2012 NBA Finals

Last night not only gave the Thunder their opponents in this year’s NBA Finals, it also gave us one of the best Game 7’s ever. Miami and Boston slugged it out for 27 quarters but 28 was just one too many for the experienced Boston Celtics squad.

LeBron James showed what he is really capable of

Miami took a 2-0 series lead and it all seemed comfortable but most notably Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo were not finished, winning the next 3 games taking a 3-2 series lead and looking to close out the Heat in Boston. Miami and LeBron James however were not finished either. In Game 6 LeBron put up numbers that had only been done once before in a play-off game, this was by none other than Wilt Chamberlain. LeBron posted 45 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists, a game like this only deserved a game 7 to finally decide such a brilliant series.

The Eastern Conference Finals Champions for 2012 would be decided in Miami. Boston came straight out the gate taking an early lead with Rondo piling up the assists; he had 10 by the half. Shane Battier was doing his best to give some help to James and Wade. He hit three 3’s early to keep Miami in touching distance as they had problems turning over the ball.

Miami’s missing link however was going to really show his worth when it was needed. Chris Bosh who had missed some games with an abdominal injury really came back on the scene hitting a career best three 3 pointers on his way to 19 points and 8 rebounds.

It was all tied up at 73 after 3 quarters and it all came down to the final 12 minutes of the 2012 Eastern Conference playoffs. These final 12 minutes would prove too much for Boston. James, Wade and Bosh scored all 28 for the Heat in the 4ht quarter. James hit a massive 3 from way downtown with the shot clock running out that seemed to deflate the Celtics and prove somewhat of a dagger. Wade then hit an almost impossible shot after he was hit, on one foot fading away, he would make the free-throw and this would really stick the knife into the heart of the Celtics. The game petered out into a 101-88 win for the Heat as they advance.

It may be the last time we see Boston’s big three play together and Doc Rivers pulled them out of the game with under a minute to go so they could receive a standing ovation from the fans in South Beach.

Miami it is who go to the finals with another big three of Durant, Westbrook and Harden waiting for them in Oklahoma on Tuesday night. Much has been said about James’ play when he is needed most but he certainly showed he can do it when his season is on the line. Will he take the final step that has previously eluded him and claim his first championship, or will Kevin Durant pick up his on the first time of asking. Be it 4, 5, 6, or 7 games we will have a winner and I am sure the 2012 NBA Finals will not disappoint

2012 NBA Playoffs First Round

With one game left in the first round of this year’s playoffs, there has been one upset. This was the 76ers. The 8^th seed in the East beating the 1^st seed Chicago Bulls. They won the series 4-2 after former MVP and Bulls talisman Derrick Rose tore the ACL in his left knee.

Kenneth Faried and Pau Gasol go up for a rebound

I predicted that the Nuggets would overcome the Lakers, as of last night I still thought that they would but a 96-87 victory for LA made sure they would go on to face Oklahoma City who have had the longest rest of all in the West Semis.

Miami got through their series against the New York Knicks in 5 games after the Knicks won their first playoff game in 11 years. An average of 28 points a game from LeBron James and 21 from Dwyane Wade was enough to see of the Knicks who will be looking to win at least 4 playoff games next year.

Indiana won their first round series against a very jaded discombobulated Orlando Magic team with ease. 4 games to 1 it ended up, Indiana looked very strong and they will prove more than a match for the Big Three starting tonight in Florida.

Boston took a 1 nil lead last night against Phillie after Rajon Rondo continued his incredible season by recording another triple-double. San Antonio are still awaiting their second round opponents, but they will find out tonight as the LA Clippers go to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies and Marc Gasol in what promises to be a brilliant Game 7.

Aside from the Playoffs the 2012 MVP was given to LeBron James for the third time in four seasons. LeBron reminded everybody that he is the best player in the league through the 66 regular season games where he averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists and leading Miami to the 2^nd seed in the East with 46 wins. The only thing he needs now to really prove the masses wrong and write his name into the Hall of Fame is a championship ring come June 26^th.

Can he and Dwyane Wade overcome three more squads to get what they were brought together to do?

2012 NBA Playoffs

Here we are then, after a shortened season due to the Lockout, the 2012 NBA Playoffs are upon us. The top seeds in each Conference remain the same as last year, with Chicago and San Antonio topping the rest and setting up matchups with Phillie and Utah respectively. Meanwhile outside the playoffs the Toronto Raptors finished with a record of 23-43 which is an improvement on last year.

Kevin Durant took the scoring title for the third season in a row after passing Kobe Bryant near the end of the season. He led his Oklahoma City team to 2^nd in the West and a match up with the defending champs the Dallas Mavericks. With another year of experience behind them it the Thunder should advance to the finals and stop the Mavs at the first hurdle.

Jeremy Lin and LeBron James

Last year’s losing finalist and most people’s tip for this year the Heat have first round series against the New York Knicks. The Knicks were languishing outside the playoff spots until Stanford graduate Jeremy Lin exploded on to the NBA scene and won the heart of the world. Game 1 tips off tonight in Miami. LeBron James, the front runner for this year’s MVP will be looking to add a ring to his multiple MVP trophies and this year seems as likely as any.

LA was the place of revolution this year. The Clippers and Lakers both made the playoffs and the Clipper were leading the Lakers until Kobe Bryant decided that he was having none of it gave his Lakers the 3^rd seed and a series against the Denver, with the Clippers picking up the 5^th albeit only 1 game behind their rivals.

Memphis a team who surprised many this time last year finished the season string over taking the Clippers and drawing level with the Lakers with 41 wins. Rudy Gay was their catalyst putting in 19 PPG; he did however have a deep supporting cast in Marc Gasol, OJ Mayo, Z-Bo and floor general Mike Conley. The Grizz will be looking to cause major problems in the West play-offs stating Sunday night against the Clippers.

After months of upset in Orlando with Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy the Pacers will be looking to knock off a jaded Magic team as quickly as possible. The Pacers picked up the 3^rd seed, very quietly going about their business, while the 4^th and 5^th seeds Boston and Atlanta may be looking at the prospect of a 7 game series because I can see very little difference between them, Rajon Rondo will decide whether the C’s advance or go out in the first round this year.

My prediction for the 1^st round will bring progression for the; Bulls, Heat, Pacers and Celtics. While over in the West, The Spurs, Thunder and Clippers will advance and I fancy the Nuggets to beat the Lakers in 6.

LeBron James will be looking to finally get himself a ring, His quest is laid out in front of him and it all begins tonight in South Beach.