For years it has been known that the NBA's Western Conference has been superior compared to its Eastern Conference foes. Western Conference offers the more recent legendary NBA franchises from Kobe's Los Angeles Lakers to Tim Duncan's San Antonio Spurs. For comparisons sake simply look at the 2012-2013 Western Conference playoff teams and an argument can be made that the "Top 6" teams in the conference could have challenged the Miami Heat. Fact is the road to the 2013 NBA Finals for the Miami Heat was full of opponents missing key components to their rosters. Chicago Bulls "no Rose", Indiana Pacers "no Granger" yet the mighty Heatles struggled for a combined 8-5 record versus those opponents in the playoffs, possibly playing to the level of their competition. .
No this is not a Miami Heat bashing or ripping apart of LeBron James. This is just a statement of the facts, the Heat simply faced less than adequate opponents in the Eastern Conference this season. When you rattle off 27 straight wins and your main regular season opponents consist of the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Bobcats a sense of superiority can settle in quickly. Now the Miami Heat are embattled in a fierce standoff against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. A battle that has the defending champions scratching their heads searching for answers. As the same tactics the Heat deployed against the Granger-less Pacers, Rose-less Bulls, incompetent Bucks, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Bobcats "geesh" simply will not work against the well dressed Spurs.
At the beginning of the 2013 season the Heatles appeared to meet the challenges presented by the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics four of the top teams in the conference. Unfortunately these teams all had significant injuries down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. While the Pacers tested Miami's resolve the truth is the conference was flawed. It was the equivalent of shopping at the Louis Vuitton Outlet finding an awesome sales deal then arriving at the house to find out one sleeve was shorter than the other. While the Miami Heat found deals against less talented and injury plagued teams this season.The lack of competition in the Eastern Conference is now coming back to bite them in the end. It's not Miami's fault they are used to shopping at the wrong places.
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NBA Eastern Conference Finals have the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat facing their most stifling opponent of the 2013 NBA playoffs. The Indiana Pacers who most analyst are casually looking over has amassed the best defense in the Eastern Conference. David West and Roy Hibbert dominate the boards and control the paint both on defense and offense for the Pacers.
Pacers posses the NBA's best defense with young talent at both the guard and forward positions. Paul George NBA's Most Improved Player faces the associations reigning MVP LeBron James in a playoff series key match up. During the regular season George averaged 18pts, 7rebs, and 4.3 ast with heavy face time against arguably the leagues best player. It's a challenge that can be overwhelming for the young 23yr old and first time NBA All Star. George's number one attribute will be on the defensive side of ball, "He's very athletic, with long arms and his anticipation is very good" according to James. George did a masterful job versus Carmelo Anthony in the previous playoff series limiting Anthony to 4pts in the 4th quarter. What's more impressive is the fact George held Anthony without a field goal in the 4th Qtr of games 3 and 4. As LeBron James is quick to mention "He also has a lot of help behind him they're the #1 defense for a reason".
Is Indiana's size and strength enough to provide a cold front and scour away the heat? Earlier this season I provided an article highlighting every reason why the Pacers were the only team in the Eastern Conference built to take advantage of the Heats weaknesses link provided below. Just to give a quick insight the Miami Heat are inefficient in two areas total team rebounding and offensive boards. Pacers excel in both areas ranked among the best in the association. By the numbers Heat average 46.7 rebs per game vs Pacers 54.8 rebs per contest. Heat garner 8.3 offensive boards per game in comparison to Pacers 12.8 per. contest.
Outside of rebounding and defensive numbers Pacers offense is polar opposite from the Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh led Miami Heat offense. Pacers offense is insufficient at times with long delays between baskets leading to one of NBA's worst (47.7%) FG efficient offenses. In comparisons the Heats 2012-2013 NBA regular season FG efficiency rate was 55.1% . Big difference like comparing apples to oranges.
Last seasons playoff series between Pacers and Heat was testy Heat took an early 1-0 lead with Pacers former NBA executive calling the Pacers players soft. The young Pacers responded winning games 2 and 3 in the series. In the 2012 playoff series were unforgettable moments starting Lance Stephenson's choke signal toward James in game 3 and the before game locker room search conducted by Juwan Howard.
This time around in the Eastern Conference Finals we should expect a more mature Lance Stephenson. Who recently had a 25 pt, 10 reb performance to finish off the New York Knicks in game 6.
Prediction: Miami Heat in 6 just too many offensive weapons and dominating figures for the Pacers to handle. Heat had awake up call versus the Chicago Bulls in the semi-finals and I think Frank Vogel was correct "Heat are just the next team in the Pacers way". Yes, I agree with the statement but I frankly don't see eye to eye with Vogel's outcome. To me it's "Just another series for Miami Heat history"! Follow us on Twitter @JMCSPORTSBOOK or feel free to leave a comment below
The NBA season has been great so
far watching players, coaches and ultimately NBA franchises get ready for what
we call the stretch run of the NBA season. As teams fight for a spot in the NBA
playoffs there is one common denominator, one purpose and that is winning the
NBA Championship. The trade deadline has passed and the blockbuster trades
never materialized. Therefore the DNA of your favorite team is already set;
remember the phrase "They are who we Thought they were". Well its
true barring major injuries or dramatic increase in player level the type of
dramatic increase that turns Joe Johnson into Reggie Miller NBA teams are set.
Like the great Ric Flair once said
"In order to be the man you have to be the man" and the 2011-2012 NBA
Champion Miami Heat are currently storming the NBA on a 12 game winning streak.
Dwayne Wade "W.O.W" or Way Of Wade is taking over 4th quarters and
the Miami Heat look primed to defend their NBA Championship. So it’s not a
matter of who will make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, it’s who has
the better shot of defeating the Miami Heat in the postseason. In the end it
comes down to matching strengths versus weaknesses.
Deep analysis of the Miami Heat
shows glaring holes in several categories 46.6 is the number of rebounds the
Heat average per game ranking 30th in the NBA. Miami's Offensive rebounding
percentage 22.5% allows opposing NBA teams to grab at least 77.5% of Miami's
missed shots on the boards. Heat average a total of 8.5 offensive rebounds tied
28th with the Boston Celtics in the NBA worst in the Eastern Conference. Miami
is able to combat these stats with an Effective 54.9% FG best in the NBA and
low turnover rate of 12.9%. Miami's perfect storm would be a team that can
apply pressure on defense forcing turnovers while controlling the glass.
Perimeter and Paint defensive oriented teams with an effective offensive
system. Reasons why the Boston Celtics with Rajon Rondo normally give the Miami
Heat great intense battles.
Contrary to belief the Miami Heat
only excel greatly in three out of eighteen major/sub stat categories Points per
Game 103.9, Turnover % 12.9 and Steals 8.7. Heats moderately perform in two
major stat categories Point Differential +7.1 and Effective FG% 54.9. Miami is
great at making up their flaws in the post offensively with great perimeter
play as well last season the Heat shot 35.9% from three point range this number
drastically increased in the NBA playoffs against the OKC Thunder when Mike
Miller and Shane Battier got "White Heat Hot" from downtown. During
the 2012-2013 NBA season the additions of Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen has
increased the Heat's three point percentage to a scorching 39.1%
While the Miami Heat has several
flaws mostly in the post/ paint it would take a multi-faceted team in order to
dethrone the NBA Champions. List of Eastern Conference playoff teams with the
ability to create havoc in the playoffs and strip the Heat of another NBA
Finals appearance is slim. Here's a list of playoff teams with the ability to
control the post defensively and offensively Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and
New York Knicks fit the bill here. Defensively the Heat could struggle against
a defensive and aggressive Indiana team Pacers lead the NBA in PPG Allowed 89.6
other notable Eastern Conference playoff teams include Chicago Bulls 91.6, Brooklyn Nets 94.8, Boston
Celtics 96.1 and Atlanta Hawks 96.2. Only three playoff bound teams hold
opponents to a worst FG% Indiana Pacers 41.3%, Chicago Bulls 43.4% and Boston
Celtics 44.1%. Once we look at the
overall Adjusted FG% which shows the effectiveness of the opponents offense
versus the defense only the Pacers 44.5%, Bulls 46.7%, Bucks (8th seed) 48.2%,
Celtics 48.2%, Hawks 49.2% are same or better than Miami Heat. Once again the Heat combats these issues with
effective offense and unmatched intangibles in LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.
Eastern Conference playoff teams
prove that defense is the call Miami Heat’s offense sets them apart and beyond
the rest of the pack. Heat average 103.9 ppg , 49.7 fg% and effective 54.9% fg rate.
New York Knicks average 100.1 ppg but the offensive system is only generating a
44.3 fg% and Miami's defense is more effective due to lack of perimeter
pressure. Atlanta Hawks DNA proves they have a good offensive system with Jeff
Teague at the point and Josh Smith and Al Horford controlling the post
generating a 46.3 fg% and Effective/ Adjusted 51.9 fg%. Issue for Hawks
terrible home court more Heat fans in Philips Arena than Hawks fans you can
actually hear the "Let's Go Heat Chants" drain out the announcer
saying "Defense" when Heat have the ball, secondly Josh Smith and Al
Horford always look overwhelmed by James and Wade being on the same basketball
court. Injuries to Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose eliminates the Celtics and Bulls, I wonder what the Bulls offense would look like versus the Heat with a
healthy Rose in uniform. Brooklyn Nets
offense despite Deron Williams at point guard are terrible 95.2 ppg, 44.1 fg%
and 49.1 effective fg%. Brook Lopez and Reggie Evans undoubtedly have the
ability to control the post offensive/ defensive but where is Williams and
Johnson?
Indiana Pacers represent the Miami Heat’s
greatest defensive threat but lag far behind in all offensive categories 94.0
ppg, 43.4 fg% and 47.6 Adjusted/ Effective fg%. Middle to end of the pack NBA
free throw and three point team. Since the All-Star break the Indiana has outpaced
their offensive season averages posting 125pts v. Knicks, 114pts v. Pistons,
90pts v. Pistons and 108pts v. Warriors opening up to a 4-0 start after the
break. Former All-Star Danny Granger is back from injury and the Pacers seemed
posed with all the potential to threaten the Miami Heat if the offensive
explosion continues. Most of all the Pacers don't seem fazed by the intangibles
LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.
With a month left until the NBA playoffs we take a look at the top five teams that have a chance to make a significant impact towards the NBA Finals. Plus a look at our true NBA playoff dark horse.
1.) San Antonio Spurs: Overall San Antonio has the coaching, talent and youthfulness to make a deep playoff run. Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, Stephen Jackson, De Juan Blair, Kawhli Leonard, and Danny Green are just a few names who lead Greg Popovich's talent latent team.
Problem: Defense is not the same defense fans are accustomed to in San Antonio. Greg Popovich and the Spurs are relying more on their offense this season versus their defense and Duncan is entering his twilight years.
2.) Miami Heat: How can you deny LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Miami Heat have been the odd on favorites to win the NBA Finals since losing an heart breaker last season in the NBA Finals to the Dallas Mavericks. LeBron James is the heavy favorite to win league MVP posting some of the best all around numbers in league history w/ 28 pts, 8 rebs, 7 ast, 2 stls and 1 block . Miami Heat's BIG 3 has been exciting to watch this season averaging over 100 pts.
Problem: Defensively the Miami Heat are vulnerable against larger more aggressive teams in the post. Joel Anthony has become an offensive liability. The addition of Ronnie Turiaf should help boaster the paint for the Miami Heat but the team currently has no answer in the middle.
3.) Oklahoma City Thunder: Should probably be ranked #2 on this list if Kevin Durant and company played in the Eastern Conference they would be odd on favorites to represent the conference. Russell Westbrook receives a lot of unwarranted attention for his play but OKC coaching staff and fans love the point guard. Sixth man of the year James Harden is playing like an all star averaging 16 pts, 4 rebs and 3 ast.
Problem: Turnovers have been an Achilles heel for the Thunder 15.3% of their possessions end in turnovers which is hurting their assists as well. A team with the likes Westbrook should not fail in assists and turnovers.
4.) Chicago Bulls: Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng lead a balanced attack on both offense and defense for Da Bulls!. Boozer who was struggling last season has rebounded and has become a vocal leader for the Chicago Bulls. Chicago's defense is tops in the NBA allowing only 89.1 pts per contest and the Bulls control the defensive and offensive glass with a combined total of 55 rebs per game. Bulls regular season record of 40-11 is #1 in the NBA.
Problem: Derrick Rose 2010-2011 NBA MVP has been hampered by a bad groin injury. While the Bulls have managed to stay consistent without Rose during the season the playoffs are a different ball game. The Bulls playoff potential rest on the health of Rose.
5.) Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe, Kobe and more Kobe his leading the NBA in scoring 28.9 pts per game.. Unfortunately The Lakers have been shaky all year but yet manage to be excellent at Staples Center where they are 20-4. Los Angeles traded away two mainstays in Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom changing the landscape of the basketball team. The addition of Ramon Sessions should help at the point guard position, finally a player that can handle the ball outside of the hands of Kobe Bryant. Bynum has been playing at an All Star level and his confidence in the post has increased.
Problem: Kobe, Kobe and more Kobe. Sometimes his offensive struggles can be harmful to the flow of the game which is why Mike Brown pulled the chair on him recently against the Memphis Grizzlies. Kobe has to trust his teammates more. The Lakers are terrible on the road this season playing below .500 away from Staples.
Dark Horse:
Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic: Orlando Magic dark horse but possibly not daring enough the Indiana Pacers on the other hand represent everything a dark horse should be young, athletic and no one believes them yet.
Dark Horse checklist:
Possible NBA Superstar- Danny Granger check.
Point Guard: Darren Collison check.
Inside outside game: Collison, Roy Hibbert and David West check.
Bench: Sixth Man George Hill and Tyler Hansbrough check mate...
