Stat Breakdown: What we Can Learn From the '13 Finals. Whats Changed Since?

[cd021]

(All 2013 NBA Finals Statistics, unless otherwise noted)

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site569/2013/0612/20130612__1-miami%20heat%20lineup.jpg
Miami Heat

Lebron James-43 MPG, 25.3 PPG, 44.7 FG%, 35.3 3PT %, 10.9 RPG, 7 APG, 2.5 T.O.V 2.3 SPG

Dwyane Wade-36.4 MPG, 19.6 PPG, 47.6 FG%, 4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG,

Chris Bosh-11.9 PPG, 46.2 FG%, 34.3 MPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.6 BPG

Mario Chalmers-38.8% FG%, 40% 3PT, 10.6 ppg

Ray Allen-10.6 PPG, 27.3 MPG54.3 % FG, 54.5 3PT%

top 5 players combined for 78 ppg (80%) of the teams 97 ppg.


http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/41/files/2013/07/7445750.jpg
San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan-36.3 MPG, 18.9 PPG, 49%, 12.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG

Tony Parker-35.2 MPG, 15.7 PPG, 41.2 %, 6.4 APG, 2 T.O.V

Kawhi Leonard-34.8 MPG, 14.6 PPG, 51.3 %, 34.8% 3pt, 11.1 RPG, 2 SPG,

Danny Green-35.4 MPG, 14 PPG, 44.4% FG, 55% 3pt, 4.1 RPG, 1 SPG, 1.6 BPG

Manu Ginobili-28.5 MPG, 11.6 PPG, 43.3 %, 4.3 APG, 3 T.O.V

top 5 players=74.8 PPG, (76.5% of 97.7 ppg)

-The Spurs offense was far more balanced, with 4 players averaging better than 14 ppg. The Heat had 2 players over above that mark.

Net Rtg

James-+8
Wade- -4
Bosh- -4
Allen- +5
Chalmers- -25
Anderson-+15


Duncan- +8
Parker- -10
Leonard- +17
Green- +7
Ginobili- -11
Splitter- -16
Diaw- 0

According to the aforementioned stats Wade, Bosh, Parker, and Ginobili struggled, with Duncan and James carrying their respective teams. Leonard had the biggest impact, in that regard, of any rotation player on the Spurs.

Splitter had the worst Net Rtg of any Spur in the rotation. His offensive Rtg of 91 was the second worst of any player on the team (behind Joseph) Diaw had a negated impact, He neither helped nor hurt the team in that regard. His 116 O Rtg was second best on the Spurs behind Kawhi.

Anderson proved to be a massive spark plug off the bench. Chalmers and especially Cole (+/- -15) forced the Heat into a PG’less lineup with Wade at the 1 and James playing Point-forward.

Neal (-15) and Joseph (-21) were detrimental as backup PGs.

Anderson, Bosh and James had the best D Rtg of any Heat players. Leonard, Duncan and Splitter were ours, in terms of rotation players.

[cd021]

Whats Changed Since the 2013 NBA Finals?

Small Ball Versatility

The Heat are more than capable of going small, and have been known to use a lineup Wade-Allen-Battier-James-Bosh featuring no point guard.

It’s a particularly difficult lineup to stop given every player is a capable 3pt shooter (save for Wade despite recent success from there)
Bosh is an elite mid range shooter who has stretched his game to the outside the 3pt line particularly the left corner (36% in the regular season, 55% in the postseason)

The Spurs, last season, matched down by playing Parker-Ginobili-Green-Leonard and Duncan in the Finals.
Doing the previous regular season, the Spurs primarily played big with Duncan and Splitter and occasionally going small to close out games with Stephen Jackson, and later Kawhi Leonard.

The Heat played Lebron James at PF for more than 90% of his minutes last season and with Bosh, mostly, at center.
Miami, initially, matched up Bosh and Haslem to start against Duncan and Splitter to start the series. In Game 4 Spo’ started Miller instead of Haslem. Pop quickly subbed Splitter in for Ginobili. Ginobili started games 5-7.

This season the Spurs have utilized dozens of different lineups (some by necessity) that should better prepare them for this match-up
Parker-Ginobili-Leonard-Diaw-Duncan have been their primary closing unit.

The Spurs are now much better equipped to go small
Duncan/Splitter
Diaw/Leonard/Green
Leonard/Green/Ginobili
Green/Ginobili/Belinelli
Parker/Mills

Splitter has proven that he is cable of protecting the rim and guarding stretch power forwards. Bosh primarily spots up as opposed to posting up. He has admitted as much saying that posting up isn't his game and that the Heats style of defense is tiring, so he opts to spot up instead.

http://dy.snimg.com/story-image/2/19/2936306/98145-650-366.jpg

Diaw’s aggression (aka 2.0) has made him a drastically different player from a year ago. He is a solid post player, a low volume, high percentage 3pt shooter (40% in the RS, 41.7 % in the PS) and capable of attacking the rim off the dribble. His ability to pass helps maximize the Spurs offense.

He has become a staple in the Spurs closing unit this season. He could see more time guarding James in if the Heat go small to close out games.
Last season, he played solid defense against James and James seemed unwilling to post Diaw up. His lack of aggression on offense kept him from making a bigger impact in the series but his passing was a clear positive.

Leonard’s improvement –
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/visual/whatshot/42413_Leonard.jpg

Last post season-36.9 MPG, 54.5 % FG, 39% 3PT, 63.3 % FT 9 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 13.5 PPG

This post season-31.6 MPG, 48.4 FG %, 36.4% 3PT, 71.4 % FT 6.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 13.3 PPG

Per 36 minutes this postseason- 7.8 RPG, 2 SPG, 15.1 PPG

-Leonard’s shooting percentages has dipped but his per minute scoring is up. Scoring .2 less in 5 fewer minutes compared to last season.

-His FG per 36 minutes has jumped by more than 3 per game, signaling more aggressiveness. His net Rtg for the postseason is +13 which is actually down from last season’s +22.

-His FT shooting continues to be problematic for the 2nd straight post season its dropped by at least 9 %

Mills replacing Neal at PG

Mills

True Shooting %-52.4%
P.E.R.-13.5
Net Rating- 0
3pt %-33.9 %

Neal (’12-’13 post season)

True Shooting % 50.3
P.E.R.- 9.0
Net Rating- -6
3pt %- 34.8%

-Mills appears to an upgrade but has been mostly spotty in the postseason. His biggest asset is his ability to score however hasn’t had nearly the same success in the post season (which was to be expected to a certain extent).

-He is capable ball handler but cannot create for others. Ginobili will likely be the primary play maker but Mills will still occasionally run pick and roll while Ginobli plays off ball.



Ginobili's significantly improvement

’12-’13 Postseason-26.7 mpg, 39.9 % FG, 30.2% 3PT, 73.8% FT, 5 APG, 2.6 T.O.V,11.5 PPG,

’13-’14 Postseason-24.6 mpg, 42.3 % FG, 38.4% 3PT, 85.9% FT, 4.1 APG, 2.4 T.O.V, 14.3 PPG

-His numbers are up across the board, especially his shooting numbers jumping from 53% Tru Shooting % to 57.8. His P.E.R is his 2nd best in the 5 postseasons he’s appeared in during his 30’s and up from 16.5 to 21.1.

His scoring rate is the 3rd best of his career at 21.0 per 36 minutes. His Net Rtg was +1 last playoffs to +10 this postseason.

-He is still a high assist to high turnover type of player but that has been the case for much of his career. It has yet become a major problem this postseason.

Miami-

Despite, largely, the same team, the Heat appear different from the previous Finals. Their defense has dipped from 7th to 11th. Beasley and Oden had little to absolutely no impact thus far in the postseason. Miller, who replaced Battier early in the Finals, was amnestied and the Heat has had to integrate Lewis into the rotation. Jones has even seen spot minutes despite not being in the rotation for the better part of the big 3 era.

Heat Net’ Ratings (This postseason)
Anderson- +36
James- +21
Bosh- +11
Haslem- +7
Battier- +6
Wade- +4
Allen- +4
Chalmers- 0
Cole- -3
Lewis- -12

Spurs Net Rtg (This Postseason)

Splitter- +35
Duncan- +18
Green +17
Diaw- +15
Leonard- +13
Ginobili- +10
Belinelli- +6
Parker- -8
Mills- 0

Keys To Victory

Rebounding- The Heat are the worst rebounding team in the NBA. Duncan, Splitter and Leonard need to be strong on the glass and create extra possessions for the Spurs.
Lebron leads Miami with 6.8 RPG, Bosh as center is averaging 5.8 rebounds in 33 mpg this postseason. Duncan is averaging 9 RPG, Leonard and Splitter at both average 6.8 per game.

San Antonio is +8.6 (43.2 to 34.6) in rebounds and +3.7 (9.9 to 6.1) in offensive rebound per game compared to Miami this postseason.


Limit Turnovers/Hustle Plays-The Spurs cannot give away possessions to the Heat who thrives in transition. Keep Miami in the half court and force them to execute.

Turnovers/ Steals
Spurs 12.2/ 8.2
Heat-10.9/7.1

Steals+Blocks

Spurs-11.7
Heat-11.5

San Antonio Spurs

Points Scored Off TOVs-16.9
2nd Chance Points-12.8
Fast Break Points-12.9
Points In The Paint-44.4

Miami Heat

Points Scored Off TOVs-17.2
2nd Chance Points-10.6
Fast Break Points-9.3
Points In The Paint-38.1



Star power vs .Balance-
http://wagesofwins.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/spurs-big-4-e1369081645950.jpghttp://i.usatoday.net/sports/_photos/2011/02/17/heatbig3x-large.jpg

The Heat’s big 3 average 61 ppg on 52.8% FG (In the PS)

The Spurs core 4 average 61.3 on 47.8% FG (In the PS)

Parker and Ginobili were wildly inconsistent in last year’s Finals. They simply need to play better this time around. If the Spurs can limit one of the big 3 (possibly Bosh) and put more pressure on Lebron and Wade to compensate while being guarded by the Spurs top defenders, it certainly can't hurt our chances.


The Best of the Rest-Who plays better Anderson, Allen, Chalmers and Battier or Green, Splitter, Diaw and Mills?

27.4 ppg on 47% FG (Anderson, Allen, Chalmers and Battier) (Playoffs)

33.7 ppg, 49.7% FG (Green, Splitter, Diaw and Mills) (Playoffs)

If the Heats big 3 outplays the core 4 can the other key Spurs players outperform the Heat’s other guys to help support the Duncan, Leonard, Ginobili and Parker?

Defense Wins-(league Rank in parenthesis)

Spurs-

Regular Season-102.4 (3rd)

Post Season- 101 (2rd)


Opponent Shooting % (postseason)
43.9%-FG (5th)
33.6-3PT (4th)
21.2-FTA (1st)

Miami-

Regular Season-105.8 (11th)

Post Season-(105.3) (6th)

Opponent Shooting % (postseason)

46.4%-FG (10th)

38.1-3PT (13th)

21.7-FTA (3rd)

The Spurs have been clearly been the better defense this season. They have also been dominant at home going 9-1, and win by an average of 16 per game.

Prediction-Spurs in 6 Games

[cd021]

apologies for the length. I tried to space and break it into two part to make it easier to digest.

[TacoCabanaFajitas]

Awesome work. Well done

[Mugen]

:tu

I'm most worried about Bosh heading into this series tbh. He had a pretty terrible Finals last year and I expect him to play much better. Luckily, Boris was even worse and should also be much improved this time as well.

[phxspurfan]

tl;dr.

But no more going under every screen on Wade, yet still don't fall for the endless pump fakes. Guard Bosh with Splitter and Diaw, body him up and expect a lot of fading to the corner 3 spot. Man up on Chalmers and Allen, even though LeBron will have a feast inside. Throw lots of bodies at LeBron and stay big (play 1 of Baynes, Bonner, Diaw, Splitter and Duncan at all times), to take advantage of the obvious size advantage.

They have athleticism, we have size. Both teams are smart and well coached. Thank God we don't have any dead weight on our roster anymore (Blair, DeCola, etc), as we'll need all the bench firepower we can get.


Oh and yank mills if he can't handle Cole's pressure D. Put in Joseph, as he is the better ball handler of the two, if necessary. Make LeBron work at both ends, like he so wants to do any way.

Limit Turnovers. Smart passes (that means you, Manu).

[BillMc]

Whats Changed Since the 2013 NBA Finals?

Small Ball Versatility

The Heat are more than capable of going small, and have been known to use a lineup Wade-Allen-Battier-James-Bosh featuring no point guard.

It’s a particularly difficult lineup to stop given every player is a capable 3pt shooter (save for Wade despite recent success from there)
Bosh is an elite mid range shooter who has stretched his game to the outside the 3pt line particularly the left corner (36% in the regular season, 55% in the postseason)

The Spurs, last season, matched down by playing Parker-Ginobili-Green-Leonard and Duncan in the Finals.
Doing the previous regular season, the Spurs primarily played big with Duncan and Splitter and occasionally going small to close out games with Stephen Jackson, and later Kawhi Leonard.

The Heat played Lebron James at PF for more than 90% of his minutes last season and with Bosh, mostly, at center.
Miami, initially, matched up Bosh and Haslem to start against Duncan and Splitter to start the series. In Game 4 Spo’ started Miller instead of Haslem. Pop quickly subbed Splitter in for Ginobili. Ginobili started games 5-7.

This season the Spurs have utilized dozens of different lineups (some by necessity) that should better prepare them for this match-up
Parker-Ginobili-Leonard-Diaw-Duncan have been their primary closing unit.

The Spurs are now much better equipped to go small
Duncan/Splitter
Diaw/Leonard/Green
Leonard/Green/Ginobili
Green/Ginobili/Belinelli
Parker/Mills

Splitter has proven that he is cable of protecting the rim and guarding stretch power forwards. Bosh primarily spots up as opposed to posting up. He has admitted as much saying that posting up isn't his game and that the Heats style of defense is tiring, so he opts to spot up instead.

Diaw’s aggression (aka 2.0) has made him a drastically different player from a year ago. He is a solid post player, a low volume, high percentage 3pt shooter (40% in the RS, 41.7 % in the PS) and capable of attacking the rim off the dribble. His ability to pass helps maximize the Spurs offense.

He has become a staple in the Spurs closing unit this season. He could see more time guarding James in if the Heat go small to close out games.
Last season, he played solid defense against James and James seemed unwilling to post Diaw up. His lack of aggression on offense kept him from making a bigger impact in the series but his passing was a clear positive.

Leonard’s improvement –

Last post season-36.9 MPG, 54.5 % FG, 39% 3PT, 63.3 % FT 9 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 13.5 PPG

This post season-31.6 MPG, 48.4 FG %, 36.4% 3PT, 71.4 % FT 6.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 13.3 PPG

Per 36 minutes this postseason- 7.8 RPG, 2 SPG, 15.1 PPG

-Leonard’s shooting percentages has dipped but his per minute scoring is up. Scoring .2 less in 5 fewer minutes compared to last season.

-His FG per 36 minutes has jumped by more than 3 per game, signaling more aggressiveness. His net Rtg for the postseason is +13 which is actually down from last season’s +22.
-
His FT shooting continues to be problematic for the 2nd straight post season its dropped by at least 9 %

Mills replacing Neal at PG

Mills

Tru Shooting %-52.4%
P.E.R.-13.5
Net Rating- 0
3pt %-33.9 %

Neal (’13-’14 post season)
Tru Shooting % 50.3

P.E.R.- 9.0

Net Rating- -6

3pt %- 34.8%

-Mills appears to an upgrade but has been mostly spotty in the postseason. His biggest asset is his ability to score however hasn’t had nearly the same success in the post season (which was to be expected to a certain extent).

-He is capable ball handler but cannot create for others. Ginobili will likely be the primary play maker but Mills will still occasionally run pick and roll while Ginobli plays off ball.


Ginobili's significantly improvement

’12-’13 Postseason-26.7 mpg, 39.9 % FG, 30.2% 3PT, 73.8% FT, 5 APG, 2.6 T.O.V,11.5 PPG,

’13-’14 Postseason-24.6 mpg, 42.3 % FG, 38.4% 3PT, 85.9% FT, 4.1 APG, 2.4 T.O.V, 14.3 PPG

-His numbers are up across the board, especially his shooting numbers jumping from 53% Tru Shooting % to 57.8. His P.E.R is his 2nd best in the 5 postseasons he’s appeared in during his 30’s and up from 16.5 to 21.1.

His scoring rate is the 3rd best of his career at 21.0 per 36 minutes. His Net Rtg was +1 last playoffs to +10 this postseason.

-He is still a high assist to high turnover type of player but that has been the case for much of his career. It has yet become a major problem this postseason.

Miami-

Despite, largely, the same team, the Heat appear different from the previous Finals. Their defense has dipped from 7th to 11th. Beasley and Oden had little to absolutely no impact thus far in the postseason. Miller, who replaced Battier early in the Finals, was amnestied and the Heat has had to integrate Lewis into the rotation. Jones has even seen spot minutes despite not being in the rotation for the better part of the big 3 era.

Heat Net’ Ratings (This postseason)
Anderson- +36
James- +21
Bosh- +11
Haslem- +7
Battier- +6
Wade- +4
Allen- +4
Chalmers- 0
Cole- -3
Lewis- -12

Spurs Net Rtg (This Postseason)

Splitter- +35
Duncan- +18
Green +17
Diaw- +15
Leonard- +13
Ginobili- +10
Belinelli- +6
Parker- -8
Mills- 0

Keys To Victory

Rebounding- The Heat are the worst rebounding team in the NBA. Duncan, Splitter and Leonard need to be strong on the glass and create extra possessions for the Spurs.
Lebron leads Miami with 6.8 RPG, Bosh as center is averaging 5.8 rebounds in 33 mpg this postseason. Duncan is averaging 9 RPG, Leonard and Splitter at both average 6.8 per game.

San Antonio is +8.6 (43.2 to 34.6) in rebounds and +3.7 (9.9 to 6.1) in offensive rebound per game compared to Miami this postseason.


Limit Turnovers/Hustle Plays-The Spurs cannot give away possessions to the Heat who thrives in transition. Keep Miami in the half court and force them to execute.

Turnovers/ Steals
Spurs 12.2/ 8.2
Heat-10.9/7.1

Steals+Blocks

Spurs-11.7
Heat-11.5

San Antonio Spurs

Points Scored Off TOVs-16.9
2nd Chance Points-12.8
Fast Break Points-12.9
Points In The Paint-44.4

Miami Heat

Points Scored Off TOVs-17.2
2nd Chance Points-10.6
Fast Break Points-9.3
Points In The Paint-38.1



Star power vs .Balance-

The Heat’s big 3 average 61 ppg on 52.8% FG (In the PS)

The Spurs core 4 average 61.3 on 47.8% FG (In the PS)

Parker and Ginobili were wildly inconsistent in last year’s Finals. They simply need to play better this time around. If the Spurs can limit one of the big 3 (possibly Bosh) and put more pressure on Lebron and Wade to compensate while being guarded by the Spurs top defenders, it certainly can't hurt our chances.

The Best of the Rest-Who plays better Anderson, Allen, Chalmers and Battier or Green, Splitter, Diaw and Mills?

27.4 ppg on 47% FG (Anderson, Allen, Chalmers and Battier) (Playoffs)

33.7 ppg, 49.7% FG (Green, Splitter, Diaw and Mills) (Playoffs)

If the Heats big 3 outplays the core 4 can the other key Spurs players outperform the Heat’s other guys to help support the Duncan, Leonard, Ginobili and Parker?
Defense Wins-(league Rank in parenthesis)

Spurs-

Regular Season-102.4 (3rd)

Post Season- 101 (2rd)


Opponent Shooting % (postseason)
43.9%-FG (5th)
33.6-3PT (4th)
21.2-FTA (1st)

Miami-

Regular Season-105.8 (11th)

Post Season-(105.3) (6th)

Opponent Shooting % (postseason)

46.4%-FG (10th)

38.1-3PT (13th)

21.7-FTA (3rd)

The Spurs have been clearly been the better defense this season. They have also been dominant at home going 9-1, and win by an average of 16 per game.

Prediction-Spurs in 6 Games

:toast Cheers. Thanks for the good read. You're really one of the best posters on Spurs Talk. Always look forward to your comments in a thread.

Now, to the important stuff:

Machine Gun or Voodoo Child (Slight Return), which is Jimi's best guitar work?

[monkeypunk]

Great read! Thanks cd021!

I like the Spurs chances this year if Parker can play at 75% or better of his healthy self. If he's struggling, I hope Pop pulls him and lets the team roll.

[TacoCabanaFajitas]

tl;dr.

But no more going under every screen on Wade, yet still don't fall for the endless pump fakes. Guard Bosh with Splitter and Diaw, body him up and expect a lot of fading to the corner 3 spot. Man up on Chalmers and Allen, even though LeBron will have a feast inside. Throw lots of bodies at LeBron and stay big (play 1 of Baynes, Bonner, Diaw, Splitter and Duncan at all times), to take advantage of the obvious size advantage.

They have athleticism, we have size. Both teams are smart and well coached. Thank God we don't have any dead weight on our roster anymore (Blair, DeCola, etc), as we'll need all the bench firepower we can get.


Oh and yank mills if he can't handle Cole's pressure D. Put in Joseph, as he is the better ball handler of the two, if necessary. Make LeBron work at both ends, like he so wants to do any way.

Limit Turnovers. Smart passes (that means you, Manu).

You are a fucking moron. Seriously. If you didn't read, don't fucking post and throw your 2 cents in. Shut the fuck up and go to another thread you can actually contribute to. Idiot.

[cd021]

:toast Cheers. Thanks for the good read. You're really one of the best posters on Spurs Talk. Always look forward to your comments in a thread.

Now, to the important stuff:

Machine gun or Voodoo Child (Slight Return), which is Jimi's best guitar work?

Really appreciate that.

Very tough but:

Live-

1. Machine Gun (Band Of Gypsies)
2. Killing Floor (Monterrey)
3. Hear My Train A Comin' (BBC Sessions, 1st take)
4. Johnny B. Goode
5. Who Knows

Studio

1. Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
2. All Along The Watch Tower
3. Manic Depression
4. Stone Free
5. Hey Joe

torture just naming one, just game top 5 in both

[Mugen]

You are a fucking moron. Seriously. If you didn't read, don't fucking post and throw your 2 cents in. Shut the fuck up and go to another thread you can actually contribute to. Idiot.

:lol

[Mr. Body]

Why do people say Miami has athleticism? They have LeBron, sure, but who else is athletic on that team? Bosh, for his position, but I struggle to see many athletes, certainly vis-a-vis OKC.

What they do have is a terrific team defense. If we can solve this -- keeping turnovers low, while managing to move the ball -- then the series should be won. But they're great at disrupting passes.

[Malik Hairston]

It's unreal that the Spurs are in the Finals when you look at Tony Parker's on/off numbers in the post-season:lol..

What other team could survive their highest-usage player being a net negative in the playoffs, yet still make the Finals?..speaks volumes on the depth of the team and Pop's coaching, along with Tony's unselfishness(not trying to carry the team when he's ineffective, like something Kobe would do, for instance)..

[Mugen]

Why do people say Miami has athleticism? They have LeBron, sure, but who else is athletic on that team? Bosh, for his position, but I struggle to see many athletes, certainly vis-a-vis OKC.

What they do have is a terrific team defense. If we can solve this -- keeping turnovers low, while managing to move the ball -- then the series should be won. But they're great at disrupting passes.

Probably because LeBron is the best athlete to ever play sports tbh. He's the most physically gifted person I've ever seen in any sport.......

[cd021]

:tu

I'm most worried about Bosh heading into this series tbh. He had a pretty terrible Finals last year and I expect him to play much better. Luckily, Boris was even worse and should also be much improved this time as well.

I could see Bosh playing better (not hard to top 11 ppg) but Splitter played far worse than any rotation player on the team (in terms of his talent vs his production). Even in limited minutes he has to be effective. I'm talking 6 and 5 if he plays 15 mpg. He could be a great pairing on Bosh though. Somewhat easier than Dirk's circus shots and post ups, or L.A.s post up turn-around jumpers.

When teams stay big, Miami sends an extra guard in to help their "bigs" board. Duncan, Splitter, Leonard sharing the floor and crashing the glass together vs. Lewis, Bosh and James should give the Spurs and advantage on the glass.

[cd021]

Probably because LeBron is the best athlete to ever play sports tbh. He's the most physically gifted person I've ever seen in any sport.......

6'9 and 41' vert. Thats insane.

[Malik Hairston]

Why do people say Miami has athleticism? They have LeBron, sure, but who else is athletic on that team? Bosh, for his position, but I struggle to see many athletes, certainly vis-a-vis OKC.

What they do have is a terrific team defense. If we can solve this -- keeping turnovers low, while managing to move the ball -- then the series should be won. But they're great at disrupting passes.

Everybody knows I love Lebron and have supported the Heat for years(excluding last year's Finals), but this is easily the worst Heat team since Lebron joined them IMO..most of the Heat love, so far, is based on reputation..

Realistically, they don't have the athletes to play the swarming defense we have seen from them, and they have less shooting versatility(with Miller gone, and Allen/Battier being older)..also, Wade looks healthy, but to be fair, the Heat just went through the easiest run to the Finals since Magic's Lakers, so we don't know what Wade will offer..he was absolutely horrendous in last year's playoffs, and the Heat have played better against the Spurs when Wade is on the bench, too..

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Awesome write up! :tu

Keep it up

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Everybody knows I love Lebron and have supported the Heat for years(excluding last year's Finals), but this is easily the worst Heat team since Lebron joined them IMO..most of the Heat love, so far, is based on reputation..

Realistically, they don't have the athletes to play the swarming defense we have seen from them, and they have less shooting versatility(with Miller gone, and Allen/Battier being older)..also, Wade looks healthy, but to be fair, the Heat just went through the easiest run to the Finals since Magic's Lakers, so we don't know what Wade will offer..he was absolutely horrendous in last year's playoffs, and the Heat have played better against the Spurs when Wade is on the bench, too..

What's your series prediction?

[Andthentherewas21]

Appreciate the write-up. Nicely done.

[Malik Hairston]

Only way Miami wins this series is if Lebron completely dominates IMO, which is entirely possible..they don't have the weapons to win if he doesn't have a legendary series IMO..

The Spurs benefited greatly from Lebron's jump shot being off for the entire Finals, last year, hopefully it occurs again..

It's funny, though, because ignorant fans only look at scoring(it's the Kobe effect), but ignore that Lebron + shooters killed the Spurs in the Finals(Lebron being the only playmaker on the floor), along with his dominant defensive performances in the last few games of the series..

He's capable of completely disrupting an entire team's game-plan without scoring at a high level..the difference this season IMO, is that the Spurs have too many weapons + they no longer rely on Tony as the only creator on the team(which really hurt the Spurs in games 6 and 7, once Lebron switched on to Parker)..

[cd021]

Probably because LeBron is the best athlete to ever play sports tbh. He's the most physically gifted person I've ever seen in any sport.......

6'9 and 41' vert. Thats insane.

[Mugen]

6'9 and 41' vert. Thats insane.

Not even just that. He's pound for pound one of the strongest people to ever play in the league tbh. I'm not a Bron homer but he's just ridiculous from a physical standpoint, without even adding his court vision & BBIQ......

[Mr. Body]

Probably because LeBron is the best athlete to ever play sports tbh. He's the most physically gifted person I've ever seen in any sport.......

LeBron is an incredible specimen, but that hardly makes his team athletic.

[Mugen]

LeBron is an incredible specimen, but that hardly makes his team athletic.

Not saying I agree with the media's assessment, just giving a possible reason for their observation. Outside of Leonard, the Spurs don't really have anybody w/ above average athleticism. Even Kawhi is okay, but looks better due to his ridiculous reach.

:lol Errors might be the most athletic player currently on the Spurs roster tbh.

[Mr. Body]

Not saying I agree with the media's assessment, just giving a possible reason for their observation. Outside of Leonard, the Spurs don't really have anybody w/ above average athleticism. Even Kawhi is okay, but looks better due to his ridiculous reach.

:lol Errors might be the most athletic player currently on the Spurs roster tbh.

I think BSPN just annoints any team they adore with the athletic label.

Athleticism is a lot of different things. Splitter is mobile for his size (not as mobile as Bosh). Patty Mills is a tremendous athlete in the distances he moves on the floor. Parker is one of the quickest guys in the league, still.

But maybe only James applies as a truly vertical player in this series.

[Malik Hairston]

Danny Green is actually a great athlete, too, he just can't convey it to the offensive end due to his lack of ball-handling ability..

There aren't many players in the league that could run with Westbrook and block him at the rim on a 1-on-1 fastbreak, tbh..I still find it funny that they didn't even show a replay of that play, opting to show multiple replays of Ibaka's block on Parker, instead:lol..

[cd021]

Forgot to mention the Spurs used a Duncan-Splitter-Diaw lineup during the last meeting. I think Anderson, Battier and Beasley were the opposing front court players. We may see a little bit of that at some point.

[BillMc]

Really appreciate that.

Very tough but:

Live-

1. Machine Gun (Band Of Gypsies)
2. Killing Floor (Monterrey)
3. Hear My Train A Comin' (BBC Sessions, 1st take)
4. Johnny B. Goode
5. Who Knows

Studio

1. Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
2. All Along The Watch Tower
3. Manic Depression
4. Stone Free
5. Hey Joe

torture just naming one, just game top 5 in both

Yeah, it's a tough call. I go back and forth depending on the mood between those. All those on your list are great. Somewhere out there I heard a fantastic Jimi cover of Mannish Boy too. Cheers.

[Mugen]

Everybody in the league is obviously a great athlete compared to everybody on here :lol

Danny's athleticism doesn't really jump out at me as much as his amazing timing/instincts tbh.....

[Spur|n|Austin]

cd021 with the continuing goods :toast

[hater]

Yes we learned that if the Heat play horrible and we get to slow down lebron and neutralize Wade. They are still ubber dangerous and can kill you.

[phxspurfan]

You are a fucking moron. Seriously. If you didn't read, don't fucking post and throw your 2 cents in. Shut the fuck up and go to another thread you can actually contribute to. Idiot.

lol...

[ABC]

Thanks cd021 :tu

[Kidd K]

I learned that Miami has the most irritating PA announcer in the NBA, and that muting my tv for 2-3 seconds after Miami baskets just so I don't have to hear his annoying ass voice enhances the game experience three-fold.

[Brazil]

You are a fucking moron. Seriously. If you didn't read, don't fucking post and throw your 2 cents in. Shut the fuck up and go to another thread you can actually contribute to. Idiot.

Taco bullying dat poor nigga tbh :lol

[Budkin]

Haven't read a single piece that shows Miami has the overall advantage. If the Spurs stay focused and take care of business they will win their 5th.

[Chinook]

Danny Green is actually a great athlete, too, he just can't convey it to the offensive end due to his lack of ball-handling ability..

There aren't many players in the league that could run with Westbrook and block him at the rim on a 1-on-1 fastbreak, tbh..I still find it funny that they didn't even show a replay of that play, opting to show multiple replays of Ibaka's block on Parker, instead:lol..

Seriously. That was the best block of the series for either team, but they somehow thought Ibaka's contest on Splitter (where Serge just bumped Tiago without even going for the ball) needed all the attention.

And yes, Green is a very good athlete. Hell, he won jump-balls against both Wade and James in the Finals last year. In general, there's no way to be an elite defender without being a great athlete.

[SpurPadre]

6'9 and 41' vert. Thats insane.

Great write up, cd021. By the way, Lebron is 6'9 and 41' vert...Bonner is 6'10, what's his vertical? lol

[cd021]

Great write up, cd021. By the way, Lebron is 6'9 and 41' vert...Bonner is 6'10, what's his vertical? lol

believe it or not, its 32 inches. Danny Green's is 33 inches. :lol

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Matt-Bonner-1726/
http://search.draftexpress.com/profile/Danny-Green-504/

[DarrinS]

Probably because LeBron is the best athlete to ever play sports tbh. He's the most physically gifted person I've ever seen in any sport.......


Bo Jackson says hello

[SpurPadre]

believe it or not, its 32 inches. Danny Green's is 33 inches. :lol

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Matt-Bonner-1726/
http://search.draftexpress.com/profile/Danny-Green-504/

Wow, unreal. Westbrook's vertical is 36.5 inches on the other hand, lol.

[BC3]

actually the spurs are more athletic. ,,... http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/2/5772660/nba-playoffs-finals-younger-athletic-spurs-win-5-over-heat

[BC3]

tl;dr.



They have athleticism, we have size.

spurs r more athletic and miami is heavier, older n slower....http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/6/2/5772660/nba-playoffs-finals-younger-athletic-spurs-win-5-over-heat

[DesignatedT]

Great job thanks.

[Chinook]

believe it or not, its 32 inches. Danny Green's is 33 inches. :lol

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Matt-Bonner-1726/
http://search.draftexpress.com/profile/Danny-Green-504/

Bonner was a dunk champion in his day, so it doesn't surprise me that he could get up there.

By the way, thanks for the thread. This is the kind of stuff we need to see more of around here.

[313]

Everybody knows I love Lebron and have supported the Heat for years(excluding last year's Finals), but this is easily the worst Heat team since Lebron joined them IMO..most of the Heat love, so far, is based on reputation..

Realistically, they don't have the athletes to play the swarming defense we have seen from them, and they have less shooting versatility(with Miller gone, and Allen/Battier being older)..also, Wade looks healthy, but to be fair, the Heat just went through the easiest run to the Finals since Magic's Lakers, so we don't know what Wade will offer..he was absolutely horrendous in last year's playoffs, and the Heat have played better against the Spurs when Wade is on the bench, too..
What athlete did they have before that they lost? They lost Mike Miller(not athletic)? and Wade is healthier. Lewis is Miller's replacement anyway, and has been playing very good for them. I don't see why they're considered so much worse than last year.

[heyheymymy]

great thread, damn thats a lot of data to peruse

[DAF86]

Spurs most used 5 should be;

Tony (if healthy, if not Manu)
Manu/Green (whoever is having the greater impact)
Leonard
Diaw
Duncan

[Aztecfan03]

You say Leonard's FT shooting is down by 9% but the stats you posted say he is up about 8% from last year's playoffs. Unless you mean it is down from the regular season?

[EVAY]

LeBron truly can take over a game more than anyone I have seen, and that includes Jordan.

As a couple of you have pointed out, he is physically the strongest and most immune-from-injury player I have seen in the last twenty years too.

Bo Jackson may have been better than James, but it would be close, imo.

[heyheymymy]

LeBron truly can take over a game more than anyone I have seen, and that includes Jordan.

As a couple of you have pointed out, he is physically the strongest and most immune-from-injury player I have seen in the last twenty years too.

Bo Jackson may have been better than James, but it would be close, imo.

remember when BO played for the Royals and the Raiders and they made that cartoon about him and a few other athletes?

[heyheymymy]

remember when BO played for the Royals and the Raiders and they made that cartoon about him and a few other athletes?

Found it:

http://www.strangekidsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/prostars-595x347.png

[cd021]

You say Leonard's FT shooting is down by 9% but the stats you posted say he is up about 8% from last year's playoffs. Unless you mean it is down from the regular season?

from RS to PS. He shot 82% this RS but 73% so far in the PS. Its pretty weird for it to happen back 2 back years.

[cd021]

What athlete did they have before that they lost? They lost Mike Miller(not athletic)? and Wade is healthier. Lewis is Miller's replacement anyway, and has been playing very good for them. I don't see why they're considered so much worse than last year.
The last couple of games, yes. But he's actually hitting below 33% from 3 not to mention, he's garbage defensively.

[TD 21]

Only way Miami wins this series is if Lebron completely dominates IMO, which is entirely possible..they don't have the weapons to win if he doesn't have a legendary series IMO..

The Spurs benefited greatly from Lebron's jump shot being off for the entire Finals, last year, hopefully it occurs again..

It's funny, though, because ignorant fans only look at scoring(it's the Kobe effect), but ignore that Lebron + shooters killed the Spurs in the Finals(Lebron being the only playmaker on the floor), along with his dominant defensive performances in the last few games of the series..

He's capable of completely disrupting an entire team's game-plan without scoring at a high level..the difference this season IMO, is that the Spurs have too many weapons + they no longer rely on Tony as the only creator on the team(which really hurt the Spurs in games 6 and 7, once Lebron switched on to Parker)..

There's one other way: Despite what the on/off metrics convey and how poorly he's generally played throughout the playoffs, those numbers don't factor in the quality of the particular opponent they're up against nor the intensity these games will be played with. If all they get from Parker is the hobbled, mediocre version from the final four games of the WCF, they're not winning this series.

I don't know why you continue to conveniently leave out the fact that Parker had a messed up hamstring (which is kind of important, particularly for him, considering he's heavily reliant on quickness and it was/is his only physical advantage over James)? Also, despite the poor play, when the series was in the balance at the end of game six, he made an incredibly difficult step back three over James and went coast to coast, pump faked, spun and hit from close range.

[cd021]

great thread, damn thats a lot of data to peruse

Thanks, took more than 2 days in total to craft and post.

[cd021]

Bonner was a dunk champion in his day, so it doesn't surprise me that he could get up there.

By the way, thanks for the thread. This is the kind of stuff we need to see more of around here.

Leonard and Bonner actually have the same max verts. Leonard style of play show cases it a bit more.

I appreciate that, I consider you one of the best posters on ST.

[heyheymymy]

Thanks, took more than 2 days in total to craft and post.


Good lord, well i really appreciate the effort. the formatting was easy on the eyes and the breakdown was well thought out and well presented.

:tu

[BC3]

LeBron truly can take over a game more than anyone I have seen, and that includes Jordan.

As a couple of you have pointed out, he is physically the strongest and most immune-from-injury player I have seen in the last twenty years too.


HGH is a helluva drug.

[heyheymymy]

HGH is a helluva drug.

stem cell smoothie tbh

[BC3]

"the slurping"

[BillMc]

Bo Jackson says hello

As does Wilt Chamberlain. NCAA sprinter and high jumper. He was faster than any guard in the NBA at the time. Later, pumped a lot of iron and had one the highest bench presses in the world. Made the volleyball HOF too.

[SpurAddict561]

If the most overpaid player in NBA history (Lewis) is the Heat's answer for losing one of the most clutch shooters of the past 15 years(Miller), have at it Miami.

Can't wait

[Fireball]

I already said it during the regular season, if Lebron and Wade just are confident in their mid range jump shot (which took 6 games in the last Finals), the Spurs will have a problem. We have to counter that with a better Kawhi and aggressive Diaw to make it a great Finals rematch ...

[jag]

Everybody in the league is obviously a great athlete compared to everybody on here :lol

Danny's athleticism doesn't really jump out at me as much as his amazing timing/instincts tbh.....

I agree about his timing/instincts, but I think he's probably the best pure athlete on the team (speed/strength/quickness/leaping ability). Although being the best athlete on the Spurs isn't exactly saying a whole lot. IMO Danny's problem is that he's not as coordinated as some of the other great athletes in the league so he sometimes looks awkward trying to put everything together in a fluid motion.

I think Kawhi's athleticism is slightly overrated. He's fast and he's strong but he's not extraordinarily quick and he's not a great jumper. He's more of a physical freak, proportionally speaking, than anything else. He's also incredibly coordinated, which has allowed him to improve his shooting (especially his footwork) so much in such a short period of time. The good thing with Kawhi is that he's still developing physically, so I dont think we've seen top out on his athleticism.

[Mr. Body]

I already said it during the regular season, if Lebron and Wade just are confident in their mid range jump shot (which took 6 games in the last Finals), the Spurs will have a problem. We have to counter that with a better Kawhi and aggressive Diaw to make it a great Finals rematch ...

Agree, the midrange will be incredibly important. Someone will have to stay at home on Wade instead of floating.

But to me the key is pace. The Heat, for all the accolades they get as an exciting team, play the slowest pace of any team in the playoffs. They are thuddingly slow possession to possession.

If the Spurs can speed things up they'll run the Heat out of the building. The tonic to any midrange for Miami is the Spurs' own offense. If this becomes an offensive battle they can't keep up.

[Budkin]

The Spurs are better and the Heat are not as good. The Spurs have just gone through the gauntlet, and the Heat have not played a good team in the playoffs.

[wildchild]

Good read! Thanks cd021!


The last couple of games, yes. But he's actually hitting below 33% from 3 not to mention, he's garbage defensively.
I'm interested to see Miami defensive assignments when Pop goes small, the best thing about play Boris could be Lewis (Battier/Haslem) on Leonard and Lebron on Diaw.

[Skull-1]

AND YET THE OP HAS YET TO LEARN THAT MANU's EIGHT TURNOVERS IN SIX REALLY HURT US. :lol

[florige]

The Spurs are better and the Heat are not as good. The Spurs have just gone through the gauntlet, and the Heat have not played a good team in the playoffs.

I am along the same line of thinking. They have yet to have to overcome ANY adversity in the playoffs. Outside of the Portland series we have run into all kinds of trouble but have managed to adjust everytime.

[Cherry]

This

[Malik Hairston]

Everybody knows I love Lebron and have supported the Heat for years(excluding last year's Finals), but this is easily the worst Heat team since Lebron joined them IMO..most of the Heat love, so far, is based on reputation..

Realistically, they don't have the athletes to play the swarming defense we have seen from them, and they have less shooting versatility(with Miller gone, and Allen/Battier being older)..also, Wade looks healthy, but to be fair, the Heat just went through the easiest run to the Finals since Magic's Lakers, so we don't know what Wade will offer..he was absolutely horrendous in last year's playoffs, and the Heat have played better against the Spurs when Wade is on the bench, too..

Yep..

[Malik Hairston]

Only way Miami wins this series is if Lebron completely dominates IMO, which is entirely possible..they don't have the weapons to win if he doesn't have a legendary series IMO..

He's capable of completely disrupting an entire team's game-plan without scoring at a high level..the difference this season IMO, is that the Spurs have too many weapons + they no longer rely on Tony as the only creator on the team(which really hurt the Spurs in games 6 and 7, once Lebron switched on to Parker)..

Yep..