re: Miami (3) vs Charlotte (0) Series Thread

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How underrated is Lebron's passing and ability to get his team good shots? I'm starting to think KD was a ways to go before he's in Lebron's class. Playoff Lebron is unreal.

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Playoff Bron is actually averaging 2 assists fewer compared to the regular season, this year. And when you have a player as good as LBJ is, D focus on him and collapse on him, leaving other guys open. He is a great passer and has really good vision.

Remember when people bashed on LBJ for passing the ball late in games? Well, he was actually making the right play when he did that. D would collapse on him, or a delayed double team would jump him. And he would pass the ball to the open guy. I know people wanna see the best players making the big time shots, but LBJ still made the right play.

He and Magic Johnson are really the only 2 of their kind IMO. At the same time, KD, Dirk, and Bird are the only 3 of their kind, IMO.

I get why people compare them, because they are the top 2 players in the game by a long shot. But people need to remember that Lebron is 4 years older than KD. Remember how much LBJ has improved since he was 25 years old? KD will improve like that as well. And its not so much about physically improving. Its the mental aspect of the game that makes the biggest difference IMO.

And, even though hes struggled in the playoffs so far, KD is still putting up 33pts, 9.5rebs, and 5 assists. And he is playing against 1 of the top defensive teams in the game. And hes made a big improvement this season with his overall game, not just his scoring. But with his rebounding and passing as well. It used to be "yeah KD is a better scorer, but isnt as complete a player as LBJ is because LBJ can pass better". And that was true. Until this year. KDs season averages were 32pts, 7.4rebs, and 5.5 assists. LBJs were 27.1ppg, 6.9rebs, 6.4 assists. KD is just as versatile / complete as LBJ is.

Durant will win the MVP this year, but I agree LBJ is still the best player in the world. But, KD is still 25 and will make that jump from a mental stand point, just like LBJ did from 25years old to 27.

Were watching 2 of the best ever

edit: please excuse my rant

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Remember when people bashed on LBJ for passing the ball late in games? Well, he was actually making the right play when he did that. D would collapse on him, or a delayed double team would jump him. And he would pass the ball to the open guy. I know people wanna see the best players making the big time shots, but LBJ still made the right play.

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I always love people who don't value the ability to create shots for other guys just so it can somehow fit whatever argument they make.

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And Lebron is playing against one of the best defenses in the league as well in his series.. I think the bobcats are like the #4 defense?

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Statistically, sure. But come on. This is the same Bobcats team that gave up 61 to LBJ and 62 to Carmelo in the same week.

They play their arse off and work really hard on the defensive end, but they are not 1 of the best defensive teams in the game. Nowhere near the same level as the Grizzlies, Bulls, Pacers, Spurs, etc.

The Grizzlies are 1 of the elite defensive teams and have elite defenders all over that team. Tony Allen is arguably the best perimeter defender in the game. Conley is 1 of the best defensive PGs in the game. Gasol was DPOY last season. Prince is still a good defender. Etc, etc.

And you realize that a lot of people said the same thing about LBJ when he was 25years old or so. Not that many people thought he would improve. And in terms of points, rebs, assists, etc he didnt. But, he improved his efficiency and decisions, and cut down on his turnovers and didnt make as many mistakes. Thats the mental part of the game. And KD will get better, just like LBJ did.

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Statistically... They are one of the best defenses so.. That kind of means they are good defensively wouldn't you say?

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Not necessarily. I didnt say they werent a "good defensive team". Because they are. But they arent 1 of the best defensive teams in the NBA, regardless what the stats say.

Again, they play hard and work their arse off on the defensive end, but they arent "1 of the best defensive teams in the game"

Plus thats based on regular season stats, which can be misleading. And they played in the East. Only 7 teams made it above the .500 mark. And do you know how many teams from the East are top 10 in points scored? 0. All of the top scoring teams are from the West. The Heat are the highest scoring team from the East and they ranked 12th in the NBA. Only 4 teams were in the top half in points scored from the East, Miami, Toronto, Atlanta, and Detroit. And they are ranked 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th.

The playoffs are all about matchups. Besides Al Jefferson, they dont have a great defender on their team and they dont present difficult matchups for offensive players besides Big Al.

The truly great defensive teams are the ones that can matchup with great offensive teams and give them problems in the post season. Pacers, Bulls, Grizz, Spurs, etc are those teams that can do that because they have great individual defenders.

Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, and Danny Green are top 20 in defensive rating. The Bulls have 4 guys in top 20. The Pacers entire starting 5 are in the top 20. And the only reason Gasol and Tony Allen arent in the top 20 is because they have been hurt a lot this year. The Bobcats just have Al Jefferson in the top 20.

Again, its all about matchups. The Grizzlies, Pacers, Bulls, and Spurs can match up with the great offensive players and teams. The Bobcats cant.

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And he is already a 50/40/90 shooter basically. Can't get much better than th

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Once again, I agree his scoring is already at 1 of the highest levels that the NBA has ever seen. But, mentally he can improve and become stronger. And that makes a big difference.

This foul trouble

Heat busting out the brooms in this bitch!

LeBron is hurt

Really hope it's just a stinger

Lebron is about to have "The Thigh Game". GOAT

I've said this before and will say it again- Gerald F-ing Henderson has no business in the NBA. He looks lost like a rookie, yet for years he was the Bobcats' best player.