2012 NBA Finals: A Matchup Carved In The Offseason

[Kendrick]

If that was working then then I dont know why they stopped. I told you settling for jumpers was gonna kill MIA because OKC is not gonna stop scoring. MIA has to slow this game down because them jumpers not gonna keep falling like they did in the 1st half.

Miami just have to keep moving the ball. That's how they got open looks in the first half. And on the defensive end have to mix it up on Westbrook. Maybe trap him more, try bigger defenders, pressure the ball more because he's breaking the Heat defenders down off the dribble. It will be nice to see the adjustments made by both sides.

 

[JR]

Well, when LeBron was playing the role of facilitator in the first half, Miami had a sizable lead. In the second half, those jump shots were just not falling for the Heat.

They had to know Battier and Chalmers would not duplicate the first half. The Heat dot lights out. Now that OKC will attack the rim as well as shoot their jumpers. It is going to be tough on Miami. I thought what was key was Fisher getting physical with Chalmers and Collison adding energy. Which has to be scary for Miami that Harden and Ibaka had a so so game. Coach Spo is going to have to really coach this series.

 

[Kendrick]

They had to know Battier and Chalmers would not duplicate the first half. The Heat dot lights out. Now that OKC will attack the rim as well as shoot their jumpers. It is going to be tough on Miami. I thought what was key was Fisher getting physical with Chalmers and Collison adding energy. Which has to be scary for Miami that Harden and Ibaka had a so so game. Coach Spo is going to have to really coach this series.

We have to be careful not to overreact to Game 1. After Game 2 of the WFC when Durant, Harden and Westbrook combined for 88 points in a double-digit loss to the Spurs folks said the series was about over.

But OKC regrouped, made adjustments and won the series. The Heat are going to make adjustments. And remember. A win Thursday night by Miami gives them the home court advantage with three games down in South Beach.

 

[JR]

We have to be careful not to overreact to Game 1. After Game 2 of the WFC when Durant, Harden and Westbrook combined for 88 points in a double-digit loss to the Spurs folks said the series was about over.

But OKC regrouped, made adjustments and won the series. The Heat are going to make adjustments. And remember. A win Thursday night by Miami gives them the home court advantage with three games down in South Beach.

I don't think folks are over reacting. We all know it's just 1 game. Just calling it like we see it. You can't compare the WCF with this series. OKC is a dangerous team. They don't get rattled. Plus they knew they were going home where they have a home court unlike other teams. That place is hard to win in. Miami home court ain't all that. They have shown were they can be beaten there in the playoffs. Where as OKC has not lost. Miami is not going to win 3 in a row in Miami. Only 2 teams have done that since they went to that format. I don't have confidence in Spoelstra to out coach Brooks. Plus the Thunder have him, Cheeks, Perkins, and Fisher who all have rings as players to keep an already focused bunch ready. I just don't see Miami winning this series. It would be a great accomplishment if they do. Because top to bottom, OKC is just better.

 

[SWAC31]

lol soooo no norris cole or james jones ,but you keep a brittle mike miller out there? I don't know what Spo is thinking smh

 

[EB]

I don't think folks are over reacting. We all know it's just 1 game. Just calling it like we see it. You can't compare the WCF with this series. OKC is a dangerous team. They don't get rattled. Plus they knew they were going home where they have a home court unlike other teams. That place is hard to win in. Miami home court ain't all that. They have shown were they can be beaten there in the playoffs. Where as OKC has not lost. Miami is not going to win 3 in a row in Miami. Only 2 teams have done that since they went to that format. I don't have confidence in Spoelstra to out coach Brooks. Plus the Thunder have him, Cheeks, Perkins, and Fisher who all have rings as players to keep an already focused bunch ready. I just don't see Miami winning this series. It would be a great accomplishment if they do. Because top to bottom, OKC is just better.

I picked Miami to beat OKC before the season started. However, OKC looked like the better team. We will see what happens in Game Two. However, Miami needs to make some adjustments.

 

[Kendrick]

I don't think folks are over reacting. We all know it's just 1 game. Just calling it like we see it. You can't compare the WCF with this series. OKC is a dangerous team. They don't get rattled. Plus they knew they were going home where they have a home court unlike other teams. That place is hard to win in. Miami home court ain't all that. They have shown were they can be beaten there in the playoffs. Where as OKC has not lost. Miami is not going to win 3 in a row in Miami. Only 2 teams have done that since they went to that format. I don't have confidence in Spoelstra to out coach Brooks. Plus the Thunder have him, Cheeks, Perkins, and Fisher who all have rings as players to keep an already focused bunch ready. I just don't see Miami winning this series. It would be a great accomplishment if they do. Because top to bottom, OKC is just better.

There is an overreaction after every postseason game, especially those involving the Miami Heat. LOL. Shoot, Wilbon said Thabo should have gotten more consideration for first team defense.