Huh?
It's 2-1 and every single game has been very competitive. All OKC has to do is win 1 game and this is headed back to OKC. This series if far from done. Miami could win this thing. But again, I have a hard time believing that OKC is going to continue to have crappy starts and get absolutely nothing out of Ibaka and Harden.
Just today Ibaka missed 2 straight FTs, Durant missed 2 straight FTs, and OKC fouled on 2 consecutive 3 pointers. This is huge for a 1 point game inside of 1 minute. If OKC just uses their head and hits a few of their FTs they have a lead inside of 1 min.
Meanwhile, I doubt Battier continues to shoot like Dirk.
Miami has the mo. But I still think OKC is the better team and will prove it in the end.
PS What the hell is up with the refs constantly putting Durant into foul trouble? This is pissing me off. Dwade and Lebron never have fouls and yet Durant it seems like is CONSTANTLY in foul trouble.
I picked Miami way back when this thread first formed, and I stand by that for the same reasons.
OKC doesn't have anyone who can get you easy baskets inside. Miami isn't that great in the post department either, but I'd say they have the three best post up players in the series (Bosh, Wade, Lebron) and you're seeing that advantage having an impact every night.
Miami is the more consistent team defensively, IMO.
Miami has the two best passers in the series in Lebron and Wade.
Ibaka's shot blocking is going to be negated because he'll almost always be matched up with Bosh or Lebron, causing him to leave the paint. This takes away Ibaka's strengths to the point that he didn't even step on the court in the 4th of game 1 and didn't have a single block. Most importantly, if they continue to bench him late in games because of this, Miami will, and has had, a clear rebounding edge.
Miami is obviously more experienced, but unlike some of OKC's previous match ups, they aren't old.
You say OKC won't continue to get off to bad starts and you're right...they didn't get off to a bad start in game 3, and still lost.
Battier was crazy in the first two games, and while I don't expect him to keep that up, I think he'll continue to do what he did in game 3: make two 3's per. With the amount of space he'll have because of the big three, it's very realistic.
Most of all, Lebron is on a mission. He seems much more level headed in these playoffs than I've ever seen. Seriously, has he had a bad game in the post season so far? Lebron is getting this thing done.