[BigDofBA]

I'm curious.

I've watched the Heat and Thunder games quite closely the past two years and I'm fine with this matchup.

[bleek88]

Bust a nut right on your forehead.

[Speedy88]

I think you are underestimating the Heat because of their recent struggles against Indiana and Boston. Lets make it clear that they had been playing without Chris Bosh for nearly two entire series. Chris Bosh was a top 15 NBA player when he was in Toronto, and is the best #3 option in the NBA (better than your boy Harden). I've said many times that Bosh is more important to the Heat than Wade is.

The Heat matchup real well with OKC IMO. LeBron can slow down Durant when he guards him. My guess is he guards him in spots, mainly in the 4th quarter. Wade will likely play Westbrook at times, similar to how Kobe guarded Westbrook in the LA/OKC series. I think the Heat can keep Durant and Westbrook in check. Harden could be huge in this series for OKC.

One major advantage for Miami is that they have an inside presence in Bosh who can score in the post. And he can pull Ibaka and Perkins away from the basket, and we all know that Perk and Ibaka like to stay close to the rim. This series has a lot of big names, but I think Bosh and Harden will both be the x-factors for both teams.

One other reason why I like Miami is that they lost in the finals last year. Losing in the finals this year would make this year a failure. On the other hand, if OKC loses, this is just a "step in the right direction."

I'll be making a series bet on the Heat after they fall behind 0-1. Your Thunder should take game 1.

[BigDofBA]

I think you are underestimating the Heat because of their recent struggles against Indiana and Boston. Lets make it clear that they had been playing without Chris Bosh for nearly two entire series. Chris Bosh was a top 15 NBA player when he was in Toronto, and is the best #3 option in the NBA (better than your boy Harden). I've said many times that Bosh is more important to the Heat than Wade is.

The Heat matchup real well with OKC IMO. LeBron can slow down Durant when he guards him. My guess is he guards him in spots, mainly in the 4th quarter. Wade will likely play Westbrook at times, similar to how Kobe guarded Westbrook in the LA/OKC series. I think the Heat can keep Durant and Westbrook in check. Harden could be huge in this series for OKC.

One major advantage for Miami is that they have an inside presence in Bosh who can score in the post. And he can pull Ibaka and Perkins away from the basket, and we all know that Perk and Ibaka like to stay close to the rim. This series has a lot of big names, but I think Bosh and Harden will both be the x-factors for both teams.

One other reason why I like Miami is that they lost in the finals last year. Losing in the finals this year would make this year a failure. On the other hand, if OKC loses, this is just a "step in the right direction."

I'll be making a series bet on the Heat after they fall behind 0-1. Your Thunder should take game 1.

You bring up some good points.

With that said, I disagree about Bosh being an inside presence. OKC has more of an inside presence with Perkins and Ibaka. Bosh is a nice player but he isn't the superstar everyone thought he was when he came to Miami. Miami has a big "two" as far as I'm concerned. It's easier to be the man on a team like Toronto. Bosh would probably be the Thunder's 5th best player.

Miami is a good team. I just think it's a bit ridiculous people are saying Lebron is going to shut down Durant when he has yet to prove that. Trust me, I've watched OKC/Miami games closely. Durany scored 30 in each game the teams played this year.

OKC won by 16 at home and lost by 7 in Miami.

The game in OKC was never close and the Thunder were up big most of the game. The game in Miami was a close game OKC let get away. The Thunder actually led in the 4th quarter.

After beating the Dirk and the Maves, Kobe and the Lakers, and Parker/Ginobli/ Duncan and the Spurs, I don't think there is any fear in OKC and the Thunder have homecourt.

We'll see, I like the Thunder's chances here. I'll take Durant with the game on the line over Lebron.

[dlunc3]

Because Lebron is hands down the best and most player in the world. That would be the only reason I can see.

[dlunc3]

most dominant*

[BigDofBA]

Lebron is the most physically gifted player. That doesn't mean he is clutch.

Durant made a game winner against Dallas.

Durant made a game winner against the Lakers.

Durant scored 16 straight in the final minutes to take out the Spurs in game two.


I'll take Durant. Lebron looks good when he fills the stat sheet and the game is decided for the final minutes. The dude is afraid to take the last shot in an all-star game....

[dlunc3]

Lebron is the most physically gifted player. That doesn't mean he is clutch.

I would consider his past two performances with his back against the wall pretty clutch. I would also view his playoff career as a whole, pretty clutch. Has been completely dominant in all but basically 2 series in his playoff career, and his playoff numbers are better then his regular season numbers. I would also consider the fact that he is the all time leader in ppg in elimination games a pretty clutch stat.

[JOHON8]

Miami's defense will win the series. Spurs were too soft defensively which is what cost them.

[dlunc3]

"Clutch" is much more then hitting a game winning shot. Showing up in the playoffs, dominating 4th quarters, dominating elimination games, elevating your game under playoff pressure are much more important "clutch" factors then hitting a game winning shot. There is a reason robert horry and steve kerr are not known as "best of all time" type players.. they were great at hitting last second shots, but any team in the world would take a player that demonstrates the aspects I just listed over a player like them who will hit the last second game winner. Should be a great finals. Going in though, there is no question who the best player on the court will be.

[Goat Milk]

we'll talk monday

[Speedy88]

It will be a great series. I expect OKC to take game 1 and Miami to make the proper adjustments and tie the series up 1-1 heading into Miami. Really curious to see how both coaches decide to defend the opposing stars.

As for the LeBron vs Durant clutch argument, people give LeBron to much crap for the past. Outside of last second shots and the finals last year, LeBron is as clutch as it gets. The guy played as great as you can against the C's in gm 6 and 7 yet everyone still talks about his performance against Dallas last year. Who would I rather have taking the last shot....Durant hands down. But most basketball games are decided before the last seconds of a game.

OKC has not seen a defense as good as Miami's. All of the premier defensive teams play in the East (Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston). I don't think we'll see the Thunder score as well in this series. LeBron will slow down Durant. OKC doesn't have anyone who can contain LeBron. I do think Sefelosha can contain Wade, but Sefelosha doesn't play much outside of the start of the 1st and 3rd quarter.

[k4cowboys4k]

You have way to much bias big D. Like stated before, lebron is hands down the best player in the world. Bosh being the 5th best player on the thunder is laughable. Westbrook takes terrible shots and in a star filled match up will let his "must get mine" ego get the best of him.

My final argument is look how the thunder celebrated in game 6 against the spurs. They scored to go up 6 with 20 seconds left and began celebrating like they won the championship already, all while the spurs brought the ball up court! It shows their immaturity and lack of experience. With the heat being in the finals last year they have a huge edge in that department.

[BigDofBA]

You have way to much bias big D. Like stated before, lebron is hands down the best player in the world. Bosh being the 5th best player on the thunder is laughable. Westbrook takes terrible shots and in a star filled match up will let his "must get mine" ego get the best of him.

My final argument is look how the thunder celebrated in game 6 against the spurs. They scored to go up 6 with 20 seconds left and began celebrating like they won the championship already, all while the spurs brought the ball up court! It shows their immaturity and lack of experience. With the heat being in the finals last year they have a huge edge in that department.

Good points. Thanks for adding some useful comments.

The Thunder are young and immature. I agree Lebron is the a freak of an athlete but he can't guard everyone.

[k4cowboys4k]

I realize he can't shut down Durant. No one can repeatedly alter his shot and keep him in front, but I think he will slow him down and at least keep/get the ball out of his hands forcing other thunder players to score to win.

[BigDofBA]

I realize he can't shut down Durant. No one can repeatedly alter his shot and keep him in front, but I think he will slow him down and at least keep/get the ball out of his hands forcing other thunder players to score to win.

Should be fun.

I'm thinking this might be the start of something special for Durant.

[jtin103779]

Looks like an even series. Getting +1.40.

[BigDeem5]

Here is why the Heat will win, BigD.... Who the f is going to guard Wade/LeBron? They can put Wade on Westbrook, LeBron on Durant, Battier on Harden etc. But as for the Thunder defensive matchups, what do you do? Durant can't guard LeBron, Westbrook can't stop wade. If Shefolosa is in that would be Westbrook, Harden, Dur, Shefolosa - which they usually dont roll those 4. Harden can't stop either Wade or LeBron. These guys can't even slow them down. Bosh will stretch Ibaka away from the floor, Thunder have huge matchup problems on defensive end.

I love Russell Westbrook - but he isn't quite there yet. Rondo was completely dominate the whole series vs Miami and Boston still lost, you think Westbrook can average 15 12 and 8? Opposing PGs can kill Miami, but I see Westbrook going off 1 of the first 2 and hurting them in the other. I see it being 1-1 back to Miami, also.

As good as Durant has been in these playoffs, he isn't as solid as LeBron. You can say all you want, ud take him for the last shot. But, Durant will have a game or two where he goes about 6/20 from the floor and score 16-18 pts. LeBron is getting 30 a night with 12 rebs. EVERY NIGHT. Miami's role players stepped up in Game 7, Chalmers, Battier, and Haslem. But they will need to play well in OKC.

Harden could be huge offensively for Thunder and needs to be. I think the young Thunder lose this series in 6. They go to OKC in Game 6 down 3-2 and Miami closes it out on Thunders home court.

All this being said, I think OKC is the better put together team. I just think Wade and LeBron are on a mission. If Bosh plays well, Miami wins. I see no ill effects from ab injury either.

[BigDofBA]

Here is why the Heat will win, BigD.... Who the f is going to guard Wade/LeBron? They can put Wade on Westbrook, LeBron on Durant, Battier on Harden etc. But as for the Thunder defensive matchups, what do you do? Durant can't guard LeBron, Westbrook can't stop wade. If Shefolosa is in that would be Westbrook, Harden, Dur, Shefolosa - which they usually dont roll those 4. Harden can't stop either Wade or LeBron. These guys can't even slow them down. Bosh will stretch Ibaka away from the floor, Thunder have huge matchup problems on defensive end.

I love Russell Westbrook - but he isn't quite there yet. Rondo was completely dominate the whole series vs Miami and Boston still lost, you think Westbrook can average 15 12 and 8? Opposing PGs can kill Miami, but I see Westbrook going off 1 of the first 2 and hurting them in the other. I see it being 1-1 back to Miami, also.

As good as Durant has been in these playoffs, he isn't as solid as LeBron. You can say all you want, ud take him for the last shot. But, Durant will have a game or two where he goes about 6/20 from the floor and score 16-18 pts. LeBron is getting 30 a night with 12 rebs. EVERY NIGHT. Miami's role players stepped up in Game 7, Chalmers, Battier, and Haslem. But they will need to play well in OKC.

Harden could be huge offensively for Thunder and needs to be. I think the young Thunder lose this series in 6. They go to OKC in Game 6 down 3-2 and Miami closes it out on Thunders home court.

All this being said, I think OKC is the better put together team. I just think Wade and LeBron are on a mission. If Bosh plays well, Miami wins. I see no ill effects from ab injury either.

That's a very good post. Thanks for contributing.

I agree that Lebron is probably the best overall player in the league. The guy is a freak of an athlete. Wade is awesome too. Bosh is good but he isn't a superstar like many think he is. He got way to much credit for being the man on a bad Toronto team.

I think you're wrong when you say OKC can't slow Miami down. Sefolosha is one of the better defenders in the league and OKC has length that will cause some problems.

Likewise, OKC has to basically defend two guys (Wade/Lebron), where as Miami has to defend three.

[pepero428]

That's a very good post. Thanks for contributing.

I agree that Lebron is probably the best overall player in the league. The guy is a freak of an athlete. Wade is awesome too. Bosh is good but he isn't a superstar like many think he is. He got way to much credit for being the man on a bad Toronto team.

I think you're wrong when you say OKC can't slow Miami down. Sefolosha is one of the better defenders in the league and OKC has length that will cause some problems.

Likewise, OKC has to basically defend two guys (Wade/Lebron), where as Miami has to defend three.

I think people still don't give bosh enough credit, boston didn't really respect him and he lit them from 3 pt land when he doesnt really shoot 3 pointers

X factor I think for okc is harden, he better step up in case durant and westbrook don't combine for their usual 60+

[BigDofBA]

I think people still don't give bosh enough credit, boston didn't really respect him and he lit them from 3 pt land when he doesnt really shoot 3 pointers

X factor I think for okc is harden, he better step up in case durant and westbrook don't combine for their usual 60+

If OKC can "contain" Wade/Lebron, I'll be perfectly fine with Bosh taking shots and shooting threes.

[Reedeman]

OKC can dominate inside with perkins, ibaka, and collison coming off the bench. Unlike the celtics, OKC will contest offensive rebounds. Their first matchup in the reg. season kendrick perkins absolutely raped the heat in the paint. I don't think bosh will be hanging out in 3 point land during this series..

Really the only argument is James. Obviously he will have to play extremely well for the heat to have a chance...

[krk1030]

2 of the 5 best players on the planet and people give them no chance.

Simply amazing.

[JJJ]

Wade is overrated disagree that he is a top 5 player

[CHINO XI]

OKC ML or OKC -5 for game 1 BigDofBA

[JM92]

You bring up some good points.

With that said, I disagree about Bosh being an inside presence. OKC has more of an inside presence with Perkins and Ibaka. Bosh is a nice player but he isn't the superstar everyone thought he was when he came to Miami. Miami has a big "two" as far as I'm concerned. It's easier to be the man on a team like Toronto. Bosh would probably be the Thunder's 5th best player.

Miami is a good team. I just think it's a bit ridiculous people are saying Lebron is going to shut down Durant when he has yet to prove that. Trust me, I've watched OKC/Miami games closely. Durany scored 30 in each game the teams played this year.

OKC won by 16 at home and lost by 7 in Miami.

The game in OKC was never close and the Thunder were up big most of the game. The game in Miami was a close game OKC let get away. The Thunder actually led in the 4th quarter.

After beating the Dirk and the Maves, Kobe and the Lakers, and Parker/Ginobli/ Duncan and the Spurs, I don't think there is any fear in OKC and the Thunder have homecourt.

We'll see, I like the Thunder's chances here. I'll take Durant with the game on the line over Lebron.

Don't take me wrong, I don't read much into this forum besides LTA's and some other threads, but I've been doing more in the recent past and you seem like a nice guy and all, who wants to contribute.

But if you want anyone to take you serious, you must take that back of Bosh being 5th best player on the Thunder. Probably second best, and I love Westbrook as much you do probably.

[BigDofBA]

2 of the 5 best players on the planet and people give them no chance.

Simply amazing.

I never said they don't have a chance.

I agree that the Heat have two of the top 5 players on the planet. That's exactly why they have gotten to two straight Finals. When Lebron and Wade play great, they can beat anyone. With that said, it's a team game.

Why do you think the Mavericks won it all last year?

As for Bosh, I would take Durant, Westbrook, and Harden over him. After that, I would also take Ibaka because Ibaka led the NBA in blocks.

Bosh is a good player but he isn't a superstar like Wade/Lebron/Durant.

[bleek88]

BigDofBA is a newbert. Why are you even responding to this newberts post

[jsmithj88]

I never said they don't have a chance.

I agree that the Heat have two of the top 5 players on the planet. That's exactly why they have gotten to two straight Finals. When Lebron and Wade play great, they can beat anyone. With that said, it's a team game.

Why do you think the Mavericks won it all last year?

As for Bosh, I would take Durant, Westbrook, and Harden over him. After that, I would also take Ibaka because Ibaka led the NBA in blocks.

Bosh is a good player but he isn't a superstar like Wade/Lebron/Durant.

chris bosh is better than ibaka because his game is more than rebounding and blocking shots

[BigDofBA]

chris bosh is better than ibaka because his game is more than rebounding and blocking shots

Fair enough.

[cdaniels24]

Lebron is the most physically gifted player. That doesn't mean he is clutch.

Durant made a game winner against Dallas.

Durant made a game winner against the Lakers.

Durant scored 16 straight in the final minutes to take out the Spurs in game two.


I'll take Durant. Lebron looks good when he fills the stat sheet and the game is decided for the final minutes. The dude is afraid to take the last shot in an all-star game....

Durant had more closing situations than Lebron

[BigDofBA]

Durant had more closing situations than Lebron

I would say it was pretty even.

The Heat lost by 2 to the Knicks. Then the Heat lost by 2 in overtime to Boston and also lost by 4.

Lebron is a great player and a freak of an athelete. With that said, over the course of his career he hasn't gotten it done in crunch time. Maybe he will get over the hump this year. We shall see.

All I know is that if I needed a player to take one shot with my life on the line, it would not be Lebron James.