2014 NBA Finals, Game 3 - San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat

[Nathan89]

I think the starting lineup will remain the same for this game. It's clear that Pop doesn't want Diaw in the starting lineup and mess up the rotations. Maybe Manu or Beli replace Tiago in the starting lineup.

[hitmantb]

At end of the day Miami (and IMO, a healthy Thunder with a decent coach) is the better team if both teams are playing at 100%, just too much firepower from big three in prime and ex-star players (Allen, Lewis) getting easy 15-20 minutes per game with LeBron eating up defensive resources of the opposing team and getting them open shots.

However we can only hope Spurs depth can wear LeBron down and his HGH usage will create more side effects for him. Unfortunately for GDP we don't have much time left, we will need a little bit of luck to split in Miami after we screwed up game 2.

In game 5-7, hopefully LeBron will finally tire out. It is just really unfortunate the Pacers self-destructed and did not grind him nearly as much as they did last year or say, the way Grizzlies grinded Durant. I was worried all along the East playoffs were just warm-up's and a fresh LeBron is too much for the Spurs.

[Old School 44]

Last 3 games LeBron has put up 30+ on the Spurs in a playoff game, Heat have won tbh. It can't really be a let him get his mentality because he's too efficient of a scorer. I think the Spurs need to start trapping and get the ball out of his hands and rely on the rotation to their shooters. It's not ideal but it's gotta be better than the recent history of Bron killing SA.

I agree, trap LeBron, get the ball out of his hands.

[heyheymymy]

Am I the only one who thinks, despite the Game 2 loss, that Pop has the right strategy on LeBron? Have you noticed how little help Boris and Leonard are getting when defending him? And have you noticed that LeBron's assists are way down, and his usage rate way up? I think the idea is to wear him out. Yes, his minutes aren't too high this series (relatively speaking) but those are hard minutes going to the rim all the time. I think Pop is trying to turn LeBron into a "hero ball" player which limits the effectiveness of the other Heat players and also tires him out. He already failed to reach the end of Game 1, and despite 35 and 10 in Game 2, the Heat barely won. (A game that close is a statistical toss up.) I think Pop is going to force LeBron have to put up these numbers again and again to win. Games where he's on (how often does LeBron shoot 100% beyond the arc) will be toss ups, and any game when he's off, the Spurs will blow the Heat off the court. That's what the media is missing. LeBron had a godlike game and barely won. Okay, try and do it again....

It's a tough strategy, hanging Kawhii on an island to a degree, but he's younger than LeBron and things will get more even as the series goes on.

solid take

[Thomas82]

Am I the only one who thinks, despite the Game 2 loss, that Pop has the right strategy on LeBron? Have you noticed how little help Boris and Leonard are getting when defending him? And have you noticed that LeBron's assists are way down, and his usage rate way up? I think the idea is to wear him out. Yes, his minutes aren't too high this series (relatively speaking) but those are hard minutes going to the rim all the time. I think Pop is trying to turn LeBron into a "hero ball" player which limits the effectiveness of the other Heat players and also tires him out. He already failed to reach the end of Game 1, and despite 35 and 10 in Game 2, the Heat barely won. (A game that close is a statistical toss up.) I think Pop is going to force LeBron have to put up these numbers again and again to win. Games where he's on (how often does LeBron shoot 100% beyond the arc) will be toss ups, and any game when he's off, the Spurs will blow the Heat off the court. That's what the media is missing. LeBron had a godlike game and barely won. Okay, try and do it again....

It's a tough strategy, hanging Kawhi on an island to a degree, but he's younger than LeBron and things will get more even as the series goes on.

+1

I also agree with that strategy.

[BatManu20]

[baseline bum]

This is the most "LeBron-centric" Heat team they've had the last 4 years. He's doing everything for them. Just keep making him exert energy. As we saw in his Cleveland days, if he gets no help, eventually he'll wear out and fold up.

He has help this time. No way the Spurs can just let him go off, because when he goes off he carries everyone with him. He ain't Amare or Kobe.

[DarrinS]

He has help this time. No way the Spurs can just let him go off, because when he goes off he carries everyone with him. He ain't Amare or Kobe.

All you can do is make him work for everything he gets. If he's going to hit contested jump shots, more power to him.

[Spur|n|Austin]

[baseline bum]

Please no Del Negro tonight

[hitmantb]

Agree 100%. Much rather have LeBron average 30+ a game if we can take away their 3's. Heat, like Spurs, blow the game open with a barrage of three pointers. I will cry if we try to double him and leave their shooters open.

We are doing fine on LeBron, seriously a single 50/50 call in Kwahi's favor, 1 less foul, and it would be a totally different game. Kwahi, Green did not have foul trouble against OKC. They are by far the most important players after GDP and if they can put in heavy minutes, Spurs will win.

[BatManu20]

[BatManu20]

[BatManu20]

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I think they should mix it up and hit LeBron with a random/quick double team now and again.

Boris also needs to give LeBron space. I have 0 issue if LeBron is gonna hit jumpers all night. Much better than him doing windmill dunks igniting the crowd.

Spurs as a whole need to keep the Heat under 50%. Heat are getting whatever shots they want, especially in the second half. Spurs have been coming out flat in these third quarters a lot in the playoffs.

[EVAY]

Spurs have been coming out flat in these third quarters a lot in the playoffs.

The Spurs coming out flat in the third quarters is as characteristic of the Pop/Duncan era as is good team defense. It has been making me nuts for about 17 years now.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

The Spurs coming out flat in the third quarters is as characteristic of the Pop/Duncan era as is good team defense. It has been making me nuts for about 17 years now.

true

[Nathan89]

Green guarding Lebron instead of Diaw.
Increased minutes for Diaw, Leonard, Green, and Ginobili. Decreased minutes for beli.

At the bare minimum I hope these things are done. It's going to be frustrating watching otherwise.

[TE]

Lebron went full blown God Mode on Game 2....If he continues to do that for 3 more games you just have to shake his hand! With that being said I still like the Spurs chances just win a game in Miami and than it becomes a best of 3 series with 2 games in SA!

In a way I'm not going to be that mad if the Spurs lose. LeBron is a ing basketball czar...as much as I hate to admit it.

[TE]

Holy what an awesome pic

[bklynspursfan]

Last game I feel the Spurs came out guns blazin' in a 3rd quarter was in the Clippers series 2 years ago when they were down big and came back. (last meaningful game)

2nd quarter has been our bread and butter this post season. We had a great opportunity up 30-19 last game to really extend that lead to 14-16 and we failed to do so. They then went on an 11-2 run and it was tight from there on out. They have to realize the opportunities they have and go for the kill. It was frustrating to watch, I honestly felt that's where we lost the game.

[velik_m]

Spurs got this.

[BillMc]

Great!

[Strategic]

First 2014 finals game in Miami this year. Maybe some of Heat supporting cast will try to ham tonight and bron stands around for it. This game is the Spurs to take.

[BatManu20]