NBA Season 2010-11

[Danimal]

Like I said I don't watch the NBA much because it seems like it is going the WWE route more entertainment then sport. I guess I just don't get why everyone is giving the Heat credit. When you shoot 18 more FT's then your opponent you should win every time should you not?

The Bulls were not even suppose to be this good this year right? So a team with clearly no offense is taking the best thing since sliced bread and pushing them every game an by all accounts the one game where the Heat didn't get the edge in calls is the one the Bulls one correct? Just seems to me that the foul differential play a big role in determining the winner and if you mention that it's seems skewed then you're a conspiracy guy. You never even hear it mentioned on the national post game shows.

If anything I give the NBA credit. It has managed to make anyone who questions the officiating seem crazy thus covering up the deficiencies of their own product.

[Brando70]

Like I said I don't watch the NBA much because it seems like it is going the WWE route more entertainment then sport. I guess I just don't get why everyone is giving the Heat credit. When you shoot 18 more FT's then your opponent you should win every time should you not?

The Bulls were not even suppose to be this good this year right? So a team with clearly no offense is taking the best thing since sliced bread and pushing them every game an by all accounts the one game where the Heat didn't get the edge in calls is the one the Bulls one correct? Just seems to me that the foul differential play a big role in determining the winner and if you mention that it's seems skewed then you're a conspiracy guy. You never even hear it mentioned on the national post game shows.

If anything I give the NBA credit. It has managed to make anyone who questions the officiating seem crazy thus covering up the deficiencies of their own product.

I don't understand why NBA officiating generates so much more scrutiny than other officiating. There is bad officiating in every professional sport. Different umps call balls and strikes differently. Holding in football could be called on every play. Soccer refs screw up matches all the time. Etc, etc.

Sometimes one team gets more calls. In fact, last night, the fouls were not that big of a disparity, just those resulting in free throws. I think the Heat got some benefit of more calls in the act of shooting, but that happens. They still played very stout defense and LeBron had a remarkable game, as did Mike Miller. The Bulls also got some calls to -- Rose got a very generous continuation on one play, and LeBron's offensive foul to set up the final play in regulation, while correct, was pretty strict.

[dbdynsty25]

The Bulls were supposed to be good...not #1 seed in the east good, but still probably top 3 or 4 in the East so they overachieved only slightly. In fact, most people didn't even think the Heat were going to be this good either. Teams just aren't supposed to be able to win with only three legit NBA starters...the rest are bench guys at this point in their careers. Again, the East is just not that good overall...which makes the Bulls and Heat look better than they are. Should be interesting to see how the Mavs matchup with them...because they are playing significantly better than they have all year. No better time to play your best ball.

[Brando70]

The Bulls were supposed to be good...not #1 seed in the east good, but still probably top 3 or 4 in the East so they overachieved only slightly. In fact, most people didn't even think the Heat were going to be this good either. Teams just aren't supposed to be able to win with only three legit NBA starters...the rest are bench guys at this point in their careers. Again, the East is just not that good overall...which makes the Bulls and Heat look better than they are. Should be interesting to see how the Mavs matchup with them...because they are playing significantly better than they have all year. No better time to play your best ball.

Good points, DB. In the case of the Bulls, they also had a case where the players on the roster were a perfect fit for the style of their new coach. That helps a lot, especially when it comes to defense. The Heat obviously needed some time to sort out their chemistry issues, and I also think their personnel issues are not as significant in the playoffs as long as LeBron, Wade, and Bosh play at high levels. They are a far better playoff team than a regular season team, whereas the Bulls are learning they are the opposite.

Also, good defensive teams tend to have an advantage over good offensive teams in terms of performance. 9 out of the top 10 defensive teams in the NBA made the playoffs. Only 5 out of the top 10 scoring teams did the same. The best teams need both, which is why Miami is winning this series, but good defense can compensate for a lot of problems.

[RobVarak]

The Bulls were supposed to be good...not #1 seed in the east good, but still probably top 3 or 4 in the East so they overachieved only slightly. In fact, most people didn't even think the Heat were going to be this good either. Teams just aren't supposed to be able to win with only three legit NBA starters...the rest are bench guys at this point in their careers. Again, the East is just not that good overall...which makes the Bulls and Heat look better than they are. Should be interesting to see how the Mavs matchup with them...because they are playing significantly better than they have all year. No better time to play your best ball.

I don't know. I've watched the Mavs all playoffs and I can count on one hand the number of defensive possessions that they've played with intensity that would compare with anything the Bulls & Heat are doing on every possession.

Dallas is definitely peaking at the right time, but a couple of these Western Conference games have looked like regular season games in terms of effort off the ball, defensive intensity and physical play.

[dbdynsty25]

The West definitely doesn't play D like the East does...no doubt about that...but they also score a lot of different ways. Call me a "west homer" but I also think Dirk is the best player in the NBA this year so they have that advantage against whomever they play (at least offensively). He can score at will against pretty much anyone.

Once the Spurs of the world got old, the defensive teams in the west started moving a bit towards the Suns style of ball (obviously not nearly to the extreme the Suns did), so it's not like you're pointing out something we don't know about the west. It's kinda like the AL and NL comparison in baseball. I'm not going to look up the scoring numbers, but I'd venture a guess that at least 7 of the top 10 teams in scoring probably come out of the west just as 7 of the top 10 defensively come out of the east.

Edit: Okay, I looked it up, 8 out of the top 10 are west (Knicks and Heat at 2 and 8 respectively) and defensively it's 6 out of 10 in the east (New Orleans, Portland, LA, Dallas @ 5, 7,8 and 10).

[RobVarak]

I don't disagree with any of those points. But I have a hard time saying the Mavs should be favored given the fact that the Heat can both score and play D.

[Danimal]

I don't understand why NBA officiating generates so much more scrutiny than other officiating. There is bad officiating in every professional sport. Different umps call balls and strikes differently. Holding in football could be called on every play. Soccer refs screw up matches all the time. Etc, etc.

Seems pretty simple to me why it generates more scrutiny. Officiating in the NBA directly leads to points. Sure calls in other sports can lead to points being given or taken away (hello bogus call on Detroit vs the Bears last year) but in the NBA it does lead to points 95% of the time. Simply put officials in the NBA have more effect on the final outcome of the game.

[fanatic]

I don't understand why NBA officiating generates so much more scrutiny than other officiating. There is bad officiating in every professional sport. Different umps call balls and strikes differently. Holding in football could be called on every play. Soccer refs screw up matches all the time. Etc, etc.

Seems pretty simple to me why it generates more scrutiny. Officiating in the NBA directly leads to points. Sure calls in other sports can lead to points being given or taken away (hello bogus call on Detroit vs the Bears last year) but in the NBA it does lead to points 95% of the time. Simply put officials in the NBA have more effect on the final outcome of the game.

Don't forget that good teams usually go to the stripe more. Meaning, putting yourself in position to go to the line is a skill that is developed by good players/teams. So yes, officials have more effect on the final outcome, but it revolves around a strategy that players use to score.

Of course, elite players tend to get the benefit of the doubt more than unproven ones, but usually, the more aggressive/smarter player will draw a foul more often.

[dbdynsty25]

I don't disagree with any of those points. But I have a hard time saying the Mavs should be favored given the fact that the Heat can both score and play D.

I would put Mavs/Heat at about even, with the slight edge to the Mavs. They are going to get a lot of play from the gamblers just because of how well they've played in the playoffs. I believe the Heat will have home court and they will probably be favored even though I don't agree with it completely. I just think it's going to come down to benches and the Heat are terrible outside of the top three.

Pretty sure both teams are fine on both ends of the floor, in fact, I'd even give the edge to Dallas defensively just because they are only 2 spots below the Heat in terms of defensive PPG and they play in the West.

Heat, 8 on offense and 6 on defense

Dallas, 11 on offense and 8 on defense

I don't know...after all this it'll end up being a pick'em.

[greggsand]

I'd go with the Mavs for the sole reason of a deeper bench. Other than that, it's a pickem for me.

[dbdynsty25]

I'd go with the Mavs for the sole reason of a deeper bench. Other than that, it's a pickem for me.

Thank you for saying the same thing I did. Just a little more concise.

[Rodster]

As much as I like the Miami Heat, being a homer. I wouldn't mind seeing Dirk finally win a well deserved Championship. The guy has carried the team so long and now he finally has a good cast around him.

[wco81]

Besides their calls leading to points, NBA refs decide who plays and how aggressively or unaggressively they can play.

Two quick fouls, including "ticky-tack" fouls, can put key players out for most of a half.

Of course, favoring the superstars, which the NBA doesn't deny, just reinforces the role those players have in games.

[Lancer]

Choke job by the bulls. That 4 pt play was bs though, but the bulls weren't going to beat the heat with 1 player. Bulls lose 4 in a row after that easy game 1 victory. Hope this rematch isn't a Stern-job like the last mavs/heat finals were.

[RobVarak]

The disheartening thing is that this is going to be the weakest Heat team for the next couple years. Riley's going to be able to add much better role players than the dreck they have now, and a one-star team like the Bulls won't even get a whiff.

This was the year to get them, I think.

[dbdynsty25]

See Rod. Having watched the heat all year...I knew game one was a joke. It happens in the playoffs.

[sportdan30]

Rose choked at the free throw line just like in the NCAA '08 Championship game. James's defense was the X factor. The Bulls need one or two more stars on their team.

[Brando70]

Rose choked at the free throw line just like in the NCAA '08 Championship game. James's defense was the X factor. The Bulls need one or two more stars on their team.

Bulls blew it, but the refs should have been in the Miami locker room tonight for the trophy presentation. They earned it. Some ridiculous calls against the Bulls and the second-straight game where the Heat had a double-digit free throw disparity.

Really tough loss. Easily the worst loss for me as a Chicago sports fan since the Bartman game.

[RobVarak]

A lot of that free throw disparity is the result of the fact that the Heat know how to go to the rim strong and draw a foul. Contrast that with the Bulls. Even the big men on the Bulls go up with finesse 4 times out of 5. You're not going to draw anything that way.

Heat were better. Close games, but to win 4 in a row that way is definitive IMO.

[greggsand]

A lot of that free throw disparity is the result of the fact that the Heat know how to go to the rim strong and draw a foul. Contrast that with the Bulls. Even the big men on the Bulls go up with finesse 4 times out of 5. You're not going to draw anything that way.

Heat were better. Close games, but to win 4 in a row that way is definitive IMO.

Exactly right. Going to the rim will always get more calls than jumps shots. Heat have 3 guys who know how to do it. It reminds me of the shaq-lakers era in that regard (despite shaq's free throw ability). Anyway, when it all "came down to it", the Heat have 3 guys who can get it done in 'crunch time'.

I've been trying to build some disdain for the Heat, but I can't. They are keeping the playoffs interesting. That said, I THINK I'd like to see them lose in 7 to the Mavs (think)...

[Lancer]

The disheartening thing is that this is going to be the weakest Heat team for the next couple years. Riley's going to be able to add much better role players than the dreck they have now, and a one-star team like the Bulls won't even get a whiff.

This was the year to get them, I think.

If the Heat win the NBA Champ this year, it's a guaranteed 3 peat the next 2 seasons. Looks like the Lakers and Celtics runs are ending, and there isn't going to be anyone left to challenge the Heat in the next few years. I wouldn't doubt this combo wins at least 5 titles when their whole run is done. Like you said, everyone who wants to win a ring will be taking salary cuts just to join this bunch.

But first they'll have to get past the Mavs. I dont know if anyone can beat the Heat if they play defense like they did vs the Bulls.

As for the bulls, Barkley had them dead right, they can't win a championship with one guy trying to score all the time w/o any help. You can do that in the regular season but not in the playoffs. Rose is young and you can get him help, but I doubt they'll be beating the Heat in the next 3-4 years in the East.

[Brando70]

A lot of that free throw disparity is the result of the fact that the Heat know how to go to the rim strong and draw a foul. Contrast that with the Bulls. Even the big men on the Bulls go up with finesse 4 times out of 5. You're not going to draw anything that way.

Heat were better. Close games, but to win 4 in a row that way is definitive IMO.

I agree they were better and expected them to go to the line more, but there was a pretty significant amount of bs against the Bulls last night -- the technical on Gibson, the superstar call on Wade's 4-pt play, and a few other fouls that got the Bulls in trouble.

In the grand scheme of things, I agree it doesn't matter. The Heat were definitely the better team and even with a Bulls win last night, I think the Heat would have clinched on their home court. They played tremendous defense. James was not only clutch on the offensive end, but just incredible defensively. Bosh had his way most of the games, and someone from Miami's bench stepped up with each win. And hats off for outcoaching the Bulls in those four games. They did a great job neutralizing Rose and adjusting their offense. They deserved to win the series.

[RobVarak]

Hard for me to stay mad.

[wco81]

Bulls overachieved. Weren't they trying to trade Deng before this year?

Now he's one of their second or third scoring options.

Rose needs his own Pippen.