The Spurs are 2007 champs!(much more inside)

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maes, remember this:

http://www.nbaliveforums.com/ftopic42318.php

Good call.

[Anthony15]

That makes it an easy road to the title for Spurs, funny how both time they've won the titles, they eliminted the Nuggets 4-1 in 1st round

[Lamrock]

Not only that, but in their three 21st century championships, they lost the first game of the playoffs but won the series. (Phoenix 4-2; Denver 4-1 X2)

BTW, just noticed the Sideshow Bob comment. Perfect Varejao nickname. I'm tempted to add that to the Wikipedia page.

[dan_suth]

I'm really disappointed with how this series ended. Game 5 was very crucial, and Lebron made sure his team didn't blow it. In game 6, the Pistons contained Lebron a lot better, but they let his shooters take them down (especially Gibson... geez). I'm sick of Billups though. Late in game 5 when he missed a shot to win the game and then when he missed the shot to tie it up in 2OT, he walked off with that smirk on his face, and to me it is way too much of a smile considering he just missed an important shot. It just seems like he has an 'oh well' attitude... all the "greats" in the league would have been pissed off if they missed a shot to win the game for their team... they sure as hell wouldn't be smiling. It just might be time to let him go...

Props to Cleveland for winning an important closeout game by showing up with a HUGE 4th quarter. Unbelievable performance from Gibson... that kid just made a huge name for himself. Best of luck to the Cavs in the finals - I wouldn't mind seeing Lebron get his first ring, but I would have to guess that the Spurs will take them in 5 or 6.

[Jugs]

LeBron James will be double teamed in the corner, somehow goes through it, drives along the baseline and then dunk on Tim Duncan.

Oh noes! A Jordan comparison!!!

[sdot_thadon]

Had to see it to believe it, Cavs to the finals...wow. Gibson, er Boobie was unreal. Sheed really needs to learn when to shut the hell up, he sealed the pistons' fate with his big mouth. Seeing as everyone picks SA to kill cleveland, I'm gonna roll with the youth movement and say this is Lebron's time to shine. Can't keep sleeping on how cavs got this far, defense hardcore D. Give them some respect, they are the eastern conference champions. (hard to say that with a straight face)

[CMJ3]

Wow Daniel Gibson!!! if he continues to develop him and James would be a killer duo. IF they add an athletic big man to the mix i think the Cavs can be a strong team for a long time.

[Lean]

on Gibson's 31. Amazing clutch performance

[Slizz]

Wow I woul've never thought the Cavs could actually close out the Pistons. Anyway I think the Finals could be sort of interesting... didn't the Cavs Sweep the Season Series?
I know doesn't mean that much but Warriors did also beat the Mavs

[1CenT]

I always thought Mavs were an unstable team... even though they did quite well this season... Maybe i'm being biased (prob) after their lost in da first round..

Spurs to me seems like they won't be bothered too much by the season series they lost to the Cavs...

Warriors and Mavs.. Long athletes were able to do a good job on Dirk since the beginning ( Marion, Tmac, Lebron )..

However Duncan is a traditional big... However i do think Big Z, Gooden and Floperson will do a good job on him, if they don't stay too aggressive and get in foul trouble...

Gibson/Hughes/Snow are good defenders on Parker, Manu...

Lebron and Bowen.. 'nuff said..

I think the series will be tigher than ppl predict b/c of the matchup... Duncan won't have an as easy time as ppl think... Nor will Parker and Ginobilli...

I predict Spurs in 6...... However... Don't be TOO surprise cavs win it in 7... ( ya right )

[_marsal]

I don't see Cavs stopping Parker's penetration or preventing Duncan from averaging 21+11+3+2 ...And when Manu gets going, there's no stopping him either.

I say Spurs in 5.

[Andrew]

It's certainly been a postseason of upsets and surprises. It seems unlikely we'll see another one in the NBA Finals but I for one believe it will still be an enjoyable series.

[Sauru]

if gibson keeps shooting like he is and they leave him open the cavs just might have a chance, at getting to a 6th game. great game by him though. so much focus on lebron and he stepped up big time.

[Matt]

^ i think Spurs will be quite happy to let LeBron get all that he wants as long as they shut out the rest. That's pretty much the Spurs M.O, they've done it to every team. Perhaps if Snow is in the game they might chuck 2 guys at LB.

[skip2mahbaby]

hypothetical situation.....Manu Gino drives to the hoop and makes "contact" with Varejao....both go sprawling 15 feet like they just got hit with a grenade....block or charge? Let the flop fest 07 begin! Spurs in 5.

Yeah, I would imagine the FLOP Wars on this edition of NBA Finals...

As for the Finals, as far as I can remember, early in the second round, people are expecting already a NJ series win...then same goes for the ECF,( my friends are already betting on SAvsDET for the finals)...So, i guess i'll have to go with the flow. Let the underdogs rule!! I hope that the Cavs can win it all, coz I don't like another Spurs title, let em change....


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[CMinnifield]

I thought out the same scenario w/ Manu and Varejao haha. I think the two flops would cancel out like a double technical and there would have to be a jump ball to determine who has possession.

[scrub]

If the Cavs beat the Spurs, will this be a bigger upset than Golden State-Dallas?

[skip2mahbaby]

No, I think that the biggest upse still is the Mavs-GS series. I mean, Dallas was built to win the NBA title this year (well, not until GS showed up)...They have manhandled every team in the regular season and having 60+ wins...

As for the Cavs, yeah, they may be close (third in my mind, another is the Det-LA series) if they win, still considered an upset, but not as big as the Dallas-GS series.


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[maes]

It's going to be the Spurs because Spurs are 75% in odd numbered years.

2005: Champions
2003: Champions
2001: Lost to Shaq
1999: Champions
1997: nobody was beating Jordan's Bulls at this era

Studies show that Duncan enters a hibernation phase during even numbered years like a bear fattening up for winter. He usually wakes up in summer months of odd years, usually to fish for salmon.

[cheater1034]

Wow, what a game 5 from LeBron (one of the best in history, if not the best)

And game 6 detroit stopped LBJ, but his shooter's were open (gibson). Dan Gibson will be a very good point guard in his future career, him and LBJ will be a killer duo especially if they get a big in the middle who can post strong.

Cavs did a nice job against detroit against all odds, The cavs are a worthy opponent for the world champion San Antonio Spurs.

Spurs-Cavs will be a defensive series, both teams are great defensively, but I don't think the spurs can stop LeBron without a double team (if they don't double him he'll end up putting up 80 points), they really need some guys to step up and make shots off of his feeds (like gibson)

[sucram]

80 points.

[Sauru]

If the Cavs beat the Spurs, will this be a bigger upset than Golden State-Dallas?

it will far excede the golden state upset, cause they have nothing to show for thier win other than pride while the cavs would have the ring. if cavs win its easily one of the biggest upsets ever imo.

[Lean]

Spurs in 5 or 6. If Gibson will still shoot like hell, it will be one of the Spurs' problems.

[Craig]

I don’t really understand why people keeps whining about Verojao or Manu’s flopping. I know there are bunch of guys who just don’t want to see Cavs got into the Finals, of coz, Pistons’ fans, besides, those who hate LeBron for whatever reasons.

But trust me, there is no need to hate Verojao.

You must admit, “flopping” requires quick reaction, exact footwork and the insight of how offensive player is going to attack, and flopping also means a fifty-fifty to get a call for defensive foul.

Scottie Pippen, one of the greatest defender at his position, no doubt, also a very good flopper. But he’s so good at everything that people can forget his flopping and focus on his dunk, 3-pointers and passes.

Verojao plays with hustle and energetic, look around the league, how many players are willing to do what Verojao did for his team to win?

How many players just don’t give a shit about the game?
How many players you can see from their games that they really want their teams to win nowadays?

I think that’s why Spurs and Cavs got into the Finals. Even a blind can tell that some players in Utah and Detroit just don’t give a FXCK.

And please honestly answer this question: Don’t you want a guy like Verojao coming from the bench for your team?

Flopping isn’t Cheating, making someone got hurt is Cheating. Flopping just like everything else on the court, it can be avoid and stopped by smart move.

Sheed just got owned mentally. I mean, Com’on, MAN! You’ve played in NBA for over 10 years, you and your team are known for experienced and sophisticated, and you’re whining about referees got blinded by someone’s acting? You should have get over it!

No one’s gonna remember is it true that Wade, Verojao and Manu got fouled when they flop, the only thing we’ll remember is that Wade and Manu led Heat and Spurs won the Championships, and Cavs got into the Finals. Sheed once again showed he can’t control his temper when it matters the most, and he will always be remembered this way.

I don’t mean to offend Piston’s fans, but your team really did a bad job overally in the ECF, don’t blame Verojao’s flopping, that’s just one of the smallest issues.

Verojao is a good NBA player, and Cavs is a good team, unlike we expected, they don’t rely on one man show. If you just don’t like them, don’t watch the Finals or go boost for Spurs.

From what I saw at this point, the new age is coming, Bowen can’t guard James, Duncan will get into foul troble a lot, and can’t make the majority of his freethrows, as long as Cavs’ shoot the ball well, Cavs in 6.

[[Q]]

can somebody find the "Be strong!" picture of Lebron pointing at his arm after Drew Gooden loses the ball on the baseline? I looked through the ones on Yahoo and couldn't find it. btw, what game was that? I think it was game 5 in Detroit if i'm not mistaken.