Russell Westbrook Scored 43 Points Against the Heat, and Here’s Video of Every Basket
Russell Westbrook’s scintillating 43-point night against the Heat in Game 4 has to be one of the 10 greatest performances in NBA Finals history. At one point in the 4th quarter, Westbrook scored 11 straight points for OKC, keeping the Thunder in the game when the Heat repeatedly threatened to pull away. If it wasn’t the elbow jumper, it was a dazzling drive to the basket. Or a dunk-back. Or some impossibly difficult contortionist shit. It truly sucks that he committed a foul after the jump ball in the final seconds, allowing Mario Chalmers to ice the game for Miami.
20-of-32 FGs, 43 points, seven rebounds, five assists. Where might it rank in here?
Other games in the Top 10:
Magic Game 6 vs. Philadelphia, 1980 (Rookie scores 42 points, takes 15 rebounds)
Michael Jordan’s Flu Game vs. Utah (38 points)
Michael Jordan’s push-off game-winner vs. Utah (45 points in 1998)
James Worthy Triple-Double in Game 7 (36 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists)
Dwyane Wade saves the Heat in Game 3 (42 points, 13 rebounds, game-winning FTs)
Isiah Thomas goes off on a bum ankle (43 points, 25 in the 3rd quarter, in a loss)
Michael Jordan’s shoulder shrug game vs. Portland (39 points, 6 3-pointers in the first half)
Michael Jordan erupts vs. Phoenix in Game 3 (55 points)
[UPDATE]
Allen Iverson scores 48 points in Game 1 win against the Lakers
The only reason Westbrook probably doesn’t crack the Top 5 is that it was in a loss.
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June 20th, 2012 at 10:47 AM
How about that idiot foul with 2 seconds left on the shot clock after the jump ball? Dropping a used condom on a sundae in lieu of a cherry.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:48 AM
The reason it’s no. 10 at best on your list is because of the late-game blunders, on top of the loss.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Sousedbergin gets it.
/tips hat
June 20th, 2012 at 10:51 AM
That’s two games in a row now that Fisher (who’s supposed to be the veteran, “experienced” player) has completely killed a game-shifting momentum possession by making a bone headed play. Game 3 he took a transition 3 for no reason with the score tied, and then yesterday he got rejected, leading to a Lebron 2. It was game over after that.
Also, its pretty much impossible to hate on Lebron at this point. There is no God.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:51 AM
In 2000 Finals, Shaq had games of 43-19, 40-24, 36-21 and 41-12.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Scott Brooks and his coaching staff is who really dropped the ball on this one……………..
June 20th, 2012 at 10:53 AM
a great game for westbrook, but the thunder are done. the heat have done what you need to do to win- played tough teams, hit big shots, got role players to step up, and come from behind. they deserve to win it, no question.
i still will despise lebron for all the crap he has thrown out there. he hasnt acted like a total bitch for once, but i will be curious to see if that continues for the rest of his career.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Shaq? Tim Duncan?
Dominant performances should include defense.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:54 AM
I’m pretty sure Elgin Baylor dropped like 60 points in a game. If your team loses the game — it cannot be a top 10 performance.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:55 AM
Iverson’s “Sixers on my back” game belongs here too.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:55 AM
Those rebounding numbers will happen when the other primary rebounder on the team was a 36 year old Horace Grant.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Scotty Brooks playing Fisher over half the 4th Quarter shows anyone can be an NBA coach. He should never get more than 5 minutes of playing time.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:56 AM
In 2001 Finals, Iverson’s game 1 48 points in a win over the defending Lakers.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Shaq in his prime was basically un-guardable
June 20th, 2012 at 10:57 AM
Nathan Campbell score 51 points in game 5 of the 1976 Finals. It was a phenominal performance.
June 20th, 2012 at 10:58 AM
I should clarify, your team can lose — but it has to be a legendary performance.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:00 AM
did they tell westbrook to foul???
June 20th, 2012 at 11:00 AM
So no games prior to 1980 crack the top 10 in the history of a league that’s been around since the 40′s. Got it.
Elgin Baylor put up 61-22 in 1962.
Bill Russell had a 30-40 game in that same series.
Jerry West had 42-13-12 in 1969.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Stephen Douglas, 1987 pickup game at recess, “the Goocher Game”: 4 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:01 AM
good call, Tim. Added.
Went with the modern era (1980 to now). Thus no older timers included.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:02 AM
In a game 7 loss, Jerry West had a triple double 42 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists.
Lebron might have been better last night given his overall play.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:02 AM
http://www.nba.com/history/finals/greatest_finals_performances.html
June 20th, 2012 at 11:02 AM
One of Russell’s biggest fans but the Thunder lost the basketball game. Certainly thought the team performance by Miami’s Big 3 down the stretch was more impressive since they all contributed in the final 7 minutes to help their team win the game and push the Thunder to the brink.
Russ played great. His teammates, especially James Harden, did not.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:04 AM
This play and the blown layup by Harden were huge. Harden’s confidence seems completely shot right now.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Westbrook was nuts last night. He simply could not be guarded or stopped. That being said, if it was the 80s somebody would have put him on his ass with a hard foul after about the 3rd time he went straight to the basket. That stuff can’t happen. I know he’s an athletic freak, but foul his ass. Make him earn it.
Also, what a big game from Chalmers. And Lebron’s 3 pointer late after the cramping was just huge. Momentum was really starting to swing to the Thunder and that shot absolutely got the Heat back on top. Another shaky game from Wade with puzzling turnovers and out of control plays, but ultimately he made huge plays down the stretch. Great team effort, and probably the most fun I’ve had watching a game this playoffs. The refs weren’t a real factor or issue at all for once.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:05 AM
And Thabo not closing the gap on LeBron on that 3 with the shot clock running down had me screaming. He’s not driving by you with a bum leg there.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:05 AM
Kobe Bryant, Game 7, 2010 Finals.
/ wait, what?
June 20th, 2012 at 11:05 AM
The Magic Johnson game where he played center.
Also, final game of 1983 Moses Malone went 24-24 against Kareem.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Look, Smithers, Thabo is coming!
June 20th, 2012 at 11:07 AM
i can’t believe he had the nuts to take that 3 in the 4th from the top of the key. god i hate that fuckhead.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:08 AM
He missed a wide open 3 in the 4th quarter after really nice ball movement where everyone touched the ball. Probably with about 6 or so minutes left. It was before the missed lay-up. The game swung permanently to Miami after it. I think it was with the game tied at 92, OKC was on a 9-2 run. Then the Heat got baskets from Bosh, Wade and LeBron’s 3. All daggers.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Game 4 of the 1984 Finals, Bird had 29-24.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Game 4 of the 1984 Finals, Bird had 29-24.
Old timer
June 20th, 2012 at 11:09 AM
2 things I’ve learned from this series:
1) Whoever ESPN “experts” overwhelmingly pick as the favorites usually end up losing (Thunder in 2012, Heat in 2011, Lakers in 2008).
2) Experience is not overrated when it comes to the NBA Finals.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Also, final game of 1983 Moses Malone went 24-24 against Kareem.
Jesus Christ, REALLY?!
June 20th, 2012 at 11:10 AM
The game swung permanently to Miami after it.
Yet it was tied with 2:15 to play.
For as many errors they made leading up the game’s end, OKC bitched out at both ends of the floor in those last 2 minutes. ABout 5-6 major gaffes by players and coaches.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:10 AM
The missed layup was just ridiculous. Miami has played really well, but the Thunder have done a wonderful job of kicking themselves in the nuts.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:11 AM
there was one sequence where Harden was WIDE OPEN at the top of the key with everyone sagging off him…and he hesitated and dribbled closer to Bosh, and then back out before finally shooting. Its as if he knew he sucked and was going to miss.
He missed about 3 game-swinging three pointers.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:11 AM
That was 24 pts, 23 rebounds. Sorry. Not 24-24 in shooting as that could be interpreted.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Derek Fisher should not be allowed to shoot more than once in the 4th quarter.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:12 AM
I’ve always hated this cliche until this series. It’s a glaringly obvious difference with all the stupid mistakes, especially in the fourth. So disappointed in OKC.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Love the way the Heat are harassing Durant any time he’s within 30 ft of the rim, fronting, pressing, ball denial. He has to work so hard just to get the ball, and its rarely in the spot he wants it. He’s frustrated, yelling at refs, taking some bad shots.
James Harden playing the role of Mo Williams.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:13 AM
I know LeBron is a crushing beast, but he was hurt late in the fourth. Predators attack the weak. The Thunder didn’t take it right at him. I was surprised.
Props to the Heat, though. The Wade-Chalmers duo was money in the final minutes with LeBron all cramped up.
Side note: Cramps are fucking legit. That shit is not fun.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Me too. That was a classic “OH FUCK NO WHY……YESSSS” shot for me.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:14 AM
James and Durant are just wearing each other down on both ends. That’s fun to watch.
I really want seven games, but I don’t think it’s going happen.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:15 AM
In the Bulls-Portland series, there was a game Jordan had 46 points and he sat out a piece of the game with a bum ankle.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Guys, Eddy Curry and Dexter Pittman are probably going to get rings.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:15 AM
On a side note: Kevin Durant is completely unguardable. I’ve never seen a guy just never miss an open shot or a shot when he has any space at all Dude is just an absolutely incredible scorer.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:17 AM
It’ll be interesting to see how both these teams come back next season after a condensed regular season and a deep postseason run this year. If not for the condensed regular season, the Heat would have to be the most likely team to repeat since the Lakers in the early 2000s. There’s almost no competition next season within their own conference.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:17 AM
Tim Duncan in 2004 vs. Nets game 6: 21 pts, 20 rebs, 10 assists, 8 blocks.
Egregious oversight.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:18 AM
I realize this list is biased against centers and power forwards, but that there were a number of games Hakeen dominated Ewing and the Thugball Knicks. He almost had a triple double in the Game 7.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:19 AM
If you like politics and Game of Thrones, you’ll enjoy these videos.
/maybe duckworth’d?
June 20th, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Several of these guys are going to be in the Olympics, too. They’ll only have a few weeks off before getting into training.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:20 AM
It is absolutely a coaching staff’s job to make sure his players are aware of a situation like that.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Chicago isn’t going anywhere. Indiana will be better. Boston isn’t going anywhere. Granted Miami is the favorite, but those teams are certainly better than “no competition.” Wade isn’t getting any younger.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Silly me for not assuming that “NBA Finals history” really meant “since 1980″.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:21 AM
his shot release is dan marino quick…and nobody can touch it. just insane.
he should get the ball more.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:22 AM
Juwan Howard is going to be the first and only member of the Fab Five to win any kind of championship.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Derrick Rose won’t be 100% until 2013-14. The Bulls, no matter how deep they are, cannot win without a 100% Derrick Rose.
KG and Shuttlesworth are likely moving on.
They will be but I think the Heat would have dispatched them in 5 games with a healthy Chris Bosh this year.
Definitely plays a role in the condensed season, short rest thing. His performance next year could absolutely take a hit.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Oh, so if the Heat do close this puppy out, how soon before people trying putting an asterisk on this title with the “it was a condensed season!” bullshit?
June 20th, 2012 at 11:24 AM
I’d say this is wildly unlikely.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Yahoo! Sports had a column about Battier becoming only the second player under Coach K to win an NBA title. The first? Danny Ferry with the Spurs.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:24 AM
1983 Moses, 1985 Kareem, 1994 Hakeem, 2001 Shaq, 2004 Duncan.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:24 AM
GET OUT…that blows my mind.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:25 AM
I realize this list is biased against centers and power forwards, but that there were a number of games Hakeen dominated Ewing and the Thugball Knicks. He almost had a triple double in the Game 7.
doesnt count, jordan wasnt in the league.
/wanking furiously
June 20th, 2012 at 11:25 AM
This also worries me. No matter how well it’s being spun.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Definitely plays a role in the condensed season, short rest thing. His performance next year could absolutely take a hit.
this. i think the shortened season really helped him.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:27 AM
I think the shortened season has actually hurt Wade. He hasn’t been able to rest as much and I think he is playing around 60% of his ability in the playoffs, especially the last two rounds. His body is absolutely worn down.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:27 AM
He destroyed Ewing. I enjoyed that greatly.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Sean jean,
Kg is more likely to be back than ray in boston.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:28 AM
The thing against the Heat in 2013 will be they will be bringing back the bulk of this roster. They are in cap prison. They have the 27th pick in the draft. They have a $3million cap exception. So unless they can get a real point guard to take that (remember as scale Kwame Brown made $7mill this year) they are stuck there. The Big 3 log a lot of minutes.
They do seem built for playoff basketball though so they could win 52 games and still make the Finals without sweating too too much.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Yeah I know, but I don’t see either of them leaving at this stage of their career and with what they’ve got in Boston. It doesn’t make sense.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Agree. I think it’s going to hurt him even more next year when he gets very little rest over the summer and then has to play 82 regular season games next year.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Yeah, the Olympics are not going to help out Miami, Clips, OKC.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:30 AM
He destroyed Ewing. I enjoyed that greatly
He destroyed EVERYONE.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Chalmers is a real point guard. I know he does some stupid shit, but he’s a real PG who has gotten better and better as the year has gone on. He has learned to penetrate more, developed a floater in the lane, and has always been a great 3 point shooter. Cole has shown flashes as a great backup as well.
If anything, the Heat need a tougher interior presence. Bosh is a glorified small forward the way he floats around 18 feet. He is a good rebounder, but he isn’t a strong defender or very tough around the basket.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:31 AM
That’s a good point. Forgot about the Olympics.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Boston being a year older, even if KG and Ray come back, just makes them less likely to beat Miami. It took 7 games this year and I don’t see Boston being better next season if their roster remains relatively similar to this year. The only real threat in the East for Miami is Chicago and… well, Derrick Rose’s knee is a total wildcard. The Bulls might not even have home court advantage in the first round next year depending on what Orlando does with Dwight.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:32 AM
Chalmers is a real point guard but hes not good as a point guard. Hea good aa a shooter and the occasional defensive stop but i wouldnt want him being the main ball handler on any team
June 20th, 2012 at 11:33 AM
I like Chalmers. He fits in with their style well, a PG who is at his best without the ball in his hands. Norris Cole is solid enough and will improve.
SeanJean is right, size is their real weakness. KG killed them, Indiana caused problems, but the Thunder have no size of their own that can do anything offensively. I think Anthony is ok, not sure what big man you can get on the cheap.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Allen will be gone..bradley and green will come back from injuries. Theyll make some sort of deal to get another big body. They’ll still be pretty good
June 20th, 2012 at 11:34 AM
I have no problem with him handling the ball at all. He’s been very good at attacking the basket and moving the ball or finishing.
As for Boston: They just don’t seem to age. Those 3 guys have been old for the last 3 years, but with the emergence of Rondo, it hasn’t mattered. They just play so well together it doesn’t matter. Not to mention KG got younger this year somehow.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:34 AM
The East is shaping up (offseason moves TBD) to be straight doo-doo next year. Knicks are looking like a top 5 seed. Gross.
Not sure why everyone is so quick to crown Miami though. Both games 3 and 4 easily could have swung OKC’s way. Its not out of the question for them to take Game 5 and then OKC has two games at home.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:35 AM
No PG they get is going to be a traditional PG. Wade and LeBron run the offense. Chalmers, in theory, is exactly what they need, a guy that can defend the point and hit 3′s. There are better versions of him out there but not at his price.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:35 AM
Ray can get one more decent free agent deal at the MLE from a team that needs a shooter.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Its simple: doc moved KG to center. There are so few quality centers in this league and that allowed KG more freedom
June 20th, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Anthony is halfway there on defense, but he is such an abortion on offense it almost completely negates his shot blocking ability. Ideally they’d find someone who can finish around the basket but doesn’t need the ball, and also defends well, a la Tyson Chandler, Ibaka, that big dumb goofy fuck for Denver, etc.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:36 AM
The East is pretty weak. The Knicks are vastly overrated (any team with Melo always is), and the Celtics are finished after this season. That leaves the Bulls, who not only need a healthy Rose, but also need some offense. Miami is a better team now then they were in 2010 when they destroyed a healthy Bulls team.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Marcus Camby.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Mike Miller’s $5.8 million/year contract will come off the books if he retires, which is probable considering he’ll go out with a title. That’ll help the Heat’s situation. Contracts for players like Eddy Curry and Juwan Howard are interchangeable. They’re still paying Eddie House and Z for this season, too.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:37 AM
That’d be a great pickup.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Agreed. Especially after what we saw in the conference finals.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:38 AM
It would be the first time in history that’s ever happened, no?
June 20th, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Wishful thinking but I don’t see it. Teams are something like 30-0 when having a 3-1 NBA Finals lead in 2-3-2 format. This series is over. Just a matter if Miami hoists the trophy on its home floor or not. LeBron knows he’s close. Wouldn’t be shocked to see a 40-15 game from him again.
If all 3 OKC scorers show up, they can definitely shift it back to OKC. I just don’t see them all showing up and outplaying Miami for 3 consecutive games. Or LeBron not having some otherworldly performance in that span. Too many things have to go OKC’s way for them to win in 7.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:38 AM
lol @ Z. I forgot he was a major contributor last year. God he was awful.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:38 AM
No he didn’t.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Pacers need to trade Granger and also find a starting point guard. George hill can go suck balls. I also wonder about Orlando if they dont trade howard and get some other pieces down there that arent just three point shooters
June 20th, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Miller is owed $5.8M, $6.2M, and $6.6M over the next 3 season. They’re praying he retires.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:39 AM
A roster that is one game away from winning the NBA Finals. The horror.
Chalmers doesn’t need to be a real PG for this Heat team. It’s just like Ron Harper on the Bulls during the last 3 MJ championships. LBJ and Wade initiate the offense, so Chalmers fills a role and he’s filling it better and better.
Age will diminish Battier and has already ruined Miller, but don’t they have their amnesty? Would it be a shock to see them sign a vet looking for a ring on the cheap (Ray Allen)?
June 20th, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Miami still has their amnesty option. I expect that to be used on someone like Joel Anthony or Mike Miller
June 20th, 2012 at 11:40 AM
I honestly don’t think they need to change a single thing, other then give Roy Hibbert the damn ball. I really like the pieces of that team.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Yes. He did. The gap between their talents was on full display. Clinic.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Top 10 Finals performance? Ever??? Or even, since 1980??????
No. This is a laughable premise. He played well, scored a lot of points. By no means was this a legendary game. Nobody will think back 5 years from now and think, “Remember when Westbrook dropped 43 in a losing effort on the Heat?”
June 20th, 2012 at 11:42 AM
He destroyed Ewing. I enjoyed that greatly
/He destroyed EVERYONE
David Robinson is still under his bed, weeping over Hakeem’s whipping in the WCF that year.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:42 AM
I think if they don’t make a move they’ll end up like the Hawks of the past several years. Good enough for the playoffs but not good enough to go deeper than a round or two. I’d like to see them try to sign Eric Gordon and then flip Granger for a PG.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:42 AM
No he didn’t.
going to swim right past this shit smelling stinkbait.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:42 AM
They need to add some frontcourt depth, but other than that they are positioned to be in the mix in the East for the next 2-3 years.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:43 AM
SJ,
Pacers need someone to start at PG. i would actually trust chalmers more than Hill and Collison. Pacers bench was also exposed…perhaps that is a function of frank vogel playing the bench crew all at once…stupid
June 20th, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Nah, they have way more inside ability than the Hawks do. Also they aren’t a bunch of prima donna pussies.
Gordon would be a massive upgrade, but otherwise I think they have some really good pieces, and outside of West, who is a beast anyway, they are pretty young.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:45 AM
He kinda did though:
Hakeem: 26.9 ppg 50.0% fg 9.1 rpg 3.6 apg 3.9 bpg
Ewing: 18.9 ppg 36.4% fg 12.4 rpg 1.7 apg 4.3 bpg
link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_NBA_Finals#Olajuwon_vs._Ewing
June 20th, 2012 at 11:45 AM
I really doubt they use their amnesty. They are already at the luxury tax and amnestying Miller/Anthony doesn’t change that situation….they are left with the mini-MLE regardless. Since they are paying Miller/Anthony anyway I’m sure they’d rather have them on the team.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:45 AM
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Pacers won the Central next year.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:45 AM
They’re young so it’s pretty early to want to change pieces, especially considering how improved they were this year. Collison is a better pure PG than Chalmers, and I think Hill looked really good in the Miami series. We’ll see.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Dr. Tom,
Sure, flip for eric gordon and then kick yourself once he spends his usual time injured missing many games
June 20th, 2012 at 11:45 AM
I have not read how Miller’s retiring allows them to use his cap space for other players. It might reduce their salary cap tax burden but that’s it. If anybody has a link I’d love to read it.
With the new CBA, it goes like this: If you exceed the cap this year, the next year all you have is a $3mill MLE. If you are under the cap this year, next year you can have like a $5mill. The Heat have $78 on the books so take away Miller’s $6 mill, they still exxceed the cap by $10 million.
/jmorris ish
June 20th, 2012 at 11:46 AM
David Robinson is still under his bed, weeping over Hakeem’s whipping in the WCF that year.
it was so great- robinson (wrongly) won the MVP, and got it presented in front of hakeem at the WCF, then promptly got annihilated by hakeem.
hakeem was the best. he just killed every quality center in the league, and there were quite a few.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:46 AM
SC, the pacers SHOULD win the division. If they dont, well they are pathetic..
June 20th, 2012 at 11:47 AM
I can’t remember where, but I read earlier this week that the Hornets have basically said they are going to match any offer for Gordon, even max.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:47 AM
I understand this fully, but after Game 1 how many people would have thought “the Heat will win the next 4 games to take this series”?
Stranger things happen in sports, and it’s not like the Thunder have been outclassed in these games. I expect Miami to win, but crowning them now seems foolish to me, especially after the media crowned the Spurs over the Thunder.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:48 AM
Hill killed his team too many times shooting illadvised threes with more than 16 seconds left on the shot clock. You can survive with him as your backup but no way in hell should he be a starter
June 20th, 2012 at 11:48 AM
They can amnesty anybody but it wont change what they can do in the free agency market. They have a $3mill MLE.
They can trade salaries. But nobody wants any piece of the Chalmers, Haslem, Anthony, Battier, Miller crowd.
They should try for some Reggie Evans ish goon to come in and help their interior. But to get anybody with a pulse will be tough. Semih Erdin ish is what I see.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:49 AM
I do think if Deron and Dwight form a duo, the East will be somewhat competitive again…but right now the East looks like it did in 2002.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:49 AM
Every team says this about their restricted free agents to scare off any potential suitors.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:49 AM
I would have taken erdin back on the celtics this year over ryan hollins…
June 20th, 2012 at 11:50 AM
He got the best of Ewing in a 7 game series. He destroyed Robinson and Shaq the next year. Ewing got many of his 7 game series record number of blocks on Hakeem straight up. The Knicks rotated 5 different players to guard Dream one on one, while the Rockets ran 2 or sometimes 3 people at Ewing, especially in the 4th quarter of game 7.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:51 AM
Karma,
With what supporting cast?
June 20th, 2012 at 11:51 AM
True, but again, that’s just poor offense and goes back to them not running the ball through Hibbert, as they should. Ultimately I think Hill can play. Plus Collison started for a good portion of the year for them. They have options.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:52 AM
They haven’t, but they have shown terrible poise down the stretch in each of the games (except game 1). Miami just seems like they are more desperate to win, and they know exactly what to do.
The Thunder were up by 17 at one point and Miami killed that lead in about 5 minutes of action.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Pretty sure pills, STD’s, and white trash DNA is what ruined miller.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Whatever happened to Joel Anthony?
June 20th, 2012 at 11:56 AM
The Miami coaching staff finally noticed he only has two fingers on each hand.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:57 AM
One alternative for MIA could be to trade Miller, with the agreement he will retire.
So if Mike Miller promises to retire, they could trade him to a team looking for cap/financial relief. MIA would assume an equal contract back and the team could get Miller’s cap space. This is not impossible. I could see maybe a Miller/Chalmers for a $10million cap burden player.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Annihilated to the tune of Robinson averaging 24-11 in a six game series. The legend of that annihilation grows larger every year.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Man, I wish there were more dominant centers in the NBA. Miami is about to win a ring with Chris fucking Bosh as their center.
June 20th, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Age will diminish Battier and has already ruined Miller
/Pretty sure pills, STD’s, and white trash DNA is what ruined miller.
Also missing: bad haircuts and bad tattoos.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:00 PM
This is the NBA. That happens all the time. The Thunder erased big leads from Miami in Games 1 and 2.
These teams are even, but the Heat are closing them out in the final minutes. While I don’t expect the Thunder to take three in a row, the prevailing sentiment that “this series is over” seems presumptuous.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Anybody who thinks this series is over has no memory of the last round.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Did people watch those games? Hakeem outclassed Ewing and Robinson, both HOFers. It was obvious.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:02 PM
You leave facts out of this!!!
/ watches Hakeem fake Robinson out of his shoes
June 20th, 2012 at 12:03 PM
There is no chance he walks away from that money. None.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Hakeem averaged 35-12, 5 assists, 1 steal and 4 blocks per game.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:04 PM
People can hate on Chris Bosh all they want, but if Amare Stoudemire would accept the same role for the Knicks that Bosh plays for the Heat, I think that the Knicks would win two playoff games next year.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:05 PM
lol. High praise.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:07 PM
An underrated aspect of this series is the Thunder don’t force Miami to play Anthony/Turiaf any kind of minutes. Both guys were glued to the bench last night. Still amazing to me that they finished off Indiana without a front court made up of LeBron and a bunch of guys who are getting DNP-CD’s in the Finals.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:08 PM
Hakeem averaged 35-12, 5 assists, 1 steal and 4 blocks per game.
its amazing to me how quick people are to dismiss hakeem’s dominance. watch the games. hakeem had no competition, he was just too much for everyone.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:10 PM
It’s no surprise though. OKC is a jump shooting team. They attack the basket, but ultimately most of their points come from the perimeter.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:11 PM
Hakeem averaged 12 more shot attempts per game in that series and averaged about 11 extra points per game.
Hakeem was really awesome, but maybe David Robinson got double teamed quite a bit more than Hakeem, since Spurs opponents didn’t have to worry about Rodman being a threat on offense.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:11 PM
Hakeem was really smart too. They funneled the ball in a lot and he was great at recognizing double teams, where to kick out and find guys like Horry, Cassell, Kenny Smith. When they didn’t, he’d go into his repetoire.
/dream shakes, Robinson flails to middle while Hakeem goes baseline up and under.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Yeah, Thunder still have a decent shot just because if they win game 5 pressure goes back on Miami. Still dont see it happening tho.
Thunder were 12-3 against the vaunted West in the playoffs. 1-3 against the East.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Legend
June 20th, 2012 at 12:14 PM
He shot 56%. Robinson shot 45%.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Agree that the West is vaunted.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:18 PM
I meant its extremely top heavy. Next year, it will likely only have 2 contenders (Chicago, Miami), while the rest of the conference sucks ass. The top 2 are really good though, obviously.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Hakeem averaged 12 more shot attempts per game in that series and averaged about 11 extra points per game.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:19 PM
but maybe David Robinson got double teamed quite a bit more than Hakeem, since Spurs opponents didn’t have to worry about Rodman being a threat on offense.
maybe this is wrong. no, it is wrong.
dont think too many people were worried about otis thorpe, either.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:20 PM
Hakeem averaged 35-12, 5 assists, 1 steal and 4 blocks per game.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:21 PM
I guess Hakeem should of passed to Pete Chilcutt or Chucky Brown more often.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:24 PM
Or Scott Brooks.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:26 PM
or Sam Cassell, Robert Horry, Kenny Smith, and Vernon Maxwell
June 20th, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Definitely. Either those two stiffs. Or Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:26 PM
or Clyde Drexler
June 20th, 2012 at 12:27 PM
or Zan Tabak.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:29 PM
or carl herrera. or a emerging but still a rookie, sam cassell.
they were way better options than vinny del negro or sean elliot or doc rivers.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:29 PM
Still legend
June 20th, 2012 at 12:30 PM
hakeem couldnt win without the addition of a big superstar like drexler.
thats right, he did the year before when he earholed the entire league.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:30 PM
The thing against the Heat in 2013 will be they will be bringing back the bulk of this roster. They are in cap prison. They have the 27th pick in the draft.
Sullinger
//medical conspiracy
June 20th, 2012 at 12:31 PM
Raptors legend.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Mario Elie.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Just because Vinny Del Negro and Doc Rivers are guys we have heard of doesn’t mean they were worth a fuck at that point in their respective careers.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:33 PM
The 1994 Rockets didn’t feature Drexler.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Forgot about Mr. Kiss of Death.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:37 PM
The 95 Rockets that faced the Spurs did.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Just because Vinny Del Negro and Doc Rivers are guys we have heard of doesn’t mean they were worth a fuck at that point in their respective careers
watch the games. they were pretty good.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Sullinger
//medical conspiracy
Celtics or Cavs will get him in that 20-24 range. 50 games a year of Sully is better than 80 of Fab Melo (I realize different positions but speaking in terms of draft/overall value).
June 20th, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Rockets had Chris Jent. Legend.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Rockets dumped Thorpe and Mad Max for Drexler midseason (I think) after their title run in 94.
Otherwise, the roster was pretty much the same. Kenny Smith, Cassell, Horry and Mario Elie.
June 20th, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Rockets dumped Thorpe and Mad Max for Drexler midseason (I think) after their title run in 94.
i think thats right. totally forgot we shipped OT out.
I used to love OT’s interviews.
Reporter- Otis, what do you guys need to do to win?
OT- Dibnee, debnee mo dibnee. Translation- Dribbling, defineatly more dribbling.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:42 PM
4 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists.
fo fo fo