NBA playoffs, anyone??

[TitoFan]

NOW what?

I really expected OKC to take both at home, and put pressure on Miami. Seems the pressure has shifted, and OKC needs to take at least one in Miami to bring the series back to Oklahoma City. Crap!

I did too, but I have to give credit to Lebron for his performance from the line, 100% on FTs for a guy who is usually dismal was a big step up. He was also pretty solid all round again. Think Bosh made a big difference as well, being a bit of a nuisance for OKC on both ends of the court, and Wade finally chipped in with a decent amount of points. Battier was brilliant from beyond the arc as well. Can't help but feel things might have been different if that call for a foul on Durant had been given (as it should have been) with only seconds left on the clock and OKC down by 2. Durant is so clutch, despite the fact they lost my favourite shot of the game was Durant for 3 with about 10-15 seconds left, he didn't just want the ball, he was screaming for it, and when he got it he didn't disappoint, it was nothing but net. I still think OKC in 6, I think that Miami played pretty much as well as they could the other day and just edged it, but OKC started very slow. If they can correct that, and not let themselves get too far behind in the first half (they were 17 points down at one point, and although their powers of recuperation are immense you can only go to the well so many times) I think they will win games down the stretch, Durant seems to save himself for the 4th quarter, facilitating for everyone else and then just taking over with 15-20 points in the last 12 minutes.

Wow, my friend. Things have changed quite a bit, haven't they. Miami is now up 2-1.... and OKC is looking like anything but the unbeatable team they were looking like when they caught fire and took 4 straight from San Antonio after they had spotted them the first two games. Durant looked downright human in Game 3...... Miami as a team was refusing to miss a free throw..... and the Thunder on the other hand was missing them badly. I thought it was going to be OKC's support group (Harden, Ibaka, Sefaloshu(sp?), Fisher, et al) rising to the challenge...... but they've been outdone by Miami's support group (Chalmers, Battier, etc). Also, it looks like the few times that LeBron struggles, Wade is right there to pick up the slack.... and when they need a big 3-pointer, they just have to dish it out to either Battier or Bosh and they're not missing. I had said the Thunder in 6 also, but they'd have to sweep the remaining games to do so. I just hope they can take at least one in Miami, to force the series to end in Oklahoma City. But Game 4 is KEY. If the Heat win that one.... they'll ride the momentum to try to end the series in front of the home fans.

It's weird, I know Miami have turned it around but I just feel like OKC are not performing the way they can...in fairness, I have not watched the regular season game for game, but certainly OKC have shown in deposing the Spurs and the 1st game of the Finals that they have what it takes to beat any team on their day. I have to say last night's game was extremely defense-oriented, and both teams were truly fearsome in that department. Bosh played big again - people will talk about Lebron and Wade but his energy helped Miami to dominate the glass in a way they never would without him on the court. I agree with you on the supporting cast - I never expected Battier and Chalmers to be so consistent through the first 3 games of the series, and Harden has dropped off in the last two games (he was especially disappointing last night). Westbrook played his heart out again, I love that guy's tenacity and passion, and hell he's got style too, fun to watch him operate out there. As for Durant, I was disappointed at his work from the line - there seems to have been some kind of Free Throw-Flu going round in the OKC camp, but I must say that in the last two games I feel like foul trouble for Durant has not only affected his own level of performance but hurt OKC big. I mean the other night when he hit four fouls they sat him down for 4 minutes or so and OKC didn't score a single basket if I remember correctly, and that was when they really lost control of the game. Simply put without him on the court no one gets close to stopping James, Durant at least makes it hard for him to shoot/drive the lane, forcing the odd miss/TO. And with Harden not performing and Durant on the bench there was only really Westbrook for Miami to contain, and although he can cause havoc and created space for his pull up jumper on numerous occasions, the guy is already scoring more than he should really have to. When Durant was on the court he was clearly playing within himself due to the foul trouble, especially with Battier falling all over himself any time anyone from OKC attempted to drive to the basket. The other players (and I'm particularly looking at Harden) really need to start pulling their weight, because if Miami go 3-1 up I think they will eventually get that last win they need, even if OKC manage to win 2 on the bounce to bring it back to 3-3. It's a shame, cos' OKC held Miami for most of the game and just as they looked to be pulling away down the final stretch as I had thought that they would, they shot themselves in the foot. There is very little margin for error in these games and some of these young players need to be told that they either learn their lessons fast here, or they're going home empty-handed, and they have to wait another year just to get a chance to lift that trophy. And that would be a real shame, because I would love to see them win it, for me when they have played well they have been the most entertaining team to watch post-season and since Chicago are no longer involved I'm definitely rooting for them. I think if they win the next game Miami will push them to 7, but if they lose the next one it's curtains. Like I said before, there's only so many times you can go to the well, but I hope I'm wrong and my initial prediction miraculously comes true

Crossing my fingers for a Thunder win tonight !!!

[TitoFan]

33-19 OKC on top at end of 1st quarter. Don't let up on the throttle, guys!!!!!!

[TitoFan]

33-19 OKC on top at end of 1st quarter. Don't let up on the throttle, guys!!!!!!

And just like that, Miami ties it halfway into the 2nd quarter.
Damn, I hate these runs......

[SRR]

33-19 OKC on top at end of 1st quarter. Don't let up on the throttle, guys!!!!!!

And just like that, Miami ties it halfway into the 2nd quarter.
Damn, I hate these runs......

Seems like OKC can never pull away properly, they gain a lead but then can't maintain the gap, but then we should give some credit to Miami cos' they've fought hard to stay in this game. Westbrook has been spectacular tonight, hoping Durant is just waiting in the wings (like some kind of velociraptor lol) to pick up the slack if Westbrook can't maintain this pace. If Durant has a big 4th quarter I think OKC are taking it. Crossing my fingers too dude! Amazing how close this series has been, the playoffs have really been exciting this post-season, regardless of how things work out.

[TitoFan]

33-19 OKC on top at end of 1st quarter. Don't let up on the throttle, guys!!!!!!

And just like that, Miami ties it halfway into the 2nd quarter.
Damn, I hate these runs......

Seems like OKC can never pull away properly, they gain a lead but then can't maintain the gap, but then we should give some credit to Miami cos' they've fought hard to stay in this game. Westbrook has been spectacular tonight, hoping Durant is just waiting in the wings (like some kind of velociraptor lol) to pick up the slack if Westbrook can't maintain this pace. If Durant has a big 4th quarter I think OKC are taking it. Crossing my fingers too dude! Amazing how close this series has been, the playoffs have really been exciting this post-season, regardless of how things work out.

You know..... I think I'm gonna have to (grudgingly) start giving LeBron some credit also. The guy seems determined to win this series one way or another. He's not missing free throws... and today he's driving to the basket and either making some incredible layups, or passing to the open man for the 3-pointer. Meanwhile, I'm becoming less and less impressed by Durant. I know he's super-young, but he's beginning to pale in comparison with LeBron. And yeah..... Westbrook's on fire. I've never seen anyone so damn quick! But man..... it gets under my skin to see an NBA team rip off a 17-pt lead in the 1st quarter, only to give it up in only half of the following quarter. I hope you're right about Durant about his "waiting in the wings". So far I'm not that impressed. Let's hope he stays out of foul trouble tonight.

[SRR]

33-19 OKC on top at end of 1st quarter. Don't let up on the throttle, guys!!!!!!

And just like that, Miami ties it halfway into the 2nd quarter.
Damn, I hate these runs......

Seems like OKC can never pull away properly, they gain a lead but then can't maintain the gap, but then we should give some credit to Miami cos' they've fought hard to stay in this game. Westbrook has been spectacular tonight, hoping Durant is just waiting in the wings (like some kind of velociraptor lol) to pick up the slack if Westbrook can't maintain this pace. If Durant has a big 4th quarter I think OKC are taking it. Crossing my fingers too dude! Amazing how close this series has been, the playoffs have really been exciting this post-season, regardless of how things work out.

You know..... I think I'm gonna have to (grudgingly) start giving LeBron some credit also. The guy seems determined to win this series one way or another. He's not missing free throws... and today he's driving to the basket and either making some incredible layups, or passing to the open man for the 3-pointer. Meanwhile, I'm becoming less and less impressed by Durant. I know he's super-young, but he's beginning to pale in comparison with LeBron. And yeah..... Westbrook's on fire. I've never seen anyone so damn quick! But man..... it gets under my skin to see an NBA team rip off a 17-pt lead in the 1st quarter, only to give it up in only half of the following quarter. I hope you're right about Durant about his "waiting in the wings". So far I'm not that impressed. Let's hope he stays out of foul trouble tonight.

I think the way he played whilst in foul trouble the last two games has dented his confidence a bit, but Durant is class, and as they say, form is temporary but class is permanent. I jus hope he gets it back in time to help his team reign in the Miami machine, cos' right now James is helping them grind through the gears, he has been imperious this evening, almost recorded a triple double with a quarter left to play. The one thing that is frustrating me right now is that OKC can't seem to get a call, it seems to be happening with increasing frequency during the last 2 games. I'm not trying to take anything away from the heat, just seems like if it's a 50/50 Miami get it and the last quarter OKC have been ignored on the offensive end and punished for what was effectively good defence, especially with regard to the James/Harden face-off.

[TitoFan]

33-19 OKC on top at end of 1st quarter. Don't let up on the throttle, guys!!!!!!

And just like that, Miami ties it halfway into the 2nd quarter.
Damn, I hate these runs......

Seems like OKC can never pull away properly, they gain a lead but then can't maintain the gap, but then we should give some credit to Miami cos' they've fought hard to stay in this game. Westbrook has been spectacular tonight, hoping Durant is just waiting in the wings (like some kind of velociraptor lol) to pick up the slack if Westbrook can't maintain this pace. If Durant has a big 4th quarter I think OKC are taking it. Crossing my fingers too dude! Amazing how close this series has been, the playoffs have really been exciting this post-season, regardless of how things work out.

You know..... I think I'm gonna have to (grudgingly) start giving LeBron some credit also. The guy seems determined to win this series one way or another. He's not missing free throws... and today he's driving to the basket and either making some incredible layups, or passing to the open man for the 3-pointer. Meanwhile, I'm becoming less and less impressed by Durant. I know he's super-young, but he's beginning to pale in comparison with LeBron. And yeah..... Westbrook's on fire. I've never seen anyone so damn quick! But man..... it gets under my skin to see an NBA team rip off a 17-pt lead in the 1st quarter, only to give it up in only half of the following quarter. I hope you're right about Durant about his "waiting in the wings". So far I'm not that impressed. Let's hope he stays out of foul trouble tonight.

I think the way he played whilst in foul trouble the last two games has dented his confidence a bit, but Durant is class, and as they say, form is temporary but class is permanent. I jus hope he gets it back in time to help his team reign in the Miami machine, cos' right now James is helping them grind through the gears, he has been imperious this evening, almost recorded a triple double with a quarter left to play. The one thing that is frustrating me right now is that OKC can't seem to get a call, it seems to be happening with increasing frequency during the last 2 games. I'm not trying to take anything away from the heat, just seems like if it's a 50/50 Miami get it and the last quarter OKC have been ignored on the offensive end and punished for what was effectively good defence, especially with regard to the James/Harden face-off.

3rd quarter's over and Heat are up by 4. I'm not feeling very optimistic. On one particular play the commentator called the Thunder on not getting back quickly after a Westbrook jumper... and Wade drove at the other end, and Westbrook himself had to foul Wade. Commentator said Thunder is dragging... and it looks like that way to me. Maybe they're getting tired. I hope not. This is a critical quarter. If the Heat win the game, I'm afraid the series will not go back to OKC. Miami will then close them out in 5. Oh well...... here goes.

[SRR]

33-19 OKC on top at end of 1st quarter. Don't let up on the throttle, guys!!!!!!

And just like that, Miami ties it halfway into the 2nd quarter.
Damn, I hate these runs......

Seems like OKC can never pull away properly, they gain a lead but then can't maintain the gap, but then we should give some credit to Miami cos' they've fought hard to stay in this game. Westbrook has been spectacular tonight, hoping Durant is just waiting in the wings (like some kind of velociraptor lol) to pick up the slack if Westbrook can't maintain this pace. If Durant has a big 4th quarter I think OKC are taking it. Crossing my fingers too dude! Amazing how close this series has been, the playoffs have really been exciting this post-season, regardless of how things work out.

You know..... I think I'm gonna have to (grudgingly) start giving LeBron some credit also. The guy seems determined to win this series one way or another. He's not missing free throws... and today he's driving to the basket and either making some incredible layups, or passing to the open man for the 3-pointer. Meanwhile, I'm becoming less and less impressed by Durant. I know he's super-young, but he's beginning to pale in comparison with LeBron. And yeah..... Westbrook's on fire. I've never seen anyone so damn quick! But man..... it gets under my skin to see an NBA team rip off a 17-pt lead in the 1st quarter, only to give it up in only half of the following quarter. I hope you're right about Durant about his "waiting in the wings". So far I'm not that impressed. Let's hope he stays out of foul trouble tonight.

I think the way he played whilst in foul trouble the last two games has dented his confidence a bit, but Durant is class, and as they say, form is temporary but class is permanent. I jus hope he gets it back in time to help his team reign in the Miami machine, cos' right now James is helping them grind through the gears, he has been imperious this evening, almost recorded a triple double with a quarter left to play. The one thing that is frustrating me right now is that OKC can't seem to get a call, it seems to be happening with increasing frequency during the last 2 games. I'm not trying to take anything away from the heat, just seems like if it's a 50/50 Miami get it and the last quarter OKC have been ignored on the offensive end and punished for what was effectively good defence, especially with regard to the James/Harden face-off.

3rd quarter's over and Heat are up by 4. I'm not feeling very optimistic. On one particular play the commentator called the Thunder on not getting back quickly after a Westbrook jumper... and Wade drove at the other end, and Westbrook himself had to foul Wade. Commentator said Thunder is dragging... and it looks like that way to me. Maybe they're getting tired. I hope not. This is a critical quarter. If the Heat win the game, I'm afraid the series will not go back to OKC. Miami will then close them out in 5. Oh well...... here goes.

Harden has been so careless with the ball driving to the basket. As impressive as James has been Westbrook has been incredible, carrying the OKC and at such a tender age, with such little experience. Hope OKC can pull it together - if they keep it close anything can happen at the close, that's what makes basketball so exciting, and OKC have been masters of the comeback win this post-season so we can't write them off just yet.

[TitoFan]

DAMN IT!! OKC can't buy a 3-pointer....... and the Heat don't miss any. This doesn't look good. I don't like Chalmers and that silly grin of his. He looks like Arsenio Hall.

[SRR]

I keep expecting Miami to miss a 3 but it's not happening. Their 3 point shooting this series has been crazy.

[TitoFan]

I keep expecting Miami to miss a 3 but it's not happening. Their 3 point shooting this series has been crazy.

The whole series, bro...... it's super-crazy, and frustrating for us OKC fans.
But Westbrook is NOT HUMAN!! He's answering every Miami basket with one of his own. And his drives are out-of-this-world. C'mon Thunder!!!!!!!!!

[SRR]

I keep expecting Miami to miss a 3 but it's not happening. Their 3 point shooting this series has been crazy.

The whole series, bro...... it's super-crazy, and frustrating for us OKC fans.
But Westbrook is NOT HUMAN!! He's answering every Miami basket with one of his own. And his drives are out-of-this-world. C'mon Thunder!!!!!!!!!

His athleticism/sheer skill going to the rim today has been nothing short of impetuous. One of the great finals performances imo, given the fact that Durant is supposed to be the main provider. They could honestly punch Durant in the face he wouldn't get a trip to the line.

[TitoFan]

I keep expecting Miami to miss a 3 but it's not happening. Their 3 point shooting this series has been crazy.

The whole series, bro...... it's super-crazy, and frustrating for us OKC fans.
But Westbrook is NOT HUMAN!! He's answering every Miami basket with one of his own. And his drives are out-of-this-world. C'mon Thunder!!!!!!!!!

His athleticism/sheer skill going to the rim today has been nothing short of impetuous. One of the great finals performances imo, given the fact that Durant is supposed to be the main provider. They could honestly punch Durant in the face he wouldn't get a trip to the line.

LOL...... down to the wire! Can't believe Sefalosha attempted a 3.

[SRR]

I keep expecting Miami to miss a 3 but it's not happening. Their 3 point shooting this series has been crazy.

The whole series, bro...... it's super-crazy, and frustrating for us OKC fans.
But Westbrook is NOT HUMAN!! He's answering every Miami basket with one of his own. And his drives are out-of-this-world. C'mon Thunder!!!!!!!!!

His athleticism/sheer skill going to the rim today has been nothing short of impetuous. One of the great finals performances imo, given the fact that Durant is supposed to be the main provider. They could honestly punch Durant in the face he wouldn't get a trip to the line.

LOL...... down to the wire! Can't believe Sefalosha attempted a 3.

Desperate times lol. Feel bad for Westbrook, had the game of his life last night and in the end he was responsible for the two TOs that killed the game - pure inexperience/mental fatigue IMO. Miami played well again but OKC will once more have that feeling that the game was their for them to win. Starting to look like Miami's year, I think the lead is too much to overcome now, even if OKC manage to tie it I think the effort will take its toll and they'll eventually be edged out. Hope I'm wrong though!

[TitoFan]

I keep expecting Miami to miss a 3 but it's not happening. Their 3 point shooting this series has been crazy.

The whole series, bro...... it's super-crazy, and frustrating for us OKC fans.
But Westbrook is NOT HUMAN!! He's answering every Miami basket with one of his own. And his drives are out-of-this-world. C'mon Thunder!!!!!!!!!

His athleticism/sheer skill going to the rim today has been nothing short of impetuous. One of the great finals performances imo, given the fact that Durant is supposed to be the main provider. They could honestly punch Durant in the face he wouldn't get a trip to the line.

LOL...... down to the wire! Can't believe Sefalosha attempted a 3.

Desperate times lol. Feel bad for Westbrook, had the game of his life last night and in the end he was responsible for the two TOs that killed the game - pure inexperience/mental fatigue IMO. Miami played well again but OKC will once more have that feeling that the game was their for them to win. Starting to look like Miami's year, I think the lead is too much to overcome now, even if OKC manage to tie it I think the effort will take its toll and they'll eventually be edged out. Hope I'm wrong though!

Yeah..... Westbrook was incredible, but I feel bad for him also. He must be kicking himself for fouling Chalmers with only 5 seconds on the shot clock. Mental fatigue, as you said. I gotta blame the coach. It's his job to call timeout (they certainly have enough of those) and refocus the team on the situation at hand.

And yes, it looks like curtains for OKC. They even mentioned that NO team in the NBA Finals has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit. It might even end in Game 5 in Miami. But oh well..... OKC, if it retains its core of players, should be a force for years to come. Who knows..... we may have repeat performances of Heat vs Thunder in several more Finals.