My Thoughts on the NBA Finals Part 3

The 2011 NBA Finals - Part 3

 

Dirk Nowitzki’s playoff run was as spectacular as any in recent memory. He delivered efficient performance after efficient performance and the few nights when he wasn’t scoring consistently, he scored with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. Having reached that elusive championship ring, Nowitzki cemented his legacy as an all-time great but it’s difficult to gage how history will remember the 2010-2011 Dallas Mavericks. Despite losing two time All Star Caron Butler in early January and declining to make a trade for a wing scorer at the trade deadline, the Mavericks could overcome the loss of Butler’s 15 points per game because of their incredible depth. The Mavericks entered the postseason as the third seed in the Western Conference and were a popular pick to be upset in their first round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Dallas moved past the Blazers in six games and they were set for a series against the two time defending champion Lakers. It was the first time that Dirk Nowitzki would face Kobe Bryant in a playoff series. To the surprise of all, the Mavericks tore apart Los Angeles, including a 36 point blowout in game four, the series finale. The Mavericks crunch time five included reliable players at every position. Jason Kidd impacted the game without needing shots. The 38 year old future Hall of Famer played good defense and averaged near eight assists per game. Jason Terry provided an offensive spark to complement Nowitzki.Shawn Marion replaced Caron Butler in the starting lineup and stepped up his game; he played great defense against Kevin Durant and LeBron James in the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals respectively and also contributed 11.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists during the playoff run. The Mavericks acquired center Tyson Chandler during the offseason in a trade with Charlotte, even though they had already signed Brendan Haywood to a long term contract to be their starting center. Chandler completely changed the dynamic of this Mavericks team. Finally they now possessed a legitimate rim protecting, double digit rebounding center to pair with Dirk Nowitzki in the front court. Not to be forgotten, Rick Carlisle deserves immense credit for the coaching job he put in. The Mavericks championship win was an appropriate result for what was a wildly unpredictable and entertaining season.

The Heat created an unprecedented buzz around the NBA

The impending lockout couldn’t be any more untimely. Interest in the league continues to rise and next season could be even more compelling than the last. Each team presents a fascinating individual storyline and in terms of talent and quality basketball the league is in a good place. The playoffs provided basketball fans with an unbelievable stretch of quality games. For Miami the storyline is simple: how will LeBron, Wade, Bosh, and the Heat bounce back following their Finals disappointment? Unfortunately, because of the struggling small market teams and the large contracts given to role players, it appears likely that the lockout could be an issue for an extended period of time and that a number of regular season games could be lost.

My Thoughts on the NBA Finals Part 2

 The 2011 NBA Finals - Part 2

Basketball is a game of runs, and the Dallas Mavericks finished game two on a 22-5 run, stunning the Miami Heat on their home court and evening the series up at 1-1. The Heat were up 88-73 with 7:13 left to play and it appeared nothing would stop Miami from heading to Dallas for the next three games with a 2-0 series lead. A vintage performance from Dwyane Wade, which included an array of step backs, acrobatic layups, and forceful dunks and a versatile effort from LeBron James (though in no way prolific) gave the Miami crowd reason to be confident when a Wade three pointer gave them a 15 point lead and forced a Dallas timeout. Despite blowing the defensive coverage and leaving Mario Chalmers wide open for the game tying three with twenty-five seconds left, Jason Terry was a catalyst in getting the Mavericks back into the game. He scored six straight points out of the timeout and brought Dallas back to life. From there, Dirk Nowitzki did what he has consistently done this postseason – close the game out. Nowitzki scored Dallas’ final 9 points, including the game winning finger roll using his injured left hand with 3.6 seconds to go. Miami’s inability to run any semblance of an offensive set prevented them from generating a good scoring chance against the Mavericks defense. With the game tied at 90, and with approximately forty seconds to go, Wade settled for an off balanced three. When you have Dwyane Wade and LeBron James on the court, two of the very best at attacking the basket and either scoring or drawing contact, why are you settling for poor shots? Nowitzki replied with an uncontested three and following Chalmers’ tying three, he embarrassed Chris Bosh by spinning away from him and finishing at the rim. Wade’s last second shot hit back iron and Dallas won the game 95-93. The Mavericks improbable comeback will undoubtedly sting Miami and should set up a memorable game three on Sunday night in Dallas.

Shawn Marion played a great game, contributing 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, all while guarding LeBron James for the majority of his time on the floor. Jason Kidd shot poorly (2/7 FG, 2/5 3PT,) but he impacted the game without needing shots, grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing five assists. Tyson Chandler, Dallas’ interior presence, made the best of his limited touches, scoring 13 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, including 4 offensive boards. DeShawn Stevenson received an eight minute increase in playing time from game one and he responded positively, making 3 three pointers and forcing 3 steals. The Mavericks role players filled their roles admirably. When they play this well, it makes it much harder for the opposing team to compete. Chris Bosh was particularly ineffective, shooting 4/16 from the field and the Heat’s depth issues were easily identifiable today, even considering Mike Bibby’s three point outburst. The common perception in the NBA is that role players perform better at home. Nowitzki must continue his historically efficient play to give Dallas a legitimate chance at winning the series, but if the Mavericks role players can produce consistently, the Heat could be in trouble - regardless of how well Wade and LeBron perform.

My Thoughts On the NBA Playoffs Part 1

Eastern Conference 

Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers

Bulls lead 3-0

The Bulls may be in line to sweep the youthful Pacers but it hasn't been as easy had been predicted. The Pacers have successfully challenged the top seed Bulls in each of the first three games, losing each game by 5, 6, and 4 respectively and having the right to rue the results. The key reason for Chicago's 3-0 lead is, to nobody's surprise, Derrick Rose. Despite some inefficient shooting performances (4/18 overall in game 3, 0/9 from three in game 1), Rose has made a habit of drawing fouls, having shot a combined 49 free throws in the first three games at a 90% average and has exhibited the chops of an experienced late game decision maker.

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Heat lead 3-0

The Heat can match the Bulls and sweep their first round opponent on Sunday. Apart from the dominant 94-73 game 22 victory, the other two wins have been closely contested. The Heat have been carried by their three headliners: Chris Bosh (21.7 ppg and 9.7 rpg), LeBron James (24.7 ppg, 5.6 apg, and 12 rpg), and Dwyane Wade (21 ppg, 5 apg, and 7.7 rpg - despite suffering from a migraine before game 2). The offensive production from the rest of the roster has been non-existent; the highest scoring performance from one game was 10 points from C Zydrunas Ilgauskas from 5/9 shooting in 16 minutes of play during game three. Philadelphia has a plethora of young and athletic swing men but they have been overburdened in their attempts to stop the Heat's All-Stars. Andre Iguodala has struggled to score, averaging more assists (8.7) than points (6.3) this series.  The Heat are undoubtedly in control of this series, but the second round will prove to be a much tougher test. Will James, Wade, and Bosh get enough help from the rest of the Heatles to compete with the defending Eastern Conference Champions in Round 2? 

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Celtics lead 3-0

There seems to be a common theme in the Eastern Conference first round. The higher seed hasn't dominated each game but find themselves ahead 3 games to zero. The Celtics were fortunate to win game 1 and game 2 at home, taking advantage of a poor Carmelo Anthony performance in game 1 and injuries to Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups in game 2 to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Back in New York for the Knicks first home playoff game in six year, the Celtics annihilated the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Paul Pierce scored 38, Ray Allen scored 32 (8/11 from three), and Rajon Rondo recorded another playoff triple-double (15 points, 20 assists, and 11 rebounds). Carmelo Anthony rebounded from his disastrous Knick playoff debut by almost single handedly stealing a game 2 win. Melo dished out six assists, grabbed 17 rebounds, and scored 42 points. The Celtics true challenge lies elsewhere however, and all eyes are already set on their likely second round opponent: the Miami Heat.

Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks

Hawks lead 2-1

The Hawks hold a surprising 2-1 lead over the Orlando Magic in the most evenly contested series in the Eastern Conference.  Despite three monster games from Dwight Howard (33.3 ppg, 68% FG, 17.7 rpg, 1.7 bpg) the Magic haven't been able to compete with the depth of Atlanta. The Hawks have five players averaging more than 10 points per game (Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Jamal Crawford, and Kirk Hinrich), Orlando has two (Howard and Jameer Nelson). Atlanta's decision to not double team Howard in the post has impacted Orlando's abilities from distance. The Magic, who led the NBA this season in three pointers per game, have shot just 26% from three so far in the series. This matchup could easily go either way, it will depend on if Orlando can get Dwight Howard any semblance of help?

Western Conference 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies 

Series tied 1-1

The Spurs should appreciate the period of rest as they are playing in one of two series that have yet to have played a third game. The Grizzlies won game 1 in San Antonio led by their frontcourt of double-double machine Zach Randolph (25 points and 14 rebounds), and Marc Gasol (24 points and 9 rebounds), and the absence of San Antonio's All-Star guard Manu Ginobili. Ginobili returned for game 2 and he led the Spurs with a game high 17 to a six point victory. Tim Duncan was effective but it can be asked if he is  still physically able of a standout performance. Memphis' abundance of depth and rugged players will definitely push the Spurs veterans but it would still shock me if they indeed won four games before San Antonio did. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets

Lakers lead 2-1

The Lakers game 1 loss seems to be an anomaly; it appears unlikely that the Hornets will win another game this series. Chris Paul's virtuoso 33 point, 14 assist, 7 rebound, 4 steal performance stunned the Lakers on their home court. The loss awoke the Lakers as they bounced back to take game 2, despite a poor showing from Kobe Bryant (11 points, 3/10 FG). Andrew Bynum (17 points and 11 rebounds), Lamar Odom (16 points and 7 rebounds) and the Lakers defense stymied the Hornets attack. A vintage Kobe performance (30 points, 10/20 FG, 6/7 FT) in game 3 in New Orleans gave the Lakers the lead in the series and essentially extinguished all hope that a David West-less Hornets squad could pull of such a major upset.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Mavericks lead 2-1

Dirk Nowitzki has so far had his way with the Blazers defense. Portland has tried numerous different looks to slow Nowitzki down but have been unsuccessful. Dallas won the first two games at home, both close games but expertly closed by Nowitzki and the Mavericks. 37 year old Jason Kidd performed exceptionally well in both home games (21 ppg and 6 apg). Portland responded in game 3, as Brandon Roy made his first positive impact on the series (16 points, 4 assists), and LaMarcus Aldridge continued to score effectively. Picking Portland to win the series was a trendy upset pick within the NBA community and will be still be a relevant point of discussion if they can win game 4 and force a best 2 of 3.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

Thunder lead 2-0

The Nuggets felt they were hosed in game 1, when a missed offensive goaltending call on Kendrick Perkins would have given them the ball up 1 with under a minute to go. The Thunder didn't leave any chance for doubt in game 2, easily taking out the misfiring Nuggets. The bottom line is, that Thunder have the two best players in the series and while the Nuggets have surplus of NBA able players, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will win games for the Thunder without the need to rely heavily on role players. The Nuggets could catch fire at home but it appears unlikely that the final result will be anything but the the Thunder advancing into round 2.