In less than 24 hours, the 2014-15 NBA season will get underway with three games including the Mavericks at Spurs.
Beginning with Gregg Popovitch's first full season as Spurs coach, the Spurs have won 50-plus games every season except 1998-99. Only 50 total games were played that season and the Spurs won 37 of them. In fact, that was the first year that the Spurs won the NBA Finals.
Entering the season as defending champions, the Spurs have won five titles during the Popovitch and Tim Duncan era. Duncan exercised his player option for this season, which could be the last of his Hall-of-Fame career.
With a career win share of 191.57, the only players in NBA history with a higher win share are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (273.41), Wilt Chamberlain (247.26), Karl Malone (234.63), Michael Jordan (214.02) and John Stockton (207.70). Mr. Fundamental ranks 19th all-time in scoring, 12th in rebounding and 15th in blocks.
Based on Vegas odds to win it all, the Spurs are a close second (+350) behind the Cavaliers (+280).
As LeBron James returns home to Cleveland, he leads a more talented trio with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love than the one he had in Miami with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Considering the Heat made a trip to the NBA Finals in all four of LeBron's seasons in Miami and won two titles, it makes sense to install them as the preseason favorites even if it takes a bit of time for them to build chemistry.
Here are my Week 1 NBA Power Rankings (2013-14 record in parenthesis):
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (33-49)
2. San Antonio Spurs (62-20)
3. Chicago Bulls (48-34)
4. Los Angeles Clippers (57-25)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (59-23)
6. Dallas Mavericks (49-33)
7. Golden State Warriors (51-31)
8. Memphis Grizzlies (50-32)
9. Portland Trail Blazers (54-28)
10. Washington Wizards (44-38)
11. Toronto Raptors (48-34)
12. Houston Rockets (48-34)
13. New Orleans Pelicans (34-48)
14. Phoenix Suns (48-34)
15. Charlotte Hornets (43-39)
16. Miami Heat (54-28)
17. Denver Nuggets (36-46)
18. Brooklyn Nets (44-38)
19. Atlanta Hawks (38-44)
20. Detroit Pistons (29-53)
21. Indiana Pacers (56-26)
22. Los Angeles Lakers (27-55)
23. Sacramento Kings (28-54)
24. New York Knicks (37-45)
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (40-42)
26. Utah Jazz (25-57)
27. Boston Celtics (25-57)
28. Milwaukee Bucks (15-67)
29. Orlando Magic (23-59)
30. Philadelphia 76ers (19-63)
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Showing posts with label Tim Duncan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tim Duncan. Show all posts
Monday, October 27, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Spurs PF Tim Duncan exercises option for 2014-15 season
It's not a huge surprise, but it's now official.
The retirement party will be postponed by at least one year.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo!, Spurs power forward Tim Duncan has exercised his player option on the 2014-15 season and will return to the Spurs for a chance to defend their title.
One of the greatest players — and perhaps the most unassuming superstar — in NBA history, Duncan has 24,904 points (19th all-time), 13,940 rebounds (11th all-time) and 2,791 blocked shots (seventh all-time).
The other two members of the Big 3, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, are both entering the final years of their contracts as well.
At the moment, other key Spurs free agents include Patty Mills, Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner.
Last season, Duncan averaged 15.1 points and 9.7 rebounds during the regular season and 16.3 points and 9.2 boards in the postseason.
Based on early odds from Sportsbook.ag, only the Heat (9/2) have lower odds to win the NBA title next year than the Spurs (11/2).
(Of course, those odds could change dramatically if LeBron James opts out and enters free agency and his wife created a little bit of drama with this Instragram post.)
The retirement party will be postponed by at least one year.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo!, Spurs power forward Tim Duncan has exercised his player option on the 2014-15 season and will return to the Spurs for a chance to defend their title.
One of the greatest players — and perhaps the most unassuming superstar — in NBA history, Duncan has 24,904 points (19th all-time), 13,940 rebounds (11th all-time) and 2,791 blocked shots (seventh all-time).
The other two members of the Big 3, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, are both entering the final years of their contracts as well.
At the moment, other key Spurs free agents include Patty Mills, Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner.
Last season, Duncan averaged 15.1 points and 9.7 rebounds during the regular season and 16.3 points and 9.2 boards in the postseason.
Based on early odds from Sportsbook.ag, only the Heat (9/2) have lower odds to win the NBA title next year than the Spurs (11/2).
(Of course, those odds could change dramatically if LeBron James opts out and enters free agency and his wife created a little bit of drama with this Instragram post.)
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Consensus NBA Power Rankings, Final Rankings
With the NBA regular season over and the playoffs beginning this weekend, this will be our last edition for this season of our NBA Consensus Power Rankings.
Therefore, it makes sense to get the NBA Finals predictions from our rankers.
John Trifone: Heat over Spurs in seven games
The NBA Finals matchup appears a little less predictable than it has in recent years.
The East had been looking like a two-horse race for much of the season, but both the Pacers and Heat have been mediocre at best for the last quarter of the year. The Nets, as well as the Bulls, have emerged as a possibility to challenge for the Conference. The Raptors are the forgotten team, and most disrespected three seed in recent memory, but they, too, could be considered as in the mix.
The West has some terrific first-round match-ups, and although the Spurs, Thunder, Clippers, and maybe Rockets are favorites to come out of it, it really wouldn't be all that surprising if any of the other four teams were to make a run. Earlier in the year, I predicted that the Warriors would make the Conference Finals, but with Andrew Bogut out, that's a pretty big blow to their chances.
For my Finals matchup, I'm going to go way out on a limb and take the Heat and Spurs for the second year in a row. For a team like the Pacers to falter the way that they have, that shows real concern. I don't feel that's the case for the Heat, though. Miami hasn't been taking the end of the regular season seriously, and I'm confident that they will turn it on for the playoffs. San Antonio, on the other hand, has been the best team in the NBA for the majority of the year. The West is a real powerhouse, and although it's a lot tougher to predict than the East, I'll take the team that has been the most consistent, and done it before.
In the Finals, I'm going to take Miami to three-peat in seven games. I think it's a really even series, and I might actually favor the Spurs, but I'm less confident that they will make the Finals than I am with Miami. So I'm taking a repeat of last year with Miami in seven.
Sean Beazley: Spurs over Bulls in five games
I've changed my NBA finals pick multiple times during the year, and I am going to do it again heading into the playoffs. I am going to go with the chalk in the West and say that San Antonio will beat Chicago in five. The Spurs have the best coach in the NBA. They have by far the most depth, and their nucleus has the most experience. The Bulls are the best defensive team in basketball, and I think both the Heat and Pacers slip up before the Eastern Conference Finals.
Dan Yanotchko: Spurs over Heat in six games
I think this year's NBA Finals, will be a rematch of last year's epic showdown between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are still alive and kicking, as most thought that last year would be their final in real contention, but they had a league-best 62 wins this year. The Miami Heat are limping into this year's playoffs, although most are speculating that they are sandbagging, and just waiting for the playoffs to start. This year, I think Miami is too banged up with Dwyane Wade not at 100%, and the Heat just do not have an inside big man to deal with San Antonio's length. This is the year that Tim Duncan makes that bunny lay up, and gets ring number 5 for the best coach in the league Gregg Popovich. Spurs will win in 6 games.
Kevin Hanson: Heat over Spurs in six games
There is quite a bit of intrigue with the NBA playoffs this year. The West is stacked; so much so that I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the eight teams emerge and represent the West in the Finals. Despite missing the playoffs in the West, the Suns have an identical record as the Raptors and Bulls, who are the third and fourth seeds in the East, respectively. As John noted earlier, it seemed to be a given that we would see a Heat-versus-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals, but that is no longer a lock with how those teams have struggled down the stretch.
While Kevin Durant deserves to win league MVP, LeBron James is still the best player in the NBA and the Heat know exactly what's needed to close the deal to emerge from the East as back-to-back league champions. (On a side note, I have the Bulls — not the Pacers — getting to the Eastern Conference Finals.) Perhaps in a bit of a surprise, I have the Grizzlies "upsetting" the Thunder and Clippers to advance to the Western Conference Finals as Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley have the Grizz playing well at the right time. Unfortunately, I see the Grizzlies losing a Game 7 at The Alamo as the Big Fundamental, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili get another shot for a title.
As much as I dislike (yet respect) Popp, I'll be rooting for Duncan and the Spurs. That said, I expect the Heat to make it a three-peat and win in six games.
- Check out our final 2013-14 NBA Power Rankings this season.
Follow our updates: Twitter - Facebook - Google+
Therefore, it makes sense to get the NBA Finals predictions from our rankers.
John Trifone: Heat over Spurs in seven games
The NBA Finals matchup appears a little less predictable than it has in recent years.
The East had been looking like a two-horse race for much of the season, but both the Pacers and Heat have been mediocre at best for the last quarter of the year. The Nets, as well as the Bulls, have emerged as a possibility to challenge for the Conference. The Raptors are the forgotten team, and most disrespected three seed in recent memory, but they, too, could be considered as in the mix.
The West has some terrific first-round match-ups, and although the Spurs, Thunder, Clippers, and maybe Rockets are favorites to come out of it, it really wouldn't be all that surprising if any of the other four teams were to make a run. Earlier in the year, I predicted that the Warriors would make the Conference Finals, but with Andrew Bogut out, that's a pretty big blow to their chances.
For my Finals matchup, I'm going to go way out on a limb and take the Heat and Spurs for the second year in a row. For a team like the Pacers to falter the way that they have, that shows real concern. I don't feel that's the case for the Heat, though. Miami hasn't been taking the end of the regular season seriously, and I'm confident that they will turn it on for the playoffs. San Antonio, on the other hand, has been the best team in the NBA for the majority of the year. The West is a real powerhouse, and although it's a lot tougher to predict than the East, I'll take the team that has been the most consistent, and done it before.
In the Finals, I'm going to take Miami to three-peat in seven games. I think it's a really even series, and I might actually favor the Spurs, but I'm less confident that they will make the Finals than I am with Miami. So I'm taking a repeat of last year with Miami in seven.
Sean Beazley: Spurs over Bulls in five games
I've changed my NBA finals pick multiple times during the year, and I am going to do it again heading into the playoffs. I am going to go with the chalk in the West and say that San Antonio will beat Chicago in five. The Spurs have the best coach in the NBA. They have by far the most depth, and their nucleus has the most experience. The Bulls are the best defensive team in basketball, and I think both the Heat and Pacers slip up before the Eastern Conference Finals.
Dan Yanotchko: Spurs over Heat in six games
I think this year's NBA Finals, will be a rematch of last year's epic showdown between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are still alive and kicking, as most thought that last year would be their final in real contention, but they had a league-best 62 wins this year. The Miami Heat are limping into this year's playoffs, although most are speculating that they are sandbagging, and just waiting for the playoffs to start. This year, I think Miami is too banged up with Dwyane Wade not at 100%, and the Heat just do not have an inside big man to deal with San Antonio's length. This is the year that Tim Duncan makes that bunny lay up, and gets ring number 5 for the best coach in the league Gregg Popovich. Spurs will win in 6 games.
Kevin Hanson: Heat over Spurs in six games
There is quite a bit of intrigue with the NBA playoffs this year. The West is stacked; so much so that I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the eight teams emerge and represent the West in the Finals. Despite missing the playoffs in the West, the Suns have an identical record as the Raptors and Bulls, who are the third and fourth seeds in the East, respectively. As John noted earlier, it seemed to be a given that we would see a Heat-versus-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals, but that is no longer a lock with how those teams have struggled down the stretch.
While Kevin Durant deserves to win league MVP, LeBron James is still the best player in the NBA and the Heat know exactly what's needed to close the deal to emerge from the East as back-to-back league champions. (On a side note, I have the Bulls — not the Pacers — getting to the Eastern Conference Finals.) Perhaps in a bit of a surprise, I have the Grizzlies "upsetting" the Thunder and Clippers to advance to the Western Conference Finals as Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley have the Grizz playing well at the right time. Unfortunately, I see the Grizzlies losing a Game 7 at The Alamo as the Big Fundamental, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili get another shot for a title.
As much as I dislike (yet respect) Popp, I'll be rooting for Duncan and the Spurs. That said, I expect the Heat to make it a three-peat and win in six games.
- Check out our final 2013-14 NBA Power Rankings this season.
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Monday, January 20, 2014
Zach Randolph has 23 points and 20 rebounds vs. Pelicans
Entering today's game against the Pelicans, Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph was tied for seventh in the NBA with Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge in double-doubles (24).
Coincidentally, Aldridge was the only player with multiple 20-20 games this season, but Randolph became the eighth player to have one such game this season.
Against the Pelicans, Randolph finished with 23 points, a season-high 20 rebounds and three assists.
As noted by ESPN's Stats & Info, Randolph ranks fifth among active players in most 20-20 games (11) behind Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Kevin Love.
On the season, Randolph is averaging 17.51 points and 10.89 rebounds per game.
Coincidentally, Aldridge was the only player with multiple 20-20 games this season, but Randolph became the eighth player to have one such game this season.
Against the Pelicans, Randolph finished with 23 points, a season-high 20 rebounds and three assists.
As noted by ESPN's Stats & Info, Randolph ranks fifth among active players in most 20-20 games (11) behind Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Kevin Love.
On the season, Randolph is averaging 17.51 points and 10.89 rebounds per game.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
NBA Predictions for the 2013-14 Season
With NBA preseason under way and the start of the regular season only a few weeks away, Kyle Baillargeon makes his predictions for NBA awards and playoffs below:
2013-14 NBA Postseason Award Winners
MVP - LeBron James, Miami Heat
I wouldn't be surprised to see Derrick Rose here if he leads the Bulls to one of the best records in the league, if only because MVP voters have shown that they tend to grow tired of giving the award to the same person over and over again. That said, LeBron is the clear frontrunner for MVP. The Heat will be in the championship hunt once more, but Dwyane Wade isn't getting any younger, and this team still looks pretty thin outside of LeBron. I expect James to have the best statistical season of his career, with his fith MVP to boot.
Most Improved Player - Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Leonard already started to make the leap last year, especially in the playoffs. With the Duncan/Manu/Parker era winding down in San Antonio, Leonard stands to become the face of the franchise's next era of basketball. Entering his third year in the league, he has plenty of room for improvement and could very well become a household name before the season is over.
Sixth Man of the Year - Tyreke Evans, New Orleans Pelicans
Evans could certainly start in New Orleans, but a backourt rotation of Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, and Evans could be devastating. The big question would be if Evans is willing to sit to start each game. But if he can get over that, then he would be a huge contributor off the bench.
Don't be surprised, however, if a member of the Brooklyn Nets winds up with this award. The expectation is that one of either Paul Pierce or Andrei Kirilenko will come off the bench this year. If it turns out to be Pierce, then the award will be his.
Rookie of the Year - Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
McLemore will have plenty of opportunity to light it up on the court, and that's what he does best. Greivis Vasquez will be looking his way often. The Kings still have work to do to become a contender, but McLemore will prove himself to be a great piece to the puzzle.
Defensive Player of the Year - LeBron James, Miami Heat
James is so good at everything, that it seems easy to overlook how dominant he is on the defensive end. One of his personal goals has been to win the award, and hopefully voters will finally recognize what many smart observers in the league already know: LeBron James is unquestionably THE best defender in the league.
NBA Finals Predictions
Eastern Conference Finals - Miami over Chicago in 7 games
As long as LeBron James is at the height of his powers, there is no reason to believe that anyone will stop Miami. This Chicago team will have an overwhelming defense, and combined with a returning Derrick Rose could very well go on to a number one seed in the East. I fully expect both teams to pummel their competition all the way to one of the biggest heavyweight battles the NBA has seen in years. This one could go either way, but ultimately the tie-breaker goes to the team with the greatest player of the last 25 years.
Western Conference Finals - San Antonio over Los Angeles Clippers in 6 games
It might be a little overzealous to send the Clippers to the WCF in Doc Rivers' first year at the helm, but this team does have Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, along with a good bench. Once Doc figures out his rotation, and as long as the team buys in to playing legitimate defense, the Clippers could knock on the door of the title. That said, the Spurs will not go down without a fight. Greg Popovich is smart enough to understand exactly what his team needs and when, and his team should be healthy and well-rested leading into the playoffs. He knows he needs to save the firepower for the playoffs, and they should be able to make it through the tough Western Conference one more time in their Big Three era. Once these two squads meet, Popovich's knowledge of his own team, combined with Tim Duncan's front-court dominance and Tony Parker's ability to go toe-to-toe with Chris Paul, will lead the Spurs to victory.
NBA Finals - Miami over San Antonio in 7 games
It may seem like a cop-out to go with the repeat in the Finals, but after last year's amazing seven-game set, is anyone going to complain about seeing it again? As stated before, it wouldn't make sense to pick against LeBron James. He is the best in the world and will lead the Heat to victory again.
Soon, we will release our 2013-14 fantasy basketball rankings.
Visit our NBA home or follow us on Twitter (@HitTheBoards) for updates.
2013-14 NBA Postseason Award Winners
MVP - LeBron James, Miami Heat
I wouldn't be surprised to see Derrick Rose here if he leads the Bulls to one of the best records in the league, if only because MVP voters have shown that they tend to grow tired of giving the award to the same person over and over again. That said, LeBron is the clear frontrunner for MVP. The Heat will be in the championship hunt once more, but Dwyane Wade isn't getting any younger, and this team still looks pretty thin outside of LeBron. I expect James to have the best statistical season of his career, with his fith MVP to boot.
Most Improved Player - Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Leonard already started to make the leap last year, especially in the playoffs. With the Duncan/Manu/Parker era winding down in San Antonio, Leonard stands to become the face of the franchise's next era of basketball. Entering his third year in the league, he has plenty of room for improvement and could very well become a household name before the season is over.
Sixth Man of the Year - Tyreke Evans, New Orleans Pelicans
Evans could certainly start in New Orleans, but a backourt rotation of Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, and Evans could be devastating. The big question would be if Evans is willing to sit to start each game. But if he can get over that, then he would be a huge contributor off the bench.
Don't be surprised, however, if a member of the Brooklyn Nets winds up with this award. The expectation is that one of either Paul Pierce or Andrei Kirilenko will come off the bench this year. If it turns out to be Pierce, then the award will be his.
Rookie of the Year - Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
McLemore will have plenty of opportunity to light it up on the court, and that's what he does best. Greivis Vasquez will be looking his way often. The Kings still have work to do to become a contender, but McLemore will prove himself to be a great piece to the puzzle.
Defensive Player of the Year - LeBron James, Miami Heat
James is so good at everything, that it seems easy to overlook how dominant he is on the defensive end. One of his personal goals has been to win the award, and hopefully voters will finally recognize what many smart observers in the league already know: LeBron James is unquestionably THE best defender in the league.
NBA Finals Predictions
Eastern Conference Finals - Miami over Chicago in 7 games
As long as LeBron James is at the height of his powers, there is no reason to believe that anyone will stop Miami. This Chicago team will have an overwhelming defense, and combined with a returning Derrick Rose could very well go on to a number one seed in the East. I fully expect both teams to pummel their competition all the way to one of the biggest heavyweight battles the NBA has seen in years. This one could go either way, but ultimately the tie-breaker goes to the team with the greatest player of the last 25 years.
Western Conference Finals - San Antonio over Los Angeles Clippers in 6 games
It might be a little overzealous to send the Clippers to the WCF in Doc Rivers' first year at the helm, but this team does have Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, along with a good bench. Once Doc figures out his rotation, and as long as the team buys in to playing legitimate defense, the Clippers could knock on the door of the title. That said, the Spurs will not go down without a fight. Greg Popovich is smart enough to understand exactly what his team needs and when, and his team should be healthy and well-rested leading into the playoffs. He knows he needs to save the firepower for the playoffs, and they should be able to make it through the tough Western Conference one more time in their Big Three era. Once these two squads meet, Popovich's knowledge of his own team, combined with Tim Duncan's front-court dominance and Tony Parker's ability to go toe-to-toe with Chris Paul, will lead the Spurs to victory.
NBA Finals - Miami over San Antonio in 7 games
It may seem like a cop-out to go with the repeat in the Finals, but after last year's amazing seven-game set, is anyone going to complain about seeing it again? As stated before, it wouldn't make sense to pick against LeBron James. He is the best in the world and will lead the Heat to victory again.
Soon, we will release our 2013-14 fantasy basketball rankings.
Visit our NBA home or follow us on Twitter (@HitTheBoards) for updates.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
NBA Finals Prediction: Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs (Trifone)
I had both winners of the Conference Finals, picking the Spurs and Heat
to advance, but I had the quality of the series' flip-flopped. San
Antonio was the better team in all four games against the Grizz, a
series I expected to be much tighter than it was. The Heat, on the
other hand, struggled much more than expected; not because the Pacers
aren't a good team, but because the Heat had just been on another level.
Not only did they rattle of 27 wins in a row earlier in the year, but
they were 8-1 in the playoffs going into the series, and seemed poised
for another championship run. Roy Hibbert, Paul George, and David West
proved to be a pretty formidable Big Three, but ultimately, the Heat
were able to dispatch of them in a lopsided Game Seven in Miami.
Much has been made of the long layoff that San Antonio has had between sweeping Memphis, and Game 1 of the NBA Finals coming up on June 6th. Personally, I think the Spurs are a team that the rest will greatly benefit. Last year, the Spurs were playing tremendous basketball, and I still have no idea what happened for them to lose four consecutive games to Oklahoma City. This year, the Spurs did not have the same steam coming in to the playoffs, but they have clearly been the best in the West, and earned their trip to the Finals. Tim Duncan seems to have found the fountain of youth, and at 37 is playing just about as well as he ever has, which is certainly saying something, considering he is thought of by most to be the best power forward in NBA history. Tony Parker is also back to the MVP form from early in the year. For the Spurs, this will be their fifth Finals appearance in the Duncan-Poppovich era. They won all four previous trips, with the most recent title coming against LeBron James and the Cavs.
The Heat have been the team with a target on their backs the entire year. They are the defending NBA Champions, and have had to take everyone's best shot all year long. Although they have had lingering injuries, specifically Dwyane Wade, for much of the year, and an aging cast of shooters who did not really show up in the Eastern Conference Finals, Miami found a way to get back for the third consecutive year. Since joining the Heat, LeBron is 3/3 in Finals appearances, and could become a champion for the second year in a row.
In many ways, this series is a referendum on LeBron's place in history. Many analyst's have defended LeBron, saying that his supporting cast has been as bad, if not worse, than the one he had in Cleveland. History, however, is not going to remember that supporting cast in the same way. As good as Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen, Shane Battier, etc. have been, none of them are going to be compared to the elite of the elite, and talked about in the discussion for the GOAT. For LeBron, however, not getting a ring, for ANY reason, is going to be in paragraph one of his bio when all is said and done for him.
I think this has the makings of a fantastic series, and it's a matchup we really haven't seen. In the two games that the Spurs and Heat played this year, San Antonio rested all their big guns in Miami, and the Heat did the same thing on the road at San Antonio. I'm expecting a back-and-forth series, but I think that ultimately, LeBron and Miami will be up to "not two" as far as championships go. The Pacers defense exposed some of the Heat's flaws, but they were still able to make adjustments and advance. I don't see the role players like Allen and Battier to be as bad as they were against Indiana, and D-Wade showed us in Game 7 that he still has something left in the tank. Bosh was mentally defeated by West and Hibbert, but will get a fresh start against Duncan and the Spurs. It is going to be another tall task, but I think he will fare better.
And at the end of the day, the Heat have a weapon that no team in the league has. LeBron is as intelligent of a player as there is in the league, and his ability to be either Magic or Michael, depending on what the team needs, gives them an advantage that is tough to counter. If anyone can figure out a way to stop him, it's Pop, and I'm looking forward to the coaching matchup as much as anything else. But at the end of the day, I'll take LeBron and the Heat in 6.
Prediction: Miami Heat in 6 Games
[Note: This post is from John Trifone. See his other basketball posts here and/or follow him on Twitter @JohnnyT0122.]
Much has been made of the long layoff that San Antonio has had between sweeping Memphis, and Game 1 of the NBA Finals coming up on June 6th. Personally, I think the Spurs are a team that the rest will greatly benefit. Last year, the Spurs were playing tremendous basketball, and I still have no idea what happened for them to lose four consecutive games to Oklahoma City. This year, the Spurs did not have the same steam coming in to the playoffs, but they have clearly been the best in the West, and earned their trip to the Finals. Tim Duncan seems to have found the fountain of youth, and at 37 is playing just about as well as he ever has, which is certainly saying something, considering he is thought of by most to be the best power forward in NBA history. Tony Parker is also back to the MVP form from early in the year. For the Spurs, this will be their fifth Finals appearance in the Duncan-Poppovich era. They won all four previous trips, with the most recent title coming against LeBron James and the Cavs.
The Heat have been the team with a target on their backs the entire year. They are the defending NBA Champions, and have had to take everyone's best shot all year long. Although they have had lingering injuries, specifically Dwyane Wade, for much of the year, and an aging cast of shooters who did not really show up in the Eastern Conference Finals, Miami found a way to get back for the third consecutive year. Since joining the Heat, LeBron is 3/3 in Finals appearances, and could become a champion for the second year in a row.
In many ways, this series is a referendum on LeBron's place in history. Many analyst's have defended LeBron, saying that his supporting cast has been as bad, if not worse, than the one he had in Cleveland. History, however, is not going to remember that supporting cast in the same way. As good as Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen, Shane Battier, etc. have been, none of them are going to be compared to the elite of the elite, and talked about in the discussion for the GOAT. For LeBron, however, not getting a ring, for ANY reason, is going to be in paragraph one of his bio when all is said and done for him.
I think this has the makings of a fantastic series, and it's a matchup we really haven't seen. In the two games that the Spurs and Heat played this year, San Antonio rested all their big guns in Miami, and the Heat did the same thing on the road at San Antonio. I'm expecting a back-and-forth series, but I think that ultimately, LeBron and Miami will be up to "not two" as far as championships go. The Pacers defense exposed some of the Heat's flaws, but they were still able to make adjustments and advance. I don't see the role players like Allen and Battier to be as bad as they were against Indiana, and D-Wade showed us in Game 7 that he still has something left in the tank. Bosh was mentally defeated by West and Hibbert, but will get a fresh start against Duncan and the Spurs. It is going to be another tall task, but I think he will fare better.
And at the end of the day, the Heat have a weapon that no team in the league has. LeBron is as intelligent of a player as there is in the league, and his ability to be either Magic or Michael, depending on what the team needs, gives them an advantage that is tough to counter. If anyone can figure out a way to stop him, it's Pop, and I'm looking forward to the coaching matchup as much as anything else. But at the end of the day, I'll take LeBron and the Heat in 6.
Prediction: Miami Heat in 6 Games
[Note: This post is from John Trifone. See his other basketball posts here and/or follow him on Twitter @JohnnyT0122.]
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Western Conference Finals Prediction: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
[Editor's note: This post is by John Trifone (@JohnnyT0122), who also contributes at our NFL site: Eat, Drink and Sleep Football (see John's archives). John was a believer in the Spurs back in February; read below to see if that's still the case.]
This looks to be the best match up of the entire playoffs. The Spurs have not lost a game since April 11, and more than that, haven't been challenged in many of their wins. So far in the playoffs, they easily disbursed of the Jazz in the first round, and just kept rolling against the Clippers, who played very well in the first round to oust Memphis. Even after falling behind by 24 points into the 2nd quarter of game 3, they went on to destroy LA for the remainder of the game, and won by double digits.
The Spurs look like the perfect team. Tim Duncan is playing like he's 28 again, Tony Parker is having an outstanding season at the point, and they have few, if any, weaknesses. They have a great coach, a deep bench, and play unbelievable team basketball. They always seem to find the open man, and everyone on the floor is a reliable shooter.
The Thunder, on the other hand, have been pretty impressive in their own right. I do think they have looked more vulnerable, as they have been in several very close games that could have gone either way. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept Dallas, but realistically, could have easily gone down 0-2 at home. In the second round, they blew the doors off against the Lakers in Game 1, but the next three contests could have, and maybe should have, gone to the Lakers. Game 2, for example, had the Lakers leading by seven with just two minutes to go. The flip side of the argument, of course, is that they keep finding ways to win these close games, which, of course, they have.
Clearly, Oklahoma City knows how to play well down the stretch and has several guys that can close. While Durant is the biggest star on the team, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are perfectly capable of taking a game over when necessary, which makes it more difficult for defenses. If you double up on Durant, you're looking at potentially leaving another stud with an open look.
While the Spurs and Thunder are a combined 16-1 in the playoffs thus far, this one certainly doesn't look like it's going to be a short series. I'd guess that most people will be calling for a seven-game series and virtually flipping a coin on the winner.
Durant and Westbrook are the youthful superstars and future of the NBA, while the Spurs, though much less sexy, have pretty clearly been the best team in basketball for the last two months. I think that the Thunder are a formidable opponent, but I just can't see them beating San Antonio. In fact, I believe the Spurs will win in 5.
OKC has been a little inconsistent at times, and sometimes just start throwing up three-pointers in an attempt to make a quick run. I don't think that's going to fly against the Spurs, and if the Thunder fall behind after three quarters, I don't expect them to be able to make the kind of runs they've made in the past in this series against San Antonio. Don't get me wrong, OKC is incredibly athletic, they're fairly deep, they have some size, and they have multiple threats to score. But Poppovich always seems to come up with a good scheme and I definitely give the Spurs the coaching advantage. I also feel that the Spurs are so consistent that if OKC gets sloppy from time to time during the game, the Spurs will take advantage. Ultimately, I like the Spurs to continue the amazing run they're on and advance to the NBA Finals over Oklahoma City.
Prediction: San Antonio in 5
This looks to be the best match up of the entire playoffs. The Spurs have not lost a game since April 11, and more than that, haven't been challenged in many of their wins. So far in the playoffs, they easily disbursed of the Jazz in the first round, and just kept rolling against the Clippers, who played very well in the first round to oust Memphis. Even after falling behind by 24 points into the 2nd quarter of game 3, they went on to destroy LA for the remainder of the game, and won by double digits.
The Spurs look like the perfect team. Tim Duncan is playing like he's 28 again, Tony Parker is having an outstanding season at the point, and they have few, if any, weaknesses. They have a great coach, a deep bench, and play unbelievable team basketball. They always seem to find the open man, and everyone on the floor is a reliable shooter.
The Thunder, on the other hand, have been pretty impressive in their own right. I do think they have looked more vulnerable, as they have been in several very close games that could have gone either way. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept Dallas, but realistically, could have easily gone down 0-2 at home. In the second round, they blew the doors off against the Lakers in Game 1, but the next three contests could have, and maybe should have, gone to the Lakers. Game 2, for example, had the Lakers leading by seven with just two minutes to go. The flip side of the argument, of course, is that they keep finding ways to win these close games, which, of course, they have.
Clearly, Oklahoma City knows how to play well down the stretch and has several guys that can close. While Durant is the biggest star on the team, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are perfectly capable of taking a game over when necessary, which makes it more difficult for defenses. If you double up on Durant, you're looking at potentially leaving another stud with an open look.
While the Spurs and Thunder are a combined 16-1 in the playoffs thus far, this one certainly doesn't look like it's going to be a short series. I'd guess that most people will be calling for a seven-game series and virtually flipping a coin on the winner.
Durant and Westbrook are the youthful superstars and future of the NBA, while the Spurs, though much less sexy, have pretty clearly been the best team in basketball for the last two months. I think that the Thunder are a formidable opponent, but I just can't see them beating San Antonio. In fact, I believe the Spurs will win in 5.
OKC has been a little inconsistent at times, and sometimes just start throwing up three-pointers in an attempt to make a quick run. I don't think that's going to fly against the Spurs, and if the Thunder fall behind after three quarters, I don't expect them to be able to make the kind of runs they've made in the past in this series against San Antonio. Don't get me wrong, OKC is incredibly athletic, they're fairly deep, they have some size, and they have multiple threats to score. But Poppovich always seems to come up with a good scheme and I definitely give the Spurs the coaching advantage. I also feel that the Spurs are so consistent that if OKC gets sloppy from time to time during the game, the Spurs will take advantage. Ultimately, I like the Spurs to continue the amazing run they're on and advance to the NBA Finals over Oklahoma City.
Prediction: San Antonio in 5
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