I don't think its just 3 point shooters. The number of guys that can't shoot over 50% FG in a season I think is pretty shocking. For example, you look at the Nuggets 5 top scorers this season, none cracked 50%. And that was a team that won 57 games.
Similar with Memphis, only two guys cracked 50% FG out of 20 listed! And one of those guys averaged 1.8 points a game (Jon Leuer). That's crazy. No team in the league 20 years ago that won 56 games had such poor shooters.
The pacers didnt have 1 guy this season shoot 50% Fg.
Contrast it with the pacers of 93/94 and it's like night and day. The pacers of 94 had 5 of their top 7 guys shooting over 50%. Miller, Smits, Mckey, Dale Davis, Antonio Davis. How does that happen? >>
When you win with defense (Indiana and Memphis are the two best defenses in the league) you're not going to have pretty scorers. The 88-89 Pistons that won the championship shot under 50% as a team, and the following year actually shot worse at just under 47%. Teams that win with defense (which Indy and Memphis definitely do) don't have efficient scorers.
Great game tonight. Neal and Green had dream games hitting tons of 3's.
Lebron looked awful, as did Chalmers. I'm sure the Heat will bounce back with a much better game 4.
I still think this series will go 7 games. Both teams are very streaky at times. If the Spurs aren't hitting those 3's tonight, this would've been a tight game.
I like the fact the refs are letting them play a little, but they're missing quite a lot of calls. I counted five missed calls in the first half, committed against the Spurs, that didn't get a whistle, and one against the Heat. Ginobili gets shoved and racked on his arm on a drive, he makes the layup but no foul. Duncan gets hit in the face by Lebron, not called.
Chalmers nickname should be "The chopper". He's always hacking guys on the arms and half of the time it's not called. Tonight it was called. Other games it's overlooked.
If the NBA called guys for carrying the ball and palming the ball like they should, you'd see a lot less so-called stars having their way on the court.
If the Spurs win the title this year, that would be 5 rings in 15 seasons for the team, Popovich, Tim Duncan (and 4 or 5 for Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli).
With one more ring Duncan would be up there in Jordan territory (6 rings) when it comes to rings; and just under half way their to Bill Russell territory. However, since Duncan is not flashy and since he has played his entire career in a small market, he does not have the high profile of MJ and big market teams. He apparently has taken steps to put himself in better shape and condition this year than he has been in for years. I wonder how much longer he will choose to play?
Duncan lost about 20 lbs this past off season to make it easier on his knees and improve his quickness a little. He's signed for two more years. Ginobili is signed just through this year. If they win the title, I think Ginobili might just retire. He turns 36 in July. He has nothing left to prove and has been playing professionally for like 17 years. I'd love to see him go out on top. Coach Pop has said he'll retire when Duncan does. So hopefully that won't be for two more seasons. It's amazing the Spurs have sustained excellence for 15 straight years even though they're always picking at the end of the draft. Parker was a late first rounder, Ginobili was a second round pick, Leonard was drafted 15th, Splitter another late first rounder (28th in '07). Duncan is the only high draft pick on the team. Neal, Diaw were free agents, Green was also a free agent who was a 2nd round pick of the Cavs originally.
Yeah, Duncan is surely under the radar like the entire Spurs franchise. That's what I love about them. It's all about selfless team basketball and winning. It's not about shoe contracts, pounding your chest after a great block shot (Lebron), trash talking your opponents, pumping up your scoring average, etc.... there's no punks on the Spurs. Coach Pop wouldn't tolerate that type of behavior.
If the entire league played the game the way the Spurs did, I'd watch 10 times more NBA ball than I do now. Instead I just watch during the playoffs and catch the Spurs during some regular season broadcasts. The rest of the regular season games I always have something better to do.
I still think the series goes 7 games. It's going to be tough to beat the Heat at their home floor. The Spurs will need to limit their turnovers, rebound, and hit many 3's and have some luck along the way. The result might depend on who the refs are. If they call it tight, it will favor the Heat at home.
well said, cardbender. I actually like the Spurs' chances in Game 6. If they can withstand the 1st quarter barrage, and harassing defense that Miami is going to throw at them, they will be in good shape.
A Spurs win sets the stage for the Heat to be broken up after next season.
Game 6 was close, with both teams surging back to take the lead. If the young Spurs player had hit both free throws with about 5 second left the Spurs would have been up by 4 and it would have been likely that Miami would have lost in regulation. He missed, Ray Allen tied the game with a 3 pointer and Miami wins in overtime.
Game 7 tomorrow night, winner takes the crown and the loser goes home with a frown.
Regardless of who wins game 7, these finals have been very good.
I've been loving these finals and last night's game should and will go down as one of the all time greats. If you couldn't get into last night's game, then I don't know what's wrong with you.
Lebron showing everyone why he's the greatest player of this generation and on his way to battling Jordan as the GOAT.
The most disappointing playoff loss ever for the Spurs in my opinion. They had them, then they missed three foul shots, had three TO's, didn't block out on two 3 pt. misses by the Heat which lead to two made three's. All this occurred in the last minute of regulation and OT. They even had Lebron give them two turnovers late and couldn't convert on them.
I hate to say this but will, Lebron couldn't carry Jordan's jock strap. If I had to pick one current player to start a team with, it would be Durant. He's so much of a better shooter than Lebron. If the Spurs don't absolutely blow this game 6, Lebron would have been the GOAT.
How does a player like Lebron get called for only 8 fouls in 246 minutes of the finals with his aggressive style of play? It's called star favoritism by the refs. To be fair, Tony Parker has only got called for six fouls himself, but he's not in your face defending guys like Lebron and banging inside.
If the NBA called palming and traveling like they should, the current star players wouldn't be getting to the rim so easy. The game would require more skilled shooting and crisp passing. Imagine if Oscar Robertson back in the 1960's, could carry the ball like Wade and Lebron do on half of their possessions? Oscar averaged 30 per game for his first 10 years. His average could have zoomed to 35-40 a game easy with today's rules. Plus no 3 pointers back then either.
1985fan, are you actually calling Michael Jordan a goat ? please keep posting your 'input' and 'views' everywhere. it seems most valuable and informative.
I feel like I was impaled by the sharpest object imaginable last night. Repeatedly. If anyone else on here is an SA fan, you can empathize. :28 left and a 4-pt lead with Ginobili walking to the line, and practically everything from that point forward had to go wrong. And it did. Missed free throw, missed rebound, missed free throw, missed rebound........and the game was effectively over. And most likely, the championship. If the Spurs win tomorrow night, the team logo should reside next to intestinal fortitude ad infinitum.
<< <i>1985fan, are you actually calling Michael Jordan a goat ? please keep posting your 'input' and 'views' everywhere. it seems most valuable and informative. >>
Galaxy27, I feel your pain. I'm a long time Spurs fan, back to the days of Gervin, Kenon, etc...
If you go to NBA.COM, they have a play by play of the game. It's just brutal to read and see how the Spurs squandered their opportunities to close out the Heat in 6.
It's going to take a miracle to beat them in Game 7 on the road. Not saying it can't be done, but the last time a road team won a game 7 final was in 1978 by the Bullets over the Sonics. That would be 35 years ago.....
At least Mario Chalmers had his second very solid game in the series in game 6, so he's due to have a rotten game 7. I think it will come down to three point shooting. The Heat shot them well the past two games, the Spurs shot them well in game 5, but really sucked in game 6 from beyond the arc.
The Spurs should dust off Bonner and have him let a few rip in game 7. He hasn't been used much in this series due to him not matching up well with any Heat offensive players. I'd rather see him in there than Tiago 'Turnover' Splitter, who has been awful in this series. Hands of stone.
<< <i> I hate to say this but will, Lebron couldn't carry Jordan's jock strap. If I had to pick one current player to start a team with, it would be Durant. He's so much of a better shooter than Lebron. If the Spurs don't absolutely blow this game 6, Lebron would have been the GOAT. >>
You can't be serious if you'd rather have a one-dimensional player like Durant than Lebron. Lebron is a better defender, better passer, and infinitely better all around player than Durant. As he has shown, if he wants/needs to, Lebron can score at will. But unlike Durant, Lebron is an all-around amazing player who is MVP worth on both the offensive AND defensive ends of the floor. Tony Parker was an abysmal 6-23 SOLELY because of the lockdown D that Lebron threw at him. Durant couldn't do that in a million years.
<< <i>How does a player like Lebron get called for only 8 fouls in 246 minutes of the finals with his aggressive style of play? It's called star favoritism by the refs. >>
But Durant doesn't get this preferential treatment? Jordan didn't get this treatment? Jordan's most famous shot against Utah was clearly a foul as he pushed off, but he wasn't called. Lebron gets no more favorable calls or non-calls than any other star in the league. It's easy to see you have some sort of vendetta against the league's best player. What did Lebron do that so offended you?
Why isn't Parker getting killed today for going 6-23? If that had been Lebron, EVERYONE would be calling for his head. But Parker, in a crucial and series clinching game 6, yakked up the game big time and no one dares mention it? What about Ginobli, who had 8 TO's (and some were downright egregious). Coach Pop took several missteps last night, but, again, no one is calling him out on it.
Spurs fans are constantly complaining about their team getting no respect and whatnot, but they I'm sure they're loving this lack of attention to these key reasons the Spurs lost game 6.
The saddest part is, Lebron's missing headband is getting more press than the game itself. The NBA is a joke, and if you can't see the fix from a blimp then maybe you should consider being a boxing fan.
<<<What about Ginobli, who had 8 TO's (and some were downright egregious). Coach Pop took several missteps last night, but, again, no one is calling him out on it.>>>
I guess it depends on who you are listening to. I heard plenty of criticism of Pop and Manu on Boston sports radio yesterday.
<<<Lebron showing everyone why he's the greatest player of this generation and on his way to battling Jordan as the GOAT. >>>
LeBron was one Ray Allen corner 3 away from being 1-3 all-time in finals, including losing 2 of his last 3 where his team was favored. Let's not go crazy with the GOAT talk yet.
<< <i>The saddest part is, Lebron's missing headband is getting more press than the game itself. The NBA is a joke, and if you can't see the fix from a blimp then maybe you should consider being a boxing fan. >>
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
<< <i>The saddest part is, Lebron's missing headband is getting more press than the game itself. The NBA is a joke, and if you can't see the fix from a blimp then maybe you should consider being a boxing fan. >>
No, it wasn't. The only people fixating on that are either (a) Lebron haters or (b) people who dislike today's NBA. Suggesting that one of the all-time great games is getting overshadowed by a headband is just simply not true. And a 'fix'? Come on, man, you can't honestly believe this nonsense.
<<<Lebron showing everyone why he's the greatest player of this generation and on his way to battling Jordan as the GOAT. >>>
LeBron was one Ray Allen corner 3 away from being 1-3 all-time in finals, including losing 2 of his last 3 where his team was favored. Let's not go crazy with the GOAT talk yet. >>
Last time I checked championships were won by teams and not individuals. Lebron has been great in these finals, and if they had lost it surely wouldn't have been his fault.
cardbender, I'm feeling better about this game by the hour. If any team can overcome what happened on Tuesday night, it's SAS. Do I think Timmy D will go for 30 and 17 again? No I don't, but in the same breath I don't think we'll see 6-23 from Tony, 1-7 from Danny, and I sincerely hope that Manu refrains from looking like a Harlem Globetrotter reject again. I don't even care if MG scores, as long as the dude doesn't essentially make it 4-on-6 out there. He can't create his own shot anymore, and I'm fine with that. He's old and has lost a step and a half. It happens. I just pray he provides what he can without handing the ball to Miami on a silver platter, because when that happens it ends up in the cup seconds later.
Mentally, I think they'll be just fine. It's the tank I'm worried about. I just hope it was refilled with the premium stuff.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
If one goes searching for an alternate reality, and finds it, does that make it real?
Searching for 'Lebron's headband' yields 63k results in google. Searching 'nba finals game 6 2013' yields 383 MILLION results. Which is more 'real' to you?
If one goes searching for an alternate reality, and finds it, does that make it real?
Searching for 'Lebron's headband' yields 63k results in google. Searching 'nba finals game 6 2013' yields 383 MILLION results. Which is more 'real' to you? >>
Well yeah, 383 MILLION if you have an open ended search that includes words like nba, finals, and 2013.
Like I said in another thread, distort reality to improve a biased opinion. Have fun with that.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Have you been watching re-runs of the 2012 Finals, when LeBron actually was great? He's been good, but he most certainly has not been great in these Finals. He's shooting 43% from the field, 74% from the line, 29% from 3P, and turned it over a whopping 6 times in Game 6. He's lucky the Spurs choked it away, or he would have been one of the goats (lower case) for them not winning it this year.
Let's only focus on his offensive numbers and not his defense (the reason Parker was 6-23 was because of Lebron's defense) and rebounding numbers. Let's also remember Lebron is the all-time scoring leader in game 7s, with an over 33 ppg average, and he's well on his way to eclipsing that number again tonight.
He was great on both ends of the court tonight with their backs against the wall. And if he misses that three late in Game 6, Ray Allen is not in a position to hit his, and there's no game tonight. Got to give the man credit when it's due. Congrats to Lebron and the Heat. Thrilling last two games.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Congrats to the Heat and their fans. I thought Game 7 was well officiated. James, Wade, and Battier all played really well. In a night when Miller, Bosh, and Allen all go scoreless and the Heat still win, somebody had to step up and it was the big TWO plus Battier! I wish Battier would retire already. He use to kill my Tar Heels when he was at Duke and now he has yet another big game 7 in the finals with his 3 point shooting and he kills my Spurs.
Great series. Very memorable.
The Heat fan's leaving game 6 early knew there would be a game 7 to stick around for.
On a side note: I wonder if the Heat move Bosh in the off season? He's their highest paid player at around 17.5 mil. a year and next year he's making 19 million. That's a lot of coin to pay a former all-star who's turned into a low post defender mostly when the Heat go to their small ball lineup. His offensive game is hurting playing with Wade and James. He's only taking 12 shots a game and his scoring has gone down while with the Heat. Weird when a player is scoring less and making more. I guess that's for Pat Riley to decide.
Oh, and to answer 1985fan, yes I wasn't kidding. If I were starting an NBA franchise and could pick any current player, I'd select Kevin Durant. It's a no brainer to me. He's 4 years younger than James. He has a lot less miles on his body/knees. Durant's offensive game is pure.
Of the big three in Miami, Wade should be the first to go. Lebron and Wade play the same position naturally and is why they have and will always have difficulty playing together offensively. However, Wade has been there the longest and for many Heat fans is the face of the franchise. Moving Bosh would be a terrible decision IMO.
As far as picking Durant over LBJ, as he showed tonight, if LBJ needs to, he can put up points at will, but his game is predicated on getting his teammates involved. James is as prolific a scorer as Durant, as evidenced by their near identical scoring per game. This year it was just over a point a game difference, and each of the previous three years before that it was under a point per game. However, James is a much more efficient shooter, as a cursory glance at field goal percentage clearly states. This was Durant's first year shooting over 50% from the floor, while James has done it 4 years running with this year hitting a ridiculous 56.5% from the floor.
You talk about about miles and minutes on his knees, but Lebron is playing drastically fewer minutes than Durant over the past couple years, and to be honest, can you look at Durant and think that he'll be physically able to play as long as Lebron can?
I'll give credit where it is due, LeBron was great last night. That said, I still think the Spurs did more to give that game away than the Heat did to win it.
Danny Green might have submitted the worst performance in a playoff game that I've ever seen, which is saying a lot, since Manu was so atrocious in Game 6.
Poppovich looked like a high school coach these last two games. It's one thing to give players jump shots, it's another to direct your players to stand 6-feet away from them when they shoot. Pop allowed James to get comfortable, and that's when he's the most dangerous. If Paul Pierce can do a decent job staying in front of LeBron by playing him honest, why can't Kahwi Leonard? Also, you can't take both Duncan and Parker off the floor at the same time, and he did it constantly. Finally, the most important possession of the season (down 4, 27 seconds left), and your 2nd best player is on the bench? WHAT?
<< <i>Of the big three in Miami, Wade should be the first to go. Lebron and Wade play the same position naturally and is why they have and will always have difficulty playing together offensively. However, Wade has been there the longest and for many Heat fans is the face of the franchise. Moving Bosh would be a terrible decision IMO.
As far as picking Durant over LBJ, as he showed tonight, if LBJ needs to, he can put up points at will, but his game is predicated on getting his teammates involved. James is as prolific a scorer as Durant, as evidenced by their near identical scoring per game. This year it was just over a point a game difference, and each of the previous three years before that it was under a point per game. However, James is a much more efficient shooter, as a cursory glance at field goal percentage clearly states. This was Durant's first year shooting over 50% from the floor, while James has done it 4 years running with this year hitting a ridiculous 56.5% from the floor.
You talk about about miles and minutes on his knees, but Lebron is playing drastically fewer minutes than Durant over the past couple years, and to be honest, can you look at Durant and think that he'll be physically able to play as long as Lebron can? >>
You're kidding right? You think Lebron is a better shooter than Durant because his FG pct. is higher? That's like saying Mark Eaton was a better shooter than Jabbar because he had a higher career FG pct. Durant is launching 20 footers most of the time. Plus he shoots high 80's at the foul line. This year he was over 90%. He was also over 50% from the field and 40% from three. That's only been done a handful of times in NBA history. Nash did it twice I believe. Bird did it once too. Lebron doesn't even shoot 80% from the line, ever. Lebron's shots are from the paint mostly, other than his 3's. He shoots 75% maybe from the line. So I'd have to say yeah, Durant is the better shooter by far. Lebron has played 10 years and has over 31,000 regular season minutes under his belt. He has another 4-5 great years ahead, which will push his career minutes to well over 42,000. Then, like most basketball players, he'll be on the downside of his career where he'll play maybe 30 minutes a game. He'll have so much money he won't have to play beyond 35 unless he's still hunting for more rings to catch/pass Kobe and Jordan. Plus James is logging tons of extra playoff minutes each year. Wear and tear will takes it's toll eventually. By the way Durant and James have played nearly the identical amount of minutes the past four years. Even in the playoffs. Both avg. 38 min. a game in the reg. season and it get up to 42 min. a game in the playoffs. James is playing less minutes now with the Heat than when he was with the Cavs.
Where I can see Durant having another 10 great seasons. He's only 24. He's improved his game every year. He'll be driven to get to more Championships. I think his thinness will help with his longeivity. If OKC would add a post player on a par with Bosh, to give them a 'big three' like the Heat, I'd give OKC the advantage over the Heat. Durant and James are a wash. Westbrook is now better than Wade who's surely on the downside of his career. Wade's still a great player, but you can tell he's taken tons of punishment in his career. Soon he'll be averaging under 19 a game. No one on OKC's front line is as good as Bosh, and that's the advantage the Heat would have. At least now.
<< <i>David Stern is the happiest man in America...his favorite team won!! >>
Suggesting that Stern or the officials are why the Heat won proves you weren't watching, especially last night. Look at the free throw differential, especially in the first half.
As far as the idea that Durant is a better player than Lebron, or that you'd rather have Durant now than Lebron? Another person who simply does not know the first thing about basketball other than offensive numbers. Lebron single-handedly turned Parker into a nobody these past 2 games. Durant in a million years couldn't put that kind of display on, and suggesting that Bosh is a key to Lebron's greatness? Hilarious. Lebron was dragging his Cavaliers teams to the playoffs and finals every single year. Tell me, how well has that franchise done since he left? Three lottery appearances, that's how well.
It's comical that barely breaking 50% from the floor and 40% from three is used as a defense for Durant over Lebron. Lebron did the same thing, or did you fail to notice that, too? Durant's thinness will help? No, his body is going to be more prone to breaking down. Tell me, how well is Derek Rose holding up? Show me any thin kid like Durant who's had a long career excelling...you'll have a hard time. Lebron, on the other hand, is built like a tank. He's much less likely to suffer breakdowns like a 'regular' player will. You mention Durant adding to his game year after year. What exactly is he adding? Lebron, on the other hand, has addressed issues each of the last two seasons. They said he needed a post game, two years ago he did just that. They said he needed to improve his midrange game, he just had one of the best seasons in NBA history, and won a 4th MVP title. Suggesting that you'd prefer Durant at this point in his career over Lebron? You don't know basketball. Period.
Ignoring Lebron's generational talent because of a single misstep (the decision) is to ignore the best player of this generation. Back to back titles, meanwhile, Durant is a one-dimensional scorer, who's a liability on defense and isn't in the same universe as Lebron in terms of rebounding, defense, or facilitating the offense.
Prior to last Tuesday night, NBA teams were 122-0 in the playoffs since '98 when up by 5 points w/between 20-30 secs left. Therein lies the reason why I'll need an entire offseason to recuperate.
But congrats to the Heat. I obviously was rooting for the Spurs, but -- ironically enough -- Ray Allen has been my favorite NBA player over the past 18 seasons. That's about as bittersweet as it gets. I just hope LBJ inserts him into his will, because the narrative would be just slightly different today had Ray Ray not hit that shot. He essentially saved LeBron from being stoned to death, warranted or not.
As far as the Durant v LeBron debate goes, there's not one. At least in my opinion there's not. I love me some KD, but he's not even sniffing LBJ's realm. Let me tell you how good LeBron is for those who didn't keep up with the series. He was able to turn Danny Green from a potential finals MVP candidate to a guy who looked like he should be back in the D-League -- without even guarding him. Those who watched the finals intently know how he managed to pull off such a feat.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shout-out to Kawhi Leonard. When Ray retires, Kawhi is going to replace him as my favorite player. In an age of innumerable prima donnas, he's a breath of fresh air. Seriously, he shatters the mold. If he commits a foul, he's stoic. If he dunks on your head, he immediately turns around and runs down the court. He shuts his mouth and simply balls. I've watched countless SAS games over the past two seasons, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I can count on one hand how many times I've witnessed the guy uttering a single word while on court. You don't have to be a Spurs fan to appreciate a guy like him.
<<<Look at the free throw differential, especially in the first half.>>>
The free throw differential was due to the Heat taking jump shots, and the Spurs taking it to the rim and pounding it inside to Duncan. I thought the refs had a good night. To be honest, I thought a few of the more questionable calls went against the Heat (although I thought they got the clear path call right). Besides, once it got to Game 7, Stern didn't care who won, his job was already done.
As for the Durant/James discussion, there isn't one. James is the much better overall player. I wouldn't call Durant a liability on defense, though, I just think he chooses to "coast" on the defensive end because he has to carry such a huge offensive load. James has the luxury of being surrounded by a bunch of offensively talented players, so every so often he can catch a breath and let Wade run the show. Other than Westbrook, OKC is pretty limited offensively.
Anyone happen to see the Lebron interview last night postgame with Magic, Rose, and Simmons? Magic, who's in his own right one of the greatest to play the game, says that Lebron's the only guy playing who can be the greatest of all time.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shout-out to Kawhi Leonard. When Ray retires, Kawhi is going to replace him as my favorite player. In an age of innumerable prima donnas, he's a breath of fresh air. Seriously, he shatters the mold. If he commits a foul, he's stoic. If he dunks on your head, he immediately turns around and runs down the court. He shuts his mouth and simply balls. I've watched countless SAS games over the past two seasons, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I can count on one hand how many times I've witnessed the guy uttering a single word while on court. You don't have to be a Spurs fan to appreciate a guy like him. >>
I agree, Leonard is a quiet, possible future star in the making. Another thing I recall is in game 7 with the so-called best player on the planet guarding him, Leonard blew right by James two times from the foul line to the hoop making the all-defensive first team player look silly.
To 1985's post : Not sure what year you were born, but I've followed the NBA since 1970. Thinness in pro basketball: see the all-time leading scorer in NBA history Abdul-Jabbar. See George Gervin. All-NBA five straight years and scoring champ 4 years, while playing in the rough and tumble 1970s and 1980s NBA. Sure no titles ever, but a HOF career. Durant is similar to Gervin in stature, only he's 3 inches taller and 30 lbs. heavier. Same type of scoring mentality. Heavier players like Lebron, while he's a beast now and I'll give you that, over time I just think he's going to wear out his knees. I guess well see what happens down the road. That's why I like Durants' thinness. The toll of minutes played will play a part too. That's why I prefer a player four years younger than Lebron in Durant, with 20,000 less minutes of NBA play on his body. Again, this is just my opinion. I'm playing armchair GM here and looking forward to the next 7-8 years.
To call Durant one dimensional is ludicrous. Durant is a fine passer, a solid rebounder for his position (small forward)and is the best shooter in the game, period. He's not a point forward like James. James HAS to run the point in Miami because their guards are below par. Chalmers had more turnovers than assists in the finals. OKC with Westbrook sometimes hogging the ball, play a different style than the Heat. Durant gets his 4 assists per game. If he played point guard at 6'10", I'm sure he would average 7-8 asst. per game like Lebron. Really Lebron is a point guard in a power forwards body. I would bet my entire net worth that in a shooting contest Durant would run James out of the building. It wouldn't even be close. Yes, James is the better defender, I'll give you that.
As far as Tony Parker, he would never admit it, nor would anyone from the Spurs organization use his hamstring injury as an excuse for his poor play and running out of gas the last two finals games, but I'm sure he wasn't 100%. Still the Spurs don't give excuses, only us fans do. Players of size DO give Parker trouble. Russell Westbrook last year, James this year in stretches. I'm sure if the Spurs had played the Pacers, Paul George would have given Parker some trouble too. Chalmers couldn't keep Parker in check and neither could Wade. James did a pretty good job in that regard. If you followed the Spurs at all, you'd know Parker wasn't the same Parker in the finals once he pulled his hammy.
Lebron played with the Cavs for SEVEN years and brought them to the finals exactly ONE time. That Finals in 2007, the Spurs swept them four straight with Lebron shooting 37%. And the reason for this would be what..... the lack of talent surrounding him? That would make sense. Yeah, the Cavs had some terrific regular season's but he needed other stars around him to excel. So going to Miami and surrounding him with Wade, Bosh, and key other role players, and they win two titles. If he stayed in Cleveland they never would've won a title. Did you recall Lebron's finals against the Mavericks from 2011. He was awful in that series too. Really, only in the past two seasons, playing with Wade and Bosh and some key role player shooters, has Lebron played this well. In past big moments, he's been a choker. Look at your NBA history.
Lebron should be sending part of his pay to the Spurs for gifting them Game 6, and keeping his legacy on a strong path. Ten things needed to go right for the Heat to win Game 6 at the end and in OT and they all happened. Lebron made two horrendous turnovers in the last minute of Game 6, giving the Spurs more chance to close them out and the Spurs just blew it.
<<<Anyone happen to see the Lebron interview last night postgame with Magic, Rose, and Simmons? Magic, who's in his own right one of the greatest to play the game, says that Lebron's the only guy playing who can be the greatest of all time.
Case closed.>>>
You're resting your case on the WORST on-air analyst on TV right now? Magic has a flair for the obvious, and for hyperbole, so I wouldn't read too much into this statement. To think that Durant can't take his game to another level is silly. The worst thing for Durant was the terrible decision by OKC to trade away Harden. You NEVER give away Top 15 talent. We'd be talking about Durant in a different light if they kept Harden and won a title this year.
<< <i> To call Durant one dimensional is ludicrous. Durant is a fine passer, a solid rebounder for his position (small forward)and is the best shooter in the game, period. He's not a point forward like James. James HAS to run the point in Miami because their guards are below par. Chalmers had more turnovers than assists in the finals. OKC with Westbrook sometimes hogging the ball, play a different style than the Heat. Durant gets his 4 assists per game. If he played point guard at 6'10", I'm sure he would average 7-8 asst. per game like Lebron. Really Lebron is a point guard in a power forwards body. I would bet my entire net worth that in a shooting contest Durant would run James out of the building. It wouldn't even be close. Yes, James is the better defender, I'll give you that. >>
Just because you keep saying he's the best shooter in the game doesn't make it true. You continually make the point that Lebron has a higher FG % because of all his dunks and shots close to the basket, but ignore he shot over 46% from 16-23 feet. Durant is a fine scorer, and if Lebron needed to do the heavy lifting offensively (like Durant has to in OKC) then Lebron could easily put up 30+ a night. The fact that he realized that he needed to work on other aspects of his game AND get his teammates involved proves that he's not a selfish scorer.
<< <i>As far as Tony Parker, he would never admit it, nor would anyone from the Spurs organization use his hamstring injury as an excuse for his poor play and running out of gas the last two finals games, but I'm sure he wasn't 100%. Still the Spurs don't give excuses, only us fans do. Players of size DO give Parker trouble. Russell Westbrook last year, James this year in stretches. I'm sure if the Spurs had played the Pacers, Paul George would have given Parker some trouble too. Chalmers couldn't keep Parker in check and neither could Wade. James did a pretty good job in that regard. If you followed the Spurs at all, you'd know Parker wasn't the same Parker in the finals once he pulled his hammy. >>
You want to diminish Lebron's influence on Parker due to injury, then I guess when Lebron completely shut down then-MVP Derrick Rose, Rose was hurt then too?
<< <i>Lebron played with the Cavs for SEVEN years and brought them to the finals exactly ONE time. >>
Exactly how many all-stars did Lebron play with in those seven years? NONE. Zero. He had NO talent around him and yet he took them to the playoffs year after year and even to the finals. How many times have the Cavs been back to the playoffs since he left? NONE. Three lottery appearances, two number one picks. End of discussion.
<< <i>That Finals in 2007, the Spurs swept them four straight with Lebron shooting 37%. And the reason for this would be what..... the lack of talent surrounding him? That would make sense. Yeah, the Cavs had some terrific regular season's but he needed other stars around him to excel. So going to Miami and surrounding him with Wade, Bosh, and key other role players, and they win two titles. If he stayed in Cleveland they never would've won a title. Did you recall Lebron's finals against the Mavericks from 2011. He was awful in that series too. Really, only in the past two seasons, playing with Wade and Bosh and some key role player shooters, has Lebron played this well. In past big moments, he's been a choker. Look at your NBA history. >>
You're ignoring every single playoffs in which he shined before those finals? And you DARE to tell me to look at my NBA history? Maybe you should brush up on your own, take off those Lebron-hating shades you have on, and realize that we're watching the greatest player since Jordan and someone who has a realistic shot at being the greatest of all time.
<< <i>Lebron should be sending part of his pay to the Spurs for gifting them Game 6, and keeping his legacy on a strong path. >>
Riiiiight. As if Lebron scoring 18 points in the 4th and OT didn't have as much to do with the Heat winning as the Spurs did losing.
<< <i>Ten things needed to go right for the Heat to win Game 6 at the end and in OT and they all happened. >>
But let's ignore the Heat turnovers and missed FTs and say it all happened because of the Spurs missteps. Again, use your own advice and check your history.
<< <i>Lebron made two horrendous turnovers in the last minute of Game 6, giving the Spurs more chance to close them out and the Spurs just blew it. >>
So what? Given the opportunity, champions close. That's what the Heat did. I love how you completely ignore the midrange jumper that Lebron hit with 20 seconds to go in game 7 to give the Heat a 4 point lead and effectively seal the game.
<< <i><<<Anyone happen to see the Lebron interview last night postgame with Magic, Rose, and Simmons? Magic, who's in his own right one of the greatest to play the game, says that Lebron's the only guy playing who can be the greatest of all time.
Case closed.>>>
You're resting your case on the WORST on-air analyst on TV right now? Magic has a flair for the obvious, and for hyperbole, so I wouldn't read too much into this statement. To think that Durant can't take his game to another level is silly. The worst thing for Durant was the terrible decision by OKC to trade away Harden. You NEVER give away Top 15 talent. We'd be talking about Durant in a different light if they kept Harden and won a title this year. >>
I don't care about Magic's ability as an analyst. I care about Magic, one of the greatest ever, saying that Lebron is the only guy playing now who has the potential to be the greatest ever. Say what you will about Magic (and yes, he's terrible on air) but the man knows basketball. He's seen everybody play. Basketball players know who can play and who can't, and they know that Lebron is a special talent.
<< <i>You're resting your case on the WORST on-air analyst on TV right now? Magic has a flair for the obvious, and for hyperbole, so I wouldn't read too much into this statement. To think that Durant can't take his game to another level is silly. The worst thing for Durant was the terrible decision by OKC to trade away Harden. You NEVER give away Top 15 talent. We'd be talking about Durant in a different light if they kept Harden and won a title this year. >>
It doesn't matte how poorly Magic does on ESPN, what he said is true. All LeBron has to do next year is the same things he's done the past two years and there is an argument case for him being second best in history before he even turns 30
Durant is better shooter, the shooting percentages show James takes better shots, and that's what matters.
Comments
<< <i>That's true about Steph Curry.
I don't think its just 3 point shooters. The number of guys that can't shoot over 50% FG in a season I think is pretty shocking. For example, you look at the Nuggets 5 top scorers this season, none cracked 50%. And that was a team that won 57 games.
Similar with Memphis, only two guys cracked 50% FG out of 20 listed! And one of those guys averaged 1.8 points a game (Jon Leuer). That's crazy. No team in the league 20 years ago that won 56 games had such poor shooters.
The pacers didnt have 1 guy this season shoot 50% Fg.
Contrast it with the pacers of 93/94 and it's like night and day. The pacers of 94 had 5 of their top 7 guys shooting over 50%. Miller, Smits, Mckey, Dale Davis, Antonio Davis. How does that happen? >>
When you win with defense (Indiana and Memphis are the two best defenses in the league) you're not going to have pretty scorers. The 88-89 Pistons that won the championship shot under 50% as a team, and the following year actually shot worse at just under 47%. Teams that win with defense (which Indy and Memphis definitely do) don't have efficient scorers.
BTW: Cubby=Cub Fan
Games 4 and 5 in SA.
If SA wins game 4, Miami's back will be against the wall and chances would be slim that Miami cold win 3 in a row.
Lebron looked awful, as did Chalmers. I'm sure the Heat will bounce back
with a much better game 4.
I still think this series will go 7 games. Both teams are very streaky at times.
If the Spurs aren't hitting those 3's tonight, this would've been a tight game.
I like the fact the refs are letting them play a little, but they're missing quite a lot
of calls. I counted five missed calls in the first half, committed against the Spurs, that didn't get
a whistle, and one against the Heat. Ginobili gets shoved and racked on his arm
on a drive, he makes the layup but no foul. Duncan gets hit in the face by Lebron,
not called.
Chalmers nickname should be "The chopper". He's always hacking guys on the
arms and half of the time it's not called. Tonight it was called. Other games it's
overlooked.
If the NBA called guys for carrying the ball and palming the ball like they
should, you'd see a lot less so-called stars having their way on the court.
The "best player in decades" better check into this series soon, though.
With one more ring Duncan would be up there in Jordan territory (6 rings) when it comes to rings; and just under half way their to Bill Russell territory. However, since Duncan is not flashy and since he has played his entire career in a small market, he does not have the high profile of MJ and big market teams. He apparently has taken steps to put himself in better shape and condition this year than he has been in for years. I wonder how much longer he will choose to play?
He's signed for two more years. Ginobili is signed just through this year. If they win the title, I think Ginobili
might just retire. He turns 36 in July. He has nothing left to prove and has been playing professionally for like 17 years. I'd love to see
him go out on top. Coach Pop has said he'll retire when Duncan does. So hopefully that won't be for two
more seasons. It's amazing the Spurs have sustained excellence for 15 straight years even though they're
always picking at the end of the draft. Parker was a late first rounder, Ginobili was a second round pick, Leonard was
drafted 15th, Splitter another late first rounder (28th in '07). Duncan is the only high draft pick on the team.
Neal, Diaw were free agents, Green was also a free agent who was a 2nd round pick of the Cavs originally.
Yeah, Duncan is surely under the radar like the entire Spurs franchise. That's what I love
about them. It's all about selfless team basketball and winning. It's not about shoe contracts, pounding
your chest after a great block shot (Lebron), trash talking your opponents, pumping up your scoring average, etc....
there's no punks on the Spurs. Coach Pop wouldn't tolerate that type of behavior.
If the entire league played the game the way the Spurs did, I'd watch 10 times more NBA ball
than I do now. Instead I just watch during the playoffs and catch the Spurs during some regular
season broadcasts. The rest of the regular season games I always have something better to do.
I still think the series goes 7 games. It's going to be tough to beat the Heat at their home floor.
The Spurs will need to limit their turnovers, rebound, and hit many 3's and have some luck along the way.
The result might depend on who the refs are. If they call it tight, it will favor the Heat at home.
A Spurs win sets the stage for the Heat to be broken up after next season.
Game 6 was close, with both teams surging back to take the lead. If the young Spurs player had hit both free throws with about 5 second left the Spurs would have been up by 4 and it would have been likely that Miami would have lost in regulation. He missed, Ray Allen tied the game with a 3 pointer and Miami wins in overtime.
Game 7 tomorrow night, winner takes the crown and the loser goes home with a frown.
Regardless of who wins game 7, these finals have been very good.
ALL MY PSA SETS
Lebron showing everyone why he's the greatest player of this generation and on his way to battling Jordan as the GOAT.
They had them, then they missed three foul shots, had three TO's, didn't block out
on two 3 pt. misses by the Heat which lead to two made three's. All this
occurred in the last minute of regulation and OT. They even had Lebron give
them two turnovers late and couldn't convert on them.
I hate to say this but will, Lebron couldn't carry Jordan's jock strap.
If I had to pick one current player to start a team with, it would be Durant.
He's so much of a better shooter than Lebron. If the Spurs don't absolutely blow
this game 6, Lebron would have been the GOAT.
How does a player like Lebron get called for only 8 fouls in 246 minutes of the finals
with his aggressive style of play? It's called star favoritism by the refs.
To be fair, Tony Parker has only got called for six fouls himself, but he's not in your
face defending guys like Lebron and banging inside.
If the NBA called palming and traveling like they should, the current star players wouldn't
be getting to the rim so easy. The game would require more skilled shooting and crisp
passing. Imagine if Oscar Robertson back in the 1960's, could carry the ball like Wade and Lebron
do on half of their possessions? Oscar averaged 30 per game for his first 10 years. His average could
have zoomed to 35-40 a game easy with today's rules. Plus no 3 pointers back then either.
you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet
<< <i>1985fan, are you actually calling Michael Jordan a goat ? please keep posting your 'input' and 'views' everywhere. it seems most valuable and informative.
GOAT= Greatest of All Time.
Sorry I wasn't clearer with my shorthand.
If you go to NBA.COM, they have a play by play of the game. It's just brutal
to read and see how the Spurs squandered their opportunities to close out the Heat in 6.
It's going to take a miracle to beat them in Game 7 on the road. Not saying it can't be done,
but the last time a road team won a game 7 final was in 1978 by the Bullets over the Sonics.
That would be 35 years ago.....
At least Mario Chalmers had his second very solid game in the series in game 6, so
he's due to have a rotten game 7. I think it will come down to three point shooting.
The Heat shot them well the past two games, the Spurs shot them well in game 5, but
really sucked in game 6 from beyond the arc.
The Spurs should dust off Bonner and have him let a few rip in game 7. He hasn't been used much
in this series due to him not matching up well with any Heat offensive players. I'd rather
see him in there than Tiago 'Turnover' Splitter, who has been awful in this series. Hands of stone.
<< <i>
I hate to say this but will, Lebron couldn't carry Jordan's jock strap.
If I had to pick one current player to start a team with, it would be Durant.
He's so much of a better shooter than Lebron. If the Spurs don't absolutely blow
this game 6, Lebron would have been the GOAT.
>>
You can't be serious if you'd rather have a one-dimensional player like Durant than Lebron. Lebron is a better defender, better passer, and infinitely better all around player than Durant. As he has shown, if he wants/needs to, Lebron can score at will. But unlike Durant, Lebron is an all-around amazing player who is MVP worth on both the offensive AND defensive ends of the floor. Tony Parker was an abysmal 6-23 SOLELY because of the lockdown D that Lebron threw at him. Durant couldn't do that in a million years.
<< <i>How does a player like Lebron get called for only 8 fouls in 246 minutes of the finals
with his aggressive style of play? It's called star favoritism by the refs. >>
But Durant doesn't get this preferential treatment? Jordan didn't get this treatment? Jordan's most famous shot against Utah was clearly a foul as he pushed off, but he wasn't called. Lebron gets no more favorable calls or non-calls than any other star in the league. It's easy to see you have some sort of vendetta against the league's best player. What did Lebron do that so offended you?
Spurs fans are constantly complaining about their team getting no respect and whatnot, but they I'm sure they're loving this lack of attention to these key reasons the Spurs lost game 6.
I guess it depends on who you are listening to. I heard plenty of criticism of Pop and Manu on Boston sports radio yesterday.
<<<Lebron showing everyone why he's the greatest player of this generation and on his way to battling Jordan as the GOAT. >>>
LeBron was one Ray Allen corner 3 away from being 1-3 all-time in finals, including losing 2 of his last 3 where his team was favored. Let's not go crazy with the GOAT talk yet.
<< <i>The saddest part is, Lebron's missing headband is getting more press than the game itself. The NBA is a joke, and if you can't see the fix from a blimp then maybe you should consider being a boxing fan. >>
<< <i>The saddest part is, Lebron's missing headband is getting more press than the game itself. The NBA is a joke, and if you can't see the fix from a blimp then maybe you should consider being a boxing fan. >>
No, it wasn't. The only people fixating on that are either (a) Lebron haters or (b) people who dislike today's NBA. Suggesting that one of the all-time great games is getting overshadowed by a headband is just simply not true. And a 'fix'? Come on, man, you can't honestly believe this nonsense.
<< <i>
<<<Lebron showing everyone why he's the greatest player of this generation and on his way to battling Jordan as the GOAT. >>>
LeBron was one Ray Allen corner 3 away from being 1-3 all-time in finals, including losing 2 of his last 3 where his team was favored. Let's not go crazy with the GOAT talk yet. >>
Last time I checked championships were won by teams and not individuals. Lebron has been great in these finals, and if they had lost it surely wouldn't have been his fault.
Mentally, I think they'll be just fine. It's the tank I'm worried about. I just hope it was refilled with the premium stuff.
you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet
Nothing to see here, move along.
<< <i>If one plugs their ears, closes their eyes, and goes LALALALALALALALA!, does that make reality disappear?
Nothing to see here, move along. >>
If one goes searching for an alternate reality, and finds it, does that make it real?
Searching for 'Lebron's headband' yields 63k results in google. Searching 'nba finals game 6 2013' yields 383 MILLION results. Which is more 'real' to you?
<< <i>
<< <i>If one plugs their ears, closes their eyes, and goes LALALALALALALALA!, does that make reality disappear?
Nothing to see here, move along. >>
If one goes searching for an alternate reality, and finds it, does that make it real?
Searching for 'Lebron's headband' yields 63k results in google. Searching 'nba finals game 6 2013' yields 383 MILLION results. Which is more 'real' to you? >>
Well yeah, 383 MILLION if you have an open ended search that includes words like nba, finals, and 2013.
Like I said in another thread, distort reality to improve a biased opinion. Have fun with that.
Have you been watching re-runs of the 2012 Finals, when LeBron actually was great? He's been good, but he most certainly has not been great in these Finals. He's shooting 43% from the field, 74% from the line, 29% from 3P, and turned it over a whopping 6 times in Game 6. He's lucky the Spurs choked it away, or he would have been one of the goats (lower case) for them not winning it this year.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
James, Wade, and Battier all played really well. In a night when Miller, Bosh, and Allen
all go scoreless and the Heat still win, somebody had to step up and it was the big TWO plus Battier!
I wish Battier would retire already. He use to kill my Tar Heels when he was at
Duke and now he has yet another big game 7 in the finals with his 3 point shooting
and he kills my Spurs.
Great series. Very memorable.
The Heat fan's leaving game 6 early knew there would be a game 7 to stick around for.
On a side note: I wonder if the Heat move Bosh in the off season? He's their highest paid player at around 17.5 mil. a year
and next year he's making 19 million. That's a lot of coin to pay a former all-star who's turned into a low post defender mostly
when the Heat go to their small ball lineup. His offensive game is hurting playing with Wade and James. He's only taking 12 shots
a game and his scoring has gone down while with the Heat. Weird when a player is scoring less and making more.
I guess that's for Pat Riley to decide.
Oh, and to answer 1985fan, yes I wasn't kidding. If I were starting an NBA franchise and could pick
any current player, I'd select Kevin Durant. It's a no brainer to me. He's 4 years younger than James. He has a lot
less miles on his body/knees. Durant's offensive game is pure.
As far as picking Durant over LBJ, as he showed tonight, if LBJ needs to, he can put up points at will, but his game is predicated on getting his teammates involved. James is as prolific a scorer as Durant, as evidenced by their near identical scoring per game. This year it was just over a point a game difference, and each of the previous three years before that it was under a point per game. However, James is a much more efficient shooter, as a cursory glance at field goal percentage clearly states. This was Durant's first year shooting over 50% from the floor, while James has done it 4 years running with this year hitting a ridiculous 56.5% from the floor.
You talk about about miles and minutes on his knees, but Lebron is playing drastically fewer minutes than Durant over the past couple years, and to be honest, can you look at Durant and think that he'll be physically able to play as long as Lebron can?
ALL MY PSA SETS
Danny Green might have submitted the worst performance in a playoff game that I've ever seen, which is saying a lot, since Manu was so atrocious in Game 6.
Poppovich looked like a high school coach these last two games. It's one thing to give players jump shots, it's another to direct your players to stand 6-feet away from them when they shoot. Pop allowed James to get comfortable, and that's when he's the most dangerous. If Paul Pierce can do a decent job staying in front of LeBron by playing him honest, why can't Kahwi Leonard? Also, you can't take both Duncan and Parker off the floor at the same time, and he did it constantly. Finally, the most important possession of the season (down 4, 27 seconds left), and your 2nd best player is on the bench? WHAT?
<< <i>Of the big three in Miami, Wade should be the first to go. Lebron and Wade play the same position naturally and is why they have and will always have difficulty playing together offensively. However, Wade has been there the longest and for many Heat fans is the face of the franchise. Moving Bosh would be a terrible decision IMO.
As far as picking Durant over LBJ, as he showed tonight, if LBJ needs to, he can put up points at will, but his game is predicated on getting his teammates involved. James is as prolific a scorer as Durant, as evidenced by their near identical scoring per game. This year it was just over a point a game difference, and each of the previous three years before that it was under a point per game. However, James is a much more efficient shooter, as a cursory glance at field goal percentage clearly states. This was Durant's first year shooting over 50% from the floor, while James has done it 4 years running with this year hitting a ridiculous 56.5% from the floor.
You talk about about miles and minutes on his knees, but Lebron is playing drastically fewer minutes than Durant over the past couple years, and to be honest, can you look at Durant and think that he'll be physically able to play as long as Lebron can? >>
You're kidding right? You think Lebron is a better shooter than Durant because his FG pct. is higher? That's like saying Mark Eaton was a better shooter than Jabbar because he had a higher career FG pct. Durant is launching 20 footers most of the time. Plus he shoots high 80's at the foul line. This year he was over 90%. He was also over 50% from the field and 40% from three. That's only been done a handful of times in NBA history. Nash did it twice I believe. Bird did it once too.
Lebron doesn't even shoot 80% from the line, ever. Lebron's shots are from the paint mostly, other than his 3's. He shoots 75% maybe from the line. So I'd have to say yeah, Durant is the better shooter by far. Lebron has played 10 years and has over 31,000 regular season minutes under his belt. He has another 4-5 great years ahead, which will push his career minutes to well over 42,000. Then, like most basketball players, he'll be on the downside of his career where he'll play maybe 30 minutes a game. He'll have so much money he won't have to play beyond 35 unless he's still hunting for more rings to catch/pass Kobe and Jordan. Plus James is logging tons of extra playoff minutes each year. Wear and tear will takes it's toll eventually. By the way Durant and James have played nearly the identical amount of minutes the past four years. Even in the playoffs. Both avg. 38 min. a game in the reg. season and it get up to 42 min. a game in the playoffs. James is playing less minutes now with the Heat than when he was with the Cavs.
Where I can see Durant having another 10 great seasons. He's only 24. He's improved his game every year. He'll be driven to get to more Championships. I think his thinness will help with his longeivity. If OKC would add a post player on a par with Bosh, to give them a 'big three' like the Heat, I'd give OKC the advantage over the Heat. Durant and James are a wash. Westbrook is now better than Wade who's surely on the downside of his career. Wade's still a great player, but you can tell he's taken tons of punishment in his career. Soon he'll be averaging under 19 a game. No one on OKC's front line is as good as Bosh, and that's the advantage the Heat would have. At least now.
<< <i>David Stern is the happiest man in America...his favorite team won!! >>
Suggesting that Stern or the officials are why the Heat won proves you weren't watching, especially last night. Look at the free throw differential, especially in the first half.
As far as the idea that Durant is a better player than Lebron, or that you'd rather have Durant now than Lebron? Another person who simply does not know the first thing about basketball other than offensive numbers. Lebron single-handedly turned Parker into a nobody these past 2 games. Durant in a million years couldn't put that kind of display on, and suggesting that Bosh is a key to Lebron's greatness? Hilarious. Lebron was dragging his Cavaliers teams to the playoffs and finals every single year. Tell me, how well has that franchise done since he left? Three lottery appearances, that's how well.
It's comical that barely breaking 50% from the floor and 40% from three is used as a defense for Durant over Lebron. Lebron did the same thing, or did you fail to notice that, too? Durant's thinness will help? No, his body is going to be more prone to breaking down. Tell me, how well is Derek Rose holding up? Show me any thin kid like Durant who's had a long career excelling...you'll have a hard time. Lebron, on the other hand, is built like a tank. He's much less likely to suffer breakdowns like a 'regular' player will. You mention Durant adding to his game year after year. What exactly is he adding? Lebron, on the other hand, has addressed issues each of the last two seasons. They said he needed a post game, two years ago he did just that. They said he needed to improve his midrange game, he just had one of the best seasons in NBA history, and won a 4th MVP title. Suggesting that you'd prefer Durant at this point in his career over Lebron? You don't know basketball. Period.
Ignoring Lebron's generational talent because of a single misstep (the decision) is to ignore the best player of this generation. Back to back titles, meanwhile, Durant is a one-dimensional scorer, who's a liability on defense and isn't in the same universe as Lebron in terms of rebounding, defense, or facilitating the offense.
But congrats to the Heat. I obviously was rooting for the Spurs, but -- ironically enough -- Ray Allen has been my favorite NBA player over the past 18 seasons. That's about as bittersweet as it gets. I just hope LBJ inserts him into his will, because the narrative would be just slightly different today had Ray Ray not hit that shot. He essentially saved LeBron from being stoned to death, warranted or not.
As far as the Durant v LeBron debate goes, there's not one. At least in my opinion there's not. I love me some KD, but he's not even sniffing LBJ's realm. Let me tell you how good LeBron is for those who didn't keep up with the series. He was able to turn Danny Green from a potential finals MVP candidate to a guy who looked like he should be back in the D-League -- without even guarding him. Those who watched the finals intently know how he managed to pull off such a feat.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shout-out to Kawhi Leonard. When Ray retires, Kawhi is going to replace him as my favorite player. In an age of innumerable prima donnas, he's a breath of fresh air. Seriously, he shatters the mold. If he commits a foul, he's stoic. If he dunks on your head, he immediately turns around and runs down the court. He shuts his mouth and simply balls. I've watched countless SAS games over the past two seasons, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I can count on one hand how many times I've witnessed the guy uttering a single word while on court. You don't have to be a Spurs fan to appreciate a guy like him.
you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet
The free throw differential was due to the Heat taking jump shots, and the Spurs taking it to the rim and pounding it inside to Duncan. I thought the refs had a good night. To be honest, I thought a few of the more questionable calls went against the Heat (although I thought they got the clear path call right). Besides, once it got to Game 7, Stern didn't care who won, his job was already done.
As for the Durant/James discussion, there isn't one. James is the much better overall player. I wouldn't call Durant a liability on defense, though, I just think he chooses to "coast" on the defensive end because he has to carry such a huge offensive load. James has the luxury of being surrounded by a bunch of offensively talented players, so every so often he can catch a breath and let Wade run the show. Other than Westbrook, OKC is pretty limited offensively.
Case closed.
<< <i>
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shout-out to Kawhi Leonard. When Ray retires, Kawhi is going to replace him as my favorite player. In an age of innumerable prima donnas, he's a breath of fresh air. Seriously, he shatters the mold. If he commits a foul, he's stoic. If he dunks on your head, he immediately turns around and runs down the court. He shuts his mouth and simply balls. I've watched countless SAS games over the past two seasons, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I can count on one hand how many times I've witnessed the guy uttering a single word while on court. You don't have to be a Spurs fan to appreciate a guy like him. >>
I agree, Leonard is a quiet, possible future star in the making. Another thing I recall is in game 7 with the so-called best player on the planet guarding him, Leonard blew right by James two times from the foul line to the hoop making the all-defensive first team player look silly.
To 1985's post : Not sure what year you were born, but I've followed the NBA since 1970. Thinness in pro basketball: see the all-time leading scorer in NBA history Abdul-Jabbar. See George Gervin. All-NBA five straight years and scoring champ 4 years, while playing in the rough and tumble 1970s and 1980s NBA. Sure no titles ever, but a HOF career. Durant is similar to Gervin in stature, only he's 3 inches taller and 30 lbs. heavier. Same type of scoring mentality. Heavier players like Lebron, while he's a beast now and I'll give you that, over time I just think he's going to wear out his knees. I guess well see what happens down the road. That's why I like Durants' thinness. The toll of minutes played will play a part too. That's why I prefer a player four years younger than Lebron in Durant, with 20,000 less minutes of NBA play on his body. Again, this is just my opinion. I'm playing armchair GM here and looking forward to the next 7-8 years.
To call Durant one dimensional is ludicrous. Durant is a fine passer, a solid rebounder for his position (small forward)and is the best shooter in the game, period. He's not a point forward like James. James HAS to run the point in Miami because their guards are below par. Chalmers had more turnovers than assists in the finals. OKC with Westbrook sometimes hogging the ball, play a different style than the Heat. Durant gets his 4 assists per game. If he played point guard at 6'10", I'm sure he would average 7-8 asst. per game like Lebron. Really Lebron is a point guard in a power forwards body. I would bet my entire net worth that in a shooting contest Durant would run James out of the building. It wouldn't even be close. Yes, James is the better defender, I'll give you that.
As far as Tony Parker, he would never admit it, nor would anyone from the Spurs organization use his hamstring injury as an excuse for his poor play and running out of gas the last two finals games, but I'm sure he wasn't 100%. Still the Spurs don't give excuses, only us fans do. Players of size DO give Parker trouble. Russell Westbrook last year, James this year in stretches. I'm sure if the Spurs had played the Pacers, Paul George would have given Parker some trouble too. Chalmers couldn't keep Parker in check and neither could Wade. James did a pretty good job in that regard. If you followed the Spurs at all, you'd know Parker wasn't the same Parker in the finals once he pulled his hammy.
Lebron played with the Cavs for SEVEN years and brought them to the finals exactly ONE time. That Finals in 2007, the Spurs swept them four straight with Lebron shooting 37%. And the reason for this would be what..... the lack of talent surrounding him? That would make sense. Yeah, the Cavs had some terrific regular season's but he needed other stars around him to excel. So going to Miami and surrounding him with Wade, Bosh, and key other role players, and they win two titles. If he stayed in Cleveland they never would've won a title. Did you recall Lebron's finals against the Mavericks from 2011. He was awful in that series too. Really, only in the past two seasons, playing with Wade and Bosh and some key role player shooters, has Lebron played this well. In past big moments, he's been a choker. Look at your NBA history.
Lebron should be sending part of his pay to the Spurs for gifting them Game 6, and keeping his legacy on a strong path.
Ten things needed to go right for the Heat to win Game 6 at the end and in OT and they all happened.
Lebron made two horrendous turnovers in the last minute of Game 6, giving the Spurs more chance to close them out
and the Spurs just blew it.
Case closed.>>>
You're resting your case on the WORST on-air analyst on TV right now? Magic has a flair for the obvious, and for hyperbole, so I wouldn't read too much into this statement. To think that Durant can't take his game to another level is silly. The worst thing for Durant was the terrible decision by OKC to trade away Harden. You NEVER give away Top 15 talent. We'd be talking about Durant in a different light if they kept Harden and won a title this year.
<< <i>
To call Durant one dimensional is ludicrous. Durant is a fine passer, a solid rebounder for his position (small forward)and is the best shooter in the game, period. He's not a point forward like James. James HAS to run the point in Miami because their guards are below par. Chalmers had more turnovers than assists in the finals. OKC with Westbrook sometimes hogging the ball, play a different style than the Heat. Durant gets his 4 assists per game. If he played point guard at 6'10", I'm sure he would average 7-8 asst. per game like Lebron. Really Lebron is a point guard in a power forwards body. I would bet my entire net worth that in a shooting contest Durant would run James out of the building. It wouldn't even be close. Yes, James is the better defender, I'll give you that.
>>
Just because you keep saying he's the best shooter in the game doesn't make it true. You continually make the point that Lebron has a higher FG % because of all his dunks and shots close to the basket, but ignore he shot over 46% from 16-23 feet. Durant is a fine scorer, and if Lebron needed to do the heavy lifting offensively (like Durant has to in OKC) then Lebron could easily put up 30+ a night. The fact that he realized that he needed to work on other aspects of his game AND get his teammates involved proves that he's not a selfish scorer.
<< <i>As far as Tony Parker, he would never admit it, nor would anyone from the Spurs organization use his hamstring injury as an excuse for his poor play and running out of gas the last two finals games, but I'm sure he wasn't 100%. Still the Spurs don't give excuses, only us fans do. Players of size DO give Parker trouble. Russell Westbrook last year, James this year in stretches. I'm sure if the Spurs had played the Pacers, Paul George would have given Parker some trouble too. Chalmers couldn't keep Parker in check and neither could Wade. James did a pretty good job in that regard. If you followed the Spurs at all, you'd know Parker wasn't the same Parker in the finals once he pulled his hammy. >>
You want to diminish Lebron's influence on Parker due to injury, then I guess when Lebron completely shut down then-MVP Derrick Rose, Rose was hurt then too?
<< <i>Lebron played with the Cavs for SEVEN years and brought them to the finals exactly ONE time. >>
Exactly how many all-stars did Lebron play with in those seven years? NONE. Zero. He had NO talent around him and yet he took them to the playoffs year after year and even to the finals. How many times have the Cavs been back to the playoffs since he left? NONE. Three lottery appearances, two number one picks. End of discussion.
<< <i>That Finals in 2007, the Spurs swept them four straight with Lebron shooting 37%. And the reason for this would be what..... the lack of talent surrounding him? That would make sense. Yeah, the Cavs had some terrific regular season's but he needed other stars around him to excel. So going to Miami and surrounding him with Wade, Bosh, and key other role players, and they win two titles. If he stayed in Cleveland they never would've won a title. Did you recall Lebron's finals against the Mavericks from 2011. He was awful in that series too. Really, only in the past two seasons, playing with Wade and Bosh and some key role player shooters, has Lebron played this well. In past big moments, he's been a choker. Look at your NBA history. >>
You're ignoring every single playoffs in which he shined before those finals? And you DARE to tell me to look at my NBA history? Maybe you should brush up on your own, take off those Lebron-hating shades you have on, and realize that we're watching the greatest player since Jordan and someone who has a realistic shot at being the greatest of all time.
<< <i>Lebron should be sending part of his pay to the Spurs for gifting them Game 6, and keeping his legacy on a strong path. >>
Riiiiight. As if Lebron scoring 18 points in the 4th and OT didn't have as much to do with the Heat winning as the Spurs did losing.
<< <i>Ten things needed to go right for the Heat to win Game 6 at the end and in OT and they all happened. >>
But let's ignore the Heat turnovers and missed FTs and say it all happened because of the Spurs missteps. Again, use your own advice and check your history.
<< <i>Lebron made two horrendous turnovers in the last minute of Game 6, giving the Spurs more chance to close them out
and the Spurs just blew it. >>
So what? Given the opportunity, champions close. That's what the Heat did. I love how you completely ignore the midrange jumper that Lebron hit with 20 seconds to go in game 7 to give the Heat a 4 point lead and effectively seal the game.
<< <i><<<Anyone happen to see the Lebron interview last night postgame with Magic, Rose, and Simmons? Magic, who's in his own right one of the greatest to play the game, says that Lebron's the only guy playing who can be the greatest of all time.
Case closed.>>>
You're resting your case on the WORST on-air analyst on TV right now? Magic has a flair for the obvious, and for hyperbole, so I wouldn't read too much into this statement. To think that Durant can't take his game to another level is silly. The worst thing for Durant was the terrible decision by OKC to trade away Harden. You NEVER give away Top 15 talent. We'd be talking about Durant in a different light if they kept Harden and won a title this year. >>
I don't care about Magic's ability as an analyst. I care about Magic, one of the greatest ever, saying that Lebron is the only guy playing now who has the potential to be the greatest ever. Say what you will about Magic (and yes, he's terrible on air) but the man knows basketball. He's seen everybody play. Basketball players know who can play and who can't, and they know that Lebron is a special talent.
<< <i>You're resting your case on the WORST on-air analyst on TV right now? Magic has a flair for the obvious, and for hyperbole, so I wouldn't read too much into this statement. To think that Durant can't take his game to another level is silly. The worst thing for Durant was the terrible decision by OKC to trade away Harden. You NEVER give away Top 15 talent. We'd be talking about Durant in a different light if they kept Harden and won a title this year. >>
It doesn't matte how poorly Magic does on ESPN, what he said is true. All LeBron has to do next year is the same things he's done the past two years and there is an argument case for him being second best in history before he even turns 30
Durant is better shooter, the shooting percentages show James takes better shots, and that's what matters.