ESPN already proclaiming Heat - Grizzlies NBA Finals matchup

[Uriel]

Normally, I'm not bothered by perceived slights from the media. But this overzealous proclamation of a Heat - Grizzlies NBA Finals matchup on ESPN's front page is appalling, to say the least.

[RD2191]

ESPN. Those gots can suck a dik.

[J.T.]

Those two teams are the only ones to clinch for the conference final, meaning they are the only two teams that have a potential to meet in the NBA Finals as everyone else still has a series on right now. There's a difference between ESPN not giving the Spurs any respect, which they do a lot, and running stupid content to fill the time between when the other two series end.

[superbigtime]

screw espn

[Horry Hipcheck]

The article clearly puts the idea out there as a hypothetical, and who else are they going to use? Miami and Memphis are sitting at home waiting for their Conference Finals opponents.

[Andthentherewas21]

OP jumping the gun

[Chinook]

Those two teams are the only ones to clinch for the conference final, meaning they are the only two teams that have a potential to meet in the NBA Finals as everyone else still has a series on right now. There's a difference between ESPN not giving the Spurs any respect, which they do a lot, and running stupid content to fill the time between when the other two series end.

Yep. Plus, it's not like it's a silly thing to wonder about.

[Spur|n|Austin]

I wouldn't call that a proclamation..

[Uriel]

Those two teams are the only ones to clinch for the conference final, meaning they are the only two teams that have a potential to meet in the NBA Finals as everyone else still has a series on right now. There's a difference between ESPN not giving the Spurs any respect, which they do a lot, and running stupid content to fill the time between when the other two series end.

The article clearly puts the idea out there as a hypothetical, and who else are they going to use? Miami and Memphis are sitting at home waiting for their Conference Finals opponents.

Except when you click on the link, the suggestive language used is even more audacious and stated with far greater conviction:

le: 2013 NBA playoffs: Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat look NBA Finals bound
First paragraph: And our NBA Finals matchup is set

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/playo...a-finals-bound

[LarryDavid]

Except when you click on the link, the suggestive language used is even more audacious and stated with far greater conviction:

le: 2013 NBA playoffs: Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat look NBA Finals bound
First paragraph: And our NBA Finals matchup is set

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/playo...a-finals-bound

Read the whole article?

And suggestive language on a website to generate traffic???? Say it isn't so..

[jmanu20]

Not sure why sports media thinks it's a done deal for the Heat to represent the East in the Finals. Indy is basically at full strength and will play the Heat every bit as physical as the undermanned Bulls did. Plus, the Heat are weakest at the 5 spot, so the stage will be set for Hibbert to have a huge series. In addition, they play great team defense and will undoubtedly have a plan to slow down Wade/LBJ.

[Keepin' it real]

Did they also already proclaim the victor?

[Cry Havoc]

I miss the days when Spurs fans enjoyed being the underdog.

[hater]

Spurs are not even past round 2 yet

it's the best assessment any neutral source can do

it is dumb to make an article about it, but what else would they talk about today? the potential Spurs and Pacers victories?

all this proves is ESPN has given up on Knicks and Warriors bandwagoners

[timtonymanurich]

I'm gonna LAUGH when it's Indiana vs. San Antonio.

Spurs in 6.

[Budkin]

Wow... that is bad even for ESPN.

[timtonymanurich]

AND George Hill is posting better numbers against stronger opponents. Paul George has been in BEAST mode all season. Pacers can beat the Heat in 6, But Spurs should beat Pacers in 6.

IMHO

[timtonymanurich]

Thaaaaaat's because that's what Nazi Stern wants. ANY team BUT the Spurs in the Finals. Spurs can and will beat the Heat. 6-7 games easy. Timmy has MIND control over Bron-Bron. Swept his CAVS in '07

[Mark in Austin]

Maybe worry about beating the Warriors before getting your panties in a twist about finals predictions.

[Budkin]

Spurs are not even past round 2 yet

it's the best assessment any neutral source can do

it is dumb to make an article about it, but what else would they talk about today? the potential Spurs and Pacers victories?

all this proves is ESPN has given up on Knicks and Warriors bandwagoners

Can anyone post the full article for context? I would like to tweet this bag if it's as bad as the first part...

2013 NBA playoffs: Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat look NBA Finals bound

And our NBA Finals matchup is set

[chrisattsu]

I'm gonna LAUGH when it's Indiana vs. San Antonio.

Spurs in 6.

Just imagine how much ESPN and Stern would love a Memphis/Indy final.

[Poolboy5623]

Barkley also said Memphis is " goin to the finals"...knowing that, I like the Spurs chances..

[John B]

Just added more fuel to the fire. Go Spurs Go!

[dbreiden83080]

Yeah like Memphis in the finals will be a ratings bonanza..

[tesseractive]

I miss the days when Spurs fans enjoyed being the underdog.

This.

Assuming we win and get there, I like our chances in a Memphis matchup -- I definitely think it favors us. And I don't mind in the slightest that we're being misunderestimated.

The funny thing is, Spurs-Heat is probably the most promotable matchup left on the table. Two of the 10 best players of all time, the old-school champs vs. the new-school champs, LeBron gets a rematch for 2007, can the old guys make one last run, etc. I'm pretty sure that's a series they can really sell.