Dallas Pushes Miami To The Brink
Dirk Nowitzki (photo. Nike Basketball)
Late last Thursday, at around the five-minute mark of Game 2, who would’ve ever believed we’d be coming back to Miami for Game 6 with Dallas just one win away from a championship? This was Miami’s ring. It was right there in front of them. Now, after blowing two games, the Heat are going home with their toes peering out over the edge, down 3-2 after losing Game 5 112-103. The biggest numbers on the night? 13 and 19. Tyson Chandler‘s line? Nah. Number of “OMG, STFU!” Mark Jackson punchlines? Nope. The Mavs shot a stupid, mind-blowing 13-for-19 from beyond the arc, and down the stretch, it was their distance shooting that made the difference. For the second straight game, the JET (21 points) was doing it in the fourth against LeBron, and his crazy three from nearly out of bounds with 33 seconds left iced it, putting Dallas up seven. Before that, Jason Kidd (13 points) hit a three that pushed it to a two-possession game in the final moments. And before that J.J. Barea was bobbing and weaving and Dirk (29 points) was flicking in moonshots from the perimeter (seriously, some of those shots he hit barely even touched his hands before they went up). All together, it added up to a 17-4 Mavs run to end the game … Miami actually opened up a four-point lead before Dallas’ finishing run. Amazingly in the fourth, Miami’s first 17 points came in the paint and off the line. The sequence that got them the lead? ‘Bron finding Haslem and Wade for layups, and then Wade getting Haslem on a screen slip for a dunk. After that, Wade (23 points, eight assists) banged a three for a 9-0 Heat run … Will the real Barea please stand up? After just three points in the first half, Barea mistakingly took Chalmers and Bibby for Fisher and Blake and dropped 14 second-half points. We guarantee someone will overpay him this summer … You wanted a great basketball game, and you got one in the first half. Dallas was shooting above 60% for most of it, and yet still trailed. Then out of nowhere, D-Wade got up and bounced, walking to the Heat locker room with a few Miami trainers. Thank Brian Cardinal. The Custodian blasted Wade on a blocking call, leaving Flash with a hip contusion. Not fun … LeBron didn’t exactly come back with guns blazing, but he was involved more and had a couple of easy second-quarter baskets. To end the quarter, it was Mario Chalmers (again) making another three from halfcourt. This was about a minute after he nearly shot a three over the backboard. Somewhere along the way, he stole LeBron’s Secret Stuff because lately he’s been playing recklessly awesome. That’s a good thing. Honestly, you get 15 outta Mario, you better win … After a very quiet start, Dirk finally turned into Conan the Barbarian (16 in the first half) and conversely Dallas hit the Heat with a 10-2 run to get to the break. The Mavs shot 66% in the first half; That’s the highest percentage for ANY TEAM in ANY HALF this postseason. Even into the fourth quarter, Dallas was still shooting right at 60, and Miami was well above 50% … LeBron still didn’t look like himself, didn’t look confident. Where was the guy who hit four threes in Game 1? At least he finally broke the ice w/ a 4th quarter bucket. Through five games, LeBron has 11 points in the fourth quarter. 11. His triple-double was big (17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists), but with Wade sidelined, Miami needed more. They needed special. When the defenses tightened and pulses starting pounding, the Js he did take weren’t even close … Ian Mahinmi was WAY in over his head. Brendan Haywood may not be a great player, but Mahinmi was getting exposed by Chris Bosh (19 points, 10 rebounds) nearly every possession he saw the court … You wanna know why everyone made such a big fuss over Miami blowing two games in this series? You never know what’s gonna happen. And it might’ve come back to bite them now. Dallas is clicking. Backs against the wall. Wade, who knows what’ll happen with him? It’s about 100 degrees here in NYC. In South Beach these next few days, the heat will be suffocating. Of the previous 26 times the Finals were tied at two, the winner of Game 5 went on to win the series 19 times … We’re out like LeBron in the fourth.
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June 10th, 2011 at 1:45 am
dagwaller says:
Another great game.
The Mavs fan in me wants the series to end at 6, but the side of me that read some bad news about the labor negotiations wants another game in this great series.
Many people say that jump shooting teams can’t win, but here we are. What do you do against great defenses? Dallas hits shots, Miami hasn’t (as often).
Dallas won’t shoot that well again, but neither will Miami. Both defenses are better than this.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:45 am
fallinup says:
Aint no one calling themselves the “Chosen One” correctly when they lose the ball due to pressure from Brian Friggin Cardinal in crunch time… end the madness.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:47 am
Deron says:
Miami has to figure out how to get Lebron more involved, he’s being way too tentative. Deferring to Wade does not mean he has to be tentative. However, with the way the Mavs were shooting, I’m not sure it really mattered. They put on a offensive clinic: great shots and few turnovers.
http://theresastatforthat.blogspot.com/2011/06/dallas-miami-game-5-rare-offensive-show.html
June 10th, 2011 at 1:48 am
fallinup says:
And that RAAAAAAIIIINNNNBOOOOOWWWWWW shot from Dirk… damn… just damn.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:57 am
smoove chips says:
Take it from a laker fan, when the mavs start cooking from deep it comes like an avalanche and then it becomes glaringly obvious that you are fucked because u can’t leave dirk alone.
big balls barea carried the mavs for a hot stretch. a stretch long enough for the rest of the mavs to get their shyt together. Lebron kept his team afloat long enough for dwade to bring the pain. Can’t knock the trip double, but the two jumpers from deep with a two point deficit,with J.kidd guarding u on an iso ? fuckin inexcusable. No way dwade is shooting less he wide open in that same situation.In that weird way they complement each other well.Dallas closes this out in MIA.How poetic..
June 10th, 2011 at 1:58 am
Kevin says:
Wade’s been bricking clutch free throws, turning the ball over and taking dumb shots in crunch time, leaving his man open … but of course nobody is gonna point fingers at him cuz they’re too busy hating on Lebron. Once again, Wade is the teflon don.
June 10th, 2011 at 2:17 am
Sporty-j says:
You guys better not cry that the refs cheated the Mavs as there fans and you cowards are heart broken come Tuesday. Erica Spoelstra needs to make his adjustments and Bench Mike Bibby and give James Jones his minutes. As for Lebron. It all started with him in game 3. The refs dont give him a couple of fpul calls that he felt he got foul on and than he stops attacking the rim because hes scared hes not going to get a whistle. I saw Lebron get fouled at least twice tonight with no whistle blown. But Wade stole the ball twice on Dirk clean. 1 in the 3rd and a huge clean steal by Wade on Dirk in the 4th. Lebron has got to keep his heas in the game even though it seems like the refs have it out for him. It would be nice to if he gets his defensive swag back also. Dallas made some big shots and I cant wait until we can this series back to the M.I.A. so that we can get the type of home cooking Dallas has gotten from the refs…
June 10th, 2011 at 2:20 am
Sporty-j says:
Who did Wade leave open KEVIN???
June 10th, 2011 at 2:28 am
Kevin says:
@Sporty — Wade left somebody open, cuz every perimeter player on the Mavs made at least one open three.
June 10th, 2011 at 2:30 am
Sporty-j says:
Good point Smoove Chips and that was another thing I meant to say. Lebron knows hes been struggling with his j. Kid is sticking him in crunch time and he decides to pull up for a j? I know he could not get a whistle blown to save his life. But in that situation he should have put his head down and took it to the rim no matter what and if a double would have came than kick it out to whoever. But he has no choice in game 6 or else he will be crucied next week. I feel sorry for dude because you can see it in his eyes that hes struggling. But it really is now or never. Like for real, for real…
June 10th, 2011 at 2:39 am
solomon says:
man, the jet can’t wear no undergarment today… coz dem balls just got damn monstrous… fucking clutch j over lebron from near midcourt is the ish…
June 10th, 2011 at 2:42 am
Sporty-j says:
Ok who? Wade locked hia man down. Lebron got crossed up so bad that Mike Miller had to try and run down to help which left Kid open. Terry also drained a lucky 3 in your boy Brons face when he put his hand down. Terry also drain another in the middle. So dont try to make this a why isnt Wade getting blamed but Lebron is. The guy shrunk in the 4th again and that was the weakast triple double I have ever seen. If Lebron would have gave even half the effort he gave tonight. We wouldnt be in the predictament we are in now. But I blame Spoelstra for playing a useless Mike Bibby who has been lala land since the playoffs started. Bibby will be benched from here on out…
June 10th, 2011 at 2:46 am
Sporty-j says:
Oh I almost forgot KEVIN. Its not good to make stuff up bra just to try to bring Wade down because Lebron played poor D once again…
June 10th, 2011 at 2:48 am
supreme says:
Wade was “blasted” when he ran over cardinal? I don’t think so… I’m hoping this goes 7 though. Great series!
June 10th, 2011 at 2:56 am
beiber newz says:
http://dimemag.com/2011/06/mavs-keep-talking-philly-keeps-shopping-iguodala/comment-page-2/#comment-454987:
hahahaha i was right !!!!!!!!!! post # 10 !! wade had an off night. only 6 field goals made. and they lost. bang and bang. holla at me u dime haters !!
June 10th, 2011 at 2:58 am
beiber newz says:
all yall hating on me can suck my long stiff sturdy thick veiny wide pleasurable schlong.
i know the game. and yall just speculate
i take yall to school. i think it’s time to educate.
i’m like kobe but i’m shooting at a better rate.
i’m sleeping with ya girls, she callin me the better mate !!
June 10th, 2011 at 3:04 am
drew says:
ive always thought lebron was a prima donna even before the decision, and has been overrated simply because he’s a stat sheet stuffer. But even i didnt see him struggling this much, and I was comfortable in declaring him the best player in the L during the year. so far in this series, dirk and wade have easily been the best players so far, even the staunchest heat supporters are starting to question lbj now.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:20 am
Blk Caesar says:
Sporty J a triple double of 17, 10 and 10 in the NBA finals is not weak.. You are a little overboard with that one.. But could Lebron have done more.. Yes.. No argument there.. But when you start nitpicking a triple double that’s just ridiculous.. However, I do agree with you that James Jones needs more minutes.. Bibby is a liability.. Chalmers should be starting.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:20 am
the cynic says:
since I’ve been ripping him most of the finals, I have to praise a great game by Terry. The Mavs are going to need another efficient game from him to win the title.
One day the media’s obsession with Lebron James is going to end, I just hope it happens soon
June 10th, 2011 at 3:32 am
Kevin says:
@cynic — Media obsession or fan obsession? After every Finals game, you check the Dime comments and the majority of them are about Lebron. Media’s just giving the public what they want.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:53 am
the cynic says:
@kevin
you’re probably right, but the public is dumb. The media should at least try to educate instead of speculating 24/7. I would like to see more analysis and A LOT less fabricated story lines or narratives. Of course I watch basketball because I love basketball and not the event
June 10th, 2011 at 4:48 am
Vintakular says:
Gotta be real, the reffing overall this series has been pretty solid in spite of the flops. Well minus game 3 when Dallas was gettin alotta calls.
@Sporty-Two missed foul calls really isn’t much considering botch jobs in the past. Besides, if your an all defensive player, refs will often times give defenders the benefit of the doubt more often than your joe shmoe off the bench.
June 10th, 2011 at 5:49 am
da man says:
Miami seems to get a lot more loose ball fouls called on them than Dallas (although Miami does tend to push rather than box out), other than that, can’t say the officiating is bad.
Quietest triple double ever for Lebron. Makes you wonder why every player (Dirk, JET, Barea, Wade, etc…) can drive to the rim regularly, yet he can’t. It’s almost mind-boggling to think that someone with his skills can’t average at least Dirk-like free throw attempts. Whatever was wrong with Pau Gasol, Lebron has it now.
Jason Terry is still a feminine hygiene product, but he deserves to gloat. He was a killer in the fourth.
If the Heat lose game 6 and Lebron pulls another fourth quarter no-show, Skip Bayless might have to change his underwear.
Dallas shoots 13-19 from 3 and wins by 9? Miami shouldn’t feel too bad about that (minus their 3 point defense of course)
June 10th, 2011 at 6:02 am
uqk says:
refs need to step up for heat in game 6
June 10th, 2011 at 6:18 am
common sense says:
Rick Carlisle along with Dirk MVP of finals.. Figured out effective way to stop Bron and Brons lack of post game is glaringly obvious now. He cant even post up a 38 year old J.Kidd.. SMH.. Coach Spo is getting out coached as per usual, crunch time execution is non existent.. give ball to Bron and Wade and hope for miracles.. Bron is taking all the flack but don’t forget Spo..
That being said, im rooting so hard for the Mavs even though im a die hard Wade fan and havnt missed a heat game in like forever..
Kidd, Dirk, Matrix, Terry, Cuban, Chandler.. how can you not root for this team..
June 10th, 2011 at 6:23 am
Mark2307 says:
I really don’t think the HEAT need to panic! If you look at it like effectively both teams just held court were right where we thought we’d be. Dallas have been excellent in their approach and I give them a ton of credit (I’m a HEAT fan, have been before the big three) I think the mavs have to win game 6 if their gonna get the rings but I really don’t see them shooting the ball like they did in game 5 again (although they will still be solid) the HEAT really can’t leave the mavs shooters and need to make adjustments so their not constantly taking shots at the end of the shot clock. I think the HEAT will play great D in game 6 and win the series in 7
June 10th, 2011 at 6:25 am
common sense says:
Oh, and is Doris Burke looking hot or is it just me?
June 10th, 2011 at 6:40 am
w1ndel says:
its just that the refs stopped bailing lebron out around the rim, stopped giving him the king whistles – its not like they didnt blow the whistle when there was a foul. thats what i think. i have to admit in some situations i was surprised about the calls for dallas, but sometimes it is just that they cant get every whistle right, and that happens on both sides.
thanks brian cardinal? ok he leaned a tiny tiny bit into wade, but he had position, and i still think it was an offensive foul.
barea may not shoot the ball like he shot it in these playoffs, ever again.
but i think he learned a lot from kidd, has a ton of self confidence, and even he may be a bit too small to be a real great, he recks up miamis d, which is not the worst d, and kicks it out beautifully, i think he is a very good pg, who deserves mo money than he is gettin right now.
dirks rainbow? WWWWWWWWTTTTTFFFFFFFFFFFF”!!!!
)
June 10th, 2011 at 7:18 am
dcyrilcasa says:
1 step closer to the trophy. GO DALLAS
June 10th, 2011 at 8:04 am
MattO says:
hey Dime, your RSS feed is messed up again…it’s actually been messed up for about a week now. In my iGoogle homepage, it’s showing up as “Adobe Acrobat Student Discount”..
June 10th, 2011 at 8:10 am
TJ 2 says:
This series is over! Miami is horrible, they blew it, after the lockout they need to consider trading lebron for rudy gay and marc gasol! they need a another scorer/defender on the wing, and a big man! lebron can take his talents to tennessee and give them 70 regular season wins and then lose in the playoffs! his people mustve told him, if dwade looks like hes going to get the MVP just completely shut down to show how much they need u! because that guy is getting paid TOO much money to perform like this! forget magic/michael/big O or whoever else u want to compare him to! there is no player in history that good, who disappears like that! shouldve stayed in cleveland!
June 10th, 2011 at 8:17 am
AC816 says:
Maybe Bron is playing bad because Delonte West is in town (:
June 10th, 2011 at 8:33 am
Soopa says:
All you people crowning Dallas you do realize that the Mavs barely won, despite shooting absolutely light put, Wade playing half a game, LeBron struggling and Eddie House playing minuets.
What makes you think that Dallas will win one in Miami if they need all those things to get a home court win?
Not saying it cant happen. But i really cant see how Dallas is making Miami struggle, its the Heat doing it to them selves. Its highly likely that Lebron and Co snaps out of it and burns Dallas the next two.
As a neutral fan this last game or 2 is gonna be amazing. So many great story lines in play. Lebrons fall/rise. Wade’s injury. Dirk Godlikeness. Terry growing elephantitis. Mavs getting revenge. Start of a Heat dynasty or the fall of it already.
LETS GO GAME 6 (and maybe 7)!
June 10th, 2011 at 8:38 am
Follow thru says:
Bron posted up j-kidd but opted to do another fadeaway during the closing minutes. He put up another 3 but was really off. He had the guts to take those shots but he needed a better shot in those times.
Series still goes to 7 games i think.
June 10th, 2011 at 8:39 am
heckler says:
aint nothing surprising happen in this series yet. Dallas went home and won 2 out of 3 like DAMN NEAR EVERY TEAM does in this format. I dunno why the Dime crew/staff is surprised at that. Boston did it last year. LA did it in 2008. Detroit did it in 2005. etc etc etc etc…pay attention you fools.
as for LeBron, the quietest nba finals triple dub ever. 17-10-10 never looked so weak.
June 10th, 2011 at 8:47 am
heckler says:
…and by the by…
shouts out to JUWAN HOWARD for scoring 6pts.
Ive never been a huge fan of his; and Ive never been a huge hater of him either. but dude always seemed to be a good humble man. glad he got some minutes and made it productive.
game 5 was a GREAT game. GREAT. I like defensive series. I never mind seeing an 85-80 game; but to see both teams having a good offensive output at the same time during the same game — REFRESHING. 100+ for both squads in regulation with good shooting (not by piling up foul shots).
I wouldnt mind seeing one more game with another offensive explosion.
June 10th, 2011 at 8:57 am
Sallo says:
I love how no one seems to point out how horrible Dirk’s defense is. The guy was in the middle of every layup Miami got in the 4th quarter. He cant even get off the ground to even breathe on someone.
June 10th, 2011 at 9:04 am
trollne1 says:
True that Dirk’s defense is so horrible that Chris Bosh has been raining buckets on the Mavs this series. Even Joel freaking Anthony has been getting on the scoring act.
But at least he’s there for the rebounds.
When Dwade went to the locker, I thought he was gonna come out in a wheelchair. Maybe if this was a Heat home game it would’ve happened.
June 10th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Luda says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o74t3j-P0QM&feature=player_embedded
check out Lebron and D-wade making fun of Dirk being sick, I wonder who is sick to their stomach now
June 10th, 2011 at 9:18 am
that dude says:
@ Soopa
So what is the excuse for game 2 and 4 Dallas won without all those reasons you said they won game 5.
For the record i’m not a fan of neither team i just watch basketball because i love the game.
June 10th, 2011 at 9:30 am
Kudabeen says:
All I have to say is ABC needs to stop showing LeBron’s lame pregame speeches for the camera. For his sake and for the same of the NBA salvaging in marketability of the moment. Show what Dallas is saying instead, because at least their guys are all fighting and not sulking from not getting calls.
The Heat did get the bad end of the whistle. The Refs are calling Anthony and Haslem for fouls on rebounds, but Chandler is holding and slapping at guys all game with no call. Tyson had a blocking foul (in the fourth I think) on LeBron’s and-one, but LeBron was called for the Offensive. Still that shouldn’t cause you to stop playing which is exactly what he did.
Ya man is hurt and you still don’t flex your muscle to carry the team?
I guess we have to endure the Heat dramatic antics at home. You know the LeBron speeches and tough guy bark while looking to make sure the cameras are on him type stuff.
House should be the back up for Chalmers and I don’t know why Spo has put James Jones on ice when he was producing so well. Mike Miller literally has been hit or miss, but he is a much better rebounder. He has a injured shoulder and still Jones can’t get burn?
I want to see 7 games, but it LeBron doesn’t have a 40 pt type monster game at home with a hurt Wade…and they lose…It will be interesting the way the NBA shift it’s storylines and anoint the next big thing (D Rose, Durant?)
June 10th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Kingboy D says:
Couple thoughts –
Miami was so damned concerned with dribble penetration that Dallas was open so many times from the 3. No wonder they shot such a high percentage – the entire Miami team was in the paint most of those plays. But some of Dallas’ 3s were just pure luck. Such as Terry’s one-handed chuck under pressure. A couple sky-high rainbows. Just insane.
I think that LeBron and the rest of the Heat have been instructed to show no emotion out there. Its crazy – with all the zoom-ins on LeBron, he was never happy or upset. No emotion whatsoever. I suspect that after the media crushed them for showing emotion earlier in the series, they were told to have none. Its impossible to play well without wearing your heart on your sleeve. And your teammates feed off of that. If you are excited, your fellow players will step up. If you are lackadaisical, so will be your team. I really think he needs to reintroduce the powder toss for the next 2 (hopefully) in Miami. Seriously. While that sounds like a silly thing, it is his routine and what gets him pumped for the game. He needs that emotional burst.
Finally, I just have not enjoyed watching these last two games. As much as I love this game, I think this series just draws you in too much and you become so invested in the outcome that you can’t enjoy it. I felt anxious the entire game. No matter who had the lead or by how much, I knew it would come down to the final minutes, and I never felt comfortable in my team’s ability to finish it out. I should be having fun taking it all in, but its just not happening.
June 10th, 2011 at 9:34 am
First & Foremost says:
Dirk’s defense is bad – average at best. Yes he gets little under 10 boards a game but 7 of those are when the other 9 players going the other way. Dude never boxes out which is why Joel “gets into the scoring act” as some would say. Not like Dirk is out jumping people for these rebounds, they just so happen to come to him.
Whenever I watch Dirk, I’ve never seen him take a charge. More times than not, he moves out of the way and makes a swipe at the ball, usually leading to free throws. [Even though he gets all ball half the time]
As of 6/10/11 Dirk is the best PF playing basketball but why does he get a pass on defense? Lebron being a superstar has to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player and if he fails he gets grilled. Kobe takes pride in guarding someone for 4 possessions and “earns” 1st team defense. Bird went toe to toe with Nique yet Dirk guards Haslem-Joel-Howard while Bosh lights up people.
P.S. Before you call me a Hater… Answer the d*** question.
June 10th, 2011 at 9:36 am
dagwaller says:
@ people pointing out that Dirk’s defense is subpar:
Ya’ll know that they’re playing a zone, right? The same zone that Dirk is helping to anchor is the one that’s keeping the 2 best slashers in the League out of the paint for the most part. Chris Bosh’s outside shooting has very little to do with Dirk.
And when Wade DOES get into the paint, are you really trying to suggest that because Dirk doesn’t stop the best or 2nd best 2 guard in the League from finishing? Because that makes a LOT of PFs “weak defenders”.
June 10th, 2011 at 9:58 am
Skeeter McGee says:
You know what makes me think LeBron is a punk bitch? Him and Wade mocking Dirk being sick before Game 4. Wasn’t that the same game LeBron got called out by JET before and the same game “KING” James scored 8 points in? Don’t get me wrong, dude might still go off these last two games (doubtful), but till he does, he is the third best player on the Heat this series…
June 10th, 2011 at 9:59 am
LeRoy Green says:
ONE. MORE. WIN. LETS GO.
#MAVS
June 10th, 2011 at 10:17 am
First & Foremost says:
LOL… Ask yourself why are they in a zone in the first place?
The question was/still is, why does Dirk get a pass for not stepping up and taking the challenge of guarding the other team’s offensive 4. If Lebron doesn’t guard Rudy Gay on the last possession of their game people would hold that against him. However on the final possession Dirk will be matched up with Haslem and no one has a problem.
Just look at Dirk’s rotations. He slides just far enough to not be in the way and then swats at the ball. At least Vince Carter slides in position to take the charge and then ducks out the way. One is half-assing and the other is quarter-assing. [yeah I'm making up words today]
Once again, if Dirk is such a great superstar, why does he get a pass for his defensive assignments? What if Kobe guarded Beno Udrich all game instead of Tyreke Evans.
June 10th, 2011 at 10:31 am
Ian says:
so didnt wade call dirk a choker or some bs like that after the 06 finals?? weird cuz wades team has 3 of the 4 best players in the series , wades team has home court , and wades team is one game away from losing this thing where are the refs when you need em?
so what does dirk have in common with td in 03 and hakeem in 94 (after sunday of course)?? leading their team to a chip without another allstar teammate. (he also shoulda been the first dude since td to win the mvp and finals mvp in the same season dallas was 1-7 without him).
sporty
remember your comment about manu being the only euro (hes latin but i get your point) player to have balls?? care to add dirk to the list
June 10th, 2011 at 10:37 am
Ian says:
first
kobe isnt the one you shoulda used for that example cuz i do remember him guarding guys like bowen and battier while some other dude on the team chased down the best guard on the other team.
btw dirks d isnt subpar its avg ill ask something again that no one here has answer if he sucks so bad on d why dont player like kg (who dirk owns) or aldridge drop 45 on him everytime they meet?? its always dirk dropping 30 on them not the other way around.
June 10th, 2011 at 10:38 am
rell says:
@everyone who keep saying that Dallas will not shot like this again.
The Heat will not shoot like this again also. Everyone on the Heat shot 50% and above from the field except LBJ and House. If you don’t include House and LBJ shots, the rest of the team shot 59% combined so don’t bank on Miami shooting like this again either. Dallas may had some lucky 3′s but so did Miami (Chalmers half-court shot anyone) so that point is mute.
Miami gets all the credit for their defense but what about Dallas. In end of games throughout this series Dallas always go on big run and clamp down on defense. Carlisle knows the right time to switch from man-to-man to the zone. When Wade start burning kid Carlisle makes the calls and switch Marion on him. Carlisle know Lebron really don’t have a J so he switch Kidd on him who don’t let LBJ drive pass him. Miami defense gets all the pub because their defense is built on athleticism while Dallas is built on strategy.
Some may disagree but for 4 straight game Dallas defense have made the 2-times, 2-times(in Booker T. voice) MVP look like a role player. LBJ cost Miami game 2 because his unwillingness to give the ball to a hot Wade in the 4th. LBJ play at the end of game 2 looks just like Westbrook dribbling down the clock and jacking up shots. Wade has been carrying this team for 4 straight and if the Heat lose this series it fall on the “best” player on Miami.
June 10th, 2011 at 10:38 am
Doc says:
I dont believe Bron bitch ass letting Bosh play better than him.Its every year wit this dude.He need to man up or go retire and spend his money because he’s disrespecting the game with this pussy shit.He wanna score 30 all year and then when somebody playing hard D and not backing down he wanna turn into Eric Snow.He aint shit but a bully who get punched in his mouth every season at the end.At least Wade going down pistols blazing.This nut holding the ball until the shotclock down to 2 so he can either throw up that broke ass j or force it to a dude like Chalmers to make him take the shot.Knowing dam well all he gotta do is go to the fucking rack.Only way he not scoring is if they foul him.But since its the clutch and he knows he gettin fouled for sure he aint goin down there.He wants no parts of clutch free throws.And thats his downfall.Wade need to smut his mom.
June 10th, 2011 at 10:43 am
Ian says:
first
why would you want dirk guarding bosh if hes getting his 15-20 anyways?? its always been like these remember those early 00s spurs battles? kobe guarded bowen not manu. shaq and td didnt guard each other except for a possesion here or there/ why risk fouling out your best player when the opponent is getting his points anyways? i know all those i mention are 50 times better than dirk on d but still why risk the only player you have that can put the ball in the basket whenever he wants?
June 10th, 2011 at 10:53 am
trollne1 says:
It’s not Dirk who’s on the All Defensive Team
June 10th, 2011 at 10:54 am
Soopa says:
@ the dude
I mostly see it as Miami beating them selves, not so much Dallas beating them, except for game 5. And thats why i still see the Heat as the favorits to win it all.
And i agree with you that its awesome to be a fan of NBA basketbal right now.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:02 am
karmatic says:
you KNOW if dallas shoots like that again, in game 6 OR game 7, they’ll be the champs, regardless of what miami does. when barea and kidd and jet and dirk are all hitting their 3′s, or passing quickly when they’re covered, and tyson catches even 1/2 of those passes near the rim, dallas will win.
Miami’s defence is good, but it isn’t THAT good, and so the questions start….what does miami need to put them over the top? hilarious. no way the creaky old men of dallas can repeat this trick next year….right?
June 10th, 2011 at 11:03 am
First & Foremost says:
@Ian – When was the last time KG scored 30 on anyone? When was the last time KG asked for help defense? When was the last time KG played in a zone?
The point I’m getting at is that the Superstar status should be reserved for players that are elite on both ends of the floor. Far too often players are labeled superstars because of their offensive output but then have their defense deficiencies covered up by the rest of their team.
Ben Wallace and Motumbo weren’t superstars because they had limited offense but Dirk will join the Greats even though he has limited defense.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:10 am
jiyoon says:
@56
Barkley and Magic are considered all-time greats but they were as good on defense as Dirk.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:14 am
Ian says:
first im talking about kg in his prime in minny vs dallas and dirk wasnt even this good. i do agree with the superstar thing you said.
for example melo isnt a superstar imo but dirk hes offense is unstoppable and unlike melo look were dirks team is hes carried them there. hes the best pf in the league hes a superstar. you think wallace and motumbo impact a game like dirk does?? sorry but no.
dirk is the one exception to the rule hes a superstar the best pf in the league and one of the its best players overall tell me how dallas is one win away from the trophy if hes just a normal star?? superstars carry teams to finals unless u have a balanced squad like the 04 pistons and the mavs dont have that.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:17 am
Ian says:
jiyoon
thanks you
magic the greatest pg ever couldnt guard me.
lets keep going how about the iceman???
russell scored around 14ppg some crap like and barely shot 40percent.
rodman top 50 player how many ppg did he get -3 or something.
rick barry?
June 10th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Sporty-j says:
I will admit Dirk has change some. No matter how much hi team is down they always have came back on teams, kept fighting, and kept therr heads in games. You got to realize that before the playoffs started Dirk was known as the King of choke along with Lebron. Lebron and Dirk both have suprised a lot of people thru the playoffs thus far and have quiet a lot of critics. Dirk has stayed on track thus far while Lebron has now done a 180 for whatever reason while he was doing so good. You got to realize IAN when a person calls out an athelete it is not anything personal and an opinion formed on the past(every was picking Dallas to get eliminated in the 1st) round. Im not going to get all crazy about Dirk and start saying Pippen type of stuff but he has tuffen up since his past choke jobs especially “mentally. Guy has done just enough in the 4th for his team to win. I give credit where credit is due…
June 10th, 2011 at 11:29 am
Sporty-j says:
@F&F Why would Dirk guard Bosh and I just realized this week by a couple of your posts. That you are a huge Lebron fan…
June 10th, 2011 at 11:34 am
First & Foremost says:
@Ian… why do you consider him to be the greatest pg ever?
I’ll conceed a little and say that there is a tradeoff of rings and being well rounded. Just because I guy can score doesn’t make him the best player. It just makes him a good scorer.
Just because a girl can _____ doesn’t make her wifey material. It just means she is really good at _____ing.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Kudabeen says:
Who cares about Dirks defense…He is making winning plays in the end when it counts. He had a gave where he was blocking shots when they needed him to. They need him to do whatever he is doing to facilitate them winning. He isn’t the worst rebounder or the worst defender of guys his size. asking him to rotate at 7ft on potential shooters is not a fair requirement…HE IS 7ft! He is more athletic than people give him credit for, but he at 32/34 (??) doesn’t make stupid fouls.
The poorly coached heat keep making stupud fouls to put them in the penalty. Anthony had a foul showing on a pick and roll with JJ/Dirk that was just DUMB. Haslem then a couple plays later instead of just boxing out Dirk decided to ram him for another foul in the first 2-3 minutes of the fourth…those are losing plays against a team that KILLS it from the line. Dirk isn’t shooting well, but he is damn near perfect on the line, yet the heat aren’t committed to not making the silly fouls. Those fouls hurt a lot.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:37 am
First & Foremost says:
@Sporty-J – Don’t you ever call me a Lebron fan again.
I’m just bored right now so what better to player in the league right now to use to get a discussion started?
June 10th, 2011 at 11:38 am
dagwaller says:
@F&F – love your posts as always, but I think you’re reaching a little here.
We had this debate last series, when everyone was talking about Dirk and KG.
We had no definitive answer. At least, no one really changed my mind in a big way, and I doubt that I really swayed anyone too much.
I feel that my points still stand, though. Dirk is an all-time great (not top 10 or anything crazy) despite his so-so defense because of just how great he is offensively.
Ben Wallace was an all-time great defender, but he was also an all-time awful offensive player. That’s why he wasn’t a superstar.
Dikembe WAS a superstar, at least in my mind.
And for this series in particular, if Dirk guarded Bosh, shouldn’t Bosh have to guard Dirk? If they were guarding each other, the exact same thing that’s happening now would continue. Dirk would drop 30 and Bosh would get 20. That would be bad coaching, though, because Tyson Chandler is a GREAT defender, and Udonis Haslem/Joel Anthony are mediocre on the offensive end.
They’re in a zone not because of Dirk – honestly, who was really afraid that Chris Bosh was going to take over this series? They’re in the zone because they need to keep the all-NBA players – LeBron and D Wade – out of the paint. How does Dirk relate in the least to keeping the opposing SF and SG out of the lane?
June 10th, 2011 at 11:45 am
Big Island says:
F&F – There was a huge argument like 2 weeks ago about Dirk’s D, and nobody, including myself who is the BIGGEST Dirk dick rider ever, said he was great defensively. He’s serviceable. It was during the OKC series and he had like 4 blocks or something. Why would you put one of your worst defenders on one of the 3 guys who can score? Throw Dirk on a guy who can’t score so you don’t have to worry much and let Marion, Kidd, and Chandler guard Wade, Lebron and Bosh.
I really want Dallas to win, but Miami can easily hold home court and be the champs. This sucks.
Doesn’t suck as bad as being at a damn softball game, and losing, while checking your phone to see what the score is. You want a shitty night? Go play softball at a crappy park, get spanked, and miss the damn game because of it. I need new friends. Ones with no athletic ambitions whatsoever. – “You still play sports, football, right?” “No, I’m in a softball league.” “Softball?! Are you guys good?” “No, we suck. I used to play alot of basketball, before I blew out my knees.” “Oh, well you’re old.” – Try having that conversation a few times with friends of your girlfriend and see how long you can go before hitting the bottle while watching the highlights on ESPN. Then wake up to your fucking 70lb pitbull jumping off of your face at 3 in the morning to go chase a skunk out of your yard, throw him in the shower because he caught the damn thing. Throw the dead skunk in your neighbors trashcan, go back to bed smelling like balls even though you took a 30 minute shower like Meryl Streep in that nuclear plant movie, only to wake up at 6, drink coffee, and go fix the motor on the pool cover that you paid 8 grand for. Fuck. My. Life.
It’s probably not as bad as Sporty-J’s morning though. Probably.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:45 am
Atom says:
I was talking some shit about Terry’s clutchness when it really matters but dude was on fire (at least on offense) and was making shit happen all over the place last night. That three from two feet behind the line was ridiculous though, and if it didnt go in would have been a real bad shot. Shit, it went in and still seems like a bad shot but I guess when you got it going take it.
One win away from Dirk finally hoisting that trophy. I dont know why Lebron is playing such passive offense, but dude should be driving to the hole and forcing the issue or Miami is going to go home empty handed and he is going to be the media and fan whipping boy until they finally win a chip.
Make fun of Dirk being sick all you want Miami players, but dont act do shocked that a good percentage of fans so enthusiastically root against you. Lets try to keep it classy San Diego.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:46 am
jdizzle says:
@F&F Kobe usually asks Phil if he can guard the other teams best perimeter player at times. How do we know that Dirk didn’t ask Ace Ventura if he could guard Bosh, and he simply shot the idea down?
June 10th, 2011 at 11:49 am
LakeShow84 says:
Before i say anything
SNICKER SNICKER
June 10th, 2011 at 11:50 am
Kudabeen says:
Also regarding Dirks Defense…He is a scrapper…this guy takes bows and all types of punishment. He IS their only closer in the since that he is the only guy on all his teams that require a double and can draw fouls at a winning rate. He shouldn’t be putting himself in situations to get silly fouls or injured if they want to win. Every great player doesn’t have to be known as two way players, who made that rule up? And do they apply that to Bird and Magic? Dirk is on par with your average Superstar defensively…The guy that was being touted as THE best defender in all the league isn’t producing against a smaller guy. Terry and Marion are trash talking LeBron and he waiting for Wade to fight back for him??
June 10th, 2011 at 11:51 am
Jear18 says:
I agree with soopa .. The mavs shot lights out and game was pretty close .. The mavs did what they suppose to do win at home .. Now its miami turn .. Game 6 is gon be crazy!!
June 10th, 2011 at 11:52 am
First & Foremost says:
@Dagwaller – fair enough. Their zone is used for strategic purposes more so than Dirk’s inability to guard Haslem/Joel. [I kid I kid]
Often times, you hear player so & so needs to step up and take the challenge of guarding player X of the other team. Yet Dirk is NEVER in that discussion. Even TD has guarded his fair share of scrubs when an opposing Allstar is on the floor but when it matters you’ll find him in so & so’s face.
June 10th, 2011 at 11:54 am
Sallo says:
My reference to Dirk defense is not a knock on him as how great he is. My opinion is that you should be able to make at least some attempt to play defense. Dirk is horrible on rotations and when he simply has to move his feet or jump to block a shot. You need to realize that we are talking about the NBA, scoring fills the seats and win games(depending on your coach and supporting cast). Few Players are great two way players. Its the NBA finals dude. @ IAN Carmelo does what they pay him to do. Thats win games and get buckets. He’s a superstar. Watch the draft, top 5 picks are never draft for defense unles your a center who can change the game. Your great when you do something or many things great. MJ is the best bc he did everything great!
June 10th, 2011 at 11:58 am
Ricky says:
I think the reason lebron is not getting fouls on his favor is because the refs are making an example out of him for making the refs look bad. Remember how many times lebron acted and got the call? Refs are tired of it.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Sooooooooooooooooo
here it is a nutshell people..
Lebron James is a top 50 TALENT.. will he ever crack the top 5????? top 10??????
NO HE SHOULDNT.. This game is BUILT on POINTS.. how does the game end???? Whoever scores the MOST POINTS wins the game.. and in the 4th quarter you need a SCORER to put points on the board..
Terry is a scorer and he knows it.. thats why he got the confidence to say “he cant do it all series.. this is what I DO” going against, a supposed, ELITE DEFENDER..
Thats why Dirk at this moment is being considered top-50 for STRICTLY offense and IMO i dont think he is..
Lebron can go out and grab boards, run offenses, make the extra pass and do a bunch of other things, GREAT THINGS
BUT
he cant put points on the board at the most critical of junctures.. he wilts.. he always has and people who dont like him have seen this.. ive said it before..
Lebron James doesnt have “IT”..
And he wont.. Shit Wade outscored him injured and missed 2 quarters.. Lebron gave a worthy effort with the triple double.. but did his team need a triple double or a 30-40 point explosion??? box score says they needed points..
When Kobe or MJ get mad did they go out there and try to drop triple doubles??? or did they go offensively ballistic and drop 50 on your dome??? Oh and also throw in some lockdown INTENSE defense???? Put Kobe or MJ in a “NOW OR NEVER” game and $50 says Jet dont do shit in the 4th..
Just sayin.. And the 3???? in the grill???
I mean.. DAMN LEBRON HELP ME HELP YOU lmao
June 10th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Why are we arguing Dirk defense?????
AVERAGE defender.. but for a 7fter average is SLIGHTLY above AVG because ur a big MOFO..
June 10th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Sporty-j says:
It makes you look like a Lebron fan thats trying to change the subject when you say: why isnt Dirk defense getting talked about, when Lebron has to guard the other teams best perimeter player. I agree on if superstars should be considered the guys that can drop buckets just as goo as any 1 and go into beast mode defensively. Thats why I have Wade and Lebron at the top of the pyramid as Kobe is starting to fall out as a top 3 player and Howard might join Wade and Bron at the top of that pyramid if he has another good offensive series. I have Dirk as just a star along with guys like Melo and Durant. But Dirk might be a Superstar over the rest because you are not going to find 7 foot guy to shut him down. So the playing field for Dirk is limited compared to Melo and where you can find a perimeter guy to at least disrupt Melo. I think we have done a good job on Dirk. Its the other guys like Terry and j.j. that you cant let get going also. J.j was due for a big game and its time for Spoelstra to take the useless Bibby out and show some type of adjustment like Dallas haa done…
June 10th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
CLAW says:
F*ING BEAUTIFUL! Dirk dropping rain drops, the Jet hitting shots in Bron’s mug, and JJ still missing layups but at least not 3s!
F LeDouche and Wade for making fun of Dirk, looks whose laughing now gayboys (guys gotta catch Hangover 2)
That 4th after the Heat run when they had a layup line going I think coach let Chandler know he had only 2 PFs and to challenge some flipping shots and then the JJ 3, Kidd 3, Terry’s ninja 3 and it was a wrap.
LeDouche 1 for 4, with the 1 being a gimme as they were protecting the 3 pt line, weak ass triple double and STILL didn’t show in the 4th. The 2 BEST closers can’t CLOSE!
You still never know but right now the Mavs have all the confidence and these games have all been close but the Mavs are just killing the Heat in the 4th. Need to close it out in 6!
June 10th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Vintakular says:
is anyone else annoyed by ABC when they zoom out and show a camera on the coach interview right when the quarter begins? This time it was Wade just walking to and from the court to the locker room while the real action was goin on.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
dagwaller says:
@ Sallo – good points.
@ F/F – You’re right about how most of the “best players on the team” strap up and guard the “best players on the other team”, and Dirk isn’t asked to do that very often, if ever.
Part of the problem is that this League is a scorer’s League, and more specifically, a perimeter scorer’s League. Dirk is great partially because he has a perimeter scorer’s mentality.
Because of that League-wide identity, the overwhelming majority of other teams’ best players are their 1, 2 or 3. The era of the PF has passed. There are a few here or there, but on most nights, the “other team’s best player” is their PG, SG, or SF. Name 3 Power Forwards who can guard a Shooting Guard. Name 10 that can guard a Small Forward.
So Dirk’s not in that top 10. Ok. He can’t stop Dwyane Wade or LeBron. He’s with 20 other guys that play his position. Actually, he’s with 99.9 percent of the League. I don’t remember Elton Brand, Iguodala, Paul Pierce, KG, or Carlos Boozer having much luck, either.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Dayinho says:
Dirk isn’t guarding Bosh because Chandler can do it better. That’s all. And Bosh isn’t guarding Dirk for the same reason.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
CLAW says:
Hey Pippen, Scottie wearing your kango, still want Lebron over MJ? Still want to lose so you have 2 shrinking violets on a team? MJ reached into your chest and took your heart! Lebron would put on a laser show (with fork lift) talk about how he’s a killer but actions dictate him being a little pussy!
June 10th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
CLAW says:
@Vintakular – AND they don’t show replays of close calls and put in advertising DURING the game. What is this the WNBA finals?
June 10th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Chicagorilla says:
@jiyon,
Dont believe the hype about Barkley being so bad on defense. In todays game he’d be a 1st or 2nd team defender.
and Magic was not great, but he wasnt a weak link.
Dirk is a weak Link on D. The Mavs play zone defense just to cover up Dirks bad defense.
Calling Dirks defense average or above average is just flat out ridiculous!
@Ian
You say Shaq, duncan and those guys didnt guard eachother, but thats just a product of Pop and Phil as coaches. Pop wouldnt even let Duncan guard Zach Randolph! So it’s just his coaching style.
When Shaq played Yao, he guarded Yao.
When Kobe faced AI in the 2000 finals, he guarded AI.
When Jordan faced Clyde Drexler in 92, he guarded Clyde str8 up.
DWade guarded Rose for 90% of the ECFs.
Rose also guarded Wade for a large majority of the game when Korver was in.
Rondo guards Rose and vice versa.
And at the very least, Kobe, Duncan, Shaq, Manu all had the balls and ABILITY to guard eachother come the 4th quarter.
So dont try and make it seem like the stars never guard eachother. Dirk CAN’T GUARD any of the stars because he lacks the ability.
Dirk has been pretty good (not nearly as great or god-like as some of you claim) these playoffs and has stepped up to be a true team leader….on offense.
Im actually impressed that Dirk has shown the IQ and guts to take over down the stretch. But i won’t ignore his terrible terrible defense.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Sporty-j says:
lmaol @Big Island. Yeah the Heat lost again so minds was worst. Your morning is much better even though you smell like a skunk…lol
I feel like the skunk so can you plz say an R.I.P. prayer for me in the Skunk…
June 10th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Sporty-J
Quit bashing Lebron hes on your team.. u HAVE TO accept him HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHA
Im sure a Cleveland fan would tell you.. HES YOUR HEADACHE NOW lol
Lebron James is an orgasm that makes it all the way to top of your dick and stops right before exploding.. imagine the let down lmao
June 10th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
CLAW says:
@Chica – I’ll ignore it all day long! I see that rainbow jumper with that high release and arc that is just a beautiful thing to behold. F Defense, good Offense beats good Defense, doesn’t mean you can be the Suns from back in the day but have guys defend like Chandler AND THE CUSTODIAN! (I know GTFOH) to mask the shortcomings. That is why the Mavs are a team and Miami is the big 3!
Bird is my man but wasn’t a great defender, he just wasn’t athletic enough. Was a great help defender and because he could see things before they happened was great at getting steals. It is what it is, focus on strengths and have the ability to have others on the team focus on the areas that they are weak at.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ ChiTown
You have to admit.. Dirk aint playing back to basket (even tho he got one last night! ONE better than none lol) but he is playing TOUGH on the offensive end..
He had the shot going tonight but dude is STILL going to the rack strong.. That aint that soft lol
June 10th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Ricky says:
Why would dirk want to guard the other team’s best big man when you Chandler on the team? Do you see people asking if shaq/td is a superstar, why aren’t they the ones shooting technical free throws? Or why don’t they get the ball when the other team is trying to catch up and are intentionally fouling? When jordan’s bulls need a 3 they dont always look for jordan to take the 3. If someone on your team is better at a particular part of the game than you, you have to let them do those stuff.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
LakeShow84 says:
shit especially considering Haslem is down there WRESTLING for his life to deny Dirk lmao
Dirk wasting all that energy just to get open and still going strong to the rack????? Aint nothin soft about that..
June 10th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Ian says:
Sporty
I know its not personal btw I have never considered dirk or bron chokers they just never had a team to win it all.
First
So the rings come into play for magic?? Comon mann he played with worthy and kareem, played for riley and the best team around him during the 80s. He’s the best pg ever and he couldn’t play d rings don’t change that.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Ricky
Its an idiotic discussion isnt it lmao
“DAMN DIRK IS BEASTING IN THE 4th ON SOME HISTORICAL SHIT!! but damn hes 30+ something.. i mean he SHOULD be guarding the other teams best player right??”
So because Dirk is about to cop a Finals MVP (MAYBE) he all of a sudden has to turn into a defensive stopper?? i mean dont mind the omnipotent fucking offense lol
Thanks for the discussion F&F LMAO
June 10th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Sporty-j says:
Im not bashing Lebron. But if he keeps on doinf his disaapearing act offensively and defensively in the 4th. We are in for a world of hurt. I wont even be able to go outside for Month because I will have Knick friends, Chicago friends, and etc stalking my bushes like some GUNNS… We will win it in 7 though. I just hope Wade can save the day like 1 of his Jordan commerials while Lebron is in this 4th qrt funk. He at least has to get his defensive swag back…
June 10th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
s.bucketz says:
lets give it up 1 time for my man buttahfingahz bosh!!!seriously..this guy is playin like a freshman in his first varsity game droppin every pass and missin free throws and back-rimming every open J…
say what u want about JeBron Lames, but its by design..the mavs are takin the ball out of his hands early and makin him trust his teammates and they aint doin shit
June 10th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Vintakular says:
Anyone catch the comment on that youtube video Luda posted?
“I saw Lebron before the game and asked him to break a dollar. He only gave me $.75 in return. I asked him for the rest and he said,” I don’t have a fourth quarter”
haha classic
June 10th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
b$ says:
damn this is a long thread.
dirk is a position defender, adequate but not turrible. it is what he has always been, and apparently doesn’t have to be better. their TEAM d gets it done.
lost in this is the all world defense marion, chandler, and kidd are playing. these guys are the defensive glue allowing dirk and JET to stay on the floor and go ape sh!t on offense. kidd has lacked the foot speed he had in the past for years now, but still knows how to get in position and use his body the create problems for the opponent. his game is exemplary for perimeter defenders.
miami still just needs a wake up from lebron to take over and close out the series. though he has obviously been out of it, and he’s clearly an introspective head case, he still has all the talent needed to bust out and be the difference. not saying that will happen, but i wouldn’t fall out of my chair if i did.
the only other finals i can remember having this much fun watching was 1985.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
CLAW says:
LMFAO!!! Vintakular bring the noise!
Here is what I don’t get, I hate LeDouche but with the Cavs he would kill in the playoffs (minus Cs game 5)and take over in the 4th. Has he lost confidence, is it because he is with Wade, is he thinking too much (which I can’t see him ever doing). Don’t like him but this is not Lebron, this is a guy that has lost some confidence and nutting in the 4th. Dirk went through this in 2006 but Lebron is a 2x MVP and is shrinking in the spotlight.
Yogi Berra said 90% of the game is mental and the other half is physical.
What does coming straight from HS play into it, look at Kobe , he never did well when the first got into the playoffs.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Ian says:
sallo
what games does carmelo win???? one time outta the first round??? no melo doesnt do what hes supposed to be doing the fucking knicks were a -1 team with him on the floor. if hes a superstar then the word doesnt mean shit. shaq kobe td those are superstars of this generation not a jacker like melo.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Aye someone, ANYONE give Marion props for running the gauntlet..
Round 1: Wallace, Roy
Round 2: Kobe F’in Bryant
Round 3: Durant, Westbrook
Finals: Lebron, Wade
Rough assignments peoples.. REAL ROUGH lol
June 10th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Ian says:
lakeshow
ehh no one woulda done anything against that 3 did u see where he launched from?
now i love this part
AVERAGE defender.. but for a 7fter average is SLIGHTLY above AVG because ur a big MOFO..
nice
dirk is easily top 50 imo
when dudes like ewing , walton , nique and reggie miller are the ones in that 40-50 range why wouldnt dirk be? hes in my top 30 btw
June 10th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Ian
i thought Kobe was a jacker too tho lol
June 10th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Sporty-j says:
Lebron is clearly thinking to much out there and just needs to let the game come to him. He can also use some homecooking from his moms and the refs. He was performing so well like Dirk and quieting his critics. I just dont get it but he better find his groove come sunday or else I will burn my new Lebron jersey. The choice is his…
June 10th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Ian
Nope no excuses lol
Hand down man down lol
June 10th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Ian says:
chicago
i think i even said that part about them having the balls to guard each other. you said it was pops and phils game to do that then why isnt it ricks way to use dirk? and no charles wouldnt be an all nba defender he was 6´4 imagine him trying to guard td or dirk. im not sayin dirk is good on d hell no but hes avg. also you did mention some oldschool games i talked about the nba today. i do kinda agree with you but not to that extreme of dirk sucking that bad.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
LakeShow84 says:
I feel for Lebron honestly..
If he was smart he wouldve went into Dan Gilberts office last summer.. sat down and said
“listen im not who everyone thinks i am around here.. its not that i cant get it done I just need someone who can take over for me down the stretch.. its not in me.. i dont want that pressure”
And everything wouldve been alright..
Be real people THIS IS WHY he went to Mia.. Wade can get take over in the 4th while Lebron goes off quarters 1-3..
He just never admitted it.. and probably never will..
June 10th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Ian says:
ricky
perfect post
June 10th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Ian says:
lakeshow
a jacker that plays d and has actually won something that makes him a superstar even if i dont like him gotta give him his props.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Hell of a series. But shit sure feels like we’ve seen this movie before – like a rehash of last year’s blockbuster. LOL.
7 games is too damn obvious, too inevitable, too much money. ending can still be different but game 7 is as sure as Tuesday evening…
June 10th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
K Dizzle says:
Just gonna repost cuz I’m lazy:
94.June 8th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
K Dizzle says:
@ cynic – Jason Terry took over Lebron and that’s all that matters, son. He came out and said Lebron wasn’t gonna hold him all series, he got laughed at, then he came out and stepped up huge in the 4th quarter of a must-win game, makin big shots, nailin clutch freethrows to seal it. Since when is hittin tough shots in a finals game in the 4th quarter a “BIG WHOOP”? Weak reply. You rippin Jet for takin and makin the shots Lebron didn’t even try with 38 yr old JKidd on him???? See how foolish you lookin right now? Your hate fails today, try again thursday.
Why am I readin about Dirk’s defense like anybody should give a phuck? The reason Kobe, Mike, Tim and Shaq are top 10 All-time is because they could put big numbers on you AND prevent you from gettin yours. Dirk plays adequate d, got caught a few times by some slick DWade n Lebron passes, but he ain’t on the squad to get stops. He gets paid to do ALL his work on the other end. Why do y’all think AI was surrounded by George Lynch, Eric Snow and Mutumbo?
Anybody else notice the wierd coincidence of back-to-back years of Lebron having a really bad game in a loss, then following it up with a triple-double that seemed empty?
17-10-10 is nice. It ain’t nice when DWade is out and buckets are needed. Somebody needs to get to dude n let him know that DWade is hurt and Bosh ain’t goin off in the 4th quarter if Chandler ain’t in foul trouble.
Look at the parallels: JKidd on Wade in the post: back down, spin, dunk. Back down, baby hook. Back down. Buckets. D-Wade is 220. LBJ is 260. Even with ZERO post game, you can back down a smaller man and get yours.
Lebron playin good, and Miami needs him playin great.
17-10-10 is real nice. Miami needed 27-7-7. If he don’t snap outta this bullshit facilitator mode, Miami is done…..and I’m ok wit that lol
June 10th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Bet game 6 will be the series’ only blowout.
And the next old rehashed line will be:
Q: How many Miami Heat players does it take to change a tire?
A: One, unless it’s a blowout, in which case they all show up.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
QQ says:
Cosign at Lakeshow about Shawn Marion.
Haven’t seen a defender with such tough assignments since Austin Burton after a particular Lebron douchebag move.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Oh and comparing Magic to Lebron????
Magic played CENTER in place of Kareem and put up FORTY POINTS in the Finals.. coudlve just played CENTER and gobbled up boards and went for a triple double..
But he DROPPED BUCKETS TOO.. Why???
cuz his team needed it..
June 10th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
LakeShow84 says:
I dont know if MIA gonna get it done honestly.. i wont believe it until i see it..
BUT
Jason Terry and JJ got they confidence back.. and that could spell DOOM for MIA.. DAL looks like they got all their firepower back.. some of those shots were lucky..
But still u need the CONFIDENCE to WILL a lucky shot in..
As Lebron could surely tell you lmao ok last shot
June 10th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
dagwaller says:
Lol@ Chicagorilla. He’s the control of Dirk Nowitzki.
We put up a bunch of points saying why Dirk’s ok, and he comes back with “Dirk bad!”
June 10th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
QQ says:
That comment on the Wade and Bron vid bout the fourth quarter was great.
But IMO, this takes the cake:
*vid shows Wade and Bron coughing*
‘Wade was mocking Dirk. Lebron was just choking again’.
HAHAHAHAHAHA.
June 10th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Dag
You’d swear Dirk was the one who eliminated Chiago lol
ChiTown just old school.. he dont like the kind of player Dirk is lol
June 10th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Dan Tanner says:
Big Island, why dont you take me and sail away, sail, sail, away with me! I want you as a man to man.
June 10th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
LakeShow84 says:
^^^^^ ??? ^^^^^^
Thats a first lmao
June 10th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
CLAW says:
What the hell just happened?? Damn it Big Island and your Dirk man crush!
Game 6 Sunday – I’m psyched already, been a great series and having LeDouche mentally challenged has been the icing on the cake.
I just hope he doesn’t come out of his funk and go all Cavs Lebron and put up big numbers and they win, then all we will hear is about how he overcame adversity to WILL his team to a championship!
Wade’s hip has got to be hurting today!
June 10th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Mt. Pleasant says:
@ F&F – Why would you put your best offensive (by a mile) player who is sick on the other team’s only decent big (bosh)when you could just put Chandler on him and let Dirk save his energy for offence?
June 10th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Austin Burton says:
I know it’s the Finals and everybody is prone to overreact to everything, but seriously … settle the f*** down.
Did LeBron play a great game last night? No. He could have been better. He should have gone to the post more often and not settled for J’s when he could have attacked the rim. But he was still very good. I didn’t see anybody else out there getting a triple double. And LBJ did have 4 assists in the fourth quarter — not to mention the passes he made that led to Miami free throws — so in total he generated at least 10 points in the fourth. When Dirk scores 10 in the fourth with zero assists, everybody wants to ride him bareback, but LBJ is labeled a choker because he didn’t put the ball in the basket himself for the points he generated. But I understand that people put too much focus on scoring, so that’s no surprise.
My problem is with the sweeping generalizations. LeBron has two subpar games, and now he’s being labeled a full-time choker who NEVER comes through in the clutch. Really? This is the same guy who’s been among the NBA’s leaders in fourth-quarter scoring basically his whole career. (Along with being among the League leaders in fourth-quarter assists.) Same guy who ran off like 25 straight points in the 4th quarter against one of the NBA’s most heralded defenses in Detroit. Same guy who took over playoff games against Orlando, Boston, Washington, Atlanta, and every other team put in front of him. Same guy who knocked off Boston and Chicago this year with big 4th-quarter performances. Same guy who has game-winners, clutch free throws and 4th-quarter scoring explosions all over his resume. LeBron is picking the absolute worst time to play below his abilities, and I’m sure he feels worse about his play than anything we say can make him feel, but don’t act like the guy isn’t a clutch player.
Short memories are good for NFL cornerbacks, but not for people trying to write and argue intelligently.
June 10th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
First & Foremost says:
Mt. Pleasant – Dirk hasn’t been sick every game.
To answer your question, I would put Dirk on Bosh which would then allow Chandler to be the help defender. Not like Bosh is getting the ball every time down anyway or at any point this season. Just like at the end of Game 4, Dirk was out there to stretch the floor, while Terry/Chandler ran the pick n roll.
Like others have said, nothing changes if Bosh and Dirk guard each other so why have your best interior defender not in the paint?
June 10th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Sporty-j says:
Big Island it looks like you have a fan on post 117 lol. I am going t leave you 1 love birds to handle your bussiness homie. So sail away lol. AAA will be rocking come sunday and we have come to far to let you cowards have the laugh. Get your popcorn ready because its going to be a fun ride(and no im not talking about post 117 and Big Island riding each other or Big Island dog riding that Skunk). Im talking about Americas fav team. The Miami Heat! M.I.A. till I die, TREE 0 5 represent, holla at you fags later…
June 10th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ AB
And all that has led to NOTHING.. he better get it done because a lifetime of memories dont mean shit without reward..
Hes a choker who doesnt deliver on the biggest of stages in the simple sense of DO WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN THE GAME/IT ALL..
INTANGIBLES bruh.. Fuck a triple double..
1-4 on FG’s??????? GTFFOOOOHHHHHHHH
June 10th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ F&F
Thats why your not an NBA coach lol
Dirk on Bosh??? then they start force feeding Bosh who is quicker than Dirk and can get him in foul trouble..
And Bosh gets to the line when mismatched..
June 10th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Big Island says:
Dan Tanner – Fuck it, beggars can’t be choosers. You supply the beer and I’ll give you a courtesy reach around.
And yeah, I really love Dirk.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
First & Foremost says:
My point is Dirk sucks at rotating over to help. Regardless of who is coming down the lane Dirk gets in position to take the charge, steps to the side, and swipes at the ball, drawing a foul on himself more times than not. Only because Boozer called Bosh out did the Heat make him a focal point. Any of the other 90+ games they played Bosh was an afterthought.
It may just be me but I hve a hard time calling a player a superstar if he can’t accept a defensive challenge. “Well he is doing other winning things…” So is Corey Brewer by not being in the game.
If you have to face a shot blocking Center, the first thing you do draw him out of the lane. Tyson on Bosh does that very thing. Which leaves your weakest rotational defender trying to rotate. Dallas has been LUCKY that the Heat have settled for jumpshots.
When Wade attacks the basket, Chandler isn’t meeting him at the rim. It is Dirk glued to the ground.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Mt. Pleasant says:
@ F&F – That’s a different argument. You may be right it would be better to have Marion in the paint but Carlisle has them within one game of the title so I’ll just assume he knows what he’s doing.
Just saying, there are other reasons for Dirk not to guard Bosh other than he’s not a real superstar and a pussy. They have a defensive specialist to guard him and they need him to carry the offense. Without Dirk on offense they are in trouble.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
QQ says:
Well, as I posted in the Lebron article, you Lebron fans CANNOT ever say that Lebron is being judged unfairly.
OF COURSE, he is being judged unfairly. That comes with being the biggest thing basketball since Michael Jordan.
The moment you settle on comparing stats, YOU ARE SELLING LEBRON RIDICULOUSLY SHORT.
AB, you’re alright with with just that memory of all what Lebron did in the past? That’s what youll bring up when asked about what’s happening NOW?
People won’t EVER go easy on players of Lebron’s caliber.
When cats ask ‘why isn’t he performing NOW, in the Finals where he can finally win a ring’, you can’t say ‘STATS, TRIPLE DOUBLES, 2007 PLAYOFFS, ETC.’.
That’s fucking selling Lebron short.
People want excellence from Lebron. That’s just the way it is. It will ALWAYS be like that. There’s no middle ground.
If you can’t handle that as a fan, then stop repping him.
PS: I’ve given props to Bron before the Finals, because he was an absolute beast. Now, I’m not calling him as someone that never has a clutch moment. I’m just seeing it the way it is: he’s not performing as well as he could.
Does that make me a bandwagon jumper?
Fuck that shit.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Austin Burton says:
@LakeShow84 — “And all that has led to NOTHING. he better get it done because a lifetime of memories dont mean shit without reward.”
So you would go up to Elgin Baylor and tell him his career amounted to nothing? You would tell Charles Barkley his career didn’t mean sh*t? Karl Malone? John Stockton? George Gervin? By your logic, Oscar Robertson only became “something” in 1970 when he won his only chip. Or Julius Erving’s career didn’t mean sh*t until ’83 when he got his only ring. Jerry West only became something in 1971 when he got his lone ring.
Or forget that, if Miami wins two in a row over the next week, will Dirk and J-Kidd magically transform from clutch monsters on Thursday to lifetime chokers on Tuesday?
Like I said, short memories. EVERY superstar player has had his successes and failures on the big stage. With LeBron, he still hasn’t had that success at the right time to lead to a championship, but it’s not like he ALWAYS fails in crunch time and has zero big moments in his playoff career. It took Jordan, West, Dr. J, Oscar, all of those guys several years to find the right formula, which you can’t forget, took a lot of trial-and-error, try-and-fail. LeBron is like 26 years old and in his 8th pro season. How many rings did Mike have at 26? How many rings did Jerry West — nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” — have by his 8th season? Give LBJ time and, again, settle down.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Kudabeen says:
@Austin
It isn’t about two bad games and it isn’t about him being called a all out choke artist. It is about a guy we all “Witness” dominate better teams with better defensive schemes when he had lesser talent around him, so don’t let him off the hook for not laying it all out their…
Cool he had 4 assist and all that, but they didn’t need him to pass it off they needed him to be the mismatch threat we all know he is…
Also Dirk is getting his due, because he is making winning plays for his team…He is shooting horribly (for him), but he gets himself to the line no matter what. He did grow into a more aggressive player and maybe LeBron will to, but He has far less bravado and self promotion. Dirk was a guy that went through what LeBron is going through now on a much larger scale and he is back.
LeBron has an opportunity to change his fate. Don’t let him off easy as much other stars got killed for their short comings…Many go through it. It is what make you better. Become it or live with it.
Jordan – Flash no Substance…overcame it
Kobe – selfish, arrogant, uncoachable….overcame it
Magic/Bird had their own personal fires that ignitied their legacies…Kareem went through ups and downs. Jerry West and Elgin was critized…on and on…
Don’t shield him from deserved criticism
June 10th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
That's What's Up says:
once again DOC comes through. I stopped reading after post #51, doc said it all
June 10th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
dagwaller says:
@ F/F – if your criteria for a superstar is “Must be a beast offensively and defensively” then Dirk falls short. He’s passable on D, but not a beast. I think we can all agree to that much at least.
I still say that his beastly offense and the way he affects the game on that end makes him one, though.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
bookkwormmaster says:
I love the homie Dirk but goshdamn his defense is terrible! That one sequence where he and J-Kidd were back on defense against Wade in the fast break pretty much summed u. Wade got past Kidd but Dirk was right there and could have AT LEAST attempted to challenge the shot but instead slid out the way and ushered Wade 2 easy points! But hey he gets BUCKETS for days though lol!
June 10th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
jdizzle says:
@ da man #23 you may be on to something:
orlandosentinel.com/sports/fl-lebron-james-girlfriend-rashard-lewis,0,5994199.story
June 10th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ AB
Those players werent shoved down our throats..
Thos players didnt (i think lol) make such BOASTS..
Lebron is who he is and the criticism he gets (taking his talent to South Beach, Fuck you Cleveland??) hes EARNED..
And Lebron still got time..
But like DOC said,
Year in Year Out its the same ol shit.. when are YOU going to get tired of it..
I gave red carpet into my respect yesterday and ONCE AGAIN i walked away chuckling..
get a fuckin clue bruh lol
If Miami pulls the next 2 games out and its behind Lebron being transcendent and being MJ’ish and actually LIVING UP TO ALL THE HYPE ill change my mind..
Until then????
If it looks like duck and smells like duck..
Its duck bruh
KUDABEEN made another GREAT POINT.. EVERYONE has gotten the same criticism.. you dont think Laker fans heard it in 06 when we lost that 3-1 lead??? Kobe got skewered.. BY EVERYONEEEEEEE.. how about 08 losing to Boston??
Shaq makin a rap song sound familiar??
June 10th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Sallo says:
@IAN Kobe is a jacker! Look at Lakers record when he scores over 30 or 35 pts. They usually lose and he doesn’t care. Also lets not even talk about the talent he has around him. He plays for a team that has won half of the NBA championships(says a lot). How many championships does Denver have(says a lot). There is only so much you can do in a with less talent and a league with so much disparity! Anyone who has an advantage like shaq in his prime and a Gasol/Bynum(height) has a better chance.
June 10th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Chicagorilla says:
@Austin
You keep telling everyone to be patient and let Bron play out his career, BUT THEN YOU COMPARE HIM TO THE LOGO AND JORDAN!!!!
Its that type of backwards thinking that makes Lebron fans sound so crazy and makes his haters angry.
I notice you compared Lebron to Mike at 26 but failed to point out that in Mikes 8th year he was collecting his 2nd ring in back to back years.
Oh ans Mike had already hit the big shot vs GTown. So yes Mj was WELL AHEAD OF LEBRON BY THIS POINT IN THEIR CAREERS. Some idiot on the Dan Patrick show was spewing that same garbage. And he’s lucky i couldnt call in.
Lebron should be compared to his level of players right now. Wade, Melo, Pierce, KG, Dirk, Kobe, Amare, Nash, maybe even Duncan or Shaq. But comparing him to all-time greats just makes him look bad.
Kobe won 3 rings while he was a puppy so Lebron loses that one.
Wade won a ring as THE MAN in 06 as he copped the finals MVP so Lebron loses that one.
Duncan won in his 2yr and was MVP of the finals too.
Bottom line, Lebron aint even fucking with the cats in his generation yet, its insulting to skip past them.
When Magic won his rookie year, Bird was compared to him….not Jerry West. When Bird and Magic dominated the 80′s, Jordan was compared to those two guys….not Dr. J, Eelgin, Oscar, or Wilt!
So basically, slow the fluck down with the MJ comparisons, dude hasnt even gotten past his on generation yet.
June 10th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Please dont mention Lebron James in the same breath as Kobe or Tim Duncan..
Maybe Shaq.. two physically dominating players who dont/didnt work on their game and were/are feeling the results..
June 10th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
CLAW says:
@AB- The apologist is back!! Don’t get on Lebron, I mean he had a trip dub, the weakest ever! You settle for good? Jason Terry OUTPLAYED Lebron, f*ing Jason Terry! Marion before that! You are not a 2x NBA MVP and have suddenly become a wilting flower in the 4th.
Its confidence, and the mentality to overcome adversity. And yes if Dirk suddenly sucks the next two games and LEbron goes off and they win a title, Dirk will be known as a chock artist AGAIN and Lebron will get all his nut huggers to talk about overcoming adversity.
BUT Do you see that happening? I don’t, it will be on Wade if they win this thing or not.
June 10th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Ian says:
@126
well damn man
June 10th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Ian says:
kudabeen
when did kobe overcome that?
sallo
please you dont have to sell me all that im one of the biggest kobe haters here. sure hes a jacker but he played d something melo doesnt do. also im not talking about winning a chip im talking about winning more than 2 playoff series in 8 fuckin years.
kinda like post 139
June 10th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ AB
CLAW dont got a point tho..
Jason Terry outplaying Lebron in the 4th???? i mean DAMN lol
Maybe it just is the Mavs time..
June 10th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Ian
No doubt if one didnt exist this ERA of bball would belong to one of those 2..
But since they both are and we won the chip last we’ll call it Kobe’s era
June 10th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Blk Caesar says:
@lakeshow84 The one point I do agree with AB on is your statement “a lifetime of memories without reward ain’t sh*t”.. No disrespect but I just don’t agree with that.. In many cases, the memories are a reward in itself. So because you don’t win your journey ain’t sh*t?? And of course those players weren’t shoved down our throats.. There was no 24 hour news cycle,twitter,etc.. (espn in particular I feel is just ridiculous with how much they talk about every thing this kid does) Even the relationship between player and journalist was different then. The stuff that Magic was doing in the 80s with women(while he was with Cookie) would have been all over the news if the media was as all encompassing as it is now.. I am not a Lebron fan but sometimes all the vitriol this kid gets is crazy. Sometimes I think the Lebron hate/bashing says more about the people doing it than it does about Lebron or his game.. But that’s just an opinion..
June 10th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
CLAW says:
Yes because it was the media and marketing that drove Lebron to do The Decision and got him to have a laser show on a flippin fork lift and declare how many rings he’s going to win, and for tweeting out that it was NOW OR NEVER, yes it’s everybody else’s fault not his own.
WAKE UP, He brought this on himself and now has to deal with it when it blows up. Don’t play the media than get pissed at them when YOU DON’T DELIVER!
June 10th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Sallo says:
@IAN Remember how many playoff series Kobe won when Shaq left? Nuff said. He had to get crazy talent around him!
June 10th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Ian says:
sallo
comon man i always say that when i hate but theres no way i can say kobe and melo are in the same league they arent bro. kobe has to be at least one level over melo. listen IM with you here im one of the dudes that call kobe overrated but still hes one of the best 3 players since jordan (you have to be lucky also and playin for the lakers help) and his resume place him in the top 15 ever melo has never not a single year has cracked the top 3 in the the nba.
lakeshow
“But since they both are and we won the chip last we’ll call it Kobe’s era”
hahaha why dont we go with who won first???