NBA Finals Preview

The Durantula has finally reached his first finals. 

Will King James choke again? 

It's the final that the NBA has wanted all along. LeBron James and the Miami Heat getting his revenge, against a young and raw Thunder squad. Will Lebron D-Wade, and a supposedly healthy Chris Bosh win their first title together? Or will the Durantula and Westbrook start a new era? No matter the result, this finals will be one for the ages.

Team Comparisons:

Point Guard: Russell Westbrook (OKC) vs. Mario Chalmers (MIA)
Chalmers is one of those basketball players, who pretty much is in the NBA because of one shot in college. Other examples include Eric Maynor. Chalmers is a solid player, but he doesn't compare at all to Westbrook. Westbrook is the Dwayne Wade to Kevin Durant's LeBron. Chalmers is decent, but Westbrook will outplay him in this series.
Edge: Thunder


Shooting Guard: Thabo Sefolosha (OKC) vs. Dwayne Wade (MIA) 
Another unfair matchup, however this is one is towards the Heat. Wade may be the best shooting guard, with the exception of Kobe Bryant. He has playoff experience, while Thabo and Harden have just this past few seasons. Wade is a complete player, while you would have to add Thabo and Harden together to have a complete player. Sorry OKC, but Miami gets this one.
Edge: Heat


Small Forward: Kevin Durant (OKC) vs. LeBron James (MIA). 
The matchup of the series, maybe even the playoffs. Arguably the two best players in basketball today. The scoring champion against the MVP. If LeBron wins this title, basketball purists will finally respect him. If he doesn't, the general public will not accept him as a premier player. If Durant wins, he may even surpass LeBron as the better player. For now, LeBron is able to squeeze past Durant, but this could change in a couple years.
Edge: Heat 


Power Forward: Serge Ibaka (OKC) vs. Chris Bosh (MIA) 
This matchup, which had Chris Bosh been healthier would have gone towards Miami but now is pretty close. Ibaka is a very solid player who keeps on improving year after year. Bosh, the weakest member of "The Big Three", this season has struggled this season. When he's healthy, he can be great player. We will see what happens, but these two big men will fight it out this series.
Edge: Even 


Center: Kendrick Perkins (OKC) vs. Ronny Turiaf (MIA) 
Kendrick Perkins was a huge, (both literally and figuratively) signing for the Thunder. He has been a great post presence for them, and has allowed them to compete with teams such as the Lakers and the Spurs. Ronny Turiaf has somehow survived in the NBA for seven years without contributing much other than a couple boards and a few lay-ups per game. Kendrick Perkins has been to the championship twice. Perkins easily gets the edge.
Edge: Thunder 


Bench: 
Oklahoma City's bench is anchored by sixth man of the year James Harden. Harden has been a monster off the bench, and with the midseason addition of Derek Fisher, their bench became even stronger. The Heat's bench is not as strong. Mike Miller, Shane Battier, and Udonis Haslem are solid, but it will be very hard to outperform the sixth man of the year and his squad.
Edge: Thunder 


The Pick: 
Both of these teams are very evenly match. . Some people may think LeBron may choke, and he might. But his missed shots might not matter. Durant, Westbrook and Harden could fast break past the heat. Or LeBron and D-Wade could work their magic. In addition,  Chris Bosh must perform, as well as Miami's bench. If they can't perform, the Heat will easily lose. It will be a close series, but the Thunder want it more. And this won't be their only one.
Thunder over Heat in 7 

Spurs vs. Thunder Preview

Having just swept the Clippers, Tony Parker and the Spurs will take on the number two seed Thunder. 

After beating the Lakers, the Durantula and  Co. will take on the Spurs. 

The Western Conference Finals will be a battle of the new generation of the NBA vs the old guard. The #1 seed vs. the #2 seed. Kevin Durant vs. Tim Duncan. Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio. Thunder vs. Spurs.

The Spurs come into this series having won 8 straight games in the playoffs. First blowing out Utah, and then decimating the Clippers. Counting the regular season, the Spurs have won an astounding 18 games in a row. The Spurs have been led by its two stars, Tony Parker and Duncan. Parker has been putting up 19 points per game, and 7 assists, and Duncan has been contributing a team high 9 rebounds per game.

OKC has come in hot as well. Beating the Lakers 4-1, in a series which could have gone either way, as the Lakers lost leads in multiple games. As usual, the Durantula has been dominating the competition for the Thunder. He has been scoring 26 points, and getting 8 boards per game. As usual, James Harden has been contributing off the bench, scoring 17 points in 30 minutes.

Team Comparisons: 


Point Guard: Russell Westbrook (OKC) vs. Tony Parker (SA)
Both of these players are superb. On one hand there is Westbrook, the Batman to Durant's Robin, and on the other, there is Parker. Parker, once a supporting cast member to Tim Duncan, has now officially had the torch passed to him. He led the Spurs in points and assists, and finished third in player efficiency rating on his team.He also had the best assist to turnover ratio in his career. There is also the young Westbrook. Westbrook has, willingly or not, been second fiddle to Durant. He has of course contributed, but let's be real, Parker is the star, and Westbrook is the co-star. It should be fun to see these two go at it come Sunday.
Edge: San Antonio


Shooting Guard: Thabo Sefelosha (OKC) vs. Daniel Green (SA) 
Well this is a rather interesting battle. Despite starting each game, both of these players play less than their better known sixth men; James Harden for the Thunder, and Manu Ginobili for the Spurs. Green averaged 8 points during the season, while Thabo averaged just 4. Green got a little bit more playing time, 23 minutes compared to Thabo's 21, and did more with his time. These two are just really on the court in order for their more famous backups to play, but Green gets the edge, as Thabo has been struggling this playoffs.
Edge: San Antonio 


Small Forward: Kevin Durant (OKC) vs. Kawhi Leonard (SA) 
Sorry Kawhi, but Durant just won his third straight scoring title. This playoffs, he has constantly helped his team when they desperately need him. And what you have done? You've been a good starter for the Spurs and could be a vital part of the next Spurs Dynasty. But for now, it's Durant's time to shine.
Edge: Oklahoma City 


Power Forward: Serge Ibaka (OKC) vs. Tim Duncan (SA)
Ibaka is one of the best young players in the game. He can score, block shots, get boards, anything you need. Oh, and he's also 6 foot 10 and 235 pounds. In the other corner, is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Tim Duncan, for years he has averaged a double. Until these past two years. Where he failed to reach double digit rebounds. Does that make him worse than Ibaka? No, it does not. Duncan has played and started in 184 playoff games. Ibaka has played in just 32. Duncan has experience, Ibaka doesn't. That's all you need to know.
Edge: San Antonio 


Center: Kendrick Perkins (OKC) vs. Boris Diaw (SA) 
Perkins has the experience, and was a great addition for the Thunder. Diaw is a little small, but is still a solid player. Neither of them score, but Perkins gets some boards. Neither will really be a large factor in the outcome of the games, but Perkins has won a championship, so I'll give this battle to him.
Edge: Oklahoma City 


Bench: 
Both the Thunder and the Spurs have great benches. The most intriguing battle of all on the bench, will be James Harden against Manu Ginobili. Both of these guys can score, and shoot lots of jumpers. The Thunder added Derek Fisher this season to help bolster their point guard position. Besides Ginobili, the Spurs have Tiago Splitter, Gary Neal, and Stephen Jackson. Because the Spurs have more depth in their bench, they should score more, but Harden can give Manu a run for his money.
Edge: San Antonio 


The Pick: 
Both of these teams, are really, really good. The Spurs have lots of experience in playoff games, and while the Thunder does as well, their two core players, Durant and Westbrook have never been to the finals. Parker and Duncan meanwhile, have won three championships together. This series will be really close, but the Spurs have experience in the championship, and no what it takes to win, and that should carry them over the Thunder.
Spurs over Thunder in 7

NBA at the Break

The NBA at the Break

Signs like this one have been appearing everywhere Jeremy Lin has played.

Note: There was no posting in the past few weeks because I had surgery. I will now be back to posting weekly.

After an extremely long, unnecessary lockout, the 30 NBA teams began the 66 game season on Christmas Day. The season began with Carmelo Anthony leading the Knicks to a 106-104 victory over the Boston Celtics. Anthony and his compatriot Amare Stoudemire had been carrying the Knicks, until about two weeks ago. With Anthony injured, and Amare grieving the death of his brother; an unknown, twice cut, Harvard educated point guard stepped up to the challenge. You know his name.Jeremy Lin. Lin has dominated this season as a starter for the Knicks. He has been the Tebow of the NBA. 

So, what else is going on? Well the defending champion Mavericks got off to a very slow start. Led by Dirk, a new look Mavs team bounced back, and is now in fourth place in the Western Conference. How’s the Big Three doing? Well, in their last game before the All-Star Break, they figured out a way to stop Linsanity. But besides that, the Miami Heat has dominated. They finished with the best record at the break, a half a game ahead of the Bulls. 

Okay, now, what about the teams who didn’t make the championship? Well, the Lakers, coached by new coach Mike Brown cannot seem to win on the road. A 6-12 road record, harms the almost perfect home record. Kobe has been his old solid self, leading the league in scoring with 28 points per game, as well as third in minutes per game. Kobe has tried to convince Lakers’ management to trade or to keep Pau Gasol. 

He's playing well, but Kobe has to be upset with the Lakers' play.

Despite constant speculation, Dwight Howard has stayed with the Orlando Magic. Lakers fans want him, Nets fans want him, but the Magic fans have him. Who knows if he will stay there for the rest of the season? Lamar Odom struggled at first, but has played better recently in his first year for the Mavs. Odom left the Lakers in a bittersweet trade for some cash and a draft pick.

And of course who could be forgetting the Clippers? Led by new acquisitions Chris Paul, and the now injured Chauncey Billups, as well as Blake Griffin,  the Clippers have cruised this season. They even beat their rival, the Lakeshow at one point. Coach Del Negro has coached the Clippers to third place in the conference. 

Oh yeah, there’s Durant too. Durant and his Thunder crew have been ballin’ it up this season, winning 27, and losing only seven. Good for first in the conference. The Thunder could be able to reach the Finals this season, and Durant can finally erase all the doubters, not that he has many. 

Projected NBA Awards

Kevin Durant will win another scoring title and his first MVP award this season

MVP: Kevin Durant, OKC

The Durantula is a scoring machine. This year he will win his third consecutive scoring title and the first MVP award of his career. Expect Durant to average at least 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. The shortened season benefits the Durantula a lot. Because the season is shortened, he will be able to play more minutes.  Durant will lead OKC to a deep playoff run as well. 

Runner up: LeBron James MIA

Rookie of the Year: Derrick Williams, MIN

The younger D-Will, is playing on a young, rapidly improving Timberwolves squad. With Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio to help him, he should score plenty points and grab boards. Williams will be a factor in whatever the Timberwolves do this season. He will attempt to help the team reach the playoffs for the first time since Kevin Garnett has left the team. This goal is in reach with Williams playing the 4 position. 

Runner up: Jimmer Fredette, SAC 

Coach of the Year: Mike D’Antoni, NYK

Mike D’Antoni will try his best to lead the Knicks to their second consecutive playoff appearance.Tyson Chandler has joined the Knicks, who now have their own Big Three. D’Antoni has the potential to rejuvenate the Knicks franchise. 

Runner up: Frank Vogel, IND

6th Man of the Year: Jason Terry, DAL

Jason Terry had a fantastic postseason off the bench last year for Dallas. He should score at least 15 points off the bench in insurance for the newly acquired Vince Carter. Terry has embraced his role as a sixth man, and scored plenty points. He should do more of the same this season.

Runner up: Udonis Haslem, MIA 

Most Improved Player: Joakim Noah, CHI 

Whatever happened to Joakim Noah? Do you remember him, the guy who stayed for four years in college and won two championships? Well this year, Noah is going to have his breakout season. Each year since he has come to the NBA, his scoring has gone up. The rebounds have also gone up, though Noah took a small dip in boards last season. This year, if the Bulls continue to put the pieces together, which they did by signing two guard Rip Hamilton, Noah could average a 16-10. Noah is the Bulls’ starting center, and primary rebounder. With the Bulls continuing to get better, expect Noah to finally break out this season, and demonstrate why the Bulls drafted him in 

Runner up: Danilo Gallinari, DEN

Defensive Player of the Year: Andrew Bogut, MIL 

If there is an NBA player for which the lockout benefits it could be Andrew Bogut. Bogut has played 70 games just twice in his career. His best year came when he played 69 games. Imagine what he can do in 66? Bogut led the NBA in blocks per game last season, and averaged eight defensive rebounds. If Bogut is able to play a full season, he will get more rebounds, and crash the glass

Runner up: Serge Ibaka OKC 

All NBA Team 

C Dwight Howard ORL

PF Lebron James MIA

SF Kevin Durant OKC

SG Kobe Bryant LAL 

PG Derrick Rose CHI

Why the Lakers Will Win the 2011-12 NBA Championship

No that’s not a typo. The Lakers are going to win the NBA championship. I’m not just saying that because I am Laker fan, it is true. Look at the Lakers’ team. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Metta World Peace. That lineup can win and has won a title. Plus, the lineup includes one of the men who saved the NBA, Derek Fisher . 

How can a team whose best players are all over 30 win a championship? Look which team won it last year. Look which team beat the Lakers last year in the play-offs, the Mavericks. The Mavs’ best player was 33. Kobe’s the same age this year. If Dirk can do it, Kobe can too! 

In addition, the Lakers are getting a fresh start. Phil Jackson is retired, he’s done. In steps former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown . Besides Brown, there are plenty of other new assistants. Brown is determined to win his first championship, something he could not do with LeBron. . Brown lost in the ’07 finals to the Spurs. Who was the best player on that Spurs team? A 31 year old center named Tim Duncan. 

Another advantage for the Lakers is the lockout. Because of the lockout there is a shortened season. As stated before, the Lakers’ team is not the youngest.  The players could get fatigued, and become injured. Fatigue and injuries is how the lockout is benefical. Since there is a shortened season, the Lakers’ starters can get extended minutes, since the players are only playing 66 games. 66 games? That’s how many games Kobe plays when he’s injured! Imagine 66 games, full strength. The Lakers will have more time to rest, and recuperate. Because they will have so much rest, Kobe and Pau will be unstoppable! 

How can Kobe and Pau beat the Durantula and Russell Westbrook? These two teams are really different. The Thunder is young and raw, while the Lakeshow is “a bunch of old geezers”.  How can the Lakers beat a young and raw team like that? It’s simple. Experience. How many players on the Thunder have been past the conference semifinals? Get rid of recent trade acquisition Kendrick Perkins, and their is no one. Zero, Zilch. How many Lakers have won a championship? The entire starting five. Kobe, Pau, Odom, Fish, and if you count an injured Bynum, have all won multiple championships.

This is most likely the Lakers’ last year as a dynasty. There are other up and coming teams in the western conference that can easily win the championship in the next few years. The Lakers are destined to win the championship this year. They have all the right pieces. A core group of players, an encouraging coach, and lots of play-off experience.Finally, in the coming weeks, the Lakers could be getting Chris Paul and Dwight Howard to form a new “Big 3”.  Kobe and those two guys, and a shortened season. A match made in Heaven.