LeBron’s perfected attitude enlightens South Beach

After LeBron James’ first season with the Miami Heat, this is what he had to say about his imperfections:

“I lost touch with who I was as a basketball player and a person.  I got caught up in everything that was going on around me, and I felt like I had to prove something to people, and I don’t know why.  Everything was tight, stressed.”

You could say that LeBron learned a lot following the 2011 Finals loss to the Dallas Mavericks, but it’s more about what he realized.  The changes he made came from the knowledge he already had and it was just a matter of relaxing and thinking straight.

This is not to say the Dallas Mavericks didn’t deserve credit where credit was due.  The Mavericks came into the 2011 Finals with a picture perfect strategy and didn’t allow LeBron to be the player he was.  Dirk Nowitzki flat out earned that NBA title but LeBron used this series as a meaningful lesson that fixed his future.

Instead of worrying about what others thought about him, LeBron got back to the basics of playing his game.  There was no need to think too much about how he could satisfy others because that’ll automatically happen by him being the basketball maniac that he is.

LeBron James has become a man of confidence over the years and this year he looks more certain about himself than ever before.  Of course, success all starts with the talent you have but your mentality and work ethic as a player is what puts you over the top.  Now, instead of being stressed out and trying to prove himself, King James just serves as the player that he always expected himself to be.

Self-confidence and individual attitude hasn’t been everything for LeBron, though.  From the start of last season, James has somewhat assured his teammates that he would take care of whatever went wrong.  Instead of acting as a part of the so-called “Big Three,” James has taken Wade and Bosh under his wing and made them more comfortable as his sidekicks.

It seems as though LeBron has certainly figured out how to put the pieces of the puzzle together.  In the span of a long NBA career, there are always habits than can be changed and different approaches to take.  James has led the Miami Heat to their third consecutive NBA Finals and he knows what has to be done in order to complete the task.  Now, it’s just a matter of executing and delivering.

ECF Game 6 Prediction

Indiana goes back home where controlling the tempo is a must for them.  Indiana needs to make this a low-scoring, grind-it-out game.  Especially due to Birdman's suspension, Hibbert and West need to dominate down low as much as they can.

LeBron's 2nd half surges have been lifting Miami over Indiana lately.  The defense has had no answers to LeBron's hero ball.  Even a hardworking and tenacious Paul George has become overwhelmed as LeBron uses his experience to get the best of George.

Role players always have to step up in order for Miami to win whether it is Udonis Haslem, Mario Chalmers, or Ray Allen.  I think King James ends it tonight as he leads Miami to a 93-89 win.

San Antonio Spurs’ glory days continue

In 2007, the Spurs were the unmistakeable kings of the NBA.  Their toughest playoff opponent that year was Phoenix in the second round.  The Spurs defeated them in six games.  After knocking out the Utah Jazz in five games, the Spurs met the LeBron James-led Cavaliers in the 2007 NBA Finals.  Cleveland did not have nearly enough to compete with the Spurs.  San Antonio cruised to the Larry O’Brien trophy as they won in four games.

After a long six-year absence from the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs are back.  Surprisingly enough, the Spurs still have the same core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.  Many teams would feel the need to break up the core after not returning to the finals for so long.  However, the Spurs didn’t feel it was necessary because they knew this trio had what it took to, someday, return to the NBA Finals.

Manu Ginobili is back and hungry for more at 35 years old.  At 37 years old, Tim Duncan defies the law of aging as he is still an elite big man.  This time around, 31-year-old Tony Parker carries the most responsibility for the Spurs.  Parker is an MVP-caliber point guard that helps Duncan stay in top-notch game shape.  Tim Duncan deserves a ton of credit as he takes care of himself.  But Parker’s excellent stamina and leadership gives Duncan a lift.  Younger players such as Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green also play big roles in the team’s success.

Russell Westbrook’s injury definitely helped open up the door for the Spurs to get to the Finals.  But nobody can use that as an excuse because it is what it is.  At the end of the day, the San Antonio Spurs are the last Western Conference team standing.  You cannot consider this a fluke because we all know the Spurs are made of concrete material.  Only the more unbreakable product can break the Spurs.

The Spurs didn’t just reach the NBA Finals in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007.  They won the NBA Finals.  San Antonio has made it clear that they don’t get to the final stage to lose.  They get to the final stage so they can put the icing on the cake.  Whether it’s the Heat or the Pacers, this will be San Antonio’s toughest finals matchup since the 2005 Detroit Pistons.  The Heat and that Pistons team are fairly unlike each other.  But the Pacers are very similar to the ’05 Pistons in that they rely on tenacious defense and don’t depend on a superstar.

No matter who the Spurs play, you can bet they will be fully prepared.  Perhaps, Gregg Popovich will be over-prepared.  If there is any coach that acts as the sixth man, it is Gregg Popovich.  Nobody gets the message across to their players better than Popovich does.  Pop is a genius and a viscous man when it comes to the coaching industry.

As for Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan, they want to make this season unforgettable (in a good way).  One common rule that we have seen throughout the history of the league is that winners stay winners.  Tony Parker’s craftiness with the ball might blow you away, but he plays the game to win.  Tim Duncan’s superiority at 37 years old might be satisfying enough for some, but he plays the game to win.

Follow me on Twitter @ZJTbasketball11

LeBron James takes control of Eastern Conference Finals

Every once in a while, we have to step back and take a moment to acknowledge LeBron James.  We must recognize who this evil man is and the impact he makes on the game of basketball.  In fact, LeBron James is too great for a nickname.  Let’s stop all this “King James” nonsense, once and for all.  The only word that can sum up LeBron is “unbelievable.”

Sometimes, there isn’t necessarily too much that goes wrong for an opponent.  The lone presence of  James is what goes wrong for them.  The Indiana Pacers may bring their “A-Game” on any given day but there’s one big problem:  the Miami Heat have brought out James to overcome that.

Just when things are going swiftly, LeBron comes out and spoils the show.  Just when you think you have found a spark to the plug, James comes out and electrocutes you.  Just when you find yourself jumping for joy, LeBron comes out and knocks you down on your back side.

James’ play in game 3 made the Pacers think twice about how they can beat the Heat this series.  They seemed to have the answer in the first two games in South Beach:  Paul George locked down James and even forced him to cough up the ball during the crucial finishing seconds of game 2.

But then the Heat came out with tremendous energy and urgency in Indiana.  Udonis Haslem was automatic with his jumper, Chris “Birdman” Anderson was finishing plays like he was made for offense, Mario Chalmers was playing like he had Indiana’s defense figured out and D-Wade was in his superstar form while still serving as the second option.

James had only a mediocre statline of 22 points, four rebounds, and three assists, but that didn’t matter.  The moves he made on Paul George screamed, “you can’t stop me!”  And as usual, he opened up the court for everyone else, leaving an elite Indiana defense with their legs crossed.

LeBron James brought out the scary side of the Miami Heat in game 3.  Indiana must beware as that game could have very well been the turning point in this series.  Miami’s athleticism got the best of Indiana: James regularly cruised down the court with the ball and could not be denied.

The Pacers, somehow, have to do a much better job of settling down the pace in game 4.  They need to set the tone of the game from the second the ball is tipped.  Even as great of a defense as they are, it’s tough for Indiana to interfere with the flow of the game.  Roy Hibbert is clearly most effective when he is able to stop a player like James at the basket.  But here’s the problem with that…

Every single Miami starter can consistently knock down the mid-range jumper.  Whether it is Bosh or Haslem, Hibbert has to step out on them.  If he doesn’t, then Haslem can go 8-for-9 with 17 points like he did in game three.

WCF Game 3 Preview: Pressure faces Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies return to FedEx Forum arena tonight, where they haven’t lost a playoff game yet.  Memphis has arguably been the most dominant home team in the playoffs.  But this trip back home isn’t the same as the previous ones.  The San Antonio Spurs are a different monster than we’ve seen before.  Tonight is their chance to put the series away.

San Antonio’s mindset is one game at a time.  All they have to do is win this one away game and the series is basically a wrap.  The Grizzlies had to deal with the great wall of San Antonio, Tim Duncan, in the first two games.  This Spurs team knows how to go into another team’s building and suck the life out of it.

Memphis must prevent San Antonio from getting comfortable early in the game.  It is essential that the Grizzlies start out strong.  They must treat the first quarter like it’s the fourth quarter.  Randolph and Gasol need to attack Duncan early.  Mike Conley needs to make Parker use a lot of energy so Parker wears down on offense.

The Grizzlies found themselves in a 0-2 hole in the first round against the Clippers.  However, they owned up to their responsibilities and totally outworked the Clippers the rest of the series.  Memphis needs to hit San Antonio in their weak spot just like they did against the Clippers.  Make San Antonio work for every little bit.  Deny Duncan the ball in the post and make Parker move nonstop when he’s on defense.

Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies’ X-factor, has struggled in this series.  He can’t get many of his shots to fall but there is no need to panic for Randolph.  He should be able to work his way out of this slump by continuing to go strong to the hoop and drawing fouls.  He also must realize that Marc Gasol, a viable option on offense, is there to help him.

In San Antonio’s case, every game is one they expect to win.  Going into Memphis’ away building may not be of concern to them.  While most people are expecting Memphis to make this a series, the Spurs could easily shock us and wipe away the Grizzlies in Game 3.

In conclusion, Memphis has their back against the wall and they are aware they must deliver.  Coach Lionel Hollins is most definitely emphasizing that they need to fight at their will.  I like the Grizzlies to cut into their 0-2 deficit tonight.

Miami puts on a show in Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Pacers fans were ready to rock in Game 3 as their team was undefeated at home heading up to that game.  Little did they know that it wouldn't be as easy as they expected.  Well, maybe some of them knew...because they should have.  I mean, they are playing against the 4-time MVP and clearcut best player on the planet along with the man formerly known as "Flash."

Miami was firing on ALL cylinders last night.  Indiana is known as a superior defensive team but Miami flipped that image pretty well last night.  LeBron and D-Wade looked like they were in practice. Udonis Haslem was draining shots left and right and Birdman continued his perfect shooting display.

Miami managed to cancel out Roy Hibbert and David West with their undeniable offense.  Miami was just......well, they were just what they are advertised to be....

THE ALMIGHTY MIAMI HEAT!

Miami @ Indiana Game 3

Miami goes into Indiana where they lost both season games by double digits. I'm curious to see how they respond. Bosh needs to play bigger. He can't continue to let Hibbert and West own him or Miami could be in trouble. I think LBJ and Wade come out fired up tonight. Miami wins 96-91.

Memphis needs to control pace tonight

Memphis goes back home with a 0-2 disadvantage.  The Grizz haven't lost a game at home in the playoffs.  But San Antonio is a much bigger challenge than their past two enemies.  Randolph and Gasol need to keep working it in the paint area.  Mike Conley needs to keep playing with confidence and give Tony Parker a run for his money.

Grizzlies really need to win both games in Memphis.  I think they should.

Pacers @ Heat Game 2 Recap

As I predicted, the Pacers came into Game 2 looking for vengeance.  Their rebounding advantage is almost a given.  But what really impressed me was their phenomenal offensive execution.  Paul George and Roy Hibbert were not only playing killer defense, but they were breaking down the defense and getting great looks.  Although Game 1 slipped away from Indiana, they have to feel good going home with a split in Miami.

I think there will be another split in Indiana, evening up the series at two games apiece.

Game 2: Indiana @ Miami

I think the Pacers storm back tonight and get a narrow win in Miami. This would be a HUGE motivational win. 88-86 Indiana. #BoldPick