NBA Finals Thread: Mavericks vs. Heat

[Undefeated]

People need to start giving credit to Dallas where it's needed. Is LeBron stopping LeBron? Sure, but does Dallas not have a part in influencing that? LeBron has been unable to time and time again to break through the Mavericks zone defense. You don't think his loss of confidence throughout the series is due to Dallas having LeBron play exactly into their hands? These are just starting to sound like Bargnani excuses.

Oh, I give the Dallas Mavericks credit as they've done a hell of a job executing their offense in the fourth. Is it their defense that's stopping LeBron James? I doubt that. Watching over Games 4 & 5, LeBron showed a heavy lack of interest to score the basketball even when he was at an advantage to attack the rim whether that was in transition or in the half-court set. We all know what LeBron can do when he has that full head of steam in transition, but he either pulls-up for a three-point shot or pulls out of the fast break entirely which for my sake I don't understand. He's been REALLY passive, and looking to create for his teammates. The guy had 4 assists to 3 FGA with a minute left when the game was out of reach in the fourth last game which should tell how passive he is. Even when he's coming off that pick, he doesn't bother to turn the corner to force the Mavs' defense to collapse on him. He dribbles out or passes off immediately. He's burned the Mavericks on the pick-and-roll with his passing, but the Heat REALLY need LeBron to start attacking because it's much more valuable. LeBron might struggle to score due to the Mavs' zone defense, although the Heat have shown great zone offense with their ball movement and cutting, but this is on LeBron's passive nature and playing heavy minutes taking a toll on his body.

[J Dilla]

So what do you guys think, will the Mavs win it all or will LBJ turn into MJ and win the next 2 games?

[Kabookalu]

Oh, I give the Dallas Mavericks credit as they've done a hell of a job executing their offense in the fourth. Is it their defense that's stopping LeBron James? I doubt that. Watching over Games 4 & 5, LeBron showed a heavy lack of interest to score the basketball even when he was at an advantage to attack the rim whether that was in transition or in the half-court set. We all know what LeBron can do when he has that full head of steam in transition, but he either pulls-up for a three-point shot or pulls out of the fast break entirely which for my sake I don't understand. He's been REALLY passive, and looking to create for his teammates. The guy had 4 assists to 3 FGA with a minute left when the game was out of reach in the fourth last game which should tell how passive he is. Even when he's coming off that pick, he doesn't bother to turn the corner to force the Mavs' defense to collapse on him. He dribbles out or passes off immediately. He's burned the Mavericks on the pick-and-roll with his passing, but the Heat REALLY need LeBron to start attacking because it's much more valuable. LeBron might struggle to score due to the Mavs' zone defense, although the Heat have shown great zone offense with their ball movement and cutting, but this is on LeBron's passive nature and playing heavy minutes taking a toll on his body.

It's the Mavs zone defense. It was even apparent in the first 2 games of the series. He was pretty aggressive in game 1 and 2, but was always constantly stopped because of that zone and it shows in his free throw attempts. LeBron has unbelievable speed and strength when he has a full head of steam going to the basket, but he needs that running start because his first step is pretty average. In the half court he doesn't enough time and room to get that full head of steam. All the Mavs defense need is just a quarter of a second to rotate over to James when he penetrates. Over the series I wouldn't be surprised that the zone has gotten into his head and it's forcing him to be passive.

This is why Wade has been so effective against the Mavericks zone; his first step is ultra quick.

[DG88]

So what do you guys think, will the Mavs win it all or will LBJ turn into MJ and win the next 2 games?

The Mavs are clearly the most focused team out of the two, but the Heat are at home so it's going to be hard to tell. One thing is for sure the Heat are going to go off in the first quarter guns blazing.

The one thing that I think will ultimately give the Mavs the win is that psychologically they're so damn focused. The Heat have so many things on their minds: The scrutiny of the media, LeBron's play, they know that no lead is safe against the Mavs, and now Wade's injury. Those things will be at the back of their minds for Sundays game.

[Undefeated]

It's the Mavs zone defense. It was even apparent in the first 2 games of the series. He was pretty aggressive in game 1 and 2, but was always constantly stopped because of that zone and it shows in his free throw attempts. LeBron has unbelievable speed and strength when he has a full head of steam going to the basket, but he needs that running start because his first step is pretty average. In the half court he doesn't enough time and room to get that full head of steam. All the Mavs defense need is just a quarter of a second to rotate over to James when he penetrates. Over the series I wouldn't be surprised that the zone has gotten into his head and it's forcing him to be passive.

This is why Wade has been so effective against the Mavericks zone; his first step is ultra quick.

If it was the Mavericks zone defense, they wouldn't have allowed the Miami Heat to beat them on the offensive glass in Games 1, 4 and 5. LeBron James himself managed to grab 7.2% and 3.4% of the offensive rebounds available in Games 4 and 5 respectively which is quite a lot for a SF to grab. If LeBron is able to collect that high of a percentage of offensive rebounds, it's not entirely the Mavs' zone defense stopping him to attack. I mean, we've all seen what LeBron is able to do when he turns the corner off of a pick, but I've seen him at a perfect angle to attack, yet he doesn't. Why would you give up on that is puzzling to me when he's able to fight for position when a shot goes up.

For a guy of his size standing 6'8" and weighing 250 lbs, his first step is good, but comparing him to PGs and SGs, it's obviously going to look pretty average which I agree. He's really lacking the footwork/craftiness Wade possesses to slither through the defense. With Wade, he's just so smart knowing how long each stride he needs to take in order to beat his defender. Most players take two long strides to step out and in (Euro step), but you see Wade with a short and the last one is long where he's most explosive going towards the basket (i.e. the Euro step he pulled on Dirk and Chandler). LeBron needs that ish.

[sanity]

Dallas isn't shutting James down. If you can't see he's being a passive gimp out there than you're blind

[redred9]

the Mavs are also doing a great job keeping turnovers to a minimum - that's the best way to keep Lebron out of rhythm. Those guys get so much confidence from their transition game. for some reason Lebron's jumpshot has abandoned him as well after he was looking damn near invincible against Chicago.

Mavs are just loading up their perimeter d and don't seem to care if Bosh/Haslem/Anthony get a couple of easy buckets as long as the guards stay out of the lane for the most part. The Heat could use a true low post threat to take the pressure off their half court offence. Too much hero ball going on there, although they can hit miracle shots obviously.

Loving the Mavs ball movement. Loving the rebirth of Shawn Marion. I said it just before the series started- whoever controls the tempo here is gonna win a ring.

[fabste]

That damn soft euro Dirk is going to spank the "big" 3 cryng american ass

i would laugh for MONTHS.

[bigdirty]

That damn soft euro Dirk is going to spank the "big" 3 cryng american ass

i would laugh for MONTHS.

Dirk isn't Italian so I guess he gives 100% effort all of the time.

[serafina]

That damn soft euro Dirk is going to spank the "big" 3 cryng american ass

i would laugh for MONTHS.

Dirk isn't Italian so I guess he gives 100% effort all of the time.

He is not CANADIAN too and does not play for a Canadian team. He could have problems with CANADIAN Raptors fans in Toronto about his defensive weaknesses .

[bigdirty]

That damn soft euro Dirk is going to spank the "big" 3 cryng american ass

i would laugh for MONTHS.

Dirk isn't Italian so I guess he gives 100% effort all of the time.

He is not CANADIAN too and does not play for a Canadian team. He could have problems with CANADIAN Raptors fans in Toronto about his defensive weaknesses .

Mama mia! Darn those Canadian fans for making Bargnani play terrible defense! He needs more American fans who won't hurt his feelings as much.

[serafina]

Mama mia! Darn those Canadian fans for making Bargnani play terrible defense! He needs more American fans who won't hurt his feelings as much.

M'ama= Loves me
Mamma=Mum

[Kabookalu]

If it was the Mavericks zone defense, they wouldn't have allowed the Miami Heat to beat them on the offensive glass in Games 1, 4 and 5. LeBron James himself managed to grab 7.2% and 3.4% of the offensive rebounds available in Games 4 and 5 respectively which is quite a lot for a SF to grab. If LeBron is able to collect that high of a percentage of offensive rebounds, it's not entirely the Mavs' zone defense stopping him to attack. I mean, we've all seen what LeBron is able to do when he turns the corner off of a pick, but I've seen him at a perfect angle to attack, yet he doesn't. Why would you give up on that is puzzling to me when he's able to fight for position when a shot goes up.

For a guy of his size standing 6'8" and weighing 250 lbs, his first step is good, but comparing him to PGs and SGs, it's obviously going to look pretty average which I agree. He's really lacking the footwork/craftiness Wade possesses to slither through the defense. With Wade, he's just so smart knowing how long each stride he needs to take in order to beat his defender. Most players take two long strides to step out and in (Euro step), but you see Wade with a short and the last one is long where he's most explosive going towards the basket (i.e. the Euro step he pulled on Dirk and Chandler). LeBron needs that ish.

When teams go zone, it's when they're most susceptible to give up offensive boards cause they're covering a certain zone and not a player; it's hard for players to find a defender to box out. It's why teams don't like going zone. The Mavericks this series have done an extremely poor job of boxing out when the shot goes up.

And regardless of height LeBron's first step is average. Carmelo, who is just as tall and is around the same weight, has arguably one of the quickest first steps in the league. Bosh is taller and also has a quicker first step. Heck I might even put Bargnani into the discussion too.

Dallas isn't shutting James down. If you can't see he's being a passive gimp out there than you're blind

You're right, Dallas is absolutely not doing anything of shutting LeBron down. In games 1 and 2, LeBron before this whole "scandal" with Rashard Lewis shot more 3 pointers than he had free throw attempts, that had nothing to do with Dallas' zone defense that makes players shoot more 3 pointers rather than attack. Yep, they should just put a big question mark next to the Mavericks name in the record books if they end up winning it.

[bigdirty]

LeBron is struggling because he has no real midrange game. He can't drive and stop to hit midrange shots with any regularity. He chucks a lot of long-range shots or gets things within 15 feet.

[Kabookalu]

LeBron is struggling because he has no real midrange game. He can't drive and stop to hit midrange shots with any regularity. He chucks a lot of long-range shots or gets things within 15 feet.

And it's quite amusing that people don't think Dallas' zone defense has anything to do with it. Zone defense is all about forcing your opponents to take jumpers, which LeBron has been doing all series long. When he tries attacking, he gets halted because his lack of a quick first step permits the Dallas defense to collapse on him quickly. Give credit where it is due.

[James_Raptors]

It's been a great series so far, aside from the season ending in two games I really don't have anything to complain about it. I would like to see one of the next two games (assuming it goes 7) go to OT! That would be the icing on the cake for me.

[akakalakin]

The queen is only worth 75 cents on the dollar, yes indeed.

Rupaul's defence is so bad.

[Yeezus_]

LeBron is struggling because he has no real midrange game. He can't drive and stop to hit midrange shots with any regularity. He chucks a lot of long-range shots or gets things within 15 feet.

This is what is preventing him from being an unstoppable player.

His offense is really predictable. It's either he drives all the way to the hoop, or takes a shot where he got the ball. At the same time, his post up game is nothing impressive.

Don't get me wrong, he is still hard to stop but he doesn't have the ability to drive with two bounces and pull up with consistency.

[xAIRNESSx]

I was pretty impartial in these playoffs. If it's not my team, then I don't really care as much who wins. Anytime there's a finals for a championship, I always feel bad for the losing team. To make it that far and lose must be so dejecting. Even though I'd love to see Dirk get a ring, I'm' starting to hope Miami wins.

If the Mavericks win, the story's not going to be about them. It's going to be about how the Heat lost. And If Miami somehow wins, they won't get any credit but at least the amount of hate they get might subside a little. These are two of the most exciting and talented players ever. When the last time a potential hall of famer was disliked as much as LeBron or to a lesser extent D-Wade?

[RaptorReloaded]

Since the man in your avatar.