I watched all 6 games too. It was disguisting how Avery Johnson kept fouling Shaq to get Miami in the bonus early, and how the Mavs had no one to hold perimiter players all season. Wasn't that the same yr Kobe dropped 62 in 3 qtrs on them?
In 2 games that the Heat won, the Heat shot 7 and 8 more free throws than Dallas. One game was distinctly unfair- I think the difference was 22- and another was 12. And the series was over in 6. So, if one of those games was more fairly called, Dallas would have possibly won 1 more. But easily? Rose-colored glasses. Maybe if Josh Howard, Terry, and Dirk didn't settle for outside jumpers the entire series, it would have been different. I think Stackhouse was the only one who was regularly taking it to the hoop. Say what you want about Wade, but just like he did against Detroit in the previous series, he attacked the basket relentlessly and thus contributed to at least some of the disparity. Again, not saying that the series would have been somewhat different, but no way was Dallas taking them after game 3, referees or not.
Compare the starting 5 Anthony<Chandler Bosh<Dirk Lbj>Marion but I think he'll play decent D Dwade>Stevenson Bibby<Kid Heat bench<Dallas bench If the refs don't get to "involved" Dallas wins.. Basketball is so depressing nowadays
The "<" symbol causes hidden text (I believe I named it invisible text after I discovered it) Key is to do a space Allow me to make your post readable on these forums. Anthony < Chandler Bosh < Dirk Lbj>Marion but I think he'll play decent D Dwade>Stevenson Bibby < Kidd Heat Bench < Dallas Bench
This postseason: James: 25.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 5.4 apg Wade: 23.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 4.2 apg Bosh: 18.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg Lebron is getting his numbers on a stacked team that has 2 other players capable of consistently creating their own shots. Dirk is getting his numbers FAR MORE EFFICIENTLY with an inferior supporting cast. So yeah, Dirk has been playing the best basketball this postseason.
So...you don't consider defensive effort? Because the last time I checked, Dirk is scoring a ton at a very efficient rate. LeBron is scoring at a less efficient rate, rebounding more, getting more assists and checking the primary option on the other team. So is defense not important to you?
Difficult to compare players who play very different roles. Dirk's job within the Mavs defense is obviously very different than LeBron's job within the Heat defense.
dirk's transformation into a clutch player is the primary reason why he's being lauded, and rightfully so. he has been a brand new player this postseason, something fans have envisioned him to be. but lebron has been the most dominating player, on both ends. for him to erase derrick rose out of the game when he has been on him is something to behold. but for him to do it vs a veteran superstar like dirk will be more impressive. let's see if lebron can slow dirk down in the finals. i think lebron will guard him in the 4th quarter like he did rose: last 5-6 mins of a game. yea, one is the anchor, and the other isn't. carlisle will try to have dirk chill as much as possible on defense, while spo forces lebron to anchor their defense. if you're a great defender, your coach will ask you to step up. i don't think we'll see carlisle ask dirk to guard chris bosh in the finals, let's put it that way.
Of course defense is important, but perimeter defense is not as important as interior defense. And let's not act as if he was guarding Rose the entire game. In regards to rebounds, Lebron is averaging 1 more rebound/game than Dirk. 1. And I don't care about the assist discrepancy b/c Lebron is playing as their point-forward and running their offense. You need to realize that I do think Lebron is playing great. Dirk is simply playing better.
@tmac1 I am excited to see that matchup as well. If Dirk plays like he did in fourth quarters against LAL/OKC, I do not think that any individual defender (including LeBron) can slow him down. Unlike Rose, Dirk is not intimidated by anybody. But we will see. Once again, that should be exciting.
They're also playing against a team that has a HOF PG on a mission and a group of veteran players who really know how to play smart and share the rock. I'm changing my vote to Dallas in 6 or 7.
He's being lauded b/c of his clutchness and his efficiency. You're constantly ignoring his efficiency. It makes you look ignorant. But seeing as how you were a fan of McGrady, I guess efficiency isn't important to you...
who would be intimidated by seeing pau gasol/ibaka/nick collison defending them? again, if you took a poll and ask if derrick rose would be erased from the court when lebron guarded him before the series started, i'm sure you would have said no. lebron's versatility as a defender will come into play again. he shut down a 6-2 guard. now he'll face a 7'. he played off drose, now he can play all up on dirk. it'll be a great matchup. i don't argue that. but lebron is dominating on BOTH sides of the court in the playoffs for all 3 series. people underestimate the energy it takes when you have to play defense ALL game. you may just judge that lebron only plays defense when he guarded rose, but this guy is all over the place. he is a defensive ANCHOR, not just a team defender. dirk has been more impressive OFFENSIVELY, i won't argue that. his offensive production has been one of the best in recent memories in the past 2 playoff series. but what lebron is doing on both ends is borderline jordan-like. he not only scores on you, but shuts the other team's guy down. this is why 2-way players are VERY RARE in this league. and to do it at the highest level is rarer than rare. the last player to do that was tim duncan.
I agree that in general perimiter defense isn't as important as interior defense. However, considering the teams that the Heat have faced and the dudes LeBron defended: - Iggy, their best offensive weapon. - Pierce, their best offensive weapon. Also spent time on Rondo and closed games on KG when they went small with Bosh at C. - Rose in the 4th I don't see how anyone can say his defense wasn't important in this playoff run, especially not in this series. I would say his defense on Rose made all the difference in the world, and Rose seems to agree.
Yes, and that HOF PG isn't a scoring threat and none of those veteran players can defend LeBron, Wade or Bosh.
