Trash talking by the four time league MVP showed a "sign of weakness" said Pacers guard Lance Stephenson following a Pacers 99-87 loss in Miami on Saturday; I wonder what LeBron and company "court talking" did on Monday. Miami showed up their twelve point defeat over the weekend with another win on Memorial Day and has now put Indiana in a vulnerable (3-1) hole in the Eastern Conference Finals. James showed up and took flight with (32) points, (10) rebounds and (5) assist, to where the young ill-advised Stephenson settled for a measly 9 points after finding himself with just one point through three quarters. The reigning two-time defending champs used the fuel by Lance and added it to a fire that has been lit since the playoffs started. Miami now (11-2) this postseason and undefeated at home (7-0) cruised to a 102-90 victory on Monday. Chris Bosh gained his confidence once again and it started from the opening tip as Bosh finished with 25 points on (7/12) shooting. Indiana is young but they should know by now after back to back ECF appearances versus Miami and a third straight meeting in the playoffs, just "shut-up" and play basketball. After a dominating game one that was intensified by a packed and anxious home crowd the "blue collar, gold swag" approach has turned into the "poor judgment and sad faces." Roy Hibbert did his usual Siegfried and Roy disappearing act going scoreless for the fourth time in theses playoffs. Also after two games, (33) turnovers on the road that resulted in (46) Miami Heat points is not the recipe that head coach Frank Vogel envisioned for any sustained success for Indiana. Stephenson who was so hot the first two games in Indy averaging (21) points per, only scored a total of (19) points while in South Beach. Pacers forward Paul George is doing all he can, averaging (21.3) points and (7.8) rebounds but he cannot do it all by himself.
Dwayne Wade has been another contributor for the Heat as he looks as healthy as ever this year. Wade who is averaging (19.5) points during the playoffs, is now in overdrive versus Indiana with (24.3) points a game and shooting better than (53%) from the field. He along with James propelled that (10-0) run in game two for the Heat's comeback 87-83 win and with Bosh finally clicking it is not a good sign for Frank Vogel's squad. The play of savvy veteran Ray Allen continues as the never aging Allen has made crucial three point baskets in Miami's wins during this series. The 38 year old also has been providing almost 30 minutes off the bench and shooting around (40%) from behind the arc. Besides the Pacers being outplayed, Vogel is being out coached. Granite a prodigy of Pat Riley, three straight final appearances, and two rings to go with arguably the best player on the planet gives you an advantage for coach Spo. In order to make it a series each game calls for adjustments and a game plan, which we have seen neither from Vogel. Reserve Luis Scola's play has been exceptional but limited time not even accumulating 20 minutes per these last two games won't keep a player hot for long. Scola showed some light against a smaller Miami front-court but Vogel failed to realize that leaving the likes of Roy Hibbert's non-productive body in the game. The fact that Hibbert and David West are receiving the ball miles away from the basket has me puzzled, however both are great passers but with two big man with that size, the need for the ball more often and closer to the basket is a necessity. The mediocre play at point guard has hindered the ability to get the ball in the post and has been an Achilles heel for the Pacers the whole playoffs. Respect to George Hill but Indiana should have kept D.J Augustine for situations like this. Miami's head coach Erik Spoelstra implemented Chris Andersen in game 3 which took the groove away from the Pacers in the second half as with Andersen on the floor Indiana was shooting less than (30%) when their front court had the ball. Followed up with Rashard Lewis performance on West and unselfishness as he was not looking to score but mainly control the interior presence for the Heat, we can all understand why the Heat have a dominating (3-1) series lead headed back to Indiana.
San Antonio's head coach Gregg Popovich said he wanted to forget about the 2012 Western Conference Finals where Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka scorched San Antonio with a (11/11) performance pouring in (26) points in game 4 that ultimately spurred the Thunder to a Finals berth. Well after San Antonio bullied and slashed their way to a (2-0) lead in the series, accumulating (120) points in the paint through two games, Ibaka returned in game 3 after his recent calf injury and reminded Pop of what he can do. Serge finished with (15) points, (7) boards, and (4) blocks to help OKC once again stay alive versus the Spurs. Dominating performances by Danny Green's (7/10) three point display in game 2, and Tony Parker's dazzling display of getting to the rim with ease in both games, San Antonio met its match on Sunday. The combination of Nick Collison, Steven Adams, and Thabo Stefolosha combined for (9) points in the first two games led to the benching of two of the three players. Stefolosa and Collison didn't play a minute in game 3, where Adams fed off Ibaka’s energy and presence and was able to play almost (30) minutes and provide (7) points and (9) boards that helped sparked the Thunder to a game 3 win. Another key was the play of back-up point guard Reggie Jackson. Jackson used his speed and durability the same way Tony Parker did in the first two games to exploit the Spurs. He finished with (15) points and (5) assist but more significant were the fact he was in the starting rotation for the Thunder instead of coming off the bench. Yes, the Thunder do need value on their bench, but veterans Derek Fisher, Caron Butler, and rookie Steven Adams can give them that when all are playing well. Also Oklahoma City head coach Scott Brooks has played reserve Jeremy Lamb who gave them some well needed minutes off the bench in their game 3 victory.
Jackson's role as starter gives them another weapon to go against the Spurs and the more offensive pressure you can attack San Antonio with, the better your chances of slowing them down on the defensive end. A valued (23) point night by Manu Ginobli was practically overshadowed and only helped the Spurs from eventually getting ran out of Chesapeake Energy Solutions Arena. Remember OKC got blown out by 35 points in game two which was tied for the biggest deficit in playoff history for the franchise dating back to when the team was in Seattle. After just getting to the line (10) times in game 2, Oklahoma City was able put up (31) free throw attempts, which was 15 more than San Antonio in game 3. League MVP Kevin Durant is averaging (29.8) points and (9.1) rebounds during the playoffs but is significantly down with (22.7) points, and (7.3) rebounds, versus the Spurs. Russell Westbrook is averaging (25.8) points, (8.0) assist, and (7.8) rebounds but he along with Durant field goal percentage is much lower versus San Antonio than any other team this postseason. Referring to the Spurs as boring and old, scoring 100 points plus in the first two games made you think again, but a defensive resurgence in the paint that led the Spurs to shooting (39.6%) in game 3 compared to (53.5%) in the first two games is what the doctor ordered if you were Scott Brooks. They shutdown Tony Parker who only had (9) points on (4/13) shooting in game 3 after averaging (18) points and (16/29) shooting in the first two matchups. Scott Brooks taking force in the lineup change didn't demolish anyone’s self-esteem but may have pressured more accountability for his role players that were starters. The heart Serge Ibaka showed in his return may also keep the team’s morale intact as they see everyone is trying to do their part to push the Thunder to another Finals appearance. For Tim Duncan and his counterparts they know this was a hiccup in the series that they cannot afford again. The 2012 West Finals is a reminder of how quickly the tides can change as the Spurs were up (2-0) in that series before dropping four straight. San Antonio has depth which will ultimately in my mind decide this series. Danny Green heroics came through in game 2 so look for Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills or another reserve for San Antonio help lift them in game 4, but if Scott Brooks can continue to move his pieces around in order to protect the paint and fend the Spurs shooters off the three point line, last year’s anticipated Finals rematch may be 2012’s Finals rematch.
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