I strongly, strongly doubt this. Why do you think the Heat will close this thing out without James? He's been everything for them. Sure, you're left with Wade and Bosh - two very good players in their own right - but taking away James from the Heat is like taking away Nash from the Suns; both are absolutely invaluable to their teams. And there's so much more to it, other than losing pts/rebs/asts; you're going to have to play Miller or Anthony in James' place. OKC would LOVE to exploit that.
No they're not, and it's not even close. Durant goes OFF on anyone not named Lebron. If you watched the game, anytime Lebron was not guarding KD he was scoring at will. The first two games I would say Durant scored about 80% + when James was not guarding him. Don't assume that just because they were able to close out the game with James hurt that they could maintain that the whole game. I do think James plays in Game 5. But, you act like the games were NOT just decided in the last minute of each game
I posted this in another thread: It blows my mind that Collison and Ibaka aren't getting minutes together. They would improve the interior defense with their complimentary styles (charges vs. blocks) and both are good offensive rebounders. What's killing OKC is their inability to take advantage of Bosh being the only big guy on the court for Miami. On offense, Miami has the luxury of putting 4 shooters around a dominant low post game with Lebron. On defense, Miami is able to rebound well because OKC has either been going small to match up OR playing the biggest POS on the floor, Kendrick Perkins.
Maybe if this would have happened in game 2 or 3 Okc might have a chance. LBJ is obviously important but at this point, this series is over Thursday whether or not he suits up. That being said James will suit up. If Mia doesn't close this out in game 5, I will make a tip jar donation equal to the amout of points OKCs leading scorer has. Screen shot this or whatever. It is done!
Up 3-1 at home in a close out game motivated by the fans to redeem themselves after last seasons loss, they get it done. Could they win 4 games like that no, but one game yes. But James will be there.
You keep saying the same thing over and over again. How Miami will win without James, but regardless, James will suit up. The only logical thing I can gather, is that this Heat team without James is better than the OKC team. Why? Confidence, because they lead 3-1? That would be the only reason why Miami would stand a chance without LeBron against OKC; confidence. This isn't MIA playing the Charlotte Bobcats.
So what? They play 1 minute (with the lead, mind you) and keep it. Without James this team would lose by 10 + points three games in a row. I can not think of another player in the last 20 years who has had to do more for his team, lead them in scoring, assist, rebounding, steals, MINUTES and guard the best scorer in the league. He is their everything.
Clearly what I'm saying is bothering you......so why do you keep replying? It is what it is.....OKC is done.
I agree he is the main reason MIA is in the position, but I don't think if James is not able to go for game 5 OKC automatically wins. This is not a knock on James whatsoever, he has been amazing and all that. I'm simply saying nothing short of a miracle will save OKC now and it will take more than James not being there, at this point, to do it.
Anyone ever notice how Chris Broussard RARELY gets a word in during the analysis?? "Ervin" Magic seems to not even acknowledge he's there.
That's his fault. Honestly, he's not really much of an analyst. He's pretty much an insider sitting in an open seat. Tim Legler would be a better fit with those guys.
I think they would have to force him to stay off the court. The thrill of the one court victory will be sweet especially in front of home fans.
A miracle? Eh, Thunder are likely done being down 3-1 now, but if they win Game 5, they have 6 and 7 at home and that's a big time momentum swing. We'll see.
