NBA Playoffs

[capt. scotty]

2-3-2 is a stupid format. The NHL's 2-2-1-1-1 is far more fair and interesting. Even 2-3-1-1- is better than what the NBA has in place now. Still, GO MAVS!

Leave it to Jaimoe to bring hockey into a basketball match!!  ;D ;)

NBA and NHL aren't that different. The NBA seems to shoot itself during playoff time regarding momentum and striking when the iron is hot and the playoff format is another example of the league being out of touch with fairness and intrigue. Anyway, James got one of the quietest playoff triple-doubles I've ever seen.

Agreed, and I think the fact that there hasnt been a day off has carried the momentum of the finals (unlike previous series)


...and I shoulda bumped the hockey thread, but Im totally feeling the Bruins at this point. Timmy looks tough and ready to go, Luongo looks shook, and with as much talent as VAN has on the frontline, theyre all speed and finesse outside of Kesler (and Boston is playing physical)...plus VANs D is banged up, and Id be very nervous if I was a Nucks fan.

Yeah, home ice hasnt changed, but, BOS just won 12-1 over 2 games (11 goal difference is the most ever over 2 games in the finals). Gotta favor the B's even without Horton.

...am I in the right thread?!

[capt. scotty]

If this series keeps going this way, Lebron should buy Wade a car or something because he's the reason theyre up 2-1 (if not 3-0)...Ironic that Bosh hits the game winner with how bad he's been shooting until that point this series.

Im also wondering why Barea doesnt get more PT with Kidd. Seems like anytime he's in the game, he's with Terry. Marion has been too good to keep him on the bench long, but Id love to see some more sets of Barea-Kidd-Terry-Dirk-Chandler.

8) 8) ::) ::) 8)

[ophidiophobia]

After watching the Heat give up another late run to lose another game I feel that one of the largest factors in this series is coaching. 1 collapse is the players' fault but 3 late runs to win games, in my opinion, puts the blame on the Miami coach. Lebron had numbers tonight but I never felt like he was that much of a factor. The bench on both sides played really well.

[Ruckus]

If this series keeps going this way, Lebron should buy Wade a car or something because he's the reason theyre up 2-1 (if not 3-0)...Ironic that Bosh hits the game winner with how bad he's been shooting until that point this series.

Im also wondering why Barea doesnt get more PT with Kidd. Seems like anytime he's in the game, he's with Terry. Marion has been too good to keep him on the bench long, but Id love to see some more sets of Barea-Kidd-Terry-Dirk-Chandler.

8) 8) ::) ::) 8)

Carlisle typically doesn't like to do that because he plays his second unit a lot together.  But with Haywood out, Stevenson hobbled, and Stojakovic in the doghouse he pulled it out because of necessity.  That said, that lineup is a major defensive and rebounding liability that I wouldn't have faith in for more than very brief stretches.

Barea finally made the shots he had been making all throughout the playoffs and Chandler has just been a beast.

Let's go Mavs!

[Tracy 2112]

After watching the Heat give up another late run to lose another game I feel that one of the largest factors in this series is coaching. 1 collapse is the players' fault but 3 late runs to win games, in my opinion, puts the blame on the Miami coach. Lebron had numbers tonight but I never felt like he was that much of a factor. The bench on both sides played really well.

That's 2 games in a row the Heat were 1 possesion late calling a TO late. Junior should have called one right after Dirk went baseline and put the mavs up 102-100. Right after that James got a charge call.

[Ruckus]

Do the Heat have Chris Bosh?

[Jon T.]

I am a by no means a student of the game of NBA, but from what I've seen, hasn't Dirk now entered "one of the best playoff performances of all time, of any sport"?

[bowl of soup]

You know you're pulling hard for the Panhandle Heat.

[Tracy 2112]

Experience.

This hasn't been talked about alot, but I ran the numbers on each team's starting 5 plus the 4 key subs and came up with their total NBA years:

Mavs- 96
Heat- 62

Mavs have 7 with 10 or more
Heat have 2 with 10 or more

Top 5 minutes players Mavs: 60 years
Top 5 minutes playes Heat: 30 years

Having played 2x as many games in your career as your opponent doesn't always put you at a physcial disadvantage, but I think it always gives you a mental edge (that, and I can't recall any Mavs players holding a prime time press conference to announce they were taking their talents to The Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex  ;)). That's a big factor (IMO) why the Heat, who may have more "talent", are down 3-2.

[Ruckus]

Experience.

This hasn't been talked about alot, but I ran the numbers on each team's starting 5 plus the 4 key subs and came up with their total NBA years:

Mavs- 96
Heat- 62

Mavs have 7 with 10 or more
Heat have 2 with 10 or more

Top 5 minutes players Mavs: 60 years
Top 5 minutes playes Heat: 30 years

Having played 2x as many games in your career as your opponent doesn't always put you at a physcial disadvantage, but I think it always gives you a mental edge (that, and I can't recall any Mavs players holding a prime time press conference to announce they were taking their talents to The Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex  ;)). That's a big factor (IMO) why the Heat, who may have more "talent", are down 3-2.

Normally I would disagree because I feel analysts and writers overplay the experience card to death only as a matter of convenience.  No one talks about Favre throwing key picks as a rookie mistake or Kidd last night turning it over sloppily at least three times in the 1st quarter as the same.  Additionally, I think the Heat regulars may have more finals experience with Wade, Haslem, James, House while the Mavs have Terry and Nowitzki.

BUT, I totally agree with you Tracy.  The Mavs seem so remarkably calm and focused in key situations.  It must be because they are so fuckin' old.  They know this may be their last shot and their hunger is apparent.  No matter what the Heat say, in the back of their minds they know they will have more chances

[Penny Lane]

LeChoke!~ Go Mavs. (Guess you didn't take your talents all the way to the 4th QTR)..

Sincerely,
Proponent of Karma

[Jon T.]

As if we need more reason to hate the Heat in here. This is ridiculous altogether but one thing that really jumps out to me is how Wade starts doing this and Lebron starts doing the same thing.  It's almost like he's a little kid trying to fit in with the older kids.  http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=6648286

[capt. scotty]

If this series keeps going this way, Lebron should buy Wade a car or something because he's the reason theyre up 2-1 (if not 3-0)...Ironic that Bosh hits the game winner with how bad he's been shooting until that point this series.

Im also wondering why Barea doesnt get more PT with Kidd. Seems like anytime he's in the game, he's with Terry. Marion has been too good to keep him on the bench long, but Id love to see some more sets of Barea-Kidd-Terry-Dirk-Chandler.

8) 8) ::) ::) 8)

Carlisle typically doesn't like to do that because he plays his second unit a lot together.  But with Haywood out, Stevenson hobbled, and Stojakovic in the doghouse he pulled it out because of necessity.  That said, that lineup is a major defensive and rebounding liability that I wouldn't have faith in for more than very brief stretches.

Considering the bolded, Im surprised Corey Brewer hasnt seen more/any playing time. He's a versatile player, and while Lebron would be tough for him to handle defensively, he's long and he's an above average defender.

Agreed on Chandler playing great. Id also say he's the biggest reason theyre up 3-2 outside of DIRK and has been their most consistent player besides him this series as well. I dont watch the NBA until the playoffs at all really, but until this year Chandler always struck me as a bust (though not quite Kwame Brown proportions who I believe was the #1 pick before Chandler). Compared to previous series this year, it seems he's playing at an even higher level vs MIA, but he now strikes me as 1 of the more underrated players in the league by not getting recognition since he's not an offensive force.

And in an interesting twist, if Chandler didnt fail a physical, he'd probably be playing for the Thunder right now (and maybe still in the finals).

http://www.insidehoops.com/hornets-trade-chandler-021709.shtml#ixzz1OzKbwGbd

[capt. scotty]

As if we need more reason to hate the Heat in here. This is ridiculous altogether but one thing that really jumps out to me is how Wade starts doing this and Lebron starts doing the same thing.  It's almost like he's a little kid trying to fit in with the older kids.  http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=6648286

Yeah, I thought the Lebron joining in part was funny, as well as how Wade is ripping on Dirk for being sick then last night he milks his injuries for all theyre worth and makes 2 returns from the locker room

[Tracy 2112]

If you ask LeBron James to break a dollar, he'll only give you 75 cents.




Because he never has the fourth quarter.

[capt. scotty]

If you ask LeBron James to break a dollar, he'll only give you 75 cents.




Because he never has the fourth quarter.

could he break a dollar vs Boston and Chicago?

[Tracy 2112]

If you ask LeBron James to break a dollar, he'll only give you 75 cents.




Because he never has the fourth quarter.

could he break a dollar vs Boston and Chicago?

Who cares?

[capt. scotty]

If you ask LeBron James to break a dollar, he'll only give you 75 cents.




Because he never has the fourth quarter.

could he break a dollar vs Boston and Chicago?

Who cares?

Jus saying I think his struggles are starting to get to the point of being overblown. The Heat can still win the series. If he has a great 4th or singlehandedly wins them a game, the last few games are history and will be forgotten.

[Tracy 2112]

I am sensing a blow out. The Heat come out tight, the Mavs are cool, calm and collected. Lebron, Dwade an Bosh get in a 3 way fist-i-cuff brawl at the end of the 3rd and they all get ejected. Dampier leads the Heat with 12 points; a single double.

No blow outs so far, so

Mavs- 122
Heat- 87

[capt. scotty]

I am sensing a blow out. The Heat come out tight, the Mavs are cool, calm and collected.

No blow outs so far, so

Mavs- 122
Heat- 87

Jus to remind you, they dont play til tomorrow, Cochise.

Id love it if they were playing tonight though. Hate these damn sunday night games