EPTIf I was SA, at least, I'd have reason for confidence going into the Finals, considering they are arguably better than last year. I don't know about OKC. Ibaka's health is questionable and it seems to be a bad matchup for them.
NBA Playoffs 2013-2014 - Page 154
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Jerubaal
United States7684 Posts
If I was SA, at least, I'd have reason for confidence going into the Finals, considering they are arguably better than last year. I don't know about OKC. Ibaka's health is questionable and it seems to be a bad matchup for them. | ||
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red_
United States8474 Posts
On June 01 2014 02:33 Jerubaal wrote: but considering that Miami is playing against far inferior competition, you would expect them to be trashing the competition to be the favorites. They didn't trash the competition in every single game, but they have clearly been LEAGUES above the rest of the East in these playoffs. Maybe they're still playing a bit with an on/off switch(Simmons seemed to think so through the completion of the BKN series), but when it's on(which it will be in the finals) they have run everyone out of the gym. Indiana was the clear #2 team in the East, and a team that during this season(along with BKN) actually gave Miami some problems. They just got absolutely fucking dumpstered with the exception of that 0 defense game 1, and the anomaly that was game 5 with LeBrons completely unprecedented foul trouble(deserved or not, it's unheard of for him to get whistled like that). I don't know that I'm going all the way to Miami being 4-1 finals favorites like 1 poster said, but I don't think the West winner is automatically clear favorites either. I think despite the East's weakness, Miami is so good that the finals are a tossup anyway. | ||
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Jerubaal
United States7684 Posts
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Ace
United States16096 Posts
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Jerubaal
United States7684 Posts
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Haiq343
United States2548 Posts
It's entirely possible that there'll be fatigue issues or some matchup wonkiness (like say Lebron) that Miami is able to leverage and win the series (even comfortably), but I seriously don't see how anyone could watch these games and think Miami is better than either OKC or SA. | ||
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Ace
United States16096 Posts
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Haiq343
United States2548 Posts
On June 01 2014 03:36 Ace wrote: Miami is better than last year Wat? Wat?! In what universe? | ||
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Ace
United States16096 Posts
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Haiq343
United States2548 Posts
*Believe a few of the players have even said as much, but don't remember where I saw that so grain of salt. | ||
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Ace
United States16096 Posts
Miami coasted reg season. Look at playoff numbers and minutes. | ||
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MassHysteria
United States3678 Posts
But Miami is looking strong to win. As we get closer to the finals match-up and are able to get a better picture, I think they have the edge no matter who they get at this point. To sum it up: LBJ's team would be the favorite in what is the final | ||
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Jerubaal
United States7684 Posts
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OneOther
United States10774 Posts
On June 01 2014 03:31 Haiq343 wrote: I mean I wasn't suggesting Miami is done or anything. But they're clearly not as good as they were last season, and I have a hard time crediting anyone who thinks the team coming out of the West isn't improved over last year's spurs. Considering how fortunate they were to win (Parker injury + end game bounces going their way) that alone would have me lean to the West winner as the favorite. It's entirely possible that there'll be fatigue issues or some matchup wonkiness (like say Lebron) that Miami is able to leverage and win the series (even comfortably), but I seriously don't see how anyone could watch these games and think Miami is better than either OKC or SA. Even if Miami isn't as good as last year objectively, I think it has a better chance versus the western conference opponent than it did heading into the series versus San Antonio last year. So it's relative. Regardless, I tend to agree with Ace that Wade being healthy and playing the way he is (he was impressive earlier on in the series versus Indiana before others stepped up) gives Miami a more substantial advantage than losing Miller or Battier being practically finished. Bosh has looked awesome. and we will see if he can conitnue that. You also can't overlook the fact that Miami's role players have stepped up when it mattered the most e.g. Cole, Birdman and Lewis, essentially replacing Miller and Battier. That's the benefit you get for having the best player in the world on your team. They follow his lead. I think SA ultimately goes to the Finals after beating OKC in 7. We'll see. Obviously they are a formidable team but I just don't see LeBron and co. losing, no matter the opponent. Having played a grueling series can't help SA, either. That speaks to the absurdly high level of western conference teams. | ||
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OneOther
United States10774 Posts
On June 01 2014 05:12 Jerubaal wrote: We sure do spend a lot of time talking about things that don't make a difference. That's the fun of it! :D | ||
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MassHysteria
United States3678 Posts
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Jerubaal
United States7684 Posts
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Haiq343
United States2548 Posts
Indeed. Here's the quote about margins etc from Battier that I mentioned earlier. Battier via Grantland:“The margin is slimmer now, no question,” Battier said. “We’re an unnervingly inconsistent team, and none of us know why. We’re talented, but we’re not that talented anymore where we can overcome that. Three years ago, we were a lot younger and springier.” Again, I don't think Miami is a bad team. Just that the West has been so much better that whatever team wins the conference can stake a reasonable claim to being the best team, regardless of how they matchup vs Miami in the specifics. On June 01 2014 06:10 Jerubaal wrote: I predict tonight's game will be closer than the others. Don't hurt yourself by reaching too far now. | ||
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zev318
Canada4306 Posts
On June 01 2014 06:10 Jerubaal wrote: I predict tonight's game will be closer than the others. 15+ point blow out by OKC. i guess that's still closer tho lol | ||
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Jerubaal
United States7684 Posts
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