NBA Conference Finals

Bry, i like your analysis of sports- you ought to be on the ESPN panel or something because you sure can teach those clowns a thing or two.

I totally agree with the fact that Lebron is a very adept slasher. In my opinion, he, Tracy McGrady, Kobe and Tony Parker are the best slashing muthafuckas in the league. But he's slightly different in that he's much bigger and stronger than the others and so he can bring the heat. T Mac's back is fucked up so he doesn't dunk anymore, he'd rather opt for the layup or assist. The same goes for Tony Parker as he's very small. Kobe can still jam but ever since his knee surgery, i've noticed that he doesn't bang of guys like he used to. But Lebron has the advantage in that he's young, fresh and freakishly strong - he used to play linebacker and wide receiver - so there aint no stopping him.

About his championship, i'm not sure he'd win many with Cleveland (if at all he wins one) but in any case, he'd be getting one before D Wade gets another. Let's face it, the Heat are one of the oldest teams in the league and Gary Payton gets annoying as it goes with him playing like he's 28, all mushy and shit. Zo has a year or two; Toine probably will be traded or he'll retire and Shaq is not the dominant center he once was. The problem with the Heat is that they have too many inexperienced and old players. Quite frankly, they need a perimeter player and an outside stopper like Artest as you mentioned. For the love of Jesus, they badly need a PG because Jason Williams is inconsistent and Chris Quinn is just too inexperienced. Dorrell Wright seems to be a good overall backcourt player but he's mainly a small forward. Don't get me started with Payton ......

I never really pay much attention to picks beyond the Top 10. For the most part, they are inaccurate and very unrepresentative. Daniel Gibson seems like a John Stockton player who was drafted deep but turned out to be a major stud. If he improves his defense, he'll be a long term solution for the cavs.

I quite like the Antonio Daniels and Antawn Jamison deal, but do they have the cap space? That remains to be seen. Besides, i'm not sure the Wizards wanna just give away two role players just like that. I couldn't agree more about Rasheed Wallace. That guy is a thug. Yes, i understand the racial implications of that word in the world of sports - it's the "classy" way of saying nigger to me - but it's understandable with him. He's bad vibe to me and i just cannot stand him as a player. Maxiell is a beast and they need to play him often. He's good on the boards and i swear that guy will be a more healthy Theo Ratliff. Maxiell can block anything, and i mean anything. I hope Prince does not leave as he's been the cornerstone of this team. If he leaves, it's a wrap for them. Back to struggling status.

Finally, i say that this year's finals will be more interesting than last year's because they will be no coming back from 2-0 down to win it. It'll be tight from the get go and defense will determine who wins. Cleveland have been the best defensive team in this series and San Antonio have gained a reputation as a bona-fide lockdown team. Game 1 might be all about offense as both sides would look to run each other around but how they execute their defensive strategies - something largely missing from last year's Finals, except Game 7 - will be key. Obviously, i admit to having a pro-Spurs bias but the Cavs can make it happen. Bruce has a job on his hands in guarding Lebron and Tim Duncan can't do it alone. Generally, guys do not slash into Timmy in the post but Lebron runs into anybody. It will be interesting to see how 'Bron takes advantage of Duncan's foul problem.

I still want the Spurs to win but i'd be happy for LBJ to get his first ring and for people to end the Jordan comparisons already.

 

Re: NBA finals beginning Thursday, June 7th. SA vs.CLE

Wedlock, that's an interesting prediction you have there. The only thing is, i have "never" seen San Antonio play as good as they have been in these playoffs. They're clicking on all cylinders. They're basically performing a basketball clinic out there, that's how good they've been. I don't know if they've cooled down because of the long waiting time, but if they're still as hot as they were when they were playing the Jazz, they'll be in great position to win. I also like to look at the fact that the Spurs have 3 players in Ginobili (who has been playing out of his mind in these playoffs) Parker, and Duncan who need to be defended, while Cleveland only has LeBron. Gibson isn't going to get open 3 point looks because the Spurs are the best team in the league at taking away the 3 point shot. If they could stop Barbosa, i definitely think they'll be able to stop Gibson and/or Pavlovic. I think it will go something like this. Spurs win games 1 and 2. Cleveland will win game 3 at home. Spurs win game 4. Cleveland wins game 5. And Spurs finish them off in San Antonio to clinch.

But hey, that's just my prediction.

 

Thanks! I was thinking about starting a sports blog one of these days. I would mainly focus on basketball and football though. I HATE baseball and soccer...lol

hahahahaha... :smt043 :smt043 :smt081 :smt081 i'm sorry, it's just the way you worded it there was absolutely hilarious man!! ROFLMAO!!

What about D-Wade as one of the best slashers?? Actually, i'm not so sure that T-Mac still belongs in that list of best slashers, because of the back problems that you mentioned. He's more of a pull up shooter more than anything now, and that really pisses me off about him because i remember how great a player he was in Orlando. Any player who is good enough to get to the basket, but consistently settles for jump shots, really annoys the daylights out of me honestly. By the way, i was "shocked" that Houston couldn't get out of the first round "again."

All great points there. i do think that GP should retire, and Quinn isn't the solution at PG either. i wish that J-Will could stay healthy, because he's great when he is, but they've "got" to bring somebody in just in case. by the way, what's your opinion on Kapono?? i'm kind of torn on him. i think he's a fantastic shooter, but not much more. the Heat need defenders, and he isn't one. but then again, the Heat also need shooters to stretch the floor when Shaq is out there, so i'm not sure. i really don't know what they should do with him. :smt102

yeah, but too bad for Larry Hughes though. he's a good guy, but Gibson is better at what he does for that team than Hughes can ever be. maybe they should trade Hughes and get some value for him while they still can?? he just doesn't fit into their system very well. i'm sure that there are other teams out there that would love to have him. he'd actually be a great fit for a team like Portland, who needs another quality 2-guard. Jarret Jack is okay, but they could definitely upgrade that position IMO.

haha..don't worry, i'm in total agreement about the Rasheed Wallace "thug" comment. he does nothing but hurt that team. i know that he was a valuable asset when he first came to Detroit, but what has he done since?? with the amount of talent that Rasheed Wallace has (and he has a ton) he's been a major disappointment to me. i'm not sure if the Wizards would be willing to give up Jamison and Daniels, but they need more size, and Rasheed could give them that. and they would still have Arenas and Butler back there, so they'd be okay in that department i think. Arenas is a beast.

ohh, okay. i follow ya. :wink:

 

Re: NBA finals beginning Thursday, June 7th. SA vs.CLE

Sorry Wedlock, but the Spurs NEVER and I mean NEVER choke!!! In 2004 they got eliminated by an impossible-improbable-lucky shot by Derek Fisher at the buzzer in game 5!!! after that their spirit got broken and they lost game 6 in LA. Also in that series in 2004, after they crushed the Lakers in the first 2 games, they got kind of complascent...a few of their players even admiited that!!

This series against Cleveland is likely to go past five, but I don't see the Cavs beating San Antonio 4 times!!

Spurs in 5 fellows!!! ALLEZ TONY!!!!

 

Hey Bry, you should get going to with your blog because your analysis seems really good. Granted, i'm not the biggest baseball fan out there, although i love the Yankees. I've been in America now for 9 years and i know about half the rules of baseball. And i don't know if it's me, but "America's pastime" sometimes seems like America's siesta to me. I don't really like watching baseball, but my fiancee is a fanatic and always makes sure we see the Yankees everytime we come to New York. I'm just no big about baseball.

I have to disagree with the soccer bit. Obviously, you're entitled to your opinions but no kidding, soccer is my favorite sport. As you know, i'm Nigerian and while West Africans generally are fanatical about soccer, nobody does it better than Nigerians at soccer. I've been watching soccer since i was a kid and still do. I love it to death and no, it's not a sissy sport. 8) I know that's the general American sentiment but when you play the game, you'd know it's not sissy.

Actually, you're right about D Wade; i don't know why i forgot him. He's a very good slasher too but in my opinion, gets trapped in the zone a bit. I kinda see what you're saying about T Mac but if you notice, he tends to shoot more against post team i.e. Phoenix, San Antonio etc. Apart from the fact that he's a good shooter, you've got to remember that his doctors would probably have warned him about his back and trust me, a back injury is no joke. Some people are crippled in the most serious cases.

About Houston getting eliminated, you may wanna read my post in the "Dallas" thread. Houston went out because of two things; poor shooting and rebounding. In Game 6 and 7, had they got those extra defensive rebounds, they could've been in the Western Conference Finals.

Tell me you didn't say J Will is "great" when he is? Bry, J Will was "great" 4 years ago. Not anymore. As a Heat fan, i'll tell you that i never liked him and the fact that he plays for my team hasn't changed that. I appreciate flashy play but not when you don't get nothing done. And J Will has done exactly that - nothing. Kapono, in my opinon, is in the mold of Damon Jones in that all he can do is shoot. When it comes to 3 point shooting, Ray Allen is probably the only person who can match him but other than that, Kapono isn't really bringing anything new. His ballhandling skills are subpar and he, along with Shawn Marion and Iglauskas, has one of the ugliest shot selection (and motion) i have ever seen. His defense is probably even worse. At least Damon Jones gets a few steals . I feel they should keep him but get some good defenders because as you said, we need them badly and aren't getting another ring until we get decent players who can back up Wade.

Larry Hughes as always been unlucky in my opinion. Whenever he looks as though he has a mean streak going on, he gets hurt. On his best day, he can put it on the floor as good as anyone. He's a very good scorer and can play good defense. I am seeing what you mean about him in Portland but i'm not sure i agree. He, in my opinion, will not fit into Portland's offense. He likes the fast break and uptempo play but Portland don't have a legit player that can run that kind of offense for him. They prefer the pick-and-roll and screening - something he isn't as good at - so i don't think he'll work there. But you're right, Gibson is still the man at the moment.

You know what i think, had Arenas and Butler been fit for the playoffs, they could have, could have, beaten Cleveland in my opinion. I know it sounds crazy but look at this - Arenas is a monster of a scorer and teams fear him. Caron Butler is a great inside stopper and Lebron James will have a hard time scoring around Butler, Daniels or even Etan Thomas. Wizards play good defense so i'm not sure the story would have been the same with Caron and Gil. A guy like Wallace will probably be what Washington need to be a contender in the East. Whether he'll be smart is another thing.

 

NBA Finals Spurs v.Cavs

Sorry Wedlock, but the Spurs NEVER and I mean NEVER choke!!! In 2004 they got eliminated by an impossible-improbable-lucky shot by Derek Fisher at the buzzer in game 5!!! after that their spirit got broken and they lost game 6 in LA. Also in that series in 2004, after they crushed the Lakers in the first 2 games, they got kind of complascent...a few of their players even admiited that!!


The Spurs got beat by the Lakers 4 games in a row after winning two.That's a choke job.Luck isn't something you factor in after the result has already happened; and as far as their spirit being "broken," that's part of breaking down and choking.The Spurs also did the same in 2002 to the same Lakers( with a slightly different roster).My point was that the Spurs are favored for a reason;they are trying for their 4th title in the last 9 years.But they're not impossible to beat, and the way it can be done is if the Cavs clamp down on defense and hold them to under or around 90 points. I'm not predicting the Cavs to win this outright because they're a better squad than the Spurs,I'm predicting they will win if the series goes beyond 5 games. That's the prediction here.
But yes, the Spurs choke, and I only cited 2004 and 2002 for the sake of brevity. It's only been recently that the Spurs have become what they are: 1999, 2003 &2005. The rest of their playoff years have been less than stellar.
Thanks.

 

You were right Wedlock, you brought fire to the thread by stirring some trash talking, I like that!!

Let's get to it!!!

So losing 4 games in a row is choking to you???

Are u saying that the Pistons choked against the CAVS???

It doesn't make sense man...I say NO, NO, NO,,,The Pistons, they got beat by a far better team, that's all...

As for the Spurs, in 2002, they were simply no match for a great Lakers team that went on to win it all!!!
In 2004, how close did it come??? choking is what the Yankees did against the Red Sox, having 3 chances to close them out and not being able to win once!!
In 2004, game 5 was extremely close, and had the ball bounced the Spurs way, they would probably have closed out the Lakers in 6 or 7!!!

Last year, they were very close to beating the Mavs, once again and probably kick the Amare-less Suns and go to the NBA finals again!!!

So apart from 1999, 2003 and 2005, you can't possibly say objectively that their playoff years weren't stellar!!!

I sense the love for the underdog in you!!! Hmmm...not this year though!!!

 

The NBA Finals are tonight Spurs v Cavs.

So losing 4 games in a row is choking to you???

Yes, after jumping out to a 2 game lead, and allowing your opponent to win 4 games in a row against you, that's a fairly standard definition in the sports world of "choking."

Are u saying that the Pistons choked against the CAVS???
Yes, the Pistons choked away a 2-0 series lead, and allowed the Cavs to come back and win 4 games in a row against them.I attribute the collapse to poor gameplanning by Saunders against James, and the Pistons lackluster attitude in general against a much more determined squad, but the bottom line is that they choked.

In 2004, how close did it come??? choking is what the Yankees did against the Red Sox, having 3 chances to close them out and not being able to win once!!
In 2004, game 5 was extremely close, and had the ball bounced the Spurs way, they would probably have closed out the Lakers in 6 or 7!!!

It doesn't matter how 'close' another team comes to winning.It's the end result that gets recorded as either a win or loss.Yes, the Yankees choked away a 3-0 lead against the Red Sox.The Yankees lost 4 in a row, just as the Spurs did in 2004, and in 2002 to the same team-despite finishing 58 and 24 in the regular season. You can't say what "probably" would have happened, you only have the record book as objective evidence.

So apart from 1999, 2003 and 2005, you can't possibly say objectively that their playoff years weren't stellar!!!

Of course I can.As I explained in the last post, the Spurs have only recently won titles.It's mainly due to Duncan, although Robinson helped them win their first title in 1999. The Spurs have appeared in the playoffs about 27 times since they joined the NBA for the 76-77 season, and to date have won 3 titles.Read your history.The Spurs have typically been able to reach the playoffs throughout most of their basketball history, but as per their record indicates, they have simply choked and been ousted by their opponents.

I sense the love for the underdog in you!!! Hmmm...not this year though!!!

Again, my prediction is simply that if the Cavs can last beyond 5 games,they will win the series.I do love the underdog as the Spurs are a 5-1 favorite, but that has little to do with why I am leaning towards the Cavs.My prediction for the Cavs is simply that they match well with the Spurs.The Cavs are one of the only two teams in the league to have beaten the Spurs twice in the regular season.The Cavs are a solid squad defensively, even if they are overmatched by the presence of Duncan and Parker, for example. You'll never catch me saying what the Cavs "almost" did against San Antonio if they lose, however.

 

Wedlock, history is just that; history. We're talking about right now and whether or not San Antonio have "choked" in the past makes no difference. The reason they are favored against Cleveland is simple; overall, they are a better team and yes, i do know that upsets happen every now and then but not with San Antonio. They are just that damn good.

Although, i do kinda agree that losing 4 games in a row is choking .....

 

Man...
Wedlock and Laydeezman, I wonder whether you guys played compettive sports at any level...
I played in a college soccer league for many years and I can tell you something...there is no defeat that hurts like a close one. Losing 4 times in a row to a very good opponent in close games is never felt like a choke-job by the players...maybe by the outside ppl who like to criticize without ever sweating themselves!!

On the other hand, being in a position to put your opponent away and letting him come back and win, that feels like a choke-job. Being ahead 2-0 in a series is NOT AT ALL like being ahead 3-0 or 3-1...ask any player...a series starts when a team faces elimination...and The CHOKING feeling comes when you had a real opportunity to put your opponent away and the opponent comes back and beats you...

But well...let the games begin!!!

 

The NBA Finals tonight Spurs vs Cavs.

Ladies Man "Chris," :
History has everything to do with what Jerminator was saying about the Spurs "never choking." I think my point was well proven in that they CAN be beaten.
At least you DO acknowledge that dropping 4 straight in a best-of-seven to your opponent is a choke job.You have to finish a team off;and shame on those teams that don't know how to close the door on a series, whether it be baseball, hockey, or basketball.

Jerminator:
I played a little sports, and our coach always told us that the pain was always going to be worse as we made excuses for losing "the close ones." He would tell us that a loss went in to the "L" column by our school in the standings, and that there was no "M" for "moral victory."
But as you said, brother, let them games begin........tonight.Because nothing proves us right or wrong like that SCOREBOARD right, brother?
Thanks for the trash talk, I appreciate it!

 

Right on Brudda...let the scoreboard speak!!!

For now it's 1-0 for the "choking" Spurs...

Lebron has better wake up, bcoz if they go down 2-0,
this series MIGHT end in Cleveland with the Spurs
taking 2 of 3 over there!!!

 

Remember i did say that this series will be determined by defense. Well, from last night's game, it seems like i was right.

 

NBA Finals Sunday night Spurs v.Cavs.

Ladies Man:
So far, you're correct in your analysis about it coming down to defense.The Cavs hel them to under 90, but Le Bron has to do better than 14, or it will be a rap. The others need to step it up as well.


JERMINATOR:
Do you understand what the term "choking" in sports means?Obviously, in a first game, one team or the other has to win.The Spurs started off 2-0 in 2004 on the Lakers and lost 4 straight.The Cavaliers beat the Pistons in the same fashion this year. The Spurs may win the series, but the prediction was the Cavs would win if they go beyond 5 games. I didn't say the Cavs were going to sweep or go 4-1, etc, it's a long series. So before you order your Tony Parker jersey, let's watch some ball, huh?LOL

 

C'mon Wedlock, I'm just messing with the board, I'm a trash talker and I said "the choking" Spurs just to be sarcastic!!

BUT, YES, I do understand what CHOKING means, and you DON'T!!!

CHOKING is getting tight when the pressure gets high!! it's trembling when you have to shoot a pressure frew throw with 0.2 seconds left!! I'ts losing after leaing by 20, not by 2!!!!

CHOKING is NOT losing games in a row, even 10 times in a row, to a better opponent when you played your best!!! It is starting to turn the ball over with a big lea, when you sense that you could actually win!!!!

The Spurs or the Pistons get outplayed, but they don't choke, they are veteran teams!!!!...teams like last year's Cavs choke, which they did against the Pistons in 2006!

I've already ordered my Tony Parker's jersey by the way!!!

 

NBA Finals Spurs vs.Cavs Sunday night.

CHOKING is getting tight when the pressure gets high!! it's trembling when you have to shoot a pressure frew throw with 0.2 seconds left!! I'ts losing after leaing by 20, not by 2!!!!

Okay, no, you're not getting the jist of what "choking" means then if you don't understand that when you have an advantage you keep it. You're correct about having a big lead and losing it though like the Spurs did in 2004.LOL

CHOKING is NOT losing games in a row, even 10 times in a row, to a better opponent when you played your best!!! It is starting to turn the ball over with a big lea, when you sense that you could actually win!!!!

I'm not sure you're getting the point, here.The emphasis isn't on the amount of games lost in a row, the emphasis is on being ahead big, and then losing that lead,LOL. The Pistons freely admit to their choke job just like the Mavericks of 2006 and 2007. It's the same as Houston choking away a 35 point lead to the Buffalo Bills with Warren Moon at the helm.
I didn't invent the term "choke" in sports, but I'm able to discern a choke job when I see one.

The Spurs or the Pistons get outplayed, but they don't choke, they are veteran teams!!!!...teams like last year's Cavs choke, which they did against the Pistons in 2006!

Being a veteran team has NOTHING to do with performing a "choke job."Where are you getting that? It doesn't matter how old your team is, if they hold a lead and lose it, that's "choking." The Cavs DID choke against the Pistons in 2006.They had them down 3 games to 2, and they didn't close them out last year.Why would I have a problem admitting that?The same happened with Sacramento in 2002 versus the Los Angeles Lakers.Rick Addleman admits his team "choked." It happens.The more sports events you see over the years, the more you see teams collapse. Whether or not you root for the team doesn't really change if they lose.I have several teams that I actively root for that have "choked."
You can pick a different word if you want to, but the meaning is the same; I don't post-rationalize losses.
Thanks.

 

MAN, Wedlock, can you imagine how much fun it would be if we were in the same city, the same sports bar watching a game??? the trash talking would be MAJOR!!!

Well, let's agree to disagree on the choking thing...

I also can't wait for the football season to start so we can trash talk a bit more!!

Oh by the way...you said the Cavs have a chance if they hold the Spurs under 90 points??? Isn't that exactly the Spurs game? low scoring? if the Spurs were the Suns I would have understood that...but the SPURS are the SPURS man! low scoring is good for them, they can play any style!

And by the way, I am going further in my prediction of these series...even if it goes over 5 games, the Cavs have NO SHOT at winning it all!!! getting bold here!!!

Match that!!!

 

NBA Finals Sunday, Game Two, Spurs v. Cavs.

JERMINATOR:
YEAH, we'd be loud at the Sports Bar, but I love talking trash with the fellas on sports! There's nothing like it, especially since neither of us are in any leagues! LOL LOL.
We'll agree to disagree on the "choke" thing.
Who do you root for in football? In professional, I am a Bears fan.Do you pull for the Saints? In college, I'd say NotreDame.
I said that about the Spurs because they have a losing record in the playoffs when they score less than 90 points.That's why. The Cavs are just tough defensively.
I'll stand by my prediction, because my point is that the Spurs are a better squad on paper, but if you let another team hang around, they can win.
That's really what happened to Detroit. They got complacent and look what happened? We'll just have to see what happens next on Sunday night, though,LOL.
Thanks for the sports talk, it's fun-reminds me of years gone by.Have you ever bet on events?Once I won some money in a football pool.

 

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT????

Wedlock, I now understand why we are sitting on opposite sides of the table!!!
Man, when football starts, the trash talking will go INSANE!!!

I belong to the "WHO DAT NATION" (Saints freak), which also means that I HATE the BEARS!!!! Aaargh...it hurts my stomach just to think about Urlacher's ugly mug...well...

College is LSU, OF COURSE!!! and Notre Dame fans remember us from the last Suger bowl, when we made pretty boy Quinn eat the Superdome grass many times!!!
I spent a year at LSU after the Hurricane Katrina, went to the Death Valley stadium...that place is louder than some NFL stadiums when the Tigers play!

Nope I never bet on games, I'm not too much of a gambler...but I really like sports predictions...Bryant and Laydeezman from the board here are also aficionados!!

 

NBA Finals on Sunday Spurs vs Cavs-Sports talk.

JREMINATOR:Sorry for the misspelling in the earlier posts.Anyway, yeah we'll be on opposite sides if we're discussing the Bears v.Saints, that is for sure.
It's June now, but it won't be long before preseason gets going again.Football is my favorite sport.I don't like Brady Quinn much;so my Notre Dame loyalty comes more from having lived in the area-was a big Ty Willingham guy until they broke him off.
Do you follow baseball?Hockey? World sports? I can predict we'll have a new Superbowl champ by February of 2008.
Bryant, Ladies man?Anyone want to switch up the sports topic a little?
I think the NBA finals will have been decided by 6/17, so I want a new topic now. World series? College football?