The Southwest Showdown

I have to tell you I am conflicted on who to pick for the Western Conference Finals.  The reason? Well there are so many tasty story lines for each team, we could serve them as a huge plate on an episode of Man v. Food.   There is so many things that interest me about this individual series, and then the series after it if either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Dallas Mavericks advance.  I don't care if I am the 2414th blogger to say this, but I am so happy to not see the same teams in the Conference Finals. It's a great change of pace, and either team in the NBA Finals will be a breath of fresh air. Hopefully I can figure out the pick by the end of this post.





NBA Playoffs 2011: Where
everyone including me jumped
back on the Dirk bandwagon



Dirk v. KD-  I trust Marc Stein of ESPN.com when he talks about Dallas, and he discussed at great length how Dirk isn't as bad of a defender that people make him out to be.  He says that he is a good team defender. I know he will not guard Kevin Durant, nor will Dirk guard KD, but he is one of the only players who can look Durant in the eye each time down the court. The funny thing is both of these players should guard each other, but worry about getting tired on the defensive end. I predict both guys have huge series unless they start matching up with each other. Also both of these players need to hammer the lane, and try to find the other so rack up the fouls early.

Old Fellas v. Young Gunnas- This is like watching a YMCA adult league where you see the older men maybe some former college stars taking the young, upbeat college kids for the championship. The Mavericks have a great number of players from my time growing up an NBA fan like Jason Kidd, Peja Stojakovic, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, and even Dirk. All of these guys are ring-less, and everyone of them minus Dirk knows this is their last shot at an NBA title.

In the other corner, Durant ready to put himself on the next level of superstars in the NBA, Russell Westbrook making the argument for either being the best second banana in the NBA, or the next Stephon Marbury, and Serge Ibaka on the cusp of being an All-Star player on both ends of the court. I can almost guarantee you there will be some chippy play in the first two games as a way for each side to establish themselves, just like in Y ball. The old men want to show these 'kids' who owns the court.

J-Kidd v. Russ- I heard Kidd's quote yesterday saying Westbrook is the second-fastest point guard he faces in the league right now, other than NBA MVP Derrick Rose.  Kidd is a crafty veteran, but I find it hard to believe he will be able to keep up with Westbrook for the entire series. Although Kidd is drinking from the fountain of youth that Mark Cuban bought his team before the playoffs so who knows maybe he can do it.  I do believe unlike the Memphis series, this could be a Westbrook-first series.  I think my biggest beef with Westbrook's shooting has been his lack of finishing near the paint therefore it looks like a shittier shot than it actually was.  Also it's not his fault Scott Brooks coaches with a children book instead of a playbook.

Mark Cuban- Notice how Cubes (people who are cool with him can call him that) is barely doing any interviews during the playoffs?  Just giving emphatic gestures from his seat like a proud father at his son's high school game.  He isn't giving any quotables to the opposing team or bitching about the officials.  I figured out  the reason why... Cuban has been burned before by David Stern, and he will be damned if it happens again to him.  Cuban knows like the players do, they have a great opportunity to win the whole thing, and Cubes opening his mouth will cause more trouble than anything else.

Every and I mean every NBA conspiracy theorist knows that's true, and would also feel it is poetic justice if Stern hands Cuban, the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Miami Screwjob.  In case you are wondering, this would rank 2nd in Awkward Sports Moments, only thing higher will be when Tiger Woods is set to win a major championship with his porn star girlfriend looking on.

Fear the Beard:  If I didn't mention James Harden, then I should not be discussing the NBA. Harden has finally stepped up to the plate and been the player we all expected him to be out of college. I have been very impressed with the way he has become a great role player for a playoff team. Also, if you are a regular reader here, you know I enjoy tremendous facial hair because I cannot grow a good beard to save my soul. The power of beard in sports has worked in mysterious ways this year with Brian Wilson's beard beginning the momentum then Brett Keisel's beard getting to the Super Bowl losing to one of the only things that can stop an epic beard.... the Green Bay Packers.  Also my buddy Microwave would probably pour a drink on me if I didn't add, he grew a Harden-like beard where I concluded he will be only non-Amish white guy to pull off this look.

Prediction: Originally in the latest Snotap pissing match also known as the NBA Bracket Challenge, I took the Thunder to the NBA Finals. So I would have to take them to win this series right?  Nope, I also took Dallas to lose in round 1 too, I think the Mavericks win because they have better coaching, not because they are more experienced, or Dirk is better than KD.  The Thunder will lose Game 5 or Game 6 because Scott Brooks gets outcoached by Rick Carlisle. After watching the three overtime game and other instances in the past month, I cannot trust Brooks any longer in this NBA Playoffs.


Dallas Mavericks in Six.

-Charlie.

Tell Tale Signs From Triple Overtime

Last night I thought it would be just a normal sports night with nothing going on and allow for my hiatus to continue from writing some lengthy posts.  Oh, how wrong I was as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies in three overtimes last night 133-123. It was one of those games where there ended up being so many interesting story lines that came out of this game, and could define the rest of the NBA Playoffs.



The first thing the Tuesday Morning Point Guards have jumped on has been the lack of coaching that went on in this game, which made for a sloppy overtime period.  Now, I agree there were some horrific moments in this game, but when two teams play 63 minutes, it is obvious there are going to be a lot of flaws for us to nitpick.  Additionally, Lionel Hollins versus Scott Brooks is not like Phil Jackson versus Chuck Daly. Hollins made an obvious error by putting O.J. Mayo out there to foul when he had five, and don't even get me started with Mr. Brooks.

I tweeted yesterday that Brooks is the Ned Yost of the NBA.  The guy is absolutely clueless. There is no offense, and he has no idea how to manage his big guys. I understand Serge Ibaka's ankle is weak and had five fouls, but why did Ibaka only get in the game after Kendrick Perkins fouled out in the third OT?  It makes zero sense to me.  At least rotate him for defensive help, but BrooksYost babied his ankle way too much.  The other problem with Brooks' style is he forgot to tell Russell Westbrook to pass the ball.

Westbrook had 40 points, but it was a forced effort. He did not let the points come to him, instead Westbrook decided that he would have the ball at all times attempting to score each time down. He ignored the fact that he had Kevin Durant on his team who by the way, only shot 20 times compared to Westbrook's insanely high 33. Not to mention, Westbrook played six minutes less than KD making that number even more ridiculous.

The only fair defense of what happened last night would be Durant facing guys like Shane Battier and Tony Allen, two guys who are lock down defenders. Even so, I think KD can make things happen against those individuals. Durant not touching the ball for nine minutes is inexcusable. Westbrook's style of play reminded me of Allen Iverson or Stephon Marbury.  It was finally clear last night that Westbrook wants no part of being the second banana of this team.

I would like to see Westbrook dish it off to James Harden or Durant, and start to move around the court to create a better shot.  Westbrook has this theory about himself that he can do similar things to Derrick Rose, which he sure as hell cannot.  Oklahoma City isn't going to win a ton of games with Westbrook throwing up garbage at the rim. The worst thing about this all is that Brooks cannot handle these personalities so if this napalms on the Thunder, they will be split up like the Minnesota Timberwolves did back in the day when Marbury didn't realize his role of number 2.

-Charlie.

NBA Semifinals Predictions

The NBA Playoffs have been terrific so far.  Every series had one or two nail biters, we have a Cinderella team, and a couple great series to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. I myself misfired on the Portland-Dallas series, Orlando-Atlanta series, and of course, Memphis-San Antonio. I thought the Grizzles would give them a series, but I didn't expect them to win the series.  

Eastern Conference  

1.) Chicago versus 5.) Atlanta- I am personally surprised to see the Hawks playing in the second round, and hopefully, they will give a better effort this season compared to past years.  Not having Kirk Heinrich will definitely hurt them because the guy has been a catalyst on offense, but he is just another body to guard Derrick Rose on defense. I think the Hawks' big men could make a difference, but Rose will once again be too good to stop on a nightly basis.  Chicago in six. 

2.) Miami versus 3.) Boston- Some please explain to me how Boston can look completely dead in the last two months of the NBA season, and now look like an entirely different team?  I feel like Ashton Kutcher should come out of hiding and tell me I have been Punk'd.  So many interesting story lines in this series, whether it's LeBron vs. Boston, Chris Bosh v. Kevin Garnett, old crown vs. new royalty. Remember how Michael Jordan took down Detroit finally after two unsuccessful tries?  That's what LeBron needs to do with Boston to take that next step, or this season is a complete failure plus we have to reevaluate LeBron's ceiling in the NBA. I expect a knock down drag out fight in each game with LeBron finally coming up big in a clutch moment.  Miami in seven 

Western Conference 

4.) Oklahoma City versus 8.) Memphis - The Grizzlies and Thunder find themselves in a new position, the second round. Zach Randolph will have to find ways to score against the twin towers of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka.  I think this has to be Russell Westbrook series for the Thunder to win. In my opinion, Kevin Durant will not have much success against Tony Allen who is a top notch defender, and Westbrook will be forced to put this team on his back for at least a couple games.  This will be a very competitive, exciting series.  Oklahoma City in six 

2.) Los Angeles versus 3.) Dallas- The Lakers seemed to find their swagger in games five and six  against New Orleans, and Dallas did the same thing against Portland. It's unreal we haven't seen a Kobe Bryant vs. Dirk Nowitzki series, and I can guarantee we will have one game where both of the guys will just go absolutely bananas trading buckets with each other.  I will also tell you Pau Gasol is going to have a hell of a time with Tyson Chandler, same goes for Andrew Bynum.  Shawn Marion will need to find his old defensive self because the Mavs might be some trouble with who is guarding Kobe.  Even though Boston-Miami has a chance to be great, I think this will be the best series of them all. Los Angeles in seven. 

First game starts at noon tomorrow, should be special.

-Charlie.

Mitsy's NBA Bracket

Eastern Conference                                                                    Western Conference

               

First Round:                                                                                First Round:

Chicago beats Indiana 4-1                                                             San Antonio beats Memphis 4-3
Miami beats Philadelphia 4-2                                                         Lakers beat New Orleans 4-0
Atlanta beats Orlando 4-3                                                             Portland beats Dallas 4-2
New York over Boston 4-3                                                          Oklahoma City beats Denver 4-3

Second Round:                                                                           Second Round:
Chicago beats Atlanta 4-2                                                            OKC beats San Antonio 4-2
Miami beats New York 4-3                                                         Lakers beat Portland 4-3

Conference Finals:                                                                    Conference Finals:
Chicago beats Miami 4-2                                                             OKC beats Lakers 4-3

NBA Finals

Hate to say it but Bulls over Thunder 4-2

-Mikko

NBA Western Conference First Round Predictions

On Saturday, the NBA Playoffs begins. I am pretty excited to say the least. Someone who is not...my dad. He would probably make some snarky comment about the NBA like 'well now they will actually start to play.' I hope he watches in the upcoming months because I feel the playoffs will be very special. The worst thing about having a successful playoffs this year is there will be lockout for the upcoming season. Trust me, I have already ordered Fox Soccer Channel for next year to enjoy a new sport. Let's get it on with the picks.

1.) San Antonio v. 8.) Memphis- I believe the Grizzlies are going to give the Spurs some trouble in this series. Zach Randolph has played like an All-NBA player, and has the ability to wear down Tim Duncan throughout a seven game series. But the matchup between Mike Conley versus Tony Parker because the Frenchman can break him down and embarrass Conley. Also the Manu Ginobili injury could be the biggest unknown storyline if he is out for more than one game. Parker will be the difference maker for the Spurs.  San Antonio in five  

4.) Oklahoma City v. 5.) Denver- For me, this is the most exciting series of the first round.  Oklahoma City with the best young talent in the NBA mixed with the And-1 streetball feel of the Nuggets, consider me sold.  Kevin Durant came on strong in the final three weeks, and Kendrick Perkins added more than anyone of us really understand.  The Nuggets played tremendously after the Carmelo Anthony trade, and they have a new feel to their team. The Nuggs have a ton of difference makers, but do they have the one guy who can put the team on his back? I don't think so.  Close, fun series, the Thunder take in six.  

3.) Dallas v. 6.) Portland- This is the popular upset pick right now.  It is like an NCAA Tournament First Round game where everyone is riding the mid-major completely forgetting about the powerhouse. Dirk Nowitzki has played great all year, but we all know that one player cannot win a series. In my opinion, I would let Dirk go off for 40 a game, and cut off everyone else.  Tyson Chandler has been great for the Mavs, but Marcus Camby is like the older version of him therefore they cancel each other out.  Also  don't be surprised if Dirk's defense gets exposed once again by LaMarcus Aldridge.  Rip City in six.   

2.) Los Angeles Lakers v. 7.) New Orleans- See this what I hate about the NBA. We get these series with very public teams playing opponents that I could give two shits about meaning we have to endure all four or five games they play against each others. I am still wondering how the Hornets found themselves into the playoffs. With David West out, Pau Gasol will have a monster playoff series propelling them to an easy series. I will give the Hornets a pity win because I am nice. Lake Show in five. 

-Charlie. 

Don't Expect A 2010 NBA Finals Repeat

Right now, this is one of the best times to be a sports fan. Everyone in baseball still has a chance, the growing debates about what player to take in the NFL Draft, and the winter sports are heading into the playoffs this week. As the NBA Playoffs get underway on Saturday, the biggest question is will the two teams from the 2010 NBA Finals survive the first round? 

The Boston Celtics are in a complete free fall after trading Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Rajon Rondo has seemed like an entire different player, Kevin Garnett yells, but it feels like to me no one listens like they once did when Perkins partolled the lane. People from El Pres, Simmons, and others have mentioned  how much the city of Boston loved Perk, and I really think the players felt the exact same way. I believe the perfect comparison for this is my sophomore year of college dorm floor.

We had an awesome door room floor. Everybody got along, and our resident assistant let us live our lives without meddling plus also being a good friend. There was a true togetherness about our unit compared to the one I lived in the year prior where four or five of us were great friends, but no one else went out together. With this group, people did so many more things together and felt like a family. After the resident assistant got poor grades, we got a new one and he ended up being the opposite personality.

He wanted to make his prescene felt here and life changed for every guy there. Most of the guys did not react to change well leading to multiple problems. People got kicked out of the dorms, vandalized various things on the floor, and it became pretty miserable for the last two weeks.  The Celtics' old team with Perkins had that original dorm floor unity, and now what they have is the misrable nature of the new look dorm floor. Everyday it seemed like one person would say "Man I miss Matt, our former RA" and I am willing to bet the Celtics' players have days where they say "I miss Perk more than I thought I would."

I cannot believe a team with a playoff seed on the line can lose to a team like the Washington Wizards especially in overtime. They are playing like individuals, and want this season to be over as soon as possible. The body language is horrible right now from Doc Rivers to Delonte West. It's a team effort to look this disinterested. The Celtics are far worst off than they were last year, and I personally believe the New York Knicks will beat them in six games. My thoughts on that series will be given later this week.

While out west, the Los Angeles Lakers have had more up and downs than a long distance relationship. Before this sudden five game losing streak, the Lakers had won nine straight. Further they had won sixteen of their last seventeen games. They are the definition of inconsistency, and sometimes those teams are able to turn it on in the postseason propelling them to victory. If the Lakers are a true contender, they will make a statement tonight against the San Antonio Spurs at home. With the two seed on the line, they need to play on a playoff level.

On the other hand, I wonder what Gregg Popovich does tonight because San Antonio has won both games against the Lakers this year, so maybe they do not think it's the worst thing to play them in round 2? The Spurs might come out firing with all their starters trying to dump the Lakers farther down the seeding. Also don't discredit  the Oklahoma City Thunder's 14 point win against the Lakers at the Staples Center Sunday night. To me, the 120-106 beatdown spoke volumes that the young Thunder can compete with any team in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant finally looked comfortable against Ron Artest dropping 31 points, Russell Westbrook is a nightmare for the Lakers' guards, and Ibaka/Perkins can compete with Bynum/Gasol for sure.

The last couple of years we always had an idea of who will be playing in the NBA Finals. While there are favorites, I feel this year is more unpredictable than others in years' past. I expect a lot of close series, and maybe some new favorites rise up in the upcoming months.

-Charlie.
 

The Laundry List of NBA Trades

I'm going to attempt a list of all the trades from the NBA's trade deadline this afternoon. They came in a flurry. If I forget one or two or mess one up, let me know. Here we go...

1. New Orleans traded scoring two-guard Marcus Thornton to the Sacramento Kings for Milwaukee native Carl Landry.

Trade works for both sides. The Hornets add frontcourt depth and the Kings get a scorer alongside 'Reke Evans.


2. Baron Davis and the LAC 1st round pick to Cleveland in exchange for "Mo" Williams and Jamario Moon.

Donald Sterling is mean. I gotta believe Baron is saltier than a volcano burrito from Taco Bell. He has to leave his hometown and Blake Griffin to go to freakin' Cleveland and play with Antawn Jamison and Anderson Varejão. Zoiks.

3. Captain Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong to the Hawks for Mike Bibby, rookie Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans and a first round draft pick.

The only reason I care about this trade is Jordan Crawford. He's a rookie and has plenty of upside with the John Wall and the Wizards.

4. Hasheem Thabeet to Houston for Shane Battier.

Thabeet gets to return to the place he called home at the beginning of his stay in America. Otherwise this is just a cap move.

5. Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic to Beantown for Nate Robinson and Kendrick Perkins.

Makes little sense for Boston to give up their center for an athletic forward and a clumsy center, neither of whom can rebound and play good defense. They may have surrendered the Eastern Conference championship.

6. Gerald Wallace to the JailBlazers for Joel Przybilla, Dante Cunningham and two first round picks.

G-Force gets to go to a pretty solid team and contribute for the playoffs. MJ looks to the future for the Bobcats who just gave up their best player while vying for a playoff spot in the East.

7. Semih Erden and Luke Harangody to Cleveland for a second round pick in 2013.

Whoopdee-doo. The Cavs got some size.

8. Aaron Brooks to Phoenix for Goran Dragic.

I can taste the end of Steve Nash in the Valley of the Sun. While it saddens me, maybe he'll go to a better team before his time runs out.

9. Nazr Mohammed to OKC for D.J. White and Morris Peterson.

D.J. White was  GOD DAMN BEAST in college but I didn't think he was still in the league. Same goes for Mo-Pete for that matter. The Thunder have a ton of size now with Perk and Nazr.

10. Marquis Daniels was traded to Sacramento, but I have no idea what Boston got in return for him.


Initially, Daniels was expected to veto the trade but now he's going with it.


-Mikko

Durant v. Griffin: Who Ya' Got?!

 One of our readers Adam asked me on Facebook: "You are the GM of a NBA team. Who would you rather build your team around, Kevin Durant or Blake Griffin? I'm saying Durant, just curious as to your thoughts..." So I decided to break it down to the very core. 



                                        Shooting- ADV: Durant

This is probably the easiest one for Durant to win. Right now, Griffin is excellent underneath the basket but he hasn't mastered that 12 to 18 foot jumper that guys like Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan mastered throughout the years. When Griffin gets that jumper down, look out. He will be near unstoppable, but today, Durant can do it from all places on the court. 


Passing- ADV: Griffin 
This has been heavily discussed on the blog in the past couple weeks. Durant needs to work on his court version, no question about it. Griffin isn't that much better than KD, but he creates a ton of problems when the Clippers throw it down into the post. I expect Griffin's assist numbers to grow as he gets better because teams will start to double team.   


Rebounding- ADV: Griffin
A runaway category for Griffin.  He averaging near 13 rebounds a game as a rookie. He is currently 4th in the NBA right now.  Durant does get his rebounds, but in my opinion, he doesn't crash the boards enough. I would like to see more from Durant in terms of rebounding. 


Match Up Problems- ADV: Durant
While Griffin is physically a monster, Durant creates so many problems as a shooting guard and a small forward at 6'9. The Thunder can run a smaller lineup with KD at the wing, or supersize the lineup.  Honestly, you can play Durant at every five positions, but Griff can only play the four or five.  


Scoring- ADV: Durant 
He squeaks by in this one. Griffin scores in bunches, but not like Durant can. It really happens because Durant is a decent three point shooter plus he can slash. Griffin is really all about the alley oops, dunks, and the layups inside. But as I said earlier, Griff needs to get better from the outside.  


Defense- ADV: Durant 
This one might surprise you, but if you looked at advanced statistics using opponents PER 48 minute production, Durant takes it. When KD is playing his natural 2 and 3 position, the opponents are averaging 13.2 and 12.2. At Griffin's spots, his counterparts are 14.5 and 18.3. I actually would have guessed the opposite, but statistically, KD has it.   \


Late Game Situations- ADV: Durant 
Once again, it comes down to all the spaces that Durant can score from on the court. He hit a game-winner a couple of nights ago against New York, and I am not sure if Griffin has a winner under his belt.  Not to mention, I would rather have a wing guy taking the final shot then throwing it down to the post, but that's just me.  


In three years, all of this could change but today, the answer is Durant. Both players are going to continue to grow, and take their game to an impossible level. You want to know a scary thought?  What if Griffin after his rookie contract is up decides to take his talents back to Oklahoma City. Westbrook-Durant-Griffin would be a dynasty for years to come. 


-Charlie.

DOY: Serge Ibaka

Mr. Ibaka makes his second appearance on the blog with this throwdown on Emeka Okafor. I hear his nickname is Dr. Nasty? If that's true then it's awesome and will call him that from now on. The only sad thing about Dr. Nasty is David West dotted him for a game-winner as the Hornets won their 9th straight.

-Charlie.