|
Post by williambraskyiii on May 26, 2011 11:32:02 GMT -5
Dallas will be the new favorite over the Heat, and it's an awful matchup for them. They can't defend players who drive to the basket and James/Wade are best in league doing that--but they'll finish/get calls. I'm a ABM guy although I don't mind Lebron, other then total disappointment in the celebration of his signing that he actually took part in. Heat winning would be a nice bouquet deleted -Bosh, Miller, so it's a nice PR move for Stern to get about 1-5 new fans of the league. I'm not so sure. If the Heat advance they will cause matchup problems for Dallas. If the Mavs have such difficulty with Harden's drives and Westbrrok's predictable ventures into the lane (he is only looking to score each time), then Wade and LeBron will give them all sorts of fits. And in that series the Mavs will not have the best player on the floor as they did when they squared off against the Thunder. In fact the best two players could be on Miami's side because LeBron and Wade play great on both ends of the floor and both are also better at creating for others than Dirk. Miami can't shoot the three that well but the Thunder were competitive with the Mavs even though they could never find the stroke from long range. Dallas knocking off the Lakers was BIG TIME. But the Heat having to go through the Celtics and the Bulls could be even more impressive (if the Heat get past Chicago that is). Whatever defense Dallas presents against Miami will seem second rate compared to what the Heat have seen against the Celtics and the Bulls. And outside of Dirk Dallas' big men aren't any more formidable than Chicago's frontline. It should make for an interesting series. I like Dallas' depth; I like the age of the Heat. I think you two are saying the same thing, but I may have misinterpreted RDF's post. Looking at a potential Dallas-Miami matchup I can't see how the series goes any more than 6 games with Miami emerging victorious. Dirk is Dirk, but strip away his awesomeness this playoff season and what do you have? An over-the-hill gang that may or may not show up game to game. Kidd was a walking corpse the past few years but has come up huge on defense with Jesse Sapp-ian ball strips in every single game. But he is streaky at best from the outside and doesn't have any real driving ability anymore. I like the Jet but he is streaky as well. Marion has the potential for big games but, again, nothing guaranteed. No real creators on offense. I feel like the James/Wade/Bosh present too many difficulties for a team like Dallas chock full of role players. It will be real interesting if these games are close in the 4th quarter though. Dallas destroyed OKC in the 4th quarter by stepping up defense, maintaining their poise and looking to Dirk for some clutch offense. Miami, and James in particular, has been very impressive in the 4th quarters against the Bulls.
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on May 26, 2011 11:55:40 GMT -5
Dallas will be the new favorite over the Heat, and it's an awful matchup for them. They can't defend players who drive to the basket and James/Wade are best in league doing that--but they'll finish/get calls. I'm a ABM guy although I don't mind Lebron, other then total disappointment in the celebration of his signing that he actually took part in. Heat winning would be a nice bouquet deleted -Bosh, Miller, so it's a nice PR move for Stern to get about 1-5 new fans of the league. I'm not so sure. If the Heat advance they will cause matchup problems for Dallas. If the Mavs have such difficulty with Harden's drives and Westbrrok's predictable ventures into the lane (he is only looking to score each time), then Wade and LeBron will give them all sorts of fits. And in that series the Mavs will not have the best player on the floor as they did when they squared off against the Thunder. In fact the best two players could be on Miami's side because LeBron and Wade play great on both ends of the floor and both are also better at creating for others than Dirk. Miami can't shoot the three that well but the Thunder were competitive with the Mavs even though they could never find the stroke from long range. Dallas knocking off the Lakers was BIG TIME. But the Heat having to go through the Celtics and the Bulls could be even more impressive (if the Heat get past Chicago that is). Whatever defense Dallas presents against Miami will seem second rate compared to what the Heat have seen against the Celtics and the Bulls. And outside of Dirk Dallas' big men aren't any more formidable than Chicago's frontline. It should make for an interesting series. I like Dallas' depth; I like the age of the Heat. So you agree with me, the Heat will win.
|
|
hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 10,438
|
Post by hoyarooter on May 26, 2011 12:28:43 GMT -5
Dallas beat the Lakers in the fourth quarter, too. The Lakers looked like they had games 1 and 3 in their pocket, and Dallas made all the plays late to pull those games out. Sometimes teams get on rolls, and that shouldn't be discounted. At least that's what I'll be hoping for.
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,522
|
Post by MCIGuy on May 26, 2011 12:55:14 GMT -5
I'm not so sure. If the Heat advance they will cause matchup problems for Dallas. If the Mavs have such difficulty with Harden's drives and Westbrrok's predictable ventures into the lane (he is only looking to score each time), then Wade and LeBron will give them all sorts of fits. And in that series the Mavs will not have the best player on the floor as they did when they squared off against the Thunder. In fact the best two players could be on Miami's side because LeBron and Wade play great on both ends of the floor and both are also better at creating for others than Dirk. Miami can't shoot the three that well but the Thunder were competitive with the Mavs even though they could never find the stroke from long range. Dallas knocking off the Lakers was BIG TIME. But the Heat having to go through the Celtics and the Bulls could be even more impressive (if the Heat get past Chicago that is). Whatever defense Dallas presents against Miami will seem second rate compared to what the Heat have seen against the Celtics and the Bulls. And outside of Dirk Dallas' big men aren't any more formidable than Chicago's frontline. It should make for an interesting series. I like Dallas' depth; I like the age of the Heat. So you agree with me, the Heat will win. LOL! Yeah, sorry about that. I wasn't reading carefully enough.
|
|
derhoya
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 584
|
Post by derhoya on May 26, 2011 12:56:39 GMT -5
It will be real interesting if these games are close in the 4th quarter though. Dallas destroyed OKC in the 4th quarter by stepping up defense, maintaining their poise and looking to Dirk for some clutch offense. Miami, and James in particular, has been very impressive in the 4th quarters against the Bulls. I'd say the lack of quality shooters for the Bulls has caught up with them in the latter portions of games than it being b/c of the Heat's defense. The Bulls are a one trick pony and he's getting tired by those last 5 or so minutes of the game. It's shown big time with his careless turnovers on simply drives. I'm nervous about matching up with LBJ, but I'm not worried about anyone else. Tyson will beat the crap out of Bosh, who i think is the real crux of what moves the Heat. Mavs in 6 fun games.
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on May 26, 2011 14:02:12 GMT -5
It will be real interesting if these games are close in the 4th quarter though. Dallas destroyed OKC in the 4th quarter by stepping up defense, maintaining their poise and looking to Dirk for some clutch offense. Miami, and James in particular, has been very impressive in the 4th quarters against the Bulls. I'd say the lack of quality shooters for the Bulls has caught up with them in the latter portions of games than it being b/c of the Heat's defense. The Bulls are a one trick pony and he's getting tired by those last 5 or so minutes of the game. It's shown big time with his careless turnovers on simply drives. I'm nervous about matching up with LBJ, but I'm not worried about anyone else. Tyson will beat the crap out of Bosh, who i think is the real crux of what moves the Heat. Mavs in 6 fun games. Mavs have gotten the breaks/made plays that championship teams get in a posteason run-the no call when Kidd grabbed Bryant in Game 1, the rallies they've staged when games looked lost, so I hope they ride that to championship but if they play the Heat, not only will Lebron kill them driving, Wade will too and that will have Chandler/Haywood in foul trouble. Bosh is from Dallas so that could put pressure on him as you know he gets "intimidated" before tough games and nothing tougher then playing in front of hometown--but before we get ahead of ourselves, I'm just hoping Bulls push them to a Game 6 and they play as poorly as they did in closing out Celtics--because if they do, I like Bulls to get to Game 7. Just worry they're done after losing that tough one other night and will lay an egg tonight, but hope it's opposite and they come out swinging.
|
|
alleninxis
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 2,216
|
Post by alleninxis on May 26, 2011 14:28:21 GMT -5
If Eric Maynor is on the Lakers, Heat, or hell even Dallas....if he looks off Kobe/LeBron/Wade/Dirk don't they strangle him before he reaches the other end of the court?
Just makes me think the OKC issue may fall at the feet of the 'star' more than people want to say. He's a nice kid, too nice if you ask me.
Agree, Miami is a bad match up for Dallas. too much to handle on the perimeter. And Dallas might be the slowest team out there that Miami gets to face all post season.
|
|
bmartin
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 2,459
|
Post by bmartin on May 26, 2011 16:31:52 GMT -5
What Dallas has done is turn all their playoff games into jump-shooting contests where they have the advantage. In 15 playoff games, they have made 133 threes (8.9 pg) and given up 67 (4.5 pg). That is a 13 point advantage per game from three. On defense they contested shots without excessive fouling, so OKC did not get the big free throw advantage they relied on all season to close out games.
If Dallas keeps the threes falling and makes the Heat score from the field instead of foul line, the Mavs will handle them.
|
|
alleninxis
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 2,216
|
Post by alleninxis on May 26, 2011 23:04:40 GMT -5
Wade could not possibly play worse for the first 95% of the last 2 games. And they won both, he gets his act together..I have no idea how Dallas wins.
LeBron..I'm a huge fan, so this is vindication. That sure is some 'Robin'.
Can't believe how weak the United Center crowd was.
Rose was awful, but he doesn't have much of a chance against LeBron. He'll get better, but I do question his decision making and his ability to find teammates. Not sure something that instinctive is going to come easily, if at all.
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on May 27, 2011 0:33:27 GMT -5
Well I was wrong. Didn't think the Heat would get to Finals at start of year, didn't like their team and didn't think Bosh could do anything when things got tough. Even the ladyboy Mike Miller contributed.
The people who want Mavs to win--understand. The matchup--awful. Think of how easy Westbrook and Harden would get to the rim against them. Now think of James/Wade. That will be a hoop or FT trip.
Never have seen a team with an easier trip to championship. Usually you have a war to fight to get a title/learning experience, Lakers/Celtics had each other in 80's with Philly having to overcome Lakers for their title, Pistons having to overcome Celtics and then Lakers, Bulls had to get over hump against Pistons, Lakers had Jazz and then brutal series (one of best in terms of talent on both teams recently) against Blazers before the beginning of Kobe/Shaq run, Spurs had Lakers, Celtics "big 3" had to fight to win series prior to winning in 6 against Lakers, Lakers had tough series (Rockets, Nuggets, Thunder, Suns and Celtics) in Kobe era and the Heat just have rolled--Bulls pushed them hard but nothing in front of them--Sixers, Celtics were easy for them, and Bulls at least took a series lead, but 4-1 each time. Mavs conquered the 1st RD demon that haunted them lately, the defending champs, and the upstart Thunder. Can they get revenge or will Heat roll? I think Heat roll and James will get his praise--which is deserved. Sickening how that preseason celebration would be rewarded but then again, seeing Bulls fans irritated by "star calls" is laughable being a Ewing fan/Knicks fan. Funny when shoe is on other foot?
Rose will be fine--they just need more firepower and one thing that killed Bulls--late in game they had nobody who could post up and run inside/out stuff with or a threat with back to basket. Have to look for that and a sidekick for Rose who can shoot/score. Think CJ Watson should've given him a breather when Kerr mentioned it in 3rd, but also believed Noah should've been on court late--he's a good passer/playmaker. Bulls had a strange lineup on court that went away from their M.O. they used all season late in games.
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,522
|
Post by MCIGuy on May 27, 2011 7:35:59 GMT -5
Wanted LBJ to stay with Cleveland and didn't like how the whole "Decision" went down. But other than that I'm cool with the guy. It isn't if he breaking the law or anything off the court.
I too laugh at Chicago fans crying about fouls and claiming the NBA sucks because of it. These guys must have forgotten about the entire 1990s.
|
|
hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 10,438
|
Post by hoyarooter on May 27, 2011 11:41:38 GMT -5
But, but, MJ deserved all of the calls that he got! Like the Thunder, the Bulls weren't ready to go farther. They had a great season, particularly considering the gaping hole in their line-up at the 2 and that, as pointed out, nobody other than Rose on that team can get his own shot. Props to Tom Thibideau (sp?). As for Rose, he's a hard worker, and he will only get better. I think we'll be seeing a bunch of Heat/Bulls series down the road. Finally, with apologies to Irving Berlin: Bulls to Thunder: Any game you can gag we can gag better. We can gag any game better than you. No you can't Yes we can No you can't Yes we can No you can't Yes we can, Yes we can!
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on May 27, 2011 13:49:19 GMT -5
You'd think that Jordan was forced to play against 10 guys who never had fouls called on them and defended him with assault rifles the way the complaints about "calls" are coming. Like most games, if you go back and watch you'll see most were good calls. Think the technical on Gibson was pathetic--especially when Wade threw his hands up in disgust after no call on breakaway in 4th and nothing was called. Once you set a tone of what will be called, it has to be consistent.
A few things that are being thrown around lately that just make you wonder if anyone watched basketball and comments:
1. Dirk is Larry Bird. WHAT?? Dirk is a great, great, great, great, GREAT shooter like Larry Bird--but as Bird's time gets further away, people forget what a great PLAYER he was-not just shooter. Everyone talks about the 3pt contests but his passing/rebounding were on par with his shooting. Only thing he couldn't do-play defense. Dirk doesn't either. So they share a shooting ability and lack of defense. Outside of that-it's a huge insult to compare both players and based on their shared skin tone more then skill set on court.
2. Take the MVP away from Derrick Rose. Yeah, he was outplayed in this series and struggled at times--but the series also showed how valuable to Chicago that Rose was, without him, do they make Playoffs?
3. Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook are to blame for everything, Kevin Durant is perfectly fine-nothing to see here, he's perfect. If you are going to place a guy in the elite status of stars in entire league and start mentioning him with all time greats, he's got to do more then just score. If there was a rebound to be grabbed late in a game and out of the 3 players mentioned, who would you trust to get the ball? I know who I'd choose 3rd and he just happens to be the 6'10-6'11 guy that apparently is above any criticism. Why? Not saying he's got to be bashed, but if you are going to be critical of the other 2 who had brilliant moments in playoffs and were responsible for their teams success all year/postseason, then why is Durant above the same criticism? James, Bryant, Wade, Dirk, Rose, always seem to find way to get ball in their hands late in games, and 1 is a PG out of group. Why is that all Westbrook's fault? I've seen Durant get the rebound late in game and immediately search to give it up--why? If he's as great as the level he's been placed, shouldn't he be capable of bringing ball up, and taking control? I think OKC critics were right that Westbrook should play off the ball more late--but had wrong guy in mind when they talked of who should have the ball--it should be James Harden, not Durant. Harden was the most consistent in being able to get his shot and create good looks for teammates and until Durant can do that, along with impact a game he's not hitting shots, he's not deserving of the place he's been put. Only guy in league to be considered a top 5 player, never get criticized, and yet teammates get killed for not getting him the ball.
4. Postseason "injuries"/"illness" that guys have when they are stinking it up on the court. Everyone has a cold, flu, etc......and Wade's ACT last night takes cake. He set up his "hero" moment with the shoulder exercises, etc..and don't get me wrong, I'm sure he is banged up/aching--but so are other guys across the league. It's a long season and physically/mentally draining when you reach postseason. That being said, Omer Asik of Bulls gave it a go in Game 4 with a broken leg and did what you do when seriously injured--pull yourself and admit you can't play/help the team. Big difference in being injured and hurting. Wade is the originator of the "Pierce" and glad he's not getting the praise he sought/seeks when he pulls this stunt EVERY postseason.
5. Guy that has gotten no credit or mention and that I've actually come to like is Erik Spoelstra. He doesn't overstate things, he gives praise to opponents, he protects his team/players and defends team without whining, he doesn't act like Heat are underdogs, made nice adjustments within series regarding personnel and strategy, and kept the constant analysis of his team from breaking them apart. Still don't want them to win but the credit he's earned to this point is not being given due to this perception it's easy to coach "stars". Throw in he's got a HOF in Pat Riley that everyone assumed would step down and take over like he did in '06 and adds up to a very impressive job of staying focused on what he could control. Good for him.
|
|
hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 10,438
|
Post by hoyarooter on May 27, 2011 19:27:11 GMT -5
I love Wade as a player, but he needs to take lessons from Rondo. Just gut it up and play. No Oscars are awarded for hamming it up on the court.
Also, my animus toward the Celtics is well known, but here I am, about to praise two Celtics in the same post. Anyone who compares Dirk to Bird is insane. Bird is/was the best forward in the history of the game. He was the best shooter for his size ever (like Dirk is for his size), the best passing forward ever (can't say the best passer for his size, because of Magic, but that's hardly an insult), and a great rebounder. And while he was not a good defender one on one, there was nothing wrong with the role he performed in the team defense. Dirk has been really good for a long time, and he is having the playoffs of his life, but he's not Bird, and never will be.
|
|
DanMcQ
Moderator
Posts: 32,035
|
Post by DanMcQ on May 30, 2011 8:34:58 GMT -5
|
|
TBird41
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
"Roy! I Love All 7'2" of you Roy!"
Posts: 8,740
|
Post by TBird41 on May 30, 2011 8:53:14 GMT -5
It's a lot easier to get a shooting guard then it is to get younger.
|
|
hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 10,438
|
Post by hoyarooter on May 31, 2011 2:48:15 GMT -5
It's nice to know that some things never change. You can always count on a Boston writer to come up with an insipid article. Bob Ryan taught them all they know. ;D
|
|
DallasHoya
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 1,639
|
Post by DallasHoya on May 31, 2011 22:54:27 GMT -5
Mavs can only win if its bench significantly outplays the Heat bench.
Terry scoreless in 2nd half and 3 for 10 overall, Berea 1 for 8, and Peja 0 for 3 on wide open threes = no chance.
|
|
hoya95
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 1,445
|
Post by hoya95 on Jun 2, 2011 22:49:07 GMT -5
Tonight the German is an American hero. What a finish!
|
|
alleninxis
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 2,216
|
Post by alleninxis on Jun 2, 2011 23:01:29 GMT -5
Like a Bosh.
|
|