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Our new Head Coach versus our division rivals.

We may get to see a few of the adjustments Coach Bud could bring with him from SAS.

Also, get a glimpse at how to stop MIA in the playoffs for future series. (Since no EC team has beat them in the playoffs with the big 3.)

I'm really excited about this series, probably more so than any since Boston Celtics a few years back.

I predict San Antonio in 6 games. But I wouldn't be surprised either way.

I'm really interested to see how Miami defends Parker, how San Antonio adjusts, if the Spurs can shut down Bosh & Wade.

I think this might be the best NBA Finals in a long time.

Thoughts? Predictions? Observations?

First observations:

-SAS most effective when running the PnR.

-I see a ton of Black Shirts going after defensive rebounds. This limits the other teams offensive rebounds, but prevents a ton of fast breaks for the Spurs.

-Duncan at PF spends most of his time away from the basket setting screens and working as an outlet for open jumpers.

-Parker attacks the basket relentlessly.

Makes me wonder what Bud and Ferry think of Teague. Or if they have eyes set on Dennis Schroeder, Ray McCollum, CJ McCollum or Devin at PG next year.

Teague has a similar playing style to Parker, he's just so inconsistent.

If Horford is at PF next year, he's going to get a lot of open jumpers.....

I DON'T like that the Spurs take so many contested 3-pointers.

Miami is getting a hand in their face on almost every deep shot. Spurs aren't focusing much on Duncan in the half-court right now.

We've needed a post scorer for a while. Miami is particularly vulnerable to big men with strong post games. I expect to see SAS focus on that in the 2nd half.

Spurs utilize a ton of screens to get their PGs open. Requires the defense to switch or fight through.

MIA is trapping/doubling the ball carrier. Leaving the roll man open for a split second every time. Spurs gotta exploit that.

Prediction for the finals: Spurs in 6. I called the Spurs winning it all 2 months ago and I'm sticking by my prediction

Now they're focusing on Duncan in the post. No one on the Heat can hold him one-on-one.

Duncan is keeping the Spurs in this

SAS consistently get the ball to the guards heading down the court. No PFs/Cs dribbling up and down the court.

This makes me happy.

Spurs picking up the pace and running more in the 2nd half.

The Spurs play like a well-oiled machine.

Hope to see our Hawks playing so fluidly and together next season.

Designed 3-pt attempts for Bosh seem like the epitome of stupidity.

Clears the lane for Lebron, but Bosh is not a consistent threat from there. Removes one of their best rebounders.

That play reminds me of Josh shooting all those long jumpers instead of taking it in or posting up.

Oh wait...Game 2 is on tonight!!!

Nevermind.

Man. SAS got blasted. Now it's a 5 game series. Next 3 in TX.

Last night was interesting. The Heat started beating up Parker and that hurt their offense. Lebron was truly exceptional all game in my opinion. He really is a complete bball player, drawing attention and dishing, playing amazing defense, and coming alive offensively when it counted. We will see if the Heat's adjustments will work out with Pop and SA hometown advantage.