I think you're missing the point here... The argument ALL ALONG by Kobe apologists was this: Shaq could not win a ring without Kobe, no other guard would do. I remember plenty of times when people argued that you could substitute AI or T-Mac or even Vince in his prime with Shaq, and they would STILL win those championships. Most argued that Kobe was replaceble, while the only irreplaceble player on the squad was Shaq, that as long as you had the dominant center, then any dominant guard would do. I think this will validate that argument, not only that, but the fact that Shaq is far less dominant than he was with Kobe, and they're STILL able to win it all with a dominant guard (not to mention that most argue Wade is inferior to Kobe, which I vehemently disagree with, of course, because while he might not be as 'skilled' as a Kobe or a T-Mac, he's more efficient). Of course, all this assumes the Heat win the championship this year. Anyways, back to the game... I never though the day would come when I actually credit Walker with anything, but he's the Heat's second best player tonight, and Mourning has been far more effective than Shaq tonight, seems like the entire momentum of the game shifts to the Heat's advantage when Mourning comes in and Payton is nowhere to be seen on the court. GO HEAT!
Riley is going to get away with playing Payton and Zo big minutes in that 3rd quarter, and having a lead... while getting Shaq and Wade some much needed rest. Now, Wade should pretty much get the ball on 98% of the possesions, look to score, and if Dallas continues their paper-soft defense to allow him to drive in... that could be the end.
but when have i criticized him? i'm getting mad at the refs for the calls for him. i can't remember saying anything too disparaging about wade. in fact, i said he was a monster either during game 3 or game 5. i am, but i know how revisionist history works. shaq will be the guy who came to miami promising a championship and delivered, a guy who led 3 separate teams to the finals. no one will remember the poor play. we'll be lucky if they remember wade was the mian guy on the team. otherwise, i wouldn't worry so much about this.
They double-team Shaq a lot, but let Wade go one on one most of the time. I just don't understand the logic here. Wade is the true threat! Let Shaq get his point and stop Wade by all means, you stupid Johnson.
It's Wade County time...or as I like to call him, the 'Black Panther' (credit Coach Reilly with that, in the pre-game conference he used an analogy to compare Wade to a panther, which I thought was right on point).
For those saying we have to build like the Mavericks, look at how the Heat are competing with them, with a lesser roster than ours. Tmac = Wade Yao > Shaq We just need complimentary players now. DD
The biggest basket for Dallas and the series... and its delivered by Diop. Miami getting Zo back in here may be a blessing in disguise.
Payton has hit a few really big shots in this series. Plus, why pass the ball to a guy who has his back turned.
get white chocolate out there. what the F#$#@ is GP doing? its the freaking finals, what is he yapping about.
Payton has spent some 16 years or so jawing at the refs without a ring. He better stop jawing at the refs now before he ****s up his last shot at one.
