Cleveland is back in the NBA Finals. The team, and especially the city, have struggled for so many years, and now here is another shot. The Cavaliers are four wins away from a championship trophy for the city. It is all thanks to LeBron James. He has once again carried a team to the finals. Each of the past three seasons LeBron has been on teams that on paper seem to be elite. However, by the end of the season it ends up being LeBron against the world.
It is true that the eastern conference is weak, and that the run has been not the most difficult, but the two teams the Cavs just beat were no jokes. Both Chicago and Atlanta were very good teams, who I believe under performed. Everyone is saying Cleveland had it easy, but I think Chicago should have beat them. I also believe Atlanta should have won at least two games in this series. That being said Cleveland may not be ready for whats up next. Not the Rockets. The Golden State Warriors will provide a different challenge. Both an offense and a defense that Cleveland has not yet seen, and an individual that no one in the east can compare to: Stephen Curry.
Cleveland has great reason to be excited about the finals, but they should not be too optimistic. The Cavaliers will need an all-time great performance from LeBron James. He will be required to not only put up the same statistics he put up against Atlanta, but also do it more efficiently, and start hitting some jump shots. This next finals will be similar to last years. LeBron will need to be all-worldly for the team to have a shot. He was not last year and the Spurs crushed him. If I'm a Cavs fan I'm worried about the upcoming series.
Showing posts with label Houston Rockets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houston Rockets. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
James Harden is Done for 2015
Tonight could very well be the end of James Harden's 2015 season. It has been a defining one for him. He began his march towards superstar status when he first came to Houston, and this year cemented himself as one of the games best players. Harden led Houston to the second best record in the western conference, an impressive feat considering the strength of the conference. At the same time there was very little difference between the two seed and the six seed in the west.
Harden put up impressive numbers, as he did not always shoot the ball efficiently from the field, but he consistently got to the free throw line more than any other player in the league. It has been an impressive year for Harden. He had to carry a team that was without its second best player in Dwight Howard, much of the season. It was hard for me to get completely behind the Harden for MVP campaign, because I just did not think it was him. I believed Stephen Curry was the MVP of the league from start to finish. I never once fell for the 50 point James Harden games here and there. In fact, I think I did not give him enough credit this season. Simply because no one seemed to recognize how good Curry was even if you did not take into account statistics.
Well, here we are before game four of the conference finals, and Harden is about to lose to the MVP. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if Harden can get back to these conference finals, without a big change in the lineup. Golden State will continue to dominate the west for the next couple years, and Oklahoma City will hopefully have both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook at full strength. I think San Antonio will improve as well.
The next step for Houston is James Harden getting a little more help, and Harden himself becoming a more efficient scorer.
Harden put up impressive numbers, as he did not always shoot the ball efficiently from the field, but he consistently got to the free throw line more than any other player in the league. It has been an impressive year for Harden. He had to carry a team that was without its second best player in Dwight Howard, much of the season. It was hard for me to get completely behind the Harden for MVP campaign, because I just did not think it was him. I believed Stephen Curry was the MVP of the league from start to finish. I never once fell for the 50 point James Harden games here and there. In fact, I think I did not give him enough credit this season. Simply because no one seemed to recognize how good Curry was even if you did not take into account statistics.
Well, here we are before game four of the conference finals, and Harden is about to lose to the MVP. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if Harden can get back to these conference finals, without a big change in the lineup. Golden State will continue to dominate the west for the next couple years, and Oklahoma City will hopefully have both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook at full strength. I think San Antonio will improve as well.
The next step for Houston is James Harden getting a little more help, and Harden himself becoming a more efficient scorer.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Game Two
Well I was way off on last nights game. Golden State got off to the start I expected, but like the Rockets did in game one, the Warriors gave up the lead and the game was tied at the half. It went down to the wire and the ball was in James Harden's hands. Unfortunately that's how it ended, with Harden ultimately fumbling the basketball as time expired. It was a great back and forth battle between Harden and Stephen Curry. The two went for 38 and 33 respectively, and hit countless big shots during the forth quarter. Again, I still believe this series is over in five, but I still haven't seen the blowout I thought was coming. Houston and Golden State are making up for my complete lack of interest in the Hawks-Cavs series.
I know the Hawks are supposed to be the Spurs of the east, which is somewhat true. They are the Spurs of the EAST. A much weaker conference with less competition. The Hawks are much less fun to watch in stretches, as their bench can struggle a lot at times. The offense as a whole goes through rough patches where they can seem to buy a basket, which never seems to be a problem in San Antonio.
LeBron James will always be enough to grab my attention, but only for stretches as his club has not been that great to watch either. With no Kevin Love and an injured Kyrie Irving, the Cavs are not as exciting as they were game one of the playoffs. I have a feeling tonight the Hawks show up and go for over 100. JR Smith does not hit every shot he takes tonight, but maybe Kyrie will hit a few. Hawks will barely win tonight by a slim margin. 105-100.
I know the Hawks are supposed to be the Spurs of the east, which is somewhat true. They are the Spurs of the EAST. A much weaker conference with less competition. The Hawks are much less fun to watch in stretches, as their bench can struggle a lot at times. The offense as a whole goes through rough patches where they can seem to buy a basket, which never seems to be a problem in San Antonio.
LeBron James will always be enough to grab my attention, but only for stretches as his club has not been that great to watch either. With no Kevin Love and an injured Kyrie Irving, the Cavs are not as exciting as they were game one of the playoffs. I have a feeling tonight the Hawks show up and go for over 100. JR Smith does not hit every shot he takes tonight, but maybe Kyrie will hit a few. Hawks will barely win tonight by a slim margin. 105-100.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
It Will Only Get Better for the Warriors
The Golden State Warriors survived a game one battle last night, narrowly defeating the Houston Rockets by four points. It was a very interesting game, as the Rockets got off to a great start, going up by 16 with just five minutes to go in the first half. Then the Warriors began to turn it around, thanks in no small part to their versatile backup point guard Shaun Livingston. Livingston had 16 points in the first half and sparked the run late in the second quarter that helped the Warriors take the lead. The MVP Stephen Curry ended the half in typical Curry fashion, letting go of a step back jumper with no time on the clock and watching it fall through the net. The Warriors held a 58-55 lead at the half, after Houston had played so well.
James Harden had one of his better playoff games in my opinion. He finished with 28 points 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Harden was getting his step back jumper to go, a shot that had failed him recently. When Harden is not hitting his isolation jump shots, he does not have efficient nights from the field, but 11-19 was a great sign for the Rockets.
Houston played well last night which is another good sign, but the Warriors did not. Game one does not change my opinion of how this series will go, I think the Warriors did not come close to their best last night, and the Rockets did about as well as they could without Dwight Howard being effective. Going forward it is important that the Warriors begin to clamp down more defensively. Continue to let Josh Smith shoot threes, and put more pressure on ball handlers other than Harden. The defense will lead to even more fast break opportunities for the Warriors. As always they can cut down on the unforced errors when they try to make the home run play, but those never seem to be too big of an issue, just limiting them is key.
I think game two will be a blowout. I don't see Harden scoring as efficiently as he did in game one, and I think the injury to Dwight Howard is a real concern going forward in this series. The splash brothers will be too much. That and an improved defensive performance will help give the Warriors a 2-0 lead.
James Harden had one of his better playoff games in my opinion. He finished with 28 points 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Harden was getting his step back jumper to go, a shot that had failed him recently. When Harden is not hitting his isolation jump shots, he does not have efficient nights from the field, but 11-19 was a great sign for the Rockets.
Houston played well last night which is another good sign, but the Warriors did not. Game one does not change my opinion of how this series will go, I think the Warriors did not come close to their best last night, and the Rockets did about as well as they could without Dwight Howard being effective. Going forward it is important that the Warriors begin to clamp down more defensively. Continue to let Josh Smith shoot threes, and put more pressure on ball handlers other than Harden. The defense will lead to even more fast break opportunities for the Warriors. As always they can cut down on the unforced errors when they try to make the home run play, but those never seem to be too big of an issue, just limiting them is key.
I think game two will be a blowout. I don't see Harden scoring as efficiently as he did in game one, and I think the injury to Dwight Howard is a real concern going forward in this series. The splash brothers will be too much. That and an improved defensive performance will help give the Warriors a 2-0 lead.
Monday, May 18, 2015
The Rockets Are Here
The other side of the Clippers-Rockets series are the Rockets. The Houston Rockets did in fact win this series, and did so almost out of nowhere. We all have heard the story of how they came back, so let's move on. The Rockets now take on the best team in the league. A team that just had their first challenge of the year, trailing 2-1 against Memphis. The Warriors came back, because of the MVP. In contrast the Rockets came back, and without their MVP. Yes, Harden had a lot to do with game five and seven wins, but he was nowhere to be found during the decisive game six comeback.
So, during the regular season the Warriors won all four games by an average of 15 points. You can throw out any regular season numbers, but it was four blowouts, so something to at least keep in mind. The match-up on the surface is simply not great for the Rockets. The Rockets defense is not that great. The Warriors defense is elite. The Rockets can score a lot of points. The Warriors score the most. The Rockets have the runner up in the MVP race. The Warriors have the MVP. Not only of the regular season but also during the playoffs. Stephen Curry has been great for the Warriors, and most impressive during the two closeout games.
To me, the Rockets only have a chance if Josh Smith continues to play the way he has in the past two games, and Harden plays like an MVP. Not the 27, 6 and 8 guy, but a 35ppg guy. Harden must try to score 40 every night. I think he can drop 40 a couple of times, but it won't be enough. My prediction is that Houston will win either game three or four at home, but ultimately lose the series in five games. Houston is a very good team, and I don't want to discredit the amazing turnaround they pulled off against the Clippers, but they shouldn't be here. The Clippers blew it more than the Rockets won it in my opinion, and it will show when Houston gets blown out of the conference finals.
So, during the regular season the Warriors won all four games by an average of 15 points. You can throw out any regular season numbers, but it was four blowouts, so something to at least keep in mind. The match-up on the surface is simply not great for the Rockets. The Rockets defense is not that great. The Warriors defense is elite. The Rockets can score a lot of points. The Warriors score the most. The Rockets have the runner up in the MVP race. The Warriors have the MVP. Not only of the regular season but also during the playoffs. Stephen Curry has been great for the Warriors, and most impressive during the two closeout games.
To me, the Rockets only have a chance if Josh Smith continues to play the way he has in the past two games, and Harden plays like an MVP. Not the 27, 6 and 8 guy, but a 35ppg guy. Harden must try to score 40 every night. I think he can drop 40 a couple of times, but it won't be enough. My prediction is that Houston will win either game three or four at home, but ultimately lose the series in five games. Houston is a very good team, and I don't want to discredit the amazing turnaround they pulled off against the Clippers, but they shouldn't be here. The Clippers blew it more than the Rockets won it in my opinion, and it will show when Houston gets blown out of the conference finals.
Clippers Fail Again
The Houston Rockets pulled off a great comeback, finishing it today with a game seven win at home. They were down 3-1 in the series and trailed by 19 late in game six, but were able to turn it all around with the help of role players. Josh Smith and Corey Brewer led the way in game six and were instrumental in the game seven victory.
One part of the story is the unlikely turnaround by the Rockets, and the other is the collapse of the Los Angeles Clippers. They blew a 3-1 series lead. The team, many would say, have underachieved in the playoffs once again. Last year the team should have won game five against the Thunder, if it wasn't for an epic late game collapse. I'm not sure who to blame for this. Everyone always says that you can't blame Chris Paul for not reaching the conference finals yet. I don't know what else one would say. Once again Paul put up great numbers throughout the playoffs and in this series, but there was something missing. People used to always be very quick to blame LeBron James for failing to win big series. They would say that despite the numbers he was not clutch, and could never win a championship. Now, saying he was not clutch wasn't fair, but giving him the blame was. James should have taken the responsibility, as he did, for the many losses early in his career. As a superstar, franchise player and future hall of famer, that was the expectation. To be able to carry his team, when he had the opportunity, past tough opponents in late playoff rounds.
The same applies to Chris Paul when talking about the conference finals. He has not been able to reach the round yet. I am not saying his game to game play has been poor, certainly not statistically, but he lacks a certain ability to carry his team to victories. Let me preface what I'm saying. If a LeBron James led team, whether it be the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers, was leading a series three games to one, and then was up by 19 late in a game six, and went on to lose the series, would we not say that LeBron chocked? I know I would have said LeBron should have finished it off. Especially in the game six. Superstars should be able to will their team to win, whether it is scoring themselves or creating chances for others.
Blake Griffin must take some of the blame too, because this is his team as well. He was statistically very good these playoffs, I think he has been the second best player thus far behind Stephen Curry. At the end of game six he was a non-factor, and game seven he played well, but was not that aggressive. Los Angeles has a lot to figure out this offseason, with Deandre Jordan being their biggest priority. I'm not sure that there is a big need for change on this team at the top, but the supporting cast could use some work. Austin Rivers showed some great promise during the playoffs, but the rest of the bench is not too good. Matt Barnes could be replaced as the starter. His three point shot is just not consistent enough for someone who almost only shoots perimeter shots. The Clippers should look to sign or trade for a more dynamic wing player.
Perhaps Chris Paul will simply be one of these all time greats who never wins a championship. I think the Clippers will still have plenty of opportunities in the coming years, but the pressure will only rise.
One part of the story is the unlikely turnaround by the Rockets, and the other is the collapse of the Los Angeles Clippers. They blew a 3-1 series lead. The team, many would say, have underachieved in the playoffs once again. Last year the team should have won game five against the Thunder, if it wasn't for an epic late game collapse. I'm not sure who to blame for this. Everyone always says that you can't blame Chris Paul for not reaching the conference finals yet. I don't know what else one would say. Once again Paul put up great numbers throughout the playoffs and in this series, but there was something missing. People used to always be very quick to blame LeBron James for failing to win big series. They would say that despite the numbers he was not clutch, and could never win a championship. Now, saying he was not clutch wasn't fair, but giving him the blame was. James should have taken the responsibility, as he did, for the many losses early in his career. As a superstar, franchise player and future hall of famer, that was the expectation. To be able to carry his team, when he had the opportunity, past tough opponents in late playoff rounds.
The same applies to Chris Paul when talking about the conference finals. He has not been able to reach the round yet. I am not saying his game to game play has been poor, certainly not statistically, but he lacks a certain ability to carry his team to victories. Let me preface what I'm saying. If a LeBron James led team, whether it be the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers, was leading a series three games to one, and then was up by 19 late in a game six, and went on to lose the series, would we not say that LeBron chocked? I know I would have said LeBron should have finished it off. Especially in the game six. Superstars should be able to will their team to win, whether it is scoring themselves or creating chances for others.
Blake Griffin must take some of the blame too, because this is his team as well. He was statistically very good these playoffs, I think he has been the second best player thus far behind Stephen Curry. At the end of game six he was a non-factor, and game seven he played well, but was not that aggressive. Los Angeles has a lot to figure out this offseason, with Deandre Jordan being their biggest priority. I'm not sure that there is a big need for change on this team at the top, but the supporting cast could use some work. Austin Rivers showed some great promise during the playoffs, but the rest of the bench is not too good. Matt Barnes could be replaced as the starter. His three point shot is just not consistent enough for someone who almost only shoots perimeter shots. The Clippers should look to sign or trade for a more dynamic wing player.
Perhaps Chris Paul will simply be one of these all time greats who never wins a championship. I think the Clippers will still have plenty of opportunities in the coming years, but the pressure will only rise.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
It's Time for James Harden to Step Up
For all the people who wanted to see James Harden win this years MVP award, tonight is the night he needs to prove he deserved it. With an almost must win game tonight in Los Angeles, the burden falls on Harden to tie up the series at two games a piece. Harden has to step up the scoring that made him such a tough player to handle throughout the regular season. Harden has been doing a great job of getting everyone else involved this series, but it might take one of those 40 point efforts from him tonight, if Houston wants to get back in this series.
With Chris Paul back in the lineup for the Clippers, life does not get any easier for the Rockets. One thing that has been really tough for Houston has been the point guard play. Jason Terry has done a great job of knocking down threes, but Harden does most of the play-making on offense, like he has much of the season. The big issue is defense. Without Patrick Beverley, Houston does not have a point guard capable of playing lock down defense for stretches. Terry is almost a liability on that end of the court.
I'm not sure that the Rockets can win game four if Harden does not go off. I think too much Blake Griffin and Chris Paul will be enough to beat Houston tonight.
With Chris Paul back in the lineup for the Clippers, life does not get any easier for the Rockets. One thing that has been really tough for Houston has been the point guard play. Jason Terry has done a great job of knocking down threes, but Harden does most of the play-making on offense, like he has much of the season. The big issue is defense. Without Patrick Beverley, Houston does not have a point guard capable of playing lock down defense for stretches. Terry is almost a liability on that end of the court.
I'm not sure that the Rockets can win game four if Harden does not go off. I think too much Blake Griffin and Chris Paul will be enough to beat Houston tonight.
Friday, April 17, 2015
The Spurs May Be Poised For Another Run
The NBA playoffs begin tomorrow afternoon with the Washington Wizards visiting the Toronto Raptors. That series along with the entire first round should be very entertaining, with so many great match-ups. Most will be in the western conference, but the east should provide some excitement as well. The series everyone seems to be most interested in is that between the Los Angeles Clippers and the defending champion San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs thought they might grab the second seed, but instead lost on the last night of the regular season and ended up with the six spot. This is not a great situation for the Spurs, not having home court advantage at all during these playoffs, but not the end of the world. As we all know this team can beat any team in any place. If they are to win three straight series on the road and advance to a third straight NBA finals, it will take maybe an even better team performance than last year.
20 years ago a team was in the exact same situation as these Spurs. The team had not been in the playoffs for 18 straight years and already have five titles, but that year had been very similar. The Houston Rockets limped into the playoffs as the number six seed in the conference. Just the season before, the Rockets had defeated the New York Knicks in seven gams to capture the NBA chmapionship. The team, led by hall of famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Cylde Drexler, started off by beating the third seeded Utah Jazz, who had a great point guard power forward combo in John Stockton and Karl Malone (remind you of a certain duo in LA?). In the second round the team had to battle to defeat a strong Phoenix Suns team led by the great individual play of Charles Barkley (perhaps James Harden's Houston Rockets?).
Then came the conference finals, where the team took on the league MVP and the team with the best record in the NBA. The 1995 Rockets played the 1995 San Antonio Spurs (in case this is confusing), who had thrived all season behind the incredible play of their MVP David Robinson (similar to Golden State and Stephen Curry this year). The Rockets beat the Spurs and went on to sweep the Orlando Magic in the finals, and claim the teams second straight title.
This situation for the Spurs is potentially so similar to that Rockets team, if all the the right things happen. I still believe that the Warriors will come out of the West, but there is no way I would be surprised if the Spurs ended up back in the finals.
The Spurs thought they might grab the second seed, but instead lost on the last night of the regular season and ended up with the six spot. This is not a great situation for the Spurs, not having home court advantage at all during these playoffs, but not the end of the world. As we all know this team can beat any team in any place. If they are to win three straight series on the road and advance to a third straight NBA finals, it will take maybe an even better team performance than last year.
20 years ago a team was in the exact same situation as these Spurs. The team had not been in the playoffs for 18 straight years and already have five titles, but that year had been very similar. The Houston Rockets limped into the playoffs as the number six seed in the conference. Just the season before, the Rockets had defeated the New York Knicks in seven gams to capture the NBA chmapionship. The team, led by hall of famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Cylde Drexler, started off by beating the third seeded Utah Jazz, who had a great point guard power forward combo in John Stockton and Karl Malone (remind you of a certain duo in LA?). In the second round the team had to battle to defeat a strong Phoenix Suns team led by the great individual play of Charles Barkley (perhaps James Harden's Houston Rockets?).
Then came the conference finals, where the team took on the league MVP and the team with the best record in the NBA. The 1995 Rockets played the 1995 San Antonio Spurs (in case this is confusing), who had thrived all season behind the incredible play of their MVP David Robinson (similar to Golden State and Stephen Curry this year). The Rockets beat the Spurs and went on to sweep the Orlando Magic in the finals, and claim the teams second straight title.
This situation for the Spurs is potentially so similar to that Rockets team, if all the the right things happen. I still believe that the Warriors will come out of the West, but there is no way I would be surprised if the Spurs ended up back in the finals.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Spurs Creeping Up
The San Antonio Spurs are quietly just a game and a half behind the five seed Clippers in the west. The team that has been to back to back NBA Finals has struggled to really get going this season, but with around 20 games to go, they may be hitting their stride at just the right time. A game and a half is nothing in the loaded west, where the top teams seem to beat up on each other. So, its not so far fetched to see the Spurs getting to that five seed and even grabbing home court advantage if Houston or Portland start to slip a bit. It will be interesting to see, but if the Spurs go into the playoffs red hot and with home court in the first round? Look out Golden State...the Spurs know how to win come playoff time.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Rondo Trade Puts More Burden on James Harden
Now that Dallas has made a blockbuster move to acquire Rajon Rondo, the pressure is all on James Harden. The man has been playing like the MVP of late, especially with Dwight Howard out with injury. Harden has almost single handedly kept the Houston Rockets at the top of the Western Conference standings. His play has been great, but with the Grizzlies, Spurs and Mavs all in their division (not to mention the Pelicans, currently the eighth seed), it will be tough going forward for the Rockets to grab home court advantage. Perhaps this move will spark the Rockets to counter with a trade of their own. Rondo was the target but maybe Houston can grab a Goran Dragic from Phoenix. The Rockets need an upgrade if they want to compete for a title this year.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Should the Lakers/Knicks Trade Kobe/Melo?
Not that any team would like the contract they would be picking up, but it is something to think about. Both teams are headed nowhere fast. The Knicks became the first team to 20 losses this season, and the Lakers have no hope in a loaded western conference (not to mention the team just stinks). Now I don't ever see Kobe going anywhere, and I think he wants to stay so that he can say he stayed in one place his whole career. Carmelo, however, would be very interesting. I think I'm not alone in saying I really wanted to see him go to Chicago this past summer. I do not think that is a possibility in regards to a potential trade, but if the two teams could figure it out it would be great for both Anthony and the Bulls. With Houston having such a good season thus far, maybe they would make a move to get Melo. I guess my point is that Carmelo is too good of an NBA player to spend the prime of his career on such a poor team. Who knows? The way it seems LeBron is losing a step physically, may be happening to Melo as well. The difference is James has Love and Kyrie, while Melo has an aging Stoudemire and Jose Calderon...
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Warriors Just Keep Winning
Golden State got another win last night over the Houston Rockets. That moves them to 19-2 on the young season, and still the best record in the NBA. The team is one of the best offensive and defensive teams in the league. Last nights win was especially impressive, because of the way they closed the game, leaving no doubt who was still the best team in the league. Now Houston did not have Dwight Howard, but Golden State did not have Bogut either. In the upcoming week the Warriors will be tested by some of the best in the west, including Oklahoma City, Dallas and Memphis. If the team is able to come out of this stretch will just two losses, I may be writing about how good this team could really be.
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