From the Cavs Perspective

I'd just like to give you guys some perspective from the Cleveland side. First of all, I would like to appologize for the unintelligent and biased predictions by some of our Cavs fans. We are very excited to be in the finals and sometimes we get a little carried away. It's not out of disrespect but out of passion for our team. I am from Cleveland and have been a Cavs fan since I was a little kid even when we seemed to always come up short against MJ and the Bulls. Its great to be in the finals and I think we are going to make the most of this opportunity.

I am student at OSU and I can personally vouch that sometimes Ohio sports fans can get very nasty. The fact of the matter is, its been a great year in sports for us here: Buckeyes make it to the national championship in both football and basketball, the Indians are in first place, and the Browns are up and coming with our recent success in the draft and the departure of Bill Cowher. I definitely have a great amount of respect for Texas sports teams. I was fortunate to be at the OSU-Texas game 2 years ago and although we lost it was by far one of the greatest games I've seen in any sport. I hope that our series can be just as good.

I think that a lot has been made about the Lebron-MJ comparison and I think some people tend to take it the wrong way. Lebron is not Michael Jordan because he's not a score first kind of player. Nobody is but Kobe might be. Too be honest with you, Lebron is more like Magic.. He is a big, athletic and versatile player who is not purely a scorer. The diversity of skills that he brings to the table is unparalleled. What people don't understand is that Lebron does not neccessarily win games by scoring ( game 5 being the exception) rather he hurts teams most of all by his passing and his ability to involve his teammates and make everyone better.

I think Bowen is a great defender but I think he is going to have a very difficult time slowing down Lebron. Lebron is a pure athletic specimen at 6'8'', 240 and a former All-State football player in high school that assuredly would have played major college/pro football if he had chosen to go in that direction. Sometimes people fail to notice Lebrons physicallity due to his great agility and speed. I think that if Bowen or Horry or any defender for that matter tries some of the stuff that was pulled in the Suns series that those players will not get away with it. The Suns do not have any enforcer type players and are more of a finesse type team. The cavs play very physical ball and with guys like Pollard, Varejao, and even sasha, there could be a few fights in the series if the Spurs do play dirty.

I'm worried about Tony Parker. I watched some of your suns series and was very impressed with his shooting ability and dribble penetration. Duncan is a top 3 NBA player and one of the best and most consistent big men ever. These 2 will get their points, it's going to be about containing them and frustrating them. Foul trouble will definitely be an issue for both teams. Z can knock down shots and Gibson could be a difference maker off the bench. Hughes needs to play at least half as good as what we expect of him. I think sasha and gooden need to play as well as they were towards the end of the regular season.

I find it very hard to make a prediction in this series. We know what the Spurs are going to bring but the Cavs we're not so sure. From our perspective, our regular season was an underachieving time of ups and downs. We did not play defense at all and our offense was very sporadic. It seems that our guys have finally bought into Mike Browns philosophy. I think the Spurs are in the same boat though. Both of our teams had tremendous potential and fortunatly both seem to be peaking at the right time. I hope this makes for a close and exciting series.

I agree that the cavs 2 wins during the regular season does not mean that we will win the series. As I said before, both are different teams now than they were before. I do however think that the difference between the Cavs then to now is much greater than it is for the Spurs and I would not call these wins flukes either. The Cavs do have a height/size advantage with our starters which immediately presents you guys with rebound problems. Also, I think it is worth it to mention that our 2 top basketball minds (Coach-Mike Brown and GM- Ferry) are both Spurs guys. Now I don't think this presents a problem to the extent of Don Nelson and Dallas but this could pose a interesting situation. Maybe some inside info on tendencies/ schemes?

I hope that this series goes 7 games. I hope that each game is close. I hope we see both teams at each others throats. I hope that each game is decided by last second shots. This is the fun of watching competitive basketball. I think that you are going to find that the Cavs are a pretty exciting team to watch and hope that you value the talent of a kid who basically just turned 22 years old.

Most fail to realize that before our playoff series with the Pistons last season, they were far and away the favorites to win the championship. The Cavs were blown out in the first 2 games, the games weren't even close. Something clicked however and we pushed them to 7 games and eventually beat them this year. The Cavs mentally broke the Pistons, a team whose team makeup/ style of play eerily resembles your own. Now I do not mean to say that the Spurs will overlook the Cavs because I do not think that they are unreasonably arrogant like the Pistons. I do however think some things that the Cavs will present might be suprising to you. Its an accomplished, established veteran's vs unproven, hungry youth.

As you know, the Spurs will be heavily, I mean heavily favored to win this series and win quickly. Every expert that I have seen has picked the Spurs to win. You guys should have these expectations because you have 3 rings and we have 0. The truth is though, what is supposed to happen doesn't always come true. I can't help but notice how much fun our guys seem to be having during this years playoffs. I think that's our youth showing through. Maybe we're not the most businesslike team but we sure know how to have fun which could be a good thing.

The Cavs have absolutely nothing to lose in this series, we've already far exceeded our expectations. By no means do I think we are satisfied though and the amount of exposure we are getting right now is not about us beating the Spurs, it is merely about how we handled the Pistons. Anything short of a championship for the Spurs would be an unsuccessful season.

My Prediction: Cavs split first 2, take 2 of 3 in Cleveland, then win game 7 at San Antonio. Cavs in 7. Let's enjoy the tremendous display of basketball talent by both teams. Win or lose, i hope its a great series.

All of that and no mention of any concern about Ginobili?

Very nice post, rep+ for a Cavs fan, you're the best poster we've seen so far. But as FWD said, what about Manu?

-Mars

You're the best Cavs fan I've seen yet.

This series is tailor made for Ginobili to own.

Good post. You're a rare breed of Cavs fan, that's for sure; there should be more like you.

Bravo, intelligent, bespoke Cavs fan.

I also think that the implication that the Spurs might not be prepared for physical play from Cleveland's bigs is pretty misguided. The Spurs played an extremely physical series with Denver, dealt with a bit more finesse against Phoenix but still got involved in some physical play, and dispatched a fairly physical Utah team. If the Cavs decide to mix it up, I don't think Cavs' fans should just expect the Spurs to back down or roll over.

And I wouldn't expect that any team would be able to easily break the Spurs mentally. THis bunch has experienced everything there is to experience in playoff basketball. They've overcome significant adversity; they've suffered flagrant fouls (and delivered some too); they've won and they've lost. But at no point in the last 5 years or so has any team truly been able to mentally break the Spurs.

Finally, I'm not sure that this group of Spurs is built eerily similar to the Detroit Pistons of the last couple of seasons. This group of Spurs has a definite alpha dog, it has two outstanding sidekicks who know precisely what they are to do, and, more than anything else, it has tremendous leadership from the head coach who won't stand for anything but the best effort his team can give. There are finer distinctions to make, but those three immediately make be believe that a comparison to the Pistons is inapt.

I think...I hope...I think. Long enough? WE really didn't need a peacemaker, the spurs fans have been getting the nastiest anyways. Maybe you should have went to Ohio University, CavsDak. Anyways, I agree, go cavs, hard fought series. cavs in 7. Hughes, Snow, Gibson, Pavs, and James are going to bring all the defense at the wings we need. Don't be surprised when Lebron is guarding Parker and shutting off the lane completely.

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Maybe you should have went to Ohio University

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Priceless.

the spurs are willing to guard lebron straight up. the cavs don't have the luxury with regard to duncan. that's why the cavs have no shot at winning this series.

Great post. You make some intelligent, well thought-out points.

That said, I found no mention of Ginibili a bit odd, and your assertion that the Cavs have nothing to lose struck me as strange, as well, because this is the Finals -- neither team has anything to lose at this point. One more item: the Spurs can not only handle a "physical team," they can be a physical team.

This is going to be a fun series, regardless of the outcome. Of course, I hope the Spurs take it all, and I think they will.

Good post.

Hughes/Pavs/Lebron will all take turns guarding Ginobli. They've all been playing great D., hopefully Hughes foot can get some rest though. He's ok for a few minutes, then it bothers him.

Nice post.

The Cavs day is coming assuming James stays there and they will win at least one finals.

It just won't be this year.

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Originally Posted by virginislandCAVS

Hughes/Pavs/Lebron will all take turns guarding Ginobli. They've all been playing great D., hopefully Hughes foot can get some rest though. He's ok for a few minutes, then it bothers him.

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Spurs fans know all about plantar fascia injuries.

Cleveland will be just fine in this series. All this talk about SA being just fine playing Lebron man to man is just window dressing, when it comes time to play the game they have two options- 1)Give Lebron double and triple-teams, or 2)Get smoked. Seems like an easy choice to me. Mr. James is more focused right now than he ever has been in his entire life, give him single-coverage and the Cavs might score on every trip down the court.

Duncan doesn't scare me in this matchup because Cleveland has size and depth to combat him with, as far as matchups go I think this series is tailor-made for the Cavs because of their ability to play physical and play relentless, hounding defense. The only thing that worries me is that Ginobli and Parker will get their usual bad call fouls, I'm not even worried about them making their shots so much as these guys going to the line every trip down the floor, take away even some of those and both of these guys aren't that great. Obviously, there are going to be alot of people who think I am crazy, however I am not going to be one of those jerks who say "CLEVELAND IN 4, CLEVELAND in 5, CLEVELAND IN 6, etc etc." What I am going to say is that Cleveland plays great defense and they have the best player in the NBA, so you absolutely cannot count them out of this one.

I like that, after a single impressive game, LeBron is suddenly a great scorer on par with prime Jordan. He's not even on Kobe or AI's level yet, and the Spurs have managed those guys.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

and they have the best player in the NBA

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one game doesn't make him the best player in the nba. sorry to break it to you.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

I like that, after a single impressive game, LeBron is suddenly a great scorer on par with prime Jordan. He's not even on Kobe or AI's level yet, and the Spurs have managed those guys.

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:lol no shit. People seem to forget that the SPurs have already handled the 2nd leading scorer, leading assist, defensive player of the year, Amare, A.I., Boozer and Williams. All of those guys had much better teams than the Cavs, yet LeBron will beat the Spurs by himself, right

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

The only thing that worries me is that Ginobli and Parker will get their usual bad call fouls, take those away and both of these guys aren't that great.

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Aside from unrealistically dissing two guys who have legitimately made all-star teams (and one who has won championships at every level on which he's ever played), the thing that strikes me as most bizarre about this comment is the notion that Parker usually gets bad foul calls.

I can't think of a player who spends as much time in the paint as Parker while getting to the line as infrequently as Parker does. That guy gets put on his ass repeatedly without getting to the line -- and he keeps coming back for more and more. He may occasionally get a bad call in his favor, but most nights, Parker spends way more time getting off the floor on drives than he does at the line. At least he's fearless.

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1)Give Lebron double and triple-teams, or 2)Get smoked. Seems like an easy choice to me. Mr. James is more focused right now than he ever has been in his entire life, give him single-coverage and the Cavs might score on every trip down the court.

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Replace the word "Lebron" with "Amare" and "Cavs" with "Suns."

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Duncan doesn't scare me in this matchup because Cleveland has size and depth to combat him with, as far as matchups go I think this series is tailor-made for the Cavs.

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Replace the word "Cleveland" with "Denver" and "Cavs" with "Nuggets."

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What I am going to say is that Cleveland plays great defense and they have the best player in the NBA, so you absolutely cannot count them out of this one.

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Replace the word "Cleveland" with "San Antonio."

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Replace the word "Lebron" with "Amare" and "Cavs" with "Suns."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "Denver" and "Cavs" with "Nuggets."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "San Antonio."

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:lol :lol :lol :clap :clap :clap

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Replace the word "Lebron" with "Amare" and "Cavs" with "Suns."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "Denver" and "Cavs" with "Nuggets."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "San Antonio."

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BWJ just got destroyed

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

I like that, after a single impressive game, LeBron is suddenly a great scorer on par with prime Jordan. He's not even on Kobe or AI's level yet, and the Spurs have managed those guys.

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You are right, he is way above AI's level. AI isn't even an elite player any longer in my book, he is a selfish player who doesn't think pass-first and his body has shown signs of wear and tear for awhile now. He is above Kobe's level - when did Kobe ever set his teammates up for the winning basket, tell me that? When did Kobe ever carry his team deep into the playoffs?

Once again, you want to throw out all these dumb comparisons of Lebron to Michael, but that is all you. However, to say that after one game he is garnering these comparisons is crazy, Lebron has been in the league for four years now and he has been an MVP-type player for two of those seasons. However, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, the last two MVP's this league has had could only dream of carrying their team the way that Lebron does on an everyday basis.

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Originally Posted by CavsDak

My Prediction: Cavs split first 2, take 2 of 3 in Cleveland, then win game 7 at San Antonio. Cavs in 7. Let's enjoy the tremendous display of basketball talent by both teams. Win or lose, i hope its a great series.

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So you think a team that went 20-21 on the road is going to beat the team with the third best home record in the league, twice?

Hmmm...

This will be a great series...period.

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However, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, the last two MVP's this league has had could only dream of carrying their team the way that Lebron does on an everyday basis.

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Replace the phrase "carrying their team" [sic] with "playing in the Eastern Conference."

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Replace the word "Lebron" with "Amare" and "Cavs" with "Suns."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "Denver" and "Cavs" with "Nuggets."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "San Antonio."

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Blah blah blah, you know very well that Lebron is a much better player than Amare, the Cavs are much better than the Nuggets, and...well the Cavs are 2-0 against the Spurs this season.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Blah blah blah, you know very well that Lebron is a much better player than Amare, the Cavs are much better than the Nuggets, and...well the Cavs are 2-0 against the Spurs this season.

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The Bucks were 2 and 0 against the SPurs this year as well, doesnt mean shit. The Bulls were 3 and 1 against the Pistons I believe, and that didnt mean shit. The Nuggets are a much, much better team than the Cavs. You really dont watch much basketball do you?

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Originally Posted by mardigan

The Bucks were 2 and 0 against the SPurs this year as well, doesnt mean shit. The Bulls were 3 and 1 against the Pistons I believe, and that didnt mean shit. The Nuggets are a much, much better team than the Cavs. You really dont watch much basketball do you?

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Hey, 2-0 is 2-0. I'll let the facts speak for themselves while you foam at the mouth.

PS - I don't understand you, the Nuggets aren't a good team. How can you say a team that doesn't ever make it past the first round is a good team? Denver and Houston haven't improved in years, these guys would be middle of the road teams in the East the same way they are in the West, not bad but hardly world beaters.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Blah blah blah, you know very well that Lebron is a much better player than Amare, the Cavs are much better than the Nuggets, and...well the Cavs are 2-0 against the Spurs this season.

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Lebron is no better than Nash+Amare.

And rest of Suns team >>>>>>>> rest of Cavs

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Originally Posted by nkdlunch

Lebron is no better than Nash+Amare.

And rest of Suns team >>>>>>>> rest of Cavs

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Every west team in the playoffs except LA>>>>>>Cavs

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The only thing that worries me is that Ginobli and Parker will get their usual bad call fouls, I'm not even worried about them making their shots so much as these guys going to the line every trip down the floor

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Funny coming from a Cavs fan....what do you think happens to Lebron????? aCTUALLY, those two rarely get calls (at least Parker).

nice post Cavsdak. Nice to have somebody to exchange opinions.

I think that GINOBILI is going to be THE THREAT for the CAVS in this series.
Lebron is the only one who can slow him down and that will force Lebron to play some D on him, wearing him down.

I think Lebron will eat Bowen alive, forcing the Spurs to put a second man on him, leaving some 3 point shooters open.
If these guys can make the open shots consistently, then we have a series.
Otherwise, this is going to be a very "difficult" series for the Cavs.

M

I miss the Jazz trolls.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Blah blah blah, you know very well that Lebron is a much better player than Amare, the Cavs are much better than the Nuggets, and...well the Cavs are 2-0 against the Spurs this season.

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And? We lost to the Jazz twice, too. Hell, we even lost to Milwaukee! :lol

But this is the playoffs. How do you like us now?? :lol :lol :lol

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Originally Posted by mardigan

Every west team in the playoffs except LA>>>>>>Cavs

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LMFAO...you must be joking. How about CLE>LA, HOU, DEN, GS, UTAH? If you were to say that I would agree. The only three I would say Cleveland doesn't beat hands down are Dallas, SA, and Phoenix...and Dallas was put out by an eight-seed that went 42-40! So much for your theory of Western Conference Dominance...maybe in the ranks of middle of the road teams but not at the top of the conference, in fact I believe Cleveland had a better record against the top teams in the West than anybody!

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The only thing that worries me is that Ginobli and Parker will get their usual bad call fouls, I'm not even worried about them making their shots so much as these guys going to the line every trip down the floor

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Opponent fouls per game:

Spurs 21.20

Cavs 22.00

How many of the Cav fouls are "usual bad foul calls"?

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Hey, 2-0 is 2-0.

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You're missing the point, which is 2-0 means shit. I understand you're (rightly) worried, but you can't argue with the facts. Your one guy cannot take down the Spurs. Just ain't gonna happen, sorry.

For those who still think the Spurs are soft/boring: (I didn't know where else to put it) :hat
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Oh, no.

One day after the Pistons' season was unceremoniously curtailed by Cleveland, a San Antonio Spur referred to his team as "the bad boys." Ugh.

"We're not vanilla anymore," guard Tony Parker declared. "We're the bad boys, but it's fine. Everybody likes new stuff. So LeBron James, his first Finals, obviously, a lot of people are going to root for him. And that's fine. They still have to try to beat us."

We understand what you're saying, Mr. Longoria, but we object to you using the term. The Spurs aren't even within punching distance of the real Bad Boys.

- Detroit Free Press.

as opposed to this year's Detroit Drama Queens

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

LMFAO...you must be joking. How about CLE>LA, HOU, DEN, GS, UTAH? If you were to say that I would agree. The only three I would say Cleveland doesn't beat hands down are Dallas, SA, and Phoenix...and Dallas was put out by an eight-seed that went 42-40! So much for your theory of Western Conference Dominance...maybe in the ranks of middle of the road teams but not at the top of the conference, in fact I believe Cleveland had a better record against the top teams in the West than anybody!

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But using your regular season argument I could say that the Warriors were 3 and 0 against the Mavs this year, so they should have won right? And since they beat a team that you said was better than your team then GS>>>>Cavs. And Utah, Houston and Denver are all much better than the Cavs. When you only see a team twice in a season there is a chance that they might beat you a couple of times. Regular season records dont mean crap, although in your defense as a Cavs fan you probably havent had much of an argument to defend your team with other than regular season records

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Originally Posted by nkdlunch

Lebron is no better than Nash+Amare.

And rest of Suns team >>>>>>>> rest of Cavs

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Hey, how about those for some famous last words. No disrespect to Nash because he is a great player, but if you were to add about eight inches and 75 pounds onto his frame than he would be worth mentioning in the same sentence as Lebron. If you were to take Amare and give him heart, defensive ability, much better speed and ball-handling skills and a jumper, then he would be worth mentioning in the same sentence as Lebron.

Lebron craves so much attention from opposing defenses that it becomes impossible to stop him and not leave somebody open.

Really, what do you want from a spurboard?

Unconditional surrender?

A blow job for Lebron?

Your team is good. Congratulations on winning the east.

To the other Cavs fans...take notes from Cavsdak.

I don't agree with everything he said, but that's how you make an introduction.

Maybe you should have went to Ohio University

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Priceless.

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Yeah, everyone knows it's "should of went," you Ohio dumbass.

Should of done gone....

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Hey, how about those for some famous last words. No disrespect to Nash because he is a great player, but if you were to add about eight inches and 75 pounds onto his frame than he would be worth mentioning in the same sentence as Lebron. If you were to take Amare and give him heart, defensive ability, much better speed and ball-handling skills and a jumper, then he would be worth mentioning in the same sentence as Lebron.

Lebron craves so much attention from opposing defenses that it becomes impossible to stop him and not leave somebody open.

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are you saying Lebron is better than Nash+Amare combination?? :lmao you're delusional

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Replace the word "Lebron" with "Amare" and "Cavs" with "Suns."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "Denver" and "Cavs" with "Nuggets."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "San Antonio."

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pwnt

-Mars

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Originally Posted by freedom&justice

We understand what you're saying, Mr. Longoria, but we object to you using the term. The Spurs aren't even within punching distance of the real Bad Boys.

- Detroit Free Press.

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fa·ce·tious [fuh-see-shuhs] –adjective

1. not meant to be taken seriously or literally: a facetious remark.
2. amusing; humorous.
3. lacking serious intent; concerned with something nonessential, amusing, or frivolous: a facetious person.

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Really, what do you want from a spurboard?

Unconditional surrender?

A blow job for Lebron?

Your team is good. Congratulations on winning the east.

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Hey, thanks. I really didn't care about either, just wanted to see how many of you Spurs fans are in dream land and actually believe that the Rockets, Nuggets or Warriors could win the East over CLE or DET.

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Originally Posted by nkdlunch

are you saying Lebron is better than Nash+Amare combination?? :lmao you're delusional

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I'll take the best player in the world and dominant team leader over two guys who play excellent offense and offer zero defense any day of the week.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Hey, thanks. I really didn't care about either, just wanted to see how many of you Spurs fans are in dream land and actually believe that the Rockets, Nuggets or Warriors could win the East over CLE or DET.

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Well, Denver was 2-0 against Cleveland this season, so they are obviously the superior team.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

LMFAO...you must be joking. How about CLE>LA, HOU, DEN, GS, UTAH? If you were to say that I would agree. The only three I would say Cleveland doesn't beat hands down are Dallas, SA, and Phoenix...and Dallas was put out by an eight-seed that went 42-40! So much for your theory of Western Conference Dominance...maybe in the ranks of middle of the road teams but not at the top of the conference, in fact I believe Cleveland had a better record against the top teams in the West than anybody!

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GSW > Cleveland

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Hey, thanks. I really didn't care about either, just wanted to see how many of you Spurs fans are in dream land and actually believe that the Rockets, Nuggets or Warriors could win the East over CLE or DET.

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I do; in fact VERY confident the Rockets and Nuggets would.

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Well, Denver was 2-0 against Cleveland this season, so they are obviously the superior team.

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pwnt X 2

seriously, I am more afraid of the Referee than the Cavaliers.

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/index.html

I'm afraid of the REAL meaning for the word "ALL" in that page.....cofcofsternscofcofbusinesscofcof.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Hey, thanks. I really didn't care about either, just wanted to see how many of you Spurs fans are in dream land and actually believe that the Rockets, Nuggets or Warriors could win the East over CLE or DET.

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Warriors and Denver were hugely affected by trades, and Carmello was out 15 games, those things impacted records, both teams could have won 50 games plus with their rosters the whole year. Houston and Utah both won more games in the West than Clevland did in the East, so yes, Utah and Houston are better than Clevland according to your regular season logic.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

I'll take the best player in the world and dominant team leader over two guys who play excellent offense and offer zero defense any day of the week.

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cause Lebron's defense is so great :rolleyes

I like the Cavs fan spirit. They have spunk.


That said, there is absolutely no reasonable reason why the Spurs should need more than 5 games to win. The matchups outside of James favor the Spurs, and there is no way Lebron is going to put up 60 a game at 50% shooting, which is what would be needed for the Cavs to overcome the Spurs. If the Spurs can hold down the 6th man of the year to nothing against a team that is far superior on offense to the Cavs - Boobie's dead in the water. I hope you liked the wide open shots Boobie, because they're gone now. Who else is gonna step up? Hughes on a bad wheel? Big underachieving Z? Gooden? Sideshow Bob?

Bottom line - if the Spurs avoid a letdown and come out to play the way they have all post season, the series is over in no more than 5. It all boils down to what SA does since they hold the matchup advantage and all of the chips but one.

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Originally Posted by 101A

I do; in fact VERY confident the Rockets and Nuggets would.

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Guess you aren't very smart then, huh?

Houston and Denver are two teams that were made for going out in the first round, every single year. In actuality, Dallas may be the same way, albeit with much more talent.

I am not questioning that there are a number of teams in the West with an equal level of talent to the Cavs or Pistons, just saying that the Cavs have done more with their talent than any of the others in the West save for the Spurs. In the end, it comes down to who plays the best basketball, and there are two teams left and everybody else is watching from at home.

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Originally Posted by mardigan

Warriors and Denver were hugely affected by trades, and Carmello was out 15 games, those things impacted records, both teams could have won 50 games plus with their rosters the whole year. Houston and Utah both won more games in the West than Clevland did in the East, so yes, Utah and Houston are better than Clevland according to your regular season logic.

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If any one of Denver, Utah, or Phoenix were playing in the Eastern conference we would be playing that team in the Finals right now.

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Originally Posted by mardigan

Warriors and Denver were hugely affected by trades, and Carmello was out 15 games, those things impacted records, both teams could have won 50 games plus with their rosters the whole year. Houston and Utah both won more games in the West than Clevland did in the East, so yes, Utah and Houston are better than Clevland according to your regular season logic.

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I know, I know...I really just threw that one out there to poke fun at Spurs fans and also just for the sake of making the argument. Just a little bit of Devil's Advocate. But, at the same time, I am one who doesn't like to compare common opponents, just compare how teams fair one on one. In this respect, Cleveland has won the last three vs. San Antonio. Does it mean anything? Probably not, however it is worth noting.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

I know, I know...I really just threw that one out there to poke fun at Spurs fans and also just for the sake of making the argument. Just a little bit of Devil's Advocate. But, at the same time, I am one who doesn't like to compare common opponents, just compare how teams fair one on one. In this respect, Cleveland has won the last three vs. San Antonio. Does it mean anything? Probably not, however it is worth noting.

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Its also worth noting that Detroit was 3 and 1 against your team this year, and we see how that turned out

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Originally Posted by BeerIsGood!

If any one of Denver, Utah, or Phoenix were playing in the Eastern conference we would be playing that team in the Finals right now.

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You are wrong, but ok I hear you. If Phoenix was in the East, then there is a good chance they would be the ones playing, however you are heaping Denver and Utah in there without much reason. Phoenix would probably make it through, however Denver or Utah? No chance.

But in all seriousness, why does everybody think that a Cavs fan should care at all about some teams from the West that have already been eliminated? Any talk between fans of one of the better teams in the East with a fan of a team from the West breaks down into this stupid discussion about how deep the West is. Based on the NBA draft this season, everybody got a first-hand look at how that was allowed to happen.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

I am one who doesn't like to compare common opponents, just compare how teams fair one on one. In this respect, Cleveland has won the last three vs. San Antonio. Does it mean anything? Probably not, however it is worth noting.

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It is also worth noting that you've one exactly one time in San Antonio since Ronald Reagan was the President.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

just compare how teams fair one on one. In this respect, Cleveland has won the last three vs. San Antonio. Does it mean anything? Probably not, however it is worth noting.

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I don't think that's even a legitimate comparison as the two RS this year were way before the all-star break when SA was playing medicore BB.

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however you are heaping Denver and Utah in there without much reason.

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Denver: 2-0 baby!

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

You are wrong, but ok I hear you. If Phoenix was in the East, then there is a good chance they would be the ones playing, however you are heaping Denver and Utah in there without much reason. Phoenix would probably make it through, however Denver or Utah? No chance.

But in all seriousness, why does everybody think that a Cavs fan should care at all about some teams from the West that have already been eliminated? Any talk between fans of one of the better teams in the East with a fan of a team from the West breaks down into this stupid discussion about how deep the West is. Based on the NBA draft this season, everybody got a first-hand look at how that was allowed to happen.

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This is why you should care...

The Spurs have dispatched with predjudice 3 teams that are better teams than the Cavs. Not saying that the Cavs have zero chance, but that it would take both the best performance in a playoff series of all time by Lebron and a complete letdown by the Spurs for the Cavs to have a chance. None of the western conference teams had the luxury of dispatching the Celtics, Knicks, Hawks, Magic, etc. for most of the year. Also, most of the western conference teams did not get the luxury of playing the Spurs only twice before March when the Spurs are coasting and getting the lineups minutes for a playoff push. It's not a lock, because there is no such thing as a lock, but it would take the "perfect storm" of both luck and skill for a team the caliber of the Cavs to beat a team the caliber of the Spurs.

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Originally Posted by mardigan

Its also worth noting that Detroit was 3 and 1 against your team this year, and we see how that turned out

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Exactly my point. We will see what happens on thursday. However, for those of you who think SA will win via blowout, you may as well not watch because you inevitably will go crazy just like the Pistons fans, frustrated and saying "Why is our team playing so horrible?" That is a little something I like to call championship defense. Cavs don't give up easy baskets. Continuing their success scoring points will be key, I expect most games in this series to be mid-80's or so, defense controlling the pace for both teams, and whichever star (Duncan or Lebron) has the bigger series will propel his team to victory. Duncan has a better supporting cast but Lebron has a greater ability to take over ballgames. On paper, edge to SA, however I want to see if the Spurs can match the intensity of the Cavs because after going down 2-0 and winning the next four in a row, it is pretty clear that the Cavs do not quit and they are a young, hungry team. Anybody who has been in organized sports knows that intensity can sometimes make up for quite a bit in the way of talent differential.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

I'll take the best player in the world and dominant team leader over two guys who play excellent offense and offer zero defense any day of the week.

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You keep lying to yourself and to the people on this board when you phrase that LeBron James is the best player in the world.
Stealing this quote from an earlier post:

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Once again, you want to throw out all these dumb comparisons of Lebron to Michael, but that is all you. However, to say that after one game he is garnering these comparisons is crazy, Lebron has been in the league for four years now and he has been an MVP-type player for two of those seasons. However, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, the last two MVP's this league has had could only dream of carrying their team the way that Lebron does on an everyday basis.

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You want carry a team?
Let me break this to you in SIMPLE TERMS.
http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allnba.html
LeBron James
All-NBA Team
05-06 1st team
06-07 2nd, 04-05 2nd
Rookie Year 03-04 Not a sniff.

All-NBA D Team
ZERO

Tim Duncan
All-NBA 1st team EVERY YEAR EXCEPT FOR 05-06 Due to plantar fascitis but he did get 2nd team ALL-NBA


http://www.nba.com/history/awards_defensiveteams.html
ALL-NBA D Team All 10 years 8 of those times 1st team including current season.

SO AGAIN...2 sides of the court. Tim Duncan has been simply dominating and the best player in basketball. Not consistently spectacular but spectactularly consistent. The numbers and the results do not lie. Don't believe me?
Then what about LeBron?

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``If they don't know what Tim Duncan is about, they cannot be true fans, they are fantasy fans. I can dunk, but I ain't no Tim Duncan. I wish I was.'' Lebron James

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:fro

I've been watching LeBron's defense almost as much as his offense since he came into the L and I think its a bit suspect. Especially his off ball defense. He has the tendency to follow the ball and not his man, and often gets lost in the movements. Other than the fact that he has tremendous strength and great size/reach his defense is quite lacking.

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Originally Posted by Mitch Cumsteen

It is also worth noting that you've one exactly one time in San Antonio since Ronald Reagan was the President.

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That one time happened this season too. So, you may as well have said they've won in SA once this year in one game in SA this year. But hey, however you want to look at it.

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Originally Posted by BeerIsGood!

This is why you should care...

The Spurs have dispatched with predjudice 3 teams that are better teams than the Cavs. Not saying that the Cavs have zero chance, but that it would take both the best performance in a playoff series of all time by Lebron and a complete letdown by the Spurs for the Cavs to have a chance. None of the western conference teams had the luxury of dispatching the Celtics, Knicks, Hawks, Magic, etc. for most of the year. Also, most of the western conference teams did not get the luxury of playing the Spurs only twice before March when the Spurs are coasting and getting the lineups minutes for a playoff push. It's not a lock, because there is no such thing as a lock, but it would take the "perfect storm" of both luck and skill for a team the caliber of the Cavs to beat a team the caliber of the Spurs.

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However, do you not see in your own words that you are setting yourself up for a huge letdown? Two of the last three years the finals have been all about this exact same story. 2004 Pistons beat the superior Lakers. 2006 Heat beat the superior Mavs. In 2005 the Spurs beat the Pistons, however even in that series it went seven games and nobody can ever deny that it simply came down to which team got the lucky bounce down the stretch.

I agree that the Spurs should win. However, should is much different from will. Nobody is giving the Cavs a chance, and that's exactly why they will exceed all expectations and put a hurt on the Spurs. Whatever that means, maybe they'll win, maybe they won't. I think you would have to be crazy at this point to say that with all the momentum Cleveland has coming in that SA will be able to stop them dead in their tracks and win it in four- I see this series going six or seven games pretty much any way you break it down. Now, I'm sure SA will say all the right things about respecting the Cavs in their press conference later on this week, however in the end it comes down to what happens on the court and if SA brings their best stuff, and that is something that not even the most educated fan can predict. I like the Cavs because Lebron has the ability to dominate games to a greater degree than any other player in the league, and they have the big men and defensive players across the board to smother the Spurs and make them do things that they don't want to do when they have the basketball offensively.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

However, do you not see in your own words that you are setting yourself up for a huge letdown? Two of the last three years the finals have been all about this exact same story. 2004 Pistons beat the superior Lakers. 2006 Heat beat the superior Mavs. In 2005 the Spurs beat the Pistons, however even in that series it went seven games and nobody can ever deny that it simply came down to which team got the lucky bounce down the stretch.

I agree that the Spurs should win. However, should is much different from will. Nobody is giving the Cavs a chance, and that's exactly why they will exceed all expectations and put a hurt on the Spurs. Whatever that means, maybe they'll win, maybe they won't. I think you would have to be crazy at this point to say that with all the momentum Cleveland has coming in that SA will be able to stop them dead in their tracks and win it in four- I see this series going six or seven games pretty much any way you break it down. Now, I'm sure SA will say all the right things about respecting the Cavs in their press conference later on this week, however in the end it comes down to what happens on the court and if SA brings their best stuff, and that is something that not even the most educated fan can predict. I like the Cavs because Lebron has the ability to dominate games to a greater degree than any other player in the league, and they have the big men and defensive players across the board to smother the Spurs and make them do things that they don't want to do when they have the basketball offensively.

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I know you like your underdog story, but the truth of the matter is that upsets of this magnitude don't happen all that often. That's why I said there is a chance, and that chance is the Spurs having a letdown and Lebron getting help from Jesus. He's never faced a Spurs playoff defense, especially a Spurs playoff defense in the finals. I can say whatever I want since I have no responsiblity to get the team ready to play, and I say that the Spurs definitely respect the Cavs and know that they have to play their usual great Spurs ball to take this series.

Well I'm glad the Cavalier fans will get a first-hand look at how much better Duncan is over Lebron. Lebron is a phenomenal talent - no question. But at this point he's maybe 75% of the player that Duncan is. You'll see this up-close and personal. Enjoy the clinic.

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in the end it comes down to what happens on the court and if SA brings their best stuff, and that is something that not even the most educated fan can predict. I like the Cavs because Lebron has the ability to dominate games to a greater degree than any other player in the league, and they have the big men and defensive players across the board to smother the Spurs and make them do things that they don't want to do when they have the basketball offensively.

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So, you are predicting the Cavs will bring their best stuff. I suppose a fan doesn't have to be educated to do that.

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Originally Posted by coopdogg3

Well I'm glad the Cavalier fans will get a first-hand look at how much better Duncan is over Lebron. Lebron is a phenomenal talent - no question. But at this point he's maybe 75% of the player that Duncan is. You'll see this up-close and personal. Enjoy the clinic.

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You must have forgotten the last time Cleveland came to SA. I'll refresh your memory: Lebron Dunks Over Tim Duncan . Ouch! Sorry to spoil your guy's season opener like that LOL. Duncan is very good but I would much rather have Lebron to build my team around any day, and according to ESPN most people agree with me.

Just read this earlier today, take a look: Jordan praises James ahead of NBA Finals . This pretty much sums it up. I've never been one to compare Lebron to Michael, all of Lebron's critics have already done that for me. However, although I'm not going to make any comparisons, I will say that it seems pretty clear who MJ is rooting for in this one.

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according to ESPN

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:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao

I don't think this series is going to be a cakewalk by any means like some Spur fans make it out to be.

However, the Spurs do everything slightly better (offense, defense, bench, coaching) than the Cavs, plus they have the experience and championship pedigree on top of that. You can see why there's optimism on the Spurs side.

Another big question: How are the Cavs gonna play in their FIRST NBA finals?

Now if LBJ wills his team to 4 victories out of 7, big props all around.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

You must have forgotten the last time Cleveland came to SA. I'll refresh your memory: Lebron Dunks Over Tim Duncan . Duncan is very good but I would much rather have Lebron to build my team around any day, and according to ESPN most people agree with me. Especially for the Cavs, who already have Z and Varajao.

However, when you have the choice between Duncan and James, it is like choosing between the Ferrari and the Lambo, either one you pick is just going to dominate all others.

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You're a bigger fool than I thought. Go watch Carlos Boozer block Duncan and then tell me that Boozer is better defensively than Duncan - because of one play. When LBJ gets 4 rings to match Duncan, than you might have an argument about who you would rather build a team around.

Like I said, enjoy the clinic.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Duncan is very good but I would much rather have Lebron to build my team around any day, and according to ESPN most people agree with me.

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I think most GMs and coaches would disagree with you and ESPN. Duncan is one of the best players to ever step on to the court, your constant disrespect and ignorance of his greatness is really annoying and makes you look like a total jackass.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Exactly my point. We will see what happens on thursday. However, for those of you who think SA will win via blowout, you may as well not watch because you inevitably will go crazy just like the Pistons fans, frustrated and saying "Why is our team playing so horrible?" That is a little something I like to call championship defense. Cavs don't give up easy baskets. Continuing their success scoring points will be key, I expect most games in this series to be mid-80's or so, defense controlling the pace for both teams, and whichever star (Duncan or Lebron) has the bigger series will propel his team to victory. Duncan has a better supporting cast but Lebron has a greater ability to take over ballgames. On paper, edge to SA, however I want to see if the Spurs can match the intensity of the Cavs because after going down 2-0 and winning the next four in a row, it is pretty clear that the Cavs do not quit and they are a young, hungry team. Anybody who has been in organized sports knows that intensity can sometimes make up for quite a bit in the way of talent differential.

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See, this is what shows me that you are a homer who doesn't watch much basketball outside of their home team. Which is completely fine, but not of much use in arguing about basketball. You support a decent team who has done a really great and exciting feat. Well done. Enjoy it. I understand why you are getting worked up, since I'd be pretty pissed off if I saw this stuff written about the Spurs.

However, you are just plain wrong here. It's something you'd note if you watched basketball more or watched the Spurs. Your team plays defense a lot better than most teams. But if you want to see championship defense, watch the Spurs. We've been playing it for 9 years, three of which are undisputedly evidence of championship defense. I've watched the Cavs all playoffs and their defense is not in the same calibur of the Spurs.

If you watched more Spurs BB, then you'd see that Duncan certainly has the ability to take over and influence games - all superstars do, and Duncan's been capable of doing that longer than LeBron. Duncan simply doesn't have to do it, becuase his supporting cast is better. And speaking as someone who watched a team with a good player and a cast of struggling streaky players take them to the edge time and again - it can't be done with 1 person. You've got to have more than what the Cavs have. Our 'supporting cast' is more than a supporting cast. They are solid, reliable players who frequently play at an all-star level. That should worry you to no end.

Yes LeBron is a talented player, who is made better by his team-first attitude. I have a lot of admiration for the kid. But am I worried about doubling and leaving someone else open? Hell fucking no. Odds are that whoever is left open can't beat us and won't make enough of their shots to matter. If they suddenly should (and hey, it can happen), I have faith in the Spurs defense and ability to adjust quickly and accordingly.

Again, not being a Spurs fan or in the Western conference, I would expect that you haven't gotten to see many Spurs games. This team is mostly about intensity, and while there are occassional lapses (which I expect the Cavs to take advantage of, which is why I think we win in 5), they play as a team with one goal. They've been there before as a group, they know what is needed in terms of intensity.

Beerisgood is dead on when he says that the only way the Cavs win is via the perfect storm of luck and lack of focus by the Spurs.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Once again, you want to throw out all these dumb comparisons of Lebron to Michael, but that is all you.

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It seems to me that nearly every sports writer/critic is comparing LeBron to MJ.
Not just this one person.

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Originally Posted by nkdlunch

as opposed to this year's Detroit Drama Queens

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Or the Detroit Donuts.....they have no center.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

I'll take the best player in the world and dominant team leader

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Sorry.....Timmy is under contract for the Spurs for a least a few more years.

Nice post. But, did you have to write that much to sneak in the zinger about "the stuff the Spurs pulled against the Suns"? There it is again, Spurs shouldn't be there because they got away with something. Sound as unbiased as you want, but you're making excuses already.

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Originally Posted by coopdogg3

Like I said, enjoy the clinic.

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You know, the Spurs usually charge people for participating in their basketball clinic, The Cavs should feel lucky to be getting in for free.

It's all about matchups. "How well do the Cavs matchup against the Spurs?" is really the main question. Since the early RS games are a poor indicator, we will just have to wait and see. It will be interesting.

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Replace the word "Lebron" with "Amare" and "Cavs" with "Suns."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "Denver" and "Cavs" with "Nuggets."

Replace the word "Cleveland" with "San Antonio."

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:toast

actually, nobody, not even GP have a clear analysis of this series...

it's all brand new because cleveland is a big surprise for the whole world...

it would take at least 3 games to really know the cavs basketball...

offense is not really as big an issue as defense since both have weapons of different calibers capable of blowing out each other's head anytime....

it's actually defense that will dictate the flow of this series....

i know you take pride in manu.... we take pride with everybody in the cavs roster.... that's what we are, a team effort, and i guess you're so familiar w/ that....

it's just that the cavs have been struggling to do some soul-searching during the reg season and they'v just finally realized who they really just in time for the playoffs(a one-man team as you most say....)... and that's what the world didn't realize....

one clear indication here worth mentioning is that the cavs were able to contain kidd, carter and jeferson.....billups, hamilton and prince..... i have no idea how good manu, parker and finley will be as compared to those squad since it really depends upon chemistry to maximize talents.....

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

Priceless.

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:lmao :lmao

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

I like that, after a single impressive game, LeBron is suddenly a great scorer on par with prime Jordan. He's not even on Kobe or AI's level yet, and the Spurs have managed those guys.

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Or even Mello.......With AI.....

And the Spurs still prevailed.

What no one seems to get is the Spurs have been in another zone the last few weeks.

I suggest all Cav fan get a copy of Spurs vs Jazz, WCF 2007, Game 5, 1st quarter, if you really want to see what you are facing in the finals.

And keep in mind while you are watching it, that the Jazz were supposed to be a super defensive and rebounding team also.

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Originally Posted by BWJACKETS

Just read this earlier today, take a look: Jordan praises James ahead of NBA Finals . This pretty much sums it up. I've never been one to compare Lebron to Michael, all of Lebron's critics have already done that for me. However, although I'm not going to make any comparisons, I will say that it seems pretty clear who MJ is rooting for in this one.

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Just earlier this postseason, take a look: Russell praises Duncan again ahead of NBA Finals and Russell praises Duncan ahead of NBA Finals (though he did praise Lebron as well). That pretty much sums it up. I've never been one to compare Timmy to Bill Russell, but I will say that 11 championships > 6 championships. However, although I'm not going to make any comparisons (and feel totally uninhibited by rules of usage), I will say that it seems pretty clear who Bill Russell is rooting for in this one.

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Originally Posted by CavsDak

The cavs play very physical ball and with guys like Pollard, Varejao, and even sasha, there could be a few fights in the series if the Spurs do play dirty.

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Please, God, let them play Scot Pollard...a lot.

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Originally Posted by CavsDak

It seems that our guys have finally bought into Mike Browns philosophy.

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Mike Brown's philosophy? Bring in Hank Egan to coach defense. Then give the ball to LeBron and tell him to create something.

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Originally Posted by CavsDak

The Cavs mentally broke the Pistons, a team whose team makeup/ style of play eerily resembles your own.

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When the Pistons were the Pistons (i.e. still had Ben Wallace in the middle, and playing as a unit) we kicked their asses in the finals. Good luck "mentally breaking" the Spurs.

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Originally Posted by GSH

Mike Brown's philosophy? Bring in Hank Egan to coach defense. Then give the ball to LeBron and tell him to create something.

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I thought that philosophy was: keep Pop's number nearby and call him between games to get advice about adjustments. Then give the ball to Lebron and tell him to create something.

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Originally Posted by FromWayDowntown

I thought that philosophy was: keep Pop's number nearby and call him between games to get advice about adjustments. Then give the ball to Lebron and tell him to create something.

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...and hope Beno sees the court like in the games played 5 months ago.

I'm not really sure what the Ohio University comment was about, especially from another Cavs fan but anyways...

I know I wrote a lot but maybe some of the points I made were misinterpreted. I did not mean that the Cavs are going to mentally break the Spurs. I only mean to say that we did catalyze this within the Pistons. I agree, the Spurs are a different team but, for what its worth, the same comment I made about the similarities between the Spurs/ Detroit in their styles/makeups was talked about today on PTI/ Around the Horn. The Spurs have much stronger character however so I wouldn’t expect the same from them.

As far as physicality goes, I would never expect a team like the Spurs to back down from us. What I was getting at was that our size does pose a new threat that the Spurs might not have experienced during your playoff run. Lebron will probably do a majority of the ball handling and at 6’8’’, 240 lbs with the speed and agility of Parker and as explosive as any player in the league this will be something new. He will penetrate a lot and you will collapse to protect the lane. Lebron will dish and we will have to hit the open looks that we will be getting.

Ginobli is going to make shots, I have no doubt about that. But I think our team did a pretty good job at slowing down the Pistons shooters (Hamilton, Prince, Billups) and the Nets all stars (Kidd, Jefferson, and Carter). We did have a few let downs (games 3 and 5 of the Nets series) and this definitely must be avoided. I think the reason why the pistons struggled so much was more due to our evolution as a defensive basketball team than from the Pistons underachieving. Rarely did they have open shots where our guys didn’t at least get a hand up. If we can keep up our defensive intensity this will cause problems for your shooters. Also, Mike Brown’s defensive philosophy (Spurs Defense) is the key. His offensive philosophy is non existent.

I agree that the West has more quality teams from top to bottom but I’m pretty sure that 2 out of the past 3 years the Champ has come from the East. To be honest, I think the Spurs are the top team in the West but at the same time they are the best match up for us because our styles are similar. We struggle with the Suns and Mavs because they are more efficient at the uptempo style than we are.

I do grant that the Spurs are on a roll and a different team from the regular season. But you know what, the cavs are too and to a much greater extent. The thought keeps going through my head that “Man the Spurs are great, they’ve won 3 Championships and this is our first finals,” but for some reason, this really doesn’t bother me. Should it? I really think we have a great chance to win this series. Our best is yet to come.

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What I was getting at was that our size does pose a new threat that the Spurs might not have experienced during your playoff run

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See the Denver series.

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Ginobli is going to make shots, I have no doubt about that. But I think our team did a pretty good job at slowing down the Pistons shooters (Hamilton, Prince, Billups) and the Nets all stars (Kidd, Jefferson, and Carter). We did have a few let downs (games 3 and 5 of the Nets series) and this definitely must be avoided. I think the reason why the pistons struggled so much was more due to our evolution as a defensive basketball team than from the Pistons underachieving. Rarely did they have open shots where our guys didn’t at least get a hand up. If we can keep up our defensive intensity this will cause problems for your shooters. Also, Mike Brown’s defensive philosophy (Spurs Defense) is the key. His offensive philosophy is non existent.

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Who's the major low post threat the Cavs faced in those series?