Official 2010-2011 NBA Playoffs Thread

[HendrixFan]

They don't need scoring from the bench, that is the way the team is constructed.

I could just as easily "LOL" about how the Mavs rely on too few players to gather rebounds but the Heat have tons of guys who get rebounds (ask the Bulls about that). It is by design and the way the Heat rebound it is a strength.

The Mavs strength on offense is they have many players who average right up near 10ppg. It is by design to have a long list of guys who can score some instead of a short list who can score alot. The Heat's strength is scoring from those three individuals. As long as they are playing and not hurt, who cares how relevant they are?

 

[Gigantopithecus]

In one way this Finals is similar to the 04 Pistons/Lakers series, i.e. a few stars with no supporting cast against a team of very good players. That series was a full house vs a pair of aces. This series seems more like a full house vs three queens.

 

[HendrixFan]

In one way this Finals is similar to the 04 Pistons/Lakers series, i.e. a few stars with no supporting cast against a team of very good players. That series was a full house vs a pair of aces. This series seems more like a full house vs three queens.

Interesting parallel, but oddly enough the few stars team plays better defense than the no supporting cast team in this series.

I just watched game 5 of the '04 finals on youtube yesterday, they have the whole game on there. Such a great third and fourth quarter to relive!

 

[jcuadrado]

Yes, they have 3 players. That's all Heat fans talk about because they're bandwagon fans who just became interested in basketball when Lebron James took the cowardly way out and joined a team with an NBA scoring leader hoping for an easy championship instead of trying to compete.

The Mavs however have a much deeper team, filled with a bench that has been killing teams all playoffs.

The difference at the PG position is staggering. Miami has a trash PG in Mike Bibby who is tantamount to a pile of shit. Whereas Dallas has arguably the smartest passing PG of all time, who has recently found his jumpshot as well.

Bosh is pathetic. He has such a one-dimensional game, and you call him a top 15 player? lol okay buddy. Dallas will have no troubles checking Wade and Bosh. And if Lebron plays like this: http://www.nba.com/statscube/player.html#LeBron-James|2544;season=r;splitType=team;splitValue=dal

The Mavs will absolutely rip through the Heat defense. They have 85 more assists and 14 fewer turnovers, and have been burning teams all playoffs long with their superior ball movement. The Heat are used to the eastern teams iso and pick and rolls, they will have their hands full with the Mavs.

The Bulls are inexperienced, the Mavs absolutely are not. And if you haven't been following their games, they swept the 2 time defending champions.

Also, the refs and Bulls won the last series for Miami

dude...you're just a typical hater....Bosh not a top player? He's just a perenial allstar...the #1 on his team when he wasn't on the Heat. How many #1 players do the Mavs have? Only 1 buddy. The Heat fans dwell on the fact that they have 3 players because it's the truth! They have 3 incredible players. It's true.....so.

The Mavs are a great team....I can say that. Do I think the series is going to be a great one? Hell yeah it will. But to say that the Mavs will rip through the Heat defense is pretty stupid...the Heat had the #2 defense in the league and in the playoffs they've been playing even better.

To say the Mavs will easily check Bosh and Wade..cmon man...Wade dominated the Mavs in 2006...who's to say he won't again.

We'll see which fans will have the better time in the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to it.

It'll be fun to revisit this thread and see who really is the best team in the NBA.

 

[QueBert]

lol wut?

What I said was simple, the east has overall MUCH better players. James, Wade, Bosh, Stoudemire, Rose, Anthony. Miami beating the Celtics + Bulls is a far more impressive accomplishment than what the Mav's have done. No disrespect to them, because they did beat the best teams the west has to offer. But those teams would have gotten absolutely stomped by the teams that Miami made look like armatures.

 

[Brigandier]

What I said was simple, the east has overall MUCH better players. James, Wade, Bosh, Stoudemire, Rose, Anthony. Miami beating the Celtics + Bulls is a far more impressive accomplishment than what the Mav's have done. No disrespect to them, because they did beat the best teams the west has to offer. But those teams would have gotten absolutely stomped by the teams that Miami made look like armatures.

Meh, maybe.

I know I look forward to the finals, these two playing styles should square off well. If anything, Miami had to fight hard against teams that had half of what they did, I think the Mavs will prove a good challenge.

Miami has three superstars, at three important positions, while that doesn't guarantee victory it certainly helps. All I know is that this years finals are more exciting than years past. Personally, I love Dirk, his style, his game, and I think that the rest of his team will give Miami a hard run for the title.

Chicago was close to winning the series, they choked, but in the end they really only had one scorer, and I think Miami will have their work cut out against a full team of NBA ballers.

It'll be fun to see Lebron and Co work hard for what they said they'd get preseason, and it'll be more fun to watch Dirk bounce off a toe to put a contested J in.

NBA finals = a good time.

 

[Gibsons]

What I said was simple, the east has overall MUCH better players. James, Wade, Bosh, Stoudemire, Rose, Anthony. Miami beating the Celtics + Bulls is a far more impressive accomplishment than what the Mav's have done. No disrespect to them, because they did beat the best teams the west has to offer. But those teams would have gotten absolutely stomped by the teams that Miami made look like armatures.

Armature?

Anyway, maybe, but maybe not. The West had a significant winning record vs the East in the regular season. Something like 58%. The East had a .500 team and a losing team make the playoffs, the West had a winning team not make the playoffs. The West was more competitive and has been for a while.

Also, I don't see how Chicago or Boston would beat the teams in the West worse than the Mavs did, in terms of a series. They would've swept every series? I don't see it.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

What I said was simple, the east has overall MUCH better players. James, Wade, Bosh, Stoudemire, Rose, Anthony. Miami beating the Celtics + Bulls is a far more impressive accomplishment than what the Mav's have done. No disrespect to them, because they did beat the best teams the west has to offer. But those teams would have gotten absolutely stomped by the teams that Miami made look like armatures.

Top 5 teams in the nba in no particular order.
Mavs, Heat, Grizzlies, Thunder, Bulls

3 of 5 are in the west. I left out San Antonio and the Lakers which would of been 6 and 7.

 

[TXHokie]

Heard it all before the big games - Dirk can't guard Kobe. The Mavs won't be able to hang with Lakers' speed, size, and experience. Kidd is too old and can't guard inside. Barrea is overrated and too short. Mavs can't handle Durant and Westbrook because of their fast excelled offense...yada yada. The Mavs will figure out how to handle the cast of Two and a Half Men. Go Mavs!!!!

 

[QueBert]

Top 5 teams in the nba in no particular order.
Mavs, Heat, Grizzlies, Thunder, Bulls

3 of 5 are in the west. I left out San Antonio and the Lakers which would of been 6 and 7.

Boston's better than Mavs Grizzlies or Thunder. The only reason they lost to Miami was due to injures. I would argue that the Nicks with Melo are better than them too.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Boston's better than Mavs Grizzlies or Thunder. The only reason they lost to Miami was due to injures. I would argue that the Nicks with Melo are better than them too.

It's pretty obvious now how much you know about the NBA. Celtics would of got smashed by the mavs and saying the Knicks with Melo are better is downright idiotic. Knicks were blown out by the mavs pretty much each game this year playing the mavs even with Melo. Knicks arent making the playoffs in the west either. The Knicks aren't better than any West playoff team. Name one team please. Portland, grizz, mavs, thunder, lakers, spurs, San Antonio, Denver. Please tell me which team the Knicks are beating?

 

[jman19]

It's pretty obvious now how much you know about the NBA. Celtics would of got smashed by the mavs and saying the Knicks with Melo are better is downright idiotic. Knicks were blown out by the mavs pretty much each game this year playing the mavs even with Melo. Knicks arent making the playoffs in the west either. The Knicks aren't better than any West playoff team. Name one team please. Portland, grizz, mavs, thunder, lakers, spurs, San Antonio, Denver. Please tell me which team the Knicks are beating?

He's a Celtics nut swinger and a Lakers/Kobe hater...

 

[QueBert]

He's a Celtics nut swinger and a Lakers/Kobe hater...

Ceitcs needed Jermaine & Pierce at 100%, and Rondo was pretty much crippled for multiple games. If they had a healthy team they would be the ones from the east in the finals. And I'm not a Lakers hater, just Kobe. My team absolutely tore up the regular season but injuries killed them. Wade & his team can thank god they were able to face a heavily gimped Boston.

 

[jcuadrado]

It's pretty obvious now how much you know about the NBA. Celtics would of got smashed by the mavs and saying the Knicks with Melo are better is downright idiotic. Knicks were blown out by the mavs pretty much each game this year playing the mavs even with Melo. Knicks arent making the playoffs in the west either. The Knicks aren't better than any West playoff team. Name one team please. Portland, grizz, mavs, thunder, lakers, spurs, San Antonio, Denver. Please tell me which team the Knicks are beating?

Dude...it's just obvious. You're a blind Mavs and West Coast yanker. Boston is better than the Grizzlies and Portland and if you don't see that you're just an idiot. Rondo just about broke his freakin arm and continued to play. Pierce was hurt too....that's 2 of their allstar players that weren't playing because of injury.

The Mavs haven't proven jack yet. Dirk has been a massive choker for years! He folds under pressure and that's proven year after year. It's been 13 years since his ass has been in the NBA and he hasn't won shite....not sure if you remember but the Heat with a less team smacked his arse around in 2006.

Slow down a bit...be realistic and hope your beloved Mavs can get past the Heat in the finals....it's not going to be an easy task.

 

[jcuadrado]

Question for the unbiased NBA fans.

If the Heat lose in the Finals...would you consider it a failed season?

 

[JHoNNy1OoO]

Question for the unbiased NBA fans.

If the Heat lose in the Finals...would you consider it a failed season?

I'm a Heat fan and if they were to lose I wouldn't see it as a failure considering I don't even think that Lebron/Wade/Bosh/Riley/Spokes thought they would get to the Finals their first year together with Haslem and Miller being completely fubar the whole regular season. I do believe they expected to get past the first round and hopefully past Chicago or Boston but, definitely not both.

They had immense luck with Boston reaching their expiration date and then Miller and Haslem getting healed up enough to contribute against Chicago. I do believe without Haslem that series looks completely different. So I think reaching the Finals their first year together win or lose, the Heat outperformed their initial expectations and if they win the Championship it would be insanity.

I don't think they'll lose though simply because they realize how far ahead of schedule they are and won't let this opportunity slip by. Hate Lebron/Wade all you want but those are TWO very determined players that turn it into overdrive when the needs arises. Will be a great series.

 

[jcuadrado]

I'm a Heat fan and if they were to lose I wouldn't see it as a failure considering I don't even think that Lebron/Wade/Bosh/Riley/Spokes thought they would get to the Finals their first year together with Haslem and Miller being completely fubar the whole regular season. I do believe they expected to get past the first round and hopefully past Chicago or Boston but, definitely not both.

They had immense luck with Boston reaching their expiration date and then Miller and Haslem getting healed up enough to contribute against Chicago. I do believe without Haslem that series looks completely different. So I think reaching the Finals their first year together win or lose, the Heat outperformed their initial expectations and if they win the Championship it would be insanity.

I don't think they'll lose though simply because they realize how far ahead of schedule they are and won't let this opportunity slip by. Hate Lebron/Wade all you want but those are TWO very determined players that turn it into overdrive when the needs arises. Will be a great series.

wow..I'm impressed...a non biased NBA fan that speaks the truth. I agree with you 100%. Reaching the finals was an amazing task that this team has achieved. Honestly, I didn't think they would do it. I though Boston was going to beat them.

It's going to be a great series vs the Mavs....but now after watching them vs the Bulls I give them a slight edge. James is playing with this determination that I haven't seen before..and so is Bosh. Wade seemed off vs the Bulls...not sure if it's an undisclosed injury or what...but they are looking very strong as a team.

 

[Miramonti]

The only thing I'm concerned about if Miami wins the Finals is that people might get the impression that Lebron isn't an arrogant blohard, Wade's head hasn't gone 'Big Time', and Chris Bosh hasn't played a soft career, who's talented but simply has had more success now in these big games imo because he doesn't have the pressure and responsibility for the team's ultimate success or failure like James and Wade do.

If Miami wins, I'm happy for their fans. But as a fan of the Nba and the good characters in it, I still would not be impressed any more in this regard than before these playoffs began.

 

[Awkward]

Dirk has been a massive choker for years! He folds under pressure and that's proven year after year.

And Lechoke isn't?

 

[actuarial]

Top 5 teams in the nba in no particular order.
Mavs, Heat, Grizzlies, Thunder, Bulls

3 of 5 are in the west. I left out San Antonio and the Lakers which would of been 6 and 7.

Memphis had a great playoffs, but let's not be blinded by the fact that they won a SINGLE playoff series. GS did that against Dallas a few years ago too, and I don't think they even made the playoffs the following year.

The fact that you have them as a top 5 NBA team is a joke! I'll certainly be happy to make some kind of sig bet that they do not have a top 3 record in the West next year.

 

[jcuadrado]

Has Lebron chocked in the past...yes he has. But if you put Lebron on the 2006 Mavs with the team Dirk had....I think they would have beat the Heat. There is no denying that Lebron had zero help with those sorry ass Cavs teams in the past. Cuban did put some quality players around Dirk and they still chocked. It's too hard for one player to carry a team and win a championship....ask Derrick Rose about that...

 

[QueBert]

And Lechoke isn't?

So basically the finals will be battle of the choke artists. But I gotta give it to Dirk here as he has many more years of choke experience over the much younger James. He's by far the more proven choke artist of the 2.

 

[dougp]

So basically the finals will be battle of the choke artists. But I gotta give it to Dirk here as he has many more years of choke experience over the much younger James. He's by far the more proven choke artist of the 2.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1184597/index.htm

SI NBA Player Poll of who do you want taking the last shot.

WHO DO YOU WANT SHOOTING WITH THE GAME ON THE LINE?

Kobe Bryant, Lakers G 74%

Kevin Durant, Thunder F 8%

Dwyane Wade, Heat G 3%

Ray Allen, Celtics G 2%

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks F 2%

Based on 166 NBA players who responded to SI's survey



Guess those players don't know anything!

 

[QueBert]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1184597/index.htm

SI NBA Player Poll of who do you want taking the last shot.

WHO DO YOU WANT SHOOTING WITH THE GAME ON THE LINE?

Kobe Bryant, Lakers G 74%

Kevin Durant, Thunder F 8%

Dwyane Wade, Heat G 3%

Ray Allen, Celtics G 2%

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks F 2%

Based on 166 NBA players who responded to SI's survey



Guess those players don't know anything!

Ray Allen 2%? yeah they obviously don't know shit. My guess is they asked all of the Lakers + 10 other random players (2 from each other team listed) Logic tells me if I'm in the NBA and think Kobe's the best clutch player, why the fuck would I want him to take the last shot? I'd have voted for a choke artist like Devin George, Dirk or James.

 

[actuarial]

No, I just agree with Jeff Van Gundy and think that this kind of shit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h60uviwKC0

should warrant a suspension. Reggie Miller has also always been a bitch as a player, so it's no surprise he's a bitch as a commentator.

Bad officiating literally ruined the Chicago vs Miami series, and I know the Bulls choked with bad offense as well, but it's tough to overcome such a ridiculous FT disparity as well as momentum breaking calls. If you're going to call it on one end, call it on the other. Several calls where there was literally no contact made at all were given to the Heat, but the typical calls that Rose is given when he drives it and they slam their body into him weren't given.

Also, that flagrant 2 on Boozer was fucking stupid. He was going for the block, but Lebron lowered the ball, so he made accidental contact to the face. They also called it a "closeline", what a stupid exaggeration.

I realize it's not possible to have a perfectly officiated game, but you have 3 refs and this is far from even passable. Are these refs blind or fucking senile? Fuck this game, I hope the NBA has a lockout next year just to make Lebron get another year older without winning a title after the Mavs humiliate the Heat this series, barring more rigged officiating anyway.

I agree those should be suspensions, but that's not an NBA problem, that's a problem with every sports league. Hell it's even a problem in Hockey. And I thought Miller was disgusting for glamorizing what Lebron did. But anything that a league doesn't punish guys for that gives them an edge they'll do. The Heat aren't the worst offenders in the NBA for flopping (which still doesn't make it right).

My point remains though - the Heat don't have a free throw disparity because of the refs, they have one because of their style of play. You take three guys that consistently led the league in free throws, put them on the same team, what do you think should happen?

And just like in any sport officiated by humans, someone who consistently does something well gets the benefit of the doubt from the refs, and someone who doesn't doesn't. It's not like Rose and Dirk aren't accused by other teams' fans of getting preferential treatment. You put Rose and Dwight on the same team and check out the FTA disparity. That doesn't mean that the NBA has some kind of conspiracy to help them win. Did the league slowly find Kobe out of favor? Look at his FTA/game over the last 4 playoffs.

The fact that you ignored my last question proves my point - there's no one in the league who should be shooting more free throws then Lebron. He shoots more then he should, but that's because refs are human. Anyone else who played like he does, with his skill, would get the same treatment as well.