NBA Finals

[jod23]

New Jersey Nets v San Antonio Spurs.....talk about the Finals right here!

Who are you going for? Who do you think will win? Who will take home the Finals MVP?

Im a little lost at who to go for. I like Tim Duncan and Im a huge Manu fan, I also like Jackson. Then their is the ex Bull connection in Stevie Kerr. Also a little sympathy vote for Robinson and even Willis who after 20 years in the league finally has a shot at the big time.

But then again the Nets are representing the East! Im a huge Kidd fan and who doesnt love K-Mart? Also a little sympathy for Mutombo aswell. Plus NJ are the underdogs and I always go for the underdog.

Anyways the Spurs will probably win in 6 with Duncan taking home the Finals MVP.

Thoughts....cant wait for game 1.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by jod23

Who are you going for? Who do you think will win?

Both my heart, and my wallet, say the Nets in 7.

They've stepped up a level in the playoffs, and with the extra rest, they'd have to have a mighty chance of knocking the Spurs off, especially if K-Mart can continue his excellent form.

Originally posted by jod23


Who will take home the Finals MVP?

Who else but the single greatest baller in the world, Jason Kidd.

 

[Portmanteau]

K-Mart played incredibly well in the finals last year, I don't see any reason why he can't do that again... and then some.

If he keeps Duncan honest (let's say 25/15), the Nets are in with a HUGE show.

 

[thehardaway]

If the Nets can prevent the outside shooters of San Antonio from going off, they go along way to winning the title. Duncan will get his, but Jersey must stop Parker, Manu, Jackson and now Kerr from getting theirs. The playoff run so far for the Spurs has shown when the outside shooters struggle, so do San Antonio.

 

[Squeak]

I hope New Jersey win. I don't particularly like or dislike either side, but if SA win it will be only 7 teams who have won the championship in the last 20 years. Time to give someone else a go.

 

[mattyc2422]

Spurs in 5.

MVP = Mr. Duncan himself.

I might write a bit of a preview later.

 

[Dingster]

Spurs in six. Kidd won`t let SA have their way, but Duncan and co will give the Admiral the ultimate farewell present.

 

[Lockyer24]

I'll be cheering for the Nets but I think the Spurs will take it out in 5. Love the prospective matchups in this series, each team has 2 quality players in the post and very well balanced teams. Duncan will be the obvious difference..really when the Nets need a bucket..who are they gunna go to?

Will be good to see Bowen get a ring..just remember who made you son

 

[jod23]

IMO K-Mart is the key. He turns up and plays like he had been playing the last couple of months and New Jersey could do anything. If he doesnt they will struggle. Duncan is a team effort. The whole team must keep Duncan's impact to a minimum.

Should be a great series, also be good to see Mutombo perhaps getting some time, defending Duncan or Robinson. Collins and Williams will obviously get most of the minutes, but a bit of foul trouble and Mutombo could see himself getting some quality minutes. And let's not forget that he is one of the best defenders the league has seen. May not be as good as he used to be but I think he could be a key to the series aswell.

 

[Ry009]

TAB:

New Jersey Nets : $3.30
San Antonio Spurs: $1.28


Great returns there!, i put some on the Nets, and pick them to win in 6

 

[CURVE]

Eventhough the Nets are in the East, I hope they win it as they are coached by one of my all-time favourite Lakers, Byron Scott. I also think Kidd deserves a championship. He is one of the best PG in history.

My head also thinks the Nets will win it, in 6, with Kidd getting the MVP.

 

[Deestroy]

Carn the mighty Spurs.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by DEVO
Eventhough the Nets are in the East, I hope they win it as they are coached by one of my all-time favourite Lakers, Byron Scott. I also think Kidd deserves a championship. He is one of the best PG in history.

My head also thinks the Nets will win it, in 6, with Kidd getting the MVP.

Jason Kidd is the best PG the league has seen since Isiah Thomas retired in the early 90's. By the time Kidd is done he could very well be right up their with greats like Magic, Isiah, Stockton, West etc...

 

[CURVE]

Originally posted by jod23
Jason Kidd is the best PG the league has seen since Isiah Thomas retired in the early 90's. By the time Kidd is done he could very well be right up their with greats like Magic, Isiah, Stockton, West etc...

That's what I said.

 

[rednugget]

I noticed on the NBA site the draw for the finals goes -
Game1- Spurs
Game2- Spurs
Game3- Nets
Game4- Nets
Game5- Nets
Game6- Spurs
Game7- Spurs

I don't think the team with home court advantage should have less home games played than the opposition at any stage in the series. They should stick to the formula that's used throughout the playoffs.

Having said that Spurs in 6.

 

[Gridlock'd]

Originally posted by mattyc2422
Spurs in 5.

MVP = Mr. Duncan himself.

I might write a bit of a preview later.

Great minds think alike Matty.

Spurs in 5 for me.
Duncan MVP.

Spurs just have too many good players for the Nets with players of the calibre of Manu, Malik Rose, Speedy Claxton, Steve Kerr and good old Kevin Willis starting on the bench. Manu, Rose and maybe even Claxton would easily make the starting line up of most other teams.

 

[mattyc2422]

My mini-preview

Center:
David Robinson vs Jason Collins.
David, the veteran up against Jason, the newbie. You can guarantee that Robinson will put his all into this series, because it is his last and he has from 4-7 games left in his career. Neither players have a big part on offence, but both are pretty important on defence. David will play limited minutes, while Collins should play as matchups suit.
EDGE: Even.

Power Forward
Tim Duncan vs Kenyon Martin.
Potentially one of the most interesting matchups for the playoffs series. Duncan, the MVP is averaging huge numbers, while Martin is striving on playing with Kidd.
Duncan is a great one-on-one defender, so I'd expect to see the Nets try and run alot of fast break points with Jefferson, Kidd and Martin as to try and break the defence. Martins speed for a big guy helps this.
Duncan has the height on offence, so maybe Collins or Williams will help on the double team. If they leave in one-on-one, I'd like to see Timmy try a few bank shots due to his height advantage.
Both should get big rebound numbers, and fouls could be interesting.
EDGE: Spurs.

Small Forward
Bruce Bowen vs Richard Jefferson
The athletic Jefferson is an interesting matchup for Bruce. While Bruce has been guarding guys like Kobe, NVE etc, Jefferson is a different matchup, who will try and use his pace and slashing to score.
It'll be interesting to see how Bruce shoots, as the Nets will need to double Timmy a fair bit because I can't see them having any luck playing one-on-one on him.
EDGE: Who bloody knows.

Shooting Guard
Stephen Jackson vs Kerry Kittles
Mr. Streaky vs Mr. Streaky. This should be a very entertaining matchup between 2 guys that have been critised for their D in the past, but have made some improvement. When hot, both of these guys are capable of tearing a game apart, as we saw from Jackson in Game 6 versus the Mavs. Both guys need good starts to play well, and Jackson will slash alot more while Kittles will opt for the shot.
EDGE: Spurs.

Point Guard
Tony Parker vs Jason Kidd
The best in the league up against the best thing out of France since...well...French women. Kidd is a freak. He can be totally unstoppable, not only in terms of scoring, but little things such as passing in the right situation. Kidd makes his entire team better, and his players strive off his game (see Martin, Kenyon). Kidd is as clutch as clutch can be.
Parker on the other hand can be a bit of an unknown quantity.
If Parker can have a good game in Game 1, it could prevent Kidd getting into his head.
This matchup will be extremely exciting in it's own right.
EDGE: Nets.

Main bench players
Manu Ginobili, Malik Rose, Speedy Claxton vs Lucious Harris, Rodney Rogers, Aaron Williams.
Manu and Malik are extremely important players to the Spurs. Manu combines with Jackson and Parker to create a quick trio who combine for many points. Manu is clutch, no doubt who can hit the 3, slash to the rim and put the clamps on a player. He could be a game breaker for the Spurs.
Malik will get plenty of minutes and is usually pretty productive with them. Will fight hard for rebounds and second chance points, and will play on players close to his size for a change.
Speedy might be called upon when Parker is faigued, and should do a pretty good job.

Lucious Harris, like Kittles can be pretty streaky. If we let him get his shots, we could be in trouble. Could guard Manu.
Rodney Rogers is an interesting one. Versatile and can play in the post or on the wing. Malik could be a good matchup for him, but Rogers is capable of hitting the three. Shouldn't get too many minutes, but can be dangerous when he get's them.
Aaron Williams should see a bit of time alongside Martin and can hit the shot from 15 feet, but might have troubles with guarding our big guys. Williams may be important if Martin gets in foul strife.
EDGE: Spurs.

Other potential factors
Steve Kerr, Kevin Willis vs Dikembe Mutumbo
Stevie, Stevie, Stevie. Gotta love the guy, and after his Game 6, he might be called upon for a few more jobs. While he might struggle to guard any of the Nets, he's a clutch performer in the playoffs. Mr. Willis is about 79 years old, but damn, he still has it. He will get some minutes if we get in foul trouble. A great player to have on the bench who is prepared for anything.
The only player I could think of for the Nets was Dikembe, who seems to be out of favour with the Nets, and out of the rotation. The one thing he does have is height, which the Nets may need to guard Duncan, but I wouldn't expect him to see much time.
EDGE: Spurs.

Coaches
Gregg Popovich vs Byron Scott
Both good coaches who are very determined with their rotations. Will be a good tactical battle.
EDGE: The COTY, Pop.

Can you tell I'm excited? This will be a great series and I expect a Spurs win, but NEVER, EVER rule out Kidd and the Nets.

 

[Dingster]

You must be getting psyched matty. The match up that catches my eye is Bowen vs Jefferson. If one can have their way with the other, it may go along way to winning the championship. NJ will have to respect Bowen`s 3 pt shooting. It`s been pretty impressive so far in the playoffs.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by DEVO
That's what I said.

Yeah...I was just agreeing with you

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by gridlocked

Manu, Rose and maybe even Claxton would easily make the starting line up of most other teams.

Yet none of those would probably start for New Jersey. Perhaps Manu would get the starting gig in front of Kittles but that is debatable. Rose and Claxton though would be on the bench.

 

[jod23]

Here is my take on the matchups.

Center
David Robinson v Jason Collins
Kind of a non-factor really. Robinson will see limited minutes which he has done all post-season. He doesnt have any of the Robinson of old left in him so dont expect him to pull out a 20-10 game from nowhere, he just doesnt have it in him anymore. He can still defend though. Collins cant score by himself...but with Kidd, he can score. He isnt too bad on the defensive end and he will guard Duncan more than Robinson.

Edge - Stalemate...leaning towards NJ.

Power Forward
Tim Duncan v Kenyon Martin
The matchup probably wont eventuate. Only in short spurts but I wouldnt expect either to guard the other for a whole game. Rose may get the job on Martin and Collins/Williams/Mutombo will guard Duncan. Duncan is too big and strong for Martin and Martin is simply to quick and explosive for Duncan. Both will score, rebound and block shots. If Martin continues to play like he has done all post-season he will be a handful. Timmy D is ALWAYS a handful and will be guarded by pretty much the entire team, a lot of doubles, triples and general sagging, collapsing defence will hopefully slow him down.

Edge - Spurs.

Small Forward
Bruce Bowen v Richard Jefferson
Bowen is a great defender and has already handled Kobe Bryant, Finley and Van Exel in the playoffs so far so you would think that Jefferson doesnt produce much of a challenge. You would be wrong. Jefferson is an amazing athlete, he runs the floor and has a fantastic jump shot. Bowen will need to be at his best to slow him down. Bowen is also behind the 8 ball because Kidd is running the show which makes Jefferson even more dangerous. Bowen isnt much of an offensive threat outside of his money ball. If he is on target with that, he can hurt Jefferson on offence, but Im sure the Nets will take that chance as long as Duncan has to pass out of the post!

Edge - Stalemate

Shooting Guard
Stephen Jackson v Kerry Kittles
Both streaky shooters who can score from anywhere on the floor. Jackson is more prepared to take it to the hole because Kittles injury troubles has probably turned him a little soft. Kittles though has the experience which in big games...matters! Jackson can create his own shot but Kittles get's a lot of open looks because of Kidd's passing ability. Kittles can also hurt you on the fast break, most Nets can.

Edge - Stalemate

Point Guard
Tony Parker v Jason Kidd
I like Parker and although he got a bitchslapping from Marbury, beat Fisher and held his own against Nash and Van Exel...I dont think he is really prepared for what is about to hit him. And what is about to hit him is the best PG in the league and the best PG the league has seen in 10 years. Kidd can do it all but his best quality is making his teammates better and I cant see Parker stopping Kidd in any way, shape or form. Parker's best choice is to get involved in the offence, make Kidd play defence (which he does extremely well) that at the very least may slow down Kidd. Doubt it though.

Edge - New Jersey

Main Bench Players
Ginobili, Rose, Claxton v Rodgers, Harris, Williams
Manu is an excitement machine, he is athletic, can shoot, and is a very good distributor of the ball. IMO, he is the wildcard for the Spurs in this series. Rose can be a handful also, does all the dirty work and isnt afraid to dive for loose balls. Needs to get involved on the boards as NJ have owned the glass all post season. He needs to help Duncan in this regard. Claxton will try to use his quickness to expose either Kidd or particularly Johnson. Not the most reliable jump shooter but doesnt really turn the ball over much.

Rodgers can be useless, or a game breaker. Can hit the three and outside of Martin is really the Nets only low post offensive option. He could be a liability on the defensive end. Harris is almost an identical version of Kittles. He is a streaky shooter and will look for his shot before putting the ball on the floor and driving. Holds his own on defence. Williams will be important in holding Duncan, he must stand up on the defensive end and relieve the pressure from Collins to contain the 2 time MVP. He can be an impact player and grab rebounds and score in a hurry, but with Duncan on the floor, this could be limited.

Edge - Spurs...Manu tips the scales.

Other Potential Factors
Kevin Willis v Dikembe Mutombo
I dont think Kerr will play much of a factor in the series. Kidd would hurt him too much, particularly in the open floor. But Willis could play an important role. If any of Robinson, Duncan or Rose get in foul trouble, Willis will see minutes and he can still play. Has a pretty good post up game with his little jump hook and will give you all he has every minute he is on the floor. Mutombo is the wildcard for the Nets. Im not sure if he will see minutes but he could be a good matchup for Duncan, he is a great defender, although not what he used to be and he will have 6 fouls up his sleeve. Will get minutes if Collins and Williams see foul trouble and could be the game breaker if he finds his old self.

Edge - Nets, just because I think Mutombo could be real important to the outcome, if played.

Coaches
Greg Popovich v Byron Scott
Popovich has the COTY award, plenty of experience and has the two time reigning MVP on his side. But Scott is no rookie, he was here a year ago and has the most talented running fast break team in the league. Should be an interesting meeting of the minds.

Edge - Spurs.

 

[Mattster]

looks like the spurs have the edge according to jod. if thats the case, it would be a great way for Robo to go.

Interesting also that the two teams have been linked all year in trade rumours. Whichever team wins must really have to question whether they need Kidd or Duncan to win a ring

 

[Portmanteau]

I feel the whole series hinges on Jefferson/Bowen match-up. If Jefferson plays at his potential All-Star best (assuming all other variables are equal), the Nets should get up. Look what happened in the WCF games when Finley got a free reign. If Bowen has the better of Jefferson, either offensively or defensively, goodnight Nets...

I'm rather pumped.

 

[Squeak]

$5 says NJ in 6. Wasn't prepared to spend any more than that.

 

[Portmanteau]

Originally posted by Squeak
$5 says NJ in 6. Wasn't prepared to spend any more than that.

What odds did ya get on that one?