Around The NBA 2.0

[RichBoy923]

LBJ hasn't really been shooting that good. Most of his makes have been on layups. The Spurs have been playing off on him all night and going under screens. It's when they give too much space in transition is when they got killed.

[TheKingofSting]

What an odd series, one close game and then alternating blowouts for 3 games.

[fatlever]

this series is over.
1. the spurs dont have a counter for the small ball lineup of the heat. they cant play big with splitter because he is a liability.
2. they cant beat the heat playing small because manu is trash and the heat are at their best when bosh is center and lebron is power forward.
3. they cant beat the heat two games in a row because when the get beat they refocus and play with energy the next game. when the heat are focused and energized they are going to win.
4. they cant beat the heat in a game 7 in miami because lebron isnt going to lose a game 7 at home.

so even if the spurs win game 5 because either a) the heat dont show up again or b) the spurs go nuts from downtown again, they wont win game 6 (see #3) and they wont win game 7 (see #4). to win the series the spurs needed to win game 4, then steal game 6 in miami.

[LamarMatic7]

time to put some money on the heat for game 5. either I get at least something positive out of the pain that is watching the Heat win or I keep my hopes alive while losing some cash (over which I'd feel alright, since the heat would lose).

overall, I agree with every point Fats made. however, I'd like to point out some things that keep me believing that the Spurs could take games 5 and 7:

1. It seems like we've been wrong with every single prediction until now. This has been the most up-and-down finals series I can remember. So, in a way, I wouldn't even be surprised if the Spurs come out with great ball movement and the Heat look totally out of focus again, for game 5. And then we couldn't rule out one of those ugly game 7s, Fats. I agree with Bron not losing that one, however, an 80-80 score is always in play for a ifnals game 7. The Spurs would definitely benefit from that kind of a game.

2. The Spurs have Gregg Popovich. If there's any coach you can trust, it's him. He should be able to beat Spo two games out of three (even though both coaches that lost the previous game have been great with their re-adjustments before the next game, so kudos to Spoelstra too)

3. Tony Parker is the third best player in the league, in my book. He clearly wasn't himself in game 4. The two days off could be enough for his hamstring to feel better.

4. It does seem like Wade pulled out the last good game he had in his tank. I expect him to be the Wade he was for the rest of playoffs at least in game 5 and 6. (can't rule out a great game 7 from him where he's powered on adrenaline and runs on the last fumes he has)


That being said, this series is totally confusing. As I said it's hard to predict anything and the trickiest part is that I absolutely despise the Heat and don't want to see them winning. And it's even harder to predict their games since before the playoffs I had them as clear cut champions, yet they have shown signs of mediocre play and them not winning the title seems so damn close. I don't see them returning the next year and them coming up short for their 2nd championship would be something I could live it. DAMN IT, I want to link to that "not one, not two..." video in two year's time when they have only one ring and be funny.

My heart has been saying the Spurs whole series long, but if you put a gun to my head, I would have said the Heat even after game 3.

[fatlever]

doc rivers is pulling a larry brown. does the celtics front office have a valid reason to be upset with rivers? certainly rivers had to know that blowing up the team was going to happen when he signed his 5 year extension.

[TheKingofSting]

You could tell in the second half Parker just wasn't the same. Whether it totally tears or not he will not be the same maybe in stretches, at least not for a full game.

[RichBoy923]

I think LBJ tried to do too much on that alley oop.

EDIT: Green has to be coming out. Too many stupid mistakes.

[RichBoy923]

Get Splitter out of there. Every time he's in the paint he loses it, whether it be a block or steal or turnover.

[countryboi]

the spurs are playing great right now even...diaws fat ass

[RichBoy923]

the spurs are playing great right now even...diaws fat ass

He's been playing great. He helps with the distribution with Parker off the court.

[countryboi]

the spurs are playing great right now even...diaws fat ass

He's been playing great. He helps with the distribution with Parker off the court.

thats what he does best...he just overly passive at times

[RichBoy923]

Spurs seem to be hitting their FTs tonight. I will say the Heat should feel good only being down 9.

[catch20two]

I just hope Wade's knees respond the way they have all playoffs (except for Game 4) in the 2nd half...

...sore because my money is depending on it.

[RichBoy923]

Turn of events there. What seemed like an easy transition basket for James turned into a Green block and a Parker floater on the other end. Heat are missing some bunnies tonight.

[Diop]

starting Manu was a smart move by Pop's, finally got him going.

[RichBoy923]

starting Manu was a smart move by Pop's, finally got him going.

I agree. I think the fact that he replaced Splitter helped as well.

[fatlever]

since we all know what is going to happen in game six, can we just skip and get straight to game seven?

[BlackOutBuzz]

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/ ... now-right/

Sent from my SCH-I535 using RealGM Forums mobile app

[Eoghan]

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/17/borris-diaws-defense-slowed-lebron-down-i-know-right/

Sent from my SCH-I535 using RealGM Forums mobile app

Still my favorite Bobcat of all time.

[Diop]

I've always thought Diaw was a solid, smart defender, seems to be surprising a few.