NBA Finals Thread/Discussions/Shyt Talking

[Q-Unit]

NBA Playoffs YTD: 72-52-3 (+48.61 units)

Matchups:

PG: Parker vs. Hughes, I think Parker has a decidedly better advantage here with speed, penetration in the lane (that sometimes leads to open 3s for other players), and he has improved his jump shot much better. Surprisingly he has taken far less threes than his first 2 years in the league as he quickly found out what works best for him. Hughes playing on a bad foot, shooting poorly, but still hoping to contribute, we'll prolly be seeing more Parker vs. Gibson. ADV: Spurs

SG: Finley vs. Pavlovic, Finley is finally in the NBA finals after 12 years in the league, IMO he is still a solid contributor, lost a step, but he has to be very happy now and will be willing to do anything to help out the Spurs, especially as his 3 point % has picked up of late. Pavlovic known for his offense, had picked it up quite a bit towards the end of the reg season, will be needed too along Gibson to take the pressure off of James. ADV: Spurs

SF: Bowen vs. James, Bowen is a good defender. James is on fire. Remember that guy in pickup games who would score the last 10 straight points in a game of 1s and 2s first to 15? I always hated that guy, especially when I was open for 3 most of the time, and busted my ass to get rebounds and loose balls for nothing. James is not that guy, he looks to pass, get his team involved, but willing to take over when it matters. Only thing is, will his team help him out?
ADV: Cavaliers

PF: Duncan vs. Gooden, Gooden will shyt in Duncan's mouth, because Gooden is that good.

Originally Posted by DrewGooden

the Cavaliers are stupid and dont feed Drew "The Goods" Gooden the ball. 10-13 shooting, shame Lebron takes his shots from him. It is a shame someone as potent offensively as Drew Gooden is being held down by the coaching staff and Larry Hughes big contract. Common sense tells anyone who really understands the game that Drew Gooden should be the 2nd scoring option for this team. If Drew Gooden was on a team that gave him starters minutes at touches at the pf position, he is easily putting up an efficient 20+ points 11 boards a night. It is a shame fans of the Nba will never know how much of a talent Drew Gooden is.

ADV: Spurs

C: Oberto vs. Ilgauskas, Oberto rarely gets his number called, but he is very active on the boards, dangerous as he gets putbacks and garbage points, but those are very valuable to the Spurs, and his energy has been a plus for them in the playoffs. Ilgauskas is a good offensive center, but with him plodding along, he could be a liability for the Cavaliers if they want to run as they had done with success against the Spurs. He's also a defensive liability as the Spurs have an athletic front court. ADV: Even

Bench: Ginobili, Horry, Barry, Vaughn and Elson vs. Varejao, Gibson, Marshall, Jones and Snow. Ginobili plays starters minutes and has stepped up more in the playoffs like he always does than the regular season, Horry will provide valuable defense, rebounding and stretch the D for his 3s. Barry has essentially disappeared from the playoffs so he wont contribute much unless someone is in foul trouble or hurt (knock on wood). Vaughn and Elson are basically walking smoke-breaks for Parker and Duncan.

Gibson will figure to contribute the most off the bench with his instant offense along with Varejao's spark-plug style of play providing energy on the boards and pestering defense. (anyone else think he looks like Sideshow Bob from the Simpson's with that glorious mop on his head?) Other than that, Jones and Snow just take up space, dont even worry about them, enjoy "Boobie" Gibson. ADV: Spurs

Overall I think the Spurs experience, ability to play at any pace will give them the edge to win this series. I also think although they don't show it much, that the Suns' series really pissed them off, as they don't care if anyone thinks if they win it all that it will be tainted, as its obvious that it would feel worse to come out so fortunate against the Suns only to not win it all; it would more of an embarrassment IMO. Yeh I know Detroit had the experience against the Cavs, but they have only 1 ring, and they dont have a good coach, Larry Brown coaching this team would have beaten the Cavs. And Yeh I know the Mavericks were in a similar situation last year, but sorry to say the Mavericks always had that feel that they all (except Jerry Stackhouse) had that fragile psyche and could be pushed around, and being overshadowed by Cuban hurts their focus. The Mavericks were also in their first NBA Finals, so experience was not a factor. The Spurs are in the same situation being overwhelming favorites, but their poise and experience in the Finals will speak volumes.

I personally am rooting for the Spurs of course, but think this will be an entertaining series, if anything I think the Spurs win one in a blowout, the Cavs two close games, and the Spurs win 3 pretty close games to take the series (and Championship hopefully) in 6 games.

I also have a futures play on the Spurs so obviously I will be rooting for that one to hit.

Haven't really decided though whether or not to take the Cavs in the first game, as I think the Spurs always start out slow and are very rusty if given a lot of time b.w games. The rest will benefit the old veterans, but it should still make them a bit rusty. My book has the Cavs +7.5, so gonna wait and see if it goes up, might still end up taking the Spurs LOL.

GL everyone!

[emv01]

Damn I hate both teams..LOL..Interesting to see how this long layoff will effect the Spurs, even though I know Clevland will be off for about 5 days as well....I don't think Lebron can take the Spurs 1 on 5 like he did the Stones..With that said this series is going to rely heavily on the roll players IMO for Clev..Can Gibson continue to stroke the three, Gooden hit that 12 footer and so on..And will Clev be able to stop Parker, Ginobli and Duncan? I don't think game one of this series will tell to much though, because A) you have a Spurs team who hasn't played in something like two weeks, and B) you have a Cavs team coming off emotional series win and first time in the finals just like HD said....I see the Spurs winning this series in 5 or 6..Lean more to 6 though with the way its set up 2-3-2...I also can't wait to see what kind of defense Pop draws up to cover Lebron..Are they going to play him straight up with Bowen or double him and make the other guys beat them..Lebron has proven he can get to the hole when he wants to or find the open man when doubled, its just going to come down to Gibson,Hughes and Co. to knock down the shots..Hopefully this is a good series though as I will be in Vegas for games 2 and 3 I believe..

[Underdog88]

Originally Posted by Q-Unit

Matchups:

C: Oberto vs. Ilgauskas, Oberto rarely gets his number called, but he is very active on the boards, dangerous as he gets putbacks and garbage points, but those are very valuable to the Spurs, and his energy has been a plus for them in the playoffs. Ilgauskas is a good offensive center, but with him plodding along, he could be a liability for the Cavaliers if they want to run as they had done with success against the Spurs. He's also a defensive liability as the Spurs have an athletic front court. ADV: Even

I must say I agree with nearly everything, save this one.... Z has been on the floor an avg of 34 min per game in the playoffs, 14 minutes more than Oberto avg. He's avg 13.8 ppg, 9.5 rebs & is a solid ft shooter- his numbers are all up in the playoffs. Oberto is avg 5.9 ppg/5 rebs in the playoffs. Although I would give him the edge defensively, I would have to give the overall edge to the Cavs there. You're spot on about the Spurs being able to play at any pace, but I don't think the Cavs will want to play at a fast pace...IMO the advantage would go to the Spurs at a faster pace. Parker/Manu are too good for the Cavs to try & outgun them, especially with the way the Spurs have been shooting. In the last 3 home games, the Spurs have shot over 51%. The Cavs last 3 on the road? 37%, 40% & 45%. All were close & could have went either way. JMO that the Cavs have a better shot if they slow it down. Both totals in the regular season failed to get over 170, & the Cavs won both. Great analysis Q

[Q-Unit]

yeh I see your point, Underdog, i agree as well, that the cavs would want to dictate their pace.

only thing that made me say about them uptempo is from the one game I watched when they played at San Antonio and won for the first time in ages, and this quote from ESPN.com

This season alone, the Cavs have outscored the Spurs 11-10 in a grinding, defense-only quarter and pounded them 38-28 in an uptempo, fast-paced quarter.

but that WAS the regular season, and you're right Parker and Ginobes would feed off of this, especially as Ginobili only came on strong towards the playoffs and throughout.

Big Z is gonna be huge for them, my only knock was yes his defense and his slow step compared to Oberto. I just think if Oberto shows up and continue to do what he's been doing which is rebound and putbacks, its only a huge lift for the Spurs as the Cavs are one of the best teams at offensive rebounding, and other than Duncan, the Spurs don't have anyone that consistently grabs the rebounds, so Oberto needs to step up to keep Gooden, Z, James, and Varejao off the offensive glass.

[ENTREPRENEUR PIMP]

Reading way too much into it. Cleveland is over rated. Spurs win 4-0. Simple as that.

[Underdog88]

Originally Posted by ENTREPRENEUR PIMP

Reading way too much into it. Cleveland is over rated. Spurs win 4-0. Simple as that.

How can a team that is in the finals as a +420 dog be overrated? Spurs are +525 to sweep @ 5Dimes- I suggest you play it if you feel it's that simple

[BlazerAndy]

Yeah I was sure the Suns would sweep the Lakers in the first round and that didn't happen so I don't expect a sweep to happen in this series either. If I were to make some plays I'd probably bets Spurs in 4 or 5 and maybe make a play on the Cavs in 6. I think if the Cavs win they do it in 6 or maybe even 5 ala the Pistons against the almighty Lakers a few years ago.

[ENTREPRENEUR PIMP]

Suns & Lakers? Why don't you bring up Chicago & Miami? And UDOG I was saying this forum in it self, particulary you and Q, are over rating the Cavaliers. This ain't NO Dallas/Miami match-up. This is how it's going to pan out. Spurs win both home gomes and then travel to Cleveland for possible "3" road games. They'll win game 3 in a tight contest & game 4 will be a blow out in the favour of San Antonio. First game will go over easily for the fact that Spurs know they'll win when they score a lot of points. Thus, LeBron (who just had one very godly game, but get over it, never happening again) will have to lift is hand in the scoring department - he'll miss a lot so look for props such as shooting below 40-50% & Gibson is going to wish he was back at college. Who is going to hold this team up, all the white boys lift your hand up haha. All you bitches will then bring up Detroit If they can kill the Pistons, they can do it to the Spurs, well I did too believe in Detroit based on their history but at the end of the day they weren't as superior a team as last year - lost about 10+ games this year than 2006. That's how it is & a 8 pt. start for Cavaliers may be tempting but the Spurs will win by double digits.

[Underdog88]

Originally Posted by ENTREPRENEUR PIMP

UDOG I was saying this forum in it self, particulary you and Q, are over rating the Cavaliers.

That's how it is & a 8 pt. start for Cavaliers may be tempting but the Spurs will win by double digits.

All you bitches will then bring up Detroit

We were simply speculating on matchups... & in case you didn't notice, Q is a Spurs fan & has them on a future to win it all. You very well could be right about game 1, but I just couldn't pass up 8 pts in the finals. Personally I love when a team is given no shot at winning.... I was serious about the prop bet, since you think they sweep, play the damn prop cuz that's some good $$$.


Bitches?

[Nigel Tufnel]

Originally Posted by ENTREPRENEUR PIMP

Thus, LeBron (who just had one very godly game, but get over it, never happening again)

Now that is some action I'd be willing to take. What is the kid? 22 years old? I'd bet that he'd score 48 points in a playoff game again in his career. Now...score 29 of his team's last 30 points? I'm not sure if something like that will ever happen again...but that was more Lebron's teammates than Lebron himself. Not sure what you have against Lebron....but like I said, I feel quite confident that at some point in the next 10 years, he'll score 48 points in a playoff game.

[BUNK MORELAND]

I believe Cleveland has a good chance to win this series

San Antonio plays good Defense , but Cleveland can D you up too..

And Brown knows alot about this team .. He should be able to exploit some mismatches with his knowledge of the SPURS and Pop.

One thing that Cleveland has on their side is YOUTH and at this point of the season i do believe that is going to be huge ..

[BUNK MORELAND]

Originally Posted by ENTREPRENEUR PIMP

Suns & Lakers? Why don't you bring up Chicago & Miami? And UDOG I was saying this forum in it self, particulary you and Q, are over rating the Cavaliers. This ain't NO Dallas/Miami match-up. This is how it's going to pan out. Spurs win both home gomes and then travel to Cleveland for possible "3" road games. They'll win game 3 in a tight contest & game 4 will be a blow out in the favour of San Antonio. First game will go over easily for the fact that Spurs know they'll win when they score a lot of points. Thus, LeBron (who just had one very godly game, but get over it, never happening again) will have to lift is hand in the scoring department - he'll miss a lot so look for props such as shooting below 40-50% & Gibson is going to wish he was back at college. Who is going to hold this team up, all the white boys lift your hand up haha. All you bitches will then bring up Detroit If they can kill the Pistons, they can do it to the Spurs, well I did too believe in Detroit based on their history but at the end of the day they weren't as superior a team as last year - lost about 10+ games this year than 2006. That's how it is & a 8 pt. start for Cavaliers may be tempting but the Spurs will win by double digits.

This guy is too funny. He's down 840 bones in the playoffs and telling us "how it is going to pan out"

[homedawg]

Originally Posted by ENTREPRENEUR PIMP

Suns & Lakers? Why don't you bring up Chicago & Miami? And UDOG I was saying this forum in it self, particulary you and Q, are over rating the Cavaliers. This ain't NO Dallas/Miami match-up. This is how it's going to pan out. Spurs win both home gomes and then travel to Cleveland for possible "3" road games. They'll win game 3 in a tight contest & game 4 will be a blow out in the favour of San Antonio. First game will go over easily for the fact that Spurs know they'll win when they score a lot of points. Thus, LeBron (who just had one very godly game, but get over it, never happening again) will have to lift is hand in the scoring department - he'll miss a lot so look for props such as shooting below 40-50% & Gibson is going to wish he was back at college. Who is going to hold this team up, all the white boys lift your hand up haha. All you bitches will then bring up Detroit If they can kill the Pistons, they can do it to the Spurs, well I did too believe in Detroit based on their history but at the end of the day they weren't as superior a team as last year - lost about 10+ games this year than 2006. That's how it is & a 8 pt. start for Cavaliers may be tempting but the Spurs will win by double digits.

4-0??????????????????

I just dont see it!!!

cle vs sas reg season cle2-0 (1W-H/1W-A)
overall record home cle 37-12 sas 38-12
overall record away cle 25-24 sas 32-16
playoffs record cle (8H-8A) 12-4 (1L-H / 3L-A)
................... sas (9H-7A) 12-4 (2L-H / 2L-A)



Without gettin' into the previous competition, both teams tough @ home, sas has a slight advantage on the road, but cleveland has stepped it up at home in the playoffs(7-1) only loss against njn, when they were up 3-1 in the series, and were to layed back!

This series ends @sas, game 6 or 7

[Q-Unit]

Originally Posted by williwonka05

And Brown knows alot about this team .. He should be able to exploit some mismatches with his knowledge of the SPURS and Pop.

good point, that will def. help, especially as he is a defensive specialist much like Pop. Only that on the Offensive side, Brown is still lacking, and (obviously) they rely on James too much. Plus game management (best example is that OT game vs. Detroit), and drawing up plays when the game is close, is still a disadvantage for Brown when you are going up against Popavich.

bottom line, James will get his, but will his teammates step up?

no guarantees but I seriously doubt it would be a sweep, remember AI is no Lebron, and he won game 1 against the mighty Lakers with a suckass Sixers team (at least in comparison to this Cavs team), before the Lakers proceeded to blow them out 4 games in a row after that game 1 loss. (back in 2001 I believe)

[ENTREPRENEUR PIMP]

Originally Posted by williwonka05

This guy is too funny. He's down 840 bones in the playoffs and telling us "how it is going to pan out"

Willy Wonker take it easy, I just had one bad game and that was the Cleveland/Detroit game where I went 0-5, bouncing back is second nature. And where the **** do you pop out of and talk like that? I was speaking directly to Q and Dog.

When I said bitches I meant people like you, shut the **** up and when I'm wrong come up and talk like this, in the meantime, be idle mother ****er.