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1/10
If Manu and Timmy show up, it'll be interesting. Otherwise we're fucked. Timmy's been solid so far in the playoffs, but he's been inconsistent with the outside shot which he desperately needs to hit against Miami.
I think the Spurs can do it if they play smart. Parker and Duncan will play great, but Green and Leonard will be key. If they can make Wade and LeBron earn everything they get, then the Spurs will win the series. What I'm honestly most worried about is Stern and the refs. LeBron gets babied, and I have a feeling anytime Leonard plays good D on LeBron the refs will call a foul for their precious LeBron, and that means Spurs won't be able to guard LeBron. We're in a day in age where Stern and the refs have a huge impact on NBA games, and it may show in the Finals. If the reffing is fine though, Spurs are very capable of pulling this win off.
50/50. Now it gets rough. It's possible, though. Miami thinks they're entitled. The Spurs might be too hungry for them.
Ginobili is the X factor. Unfortunately, he's not looking like much of a threat against Miami.
I can't stand takes like this.. If you think the games are basically rigged why are you watching the games? The WWE might suit you better. Saying you are worried about Stern as in you are claiming he will somehow instruct the refs to rig games.. GMAFB..Quote:
Originally Posted by Spurs21Fan4Ever
5/10. Honestly, I don't think the Heats defence is all it's cracked up to be. The Pacers have a horrible offence and have had no problem putting up big numbers on the Heat, even in the blowout last night they had 54 in a half.
we got a chance but if the Heat role players go HAM, no chance.
Not very, but I wasn't going into the playoffs. If Tony is able to thrive despite the Heat's D, then the Spurs can win.
On a scale of 1-10?
I'm a 7.
I freaking love our defense this postseason. Splitter and Duncan have completely shut down the paint. And Parker just keeps running on offense. He looks unstoppable. I think we got this. The only thing I'm worried about is not having home court advantage, though the long layoff should help us a lot.
Amazing how many people have billed the Heat into Jordan's modern day Bulls.. They are not unbeatable..
Of course the Spurs are real competition for the Heatles. I mean Dallas? OKC? Deep down in their Big 3's heads they know they better respect this team's Big 3.
These Spurs have flashes of brilliance followed by piss poor play in which they defeat themselves more than another team defeats them. They frequently look disconcerted or frantic. But they somehow keep pulling out wins. They looked/appeared much more crisp and unbeatable last year, despite their defense being worse. This year, their defense is far superior and they just look like a longshot.
I hope, I want to believe, and I will not be surprised to find them pulling it out of their asses again. It's gonna be a hell of a wild ride.
Heat in 4
spurs in 5
Miami will throw double team at Parker to get rid of the ball. Based on this, the spurs role players on the 3 pt line will determine tha outcome of the finals series against the heat.
I am predicting the spurs in 6! I don't believe they can win a game 7 in Miami. They will need to steal one of the first two, which is doable, and maintain at home.
Manu will play well 'cause he always plays well when the team absolutely needs it and we will need it but it won't be enough. I think Lebron will slow Parker a bit and the Heat will just outmonkeyball us out of the gym, tbh.
Also, I hope the Heat put Lebron on Parker. I'd love to see him chasing Parker through screens all day long.
I don't fear the Heat. I worry about the refs.
No way of knowing anything at this point. The Spurs are in the NBA's version of the Twilight Zone right now. My brain says it goes 6 or 7 no matter what... my currently elated and always homerish gut feeling is a Spurs win in 5.
Exactly why I believe a 7 game series will go to the Heat!Quote:
Originally Posted by SA210
Rebounding will be key as well!
Pretty much this. IF Tony, Tim, and Manu all play big and our role players step up and hit shots, we have a chance. Otherwise, Miami's taking this thing.. most likely in 5 or 6 tbh.Quote:
Originally Posted by TDfan2007
Timmy needs to get on the block and abuse that walking bitch known as Bosh spice.. Tim will have a huge finalsQuote:
Originally Posted by TDfan2007
Book it..
Before the playoffs, I was giving Heat a 80/20 edge over Spurs in a potential finals.
I'm tweaking it to 70/30 for Miami because, unlike what I was assuming, Spurs will be fresh for the finals and there are question marks around Wade health.
Spurs have a shot but Miami are heavily favorites. LeBron is just too good.
The Spurs look focused, healthy and destined. I feel that they will beat the Heat!
I am going for 50-50 between the Spurs & the Heat. While the Heat has the best player in the series; I think the Spurs have the No 2, No 3 in the series.
The Spurs' bigs will play a vital role, IMO. And that I think will provide them the edge.
This would be an enormous upset. I wonder how the Spurs will matchup with the Heat's smallball lineup of Bosh at the 5 and LeBron at the 4. God I hate the thought of Tim out 20 feet from the basket guarding Bosh, but no way in hell you can put him on James. Do you stay put on Wade, Allen, Battier, etc. and possibly let James throw a 50-spot? Do you make everyone else beat you by going broke for the head of the snake like in 07? Obviously very different when Pavlovic is now Dwyane Wade, Ilgauskas is now Chris Bosh, Boobie Gibson is now Ray Allen, Donyell Marshall is now Shane Battier, etc. Assuming no injuries, this is a 66 win team that's probably better than their record that the Spurs are facing. The order of the day is going to be legendary series from Tim and Tony and then hot three point shooting, plus a Ginobili vintage performance or two mixed in. Can't wait to see how it all goes down.
Spurs sweep into the finals and are 12-2 in the much tougher West and most people here are scared of the Heat..
Grow some balls guys..
If the Spurs can solve the LeBron post up riddle, then I like their chances. The Lebron in the post makes me a little uncomfortable.
The reason people praise Heat for their defense is because they excel in one-on-one defense: Mario Chalmers is a great defensive PG getting steals, Chris Andersen is a fairly good 1 on 1 defensive player getting blocks. Lebron and Wade are respectively good at one-on-one defense for the person they are guarding. Shane Battier is probably the only person that plays rotation defense well. This means that Heat will punish teams who have superstars or a go to guy. The Spurs have a great offensive rotation and everybody is a threat to score. Which is why I think the Spurs can potentially overcome the Heat
I believe in miracles
well
I want to believe in miracles
Miami plays smart on both ends of the court, they have the best player in basketball and a really good big 3, smart role players surrounding them, and some great guys to bring off the bench. It would be stupid to underrate Miami even though the Spurs are playing really well.
Keys to any possible victory:
Defensively, Splitter has to be able to keep Bosh contained, Green has to be able to handle a less-than-100% Wade, and Duncan has to be able to cheat off of Haslem or whoever to back up Leonard when LeBron posts him up or drives. Leonard and Diaw aren't going to be able to stop LeBron even with a double team backing them up, but they have to try to keep him from completely embarrassing them.
Offensively, Parker has to force Miami to choose between him ripping them apart on penetration and hitting the open 3 when they bring enough help to stop him. Duncan and Splitter have to take their size advantage over Bosh and Haslem and really pound them. We have two strong big men, and at least one of them should always have an offensive mismatch in the post -- if we can't make Miami regret their lack of size, we can't win this series. If Manu can bring it this series, that will also give us a great opportunity. I'm not sure how much he has left in the tank right now, but if he has anything, his unpredictability is a huge asset against a Miami defense that is so fundamentally sound.
Miami's going to win at least one game this series that's going to cause a bunch of the doubters to quit on this team -- like Golden State, only worse.
As I mentioned above, I thin the Spurs have a lot of matchups we can take advantage of, but even with that, we're playing an incredible team that is sure to be the favorite going in. This series has a chance to be f'ing legendary. We need to win one in Miami, two of three at home, and one of the last 2 in Miami to get it done. Spurs in 7.
Manu better raise his game.
Two wins in Miami? That would be beyond epic.Quote:
Originally Posted by tesseractive
Assuming that Parker continues to play out of his mind, there are two factors left:
1) Ginobili -As far as I'm concerned he's the real X-Factor. He has to have an above average series for the Spurs to have a chance. I don't really like what I've seen from him thus far though. I'm doubting if he has it in him to string together 4-5 solid games anymore.
2) The three point shooters (Neal, Leonard, Green and Bonner) - They must hit at a high rate. The GSW and MEM series have me a bit concerned that they are, on the whole, in a nadir. They've gotta shoot much better if we are to have a chance.
The only other thing I would add is that Timmy/Tiago have to play Bosh, Haslem and Birdman to a standoff each game. We probably need around 28 and 17 from them.
It's all dependent on our bench play IMHO. If our bench steps up, we can win this in 6. Manu is gonna have to get out of whatever funk he is in as well in these next 10 days.
While this is true, I've been seeing more hero ball than crisp ball movement as of late.Quote:
Originally Posted by sexinthatsx
Parker dropped 18 dimes in Game 3. When they focus on stopping penetration, we pass to the perimeter. When they stay home and shut down the passes, we attack off the drive. That's how it works.Quote:
Originally Posted by SpursFan313
Spurs in 6.
I'm not so sure that he can anymore. Timmy is not at the same level that he was to start the season where he was destroying guys on the block. Most of it is mental, imo, so if he can shake that off and dial in, then Bosh is fucked. My concern with that matchup is the pick and pop with Bosh. Either he or the guard will be open a majority of the time. It's going to be tough. Tbh I'd put Splitter on Bosh and then Duncan on either Haslem or Battier.Quote:
Originally Posted by dbreiden83080
About 45%. Way more than I was during the season.
7/10 their interior players are a joke Haslem and Bosh? then the Birdman...Duncan is going to have a HELL of a series
Spurs need to fire on all cylinders like they did in game 3 against the Grizzlies. That includes Manu and Duncan scoring at a good clip to open up shots for the role players. The defense needs to remain tight. Leonard will need to play the best defensive series of his career. When Manu is scoring and Duncan gets his 18 and 10, they are a hard team to guard. But without help, Parker can be shut down by the Heat. The Spurs need to play even better than the Grizzlies series to have a decent chance against the Heat.
I'm about as confident as when BSU played Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. and if the Spurs somehow win this, it will easily surpass that as the greatest sports moment/accomplishment/whatever in sports history
bunch of old guys, and their team ball, and dedication, and hard work, and strategy, etc. against the greatest talent in NBA history and his sidekick, one of the most talented dirty cheaters in NBA history... Spurs only win this in the stories that Disney buys...
Nobody has mentioned that we have the best coaching staff in the NBA by far.
Big advantage.
And the Pacers aren't done with Miami yet.
It's a FACT that we will be healthy and rested going into the NBA Finals and there's no such guarantee that the Heat will be going at all, let alone in top condition.
We can't stop, LeBron, so that's not a question.
2 big questions for me:
1) Can we make their frontcourt, which has been huge for them, nonfactors? Bosh, Birdman, and Haslem need to be completely Randolph'd this series.
2) Can we play our offensive game? They have so many weapons to throw at our guards to take us out of our element. We all know if TP gets a little bit uncomfortable it gets our offense all out of whack. Let's just hope that James, Battier, Chalmers, and Cole aren't all they're cracked up to be, and Parker can remain effective as the focal point of the offense.
Pretty much. I'd say we have a 20% chance of winning. But that's still awesome.Quote:
Originally Posted by baseline bum
Not very cofident, as I think this one will come down to a game 7 in Miami.
If the Spurs can take this series it would go down in NBA history the same way Russell leading his Celtics over West, Baylor, and Chamberlain in 1969 did.
Not confident - but then again, Pistons fans may not have been too confident in 2004 before Pistons-Lakers in the Finals.
Yeah, just to have one last shot, remote as it is, is fucking awesome.Quote:
Originally Posted by Darius McCrary
That meth head will get owned by TD.Quote:
Originally Posted by emanueldavidginobili
Not having home court or Stephen Jackson worries me. But Spurs can win it. I actually feared Memphis more than the Heat. It's all about Kawhi. I hate to put that pressure on him. But if he can just bother LeBron like Bowen did Kobe, Spurs have an incredible shot at it.
A few offensive keys to the Spurs winning are:
- Duncan having a great series, dominating the Heat inside and opening shit up for the rest of the offense..
- Splitter producing on the pick&roll and punishing Miami inside..
- The shooters(Bonner, Ginobili, Green, Leonard, Diaw) getting hot, not choking the open shots they'll be getting off Miami's swarming defense..
I'm confident Timmy will have a big series, but I'm not convinced that Splitter can dominate and that the shooters will get hot, tbh..
So I'm giving the Spurs a 30% chance..low probability, but still a realistic possibility..
Go Pacers.
I predict the first ever NBA "coming back from 3-0" in this series with us coming back!
At least their frontline isn't nearly as physical as Memphis's was.
Our offense will be there tbh. As good as the Heat are defensively, we're going to get good looks in the series.
My concern lies defensively for the Spurs. But they've definitely got more than a puncher's chance.
It is really hard to tell beause these two teams did not have one competitive game played against each other since Lebron got to Miami. Either there have been blow out wins by both teams or both teams rested their best players. So the last three seasons tell us not very much. But it will be very tough for the Spurs because ...
1) their PG defenders Chalmers/Cole can put much pressure on Tony and the rest of the Heat playing the passing lanes well might end up looking a lot like the first minutes of Game 3 against Memphis ... turnovers resulting in fast break points where the Heat excel
2) although Spurs have the advantage in the frontline, I never have seen Timmy be able to dominate against this Heat team ... Heat will double team and swipe at the ball in his hands a lot ... Timmy needs to bring his A passing game and be able to make quick decisions for the Spurs to be competitive
3) I am not confident in the 3pt defense of the Spurs ... they still want to pack the paint to prevent easy points by Wade and Lebron, but this will be the first series in these playoffs where the best players of the other team can dump it of to capable 3point shooters ... and make no mistake about it, Battier will make the shots he is missing right now (he like Fisher is a Spurs killer)
Yeah, this, but totally opposite.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mugen
Spurs in 6
And we'll see Lebron chewing his fingernails.
Toughest challenge ever.can't stop lebron,manu will have to go beast to counter wade
I think spurs have a shot but they r the underdog .id be pleasantly surprised if spurs could grind this out
I hope Indiana can get one more stretch that series out and keep wade playing hurt
Wade isn't quite the same either. He has his moments but he doesn't look like he can take over a game much anymore...Quote:
Originally Posted by slick'81
It is not just Heat but also against Stern. Ref will play a bigger role.
Pop needs to be smart and better utilise his players.
Agreed. The Heat are a very good and very talented team. But people get carried away with these guys because of the names there and because of their winning streak this year (and honestly, I think the Spurs run from late-season into the playoffs was at least as impressive).
They're excellent. They're the defending champs. But I don't think they're as good as some other teams the Spurs have beaten over the years.
How these Spurs compare to the Spurs of yesteryear is the real question, IMO. The Spurs are one of the best offensive teams in the league and were 3rd in the NBA in defensive efficiency. So hopefully, this team will stack up well to prior championship teams. We'll know in a couple weeks or so, I guess.
We need all role players who stepped up during the last couple series, PLUS Manu stepping up on offense. If Manu can be Manu of old for just one series, and role players do what they did recently, we are good.
Please less Bonner/Neal combo. That is what could hurt us really bad. That shit won't fly with Miami, Pop. If they aren't hitting shots, pull them. If they are, then it's gravy but don't fall in love with it for too long. I believe :tu
Keys:
- Execution.
- Limit TO's. Unlike Memphis in this last game, Miami anticipates really well when it comes to cuts. Gotta take care of the ball. We know how good Miami is in the open court.
- Three pointers. That goes for them as for us. Could be a big factor.
- How we defend CB3. Yes, CB3.
- Last but not least: health.
If we face the heat I think the best thing about it is we start on the road. The spurs look so much better defensively on the road. I can only imagine what the the arena will sound like if the spurs come back to SA 1-1 or 2-0 in the series. Having said that, just being able to see this team try for fifth time is unbelievable. I rode w/ the team through the 90s and couldn't bear to see us come up short every year until 99. It's been one heck of a ride! Win or lose, this team has shown so much heart and consistency to get to that next level. If we can get one win in Miami within the first two games, I say the Spurs will make it interesting. I was sold on the Heat just being too good but I think the Spurs have that determination to finish Timmy's career strong and with the chip! Spurs win in 7 on the road in Miami!
We will fucking win.
I fear that Miami's scrubs like Cole,Chalmer, Battier or even Haslem will suddenly play like 2012 WCF Ibaka...
Pop will get into the heads of Bosh and Wade, we got this. Remember Green is a excellent defender along with Leonard. Green on Lebron probably? Spurs are going to have a week to pick apart everything about the Heat and how to be best effective against them. The Heat really haven't been challenged yet, I like our chances a lot.
Spurs in 6!
Spurs just got done dissecting one of the best defenses in the league tbh. Miami is better at defending the PnR but they don't have an interior presence like Gasol or a noted Parker defender in Conley. They'll throw length on Parker of course but I don't know if they have a guy that can "shut him" down outside of LeBron and I'm not sure he gets the nod until they lose a game or late in the 4th qtr.Quote:
Originally Posted by Darius McCrary
Spurs got a free pass defensively in that they didn't have to guard 2 players on the Grizzly starting lineup and only had to worry about one 3pt shooter (Pon). They don't have that luxury against Miami tbh.
Not very.
But I am thrilled that the team is going and if the officiating is even halfway decent we will make it a great series.
Our problem will be lack of ballhadlers.
I wasnt too confident in defeating Memphis and it was a sweep...so clearly I have no knowledge about basketball.
But this series, he could actually have the advantage in the post. I mean going against Dwight, Bogut, & Gasol to going to possibly Bosh or Haslem? This could be the perfect series for him to get going in the post again.Quote:
Originally Posted by TDfan2007
Fundamentally you can get better but you can't change who you are.
I think we know what makes Lebron tick, and we have just enough collective will and wits to defeat him this go round too.
This is like team Dragon Ballz vs Final Cell.
With Tony playing Gohan.
Verry Confident the Spurs will Beat the CHeat
And here is why:
The CHeat won't know what hit them in the first 2 games. They think the Spurs are the same old Spurs from a few years ago. WRONG!
They won't be able to defend Both the perimiter and the paint.. Pick one and hope the other does not beat you. They will chose the paint and if the Spurs shoot 40% or more from outside the CHeat is toast. And if they come out to defend the perimeter then Tony and Timmy will slice them up inside.
LeFraud is weak minded. He will have some great games but when it comes down to executing against a Veteran team with good defenders he will have at least 2 4th qtr meltdowns. Make LeFraud work on the defensive end and by the 4th qtr he will slower and less effective.
Pop is 10 times the coach that Spoiledstra. Pop's leadership and system will be worth at least 1 win in the series if not more.
Parker is on fire and if he matches Wade 1 for 1 in production, which he will. Its a win.
Spurs in 6 maybe in 5
We're better then the Heat ALL the way around. Lebron is the only hope they got, which might be enough...
like they always say "spurs will go as far as manu would take them."
I would say 50/50 honestly. If Dwayne Wades health is questionable, and Duncan can hit his jumpers more often in this series, we have a serious chance to win. Spurs look healthy and motivated as well. This will be a great series
Spurs in 6.
2/10
Watching the Herd show on ESPN, and Colin said "No disrespect to the Spurs, but they will go down against either Indiana or Miami."
Then your prediction is Spurs in 5Quote:
Originally Posted by Trifecta
I can understand Miami, but Indiana? We'd probably sweep those fuckers.Quote:
Originally Posted by dmon35
The finals are going to be epic! I can't wait to see it. I think the Spurs can win. I'm pretty confident for many reasons, but this will be a team unlike any team we have played before. We beat the first and second best front courts in the league, and the best backcourt in the league. Now we must beat the best player in the league.
We have a chance and the homer in me hopes we win it all. Realistically though, I won't bet the house. If I did though I might win a ton.
Homer: Spurs in 7
Pragmatist: Heat in 6
I don't see how this series is not viewed as a toss-up. Besides the stern factor ofcourse. Their weakness is our strength. For once we play a team that probably rebounds worse than we do. Timmy and Tony should do whatever they want, Manu will make big play at the perfect time that's just what he does. So it will come down to role players whichever team can get more from their second-tier players will win. But I love our chances Go SPURS GO!!!
Cowturd has always been a fucking moron how he's keeps his job I will never know. indiana is memphis with less skilled big men.Quote:
Originally Posted by dmon35
Spurs are 12-2 in the playoffsQuote:
Originally Posted by dmon35
No respect..
It's going to take an A- or higher effort from almost every player, or at the least an A+ effort from at least a few players, to pull off a win against Miami.