2013 NBA playoff thread

[RastaRocket]

sorry mate, im just getting tired of all the "experts" saying the spurs "stole" the game, thats just bull to me. they won because they were better in the fourth after playing them close to equal the other 3 quarters. we stole game 1 vs GSW, we took it last night!

I agree, and was a confused when the announcers (3rd quarter I think) were going on about how "The old Miami Heat is back! Straight up winning this game! ...blah blah blah". I then look at the scoreboard and it's like a 4 point game :laugh2: .

 

[Reality]

If you're a Spurs fan, there's a video on http://nba.com that offers some behind-the-scenes as well as a few highlight plays from last night's game.

/reality

 

[bounce]

I don't get how the Heat were "in control of that game the whole time." The deficit was at between 2-7 for pretty much the entire game. The Spurs never went away, and had PLENTY of chances to take the lead - they just missed shots. Wide open shots. There was a stretch in the late 3rd or early 4th where they had about seven possessions where they could have gone ahead, but Kawhi missed three corner attempts, Green missed two, Neal missed one, and Duncan missed an 18 footer. At no point in the game did it seem like the Heat were just in total control of that game. They would go on a run here and there, and then the Spurs would close it right back to 2.

And the Spurs weren't playing that well, either. Aside from a total lack of turnovers, their offense wasn't that impressive. The ball movement was great, but it ALWAYS is. They missed a ton of shots they don't miss. Give them that many open looks in another game, and chances are, you lose by 10+. It's hilarious to me that people still underrate the Spurs. It just shows that they don't watch.

 

[khiladi]

The ball left Parker's fingers before the clock expired. People need to stop reaching.

Spurs had no business winning that game. Heat controlled the game for 3 quarters. Fingernails have nothing to do with the heat blowing a 4th quarter lead.

No they didn't.. San Antonio was missing wide-open 3's. They beat the Heat straight up. Parker was easily handling the press everytime Miami tried to throw two at him at the top of the perimeter, either making the right, crisp pass or just blowing by guards. His motor was killing them. He's not George Hill nor Stephenson.

Leonard essentially locked down on Lebron in reality as well. If Leonard keeps this up, it's gonna be a long road for Miami.

I'm glad even Grantland finally pointed out the obvious when it comes to how Miami essentially run's their offense:

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/64742/nba-finals-shootaround-blinded-by-science

So LeBron wasn't exactly stymied. But he was clearly Kawhi'd. The Spurs' rangy, eerily calm small forward was also everywhere last night, trailing LeBron through illegal screen after illegal Chris Bosh screen, those massive bear claws pointed up and his feet pitter-pattering every which way his man cut. LeBron got past him a few times, hoisting up and making impossible shots in Tim Duncan's face, because that's what ancient gods born in volcanoes do from time to time. But for the most part, Leonard seemed to bug LeBron, sliding and slithering along with him, banging into his chest while fighting for rebounds — he had 10 of his own — and just trying to stay in front of him no matter what.

It's not like it's unusual anyways. Bosh's illegal screening is worse than Garnett's and is like a staple of their offense. Pay attention to how much they clog the lane and get away with 3 second defensive in the paint jobs. It's amazing how only one was called in game 7 of the Pacers-Heat game, and that too, on Indiana.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I really hope the Spurs win this series. I would love a whole year of crapping on Lebron and the Dream Team for failing to get the job done. Again.

 

[Gemini Dolly]

[youtube]UFUh4toTS5k[/youtube]

 

[Muhast]

The ball was in in fingers still.

It's close, but this makes it pretty clear. We know your a Mavs fan, so your just being difficult, but that was the right call.

 

[RastaRocket]

You can actually barely see his fingers flick forward right before the light comes on; especially when they froze it at that exact point on HDTV. Either way, the call on the floor was a good shot so you cannot reverse the call. Miami didn't score anyway so the shot didn't matter.

 

[Biggems]

Go Spurs Go

 

[Gemini Dolly]

I fully expect a tied Series going to San Antonio.

 

[khiladi]

Tony Parker beat the buzzer clearly. Even if it occured at the sound of the buzzer, it was ruled a score and one needs clear proof to overturn the call. If the ruling was over-turned, that would give more credence to the fact that the NBA is favoring Miami.

 

[MC KAos]

I fully expect a tied Series going to San Antonio.

I'll be SHOCKED if you're wrong, specially with Joey Crawford being the ref tonight. So long as we win 2 in SA I think we will be in good shape, having 2 shots to seal it back in Miami

 

[Biggems]

If we win tonight, I honestly would not be surprised if we sweep. Even then, if we win tonight, I don't believe we will have to come back to Miami.

I am not worried about Crawford, he has negative history with both teams. Since serving his suspension, he has come back and done a much better job of officiating games. He rarely allows his ego and personality to take over anymore.

Keys to a Spurs victory:
Defense
1. Rebound better (limit 2nd chance opportunities for Miami)
2. Continue playing that zone until the Heat figure it out
3. Keep making it easier for Lebron to pass instead of shoot
4. NO WIDE OPEN 3s for Miami

Offense
1. Limit their own turnovers (single digits is ideal)
2. Shoot better (both from the perimeter and layups)
3. Attack the rim relentlessly (better % shots and greater chance of more FT attempts)

If Diaw continues to not be effective early when he comes in, I say put him back on the pine and bring in Blair. Miami isn't exactly a big team, so Blair's lack of height will not be too detrimental. However, his athleticism and rebounding skill could really give the Heat some trouble. Pop just needs to dust off the cobwebs and get him in the game.

 

[ThreeandOut]

The Spurs need to get the ball down to Duncan in the low post. The Heat have no answer for that on defense.

 

[juck]

Don't look now. The Beast is awake. :laugh1:

 

[Lodeus]

Glad they won tonight and I hope they win the whole thing. Hope they win 3-4 more. I have come to get annoyed by the Heat/LeBron bashing when they don't win.

 

[WV Cowboy]

Not being an NBA fan, or a follower other than from a distance, what is it about Lebron that people don't like?

I like him.

 

[Gemini Dolly]

Not being an NBA fan, or a follower other than from a distance, what is it about Lebron that people don't like?

I like him.

Not me. But, usually I ask that question and it often ends up being the "decision" to join two other stars instead of staying in Cleveland and winning it with a team he built. Its never about skill. Everyone and their mama knows he is the best athlete in the game right now.

The Spurs need to win two at home or they lose this series, IMO.

P.S.

I hate this 2*3*2 format.

 

[NeonNinja]

Not being an NBA fan, or a follower other than from a distance, what is it about Lebron that people don't like?

I like him.

Why do you like him if you aren't an nba fan or don't follow it?

What about him?

 

[kristie]

Glad they won tonight and I hope they win the whole thing. Hope they win 3-4 more. I have come to get annoyed by the Heat/LeBron bashing when they don't win.