College Wolf wrote:
College Wolf is really mocking someone else by saying "coulda shoulda woulda"?! You are the king of shoulda coulda woulda!!! LMAO wow

Westbrook was such a beast last night. But the cHeat were the far better team, other than the 1st quarter. Big contributions from Chalmers, Cole, Battier, Jim Jones. Westbrook was beasty, but Durantula was average, Harden & Ibaka were non-exsistent, and Collison was the only other guy with a pulse. Westbrook should get a pass on that foul. They were going to lose anyway. If it wasn't for him they would have lost by double digits. How does Ibaka, the leagues leading shot blocker, not get a finger on that last Chalmers drive? D. Wade knew they would give him the J every time, so he really lined a few long J's up for success. LeBron was good. Durant looked wayyy too defeated at the presser for my liking. Westbrook's dad looks like his brother. Spolestra's post-game verbage is so romanticized, I can't decide if I love it or hate it. I still think this series isn't over.

No team has ever come back from 3-1 in the Finals, or so I read without verifying. It literally isn't over, but it would have to be an epic, historic collapse for the Thunder to still win it. So, it's basically over.

It's over.

I knew OKC would blow it at some point in the playoffs, just didn't think they would make it this far. I think the Spurs would beat the Heat.

OKC should trade Westbrook for Dwight Howard, then sign Steve Nash. Then they'd be a real powerhouse.

WallyWorld wrote:
You are correct, WallyWorld, teams trailing 1-3 in the NBA Finals are 0-for-30. I didn't research it, either, but I believe that several have forced a Game 7. Nevertheless, none were able to take the final game.

The OKC I've seen in this series isn't playing as well as the OKC I saw taking 4 straight from SA.

Really didn't get the feeling that Miami would beat OKC until yesterday. They didn't play all that well against Boston. But, OKC just hasn't stepped up. Losing a 14-point lead in the opening minutes of the 2nd quarter last night to a 16-0 run was a back-breaker.

The talking heads have been trying to heap the blame for the loss in Game 4 on Westbrook, but how much more is he required to do?

Durant was less than average. Harden was almost invisible. The Thunder shot less than 19% outside the arc while the Heat shot nearly 39%.

Again, key to the win in Game 4 for the Heat was Chalmers. Best game of the Playoffs for Mario.

LeBron, especially with the near-triple-double was pretty damn good, too! Especially important were the 12 assists.

OKC may save a little face by winning on Thursday, but this is the Heat's year.

I really didn't think the Heat had enough to beat the Thunder when this series opened.

Oops!

Miami proved to be the team that would not be denied. OKC never played up to the level they demonstrated they were capable of when they took 4-straight from San Antonio. Miami had several role players who took turns stepping up and providing the extra spark it took to win games - Haslem, Chalmers and a totally unconscious Miller tonight!

Guess one monkey is off James' back now . . . is that all you've got, James? What are you going to do next year?

themerryprankster wrote: Win again. There is no team to challenge them except OKC.

Calling it right now... Finals rematch next year of the Heat vs. Thunder.

Yeah, CW, I think that is a more than reasonable and logical prediction.

Boston won't be better than they were this year - just older! And, KG is quoted as saying he is thinking about retiring (a ploy?).

San Antonio had their last shot, at least for the existing lineup, this year and couldn't pull it off.

Dallas is done.

Indiana has possibilities, especially after they extended Miami. What do they do to improve?

Philly could contend in the East, but won't be able to beat the Heat.

The Lakers, depending on their off-season moves, will be in the Playoffs, as usual. How far they go depends on what they manage to bring in. Sessions opted out of exercising his free agency rights for next season. Given a full training camp, he should show improvement next season.

The Clippers are about where the Thunder was a couple of years ago. If Billups mounts a comeback, how much does that improve them?

The 'Wolves showed alot this year, especially in the first part of the season. Then, the injuries took them completely out of it. I still think you need that seasoned shooting guard and a three with some defensive chops. OK, somebody like MWP, although I'd hate to see him leave the Lakers. Guy like that providing the occasionally nice offensive game and bringing that strong defensive presence every night - protecting Rubil, Love and Pek?

What does OKC do to build on this year? Better defense, for one. What if they managed to pick up an MWP? I'd rather see him over Perkins as a defender. Not the same position, but much more consistent than Kendrick.

What does Miami have to do to repeat? Guessing Miller will retire. After tonight, can he do any better? Take the glory and run, Mike! Great game!

College Wolf wrote:
Yup. Who else could it possibly be? The only team contending with Miami in the East is Chicago, but who the hell knows how D Rose's game will change after blowing out his knee?

College Wolf wrote:
College Wolf and I bet on this last night. He has Miami v. OKC and I have any other combo. 2 LL tix to a Wolves game of choice.

BonK wrote:
What would be your game picks?

Predictions:

Bonk choice: Boston
CW: OKC

WallyWorld wrote:
Oops! Accidentally left the Bulls out of my earlier post - they could be a factor, depending on how far Rose can come back, as you said.

Purposely left out Utah and Denver - don't think either will be much more than minor nuisances.

WallyWorld wrote: Yeah, Chicago is the only team that has any chance... although they matchup up poorly against the Heat. The Heat killed them in the ECF two years ago. Plus Rose is out until at least January, if not longer. And he clearly won't be the exact same right away when he gets back. And Deng is having surgery too. Rip Hamilton and Boozer just plain suck. I am not even sure the Bulls will finish as a top 4 seed next season.

College Wolf wrote: Ha. And it didn't even take 6 games!