Fantastic game.
When the game was over I thought about this…image Billups wanting to go to the Cavs when hes a free agent next year…
Scary!
He would probably have to sign a contract that will not pay him the max amount of money, but just think about it. Playing along side LBJ would make them deadly.
[quote]8 wrote:
Fantastic game.
When the game was over I thought about this…image Billups wanting to go to the Cavs when hes a free agent next year…
Scary!
He would probably have to sign a contract that will not pay him the max amount of money, but just think about it. Playing along side LBJ would make them deadly.[/quote]
Good point 8. I know the Cavs were pushing hard for Michael Redd two years ago when he was a free agent, and tried to get Jason Kidd and a couple of other players, and ended up signing Larry Hughes. He was supposed to the LeBron’s right hand man, but he is more of a shoot first-pass second guard.
They need a true point guard, and Mr. Big Shot would fit nicely in Cleveland. Plus, he would be a good mentor to Daniel Gibson.
Allright, who’s gonna win it all?
I’m going with the Spurs in 5. Cavs win game 3 at home because they will be pumped up, but that’s it.
However, if LeBron takes over the same way D-Wade took over last year, the Finals could be interesting.
If the Cavs play like they have been all series, with LeBron taking the load and getting minimal help from his teammates, the Spurs will run all over them.
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Allright, who’s gonna win it all?
I’m going with the Spurs in 5. Cavs win game 3 at home because they will be pumped up, but that’s it.
However, if LeBron takes over the same way D-Wade took over last year, the Finals could be interesting.
If the Cavs play like they have been all series, with LeBron taking the load and getting minimal help from his teammates, the Spurs will run all over them.[/quote]
Agreed 100%. Although, a part of me does want to see the Cavs win it. Does anyone know the regular season win-loss record against the spurs?
The Cavs actually dominated the Spurs in the regular season. Mike Brown knows every play the SPurs are going to throw at him since hes a former assistant to Popovich, so it should be interesting.
Chillain:
Let your Spurs hatred go. If I recall correctly both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli had black eyes from plays that were both no calls. I saw little Stevie Nash throw some knees to some groins. Stevie also intentionally stepped on Bowen in the game after the Bowen kicking incident. Again, no call. Let it go.
I think Ginoboli, and Finley are the key. Tony parker and Duncan are solid as a rock, they will always give you there numbers. But Manu and Finley are like the Dow Jones, and when they are down so are the Spurs.
Lebron is going to have to play his best for 48 minutes every single game, because I don’t see anybody on the cavs that can guard them two. Even give them trouble, unless you put Lebron on them. This is where his youth will come in to play because he might have to cover one of them then run down the court and have Bowen on him. Fortunately he might be fast enough for Bowen not to get back.
My question is this if Lebron gets it this year? What will it take for him to be considered the best since Russell?
It took Jordan 7 years and alot better players. Kobe had Shaq, even without Shaq his team did better when kobe wasn’t playing. Magic may have had a bomb squad, its hard to tell when you distribute the ball so well.
[quote]Malevolence wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
Agreed 100%. Although, a part of me does want to see the Cavs win it. Does anyone know the regular season win-loss record against the spurs?
[/quote]
The Cavs went 2-0 against the Spurs this year, with a win on opening night, and another win later in the season.
[quote]Airtruth wrote:
My question is this if Lebron gets it this year? What will it take for him to be considered the best since Russell?
It took Jordan 7 years and alot better players. Kobe had Shaq, even without Shaq his team did better when kobe wasn’t playing. Magic may have had a bomb squad, its hard to tell when you distribute the ball so well.
[/quote]
For him to considered the best since Russell, he needs to win at least 11 championships, which is going to be really hard for him to do. Russell’s Celtics were great teams top to bottom, and everyone was a solid player.
LeBron needs another star on the team. Chauncey Billups would be the perfect fit, because he wants to pass first, but can still make the big shot (Hence the nickname Mr. Big Shot).
LeBron is young enough (22 years old) and has enough experience (4 years) to know what to expect.
Dwyane Wade won the title last year pretty much single-handedly at 24 years old. He was dubbed the next Jordan, and like LeBron, has plenty of years left in him, once he heals from his surgeries.
EDIT: Also, C-Bills is a free agent, and I think he’s gonna leave Detroit. I think this is the end of the Pistons dynasty. They miss Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince was pretty much a non-factor, and apparently, there is a lot of backstabbing going on amongst players vs. coaches, but it’s just rumor. Either way, I think Chauncey is gonna bolt outta Motown.
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Allright, who’s gonna win it all?
I’m going with the Spurs in 5. Cavs win game 3 at home because they will be pumped up, but that’s it.
However, if LeBron takes over the same way D-Wade took over last year, the Finals could be interesting.
If the Cavs play like they have been all series, with LeBron taking the load and getting minimal help from his teammates, the Spurs will run all over them.[/quote]
Remember that Wade was playing against the pillowy soft Mavs.
LeBron is now facing the Borg.
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Malevolence wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
Agreed 100%. Although, a part of me does want to see the Cavs win it. Does anyone know the regular season win-loss record against the spurs?
The Cavs went 2-0 against the Spurs this year, with a win on opening night, and another win later in the season.[/quote]
That does at a level of intrigue, enough to make me think it might be Spurs in 6. As it stands, I just don’t think LeBron’s supporting cast is championship material. Which is not to downplay their talents, but the Spurs are more battle-hardened.
I think one of the big reasons the Cavs prevailed agains the Pistons was because Detroit was simply not expecting Daniel Gibson to come big like he did. No one really was, but, now that he has, it just gives the Spurs that much more preparation with regards to what to be expecting.
But, I will say that, as much as I expect the Spurs to win, I hope I am wrong, and we get some solid 6 or 7 game action.
[quote]tGunslinger wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
Allright, who’s gonna win it all?
I’m going with the Spurs in 5. Cavs win game 3 at home because they will be pumped up, but that’s it.
However, if LeBron takes over the same way D-Wade took over last year, the Finals could be interesting.
If the Cavs play like they have been all series, with LeBron taking the load and getting minimal help from his teammates, the Spurs will run all over them.
Remember that Wade was playing against the pillowy soft Mavs.
LeBron is now facing the Borg.[/quote]
True. Good call tGs.
HAHA good pic, that’s awesome!!!
[quote]Malevolence wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
Malevolence wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
That does at a level of intrigue, enough to make me think it might be Spurs in 6. As it stands, I just don’t think LeBron’s supporting cast is championship material. Which is not to downplay their talents, but the Spurs are more battle-hardened.
I think one of the big reasons the Cavs prevailed agains the Pistons was because Detroit was simply not expecting Daniel Gibson to come big like he did. No one really was, but, now that he has, it just gives the Spurs that much more preparation with regards to what to be expecting.
But, I will say that, as much as I expect the Spurs to win, I hope I am wrong, and we get some solid 6 or 7 game action.
[/quote]
Very true Malevolence. They didn’t expect Gibson to be such a huge factor. But that’s good for the Cavs, he got hot at the right time.
But you’re right, Spurs are battle-hardened, and experience will beat youth in this series. It would be good to see it go 6 games, or even 7 (so we can keep this thread alive for at least one extra game haha), but we’ll see. The Spurs are just too much.
You’re right again, LBJ’s cast isn’t that strong, and DEFINITELY not as strong as the Spurs. I think the Spurs have the Cavs dominated in every aspect, but it should be a fun series, and I hope LeBron comes out and plays awesome.
Mod Laurie:
I’m sorry that your Pistons lost. It was a good series, and LeBron is amazing. But don’t be sad. Your Pistons made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, had an awesome season, and are a tough team. Nothing to be ashamed of. I know you are proud of them.
Motown in the House!!!
[quote]deputydawg wrote:
Chillain:
Let your Spurs hatred go. If I recall correctly both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli had black eyes from plays that were both no calls. I saw little Stevie Nash throw some knees to some groins. Stevie also intentionally stepped on Bowen in the game after the Bowen kicking incident. Again, no call. Let it go. [/quote]
Can’t help it man. Just like hating the 80’s Celtics and the Bad Boys, it’s just in my blood. But at least those other teams played entertaining basketball. God, the Spurs are boring.
But whenever the boredom threatens to overwhelm me, I just think back to Glove passing it in to D Fish with 0.4 seconds left in that Game 5…
[quote]chillain wrote:
deputydawg wrote:
Chillain:
Let your Spurs hatred go. If I recall correctly both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli had black eyes from plays that were both no calls. I saw little Stevie Nash throw some knees to some groins. Stevie also intentionally stepped on Bowen in the game after the Bowen kicking incident. Again, no call. Let it go.
Can’t help it man. Just like hating the 80’s Celtics and the Bad Boys, it’s just in my blood. But at least those other teams played entertaining basketball. God, the Spurs are boring.
But whenever the boredom threatens to overwhelm me, I just think back to Glove passing it in to D Fish with 0.4 seconds left in that Game 5…
[/quote]
I hear ya. I feel the same way about the Lakers. The most beautiful moment in basketball history, besides seeing the Spurs win their 3 championships, was watching the Pistons dismantle the Kobe-Shaq Lakers in the 2004 Finals and then the subsequent implosion of that team. Priceless.
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Airtruth wrote:
For him to considered the best since Russell, he needs to win at least 11 championships, which is going to be really hard for him to do. Russell’s Celtics were great teams top to bottom, and everyone was a solid player.
LeBron needs another star on the team. Chauncey Billups would be the perfect fit, because he wants to pass first, but can still make the big shot (Hence the nickname Mr. Big Shot).
LeBron is young enough (22 years old) and has enough experience (4 years) to know what to expect.
Dwyane Wade won the title last year pretty much single-handedly at 24 years old. He was dubbed the next Jordan, and like LeBron, has plenty of years left in him, once he heals from his surgeries.
EDIT: Also, C-Bills is a free agent, and I think he’s gonna leave Detroit. I think this is the end of the Pistons dynasty. They miss Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince was pretty much a non-factor, and apparently, there is a lot of backstabbing going on amongst players vs. coaches, but it’s just rumor. Either way, I think Chauncey is gonna bolt outta Motown.[/quote]
I doubt 11 championships will happen for him, thats why I said SINCE Russell.
The problem with a Mr. BigShot on a team with Lebron is who gets the ball for the final shot? In that piston series Lebron brought the ball up then drove half the time without anybody else touching it. If Chauncey is there will he pull up for a super NBA 3 when LJ can drive?
Honestly you think Dwayne won that single handed last year? Remember the veteran Gary Payton finished the game twice in the finals last year. and Shaq’s dominance kept the big men from coming to help on wade.
I almost think LJ can beat the Spurs even by himself, if not this year then next. He gets down the floor too fast for Bowen to get back, where as the likes of Kobe and Nash come down then wait for the D-Fence.
He is also significantly stronger then Bowen, so when he does slow down he doesn’t have to run around all day to get the ball. Just throw a body on him. The only problem I see is stopping the Spurs. He is definitely going to need help. Fortunately snow is a solid defender, larry Hughes has long arms, and Verajou is all over the place.
[quote]Malevolence wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
Malevolence wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
Agreed 100%. Although, a part of me does want to see the Cavs win it. Does anyone know the regular season win-loss record against the spurs?
The Cavs went 2-0 against the Spurs this year, with a win on opening night, and another win later in the season.
That does at a level of intrigue, enough to make me think it might be Spurs in 6. As it stands, I just don’t think LeBron’s supporting cast is championship material. Which is not to downplay their talents, but the Spurs are more battle-hardened.
I think one of the big reasons the Cavs prevailed agains the Pistons was because Detroit was simply not expecting Daniel Gibson to come big like he did. No one really was, but, now that he has, it just gives the Spurs that much more preparation with regards to what to be expecting.
But, I will say that, as much as I expect the Spurs to win, I hope I am wrong, and we get some solid 6 or 7 game action.
[/quote]
I want to see the cavs win also. Daniel Gibson played great, but he was allowed to warm up by hitting open shots. If he doesn’t play big against the spurs fine, because if LJ continues to have a few games like game 5, then someone else will have open shots to help get hot. They were triple teaming James at one point.
Some double teams you can recover back to your man, but a Triple team? If the ball moves fast enough someone will always be wide open. Gibson is good, but if you make the mistake of letting Pavlovic, Gooden, or Hughes get hot your going to have a seriuos problem.
[quote]deputydawg wrote:
I hear ya. I feel the same way about the Lakers. The most beautiful moment in basketball history, besides seeing the Spurs win their 3 championships, was watching the Pistons dismantle the Kobe-Shaq Lakers in the 2004 Finals and then the subsequent implosion of that team. Priceless.[/quote]
I love anytime the Lakers lose 
I have every reason to hate the Spurs:
My brother has been a die-hard Spurs fan from way back in the Vinny Del Negro era, and I’m duty bound to hate all of his sports teams.
I’m a Celtics fan, and I still have not forgiven the Spurs for stealing Tim Duncan from the C’s in 1996.
Though I will not say that it necessarily changed the outcome of the series, I think Spurs benefitted greatly from a horribly unfair ruling against the Suns in the 2nd round.
Their emotionless, methodical style of basketball is an affront to the beauty of the sport.
But even I grown to have a grudging admiration for what the Spurs have become.
They are immune to hostile environments. They are immune to momentum swings. They will adapt to any pace, style, or plays thrown against them, and will render them ineffective for the remainder of the series.
LeBron will be the best player on the floor for this series, but it won’t be enough.
Guys, the Cavs cannot win this series.
No matter how much you dislike them, I think the Spurs deserve a tip of the cap for winning 3 out of the last 5, and 4 out of the last 9 championships.
Take solace in the fact that the Spurs are so old that this team will not stick together much longer.