|
02-21-2013, 10:27 PM | #1996 |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Jul 2009
Casino cash: $1534064
|
|
Posts: 82,314
|
02-21-2013, 10:29 PM | #1997 |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Jul 2009
Casino cash: $1534064
|
Spurs will (as everyone does) struggle to guard Durant. I don't think Jackson can do it effectively
|
Posts: 82,314
|
02-21-2013, 10:33 PM | #1998 |
Band
Join Date: Sep 2005
Casino cash: $85453
|
I think the Spurs will be the same story this year as last year. They're always at the top of the division, and you're right that Pop is the best coach in the NBA, but they're too old and have too many injury problems to make it to the finals.
__________________
Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes, well, he eats you. |
Posts: 8,302
|
02-21-2013, 10:34 PM | #1999 | |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Casino cash: $10049239
|
Quote:
The Spurs bench is better this year. And it's an odd year, Spurs win championships in odd years. |
|
Posts: 24,946
|
02-21-2013, 10:36 PM | #2000 | |
MVP
Join Date: Jul 2008
Casino cash: $9849890
|
Quote:
I kind of like the mini slump because now OKC is in the dog role again. We are usually in every game so we will be right there. Match up wise we've had more problems with the Clippers than Spurs, and of course the fighting LeBrons. I won't judge anything off regular season though. All the top teams know they will be there and it's hard to stay motivated. I think a Spurs/Thunder series is a toss up. I just remember being infatuated with SA last year. They had won 20 in a Row and most of them impressively, then they dropped 4 straight to the Thunder. We would be having the same struggles with Harden. Discipline and coaching is the issue not talent. Remember Harden had a couple of non-spectacular playoff series himself. |
|
Posts: 6,703
|
02-21-2013, 10:37 PM | #2001 |
Perpetual Mediocrity
Join Date: Jan 2006
Casino cash: $3922783
|
The Spurs were an incredibly small margin away from making the NBA Finals last year (lost 4-2 to a OKC team that had three elite basketball players on it instead of two now). There's really little reason to think they can't make it this year, especially with home advantage. I'd give them about the same chance as the Thunder.
|
Posts: 50,604
|
02-21-2013, 10:40 PM | #2002 |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Jul 2009
Casino cash: $1534064
|
Yeah, but I just think Harden has the killer instinct the Thunder need in the playoffs especially. I know you've heard it over and over and he's a good player no doubt, but IMO, Westbrook just mentally isn't strong enough to be with Durant and take the role he needs to, all the time.
IMO, again you've heard it before over and over, Westbrook should have been moved. Not because he's selfish etc, just because I think Harden is a better fit for the Thunder. But it's past that point and Westbrook has been better this year IMO. Just have to wait and see. |
Posts: 82,314
|
02-21-2013, 10:42 PM | #2003 | |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Casino cash: $10049239
|
Quote:
|
|
Posts: 24,946
|
02-21-2013, 10:44 PM | #2004 | |
Perpetual Mediocrity
Join Date: Jan 2006
Casino cash: $3922783
|
Quote:
|
|
Posts: 50,604
|
02-21-2013, 10:46 PM | #2005 | |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Jul 2009
Casino cash: $1534064
|
Quote:
But, IMO, he's a 2. |
|
Posts: 82,314
|
02-21-2013, 10:47 PM | #2006 |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Jul 2009
Casino cash: $1534064
|
Damn, I also forgot they had Kawhi Leonard.
|
Posts: 82,314
|
02-21-2013, 10:49 PM | #2007 |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Casino cash: $10049239
|
Yes, Kawhi has come a long way this year. He is extremely underrated. He's learning how to become more of a consistent high scorer this year. His defense is excellent. He's like a Bruce Bowen type that can play around the rim and hit more than baseline 3 pointers.
|
Posts: 24,946
|
02-21-2013, 11:13 PM | #2008 |
MVP
Join Date: Jul 2008
Casino cash: $9849890
|
I love Harden. Wish we still had him. However, there is one playoff game they ever let him take over (game 4 against Dallas) he hit a big 3 game 5 against SA, but that was only because he caught with the ball. So when you say Westbrook can't hit clutch shots like Harden I have to disagree. Westbrook has hit a lot more big shots in the playoffs for the Thunder. He gets a lot of blame (some deserved) but The dude is a balls to the wall competitor.
The legend of James Harden when it comes to the Thunder is a bit exaggerated. His biggest contributions were normally in the second and third periods. Same as what Kevin Martin does now. The role is the same and he fills it the same. In fact maybe better because they desperately needed a 3 point shooter to stretch the floor. Thabo is also shooting over 40% from 3 this year. So in some aspects OKC is better than last year. The West will come down to OKC, SA, and LAC. Nothing that happened would surprise me. The Harden trade will be pointed to if OKC gets knocked out earlier, but I honestly don't feel it will be the difference. Harden was held down in OKC and Martin can do what he was asked to do. Now if playoff pressure gets to him that's another story, but I've seen it get to Harden as well. As I have said all year I don't think this is the year we win a title with or without Harden. They will be a really tough out though, and will get better and have very good chances in the coming years. I respect the shit out of SA, but they have been the best regular season team 3 years running, and haven't been to the Finals once. Yeah, they can win a championship, but the recent track record hasn't been good. |
Posts: 6,703
|
02-21-2013, 11:25 PM | #2009 |
Agree to Disagree
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: The State of Euphoria
Casino cash: $10026612
|
I think Memphis belongs in that group, especially if you're going to include the Clips. People are starting to figure them out; don't turn it over and get them in the half court.
Spurs are dismantling the Clippers tonight, and Parker is dominating the PG battle (although they're not necessarily guarding each other each trip down). |
Posts: 14,446
|
02-21-2013, 11:26 PM | #2010 |
MVP
Join Date: Jul 2008
Casino cash: $9849890
|
James Harden is infinitely better than Kevin Martin, but he grew out of that role the last year.
I'm excited about Lamb's potential. Instead of cutting his teeth in the big show like Harden he's doing it in the D-league. When Harden came in he had to play. At that time I never imagined he would be the player he is today. Presti has a vision and its continuing to develop young talent. They do an excellent job of it too. That is where the coaching staff excels. So 4 years from now we'll find out if he is too smart for the room or outsmarted himself. |
Posts: 6,703
|
|
|