Everybody got very exciting including myself of what the Oklahoma City Thunder could do in the NBA Playoffs because of the play of Kevin Durant throughout the season. Then that all came crashing down to earth when their team had to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
It wasn't the best performance we have seen out of the Lakers but they did enough to frustrate Durant, never letting him go off like he did in the regular season. I forgot about how good Ron Artest can be as a defender until the first round because during the season, he looked lost on this Laker team and didn't seem like he really fit into their system. But Ron proved once again why he is a top five defender, he did a magnificent job on the young Durant. This wasn't the only thing telling about telling about this series.
The Lakers' perimeter defense was so bad that people like my roommate B-Squared made the claim, "I think Russell Westbrook is more key to the Thunder's success than Durant." This deserves a big time DOH but honestly, I could see why he thought this way. Derek Fisher looks like a 40 year old guy playing at the rec center and Kobe Bryant's body is the definition of playing through injury. Westbrook really had a breakout series and put his name on the map saying "I am a great second banana, and look out for us in the future." This should create another worry for the Lakers though....
They have to face Utah's Deron Williams who all the media has anointed him the "best point guard in the NBA." I would have to agree even if I don't like him (never enjoyed his career at Illinois). He could create some major problems for that poor Laker defense we discussed. I have a distinct feeling that Williams will put up 25 or more easily and make this series more interesting than the last two times they met.
A lot like the Celtics-Cavs, the front court play will be very interesting. The Jazz do have the size to throw at Pau Gasol with the physical play of Carlos Boozer and Paul Milsap. I expect Gasol to struggle with those two coming at him consistently and especially if Andrew Bynum is unable to play at 100%. I would give the Jazz the advantage almost having both Boozer/Milsap.
The other big key is the Ron Artest/Lamar Odom vs. Wes Matthews/CJ Miles match up. I am puzzled to think who really has the edge, I mean yes the Lakers have the experience but Miles/Matthews has been playing at a superior level. I believe the swing men will be the difference in this series.
I expect a physical series and a very good series, there will be a ton of emotion. They do not like each other but I worry about the Jazz's ability to win in Los Angeles (something like 0-14 in the playoffs). If the Jazz want to win, they need a Game 1 or Game 2 in LA. I have the Lakeshow in 7.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Showing posts with label Oklahoma City Thunder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oklahoma City Thunder. Show all posts
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Western Conference NBA Playoff Picks
I am a bit late but still that doesn't matter. Honestly, pretty exciting times for me because I really have got myself into the NBA this season, the Milwaukee Bucks are one of the 16 teams in there, and I think the playoffs are WIIIIIDE OOOPENN. I think this will as unpredictable as ever.
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Oklahoma City Thunder- Other than the Bucks, I am pretty pumped for this series because of the Durant-Kobe matchup and the youth of the Thunder could be a preview of things to come. I think the Thunder could push this series to the sixth or seventh game of this series but I do think they need to get one win in L.A. to really believe they can actually do it. The difference maker will be Russell Westbrook because he will be facing a washed-up Derek Fisher therefore he could run him all over the court throughout the series. I think the Lakers win but this will be a bloodbath for sure. LA in 7
4. Denver vs. 5. Utah- A series that could have been a lot better if the Jazz had Andrei Kirinlinko and you have to worry about Carlos Boozer's rib injury. The Jazz do have Deron Williams who has been playing out of this world lately and they have a mismatch with Chauncey Billups which they could expose. I hate to bet against Carmelo Anthony because I think he is one of the best late-game closer and continues to not get enough love by the national media. I think this will be a dogfight but the injuries of Utah pull me towards the Nugs. DEN in 7
3. Phoenix vs. 6.Portland- Once again, a better series if Brandon Roy was healthy. The Suns have arguably been the best team since the All-Star Break. I hate to bring it up like everyone else but Amar'e Stoudamire decided to play basketball again. He looks like a tyrant out there and will create problems for the Trailblazers. I will give Portland a game at home due to their rabid homecourt advantage but Steve Nash will take control of this one. PHX in 5
2. Dallas vs. 7. San Antonio- Two teams that have had some epic series in the past couple of years and I think this will be the proving point that the Spurs are indeed washed-up. I haven't seen anything from them that makes me think they can beat a much-improved Maverick team with the additions of Caron Butler and Brenden Haywood. BUT remember when I wrote how Butler/Haywood have not delivered results in the playoffs? Just keep that in mind if the Spurs find a way to win on in the Big D. I think both teams win at home then the Mavs get knocked out in the final two. DAL in 6
-Charlie.
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Oklahoma City Thunder- Other than the Bucks, I am pretty pumped for this series because of the Durant-Kobe matchup and the youth of the Thunder could be a preview of things to come. I think the Thunder could push this series to the sixth or seventh game of this series but I do think they need to get one win in L.A. to really believe they can actually do it. The difference maker will be Russell Westbrook because he will be facing a washed-up Derek Fisher therefore he could run him all over the court throughout the series. I think the Lakers win but this will be a bloodbath for sure. LA in 7
4. Denver vs. 5. Utah- A series that could have been a lot better if the Jazz had Andrei Kirinlinko and you have to worry about Carlos Boozer's rib injury. The Jazz do have Deron Williams who has been playing out of this world lately and they have a mismatch with Chauncey Billups which they could expose. I hate to bet against Carmelo Anthony because I think he is one of the best late-game closer and continues to not get enough love by the national media. I think this will be a dogfight but the injuries of Utah pull me towards the Nugs. DEN in 7
3. Phoenix vs. 6.Portland- Once again, a better series if Brandon Roy was healthy. The Suns have arguably been the best team since the All-Star Break. I hate to bring it up like everyone else but Amar'e Stoudamire decided to play basketball again. He looks like a tyrant out there and will create problems for the Trailblazers. I will give Portland a game at home due to their rabid homecourt advantage but Steve Nash will take control of this one. PHX in 5
2. Dallas vs. 7. San Antonio- Two teams that have had some epic series in the past couple of years and I think this will be the proving point that the Spurs are indeed washed-up. I haven't seen anything from them that makes me think they can beat a much-improved Maverick team with the additions of Caron Butler and Brenden Haywood. BUT remember when I wrote how Butler/Haywood have not delivered results in the playoffs? Just keep that in mind if the Spurs find a way to win on in the Big D. I think both teams win at home then the Mavs get knocked out in the final two. DAL in 6
-Charlie.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Consider me on the Kevin Durant Bandwagon
Most of you who know me would probably say "Oh you are just joining the KD bandwagon because your boy Simmons is all over him like J-Woww with some guido at the club." False. I almost picked the Oklahoma City Thunder to get to the playoffs but I honestly couldn't see them winning enough games in the Western Conference. But oh how wrong I was.
The Thunder are currently sitting in seven place in the Western Conference and Kevin Durant has been the reason why the Thunder are the NBA's version of the Milwaukee Brewers threatening to make the playoffs this season with such a young nucleus. Durant has had over twenty-five points in the last twenty-three games. That is something that only a few players have done in the past couple of decades. The names are Michael Jordan, and Allen Iverson, two of the most prolific scorers in the NBA.
What mind boggles me about his scoring ability is the fact he can do all of this with only being 205 looking softer than the Rosanne's son as Lil Wayne once said in a song. I never thought he would be this good in the NBA because he was too skinny and I gave him plenty of shit for not being able to bench 185. In my opinion, the reason he is so good is because like LeBron, he is a matchup disaster for teams. Not many teams have a 6'5 and taller guy who is a good defender to keep up with Durant during an NBA game. This begs the question...
Is Durant the best young player in the NBA today? Absolutely, there is no question about that when a 21-year old is averaging 27.9 points 7 rebounds 3 assists a game and when this season is over, he may be a top five player in the league. That is a scary thought, but in all honesty, a guy at 6'9 doing some things that a 6'2 point guard cannot do.
Right now, he is on the LeBron James level of the NBA. Only James and Durant are on that level right now, no Dwight Howard, no Kobe Bryant, and no Dwyane Wade. That might seem crazy to some of you but look at the things, those two guys are doing compared to the rest of the league. It's not even funny the level of basketball these two guys are playing at therefore it's making their teams ten times better.
The other great thing about Durant is he is a likable guy just like the other newcomers that have come before him (see Chris Paul, Howard, James, Wade). He doesn't have an attitude just yet and he seems happy to be playing with the Thunder. In addition, just playing basketball in general seems to put a smile on Durant's face.
I really hope that ESPN leads with Durant as they do LeBron so much because we are that point with him. He needs that LeBron-Kobe level of attention and I would like to think Durant should be apart of that equation. Yes, he is that good.
-Charlie.
The Thunder are currently sitting in seven place in the Western Conference and Kevin Durant has been the reason why the Thunder are the NBA's version of the Milwaukee Brewers threatening to make the playoffs this season with such a young nucleus. Durant has had over twenty-five points in the last twenty-three games. That is something that only a few players have done in the past couple of decades. The names are Michael Jordan, and Allen Iverson, two of the most prolific scorers in the NBA.
What mind boggles me about his scoring ability is the fact he can do all of this with only being 205 looking softer than the Rosanne's son as Lil Wayne once said in a song. I never thought he would be this good in the NBA because he was too skinny and I gave him plenty of shit for not being able to bench 185. In my opinion, the reason he is so good is because like LeBron, he is a matchup disaster for teams. Not many teams have a 6'5 and taller guy who is a good defender to keep up with Durant during an NBA game. This begs the question...
Is Durant the best young player in the NBA today? Absolutely, there is no question about that when a 21-year old is averaging 27.9 points 7 rebounds 3 assists a game and when this season is over, he may be a top five player in the league. That is a scary thought, but in all honesty, a guy at 6'9 doing some things that a 6'2 point guard cannot do.
Right now, he is on the LeBron James level of the NBA. Only James and Durant are on that level right now, no Dwight Howard, no Kobe Bryant, and no Dwyane Wade. That might seem crazy to some of you but look at the things, those two guys are doing compared to the rest of the league. It's not even funny the level of basketball these two guys are playing at therefore it's making their teams ten times better.
The other great thing about Durant is he is a likable guy just like the other newcomers that have come before him (see Chris Paul, Howard, James, Wade). He doesn't have an attitude just yet and he seems happy to be playing with the Thunder. In addition, just playing basketball in general seems to put a smile on Durant's face.
I really hope that ESPN leads with Durant as they do LeBron so much because we are that point with him. He needs that LeBron-Kobe level of attention and I would like to think Durant should be apart of that equation. Yes, he is that good.
-Charlie.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
NBA Northwest Division Preview
Two left to go and then I leave you with the predictions that will come true in June.
1. Utah Jazz: PG Deron Williams, PF Carlos Boozer, PF Paul Millsap OUTLOOK: If they can figure out ways to have Millsap/Boozer on the court at the same time then they could be real dangerous as a large front court team. PREDICTION: 3rd in the Western Conference.
2. Denver Nuggets: SF Carmelo Anthony, PG Chauncey Billups, PF Nene OUTLOOK: The Nuggets have a lot of the same parts that brought them to the Western Conference Finals and I think Ty Lawson could be the Rookie of the Year this year. The two top spots are interchangeable. PREDICTION: 4th in the Western Conference.
3. Portland Trailblazers: SG Brandon Roy, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, SF Travis Outlaw OUTLOOK: In my opinion, this will be the best division in the Western Conference. Another team that could contend for the top spot in the Northwest. Greg Oden's development plays a large part. PREDICTION: 5th in the Western Conference.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Kevin Durant, PG Russell Westbrook, PF Jeff Green- OUTLOOK: The Thunder are my favorite young team right now and a team who I truly believe could make the playoffs if they weren't in such a tough division. Next year will be a huge year for them. PREDICTION: 11th in the Western Conference.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: PF Al Jefferson, PG Johnny Flynn, PF Kevin Love- OUTLOOK: The mastermind that is David Kahn could not land Ricky Rubio to the states so he better hope that Flynn has a huge year or he could be short-lived as T-Wolves GM. PREDICTION: 13th in the Western Conference.
-Charlie.
1. Utah Jazz: PG Deron Williams, PF Carlos Boozer, PF Paul Millsap OUTLOOK: If they can figure out ways to have Millsap/Boozer on the court at the same time then they could be real dangerous as a large front court team. PREDICTION: 3rd in the Western Conference.
2. Denver Nuggets: SF Carmelo Anthony, PG Chauncey Billups, PF Nene OUTLOOK: The Nuggets have a lot of the same parts that brought them to the Western Conference Finals and I think Ty Lawson could be the Rookie of the Year this year. The two top spots are interchangeable. PREDICTION: 4th in the Western Conference.
3. Portland Trailblazers: SG Brandon Roy, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, SF Travis Outlaw OUTLOOK: In my opinion, this will be the best division in the Western Conference. Another team that could contend for the top spot in the Northwest. Greg Oden's development plays a large part. PREDICTION: 5th in the Western Conference.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Kevin Durant, PG Russell Westbrook, PF Jeff Green- OUTLOOK: The Thunder are my favorite young team right now and a team who I truly believe could make the playoffs if they weren't in such a tough division. Next year will be a huge year for them. PREDICTION: 11th in the Western Conference.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: PF Al Jefferson, PG Johnny Flynn, PF Kevin Love- OUTLOOK: The mastermind that is David Kahn could not land Ricky Rubio to the states so he better hope that Flynn has a huge year or he could be short-lived as T-Wolves GM. PREDICTION: 13th in the Western Conference.
-Charlie.
Monday, November 24, 2008
P.J. Carlesimo and Eddie Jordan: Apart of the NBA Unemployment Line
The Thunder and the Wizards decided to go different ways after horrible starts by firing P.J. Carlesimo and Eddie Jordan. While one I think was a good move the other I am not so sure about at the moment.
The Thunder are a couple years away but they should be at least staying competitive in games which they are not. They are the doormat of the NBA right now and they will be lucky to win 20 games all year. Also Carlesimo is a coach I have never been a fan, he is like a lot others- Much better as an assistant coach then head coach. If I was Oklahoma City, I would look into a youth movement in coaches, possibly a college coach or look for an up and coming assistant. I would not go the route of the Bobcats (Larry Brown) because in my opinion, for a young team its not the answer.
The Wizards granted are off to a horrible start as well and shouldnt be with the talent they have even without Agent Zero but they could still comeback to have a good year because the NBA is a long season and the Wizards have the talent. Also did Lebron James get Jordan fired? He couldnt figure out how to beat them not once, not twice, but three times. You could say "Well you cannot help that." But sometimes that how sports go if you cant figure a player or team out, your club moves on to someone that can.
-Charlie.
The Thunder are a couple years away but they should be at least staying competitive in games which they are not. They are the doormat of the NBA right now and they will be lucky to win 20 games all year. Also Carlesimo is a coach I have never been a fan, he is like a lot others- Much better as an assistant coach then head coach. If I was Oklahoma City, I would look into a youth movement in coaches, possibly a college coach or look for an up and coming assistant. I would not go the route of the Bobcats (Larry Brown) because in my opinion, for a young team its not the answer.
The Wizards granted are off to a horrible start as well and shouldnt be with the talent they have even without Agent Zero but they could still comeback to have a good year because the NBA is a long season and the Wizards have the talent. Also did Lebron James get Jordan fired? He couldnt figure out how to beat them not once, not twice, but three times. You could say "Well you cannot help that." But sometimes that how sports go if you cant figure a player or team out, your club moves on to someone that can.
-Charlie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)