Tag: Paul George

From La La Land To Motown

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

The Los Angeles Clippers are throwing in the towel.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before….

Monday night, despite being just 1/2 of a game out of the playoffs, the Clippers drew a line in the sand by trading Blake Griffin to Motown:

Detroit Pistons Get: Blake Griffin, Brice Johnson, and Willie Reed

Los Angeles Clippers Get: Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, a top-4 protected 2018 1st round pick, and a 2019 2nd round pick

It begs the age-old question: Should a franchise always compete to make the playoffs, even if it means spending eternity in mediocrity??

**We know which side of the fence Kristaps Porzingis falls on, as he expects the New York Knicks to be buyers at the trade deadline. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! When you’re done laughing, please, read on….

If the Clippers held on to Blake Griffin, they might have made the playoffs this season. Only to have the pleasure of being trounced by the Golden State Warriors in the 1st round. Griffin would have undoubtedly gotten hurt along the way. And the Clippers would have been back to the drawing board — again. Instead, the Clippers made a SMART decision, and received a solid ROI (return on investment). Bradley is an expiring contract, Harris is a solid, relatively cheap player who becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2019, and draft picks never hurt.

While Griffin is one of the most talented players in the NBA, he’s a hospital visit waiting to happen. Over the past 3 seasons, he’s averaged just 54.3 games per year. And this season, has already missed 16 of 49 games. You can’t dunk on people from the infirmary. Plus, he signed a 5-year, $171 million contract this past July. Over time, that contract will resemble a burden rather than a blessing.

Gather around conspiracy theorists….

Some believe this is the 1st of multiple moves to open up salary cap space for Lebron James. Yes, the Lebron James sweepstakes could be in full effect again next year. But to tear your roster apart for a ‘pipe dream’ is foolish. Expect the Clippers to continue their roster purge prior to the trade deadline (February 8th @ 3:00 P.M EST).

As for the other 29 teams, absolutely nothing has transpired. The New Orleans Pelicans, however, are actively seeking a deal to bolster their frontcourt after losing DeMarcus Cousins to a ruptured Achilles Friday night. Side note: Paul George will replace Cousins on the All-Star Team.

IF Blake Griffin should ever stay healthy, he should land on many All-Star Teams.

Welcome to the Weak-Eastern Conference Blake….

 

Who won the Blake Griffin trade?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

It’s Snubbing Season!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I don’t like getting snubbed.

I can’t imagine Paul George does either.

As the NBA All-Star Team Reserves were announced Tuesday, George was the most glaring omission. Each conference is comprised of 12 players, 5 starters and 7 reserves.

Starters are determined by 3 voting groups:

Fans: 50%

Players: 25%

Media: 25%  

Reserves are selected by NBA coaches. And this year, rather than play East Vs. West, a playground style, pick-up game will ensue. Each conference’s top vote-getter (as per the fans), will be named “Captain”. The inaugural captains are Lebron James and Stephen Curry. They will then alternate selecting players (Lebron has 1st pick) no matter their conference.

lebron curry

**NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, decided not to televise the selection process, as he doesn’t want to hurt the last pick’s feelings….

(Hurt their feelings?? Are we in 2nd grade?!?! These are grown men, being paid millions to play the game of basketball, and you’re worried about their feelings over the All-Star Game?!?! Talk about a money making opportunity being flushed down the toilet!!)

Instead, Lebron and Curry’s selections will be revealed on Thursday @ 7:00 P.M. EST on TNT.

While I like the idea of “choosing up teams”, they only got this half-way right.

If you’re going to choose teams, regardless of conference, why would the voting process remain separated by conference????

All-Star voting should simply be the top-24 players in the NBA. Here are the teams, as presently constructed:

Eastern Conference:

  • Starter: Kyrie Irving, G, Boston Celtics
  • Starter: DeMar DeRozan, G, Toronto Raptors
  • Starter: LeBron James, F, Cleveland Cavaliers (Captain)
  • Starter: Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks
  • Starter: Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
  • Reserve: Kyle Lowry, G, Toronto Raptors
  • Reserve: Bradley Beal, G, Washington Wizards
  • Reserve: John Wall, G, Washington Wizards
  • Reserve: Victor Oladipo, G, Indiana Pacers
  • Reserve: Kevin Love, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Reserve: Kristaps Porzingis, F, New York Knicks
  • Reserve: Al Horford, C, Boston Celtics

Western Conference:

  • Starter: Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors (Captain)
  • Starter: James Harden, G, Houston Rockets
  • Starter: Kevin Durant, F, Golden State Warriors
  • Starter: Anthony Davis, F, New Orleans Pelicans
  • Starter: DeMarcus Cousins, C, New Orleans Pelicans
  • Reserve: Damian Lillard, G, Portland Trail Blazers
  • Reserve: Klay Thompson, G, Golden State Warriors
  • Reserve: Jimmy Butler, G, Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Reserve: Russell Westbrook, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Reserve: LaMarcus Aldridge, F, San Antonio Spurs
  • Reserve: Draymond Green, F, Golden State Warriors
  • Reserve: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

If you say someone needs to be in, someone needs to be out….

Paul George is more deserving than Kristaps Porzingis. I love that the Knicks will be represented at All-Star Weekend, but Kristaps Porzingis DOES NOT deserve to be an All-Star. George is also more deserving than Kyle Lowry, Lamarcus Aldridge, Draymond Green, Kevin Love, and Klay Thompson. These players are having outstanding seasons, but they’re not having the season George is having.

Here are George’s stats:

20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.1 steals, 43.6 FG%, 42.2 3-point%, and 80.9 FT%

Don’t forget, George is also adjusting to life as the 2nd option, for the 1st time, in Oklahoma City. Oh, and George is the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year.

 

Should Paul George be an All-Star?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Porzingis’ Early Exit Brings Knicks’ Bench To Life

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

kp

Here we go again.

Kristaps Porzingis exited Thursday night’s game in the 3rd quarter with a left knee injury. Get used to hearing those words. We all know how talented Porzingis is, but availability is your best ability.

At this moment, the severity of the injury is unknown, but Porzingis will undergo tests today. Stay tuned.

As he gingerly walked to the locker room, the Knicks attempted to hold on to a lead against the crosstown Brooklyn Nets. A lead that was as many as 18-points, quickly turned into a 4-point deficit. While it seemed like the same old story “on the road”, the Knicks’ bench came through in the clutch. Michael Beasley, the most confident man in America, dropped 15 points in 20 minutes. The bench scored a total of 45 points, as the Knicks picked up their 2nd “road” win of the season, 111-104.

Obviously the Knicks need Porzingis if they’re going to make the playoffs, but this squad is fun to watch (with or without him). The most amazing part is….THEY PLAY DEFENSE!! Actual team defense. Ya know..help, rotate, hustle, give effort. Now standing at 15-13, the Knicks will put their 3-game winning streak on the line Saturday night, when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

You know what means….NO, not Das Boot….

IT’S MELO’S RETURN TO THE GARDEN!!

Honestly, I think there will be a mixed reaction in Madison Square Garden tomorrow night. But, I implore Knicks’ fans not to boo Carmelo Anthony. The failures and shortcomings of the Knicks were not his fault. He was a very good player for the 7 seasons he put on the ‘Blue and Orange’.

Prediction: Thunder 107, Knicks 94

Assuming the Knicks are without the services of Kristaps Porzingis, I can’t envision their bench duplicating Thursday night’s performance. Melo will drop his usual 22. Paul George will contribute in multiple facets of the game. And Russell Westbrook will hang a triple-double on top of the tree. The question is: will Enes Kanter get up close and personal with a former teammate??

Catch all the action for Carmelo Anthony’s 1st game back at Madison Square Garden, Saturday night @ 7:30 P.M EST.

I’ll stand up from my couch and applaud Melo when he’s introduced. Then he’ll go right back to being the enemy.

 

Can the Knicks continue to win games if Porzingis misses extended time?? Will you cheer or boo Carmelo Anthony in his return to the Garden?? Tell me in the comment section below. Don’t be shy….

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Everyone Wave Goodbye To Melo

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

carmelo anthony

It’s official.

Everyone say, “Bye Bye Melo.”

While the majority of ignorant Knicks’ fan continue to bemoan this trade, and bash Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks’ legacy, I will applaud the trade and Melo.

Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy

Carmelo Anthony, now 33, was drafted #3 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft out of Syracuse University. He will suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder this coming season (his 15th). He spent 7.5 seasons with the Denver Nuggets before spending the last 6.5 seasons with the New York Knicks.

Career Averages: 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 45.2 FG%, 81.3 FT%

Carmelo Anthony ‘is who he is’. He’s a great scorer who’s been a decent rebounder. He plays very little defense and isn’t seen passing the ball very often. But, to his credit, he hasn’t had many superstar teammates throughout his career.

His biggest fault: He’s not Lebron James. 

I’m serious. He was drafted in the same draft as Lebron. He played nationally televised high school games against Lebron. And since they’re friends, Melo has carried this comparison his entire career. Nuggets and Knicks’ fans should applaud Melo for his contributions to their franchises, rather than criticize him for being Championship-Less.

*He didn’t offer himself his contract (and No-Trade Clause).

The Trade

This Trade was made official on Monday, as Carmelo Anthony waived his No-Trade Clause.

Knicks Get:

Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and the Chicago Bulls’ 2nd Round Pick

Thunder Get:

Carmelo Anthony

This is a good trade for both teams. Those who are killing the Knicks, or giving them an ‘F’, don’t understand this situation in the slightest. Here’s why:

1.) Carmelo Anthony had a No-Trade Clause. This Means he needed to sign off on any deal, making it nearly impossible to trade him.

2.) Due to reason #1, this is the best deal the Knicks could have received. Those who were expecting two 1st-round picks also don’t know which way is up.

3.) $$. Isn’t everything about money?? This move gets money off the books after this season (even if Kanter picks up his player option in 2018-19).

4.) Morale. Despite Carmelo Anthony still being a good player, this will boost the attitude and environment in the Knicks’ locker room, thus leading to more productive play on the court.

This trade made sense for both teams. From the Thunders’ perspective, they didn’t give up a lot to obtain Melo, and they improved in the short-term. This offseason they acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony for Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter. While Westbrook, George, and Melo may only be together for 1 playoff run, Sam Presti (Thunder General Manager) deserves a raise.

 

What do you think of this trade?? Give it a grade in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

BREAKING NEWS: Melo Has Been Traded!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments


In breaking news, the Melo-Drama has come to an end. The New York Knicks have agreed in principle to trade Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Knicks Get:

Enes Kanter

Doug McDermott

And a 2nd Round Pick

Thunder Get:

Carmelo Anthony

 
Melo, being 1 of only 3 players with a No-Trade Clause, must sign-off on the deal. According to league sources, the deal will be complete Monday morning.

Doug McDermott is entering the last year of his rookie contract ($3.3 Million). Kanter is under contract for this year ($20.56 Million) and has a player option for the 2018-2019 season ($18.6 Million).

The Thunder also acquired Paul George this offseason, so it’ll be interesting to see how these new additions meld with Russell Westbrook.

Stay tuned for more details and analysis of the trade once it’s official.

 

How do my Knicks fans feel?? Are you happy Melo has been traded?? 

Tell me in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends

Episode #2 Of DaveTalksSports Radio!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Good morning sports fans. If you feel you aren’t getting enough of DaveTalksSports here, and you want more, allow me to introduce DaveTalksSports Radio!! You can leave comments here or on YouTube. Make sure to follow me on Twitter @DaveEttinger2, Subscribe to DaveTalksSports on YouTube, or Like my DaveTalksSports Page on Facebook.Thanks for reading and listening!!

Happy 4th of July!! And Happy Birthday Jordan!!

 

 

 

Chris Paul Must Hate Paying Taxes

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Clippers

A huge name in the NBA is on the move. While nothing is official until free agency begins (July 1st), the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets have agreed on a trade. News broke yesterday that the Clippers would send Chris Paul to the Rockets in exchange for:

Take a deep breath..starting..now….

  • Patrick Beverly
  • Lou Williams
  • Sam Dekker
  • Montrezl Harrell
  • DeAndre Liggins
  • Darrun Hilliard
  • Kyle Wiltjer
  • A top-three protected draft pick in 2018
  • And last but not least, $661,000 (aka the Trade Kicker – 15% of Paul’s annual salary).

It sounds like a lot more than it is. A lot of dominoes had to fall in place, but this trade benefits both teams. Chris Paul, in his own self-interest, did the Clippers a favor. What is it they say?? There’s no such thing as a selfless act. I don’t believe that, but that’s a story for a different day. The point is, Paul could have walked away from the Clippers, leaving them empty-handed, to test the free agency waters. Instead, he grabbed the Clippers’ organization by the ear and said something to the effect of, ‘I’m going to Houston, so make this happen.’ Which brings us to the Rockets sending cash considerations seemingly all over the world for the 3 no names in the deal, and the Clippers and Paul executing a sign-and-trade deal. Goodbye La La Land, hello no state income-tax.

*This is the only way Paul could have gone to the Rockets. They couldn’t afford him as a free agent.

Now, all I keep hearing is, ‘this isn’t a good idea, Harden and Paul aren’t a good fit‘. I’m here to tell you that’s NONSENSE. You know what’s a good idea?? Putting multiple all-stars on the same team. Newsflash: that’s how the NBA works. Allow me to remind everyone that the pairing of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry was doubted prior to last season. Please stuff your revisionist history back in your pocket.

Yes, there’s only 1 ball, but on a Rockets team coached by run-and-gun Mike D’Antoni, I’m pretty sure they’ll figure it out. Paul brings a new element to the Rockets as well. It’s this little thing I’m certain James Harden has never heard of before, called DEFENSE!! Chris Paul is a premier defender from the point guard position. He also possesses one of the best mid-range games in the league from the point guard position. Yeah..this all sounds terrible to me.

The only problem the Rockets still have is the Golden State Warriors (don’t we all). The Rockets, just like the Cleveland Cavaliers, are 1 star and 1 big man away from being true contenders. Rockets’ fans should be pleased to know their team is going ‘all-in’, as they are currently pursuing Indiana Pacers’ star, Paul George. Because who doesn’t love a ‘Big 3’??

There’s another reason Chris Paul could potentially benefit from this sign-and-trade. Yup, you guessed it, MONEY. Paul, who’s 32 years old, can receive a max-contract of 5 years, $201 million.  Which begs the question, how long does Houston want to commit to Chris Paul?? While Paul is still great, the Rockets will assuredly regret the last 2 years of this contract. I say shove all those chips to the middle of the table!!

Hey — what’s the worst that can happen??

 

What do you think of this trade?? Should the Houston Rockets give Chris Paul a Max Contract?? Don’t hold it in, let it out in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

 

NBA Trade Rumors Swirl Around Super-Team Tornado

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

jimmy butler

Apparently this is what it’s all about. Who can build the most Super, Super-Team of them all?? As the dust settles from the Golden State Warriors steamrolling through the NBA Playoffs, en route to their 2nd championship in 3 years, everyone is trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’. And since Kevin Durant declined his player option on Monday in order to re-sign with the Warriors, the dynasty is in full effect.

According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, Durant will take a $4 million “pay cut” to give the franchise the flexibility to keep their roster intact. So, why doesn’t everyone just play for free?? Players make so much money in endorsements their NBA salaries are fairly insignificant anyway. Then the NBA can rename the East All-Stars the Cavaliers and the West All-Stars the Warriors. Isn’t that where we’re headed anyway?!

Side Note: Who fires their General Manager 3 days before the NBA Draft?!

2nd Side Note (?): Who fires their General Manager without consulting their superstar, Lebron James?!?!

Oh, that would be Cleveland Cavaliers owner, Dan Gilbert. Ya know, the guy who ran Lebron James out of town 7 years ago. Well evidently he had so much fun running the best player of this generation out of town the first time, he plans to do it again. Really, really smart….

Lebron had reportedly been lobbying for Cavaliers’ General Manager, David Griffin’s job prior to his firing. So now, it looks like the Cavaliers are trying to make amends. We must build a Super-Team so powerful that Lebron James will never leave again. Fasten your seat belts and lock your doors because we’re entering Rumor Town.

The latest rumor in the NBA Super-Team Saga is the Cavaliers are looking to complete a 3-team trade for Jimmy Butler. Reportedly, the Cavaliers don’t have enough assets to complete this trade with the Chicago Bulls, so they’ve gotten the Phoenix Suns thrown into the mix. If this rumor holds true (which rarely is the case), the trade would look as follows:

  • The Suns would receive Kevin Love (and I’m assuming something else)
  • The Bulls would receive Eric Bledsoe and the 4th overall pick
  • The Cavaliers would receive Jimmy Butler

These talks are preliminary, as their are many other teams involved in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes. This is assuming the Bulls are even looking to trade Butler in the first place. I know it’s hard to believe, but some reporters will make up trade rumors just to get attention. Crazy, right??

Jimmy Butler is one of the best two-way players in the NBA. If the Cavaliers can pull off a trade of this magnitude, they would be a few role-playing big men away from being real contenders for a championship. *Not fake contenders like they were last year.

Another big name, who’s actually on the trading block, is Paul George. George informed the Pacers he would become a free agent following the 2017-2018 season. While I can’t imagine the Indiana Pacers are thrilled about losing a top-20 talent, they should appreciate George saying, “trade me now, so you don’t get left empty-handed”. Because no one wants to lose Shaquille O’ Neal to free agency……

Nice work Orlando Magic.

Paul George has expressed his desire to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. They have young prospects and draft picks to offer, so it is a plausible scenario. However, the rumors now involve the Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics, and the Cavaliers. George will undoubtedly be dealt sooner rather than later. The only question is; Where??

Thursday’s NBA Draft should be exciting, as many players could be on the move. No matter what each team does, they will operate with only one thing in mind; create the next Super-Team.

How do you feel about Super-Teams in the NBA?? Like them, love them, or hate them?? Let your feelings out in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

 

Lebron James Is Decent At Basketball

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

lebron

There is a short list of things better than sleep. Watching Lebron James play basketball is one of those things. So, if Thursday was your go to bed early day, I feel bad for you. In case anyone had forgotten, Lebron James is still the best player in the world. He reminded us by leading his Cleveland Cavaliers to the greatest comeback win in NBA playoff history. Thanks to his 41 point, 13 rebound, and 12 assist triple double, the Cavaliers became the first team to ever comeback from a 25-point halftime deficit. I knew the Indiana Pacers were in trouble when their 20-point lead shrank to 10 points in a 1:55 span of the 3rd quarter. The Cavaliers now hold a commanding 3-0 lead over the Pacers. And in case you hadn’t noticed, first round loss and Lebron James don’t often collide in the same sentence. Thursday night’s victory extended Lebron James’ winning streak in first round games to 20. That’s insane!

Side note: Can anyone guess the last team to win a first round game against Lebron James? If you said my 2012 New York Knickerbockers you’d be correct. Thanks Melo’.

This streak is tied for the longest since the 1983-1984 postseason, where the playoffs expanded to 16 teams. Last night’s performance also put Lebron in rarefied air. He passed Kobe Bryant for 3rd on the all-time postseason scoring list.

One of the most impressive things about last night’s comeback was Lebron did it by himself. Occasionally in the past, Kevin Love would grab a crucial rebound or JR Smith would decide it’s time to snap out of an 0 for 17 shooting slump. And of course there was the NBA Finals clinching 3-pointer hit by Kyrie Irving last year. However, Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue decided to sit Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving for THE ENTIRE 4th quarter. So much for the Big Three. Of course, Lebron can’t win a championship by himself. We don’t have to look far to find proof of that. Insert cough here, 2015 Finals, cough again, 2007 Finals, cough cough.

As for the task at hand, I believe the Cavaliers are 1 of only 3 teams that can realistically win the Championship this year. The other 2 would be the New England Patr….oops I’m sorry, I’m just so used to them winning I figured they may win the NBA Championship too. The Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs are the only other teams who have a chance this year. Personally I don’t envision the Warriors losing more than 2 games to anyone en route to another Championship. But as long as Lebron James is still lacing up his Nike sneakers, I won’t be counting him out.

Who do you think will win the NBA Championship? Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

The Heat Get Beat Down

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, not ahhhh you know the rest. That is one sentence I bet Lebron James wishes he could take back. As you all know, the big “3” assembled themselves to embark on a quest. That quest was to win multiple championships. However, the way they look right now they might have to settle for just the 1. Dwyane Wade is dealing with injuries and Chris Bosh is playing like a soft 6’2″ shooting guard inside a 6’10” body. Lebron James has been left to pick up his entire team and carry them on his back (a la Cleveland 2007). I doubt this is what Lebron was anticipating when he signed with the Miami Heat. Maybe, just maybe this is karma’s way of saying, “Hey Lebron you shouldn’t have done that bad thing that you did”. Obviously that’s just a joke, but even if the Heat get past the Pacers in game 7 do you really expect them to beat the San Antonio Spurs? The way they are playing right now I highly doubt it. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though and let’s take a look at where we are and how we got there.

The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers are deadlocked at 3 games a piece and will play a decisive game 7 on Monday night. The Heat, yes the Heat, are lucky to be in this position. The Pacers have been the better team in this series, and they were just 2.2 seconds away from winning this series. Now, there are vital questions that must be answered. How will the heat respond to this beat down? Will Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh show up to play Monday night? Will the Pacers carry the momentum from this big win into game 7? I’m going to answer all of these questions for you (just hold your horses), but first I will tell you how we got here.

Game 6 was a prime example of how the Pacers can beat the Heat. They out rebounded the Heat 53-33, and they out scored them in the paint 44-22. That my friends is a recipe for success against the vertically challenged Miami Heat. As a whole the Pacers played an efficient offensive game shooting 50% from the field. A fair question to be asked following the game is, who owns the 3rd quarter now? The Pacers came out of halftime on a mission. They out scored the Heat 29-15 in the quarter and completely turned the game around. The 3rd quarter onslaught was led by Pacers up and coming superstar Paul George. Dwyane Wade clearly can’t guard George as he went off for 28 points, and Roy Hibbert was his usual dominant self down low adding 24 points and 11 rebounds. Hibbert also had the play of the game by drawing an offensive foul on Lebron James as he drove the lane late in the 4th quarter. This was like the meeting of the unstoppable force and the immovable object. Point goes to the immovable object on this one. Also, what kind of cry baby is Lebron James? After being called for the foul he ran the full length of the floor in disbelief. Needless to say he was hit with a technical foul (hahahaha). Anyway, let’s get back to the task at hand. The real positive the Pacers should take away from this game was their defense. They held the Heat to 77 points! They also held Wade and Bosh to a combined 15 points on 4 of 19 shooting from the field (that’s a whopping 21%). Good stuff guys! You know you’re in trouble when Lebron misses having Anderseon Varejao and Boobie Gibson on his team. I have one question for whoever believes they have a reasonable answer: if Dwyane Wade is so hurt, why does he continue taking so many shots? I mean the Heat’s box scores have looked a lot like a Carmelo Anthony led squad lately. Whatever adjustments the Heat decide to make, they will not win if Lebron is left to beat the pacers singlehandedly. And this brings us to the most important question of all. What is going to happen in game 7?

The Pacers are going to win game 7 in South Beach. They are going to continue to impose their will on the interior. They will be too tall, too strong, and too physical. And most importantly they are going to come together as a team and will their way through the finish line. Lebron will post his usual phenomenal stat line, but Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will continue their struggles. This offseason will be a tumultuous one for Lebron and the Heat. Many questions will arise about the disappointment of this big “3” and their failed union. And questions of what the future will hold will follow. I am personally looking forward to their demise. That is what you get when you are cocky, and arrogant, and think you’re better than everyone else. Now all I have to do is hope my game 7 prediction is not wrong. Tune into TNT @ 8:30 p.m. for what should be a riveting game 7 in Miami. Enjoy!

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