Official 2013-2014 NBA Playoffs Thread

[HendrixFan]

After seeing the first game I honestly think the Pacers win in 5 or 6 at most. Miami depends on a slew of old guys, Wade included (due to those knees), and I think their run is over tbh. Wade was used and abused by Stevenson and one thing that isn't going to change is the size difference. I don't care how skilled you are if a team can just drop the ball down low and get easy buckets then you are in serious trouble. I'd like to know how today's game changes Vegas' take on the series now.

I doubt Vegas moves any except to account for the change of bets taking place. If you think Miami will continue to shoot 25% on threes and be -22 on FTs attempted, even during their home games, then taking the Pacers in six is a good bet. That is a big "if".

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Did you watch the game? There is a serious athleticism and size difference out there. Sure Lebron is a beast but unless he summons up the 45 pt a night Cleveland days then the heat have no chance.

 

[tygeezy]

The main issue here is Indiana's inconsistencie. You haven't been paying much attention to the pacers for the last two months if you think they can play like this every night.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I doubt Vegas moves any except to account for the change of bets taking place. If you think Miami will continue to shoot 25% on threes and be -22 on FTs attempted, even during their home games, then taking the Pacers in six is a good bet. That is a big "if".

I agree the 3 ball percentages will change over the series. Pacers 3 ball will come back to earth and the heat will get better. What will not change though is the lack of foot speed on defense by Miami and the huge size difference. It really reminds me of the Stanley Cup finals years ago when the Dallas Stars lost to the NJ Devils. They got blown out 6 to 1 or something like that. But there was just a huge athletic difference I knew they'd never overcome. I have that same feeling watching game 1.

 

[HendrixFan]

Miami shooting 25% on threes changes their dynamic incredibly. When they are shooting a more "normal" 40% then defenders can't sag the paint. Lebron and Wade get easier finishes and get more FTs out of the deal. As attention focuses towards stopping two of the best rim finishers in the league (65-70%) that in turn produces better looks from three. It can be a downward spiral of poor outside shooting and a packed painted area or an upward spiral of good outside shooting and an open painted area. See game one today, or see game five of the finals a couple years ago.

The Pacers, meanwhile, will not continue to shoot 50% from the field, near 50% from three, or get nearly 40 FTs a game. Of these things I am very confident. Every team looks unstoppable when they are playing their best game in three months. Consistency and regression to the mean are key factors though.

The Pacers may have size but Miami still wins in athleticism. Look at the numbers for points in the paint and fast break points from game one.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

The main issue here is Indiana's inconsistencie. You haven't been paying much attention to the pacers for the last two months if you think they can play like this every night.

Exactly. If the Pacers played like they did in midseason, they'd win this series 4-1 or 4-2. However, they haven't played consistently in months and have followed up good performances with stinkers. I won't be shocked if they win the series, but I'm not expecting it.

 

[saratoga172]

The one thing I've noticed about Indiana, even through their slump, was they seemed to get up for the bigger games. Ala Miami. I'll be curious to see if they can keep it going for 7 games.

If Miami steals game two, and I suspect they'll make the necessary adjustments I think they beat the pacers in 6.

Pacers played lights out and they still only had an 8 point lead in the 4th. Miami just couldn't hit anything to close in.

 

[preslove]

After seeing the first game I honestly think the Pacers win in 5 or 6 at most. Miami depends on a slew of old guys, Wade included (due to those knees), and I think their run is over tbh. Wade was used and abused by Stevenson and one thing that isn't going to change is the size difference. I don't care how skilled you are if a team can just drop the ball down low and get easy buckets then you are in serious trouble. I'd like to know how today's game changes Vegas' take on the series now.

quoted for posterity...

It was the first game, with Indiana playing at their max level and miami under-performing on outside shots (which are key to opening up their offense), and the end result was an 11 point game that was much closer for most of the game. I'm expecting a miami win, next game.

 

[darkewaffle]

Sucks about Ibaka, really terrible timing.

Also I can't help it but the Pitbull "playoffs / its goin down" promos are starting to grow on me.

 

[dbk]

Sucks about Ibaka, really terrible timing.

Also I can't help it but the Pitbull "playoffs / its goin down" promos are starting to grow on me.

Next time just pretend it's Jason Kidd wearing glasses

 

[smackababy]

Next time just pretend it's Jason Kidd wearing glasses

If only it was Jason Kidd. Pitbull just looks like a huge douche and those promos are awful.


Also, I have to laugh at the Heat losing game 1 of a series and the "Lebron sucks" brigade coming in full force. I got some news: Jordan (arguably the greatest basketball player of all time; arguably because Bill Russel has the greatest mind) didn't sweep every series either!


I do hope Bosh can get it together though. 0-5 from beyond the arch really neutralizes all the value he brings.

I am hoping tonight will be a great game. OKC is explosive and has two monster scorers. I just think outside of Durant and Westbrook, nobody else can really do much (especially with Iblocka out).

 

[darkewaffle]

Also, I have to laugh at the Heat losing game 1 of a series and the "Lebron sucks" brigade coming in full force. I got some news: Jordan (arguably the greatest basketball player of all time; arguably because Bill Russel has the greatest mind) didn't sweep every series either!

I think it was Duncan who said something during the Mavs series about "We didn't expect to go 16-0". :thumbsup:

 

[dougp]

If only it was Jason Kidd. Pitbull just looks like a huge douche and those promos are awful.


Also, I have to laugh at the Heat losing game 1 of a series and the "Lebron sucks" brigade coming in full force. I got some news: Jordan (arguably the greatest basketball player of all time; arguably because Bill Russel has the greatest mind) didn't sweep every series either!


I do hope Bosh can get it together though. 0-5 from beyond the arch really neutralizes all the value he brings.

I am hoping tonight will be a great game. OKC is explosive and has two monster scorers. I just think outside of Durant and Westbrook, nobody else can really do much (especially with Iblocka out).

If the Heat had a big man who could play the post/mid-range, like Amare' used to be able to or Garnett/Duncan/Hakeem/Robinson, etc. - they'd be unstoppable. Relying on Bosh hitting the 3 like that is just plain retarded.

Also, LOL at people saying LeBron had a bad game - seriously? I'm arguably the biggest LeBron hater here, and he had a great game - as did Wade.

 

[smackababy]

If the Heat had a big man who could play the post/mid-range, like Amare' used to be able to or Garnett/Duncan/Hakeem/Robinson, etc. - they'd be unstoppable. Relying on Bosh hitting the 3 like that is just plain retarded.

Also, LOL at people saying LeBron had a bad game - seriously? I'm arguably the biggest LeBron hater here, and he had a great game - as did Wade.

It isn't just about Bosh hitting the 3, but Bosh being effective using some range. He draws the big man outside the paint, opening up it for other players (Lebron, Wade, etc) to have a lane to drive. If he isn't hitting anything outside the paint, the big man guarding him has little reason to defend so closely and can inch back toward the basket.

I think a lot of the Heat's success is they don't have that traditional big man. They are able to shoot from a distance and draw the defenders out to them (Bosh is a big key to this). That clears it up for other players to drive. With a traditional big man, this wouldn't be as effective. I don't think it would hinder Lebron much, but it might effect Wade in his old age and certainly Chalmers.

 

[dougp]

It isn't just about Bosh hitting the 3, but Bosh being effective using some range. He draws the big man outside the paint, opening up it for other players (Lebron, Wade, etc) to have a lane to drive. If he isn't hitting anything outside the paint, the big man guarding him has little reason to defend so closely and can inch back toward the basket.

I think a lot of the Heat's success is they don't have that traditional big man. They are able to shoot from a distance and draw the defenders out to them (Bosh is a big key to this). That clears it up for other players to drive. With a traditional big man, this wouldn't be as effective. I don't think it would hinder Lebron much, but it might effect Wade in his old age and certainly Chalmers.

I didn't say a traditional big man, though - that'd be in the mold of Howard or Hibbert. I'm talking someone like Duncan or Garnett - someone like David West or Amare', guys who can go to the post if their outside shots aren't hitting so they can still contribute. San Antonio plays perfectly fine on the driving for a team that still utilizes traditional big men (Splitter / Baynes) but they also adjust with Diaw if need be.

 

[toughtrasher]

I didn't say a traditional big man, though - that'd be in the mold of Howard or Hibbert. I'm talking someone like Duncan or Garnett - someone like David West or Amare', guys who can go to the post if their outside shots aren't hitting so they can still contribute. San Antonio plays perfectly fine on the driving for a team that still utilizes traditional big men (Splitter / Baynes) but they also adjust with Diaw if need be.

Diaw has been so effective for them from what I've seen. Love when he's on the floor playing

 

[smackababy]

I didn't say a traditional big man, though - that'd be in the mold of Howard or Hibbert. I'm talking someone like Duncan or Garnett - someone like David West or Amare', guys who can go to the post if their outside shots aren't hitting so they can still contribute. San Antonio plays perfectly fine on the driving for a team that still utilizes traditional big men (Splitter / Baynes) but they also adjust with Diaw if need be.

If you're saying someone more versatile than Bosh (distance shooting AND ability to post / crash boards), I agree. Not that Bosh is a bad player, just that his largest contribution is clearing the paint via his effective perimeter shooting. If they had someone able to do both (quick, agile, can shoot, and can play the post game), like an Olajuwon they would be unstoppable. But, at the same time, I can't find a single team in the NBA that doesn't benefit greatly from a player like that. =)

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Miami wants Bosh to be a Dirk type stretch 4. It's awesome when your favorite teams best player changes the game in such a way that now teams prefer the stretch forward.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Btw most of Miami's d problems came from the fact they don't have a legitimate big man. The ball gets into the paint and the Pacers are scoring. Miami counters by double teaming then the Pacers make the right play and pass out to the perimeter for the 3 ball. They were hitting that open 3 yesterday. If you remember the 2011 finals Tyson Chandler controlled the paint for the mavs and that was a huge part of the reason the heat lost. Oh that and the fact Dirk had arguably the greatest one year playoff run of any single man in nba history.

 

[smackababy]

Oh that and the fact Dirk had arguably the greatest one year playoff run of any single man in nba history.

What? I don't know if you've ever heard of this guy, he is a bit older and kind of unknown: Michael Jordan.

Dirks 2011 playoff stats are well below Jordan's playoff career averages, let along any single season.

 

[toughtrasher]

What do you guys think of James guarding West down low and Battier being switched up to guard George?

 

[Miramonti]

Miami wants Bosh to be a Dirk type stretch 4. It's awesome when your favorite teams best player changes the game in such a way that now teams prefer the stretch forward.

Nothing but respect for Dirk. He has some 'inefficiencies' but is far greater than most think, and a slam dunk HOF'er. The stretch 4 is an evolving emphasis, due to a number of players now, not just dirk. Kevin Love comes to mind as having as much influence now as anyone.

Btw most of Miami's d problems came from the fact they don't have a legitimate big man. The ball gets into the paint and the Pacers are scoring. Miami counters by double teaming then the Pacers make the right play and pass out to the perimeter for the 3 ball. They were hitting that open 3 yesterday. If you remember the 2011 finals Tyson Chandler controlled the paint for the mavs and that was a huge part of the reason the heat lost. Oh that and the fact Dirk had arguably the greatest one year playoff run of any single man in nba history.

Miami has notoriously struggled to find a big man, yet famously found success without one. Enter this year Greg Oden...oops, ok bye Greg Oden, lol.

Regarding Dirk the one of the greatest playoff runs...that I have never associated with him during the run...it was certainly nice but I recall a lot of Jason Terry and JJ Barea, particularly in Game 7. This championship was a solid team effort.

What do you guys think of James guarding West down low and Battier being switched up to guard George?

D@mn I would welcome it, but it won't happen much. West will beat the sh!t out of James, tie him up, and keep him from creating havoc elsewhere, that's all good with me. Nothin but faith in West to make him pay, even if he doesn't score much. James hates to get his @ss beat on (while west loves getting physical), and guarding west essentially gives west a license to do it.

 

[dbk]

Exceptional basketball.... OKC came back at the end to close it to an 8pt deficit. OKC went super small with KD at center and Spurs just kept dominating with their size (loved the Leonard drive and slam on Jackson). KD seems like he's primed to go nuts in the 2nd half though..
OKC is missing Ibaka HARD

 

[dougp]

Looks like the refs put on their blue jerseys at half time.

 

[dbk]

I don't know..there was that moment where KD thought he got fouled then he got called for a ticky tack on Green leading to a T...That sorta killed the momentum for OKC.. Or it could be that Durant has expanded some energy guarding bigger players like Diaw and Duncan. Diaw just scored on Butler AND Jackson.. lol no Ibaka, no bueno.

I think OKC just needs to shoot their way out of it.. KD needs to just keep hitting those spot up 3s (so good). Westbrook is distributing the ball more in the 2nd half.