Code: LeBron in the clutch 2011 Finals vs. 2012 Finals 2011 2012 Min 18 11 Pts 0 14 FG 0-7 4-7 FT 0-0 5-6 FGA dist.(ft) 22.9' 15.3' +/- -16 +16 Note: Last 5 minutes, score within 5
just talking about this at the barber shop.. if the heat win this series where does lebron's post season rank all-time? 30.5 ppg (.501 FG%), 9.7 Rebounds, 5.3 assist while being the heats best perimeter defender with an injured wade and injured bosh clearly not the best but top 15?
"In the Finals..." is such a silly statistic. It's a playoff series. Plenty of teams have come back from down 1-3. It wouldn't shock me because I do think OKC is the (slightly) physically superior team, so winning three games is doable. But I'm not predicting it, because I don't trust OKC not to have a late breakdown for three straight games. Playing the odds. This series reminds me a lot of the Thunder-Mavs WCF one year ago. The Thunder had more raw talent, but continually had issues with late-game brain cramps against a veteran, defensive-minded club (remember, Mavs had Chandler). That was supposed to be their learning experience, which is why this series is so alarming. Doesn't seem like anything has changed. In Game 5 in Dallas (down 3-1), OKC came out intense and led most of the way... before again falling apart in the closing minutes with a series of self-inflicted wounds. That's what I fear happens tomorrow night. I don't think OKC will fold - they have a lot of pride and will play very hard. It's certainly not an issue of effort. I wouldn't be shocked if they lead most of the way. But if it's close in the last 5 minutes... the Thunder are starting to carry a lot of mental baggage against opponents who can defend.
Some stats for you: - only player in history to put up 650 points, 200 rebs, 100 ast in a postseason run - only 1 of 3 times a player has averaged 30/9/5 in a playoff run. Oscar was one, Lebron did it twice (09/12) -this will rank up there with some of the greatest individual playoff runs of all time (Jordan, Kareem, Hakeem, Shaq) Jordan in 93: 35ppg, 7, 6 Shaq in 00 and 01: 30/15/3/3 Hakeem in 95; 33/10/5/4 Kareem 74: 32/16/5 Kareem in 75: 35/18/4 Larry 87: 27/10/7 Duncan 03: 25/15/5/4 And remember, Lebron has faced an all-star SF in every round (Melo/Granger/Pierce/Durant).
You presume that the Finals is like every other playoff series. It's not. Players both current and retired have gone on the record and said that it's a different ball game altogether. You can see it in the way the OKC players are playing. Therefore it is not a silly statistic.
Fine, if that's what you want to believe. OKC has much bigger problems than KD not getting enough rebounds. That isn't why they've lost 3 in-a-row.
I remember this series, this is a good comparison. So I see where you're coming from. But I don't see how you think OKC is a more physical team. They don't attack, they pull up and take jumpers, MIA have been attacking all series and have out rebounded them.
The one game they won, OKC outrebounded Miami by 8. In that one game, KD had his highest rebounding total: 8. The 3 games they lost, they got outrebounded by at least 4. So actually, KD not rebounding is one of the reasons why OKC is losing.
I would say arguably the best. Can you name 5 better ones since 1980 for example? Edit: And I'm obviously giving him extra props for being the primary defender, much like Hakeem had to check Robinson and Shaq in 95.
When I said physically superior, I meant in terms of overall talent. Not just the scope of "physical"-style play. Sorry if the wording was unclear. My main point was that to me, the biggest edge for the Heat is in poise. That's not to say Miami isn't very good - they certainly have some talent advantages, in terms of rebounding and interior scoring. But on the whole, the Thunder offense should be enough to outscore anyone in the league over 48 minutes - even Miami. Difference is, the Heat don't have nearly the "WTF?" moments when it's close and late that OKC does. Same story as Thunder-Mavs a year ago.
Games are won on the boards and defense, not outscoring opponents. If you think OKC would have beaten Miami b/c they can "outscore anyone" is completely wrong. Championship teams don't go into games looking to outscore teams; they look to stop the other teams. Miami is the better defensive team, and that's why they're winning.
wade wasnt injured bosh was using injury as an excuse for how crappy wade played in some of the earlier series is dumb
Westbrook had 20 fgs MADE last night in a Finals game. Jordan did it ONCE in his entire career in the Finals. Kobe never did it. James most likely will never do it. Wade had his knees drained prior to game 3 v. the Pacers. And he called in Tim Grover prior to game 3 v. OKC. He's injured. but Wade is injury-prone. WindhorstESPN Brian Windhorst LeBron said he's talked with Hakeem Olajuwon 3 times during the playoffs to discuss post play & for encouragement.
This is why OKC can't win. There mentality is strongly based on scoring. MIA plays great defense and they like playing defense... not many teams have this mentality. Never understood why certain fans don't like to watch Heat games.
How can you question his injury. He's been hurt a lot and his style of play makes him prone to injury. And these guys plays 90+ games a year when you count playoffs, obviously not this shorten season. But all these games, injuries are going to happen. We ain't watching soccer, the majority of the injuries you hear about are real and are not excuses.
Thats what happens when you attack the rim and don't settle for jumpers. There not getting away with anything, they're being aggressive. Westbrook is scoring the majority of points in the paint, other than that... they have no inside scoring.
Yes, WB is definitely being rewarded for constantly attacking the paint with multiple trips to the ft line.
