333 replies to this topic

[Chris B]

Besides the city of Miami (and its bandwagon fans) and the Seattle metro area, I'd say most people are rooting for the Thunder.

[BSLChrisStoner]

NBC Sports / Pro Basketball Talk: 5 Keys for OKC to become Champions
http://probasketball...e-nba-champion/

NBC Sports / Pro Basketball Talk: 5 Keys for Miami to become Champions
http://probasketball...-nba-champions/

[BSLChrisStoner]

Yahoo: LeBron James heads to NBA Finals, playing best basketball of his life
http://sports.yahoo....w4iVt.ipwU5nYcB

[Oriole85]

Anyone else ready for all the weather puns? "It's getting hot in Miami." "Storm warnings in OKC."

[mweb08]

Funny and interesting video from Bomani Jones: http://youtu.be/SLqLOTWwk8M

[Oriole85]

Besides the city of Miami (and its bandwagon fans) and the Seattle metro area, I'd say most people are rooting for the Thunder.

Don't really have too much of a rooting interesting, although I must say I'd love for Lebron to win it to shut up the critics. Should be a fun series though.

[mweb08]

The Thunder are considered the favorites and I was just wondering if the favorites of a Finals have ever had less pressure on them relative to their opponents?

The Heat and specifically James have a ton of pressure on them, but the Thunder are super young so they have more time to win, and they're much more liked; thus, less scrutiny from the media.

[Adam Wolff]

The Thunder are considered the favorites and I was just wondering if the favorites of a Finals have ever had less pressure on them relative to their opponents?

The Heat and specifically James have a ton of pressure on them, but the Thunder are super young so they have more time to win, and they're much more liked; thus, less scrutiny from the media.

That's a great point. I don't think if the Thunder were to lose, regardless of how it happens, you'll hear about choking or breaking the team up or anything stupid that you seem to always hear. The only thing I could think you might hear would be if Westbrook gets too shot-happy, something about that, just because they'll have to talk about it.

But you're absolutely right. They're young as hell and incredibly popular. If they lose, the story will be Miami finally coming together and getting it done, not about anything the Thunder didn't do. If OKC wins, it will be all about Miami choking.

A friend of mine brought this up to me; could this be this generation's Boston vs. LA? These teams could absolutely be mostly all together for the next 5-10 with some of the top players in the league. I'd think they could meet in the Finals a number of times.

[mweb08]

We could see this match-up 2-3 more times potentially. I think the Heat's window is a lot smaller due to Wade's age.

The Bulls are the team that has the best chance to keep this from being a yearly affair.

[mweb08]

A good roundtable preview on SI: http://sportsillustr... ... index.html

[bnickle]

The Thunder are only favored because of home court advantage. If Miami had home court advantage they would be favored. It's that tight. Again, Miami in wins the series. Gonna change it to 6 instead of 7. Split the first 2 games, Miami gets 2 of 3 at home and take game 6 on the road.


And what was mentioned above is why Miami will win. They have to win. It's their time to win. OKC's window is much larger.

[BSLChrisStoner]

A good roundtable preview on SI: http://sportsillustr... ... index.html

Nice read here.

So, where are the picks? Thunder or Heat? How many games?

[Pedro Cerrano]

I'll take the Thunder in 7, I didn't think they had what it took to win the title but after beating San Antonio 4 straight games, I'm sold. Home court will be the difference maker.

[SportsGuy]

Thunder in 6.

I think the big 3s essentially cancel each other out and between home court and the better depth after the big 3, I take the Thunder.

[Adam Wolff]

I'm going to take Miami in 7. I've been thinking about this a lot, going back and forth on whether or not the pressure will help or hurt them, and I think I'm going to go with help. I think Lebron silences a lot of haters and has an incredible series to win MVP.

[JeffLong]

I'm gonna take the Heat in 5. Love me some LBJ.

[SportsGuy]

Miami is really going to need one of the first 2 games to win the series IMO.

Don't see them going back to Miami down 0-2 and winning the series.

[JeffLong]

Also this: http://www.nytimes.c...?ref=basketball

[Pedro Cerrano]

Miami is really going to need one of the first 2 games to win the series IMO.

Don't see them going back to Miami down 0-2 and winning the series.

This is why 2-3-2 is such a disadvantage for the team without home court. In baseball, where home field isn't as big an issue, it's no big deal but I remember the Lakers losing both games in Boston in 2008 and thinking "wow, they have to win all 3 at home, that's so hard to do!"

It was that series that really made me frown upon the 2-3-2 set up.

[SBTarheel]

Miami in 6 will be my final prediction..

I was "Talking" to MWeb about this on Facebook, and I'm torn on who to root for. I've been in love with Durant for years, but I really want to see LeBron win a title, and especially avoid the irrational hatred if they lose.

I'll decide before tip off I guess.