Come On NBA

I don't want to have to get foreign channels and pronounce hard European names... get this thing together will ya.

Dallas Clearly the Better Team NBA 2011 Champions

They had better focus; they were not laughing and giggling and horsing around and not closing games.  Dallas knew they had to go up in the game earlier and not depend on late game heroics to win the vitally important game 6 in order to win the series.

And what Dallas did was completely dismantle the Miami Heat defense; this same defense that was so crucial throughout the playoffs.  The dominant Heat defense looked like a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off.  The point is that Dallas out played Miami, were certainly out coached, and out won...

You have to be happy for Dirk, JT (the Jet), and Jason "the Dinosaur" Kidd.  These guys did a lot and showed some real toughness.  My buddy told me the mental focus of the Mavs since the LA series showed they were not playing around this year in the playoffs.  So where do the Heat go from here?  I would get a better coach; E. Spoks sounds like a motivational speaker... I could be wrong; but he does.

I would find a bruiser, shot blocking, tough rebounding center, who dunks like a crazy insane mad idiot.  Get rid of Bibby and try your best to sign the older D. Fisher of the Lake Show, and add a microwave type scorer to the bench.  One thing this series showed me; Lebron James, and even D. Wade are not ready to be compared even to Kobe Bryant; yet alone Michael Jordan...

In talent perhaps, but in knowing the game, and playing at a level above the rest... absolutely not.

I said Dallas in a sweep or in five... then I watched some tape and changed my mind to Miami in 5 or 6; and it turns out to be Dallas in 6.  But can they repeat????

The only people happier than the Mavs fans in the world are the Bulls and Cavs fans... and I think you all know why!


Post-Up-Game

Miami On the Ropes as they Lose Crucial Game 5 to Mavs in the 2011 NBA Finals

It is hard to tell who is the better team in this series... people will argue that the Bulls were the better team than the Heat, and the Celtics, and so forth; but that is what a 7 game series is all about.  It's about proving who the better team is.  Now if you lose in game 7, you're pretty equally matched, pretty equally coached, pretty much executed equally; the other team just did it a notch better to win the series.

But if you lose in a sweep (The Mavs were clearly better than the Lakers...), or five, or even six (in my opinion); the other team is better and certainly executed better because of the margin in the 7 game series.  If the Mavs win in game 6; they are obviously the better team; if it goes 7; then it is safe to say these teams are evenly matched.  In this series; who controls the game has gone back and forth; with the Heat having the melt down problems the Bulls had in the series previous.

Dirk being a better closer than Rose, and obviously having more options around him for help is what is making the difference and the Mavs are just opening holes in the Heat defense.  The Mavs needed a game five win to win the series; while this is exactly where the series should have been 3, 2 headed back to Miami.  This is what happened last year, and the Lake-Show went ahead and won two games at home (which I didn't think they would do).  Kobe said they (the Celtics) did what they were suppose to do, win at home and now we're going to do what we're suppose to do, win at home.

The Heat have one problem... they have Lebron James and not Kobe Bryant.  They also have a possible injured Wade... can they pull this off?  The determination of the Dallas Mavs is what brings doubt to so many people.  Let's end with a few "what ifs"

If the Heat close out two games out of three they have lost in this series the series is over, Heat are champions... if Dirk does not put too much on his fade way against Haslem in game three, the Mavs are champions... both teams have had their chance and with the Heat's back against the wall, let's see what they are made of come Sunday... a decent year coming in second place or forcing a highly anticipated game SEVEN.


Post Up Game

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Miami Heat James Look to Bounce Back

Miami Heat and LeBron James expect to bounce back in Game 5 vs. Dallas Mavericks

Where Is Lebron James 2011 NBA Finals

The 2011 NBA Finals is looking for Lebron James... LJ is getting punked by Stevenson and James is hiding behind the fact that he is facilitating the offense and focusing on defense.  He facilitated the offense and focused on defense in the Chicago series as league MVP Derrick Rose; now you're to busy to do it against a measly Jason Terry?

No offense JT <non-taken> Cool...

James is tired and the only thing he has energy for is to dunk; the only way he can shut the critics up in game five is to score 45 points... anything less will be unacceptable.  Wade and Bosh need help dude; and all the assist are great but come on dude, 8 points... Michael, Kobe, not even Magic would allow that... Scottie Pippen would need a migraine headache to do that...

As a fellow defender (like Deshawn Stevenson) you do not necessarily say you stopped or slowed someone down because of their low stat showing.  I knew I stopped or slowed a guy down who went from taking 20 shots a game and only shoots 11 shots against me.  I stopped him or slowed him down; so Stevenson is rejoicing and calling himself the new Joe Dumars or the guy who use to be on the Spurs...

The Heat control the game; but are having problems finishing.  Even if you're not going for Dallas, you have got to love how they are coming back when they make their rally's.  Shaq told you, basketball is a game of runs and then you win or lose...


Post Up Game

Defense and a Missed Shot

DALLAS -- Right or wrong, the phrase "Hero Ball" has often been used to describe the Miami Heat's offensive philosophy this season.

Rarely, though, has the word "hero" been attached to their work on the defensive end of the floor. The swarming defensive rotations and the frightening, at times, athleticism they bring to the fore being much more than any other team can handle.

Yet there they were Sunday night, locked in almost the exact same position they were in at the end of their crushing Game 2 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Miami. Game 3 on the line. Dirk Nowitzki with the ball. Heat up by two and just 4.4 seconds to play.

There would be no fairy tale finish this time for the Mavericks. Not with Udonis Haslem as the point man on Nowitzki in the final, rugged minute of an instant classic in Game 3 of The Finals at American Airlines Center.

Nowitzki got free. He made his move and spun into a position to get off a 17-footer that would have tied the game. It didn't fall, courtesy of a little defensive Hero Ball (and the perfect bounce), as the Heat held on for the 88-86 win that not only saved Game 3 but also preserved their championship hopes.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/sekou_smith/06/05/mavs-heat-game3/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

Dirk's Fade Away Shot Examined

I'm trying to figure out if Dirk's fadeaway or Michael's is better...

A lesson from Mike

Miami Heat Dallas Mavericks Game 2 NBA Finals 2011

The athleticism of the Miami Heat is definitely taking a toll on the Dallas Mavericks.  The Mavs are a great team; but the Heat are too fast on DEFENSE and offense.  The Mavericks are simply turning the ball over nearly every possession and it will lose them the title if they do not get it together when they play at home.

Luckily the defense of Heat disappeared and the Mavs suckered the Heat into running like chickens with their heads cut off and gambling instead of playing controlled rotation defense.

Lebron had an easy going night; the monster was Dwayne Wade who showed his old self, who was certainly not around during the Bulls series, except for spurts.  The Mavericks made a great late game surge bringing them to 4 with 3:11 left in the game... and ultimately winning the game behind solid veteran play. 

They have great veterans who are not going to quit and die.  The series is now tied 1 to 1 and if the Mavs simply win every game on their home floor, they are the world champions!

See you in Dallas - Post Up Game..

Now Y'all Stop This Nonsense

I would like to have you stop this argument between Lebron and the great Mike Jordan.  You are trying to break up my family.  Those of you who don't know, my dad was not around a lot growing up and MJ became my step-dad.  And now as an adult; I've taken on Lebron, whose dad was not there as my nephew (I'm too young to be the kids dad); so with all the comparisons you're bringing tension to my family.

I believe nephew Lebron wouldn't say he is in the MJ category... he still needs to win, he needs some finals MVPs, some more MVPs, some scoring titles, some more all-defensive first teams, and did I mention some titles.  I mean a guy has a good play off run here in 2011 and he's getting the big comparison.

I remember him having a great run when he went to the finals and got beat up by the Spurs; but let's be careful before we have Mike write in a Kareem like letter to Scottie P.

What happened to the Kobe Mike comparisons... Kobe get's his butt kicked by the Mavs and no body remembers him...

Lebron is statistically going to be very good; but "compare to Joe Louis (Michael Jordan), Rocky Marciano (Lebron James) ain't (sh%t) there yet!

Holla Back Post Up Game

Shaquille O'Neal Retires

Shaq finally retires, in my opinion if he was dead broke, he'd come back and play some more and be a legit center but when you got money, women, and cars (all the things a guy loves); what's the purpose of taxing your body.  Shaq had a wonderful career and although we got to see what lack of working out, eating well, and age does to you (we've been seeing it with Kobe Bryant), Shaq has amplified it with his lack of impact the last 3 to 4 years.

He just was no help to anyone after the win in Miami...

I love him nevertheless because he is just a funny guy, a good guy, and the league will miss him all around!

= = =

MIAMI - In the end, Shaquille O'Neal wore out his welcomes with Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. But that was only after wearing out his opponents with some of the greatest displays of strength and scoring that the NBA has ever seen.

The Diesel left the station for good Wednesday, chugging off into retirement.

"We did it," he said on a video link posted with his announcement on Twitter. "Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you first that I'm about to retire. Love you. Talk to you soon."

Of course he will. The big guy always loved the attention. There's no way you've heard the last of him.

"He made fans believe they were one with him," said James, who played with O'Neal last season in Cleveland. "If you saw him, as big as Shaq is, the way he was with the personality of his... you wouldn't be afraid to talk to him because he was so likable and so outgoing."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2011/06/02/2011-06-02_shaq_39_exits_as_big_kid_who_made_even_bigger_impact.html#ixzz1O78DKlUK

Miami Heat Win Game One of the NBA Finals 2011

I think everybody is slowly learning that the Miami Heat are a decent team; even if they do not win the title; they have three elite players and with a decent supporting cast they can be really good.  I admit I had Dallas sweeping this series or at least going in 5; but then recapped the series during the regular season and changed my mind.  I actually think Dallas will lose in 5 or 6 because of the same reason the Bulls lost to to the Heat.

Dallas does not have that many actual play makers.  They forced the Matrix (Sean Marion) to score and I believe that takes away from the nature of the game of the successful Dallas Mavericks.  Even Stevenson was forced to hit threes instead of focus on defense.

Also Dallas was held to one of the lowest shooting percentages of the playoff... thanks to the quick and strong responding Miami Heat defense.  So Dallas loses game one by 8 points, 92 to 84 and Miami gets one game closer to shocking the world and making a LOT of Cleveland fans disturbingly upset.  D. Wade finally looked like the D. Wade of old... his slow hesitating jump shot was back; but he's still getting stripped in the lane like he's in high school.

Note worthy, tell Lebron James to watch out and not put himself into the basket as he nearly did when he dunked the alley-hoop from Wade... as we use say when we played... "and the cow jumped over the moon..."


Post Up Game... holla at me

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Too Fast Too Strong - Too Tired Too Young

I hate to tell Chicagoan's their fate but I must... I said the Heat would win in 5 or 6 and after the two games in Miami; I leaned on 5.  If you did not watch the game it ended in 5.  After game two, Miami's demeanor changed; it's like they realized that Chicago was a one-man show, a great athletic, high jumping one man show; but a one man show nonetheless.

And they did the ole Celtics on MJ of the 80s Bulls trick on Rose... they sent him 2 or 3 just as athletic but taller guys to him; particularly in the fourth quarter.  And if anyone watches the show "Shark Tank" the investors say "deal" or "I'm out."

When I saw the Bulls had one play maker, I had to, even as a Rose fan, say I'm out!  When you have to do it all; it wears you done, especially in the 4th quarter and that was my basis for saying the Bulls would lose.  They were close in every game; but the fourth quarter sent them home.

Particularly when they had to rely on a Rose who had James and another big on him.

MJ was 3 to 4 inches taller than Rose (they say); and he would go out and get 50, 40 every night in the playoffs in the 80s; and he'd actually bull-through double teams through the fourth quarter... again he is 6'6... Lebron James did similar in Cleveland.

I remember the year the Cavs were upset by the Magic, LB averaged 40 points in that series... you could see the fatigue all over him... but he had to do it.  Rose had to do it; but couldn't because of the defensive strategy of the Heat.

So next year the Bulls should lobby for a play-making 2 guard or a post-moves-having four or five.  Isaiah Thomas and Nate Archibald are the only point guards under 6'2 to win titles (to my immediate knowledge); and they had play makers with them.

If things got slow for Isaiah, Joey D, Vinnie "the Microwave" Johnson, and James "Budda" Edwards (the only pro NBA player to look like a truck driver) would pick up the scoring.  Rose did not have that; therefore the Heat are the EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS and congrats to them.

Too fast, too strong Rose was too tired (4th quarter), too young...

That's the Post Up Game, leave your comments if you got game, a post up game...

Post Up Game

Thunder Still Young

They did not play this series like they were confident, especially after the blow out in game three... you could see the worry in Durant's face and with all the out of control talk about Westbrook's game; there was sure to be many breakdowns. 

The thing is they were not mentally ready to sustain the Maverick's attack and that is what ultimately got them sent home.  The last two games; they had 8 point leads or more in the fourth quarter... 15 in game four; and they squandered them.  That is the sign of a really young team.

Now I'm going to post you up real quick.

Next year, will be a better year for the Thunder but right now; it's Dirk's time.  I was wrong in this series; I picked the Thunder in 6 but that was because I was doing it in spite.  I purposely was going against my buddy; and I told him that.  But nevertheless, I was wrong; I had the hunch that Dallas would win behind Dirk and Kidd.

So they are the Western Conference Champions; and they await the winner of the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat series; which could be Miami if they win tonight.

Bring ya Post up Game

Mike Brown Heading the Lake Show

To bad we don't get to see Brian Shaw get the head job; and good grief we don't get Rick Adelman's sleepy self; because I literally fall asleep watching his butt coach.  Everytime they put the camera on the sideline; I get sleepy... at any rate Mike Brown got the gig and for a handsome sum of money... congrats...

== ==

The Los Angeles Lakers reached agreement in principle with former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown Wednesday on a four-year contract worth more than $18 million to replace 11-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson. The fourth year is at the team's option, according to a source, although there are incentives in the deal that could guarantee the final season.

Brown, 41, beat out former Rockets, Kings, Warriors and Blazers head coach Rick Adelman and current Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw for the position, winning over the Lakers' brass with his commitment to defense that made the Cavs one of the league's top defensive units. He had a solid relationship with LeBron James, getting James to buy in to the need to improve his perimeter defensive skills. In Los Angeles, Brown will have an aging roster but will also have a superstar in Kobe Bryant to build around.

Brown went 272-138 (.663) in five seasons with the Cavaliers, after assistant coaching stints in Washington, Denver, San Antonio and Indiana. He quickly made the Cavs into one of the league's best defensive teams, leaving most of the offense to assistant coaches like John Kuester (now the Pistons' head coach).

Brown was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2009 after leading the Cavaliers to a league-best 66-16 record, and the following season, Cleveland went 61-21. But the Cavalliers were upset in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs by Boston, amid deteriorating play and internal criticism of Brown's player rotation. Owner Dan Gilbert opted to fire Brown after the playoffs, a decision that led to then team president Danny Ferry's decision to leave the organization.

The decision to hire Brown is a signature moment for Lakers executive vice president Jim Buss, the son of owner Jerry Buss, who in the last couple of years has become the franchise's chief decision-maker on most issues. The younger Buss came to the Lakers' organization in 1997 after working in many jobs, including as a trainer for some of his father's horses. Jim Buss often clashed with Jackson -- the two have barely spoken in the last year, Jackson said at his season-ending news conference a couple of weeks ago -- and he also often disagreed with former Lakers GM Jerry West -- who just accepted a job this week on the board of the Golden State Warriors. When West left to go to Memphis in 2002, the road was cleared for Jim Buss to become the Lakers' ultimate decision maker.

When Kobe Bryant was displeased with the team's roster following the 2007 playoffs -- and ultimately asked to be traded -- Jim Buss was insistent that the team not deal young center Andrew Bynum, as Bryant had asked. He has resisted all such potential deals for Bynum ever since, including last February, when the Lakers looked at acquiring Carmelo Anthony from Denver.

The Lakers were insistent that they would not come anywhere close to the $10 million they paid Jackson in his last season, much less the $12.5 million he'd gotten the year before.The Los Angeles Times reported Monday that the team would spend between $3 and $5 million per season for a new coach, and after starting negotiations with Brown at slightly more than $3 million per season, they came up, while Brown came down from his demand for a contract equal to the $6 million per that Mike D'Antoni is getting in New York with the Knicks.
Brown was also a top candidate for the Golden State Warriors' head coaching vacancy, with Shaw, Adelman, ESPN broadcaster Mark Jackson and Celtics assistant coach Lawrence Frank among the other candidates. The Warriors, according to a league source, have also interviewed New Orleans Hornets lead assistant coach Michael Malone for a top assistant position. Many around the league believe Malone will soon get a head coaching position.

Adelman, 64, received strong consideration from the Lakers as well. His strong record over the years with veteran teams in Portland (where the Blazers made the Finals in 1990 and 1992), Sacramento (where he is the franchise's all-time winningest coach, getting the Kings to within a game of the 2002 Finals) and Houston made him a prime candidate in Los Angeles. Adelman has been able to change his attack on the fly, going from a high-post offense when excellent passing big men Vlade Divac and Chris Webber were on the roster in Sacramento to posting up wing players like Bonzi Wells and Ron Artest.

He did the same thing this season in Houston when the Rockets lost Yao Ming for the season with a stress fracture, going from a low-post attack to a perimeter game featuring guards Kevin Martin and Kyle Lowry.

Adelman has won 945 games, in eighth place on the NBA's win list, passing legendary coaches Bill Fitch and Red Auerbach this season. His teams have made the playoffs 16 times in 20 seasons.

Shaw, a Lakers' assistant the last five seasons after playing for them from 1999 to 2003, was the choice of many within the organization, including Bryant and Derek Fisher. But the Lakers' flameout in the second round against Dallas likely hurt his candidacy with a front office looking to shake things up. Jerry Buss said in a radio interview Tuesday that he and his son didn't ask for and didn't especially want the input of players when deciding who the next head coach would be.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/david_aldridge/05/25/lakers-hire-brown/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

Longtime NBA reporter and columnist David Aldridge is an analyst for TNT. You can e-mail him here and follow him on twitter.

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
 

Heat Top Bulls in OT for 3-1 Lead

Here are the highlights of yesterdays triple overtime game... okay it was only one overtime; but it felt like a triple OT...

The Bulls have not lost 3 straight damn near all year; so this has to be unsettling for them; but the key to the series for them is to take one game at a time and not to look at Game 7, WHICH they will need to win this series... 

Here is what  few guys had to say after the game....

My thoughts are exactly what I said in the beginning of this series... the Heat in 5 or 6... and the reason is because they are just as or more athletic than the Bulls, they are just as well coached by NBA hall of famer Pat Riley (I know); and they are a defensive-minded team.  The three alone will win you games; but couple in they have 3 decently league dominating players takes them to the next level against a team like Chicago.

D. Rose needs help offensively... and many readers may say Deng scored 20, Boozer helped out!!  Yeah but Rose had to expense his energy to create for them.  Why do you think he has literally checked out in the fourth quarter?  During the regular season the Miami Heat were critized for not finishing games...

Now it is the Chicago Bulls, more namely D. Rose - high flying dunks and being the loan creator on the team, in my post up opinion, is taking a toll on the Chicago native.

Rose still shot a dismal percentage and I believe things will be better at home; but at this point you do not want to play a close game with the Heat because James and company are closing better than that TNT show... POST UP GAME... C'mon

Post Up Due

gimme your post game

BULLS HEAT GAME 4

Post up Due here with Post Up Game... I'm watching this game 4 and I gotta tell ya; the Bulls and Heat are a pretty evenly matched team.  Neither team can pull away for "blow-jobs" (in basketball that is a blow-out; outside of basketball; call it what you want).  Both teams are able to stay within 5 to 7 points pretty much the entire game; no matter if one team puts on a pretty good run...

That is done by DEFENSE and handling the pressure.  This is a vital game for the Bulls; and a pretty important game for the Heat.  The Miami Heat have to do something to get Wade back into the normal flow of the game.  He has been a bit absent; and on the other hand Rose has bounced back this game with his aggression.  When he is tomahawking dunks; you know he's being aggressive, which they need.

Also the Bulls role-players are definitely stepping up and playing much better basketball.  We'll see how it goes...



Post up game

Mavs Come from 15 Down, Win

Mavs come from 15 down, stun Thunder 112-105 in OT

A decade's worth of playoff experience has taught Dirk Nowitzki plenty about hardship. Jason Kidd knows it well, too.

By JEFF LATZKE

AP Sports Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY —

A decade's worth of playoff experience has taught Dirk Nowitzki plenty about hardship. Jason Kidd knows it well, too.

Now, it's starting to look as if the tide has turned for the Dallas Mavericks.

Nowitzki scored 40 points, Kidd hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 40 seconds left in overtime and the Mavericks rallied from a 15-point deficit in the final 5 minutes of regulation to stun the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-105 on Monday night and take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. (Post Up - at this point in the play offs, if you're losing 15 point leads with 5 minutes left; you're not ready for the title, I'm sorry, even though I don't have to apologize to nobody)

"It's just a bunch of veterans with a lot of unique stories. A lot of guys have been through a lot in this league and have been around forever," Nowitzki said. "A bunch of guys have been to the finals. ... Ultimately, we have one goal and we came together and fought through some stuff."

Already with an improbable sweep over the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers under their belts, the Mavericks came back from a 99-84 deficit with 5 minutes left in regulation to move within one win of the NBA finals.

They handed the Thunder their first consecutive losses of the postseason and first back-to-back home losses in six months to earn a chance to clinch the series on their home court in Game 5 Wednesday night in Dallas. (Post Up - a lot of first here...)

"We worked really hard these two games to win, and none of that guarantees anything for Game 5. We know that," said coach Rick Carlisle.

The Mavs have won at least 50 games in 11 straight seasons with no titles and only one trip to the NBA finals to show for it.

"All of us involved with this team have been through a lot of these wars," Carlisle added. "We understand our position that we're in. We respect it. We're very humble about it. We've got to get ourselves revved up and ready for Wednesday, because that's an opportunity."

Dallas didn't lead until Nowitzki hit two free throws 16 seconds into overtime, and the Mavericks never let the Thunder - who were one win shy of tying an NBA record with eight OT wins in the regular season - go ahead after that.

Kevin Durant, the league's scoring champion the past two seasons, missed a 3-point attempt on Oklahoma City's opening possession of overtime, then didn't get another shot until he missed from long range off the front of the rim in the final 10 seconds with the Thunder down by five.

Durant finished with 29 points and 15 rebounds, and Serge Ibaka had 18 points and 10 boards for Oklahoma City. Russell Westbrook added 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Only two teams in NBA history have come back from 3-1 deficits without the benefit of home-court advantage in Game 7 - Houston in the 1995 West semifinals and Boston in the 1968 East finals. (Post Up - I picked OKC in this series really because I thought they could out-offense Dallas and bully them a bit; but Dallas is being tough.  I also went against my buddy in a bit of an emotional wager; but deep down I thought Dallas would win because the beating of the Lakers is more momentum than barely beating the 8th seed in 7 games.)

"There's no doubt it was a tough loss," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. "If this loss did not hurt, there's no such thing as a loss that can hurt you."

Durant said all the Thunder can do now is try to be positive.

"It's not over yet," he said. "We know we have a game on Wednesday. We've won in there before, so we've got to try to do it again."

Durant had nine of the Thunder's 26 turnovers, including the one that led to the big shot by Kidd. Kidd stripped him as he went up for a shot with just over a minute left in overtime, then took a pass from Nowitzki, pump-faked to get Westbrook in the air and stepped up to drill a 3-pointer that put Dallas up 108-105 with 40.3 seconds left.

Jason Terry hit two free throws for the last of his 20 points, and Kidd added two more to provide the final margin.

Kidd - who went to the NBA finals twice with New Jersey but is still seeking his first ring at age 38 - scored 17 points to go with seven assists, five rebounds and four steals.

"Everybody asks questions about the age and all that other stuff," Carlisle said, "but the thing I'd say to anybody is, `Never underestimate greatness.'"

The Mavericks also know better than to underestimate any opponent in any circumstances.

"I think they're going to come back in Game 5 and going to throw everything at us. Obviously they're desperate now," said Nowitzki, who still laments how Dallas won twice on the road to start the 2006 finals then lost four in a row to Miami. (Post Up - stop lamenting on that Dirk...stop)

"But they showed they can win on our home court - they stole Game 2 there - so you know they are still confident. We've got to take it. Nothing is going to be given to you in this league, especially not in the playoffs."

The Thunder learned that the hard way.

Durant acted as though he was slapping on a pro wrestling championship belt after his 3-pointer finished Oklahoma City's second 7-0 run of the fourth quarter to make it 99-84 with 5:06 remaining. He hadn't won anything yet, though.

James Harden fouled out 32 seconds later, robbing the Thunder of their third-best offensive player. Westbrook had the only basket for the team's All-Star tandem over the final 10 minutes while Nowitzki took charge.

"It was almost over," Nowitzki said. "If we mess up one more time or give up one more offensive rebound, that would have been the game. So we couldn't afford any mistakes down the stretch and ... we were almost perfect."

The big German scored 12 points during the Mavs' 17-2 run and got fouled by Nick Collison before hitting both free throws to tie it at 101 with 6.4 seconds left.

Shawn Marion blocked Durant's 3-point attempt at least 30 feet from the basket with 2 seconds left, and the Mavs couldn't convert a chance at the win when Kidd's inbound lob with 0.7 seconds to go hit the rim.

Oklahoma City came roaring out of the gates after trailing by as many as 17 points in the first quarter of Game 3. The Thunder hit their first nine shots and took an 18-8 lead after Durant caught a deflected inbound pass and zoomed in for a right-handed jam.

They never quite could shake Dallas, though. The Mavericks were still within five at halftime and trailed 79-77 in the final minute of the third quarter.

"It goes without saying that it was a tough loss to accept," Brooks said, "but it is a loss and we have to learn from it."

Notes: Mavs C Tyson Chandler was called for a technical foul in the third quarter. The NBA rescinded Chandler's first two technicals in this series, so his postseason count is currently at four - three shy of what's needed for a one-game suspension. Westbrook has five. ... Dallas was the only visiting team to win twice in the regular season at the Oklahoma City Arena, where the Thunder were 30-11. The Mavs are 4-0 in the building in the regular season and playoffs. ... Brooks, facing repeated questions about his starting lineup, says he's sticking with it. "We're a young team," he said, "and if you give a young team instability, you're going to get very inconsistent results."

Who get's the next game?  Post up


Post up Game with Post Up Due

The Bulls Frustrated?

MIAMI — Center Joakim Noah wasn't the only Bulls player to let his emotions get the best of him in Game 3 on Sunday against the Miami Heat.

Forward Luol Deng, who had another tough fourth quarter in Game 3 — two points on 1-for-4 shooting — blamed himself for getting irked by some calls that didn't go the Bulls' way in their 96-85 loss.

''Some of the calls got to me a little bit,'' Deng said Monday. ''I've got to do a better job of not allowing that. I felt there were some calls we should have gotten that we didn't. That's how it goes sometimes.''

The Bulls were called for 24 fouls; the Heat was called for 17. The Bulls shot 21 free throws; the Heat shot 29. And even though Deng said the officiating hasn't been one-sided, the Bulls are starting to speak up. (Post Up - they wouldn't be speaking up if they felt the officiating was fair)

Deng was called for a near-phantom foul on a three-pointer by LeBron James in the first quarter. After a timeout later in the quarter, coach Tom Thibodeau had an animated discussion with referee Steve Javie. Seven seconds after play resumed, Javie called a cheapie on the Heat's Mike Miller on a rebound.

''I saw the replay [of the foul against James],'' Deng said. ''I'll just let everyone be their own judge. I don't think the refs are favoring one side, but I don't think if I shot that three and [James] hit me that I would have gotten the call. But that's not where you win or lose the game. That's just part of the game.'' (Post Up - This sounds like some Phil Jackson sh%t where you complain but say you're not complaining)

Stat of the day

For what it's worth, Game 3 marked the first time the Bulls lost this season when Javie (4-0 previously), Ron Garretson (5-0) or Mike Callahan (5-0) was officiating.

Omer update

Backup center Omer Asik, who suffered an ankle injury in
Game 3 and went scoreless with one rebound in 15 minutes, is day-to-day, Thibodeau said.

''We're hopeful,'' Thibodeau said. ''He'll get treatment [today]. [Trainer] Fred [Tedeschi] will take him out on the court to see if he's having any problems, and hopefully he'll be ready to go.''

If Asik can't go, Kurt Thomas will back up Noah, Thibodeau said.

Inside presence

The Heat has been vulnerable inside this season, but Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem have shored up that deficiency to give the team an edge in Games 2 and 3.

Anthony had five blocked shots in 29 minutes in Game 3 and has eight blocks in the series. Haslem has mucked up the lane, drawing two charging fouls. (Post Up - you don't see Rose getting many charges on him because he knows how to twist and get around it; also because he is TOO FAST TOO STRONG; but they got a few on him and it shows the closing down of the lane by the Heat and their quickness)

''We just have to play smarter,'' Bulls forward Taj Gibson said. ''You know Anthony is going to attack every shot that's coming toward the rim. We knew that all year long. We haven't shied away.

''We have to make better decisions when it comes to getting in the lane. We have to make the smart pass or take the smart shot. And hopefully it can go a little better our way.''

The closer?

It's no secret the Heat has contained Bulls star Derrick Rose in the series, especially in the fourth quarter. Rose is a combined 1-for-6 in the fourth quarter of the last two games. He was 23-for-43 in the fourth quarter of the series against the Atlanta Hawks.

''The important thing is for him to make the right play,'' Thibodeau said when he was asked if he wanted to see Rose take more than two shots in the fourth quarter of a close game. ''I'm not going to measure if he's taking two shots or 10 shots.

''If he's double-teamed and the second defender is on him, I want him to hit the open man. If he's single-covered and open, I want him to shoot.'' (Post Up - Rose needs to shoot shoot and shoot with the offense of the Bulls lately)

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/5551694-579/frustration-got-to-bulls-luol-dengi-in-game-4-too.html

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Miami Takes Game 3

You know games 1, 3, and 5 are the vital games in series and Dallas has taken one and three.  Dallas regains home court advantage; while Miami maintains home court advantage against the Chicago Bulls.  The defense of the both teams is amazing; but what makes things very interesting is the field goal percentage of both teams.  I told you on the Post Up Game before and I told friends of mine; that the Bulls are lacking offense.

Sure they got points out of Boozer in game 3; but he hogged 19 shots to do it... Rose took 19 shots; the only guy to have a bad shooting percentage on the Heat was D. Wade; while the only guy with a good shooting percentage on the Bulls was Taj Gibson.  The Bulls need to figure a way to get better offense against the pretty good defensive team in the Miami Heat or they will be giving hugs to James and Wade talking about "bring it home to the east," in a few games.

My prediction is Miami in 5 or 6... Wade and James took the night off and Bosh goes for 34 points and they still win.  If I'm Chicago; that is reason for concern.  You held the big three to under 75 points (which beats the theory - hold the big 3 under 80), and you held the big 2 (Wade and James) to under 40 (which beats another theory guys had out there to hold James and Wade to under 40).

The Heat took the league MVP out of the game in the fourth quarter and that is making a big difference in the last two games for the Bulls because they have no other offense except offensive rebounds.  Holla at me; post up Due... post up a comment if you got game.


Post Up Due

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Be A Champion In All You Do

OKC Wins on the Road Like Miami

First off, I didn't know J.J Barea could shoot that good from the outside.  However, getting back to the game and the series Watch Recap Here

Both road teams have tied up the series... now I predicted to friends that Miami will win in 6 games and that OKC will win in 6 or 7... I'm still fishy on that one; but what in life is guaranteed?  So I'm still going to stay with my predictions...

But let's talk about last night's game... what happened to Dirk?  What happened to Dallas?  Folks, I tried to told you, that it is the Playoffs and series are not won on who won the last game unless the last game was their fourth win.  I see fans in Chicago hanging their heads like the series is over... STOP THAT... wait until the series is over...

Now OKC (Oklahoma City... had to show you I can actually spell it) got more offense from other guys; but the kicker was that they used Erick Manor to finish the game more so than Russell "I can get out of control" Westbrook.  This is a smart move in my book because, while you risk Manor's inexperience, Westbrook is a gambler.  

And anybody familiar with a gamblers method, motive, and desires knows that he will take the chance, he is about being the hero, and he is not great at decision making because his thoughts are clouded.  Westbrook, in my opinion, wants to be the hero of the team; he comes off to me as the early days Kobe Bryant...

This is Durant's team like it was Shaq's team; but Westbrook somehow wants people to say it is his team or he shares it with Durant.  And couple that with his gambling problem on the court, veterans like J. Kidd and JJ Barea can easily get him to bit on a pickle, egged, and lizard covered in 5 week old mayo sandwich in a heartbeat.

Is the series over?

Give me a break...Dallas did this in Portland, they are use to this; the only thing is that they are not playing Portland.  I look for Dallas to bounce back and get a game in Oklahoma.  Tell me what you think, post this, share this in your social convos and get at me...

I'm post up Due and I've just posted you up.

This was just sick... I seen it Moe-head... I seen it...

The Miami Heat, Heat It Up

The Miami Heat take game two in the eastern conference finals and they did it on the back of Lebron James.  The other day I got many people who said they had a theory to stop the Heat... their theory was to hold the big three  (Chris Bosh, D Wade, and Lebron James) to 80 points.

Well I got news for you; the entire team was held to just 85 points and they snuck a win out.  Another group of more analyitic commentators from ESPN Talk Radio 1000am said hold the big two, consistenting of Wade and James to under 40.  That will certainly work better because they depend on offense from Wade and James more heavily than Bosh.

The fact is that the Bulls have only been shooting 30 to 35% from the field on the first chance shots.  This is not going to make it in this field; they have to shoot better to survive this series and win a title.

Here is the recap of the game; leave your comments and predictions below; as Lebron said after the game; this series just started.

Post Up Due reporting