doubt he´d be able to drive a car without crashing 2 minutes in ;)

Pretty amazing to see how locked in he is, i don´t see anything shake him this year. Mavs might not win it all but i´m very sure that it won´t be on him at all if it doesn´t work out.

When he hit that shot on Thabo i went nuts, you just don´t do that. That and the one where Ibaka was like touching his face with his hand and waving like crazy only for Dirk to just rise up and hit, those were just statement shots.

Westbrook continues to struggle against the Mavs, it´s been that way in the regular season as well.

Has Durant defended post players semi-regularly ? Both his fouls on Dirk were touch fouls but both were also very much what you´d expect a perimeter player to try when in a mismatch (using both hands, reaching around) where he´s just praying he gets away with it because the Refs give the smaller guy a bit more freedom to hold his own.

If i´m the Thunder i play Collison and Ibaka together, have Collison check Nick and tell Ibaka to come over every time Dirk makes a move and just live with Chandler getting a few easy ones. Dirk has gotten so good at recognizing double teams from the wing and passing over the head of those guys i don´t think you can viably do that and leave the shooters open.


also : JJ Barea was amazing, what he did to Robinson when he came in cold wasn´t quite fair.

[TroyF]

Nowitzki is so focused on Basketball right now, i doubt he´d be able to drive a car without crashing 2 minutes in ;)

Pretty amazing to see how locked in he is, i don´t see anything shake him this year. Mavs might not win it all but i´m very sure that it won´t be on him at all if it doesn´t work out.

When he hit that shot on Thabo i went nuts, you just don´t do that. That and the one where Ibaka was like touching his face with his hand and waving like crazy only for Dirk to just rise up and hit, those were just statement shots.

Westbrook continues to struggle against the Mavs, it´s been that way in the regular season as well.

Has Durant defended post players semi-regularly ? Both his fouls on Dirk were touch fouls but both were also very much what you´d expect a perimeter player to try when in a mismatch (using both hands, reaching around) where he´s just praying he gets away with it because the Refs give the smaller guy a bit more freedom to hold his own.

If i´m the Thunder i play Collison and Ibaka together, have Collison check Nick and tell Ibaka to come over every time Dirk makes a move and just live with Chandler getting a few easy ones. Dirk has gotten so good at recognizing double teams from the wing and passing over the head of those guys i don´t think you can viably do that and leave the shooters open.


also : JJ Barea was amazing, what he did to Robinson when he came in cold wasn´t quite fair.


Collison and Ibaka together and Perkins on the bench? It's an interesting idea that I could see working. You would have to do this in spurts though. Collison is a nice role player, but the more he plays the worse he gets. (game 7 not withstanding) He's one of those energy guys who will grab 6 rebounds in 15 minutes or 8 rebounds in 35 minutes.

As a change up, I do like it in the spurts.

If it's me, I think I use Westbrook to do a hard double. Yes, Dirk can pass over him, but it's going to be to Kidd. Make Jason hit the three to beat you. I think Westbrook has enough athleticism to deflect balls and cause havoc in that situation. (even getting into Dirks head a bit)

I think it's pretty obvious Dirk isn't going to be impacted at all by Ibaka right in his grill, so you have to do something else.

[whomario]

The Thunder are 6-0 theese Playoffs when he plays 25 minutes ;) Of course there are reasons why he doesn´t play 30 every night, he´s just not a good offensive player and his defensive intensity can´t be sustained forever (plus he fouls a lot and puts himself into many 50/50 charge/block situations), but i really would try it for 15-20 minutes a game because Perkins is pretty much a nonfactor against the type of offense the Mavs run.

I agree that Kidd is the one you leave alone (i again have to mention that his shooting form was utter crap again last night, get him in the gym with Dirk´s shooting Coach asap). Also, it was a joke how little pressure an atletic freak like Westbrook put on the old man, didn´t even try to bother his entry passes to Dirk.

Another interesting thing about Dirks game yesterday btw was that he scored totally different than against the Lakers. I don´t think he had a single shot off the pick and pop all night which was a huge part of his offense against the Lakers. No straight-away shots, none from the ellbow, nothing in transition either, no 3s. Heck, every single shot (that wasn´t a layup or dunk) came from along the baseline.
The Mavs didn´t even have to bother to get him open looks.

[Noop]

Nice to Miami has decided to lay down.

[Coffee Warlord]

Not to worry, refs apparently got a call after the first to keep the score close.

[Coffee Warlord]

Wow are they pimping the WNBA. I thought it folded already.

[Groundhog]

***8220;I could bet the whole house that Russell Westbrook won***8217;t go 3 for 15 again,***8221; said Durant, the league***8217;s scoring champion. ***8220;You can quote me on that.***8221;

I'm willing to take Durant's house on that one.

[stevew]

I fucking hate how they cram the WNBA down our throats. I would maybe have more interest in it if I didn't feel as if it was made an obligation to watch.

[Young Drachma]

I didn't know it was an obligation to watch, more like...why not advertise your product to people who might care cynics aside?

[Coffee Warlord]

More than a few of these calls have been freakin' dreadful.

[cartman]

I agree that Kidd is the one you leave alone (i again have to mention that his shooting form was utter crap again last night, get him in the gym with Dirk´s shooting Coach asap).

There was a reason he was known as "Ason" his first time around with the Mavericks. No J. :)

But he has somehow made the 3rd most 3s in NBA history, so he must be doing something right.

[Noop]

LeBron = Best player on the planet.

[weegeebored]

That was about as poor an effort as you will ever see in a conference finals game. The Bulls -- but especially Rose -- really stunk it up. He looked -- to put it politely -- distracted. If I didn't know better I would swear he was throwing the game. How can you look that disinterested?

And while Thibodeau may be a great defensive coach, he really doesn't have a good feel for the live game. What is Korver -- about a minus 400??? Yet Thibodeau keeps him out there. Time after time after time.... Coach of the Year my ass.

[stevew]

Mike Brown was coach of the year, too.

[RainMaker]

That was about as poor an effort as you will ever see in a conference finals game. The Bulls -- but especially Rose -- really stunk it up. He looked -- to put it politely -- distracted. If I didn't know better I would swear he was throwing the game. How can you look that disinterested?

And while Thibodeau may be a great defensive coach, he really doesn't have a good feel for the live game. What is Korver -- about a minus 400??? Yet Thibodeau keeps him out there. Time after time after time.... Coach of the Year my ass.
Who was he going to put in? They had to score at some point and every player on the team was horseshit offensively. Thought the Bulls were decent defensively but just abysmal on offense. Credit Miami's defense. But the Bulls had their shot to win this. They couldn't hit a 3 all night and were shit at the FT line. Can't imagine them playing a worse game offensively. I guess I should be comforted with knowing they somehow kept it close.

The trashing of Thibodeau is laughable. He's improved this team by leaps and bounds and has them in the ECF tied at 1 with the most talented team in the league.

[weegeebored]

I never said that he didn't improve the team. But when a player -- in this case Korver -- can't score and is such a liability on defense there is usually a better solution. Why not Bogans? Isn't he scoring about the same as the great Kyle Korver? You know you're going to get better defense with Bogans, and then Rose wouldn't then have to guard Wade (which is wearing down an already tired player).

Coaching doesn't have to be rocket science. Freud said sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. Well sometimes you just have to open your eyes and actually see what's happening on the court.

That game was very winnable. But Rose didn't seem interested in playing, and Thibodeau...? I'm not sure what game he was watching.

[Radii]

For the Barkley fans, BS Report podcast today has Simmons and Chuck Klosterman talking with Charles Barkley for an hour+. URL if you don't' do the itunes thing:

ESPN Radio (http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=6567587&autoplay=1&callsign=ESPNRADIO)

[Fidatelo]

For the Barkley fans, BS Report podcast today has Simmons and Chuck Klosterman talking with Charles Barkley for an hour+. URL if you don't' do the itunes thing:

ESPN Radio (http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=6567587&autoplay=1&callsign=ESPNRADIO)

Sir Charles' air time is only about 30-35 minutes. Great listen, though.

[cartman]

Nice job by the Thunder to bounce back from Game 1. They got tremendous production from their bench.

[TroyF]

Nice job by the Thunder to bounce back from Game 1. They got tremendous production from their bench.

And you will note Westbrook was benched for the entire fourth quarter. I don't know of a single player who has regressed further in these playoffs. His numbers didn't look horrible last night, but he has no sense of how to run a basketball team right now. Dallas time and time again lures him into thinking the game is about him instead of about his team.

As for the Mavs, it's a game they may come back to regret. Like the Bulls they had every chance to win the basketball game. If you count up Bulls/Mavericks misses on layups over the last two games, you'll quickly see why both lost.

The Mavs also cannot win if Terry is terrible.

[Arles]

Great game by the Thunder, Harden was a beast. Still, I wouldn't be too worried if I were Dallas. Chicago and OKC have been very inconsistent to me in these playoffs. One game, they run their opponent out of the gym - the next they can't score in the fourth quarter. The one thing Dallas and Miami have is consistent veteran player leading the team (Terry, Dirk, Kidd and Chandler for Dallas and the big 3 for Miami). They may have 1 bad game, but they won't often do it together and won't shy away in the clutch. Even Peja has shot over 40% in all but 3 games this postseason. Westbrook, Maynor, Selfelosha, Ibaka and most of the Thunder are all over the map from a consistency factor. Even Harden (who's been easily their 2nd best player of late) will have the 5, 7 and 9 point stinkers every couple games. Chicago is kind of the same way.

I don't think it's a lot to ask for Dallas to take another road game if need be and Miami could easily win the next 2 at home if Deng, Rose and Boozer aren't all good either night.

[Cuckoo]

Big win for OKC last night and it's always nice to steal one on the road, but as Arles said, Dallas is a team very capable of getting that one right back.

Overall, I'm very encouraged by the series thus far. I'm surprised about the lack of overall defense, but the optimist in me was considering how well Nowitzki played in game 1 and the fact that the Thunder still had a chance to win. Then, to get game 2 gives me more hope than I had before the series started.

So impressed by the bench last night. Dallas has the better bench overall, so OKC will need more like that from Harden and Maynor. Still, Brooks' decision to stay with them took some big cajones, particularly with how well Westbrook was shooting.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Jerry West to the Warriors in a front office move. Am I just jaded for thinking that this is the best signing the team has made in my lifetime?

[Chubby]

Jerry West to the Warriors in a front office move. Am I just jaded for thinking that this is the best signing the team has made in my lifetime?

How old is West now, 95?

[whomario]

How old is West now, 95?

isn´t their GM or someone with similar profile like 25 ? That would make for a nice reality show, wouldn´t it ?

On the Dallas-OKC game : Dallas needs to play better defense, period. The offense has been fine, even in game 2 they had the looks eventhough they had some trouble adjusting to the OKC defense on Dirk. I thought Dirk waited a bit too long to take over (when he did, even with the great defense he got his points and provided plenty of open looks) and when he did the defense couldn´t get stops unfortunately and OKC actually executed (with Westbrook sitting, hmmm ;) ).
Their bench was huge and Durant did a great job balancing his scoring with simply being a decoy that allowed the reserves to get open shots.

Terry lost his composure a bit and rushed into his shots, tried to create too much when the Thunder took away Dirk for a stretch. Also, a Stevenson P&R shouldn´t ever be a solution to any situation, just throw it to dirk and let him heave it from midcourt is propably more propable to produce points. I thought i´d loose it when Stevenson ran the P&R multiple times with plenty of time on the clock. Was Carlisle falling asleep or sth there ? :confused:

Don´t see a reason why the Mavs wouldn´t win a game in OKC, i just assume that both will be close and then one of them Nowitzki will get it going in the 4th.

but all props to the thunder, they took the game to the Mavs and the bench players were great, especially Maynor who bounced back after a terrible game 1 where he seemed to fall out of favour (didn´t Robinson play instead of him after first playing with him at some point in the 4th ?). One of the guys i really like to watch because he just gets it, very smart player.

[Young Drachma]

West is basically going to be a consultant. Isn't going to be a GM. Will live in LA and just meet with them a few times a year. I'm sure he'll help, but it's not like he's taking over the club.

[stevew]

This is good......


Lakers eye Mike Brown, sources say

By Marc Stein

The Los Angeles Lakers are taking a deliberate approach to their search for a successor to Phil Jackson, but NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com the team has added Mike Brown to its list of candidates.

The former Cleveland Cavaliers coach, now working as an analyst for ESPN, is expected to interview "soon" with the Lakers, sources say.

Brown would become the fourth known candidate for the job, along with former Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman, ex-Los Angeles Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy and Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw, who is regarded as the only serious in-house contender to replace Jackson.

Brown is widely regarded in coaching circles as the leading candidate in Golden State to replace Keith Smart. Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird also said this week that he intends to contact Brown -- as well as Adelman -- to gauge his interest in returning to Indiana, where Brown worked as an assistant before joining the Cavs.

In Cleveland, Brown made one trip to the NBA Finals in 2007 and won NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2009 before his dismissal following Cleveland's second-round exit to Boston in 2010 and LeBron James' subsequent departure to Miami via free agency.

ESPN.com reported last week that the Lakers are "very interested" in Adelman. Sources say that Dunleavy, who began his head coaching career with the Lakers in 1990-91 and went to the NBA Finals in his first of two seasons as Pat Riley's successor, has maintained a close relationship with Lakers owner Jerry Buss and executive vice president of player personnel Jim Buss and has also made it onto L.A.'s short list.

ESPN.com also reported in March that the Lakers have maintained a level of interest in former Rockets and New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy dating to last season, when Jackson also strongly considered retirement before deciding to come back for one more season.

Brown is one of a handful of candidates already interviewed by Golden State, along with Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey, Boston Celtics assistant coach Lawrence Frank, TNT's Kevin McHale and Shaw and fellow Lakers assistant Chuck Person.

Casey, McHale and Frank are the three finalists for the Rockets' job vacated by Adelman at season's end.

In Indiana, Bird has publicly acknowledged that interim coach Frank Vogel is the favorite to land the job as Jim O'Brien's full-time successor after Vogel posted a 20-18 record and helped the Pacers secure a playoff berth. But Bird also made it clear that the Pacers intend to interview other candidates as well.

[whomario]

Great first half for the Mavs and a terrible one for the Thunder.

Nowitzki not even much of a factor stats wise but opens up the court so much, but even with him on the bench they got good production which is unusual.
Thunder are doing their usual 4th quarter offense from the start this time and are on track for most possessions without a pass. But Mavs also with great defensive intensity

Also, does anyone find it amusing that the Thunder crow is basically wearing Mavericks shirts color-wise ? ;)

[bhlloy]

lol... yeah that made me do a double take. Not the best planning from whoever makes the decisions to hand out the promo shirts.

[Passacaglia]

I think that happened for one of the games in Dallas, too.

[TroyF]

If the Thunder lose the series, this will be the one they regret. The refs did everything and I do mean everything to make sure OKC had a chance. Before the last minute fouls, the free throw attempts were split at 36 to 12 in favor of OKC. Dirk during that time took 1 FTA off a technical. That's right, Dirk did not get to the line one time with a call all night long. (he took the T and then was intentionally fouled late)

They allowed Collison to really get after him. (and by that I mean put two hands on him and hack him all night) Poor Bareja was getting called for breathing on Westbrook. I seriously doubt OKC is getting a split like that again this series. I also doubt they'll shot as poorly, but not having a 25+ FTA edge will kind of offset them being hotter from the floor.

I think there were three gutshot moments for OKC. With the score 84-78, Dallas went down and missed a shot. Westbrook fired up a wild three 6 seconds into the shot clock that missed. Dallas missed again and Cook fired up a three that wasn't close. Then Dallas missed again and Westbrook turned it over 5 seconds into the shot clock. There were three minutes left at the start of all of that and 2 minutes left at the end of it. Even one good possession during that stretch changes the final couple of minutes of the game.

Dallas had enough playing around at that point. They ran 20 seconds off the shot clock and Terry got loose and drilled a mid range J to put Dallas up 8 and essentially end the game.

Interesting to maybe only me:

At the end of the third to the first two minutes in the fourth, Durant hit 3 of 4 shots and looked like he was heating up. (he actually took five shots, but one was a 50 footer at the buzzer)

From the 10 minute mark of the fourth until the shot Terry hit to close the game, Durant was fouled once and took one other shot attempt. On this one, I'm not blaming Westbrook. He needs to demand the ball there. He may have been trying to back off because Westbrook seemed to be leading the team back, but he needed to impose his will too.

[Noop]

Westbrook might as well demand to be traded to Cleveland.

[whomario]

damn, thought i posted a long one directly after the game but aparently i killed it ...

Anyway, i was very impressed with the way Nowitzki responded as the game went on. He had by far his worst game of the postseason and couldn´t catch a break but still kept working hard on both ends, didn´t shy away from it and kept demanding the ball. Then managed to hit some huge shots in the 4th that killed the thunder momentum and opened up a few shots for others (including the Terry one that TroyF mentioned)
I didn´t like that he kept shooting 3s but then again it´s not like he wasn´t open.

perfect example of how Assist numbers (and TO numbers) can be misleading, anybody watching the game will tell you that Nowitzki had a huge impact on the Mavs offense in terms of opening the floor even though he had 1 to 7 (actually i counted 3 assists, but whatever).

watching the Thunder on offense is painfull. Yes, they do get points when they hit shots but they just don´t move the ball. The Mavs allways at least try to initiate ball movement along the perimeter before zeroing in on Nowitzki or a pick and roll, the Thunder again had an incredible number of posessions with 1 or even zero passes before a shot/drive.

[Galaxy]

damn, thought i posted a long one directly after the game but aparently i killed it ...

Anyway, i was very impressed with the way Nowitzki responded as the game went on. He had by far his worst game of the postseason and couldn´t catch a break but still kept working hard on both ends, didn´t shy away from it and kept demanding the ball. Then managed to hit some huge shots in the 4th that killed the thunder momentum and opened up a few shots for others (including the Terry one that TroyF mentioned)
I didn´t like that he kept shooting 3s but then again it´s not like he wasn´t open.

perfect example of how Assist numbers (and TO numbers) can be misleading, anybody watching the game will tell you that Nowitzki had a huge impact on the Mavs offense in terms of opening the floor even though he had 1 to 7 (actually i counted 3 assists, but whatever).

watching the Thunder on offense is painfull. Yes, they do get points when they hit shots but they just don´t move the ball. The Mavs allways at least try to initiate ball movement along the perimeter before zeroing in on Nowitzki or a pick and roll, the Thunder again had an incredible number of posessions with 1 or even zero passes before a shot/drive.

Dirk seems to be able to do a lot of things on offensive, even if he's not scoring. Dallas and Dirk have been doing a great job all post-season in to keep adjusting to the defense.

[stevew]

Stern really wants Miami to win this one.

[stevew]

LeBron legitimately has about 8 hard fouls this game.

[RainMaker]

I know that travelling is sort of a laughable subject in the NBA, but he sure gets to do it a lot.

Miami has too much talent. Think the series maybe goes 6. They have 3 top players in a 30-team league. No one can beat that much talent right now.

[Noop]

I thought the Heat played fantastic defense tonight. Derrick Rose must know what LeBron felt like being in Cleveland because his team literally gives him nothing. The play of Bosh tonight was unexpected but I am happy he decided to another inspired performance tonight. Wade must have stayed out partying last night because he never seemed like he was in the game.

I think LeBron has bitch tendencies but wow when he sees blood in the water he goes for the kill. Although Bosh has the points tonight I though James was critical to our success tonight. If he can give us these type of performances from here on out then I like the Heat's chances.

Overall I am happy with this win but I am cautious about the next two. I have felt all year that Chicago was the one team that would give Miami problems.

[Noop]

As much as I hate Noah I really don't see the big deal with calling that fan a faggot. The fans last night were pretty rowdy and were even giving it to Charles Barkley during the post game. I question the decision by TNT to even have the post game out there.

[whomario]

really weird first half in game 4 of DAL-OKC. OKC actually moved the ball (14 assists :eek: ), got tons of easy shots and a lot in transition and didn´t individually attack the basket much (just 5 FTs), Dallas back to crappy defense like in games 1 and 2.
Nowitzki keeping them in this scoring 22 points on 6-7 shooting with 9-9 FTs.

[kingfc22]

So Kobe gets fined $100k, but Noah only gets fined $50k for using the exact same word?

Yea that makes sense Stern. :confused:

[cartman]

That was an unreal comeback by Dallas. Down 15 with 4 and a half to play.

[Young Drachma]

Wow. Props to Dallas.

[Cuckoo]

Just unbelievable... Clearly OKC is too young, not ready to handle the adversity to get to the NBA Finals level. I'm an optimist at heart, but this one's over. It'll be a learning experience for them, and if they keep up the improvement they've shown the past couple of seasons, they'll be right back next year.

[Neon_Chaos]

That was an insane comeback.

OKC had a 55-33 rebounding edge for the game.

[thealmighty]

So Kobe gets fined $100k, but Noah only gets fined $50k for using the exact same word?

Yea that makes sense Stern. :confused:

Kobe got an extra $50K because his was also abuse of a referee.

[MrBug708]

So Kobe gets fined $100k, but Noah only gets fined $50k for using the exact same word?

Yea that makes sense Stern. :confused:

It's odd, but it still costs Noah a much bigger % of his salary than it did Kobe's

[RainMaker]

I think Kobe's will be reduced since the league is technically not allowed to fine more than $50k.

[whomario]

I think Kobe's will be reduced since the league is technically not allowed to fine more than $50k.

i think the broadcast crew mentioned that they technically fined him 50K twice, once for the slur and then for it being directed at an official.

What a comeback, unreal. I have to admit that i was about to stop watching this morning (watched the first half live, then went to bed) with 5 to go but since i still was early for work i let it go on in the background. Then the broadcast crew got kind of excited and i rewound and watched it from the 5 minute mark again :D

Dirk was just amazing once more, at this point i´d say it´s every neutral fans duty to root for the guy ;) And it´s not like in the Laker series where he gets everything he wants, Ibaka is doing a decent job and Collison is simply playing incredible defense. He hit half a dozen shots that were so difficult to pull off that other (even great) players would be happy to hit even one of them.
Watching Dirk and Collison do their thing is just as entertaining as watching Kobe and Battier a couple years back, would be instructional-video-material if Nowitzki´s style wasn´t so beyond emulating ;)

This Dallas team keeps defying the perception people have. I must admit that i thought the Portland game 4 was their death sentence and would break them, for them to come back in that series, win at the rose garden, then punch the Lakers in the face early, then coming back from their first home loss and now mounting a comeback like that at OKC ? Unbelievably rewarding time for me as a fan/viewer :)

But yeah, the thunder also simply crumpled under the pressure and when Harden fouled out they were absolutely stagnant on offense.

Miami still worries me a fair bit because the Mavs 2nd unit is so important offensively yet has absolutely no shot at guarding James, Wade or even Bosh, but by now i think that it will be a close series regardless and have faith that in a close game the Mavs execution and Nowitzki can actually swing it in their direction.
And by now i think it´s save to say the Mavs have a better shot than most at overcoming home court advantage for the Heat.

[albionmoonlight]

That was an amazing display by Dallas.

[PineTar]

Bulls apparently not changing a thing on offense for game 4. Doesn't bode well for them.

[Groundhog]

Heat can't play much worse and are only down 9, that's a concern.

[stevew]

The Bulls ate pretty adept at that one play that leads to a shot clock violation.

[Young Drachma]

You're the MVP and you can't make the game winning shot with eight seconds?

[stevew]

Most Valuable Pretender.

[Groundhog]

Did Thibs watch tapes of Mike Brown-era Cavs for some of those last possessions in the 4th Q? I mean seriously, you need a basket and the best you can do is iso Rose two possessions in a row at the top of the key against LeBron, a bigger and more athletic defender, so he can shoot a bad jump shot? What an absolute joke.

[stevew]

Typical Derek Rose choke at the buzzer.

[MrBug708]

Mike Brown to the Lakers

[Izulde]

Did Thibs watch tapes of Mike Brown-era Cavs for some of those last possessions in the 4th Q? I mean seriously, you need a basket and the best you can do is iso Rose two possessions in a row at the top of the key against LeBron, a bigger and more athletic defender, so he can shoot a bad jump shot? What an absolute joke.

Yep. The people in the restaurant where I was watching it, we were all like WTF are the Bulls doing?

[Groundhog]

Typical Derek Rose choke at the buzzer.

He played very sloppy in the 4th and OT (I missed the first 3 Qs). The Heat were being very agressive on screens and really coming at him, and too many times he tried to dribble through the middle of two defenders and then have the ball knocked away. IMO they should've been rolling the screener with Rose then looking to hit him with a pass far more often than they did.

[RainMaker]

I thought the Bulls played pretty well. Tough game to lose.

[Suicane75]

It's gonna be left up to Dirk to play the lone gunman against the James Gang.

[RainMaker]

Cuban could actually sell that team if they rig another Finals on him.

[stevew]

*if* they rig the Finals? It's a forgone conclusion that the Mavs are playing the whole series 8 on 5.

[albionmoonlight]

With a team as talented as Miami, anything can change. But it does seem like the Bulls will win this series.

Reason #274 why I don't bet serious money on sports.

[Arles]

You need to have the bacon and egg model to succeed in the playoffs - where the chicken is involved but the pig is committed. Right now, the Bulls have a lot of chickens and one lone pig (Rose). The Heat have a lot of pigs and are owning the end of games.

[JPhillips]

You need to have the bacon and egg model to succeed in the playoffs - where the chicken is involved but the pig is committed. Right now, the Bulls have a lot of chickens and one lone pig (Rose). The Heat have a lot of pigs and are owning the end of games.

I don't understand the metaphor, but it sounds delicious.

[Logan]

Mike Brown to the Lakers

I read this in the AM and thought you were joking.

[MikeVic]

I read this in the AM and thought you were joking.

Yeah. This is pretty awesome.

[cartman]

Woot! Another 4th quarter comeback by the Mavs to punch their ticket to the Finals.

But this Thunder team, if they can keep them together, is gonna be special. Hard to believe that Durant and Westbrook are only 22, and Harden is 21.

[Galaxy]

The trophy presentations in basketball are lame for some reason.

[MrBug708]

Westbrook will get blamed for this loss, but Kevin Durant has no desire to be a superstar. He has a Lamar Odom personality

[stevew]

Hard to be a superstar when Starbury is hoarding the rock. Won't happen, but if the Thunder traded Starbury for Steve Nash I'd wager they win the next two titles. Or for Chris Paul and they are the team to beat for the next 5 years.

[Groundhog]

Westbrook will get blamed for this loss, but Kevin Durant has no desire to be a superstar. He has a Lamar Odom personality

11-28 shooting. Damn right Westbrook will get the blame. I don't think anyone would confuse Durant's demeanour for Kobe Bryant's any time soon, but the kid is a superstar. This series loss doesn't fall on his shoulders. Assuming they keep the core together, this Thunder team will have plenty of chances to take that next step over the years to come.

[Groundhog]

Hard to be a superstar when Starbury is hoarding the rock. Won't happen, but if the Thunder traded Starbury for Steve Nash I'd wager they win the next two titles. Or for Chris Paul and they are the team to beat for the next 5 years.

Not a bad idea at all actually. If Paul wants out of New Orleans, they might have interest in a guy like Westbrook.

[MrBug708]

It's easy to blame Westbrook but I think its time to stop putting all the blame on Westbrook and finally address the elephant in the room and that's Kevin Durant does nothing outside of scoring. Yeah Westbrook can play dumb sometimes, but he didn't in game 6 and only a coupel times tonight. But to me the Thunder do a terrible job of freeing up Durant and yes I I think the PG should take some blame in the offense not running smoothly, but also the coaching has to step up and make adjustments and they haven't. The Thunder are a head coach away from being a finals contender. Maybe the coaching staff could set up more double screens like Boston does with R. Allen. But IMO, Durant does a horrible job of fighting for position to receive an entry pass. He totally lets Kidd and Marion body him up. There were times where Durant would keep moving further away from the basket to receive the pass. Just look at Dallas' series before with Kobe in mind. Kobe does such a terrific job of putting himself in a position where he is open to receive the entry pass. You can see Kobe actually fighting with Kidd and Marion for position. Maybe Kobe is stronger than Durant, maybe he has a bigger backside than Durant, but IMO, 95% of it is Kobe has terrific footwork and the passion to fight for the ball. All these commentators and Basketball pundits talk about how Durant is the #1 option on this team, and he is, and how he should be the player who has the ball in his hands down the stretch. But all you have to do is look at how uninspired he is and how unwilling he is to demand the ball.

[Arles]

The problem with the Thunder is they don't have a playmaker. People knock Rose for bad shooting nights, but atleast he gets other guys (ie, Deng and Boozer) wide open looks. The Thunder have 2 guys who stop the ball (Westbrook and Harden), which means Durant is the one who often has to distribute (despite being the highest percentage scorer). I think the best hope is that Harden channels in his inner Ginobili and ends up being more of a passer (which he could end up being).

Westbrook has a lot going for him, but he needs to understand his role. He's not playing for the T-Wolves or Raptors as their lone scorer. He's on a team with two much better scorers in Harden and Durant. For the series, Westbrook took 100 shots and scored 118 points (35%). He also had 24 assists and 24 turnovers. Durant shot 105 times and scored 140 (43%). For the Thunder to win, they need an unselfish guy at the point who can feed Durant and Harden. In this series, Durant looked like KG back in the Minnesota days trying to steal touches from Marbury (Westbrook) and Sprewell (Harden). That's not a recipe for long term success.

[whomario]

Seeing Nowitzki after the game you can´t help but think "damn, there´s a guy not satisified just reaching the finals", he really didn´t give a shit about this "title" of WCF champion.

I agree that Durant needs work. He is an amazing scorer, but you clearly see that in the Playoffs he struggles when teams actually prepare for and gameplan around him, sth you can´t really do in the regular season.

Durant has really struggled in getting to his spots and/or closer to the baskets. Yes he still draws fouls and still gets to the rim at times, but by and large he´s getting forced further out on most of his moves. He catches the ball further away from the basket and then struggles to get closer.
(I don´t have it on hand right now but yesterday i actually read a great stat that measured from how far away the average FG attempt comes and Durant has indeed moved out by a considerable marging compared to the regular season)

That´s the area where Nowitzki has improved so much over his career and especially since the GS series (but even before that he was perfectly willing to work for his shots and position) and he´s now one of the few guys that actually are able to move his shots closer to the basket come playoff time, he posts guys up a little deeper even if it takes a couple tries or he does his little back-down-move or a spin and ends up shooting a 12 footer instead of a 15 footer. Those moves also help create space because if you reach too much he´ll spin by you.
He´s not a postup-scorer, but he has really found a great way to use post-up moves (and great, great footwork) to set up his midrange game.

Durant should be able to do the same thing with his handle and size (and like Nowitzki he´s often guarded by smaller guys), yet the few times Durant posts up, when he gets denied or can´t make the initial move work, next thing you know he´s spotting up 3 feet behind the 3 point line.

He doesn´t need to set up shop 5 feet from the basket or anything but he has to be able to move a couple steps in once he has the ball and start to use his length to score. It´s impressive that he scores on the move like a guard, but in the playoffs defenses take that away and then he has to be able to score with his back to the basket (he could totally be just as unguardable with his Fadeaway as Dirk)

He´s either getting to the rim or he simply settles on a long and/or tough jumper, he doesn´t improve his chances enough.

Alternatively he has to find some way to run the pick and roll which is tough for a 6´9 SF but either that or some sort of back-to-the-basket game.
The reason why Harden had the ball as much as he did was that Durant can´t run the pick and roll and Westbrook can only run it to score.

[Danny]

I'm really hoping Dirk and the Mavs can with the title. And I'll be rooting that much harder if it's against Miami (as it almost certainly will be).

[albionmoonlight]

Not a bad idea at all actually. If Paul wants out of New Orleans, they might have interest in a guy like Westbrook.

If I were the Hornets, I would have a serious sit-down with Paul. Do everything you can to convince him to stay. But ask him to be honest--and if he is not willing to stay, then I think that a trade for Westbrook + [something] is the best that NOLA can do. That's 80c on the dollar for Paul instead of the 50c teams tend to get when a superstar openly demands a trade.

Paul would (should?) be happy on a team that becomes an instant title contender (favorite?) with him on it. The Thunder would be ecstatic to get a pure PG to take the offense to the next level. Westbrook seems like he would be happy as THE MAN on a .500 team getting to take as many shots as he wants. And, as noted, that's probably the best NOLA can do if Paul is serious about leaving.

Basically, that's a win/win/sorta win/tie. Not quite a win/win. But close enough.

[RainMaker]

Chris Paul isn't going to play in Oklahoma City for the next 5 years.

[Cuckoo]

And Oklahoma City is not going to trade Russell Westbrook...

It was a disappointing way to lose the series, but the Mavericks are clearly on a mission and were the more savvy, experienced team, doing exactly what they needed exactly when they needed it.

OKC will be fine. In fact, the future is incredibly bright. To get that far with a group of 21-23 year olds that had only 23 wins two seasons ago is fantastic. And they will continue to get better, continue to learn, continue to create more complex offenses, continue to gell together. Westbrook haters in this thread and elsewhere can go on and one, but I, for one, am thrilled he's on this team and can't wait to see how much better he gets over the next few years. The sky is the limit.

[albionmoonlight]

OKC will be fine. In fact, the future is incredibly bright. To get that far with a group of 21-23 year olds that had only 23 wins two seasons ago is fantastic. And they will continue to get better, continue to learn, continue to create more complex offenses, continue to gell together. Westbrook haters in this thread and elsewhere can go on and one, but I, for one, am thrilled he's on this team and can't wait to see how much better he gets over the next few years. The sky is the limit.

Chris Paul's knee is the huge question here. But, if he medically checks out, I think that OKC would love to have that upgrade. That's not a knock on Westbrook. That's an acknowledgement that Chris Paul is one of the two best point guards in the league.

[Atocep]

Westbrook gets a max deal from OKC when the time comes. Absolutely no doubt about it. He's a 22 year old that's improved every year so far and the biggest reason he's getting so much criticism right now is the spotlight is on him for the first time. That doesn't mean he doesn't deserve the criticism, but he was a disaster at the point 2 years ago and keeps improving. The core of this team will be together for several years. I see no reason to panic and trade him away.

[JPhillips]

Can OKC afford Durant, Westbrook, Harden and Perkins?

[stevew]

And Ibaka is also a 7-10M dollar player too.

[stevew]

The Bulls are who we thought they were!

[Big Fo]

That was a depressing final couple of minutes.

[Galaxy]

Dallas vs. Miami. Should be a fun series to watch.

[RainMaker]

Hope Cuban doesn't kill someone.

[digamma]

All of you busting on Durant need to remember the guy is 23 years old and just finished his 4th NBA season. Even #23 didn't win an NBA title until he was 27 and had been in the league for 6 or 7 years (depending on whether you count the injury season).

[kingfc22]

God I hope Dallas wins.

I don't think I can endure those 3 clowns winning a title.

[k0ruptr]

I'm happy if Lebron or Dirk gets a title.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Am I an awful sports fan if I secretly hope that Miami wins just so I can see what shenanigans the Heat will pull if they do?

[RainMaker]

Dallas isn't winning shit. I like that team a lot, I like Dirk a lot, but the league is pushing hard for this. Maybe another run for them next year.

[Neon_Chaos]

God I hope Dallas wins.

I don't think I can endure those 3 clowns winning a title.

+1

Just because I don't want them to feel vindicated for the shit they pulled in Free Agency.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Am I an awful sports fan if I secretly hope that Miami wins just so I can see what shenanigans the Heat will pull if they do?

Not at all. I think it'd be funny as hell.

[stevew]

It's fairly obvious that the regular season is largely irrelevant. Dallas can't win these finals if they go into the last two minutes close with Miami. I do think that Dallas matches up well defensively. Marion/Kidd/Chandler will make the Heat 3 work for it.

[whomario]

It's fairly obvious that the regular season is largely irrelevant. Dallas can't win these finals if they go into the last two minutes close with Miami.

Is this again code for "Refs will screw it anyway" ? Because otherwise that´s an interesting statement considering the way the Mavs dismantled their oponents in crunch time situations in this playoffs.

Key will be how the Mavs 2nd unit holds down the fort going against 2 of the big 3 (2 are basically allways playing, right ?) considering that the Mavs need Barea, Terry and Peja on the court for offense and that Kidd, Marion and even Chandler aren´t likely to play much more than 32 or so minutes most games.

What bodes well for the Mavs is that their style of play isn´t bothered by the other teams athleticism really. They don´t depend on 1:1 play on the perimeter at all and unlike the Bulls have shooters to space the floor.
The Mavs will have to play more consistent defensively but again in theory it doesn´t look as bad as i would have judged it before the playoffs.

Question to those that watched more of the Heat : James plays some at the 4 if i´m not mistaken, if he does then who is at the 3 mostly ? Mike Miller ? Will be interesting if the Mavs go small with Dirk at Center (please don´t ...) or have Nowitzki guard Miller or even Bibby or Chalmers (he guarded Maynor late in game 5 against the thunder).
Huge missmatch of course, but i somehow doubt the Heat will then iso those guys and take touches away from James/Wade.

[stevew]

I'm pretty sure that Miami won't lose a close game in the last minute or two because they have superior athletes who have a propensity to draw fouls.

[bhlloy]

Dallas isn't winning shit. I like that team a lot, I like Dirk a lot, but the league is pushing hard for this. Maybe another run for them next year.

My one hope is that a Miami team with Lebron that wins it all right away isn't as compelling a story for the next 3 years, so maybe we'll see some equal handed treatment?

[RainMaker]

You can't tell what the compelling storyline will be for the league in a few years. No one expected this and in a couple years it could be New York or something that brings in the ratings.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I think the next compelling storyline will be David Stern's Budd Dwyer-like press conference after Memphis and Indiana face off in next year's finals. Calling it now.

[cartman]

I think the next compelling storyline will be David Stern's Budd Dwyer-like press conference after Memphis and Indiana face off in next year's finals. Calling it now.

TOO SOON!!!

[stevew]

Nice Shot, man.

[Atocep]

Rose shot 6.3% from the floor with Lebron guarding him.

[Crapshoot]

+1

Just because I don't want them to feel vindicated for the shit they pulled in Free Agency.

Yeah, the bastards took less money to play with their friends - what awful, awful people. Don't get this at all.

[Atocep]

Yeah, the bastards took less money to play with their friends - what awful, awful people. Don't get this at all.

Think of their legacies!

[Noop]

I thought LeBron clutch performance were legacy building. I thought Miami was going to lose game 5 and have to win the series in Miami. I did not expect them to just turn it up on Chicago like that. I think the finals should be fun and I am hoping we will have a parade on Biscayne Blvd in a week.

[Danny]

I disagree, Miami has to win titles to build Lebron's legacy. Anything less than that is still a disappointment.

[Neon_Chaos]

Just for putting the entire world through The Decision, LeBron should never win a ring. :)

[Brian Swartz]

Doesn't 'the world' bear some responsibility for being so enamored with it?

[Noop]

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248477_10150200319462171_508017170_6918080_274622_n.jpg

[jeff061]

Doesn't 'the world' bear some responsibility for being so enamored with it?
No.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Again, I'm probably missing the point with this. But doesn't LeBron get some credit for "The Decision" because the money went to charity? I mean, the dude milked it for all it was worth in a tremendous showing of ego and immaturity...but it was for a good cause. Does that not count for anything?

It seems like these guys all had the right motivation in mind (playing for a championship, taking less money, raising some money for charity), and they just pulled it off in the most ridiculously egotistical fashion possible.

[gstelmack]

Yeah, the bastards took less money to play with their friends - what awful, awful people. Don't get this at all.

When the owners do it it's collusion. When the players do it they're just having fun.

[Ajaxab]

Again, I'm probably missing the point with this. But doesn't LeBron get some credit for "The Decision" because the money went to charity? I mean, the dude milked it for all it was worth in a tremendous showing of ego and immaturity...but it was for a good cause. Does that not count for anything?

It seems like these guys all had the right motivation in mind (playing for a championship, taking less money, raising some money for charity), and they just pulled it off in the most ridiculously egotistical fashion possible.

I suppose one could make that argument, but doesn't true charity happen when no one is looking? Why not forget the whole charade and just donate any money that would have been made to the Boys and Girls club secretly? Lebron and ESPN can't be hurting for cash. I might be alone in thinking this way, but blatantly public forms of 'charity' typically don't count as charity for me. The fact that 'The Decision' was tied to charity makes it that much more of a narcissistic exercise IMO.

[jeff061]

He's a jackass. Stop over-thinking it.

[Atocep]

I suppose one could make that argument, but doesn't true charity happen when no one is looking? Why not forget the whole charade and just donate any money that would have been made to the Boys and Girls club secretly? Lebron and ESPN can't be hurting for cash. I might be alone in thinking this way, but blatantly public forms of 'charity' typically don't count as charity for me. The fact that 'The Decision' was tied to charity makes it that much more of a narcissistic exercise IMO.

It's easy to say when you're not affected by the charity money. Do you think the kids at the Boys and Girls club that were helped really care? Do you think the people that run the Boys and Girls clubs care?

The fact is he did give a great deal of money to a good cause. He helped out a large number of people. He pissed off a lot of people in process and people have been reaching for reasons to hate Lebron ever since.

The amount of irrational hatred thrown at Lebron is one of more entertaining and ridiculous things I've seen in sports.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The amount of irrational hatred thrown at Lebron is one of more entertaining and ridiculous things I've seen in sports.

I'll go along with the ridiculous part.