Hoops

Game 3

The Spurs three point shooting has started where it left off in game 3. Crazy good!

I read a couple of stats somewhere (think it was in an ESPN or Grantland article) that I found interesting...

1) The team that wins Game 3 has won 12 of the last 13 NBA Finals series - the exception was the 2011 Heat vs. Dallas

2) The last team to sweep all 3 home games in the middle of the 2-3-2 format was the 2004 Detroit Pistons (also the first team to do that sweep and close out a series with it)

I still don't think this series is over, but given the variety of looks that Pop has been throwing at Lebron, the hot shooting of the Spurs role players, and the fact that Manu/Duncan haven't really got it going this series I think it is going to be incredibly tough for Miami to snatch Game 4 and right the ship.

But anything can happen in basketball!

I prefer 2-2-1-1-1 as well.

Yeah, I think Pop (been the great coach he is) will recognise that today's game was not something to rely on.

Expect a lot of ball to go into Duncan in Game 4.

Also, look for sets to get Manu going.

With that being said, the Heat's rotations were terrible. A lot of Neals and Greens attempts were open.

If they (looking at you Wade) fail to rotate again in Game 4 and the shooters get that open, it's not like they are going to miss anymore than game 3.

The Spurs have a chip on their shoulder:
- Neal: Had to go to Europe, assigned to D-League
- Green: Cut from Cavs. History of going to D-League
- Even players like Parker: Often overlooked when discussing league's best PGs. Not given the attention he deserves.
- Same with Duncan: No doubt sick of hearing all about the Heat all season long.
- Leonard: Hasn't won a thing -- high school nor at SDSU. Gunning for your first ring at young age = most motivated drive
-Splitter: Euro-based player for most of his career. Realises this is virtually his first and last shot at title.
- Look at Joseph even: Wanted to be assigned to the D-League to get better. Will do anything to win.


Compare that with the Miami Heat:

I know they have the drive to win. But is the entire team mentally fatigued from having so much recent success -- 66 wins, 27 (?) game win streak, 37-4 at home, reigning champs, winning game 7 over Indiana.


It's almost as if, Miami have achieved success so much lately and so often, that they have forgotten about the one and only thing that should matter - the Championship.

Sometimes, when a team has such frequent success, they get to a point when they almost expect it to just happen. "Go through the motions" (That sums up how I saw the game today)

Baynes not in the 12.

FFS ingles give it a rest.

I don't think Spurs will fold, however Heat only need 1 of the next 2 to take back home court advantage as well.

Great series so far.