Chokers

[stretch]

I watched the series. Just didn't memorize every play. Not saying Zo didn't have an impact. But, how big is the impact of a player that plays 11 minutes a game and isn't a scorer? He blocked a few shots, was inside presence. I get it. A role player can be "terrific" and still not be much of a difference.

Payton wasn't a major difference maker in that series either. Weren't Wade's free throws the difference?

You obviously were not paying much attention, or had a little too much to drink when watching the games. Zo was a major difference in the series. There were a number of times when the Heat looked gassed and lazy, then he came in the game and gave them a massive charge of energy and got them right back into the game. Virtually every time he entered, the Heat would get recharged and go on some type of run, especially in game 6. Those 5 blocks were a major difference in that game, which was the game that won the series. Take those away, and that could be up to 10 more points for the Mavericks, and allow them to regain control of the series for a game 7 at home. His leadership, will, and desire to win obviously had a huge effect on the team. Keep in mind this is a team with a guy who talks like he actually cares about winning, but obvously doesnt give a about winning as evidenced by his incredibly lazy work ethic (Shaq), Antoine Walker, Jason Williams... lazy bums.

And Payton hit a HUGE shot in game 5, which was probably the most controversial game of the series. I'd say that would be a bit of a difference maker. If you don't think so, then suit yourself.

[sribb43]

it is what it is, hate on it thats all you can do.

[Flo-Rida]

You obviously were not paying much attention, or had a little too much to drink when watching the games. Zo was a major difference in the series. There were a number of times when the Heat looked gassed and lazy, then he came in the game and gave them a massive charge of energy and got them right back into the game. Virtually every time he entered, the Heat would get recharged and go on some type of run, especially in game 6. Those 5 blocks were a major difference in that game, which was the game that won the series. Take those away, and that could be up to 10 more points for the Mavericks, and allow them to regain control of the series for a game 7 at home. His leadership, will, and desire to win obviously had a huge effect on the team. Keep in mind this is a team with a guy who talks like he actually cares about winning, but obvously doesnt give a about winning as evidenced by his incredibly lazy work ethic (Shaq), Antoine Walker, Jason Williams... lazy bums.

And Payton hit a HUGE shot in game 5, which was probably the most controversial game of the series. I'd say that would be a bit of a difference maker. If you don't think so, then suit yourself.

Very true Zo played game 6 like if it was a life and death situation he just altered so many shot that would have came back to bite us in the ass.

As for Gary Payton he was a beast in clutch situations from the biggest shot of the series in game 3 to the big layup in game 5.

[JamStone]

You obviously were not paying much attention, or had a little too much to drink when watching the games. Zo was a major difference in the series. There were a number of times when the Heat looked gassed and lazy, then he came in the game and gave them a massive charge of energy and got them right back into the game. Virtually every time he entered, the Heat would get recharged and go on some type of run, especially in game 6. Those 5 blocks were a major difference in that game, which was the game that won the series. Take those away, and that could be up to 10 more points for the Mavericks, and allow them to regain control of the series for a game 7 at home. His leadership, will, and desire to win obviously had a huge effect on the team. Keep in mind this is a team with a guy who talks like he actually cares about winning, but obvously doesnt give a about winning as evidenced by his incredibly lazy work ethic (Shaq), Antoine Walker, Jason Williams... lazy bums.

And Payton hit a HUGE shot in game 5, which was probably the most controversial game of the series. I'd say that would be a bit of a difference maker. If you don't think so, then suit yourself.

Well . Guess we can talk about Peja shotting 17 for 28 from the field in games 1 and 2. Or Bonzi's 10 points off the bench in game 1. Or Morris Peterson shooting 4 for 6 from 3 point range in game 5.

Those are just as significant as the "few" plays Zo and GP had in wins.

That's the point. Bit players can have a few good or even great plays, maybe even a good overall game. That doesn't mean they're the difference.

[Findog]

You obviously did not watch the series then.

Alonzo was much more effective and important for the Heat than you realize, and in many people's opinions (including mine) was the second most important player in that series. his energy, shot blocking, and physical play was huge. And Payton hit some big shots in that series as well.

Thank you.

[stretch]

Well . Guess we can talk about Peja shotting 17 for 28 from the field in games 1 and 2. Or Bonzi's 10 points off the bench in game 1. Or Morris Peterson shooting 4 for 6 from 3 point range in game 5.

Those are just as significant as the "few" plays Zo and GP had in wins.

That's the point. Bit players can have a few good or even great plays, maybe even a good overall game. That doesn't mean they're the difference.

the difference was these guys stepped up in close games, big-time situations when it mattered most.

the hornets just hit a bunch of shots when the game was already a blowout to begin with. besides, they lost. winning makes a bit of a difference there.

Fail.

[dickface]

I guess Corliss Williamson was never a difference maker.

[JamStone]

Corliss Williamson was not a difference maker on the 2004 Pistons.

[san antonio spurs]

How can one compare the Hornets and the Mavs?
Like many people said, the mavs were up 2-0 and were about to win game 3 then they collapsed and never recovered. They went on losing four STRAIGHT. The following year they got embarrassed in the first round by an 8th seed while having the best record in all NBA. The young Hornets were just playing their first playoffs games together and after being tied 2-2 they regained their composure and routed the defending champs in game 5.
We say the Mavs are chokers because they did so and on many occasions. If they could've choked away the 2006 finals but managed somehow to reach the WCF the following year maybe then they would've shaken the chokers label. Instead, the followed that collapse by 2 consecutive first round exits.
Losing a 2-0 lead has happened to good and mentaly tough teams (2004 spurs, 2007 pistons) but you'll never hear anyone call them chokers.