All the pressure is on the Spurs to win this series:

[BWJACKETS]

Yes Kobe is one of the best ever are you kidding me? Name me a 2 guard that has ever played the game other than Jordan who is better? He is at least in the top 3 at that position of all time. Duncan has and is playing with some good players but never anyone like that. Wade is also better than anyone Duncan has played with. Over the hump did you not watch the finals last year. That was the Wade show Shaq did almost nothing in that series but act as a decoy.

Alright then, tell me why Kobe hasn't done anything without Shaq? Kobe may be a great scorer but he isn't a guy who will make your team better, so he can't be one of the best of all time. I just don't see how you can say that Shaq didn't completely put both Kobe and Wade over the top, neither one of them has done anything without him on their roster. Kobe was winning championships with Shaq and now he can't even make it out of the first round (and don't say it's entirely for lack of talent either, Bynum is a 7-footer with skills and Odom is a good all-around forward in his own right).

[TampaDude]

Spur fans talk alot of SMACK!, but let me be very BLUNT with you. Cleveland has no pressure on them. Lebron GOT us to the finals in a shorter time then expected. The CBA rules are set up for Cleveland and other young teams to be dynasty's and while we're here make no mistake about it, Duncan has a shorter window then Lebron. Soon he'll become slower and struggling to stay in shape.

Even if Cleveland loses, which I doubt, they have LOTS of time to get back to the finals and like I said the CBA rules makes it more possible.

Teams use to BUY championships, but that's NOT the case now. Teams with superstars have a better chance at retaining their star players. Take Orlando for instances, they have $10-$11 million to spend in the off season. The most they can offer a player is 5 years $70 Million. The most that players team can offer is 6 years $90. NO PLAYER is gonna turn down $15 million and while you may be pounding on your chest, your window of opportunity is NOT as wide as ours. Tim Duncans are a seldom breed and after he's gone or has slowed down it will be tougher for you guys to replace that.

You have to win NOW!

If you guys lose it will be a tragedy for not only the team, but the fans of San Antonio. Win or Lose, Cleveland has a bright future ahead of them with Miami getting older and Detroit having a big question mark along with age. Going to the finals and watching this team improve year to year has taken ALL kinds of pressure off of us. We have a good mixture of young players to go along with experienced players. The thing that I'm happy about most is, it's our young guys who have been instrumental in us going to the finals. The veterans have done their part, but they haven't had as near the affect of us going to the finals as the young guys (Varejao, Gibson, LbJ, Sasha, etc.).

Before it's all said and done with, Lebron will have taken this team to waaaay more championships then DUNCAN has taken the Spe-rms to.

All hail to the king

Spurs in 5. 'nuff said...

[SpurOutofTownFan]

Spur fans talk alot of SMACK!, but let me be very BLUNT with you. Cleveland has no pressure on them. Lebron GOT us to the finals in a shorter time then expected. The CBA rules are set up for Cleveland and other young teams to be dynasty's and while we're here make no mistake about it, Duncan has a shorter window then Lebron. Soon he'll become slower and struggling to stay in shape.

Even if Cleveland loses, which I doubt, they have LOTS of time to get back to the finals and like I said the CBA rules makes it more possible.

Teams use to BUY championships, but that's NOT the case now. Teams with superstars have a better chance at retaining their star players. Take Orlando for instances, they have $10-$11 million to spend in the off season. The most they can offer a player is 5 years $70 Million. The most that players team can offer is 6 years $90. NO PLAYER is gonna turn down $15 million and while you may be pounding on your chest, your window of opportunity is NOT as wide as ours. Tim Duncans are a seldom breed and after he's gone or has slowed down it will be tougher for you guys to replace that.

You have to win NOW!

If you guys lose it will be a tragedy for not only the team, but the fans of San Antonio. Win or Lose, Cleveland has a bright future ahead of them with Miami getting older and Detroit having a big question mark along with age. Going to the finals and watching this team improve year to year has taken ALL kinds of pressure off of us. We have a good mixture of young players to go along with experienced players. The thing that I'm happy about most is, it's our young guys who have been instrumental in us going to the finals. The veterans have done their part, but they haven't had as near the affect of us going to the finals as the young guys (Varejao, Gibson, LbJ, Sasha, etc.).

Before it's all said and done with, Lebron will have taken this team to waaaay more championships then DUNCAN has taken the Spe-rms to.

All hail to the king

Cavs have nothing to lose sound a lot as "we are just happy to be here".

[BWJACKETS]

The problem is that BWJackets continues to delude himself into believing that what the Pistons put forward in that series was hard-nosed, championship level defense. It was not. I don't expect him to understand, since he's apparently watched about 30 games in his life, but that's where all the arrogance and iness and predictions come from.

He clearly hasn't watched the Spurs this season. Or he couldn't refer back to the RS with authority. He clearly hasn't watched the Spurs this postseason, or he'd know better than to claim we can't shut teams down while letting their superstars go off. He clearly didn't watch pre-Flip Detriot, or he'd know what real defense looks like.

This kid still thinks that really bad offense is a product of super-lockdown-D, when sometimes, it's just bad offense.

I can't wonder at his ludicrous claims anymore, now that I understand the delusion he lives under. It's going to hurt when they lose for him. But of course, if he comes back, he'll just go on about how much they learned and how their superstar is younger so they've got way more potential and that's just as good as holding up a trophy.

I am not going to talk trash or anything like that, just that yes, I have seen the Spurs play this season, I think they rotate better defensively than Detroit definately, however I don't see the same physical presence there that you see when you look at Detroit. It comes down to San Antonio going with a smaller lineup in their backcourt, look at Detroit's backcourt (they have large guys out there, they don't go with the smaller lineup by comparison with Parker and Ginobli). I'm not saying Detroit is better than San Antonio for doing things the way they do, you've got it all wrong. I just think it is an easier matchup for Cleveland against San Antonio's backcourt than it is against Detroit's, that doesn't mean one is better than the other.

It just comes down to this being a direct contrast of styles. The West plays faster than the East, almost across the board, no doubt about it. But, in the same respect, teams like Cleveland and Detroit play their own brand of more physical basketball that you don't see in the West. I can't name another team in the West besides SA that plays as good of defense as either Detroit or Cleveland. Maybe Dallas, but that's it and it's also a stretch.

The bottom line is that styles make games, each team has different personnel that they use in different ways, and each team has their stars in Lebron and Duncan. Let's just see what happens! Hopefully it will be another exciting series.

[samikeyp]

I am not going to talk trash or anything like that

You have done that pretty much the whole time you have been here.

Its cool though...that is what message boards are for.

However...don't be a . If your team wins, be proud but if your team loses..be a man and recognize it. Most opposing fans talk trash then disappear when things don't go their way. Don't be that guy.

[Extra Stout]

I am not going to talk trash or anything like that, just that yes, I have seen the Spurs play this season, I think they rotate better defensively than Detroit definately, however I don't see the same physical presence there that you see when you look at Detroit. It comes down to San Antonio going with a smaller lineup in their backcourt, look at Detroit's backcourt (they have large guys out there, they don't go with the smaller lineup by comparison with Parker and Ginobli). I'm not saying Detroit is better than San Antonio for doing things the way they do, you've got it all wrong. I just think it is an easier matchup for Cleveland against San Antonio's backcourt than it is against Detroit's, that doesn't mean one is better than the other.

It just comes down to this being a direct contrast of styles. The West plays faster than the East, almost across the board, no doubt about it. But, in the same respect, teams like Cleveland and Detroit play their own brand of more physical basketball that you don't see in the West. I can't name another team in the West besides SA that plays as good of defense as either Detroit or Cleveland. Maybe Dallas, but that's it and it's also a stretch.

The bottom line is that styles make games, each team has different personnel that they use in different ways, and each team has their stars in Lebron and Duncan. Let's just see what happens! Hopefully it will be another exciting series.

You could not possibly have watched the Spurs for any length of time and make that post. The Cavaliers' defensive philosophy is modeled directly after what the Spurs do. The two teams play similar styles, with similar paces. First team to 90 wins.

[Mr. Body]

I have seen the Spurs play this season, I think they rotate better defensively than Detroit definately, however I don't see the same physical presence there that you see when you look at Detroit.

You've stumbled over a truth. Yes, the Spurs aren't a physical defensive team, which is one reason their newfound reputation as a thuggish team is so laughable. They're a finesse defensive team. Bowen is finesse, Parker and Ginobili are finesse defenders. They don't ride you out of bounds or club you over the head; they funnel into certain areas, lock off the 3-point line, and foul very infrequently. They're more like swashbucklers with rapiers and sabres than barbarians with mallets.

[Extra Stout]

You've stumbled over a truth. Yes, the Spurs aren't a physical defensive team, which is one reason their newfound reputation as a thuggish team is so laughable. They're a finesse defensive team. Bowen is finesse, Parker and Ginobili are finesse defenders. They don't ride you out of bounds or club you over the head; they funnel into certain areas, lock off the 3-point line, and foul very infrequently. They're more like swashbucklers with rapiers and sabres than barbarians with mallets.

Phoenix is a finesse team.

[BWJACKETS]

This kid keeps harping on how the Cavs beat the Spurs 2 times this past regular season, which is very important to him, yet turns around and says our 3 championships and the experience it brings doesn't mean anything. He says the past don't mean squat, yet the Cavs will lay waste to the Spurs because 2 wins proves it. So does experience mean anything, yes or no?

I don't think things that happened several years ago play much of an impact, no. It won't make any difference to the players once the game starts, however I would agree with you that it is at least worth mentioning in observing each team. Something that happened earlier this season with Cleveland beating SA both times also has to count for something, if not for the players than at least it is worth mentioning.

But as far as experience goes having some kind of an affect on the outcome of the game, no, I don't think it does. For one, although the Cavs don't have the experience in the Finals, they have in my opinion one of the best team leaders in the league in Lebron. Secondly, after you win a couple championships it can also work against you. Case in point, look at what happened to the Lakers in 2004? They won three in a row, they got complacent, they blew it. It's an easy trap to fall into.

[samikeyp]

Case in point, look at what happened to the Lakers in 2004? They won three in a row, they got complacent, they blew it. It's an easy trap to fall into.

Actually they didn't win three in a row going into 2004. The Spurs won in 2003.

[BWJACKETS]

You could not possibly have watched the Spurs for any length of time and make that post. The Cavaliers' defensive philosophy is modeled directly after what the Spurs do. The two teams play similar styles, with similar paces. First team to 90 wins.

Don't tell me who I have and haven't watched, I've seen the Spurs numerous times throughout the season. I agree that Cleveland and San Antonio play the same defensive philosophy, Mike Brown brought it to us from your team. However, just because they follow the same philosophy doesn't mean that it looks the exact same out on the court. Cleveland plays in the East, San Antonio plays in the West. Don't you think each team has over the course of time adapted their schemes to the style of play that they most often go up against? San Antonio rotates a step faster than Cleveland but the Cavs have the big bodies and play more physical. I agree with you first team to 90 wins. This is not at all an inaccurate post in any way.

[BWJACKETS]

Actually they didn't win three in a row going into 2004. The Spurs won in 2003.

You're right, you're right. Looking at it right now. Lakers won three in a row from 99-02, followed by a Spurs championship in 03, followed by the Pistons in 04. Good call.

[Extra Stout]

Secondly, after you win a couple championships it can also work against you. Case in point, look at what happened to the Lakers in 2004? They won three in a row, they got complacent, they blew it. It's an easy trap to fall into.

I don't think your hypothesis about the Lakers holds up to scrutiny. I don't remember the Lakers getting complacent; I remember their soap opera of aging stars finally blowing up in their faces.

[MadDog73]

I can't name another team in the West besides SA that plays as good of defense as either Detroit or Cleveland. Maybe Dallas, but that's it and it's also a stretch.

Please don't mention _allas and Defense again...

The ing Suns played better D than _allas in the playoffs.

OK, last EDIT:

Cavs have kept their opp. FG% the lowest at 42% in the Playoffs.

(Nets 42.5%; Pistons 43.1%; Bulls 43.5%; Jazz 44.1%; Nuggets 44.3%; Rockets 44.4%; Magic 44.9%; Suns 45%)

Spurs 45%.

I expect those numbers will change in the Finals...

[Mr. Body]

Phoenix is a finesse team.

Defense. The Spurs' defense is more finesse-oriented than it is physical.

[Mr. Body]

I don't think your hypothesis about the Lakers holds up to scrutiny. I don't remember the Lakers getting complacent; I remember their soap opera of aging stars finally blowing up in their faces.

Absolutely true. Locker room soap opera, aging role players. Dynasties crumble because it gets harder and harder to restock the supporting players; LAL failed to keep up, were overplaying Robert Horry, and so on. That's why they had to import the quick-fixes of Gary Payton and Karl Malone, which didn't quite work.

That's the point the Spurs are at this year. Aging role players; however, they have some good pieces and with shrewdness may retool without too much problem.

[O-Factor]

Just make sure you are still on this site after game 4 to own up to your ignorance. I doubt you will be after the spanking we will give you.

[MadDog73]

I guess Points Differential is a better indicator:

PHX actually had the best Points differential in the Playoffs. +5
Cavs are next with +4.18.
Then, Spurs at +3.43
Detroit is fourth at +2.93.

[O-Factor]

Tim Duncan doesn't scare me, Carlos Boooooooooooozer embarrassed the cat. He stuff the out of him and score on the other end. Duncan is "soft" and Lebron will get the boy fouled out!

You really don't know about basketball do you? We beat them 4-1 like we are going to beat you.

[Mr. Body]

I guess Points Differential is a better indicator:

PHX actually had the best Points differential in the Playoffs. +5
Cavs are next with +4.18.
Then, Spurs at +3.43
Detroit is fourth at +2.93.

The amazing thing is, the Cavs only beat the Wizards, without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler, by these margins of victory:

5, 7, 6, & 7

[MadDog73]

The amazing thing is, the Cavs only beat the Wizards, without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler, by these margins of victory:

5, 7, 6, & 7

Well, the Spurs would have a much better differential if when they lost, they didn't lose so big...

so maybe Points Differential is useless, too.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

The most important game of the season, the nets and the cavs made history with the worst 4th quarter of the entire NBA history making 2 shots each. That's the team facing the spurs tomorrow.

[Obstructed_View]

Lebron ed up royally putting that picture in his locker. First team to 90 wins? I bet the Spurs get there by the end of the third quarter in game 1.

[IceColdBrewski]

Oh the horror. The pressure is all on the Spurs to win a series. Can't remember the last time that happened.

What are we going to do?!

[dbreiden83080]

Alright then, tell me why Kobe hasn't done anything without Shaq? Kobe may be a great scorer but he isn't a guy who will make your team better, so he can't be one of the best of all time. I just don't see how you can say that Shaq didn't completely put both Kobe and Wade over the top, neither one of them has done anything without him on their roster. Kobe was winning championships with Shaq and now he can't even make it out of the first round (and don't say it's entirely for lack of talent either, Bynum is a 7-footer with skills and Odom is a good all-around forward in his own right).

Oh my god the Lakers made the playoffs 2 of the last 3 years since Shaq left which is more than you can say for a guy like Garnett who has missed the playoffs the last few years and only been out of round 1 one time, yet people still think he is one of the best PF of all time. Took the Bulls 7 years to get to the le building around MJ. Shaq goes to the heat plays with a stud like Wade and they win the le. Just check the stats Wade owned that finals Shaq, did next to nothing. He was a small factor but Wade was the force that won that le, not Shaq. Kobe does not have much on that team, you put Shaq on that team, without Kobe they are not going very far, Duncan same thing they would not go very far. Kobe by the numbers and by the number of rings he has is one of the best players ever. He is without a doubt the most skilled player to play the SG since Jordan.