KD's going to get at least 4-5 wide open shots during a game because he moves without the ball and runs the break. It's just the way it is. He doesn't depend on isolations to generate his points (unless only Battier or Wade is standing in the way). Your comment that a lot of things went right for OKC in game 1 is a constant refrain this post-season. Surely WB wouldn't continue his assault in game 3 against the Mavs in Dallas, right? He didn't and OKC won a blowout. OKC stopped The Clinic in it's tracks in game 3 against the Spurs. "How likely is that to happen again?" It didn't and they rolled anyway. In game 4, Ibaka/Perk/Collison exploded. It didn't happen again and that didn't matter. OKC took 4 straight against an experienced, seasoned team with a great coach on a 20-game winning streak. I agree there probably won't be another game exactly like this first one. Whose advantage is that? On another subject: IMO, Miami can't afford for LeBron to guard KD the entire time. If they do that, they may as well make Shane inactive. Plus, LeBron will tire out early from running around the court trying to get around picks. I would expect KD to go out of his way to run LeBron around. Except for their usual slow starts, OKC's growth this post-season is they don't have much trouble scoring when defenses load up on KD. Ask the Mavs, Lakers and Spurs. The 4th quarter (like OKC did with KD on Kobe) is when LeBron should get the assignment because he absolutely must carry the offensive load most of the game to keep the Heat close.
LOL. He always wants to make excuses for LeBron. Well, if things always go right for the team, maybe the team is doing a lot of things right.
Spoelstra is garbage! I hate it when they switch lazily. Its one thing to fight thru a screen then switch, but its another when u just pass the guy off and switch. Why take out battier when he was on fire? Why did he only play 7 players? They don't have sets and they were walking the ball up early in the game. I hope he gets fired. He's wasting the high end yrs of the big 3. I said it before, they win despite having a bum for a coach.
Bosh had great shots? Are you kidding me? He made 3 3s in game 7 and all of the sudden he thinks he is Ray Allen.He was PATHETIC. They have no inside game and yet their power forward is playing shooting guard. OKC would be fine with that too
How about you're in the NBA Finals, Dwayne, and probably shouldn't be looking for the South Beach scene right now anyway?
Yep. He needs to be in the gym or training room. Not worrying about what's poppin on a weeknight in OKC.
Guys, A_3PO, etc... Serious post. I see a pattern in this thread that I saw in the Boston and Indiana threads. Now, in this particular thread it's a bit more warranted because Durant can be unguardable at times and the other teams did not have a Durant, but after one game you guys have pretty much concluded that Miaimi is done and you're typing out these well thought out reasons why Miami is done. I just want to bring your attention to the fact that you did the very same things in the Indiana and Boston threads and you guys turned out to be 100% wrong. Can we agree that Miami's goal coming into OKC was to get a split? They went up 13 in game 1 and damn near got their split but it honestly looked like they tired out in the 4th AND LeBron had a poor shooting night. Wade also played like a Grandma. These guys extended every ounce of energy they had in games 6 and 7 in Boston and then had to travel to OKC. Bottom line, I wouldn't read too much into this game the way you guys are doing. It's just one game. Especially since it's like you're crying wolf because you guys have done this very thing before! Remember Pacertom? Don't be a Pacertom. Miami's goal was to split. They fell short in game 1. If they get a split in game 2, then it's mission accomplished. If they fall short in game 2, then OKC held home court just like they were supposed to do. It's no big deal. Guys, you need to win 4 games. Remember the finals last year? Miami won game 1. Hell they basically won game 2 and gave it away at the end, AND THEY WON GAME 3. Guess what? It meant nothing. Dallas won in the end. I know you guys, especially A_3PO like to sound smart, intelligent, informed, etc... but the bottom line is, you guys have NO IDEA what's going to happen. Nor do I. So don't get ahead of yourselves guys - you've already embarrassed yourselves a few times with your bogus predictions. Learn from your mistakes!
How about you guys stop looking for things to get offended about? When Barkely did the very thing to San Antonio we all laughed and loved him for it. When Wade says the truth about OKC, we crucify Wade? A fact is a fact. There is nothing to do in OKC. Boring city.
Miami is done, LeBron is a choker (and he danced in the locker room! How dare he!), Wade can't shoot straight and Bosh looks like a raptor ...wait, what... Oh, ok... Oops, my bad. OKC has to win 3 more games. Continue on, nothing to see here. This should be a great series!
Every one was saying after the 1st two games the thunder were done or how after the 1st two games boston was done and then after they won three straight miami was done. People are making these they are done statements way too fast.
How hypocritical is it that when the beloved UT longhorns play OU every year in football you guys talk about how crappy the state of Oklahoma is, how their fans are rednecks, cornfed, etc, but now that your loverboy Durant has a chance to put the smack down on Wade/LeBron you get offended when someone makes a small comment about Oklahoma? LMAO! You guys are something else. smh x1000
If Stern was smart he would make this a seven gamer. The ratings for game one were the highest they have been in a long time.
Yes of course they have a chance. They aren't supposed to win these first two games. They are on the road to a better team with a better record than them. OKC lost the first two to San Antonio, right?