<br> lebron was on durant for a good chunk of the second quarter and durant was still scoring at will. Also, around the 6 min mark onward in the foruth quarter he was on durant again.
Some players can't be stopped simply because of personal and team talent. What MIA needs to do is force somebody other than KD to beat them. Double him, play WB tight and live with the results from players like Ibaka. Also.......as good as KG is, Durant and WB are better at this point. This ain't Boston MIA is playing, this is a very young athletic and good team.
I can't put all the blame on LeBron, but the whole Heat team played terrible defense in the 2nd half... especially Bosh... I saw him late on some many assignments.
Sloan is allegedly the first choice for coaching the Bobcats. And don't underestimate Brooks nor overlook the guy sitting next to him: Maurice Cheeks.
Durant had 2 points in the 2nd quarter. It seemed like wade was guarding him a lot at the end. I don't know why.
What's wrong with that statement? I also think Durant's a better team player than Lebron, because he's an amazing shooter and therefore useful even without dominating the ball. On a star-studded team, I do believe Durant would fit better than Lebron. Lebron's strength is much better shown on a team where the offense centers around him, as in his Cleveland days or in the same mode AI was for Philly in years past. If Durant was the only star on his team, he'd probably be more similar to Melo in terms of accomplishments.
Let's not forget what the Thunder did to Kobe and LA. The Heat came out swinging, but couldn't get the knock out. They have to be a bit demoralized because they played hard. James and Wade are great, but the Thunder looked like the better team.
Doesn't matter when Durant is 1b to his 1a, and Westbrook, Harden, OKC role players >>>> Wade, Bosh, Miami role players.
LBJ played well.....the only things I can find wrong with his game tonight were: 1) His FT%....MIA fans what is his percentage anyway? I find myself expecting him to miss when he's at the line. Last time I checked he was around 75%...fatigue showing maybe. 2) I would have liked to see him be more aggressive when MIA was struggling to score early in the 4th. I understand he was trying to get his teammates involved but he's gotta be more selfish in those situations if MIA is to have a chance. LBJ didn't choke tonight from what I say........and trust me I'm no fan and I would be the first to say that LBJ chocked if he did...... MIA just didn't have the energy late in the game that it had to begin with and when OKC made a run, that was just it. Let the adjustments be made and on to game 2.
Durant showed he is the best player in the league. Here is the scary part if you're a heat fan. Battier & Chalmers will never combine for 30. Harden will have more than 5 points.
ummm Durant had 2 points in the 2nd qt how is that scoring at will? Being on Durant one play in the 4th doesn't equal LeBron guarding him all the 4th quarter.
Bosh is money on his mid range, that shot is available to him on those pick and roll, all he needs to do is just take a step or two closer to the basket. He was never a banger in the post, so dont expect to see him go at it against OKC bigs.
Well, he had 5 more points than he averaged in last year's finals in the 4th. - Jon Barry C'mon Jon! :grin:
Wade is the problem in Miami right now. Also, people need to realize OKC is a slow starting but fast finishing team. It's been evident all postseason.
True........WB's near triple-double (did he actually get it?) was huge. He played very well minus a few bad shots and that pointless T early on. If he plays like this all series, it will be tough for LeBron and Co. to win.
I don't really get that statement for LeBron. Those Cleveland teams built around him got him to the Finals 1 year in 6 years. 2 years in Miami and he has been twice. LeBron has been Lebron in both Cleveland and Miami. His play hasn't come down one bit in Miami.
It went like I expected. OKC started off jittery and disjointed on offense (but were bailed out by KD) and their defense wasn't good at all. It took them a whole half to gauge Miami's offense and adjust. Their 1st half playing rotation was weird but a 7-point deficit wasn't that bad. LeBron played great and Wade didn't. I thought Wade might stick to pattern but he failed in the 2nd half too. WB (27/11/8) had a great all around game except for his shooting. If he gets the jumper going in the series, the Heat have little chance. I expected the Heat to get a 1st half lead, but 13 points had me concerned a little. Fortunately, OKC flipped the switch starting the 3rd quarter and only a few miscues prevented them from opening a big lead quickly. I didn't think Thabo could successfully guard LeBron, but (like KD) he's long enough to back off and deny the drive while reaching to contest the jumper slightly. Collison kicked Miami's rump tonight. Good to see him have this game after not playing well most of the playoffs. He is a master of baseline rolls when teams load up on Harden and KD. Bosh has to contribute more on offense. He can't post up Ibaka so his jumper needs to be money because he's not much of a slasher. Maybe Harden will learn from this and not commit dumb fouls so he can contribute. He needs to get tonight out of his system. LeBron not guarding KD in the 4th was weird. What was even weirder was OKC doing PnRs 2-3 times in the last 6-7 minutes to create that matchup. OKC finished with only 10 TOs after at least 5 in the 1st quarter. That playoff trend continues. When OKC decides to play defense, LeBron and Wade must start hitting outside jumpers or the Heat will continue having 40-point 2nd halves. That is crazy.
