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Because obviously 1,500 words wasn’t enough, here are five extra thoughts from the Thunder’s 105-94 Game 1 win over the Heat.
1. What were the Heat doing with LeBron? The Heat went with Shane Battier on Kevin Durant, leaving LeBron to roam, guarding Kendrick Perkins or another big on the floor. LeBron said that plan was Erik Spoelstra’s idea and LeBron didn’t seem to be all that thrilled with it post game.
What the Heat did was switch everything, and I mean everything. LeBron got time on Durant, but the two players didn’t end up guarding each other exclusively. But check this, via ESPN Stats and Info: It’s a small sample size, but with LeBron defending him, Durant was 0-2 and had two turnovers in five possessions. The rest of the game with Battier largely on him, Durant went 12-18 with no turnovers. And as Tom Haberstroh points out, all 10 of KD’s turnovers this season against Miami have been with LeBron on him.
Miami used LeBron to front KD late in the game and that worked in terms of ball denial. LeBron can used his strength, size and length to deny the ball, and try and keep it away from Durant. The question is, why use your best defender on the other team’s worst offensive player for large parts of the game? What sense does that make at all?
I think the future of the series rests in LeBron trying to defend Durant. Battier has always been billed as a Durant stopper, but he’s really not at all. I’m sure KD would much rather see Battier on him than LeBron. Like I said, the Heat switched everything, probably too much, causing a bunch of different looks and mismatches all over the floor. And when you switch everything, it’s not hard to get a switch back to the matchup you prefer.
Durant can score on anyone, but I don’t see the benefit for Miami saving LeBron on Perk.
2. The Thunder need James Harden. Badly. Five points from the Sixth Man of the Year on six shots isn’t near good enough. Foul trouble limited him, but the Thunder got here a lot on the beard of Harden. He diversifies everything, provides a massive outlet for Durant and Westbrook and balances OKC’s offense.
The Thunder won, and won fairly convincingly in the end. But five points though from Harden? Not to be all Shaq on you, but that’s not enough. I love the way Scott Brooks managed the game down the stretch in sticking with a unit that was working, leaving Thabo on the floor to defend LeBron and even, gasp, keeping Derek Fisher out there for much needed spacing.
But that was just Game 1′s play. And we won’t see that again, most likely. Because Harden is far too important to the Thunder’s success. Game 1 was a gift, to beat a good Miami team without Harden contributing. It should offer some extra confidence to know OKC won by 11 despite Harden’s minimal output. At the same time, he’s a huge key to the series and has to perform better.
(Let me sneak in an extra thought here: I didn’t give Nick Collison near enough props last night for his game. He as important in that win as anyone else, and yes, I realize that me saying that isn’t exactly something surprising. But Collison was terrific, tipping rebounds, help defending and eliminating the pick-and-roll attack of the Heat.)
3. I’m not so sure exactly what the Heat can do better. What the Miami role players did in the first half simply was not sustainable. It was impressive, and put the Thunder in a big hole, but at some point, role players remember their roles. I mentioned it last night, but Mario Chalmers, Shane Battier, Udonis Haslem, Chris Bosh and Mike Miller combined for 34 points in the first half, and only 11 in the second.
But the fact is, 45 points from those five players is normally enough for the Heat. And in terms of what they can improve upon, I don’t think you could expect the bench to do much better than that.
LeBron? He was good enough. He played a pretty complete game and while he didn’t match KD in the fourth, he had a strong performance. Where Miami lacked was in Dwyane Wade’s effort. Nineteen shots to get 19 points isn’t good enough for Wade, but with his health issues and the way he’s looked this postseason, it’s hard to see him completely bouncing back.
The Heat could defend better, match up in transition better and rebound better. They could force turnover better. But that’s assuming they play a near perfect game. In terms of who they are and what they’ve done well the whole season, the Heat pretty much played their game, got secondary points where they needed them, and still lost by 11.
4. OKC’s depth is the most important thing for them in the series. The Heat essentially shortened their bench to six players for the second half of Game 1. They relied on LeBron, Wade and Bosh to do their thing and despite those three denying they were tired, they clearly wore down some. Wade doesn’t appear completely healthy and unless the Heat find some major offense from him, they’re going to be set relying on LeBron to play four perfect games with a helping hand from unexpected bench players.
OKC went nine deep in Game 1, but it was essentially eight. (Daequan Cook only played two minutes.) While KD went 46 minutes and Westbrook 42, Scott Brooks was able to rely on his bench in a big time way. The Thunder finished most of the game with two reserves on the floor in Derek Fisher and Collison, while the Heat continued to lean on their almost entirely top heavy approach. Of course Durant’s takeover is what did it, but the Thunder aren’t wearing down in these playoffs. If anything, they only get stronger the longer the game goes on.
5. Simmer down though, just a bit. The Thunder lead the NBA Finals 1-0. When a team wins the first game, they win the series some 70 percent of the time. I’d say get excited about that, but the Thunder were in the six percent minority last series against the Spurs and it didn’t matter.
Yes, OKC looked pretty impressive in that second half. Yes, they’re only three away now. But a series can turn on a dime, as we’ve all seen. Lose Game 2 and the Thunder are in a difficult position. From what I saw in Game 1, it looked to me that the Thunder are the superior team, better in most every way. But that doesn’t guarantee anything.
Remember: The Heat beat the Mavericks fairly convincingly in Game 1 in Miami last Finals, lost Game 2 and the series was opened up from there. Same thing is obviously in play here. The Thunder handled their job for one night. Now they need to do it against Thursday.
http://www.dailythunder.com/2012/06/practice-report-moving-on/#more-20779
I'm not so sure about James Harden getting a ton of minutes. Obviously, we need him to run the offense better and take good shots and make them, but he really needs to pick it up on the defensive end. The last three rounds of the playoffs, I've been getting really frustrated with Harden's lack of commitment on the defensive end of the ball. He relaxes way too far off of shooters just to throw a hand in the lane when a guy is driving. First of all, that only works about 5% of the time, and more often than not, with teams like the Spurs and Heat, when you have Harden reaching down and a big rotating between the ball handler and the rim, a man will open up for a catch and shoot opportunity on the wing/corner, and Harden isn't quick enough to recover in time. He isn't gifted with the speed of Westbrook, Sefolosha, and Durant and doesn't have the length of the latter two either, so he needs to remember to stay home more. Because we can't hide him on anybody. To his credit, he forced Wade into taking some tough shots when they went one-on-one, but he really needs to pick up his off-the-ball defense.
@supreethm92 yea his defense is beyond terrible, and he tends to give 3 point shooter way too much space.
it doesn't much matter what the heat do. we can argue all day about how they can improve, but it's not about them, it's about what is being done TO them.
Dream Team documentary soon. This is a good week for basketball
@FREE_COLE Ohh when/where is it on
@AllDae @FREE_COLE NBA TV at 8 central.
@Old Man Game @AllDae @FREE_COLE I don't have NBATV :(
Question to KD's mom...
Could Durant be better than MJ?
Mom answered Of course.
My answer - I agree that KD "could" be better than MJ - statistically.
BUT... and this is why MJ stands above all others by so much. MJ changed the game. He not only changed how the game was played (The most dynamic overall change outside of Magic's passing in league history?) but he changed the personality of the game. And that is why MJ is regarded as the best ever.
I think his stats and accolades can be topped. I think KD, at 23, has a plausible chance of doing that but I just don't think anyone can do all of that and influence the entire game of basketball the way MJ did.
Thoughts?
@ThunderBelize MJ (my goat) has also had a game changing negative impact... Now all scores are volume shooters. Gunners... It's why everyone clamors for KD to shoot more shots ... In actuality, OKC is better with Russ as the aggressor & KD as the steady, cool hand Luke type sniper... It's their natural characters anyway... KD can change the game from the mentality of "star player must shoot 30 times a nite"... (if he hasn't already)
@ThunderBelize
Really trying not to be a total homer about this, but if there are any players out there who can change the name of the game, and top MJ it's the 2 that are playing against each other right now.
Kobe was iconic but at the same time, Kobe didn't change the structure of competition, and art of basketball. If anything his legacy since his 1st ring was to top that of MJ's, which he hasn't done.
Lebron and KD however. Lebron might just be the best most athletically gifted player EVER. What little he lacks in technical skill he makes up for with everything else. If he can ever win a championship the world of basketball you know it would be at the palm of his hand. He may go down as the biggest "villain" in basketball, and can change all of that just by winning rings. He's been very laid back which is his downfall, but if he can win some hardware he could influence things far more then anyone else ever has.
KD on the other hand is the young star. The young one who didn't come into the league expecting to be called king, or talking about topping MJ since his rookie season. He has good charecter and today once again just says all the right things. If Durant wins multiple championships people will embrace his type of personality and work ethic. More future player will grow up liking him and following him. More players will be humble. The media's perception on quiet laid back guys like KD will change. He would change the name of basketball by giving the lead a true "superhero" type. Magic, Bird, Thomas, MJ, Kobe, and Lebron have all done things to kinda damage their careers. Whether it's from talking trash to people then trying to back piddle your way out of it, Gambling and passing out drunk at a casino, Making a stupid PR move like "The Decision" or accuse of Rape, but also sexual harassment on multiple times. When have you ever heard of KD doing any of these things?
Another thing you got to look at is the type of character players have that have been coming into the league over the years. When Bird, Thomas Magic, and MJ were the main stars the rookies and future players came in with a sense of competition. They trash talk to each other but in the end it was all about competing and winning.
Kobe comes into the league, and as much as i like him Guys like Iverson and ect. More players start coming into the league on a type of over-confidence, and cockiness. Don't tell me when Lebron, Wade, Anthony, Howard, Bosh, Dwill, guys like them don't tell me they didn't come into the league feeling like they deserve an entitlement because some of these guys are the cockiest players i ever saw their young years when they were still unproven.
Lebron and KD have the chance to influence that too. If anything more the both of them can influence the world of basketball into taking back that competitive side. If this is just the first of many Thunder-Heat Finals then i see this battle being far bigger then Bird-Magic ever got.
@ThunderBelizeI think that's a pretty good point, but you could say the same thing about the creator of basketball, or the zone defense, or the three-point line. They all contributed things that changed (or created) the game forever.
In fact, you could attribute some Jordan's legacy to Nike as well. Best player of all time, without a doubt, but I don't think it has to do with game dynamics as much as it does his performances.
And KD could develop a killer post game and get even better at passing...that could change game dynamics, too. (Lebron defending all 5 positions could fall into this category, too).
I'm just throwing out thoughts here.
@Landstander @twistdov @thelaughingwiseman Great points. For sure KD is capable of surpassing the stats and also impacting/changing the game and believe me I would love to see him bring TEAM back as not just a fad, but as part of his legacy - that alone would be incredible.
@ThunderBelize
I agree -- bring team back en vogue!
@ThunderBelize Good point about his Airness's stats being eclipsed but he was so much more than the gaudy stats. But if anyone in today's game could do it, it's KD
@ThunderBelize KD can change the game. He can mold the whole league to his personality. I see him as being the prototype personality of NBA players in the future. Which is people wanting to stay with one team and doing everything they can for the team, for better or worse. At least that's what I see in him. A person that can bring the TEAM back in ME. He has that quality in him. He's not quiet, he's just hardly in interviews. But I think that can change this year if he wins that championship. He's going to get those interviews where he can spread his Word (like his philosophy) on what basketball is about and what it takes to be a champion, by doing what he says is. (talking the talk, and walking the walk).
@thelaughingwiseman I absolutely agree with you on this one. The last two decades, superstars in the NBA have been the attention-seeking guys who love to pat themselves on the back (Shaq, Kobe, Wade, LeBron, etc.) but we can see the new elite players in the NBA are the humble hardworking guys like Rose, Durant, Westbrook, Love, Aldridge and company. And chief among those guys is Durant. He stands out over all of them because he's simply the best of them all. And it's even better that he's doing it in Oklahoma City because the amplifies the humble aspect of his game.
@ThunderBelize Change the game, isn't just about accolades, but what the person does to affect the league as a whole. How he changes the culture and makes it in his own image. Magic made it a show that everyone had to see. Jordan made it a game where only the strong survived. KD can make it about a team and players that never quit, which makes the game way more enjoyable than one person running the show.
Something I think we should all keep in mind -- the Russel chant earlier this season.
If the Thunder win 3 more games *knock on wood*, I think we can point to that moment being the start of the ascent.
@Landstander I totally forgot about that! He really started to shine in that moment, and that one moment is proof enough of how loving and classy our fans are. The fans oughta make sure they show Russell some love when he goes to the line too. I know KD is the MVP of our team and all, but maybe someone should start an MVP chant for Russ when he gets to the line when he's performing well. He deserves it for how much effort he expends on a nightly basis just in order for us to win
@Landstander I really enjoyed that moment. That was probably one of the top 10 moments this season. Don't knock on wood. The first team to 4 wins, wins the championship. The Thunder need to win 3 more, so you're right!
I want to see a very determined Harden in Game 2. i want to see him locked in and take advantage of his match up's when he's on offense. The Heat are going to try and look to their bench for production, Harden could take advantage of Lebron and Wade off the court to build a lead or make a rally. If he produces his 18 pt average, the Thunder are in the money on this game.
@thelaughingwiseman You think that Spo's going to let Lebron off the court if 46 minutes isn't enough to win? ;-P
@ou_sas I don't think he's going to rest Lebron long, but he will rest Wade. Miller, Battier, Jones or Chalmers would go in. That's when Brooks need to let Harden in and make some points.
All the analyst are talking about how the Heat weren't engaged, how Bosh and Wade need to step up and that's how they'll win the game. How being more aggresive on Durant would make the game a steal for the Heat. Harden needs to see what the Heat are planning to do and take advantage as the Beard we know he can be
even though im sure the magic fans vote too but LMAO at Florida http://i.imgur.com/ZRYDc.png
Fish and Lazar are doing community stuff today. I hope Lazar keeps a clear head.
@diddoff Someone on the Thunder needs to haze Lazar by shaving his hairline to match LeBron's. Then he can up his already devastating headband game.
Gave me so many chills
http://www.nba.tv/nbatv/video/channels/playoffs/2012/06/13/20120613_gm1_minimovie.nba?tab=3
It's still hard for me to believe how much of a turnaround this team has made with turnovers in the playoffs. Their TOV% for the playoffs would have been #2 in the league during the regular season. To this point they haven't exactly played teams known for causing turnovers, but still. Going from worst to (almost) first is crazy. Since they shoot so well, it's very difficult for teams to defend OKC when they aren't turning it over.
@justin_mia Do you guys talk about a perfect game when the pitcher's still in the 7th inning? Don't talk about. You're going to jinx it.
@justin_mia justin, you have a far greater b-ball mind than myself. How do you explain this? Has this happened before? It makes no sense that you get better when playing increasing more difficult teams.
@Tronchaser @justin_mia I think that a big part of it is just focus. I really think that our team has grown up a lot throughout the season, and has learned a thing or two.
But the big change is that they are not sleep walking through games like they did during parts of the season. They are not going "off message" and playing their own game, or just not paying attention, but are all mentally locked in.
@Tronchaser @justin_mia I really think part of the turnaround has been practice time. During the playoffs, there's been at least one day off between games with one back-to-back as the exception. I would assume that's allowed Brooks and the team to work on the pin-down for Durant and other simple sets that they may not have had time to work on during the season.
@Tronchaser @justin_mia Part of it is the teams we faced. Dallas-LA-San Antonio were all rather poor at forcing turnovers all season. The bigger question is with Miami, who made a living on forcing turnovers. 10 for the game is still below their season forced average and our own TOV% for the season.
I think part of it is just focus. Many of the "dumb" things we've pointed out about this team throughout the season have been tightened up considerably in the playoffs. Guys just don't make the lazy or ill-advised plays that they were able to get away with during the season.
Also, not to put it too much on one player, but Westbrook has been amazing. He's cut more than a full turnover per game off his average. That alone would have moved us from worst to middle of the pack in the regular season. Couple Westbrook taking much better care of the ball with a bunch of teams that are bad at forcing turnovers, and it makes a lot more sense. Still a significant improvement, but at least not just out of the blue.
@ou_sas Too bad Skip and the majority of the rest of the talking heads would never have you believe this.
@FF_pickups @ou_sas @Keith00 @Tronchaser Agreed.
@ou_sas @justin_mia @Keith00 @Tronchaser
Isn't it pretty clear that a big part is that the bigs, namely Perkins and Ibaka, ARE engaged and AREN'T dropping passes. I honestly believe that is one of the biggest differences. I think in the boxscore, those drops that end up as turnovers often get credited to the passer instead of the receiver.
@justin_mia @Keith00 @Tronchaser Westbrook's drop in TOV %, and simultaneous increase in Assists, has to be one of the biggest stories of the playoffs.
@Keith00 @Tronchaser Harden Durant and Westbrook had 14.8%, 14.0%, and 14.2% TOV respectively during the regular season. For the playoffs it's been 12.5%, 11.4%, and 9.2%.
Anyone listen to Stern's interview on Rome? Here's a summarized transcript:
Rome: Did you fix the lottery?
Stern: No. Do you still beat your wife?
@anonymous12345 If ever there were 2 windbags who deserved each other, it's those 2.
@anonymous12345 Rome knew what the question was. It didn't offend him. It's a common example of a loaded question for lawyers and journalism students. That was Stern's way of saying he didn't think the question was fair. Probably not smart to do on radio since most people won't get it.
Rome wasn't offended until Stern said he asked the question as a "cheap thrill" and then we he said he made a career out of cheap thrills.
@Jooseppi @anonymous12345 It would have been better if Rome asked if officiating is fixed. I'm tired of news person's and journalist avoiding that problem.
On the draft being rigged: I don't think it is. There is no way of knowing how a prospect is going to turn out. Some people might choose the highest rated prospect, but then he turns into an average player. I just think the draft is based on luck and intense scouting.
@thelaughingwiseman @Jooseppi @anonymous12345 It's...complicated. There were a number of media people at the actual drawing event this year and the consensus was that everything was on the up-and-up. Or, more precisely, the apparatus and process seemed complex enough that any attempt at 'fixing' the result is nearly impossible. Honestly, I think Stern would prefer for people to ask about the lottery rather than the refs; not only is there the case of Donaghy but last I heard the league still doesn't have a new CBA with the ref union. Not a whole lot of positive happening there.
@sammasaaron @Jooseppi @anonymous12345 Now that is fishy as hell. I didn't realize that. It is a very suspicious thing. How does the lottery pick work?
@anonymous12345 @Jooseppi Player development should be on the coaches shoulders. The Thunder have great staff members who develop the players so well
@thelaughingwiseman @Jooseppi @anonymous12345 It's more about the lottery process than the draft itself, particularly with New Orleans landing the No. 1 pick while still technically owned by the league.
@thelaughingwiseman @Jooseppi
And good player development.
@Jooseppi
Stern needs to understand that the league does have a credibility issue when it comes to the belief of the league being fixed. He should make the lottery process more transparent. And the refereeing needs a complete overhaul.