Metro Jacksonville

Cannot WAIT to see the Celtics ruin Miami's celebration tonight.

REALLY liking this year's Celtics squad.

I predict your dream will turn into a nightmare when Shuttlesworth starts draining threes.  Expect the Heat to make it rain tonight.

Paul Pierce is overdue for his body to start giving out on him again. Tonight's the night?

Also, new thread?

Quote from: thelakelander on October 30, 2012, 03:59:55 PM
I predict your dream will turn into a nightmare when Shuttlesworth starts draining threes.  Expect the Heat to make it rain tonight.

trash talking already in October....really?

It's never too early to talk trash!

I was impressed with Boston's offense tonight, but the defense will definitely need some work, especially if Doc wants to continue playing so small.

DEEPLY saddened me to see Ray Allen light up the Celtics tonight too :(

Love Dwayne Wade calling Rondo's late flagrant a "punk play," whining about getting clotheslined, and saying that Rondo's lucky that Wade's kids were in the stand or else he might have done something.

Here's the foul:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeP_28hECBw

Looks a little familiar, doesn't it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JCZtj7D18o

Good game.  Love Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis coming off the bench.  Boston definitely has some scorers now.  Barbosa has always been impressive and I think Lee is underrated.  Their defense will get better as they get more familiar with each other.

Quote from: thelakelander on October 30, 2012, 08:59:07 PM
It's never too early to talk trash!

ok...then try this....any discussion regarding the NBA is trash talking ;)

Finally, someone asks the tough questions (http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201210/are-minnesota-timberwolves-too-white).

LOL! People actually sit around and identify sports team's players by the color of their skin still?  What is this? 1963?

I wonder why the Utah Jazz haven't employed similar tactics to get more Mormons on the team?

I guess Ron Edwards didn't watch this movie 20 years ago:

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_agHYc-yjGYk/S9vYS9kn68I/AAAAAAAAACo/j6W98YrR6Cc/s320/WhiteMenCantJump.jpg)

There are a lot of things this civil rights activist should be advocating for but more black guys on a random NBA team isn't one of them.

I love how the article conveniently leaves out the fact that Minnesota's most popular (and successful) Timberwolves team of all time was predominantly black. Kevin Garnett was literally chasing members of the Kings onto their team bus trying to fight them. Michael Olowokandi, the team's starting center, was Nigerian. Latrell Sprewell was fresh off of being forced out of Portland after attempting to choke out of his head coach. Sam Cassell was one of the most beloved members of the team. Not exactly a clean cut bunch of guys. The white fan base that the writer claims that the Wolves are catering to certainly didn't sell out of the building for years during the Garnett run because they desperately wanted to see Wally Szczerbiak play.

***

Also, JAMES FREAKIN HARDEN.

What a game last night.

Houston should be a lot of fun to watch this year.

***

Also, thanks NBA!

Third night of the season -- ONE GAME ON THE SCHEDULE!

***

Also:

Lakers running their offense through Steve Nash: Western Conference Champions, Potential NBA Champions.
Lakers running their offense through Kobe Bryant: Swept in the second round. 

In general, the activist quoted within the article displays a gross ignorance of the sport if all he can do is look at the Timberwolves and ask "WHERE ARE THE BLACK GUYS?" This team was probably never on his radar prior to now.

James Harden AGAIN.

Miserable loss for the Celtics at home against the Bucks.

You had to figure New York would have an incredible game against Miami tonight.

Really fun Jazz/Hornets game, even though it sucks to see Davis go down. 

***

Also, not sure if anyone else watches the show, but I just loved the Around the Horn 10th Anniversary show today. Was really great to see Kellerman back, along with Disembodied Voice. I mainly listen to the podcast rather than watch these days, but I've got so many great memories of watching ATH. Was cool to see so many old faces back.

Holla at u later, Mike Brown (http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8610888/los-angeles-lakers-fired-coach-mike-brown-source-says)

Wow, that was quick.  Did they not see how long it took Miami to gel?  You just can't throw a bunch of big names together and expect them to instantly win.  There aren't enough basketballs around for each guy to play how he's used to.  There's an adjustment period and it last longer than two weeks.

Just logged on to post this!

Wow, kneejerk much?

Five games, plus a winless preseason, is pretty rough, but these things take a bit of time.

Spo seemed on the verge of getting canned several times, and look what happened in Miami.

I'm sure the Phil Jackson speculation will begin shortly, but I think Mike D'Antoni might actually be a better fit here if the Lakers consider him. He knows how to run an offense through Steve Nash, he can pick the Lakers tempo up a bit, and he's got experience coaching Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard in the Olympics.

I think he'd be a really interesting choice.

Time for Dwight and Stan Van to put aside their differences!

Wow, sounds like Phil Jackson might be on his way back to the Lakers!

More like they shouldn't have fired Mike Brown to begin with!

I almost started a new thread for what I'm about to post, but then I remembered this one. The Nuggets' Kenneth Faried with his two moms (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kik0ZrVeh08).

Few random thoughts from a great season, thus far.

- DEVESTATED by the Rondo injury, but confident that the C's will find a way to win without him.

- Really ugly loss for the Lakers last night in Phoenix. I keep waiting for them to turn it around, but I just don't think it's going to happen. Dwight Howard is reinjuring his shoulder ever other game, Pau Gasol doesn't fit in at all with D'Antoni's offense, and at the first sign of trouble, Kobe reverts back to taking every shot. A shame too, because Kobe is looking as good as he has in a couple of years.

- REALLY feel for those Sacramento fans. While it's great to see a team back in Seattle, the Kings fans have been some of the very best in the league for twenty years. Will never forgot how crazy those crowds were during the height of the Lakers-Kings rivalry (and will also never forget how criminal that Game 6 officiating was).

- Sincerely hope things work out for Greg Oden, preferably in Cleveland. Guy has been through a lot.

- Speaking of Cleveland, have you heard the rumors Ennis? (http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/225890/New_CBA_Could_Put_LeBron_In_More_Likely_Position_To_Return_To_Cleveland)

- Can't wait for Derrick Rose to get back on the court.

- West playoffs are going to be crazy with the Thunder, Clippers, Spurs, and Grizzlies all looking like legit title contenders.

I'm not concerned about Cleveland/Lebron rumors.  After the Heat rack up two more titles, he can move on to where ever he pleases.  Also, you can probably eliminate the Grizzlies from the legit title contender list after yesterday's trade.  Oh, and my prediction is Oden will end up in Miami, along with Birdman.

Make that 14 wins in a row and counting!

(http://24.media.tumblr.com/60bb078bbcd9f7f89984db9faf200f8e/tumblr_miyi5vrAZ71r70xplo1_500.gif)

In an equally monumental accomplishment, a Lakers team with the second best player in the game, the scariest front court of the decade, and a two-time MVP point guard has officially reached .500 :)

LOL lets go Heat.

Sadly, I think you could probably just go ahead and hand the Heat the title already. What's scary about stuff like the Harlem Shake video and the pre-game dunk contests is that you can tell that, unlike the last two seasons, this team genuinely enjoys being together. Seems like all of the ego is gone. I seriously can't imagine anybody beating this Miami team in a 7 game series.

I am sincerely hoping for a 7-game Eastern Conference final between the Heat and the Pacers, just so there's some competition. I don't see any other team troubling the Heat between now and then.

You'll get your preview this Sunday when Indy visits Miami. Personally, I don't see Indy being able to hang with the Heat for 7 games. Indy is good, but they'll struggle to score down the stretch if the games are close.  The only team I think could give them a real fight is San Antonio but they'll probably get run out of the gym again by OKC.

James is more relaxed now that he's got that first championship.

Would have been nice to be at the Heat/Magic game last night. That was a thriller!!

Tremendous game, and fantastic shot by Lebron (and block by Wade) there at the end.

Still though, MVP of the night has to be Kobe Bryant.

RIDICULOUS game in New Orleans tonight by Kobe.

42 points on 14-21 from the field, plus 12 assists, 7 rebounds, and a 25-point comeback.

Dwight Howard even put up a 20-15 game.

Watch your heads kids, the sky might just be falling today...

P.S. If things continue like they have for the Lakers against the Blazers a few days ago, and the Hornets last night, NBA referees might be up for a sixth man of the year award come May.

Only saw the highlights, but last night Ricky Rubio looked like a human video game while scoring his first-ever triple double. Guy's gonna have a ridiculous career assuming his knee doesn't go out on him again.

EDIT: Here's just one example.

http://youtu.be/2Gv1EskBVcI

With or without KG, the streak ends tonight in Boston.

Yes sir, you are correct. Miami's streak of 10 straight losses in Boston will come to an abrupt end tonight.

(https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=40a771313f&view=att&th=13d6b98328cddce2&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1429533883505836032-1&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_QOIaVbx8zYblewPtJU7dT&sadet=1363643554053&sads=zLoG9Bp916rHhp4BTgM3Uu54jAI)

LOL lets go Heat!!!

F Lebron, go shamrocks!!

JET....meet 747.... ;D

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ueeiP6GLmfk/UUe6-APFNVI/AAAAAAAAA_g/ufVuzcgYfPQ/s400/lebron+crashes+the+jet.gif)

23 down, 10 more to go!

(http://i.imgur.com/73ej6XS.gif)

Great game. I hate Boston.

I didn't see the game. Did LeBron help him up there?

No. LeBron got hit with a tech for taunting over the lifeless remains of Jason Terry.

Quote from: thelakelander on March 18, 2013, 10:53:14 PM
23 down, 10 more to go!

(http://i.imgur.com/73ej6XS.gif)

What a terrible start to my day.

:D

I think Miami has a legit shot at the record.

Lebron's too good.

Proud of the Celtics though, it was a fantastic effort with KG and Rondo down.

Don't think they will beat SAS,  they are certainly the team to beat if you plan on making a run at an NBA title

If they get that close, I see them taking the SA game. Over the last year, they tend to play good in games against good teams and poorly against the bad ones.  Whenever they lose, it will be to a team with a losing record.

Cav fans are really hurting right now. 27 point lead and you lose, unreal.

Beautiful. That game was the historical story of the rise and fall of the rust belt. Enjoy it Cleveland!

Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on March 20, 2013, 11:15:11 PM
Cav fans are really hurting right now. 27 point lead and you lose, unreal.

I think they are at least taking solace in the reports that Lebron at least has some interest in returning to the Cavs after his contract runs up.

INSANE comeback tonight, what a weird game.

If I'm a Miami fan, I'm actually kind of worried that Miami is going to throw every ounce of their energy down the stretch into this streak, when they probably should be starting to rest for the playoffs already. It's kind of like the 16-0 NFL team that has nothing left come the Super Bowl.

^Perhaps, if they were in the West.  They can get all the rest they want in the first two rounds of the playoffs.  My guess is the streak dies sometime this week and then they'll start reducing the minutes of key players for the next few weeks.

Well the streak is over, which is good IMO. Bulls played well but Miami missed so many shots. Wade and James need to rest some for the playoffs, that's all that really matters.

I was a game off.  I thought they'd lose Friday at New Orleans.  Oh well, you can't get upset after 27 straight wins. Tonight, Bosh was way off and Battier actually missed more threes then he made. Now it's time to shut it down and get some rest before the playoffs.

^^ I agree, if they had won you could see them trying to reach 33 wins, but the ring is all that matters. Bulls and their fans will walk with their chest out for a while, but they'll never beat Miami in a 7 games series. Go Heat!! 

With that said, I can't stand the Bulls and that goes all the way back to the Jordan era.  I'd love to see them in a seven game series.

As much as I genuinely dislike the Heat, they've got nothing to feel bad about this morning. Hate to say it, but that was one of the greatest runs in sports history. Before this Heat team breaks up, I really hope we get a chance to see a healthy Chicago take them on in a 7 game series. If I'm Spo, I'm giving my starters a few days off, and greatly restricting their minutes in the coming week.

Ennis, who was your team in the Jordan era?

Miami Heat.  I've been a Heat fan since 1988.  Couldn't stand the Bulls or the Knicks because they stood in the way of the old Zo/Hardaway Heat teams.

Quote from: thelakelander on March 28, 2013, 09:22:35 AM
Miami Heat.  I've been a Heat fan since 1988.  Couldn't stand the Bulls or the Knicks because they stood in the way of the old Zo/Hardaway Heat teams.

I've always thought that Tim Hardaway is a criminally underrated player historically.

When he got going, he was almost unstoppable.

The new arena is nice, but I had some really great times watching that team at the dumpy old Miami Arena.

Still remember walking toward the arena, encountering an angry homeless guy in a wheelchair with a hook for a hand, and having him somehow HOOK MY BELT and demand money.

Was fantastic, if not terrifying.

Great win tonight 4 the Heat, no James, no Wade, no problem.

Yeah, that was a sweet win. It was nice to see Bosh step up.  Also pretty cool to bring in a rusty Mike Miller off the deep end of the bench and watch him get hot from 3 again.

REALLY happy for Sacramento.

Huge win for that community.

I hate what the NBA did to Seattle originally, but Sacramento fans have been among the best in the league for decades and never deserved this awful ride they've been taken on.

***

Also, ONE DOWN, THREE TO GO.

The Red Sox came back from 0-3 against the Yankees, no reason to think Boston can't do the same to New York again in the NBA :D

Wake me up when the Finals playoffs start. Not exciting beating up on the little sisters of the East.

Miami has been playing some sloppy ball despite the sweep. Need to clean that up, pesky Bulls next round most likely.

Dwade has been impacted by that divorce settlement money his ex will be getting. A $1 million upfront lump sum in cash plus $35k/month despite him having custody of the kids.

Nevertheless, if they play Chicago, I hope Derrick Rose comes back to share in the beating the rest of his team will be taking.

Really depressing opening round overall. The 2013 playoffs could have legitimately been amongst the greatest of all time. But it's just been one injury after another. Rajon Rondo, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, Kevin Love, Andrew Bynum, Dwayne Wade, Danny Granger, David Lee, Galinari, Amare. Not that I think anyone outside of OKC or San Antonio had a prayer of beating Miami, or even taking them to a Game 7, but it's still disappointing. Derrick Rose is the only wild card for me. Chicago is a scrappy team that always plays Miami tough, even without Rose. If they could steal one of the first two games in Miami, things could get pretty interesting.

Game 1 MVP = Frank Vogel.

No way Lebron gets those two late layups with Roy Hibbert on the floor.

Instead of Lebron, it just would have ended up being Birdman or Bosh with the uncontested dunk, once Hibbert over commits to Lebron.

I think Vogel was screwed either way. Hibbert had five fouls.  He most likely would have already fouled out by the last play  if he hadn't been pulled earlier down the stretch. Lebron also got to the basket so quick, Hibbert would not have been in position to attempt to alter his shot anyway.  If blame has to be placed (I'd chalk it up to a great player making a great play), I'd look more at George getting lost on that play. Regardless of if Hibbert is in the game or not, you can't let you man get to the basket that quick.

As for the game, the last 10 minutes were great in terms of lead changes and big shots, but officiating was horrible for both sides. Pretty difficult for either team to go on runs when every other play there's a foul 30 feet from the basket being called.

That was a thriller for sure.

Ballgame....Indy!

(http://i.imgur.com/nbQnmhR.gif)

Enjoy it.  That's as close as this series is going to be.  The cocky Heat fan in me says Heat up 2-0 by midnight.

Wade's knee doesn't look to sore does it?

Suck it up Hibbert.  This is a man's game!

(http://thenewsportsguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hibbertnuts_medium.gif)

Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on May 24, 2013, 08:03:42 PM
Wade's knee doesn't look to sore does it?

Didn't look sore the other night.  I'm expecting it to rain down from 3 tonight.  The sharpshooters are long overdue.  The last hot game they had, they beat Chicago by something like 40.

That's one thing that has been missing, they also need to cut down on their turn-overs.

Sorry Lake...but the Birdman scares me

What's so scary about the Birdman?  You're intimidated by his colorful body art?

(http://i.imgur.com/73ej6XS.gif)

Need to up grade Haslem in the offseason, he doesn't score enough.

Birdman is better but I assume they want Birdman's energy off the bench.

Over 3 qtrs. Haslem has 1 point, Anderson off the bench has more.

James and Wade need to take over now.

Indy JUST KEEPS COMING.

Really impressed with these guys.

Love Dwayne Wade with the Tito Santana style flying forearm at mid court.

"Inadvertent."

Sureeeeee.

Great game by Indy.  We now have a series.  Indy undefeated in playoffs at home and Heat undefeated on the road.  Something has to give.

Pacers seemed to be the better team, Heat are not shooting well.

Miami seems better. Just didn't make a few plays down the stretch.  A couple of bad plays down the stretch and ballgame. It happens.

Just for whatever reason, still missing a ton of open shots.  10 free throw misses didn't help either. When Ray is missing free throws and Birdman is the only guy knocking all his down, you're in the Twilight Zone. They need to find Miller some more time. He plays better D and his shoot is obviously more on than both Ray and Shane combined.   

With that said, I fully expect them to go to Indy and handle business.

REALLY interesting series thus far.

I just love the poise that the Pacers are playing with.

Amazing how Miami can go on these big runs, with the crowd going crazy, and Indy just calmly snuffs them out.

Couple of random thoughts:

1) If I'm the Birdman, I am NOT happy to see Lebron casually slapping hands with the Pacer who just dunked in my face.

2) Lebron is easily the second best basketball player I have ever seen. Better than Magic. I hate to say it, but better than Bird. Guy is just on a whole different level than everyone else, on both sides of the ball. Don't think anyone will ever top MJ, just because the guy's temperament is so creepy that he was literally out for blood every night, but Lebron is the closest I've ever seen. On his best night (probably the serial killer Game 6 against Boston last year), he may even be better though.

3) That said, still not convinced that Miami is actually a great team. If you look at some of the great teams of the last 30 years, like the '86 Celtics, '87 Lakers, '89 Pistons, '92 and '96 Bulls, '94 Rockets, '01 Lakers, '08 Celtics, they have such a clear identity as a team. You could take out Magic, or Bird, or Isiah, or Jordan, or Hakeem, and the team would still probably be good for around 50 wins. The Heat have also kind of struck me as being Lebron, and a bunch of other pieces. Would be fascinating to see them compete against a pure team like the Spurs.

4) Dwayne Wade has my vote for dirtiest player in the game.

4). Dirty because of this inadvertent elbow?  What about MWP's elbow to Harden last year?

http://www.youtube.com/v/BBVK0CDo8O0?version=3&hl=en_US

I'm not shocked by the Pacers.  They are essentially the same team and play with the same style they did last year.  The major difference is George has replaced Granger as their star player.  That team had Miami down 2-1 before Lebron and Wade went crazy in the games 4, 5 and 6. Anyway, I really want to see how Indy looks with Granger back and George continuing to play at a high level. 

To me the Pacers, Bulls and Memphis are all interchangeable. They all play a style that slows the game down to a crawl so the score remains close.  Then down the stretch, it essentially boils down to who can make an extra play or two.  First night it was Miami.  Last night it was Indy.  The way you beat all three is to with effective three point shooting.  For whatever reason, Allen and Battier have been off for the entire playoffs, not only from behind the arc but also the free throw line (Miami missed 10 free throws last night and lost by 4 points).  When Miami goes on real runs, it's a lethal mix of 3-point shooting and fast breaks.  These games are going to remain close until Miami's shooters find their groove again.

A comparison of elbows...

(http://i.minus.com/idEmEA8iDSHLV.gif)

(http://cdn.rsvlts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Metta-World-Peace-elbow-2.gif)

Quote from: thelakelander on May 24, 2013, 11:48:10 PM
Great game by Indy.  We now have a series.  Indy undefeated in playoffs at home and Heat undefeated on the road.  Something has to give.

(http://i.minus.com/iRuxFfE2eMQja.gif)

Something gave. Miami up 2-1 now.

Your were right something did give, also Haslem with more points made a difference as well. Nice play by Chalmers :).

Lets HOPE the Heat can close the deal tonight. Birdman suspended for game 6!!

I think the THUNDER just got a bump! OUCH!

Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on May 31, 2013, 10:13:12 PM
Birdman suspended for game 6!!

This actually troubles me.

Heat are -3 with Andersen on the floor in the series, and +8 with Andersen on the bench.

Would kill to see this series go 7, and I think it's better than 50/50 that does, but I just can't see Lebron letting Miami lose Game 7 at home.

If the Heat do win, I am freakin STOKED for a Miami/San Antonio Finals.

Would love to see the Spurs end Miami's two-peat, three-peat, four-peat, blah blah blah aspirations.

Hard to explain, I really like Lebron James, but I really hate Lebron on the Heat.

Miami doesn't deserve him.

TREMENDOUS city, no doubt about it, but it's not a basketball city, and I hate seeing perhaps the second best player of all time wasting his prime playing in front of a bunch of fair-weather, fake-tan yuppies. The Tim Hardaway/Zo/Dan Majerle/PJ Brown/Eddie Jones/Kurt Thomas/Bruce Bowen team might have played in the dumpy old arena, but at least they didn't price out their working class fans.

I tell you what though, the thought of a 2014 Cavs roster including Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varejou, and Nerlens Noel is pretty damn intriguing. Nothing at all personal against the Heat (only against Ray Allen), but Lebron returning to Cleveland would be the basketball story of the century.

I can't imagine Lebron going back to Cleveland and playing for Dan Gilbert.  Other than that, I also think Joel Anthony defends Hibbert better than Birdman.  I guess we'll find out tonight.

Miami doesn't deserve him? 100 plus sell outs says different. Many people say Jax doesn't deserve a NFL franchise, do we? All teams have fair-weather and bandwagon fans, especially when they are winning. I can't wait to get back to the states and see a Heat game in person. Miami please put this away tonight. Pacers are just annoying as the Bulls were. ( they're good team) I'm just rooting for the Heat.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 01, 2013, 05:39:19 AM
I can't imagine Lebron going back to Cleveland and playing for Dan Gilbert.  Other than that, I also think Joel Anthony defends Hibbert better than Birdman.  I guess we'll find out tonight.

maybe not...but apparently he recently compared the Miami situation (having to carry the team on his back) with the years in Cleveland

He basically carried the Cavs his whole time there, not the same situation with Miami.

No big deal about the Cleveland comment. Whatever it takes to win. They're five wins away. If you're in God mode, keep shooting!

Yep if you have to score 40, then score 40, the other players will eventually HEAT up!!!! :)

Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on June 01, 2013, 11:07:12 AM
Miami doesn't deserve him? 100 plus sell outs says different. Many people say Jax doesn't deserve a NFL franchise, do we? All teams have fair-weather and bandwagon fans, especially when they are winning. I can't wait to get back to the states and see a Heat game in person. Miami please put this away tonight. Pacers are just annoying as the Bulls were. ( they're good team) I'm just rooting for the Heat.

It's nothing personal against the city, I just don't think that basketball is a part of Miami's cultural fabric like it is in other cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Oakland, etc. Miami comes out and supports the Heat, no doubt, but I just don't think the city appreciates the once-in-a-lifetime player they get to witness in his prime. No chance that fans in some of the aforementioned basketball cities start filing into the arena at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, knowing they are about to witness something they will tell their grandchildren about. Lebron belongs somewhere where there's history. Complete personal preference, but I'd rather see the best player since Michael Jordan circa-1992 playing with a true legacy franchise. South Florida just has too many other great things going for it (especially the weather) to fully appreciate the magnitude of how incredible this guy really is. No hate meant :)

And completely disagree on the Jacksonville analogy. Jacksonville is pure football, through and through. We're every bit the football city that New York, Boston, and Los Angeles are for basketball. We appreciate the game as much more than a day of entertainment. It's pretty much been the heartbeat of the city for the last 100 years.

There's nothing to disagree on b/c I never said Jacksonville wasn't a football town, but there are others that have that opinion which they are entitled to. IMO James is right where he belongs and wants to be obviously. Lets Get it done tonight Heat.   

Heat playing like the Heat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is this lead Safe!!!????

Oh, it's safe.  Indy is done. Dinner is served.

Nice to see Wade still has a pulse. 

Terrifying defense tonight by the Heat.

I'll give credit where it's due as well, the Miami crowd was definitely on point tonight.

Mandatory anti-Heat comment: ENOUGH WITH THE FLOPPING. You won 27 games in a row, you don't need to flail your arms about and do three twirls every time someone breathes on you :)

Finals predictions?

Don't see Spurs/Heat going any less than 6 games.

Need more time to think about it before making my call, but I really think we're in store for one of the best Finals since 1993.

First Finals prediction?

Expect a flop-a-thon.  The Spurs are a team that's perfected it.

How on Earth did Miami win that game last night? I had gone to bed thinking they had lost only to be surprised this morning. So here we go on Thursday night.

A couple of Spurs missed free throws and late threes by Lebron and Jesus Shuttlesworth. All with less than 30 seconds on the clock.

I hate Ray Allen.

That said, probably my favorite NBA Finals game since the Bulls/Suns triple overtime game in 1993.

Stray observations:

- Crazy how everything fell almost perfectly into place for Miami. Parker, Ginobili, and especially Leonard all missed key free throws that would have cemented the game for San Antonio. Ginobili capped off an awful game with a couple of terrible turnovers. Pop choosing not to foul at the end of the game. And a huge no-call against Ginobili at the end. If even one of those things would have played out differently, the Spurs would be champs right now.

- Anyone else notice that, for whatever reason, Lebron just doesn't get the respect from the referees that other great players have historically gotten? Rarely do you see the guy get the superstar foul calls like a Jordan or a Kobe. Certainly doesn't help that the Heat have a tendency to complain about every no-call, often at the expense of getting back down the court, but you'd expect him to get a few more whistles down the stretch.

- Speaking of Lebron, I find it strange how much credit he's getting for the win. Though he put up pretty big numbers, played great D on Tony Parker, and had that big scoring streak in the 4th, he also had about four turnovers and several key missed shots at the end of the 4th quarter. Meanwhile, Chris Bosh isn't getting nearly enough credit for laying the hammer down on defense there at the end and coming up with two massive, game-saving blocks.

- Really dislike the 2-3-2 Finals format.

- Miami had a really awesome crowd tonight. Loved the fans literally praying during some of the final free throws.

- I'm going Spurs in 7, for the following reasons:

1) I think last night's game took everything out of Miami. I don't know how they bounce back from a game like that, especially with Dwayne Wade so hobbled and Lebron James looking legitimately tired for the first time in his career. The Spurs have been there so many times though, I think they'll be ready to go for the kill on Thursday.

2) Spurs win game 1, Heat win game 2, Spurs game 3, Heat game 4, Spurs game 5, Heat game 6. It's the Spurs turn to win.

3) San Antonio hasn't lost two games in a row in six months.

4) This core Spurs squad is now 14-3 in closeout games on the road.

Gonna be epic either way though.

 

QuoteAnd a huge no-call against Ginobili at the end.

Should have been a travel.  He took at least three steps running to the basket.  Looked like he was playing rugby instead of basketball.

I'll take Miami (obviously ;D) for the following reasons:

1. Miami's at home. Role players like Chalmers, Battier, and Miller will hit their shots.

2. Spurs wasted Tim Duncan's fountain of youth performance.

3. Spurs' stars have older legs, which were ran to death last night.

4. Crushing Spurs loss will be tough for them to overcome mentally (that's about as close to winning a championship as you can get)

5. Miami's players have a significant advantage in game 7 appearances. Allen, alone has played in 10.

6. Much easier to win a game 6 on the road than a game 7. Spurs just blew their chance.

7. Spurs younger guys will shrink under pressure....like Green did from the 3-point line and Leonard did with his free throws.

8. Oh, Miami has the best player on the court.

As for Allen.....he earned his entire year's paycheck with that shot last night.

Quote from: Apache on June 19, 2013, 09:45:43 AM
Why do you hate Ray Allen? I actually did some reading on him last night after he made that big shot. Seems like a pretty interesting guy. Military family, unbelievable practice & work ethic, a little OCD maybe. Doesn't drink, (thats weird to me) seems to take his job very seriously.

KenFSU is a Celtics fan.

(http://d3fsqtc6sy2z27.cloudfront.net/uploads/1599904b780ec756fdd80341bf927994_large)

Quote from: Apache on June 19, 2013, 09:45:43 AM
Why do you hate Ray Allen? I actually did some reading on him last night after he made that big shot. Seems like a pretty interesting guy. Military family, unbelievable practice & work ethic, a little OCD maybe. Doesn't drink, (thats weird to me) seems to take his job very seriously.

Also thought it interesting that the commentators kept complaining about Wade flopping. I thought I saw pretty clearly Parker flop twice in the 4th qtr on elbows that didn't seem to even come near hitting him and he flops back holding his mouth like he got hit.

Like Ennis mentioned, I'm a lifelong Celtics fan, and am experiencing a bit of the sour grapes over him leaving Boston to play for the Celtics' biggest rival in the last few years. When I say I hate him, what I really mean deep down is that I hate how good he is playing for another team :)

And, yes, make no mistake about, if Miami are the kings of flopping, the Spurs are the evil emperor. Nobody can top them. Manu Ginobili may have single-handedly started this whole flopping era himself. Was cracking up last night when Lebron checked Tony Parker in the waste, Parker flops backwards, snaps his head back like he got hit in the head, and starts holding his mouth. Tim Duncan comes over and comforts him, they make sure its not bleeding, etc.

All interesting, valid points Ennis, but I think Pop is going to have a winning game plan, and at this point it kind of feels like nearly 100% of the pressure is on Miami. The Spurs have little to lose, and you can already feel people getting ready to judge Miami's entire legacy based on Game 7.

^Great!  Miami plays better with their backs against the wall.  Look for one last big game from Wade and a couple of 3-point shooters to carry Lebron to his second championship on Thursday.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 19, 2013, 10:04:54 AM

QuoteAnd a huge no-call against Ginobili at the end.

Should have been a travel.  He took at least three steps running to the basket.  Looked like he was playing rugby instead of basketball.

come on....you know the NBA allows more steps than that

Wrong sport. The guy ran to the basket like he was carrying a football and then has the audacity to cry about a no foul call. Boohoo. If he wouldn't have soured the Spurs chances with his putrid play last night, they'd be celebrating a championship today.

I'm pulling for the HEAT. I hope they blow them out. I cant take another game like that with-out being on medication.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 19, 2013, 11:36:36 AM
Wrong sport.

you're right...the NBA isn't basketball ;)

What, for the life of me, I haven't been able to wrap my head around today:

Why did Pop go with his second unit for so long in the 4th quarter when the Heat were making that massive run?

- Cannot WAIT for the game tonight. 9:00 PM cannot get here soon enough.

- Supremely disappointed in Doc Rivers. As much as I disliked Ray Allen leaving for Miami, I at least understand it. The Celtics had used him as trade bait on at least two occasions, and he had the chance to win another title late in his career. Doc has no such excuse. Just a massive slap in the face to the city of Boston to not only try to orchestrate a way out of his three-year commitment to the team, but to also to potentially take KG with him and block trade terms that would be favorable to Boston.

- Phil Jackson is now acting as a "non-official consultant" for the Lakers. That certainly is interesting...

I'm not surprised.  The NBA is simply a job for these guys.  Sort of like quitting McDonalds for a higher salary at Burger King.

As for tonight's game, I find it interesting that the Spurs had to have a team dinner to help them get over the loss the other night.  Dinner isn't going to help.  However, knocking down free throws will.  Maybe they should have spent some extra time at the charity stripe.

Quote from: KenFSU on June 20, 2013, 02:25:01 PM
Supremely disappointed in Doc Rivers. As much as I disliked Ray Allen leaving for Miami, I at least understand it. The Celtics had used him as trade bait on at least two occasions, and he had the chance to win another title late in his career. Doc has no such excuse. Just a massive slap in the face to the city of Boston to not only try to orchestrate a way out of his three-year commitment to the team, but to also to potentially take KG with him and block trade terms that would be favorable to Boston.

And having to take DeAndre Jordan in return. Hasn't Boston gone through enough this year?

Apparently not. Lets go HEAT!!!!!

 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Really great game, and a ton of class shown by the Heat organization and players after it was over.

This one's going to haunt the Spurs for decades to come.

I really hope Ginobili doesn't become a scapegoat for the loss. He had some terrible turnovers (again), but he also contributed far more than either Tony Parker or Danny Green.

I'd love to see the Spurs have one last run next season.

Great series. Much better than the foul prone slugfests against Indiana and Chicago.  Typically, you try and find reasons to dislike the opponent but it's hard to have I'll will towards the Spurs. They play the game well. Instead of trash talk, they beat you up with excellent team play.

QuoteI'm not surprised.  The NBA is simply a job for these guys.  Sort of like quitting McDonalds for a higher salary at Burger King.

probably because it is a job

It was a fun game to watch.

Quote from: fsquid on June 21, 2013, 09:50:16 AM

QuoteI'm not surprised.  The NBA is simply a job for these guys.  Sort of like quitting McDonalds for a higher salary at Burger King.

probably because it is a job

Pretty much.

It was an intense game, Battier finally showed up. LBJ was at his best, Wade played well. Bosh had a real bad game. Mad respect for the Spurs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2818335/boshattack.gif)

(http://wac.9ebf.edgecastcdn.net/809EBF/ec-origin.boston.barstoolsports.com/files/2013/06/BrowserPreview_tmp8.gif)

(http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2818439/patchampagne_medium.gif)

and one for KenFSU ;D...

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/b184e7615f1be2483c1901096cef5601/tumblr_mord2xiBee1r98qz6o1_500.gif)

Ray Allen is thinking boy did I make the right decision. Props to Allen, no Allen no game 7. I just ordered my White Hot champion shirt.

Yes, Shuttlesworth earned his year's salary with that one shot.

Quote from: Keith-N-Jax link=topic=16554.msg333450#msg333450He's. OT te=1371919466
Ray Allen is thinking boy did I make the right decision. Props to Allen, no Allen no game 7. I just ordered my White Hot champion shirt.

I'd also add Chris Bosh to the "no _______, no Game 7 list." He's not getting the love that Ray Allen is, but those two late game blocks were every bit as important.

That's very true. Bosh and Allen were huge in game 6.

Despite the Miami win, I'm really happy to see the Spurs finally getting the mainstream recognition and respect that they deserve. And I'm really glad that people seem to have appreciated these finals so much. I don't know if we'll ever see anything quite like this again. Between 7 and 9 future Hall of Famers (Lebron, Wade, Ray Allen, Tim Duncan, Ginobili, Parker, Pops, possibly Bosh and T-Mac), decided in the last minute of Game 7.

Already excited for next season.

Can only imagine how great next season will be with Kobe Bryant, Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, Danny Granger, and Andrew Bynum all cleared to play, and Kyrie Irving, Ricky Rubio, Kevin Love, Steve Nash, Danilo Gallinari, etc. back to 100%.

Next year is going to be the real legacy test for the Heat.

If they get knocked off their pedestal, they'll probably be remembered historically with championship teams like the 1989 & 1990 Pistons, or the 1994 & 1995 Rockets.

If they can pull off the three-peat though, you've got to include them in the conversation amongst the all-time great teams. They actually do remind me a lot of those three Bulls championship teams after Jordan returned, specifically with their role players.

A gif for the Spurs...

(http://abload.de/img/basketballspurslebrongkkdc.gif)

I believe the Heat will need to acquire a big man, who's sole purpose on the court is to rebound, alter shots, and intimidate opponents in the paint, if they want to three-peat.  Chicago and Indy are going to be tough, assuming Rose comes back full strength and Indy gets a decent point guard.  Btw, it looks like the Rivers/Garnett trade talk to the Clippers is off again.

Enjoyed this:

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/66399/rembert-explains-america-finding-the-true-heat-fans-in-the-bowels-of-americanairlines-arena

All of Lebron's made shots in game 7...

(http://images.ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/lebron3.gif)

LOL I'm sure that's what opponents feel like that's what there up againts

Annnnnnnd the Celtics are tanking :/

We won't see the playoffs again for at least three years.

Brooklyn is gonna be scary good next season if Pierce and KG have anything left in the tank.

Also, Anthony Bennett at #1???

Rough week for Boston. Look on the bright side. There's still room to hop on the Heat's bandwagon.

Nice move by Brooklyn. I'm looking forward to seeing how Miami, Indiana, Chicago and New York responds.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 28, 2013, 09:18:04 AM
Rough week for Boston. Look on the bright side. There's still room to hop on the Heat's bandwagon.

TOO SOON!

In all seriousness, I can't complain. The Celtics had a hell of a run over the last five years, especially when you consider how awful things looked in 2007. Second worst team in the league, one of the worst records in franchise history, and the team had obviously tanked intentionally down the stretch in order to get one of the top two picks in the Kevin Durant/Greg Oden draft sweepstakes. Instead, Boston got screwed by the ping pong balls and slipped all the way down to number five. To turn one of the biggest disappointments in franchise history into such a positive by swapping the number five pick for Ray Allen, picking up KG for picks and a few rotation players (with a little help from Kevin McHale), and winning the championship that year. You can't ask for much more than that.

Sad to see Pierce go, but I'm happy to see him and KG getting one more crack at a title.