2014 NBA Finals

[Camazotz]

Who do you think is going to win? Who do you want to win?

Pic related:

http://clarky7.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/spurs-vs-heat-nba-finals-jpg.jpg

[Gamma Male]

Uuuuhhhh..... the Dolphin ones?

[Dare99]

The Spurs have become a really cohesive unit lately, and I would love to see the old veterans take down the Big Three of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. Both teams are pretty close in talent, but I'm thinking the Spurs will eke out a victory in game 7


(100th post Woo!!)

[Lost in the Echo]

Honestly, I don't follow the NBA much, ( except for the big games of course ) but I'm definitely rooting for the Spurs. Lebron James is a dickhead, and the Heat have won enough championships.

The Heat will probably win in 6 though.

[Southside]

Who do you think is going to win? Who do you want to win?

Pic related:

image (http://clarky7.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/spurs-vs-heat-nba-finals-jpg.jpg)


My man! I knew you were going to make a Finals thread

Spurs in 7, though I think if Lebron gets this three peat he will earn a spot in people's top tens(Including mine). It just angers me how garbage the Eastern Conference is, I honestly think if the Heat were a Western team they wouldn't make it out the conference semifinals.

[Camazotz]

I hope the Spurs win in 6 or 7, but I expect LeBron to take over a few games. I can totally see Miami winning the whole thing in 6 games if their role players outplay the Spurs bench.

[Horatio Nelson]

Spurs in 6.

I'm feeling the love for Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Pop'. I would love to see them win one before retiring or whatever their future holds.


(Laker fan for life.)

[Typhlosion]

Since I'm Typhlosion, I gotta go with the Heats :P

Seriously, I'm betting on the heats. No clue in what number though.

[Southside]

I hope the Spurs win in 6 or 7, but I expect LeBron to take over a few games. I can totally see Miami winning the whole thing in 6 games if their role players outplay the Spurs bench.


Who do you think has more at stake...Tim Duncan or Lebron?

[Horatio Nelson]

Who do you think has more at stake...Tim Duncan or Lebron?

LeBron. Duncan already has 4 rings.

I think if the Heat don't win there might be a small disbandment.

[Southside]

LeBron. Duncan already has 4 rings.

I think if the Heat don't win there might be a small disbandment.

Duncan had a perfect Finals record until last year, two finals lost will be a major stain on his legacy(The Spurs legacy mainly)

[Horatio Nelson]

Duncan had a perfect Finals record until last year, two finals lost will be a major stain on his legacy(The Spurs legacy mainly)

Eh, I don't really think so. They have already achieved so much greatness.

I think there is a lot more pressure on LeBron and the Heat than the Spurs.

[Camazotz]

Who do you think has more at stake...Tim Duncan or Lebron?

Eh, I don't really think so. They have already achieved so much greatness.

I think there is a lot more pressure on LeBron and the Heat than the Spurs.

^ This. Duncan will still be a first-ballot Hall of Famer and will always be more liked than LeBron. Regardless of they win or lose, the Spurs have been the most successful franchise of the 21st century, and Tim Duncan will be considered by most to be the greatest power forward in history.

On the other hand, LeBron will always be criticized and have a large following of "haters." He always draws unfair comparisons to MJ and Kobe and Magic and Erving and many other greats. It'll be made a huge deal whether he wins or loses, and the comparisons will never stop. His legacy now depends on championships and nothing else. Tim's legacy is already cemented, and he doesn't have anything more to prove, although it'd be a happy ending if he, Pop, and Manu retire together after another championship together.

[pjones]

think the heat do it in 7 but wouldn't be surprised to see the spurs win, think they match up well.

[Camazotz]

Vegas gives the Spurs better odds to win the championship.

[Camazotz]

Game 1 thoughts:

Great game- constantly close until the end, both teams went back and forth, big name players did well. Mario Chalmers, Danny Green, and Kawhai Leonard played poorly but made some key plays. Sucks LeBron had muscle cramps at the end, he might've saved the game for the Heat (probably wouldn't have though). Hopefully AT&T Arena will be air-conditioned so everyone will play a bit better. I'm surprised the Heat played so well in San Antonio, though; they could definitely take Game 2, which will hopefully be a great game too.

Any other thoughts?

[Horatio Nelson]

Game 1 thoughts:

Great game- constantly close until the end, both teams went back and forth, big name players did well. Mario Chalmers, Danny Green, and Kawhai Leonard played poorly but made some key plays. Sucks LeBron had muscle cramps at the end, he might've saved the game for the Heat (probably wouldn't have though). Hopefully AT&T Arena will be air-conditioned so everyone will play a bit better. I'm surprised the Heat played so well in San Antonio, though; they could definitely take Game 2, which will hopefully be a great game too.

Any other thoughts?

Those turnovers. They made me cringe. This is the NBA Finals for crying out loud.

[IAMWILL]

I bet SA takes game 2 - they played extremely sloppy tonight and some of their bench didn't play that well.

That said I'm not sure if I can see the Heat losing at home...

[Southside]

Game 1 thoughts:

Great game- constantly close until the end, both teams went back and forth, big name players did well. Mario Chalmers, Danny Green, and Kawhai Leonard played poorly but made some key plays. Sucks LeBron had muscle cramps at the end, he might've saved the game for the Heat (probably wouldn't have though). Hopefully AT&T Arena will be air-conditioned so everyone will play a bit better. I'm surprised the Heat played so well in San Antonio, though; they could definitely take Game 2, which will hopefully be a great game too.

Any other thoughts?

I don't know how the Spurs won with all those turnovers, they could have won by 20 if they took better care of the ball.

Rashard Lewis needs to be taken out of the starting lineup for the Heat, I think Shane Battier would fair them better. I don't think the Heat would've won even if Lebron was in the game, it would have been way closer though. Im not going to wish bad health on anyone but I think if Lebron isn't at 100% then the Heat have no chance at winning.

Spurs played excellent except for the 20+ turnovers. Great ball movement, points in the paint, and good three point shooting.

[Camazotz]

Those turnovers. They made me cringe. This is the NBA Finals for crying out loud.

Yeah. I don't expect the turnovers to be a recurring issue, but both teams play great defense, so a lack of preparation in a Game 1 was probably a factor.

I bet SA takes game 2 - they played extremely sloppy tonight and some of their bench didn't play that well.

That said I'm not sure if I can see the Heat losing at home...

Good thing the Spurs have home-court advantage then.

I don't know how the Spurs won with all those turnovers, they could have won by 20 if they took better care of the ball.

Rashard Lewis needs to be taken out of the starting lineup for the Heat, I think Shane Battier would fair them better. I don't think the Heat would've won even if Lebron was in the game, it would have been way closer though. Im not going to wish bad health on anyone but I think if Lebron isn't at 100% then the Heat have no chance at winning.

Spurs played excellent except for the 20+ turnovers. Great ball movement, points in the paint, and good three point shooting.

A lot of the turnovers were mental mistakes, but the Heat's defense and fastbreak scoring will be an important part of the Heat's offense. I'm not sure how the Spurs offense will keep this up, though, if Boris Diaw and Danny Green aren't hitting their threes (Spurs were remarkably good in their efficiency this game). Not sure about the Lewis-Battier swap, though, it really depends if Splitter or Diaw starts (if Splitter, start Lewis, if Diaw, start Battier).

[Austin2]

GO Heat!

[Camazotz]

Damn, what a fun game to watch. Now Miami has home-court advantage! Hope the series stays this close the whole way through.

[Soxman97]

I want the spurs I hate the heat

[Camazotz]

I want the spurs I hate the heat

Looks good for you in Game 3 so far. Spurs couldn't play more perfectly.

[Southside]

Looks good for you in Game 3 so far. Spurs couldn't play more perfectly.

Yeah, that was a blowout, the fans were leaving at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Heat spent so much time trying to cut down that massive lead that they didn't have any energy left in crunch time. Terrific game for Leonard and Diaw, turnovers and foul trouble hurt the Heat. The Heat look so bad at the forward position, Diaw was getting free cheese on Lewis and even Bosh.

If Spurs go up 3-1 its a wrap

How do you feel about the refereeing? A lot of bad no calls both ways.

[Camazotz]

Yeah, that was a blowout, the fans were leaving at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Heat spent so much time trying to cut down that massive lead that they didn't have any energy left in crunch time. Terrific game for Leonard and Diaw, turnovers and foul trouble hurt the Heat. The Heat look so bad at the forward position, Diaw was getting free cheese on Lewis and even Bosh.

If Spurs go up 3-1 its a wrap

How do you feel about the refereeing? A lot of bad no calls both ways.

I thought the Spurs bench finally stepped it up. Leonard, Mills, Green, and Diaw were all fantastic. After tonight's performance, I think the Heat can only muster up one or two more good games. I think the series belongs to the Spurs now that they showed they can dominate the Heat.

Refs let them play on a bit too much. I didn't watch the entire game, but I agree that there were too many non-calls.

[Southside]

I thought the Spurs bench finally stepped it up. Leonard, Mills, Green, and Diaw were all fantastic. After tonight's performance, I think the Heat can only muster up one or two more good games. I think the series belongs to the Spurs now that they showed they can dominate the Heat.

Refs let them play on a bit too much. I didn't watch the entire game, but I agree that there were too many non-calls.

Complete blowout yet again, LeBron and Wade were nowhere to be found even though they got a little hot in the third quarter. Lewis and Chalmers were non factors as always, Bosh was fairly quiet too. Usually, when one of the "big three" has a bad game, either LeBron takes over or the other two have good games, all had bad games tonight. They have no answer for Leonard or Diaw, it still blows my mind how a guy who's 6'8, 250 lbs(Diaw) can guard 2 through 5 and have those passing skills. I still think Noah is better though(I'm biased).

I don't like speaking too soon but, I think it's safe to say the Spurs have this series on lock. I doubt the Heat will be able to win against the Spurs at home.

[Horatio Nelson]

Spurs won. Plus, no team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA finals.

In my opinion, the Heat aren't much of a major force without LeBron and Wade.

[Camazotz]

Complete blowout yet again, LeBron and Wade were nowhere to be found even though they got a little hot in the third quarter. Lewis and Chalmers were non factors as always, Bosh was fairly quiet too. Usually, when one of the "big three" has a bad game, either LeBron takes over or the other two have good games, all had bad games tonight. They have no answer for Leonard or Diaw, it still blows my mind how a guy who's 6'8, 250 lbs(Diaw) can guard 2 through 5 and have those passing skills. I still think Noah is better though(I'm biased).

I don't like speaking too soon but, I think it's safe to say the Spurs have this series on lock. I doubt the Heat will be able to win against the Spurs at home.

Spurs won. Plus, no team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA finals.

In my opinion, the Heat aren't much of a major force without LeBron and Wade.

Yup, Heat are done. None of their players are stepping up, meanwhile all the stars and role players are doing their respective jobs for the Spurs. I can't believe the Heat just rolled over these past two games; it's pretty pathetic.

If the Heat were up 3-1, I'd say that the Spurs are still good enough to come back. The Heat, on the other hand, are not good enough to come back and win the series.

Considering how great the first round of the playoffs was, as well as last year's Finals match-up, this series has been extremely disappointing.

[Horatio Nelson]

Yup, Heat are done. None of their players are stepping up, meanwhile all the stars and role players are doing their respective jobs for the Spurs. I can't believe the Heat just rolled over these past two games; it's pretty pathetic.

If the Heat were up 3-1, I'd say that the Spurs are still good enough to come back. The Heat, on the other hand, are not good enough to come back and win the series.

Considering how great the first round of the playoffs was, as well as last year's Finals match-up, this series has been extremely disappointing.

Tell me about it. I'm actually sad that the Spurs are dominating. It was so dead that last quarter, I just wish there was a bit more competition.

But the Spurs totally deserve another ring.

[NathansPen]

i want the Spurs to win. i want big old Timmy to have a title again.

[Southside]

Yup, Heat are done. None of their players are stepping up, meanwhile all the stars and role players are doing their respective jobs for the Spurs. I can't believe the Heat just rolled over these past two games; it's pretty pathetic.

If the Heat were up 3-1, I'd say that the Spurs are still good enough to come back. The Heat, on the other hand, are not good enough to come back and win the series.

Considering how great the first round of the playoffs was, as well as last year's Finals match-up, this series has been extremely disappointing.

Who do you think is going to get finals MVP for the Spurs? Its between Leonard and Tony Parker in my opinion

[Camazotz]

Who do you think is going to get finals MVP for the Spurs? Its between Leonard and Tony Parker in my opinion

It's a toss-up between Parker, Leonard, and Duncan. Assuming they win Game 5, the guy with the biggest game out of those three should win it.

[ChaseDakoda]

Heat

[Camazotz]

Hahahahaha, it's all over now. This Spurs team is one of the greatest teams of the 21st century. Glad to see these guys win another ring. I love Pop and Duncan.

[Southside]

Great game..I was a little worried in the beginning when the Heat were on the mini-run. Leonard had a good game and did a decent job containing LeBron. Patty Mills was on fire..and so was Tony Parker in the second half.

Wade, Bosh, and pretty much the whole Heat roster were non factors. The Heat need to find a decent point guard going forward if they want the "Big Three" to have any success. Wade was definitely showing some age, I guess the rest during the regular season didn't help much.

Nothing to watch on TV now..Fuck the World Cup

[Camazotz]

Great game..I was a little worried in the beginning when the Heat were on the mini-run. Leonard had a good game and did a decent job containing LeBron. Patty Mills was on fire..and so was Tony Parker in the second half.

Wade, Bosh, and pretty much the whole Heat roster were non factors. The Heat need to find a decent point guard going forward if they want the "Big Three" to have any success. Wade was definitely showing some age, I guess the rest during the regular season didn't help much.

Nothing to watch on TV now..Fuck the World Cup

I absolutely agree with everything you said. As soon as San Antonio started their streak, I knew it was over. Nobody can stop the entire Spurs team. Nearly every NBA team has 2-4 guys that have the potential to break out and win the game; the Spurs have 8, at least. They were clearly the superior team. No one on the Heat showed up after the first quarter. Shame the series sucked, considering how good the first round was. Very anti-climactic.

Miami should've rested LeBron throughout the season instead of making him play so many minutes. I'm sure that'll change next season. They also need to find decent role players- Mike Miller would be a great place to start. And most importantly, they need a young guy like Kawhi to take some minutes off of LeBron; Rashard Lewis isn't going to cut it.

And yeah, now I wait for the draft and hope Danny Ainge can work some magic and land Kevin Love, Melo (don't like him much, but I could get used to him), and Zach Lavine with the 17th pick. But after June, then it'll get SUPER boring.

[Southside]

I absolutely agree with everything you said. As soon as San Antonio started their streak, I knew it was over. Nobody can stop the entire Spurs team. Nearly every NBA team has 2-4 guys that have the potential to break out and win the game; the Spurs have 8, at least. They were clearly the superior team. No one on the Heat showed up after the first quarter. Shame the series sucked, considering how good the first round was. Very anti-climactic.

Miami should've rested LeBron throughout the season instead of making him play so many minutes. I'm sure that'll change next season. They also need to find decent role players- Mike Miller would be a great place to start. And most importantly, they need a young guy like Kawhi to take some minutes off of LeBron; Rashard Lewis isn't going to cut it.

And yeah, now I wait for the draft and hope Danny Ainge can work some magic and land Kevin Love, Melo (don't like him much, but I could get used to him), and Zach Lavine with the 17th pick. But after June, then it'll get SUPER boring.

Im sorry to rain on your parade but its going to be awhile before the Celtics are back in the playoff picture. Kevin Love and or Melo will go to a team that already has another star(Chicago, Houston, possibly Lakers).

Tim Duncan just moved up a space in my Top 10 list

1. MJ
2. Kareem
3. Bill Russell
4. Wilt
5. Magic
6. Tim Duncan
7. Bird
8. Olajuwon
9. Kobe
10. Shaq
11. Iverson(Sorry, had to put him in there

And Miami doesn't need anymore role players, they need another guy who can go out there and play 35 mins and drop 15 points on any given night. If they would've rested Lebron or gave him days off they wouldn't have made it to the Finals...

[Camazotz]

Im sorry to rain on your parade but its going to be awhile before the Celtics are back in the playoff picture. Kevin Love and or Melo will go to a team that already has another star(Chicago, Houston, possibly Lakers).

I don't know about that. Danny is infamous for his blockbuster moves on Draft Day. I don't anticipate their rebuild taking more than a couple years. They've got enough assets (trade picks, Sully and Olynyk).

And Miami doesn't need anymore role players, they need another guy who can go out there and play 35 mins and drop 15 points on any given night. If they would've rested Lebron or gave him days off they wouldn't have made it to the Finals...

They need consistent role players, guys that will step up in the playoffs. What position would that 35 minute-per-game guy play? I think Chalmers is an acceptable point guard if they have a good enough bench. I think they can get by with a cheap forward as well (LeBron could play either forward for most match-ups) if they have a bench that can withstand a barrage by Patty Mills and Company.

Lol, this was the only year in recent memory where the Heat could've rested LeBron in the regular season and would've still made the Finals. They finished six games ahead of Toronto and Chicago. They still would've steamrolled through the Eastern Conference in the playoffs (other than Indiana). They played LeBron WAAYYYY too much in the regular season to compensate for Wade being rested. Considering he's in the East, they could make the playoffs resting him 10-16 games, let alone reducing his minutes.

[Southside]

I don't know about that. Danny is infamous for his blockbuster moves on Draft Day. I don't anticipate their rebuild taking more than a couple years. They've got enough assets (trade picks, Sully and Olynyk).



They need consistent role players, guys that will step up in the playoffs. What position would that 35 minute-per-game guy play? I think Chalmers is an acceptable point guard if they have a good enough bench. I think they can get by with a cheap forward as well (LeBron could play either forward for most match-ups) if they have a bench that can withstand a barrage by Patty Mills and Company.

Lol, this was the only year in recent memory where the Heat could've rested LeBron in the regular season and would've still made the Finals. They finished six games ahead of Toronto and Chicago. They still would've steamrolled through the Eastern Conference in the playoffs (other than Indiana). They played LeBron WAAYYYY too much in the regular season to compensate for Wade being rested. Considering he's in the East, they could make the playoffs resting him 10-16 games, let alone reducing his minutes.

Chalmers and Cole are GARBAGE. Its Division 1 PG's who could've been more effective out there..

We cant just sit here and blame Wade he's getting older. What about that 6'11 guy who just settles for three pointers and midrange jumpers and bricks most of the time? If he would've been down in the paint throwing elbows with Splitter, Timmy, and Diaw the Heat might've been able to take 6 or 7. The Heat had no post presence and relied on Lebron to do everything from be point guard to playing the post.

And Yeah I do agree that they could've rested Lebron in the Charlotte series. I think if whatever team he's on keeps using him like this, he isn't going to play until he's 36 or 37. He needs to lose some weight like what Kobe and Timmy did, its going to be tough in your mid 30s getting up the court when your 250, 6'8.

If Chicago obtains Melo..Its over.

[Camazotz]

Chalmers and Cole are GARBAGE. Its Division 1 PG's who could've been more effective out there.

Nah, they're both Top 50 point guards in the league right now. Near the bottom, sure, but not terrible enough for them to be out of the league. They get the ball where it needs to go. They're not reliable, but not every roster spot can be a flawless choice, and Miami can get away with LeBron running the point sometimes, and the other two running it other times. They both have more rings than anyone on the Bulls :P

We cant just sit here and blame Wade he's getting older. What about that 6'11 guy who just settles for three pointers and midrange jumpers and bricks most of the time? If he would've been down in the paint throwing elbows with Splitter, Timmy, and Diaw the Heat might've been able to take 6 or 7. The Heat had no post presence and relied on Lebron to do everything from be point guard to playing the post.

It's 2014, not the 90s. The three-point shot is more efficient than a post shot. Bosh fits into the system well- big man that can score inside and out. If you look at his progression throughout his time in Miami, it's actually startling. Every time he makes a clutch play, it's overlooked for the times he misses, and people criticize him for it. If it were anyone on the Spurs, it would be "he's part of the system; it just works!" But because he's an easy target, they spin it as a reason to justify him not being what they want him to be.

And Yeah I do agree that they could've rested Lebron in the Charlotte series. I think if whatever team he's on keeps using him like this, he isn't going to play until he's 36 or 37. He needs to lose some weight like what Kobe and Timmy did, its going to be tough in your mid 30s getting up the court when your 250, 6'8.

I think you misunderstood what I'm saying, they should've rested him in the regular season. Yeah, LeBron should play 36 minutes a night in the playoffs, absolutely, pretty much regardless of the opponent. That's what teams play for- the playoffs. He shouldn't be averaging more than 33 minutes per night in the regular season and he could rest 6-10 games throughout the seasons as well. That's the Tim Duncan method, and that's why he's still around. His minutes are significantly reduced from what it used to be in his prime, but come playoffs, he's out there as long as he needs to be.

And it has nothing to do with his weight, he's absolutely the greatest physical specimen in the history of basketball since Wilt Chamberlain. The problem will be similar to Wade's, his style of play: LeBron needs to work on his post game so he doesn't need to do so much cutting and slashing and driving. He's an efficient scorer, and posting up won't be as physically demanding as doing what Wade used to do.

If Chicago obtains Melo..Its over.

I'll believe it when I see it. Chicago has left a lot of unfulfilled promises, other than Joakim Noah's strong emergence. I'm waiting for them to be good, and I've been waiting for the past six years. It's a shame really. They're in a weak Eastern Conference and they haven't made the Conference Finals since 2011, and even that wasn't a thrilling series. Even if Melo chooses Chicago, I don't know how good that team can be. I trust Thibs and Noah. Melo might help, but he might not fit either. I refuse to put trust in Rose, unfortunately; it's really a shame that a potential superstar hasn't been able to play a full season in God knows how long.

[Steve365]

I wanted the spurs to win because they are a great team the plays team basketball.