Just looked at my postings and lots has happened since my last post. Mainly, the Thunder have come through hell and high water (Mavs, Lakers, Spurs) to get to the NBA Finals. The Heat struggled but made it through their own challenges (Knicks, Pacers, Celtics), most of them self-inflicted. This Finals is pretty much what many wanted from the beginning of this lockout shortened season, so let's take a look at the matchups and then I'll give you my pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder - Of course this comes down to Big 3's, so let's take a look at them first. Westbrook, other than a few bad shots here and there and the Gordon Gartrell shirts, is the linchpin for this Thunder team. Westbrook has shown more willingness to get KD the ball but also stay aggressive. Westbrook is the matchup nightmare for the Heat because there is no way that Chalmers can cover him and isn't called upon enough to score to balance this matchup out. KD is the scorer and we all know that. He has shown in these playoffs that he wants to be that man and has effectively mature right in front of our eyes, but I think in this series, IF he guards LeBron, he's gonna have to play some defense. The lefty killer, Harden, is going to play a big role, because Miami doesn't really have many people that can guard him if he's on the floor at the same time that Westbrook and KD are. If Wade has to slide over and guard Westbrook, then Chalmers/Battier would have to contain Harden. I can already see him getting to the lane.
Outside of the Thunder Big 3, the Thunder are deeper and better. Perkins brings defense, Ibaka brings defense, blocked shots and an iffy 16ft/17ft jumper, but past them you still have Collison, Cook, Sefolosha (starter), Derek Fisher and even Nazr Mohammed.
Who has to step up: Harden, Sefolosha, Fisher. Harden has got to get buckets against a Heat bench that has problems getting people on the floor. Sefolosha is going to be guarding Wade and LBJ during different times of the game. He's going to have to make them work for everything they get and make things hard. He might be giving up too much weight against LBJ, but that's why they pay him big dollars. Did I mention that he's going to have to hit some shots too? Fisher had an opportunity to go to the Thunder or the Heat and chose the Thunder. People say Fish is too old and he's not this and that, but I think Fish's experience might help this young Thunder team in this moment.
Miami Heat:- This is it. We're back to where we were last year, in the Finals and an opportunity to not repeat that performance from last year. LBJ may have exercised some demons with his performance in the playoffs thus far, but the big question starts tonight. Can he get it done? The heat Big 3 will have a lot of say so as it relates to that question. Wade has got to prove to us that even if he is hurt, that he can suck it up and play for at least the next 7 games. I know it's easy saying that from the chair I'm sitting in, but he can not have games in the first halves like he did against the Celtics or this series is over quickly. He may need to fly Tom Crean in and have a talk with him again since it seemed to work during the Indy series. Bosh is still recovering from his injury but he was the reason the Heat won Game 7 against the Celtics. He'll be counted on in this series to keep Ibaka at bay. Finally, LBJ. I always point back to the night that Charles Barkley was on national TV and sent a message to LBJ, saying 'take over'. What he did in Game 6 is still memorizing, but he's going to have to step it up in this series too.
On the bench, someone has got to make some plays. I do like seeing Norris Cole playing a little more and I think that Ronny Turiaf can help on the boards with the active Ibaka. Jones and Miller have got to hit some shots or the Heat are done.
Who has to step up: Coach Spo, Everyone besides Big 3. Spo is always referred to as someone that puts time in and reviews tape and all of that,...he's going to have to do a lot of that on the fly. He's going to have to put a plan together that will get his team in position to win. If I see ANY plays where LBJ is standing in the corner while anyone dribble drives and hands off I will do my best to get to Miami and kick Spo in the shin. Someone besides the Big 3 has got to step up. I mean I'm not asking for 20 points or anything like that, but if Battier gets 10, Chalmers gets 10, Haslem gets 8, Anthony gets 6, that's what I'm talking about (FYI, those are per game numbers, not series total numbers). Mike Miller I know you're hurting, but get two shots or something and give it all you can.
Prediction: This has been the hardest one of the year. I mean I am from the old school where a team with their first arrival to the Finals means you lose and it helps prepare you for next year, but I've watched this Thunder team ball throughout the playoffs. They are not only ready, but they are hungry and there's a quiet confidence around them. This Heat team thought everyone was going to lay down to them last year and this year, but they have also learned how to fight for what they want. They are not at full strength (healthwise) but this team seems ready to handle this challenge. The Thunder are favored by most, my head says Thunder, but my heart says Heat.
Winner - Miami Heat. Hulk Smash (focused) Lebron >>>>> anything.
Side note: Can ya'll please get off of LBJ's jock? He is a baller who will more than likely make HOF even if he doesn't win a ring. And before you go that far,...look at all the dudes that have never won the Finals. Admire his greatness and let him get past 'the Decision' and any other tomfoolery.
Who you got?!?!?!?
Showing posts with label Oklahoma City Thunder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oklahoma City Thunder. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
2012 NBA Playoffs - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks
Last years' champ versus the team that everyone outside of San Antonio picked to come out of the West. This is one that I am going to definitely have to watch. Is this the year for the Thunder?
Thunder: What's not to like about this Thunder team? They have possibly the best duo in the league in Westbrook and Durant and once you get past them, they still have the probable 6th Man of the Year in Harden, and let's not even talk about the defense (Ibaka and Perkins). They are a little thin from a bench standpoint, but Harden, if healthy, makes up for a lot of that. This team seems poised to take that next step, but they have to get past a defending champ which is always hard.
Who has to step up: James Harden. I'm picking on him because he has to show us that he's healthy and that he can take a hit. If he is free and clear from the concussion and doesn't have any lingering effect on him, then the same James Harden that's showed up all year will have to get back in the groove. This could possibly be the only thing that derails this team.
Mavericks: It's been a tough year for the Mavericks. They thought they pulled a coup in getting Lamar Odom, but that didn't work well and then they were without their floor general in Jason Kidd for a significant time this season. Add to that, Dirk's knee and people were starting to think that maybe the Mavericks were tanking to make sure that they could get Deron Williams this summer. As of late this team has gelled and they resemble the team that won it all last year, without a defensive presence (Tyson Chandler). You can never count a champ out, so I don't think there will be any brooms in this series, but look for a tough one for both teams.
Who has to step up: Delonte West and Rodrigue (Roddy) Beaubois. Delonte has quietly been the cog that has kept this team moving. He can score and play defense and has played within himself all year. He's given the Mavericks another scorer in the starting lineup that should make things easier for Dirk since you can't double off of West. Roddy Beaubois is probably going to see some time chasing Harden and or the backup point guard combo of Derek Fisher/Royal Ivey. If Beaubois can cause some problems for the Thunder bench, that's great for the Mavericks.
Outcome: I got the Thunder in 6. Looking forward to seeing the Thunder in the West Finals.
Thunder: What's not to like about this Thunder team? They have possibly the best duo in the league in Westbrook and Durant and once you get past them, they still have the probable 6th Man of the Year in Harden, and let's not even talk about the defense (Ibaka and Perkins). They are a little thin from a bench standpoint, but Harden, if healthy, makes up for a lot of that. This team seems poised to take that next step, but they have to get past a defending champ which is always hard.
Who has to step up: James Harden. I'm picking on him because he has to show us that he's healthy and that he can take a hit. If he is free and clear from the concussion and doesn't have any lingering effect on him, then the same James Harden that's showed up all year will have to get back in the groove. This could possibly be the only thing that derails this team.
Mavericks: It's been a tough year for the Mavericks. They thought they pulled a coup in getting Lamar Odom, but that didn't work well and then they were without their floor general in Jason Kidd for a significant time this season. Add to that, Dirk's knee and people were starting to think that maybe the Mavericks were tanking to make sure that they could get Deron Williams this summer. As of late this team has gelled and they resemble the team that won it all last year, without a defensive presence (Tyson Chandler). You can never count a champ out, so I don't think there will be any brooms in this series, but look for a tough one for both teams.
Who has to step up: Delonte West and Rodrigue (Roddy) Beaubois. Delonte has quietly been the cog that has kept this team moving. He can score and play defense and has played within himself all year. He's given the Mavericks another scorer in the starting lineup that should make things easier for Dirk since you can't double off of West. Roddy Beaubois is probably going to see some time chasing Harden and or the backup point guard combo of Derek Fisher/Royal Ivey. If Beaubois can cause some problems for the Thunder bench, that's great for the Mavericks.
Outcome: I got the Thunder in 6. Looking forward to seeing the Thunder in the West Finals.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Western Conference Finals - Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Mavericks are coming off of vacation after destroying the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder come in after a knock'em out drag'em series against the Memphis Grizzlies. This series will be very interesting since the two predominant scorers on these teams are 6"11' and up and are mostly wing players.
Dallas Mavericks:
Everyone will look at the resurgence of Jason Kidd and the scoring that both Dirk and 'The Jet' bring, but I think the biggest piece to this puzzle is the play of Tyson Chandler. Chandler has given the Mavericks a much needed presence in the middle. He's been the KG to this Dallas team. The Mavericks are built eerily similar to the Chicago Bulls, 1 superstar and several very good role players. This team has proven that they can win it all as they sent Kobe home for the summer. When you add in the players on their bench to the mix you get veterans that know their roles and can fill in the gaps. I've never been a fan of this team but they've been scary good as of late.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
It took a helluva Game 7 for the Thunder to get here. I personally thought that they had no chance with the size that Memphis had, but they found a way. Westbrook had a triple double and looked great running this team while getting all of the scorers involved. Harden finally decided to show up and be a consistent scorer, which significantly makes this team better. The important part of that Game 7, Westbrook took 12 shots, not in the first quarter, or the first half, but the entire game.
X-factors:
Mavericks - Jason Terry, JJ Barea, and Shawn Marion. Jason Terry is on record that he wants to score more than the entire Thunder bench. JJ Barea is mismatch anytime he's on the court, and Marion will get the opportunity to stop (or slow down) Durant. Stevenson will have opportunities to slow down Durant but I think that Marion has the tools to do a better job.
Thunder - Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison. Westbrook has to run this team. He has to find the right middle ground of the shots taken to getting his teammates involved. If he can play like Game 7, and not necessarilly a triple double, the Thunder have a good chance to win. Ibaka has to figure out a way to guard Dirk and make things hard for him. He can't let Dirk catch fire or this will be a short series. Nick Collison will have to be a spark plug off the bench and bang against Dirk when he's on the floor guarding him. Make Dirk play defense.
Prediction: Should be a good series, but even with the rust from having a long layoff, the Mavs should be ready to march their way to the NBA Finals. Mavericks 4-2.
Dallas Mavericks:
Everyone will look at the resurgence of Jason Kidd and the scoring that both Dirk and 'The Jet' bring, but I think the biggest piece to this puzzle is the play of Tyson Chandler. Chandler has given the Mavericks a much needed presence in the middle. He's been the KG to this Dallas team. The Mavericks are built eerily similar to the Chicago Bulls, 1 superstar and several very good role players. This team has proven that they can win it all as they sent Kobe home for the summer. When you add in the players on their bench to the mix you get veterans that know their roles and can fill in the gaps. I've never been a fan of this team but they've been scary good as of late.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
It took a helluva Game 7 for the Thunder to get here. I personally thought that they had no chance with the size that Memphis had, but they found a way. Westbrook had a triple double and looked great running this team while getting all of the scorers involved. Harden finally decided to show up and be a consistent scorer, which significantly makes this team better. The important part of that Game 7, Westbrook took 12 shots, not in the first quarter, or the first half, but the entire game.
X-factors:
Mavericks - Jason Terry, JJ Barea, and Shawn Marion. Jason Terry is on record that he wants to score more than the entire Thunder bench. JJ Barea is mismatch anytime he's on the court, and Marion will get the opportunity to stop (or slow down) Durant. Stevenson will have opportunities to slow down Durant but I think that Marion has the tools to do a better job.
Thunder - Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison. Westbrook has to run this team. He has to find the right middle ground of the shots taken to getting his teammates involved. If he can play like Game 7, and not necessarilly a triple double, the Thunder have a good chance to win. Ibaka has to figure out a way to guard Dirk and make things hard for him. He can't let Dirk catch fire or this will be a short series. Nick Collison will have to be a spark plug off the bench and bang against Dirk when he's on the floor guarding him. Make Dirk play defense.
Prediction: Should be a good series, but even with the rust from having a long layoff, the Mavs should be ready to march their way to the NBA Finals. Mavericks 4-2.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 2 - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Thunder come into this series having beat the Nuggets with a great closing game performance by Kevin Durant and the Grizzlies come in with an upset win over the #1 seeded San Antonio Spurs. The more and more I think of this, the got hosed in their playoff seeding. They are getting all of the good teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Durant and Westbrook,...where's the help? I've been waiting on Harden. Ibaka showed his usefulness with his defensive performance against the Nuggets. He was swatting every shot that was thrown up. This team needs a third scorer so that Westbrook can cut back on some of his forced shots. It's going to be more important in this series that the Thunder play defense, because I'm sure that they have enough offense to matchup with the Grizzlies and their deep bench.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Well you upset the #1 seed and now you get, arguably, the second best team in the West (Lakers being the best team in the West). This Grizzlies team woke up and learned a lot in that series against the Spurs. They learned from their Game 5 that they really have to put their foot on their competitions necks to finish series. The Grizzlies bench played well, but this team was led by Randolph and Gasol. (Just as a note, this trip to the playoffs doesn't in anyway validate the trade that the Grizzlies participated in to get Gasol). Randolph was unstoppable and I guess that's what that $70M extension does for him. Gasol didn't have the numbers that Randolph had but he caused Tim Duncan problems in the paint and effectively took him out of the series. The bench was led by Darrell Arthur who seemed to hit every 17 foot jumper that he took. If he keeps this up with the play that they got from Vasquez and the rest of the bench, it's going to be tough sledding for the Thunder.
X-factors:
Thunder - Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Westbrook has got to run this team on a consistent basis and no do another Game #4 (30 shots, 30 points). He's gotta find the shooters on the team and hit those jumpers in the lane. Yes, He's Derrick Rose-light, so he's gotta play that way. James Harden HAS got to be that 3rd scorer for this team. Memphis is deep and they are going to need points off the bench.
Grizzlies - Greivas Vasquez and Sam Young/Tony Allen. Greivas is the man coming off the bench and backing up Conley. If you watched him play at Maryland, you know what he can do. The fact that he's doing it on a consistent basis, great! Sam Young/Tony Allen, these guys should draw the defensive assignment of stopping, well sowing down Kevin Durant. If they can do a decent job of this, the Grizzlies advance.
Prediction: I want to see a Lakers/Thunder Western Conference Final and the NBA has done all it can to put that in doubt. The Grizzlies are coming off a great series win and I'm still trying to figure out their weakness. They are long, athletic, and can control the paint. What else do you need? Hollins (coach) has been there as a player and won, but is he as a coach that missing piece? As much as I want the Thunder to win, I'm liking this Grizzlies team more and more. Grizzlies 4-3.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Durant and Westbrook,...where's the help? I've been waiting on Harden. Ibaka showed his usefulness with his defensive performance against the Nuggets. He was swatting every shot that was thrown up. This team needs a third scorer so that Westbrook can cut back on some of his forced shots. It's going to be more important in this series that the Thunder play defense, because I'm sure that they have enough offense to matchup with the Grizzlies and their deep bench.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Well you upset the #1 seed and now you get, arguably, the second best team in the West (Lakers being the best team in the West). This Grizzlies team woke up and learned a lot in that series against the Spurs. They learned from their Game 5 that they really have to put their foot on their competitions necks to finish series. The Grizzlies bench played well, but this team was led by Randolph and Gasol. (Just as a note, this trip to the playoffs doesn't in anyway validate the trade that the Grizzlies participated in to get Gasol). Randolph was unstoppable and I guess that's what that $70M extension does for him. Gasol didn't have the numbers that Randolph had but he caused Tim Duncan problems in the paint and effectively took him out of the series. The bench was led by Darrell Arthur who seemed to hit every 17 foot jumper that he took. If he keeps this up with the play that they got from Vasquez and the rest of the bench, it's going to be tough sledding for the Thunder.
X-factors:
Thunder - Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Westbrook has got to run this team on a consistent basis and no do another Game #4 (30 shots, 30 points). He's gotta find the shooters on the team and hit those jumpers in the lane. Yes, He's Derrick Rose-light, so he's gotta play that way. James Harden HAS got to be that 3rd scorer for this team. Memphis is deep and they are going to need points off the bench.
Grizzlies - Greivas Vasquez and Sam Young/Tony Allen. Greivas is the man coming off the bench and backing up Conley. If you watched him play at Maryland, you know what he can do. The fact that he's doing it on a consistent basis, great! Sam Young/Tony Allen, these guys should draw the defensive assignment of stopping, well sowing down Kevin Durant. If they can do a decent job of this, the Grizzlies advance.
Prediction: I want to see a Lakers/Thunder Western Conference Final and the NBA has done all it can to put that in doubt. The Grizzlies are coming off a great series win and I'm still trying to figure out their weakness. They are long, athletic, and can control the paint. What else do you need? Hollins (coach) has been there as a player and won, but is he as a coach that missing piece? As much as I want the Thunder to win, I'm liking this Grizzlies team more and more. Grizzlies 4-3.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Wrap Up Game 1's
And now the West,......
Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Just for a second I thought that everyone, including Charles Barkley, was going to be wrong after Matt Bonner hit his second 3 late in this game, but the Grizzlies didn't fold. Tony Allen almost gave the game away with some missed free throws, but in the end it was the newly signed Zach Randolph (4 years, $71M) and Marc Gasol that proved to be the difference in this matchup. The Spurs really missed Ginobili with the game on the line and it showed. The Grizzlies stole one from the Spurs at home and now they have win Game 2 to keep it going. Great shot by Battier there at the end, nothing like a veteran presence. Duncan looked good, so maybe that rest all season really helped out.
Lakers vs. Hornets - Please go and look at what I wrote here, and then read the rest. Paul came out and got his 33 pts, 14 asts, 7 rebs (all defensive), and 4 stls. That's not quite what I said, but that's damn close. This is all fools gold anyway. The Hornets can't play this well for 4 games, so I imagine that they lose this series 4-1 now instead of the 4-0 prediction. The sad part is that Kobe had a chance, twice, late in the game to bring his team back and he couldn't. He missed two layups and didn't get any calls. Is this how it ends for him? Kobe actually looked human on Sunday. He can't do that again if Gasol plays as bad as he did, if the Lakers expect to win.
Thunder vs. Nuggets - The refs had better be in shape for this series because these two teams are going to run and put up numbers. Nene should be outlawed in about 25 states the way he is abusing the rims. I haven't seen any big man just dunk on people like he did in this Game 1 and the Thunder for the most part were watching the entire time. Give Westbrook his props (that's aimed at some of my co-workers) because he balled for this team. With Westbrook the Thunder can't put up enough points to win this series against this loaded (did you see the ease with which Gallinari was shooting the rock, Chandler played well, and both point guards for Denver pushed the rock) Nuggets team.
Mavs vs. Blazers - Ho hum,....another well intentioned badly reffed game that helped the Mavs win this down the stretch. Are the refs trying to make it up to Dirk from their calls when the Mavs played the Heat for the title a few years ago? Dirk had 13 free throw attempts in the 4th quarter. Stop, read it again, 13 free throw attempts. Not much else to say. The Blazers have got to win Game 2 or they may get bounced early.
What game did you enjoy the most? Who you got?
Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Just for a second I thought that everyone, including Charles Barkley, was going to be wrong after Matt Bonner hit his second 3 late in this game, but the Grizzlies didn't fold. Tony Allen almost gave the game away with some missed free throws, but in the end it was the newly signed Zach Randolph (4 years, $71M) and Marc Gasol that proved to be the difference in this matchup. The Spurs really missed Ginobili with the game on the line and it showed. The Grizzlies stole one from the Spurs at home and now they have win Game 2 to keep it going. Great shot by Battier there at the end, nothing like a veteran presence. Duncan looked good, so maybe that rest all season really helped out.
Lakers vs. Hornets - Please go and look at what I wrote here, and then read the rest. Paul came out and got his 33 pts, 14 asts, 7 rebs (all defensive), and 4 stls. That's not quite what I said, but that's damn close. This is all fools gold anyway. The Hornets can't play this well for 4 games, so I imagine that they lose this series 4-1 now instead of the 4-0 prediction. The sad part is that Kobe had a chance, twice, late in the game to bring his team back and he couldn't. He missed two layups and didn't get any calls. Is this how it ends for him? Kobe actually looked human on Sunday. He can't do that again if Gasol plays as bad as he did, if the Lakers expect to win.
Thunder vs. Nuggets - The refs had better be in shape for this series because these two teams are going to run and put up numbers. Nene should be outlawed in about 25 states the way he is abusing the rims. I haven't seen any big man just dunk on people like he did in this Game 1 and the Thunder for the most part were watching the entire time. Give Westbrook his props (that's aimed at some of my co-workers) because he balled for this team. With Westbrook the Thunder can't put up enough points to win this series against this loaded (did you see the ease with which Gallinari was shooting the rock, Chandler played well, and both point guards for Denver pushed the rock) Nuggets team.
Mavs vs. Blazers - Ho hum,....another well intentioned badly reffed game that helped the Mavs win this down the stretch. Are the refs trying to make it up to Dirk from their calls when the Mavs played the Heat for the title a few years ago? Dirk had 13 free throw attempts in the 4th quarter. Stop, read it again, 13 free throw attempts. Not much else to say. The Blazers have got to win Game 2 or they may get bounced early.
What game did you enjoy the most? Who you got?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
I think this is the series that shapes the entire Western conference playoff picture. I would have loved for them to have played different teams in the opening rounds, but it is what it is. The Thunder may have finally become that team with the addition of Perkins while the Nuggets have been playing as well as I think they can even when they had Carmelo.
Thunder:
The Thunder come into this series knowing that this may in fact be their opportunity to represent the West in the NBA Finals. They went out and got Kendrick Perkins and had to give up a lot in Krstic and Green, but he may be the missing piece. Of course the Thunder are Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The ying to the other's yang. Durant is the man, but Westbrook can lead this team and provide scoring too. How much can Perkins help this team?
Nuggets:
These guys have played out of their minds since the trade. You have to have played at UNC to get a lot of run at point guard (Felton and Lawson), but it's the wings that have come over and flourished since the trade. Gallinari and Chandler provide scoring (and in bunches) for this team. Add to the fact that the Nuggets already had Nene, Kenyon Martin, Arron Afflalo, and JR Smith and you can see why they haven't missed a beat.
X-Factors:
Thunder - James Harden and Serge Ibaka. Harden is the third member of the Thunder Big 3. Harden can fill it up when he starts rolling and can definitely alleviate some of the scoring from Durant and Westbrook. Serge Ibaka is going to have to rebound and get those garbage points against the Nuggets. He'll probably have K-Mart covering him, so he'll have to mentally be prepared too.
Nuggets - JR Smith and Gallinari. JR Smith has all of the talent in the world (could you imagine him in a Bulls jersey), but sometimes his head gets in the way. If he can not fall in love with the 3 point shot and play some defense this will definitely help the Nuggets' cause. We don't know how Gallinari will play in his first playoff appearance, but if he shows up, the Thunder may be in trouble.
Prediction: The Thunder are going to have to have other people score because the Knicks, I mean the Nuggets bench can put up numbers too. I just want to watch two big men in Perkins and Nene duke it out in the paint. Thunder 4-3.
Thunder:
The Thunder come into this series knowing that this may in fact be their opportunity to represent the West in the NBA Finals. They went out and got Kendrick Perkins and had to give up a lot in Krstic and Green, but he may be the missing piece. Of course the Thunder are Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The ying to the other's yang. Durant is the man, but Westbrook can lead this team and provide scoring too. How much can Perkins help this team?
Nuggets:
These guys have played out of their minds since the trade. You have to have played at UNC to get a lot of run at point guard (Felton and Lawson), but it's the wings that have come over and flourished since the trade. Gallinari and Chandler provide scoring (and in bunches) for this team. Add to the fact that the Nuggets already had Nene, Kenyon Martin, Arron Afflalo, and JR Smith and you can see why they haven't missed a beat.
X-Factors:
Thunder - James Harden and Serge Ibaka. Harden is the third member of the Thunder Big 3. Harden can fill it up when he starts rolling and can definitely alleviate some of the scoring from Durant and Westbrook. Serge Ibaka is going to have to rebound and get those garbage points against the Nuggets. He'll probably have K-Mart covering him, so he'll have to mentally be prepared too.
Nuggets - JR Smith and Gallinari. JR Smith has all of the talent in the world (could you imagine him in a Bulls jersey), but sometimes his head gets in the way. If he can not fall in love with the 3 point shot and play some defense this will definitely help the Nuggets' cause. We don't know how Gallinari will play in his first playoff appearance, but if he shows up, the Thunder may be in trouble.
Prediction: The Thunder are going to have to have other people score because the Knicks, I mean the Nuggets bench can put up numbers too. I just want to watch two big men in Perkins and Nene duke it out in the paint. Thunder 4-3.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
More Size for the Thunder
The Charlotte Bobcats have traded Nazr Mohammed to the Oklahoma City Thunder for DJ White and Morris Peterson. The Thunder are stacking up on bigs and they may be ready to take that next step against the Spurs and Lakers.
Being Real Green
The Boston Celtics have traded Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. (Pick your mouth up off the floor). I still can't fathom this. More on this to come.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Who ya got? NBA Playoffs 2010 - Western Conference
Well, the regular season is done and there’s nothing left to do but look at the playoff brackets and dream. The season seemed to end on a sour note with a lot of teams experiencing injuries to their important players on their team. Other teams may have over thought this thing and rested some of their key players while at the same time enduring a small losing streak here and there. We’re going to take a look at the playoffs and see where it takes us.
Western Conference – Round 1
Lakers vs. Thunder
Not too many teams have looked as out of sync as the Lakers as of late. With Kobe ailing (where are his legs?), Fisher injured, Vujacic injured, Bynum returning (hopefully) from injury, and Farmar with a hammy that could go at any time, the Lakers are playing the part of the wounded hero. We all know that the Lakers were the odds on favorite with the addition of Artest, but now, not so much. Kobe looks like he needed the 2 game break he got at the end of the season, but the Lakers just aren’t plain playing well. We know that Kobe should be able to turn it on, but the big question is whether Bynum can come back and play decent ball and whether the other injuries are going to hurt the Lakers. We’ll see.
The Thunder come in as one of the darling teams in the NBA. By that I mean they weren’t supposed to be here. They were the young team with a lot of talent, but they played ahead of their curve. Kevin Durant has been the catalyst for them by scoring at will, but this team also has Jeff Green (a do it all forward), Russell Westbrook (a good on the ball defender), and a host of guys willing to play their roles. Phil Jackson has already started working the refs in his favor, evidenced by his $35K fine for what he said about the refs giving Durant all the calls. This is the big stage for the Thunder, their opportunity to shock the world. As healthy as they are and as hungry as they are, they have more than a fighting chance.
Series Roundup – I want an upset, I’m thinking it’ll be an upset, but then reality sets in. Prediction: Lakers in 7.
Nuggets vs. Jazz
The Nuggets come into the playoffs struggling also. They can at least attribute their struggles to their coach being out fighting cancer. This team is too talented to not be at the least in the Western Conference Finals. It’s the same crew with Billups, Melo, and Nene. Add to them, the speedy Ty Lawson, the never gun shy J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin (recovering from a knee injury), and the crowd favorite, the Bird Man. I think the window for these Nuggets is closing and that may add some pressure to the expectations that many have as the team that can dethrone the Lakers in the West. Now is the time to step it up Denver.
The Jazz are suffering from their own pains. Carlos Boozer went down with an oblique strain that will probably not get better during the playoffs and Andrei Kirilenko’s calf isn’t allowing him to play. The Jazz still have Paul Milsap who can produce like Boozer, but they really need AK. I like the fact that Deron Williams has played well of late and he in his own groove. The Jazz always play a physical game and that may be to their benefit against a Nuggets team that doesn’t have their enforcer (Martin) really ready to step up to the plate. Look for CJ Miles to play an important role in this series if the Jazz are to win.
Series Roundup – Can I just watch the first game to see who wins to pick this series? Denver has home court, but something is telling me to pick the Jazz.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6.
Mavericks vs. Spurs
This will be interesting. The Mavericks have played some of the best basketball since the All-Star break. Caron Butler is starting to find his way in this rotation, Haywood is giving them a much needed offensive presence in the paint, Kidd looks 30 again, Shawn Marion playing good defense, and you still got Dirk. I didn’t even mention Jason Terry, who is quietly the compass for this team. As he goes, so go the Mavericks. The Mavericks were supposed to end up around the 4th seed but they have used defense to help them get to that second spot in the West. The Spurs have really been a thorn in the Mavericks side in the past and this year, I think the Mavericks are ready.
The Spurs have been battling injuries coming into this game. George Hill sprained an ankle and may not be able to come back for the 1st round of the playoffs, Tony Parker is coming back from an injury, Tim Duncan is fighting off father time and bad knees, and we all know that Ginobili is one falling down awkward shot from being out of the series. I am surprised that Richard Jefferson hasn’t been more of a force with this team, but he is starting to come on now that Ginobili is back. DeJuan Blair has been some beef that has been welcomed by everyone, but specifically Tim Duncan. This team is solid as they always are and they are playing well at this juncture.
Series Roundup – This is going to come down to defense for the Mavericks. Can they stop this Spurs team when they need to and can they keep Ginobili from going bonkers? The Spurs get older each year, but like wine they seem to get better with age. Prediction: Mavericks in 6.
Suns vs. Trial Blazers
That’s Amar’e!!! Talk about someone who has done the most with what he has and has thereby increased (well, he’s getting a max deal regardless next year) his value, Stoudamire has caught fire since playing his way into shape. He has led the Suns on a streak that has gotten the Suns to the #3 spot in the West. Steve Nash and Grant Hill look at least 3 years younger and the Suns have enjoyed getting Barbosa back from a wrist injury. The only downside is that they are going to lose their big man, Robin Lopez for at least the first round and possibly the entire playoffs. He’s not spectacular but he does have a good motor and plays well next to Amar’e. Replacing him is one of the Collins twins (are they both still in the league?), but I hope that we’ll see more Channing Frye or even a sighting of Earl Clark (where has he been?).
Let me get myself together for a second (grabs rabbit feet, lucky charms, the Bible, some holy water, brought in my pet unicorn, caught a falling star, threw about $20 in a wishing well, and grabbed some horse shoes), the Blazers lost another player to injury. Brandon Roy tore his meniscus and will have surgery and will miss at least the 1st round of the playoffs. The Blazers have lost at least 300+ games due to injury. Even with all of that the Blazers have performed this year and are the #6 seed in the West. Nate McMillan should have some COY votes strictly on that alone. The Blazers are a balanced squad and they can play defense with the best of them. They were able to shut Kobe down towards the later part of the season with Batum and Webster taking turns. They will struggle to score a lot without Roy, but don’t’ count these Blazers out just yet. Look for the veteran big men Camby and (gulp) Howard to play a big role in their success.
Series Roundup – Can anyone stop the Suns from rolling? I expect the Blazers to slow this thing down and make the Suns play half court or it’s over. Prediction: Suns in 6.
Western Conference – Round 1
Lakers vs. Thunder
Not too many teams have looked as out of sync as the Lakers as of late. With Kobe ailing (where are his legs?), Fisher injured, Vujacic injured, Bynum returning (hopefully) from injury, and Farmar with a hammy that could go at any time, the Lakers are playing the part of the wounded hero. We all know that the Lakers were the odds on favorite with the addition of Artest, but now, not so much. Kobe looks like he needed the 2 game break he got at the end of the season, but the Lakers just aren’t plain playing well. We know that Kobe should be able to turn it on, but the big question is whether Bynum can come back and play decent ball and whether the other injuries are going to hurt the Lakers. We’ll see.
The Thunder come in as one of the darling teams in the NBA. By that I mean they weren’t supposed to be here. They were the young team with a lot of talent, but they played ahead of their curve. Kevin Durant has been the catalyst for them by scoring at will, but this team also has Jeff Green (a do it all forward), Russell Westbrook (a good on the ball defender), and a host of guys willing to play their roles. Phil Jackson has already started working the refs in his favor, evidenced by his $35K fine for what he said about the refs giving Durant all the calls. This is the big stage for the Thunder, their opportunity to shock the world. As healthy as they are and as hungry as they are, they have more than a fighting chance.
Series Roundup – I want an upset, I’m thinking it’ll be an upset, but then reality sets in. Prediction: Lakers in 7.
Nuggets vs. Jazz
The Nuggets come into the playoffs struggling also. They can at least attribute their struggles to their coach being out fighting cancer. This team is too talented to not be at the least in the Western Conference Finals. It’s the same crew with Billups, Melo, and Nene. Add to them, the speedy Ty Lawson, the never gun shy J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin (recovering from a knee injury), and the crowd favorite, the Bird Man. I think the window for these Nuggets is closing and that may add some pressure to the expectations that many have as the team that can dethrone the Lakers in the West. Now is the time to step it up Denver.
The Jazz are suffering from their own pains. Carlos Boozer went down with an oblique strain that will probably not get better during the playoffs and Andrei Kirilenko’s calf isn’t allowing him to play. The Jazz still have Paul Milsap who can produce like Boozer, but they really need AK. I like the fact that Deron Williams has played well of late and he in his own groove. The Jazz always play a physical game and that may be to their benefit against a Nuggets team that doesn’t have their enforcer (Martin) really ready to step up to the plate. Look for CJ Miles to play an important role in this series if the Jazz are to win.
Series Roundup – Can I just watch the first game to see who wins to pick this series? Denver has home court, but something is telling me to pick the Jazz.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6.
Mavericks vs. Spurs
This will be interesting. The Mavericks have played some of the best basketball since the All-Star break. Caron Butler is starting to find his way in this rotation, Haywood is giving them a much needed offensive presence in the paint, Kidd looks 30 again, Shawn Marion playing good defense, and you still got Dirk. I didn’t even mention Jason Terry, who is quietly the compass for this team. As he goes, so go the Mavericks. The Mavericks were supposed to end up around the 4th seed but they have used defense to help them get to that second spot in the West. The Spurs have really been a thorn in the Mavericks side in the past and this year, I think the Mavericks are ready.
The Spurs have been battling injuries coming into this game. George Hill sprained an ankle and may not be able to come back for the 1st round of the playoffs, Tony Parker is coming back from an injury, Tim Duncan is fighting off father time and bad knees, and we all know that Ginobili is one falling down awkward shot from being out of the series. I am surprised that Richard Jefferson hasn’t been more of a force with this team, but he is starting to come on now that Ginobili is back. DeJuan Blair has been some beef that has been welcomed by everyone, but specifically Tim Duncan. This team is solid as they always are and they are playing well at this juncture.
Series Roundup – This is going to come down to defense for the Mavericks. Can they stop this Spurs team when they need to and can they keep Ginobili from going bonkers? The Spurs get older each year, but like wine they seem to get better with age. Prediction: Mavericks in 6.
Suns vs. Trial Blazers
That’s Amar’e!!! Talk about someone who has done the most with what he has and has thereby increased (well, he’s getting a max deal regardless next year) his value, Stoudamire has caught fire since playing his way into shape. He has led the Suns on a streak that has gotten the Suns to the #3 spot in the West. Steve Nash and Grant Hill look at least 3 years younger and the Suns have enjoyed getting Barbosa back from a wrist injury. The only downside is that they are going to lose their big man, Robin Lopez for at least the first round and possibly the entire playoffs. He’s not spectacular but he does have a good motor and plays well next to Amar’e. Replacing him is one of the Collins twins (are they both still in the league?), but I hope that we’ll see more Channing Frye or even a sighting of Earl Clark (where has he been?).
Let me get myself together for a second (grabs rabbit feet, lucky charms, the Bible, some holy water, brought in my pet unicorn, caught a falling star, threw about $20 in a wishing well, and grabbed some horse shoes), the Blazers lost another player to injury. Brandon Roy tore his meniscus and will have surgery and will miss at least the 1st round of the playoffs. The Blazers have lost at least 300+ games due to injury. Even with all of that the Blazers have performed this year and are the #6 seed in the West. Nate McMillan should have some COY votes strictly on that alone. The Blazers are a balanced squad and they can play defense with the best of them. They were able to shut Kobe down towards the later part of the season with Batum and Webster taking turns. They will struggle to score a lot without Roy, but don’t’ count these Blazers out just yet. Look for the veteran big men Camby and (gulp) Howard to play a big role in their success.
Series Roundup – Can anyone stop the Suns from rolling? I expect the Blazers to slow this thing down and make the Suns play half court or it’s over. Prediction: Suns in 6.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Trade That Was
The Hornets and the Thunder made a trade earlier this week involving Tyson Chandler (NOH) where the Hornets were to receive Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox, and the rights to center Devin Harden. It seems as though Chandler's stubborn toe, the one that has kept him off of the court for extended periods of time, is the reason that this trade will be rescinded. Chandler was noticeably surprised and I think that a lot of people are. If the Knicks can make a trade for Cuttino Mobley, who has since retired from the NBA due to a heart issue, what's the big issue over a little toe? Is this a buyer's remorse kind of deal? Either way, it looks as though the Hornets are getting bigger up front with the re-addition of their starting center.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)