The broom has entered the building
The San Antonio Spurs gift-wrapped a game last night to the Cleveland Cavaliers and they could not even accept it. I equate that to playing my young nephew Jacob a game of one-on-one, when I do everything possible to let him score even lifting him towards the basket. I thought I was in the twilight zone last night. Game 3 took basketball back to when the basketball had no air and there was a peach basket. The Cavaliers are starting to look like the worst Finals team in history. The Pistons will be remembered more for losing to the Cavaliers than the Cavaliers will for being plain bad in this series.
There were 101 missed shots in this game including free throws (57-147 combined shooting from the field for both teams). I am sure all these basketball geniuses will say we saw great defense. Give me a break! I saw more wide-open bricks than contested shots. If the Spurs had played Phoenix, Utah, Golden State or even Memphis last night they would have lost by 10-plus points.
The Spurs’ Big Three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Emanuel Ginobili was 13-41 and the Cavaliers still could not take advantage.
The Cavaliers are one of the worst shooting teams I have ever seen make it to the Finals. That does tell you a little about how mentally tough they are and that’s a good thing, I guess. The Cavaliers had a chance to blow this game wide open when Duncan picked up his third foul, but turnovers, defensive breakdowns and inept shooting cost them an eight-point lead late in the second quarter and that was the turning point in the game.
They could never seem to hit the big basket that would have propelled them to victory in the final minutes and now the broom has just entered the building.
COACHES
Gregg Popovich again found a way to secure a victory. He realized the Big Three was struggling and gave solid minutes to Brent Barry. He produced with three shots from beyond the arc. I have not seen much stress on his face the entire series. He did not panic late in the game when LeBron got Cleveland within 2 by calling a time-out. And because of it Tony Parker hit a huge three-point shot. His biggest challenge now will be keeping his team focused and not allowing Cleveland to stretch this series to a fifth game.
Mike Brown coached his best game last night. He did not get the production from Daniel Gibson that he was expecting, but I applaud him for making the change. He probably should have taken Drew Gooden out of the game with five fouls because that would have been him with the ball late instead of Anderson Varejao. I know he tried to call a time-out on that last possession, but the official should have been alerted to look at the bench before the possession. He must now convince his team to take one game at a time and not look at the big picture of being down 0-3.
PLAYERS
Tony Parker did not have his usual dominant game, but still was a huge factor with key baskets when the Spurs needed them. That last three he hit to put the Spurs up by 5 was the final nail to him being MVP in the series if the Spurs win the championship.
Manu Ginobili proved to me again last night why I can never put him in any star category. He has far too many games where he just disappears. To Cleveland’s credit they have kept him on the perimeter, but he basically took the night off.
Tim Duncan was effective early, but foul trouble knocked him off stride and could not regain any kind of rhythm offensively. Zydrunas Ilgauskas and company did their best defensive job on Duncan and still could not get a win.
Brent Barry was huge. He hit a big three before the half to stop a big Cleveland run and he knocked down a few more to keep them at arms length in the second half.
Bruce Bowen was the hero of the game for the Spurs. His scoring outburst in the first half kept the Spurs close and his rebounding and defense were the difference in the Spurs’ Game 3 win. Although hated by 29 teams, Bowen would be welcome anywhere in the league. His shooting during the playoffs behind the arc has been incredible.
LeBron James made a cardinal sin at the end of Game 3 and this is why at 22 he has a long way to go if he wants to be compared to Michael Jordan. MJ or any other great offensive player would have never given up their dribble and passed the ball to Varejao, a player that has no clue what he is going to do with the ball in that situation. He had a mid-range shot to tie the game. Bowen was playing loose defense, but James’ confidence level is at rock bottom when it comes to taking that mid-range shot. Why? Because he has not made a single mid-range shot in the entire series (0-18) and worst yet James has made only two jump shots in the series out of 60 field-goal attempts and both of those shots were three-point shots late in Game 1. So bottom line, pretty much every basket James has scored has been a layup. He will have to soften that defense like he did in Game 5 of the Pistons series if the Cavaliers have any chance of extending this series. And right now, I think we can surmise he is due big time.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas finally joined the party and played very well. 12 points and 18 rebounds were very impressive, but you like to see him get to the free throw more than once. The Cavaliers will need this same effort again in Game 4, especially on the defensive end.
Drew Gooden has to stay out of foul trouble. The Cavaliers need him on the floor in crunch time, because he might be their most confident player shooting the ball other than Gibson. 12 points and 13 rebounds were huge, but silly fouls in the third quarter cost him a chance to be a hero.
Donyell Marshall, will you please give the Cavaliers something? It is not fair that so much pressure is being placed on the rookie Gibson and you are not giving them anything. Marshall looks old and slow when he is not taking and making shots, but all of sudden gets younger with energy when he makes a couple. Marshall could be the difference in Game 4 if he does not base his performance on making a three-point shot.
GAME 4
The Spurs smell blood and will play the first quarter like they are down 0-3. We saw the same look in Game 5 of the Utah series and they took them apart. Popovich will let them know that lady luck will not continue to shine on them if they get lackadaisical in Game 4. The series can change quickly if Cleveland somehow gets back in rhythm. Duncan will be the focal point again, but Popovich knows very well Ginobili can’t have another meltdown as he sometimes does.
The Cavaliers simply have to make some outside shots to open up driving lanes for LeBron. It’s amazing he has been able to score what he has without making a jumper, but he has not been the only one. The Cavaliers were 7 for 28 from mid-range in Game 3 and did worse from behind the three-point arc: 3 for 19. If the Cavaliers are making shots, they are due to win a game. They have given the Spurs all they can handle in the paint and being at home should allow this trend to continue. They were a plus-8 on offensive rebounds and if they can somehow get the rebound and then actually put it in the basket, they might have a chance to send this series to a Game 5.
(Did Bowen foul James? Yes and he did it twice, but I applaud James for not complaining about it following the game. That’s why we want to see him succeed. His maturity level is that of a 10-year veteran).
dan Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 6:23 pm
if or when the spurs win bruce bowen should be mvp no one has made labrons job harder than him and if it wasnt for him the series would be alot closer than you would think
Michael Bennett Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
How do you judge whether a player or team is bad or good? BY HOW THEY PLAY.
Yes, LeBron is struggling, but his team is down right horrible… something I’ve been saying for a long time. And, you have to give a lot of credit to LeBron James for taking this pathetic team to the Finals.
Another superstar with a so-called pathetic team could not do that.
Matin Sheikh Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 7:11 pm
Hi EJ :
Thanks for breaking the game down from a player’s perspective. It is absolutely wonderful reading your analysis.
Being that the series will likely end on Thursday night, as a post Finals blog can you kindly share your thoughts on Game 4 + share your thoughts on Lebron James as compared to Dwyane Wade. What Dwyane has done over the course of the past few years, and especially in the Finals last year - it was a legendary performance (unlike this year’s playofffs).
Thanks!
Johnny Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 7:17 pm
how about the refs handing the win yet again to the spurs by not calling the obvious foul on lebron??
Johnny Q Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
His team is horrible? a week ago you practically guaranteed them winning in six and arrogantly insulted anyone who dared to say otherwise! LeBron is tooooooo good to be defended by Bowen, Ginobili is a flopper, Parker has a slight edge over Hughes, you heard it here first, cavs in 6! Everyone else is NBA101, a bunch of no-nothings, people who don’t know, don’t comprehend, etc.,etc.
What a fair weather prophet you are Bennett– From crowned champs to pathetic team in a week!
King Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 8:03 pm
Nice summary of Game 3 by Eddie. However, I would like to comment on Michael Bennett’s comment. Give me a break! From all your previous comments, you are such a Kobe basher. LeBron is not even in Kobe’s level yet. You call his team horrible in this game when Z and Gooden both got huge double-doubles? Besides, the only reason LeBron can take this team to the Finals is due to the Leastern conference and its possibly “Easiest” path to the Final ever in NBA history. If Kobe and co. was given the same path in the Eastern Conference, he would have done it too, in a MJ way. Many stars will get to the Final too. Tell me. Which playoff teams in the West can’t beat a Caron,Gil-less Wizards? can’t beat a No-Post presence Nets? or a self-destructing Pistons? The fact that so many people begin jumping onto LeBron’s bandwagon and bash Kobe like crazy is just plain funny. While LeBron is very good, he is still a long way to go before he cements his legacy. A true superstar don’t go 0-18 from mid-range in a series! Thanks
Connoisseur Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 8:06 pm
Eddie, I don´t think Ginóbili disappeared like you said. He just had a bad shooting night, but that doesn´t mean he disappeared. He sealed the game with some crucial free throws.
Johnny Q Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
I’m outta here– I’ve had like five comments removed from here– you don’t remove insults hurled by your buddy Bennett– sad that you have to resort to that.
Revmac Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 8:54 pm
Can we please give credit where credit is due? The Cavs are in the finals despite who they played weak, self destructive, understaffed etc… Every team in the play offs had the same opportunity to get it done and they didn’t, the Cavs did and that’s the real bottom line. Now as far as their performance in this series it is pretty bad and I did expect better. On the other hand I will practice what I preach and give credit where credit is due. The Spurs are a well oiled, veteran, playoff tested championship team.
Jamie Y. Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 9:08 pm
Great article and great summary of the game Eddie.
But Michael Bennett, I can agree with you that LeBron might not have the best players surrounding him. But there is no way you can call their team ‘pathetic.’ Unless you are just referring to their performance in the Finals.
Pathetic teams don’t make it to the Finals. The only reason they look pathetic now is because the Spurs are making them look that way. Because lets admit, I’m sure no one called the Cav’s team pathetic when they beat the Pistons in the Conf. Finals. Remember, Gooden and Gibson had some great games in that match-up as well, along with James’ performances. So to start calling the Cavs’ team ‘pathetic’ now is rather pathetic.
Manualltheway Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
Eddie, please, how can parker be the finals mvp when everybody knows he can’t guard anyone? If manu could’nt won it in 2005, neither can parker.You know Duncan is the heart and soul of the team,and by the way, manu just have a off night, he didn’t dissapear (he made the play so parker can made the 3,and also sell the final free-throws) Please stop the hate on Manu!!
LincolnHighNyC Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
MICHAEL BENNETT WROTE
“MATCHUPS!!!
Spurs vs. Cavs
PG - Tony Parker vs. Larry Hughes (EDGE - PARKER)
Parker is one of the league’s most consistent and best PGs, but Larry Hughes just came from a series in which he player tremendous defense on one of the league’s top PGs. Tony Parker has the edge here, but not by much. This is almost a wash, if Hughes steps up even more on the defensive end.
SG - Michael Finley vs. Sasha Pavlovic (EDGE - FINLEY)
Finley has played well in the Playoffs… not great, but very good from behind the arc. But, Pavlovic just got done chasing Richard Hamilton for 6 games. Finley will be an easier cover, but Finley will still get one or two threes a game.
SF - Bruce Bowen vs. LeBron James (EDGE - LEBRON)
Bowen will be a little troublesome, but he will not come close to covering LeBron with any success. LeBron will expose Bowen as a guy who’s a year older, and LeBron has never played better than he has in the last four games, in which he’s averaged 30+ ppg, 8+ rpg, 9+ apg, 2+ spg. He’ll roll that into the Finals. Why? He’s got the taste on his lips. He NEEDS to quench that thirst.
PF - Tim Duncan vs. Drew Gooden (EDGE - GOODEN… just kidding. DUNCAN)
Do I really have to say anything about the greatest PF to ever play? I will say this. He will lose his first Finals series.
C - Fabricio Oberto vs. Zydrunas Ilgauskus (EDGE - ILGAUSKUS if…)
Z can make a high percentage of his shots, and play low/effecient minutes. Oberto has been very athletic and successfully scrappy of late, but he hasn’t really faced a back to the basket center like Z. Z has to pull him out of the lane and not let him get any offensive rebounds, something Oberto’s been doing very well in the Spurs Ws.
BENCH - Ginobili, Vaughn, Barry, Elson, Horry vs. Gibson, Varejao, Marshall, Jones, Snow (EDGE - SPURS by a hair)
The bench has come up huge for Cleveland lately. Ginobili has been strategically placed on the bench to start the game for a surge of scoring at the end of the 1st quarter, and to have automatic energy. If the Cavs keep Ginobili off the free throw line in his 20-30 minutes of PT, then the Cavs will be successful. And, the Cavs need a little production from everyone. They don’t need Gibson to go for 30, although that would be nice. They need him to hit a three, get to the line a couple times… they need Varejao to take a timely charge… they need Marshall and Jones to hit a three… and they need Snow to shut down Parker or Ginobili at the end of the game.
COACH - Gregg Popovich vs. Mike Brown (EDGE - Popovich)
But, this will only be a problem for Brown if he burns early timeouts (like he did in G1 and G2 of the Detroit series) and if he lets LeBron do the 20 seconds of behind the arc dribbling (which isn’t always bad - note: the two monster dunks at the end of G5 in Detroit).
FANS - San Antonio vs. Cleveland (EDGE - CLEVELAND)
Their fans want it more. Have you heard about the floor tickets at the Q going for FIVE FIGURES?!? That’s insane. They have waited over 40 years for a championship. And…
This year they will get it.
CAVS in 6″
“Yes, LeBron is struggling, but his team is down right horrible… something I’ve been saying for a long time.”
I don’t see anything close to you even mentioning that they’ve (cavs) BEEN horrible, and you gave a small amount advantage to the spurs. So does that mean, that they’re (spurs) just as pathetic, but only a little better? Hmmmm…
You also wrote in a paragraph that, “And, it looks like his (Lebron’s) defense is finally really solid. He won’t leave Bruce Bowen open for those baseline threes that he loves to make. Cut out those and you cut out timely points from an otherwise non-scorer.”
Will someone tell me that stats for Bowen’s 3pt field goals in the finals, and how many have came in from that corner, all of which, according to the wiz of basketball (Michael Bennett) wasn’t going to happen. Another wrong prediction, give it up, I know your from Cleveland, and it’s good to have hope, but cut it out with your retarded insults aimed at others on here who think otherwise and disagree. Also, you always tend to resort to “what’s Kobe doing,o mvp trophies” blahzay blah, stick to the blog subject, and stop using him as a way to fire back when you get put on blast for your dumb predictions, he’s not in the finals, and neither are alot of all-stars, so let’s keep his name also those who aren’t in the finals out of it. It is what it is, you’ve been wrong, your not the genious you think you are.
Randell Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 9:27 pm
eddie– why is it that Ginobili disappeared in one game and is a bum, but LeBron disappeared in two and is still The King? Ginobili is a bona fide star by any fair assessment. He led a completely outmanned Argentine National team against the USA superstars (including Duncan And LeBron) and beat them! An analagous situation is LeBron leading an undermanned Cavs against the Spurs and getting annihilated! Ginobili has won everywhere he has ever played. European Championship, Olympic Gold medal, 2 (soon to be 3) NBA championships. Ginobili struggled against a good defense– big deal, so did Duncan and Parker. Ginobili’s scoring average for the finals is 2 ppg off off his regular season average. By comparison, LeBron is 6 ppg off of his regular season average. You are definitely a Foreign Player Hater!
Rashidi Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 9:30 pm
Mistakes Danny Ferry has made
1. Signing Larry Hughes to fat contract. Hughes makes 38 million over the next three years. LeBron in comparison, makes 41 million over the next three. Hughes was not a shooter, nor was he a PG. There was no reason to overpay for a player that doesn’t fit in your system just because you didn’t get Michael Redd.
2. Giving Ilgauskas a fat extension. 32 million over the next three years and looking older every year.
3. Signing Donyell Marshall. 11 million over next two years for an aging PF stand still shooter.
4. Signing Damon Jones. A stand still shooter making 8.5 million over the next two years.
5. Signing David Wesley. Useless this year, making 1.7 million next year. Only value is as CAP filler in a trade, otherwise he’s waive bait.
Because of Ferry’s moves, the Cavs have 64 million owed for next year and that’s BEFORE giving extensions to Varejao and Pavlovic (if they don’t walk). They have no cap space, and fat untradeable contracts.
In other words, things ain’t gettin better from here.
Lupe Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 9:48 pm
I for one think the Cavs are good to go for many years. They have a nice young core with Varejao, Gibson, James, and Gooden. They just need another star player and to do away with Big Z, Eric Snow, and Hughes. It’s not that the previous mentioned can’t play, they are just payed more than they’re worth.
The East, sadly is weak, and the Cavs may make these deep runs annually. Eventually their core will continue to develop and I see Lebron getting a ring in the future. This series will help them attain experience for the next time. As for the Spurs; I think they are good enough to contend for 2-3 more years.
Well I’m hoping the next game is good. If Cleveland does what they did last time on defense plus actually makes some shots; they have a chance to take at least one.
Lupe Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 9:56 pm
Rashidi is correct on the things he posted, and I’ll admit the players mentioned would be very hard to get rid of. Hey, do you guys think Isiah is willing to accept more terrible contracts. He accepts bad contracts from everyone, maybe he could toss the Cavs a bone.
Jay Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 10:02 pm
I’ve seen people compare Kobe to LeBron. Well, LEBRON has taken the Cavs to the Finals… BUT HIS TEAM IS IN THE EAST… I’m pretty sure if they switched places Kobe would be in the finals or at least the conference finals, with people probably saying that he was only there because he was in the East. Comparing them is not fair, PERIOD.
Randell Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
Another stat: LeBron was below his regular season scoring average in every round of the playoffs except the Washington series, and that was against an average team missing two starters. Even with his stunning outburst in game five of the Detroit series (which included ten extra minutes of overtime clock) he finished with a series average slightly lower than his regular season average. I don’t deny his greatness, but don’t put a target on Manu while giving LeBron a free pass.
The Wizards without Gilbert and Butler are not a true Playoff team.
New Jersey’s Collins and Moore would match up very well against the Spurs front line. That is, if the Spurs started Butler, Bonner, and Ely.
Detroit lost their minds. They’re still a good team, but they’re not the same team that won a championship and then lost one the next year in a great 7 game series.
Eddie D Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
LincolnhighNYC– nice job laying out the facts. Bowen is hitting 47% of his three pointers, 7 of 15. Yeah, according to Bennett, a week ago Hughes was almost even with Parker and now it’s imperative that Cleveland trade him because he has no shot, etc., etc, Give me a break– the guy played two games on one leg and was asked to defend one of the quickest point guards in the league– that was just a bad coaching decision.
Johnny R Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 10:40 pm
True, true, true– using Bennett’s clear-headed approach to the NBA, you’d have to argue that Gooden is better than Kevin Garnett ( Gooden’s in the finals, Garnett didn’t even make the playoffs!), Big Z is better than Shaq (yeah, Shaq has some OLD rings, but where is he NOW? he’s NOT in the finals!), and Gibson is better than Nash, blah, blah, blah, hulk angry, hulk want to smash everyone who disagree with him, arrgghh!
Carnell Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 10:45 pm
Michael Benett is everywhere. LeBron is in the Finals because they got a lucky break at the end of the season to get seeded where they did. As Chicago lost that spot. It was Chicago’s to lose or keep and they lost it. However, the Cavs played a team in the first round without 2 key star players, second round weak team they should have beat, and the Pistons, they had a lot of confidence cause they almost beat them last year and had success this year. So you could really say they had the Pistons #. If Cavs would have been in the West or took Chicago’s role, as they should have, had
Chicago not lost….they would have never beat the Heat. They are lucky to be where they are. What is amazing to me is how you flip flop around. Last series you were saying LeBron had good help, now his help is pathetic. You’re a joke….give it up, with your, plant the seed, wait for the explosion routine. It’s tired already!
WE are all witnessess to why the East has to bow down to the West & why LeBron not on Kobe’s level yet. Oh yeah, the Heat did get lucky last year. The Mavs choked. Heat were playing the only team in the West that would have choked having a 2-0 lead and winning by 5 with seconds to go in game 3 and lose the series. You know I’m right…..look how they
choked again this year against GS.
jg2gbaby Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 10:46 pm
well what can we do to make cleve better,the cavs win ugly but it is a win , we are a small market which stars will not come to play here unless it is a homebody . we will have to dump some contracts. we have done alot with little. every solid team has at least 2 stars we have 1 go cleve ferry has a lots of work 2 do
The Don Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 11:04 pm
Great read Eddie…
Bennett you are clueless, how long before you start bashing LeBrooom!!!?
Michael Bennett Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 11:04 pm
Give the babies their bottles…
Wah, wah, wah, wah, wah… that’s all I hear from the Michael Bennett haters. I made some bold predictions, not all were right on, but at least I have the cojones to post BEFORE the game. I don’t wait until after the game to run to the computer and plagarize what Mike Breen, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy said during the telecast.
Do me a favor, Carnell, MH, LincolnHighNyC, Johnny Q, and King (man - this list is really adding up) - try and say something original. Post something that spurs conversation… something that’s thought provoking and noteworthy. Why? No one need to hear your opinion on how much you think I’M wrong. That’s a lost of focus on someone else’s thoughts. But, I haven’t heard an original, lay it out there post from any of you.
Let me guess what comes next from you guys…
Michael Bennett Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 11:06 pm
The Don - YOU are the biggest homer Kobe groupie there ever was. Let’s read your 10 page essay on how Kobe doesn’t have the best… wah… players around him… wah… and he lost against the… wah… tough West… wah, wah, wah!!!
fakebballWizardofOhio Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 11:07 pm
i think this is my 30 post here and 27 of it was removed i dont know the reason but i guess thats because all of my post are anti bennet its just so funny that this self proclaimed wizard of bball is saying after game 1 that the cavs will win and end it in 6 then suddenly says that theyhave a pathetic team after the game 3 loss michael bennet where’s your ball dude if i were in your shoes i would say that the spurs is a better baller than my team
why give a name? Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 11:43 pm
This is the worst blog. You remove anything you don’t like, but then let Bennett insult everyone and leave his stuff on. What’s your idea of “original” Bennett? Cavs in 6? That’s not original– it’s just a lame attempt to be different, and when it doesn’t even come close to panning out, you then attack evryone who predicted the Spurs would win. You’re a child, and you got your butt handed to you in many arguments that your protector Eddie Johnson took off of the forum because he doesn’t believe in a fair and level playing field.
why give a name? Said,
June 13, 2007 @ 11:46 pm
LincolnhighNYC made perfectly fair and relevant criticisms of your flip-flops. You hate being disagreed with, but all of his points were right on. Go ahead eddie– erase this message too.
sam Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 12:25 am
Michael, all they’re doing is showing how you contradict yourself, they might not be saying anything new, but if your cocky enough to put your thoughts out there with your full name like your some yahoo journalist or something you’ve got to expect criticism. You need to learn not to throw stones in a glass house, this aint your diary entry mate.
By the way Ginobili has been lights out all playoffs, he dont need consistancy in the regular season, he has not missed one clutch shot all playoffs, i hate the guy but hes sick!
LincolnHighNyC Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 12:35 am
All I’m getting at is how you all of a sudden changed from, the cavs having a decent team with a good chance to beat the spurs, due to some of the matchups, and then you change it up and say that they’ve BEEN horrible, and you’ve BEEN stating that. Where did that come from, explain yourself wiz master lol. That’s all I’m getting at, you need to bring yourself down a little, back to reality, you insult alot of individuals on here because you consider yourself the “smartest” blogger lol. Obviously your not, nobody is.
And I really don’t think people mind you being put out on blast for being the most idiotic, no life, having loser on here. I mean we all know it but it’s still funny how you think your THE MAN when it comes to blogs on basketball topics, I mean if that’s what your world revolves around, do you then, I guess lol. Blogger of the month “my biggest online achievement ever”. I mean, read it, who in the hell would take pride in something like that , YOU WERE STOKED WHEN YOU FOUND OUT I THINK YOU WET YOUR PANTS LOL.
Are they all as dumb as you are in Ohio? Who cares if folks don’t make bold predictions prior to the game, and come on after to talk about it.
It’s not a priority for most of us to get on a computer before a game and make predictions, as it is for yourself.
It's like I Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 1:36 am
“the Michael Bennett haters”…hahahaha….since I’m not on Grey’s Anatomy I’m just gonna say it….you’re a fag.
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 2:23 am
Eddie this was a nice article.
Only thing i want to ask you is:
Do you really think that somethings can still change if Cavs win G4?
I’m pretty sure that if Spurs would give up the G4, they will finish it in G5.
tp Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 2:55 am
Isn’t it fun when people get all over a coach for not starting somebody, say Gibson, eventually the coach relents and starts him, and the player goes on to hit rock-bottom? [Including me, by the way; I was one of those that thought starting Gibson not Hughes made sense.]
Mayeb Brown did have a clue about not starting Gibson after all…
Hersey Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 3:21 am
I love the commentary on the youtube clip. That shot by Varejao was the lowlight of one of the worst basketball games I’ve ever watched. I want my 2.5 hours of life back.
Eric Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 4:35 am
Yeah eddie manu may have played one bad game but he diddnt exactly disappear, he was still putting pressure on the defense , playing defense , and managed to seal the win by hitting some crucial free throws. damn this guy gonna be a hall of famer, not based on his nba career, but based on what he has contributed to basketball.Nba championships,Euroleague championship,Olympic gold medal, and world championship silver medal.This guy is a winner man.And btw, eddie doesnt actually seem to dislike lebron, he just seems frustrated that a very good player is just a jumpshot away from greatness….has not improved his jumpshot by much over the years.
Eric Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 4:37 am
Wo and guys on this article..chill man..no dissing or degrading other people plz.I know that michael guy was way off but using words like fags and all dat????Tolerance man tolerance is dat all i can say
HollywoodStar Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 6:05 am
Manu didn’t disappear, he hit 3 crucial free-throws. Its Gibson who was lost in that game. 0-7? That’s nothing compare to Boobie (1-10).
Manou Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 7:43 am
> Manualltheway Said “Eddie, please, how can parker be the finals mvp when everybody knows he can’t guard anyone?”
My two cents: Parker is sooo underrated for his defense. Do you think he’d get major minutes with Pop as a coach if he couldn’t defend? Parker is actually a very capable defender. Maybe a little undersized, but quick on his feet, and able to stay in front a lot of times. He may be not a great shooter from downtown, but he’s also certainly not a weak defender.
Mike Jones Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 7:47 am
EJ-
What gives you the right to rip LeBron and the Cavs as the worst Finals team ever? Your a) 0 all star game appearances; b) 0 championships; or c) your zero relevance here in 2007 and “expertise” to write this column.
Frankly, the Cavs are a better team than they have shown; they are being severely out-coached and also out-executed. A couple of bounces, a couple of calls, and this would be a more competitive series. Bob Delaney was ready to go home and hide from the Mafia (he snitched a few years back), which is why he ate his whistle on the last play.
My friends always tell me the NBA is rigged… if that was the case, why wouldn’t David Stern put in a call for the Cavs to at least win 1? I’ll be watching tonight, but only because it’s the only pro hoops until November.
I’m out like Slow Eddie… peace.
Michael Bennett Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 8:44 am
We need to start talking about the games and players again, and stay focused… The insults are fine, I can take them, but I’m guessing Eddie removes a lot of the posts because they use curse/swear words. Like his website says, “No profanity please - no matter how much you disagree with me. Respect for each other’s opinions should be considered before debating.” I won’t speak for the man, but I think that’s self explanatory…
With that being said…
I’m going to make another bold and “cocky” and “yahoo” prediction. LeBron is VERY pissed off, and if you watched him during the regular season and Playoffs, when he plays that way, he plays his best basketball. Some say that he lacks the “killer instinct” that other stars have. THIS is when he gets that killer instinct - when his back is against the wall, and, for some odd reason, his shots start to fall because of his tremendous focus and determination (the zone).
So, I think he will come out firing in G4, and the Cavs will win this game. I have been wrong before (I can’t remember when…), but I think LeBron will will his team to victory with his best game of the Finals, at least pushing this series to 5 games.
Wow… I can actually hear some of these other guys’ blood already starting to boil. Calm down. And, send out the verbal assasinators AFTER the game… like you usually do.
Michael Bennett
Chicago (not Cleveland… boneheads)
Gerry O Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 10:24 am
After game 4, the series is over. Despite of its dullness, at least the series teach us many things.
1) That we will stop comparing James from Jordan. They are whale of comparison.
2) That a superstar should not play decoy or assistmaker if he wants his team to win.
3) That floppers and crybabies have no place in NBA finals, and they should not be favorably treated by refs just because they are up against Bad Boys.
4) Bad Boys are good to see and more fit in the NBA finals than floppers and crybabies.
Matt Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 11:16 am
Nobody in their right mind would of picked cleveland to win the finals. I’ll admit, I thought they’d atleast win one game, and they still might.
Bottom line is that Lebron has received great experience in these finals, that will only help him in the future. Now that Lebron has a taste of the finals you can bet he will be back many years to come. Cleveland can you please get this guy some help, mike bibby would be a great fit.
Rashidi Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 11:20 am
The Knicks helping the Cavs? If the Cavs want Marbury…
Basically the only trades that would help the Cavs are trades where they take a fat Knick contract and one of their young players in exchange for a smaller contract.
Knicks that would fit in Cleveland
PG: Stephon Marbury, Nate Robinson
SG: Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson
PF: Jared Jeffries, Malik Rose, David Lee
C: Channing Frye
However, don’t think Isiah is about to take Eric Snow, Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall, etc. The only player he’d have any interest in is Hughes (which works since he’s their fattest contract), but even then his interest would have to be a bit limited because he’s injury prone and the Knicks already have a player with similar production in Crawford. The Knicks, like the Cavs, also need a star PF.
However, the Knicks have 15 players and contracts already. Which means they’d have to do 1-for-1 or 2-for-2 trades. The Cavs in general don’t have enough contracts that rival the Knicks (after all, NY’s payroll IS twice Cleveland’s size).
Michael Bennett Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 11:27 am
The heart picks Cleveland. The brain picks San Antonio. The moron picks his nose.
Zane from London Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 11:39 am
Good teams get it done, even when they don’t play well. Even though I’m not at all a Spurs fan, you have to respect the way they control the game and space the floor. They are so well coached, its ridiculous. Greg Poppovich just makes the right adjustments, at the right time. On the odd occasion when their stars are off, a role player, or role players step up. That’s what we saw game 3, and that is the difference between the teams.
If Mike Brown coached his best game last night, god help the Cavs. It was obvious he had to pull Gibson, I wasn’t counting on Gibson to do anything in this game before it even started. I watched the Cavs brick 3 after 3 after 3, with no adjustments on offence.
If fact, what is their offence? It looks like they just give the rock to Lebron, everyone else runs around and tries to get open. It’s not as if he has a lot to work with but the Cavs look like they are in a pickup game, and just not making the necessary adjustments.
Duncan may be about as exciting as watching paint dry, but he is without a doubt, the best PF of his era. He just does everything right at both ends of the floor, and even when he is off, he still has a positive impact on the game.
howard Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
Eddie:
Ginobili not a star? Are you serious? He may disappear offensively at times, but he has consistently shown up at big moments and that’s been true throughout his career. I’d rather have someone like that on my team than a half dozen false stars who put up big numbers in the regular season and consistently falter in the playoffs. As for the other night, it’s hard to be consistently good when you’re playing about half the game as Ginobili did in game 3. Even the great, Tim Duncan is usually off when he has to sit big parts of the game.
The Spurs have one superstar, three stars in Parker, Ginobili, and Bowen (to me, Bowen is as much of a star as Parker or Ginobili) and some good role players.
Also forget about the debate between Lebron and Kobe. Duncan is the best player in the game today. I would rate him even higher than Kobe, Steve Nash, or Nowitzki because he is a complete player. However, I think Kobe is probably the most gifted offensive player since MJ and Nash among the greatest passers to ever play the game.
I thought the comment that LeBron should not have given up the ball at the end of the game was right on. LeBron’s pass put Varejao in shark infested waters. Not only that, if James had taken the final shot then Varejao would have had a chance to stick a missed shot back in.
LBJ Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 12:52 pm
What can Mike Brown do? He has to play the guys he has and lets face it, there are quite a few teams with more talent than the Cavs have. Not many people would’ve picked them to make the Finals over Det or Chi. And had Mia and Wash had healty teams it would’ve shook things up in the East a bit. The Cavs have run into a very good team in the Spurs. Unless Mike Brown can suit up and control Duncan and then hit a few shots at the other end he can’t be blamed for the outcome.
This is the least ever watched and NBA final TV wise. I think if you add the Cavs road and Spurs road to the Finals you can only expect to end up with the low ratings and disintrest we’ve seen in these finals. But Clev should not be ashamed. They made it and it’s something they can build on for next season.
daniel Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
i agree 100% what King said about Lebron,i would like to add its true he is a amazing talent and for his young age is damn good but the Cavs got the easiest root to the finals i have ever seen and i think every single team in the top 8 of the west are all better than the Cavs. Those who think Lebron is better than Kobe im sorry but you are just plain wrong, i know the whole defence is focusing on stopping Lebron but come on that happens to all the stop players in the league i dont think that Kobe or even Mcgrady and wade would have this much trouble with this kind of defence and why?….because they have all learned how to shoot for outside the key….come on “king James” you gotta work on your outside J you have been in the league 4 years now you a rookie nomore,
cody Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
Ginobili will be huge tonight. I think LeBron will have a great game also, but this one will come down to free throws, defense, and game management. Advantage SPURS.
You all can look for excuses and talk about lucky breaks but the real fact is that the Spurs are good and I think you will see them here again next year.
Come on, what team has 4 players that dominate at their position(Parker,Ginobili,Duncan,Bowen) You say not Ginobili and you are nuts. Just watch him away from the ball. He torments players always swatting and juking. He drives people crazy. That is why he is good, because they are always looking out of the corner of their eye for him. The shots are great but that isn’t his biggest contribution.
If the Cavs allow Parker or Ginobili to drive then you can put a fork in them. If Bowen shuts down LeBron again I don’t see how you can’t give him the MVP. He cut off the head of the snake in the first three.
Is that enough predictions for u MB?
Rashidi Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 3:06 pm
Duncan may be about as exciting as watching paint dry, but he is without a doubt, the best [b]player[/b] of his era.”
Fixed.
Michael Bennett Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 3:25 pm
So, cody - an NBA game comes down to free throws, defense, and game management? No way. It can’t be true. You mean you have to make your free throws, play defense and manage the game. Naw… I just can’t wrap my head around it. (I hope you can tell that I’m being sarcastic - if not…) Those aren’t predictions. Those are what any team needs to win. Doy?!?
And, the NBA and voters will NEVER give the Finals MVP to Bowen… a defensive player. Just ask Ben Wallace. He averaged 13.5 rpg in the finals, with over 3 bpg and around 2 spg, shut down Shaq, was the anchor to the team that beat the Lakers in 5 games, and they gave the trophy to Chauncey Billups.
Tim Duncan should be MVP. Parker has been playing very well, but Duncan is everything to that team… plus, he plays defense (but, see above). Parker will probably get it, but Duncan SHOULD get it.
MY PREDICTION:
I think whoever wins the game tonight will make shots at some point of the game. And, the teams will have to substitute bench players, also. (I hope you get the sarcasim here,too - but, with this crowd, I don’t know…)
STEADMAN Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 3:29 pm
Eddie:
This series was over before it even began. I’m a Spurs fan and I predicted this clean-shaved team to go all the way from day 1. I must say that I feel sorry for King James for going to war… by himself. He basically spoon feeds his teamates play after play but none of them could buy a bucket. Parker is a match up problem but it all starts with Duncan. There is nobody in the League that can guard him 1-on-1 and he passes really well out of double and triple teams. He basically makes everyone else’s job a lot easier. Especially the open perimeter shooters who receive the ball when it swings around while the defence rotates. I agree with you when you stated Manu wasn’t a superstar but he is definitely a superstar amongst role players and he has the capability of changing the outcome of a game at any given night. To his credit, he could be a superstar if he played with a different team that was lacking one, but I think he’s comfortable with the Spurs and soon to be adding another RING to his collection.
From a true fan,
STEADMAN
Mark 1 Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
For the first time…I have to agree with Mr. Bennett. (Sounds weird even saying it)
On another note, I seriously hope Lebron enjoyed this run, because it won’t happen again next year unless..
1. They work out this PG tragedy! Had NY waived Stevie Franchise this series might have been a little different.
2. They work out an offensive scheme! Mike Brown is a good coach..but he’s a better assistant coach if u ask me! Ya dig!?
3. Address the Larry Hughes situation. He hasn’t been a good fit ….send him back to washington with Drew Gooden for Jamison and some change
IMO—I fully expect the east to be wide open again next year…which means another 10 yr reign in the west!
Randell Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
What free agents would help the Cavs this summer? Mike Bibby?
What about guys that won’t break the bank, like Gerald Wallace, Matt Barnes, Desmond Mason, James Posey?
Any chance of a sign & trade for Rashard Lewis? Is there any chance LeBron plays some time at the 4 spot? or the 2, despite the shooting woes?
Danny Ferry is familiar with Luis Scola, the Argentine eurostar. Spurs own his rights and word is he can be had for a 1st rnd draft pick.
Mercury M Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 7:18 pm
A conversation with Michael Bennett:
Anonymous Person: Well, Kobe plays in the West and that’s a stronger conference.
M. Bennett: You don’t KNOW the west is better!!! That’s what everybody says! That statement has no originality!!!
Anon: Why do you think the east is stronger?
M.Bennett: I NEVER said the east was stronger!! Show me exactly where I said the east is stronger!!! Don’t you know how to read? R-E-A-D!!! Gosh, Eddie, are these guys dumb or what? They’re not on your Wall of Fame like I am.
Anon: So you do agree that the west is stronger?
M. Bennett: Where is Kobe NOW?!?! If he’s so GREAT, why isn’t he in the FINALS LIKE LEBRON?????
ANON: Well, the Lakers got knocked out by a very good Suns team that was completely healthy and the Cavs beat the Wizards, who had two stars injured. I don’t think you can fairly compare those two opponents.
M. Bennett: I’ve heard this argument six times today– it has NO ORIGINALITY. Don’t you ever THINK for YOURSELF???
Anon: Awright, let’s find some common ground– what kind of food do you like?
M.Bennett: EATING? Everybody EATS!!! IT’s sooooo unoriginal!!! I predicted tens years ago that people would continue to EAT!!
cody Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
The reason I say those three things is the Cavs are lacking in all those areas and the Spurs have dominated. They have been outplayed. It is not because they are having bad nights. They just can’t hang because of the stellar defense. They are also out coached and can’t sink a free shot. We all know you are the genius here(you think), but there is no reason to be rude because your boys are gettin whooped. What a jerk.
cody Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 9:27 pm
MB- I see why no one likes you here.
Jamie Y. Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
I’ve hated on Michael Bennentt (once, about the 10th comment down on this article). No, wait, I just disagreed with him when he called the Cavs ‘pathetic’.
But he seems to be very knowledgable about the game and is very active on commenting on EJ’s articles, so he’s cool with me. Also, he seems to be a true fan of the game, so keep posting those predictions MB. Michael Bennett has been discussed so much, I think we could make a wikipedia page about him now.
But lets remember who writes these articles. I’ve noticed that he hasn’t replied to any comments at all. Could be too busy, or could be because everyone was discussing MB’s comments instead of EJ’s comments.
cody Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 10:58 pm
Nailed that one MB
Spurs = World Champs! Ginobili= Super Star
howard Said,
June 14, 2007 @ 11:26 pm
Spurs win! Parker had a huge series, he elevated his game by consistently making tough shots (and getting some easy layups thanks to Cleveland’s defensive breakdown). Michael Bennett you are right that Duncan should have garnered serious consideration for MVP despite having two sub-par offensive games in a row. I still had to marvel at his play tonight. And Bowen was about as good on this team as anybody during the playoffs. Oh, and that so called “non-star” Ginobili was huge tonight with 30% of his team’s offense. He does have a bad habit of fouling at the worst time–this is a bad habit of over-aggressiveness that has cost his team in the past and hurt his team tonight. Finally, let’s not forget about the wonderful Robert Horry and his 7 rings and the fabulous Fabricio Oberto who does all the dirty work and does everything to help his team.
Cleveland had a good season but they have some learning to do. They really need a seasoned leader on the court and at least one other serious offensive threat to complement LeBron. They have a good team and they know how to play defense (Z was about as effective against Duncan as anyone I’ve seen this year), but they make way too many mental mistakes.
Randell Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 12:02 am
Crazy stats for this game– LeBron missed more shots than Ginobili took. LeBron finished with 24pts , Ginobili 27. Parker also had 24 pts, but did it with 16 fewer shots than LeBron.
How can anyone say Ginobili and Parker aren’t legit stars anymore?
As for LeBron– remember, Shaq was swept in his first Finals appearance also, against Hakeem (and Robert Horry) and the Rockets.
Spurs– not the most highlight reels, not the most street cred, not the most bragging– just the best team.
cyberpygmy Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 1:31 am
I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! Will the real LE BROOME come up on stage please! At last, no more B.S.! If it quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck. I was waiting for the MESSIAH to do something miraculous, like making his teamates better as advertised. Too bad, not enough breakaway dunks. I really hold my breath on those fastbreak dunks, they look AWESOME! WOW! How about those jab steps and jump stops that he perfected in HIGH SCHOOL? I know, the perfect explanation for this miserable series - he does not have an adequate supporting cast. That’s it! YEAAAH!
Rashidi Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 2:37 am
Rashidi’s list of free Agents that could help the Cavs
POINT GUARDS
Billups - Would help the most but Dumars isn’t going to sign/trade him to their division rival.
Maurice Williams - Would help but Milwaukee will likely retain him.
Earl Boykins - Better served as a 6th man, and a long term contract probably wouldn’t work since they already have a similar, cheaper player in Gibson… who would probably leave as a free agent the following year. Still, Boykins is better than…
Chucky Atkins - Decent option, probably wont get a long term deal like Boykins (who is probably looking to cash in after being underpaid), can be had for the MLE.
Steve Blake - Can be had for the MLE, probably a better choice than Atkins, a pure PG.
Smush Parker - Played in Cleveland pre-LeBron. They probably get him for half the MLE (if they can work out a sign/trade involving Damon Jones that might be good).
SHOOTING GUARDS
Vince Carter - Unlikely. The could dump Hughes on the Nets in a sign/trade if Vince wants out, but theres no indicator he does.
Grant Hill - Within their price range, but I’m guessing he returns to Detroit. Cavs don’t really need another injury prone guard.
Matt Carroll, Charlie Bell, Flip Murray, Eddie House - All affordable, however Pavlovic is a Restricted FA, and if they let him go, they’ll need a SG/SF more than a combo guard… which would point to Carroll. Of course, the team DID draft Shannon Brown so such a player isn’t really necessary…
SMALL FORWARDS
Rashard Lewis - Ain’t comin without a sign/trade. In this case Hughes won’t work as they already have Ray Allen. Maybe a combo of Gooden and Varejao? (Ilgauskas would fit great if they weren’t drafting Oden).
Morris Peterson - I’d have to think he could find a better fit; Cavs are better off just matching any offers to Pavlovic (unless someone blows them away)
Jason Kapono - Played in Cleveland previously, would add his sick three point shot or would regress like every other shooter Cleveland picks up? In any event, when you’re giving 85% of your minutes to LeBron, you don’t need SFs, you need a backup that can also play minutes at another position. Kapono can’t do that. They should just keep Pavlovic (but get someone to replace him as a starter and let him backup both positions).
POWER FORWARD
Antawn Jamison - Here’s where things get interesting. Jamison has a player option and could actually join the team thats knocked him out of the playoffs two years running. He’d be looking for a long term deal and the Wiz may or may not want to give him that - they know that he’s the least valuable of their big 3.
Chris Webber - Unless Cleveland throws the money at him he probably stays in Detroit. Unless Detroit doesn’t want him. It depends a lot on…
Antonio McDyess - Could go to Cleveland if he doesn’t stay. All indicators are both sides want back.
Andres Nocioni - Bulls likely willing to part after Deng’s breakout year. Maybe a sign/trade for ex-Bull Donyell Marshall?
CENTERS
Darko Milicic - Great long-term option but wouldn’t have interest playing second fiddle to Ilgauskas for awhile.
Chris Mihm - Former Cav would like to stay in Lakerland, but that could depend on their center situation.
Mikki Moore - Could be had cheaper than Varejao and would offer similar production, but team is better off keeping what they have. Fallback option.
ANALYSIS
The Cavs are capstrapped and really only have their MLE to play with. Other than PG, there aren’t too many roles in competition. The Cavs need MORE than an MLE player to push them over the hump, yet they’d need to move one of their core players in order to do so. Right now the team has a lot of money and years invested in mediocre veterans which hinders what can be done. The team will always be in contention for the Eastern Conference crown, but their potential improvement (without a trade) is limited. There’s no reason to think the Cavs can keep pace with the Bulls over the next three years (unless Ben Wallace falls off the planet or LeBron explodes to average 37 ppg in his age 23 season like MJ).
As unfair as it seems considering how much of the team he already is, the future success of the Cavaliers (barring miracle front office moves and/or getting incredibly lucky in the draft) rests on LeBron’s shoulders. He will need to take his game to an even higher level or else this team will remain status quo - good but not great.
robert lester Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
Absolutely a ridiculous comment that the Cavaliers (my team) is the worst in history to make the finals. How about the 40-42 Houston Rockets. Get real, I believe San Antonio was the better team, but the Cavs played good defense throughout the series. In the two games in Cleveland, they had tons of open shots created by LeBron and just missed them.
satchseven Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 12:38 pm
rasidi,there are a lot of stiffs on that list.you can cut 3/4 of those bums off the list,really 90%.those are mediocre veterans
Rashidi Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Funny, because “stiffs” are the only players Cleveland can afford to sign. Young players don’t hit free agency, young stars get locked up before they even hit restricted free agency, so really, what would you expect?
howard Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
I’m sick and tired of people giving the Spurs the respect they deserve.
I heard Bill Walton insinuate that the Spurs would not have a chance against the 1980s Celtics and Will Purdue who said the 1990s team would beat the Spurs in six. Well they maybe right, but I’m not so sure.
Bird, McHale, and Robert “the Chief” Parrish were a formidible frontline, but any of them would have difficulty playing Duncan one-on-one and Parker would have caused major match up problems for Johnson or Ainge. I think he would have caused havoc for the Celts. And with Mr. Clutch, Manu Ginobili and Mr. Big Shot, Robert Horry, the Spurs would have given the 1980s Celts a tough series. Duncan-McHale, Bowen-Bird, it would be fantastic to watch.
I think the 1990s Bulls would have to be considered a favorite against today’s Spurs, but I think the Spurs would have been tougher competition than anyone the Bulls faced during their dynasty, and some of those championship series were pretty competitive.
Of course we’ll never know.
howard Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
Sorry for the typos in my last post.
Aaron Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
I for one feel that Lebron James is taking some very unfair criticism. I mean, sure he has made his share of mistakes, especially giving the ball to Varejao at the end of game 3 (Though i’m sure he expected to get it back), you have to know your teammates, and what their tendecies are on the floor. And he can definitely improve on that inconsistant jumper, primarily from mid range. But the truth of the matter is that he is being thrust to the lions with all the comparisons to Jordan, Kobe, and Wade. Remember in Jordan’s first finals appearance he faced a depleted, injury-hit lakers team. it also took him four tries in the playoffs just to win his first series. Kobe on the other hand lucked into playing with Shaq in his prime, so all of the pressure was not squarely placed on him. And i am the biggest Kobe supporter out there, as i feel he is the overall best player in the game today, and skill wise, arguably more talented/skillfull than the legendary MJ. And D-Wade led a veteran core with possibly 4 future HOF’s including himself, 1 other past all star, and some solid role players. Wade was great, but lets not act as if the Dallas Mavs defense comes anywhere close to measuring up to these Spurs. D Wade didn’t have to get by arguably the best defender in basketball, just to face another perennial all-defensive first team big man at the rim. And oh yeah, the team with the best overall team defense, which has been in place for the last 6 years. And remember it still took him a bunch of favorable/questionable calls, and a monumental collasp by the Mavs for them to win. Remember Wade proved just how great he was by leading Miami to a sub-500 record and a place amongst the lottery teams for half of the season without Shaq this year.AND THIS HAPPENED WITH HIM PLAYING IN THE LEASTERN CONF. REMEMBER THEY ONLY FACE THE WEST TEAMS TWICE A YEAR, WHILE PLAYING EASTERN TEAMS 3 OR 4 TIMES A YEAR. SO THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT POINT.
And with all that said, the real problem is just that the East is dreadfully weak, this Cleveland teams had arguably the easiest route to reach the NBA Finals in the history of the league, with Washington ruined by injury to both their all stars, New jersey a sub 500 team most of the year, and Detroit (their only legit obstacle) self imploding. If this same cavs team played in the much deeper west, they’d be a 7th or 8th seed fodder for the likes of the Spurs, Jazz, Suns, Mavs, and because of Yao even the Rox. I mean are they really any better than the Nuggets, Laker, or Warriors. And do we think the Lakers would have fared any better against the Spurs. Maybe Kobe scores more, and maybe a little closer games, but i struggle to see them winning more than one game against the Spurs as well.
BOTTOM LINE IS LEBRON AND THE CAVS ARE REALLY AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR OR TWO AWAY FROM BEING READY TO COMPETE AT THIS LEVEL, BUT DO TO AN AWFUL CONF. THEIR HERE EARLY AND THE BASKETBALL WORLD IS SEEING THE RESULTS OF IT.
Manualltheway Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
To “Manou”….i really don’t think parker is a good defender, maybe an average defender at most…and you know finley isn’t a good defender either and still plays…by the way, i was referring that parker shouldn’t have won the MVP…it has to go to duncan or bowen ( finally some recognition for all his hard work and for getting less money please ) because their tough defense. And finally, those who says manu lost game 7 last season against dallas, i think you’re wrong…the spurs were 1-3…and then 2-3 playing in dallas, and remember that manu shows big that night(game 6) along with TD to tie the series…yes he made a foul that shouldn’t had comitted, but without him maybe we could have lost in 6..so think it was the team’s fault, not manu’s
david Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 3:40 pm
The Spurs play TEAM defense. Yes the guards aren’t phenominal defenders — they don’t need to be. Their backs are covered.
The beauty of buying into Pop’s system is that when he makes substitutions, everyone is still on the same page and knows what to do. They might not execute as well, but the goal is the same.
Carnell Said,
June 15, 2007 @ 4:16 pm
Congrats to the Spurs and all their fans. We all witnesses a sweep!!!!! Mabye James would have been King if he had drank POWERADE before the gameS as he did in his commercials and he could have hit shots from the other side of the court, and he’d be champ. LOL!!!!
PS……KOBE 3 RINGS
Princess James 0 RINGS
Ovais Said,
June 16, 2007 @ 12:57 am
Eddie, I’m glad you said “I saw more wide-open bricks than contested shots”, when referring to Game 4. But are you prepared to make an indictment of the NBA for apparently rewarding the Spurs type of play? It seems to succeed in the playoffs. The Pistons are pretty boring too. This years Finals was unwatchable. The TV ratings reflected that. Regular season games can be fun, but the playoffs are a bore. What say you, my friend?
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