Spurs were inconsistent at times too. Not knowing how to defend at times, then they got around. Lakers were just too strong in the past, the West can be very rough I wonder why in the past there has been Spurs Killers and now only the Heat remain the team that can give them problems. It is a mystery
Normally, I hate ESPN posters, but these are some good comments: "Not 3, not 4, not 5, not 6....just 2." "Hey, Lebron, what's next? Are you taking your talents to the Alamo?" "Spurs want this ended early because most of their players have tickets for the World Cup."
A lot of people thought they were just coasting late in the season, especially with Wade resting on back-to-backs. But I was never impressed with their run through the Eastern Conference Playoffs. You can't entirely fault the Heat since the competition was a joke(young Bobcats, old Nets, and inconsistent Pacers), but that was maybe the easiest path to the Finals I've seen in a long time. The thing I've been saying since mid-season though is that this is simply not the same Miami Heat as a year ago. They're older, the bench is weaker, and fatigue is going to be an issue when you've made deep playoff runs 4 years in a row. Look at how the Shaq-Kobe Lakers eventually ran out of gas in 2003(against the Spurs oddly enough). The same thing is happening here.
I truly wish for the Spurs to finish off the Heat on Sunday. I was criticized previously for saying, "The Spurs are all that's right with the NBA." Some somehow took that as me turning on the Rockets which couldn't be more comical. After all, I want 3 in 15, and believe Murray and our troops can deliver. But what I see and respect most in the Spurs (and believe Houston can soon achieve) is their level of composure and trust in one another. It's as if every single player on the court is on the same page at all times and it's awesome to watch. They are cool, calm, steady, focused, and incredibly in sync. More than that, there is a family component that I believe Houston also shares. Pop genuinely cares about his group of guys and it's a privilege to watch the way they go out and compete for him and each other. Finally, I don't have hate for LeBron and anyone would be a fool to think he's anything but the brightest of the league's current superstars. With that being said I didn't particularly agree with the manner in which he left Cleveland (cough cough The Decision), or in the way the Heat generally choose to conduct themselves (I could very well be a D. Wade hater. Guy irks me although admittedly I was a i3ig fan his rookie year). I do however think James would stand to tarnish his reputation all the more if he leaves Miami to go anywhere but Cleveland (Or Houston given my rampant homerism). I'd also be physically sick if Melo was to join Miami. Super teams are a part of the league, but it'd feel far too much like douchey 20 year old counselors hooping against nerdy 12 year old camp kids.
I made essentially the same comment over two years ago right here on ClutchFans. It's LeBron and the scrub brigade. They're all riding his coattails. Occasionally the scrub brigade will show up, but more often than not, like in this series, it's LeBron vs the other team. As well as the Spurs are playing, it's just disgusting to see the scrub brigade not even register a pulse in this series. The last two games have just been embarrassing. As far as this series goes, it's over. Miami might as well keep their talents in South Beach. If you want a winning bet, take Spurs moneyline for as much as you can afford to risk on game 5.
Mike Miller, Shane Battier, Ray Allen all came to rescue with unbelivable 3s. Otherwise, Spurs won 4-2 last year without a healthy Ginobili. With an improved bench this year, its logical to expect a 4-1 or 4-2 series.
Kwahi is going to be an all-star and in terms of personality, he's probably a coach's dream. I almost never see him showing too much emotion on the court. He doesn't complain, just listens and does what he's told. Oh, and he plays world-class defense. Danggggggg I wish he was on the Rockets.
We shouldn't get good players any more because you people hate McHale and think he'd waste players. Was Parsosn "wasted" on the Rockets? Beverley? Jones? Guys who are motivated and want to improve can get good in Houston and carve out a role. This isn't Sacramento, where otherwise useful player go to die.
Pretty hilarious... http://deadspin.com/pouty-bill-simmons-wishes-somebody-would-let-him-talk-1590308811
The day Popovich and his followers leave I guess tons of fans will exhale and when hey are horrible again, some will smile.
Much as I want to see the Spurs finally put away the Heat, I'd say it's only evident that the Miami Trio are going to play their hearts out on Game 5. Wade and Bosh will most likely score 20+ each and Lebron will drop at least more than 30. I hope the Spurs come out even stronger...