TL; DR: this team stunk.
The season began on 10-28-2015 in Houston against the Denver Nuggets. An improved team, but not one expected to contend as the Rockets were. The previous season's playoff success was much-referenced and was probably an albatross hanging from the team's necks.
That first loss was a bit of a surprise. Along with it came what Rockets fans would come to rue as the recurring theme that will define this era of basketball for the team: a lack of effort, especially defensively.
Perhaps I and others overrated the ability or potential of the team to play defense at a high level. After all, with Dwight Howard injured for various parts of the 2014-2015 season, the team won with defense, transition offense, and the general brilliance of James Harden. With Howard and Harden healthy in 2015-2016, the results and the effort were not there.
Looking back at this season, there were very few games where the Rockets flat-out dominated the other team. The big one that sticks out is when they played an undermatched Memphis team late. Other than that, the Rockets rarely hit that gear where they played excellent team basketball. They usually looked like they were a couple baskets away from getting blown out on many nights and took horrible losses to moribund teams like Brooklyn on multiple occasions.
And then we come to the main difficulty the Rockets had, which was sticking with the teams at the top of the conference. Though they split with the Thunder, they went 1-3 against the Spurs (bad) and 0-4 against the Warriors (worse). The Warriors really are a special case for the Rockets. Much like previous incarnations of the Rockets had trouble beating certain Western Conference opponents (e.g. Seattle during the 90's, Phoenix in the mid-00's, the Lakers and Spurs in general) this team just seems to be snakebit against the Warriors and have yet to be constructed in a way to give them a challenge.
In the last two seasons combined (including playoffs), the Rockets are 2-15 against the Warriors. Both wins occurred in the playoffs and were basically flukes. The Rockets don't belong on the same court with the Warriors, a fact that is particularly frustrating because their styles of play aren't all that dissimilar. The Warriors just do it a lot better.
Stylistically, the Rockets seem to be ill-matched when it comes to personnel and philosophy. They want to restrict shots taken to 3-pointers and anything in the paint. It doesn't work, because the team shoots inefficiently. It doesn't matter if the shot itself is "more efficient" than a midrange jumper (which the team, ironically, shoots better than the long-distance shots) if the chance of it going in the basket are so low. The Rockets have lacked consistent 3-point shooting and are generally reduced to gunning three-point shots by opposing teams who realize that if the inside game is cut off, that's all the Rockets can do. The Rockets limit themselves on offense and usually don't move the ball or themselves in order to get better shots.
The selfishness of the team is concentrated in its two "stars", Harden and Howard. While Harden is a legitimate NBA player and probably top 10 in terms of offense, he leaves a lot to be desired on defense. I wonder whether the Rockets can build around him and be successful. This season really leaves me thinking that it is not possible.
Howard, on the other hand, despite everyone in the media and on the team saying he needed the ball more, was basically an afterthought. His personal success often had little or nothing to do with the team's success. Sure, he could put up double-doubles (10 or more points and rebounds in one game) with just about anybody, but the stats were ultimately meaningless in the face of the teams winning percentage. Since he is a free agent to-be, it seems likely that he'll be on the move again, in search of that elusive team that fits him to his lofty specifications. To the team that signs him, all I can say is good luck.
The rest of the team left a lot to be desired too, for the most part. I will single out Trevor Ariza and Patrick Beverley as guys who got minutes and did valuable things with them. They were a couple of guys who played hard and put in the requisite effort pretty much every night. I'm not sure what the team has in recent draft pick Sam Dekker, but if he can shoot and put in a solid effort on defense, he should be an important piece of next year's team. The same goes for Montrezl Harrell; though I don't expect any heroics from long-range, I think his constant effort will be something the team should utilize more often than it did this season. For whatever reason, Harrell didn't get on the floor a whole lot in situations that actually mattered, and the team suffered for it because he was one of a precious few that seemed to give a damn. I hope Jason Terry comes back, but he deserves better, really.
The great hope I have for next year is Clint Capela. Actually, you could add Donatas Motiejunas to that as well. Assuming that both are healthy, I think both should develop into good NBA players.
While this season was disappointing, the team is not without talent. Whoever coaches the team next season, I hope they better utilize Harrell and keep Capela and Motiejunas in the rotation. With any luck, Dekker will be healthy and able to contribute on a nightly basis. And maybe Harden will be better on defense while he torches other teams on the offensive end.
There's still hope to be had, but any success in 2016-2017 will be dependent on consistent effort on both ends. If that doesn't happen, another season like this one will be on offer, and I'm not particularly interested in reruns.
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
April 28, 2016
July 14, 2014
Mr. Parsons Goes to ...Dallas?!
My favorite basketball team got bounced in the first round of the playoffs. It's been a couple months since and now that free agency is in full swing, fans across the world are looking at what their teams are doing (or not doing, in some cases) to improve for next season.
The GM and head coach will remain the same in 2014-2015. No problem there; consistency is good. The only time you can have too much consistency is if your team is stuck in a rut and can't extricate themselves from it. That's not the problem the Rockets have currently.
While the world waited breathlessly for LeBron to decide what he was going to do, the Rockets were preparing to make moves to acquire one of their major targets: Carmelo Anthony or Chris Bosh. They even kicked the tires on LeBron, just in case the best player in the world wanted to play here in Houston.
Of course, he didn't. As it turns out, Anthony and Bosh weren't terribly receptive either.
In a way, I can understand Anthony's choice. Houston may be a very large city, but it's not as "large" as the others he was looking at. Plus there's that whole money thing. It's fine, though, as I wasn't particularly enthused about the idea of him being a Rocket anyway.
Chris Bosh, on the other hand, would have fit like a glove. At least, that's what some national basketball writers want us to believe. I'm inclined to believe that he would have fit in, but that an adjustment period would have been necessary.
But really, that's the case with any well-known player that comes in. Adjustments have to be made; the others guys have to learn his style/tendencies and vice versa.
At any rate, Bosh wasn't interested and stayed in Miami where he could be more well-rewarded financially. And that's fine. I don't begrudge the guy making a ton of money while the iron is hot. Who knows if that opportunity will come around again? Not me, certainly.
This leads us to another name Rockets fans are familiar with: Trevor Ariza. He played with the Wizards in 2013-2014 and was quite formidable. He brought shooting and defense to a team that needed it. Is he as great as Anthony or Bosh? Nah, but that's not the point. No GM can build a team entirely with stars, after all.
With Ariza coming aboard, that left the GM an important decision. He had turned down an option to retain SF Chandler Parsons for the 2014-2015 season which would have had him coming back for peanuts. Parsons was then signed to an offer sheet (being that he was a "restricted" free agent) and the Rockets were given three days to match it or turn it down.
The GM had already signed (or traded for, as we're now hearing) Ariza, and the perception is that Parsons had become expendable.
Is he? Personally, I think not. I know there are salary cap considerations at play, even with the moves the GM made to free up space (namely, dumping Omer Asik on New Orleans and Jeremy Lin on the Lakers), so keeping Parsons while bringing in Ariza was likely not feasible. But consider the depth of the team for a moment: right now, there's hardly any. Yes, the stars are still in place, but what's around them? Other than Ariza, who slots in at SF, you've got Beverley starting at PG and Terrence Jones starting at PF, with Motiejunas to back him up. Canaan and Troy Daniels are still around, I think...but Omri Casspi is reportedly on his way out too.
There's also the fact that Dallas is a natural rival. The Rockets let one of their better players (after Howard/Harden, obviously) go, got nothing in return, and they get to play against him four times a year for the foreseeable future.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry, really.
But the whole point of this post is this: the Rockets traded away Chase Budinger to get Parsons into the starting lineup, and now they've given him away, for nothing.
Savvy observers would call this a "business decision". And I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the Budinger trade brought the Rockets an important draft pick: the one that they used to pick Terrence Jones.
Oh, and the last time Trevor Ariza was a Rocket, he was traded for Courtney Lee. Lee wasn't long for the Rockets, through no fault of his own, and was later traded for what one might disparagingly call "spare parts".
Perhaps in time I'll understand why the Rockets let Parsons go. Right now I'm skeptical that I'll ever get it and I'm intensely skeptical that basically trading Parsons for Ariza will work out favorably.
Still, I can't help but wonder...the team traded away a guy for the express purpose of putting Parsons in the starting lineup. He was with the team for three seasons and was showing evident improvement. Parsons isn't the most consistent player and his defense could use some work, but these are matters that could be fixed, either through experience or coaching. They're certainly not anything that would make you consider dumping the guy, especially when he's yet to hit his prime.
He'll be hitting his prime in Dallas, most likely. And he'll be torching the Rockets at every opportunity I'm sure, in an effort to prove the team wrong.
This off-season was about making the team better after a first-round exit. Have they done so? Not in my eyes. They traded one SF for another while getting rid of solid bench players and struck out horrifically on every major free agent they chased after.
Hardly the successful off-season one might have expected.
The GM and head coach will remain the same in 2014-2015. No problem there; consistency is good. The only time you can have too much consistency is if your team is stuck in a rut and can't extricate themselves from it. That's not the problem the Rockets have currently.
While the world waited breathlessly for LeBron to decide what he was going to do, the Rockets were preparing to make moves to acquire one of their major targets: Carmelo Anthony or Chris Bosh. They even kicked the tires on LeBron, just in case the best player in the world wanted to play here in Houston.
Of course, he didn't. As it turns out, Anthony and Bosh weren't terribly receptive either.
In a way, I can understand Anthony's choice. Houston may be a very large city, but it's not as "large" as the others he was looking at. Plus there's that whole money thing. It's fine, though, as I wasn't particularly enthused about the idea of him being a Rocket anyway.
Chris Bosh, on the other hand, would have fit like a glove. At least, that's what some national basketball writers want us to believe. I'm inclined to believe that he would have fit in, but that an adjustment period would have been necessary.
But really, that's the case with any well-known player that comes in. Adjustments have to be made; the others guys have to learn his style/tendencies and vice versa.
At any rate, Bosh wasn't interested and stayed in Miami where he could be more well-rewarded financially. And that's fine. I don't begrudge the guy making a ton of money while the iron is hot. Who knows if that opportunity will come around again? Not me, certainly.
This leads us to another name Rockets fans are familiar with: Trevor Ariza. He played with the Wizards in 2013-2014 and was quite formidable. He brought shooting and defense to a team that needed it. Is he as great as Anthony or Bosh? Nah, but that's not the point. No GM can build a team entirely with stars, after all.
With Ariza coming aboard, that left the GM an important decision. He had turned down an option to retain SF Chandler Parsons for the 2014-2015 season which would have had him coming back for peanuts. Parsons was then signed to an offer sheet (being that he was a "restricted" free agent) and the Rockets were given three days to match it or turn it down.
The GM had already signed (or traded for, as we're now hearing) Ariza, and the perception is that Parsons had become expendable.
Is he? Personally, I think not. I know there are salary cap considerations at play, even with the moves the GM made to free up space (namely, dumping Omer Asik on New Orleans and Jeremy Lin on the Lakers), so keeping Parsons while bringing in Ariza was likely not feasible. But consider the depth of the team for a moment: right now, there's hardly any. Yes, the stars are still in place, but what's around them? Other than Ariza, who slots in at SF, you've got Beverley starting at PG and Terrence Jones starting at PF, with Motiejunas to back him up. Canaan and Troy Daniels are still around, I think...but Omri Casspi is reportedly on his way out too.
There's also the fact that Dallas is a natural rival. The Rockets let one of their better players (after Howard/Harden, obviously) go, got nothing in return, and they get to play against him four times a year for the foreseeable future.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry, really.
But the whole point of this post is this: the Rockets traded away Chase Budinger to get Parsons into the starting lineup, and now they've given him away, for nothing.
Savvy observers would call this a "business decision". And I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the Budinger trade brought the Rockets an important draft pick: the one that they used to pick Terrence Jones.
Oh, and the last time Trevor Ariza was a Rocket, he was traded for Courtney Lee. Lee wasn't long for the Rockets, through no fault of his own, and was later traded for what one might disparagingly call "spare parts".
Perhaps in time I'll understand why the Rockets let Parsons go. Right now I'm skeptical that I'll ever get it and I'm intensely skeptical that basically trading Parsons for Ariza will work out favorably.
Still, I can't help but wonder...the team traded away a guy for the express purpose of putting Parsons in the starting lineup. He was with the team for three seasons and was showing evident improvement. Parsons isn't the most consistent player and his defense could use some work, but these are matters that could be fixed, either through experience or coaching. They're certainly not anything that would make you consider dumping the guy, especially when he's yet to hit his prime.
He'll be hitting his prime in Dallas, most likely. And he'll be torching the Rockets at every opportunity I'm sure, in an effort to prove the team wrong.
This off-season was about making the team better after a first-round exit. Have they done so? Not in my eyes. They traded one SF for another while getting rid of solid bench players and struck out horrifically on every major free agent they chased after.
Hardly the successful off-season one might have expected.
June 16, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 44
A mere two days later, another series ends and we move on to the dog days of summer.
Game 5: Miami vs. San Antonio.
LeBron James had an incredible game. He started off by putting up 17 points in the first quarter. He ended up with 31, plus 10 rebounds.
Sadly, though, he's not the story of this game. Either that, or he is the story, but not for the reasons you'd think.
San Antonio started slowly; they were down 22-6 at one point, but like just about every other team in the playoffs, they eradicated the lead and started building one of their own.
The only problem was that Miami wasn't really up to the challenge after the first quarter. It's not the only time that happened in this series, either.
The Spurs' trio of Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker was excellent as usual, even if it took Parker a while to get going. But it was Kawhi Leonard who stole the show, cementing what has been the greatest series of his young career thus far. He put up 22 points and 10 rebounds, on 7-of-10 shooting. Leonard fouled out late in the game and I honestly didn't notice. It didn't even dim his impact in the slightest.
Because Leonard's performance single-handedly turned the series, he earned the Finals MVP and was presented the trophy by Bill Russell.
If that's not a career highlight, I don't know what is.
What's funny about this game is that Danny Green wasn't really a part of it. And yet, due to the style that the Spurs play, his absence wasn't completely detrimental. In fact, they had little to no problem as other guys stepped up, notably Patty Mills.
This makes five titles for the Spurs and Tim Duncan. Ginobili and Parker have four. It's been an incredible run. It'll be sad to see it end, but I'm not entirely sure that they can't make another go at it next season.
Congratulations to the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio wins the series 4-1. They win the NBA Championship.
Game 5: Miami vs. San Antonio.
LeBron James had an incredible game. He started off by putting up 17 points in the first quarter. He ended up with 31, plus 10 rebounds.
Sadly, though, he's not the story of this game. Either that, or he is the story, but not for the reasons you'd think.
San Antonio started slowly; they were down 22-6 at one point, but like just about every other team in the playoffs, they eradicated the lead and started building one of their own.
The only problem was that Miami wasn't really up to the challenge after the first quarter. It's not the only time that happened in this series, either.
The Spurs' trio of Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker was excellent as usual, even if it took Parker a while to get going. But it was Kawhi Leonard who stole the show, cementing what has been the greatest series of his young career thus far. He put up 22 points and 10 rebounds, on 7-of-10 shooting. Leonard fouled out late in the game and I honestly didn't notice. It didn't even dim his impact in the slightest.
Because Leonard's performance single-handedly turned the series, he earned the Finals MVP and was presented the trophy by Bill Russell.
If that's not a career highlight, I don't know what is.
What's funny about this game is that Danny Green wasn't really a part of it. And yet, due to the style that the Spurs play, his absence wasn't completely detrimental. In fact, they had little to no problem as other guys stepped up, notably Patty Mills.
This makes five titles for the Spurs and Tim Duncan. Ginobili and Parker have four. It's been an incredible run. It'll be sad to see it end, but I'm not entirely sure that they can't make another go at it next season.
Congratulations to the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio wins the series 4-1. They win the NBA Championship.
June 13, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 43
Normally, people say that a series turns in Game 3. I think this one just turned in Game 4.
Game 4: San Antonio vs. Miami.
Prior to the Finals, Miami hadn't lost at home. Also, after each loss in the playoffs, they'd won the next game 13 times.
They lost Game 3 at home and then lost Game 4 as well. In neither game could anyone have said that they had an actual chance of winning.
Sure, there was that moment in Game 3 where they got within 10 points.
And there were a few minutes in the beginning of Game 4 where they looked like they could match the Spurs' intensity and execution. Unfortunately, it didn't last much longer than those first few minutes.
Now the Spurs are up 3-1 and I don't see how Miami mounts a comeback. They may win Game 5 in San Antonio...but it doesn't seem particularly likely at this point.
Even if they won Game 5, I can't imagine them being able to put together two more efforts like that in a row. Not when San Antonio has played as well as they have the last two games.
Before the series started I heard about the supposed advantage in depth that San Antonio possesses. This is a bit of a misnomer anyway since Popovich can alter his starting lineup due to the amount of versatility present. But there's really no way of getting around the fact that while San Antonio might not have as many big-money or big-name players as Miami (or most other NBA teams), they have more good players than just about any other team you can name. It's the reason they ran roughshod over Portland and then took out OKC, and it's the reason they're going to get their fifth title as a franchise.
Miami could counter the Spurs if it was just Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker they had to worry about. But now the Spurs have Danny Green to spread the floor, Boris Diaw to make plays and take it inside (where the Heat are at their weakest, in the most painfully obvious way), and Kawhi Leonard to do a bit of everything and generally look like the best player on the floor when he's on his game.
Hell, it might be enough to say that Kawhi Leonard playing better in Games 3 & 4 is what has made the difference. But that would be a mistake too, as it would discount the amazingly precise execution that every guy wearing a Spurs uniform has shown out there.
It was a good run for Miami. Based on this series, at least, it's time to add a couple peripheral guys that can help take the load off of the "Big Three". Guys like Danny Green, Boris Diaw, or Kawhi Leonard.
San Antonio leads 3-1. Game 5 is Sunday.
Game 4: San Antonio vs. Miami.
Prior to the Finals, Miami hadn't lost at home. Also, after each loss in the playoffs, they'd won the next game 13 times.
They lost Game 3 at home and then lost Game 4 as well. In neither game could anyone have said that they had an actual chance of winning.
Sure, there was that moment in Game 3 where they got within 10 points.
And there were a few minutes in the beginning of Game 4 where they looked like they could match the Spurs' intensity and execution. Unfortunately, it didn't last much longer than those first few minutes.
Now the Spurs are up 3-1 and I don't see how Miami mounts a comeback. They may win Game 5 in San Antonio...but it doesn't seem particularly likely at this point.
Even if they won Game 5, I can't imagine them being able to put together two more efforts like that in a row. Not when San Antonio has played as well as they have the last two games.
Before the series started I heard about the supposed advantage in depth that San Antonio possesses. This is a bit of a misnomer anyway since Popovich can alter his starting lineup due to the amount of versatility present. But there's really no way of getting around the fact that while San Antonio might not have as many big-money or big-name players as Miami (or most other NBA teams), they have more good players than just about any other team you can name. It's the reason they ran roughshod over Portland and then took out OKC, and it's the reason they're going to get their fifth title as a franchise.
Miami could counter the Spurs if it was just Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker they had to worry about. But now the Spurs have Danny Green to spread the floor, Boris Diaw to make plays and take it inside (where the Heat are at their weakest, in the most painfully obvious way), and Kawhi Leonard to do a bit of everything and generally look like the best player on the floor when he's on his game.
Hell, it might be enough to say that Kawhi Leonard playing better in Games 3 & 4 is what has made the difference. But that would be a mistake too, as it would discount the amazingly precise execution that every guy wearing a Spurs uniform has shown out there.
It was a good run for Miami. Based on this series, at least, it's time to add a couple peripheral guys that can help take the load off of the "Big Three". Guys like Danny Green, Boris Diaw, or Kawhi Leonard.
San Antonio leads 3-1. Game 5 is Sunday.
June 11, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 42
All streaks must end. I guess?
Game 3: San Antonio vs. Miami.
Tied at one, the series shifted from San Antonio to Miami. Thankfully, nothing odd happened.
Yet, at the same time, Miami forgot to show up.
There was a moment in the third quarter when they got within 10. That didn't last long. For most of the game, Miami was down double-digits.
There's not much I can point to, really. Other than Kawhi Leonard being awesome (a welcome change from the first two games, I'm certain) and the Spurs putting up 71 in the first half, I'm not really sure how it happened.
Once again, the Heat were held under 100 points. And the Spurs got over 100 fairly easily (though it helped that they were damn near 3/4 of the way there after the first half).
It has to be frustrating to have Games 3 & 4 at home and not show up in the first one. Now there'll be pressure from all sides to win Game 4 and not go down 3-1. They were lacking home-court going in and now that San Antonio has won, the Spurs have taken back home-court.
It's like neither team wants it, honestly.
I wonder how much traction there would be for playing the Finals at a neutral site. I'm guessing next to none, since the playoffs as a whole are based on the same home-away paradigm that exists in the regular season, and that the fans would really get screwed in a neutral site situation. Either that or it'd get overrun by corporate sponsors a la the Super Bowl.
I can't even imagine seven games worth of that.
But anyway, digressions aside, I hope that Miami shows up better in Game 4. Last night's effort was disappointing when all was said and done. That brief glimmer of hope was stamped out when the Spurs realized "Oh yeah, we were winning this one handily. Let's keep doing that"!
San Antonio leads 2-1. Game 4 is Thursday.
Interesting schedule quirk: one day off between Games 3 & 4, two days off between 4 & 5 (as it should be, really).
Game 3: San Antonio vs. Miami.
Tied at one, the series shifted from San Antonio to Miami. Thankfully, nothing odd happened.
Yet, at the same time, Miami forgot to show up.
There was a moment in the third quarter when they got within 10. That didn't last long. For most of the game, Miami was down double-digits.
There's not much I can point to, really. Other than Kawhi Leonard being awesome (a welcome change from the first two games, I'm certain) and the Spurs putting up 71 in the first half, I'm not really sure how it happened.
Once again, the Heat were held under 100 points. And the Spurs got over 100 fairly easily (though it helped that they were damn near 3/4 of the way there after the first half).
It has to be frustrating to have Games 3 & 4 at home and not show up in the first one. Now there'll be pressure from all sides to win Game 4 and not go down 3-1. They were lacking home-court going in and now that San Antonio has won, the Spurs have taken back home-court.
It's like neither team wants it, honestly.
I wonder how much traction there would be for playing the Finals at a neutral site. I'm guessing next to none, since the playoffs as a whole are based on the same home-away paradigm that exists in the regular season, and that the fans would really get screwed in a neutral site situation. Either that or it'd get overrun by corporate sponsors a la the Super Bowl.
I can't even imagine seven games worth of that.
But anyway, digressions aside, I hope that Miami shows up better in Game 4. Last night's effort was disappointing when all was said and done. That brief glimmer of hope was stamped out when the Spurs realized "Oh yeah, we were winning this one handily. Let's keep doing that"!
San Antonio leads 2-1. Game 4 is Thursday.
Interesting schedule quirk: one day off between Games 3 & 4, two days off between 4 & 5 (as it should be, really).
June 9, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 41
Heading back to Miami, the Heat take back home-court advantage.
Game 2: Miami vs. San Antonio.
Apparently there were no problems with the A/C this time. That's better for everyone all around.
It also helps that after two games in the Finals, it's even.
LeBron had 35 & 10 last night. Pretty impressive numbers.
After the first quarter, in which Miami looked a bit out of sorts, the game was close. It was tied at 43 at halftime. The third quarter saw an offensive explosion for both teams. That's a rarity, as the 3rd is usually when one teams pulls away from the other in these playoffs.
The fourth quarter wasn't quite as explosive, and Miami ended up pulling away ever so slightly by the end of it.
Of course, the margin would have been five had Ginobili's buzzer-beating three-pointer not gone in. It doesn't really change the fact that Miami had the game in their hands at the end of it.
If there's anything to be concerned about for Miami, it may be the three-point shooting. As a team they were 8-for-19, which isn't bad. Ray Allen made one (of a mere three), and Rashard Lewis was 3-for-7.
Obviously, if they make more shots, the game isn't as close.
But really, despite not making some jumpers, Miami's offense was about as crisp as could be expected. Sure, there were occasions where they flubbed it, but that happens to every team in virtually every game at some point.
The series is tied 1-1. Game 3 is Tuesday.
One day off for travel, huh? Once again, the schedule makes no sense.
Game 2: Miami vs. San Antonio.
Apparently there were no problems with the A/C this time. That's better for everyone all around.
It also helps that after two games in the Finals, it's even.
LeBron had 35 & 10 last night. Pretty impressive numbers.
After the first quarter, in which Miami looked a bit out of sorts, the game was close. It was tied at 43 at halftime. The third quarter saw an offensive explosion for both teams. That's a rarity, as the 3rd is usually when one teams pulls away from the other in these playoffs.
The fourth quarter wasn't quite as explosive, and Miami ended up pulling away ever so slightly by the end of it.
Of course, the margin would have been five had Ginobili's buzzer-beating three-pointer not gone in. It doesn't really change the fact that Miami had the game in their hands at the end of it.
If there's anything to be concerned about for Miami, it may be the three-point shooting. As a team they were 8-for-19, which isn't bad. Ray Allen made one (of a mere three), and Rashard Lewis was 3-for-7.
Obviously, if they make more shots, the game isn't as close.
But really, despite not making some jumpers, Miami's offense was about as crisp as could be expected. Sure, there were occasions where they flubbed it, but that happens to every team in virtually every game at some point.
The series is tied 1-1. Game 3 is Tuesday.
One day off for travel, huh? Once again, the schedule makes no sense.
June 6, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 40
The NBA Finals get started! A joyous time, even with the dog days just ahead of us.
Game 1: Miami vs. San Antonio.
After the third quarter, it was looking good for Miami. The 1st quarter was uneven, at best, but they had outscored the Spurs in the 2nd and 3rd and had a lead.
Then something awfully odd happened.
No, it wasn't the A/C going out. That happened earlier. I mean LeBron James going out with cramps.
Since I have no medical training or athletic ability, or anything else that might qualify me to speak intelligently, really the only thing I can call it is odd. I don't recall seeing anything like that before, and I've been watching basketball seriously for over 20 years.
My memory isn't the best, but still. Something like this stands out. Naturally, so does the A/C going out. That really seemed to affect both teams, but it appears to have affected LeBron the most. Or maybe that's a cheap out. Like I said, I have no clue, really.
What I do know is that Miami wilted in the 4th. They scored 17 points total. Danny Green of the Spurs, on the other hand, was on fire, hitting three three-pointers and adding a nasty dunk on top of it. A deficit for the Spurs turned into a 15-point victory.
A close game turned into what looks like a blowout. This is not what happens to Miami, especially in these playoffs. Miami is usually the one hitting 4th (or 5th) gear and running straight away from the competition. Last night, they were the ones left behind. It wasn't pretty, to say the least.
Tim Duncan was also incredibly efficient. He missed one shot from the field. I mean, I know the guy is a surefire Hall of Famer, but even still, that's not something you see every day. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Miami really has no answer for Duncan, but they ought to be able to corral Parker and Ginobili a bit more successfully.
I don't think this game has much of an implication on the rest of the series. It's going at least six, if not seven. And I'm still confident that Miami will pull it out in the end.
San Antonio leads 1-0. Game 2 is Sunday.
Usually I would bemoan the extra days between games when no travel is involved, but in this case, it may prove beneficial...to both teams.
Game 1: Miami vs. San Antonio.
After the third quarter, it was looking good for Miami. The 1st quarter was uneven, at best, but they had outscored the Spurs in the 2nd and 3rd and had a lead.
Then something awfully odd happened.
No, it wasn't the A/C going out. That happened earlier. I mean LeBron James going out with cramps.
Since I have no medical training or athletic ability, or anything else that might qualify me to speak intelligently, really the only thing I can call it is odd. I don't recall seeing anything like that before, and I've been watching basketball seriously for over 20 years.
My memory isn't the best, but still. Something like this stands out. Naturally, so does the A/C going out. That really seemed to affect both teams, but it appears to have affected LeBron the most. Or maybe that's a cheap out. Like I said, I have no clue, really.
What I do know is that Miami wilted in the 4th. They scored 17 points total. Danny Green of the Spurs, on the other hand, was on fire, hitting three three-pointers and adding a nasty dunk on top of it. A deficit for the Spurs turned into a 15-point victory.
A close game turned into what looks like a blowout. This is not what happens to Miami, especially in these playoffs. Miami is usually the one hitting 4th (or 5th) gear and running straight away from the competition. Last night, they were the ones left behind. It wasn't pretty, to say the least.
Tim Duncan was also incredibly efficient. He missed one shot from the field. I mean, I know the guy is a surefire Hall of Famer, but even still, that's not something you see every day. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Miami really has no answer for Duncan, but they ought to be able to corral Parker and Ginobili a bit more successfully.
I don't think this game has much of an implication on the rest of the series. It's going at least six, if not seven. And I'm still confident that Miami will pull it out in the end.
San Antonio leads 1-0. Game 2 is Sunday.
Usually I would bemoan the extra days between games when no travel is involved, but in this case, it may prove beneficial...to both teams.
June 1, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 39
And now we wait for the Finals to begin.
Game 6: San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City.
After a largely ineffective first half, the San Antonio Spurs put together a great third and a decent fourth to get the game to overtime.
Ginobili had a shot to end it in regulation. Instead, he drew iron.
In the overtime session, Tim Duncan put his stamp on the game. He had a huge basket and a pair of free throws that gave them the winning margin.
Durant and Westbrook were excellent, despite their combined shooting percentage. Actually, they were far from the only players to be inefficient shooting the ball last night.
The main problem seemed to be their bench. With Reggie Jackson starting, there's little to no firepower left there. Derek Fisher put up five points...and that was that.
Luckily, the starters came to play.
But the big third quarter for the Spurs, and the bounceback OKC had in the fourth is what will define this game. Not to mention the way the Spurs executed in overtime. The overtime period was not the cleanest basketball I've seen; both teams looked rushed and generally out-of-sync. San Antonio just made the plays they needed to.
Two years ago, Oklahoma City overwhelmed the Spurs. In 2014, they didn't have James Harden. I don't want to say that's the entire difference. But did it play a part? Certainly.
And now we have a repeat in the Finals that I'm unsure how to predict. So I'll go with my default: Miami in 6.
San Antonio wins the series 4-2. They move on to the NBA Finals.
Later today...there are no games. The NBA Finals start Thursday.
Game 6: San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City.
After a largely ineffective first half, the San Antonio Spurs put together a great third and a decent fourth to get the game to overtime.
Ginobili had a shot to end it in regulation. Instead, he drew iron.
In the overtime session, Tim Duncan put his stamp on the game. He had a huge basket and a pair of free throws that gave them the winning margin.
Durant and Westbrook were excellent, despite their combined shooting percentage. Actually, they were far from the only players to be inefficient shooting the ball last night.
The main problem seemed to be their bench. With Reggie Jackson starting, there's little to no firepower left there. Derek Fisher put up five points...and that was that.
Luckily, the starters came to play.
But the big third quarter for the Spurs, and the bounceback OKC had in the fourth is what will define this game. Not to mention the way the Spurs executed in overtime. The overtime period was not the cleanest basketball I've seen; both teams looked rushed and generally out-of-sync. San Antonio just made the plays they needed to.
Two years ago, Oklahoma City overwhelmed the Spurs. In 2014, they didn't have James Harden. I don't want to say that's the entire difference. But did it play a part? Certainly.
And now we have a repeat in the Finals that I'm unsure how to predict. So I'll go with my default: Miami in 6.
San Antonio wins the series 4-2. They move on to the NBA Finals.
Later today...there are no games. The NBA Finals start Thursday.
May 31, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 38
Finally, an ending. And finally, a storyline mercifully snuffed out.
Game 6: Indiana vs. Miami.
I'm not sure this game was close. Maybe in the opening minute or two?
After that, Miami was off to the races, ready to prove that this year's team is no slouch and that they are the better group all-in-all.
And really, such a devastating beatdown only serves to prove Miami's dominance as well as their lack of true competition. Forget about people claiming that Indiana is an "elite" team. That is completely bogus.
Plus, their weaknesses have been exposed and they're up against the salary cap (supposedly). Those two things in concert equal a troubling offseason to come.
For my part, I'm pretty sick of the Pacers. When they got off to the great start, it was fine. And when they continued to dominate into 2014, I was actually looking forward to seeing them in the playoffs. But then the wheels fell off and after the constant nonsense surrounding them through March and April, plus their inability to get past Atlanta or Washington with ease...well, it's easy to get tired of such things.
And, really, they probably should have been knocked out by Atlanta. Had Al Horford played in the series, it probably would have happened.
Miami now goes to their fourth-straight NBA Finals. This is impressive on its face, but when you dig deeper and look at some of the teams they've faced on their way to the Finals, especially this year and last year, it looks a bit less impressive.
My contention is that it's not quite as impressive as the last three teams who did it, mostly because they all did it 25+ years ago. The competition was undoubtedly better.
This year's Eastern conference was just weak. The greatest sign of that was that the Pacers were the #1 seed, stunk through most of the second half of the season, and still managed to get to the conference finals and then push Miami to six.
I'm glad Miami won. I just wish they had done it in Game 5.
Miami wins the series 4-2. They move on to the NBA Finals.
Later today, Game 6 in Oklahoma City. With a win, the Spurs move on to the NBA Finals.
Game 6: Indiana vs. Miami.
I'm not sure this game was close. Maybe in the opening minute or two?
After that, Miami was off to the races, ready to prove that this year's team is no slouch and that they are the better group all-in-all.
And really, such a devastating beatdown only serves to prove Miami's dominance as well as their lack of true competition. Forget about people claiming that Indiana is an "elite" team. That is completely bogus.
Plus, their weaknesses have been exposed and they're up against the salary cap (supposedly). Those two things in concert equal a troubling offseason to come.
For my part, I'm pretty sick of the Pacers. When they got off to the great start, it was fine. And when they continued to dominate into 2014, I was actually looking forward to seeing them in the playoffs. But then the wheels fell off and after the constant nonsense surrounding them through March and April, plus their inability to get past Atlanta or Washington with ease...well, it's easy to get tired of such things.
And, really, they probably should have been knocked out by Atlanta. Had Al Horford played in the series, it probably would have happened.
Miami now goes to their fourth-straight NBA Finals. This is impressive on its face, but when you dig deeper and look at some of the teams they've faced on their way to the Finals, especially this year and last year, it looks a bit less impressive.
My contention is that it's not quite as impressive as the last three teams who did it, mostly because they all did it 25+ years ago. The competition was undoubtedly better.
This year's Eastern conference was just weak. The greatest sign of that was that the Pacers were the #1 seed, stunk through most of the second half of the season, and still managed to get to the conference finals and then push Miami to six.
I'm glad Miami won. I just wish they had done it in Game 5.
Miami wins the series 4-2. They move on to the NBA Finals.
Later today, Game 6 in Oklahoma City. With a win, the Spurs move on to the NBA Finals.
May 30, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 37
Control over a series is sometimes as simple as asking the question "where's the game being played"?
Game 5: Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio.
I didn't see a lot of this game; it turned into a blowout in the second half thanks to OKC not really showing up on offense.
In the first half, both teams were pretty strong. In the second, neither one was as good, but OKC was worse, scoring only 34 points. Considering that they scored 32 in the first quarter, that's problematic unless their defense was exceptional.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
For whatever reason, the Spurs were not afraid of Ibaka and his shot-altering ability. Not only that, but they were back to the efficient execution and shot-making that they showed in spades in the first two games.
Ginobili had 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from behind the three-point line. Combine that with 22-and-12 from Duncan and a well-rounded attack from Parker, Kawhi Leonard, and oddly enough, Boris Diaw...and there you go.
Durant and Westbrook weren't bad, by any means. They put up roughly half of the team's total points by themselves. I guess the problem is that none of the other guys were in double figures and the defense wasn't there.
What do you know, the box score doesn't tell the whole story.
At any rate, the Spurs have taken control of the series temporarily. We'll see what happens when it shifts back to Oklahoma City.
My guess is that it'll get ugly on their end as the Thunder play better.
San Antonio leads 3-2. Game 6 is Saturday.
Later today, Game 6 in Miami. The series should already be over; still, Miami moves on to the NBA Finals with a win.
Game 5: Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio.
I didn't see a lot of this game; it turned into a blowout in the second half thanks to OKC not really showing up on offense.
In the first half, both teams were pretty strong. In the second, neither one was as good, but OKC was worse, scoring only 34 points. Considering that they scored 32 in the first quarter, that's problematic unless their defense was exceptional.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
For whatever reason, the Spurs were not afraid of Ibaka and his shot-altering ability. Not only that, but they were back to the efficient execution and shot-making that they showed in spades in the first two games.
Ginobili had 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from behind the three-point line. Combine that with 22-and-12 from Duncan and a well-rounded attack from Parker, Kawhi Leonard, and oddly enough, Boris Diaw...and there you go.
Durant and Westbrook weren't bad, by any means. They put up roughly half of the team's total points by themselves. I guess the problem is that none of the other guys were in double figures and the defense wasn't there.
What do you know, the box score doesn't tell the whole story.
At any rate, the Spurs have taken control of the series temporarily. We'll see what happens when it shifts back to Oklahoma City.
My guess is that it'll get ugly on their end as the Thunder play better.
San Antonio leads 3-2. Game 6 is Saturday.
Later today, Game 6 in Miami. The series should already be over; still, Miami moves on to the NBA Finals with a win.
May 29, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 36
Moving on? Not just yet.
Game 5: Miami vs. Indiana.
Honestly, this game was ridiculous.
I was thinking about it overnight: I bet there were multiple games in the regular season where LeBron had fewer than five fouls, combined. And I'm almost certain that the number of games in which he had zero fouls was greater than that in which he had five or more.
Of course, I'd have to check through the box scores from all the games he played in this season to verify that.
So while I'm not saying it happened for sure, I have a sneaking suspicion.
That points to one thing: his performance was an aberration. The referees were unusually tight on a guy who rarely has his number called.
To say it didn't affect the game would be ludicrous. He was 2-for-10 from the field and had seven points for the entire game. Bosh and Wade, along with Rashard Lewis, surprisingly, had to carry the team in LeBron's enforced absence.
Even still, Miami was making runs throughout the fourth quarter, but for whatever reason they couldn't get over the hump.
I'm guessing that reason has something to do with LeBron and not being able to get in the flow of the game.
So now we head back to Miami for Game 6. It shouldn't have happened, but since it did, I hope Miami crushes the Pacers.
Miami leads 3-2. Game 6 is Friday.
Later today, Game 5 in San Antonio.
May 28, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 35
It's a series in the West? Surely...you jest.
Game 4: San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City.
The combination of Durant and Westbrook scored 71 last night. San Antonio scored 92...and lost by 13.
What's even funnier about that score is that San Antonio's reserves were in the game from about five minutes remaining in the third until the end of the game. They didn't really close the gap, per se; I don't think the lead was ever below 10 in the second half. Still, maybe they can take something from that going forward.
Or maybe they already know that if they move the ball and play unselfishly in their offense, they can beat OKC. My guess is that they already know, but this stuff with Ibaka coming back when he was thought to be out has shaken their confidence somewhat.
It's a fact that when Ibaka was out, the Spurs dominated, and that domination went inside-out. Now that Ibaka is back in, the Spurs have not looked good and have lost both games. Not coincidentally, both of those games were in OKC.
So now we'll see what happens when the series returns to San Antonio.
My guess is that Parker and Ginobili (and/or Kawhi Leonard) will drive inside and either go to the rack hard or kick it out to Danny Green or one of the other guards behind the three-point line. Their pick-and-roll offense can be devastating as well, but that was not really evident in OKC.
Either way, it's a series now and San Antonio has to pick themselves up after what has been a near-disastrous showing in Games 3&4. They have the talent and the system to get things done and win games. They just have to do it.
As far as the Thunder are concerned: they've got Ibaka back and in fairly good shape. Durant and Westbrook are both firing on all cylinders. The only thing they were really missing last night is secondary scoring. IF they get that and Durant/Westbrook continue to be unstoppable, then they can easily win this series and face Miami in a rematch of the Finals from a couple years ago.
Of course, now that it's tied, the likelihood of it going seven games has increased by quite a bit. That wouldn't be the worst thing for the league (or for Miami, really).
The series is tied 2-2. Game 5 is Thursday.
Later today, Game 5 in Indiana. With a win, Miami moves on to the NBA Finals.
May 27, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 34
In a seven-game series, the better team usually wins. This series is an excellent example of that phenomenon.
Game 4: Indiana vs. Miami.
Unlike Game 3, there was no attempt by the Heat to even allow the Pacers to think they were in it.
It didn't really get ugly until the 4th, and even then it was mitigated by the fact that Miami took their collective foot off the gas. The Pacers made a nice run in the 4th, but eventually LeBron just went to the rack, dunked the ball, and made his free throw to effectively end it.
I was fairly certain that Miami would win the series and I was hoping they'd do so with little difficulty.
If Game 4 proves anything, it's that when Miami is at their best (or a close approximation thereof), these two teams are not close.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that Indiana wasn't even close to their best, either.
Lance Stephenson was ineffective throughout. They he made some shots late. Perhaps that'll carry over to Game 5. And maybe being at home will help him too.
But so far, we've been sold that George is a "superstar" and there's been very little proof of it, despite the 23 points last night. From my POV, Stephenson is far more deserving of that "honor", if you can even call it that.
At any rate, despite all their struggles, the Pacers have gotten to where they wanted to be. Well, except for being down 3-1. I'm sure they didn't see that coming. And certainly, they didn't want it to happen.
Miami leads 3-1. Game 5 is Wednesday.
Later today, Game 4 in Oklahoma City.
May 26, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 33
The scene switches from San Antonio to Oklahoma City. And Game 3 adds an important factor heretofore missing from the series.
In other words, uh oh.
Game 3: San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City.
The score isn't really indicative of how out-of-hand this game got in the 4th quarter. Really, when Butler hit a three from the right corner early in the 4th, this one was over.
But then a funny thing happened which could have an impact on Game 4: the Thunder scored two points in the final four minutes. It made the score look a lot closer. But it also indicates that if the Thunder aren't bringing their best for 48 minutes, the Spurs might be able to do something.
At the very least, they turned a twenty-point deficit into a nine-point loss.
That might not be anything incredible or mind-blowing, really. It might have no impact on the next game or the rest of the series at all.
That said, the Thunder have to continue to play hard for all 48 minutes if they want to beat the Spurs in this series. I'm not sure they can win the series, even with Ibaka returning and Reggie Jackson going nuts.
That's right, Serge Ibaka played in this game. Not only that, but he had an impact throughout. He had 15 points (6-for-7 from the field), seven rebounds, and four blocks.
More than the rebounding and shot-blocking though, his mere presence had an impact on how the Spurs ran their offense, something that Kenny Smith adroitly pointed out at halftime.
Obviously, it wasn't something that got better in the second half. Or else the Spurs probably would have pulled this one out.
A testament to Ibaka's presence, the Spurs' shooting percentages were not that great. Even Danny Green, who started out well, dipped. Pretty much, the only reliable contributor was Ginobili. He just couldn't win it by himself.
A rash of turnovers in the second quarter didn't help either.
San Antonio leads 2-1. Game 4 is Tuesday.
Later today, Game 4 in Miami.
In other words, uh oh.
Game 3: San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City.
The score isn't really indicative of how out-of-hand this game got in the 4th quarter. Really, when Butler hit a three from the right corner early in the 4th, this one was over.
But then a funny thing happened which could have an impact on Game 4: the Thunder scored two points in the final four minutes. It made the score look a lot closer. But it also indicates that if the Thunder aren't bringing their best for 48 minutes, the Spurs might be able to do something.
At the very least, they turned a twenty-point deficit into a nine-point loss.
That might not be anything incredible or mind-blowing, really. It might have no impact on the next game or the rest of the series at all.
That said, the Thunder have to continue to play hard for all 48 minutes if they want to beat the Spurs in this series. I'm not sure they can win the series, even with Ibaka returning and Reggie Jackson going nuts.
That's right, Serge Ibaka played in this game. Not only that, but he had an impact throughout. He had 15 points (6-for-7 from the field), seven rebounds, and four blocks.
More than the rebounding and shot-blocking though, his mere presence had an impact on how the Spurs ran their offense, something that Kenny Smith adroitly pointed out at halftime.
Obviously, it wasn't something that got better in the second half. Or else the Spurs probably would have pulled this one out.
A testament to Ibaka's presence, the Spurs' shooting percentages were not that great. Even Danny Green, who started out well, dipped. Pretty much, the only reliable contributor was Ginobili. He just couldn't win it by himself.
A rash of turnovers in the second quarter didn't help either.
San Antonio leads 2-1. Game 4 is Tuesday.
Later today, Game 4 in Miami.
May 25, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 32
Zoom! There they go, flying past the supposed competition. Who, you ask?
Game 3: Indiana vs. Miami.
This one was close for a long time. Much of that closeness is the result of Miami coming out to play for real...in the second quarter.
Yeesh, and I thought their effort in Game 1 was bad.
Thankfully, they realized sometime in the second quarter that they are, in fact, better than the Pacers. It took them awhile to really take control of the game, though.
In the meantime, though, LeBron and Wade were really quite fantastic.
And then when someone else needed to step up, why, it was the nigh-unstoppable Ray Allen who did so. I admit, it helps a ton that the Pacers somehow decided to leave him "open" (more or less) behind the three-point line a couple times and completely lost him in transition on another attempt.
Speaking of which, he was 4-for-4 in the fourth from behind the three-point line. And those twelve points were critical. Not only did they help build/maintain a lead for the Heat (especially the last three makes), but they got the crowd involved and they convinced me that if the shots are falling, Miami isn't losing.
Oh, they may well lose another game and have to take it in six. But they're winning this series. I have no doubt about that, but then again, I didn't have much doubt before tonight.
Even after Game 1, I was like "no problem, they'll win in five". And maybe they will. Or like I said above, maybe it'll be in six. But it's not going seven and the Heat will get to the NBA Finals again.
Miami leads 2-1. Game 4 is Monday.
Later today, Game 3 in Oklahoma City. Might there be a Serge Ibaka sighting? He's day-to-day with a calf injury.
Game 3: Indiana vs. Miami.
This one was close for a long time. Much of that closeness is the result of Miami coming out to play for real...in the second quarter.
Yeesh, and I thought their effort in Game 1 was bad.
Thankfully, they realized sometime in the second quarter that they are, in fact, better than the Pacers. It took them awhile to really take control of the game, though.
In the meantime, though, LeBron and Wade were really quite fantastic.
And then when someone else needed to step up, why, it was the nigh-unstoppable Ray Allen who did so. I admit, it helps a ton that the Pacers somehow decided to leave him "open" (more or less) behind the three-point line a couple times and completely lost him in transition on another attempt.
Speaking of which, he was 4-for-4 in the fourth from behind the three-point line. And those twelve points were critical. Not only did they help build/maintain a lead for the Heat (especially the last three makes), but they got the crowd involved and they convinced me that if the shots are falling, Miami isn't losing.
Oh, they may well lose another game and have to take it in six. But they're winning this series. I have no doubt about that, but then again, I didn't have much doubt before tonight.
Even after Game 1, I was like "no problem, they'll win in five". And maybe they will. Or like I said above, maybe it'll be in six. But it's not going seven and the Heat will get to the NBA Finals again.
Miami leads 2-1. Game 4 is Monday.
Later today, Game 3 in Oklahoma City. Might there be a Serge Ibaka sighting? He's day-to-day with a calf injury.
May 22, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 31
It's funny how things can turn sometimes.
On Day 31 of the NBA Playoffs, we were shown just how much of a turn this series has taken in a mere two games.
Game 2: Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio.
People will say that this series hinges on the absence of Serge Ibaka.
Maybe so, but the Thunder are having problems all over the lineup. For instance, the starters who aren't Durant or Westbrook...they combined to score four points and played a total of 38 minutes.
How had Scott Brooks not foreseen this after their dismal performance in Game 1? It boggles the mind, really.
Of course, what's worse is that neither Durant or Westbrook were really up to the task of scoring efficiently. They combined to make 1-of-9 three-pointers. Also, Westbrook took an amazing 24 shots, making a mere seven of them.
I don't know how they win like that. I'm assuming that they won't.
Otherwise, the team shot 2-for-20 from three, which is pretty poor.
What makes the beatdown harder to resolve mentally is that Kawhi Leonard really didn't play well. In his stead, though, Danny Green hit 7-of-10 from three. Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili combined for 47, and that was that.
I think OKC will win one at home. At this point, I really have nothing to base that on, other than speculation and past performance from Durant and Westbrook. But it's really difficult to see them getting swept, even with results as dismal as the first two have been.
San Antonio leads 2-0. Game 3 is Sunday.
Later today...there are no games. Game 3 in Miami is Saturday.
On Day 31 of the NBA Playoffs, we were shown just how much of a turn this series has taken in a mere two games.
Game 2: Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio.
People will say that this series hinges on the absence of Serge Ibaka.
Maybe so, but the Thunder are having problems all over the lineup. For instance, the starters who aren't Durant or Westbrook...they combined to score four points and played a total of 38 minutes.
How had Scott Brooks not foreseen this after their dismal performance in Game 1? It boggles the mind, really.
Of course, what's worse is that neither Durant or Westbrook were really up to the task of scoring efficiently. They combined to make 1-of-9 three-pointers. Also, Westbrook took an amazing 24 shots, making a mere seven of them.
I don't know how they win like that. I'm assuming that they won't.
Otherwise, the team shot 2-for-20 from three, which is pretty poor.
What makes the beatdown harder to resolve mentally is that Kawhi Leonard really didn't play well. In his stead, though, Danny Green hit 7-of-10 from three. Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili combined for 47, and that was that.
I think OKC will win one at home. At this point, I really have nothing to base that on, other than speculation and past performance from Durant and Westbrook. But it's really difficult to see them getting swept, even with results as dismal as the first two have been.
San Antonio leads 2-0. Game 3 is Sunday.
Later today...there are no games. Game 3 in Miami is Saturday.
May 21, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 30
Another night, another third round game. I was hoping for a better effort and maybe even a win. And I think I got it!
Game 2: Miami vs. Indiana.
It might not have been an aesthetically pleasing game, but Miami pulled it out. Games that end in the 80's rarely are, I guess.
LeBron and Wade did their usual thing; LeBron was especially good in the fourth quarter as he keyed the run that ended it. I'm not sure how they went up 86-78 to 87-83, but hey, they won.
Now they avoid going back to Miami down 0-2 and have regained home-court for the time being. I think they'll win both games in Miami without too much difficulty, but that will be predicated on how head coach Erik Spoelstra adjusts to Stephenson.
Let's face it, Lance Stephenson damn near won the game for the Pacers by himself. He wasn't getting a whole lot of help from his teammates, although that is a bit deceiving, I suppose, since they were all in double figures again.
And by all, I mean the starting five. Their bench is not good. About as bad as Portland's, really.
Stephenson controlled the game for the first three quarters. Then LeBron took over in the fourth. My guess is that Miami will look to lessen Stephenson's impact throughout Game 3. Whatever they've done on Paul George has been just right.
Speaking of Paul George, he claimed to have blacked out during the game. Obviously, this is a situation that should be monitored and treated with extreme care. It might also end up affecting the tenor of the rest of the series, depending on whether or not he misses any time. I doubt very much that he'll miss even a quarter from such a thing, but I'm not a doctor and to be honest, it never hurts to be too careful.
If there's an under-the-radar performance to be looked at, I'd single out Norris Cole, who was incredibly efficient, scoring 11 points on a mere four shots. He also had two assists and a steal in 27 minutes. Not exactly huge minutes there, but he's clearly playing better at this point than Mario Chalmers. Something to keep an eye on, at least.
The series is tied 1-1. Game 3 is Saturday.
Seriously, three days off, to go from Indiana to Florida? Okay, then.
Later today, Game 2 in San Antonio.
Game 2: Miami vs. Indiana.
It might not have been an aesthetically pleasing game, but Miami pulled it out. Games that end in the 80's rarely are, I guess.
LeBron and Wade did their usual thing; LeBron was especially good in the fourth quarter as he keyed the run that ended it. I'm not sure how they went up 86-78 to 87-83, but hey, they won.
Now they avoid going back to Miami down 0-2 and have regained home-court for the time being. I think they'll win both games in Miami without too much difficulty, but that will be predicated on how head coach Erik Spoelstra adjusts to Stephenson.
Let's face it, Lance Stephenson damn near won the game for the Pacers by himself. He wasn't getting a whole lot of help from his teammates, although that is a bit deceiving, I suppose, since they were all in double figures again.
And by all, I mean the starting five. Their bench is not good. About as bad as Portland's, really.
Stephenson controlled the game for the first three quarters. Then LeBron took over in the fourth. My guess is that Miami will look to lessen Stephenson's impact throughout Game 3. Whatever they've done on Paul George has been just right.
Speaking of Paul George, he claimed to have blacked out during the game. Obviously, this is a situation that should be monitored and treated with extreme care. It might also end up affecting the tenor of the rest of the series, depending on whether or not he misses any time. I doubt very much that he'll miss even a quarter from such a thing, but I'm not a doctor and to be honest, it never hurts to be too careful.
If there's an under-the-radar performance to be looked at, I'd single out Norris Cole, who was incredibly efficient, scoring 11 points on a mere four shots. He also had two assists and a steal in 27 minutes. Not exactly huge minutes there, but he's clearly playing better at this point than Mario Chalmers. Something to keep an eye on, at least.
The series is tied 1-1. Game 3 is Saturday.
Seriously, three days off, to go from Indiana to Florida? Okay, then.
Later today, Game 2 in San Antonio.
May 20, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 29
The Western conference finals started yesterday. It's Day 29 of the NBA Playoffs!
Game 1: Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio.
Apparently, Serge Ibaka's injury was serious enough to keep him out of this series. It's a huge blow, to be sure.
Game 1 really exposed OKC's defense without Ibaka. The Spurs got into the paint at will from the get-go; Tim Duncan had 21 in the first half. Yet somehow, the Thunder kept it fairly close despite the Spurs putting up 67 at halftime.
Of course, the Spurs pulled away in the second half, even though they gave up the lead at one point in the third quarter.
It may be a concern to the Spurs that they can blow the doors off the other team in the first half, but consistently allow them back into the game in the second because they can't keep up the pace offensively. Something to think about for the next round, assuming the Spurs get there.
Eh, who am I kidding? Without Ibaka, and with Collison, Sefolosha, and Perkins performing like they did (spoiler alert: blegh), the Thunder don't have much of a chance. Hell, they may steal a game or two just based on athleticism or a freak-out performance from Westbrook and/or Durant, but that's about all I'd feel comfortable betting on.
Either way, the Spurs' execution was relentless. And Kawhi Leonard just keeps on keepin' on. The numbers last night don't really reflect his play, necessarily. His impact seemed much greater than 7-for-16 shooting would suggest.
San Antonio leads 1-0. Game 2 is Wednesday.
Later today, Game 2 in Indiana.
May 19, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 28
The third round began, not with a bang, but a whimper. So let's get to it.
Game 1: Miami vs. Indiana.
I'm not going to make too much of the result of this game. After all, it's one game and everyone knows who the better team is.
That said, yeccccccccccccccccccch.
Okay, that's about as badly as Miami could have...well, maybe not as badly, but let's be reasonable here. There's no way Miami should have even been this bad.
And really, when you look at it a little closely, they weren't entirely bad. LeBron and Wade were good. Chris Bosh didn't have his best game, especially his shooting percentage, but that shouldn't have been so difficult to overcome. And the role players were about as good as you can expect.
So I guess what this comes down to is defense.
In addition to being "almost there" in regards to offense (likely the product of Bosh's 4-for-12 night; a couple more of those go down and the game is closer by far), they were not great on defense. Indiana scored 30 in the first and 28 in the third; given how they routinely performed against Atlanta and Washington, this cannot continue.
Also, all five of Indiana's starters scored in double figures, including Roy Hibbert, who had 19. I don't know if that's a fluke or the inability of Miami to guard him. He had tremendous problems scoring consistently in the two previous series, though, so I don't expect that to be a constant.
Miami is the two-time defending champion, though, and they're up against a team who wants to usurp their position at the top of the Eastern conference. So one would think that a better effort would be forthcoming in Game 2. Let's hope they don't wait until they get back to Miami to pull out the big guns.
Indiana leads 1-0. Game 2 is Tuesday.
Later today, Game 1 in San Antonio. Should be interesting to see who sets the tone, and how. And how!
Game 1: Miami vs. Indiana.
I'm not going to make too much of the result of this game. After all, it's one game and everyone knows who the better team is.
That said, yeccccccccccccccccccch.
Okay, that's about as badly as Miami could have...well, maybe not as badly, but let's be reasonable here. There's no way Miami should have even been this bad.
And really, when you look at it a little closely, they weren't entirely bad. LeBron and Wade were good. Chris Bosh didn't have his best game, especially his shooting percentage, but that shouldn't have been so difficult to overcome. And the role players were about as good as you can expect.
So I guess what this comes down to is defense.
In addition to being "almost there" in regards to offense (likely the product of Bosh's 4-for-12 night; a couple more of those go down and the game is closer by far), they were not great on defense. Indiana scored 30 in the first and 28 in the third; given how they routinely performed against Atlanta and Washington, this cannot continue.
Also, all five of Indiana's starters scored in double figures, including Roy Hibbert, who had 19. I don't know if that's a fluke or the inability of Miami to guard him. He had tremendous problems scoring consistently in the two previous series, though, so I don't expect that to be a constant.
Miami is the two-time defending champion, though, and they're up against a team who wants to usurp their position at the top of the Eastern conference. So one would think that a better effort would be forthcoming in Game 2. Let's hope they don't wait until they get back to Miami to pull out the big guns.
Indiana leads 1-0. Game 2 is Tuesday.
Later today, Game 1 in San Antonio. Should be interesting to see who sets the tone, and how. And how!
May 16, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 27
The second round concluded in what might be considered unsurprising fashion.
Only four more teams are left to slug it out for the NBA title.
First, Indiana vs. Washington.
Hard to call Washington's loss anything but disappointing.
They even took the lead in the 4th quarter, no matter how briefly. And yes, it was very brief. Other than that, they didn't look all that great.
So Indiana looked like a complete pile of cow dung in Game 5 and somehow managed to pull it together in the 4th after going down a couple points. Much of that has to do with the overrated Paul George, and David West. I call Paul George "overrated" mostly as a result of the media rushing to anoint him a "superstar" in the NBA. He's not, but then again, there are times when the media can't tell their behinds from a hole in the ground.
At any rate, Washington was rather poor last night. Indiana, while maintaining at best half of their effectiveness from earlier this season when they looked legitimately great, was able to take advantage easily.
Somehow, Indiana is headed to the conference finals. My hope is that Miami will sweep them...but I doubt that'll happen.
Indiana wins the series 4-2. They move on to the next round.
Last, Oklahoma City vs. Los Angeles.
After the first quarter, it was easy to sit here and think, "well, OKC is waiting for Game 7 to shut it down".
Then they outscored the Clippers in the next three quarters, turning a 14-point deficit into a six-point margin of victory.
Huh?
Steven Adams had a double-double and Reggie Jackson scored 14 off the bench. As usual, Durant and Westbrook poured in the points, but were inefficient shooting the ball (especially Westbrook).
Also, Ibaka went out with an injury, playing only 26 minutes.
I'm still not sure how the Thunder won this one. But they did and they'll face San Antonio in the next round, which could be lopsided or quite tight, depending on the efficiency of Durant and Westbrook. Then again, they might just run over the Spurs like they did a couple years ago anyway, no matter how inefficient they can be.
Oklahoma City wins the series 4-2. They move on to the next round.
Later today...there are no games. Now I really have no idea what to watch.
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