Interesting. I've thought through many scenarios, matchups, mismatches but things change so much during a season, and anyone can get hot. I basically must go back to the best player wins theory. In the NBA, the team with the best or second best player in the league has won about 90% of the time since the start of the Bird/Magic era. The two best players in the league (with all due respect to Kevin Garnett) are Shaq and Duncan, respectively. Since Jordan retired from the Bull, Shaq's team won 3/6 and Duncan won 2/6 championships. Therefore.....Miami over San Antonio
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post"> they never hang their heads no matter what the situation is. The finals was proof of that.</div> How were the finals proof of that? They virtually swept the Lakers.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Interesting. I've thought through many scenarios, matchups, mismatches but things change so much during a season, and anyone can get hot. I basically must go back to the best player wins theory. In the NBA, the team with the best or second best player in the league has won about 90% of the time since the start of the Bird/Magic era. The two best players in the league (with all due respect to Kevin Garnett) are Shaq and Duncan, respectively. Since Jordan retired from the Bull, Shaq's team won 3/6 and Duncan won 2/6 championships. Therefore.....Miami over San Antonio </div> You don't need the best player. You need team chemistry, defense and have somewhat of an advantage on matchups defensively or offesnively. That is what makes a championship team. You cannot slap the best players and expect to win a championship, you need to gel. Proof you don't need the best players: Detriot. As for the whole 'superstar' theory, I also don't believe in that because every team in the league has thier own 'superstar' or really great, even the BEST player. That doesn't necessairly mean you'll win. Some view Tracy Mcgrady as "the best SG" (I obviously disagree) but we all saw how far the Magic have gone.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jurassic:</div><div class="quote_post">How were the finals proof of that? They virtually swept the Lakers.</div> Don't know about you, but when Kobe hit that game-tying shot, and then the Lakers dominated OT, everyone thought momentum was on their side. Detroit kept their composure and destroyed the Lakers the rest of the series.
^ That's true. I remember ABC's cliches of "the Lakers look unstoppable now" and: "Will Detriot bounce back Doc (Rivers)?" Doc: Um, I believe not. The Lakers are too powerful." The Lakers lose the next 3, and the Pistons are the 2004 Champions. Well deserved. Thank God Doc isn't coming back to broadcasting, he was one of the worst ones I'd heard in a while.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">Don't know about you, but when Kobe hit that game-tying shot, and then the Lakers dominated OT, everyone thought momentum was on their side. Detroit kept their composure and destroyed the Lakers the rest of the series.</div> That's bull. Nobody ever felt ashamed because someone on the other team hit a buzzer beater. Besides, people thought that the Lakers would win the series even during game 5. People are just stupid.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">You don't much about the Pistons do you? they never hang their heads no matter what the situation is. The finals was proof of that.</div> Yeah it's true but there were moments in 2004 playoffs when they almost did like down 2-3 in the Nets series... although i agree they eventually didn't. I think IF the Lakers win the first game in a blowout, the Pistons wouldn't win the series. Even Larry Brown said this to his team during a timeout in the Finals, Game 2, "hey remember, we're not supposed to be here" (I own the championship DVD so I do know the Pistons overall inside out) but it was a motivational speech and it worked. I wonder if he would have said the same thing IF the Lakers crushed the Pistons in Game 1. This is just my opinion, I still think the Pistons were the better team, and the IFs above are big. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Ice:</div><div class="quote_post">The 'average' NBA fan would absolutely hate a finals matchup with the Pistons vs. Spurs. Both play a very slow tempo of basketball and there are very few Duncan fans out there because he's considered 'boring.' I'm such a huge fan of the game itself that I wouldn't care, however you have to look at the entire picture. Nets vs. Spurs did terrible in the ratings, just imagine the Spurs vs. Pistons.</div> I really think the Pistons change an average fan's perspective of the game. It's true we've been stuffed with the highlights and high-flying actions and that only high scoring games that will wake us from our sleep. But, the Pistons did sth to that after they upset the heavily favoured Lakers... it's defense, teamwork, hardwork and court smarts that win games... and I guess most young fans are beginning to buy into that. Im buying into all these Pistons stuff, tho Im the biggest Laker fan of all time if the Spurs-Pistons are to be the 2005 Finals, I'll sure watch it. Gonna be fun how each team figures how to score in such cruel defense.
I still don't know why LB didn't just have Kobe fouled before he shot that 3pter in the finals...i mean...you are up 3pts in a finals game in the 4th qtr with the clock about to run out and you let a clutch shooter make an attempt?! :shakehead way to make him look like a hero
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post">I still don't know why LB didn't just have Kobe fouled before he shot that 3pter in the finals...i mean...you are up 3pts in a finals game in the 4th qtr with the clock about to run out and you let a clutch shooter make an attempt?! :shakehead way to make him look like a hero</div> Even better, there was a time in that sequence when Shaq had the ball. Why not foul him? In the end, I don;t think Rip expected Kobe to shoot from so far out. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting SunshineRain:</div><div class="quote_post"> The two best players in the league (with all due respect to Kevin Garnett) are Shaq and Duncan, respectively. </div> I actually think KG is better than Duncan. He doesn't have a back to the basket game like Duncan (though he has that nasty turn around J from the baseline), but he's quicker, has more range, better handles, is a better athlete, is a better passer, and is a better, more vocal, more passionate leader. I just love this guy's heart and how loyal he is to his teammates. And his footwork is just so quick on that said baseline. He's one of only TWO guys to EVER average 20-10-5 for 5 straight seasons (Larry Bird is the other).
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jurassic:</div><div class="quote_post">That's bull. Nobody ever felt ashamed because someone on the other team hit a buzzer beater. Besides, people thought that the Lakers would win the series even during game 5. People are just stupid.</div> Did you even watch the game? Detroit played better the whole game and came up short. Everyone was writing them off, but like I said before, they kept their composure and went on to win in convincing style.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting celtfan:</div><div class="quote_post"> I actually think KG is better than Duncan. He doesn't have a back to the basket game like Duncan (though he has that nasty turn around J from the baseline), but he's quicker, has more range, better handles, is a better athlete, is a better passer, and is a better, more vocal, more passionate leader. I just love this guy's heart and how loyal he is to his teammates. And his footwork is just so quick on that said baseline. He's one of only TWO guys to EVER average 20-10-5 for 5 straight seasons (Larry Bird is the other).</div> I think KG has a chance to prove he's a top two player in this league or even the best. Statistically, he is already there. Before last season, he was just a wisper in the playoffs. Last year, he made strides to prove he is one of the top two players in the league, but fell short. I don't discount the possibility that after next season he will be recognized as the best player in the NBA, but we have to wait and see. Until then, I must stick with Shaq and Duncan in the finals.
Lakers Vs Heat Common It Would Be A Good Series na but really i think from the west it is going to be the Timberwolves vs Pacers just cuz Detroit is a 1 time thing and San Antonio, seems like there team chokes in the play offs, And Pacers well there always a contender in the East and they play some of the best West Coast Basketball In the East. but i think its conference finals it will be West: Lakers Vs Timberwolves East: Detroit Vs Indiana
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Billa_Bong:</div><div class="quote_post">Lakers Vs Heat Common It Would Be A Good Series na but really i think from the west it is going to be the Timberwolves vs Pacers just cuz Detroit is a 1 time thing and San Antonio, seems like there team chokes in the play offs, And Pacers well there always a contender in the East and they play some of the best West Coast Basketball In the East. but i think its conference finals it will be West: Lakers Vs Timberwolves East: Detroit Vs Indiana</div> I know your trying to be supportive, but be realistic here. Lakers will NOT be in the WCF. You can quote me on that.
Western Conference Finals: Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs Phoenix Suns - I say the Phoenix Suns will do something about there C position before the end of this Offseason. Theyve got a helpless Joe Johnson on the bench because we all know how good he does on the bench...YIKES. I think he'll be involved in a deal with Howard Eisley for a great or decent C. IF they get a good C...they will easily be in the Western Conference Finals but If they get no C...Im not sure..just all depends on what Q, Marion, Amare, Marion, benched JJ could do to get them to the Finals. Which im sure they can...I mean uve got a C in Amare if you really think about it. 9 Rebounds per game is very good adding the fact that he scores 20 ppg. This is his 2nd year playing. Next year he could be even better! Jake Voskuhl really isnt that bad of a C like everyone makes him out to be either. He grabs 6 boards in LIMITED minutes. Thats good enough for me because Rasho grabs what 7. Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson...which one is the toss up. There both very good at everything they do. Q just has bad Defense but on the Offensive side hes very great at scoring and rebounding. JJ just does about everything very well...who to start who to start. Steve Nash...a great PG 2nd in assists with almost 9. He can shoot very well...would be a great match with him and TP. Shawn The Matrix Marion is one of the best SFs in the league that can rebound and score. Just about the same stats as Amare. A threat for Spurs too. But i dont think its enough to hold the Spurs. San Antonio Spurs - An even greater team now. Who did they add this time? Brent Barry. A pure shooter that can easily contribute to any team if he doesnt get injured. What A lineup. Last year alone they almost went to the West Finals but got beat out by the Fab 4. This year...I dont think the Lakers will contain them if they happen to play each other in the playoffs and thats exactly why I say Spurs vs Suns. I mean...uve got a great defender in Bruce Bowen, a fast and hard to stop PG by the name of Tony Parker, an MVP every year in some peoples eyes having double digits in rebounds and points by the name of Tim Duncan, An international C that isnt great but is good enough to help this team out with some alright stats, a newly added Brent Barry that shoots VERY WELL, and last but not least a Manu Ginobili...i think he could be better this year due to the fact that he did very well against the US in Athens and lead his team to a gold medal. There bench also isnt too rough with players like Malik Rose, Robert Horry, and Devin Brown also does well when playing big minutes. This team should without a doubt go to the NBA Finals unless the Suns are too tough to handle which i think the Spurs will come away with the W. Eastern Conference Finals: Detriot Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers Detriot Pistons - Do I need to explain why there going to the East Finals. Theres no team who can stop them...not even the all powerful Miami haha. I mean u cant stop a great defensive and rebounding C by the name of Big Ben, an attitude but good scorer by the name of Sheed, 1 main word....Defensive and Powerful Tayshaun Prince, Threat outside the paint by the name of RIP, and the MVP PG Chauncey Billups. This team should go on to face Spurs in the Finals. Indiana Pacers - Same as last year but adding Stephen Jackson and an unsigned great Desmon Farmer. I would say Miami in the East Finals but Jermaine will be determined to win a ring. He will contain Shaq very well now that Shaq aint fat anymore haha. Ron Artest will definately handle Eddie Jones or Dorell Wright being the DPOY...Stephen Jackson will destroy Eddie Jones being that Eddie is old...Jamaal Tinsley will get destroyed by Wade tho. Pacers will come away with the W on this game but as for whats awaiting them in the East Finals (Pistons)....no chance.
Phoenix in the WCF? That will be next to impossible. You're saying that they can move Johnson for a center, but no decent center is really avaliable in the trade market. The Suns did not sign a center in the summer and that has hurt their chances. Despite having a healthy Stoudamire down low, the Suns will still be a perimeter team filled with swingmen and trigger-happy guards.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">Phoenix in the WCF? That will be next to impossible. You're saying that they can move Johnson for a center, but no decent center is really avaliable in the trade market. The Suns did not sign a center in the summer and that has hurt their chances. Despite having a healthy Stoudamire down low, the Suns will still be a perimeter team filled with swingmen and trigger-happy guards.</div> Well Im sure this is what the WCF will be like... San Antonio Spurs VS. either Suns, Mavericks, Lakers, Twolves, or Kings. I forgot about Dallas...They have a good team now adding Dampier. We'll have to see...I honestly cant wait until the NBA season starts up!
Phoenix has no chance at the WCF. The West is still far too good for them to be there. For that matter, they might not even make the playoffs. If you look at it, there are still a lot of teams better than them. The Lakers, even though they lost Shaq, are still a better team than Phoenix. I actually believe people are underestimating what the Lakers are capable of with the line up they have. They're a lot more athletic and have better perimeter players than in years past. Not too mention they still have the best perimeter player in the league with Kobe. The TWolves are essentially the same team as last year, only with a healthy Troy Hudson coming off the bench, which makes them even more dangerous now that they have their 6th man. The Mavs still won't be as good as you think. They still won't be that good on defense even with the addition of Damp because their perimeter players are all horrible defenders. Not too mention that they're still going to be a run and gun team who will hardly use Damp in the post because that's not Nelly's style of play. He's shown that and it will stay the same even with Damp. I'd be surprised to see him put up the same numbers as he did last year with the type of offense he's in now. The Kings are the Kings. They'll have a good season but choke come postseason. Happens year in year out. But the Suns have no chance at WCF. They're a team full of jump shooters and have a young kid playing down low for them. They're not gonna be nearly as good as you think. I'm betting 8th seed at best.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">Phoenix has no chance at the WCF. The West is still far too good for them to be there. For that matter, they might not even make the playoffs. If you look at it, there are still a lot of teams better than them. The Lakers, even though they lost Shaq, are still a better team than Phoenix. I actually believe people are underestimating what the Lakers are capable of with the line up they have. They're a lot more athletic and have better perimeter players than in years past. Not too mention they still have the best perimeter player in the league with Kobe. The TWolves are essentially the same team as last year, only with a healthy Troy Hudson coming off the bench, which makes them even more dangerous now that they have their 6th man. The Mavs still won't be as good as you think. They still won't be that good on defense even with the addition of Damp because their perimeter players are all horrible defenders. Not too mention that they're still going to be a run and gun team who will hardly use Damp in the post because that's not Nelly's style of play. He's shown that and it will stay the same even with Damp. I'd be surprised to see him put up the same numbers as he did last year with the type of offense he's in now. The Kings are the Kings. They'll have a good season but choke come postseason. Happens year in year out. But the Suns have no chance at WCF. They're a team full of jump shooters and have a young kid playing down low for them. They're not gonna be nearly as good as you think. I'm betting 8th seed at best.</div> Well Im sure no matter who makes it to the WCF...there gonna get beat out by Spurs. Even the Lakers will get destroyed.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Theyve got a helpless Joe Johnson on the bench because we all know how good he does on the bench...YIKES. I think he'll be involved in a deal with Howard Eisley for a great or decent C.</div> I wouldn't count on that. In the state of the NBA right now, no team is going to trade big for small. How many teams would be willing to give up a decent center for 2 average guards? A good center is one of the hardest things to come by in this league right now, so I don't see any good centers being moved unless it's for an all star.
