Mike Tyson Syndrome: Watching the Boston Celtics in these playoffs has been pretty sad. It's been a little like watching Mike Tyson after he got out of prison. He was able to beat the Peter McNeely's of the world that were put in front of him, but it was more of a struggle than normal. You just knew when he got in the ring with a fighter like Lennox Lewis he would be trouble. The pre-fight was hype was huge based on the names, but part of you felt the result of the actual fight was inevitable. You watched hoping for one more night of glory from Mike, but it ended with him taking a beating for eight rounds before being knocked out.
The Celtics-Heat series has that same feeling. You have Ray Allen shooting free throws and threes like someone not named Ray Allen. Paul Pierce is looking like he's driving to the basket with cinder blocks around his ankles. Kevin Garnett going up to dunk, only to fall out the sky like a busted balloon. It feels like we are watching a washed up fighter give it his all, but not have enough to give. To Garnett's credit, he has been the most consistent Celtic during the playoffs. The rest of the guys have had big games at times, but they have yet to string together good games as a group. Here's hoping that the Celtics Big 3 don't go out like Mike Tyson, bloodied, battered, and on their back getting counted out. However, that's where I'm afraid they are headed.
Extra Heat: Since Game 4 of the Pacers-Heat series, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have looked like the unstoppable duo that everyone expects. They are 2 of the top 5 players in the world, so their production, while very special, has to be expected. What has been less than expected though, is the production coming from the D-League all-star team surrounding them.
When Chris Bosh went down, I was of the belief that getting out of the Indiana series would be tough for Miami. Yet, once Wade and James stepped up, and got contributions from "the others", it was smooth sailing. They also played well in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics. There is this thing called admitting when you're wrong, and I'm willing to do so in this case. In all honesty though, I still don't trust that collection of role players to help the Heat win the Championship. I picked against the Heat in the Finals last year for the same reason, and was right. That is the same way I'm feeling this year too. No championship team has won without contributions from role players, and guys you don't expect to come up big. Putting your hopes in guys like Mike Miller, James Jones, Joel Anthony, and Norris Cole is a dangerous proposition. Even if you have DWade and LeBron on your team. I'll gladly eat a big chunk of humble pie and chase it with a cup of shut-up juice if I'm wrong.
Thunderstorm Warning: The Oklahoma City Thunder looked very good for three quarters against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals Sunday. The bottom fell out in the fourth, and they fell apart. Kevin Durant had a tough time getting easy looks. Russell Westbrook reverted to make a play by myself mode. James Harden played like he should have won the 12th Man of the Year award. It was a horrible fourth quarter for a team that has played with a lot of poise thus far in the postseason.
I really think this series has the potential to be a classic. All the ingredients there. However, OKC is going to need their big guns to come up bigger from here on out. They need to figure a way to get Durant easier shots late in the game. Steven Jackson gave him no room to breathe in the fourth. James Harden needs to play like the Sixth Man of the Year. He was thoroughly outplayed by Manu Ginobili, and even outscored on his own team by Derek Fisher. Harden has been one of the most consistent players in the league, and the Thunder need that from him to stay in this series. Westbrook just has to play within himself and avoid taking "hero shots". He is most dangerous when getting his points within the flow of the offense, and not forcing things. I am really looking forward to seeing what adjustments the Thunder make in Game 2 tonight.
Texas Tornado: In the previous topic I spoke on how bad the Thunder looked in the fourth quarter against the Spurs. The Spurs had everything to do with that. It was like the first three quarters were the calm before the storm. Then the Spurs erupted with devastating efficiency in the fourth quarter. They played great in all phases, and made the Thunder look like a young team with no answers for the first time all playoffs.
The Spurs have been playing so well during the playoffs that they have flown under the radar. Now, they are center stage, and there hasn't been a drop off yet. The scary part about game one is that the Spurs didn't play well the whole game. The first half they were turning the ball over like they were Brett Favre facing a pass rush. They tightened that up dramatically in the second half, and come fourth quarter changed the entire tone of the game. So, it'll be interesting to see how they look in Game 2. Will they come out and play a complete game? Or do they not even need to do so to beat OKC? As I said a couple of weeks ago, it's to the point where I'll be shocked if they don't win the Championship. However, the Thunder are going to do everything in their power to make them earn a trip to the Finals. Tonight should be another fun game to watch.
So, there you have it. Just a few thoughts I needed to get off of my chest. I hope these series(especially the Western Conference) are as good as I think they might be. What do ya'll think?? Get at me and let me know. Also, follow me on twitter @jimmylwilsonjr, and hit me with any feedback on there. Ya'll be easy and until next time...
I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.
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