True that with adding shaq, their interior defence just got a lot better. But for me last year they lost was cause they really had no answer for lewis. I know DH commanded a lot of attention, but IMHO lewis was the difference maker. they still don't have anyone who can match up with lewis. either they too small who lewis would just shoot over or post up, or they are too slow.
What a HUGE win for the Spurs, they looked dead in SA vs the Lakers but today they look like the Spurs of old. I honestly thought the Spurs were done but wins vs the Cavs at home and Lakers/Celtics on the road makes them serious threats in the playoffs.
Traditions don't change after so many years... I just don't see why you would want to change a major part of basketball that actually works... Free throws are free throws... you make players make FTs to win games.
The problem in last year's playoffs was LeBron's supporting cast played below their ability. If you watch the Cavs on a regular basis, all of their players get chances to shine on a regular basis. But against the Magic in the playoffs, the role players didn't come through and it was on LeBron to carry them. Funny you would mention Mo Williams because he was the biggest choke jobber in the whole playoffs. If he had played up to snuff, the Cavs would have won the championship IMO. I lost all respect for the guy. Jamison's addition should be huge in the playoffs when Mo starts "tightening up". Good win for the Spurs. If TP comes back and integrates back into their rotation, they could be dangerous.
The Lakers might cruise through West, but they may have d#mn harder time of doing this year. Especially, if they get SA or Portland in the 1st Round. I think Portland could push them to 6, while SA might could actually beat them (if Parker is fairly healthy). The next round, they could potential end up against Phoenix or Denver. Possibly, finishing off against Dallas or Denver. There's only one team that I think they would have a real easy time with... is the Jazz (which is fortunate). OKC might could even give the Lakers' a little trouble.
I just demonstrated an instance where they did change after so many years. And why should it be free throws? Do you have a reason why that's a good thing for the game, or just the weak response "that's how it is"?
Spot on as usual. If Lebron had just one guy who would help out in the playoffs... If you had to pick, Mo would be the 2nd best player on the team and he was nowhere to be found. Combine that with the fact that Big Z and Varejao were getting manhandled by DH and there was no chance. Forget the offensive end and any help for Lebron. If someone was there to keep DH in check that alone would have been enough to give the Cavs a good shot a going forward. Hello, Mr. O'Neal.
The thing about the Cavs is simply, like you said is another guy stepping up. Getting Shaq, Parker, and Jamison with an improving Hickson should be more than enough for them to overtake Orlando. Now that got players who can keep Dwight off the boards and even limit his offensive effectiveness. The Magic do not have the personnel to slow down LeBron (really no team does, except maybe the Lakers and ... *cough* the Rockets). He's going to have a series of averaging over 30 points a game, it's almost a given.
Yeah... the 3 point shot which was implemented when the league had started just after 30 years... this has been around since the beginning. You'd be changing basketball everywhere if you set a standard like this... The way it is right now gives the other team a chance in case the team that is up misses FTs... who cares if you have to watch them shoot FTs at the end of the game? The game isn't always over just because a team has the lead and FTs. 1 FT and the ball would be a huge advantage... and that would neglect any team from ever coming back.
I'm sure nobody here cares, but I wonder if GS is going to blow this game to the Raptors. They are in meltdown mode.
The fact is just that the Magic were a poor matchup for the Cavs. They probably would have beaten any other team in a 7-game series.
The Thunder came out of the gate taking no prisoners. No letdown after the big win in Dallas last night. Minny is hitting jumpers like layups but it ain't close to being enough against a good team that is motivated, especially since they aren't playing much defense. OKC is moving the ball extremely well and is completely dominating the boards.
Chris Bosh 41 minutes, 11-18 shooting, 18-21 FTs, 12 rebounds (4 of), 5 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 40 points. And people on this forum actually say they dont want him here.
