Miami Heat One Victory Away from Winning the NBA Championship

It took a complete team effort last night, with LeBron James hobbling due to a leg cramp and Russell Westbrook detonating. The Miami Heat needed contributions from several players to push themselves to the brink of winning the NBA championship.

The Heat took a commanding 3-1 series lead, following James’ lead (26 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds), and getting key baskets late from the likes of Mario Chalmers.

Per the AP:

He was effectively done with nearly 3 minutes left, after breaking a tie with one final cold-blooded 3-pointer. He had 25 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds at the time. But unlike in Cleveland, once it became clear somebody else had to lead Miami the rest of the way, there was no shortage of high-priced reinforcements. Dwyane Wade stepping up was no surprise; Mario Chalmers doing the same was only a mild one.

It’s strange to think that the defining moment of the Heat’s season so far might be when teammate Juwan Howard and trainer Jay Sabol went out onto the court to prop up James for the walk back to the bench, because he didn’t look strong enough to make it on his own. Or that the most important few points of James’ first title — no team has ever blown a 3-1 advantage in the finals — will have been scored by Chalmers, either on the nifty driving layup he slipped in with 44 seconds, or the two free throws two possessions later that sealed the win. If James resented any of it, he wasn’t letting on. Ditto for any lingering pain. “He was hurting,” Wade confirmed afterward. “But that’s what it’s about this time of the year. It would hurt more if we lose the ballgame, so it feels a little better if you can win it.”

Two years into their fascinating, endlessly-chronicled basketball experiment, the Miami Heat are at last on the verge of accomplishing what they were assembled to do.

And though the superstars will rightfully get most of the credit, last night was an important reminder of just how critical their supporting cast is to the whole enterprise.

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Tags: Dwyane Wade, Erik Spoelstra, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Miami Heat, OKC Thunder, Russell Westbrook, Scott Brooks

Read the SLAMonline Discussion Rules before posting.

http://Slamonline.com nbk

I said it’s a huge mistake. But it isn’t evidence of his lack of basketball IQ. Intelligence and Awareness are different. At least to me it is (although they are connected – for example, he had the intelligence to foul given the situation, but not the awareness to take note of the actual shot clock) Should he have been aware of the time on the clock? Yes. Definitely. But just because he made that mistake, I am not questioning his intelligence. Idk, I am not saying I’m right and your wrong, just that from what I’ve seen, Westbrook is not a dumb player, more lacking discipline than anything else.
http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

I had no idea that the shotclock resets to 5 seconds when there’s a jumpball with 0.8 left either. This is why I blame Scott Brooks more than I do Russell Westbrook… It’s your job as the coach to make sure your players know what’s going on. He should have done something–screamed, anything–to let his players know what to do in case they lost the tip-off.
Ash

Westbook, Durant or any one person can beat a team. As fans we have become delusional, we think one person can beat a team. What we are seeing it takes a team to win a championship. Last year Mavs won because they were a team. As far as Westbrook, his greatest lesson will be life. College can only teach you so much about the game of basketball.
http://www.slamonline.com Redd

Just because YOU had no idea doesn’t mean anything. He’s a pro hooper, you’re a blog commentator. He should’ve known, he’s a professional & that’s where the hooping IQ comes in.
MUBWAR

i have been a basketball fan for 12 years and I didn’t know that rule existed. if a jump ball happens under 5 sec the shot clock goes back to 5s. Hey but Russel is paid mad money to those rules. he had to learn it the hard way i guess.
BallsDeep

@Lakeshow. Kudos for believing.I have listened to the games on espn.com radio, and they’re so heartbreaking I can’t bring myself to watch them. I need time to recuperate. I am so thoroughly dissapointed in the Thunder. They are not playing at all the SAS series. At that point, I believe they were unbeatable in that they were clicking like last years Mavs, team wise. But they haven’t brought that to the finals at all. Harden has dissapeared and Miami just wants it more. OKC are acting like they’re happy just being there, like the the 2002/2003 Nets or the 2006 Cavs. I hope Brooks can do some major adjustments and OKC can compete for four quarters (hopefully 12)and bring the rain like they should be able to. I still don’t see Chicago as being a viable threat to the Heat next year with their current line-up even with a healthy Rose and a 55-60 win season… but that’s another story. The Heat own the East for a while at least. The sad but simple fact is LBJ is dictating the game and KD is not. He has been praised for his teams success the whole way, and he kisses his mum. KD needs to take the blame for the losses. Blowing that lead last game just killed the momentum that could have swung the series. That, and Harden doing sweet eff ay. Ibaka, Perkins ahhhh. Perk especially, he’s been here before. Tell em’ Perk.
Go OKC in 7!!!
Bola

SLAM WHAT THE HELL POST MY COMMENT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rwDluFZQmtQ Max

Don’t forget Rose will not play alot of games before the playoffs next year.
BostonBaller

Do any of us know for a fact that Brooks or his coaching staff (who actually keeps track of those game time rules) didn’t remind the guys of the time situation? A teams coaching staff is constantly telling and yelling game time situations and time to the team and reminding them of fouls etc etc. Just because RW committed that foul at a bad time does not put into question his hoop IQ, knowledge of the game or anything else…Most of us who have actually balled and done so past Y leagues have done something on the court that has made people go WHAT THE… but the real deal is when a player constantly does those things…IMO
L Dribble

“Do any of us know for a fact that Brooks or his coaching staff (who actually keeps track of those game time rules) didn’t remind the guys of the time situation?” From NBA.com: Heat coach Erik Spoelstra knew the rule, immediately holding out five fingers and yelling at his team. The Thunder, apparently, were unaware of what happens to the clock in that situation, with some players thinking it was turned off entirely. “I’m sure a lot of players didn’t even know that rule,” Wade said. “When we were told, it’s like, `OK, this is great, this is a bonus for us.’

http://www.nba.com/2012/news/06/20/finals-notebook.ap/index.html
http://www.dota-albania.com Legjendat

People, don’t take things for granted. I’m glad we are leading 3-1, BUT it is NOT over yet. OKC beat SAS 4 times in a row, they certainly can beat Miami 3 times in a row. We MUST finish the series tonight, or else I see OKC pulling the biggest upset on Miami and doing what no team has ever done in the history of the NBA, get back from a 3-1 deficit. OKC lives OFF the momentum, if they win one in Miami, their crowd will be crazy and Miami will be dead tired, LeBron having his craps and Wade not handling this season’s condensed schedule. SO pray we win tonight!
DreDay

Kudos to LBJ and Co. if they win tonight!! Just want to get it out of the way now. Cause in real life i’m going to be SALT!!
http://slamonline.com Allenp

Shock Exchange
Michael Jordan played for Dean Smith, one of the greatest college coaches of all time.
And when he came out of college, his weaknesses were mid range shooting, ball handling and a lack of consistent defense.
They lost to Dallas because the same jumper LeBron had been draining for three rounds deserted him and his coach didn’t have the stature to tell him to get on the block, and LeBron didn’t have the game to take advantage of smaller players on the block.
You are assigning way, WAY too much credit to college. It’s not backed up by reality at all.
http://slamonline.com Allenp

Boston Baller
Harden said they didn’t provide them with that information.
kobe

Lets hope rose comes back rose. it would be a shame if he had an arenas type of acl come back
AQWORD

Hear that ? It’s da fat beeehach clearing her throat like Fatman Scoop.
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

AllenP you are exactly right. Society assigns way too much to college … making people go to law school and actually pass a profiency exam before they represent someone in a court of law … the nerve of this society. HS is not the “proving ground” for the NBA. A diamond is made from centuries of heat, light, pressure … heat, light, pressure. If you skip a step, the best you could ever be is a cubic zirconia. But let me guess “Shock Exchange you are assigning way too much to centuries of heat, light and pressure.”
http://slamonline.com Allenp

Shock
That’s a horrible argument.
We’re not talking about a law degree. We’re talking about the ability to play basketball at a high level.
Is it your opinion that college coaches are better prepared to instruct players on the skills they need to develop to succeed at the pro level than professional coaches?
Is it your opinion that college basketball teams are concerned as much with individual player development as professional teams?
Is it your opinion that colleges have the same level of investment in their players that professional teams have?
Is it your opinion that that players have more time to concentrate on basketball in college than in the NBA?
In my opinion it’s obvious that if you want to have a career as a basketball player the best place to receive expert training with people who are invested in your success is in the NBA. The best place to protect yourself from injury is in the NBA. There is no benefit to your development as a basketball player that is gained in college that could not also be gained in the NBA, in my opinion.
There is no proof that time spent in college has a large impact on professional success or skill level. In fact, studying NBA history those players who did not spend four years in college have had far more productive careers than those who have.
Your sarcasm is misplaced, and shows poor logical reasoning.
OTB

“If Kobe wasn’t on a team with Shaq (Wilt Chamberlain of his era) or Pau/Bynum (2 skilled 7 footers in a league with 6’8″ centers) we wouldn’t be talking about him either”. I don’t even think YOU believe what you are saying this point.
d

WE WOUILD STILL TALK ABOUT 81
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

AllenP, I never said players should “spend four years in college.” You are obviously twisting my words. For those players who had already dominated the college ranks (Magic, Isiah, Jordan, Worthy, et al.), no they should not have remained in college. “There is no proof that time spent in college has a large impact on professional success or skill level” – that comment is the equivalent of saying “the sky is not blue.” If you are referring to the NBA post-expansion then maybe. But before the NBA became watered down with “apprentices,” that comment would not warrant a response from me. I could go on and on with data points to back up my argument, but if I have to explain the “obvious” to you, then showing you facts won’t have any impact.

Lastly, your comment that “We’re not talking about a law degree. We’re talking about the ability to play basketball at a high level …” says it all. I am perturbed by the disrespect pro basketball gets. It is not something you go out in the street and just learn. You have to be trained in it. It is similar to (i) Spike Lee’s argument about “new Jack” filmmakers in the ’90s who never attended film school or (ii) to what people down south refer to “Jack-legged preachers” – preachers who can “move the crowd” but were never formally trained with the “word” in divinity school. Russell Westbrook can run and jump with the best of them, but not understanding the “science of basketball” is the piece he is missing – I think that was the source of the original debate and that’s what caused Magic to “go in” on Russ.
http://Slamonline.com nbk

When you are in college you ate learning/playing the same exact sport you are in the NBA except you are spending that time also learning and testing in classes. By skipping college, and going to a team with a good coaching staff then you are spending all your time playing and learning basketball. The reason high school kids that have gone straight to the NBA typically have more success than players that spend ANY time in college is because they are typically the most prepared players to be professionals from a talent stand point, and because they are enabled to focus on basketball and nothing else. The guys that benefit from college are those that are either immature and need to learn responsibility while being watched over and the guys who are not physically prepared for the grind of the NBA. Going to college is not why some guys come prepared with things like a mid-range jump shot. Bobby Knight would likely have spent almost no time with LeBron on his mid range game, you know why? Because Bobby Knights job is to win college games, not prepare his players for the NBA. So likely, LeBron would have left college with a better understanding of playing down low and would have been better with footwork. But that does not mean college would have been better for his development. There is no proof anywhere a BASKETBALL player benefits more from college than they do by making the jump. None. You can use pre-expansion if you want, but that would leave you with Moses Malone vs The Field. And for the most part, Moses wins. Sorry but your argument sounds logical, but it isn’t. College doesn’t benefit an NBa ready basketball player anymore than the NBA does. Infact, if you go by the percentages of just McDonalds All Americans, going straight to the NBA from high school yields All-Star players at a mUch much much higher rate than college.
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

OTB, Unlike other players of his era (A.I., Vince Carter), Kobe has had the good fortune of playing on teams with “exceptionally more talent” than everybody else. In my mind he is nothing more than a “glorified Robert Horry.” Except Robert Horry knew how to play his role … he didn’t try to be “the man” when he played with Hakeem, Shaq, Robinson and Duncan.
http://Slamonline.com nbk

smh. Nevermind. Obviously you are just ignorant.
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

AllenP,nbk, The NBA has gone through pains to invoke an age limit to force kids to go play in college. After experimenting with it, they are now contemplating raising it to age 20 to force kids to play at least two years in college. Explain that. Despite all your “hypotheticals” and “opinions” not based on empirical evidence, the NBA’s behavior flies in the face of all your “musings.”
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

nbk, Are the executives of the NBA “ignorant” too. They don’t want any cubic zirconias in their league.

Your “ignorant” comment is subjective. Meet me on a basketball court and I would give you “fiddy” … not fifty, but “fiddy,” make you never wanna pick up a basketball again. And that is not subjective.
http://slamonline.com Allenp

So, exactly how much time do players have to spend in college?
You say four isn’t the limit. Is it three?
Like I said, all data shows that players who leave college early have better careers than players who stay four years when you compare the total groups.
You are arguing that college is the best place to be trained to play professional basketball.
I’m arguing that you are wrong.
My proof is that the coaches, assistants and staff members in the pros know what they want in players. They have better facilities, more time and more expertise. And, as an added bonus for the players, they can be paid while they learn.
You have yet to offer a single bit of proof that explains why you learn more about basketball in college than in the NBA.
But it’s cool, I’m used to cats insulting people with little proof on this site.
http://Slamonline.com nbk

They are forcing kids to go to college because it gives them free marketing on incoming talent, leaves jobs for veteran players, gives teams more time to scout. Basically it enables the NBA business to make more money. The players association is against the age limit. Explain that. (I’ll do it for you, their argument is that it doesn’t benefit any player to be forced to go to college).
kid23

look what happen to the Celtics in 09 nba final, when they had the lakers 3 to 1 lead. Lakers came back and won the series in 7 games. OKC could do the same.
http://slamonline.com Allenp

Shock
The NBA created an age limit because they would prefer if players developed their talents for free in the NCAA and created a built in fanbase before they came to the League.
It was a strictly a business decision. They could stop making guesses about future performance based on potential and force players to play longer in college. It wasn’t about getting players better, but more about weeding out those players with issues that weren’t always obvious at first. Plus, if a player gets injured in college, it means the NBA can get a discount on their services.
As for the basketball court thing, you’re right. You would likely give me fifty.
It’s a good thing we’re having a discussion based on logic and reason.
http://Slamonline.com nbk

Good one shock exchange, what you think you would do to me a person you know nothing about on a basketball court really proves you know what your talkig about. Why don’t you defend your argument? My 1:19 comment pretty much pokes a whole in every point you made, why don’t you use your ability to drop “fiddy” and make a counter argument? Bruh.
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

AllenP, so in your mind the NBA is now a “workshop program” or an “apprenticeship?” That’s all you needed to say. I get you now. I am sure the fans paying top dollar to see “professionals” play basketball would love to hear that.
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

nbk, so we are learning knew words today. First there was “ignorant.” Then you admitted that you are a “person that knows nothing about a basketball court.” I think the definition of that is “redundant.”
http://Slamonline.com nbk

And you can’t even read? That’s cute.
http://slamonline.com 19821982

This was actually an interesting argument before the insults started. First time I’ve seen an argument here escalate to “meet me on the basketball court” though. That was refreshing.
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

OTB, d, we would still be talking about how after Shaq left for Miami, “Robert Horry, Jr.” was throwing Bynum under the bus and crying about leaving L.A. When Pau, another 7 footer came and tipped the scales in L.A.’s favor again, it was “all good.”
http://slamonline.com Allenp

The NBA is in the business of providing fans with high level basketball.
Apparently, you believe that college is the best place for NBA talent to develop and hone their skills.
Since everyone knows that even with four years in college most players still need an “apprenticeship” before they ready to reach their full potential, I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make.
All players, regardless of their time in college, need time develop. Not even Tim Duncan came into the League playing at full potential. Neither did Michael, Magic or Bird.
Your argument is shoddy man. You still haven’t said how long players must play in college. You haven’t said how you can guarantee that players will receive quality instruction in college.
Hell, you mentioned Bobby Knight when Bobby Knight’s best recruit left school after two years and became and Hall of Famer. What are you really saying?
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

That’s it! You’ve gotten by dander up. I take the time to drop knowledge on here and what do I get? Back talk. As an “olive branch” was going to give you an autographed copy of my new book coming out in July, but I’ve just struck you off my list Allenp. See what you accomplished?
http://slamonline.com Allenp

What’s the name of the book?
“How too annoy and anger using the word “fiddy”?
Heals

@kid, they were up 3-2 heading back to LA after winning Gm5 in Bos. The stat has been thrown around alot lately, but I thought no team has ever come back from 3-1 in the Finals…
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

It doesn’t matter Allenp, you and nbk are off the list. Don’t worry 19821982, I got you.
tpathi1

shock exchange..even tho i would like to believe you that these NBA owners want the age limit raised because of the education these kids can get in college on and off the bball court…in my opinion thats simply not the reason they want the age limit raised..if anything they want the age limit raised so they can have proof from more than one source of the potential players work habits/ tendencies etc…the way its set up now most of these owners rely on their GM and staff to make their draft picks..i am not billionaire but if i was, i would definately feel uncomfortable signing some 19 yr old kid to 20 million dollar contracts or what have u..the owners are all about the money…they want their lion share of it no matter what and would get away with paying their players less (all of them) if they could…besides all that from the players stand point, these young guns have seen some great ball players in the past 10-15 years come straight to the NBA..if their dreams and goals are to make it to the league then they are following in the footsteps..and who is say these players wont play overseas like brandon jennings did if they really want to get paid anyways..last i checked i don’t think brandon jennings draft stock dropped when he came into the league
Heals

Prime example of bk and Ap’s argument; AvyB on my C’s. Top ranked High Schooler goes to Tex (uggghhh Rick Barnes) and his stock/ability takes a huge hit. He lands with the C’s at the end of the 1st round. The organization then cultivates his talent with veterans, the D-league, an awesome coach and WELL structured front office. AB’s now ready for a 10 year career as a defensive stopper that hits corner 3′s…
http://slamonline.com LakeShow

^I’ll trade you a Snack Pack™ for one?
http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

Would the thunder be better off if they had Derrick Rose instead of Russell Westbrook?
tpathi1

Teddy-the-bear, derrick rose is the best basketball player in the universe…ofcourse they would be better with him than Russell Westbrook!
http://slamonline.com 19821982

LOL at ™. And Teddy, I think they’d be a completely different team with DRose – but remember, the Bulls live off of defense, a hallmark of Thibodeau’s. Under Brooks, Rose would probably play similar to RW, he’d be second option to KD (a lot of pg’s would) as well. But better off is a different discussion, better playmaking skills only help if the rest of the team knows how to cut, how to set picks, how to attack mismatches. OKC often looks like their scheme is to attack whenever someone catches the ball.
http://www.slamonline.com AlbertBarr

Can I be off of your list too Shock Exchange? Your book sounds terrible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rwDluFZQmtQ Max

*Pow pow pow
http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

tpathi1 I think you made my point. NBA execs and owners want to ensure the kids can play or at least meet a certain level of proficiency before they come into the league. For every Brandon Jennings, there are several others (no need to call anybody out) who entered the NBA straight from high school who couldn’t start for most college teams. I assumed my comments about college ball yesterday were “common knowledge.” I guess not.

Miami Heat One Victory Away from Winning the NBA Championship

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