Do the Heat have the easiest route to the finals ever?

[Connor B]

How things stand now...

Round 1: 33-37 win Knicks who are one of the worst defensive teams in the league

OR 33-37 win Hawks who have an injury to their best player, center Al Horford.

Round 2: 42-46 win Nets who have injuries to one of their best players, center Brooke Lopez

OR 45-49 win Bulls who have injuries to their best player and main offensive threat, point guard Derrick Rose

Round 3: 53-57 win Indiana who have completely fallen off, display little chemistry, who don't have an offensive scoring threat or a true point guard

OR 45-49 win Raptors who are sub-par on defense and have little to no experience in the playoffs


Those are pretty much your choices for who is going to stop the Heat before the Finals. Let's not act like they don't have it so ****ing easy.

[navy]

Well the Pacers we suppose to be good this year....

[TylerTheCreator]

They get Hawks first round brah

[dannysc305]

Your wrong about Raptor D it's top 10

[BrainDead]

Hawks got this

[Smook A.]

Eastern Conference is so weak... smh

Its not even fair for the West teams. There's a chance that a 50-win team could miss the playoffs. Thats just sad

[T_L_P]

Heat will get taken to six or seven games in each series and the Bron Stans will come in next year telling us how hard their road to the Finals was :oldlol:

[DaSeba5]

It's not the Heat's fault. They don't control what the other teams do. That's their problem.

[Mr. Incredible]

Who cares? It's fun to see everyone get so upset though.

[Connor B]

It's not the Heat's fault. They don't control what the other teams do. That's their problem.

:facepalm

[JohnFreeman]

It's not the Heat's fault. They don't control what the other teams do. That's their problem.
Pretty much this. Do people want the Heat to not win rings and wait for some better competition?

[DaSeba5]

Heat will get taken to six or seven games in each series and the Bron Stans will come in next year telling us how hard their road to the Finals was :oldlol:

I don't remember when it was easy besides the first round.

[Marlo_Stanfield]

very well deserved since the Heat had INCREDIBLY hard races to the finals the last three times.
and it still gonna be hard. ask any west team, no one would like to play Chicago or Indiana in the playoffs.
remember Indiana has peak Shaq against Miami:coleman:

[HoopsFanNumero1]

How many hours did you spend to come up with this thoughtful and original thread?

[DMAVS41]

It's not the Heat's fault. They don't control what the other teams do. That's their problem.

Of course it's not their fault, but that doesn't take away from the fact that the Eastern conference has been a joke the last two years now.

This year should have been tough with the Bulls/Rose and Nets and Pacers...

Hopefully the Nets or Pacers get going in the playoffs...otherwise it's going to be boring as ****

[DuMa]

dont believe the Pacers playing possum... They'll return to playing elite basketball once they play Miami again.

[HoopsFanNumero1]

Heat will get taken to six or seven games in each series and the Bron Stans will come in next year telling us how hard their road to the Finals was :oldlol:

It was about as hard as the Spurs' road to the Finals last year :confusedshrug:

[Mr. Incredible]

dont believe the Pacers playing possum... They'll return to playing elite basketball once they play Miami again.
Cool. As long as Miami has homecourt advantage.

[JT123]

Heat will get taken to six or seven games in each series and the Bron Stans will come in next year telling us how hard their road to the Finals was :oldlol:
Considering the teams the Spurs got to face in the playoffs last year I wouldn't be talking if I was you. :oldlol:

[Legends66NBA7]

#8 ranked defense is sub par ?

:confusedshrug:

[Warfan]

Go look up the 80s in the west. The nets from like 10 years ago. Probably some late 50s and 60s teams that had to play like 1 series to get to the finals. IMO nets and Indiana can still give miami some problems. But yes the east is shit.

[livinglegend]

Heat will get taken to six or seven games in each series and the Bron Stans will come in next year telling us how hard their road to the Finals was :oldlol:

If teams take them to 6 or 7 games in each of the series, then their road would be a hard one. Playoffs are about matchups. Regular season record against the other 28 teams dont matter. A team can match well with Heat, but not with the other teams in the league.

In 2007, Warriors had an average record, but they matched well against the Mavs. Warriors were an average oppnent for most the playoffs teams that year, but they were a tough one for the Mavs. Their average regular season record against other teams didnt matter. They eliminated the number 1, 66 wins team.

[Heavincent]

Yes. Pacers look like crap right now. At this very moment, there are probably 9 teams in the West that are playing better basketball.

[FLDFSU]

How things stand now...

Round 1: 33-37 win Knicks who are one of the worst defensive teams in the league

OR 33-37 win Hawks who have an injury to their best player, center Al Horford.

Round 2: 42-46 win Nets who have injuries to one of their best players, center Brooke Lopez

OR 45-49 win Bulls who have injuries to their best player and main offensive threat, point guard Derrick Rose

Round 3: 53-57 win Indiana who have completely fallen off, display little chemistry, who don't have an offensive scoring threat or a true point guard

OR 45-49 win Raptors who are sub-par on defense and have little to no experience in the playoffs


Those are pretty much your choices for who is going to stop the Heat before the Finals. Let's not act like they don't have it so ****ing easy.

Again, what does it matter? If Miami is inferior then who ever comes out of the West will blow the Heat out in 4 and embarrass the Eastern Conference champs.

Who cares about their path? In the end, the BEST team wins!

[ihoopallday]

Everyone says this every year, yet it ends up being the complete opposite.

[T_L_P]

Considering the teams the Spurs got to face in the playoffs last year I wouldn't be talking if I was you. :oldlol:

Miami: 38-44 Bucks, 45-37 Bulls, 49-32 Pacers

Spurs: 45-37 Lakers (without Kobe), 47-35 Warriors, 56-26 Grizzlies

Spurs road was way tougher.

[Legends66NBA7]

Hopefully the Nets or Pacers get going in the playoffs...otherwise it's going to be boring as ****

Don't see the Nets getting by the Bulls. If it's in terms of a rivalry, Nets/Bulls/Pacers vs the Heat would be exciting. If it's just on how exciting team can potentially be, Raptors or Wizards (if they get far) vs Heat would be more exciting.

[FLDFSU]

Of course it's not their fault, but that doesn't take away from the fact that the Eastern conference has been a joke the last two years now.

This year should have been tough with the Bulls/Rose and Nets and Pacers...

Hopefully the Nets or Pacers get going in the playoffs...otherwise it's going to be boring as ****

Good so those Western Conference teams should have no problem eliminating the Eastern Conference champs and beginning the NBA off-season sooner than expected.

[HoopsFanNumero1]

Miami: 38-44 Bucks, 45-37 Bulls, 49-32 Pacers

Spurs: 45-37 Lakers (without Kobe), 47-35 Warriors, 56-26 Grizzlies

Spurs road was way tougher.

Spurs faced a D-league Lakers team, an injury-ridden Warriors team, and an incredibly offensively challenged Grizzlies team.

"Way tougher" :oldlol:

[plowking]

Miami: 38-44 Bucks, 45-37 Bulls, 49-32 Pacers

Spurs: 45-37 Lakers (without Kobe), 47-35 Warriors, 56-26 Grizzlies

Spurs road was way tougher.

Way tougher? :oldlol:

The best team on that list is still the Pacers.

Why do people bring this up every year? Is it now that because Lebron is winning, there really isn't anything to fault him on?
What is the point of getting first seed? Can anyone answer that? It is exactly that mentioned in the OP. To have the easiest path for your team. That is why you work so hard during the season.
If the Pacers lose in the first round or second and the Heat don't face a single 50 win team... Who is at fault? The Heat? Maybe the other teams should just start playing better.

[T_L_P]

Spurs faced a D-league Lakers team, an injury-ridden Warriors team, and an incredibly offensively challenged Grizzlies team.

"Way tougher" :oldlol:

Lakers / Bucks are even. Lakers didn't have Kobe and the Bucks had a losing record.

Warriors only truly important injury was David Lee. The Bulls were missing their best player (Rose).

That incredibly offensively challenged Grizzlies team finished with a better record than any team Miami faced before the Finals. Your point literally has no worth.

Lakers = Bucks
Bulls > Warriors
Grizzlies >> Pacers

[Connor B]

Again, what does it matter? If Miami is inferior then who ever comes out of the West will blow the Heat out in 4 and embarrass the Eastern Conference champs.

Who cares about their path? In the end, the BEST team wins!

I do not understand this argument at all. The Heat not having to go through the West makes getting to the finals infinitely easier and therefore winning rings infinitely easier.

[sportjames23]

Heat will get taken to six or seven games in each series and the Bron Stans will come in next year telling us how hard their road to the Finals was :oldlol:

:oldlol:

The Heat do sometimes play down to the level of their competition, so there is a chance that this'll happen.

[FLDFSU]

Way tougher? :oldlol:

The best team on that list is still the Pacers.

Why do people bring this up every year? Is it now that because Lebron is winning, there really isn't anything to fault him on?
What is the point of getting first seed? Can anyone answer that? It is exactly that mentioned in the OP. To have the easiest path for your team. That is why you work so hard during the season.
If the Pacers lose in the first round or second and the Heat don't face a single 50 win team... Who is at fault? The Heat? Maybe the other teams should just start playing better.

And at the end of the day, the Heat still has to play the "vastly superior, battle-tested" Western conference champs.

So, according to them, the Heat should get blown out anyways...

And yes, this "OMG the Heat have such an easy path" crap only comes up when Miami has the #1 seed. Even if Miami doesn't have the number one seed it comes up if Miami wins the Eastern conference. And if the Heat win the finals, then it simply becomes: "weak era."

:facepalm

[Connor B]

I also like how Heat fans have completely ignored the major injuries to Nets and Bulls in this thread.

[Connor B]

Let's put it this way, Heat fans:

Would you rather your team have to play 3 of the Thunder, Clippers, Spurs, Warriors, Blazers, or Grizzlies to make it to the finals?

[GoRapz]

Sub par defense :oldlol:

[HoopsFanNumero1]

Lakers / Bucks are even. Lakers didn't have Kobe and the Bucks had a losing record.

Warriors only truly important injury was David Lee. The Bulls were missing their best player (Rose).

That incredibly offensively challenged Grizzlies team finished with a better record than any team Miami faced before the Finals. Your point literally has no worth.

Lakers = Bucks
Bulls > Warriors
Grizzlies >> Pacers

More like your argument has no worth. All you're doing is looking at the final record to determine how good a team is. No argument about how well they were playing heading into the playoffs. Nothing about matchups.

Tell me why the Heat would be afraid to face the Warriors instead of the Bulls. At worst, they beat them in 6 instead of 5 like they did to the Bulls. You really think Lebron would struggle against the Warriors defense like he did against the Bulls?

How are the Grizzlies far better than the Pacers? Pacers had the best defense and were really playing well together to end the season. Not to mention, all season they offered a matchup problem to the Heat.

So please explain why the Spurs' road was so much harder.

[FLDFSU]

I do not understand this argument at all. The Heat not having to go through the West makes getting to the finals infinitely easier and therefore winning rings infinitely easier.

But the Heat would still have to take on the West conference champions. A champion that, according to most, should be far superior to any Eastern conference champion because they are from the tougher/better conference.

So the Nets, for example, can run through all those easy teams all the want in rounds 1-3...in the finals they will meet the ultimate superior team out West and lose badly.

The Broncos can beat up on all the "bad" AFC teams they like, in the end, to get the ring, they had to face the superior NFC team.

[plowking]

Let's put it this way, Heat fans:

Would you rather your team have to play 3 of the Thunder, Clippers, Spurs, Warriors, Blazers, or Grizzlies to make it to the finals?

Our record against the West has always been great since the formation of the big 3. No gritty, hard nosed teams, that play great D, outside of Memphis. All play a free flowing, offensive style game, that opens up the whole court for us.

At the moment, with the rankings the way they are, we'd play Golden State and OKC the way things are. Given how well we play them, we'd make the conference finals in the West or East.
How about the season before that? Lakers and then, most likely Denver? Slot us in for another conference final.
Year before that? Denver, then OKC, who we beat in 5... Another conference final.

It plays out the same way.

[FLDFSU]

I also like how Heat fans have completely ignored the major injuries to Nets and Bulls in this thread.

It doesn't really matter. The Spurs benefited greatly from injuries in the West last year...it did little for them to achieve their ultimate prize: an NBA Championship.

[DaSeba5]

This would hold more water if Miami struggled against the West, but they don't. They are quite good against the West. I think they make the CF in both conferences.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Interesting contrast from Heat fans comments earlier in the season when this thread was made, with the slight alteration of the Pacers actually being good.

Expected, but contradictory.

[FLDFSU]

Let's put it this way, Heat fans:

Would you rather your team have to play 3 of the Thunder, Clippers, Spurs, Warriors, Blazers, or Grizzlies to make it to the finals?

If I knew the Heat could not beat the Thunders, Clippers, Spurs, Warriors, Blazers, or Grizz in the Finals...I would rather them lose to Bobcats in the first to get it over with.

Heat do not play for second place...they are there to win CHAMPIONSHIPS...us getting to the Finals does NOTHING.

In fact, according to some here, it is worst to lose in the Finals then to lose in the first round.

[edrick]

I also like how Heat fans have completely ignored the major injuries to Nets and Bulls in this thread.

People also ignore that the Pacers are setup perfectly to beat the Heat. People ignore how the Spurs had ZERO issues getting into the Finals, either. Who the **** is afraid of most of the teams in the West? Most of them are not that good on defense, when it matters.

[plowking]

This would hold more water if Miami struggled against the West, but they don't. They are quite good against the West. I think they make the CF in both conferences.

Pretty much a lock considering I checked the rankings had we been slotted in place of another team.

[jlip]

Some variation of this thread has been made basically every season since the Big 3 got together.

Link (https://www.google.com/search?q=heat+easy+road+to+the+finals+site:www.ins idehoops.com&client=firefox-a&hs=6I0&rls=org.*******:en-US:official&channel=sb)

[Leftimage]

Eastern Conference is so weak... smh

Its not even fair for the West teams. There's a chance that a 50-win team could miss the playoffs. Thats just sad

Heat can beat each and every WC team in a 7-game series, so who cares really? Championships are all folks will remember, and provided the Heat don't get facked in the ECF, it'll be theirs to lose for the 3rd consecutive year. This whole west > > >east talk is trivial really. The West has better ''filler'' woopdeedoo.

[AirTupac]

Heat can beat each and every WC team in a 7-game series, so who cares really? Championships are all folks will remember, and provided the Heat don't get facked in the ECF, it'll be theirs to lose for the 3rd consecutive year. This whole west > > >east talk is trivial really. The West has better ''filler'' woopdeedoo.

No they can't lol.

[navy]

No they can't lol.
Yes they can....

[wakencdukest]

Miami should be able to sweep the eastern conference playoffs. If it's ever gonna happen, now would be the time.

[AnaheimLakers24]

bran was never good. east is just like playing in a rec league

[JT123]

Miami should be able to sweep the eastern conference playoffs. If it's ever gonna happen, now would be the time.
Why? The Heat are injured and old. Simply not enough fire power to easily beat other teams.

[navy]

Miami should be able to sweep the eastern conference playoffs. If it's ever gonna happen, now would be the time.
Maybe if they were younger...

[AirTupac]

Yes they can....

NO THEY CANT

[tpols]

Yes they can....

If the heat had to play a team like Memphis first round.. clippers or thunder in the second.. and then Spurs in the wcf that's far from being a lock like you say. They have a good shot at getting bounced actually

[FLDFSU]

If the heat had to play a team like Memphis first round.. clippers or thunder in the second.. and then Spurs in the wcf that's far from being a lock like you say. They have a good shot at getting bounced actually

Good, so they should have no problem whacking the Heat should they meet in the Finals.

[Mr. Incredible]

Blah, blah, blah, blah.

RHQ voice.

[tpols]

Good, so they should have no problem whacking the Heat should they meet in the Finals.
No you still don't get it.. If the heat were in the west they'd have to face them all consecutively. Common sense says it will be harder to play all 3 tough opponents rather than 1, no? That's why they are very lucky theyre in the east

[dude77]

No you still don't get it.. If the heat were in the west they'd have to face them all consecutively. Common sense says it will be harder to play all 3 tough opponents rather than 1, no? That's why they are very lucky theyre in the east

the heat can beat all those teams 'consecutively' just fine .. y'all acting like the west are full of all star teams or something .. and what's with the bullshit with people downplaying miami's ability .. back to back defending champions .. other teams have gone through those teams, but for some reason a championship caliber team in miami can't ? .. gtfoh .. you heatle haters will try to find anything to try to use against miami

[DaSeba5]

the heat can beat all those teams 'consecutively' just fine .. y'all acting like the west are full of all star teams or something .. and what's with the bullshit with people downplaying miami's ability .. back to back defending champions .. other teams have gone through those teams, but for some reason miami can't .. gtfoh .. you heatle haters will try to find anything to try to use against miami

That's how it works.

Most stacked team in history

No, most stacked team in history in comparison to their era.

BUT! They play in a weak conference and wouldn't even make the WCF. The mot stacked team in history is not even on the Spurs or Thunder's league apparently.

[tpols]

the heat can beat all those teams 'consecutively' just fine .. y'all acting like the west are full of all star teams or something .. and what's with the bullshit with people downplaying miami's ability .. back to back defending champions .. other teams have gone through those teams, but for some reason miami can't .. gtfoh .. you heatle haters will try to find anything to try to use against miami
Dude the heat have an extremely easy route to the finals. They will play the shitty hawks then Brooklyn or chicago.. Two teams that wouldn't even be in the playoffs out west.. and then a broken down indy or the raptors. That is their current path and it's mad easy. Saying gtfo and calling me a hater doesn't change that

[FLDFSU]

No you still don't get it.. If the heat were in the west they'd have to face them all consecutively. Common sense says it will be harder to play all 3 tough opponents rather than 1, no? That's why they are very lucky theyre in the east

I'll play along: So if the Clippers got to the finals facing the Suns, Mavs, and Blazers and beat the Heat...the Clippers run would be tainted and come with a bunch of "weak competition" discussions from you right?

[FLDFSU]

No you still don't get it.. If the heat were in the west they'd have to face them all consecutively. Common sense says it will be harder to play all 3 tough opponents rather than 1, no? That's why they are very lucky theyre in the east

Or better yet, the Pacers were to get to the Finals and defeat the Western Champs to win the title...the Pacers run would be considered weak right?

[JT123]

Dude the heat have an extremely easy route to the finals. They will play the shitty hawks then Brooklyn or chicago.. Two teams that wouldn't even be in the playoffs out west.. and then a broken down indy or the raptors. That is their current path and it's mad easy. Saying gtfo and calling me a hater doesn't change that
Based on your logic the 2001 Sixers should have easily beaten the 2001 Lakers, seeing as their road to the Finals was so much easier. :rolleyes:
Quit making excuses loser. In a 7 game series the best team will always win, period.

[dude77]

and y'all continue with this shit lol ..

the heat have had to face chicago and indiana to get to the finals .. no easy task ..

and again, y'all are acting as if miami is some inferior average team .. they're an ELITE chiampionshiop caliber team .. they can take down whoever the **** they have to face in the west .. west teams aren't some unbeatable juggernauts and miami has a great record vs. the west

and they've beaten the last two west champs for all the marbles .. back sweeping one of them .. not sure why people are minimizing miami's ability/capability

[FLDFSU]

That's how it works.

Most stacked team in history

No, most stacked team in history in comparison to their era.

BUT! They play in a weak conference and wouldn't even make the WCF. The mot stacked team in history is not even on the Spurs or Thunder's league apparently.

:applause:

Last year posters were literally saying the Heat are the most stacked team in history on Tuesday, and on Wednesday they were saying if the Heat met the Grizz in the finals the Heat would lose in 5.

On one hand the Heat is super-stacked compared to the competition, but would lose to a team like the Grizz :facepalm

Make up your minds!

And then to top it off, they said if Lebron were to go to LAC, the Heat would not be a top 12 team in the NBA. So if the most stacked team of all time-relative competition-lost one player, that team would fall out of the top 12 teams in the league? :facepalm :facepalm

[J Shuttlesworth]

Spurs path last year was easier.

Lakers w/o Kobe
Golden State w/o David Lee
Offenseless Grizzlies

[tpols]

I'll play along: So if the Clippers got to the finals facing the Suns, Mavs, and Blazers and beat the Heat...the Clippers run would be tainted and come with a bunch of "weak competition" discussions from you right?
If the clippers beat all those teams it'd be amazing. That's still the western conference :oldlol:

[FLDFSU]

Based on your logic the 2001 Sixers should have easily beaten the 2001 Lakers, seeing as their road to the Finals was so much easier. :rolleyes:
Quit making excuses loser. In a 7 game series the best team will always win, period.

:applause: :applause:

The 49ers can b&tch and complain all they want about how they could beat the Broncos and the rest of the AFC but the fact is that they could not beat the Seahawks...

UGA and USC (Carolina) in the SEC can whine and talk smack about how they could wipe the floor with Notre Dame or Texas or OSU but the fact is they could not beat ALA or FLA or LSU or AU.

At the end of the day, the Sixers were going to lose...why? Because they were not the best team in the NBA that year.

The Cavs were destined to lose...why? Because they were not the best team in the NBA that year either.

Who cares that they got to the finals? Point is...they lost.

[kentatm]

I'll play along: So if the Clippers got to the finals facing the Suns, Mavs, and Blazers and beat the Heat...the Clippers run would be tainted and come with a bunch of "weak competition" discussions from you right?

:biggums:

compared to the all time greatest runs? sure

compared to what the Heat would face to get there this season? Hell no.

[FLDFSU]

If the clippers beat all those teams it'd be amazing. That's still the western conference :oldlol:

I see, so as long as the Heat face Western Conference opponents, then they are legit.

So Miami could face Blazers, Suns, and Mavs and then the Pacers and you wouldn't have a problem with it?

[ihoopallday]

:lol Same shit, different year. If I was an NBA player, I'd make sure to sign with an Eastern team. Easy road to the finals according to these Kobe stans :rockon:

[Bigsmoke]

This thread is made yearly

[tpols]

I see, so as long as the Heat face Western Conference opponents, then they are legit.

So Miami could face Blazers, Suns, and Mavs and then the Pacers and you wouldn't have a problem with it?
Blazers suns mavs is a stretch.. they'll surely face either the clippers or thunder in the second round. And then Spurs wcf

to give them a western conference run where all the 6 7 8 seeds win is retarded. Come up with something else

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Miami don't have 2-3 grind-out series like the top 5 seeds do out West. Theoretically, it makes for an "easier" route. Just saying :confusedshrug:

[dude77]

Miami don't have 2-3 grind-out series like the top 5 seeds do out West. Theoretically, it makes for an "easier" route. Just saying :confusedshrug:

wtf is facing chicago and indiana ? cakewalks of course .. keep hating fggts .. get ready to watch miami celebrate again

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

wtf is facing chicago and indiana ?

Not facing OKC and SAS, superior ball clubs.

You florida douche bags are HUGE homers. Time to concede reality... :lol

[DMAVS41]

But the Heat would still have to take on the West conference champions. A champion that, according to most, should be far superior to any Eastern conference champion because they are from the tougher/better conference.

So the Nets, for example, can run through all those easy teams all the want in rounds 1-3...in the finals they will meet the ultimate superior team out West and lose badly.

The Broncos can beat up on all the "bad" AFC teams they like, in the end, to get the ring, they had to face the superior NFC team.

What?

It's about the road to get there. I'm actually not sure there is 1 team in the East right now better than any of the 9 best teams in the West...outside of the Heat.

Nobody is saying the Heat aren't great. In fact, most would probably agree they are still the best team when healthy. But that doesn't change the fact that the road for them to get to the finals will be a ****ing cakewalk compared to the West. You are confusing yourself.

If you can't understand why not having to play tough teams until at least the conference finals is an advantage....I give up.

Like, do you realize that the Pacers might not even make the playoffs if they played in the West? They are only 17-12 against the West...and even that is misleading as they have been able to beat up on scrubs all year and not have to face tough competition night in night out.

The more I think about it...the more I really don't even think they make the playoffs in the West.

[oh the horror]

Even mentioning Chicago as some type of major roadblock cements the point.



Chicago, deleted ass roster, no Rose, and one of their other pieces traded during the season.



Right.

[FLDFSU]

What?

It's about the road to get there. I'm actually not sure there is 1 team in the East right now better than any of the 9 best teams in the West...outside of the Heat.

Nobody is saying the Heat aren't great. In fact, most would probably agree they are still the best team when healthy. But that doesn't change the fact that the road for them to get to the finals will be a ****ing cakewalk compared to the West. You are confusing yourself.

If you can't understand why not having to play tough teams until at least the conference finals is an advantage....I give up.

Like, do you realize that the Pacers might not even make the playoffs if they played in the West? They are only 17-12 against the West...and even that is misleading as they have been able to beat up on scrubs all year and not have to face tough competition night in night out.

The more I think about it...the more I really don't even think they make the playoffs in the West.


Arison, Riley, Spo (I hope), Wade, James, Bosh (I hope), etc. do not care about the "road" to the finals.

They care about winning the Championship.

Wade/James would probably lose in the first round to begin their vacation if they knew they could not win the Finals.

Again, the Heat Organization could give two sh#ts about getting to the Finals.

And BTW, you were one of these ISHers that claim the Heat are the most stacked team of all time-relative competition. The most historically stacked team-relative to competition-is still going to the finals anyways no matter what the conference.

Correct?

[DMAVS41]

Arison, Riley, Spo (I hope), Wade, James, Bosh (I hope), etc. do not care about the "road" to the finals.

They care about winning the Championship.

Wade/James would probably lose in the first round to begin their vacation if they knew they could not win the Finals.

Again, the Heat Organization could give two sh#ts about getting to the Finals.

And BTW, you were one of these ISHers that claim the Heat are the most stacked team of all time-relative competition. The most historically stacked team-relative to competition-is still going to the finals anyways no matter what the conference.

Correct?



This is about the road to the title...not about what the Heat think about the road to the title.

Who is saying the Heat care? We are saying when we evaluate how much easier the East is...it's kind of bad luck that a team like the Thunder or Spurs or whoever has to face way harder competition to even make the finals.

Again, this has nothing to do with what the Heat care about...nor is about how good the Heat are....please get that through your head.

And no, I did't say the Heat were the most stacked team ever relative to competition. They certainly are stacked though relative to competition and just in general...

Please reflect on this...The West has 9 of the 11 best teams in the league.

Honestly, they might have 9 of the 10 best teams as I'm really starting to question this Pacers teams' ability to even make the playoffs in the West. I guess we have to say they would, but it's hardly a lock. I just don't see much of a difference between them and the Grizzlies at this point.

[HoopsFanNumero1]

If the Heat were in the West, they'd be facing defensive powerhouses such as Blazers, Suns, Mavs, and Suns :lol

Are people serious with shit? If the Heat actually were in the West, they would face one more "contender" on their way to the Finals. It would end up evening out because they'd have an easier Finals opponent. People are seriously overrating these WC teams. Who, outside of the Spurs and OKC, poses any kind of threat to the heat?

[DMAVS41]

If the Heat were in the West, they'd be facing defensive powerhouses such as Blazers, Suns, Mavs, and Suns :lol

Are people serious with shit? If the Heat actually were in the West, they would face one more "contender" on their way to the Finals. It would end up evening out because they'd have an easier Finals opponent. People are seriously overrating these WC teams. Who, outside of the Spurs and OKC, poses any kind of threat to the heat?

In that hypothetical you'd have to move the Thunder or Spurs to the East...

I swear you people don't get it.

Oh...and the Heat would be the 4 seed in the West right now. And would be the 3 seed if we moved the Thunder or Spurs to the East.

So they'd have to play the Warriors, Clippers, and Thunder...

If you can't see the difference in that...you are a lost cause.

[Heavincent]

Last year was actually a bit of a down year for the West with Westbrook, Lee, and Kobe out. Was still a lot better than the East though. But this year...holy shit, the disparity is ****ing massive. Who would you rather play, the 46-31 Suns or the 34-42 Hawks? Hell, even the ****ing Knicks are still in playoff contention, and we've done nothing but laugh at them all year because they're such a joke of a team. And like I said, not even the Pacers are THAT great. In fact, they've been shit for over a month now. There are 9 teams in the west that are playing better ball right now.

Heat have it much easier than the top seeds in the west. It's not hating, it's just stating facts. All you have to do is look at the standings.

[AirTupac]

These Heat fans are too stupid to realize what they're really arguing about. Do you really think Bulls / Brooklyn / Pacers or whoever the Heat have to face is the same thing that teams in the West have to go through? Memphis / Dallas / Suns are fighting for an 8th seed and their records are fairly good. The ROAD is what matters here. Dumb Heat fans :facepalm

[Mr. Incredible]

A lot of salty people ITT

[poido123]

If the Heat were in the West, they'd be facing defensive powerhouses such as Blazers, Suns, Mavs, and Suns :lol

Are people serious with shit? If the Heat actually were in the West, they would face one more "contender" on their way to the Finals. It would end up evening out because they'd have an easier Finals opponent. People are seriously overrating these WC teams. Who, outside of the Spurs and OKC, poses any kind of threat to the heat?


The Clippers, Warriors and even Grizz can pose a threat to the Heat because of matchups and outside shooting(Grizz for their defense and big men).

Unless Westbrook suddenly becomes a composed player and makes high IQ decisions on the court, they will never beat the Heat in a series.

Clippers are a huge threat to the Heat if they matchup. As too is the spurs which you mentioned.

[Heavincent]

If the Heat were in the West, they'd be facing defensive powerhouses such as Blazers, Suns, Mavs, and Suns :lol

Are people serious with shit? If the Heat actually were in the West, they would face one more "contender" on their way to the Finals. It would end up evening out because they'd have an easier Finals opponent. People are seriously overrating these WC teams. Who, outside of the Spurs and OKC, poses any kind of threat to the heat?

WTF is this shit? If the Pacers could push you to 7 games, there are teams in the west that could definitely do the same. You really think Roy ****ing Hibbert is the pinnacle of the modern big man? :oldlol: Dwight Howard is an overrated, insufferable douche bag, but he's a hell of a lot better than Roy Hibbert. There are plenty of teams in the west that actually have better front courts than the Pacers, such as the Warriors, Clippers, Blazers, Grizzlies (who might not even make it for ****'s sake), and arguably the Rockets. And lets not forget about Dirk. You really want to run into him again? :lol

[HoopsFanNumero1]

This thread is about the Heat right? So let's talk about matchups instead of just reading off the standings. Who are their challengers in the East? Nets, despite their recird , match up extremely well with them. Pacers still have the best chance, as seen from their last matchup. And Bulls still play them tough despite all the injuries. I believe they split the season series with the Heat. So that's three teams from the EC that have given them trouble.

So now tell me. Which WC teams offer a threat to the Heat? There's obviously the Spurs and OKC, whom the Heat split the season series against. Who else really?

[FLDFSU]

This is about the road to the title...not about what the Heat think about the road to the title.

Who is saying the Heat care? We are saying when we evaluate how much easier the East is...it's kind of bad luck that a team like the Thunder or Spurs or whoever has to face way harder competition to even make the finals.

Again, this has nothing to do with what the Heat care about...nor is about how good the Heat are....please get that through your head.

And no, I did't say the Heat were the most stacked team ever relative to competition. They certainly are stacked though relative to competition and just in general...

Please reflect on this...The West has 9 of the 11 best teams in the league.

Honestly, they might have 9 of the 10 best teams as I'm really starting to question this Pacers teams' ability to even make the playoffs in the West. I guess we have to say they would, but it's hardly a lock. I just don't see much of a difference between them and the Grizzlies at this point.

Let me rephrase that then: You, me, ISH, my mom, her best friend, President Obama, the Heat themselves SHOULD not care about the Heat getting to the finals or their path. In the end the Heat will meet the BEST the West has to offer.

For the Heat, at this stage, getting to the Finals is meaningless and pointless. It is about rings. Nobody, even if the Heat went through all Western conference teams, would CARE that the Heat got to the finals only lose the Pacers.

Nobody cared your Mavs went to the finals in 2006/2011...They cared that they won or lost the Finals. Which is primarily the reason Johnson was fired not long after, and Carlisle is not going anywhere, anytime soon.

[PsychoBe]

This thread is about the Heat right? So let's talk about matchups instead of just reading off the standings. Who are their challengers in the East? Nets, despite their recird , match up extremely well with them. Pacers still have the best chance, as seen from their last matchup. And Bulls still play them tough despite all the injuries. I believe they split the season series with the Heat. So that's three teams from the EC that have given them trouble.

So now tell me. Which WC teams offer a threat to the Heat? There's obviously the Spurs and OKC, whom the Heat split the season series against. Who else really?

grizzlies, mavs, golden state and portland.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

This thread is about the Heat right? So let's talk about matchups instead of just reading off the standings. Who are their challengers in the East? Nets, despite their recird , match up extremely well with them. Pacers still have the best chance, as seen from their last matchup. And Bulls still play them tough despite all the injuries. I believe they split the season series with the Heat. So that's three teams from the EC that have given them trouble.

So now tell me. Which WC teams offer a threat to the Heat? There's obviously the Spurs and OKC, whom the Heat split the season series against. Who else really?

They've been explained to you. Try to keep up... :lol

[HoopsFanNumero1]

The Clippers, Warriors and even Grizz can pose a threat to the Heat because of matchups and outside shooting(Grizz for their defense and big men).

Unless Westbrook suddenly becomes a composed player and makes high IQ decisions on the court, they will never beat the Heat in a series.

Clippers are a huge threat to the Heat if they matchup. As too is the spurs which you mentioned.

I'm on my phone right now so I can't check the games they played this season but I'm pretty sure Heat played quite well against all three of those teams this season. Grizz are like the Pacers. Clippers? Warriors? Lebron would feast against both those teams.

[FLDFSU]

Would anybody's opinion change if the Heat went through the West and lost to the Pacers in the Finals?

Would the Heat get any brownie points for getting to the Finals from the Western bracket only to lose to an Eastern conference team

[HoopsFanNumero1]

WTF is this shit? If the Pacers could push you to 7 games, there are teams in the west that could definitely do the same. You really think Roy ****ing Hibbert is the pinnacle of the modern big man? :oldlol: Dwight Howard is an overrated, insufferable douche bag, but he's a hell of a lot better than Roy Hibbert. There are plenty of teams in the west that actually have better front courts than the Pacers, such as the Warriors, Clippers, Blazers, Grizzlies (who might not even make it for ****'s sake), and arguably the Rockets. And lets not forget about Dirk. You really want to run into him again? :lol

Who said anything about Hibbert? Pacers as a team have the best defense in the league. Rockets don't.

[zoom17]

Both sides calm down:lol

[DMAVS41]

Let me rephrase that then: You, me, ISH, my mom, her best friend, President Obama, the Heat themselves SHOULD not care about the Heat getting to the finals or their path. In the end the Heat will meet the BEST the West has to offer.

For the Heat, at this stage, getting to the Finals is meaningless and pointless. It is about rings. Nobody, even if the Heat went through all Western conference teams, would CARE that the Heat got to the finals only lose the Pacers.

Nobody cared your Mavs went to the finals in 2006/2011...They cared that they won or lost the Finals. Which is primarily the reason Johnson was fired not long after, and Carlisle is not going anywhere, anytime soon.

I can care about anything I want...as you can.

What you are doing is arguing with nobody....and essentially agreeing with us all.

And all we are saying is that the road to the Finals in the East is absurdly easier. Do you dispute that?

[dude77]

Not facing OKC and SAS, superior ball clubs.

You florida douche bags are HUGE homers. Time to concede reality... :lol

chicago and indiana are still tough series ... so if a team doesn't play the absolute best teams in every series their ring isn't worthy ? .. haters are reaching .. reaching hard now lol .. this is what happens when you start running out of shit to sling at the wall

[HoopsFanNumero1]

grizzlies, mavs, golden state and portland.

Mavs and Portland? Those teams are as much of a threat as the Raptors. So very little.

[FLDFSU]

Last year was actually a bit of a down year for the West with Westbrook, Lee, and Kobe out. Was still a lot better than the East though. But this year...holy shit, the disparity is ****ing massive. Who would you rather play, the 46-31 Suns or the 34-42 Hawks? Hell, even the ****ing Knicks are still in playoff contention, and we've done nothing but laugh at them all year because they're such a joke of a team. And like I said, not even the Pacers are THAT great. In fact, they've been shit for over a month now. There are 9 teams in the west that are playing better ball right now.

Heat have it much easier than the top seeds in the west. It's not hating, it's just stating facts. All you have to do is look at the standings.

Very good. So the Finals will bare out that disparity when the Eastern Conference representative gets their as@ kicked.

Liked the Sixers and the Cavs...

[Heavincent]

Who said anything about Hibbert? Pacers as a team have the best defense in the league. Rockets don't.

Rockets offense is much, much better. Warriors defense is almost as good as the Pacers, but again, they have a much better offense. Same with the Clippers, who actually have a better record than the Heat. lol at you thinking the Heat would just walk all over them.

This is just pure homerism on your part. West is just much tougher. It's not my opinion, it's simply a fact. Look at the standings.

[tpols]

If the Heat were in the West, they'd be facing defensive powerhouses such as Blazers, Suns, Mavs, and Suns :lol

Are people serious with shit? If the Heat actually were in the West, they would face one more "contender" on their way to the Finals. It would end up evening out because they'd have an easier Finals opponent. People are seriously overrating these WC teams. Who, outside of the Spurs and OKC, poses any kind of threat to the heat?

Not only did you only list the worst teams to make the playoffs in the west.. you listed the suns twice:facepalm

[dude77]

If the Heat were in the West, they'd be facing defensive powerhouses such as Blazers, Suns, Mavs, and Suns :lol

Are people serious with shit? If the Heat actually were in the West, they would face one more "contender" on their way to the Finals. It would end up evening out because they'd have an easier Finals opponent. People are seriously overrating these WC teams. Who, outside of the Spurs and OKC, poses any kind of threat to the heat?

this 10x


In that hypothetical you'd have to move the Thunder or Spurs to the East...

I swear you people don't get it.

Oh...and the Heat would be the 4 seed in the West right now. And would be the 3 seed if we moved the Thunder or Spurs to the East.

So they'd have to play the Warriors, Clippers, and Thunder...

If you can't see the difference in that...you are a lost cause.

lol the heat would take care of golden state and lac .. thunder would be their tough series ..

keep overrating the west you fggts

[HoopsFanNumero1]

Very good. So the Finals will bare out that disparity when the Eastern Conference representative gets their as@ kicked.

Liked the Sixers and the Cavs...

I remember when people were saying the same shit in 2012. That the WCF were the real Finals. And then OKC went on to the Finals only to get completely exposed :lol

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

chicago and indiana are still tough series ... so if a team doesn't play the absolute best teams in every series their ring isn't worthy ? .. haters are reaching .. reaching hard now lol .. this is what happens when you start running out of shit to sling at the wall

I don't think anyone is saying that.. Miami's rings, in 2012 and 13 are both legit.. thing is though, playing better competition puts the opposition at a bit of a disadvantage. How much depends on the quality of teams...

[oh the horror]

The fact that the Knicks are still in the hunt for the playoffs says it all to me.



That's insane considering the season they've had.



No one is saying the heat aren't capable but I refuse to believe some of you aren't acknowledging the teams to get to the finals out west are tougher to go through.


I mean....seriously....how is this even debatable?

[Heavincent]

Very good. So the Finals will bare out that disparity when the Eastern Conference representative gets their as@ kicked.

Liked the Sixers and the Cavs...

Heat are just as good as any team in the west. Nobody is denying that, but as a whole, the west is obviously much, much better. Like I said, it's not my opinion. All you have to do is look at the standings.

[dude77]

I remember when people were saying the same shit in 2012. That the WCF were the real Finals. And then OKC went on to the Finals only to get completely exposed :lol

I remember this .. everyone was picking okc over miami .. west is being overrated yet again

[FLDFSU]

The Clippers, Warriors and even Grizz can pose a threat to the Heat because of matchups and outside shooting(Grizz for their defense and big men).

Unless Westbrook suddenly becomes a composed player and makes high IQ decisions on the court, they will never beat the Heat in a series.

Clippers are a huge threat to the Heat if they matchup. As too is the spurs which you mentioned.

Good, so when any of those teams make it to the Finals, they can beat the hell out of Miami :rockon:

But I see no point of talking about the Warriors posing a threat to Miami, if they cannot beat OKC.

I see no point of talking about the threat the 49ers pose to the Broncos if they cannot beat the Seahawks.

I do not care about the great match up problems Miami could case to OKC if we cannot beat the Pacers...

Who cares about 2nd place. 2ND=LAST PLACE

[aboss4real24]

Last time heat had a hard Path?

Cmon now..

And the funny part is that there still gnna lose

[HoopsFanNumero1]

Heat are just as good as any team in the west. Nobody is denying that, but as a whole, the west is obviously much, much better. Like I said, it's not my opinion. All you have to do is look at the standings.

Sure, a team like the Raptors would have a tougher time getting out of the first round in the west with all the run-and-gun teams. But to the Heat? The difference wouldn't be nearly as huge.

[Just2McFly]

this shit doesnt even matter....like no one in their right mind is shitting on the showtime lakers for tearing up the 80's western conference which was a SHITfest

[DMAVS41]

Good, so when any of those teams make it to the Finals, they can beat the hell out of Miami :rockon:

But I see no point of talking about the Warriors posing a threat to Miami, if they cannot beat OKC.

I see no point of talking about the threat the 49ers pose to the Broncos if they cannot beat the Seahawks.

I do not care about the great match up problems Miami could case to OKC if we cannot beat the Pacers...

Who cares about 2nd place. 2ND=LAST PLACE

You just don't get it...

[oh the horror]

You just don't get it...



Reading comprehension fail is why this country is going to hell.

[Heavincent]

Sure, a team like the Raptors would have a tougher time getting out of the first round in the west with all the run-and-gun teams. But to the Heat? The difference wouldn't be nearly as huge.

Raptors wouldn't even be in the playoffs right now :oldlol:

[dude77]

You just don't get it...

no you don't get it .. you're a hater .. the heat are more than capable of taking out whoever they have to face in the west .. this isn't some mystery .. you are downplaying miami's ability/capability .. the heat's record against the west is solid and they've taken down both wc champs back to back to win it all and back swept one of them .. seems some of you are having a hard time dealing with miami's dominance .. deal with it fggts .. a 3rd one is coming

[FLDFSU]

I can care about anything I want...as you can.

What you are doing is arguing with nobody....and essentially agreeing with us all.

And all we are saying is that the road to the Finals in the East is absurdly easier. Do you dispute that?

Yes I do. I would allow you to trade any team out West if you take the Pacers, Bulls, and Nets as a Heat fan.

But at the end of the day, if the Heat cannot beat Pacers Bulls or Nets (or any other team currently in the playoffs) who cares...might as well lose the Bobcats in round one, and start the off-season ASAP.

[tpols]

I remember this .. everyone was picking okc over miami .. west is being overrated yet again

dude the only reason the east wins is because they have miami.. were discussing miamis competition. Miami is not part of Miami's competition.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

no you don't get it .. you're a hater .. the heat are more than capable of taking out whoever they have to face in the west .. this isn't some mystery .. you are downplaying miami's ability/capability .. the heat's record against the west is solid and they've taken down both wc champs back to back to win it all and back swept one of them .. seems some of you are having a hard time dealing with miami's dominance .. deal with it fggts .. a 3rd one is coming

:oldlol:

Quit calling people "fggts" because they don't subscribe to your fandom. Grow up kid.

[DMAVS41]

no you don't get it .. you're a hater .. the heat are more than capable of taking out whoever they have to face in the west .. this isn't some mystery .. you are downplaying miami's ability/capability .. the heat's record against the west is solid and they've taken down both wc champs back to back to win it all and back swept one of them .. seems some of you are having a hard time dealing with miami's dominance .. deal with it fggts .. a 3rd one is coming


Nobody is doing this though....and nobody is saying the Heat can't beat anyone.

We are simply pointing out the fact that having to go through something like Warriors, Clippers, and Thunder/Spurs is a lot harder...and whatever there chances of making the finals in the East...they would be considerably less if they played in the West.

[dude77]

dude the only reason the east wins is because they have miami.. were discussing miamis competition. Miami is not part of Miami's competition.

if the west is so much better okc should've put up a better fight than being back swept like bitches .. and san antonio should've beaten miami ..

miami would have no trouble playing teams like the clippers, warriors in the playoffs .. their record against the west is solid .. you just want to take credit from miami in whatever way you can

[DaSeba5]

I think the Heat are being underrated big time here. I still think they make the Finals if they were in the West. If they won the west and lost to the Pacers in the Finals, what would people say? I understand everyone's points, but geez.... you would think the Heat were below .500 against the West and not back to back champs by beating a stacked OKC team with Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, and the Spurs (who are always good). The west is getting a bit overrated here. Nobody outside the Spurs and Thunder, and maybe the Clippers, would beat Miami in a series. You really think I'm scared of the Warriors or the Suns in the first round? I'm more scared of the Bulls or Nets really.

[dude77]

Nobody is doing this though....and nobody is saying the Heat can't beat anyone.

We are simply pointing out the fact that having to go through something like Warriors, Clippers is a lot harder

I completely fkn disagree .. miami would not be bothered by lac or golden state in a series .. their competition would be okc or sa

[FLDFSU]

I remember when people were saying the same shit in 2012. That the WCF were the real Finals. And then OKC went on to the Finals only to get completely exposed :lol

:oldlol: If we moved the Heat to the West and they played the Clippers, OKC, and the Spurs all at full strength and without home court advantage...then defeated the Pacers in the Finals...we will get:

"Weak Era...don't count" and "Is this the most historically weak the NBA has been in 60 years?"

:facepalm It won't stop. They will just continue to change the narrative.

[tpols]

if the west is so much better okc should've put up a better fight than being back swept like bitches .. and san antonio should've beaten miami ..

miami would have no trouble playing teams like the clippers, warriors in the playoffs .. their record against the west is solid .. you just want to take credit from miami in whatever way you can

Miami faced those teams in separate years.. in the west this year theyd face them back to back without HCA.


And besides that your post does nothing to address the OP's post about the Heats road to the finals, which has nothing to do with OKC or the Spurs. They are playing a bunch of weak teams out east right now. It is not debateable.

[DMAVS41]

I completely fkn disagree .. miami would not be bothered by lac or golden state in a series .. their competition would be okc or sa

When you say "bothered"...is going to 6 games "bothered"

You do realize they'd have to beat the Clippers without HCA...and then the Thunder/Spurs without HCA

And if they are taken to 6 by the Warriors...that is a tall order to win those 3 series in a row.

For a team like the Heat that has so many health concerns to begin with...especially from Wade...what do you think it would be like if he couldn't just take games off all the time in both the regular season and playoffs?

[FLDFSU]

Heat are just as good as any team in the west. Nobody is denying that, but as a whole, the west is obviously much, much better. Like I said, it's not my opinion. All you have to do is look at the standings.

Of the eight teams out west to make the playoffs, how many would MIA be favored against in a 7 game series?

[Heavincent]

Of the eight teams out west to make the playoffs, how many would MIA be favored against in a 7 game series?

Who gives a damn who's favored? Cavs were massive favorites over the Celtics in 2010 and the Magic in 09. That shit doesn't matter.

The point is, every team in the west would give them a battle. They don't get a first round bye like they do in the east.

[DMAVS41]

Of the eight teams out west to make the playoffs, how many would MIA be favored against in a 7 game series?

That isn't the point...my god...you can't be this dense

It's about the collective task of beating 3 quality teams...and having to play 2 series without HCA

[icewill36]

because of age, injuries, and lack of size, NOTHING is easy going to be easy for miami.

also, theres a reason why teams dont make it to the finals 4 straight years too often.

[dude77]

Miami faced those teams in separate years.. in the west this year theyd face them back to back without HCA.


And besides that your post does nothing to address the OP's post about the Heats road to the finals, which has nothing to do with OKC or the Spurs. They are playing a bunch of weak teams out east right now. It is not debateable.

this isn't even a sure thing .. and as for you saying that they're playing weak teams .. I didn't know indiana and chicago are 'weak teams' .. those two are comparable in 'competition' for miami to teams like clippers/golden state, memphis .. yeah facing okc and spurs consecutively is insane but that's not even guaranteed .. I haven't looked at the possible seedings so I don't know ..

keep reaching .. targeting a team's competition on their playoff run is weak sauce in the first place .. it's irrelevant ..are you gonna be putting asterisks on title winners because you think their competition wasn't worthy enough ? .. weak shit man .. this is the very type of shit people bring out when they want to 'hate' on a team's success .. they beat who they had to beat .. end of story

[J Shuttlesworth]

Look at how beat up the Heat got last year against the Bulls and the Pacers. Do you really think they would have rather had that road than San Antonio's road? Heat would have much rather faced Lakers/Grizz/Warriors last year than Pacers/Buls. The east teams can be physically grueling because of the defense. The series might be longer in the West, but they aren't nearly as physical. This year though with Indy sucking, the Knicks sucking, Rose injured, the east is weak. That doesn't mean they won't play the Heat physically despite ultimately losing the series. Chicago/Brooklyn/Indiana aren't going to coast the playoffs just because they can't beat the Heat.

Heat record against east: 33-14 .702
against West: 20-9 .690

Not very different. The west is obviously more talented, but some of the defensive minded teams in the east cause matchup problems for them. Suns/Clips/Thunder don't match up well against the Heat, and the Heat wouldn't get beat up as much in those series.

[FLDFSU]

I think the Heat are being underrated big time here. I still think they make the Finals if they were in the West. If they won the west and lost to the Pacers in the Finals, what would people say? I understand everyone's points, but geez.... you would think the Heat were below .500 against the West and not back to back champs by beating a stacked OKC team with Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, and the Spurs (who are always good). The west is getting a bit overrated here. Nobody outside the Spurs and Thunder, and maybe the Clippers, would beat Miami in a series. You really think I'm scared of the Warriors or the Suns in the first round? I'm more scared of the Bulls or Nets really.

That is what I am saying. Nobody would be praising the Heat for traveling the "difficult" road to the finals only to lose to the Pacers once we got there.

The crazy thing is most of these people admit that the Clippers can't beat the Thunders/Spurs in a 7 game series. So, who cares if they can beat the Heat? In that case, they still won't win the Championship because the Spurs/Thunders will be right there to knock them out.

The point is...I would pick the Heat to defeat any team in the playoffs...Eastern or Western...in a seven game series. So the fact that they play Conference A vs. Conference B does not matter to me.

[tpols]

this isn't even a sure thing .. and as for you saying that they're playing weak teams .. I didn't know indiana and chicago are 'weak teams' .. those two are comparable in 'competition' for miami to teams like clippers/golden state, memphis .. yeah facing okc and spurs consecutively is insane but that's not even guaranteed .. I haven't looked at the possible seedings so I don't know ..

keep reaching .. targeting a team's competition on their playoff run is weak sauce in the first place .. it's irrelevant ..are you gonna be putting asterisks on title winners because you think their competition wasn't worthy enough ? .. weak shit man .. this is the very type of shit people bring out when they want to 'hate' on a team's success .. they beat who they had to beat .. end of story

Indy is plummeting right now and the Rose-less bulls would be a 9 or 10 seed out west. You cant be serious comparing them to the top teams in the west:oldlol:

[FLDFSU]

Who gives a damn who's favored? Cavs were massive favorites over the Celtics in 2010 and the Magic in 09. That shit doesn't matter.

The point is, every team in the west would give them a battle. They don't get a first round bye like they do in the east.

Okay. Those Western conference teams could feel better because they gave the Heat a good "battle." People can feel good because GS gave MIA a nice battle before yet again being eliminated and falling short of Marc Jackson/Jerry West expectations...

losers...:cheers:

[HoopsFanNumero1]

I'd much rather play some of those "playoffs" teams in the West over the Bulls. Hell, I'd rather have the Heat play teams like Blazers, Rockets, and Clippers over the Nets in a 7 game series.

[Heavincent]

Oh for ****'s sake.

Some people just can't be reasoned with.

[AirTupac]

Oh for ****'s sake.

Some people just can't be reasoned with.

You have to understand youre talking to a moron. :oldlol:

[DaSeba5]

That is what I am saying. Nobody would be praising the Heat for traveling the "difficult" road to the finals only to lose to the Pacers once we got there.

The crazy thing is most of these people admit that the Clippers can't beat the Thunders/Spurs in a 7 game series. So, who cares if they can beat the Heat? In that case, they still won't win the Championship because the Spurs/Thunders will be right there to knock them out.

The point is...I would pick the Heat to defeat any team in the playoffs...Eastern or Western...in a seven game series. So the fact that they play Conference A vs. Conference B does not matter to me.

This whole argument is pointless to me because I still think Miami makes the Finals in either conference. Miami had to go through tough series to win their titles. They had to go through several 7 game series. And that includes the Pacers, Celtics, and Spurs. I'd be scared of SA having HCA in a series against them, but my point is Miami has proven they can win with tough series coming right after one another. Miami won after going through a tough 6 games with Indiana, a grueling 7 game series with Boston, and a tough series in OKC (they won in 5, but the games were close). Then they had to get by Indiana in 7 games and get by the Spurs in 7 games. I swear judging by the comments here, I must have been watching a team go 15-1 or 16-0 in the playoffs. All of those heart attacks, stress, and medication must have been in my head. All of those series were pieces of cake.

[FLDFSU]

I'd much rather play some of those "playoffs" teams in the West over the Bulls. Hell, I'd rather have the Heat play teams like Blazers, Rockets, and Clippers over the Nets in a 7 game series.

Yep. As a Heat fan, give me Blazers, Rockets, Clippers over the Bulls and Pacers and probably even the Nets.

Miami has this habit of trying to out toughen the Pacers and Bulls which often times backfires for Miami. We are not out muscling or out defending those teams.

Miami would be in their element/playing to their strengths playing the Warriors. Those teams pose a different challenge but a challenge that I am sure the Heat would rather have.

[Just2McFly]

can someone tell me the point of this thread? they are getting through either conference...

[dude77]

Indy is plummeting right now and the Rose-less bulls would be a 9 or 10 seed out west. You cant be serious comparing them to the top teams in the west:oldlol:

in terms of competition for miami, yes they are.. they play them tough as nails .. and indiana will be right there .. you think indiana's a 'weak team' now ? lol

[Mrofir]

The heat cannot beat the spurs this year

If the spurs get to the finals they will crush the heat and break up the team

Dwayne Wade will release a book about how terrible it was to play with Lebron

[Heavincent]

Miami would be in their element/playing to their strengths playing the Warriors. Those teams pose a different challenge but a challenge that I am sure the Heat would rather have.

Okay, can we stop pretending like the Warriors are a run n gun team that plays no defense? They're an elite defensive team...better than the Heat in that regard actually.

[Just2McFly]

Okay, can we stop pretending like the Warriors are a run n gun team that plays no defense? They're an elite defensive team...better than the Heat in that regard actually.
:sleeping :sleeping :sleeping

[DaSeba5]

If I remember correctly, the 4-1 series against Boston was close every game, 2011 Bulls were the favorites in that series (the games also came down to the wire), the Pacers had a 2-1 lead where people thought Miami was going to choke to them in the 2nd round, Boston had a 3-2 lead going to back to Boston, OKC had HCA and were the favorites in the Finals (people thought Miami would choke like the year before especially after blowing a lead in game 1), Pacers took them to 7, and the Spurs, who some picked to beat Miami, took them to 7 (needed a Ray Allen shot to tie it). Unless Miami was choking and not living up to expectations, Miami hasn't had an easy path to the Finals. I'll give you the first round, but I'm not scared of the teams in the bottom of the Western playoffs either.

[dude77]

The heat cannot beat the spurs this year

If the spurs get to the finals they will crush the heat and break up the team

Dwayne Wade will release a book about how terrible it was to play with Lebron

lol'ed

[Lebron23]

The heat cannot beat the spurs this year

If the spurs get to the finals they will crush the heat and break up the team

Dwayne Wade will release a book about how terrible it was to play with Lebron


The Miami Heat are already a proven back to back NBA champion. I actually think that the Clippers and Thunder would eliminate the Spurs in the playoffs this season.

[FLDFSU]

This whole argument is pointless to me because I still think Miami makes the Finals in either conference. Miami had to go through tough series to win their titles. They had to go through several 7 game series. And that includes the Pacers, Celtics, and Spurs. I'd be scared of SA having HCA in a series against them, but my point is Miami has proven they can win with tough series coming right after one another. Miami won after going through a tough 6 games with Indiana, a grueling 7 game series with Boston, and a tough series in OKC (they won in 5, but the games were close). Then they had to get by Indiana in 7 games and get by the Spurs in 7 games. I swear judging by the comments here, I must have been watching a team go 15-1 or 16-0 in the playoffs. All of those heart attacks, stress, and medication must have been in my head. All of those series were pieces of cake.

Yea, I lost a few years off my life these past few EASTERN conference runs myself.

We will never know, but I bet the Spurs/OKC etc are not running through Boston any easier than Miami did nor would the Pacers play dead for the Clippers these past few years.

I am sure tho that if we did play in the West, the argument would be..."well, the Heat don't have to play Jordan's Bulls, Shaq's Lakers, or Larry's Celtics...weak era!"

[Heavincent]

:sleeping :sleeping :sleeping

So the Warriors aren't an elite defensive team? Guess you haven't been paying attention this year.

[Legends66NBA7]

:sleeping :sleeping :sleeping

He's right. Golden State ranks 4th overall in defense; Miami ranks 11th overall in defense.

[livinglegend]

Nobody is doing this though....and nobody is saying the Heat can't beat anyone.

We are simply pointing out the fact that having to go through something like Warriors, Clippers, and Thunder/Spurs is a lot harder...and whatever there chances of making the finals in the East...they would be considerably less if they played in the West.

I thought as a Mavs fan you would know that playoffs opponent strenght is not determined by their regular season. It s all about matchups. Didnt that Warriors team teach you that? I m sure those Mavs that got eliminated in the first round would rather have 7th or 6th or 5th seed instead of the 8th seed that year.

[dude77]

I actually think that the Clippers and Thunder would eliminate the Spurs in the playoffs this season.

I don't know about all that .. spurs look ridiculously strong right now and this is the same team that got to the finals last year and pretty much had miami beaten ..

I can see okc pulling off a close series win .. but I don't see lac beating sa

[Droid101]

:sleeping :sleeping :sleeping
What does that mean? Golden State is tied for third in the league in defensive efficiency, with San Antonio.

Miami is number 10.

[DaSeba5]

Well I won't take anything from the Warriors, but in terms of Miami, they are obviously better defensively than the stats this year show.

[Droid101]

Well I won't take anything from the Warriors, but in terms of Miami, they are obviously better defensively than the stats this year show.
If they can't prove it, then no, they aren't.

[DaSeba5]

If they can't prove it, then no, they aren't.

Actually yes they are. Miami turns it up in the playoffs. They aren't worried about resting and taking it easy as much. They will be a lot better. Especially recently, they are starting to get into synch. There won't be any rotation changes in the playoffs. It's a big reason why they've struggled at times.

[Legends66NBA7]

Well I won't take anything from the Warriors, but in terms of Miami, they are obviously better defensively than the stats this year show.

Will they be a better defensive team come playoff time ? Sure, I don't doubt that.

Other than that, they haven't proven to be a consistent elite defensive team this year in the regular season or better than Golden State.

[DaSeba5]

Will they be a better defensive team come playoff time ? Sure, I don't doubt that.

Other than that, they haven't proven to be a consistent elite defensive team this year in the regular season or better than Golden State.

I didn't say anything about the Warriors. I was just saying Miami's defense isn't as bad as the stats show.

[BigTicket]

It's not even remotely close to being the easiest ever.

For example, the 59 Celtics only had to beat the 35-37 Nationals to make the finals. And once they got to the finals they faced the 33-39 Lakers ...

[ihoopallday]

Let's just all admit these playoffs are gonna be amazing. One thing that does make me :lol is most people watch games hoping Miami loses and they don't even pay attention to their own team. Like all other superstars people spent time hating on, you'll miss them when they're gone.

[aboss4real24]

LOL @ PPL Thinkn heat r actually gettn to the finals

[sportjames23]

Let's just all admit these playoffs are gonna be amazing. One thing that does make me :lol is most people watch games hoping Miami loses and they don't even pay attention to their own team. Like all other superstars people spent time hating on, you'll miss them when they're gone.


Cool story bro

[Sheik1287]

How things stand now...

Round 1: 33-37 win Knicks who are one of the worst defensive teams in the league

OR 33-37 win Hawks who have an injury to their best player, center Al Horford.

Round 2: 42-46 win Nets who have injuries to one of their best players, center Brooke Lopez

OR 45-49 win Bulls who have injuries to their best player and main offensive threat, point guard Derrick Rose

Round 3: 53-57 win Indiana who have completely fallen off, display little chemistry, who don't have an offensive scoring threat or a true point guard

OR 45-49 win Raptors who are sub-par on defense and have little to no experience in the playoffs


Those are pretty much your choices for who is going to stop the Heat before the Finals. Let's not act like they don't have it so ****ing easy.
I'd say the 2004-2005 Pistons had the easiest road to the finals for an eastern conference team.

[Just2McFly]

I don't care about defensive stats for the whole season because when these teams play each other it's a shootout

[tpols]

I don't care about defensive stats for the whole season because when these teams play each other it's a shootout
Both the Heat and Golden State average 103 points per game :facepalm

[DMAVS41]

I thought as a Mavs fan you would know that playoffs opponent strenght is not determined by their regular season. It s all about matchups. Didnt that Warriors team teach you that? I m sure those Mavs that got eliminated in the first round would rather have 7th or 6th or 5th seed instead of the 8th seed that year.

How is this related to my response? The Pacers do pose a tough matchup for the Heat, but so do the Spurs.

Trust me...there is no ****ing way anyone in their right mind on the Heat would rather play something like Warriors, Clippers, Spurs...than Atlanta, Nets, Pacers

It's not even remotely comparable...

The Warriors would not be any easy matchup either like people are saying. They would make Wade/Lebron work their asses off defensively running around screens. Iggy can guard Lebron pretty well one on one...and they have two legit centers to protect the paint in Bogut and O'neal. Not to mention their trump card in Curry that can easily go off and win you a free game that you don't deserve.

I just don't get why people are arguing this. If you really looked at the 10 best teams in the league right now...8 or 9 of them are in the West.

[HurricaneKid]

It's not the Heat's fault. They don't control what the other teams do. That's their problem.

Of course its their fault. Thats why everyone is running to the Western Conf. They want no part of LeBron.

[HurricaneKid]

How things stand now...

33-37 win Hawks who have an injury to their best player, center Al Horford.

Round 2: 42-46 win Nets who have injuries to one of their best players, center Brooke Lopez

Round 3: 53-57 win Indiana who have completely fallen off, display little chemistry, who don't have an offensive scoring threat or a true point guard

OR 45-49 win Raptors who are sub-par on defense and have little to no experience in the playoffs


Those are pretty much your choices for who is going to stop the Heat before the Finals. Let's not act like they don't have it so ****ing easy.


Hawks just held Indy to 22 1st half points.

We have threads about NJN being the most stacked team in history. Hasn't Kentucky taught us anything? Talent takes over in the postseason. They also have a better record than Miami since 1/1.

I think the Pacers path of Bobcats -> Toronto is far easier and may very well be why they are struggling...

[livinglegend]

How is this related to my response? The Pacers do pose a tough matchup for the Heat, but so do the Spurs.

Trust me...there is no ****ing way anyone in their right mind on the Heat would rather play something like Warriors, Clippers, Spurs...than Atlanta, Nets, Pacers

It's not even remotely comparable...

The Warriors would not be any easy matchup either like people are saying. They would make Wade/Lebron work their asses off defensively running around screens. Iggy can guard Lebron pretty well one on one...and they have two legit centers to protect the paint in Bogut and O'neal. Not to mention their trump card in Curry that can easily go off and win you a free game that you don't deserve. Thus, it was easier for them to get to the finals.

I just don't get why people are arguing this. If you really looked at the 10 best teams in the league right now...8 or 9 of them are in the West.

I do agree with the fact that Heat s road would be much harder if they played in the western conference playoffs this year, but I dont agree with the fact that last year and 2 years ago, Heat had easier roads to the finals than OKC and Spurs. Both, Spurs and OKC, played less games than Miami to get to the finals.

And you seem to correlate an opponent s strength with their teams regular season record . That s not right. In 2012, OKC had much more wins than Celtics and yet, they were an easier opponent for Miami. In 2007, Warriors had only 42 wins and yet, they were one of the toughest opponents for the 67 wins Mavs. The opponent s strength is relative. Team 1 may be an easy oppnonent for team S, but they can be a tough one for for team B. It s all about matchups.

[ihoopallday]

Of course its their fault. Thats why everyone is running to the Western Conf. They want no part of LeBron.

:lol

[Legends66NBA7]

I don't care about defensive stats for the whole season because when these teams play each other it's a shootout

Right, but Golden State is the better defensive team from what we have gathered. Not sure what your original response meant. :confusedshrug:

[DMAVS41]

I do agree with the fact that Heat s road would be much harder if they played in the western conference playoffs this year, but I dont agree with the fact that last year and 2 years ago, Heat had easier roads to the finals than OKC and Spurs. Both, Spurs and OKC, played less games than Miami to get to the finals.

And you seem to correlate an opponent s strength with their teams regular season record . That s not right. In 2012, OKC had much more wins than Celtics and yet, they were an easier opponent for Miami. In 2007, Warriors had only 42 wins and yet, they were one of the toughest opponents for the 67 wins Mavs. The opponent s strength is relative. Team 1 may be an easy oppnonent for team S, but they can be a tough one for for team B. It s all about matchups.

Dude...I do the exact opposite.

I've been repeatedly saying the regular season win totals are a bad way to judge teams.

I'd day the Warriors are way better than their record actually. They've had injuries off and on...and they actually now play a style well suited for the playoffs as they have a very good defense and a well rounded top 7 or 8.

It's not just record. It's team strength and matchups...and I think not only are teams like the Warriors, Clippers, Thunder, and Spurs better than the competition in the East...all of those teams...are tougher matchups for the Heat.

I think people are actually sleeping on the Thunder too much as an opponent for the Heat potentially. We'll see hopefully...

And no, last year the road to the finals for the Heat was a cakewalk again...

11 and 12, 11 especially, had tougher competition. But this year and last year are shaping up to be some of the easiest road to the finals in a long time.

[livinglegend]

Dude...I do the exact opposite.

I've been repeatedly saying the regular season win totals are a bad way to judge teams.

I'd day the Warriors are way better than their record actually. They've had injuries off and on...and they actually now play a style well suited for the playoffs as they have a very good defense and a well rounded top 7 or 8.

It's not just record. It's team strength and matchups...and I think not only are teams like the Warriors, Clippers, Thunder, and Spurs better than the competition in the East...all of those teams...are tougher matchups for the Heat.

I think people are actually sleeping on the Thunder too much as an opponent for the Heat potentially. We'll see hopefully...

And no, last year the road to the finals for the Heat was a cakewalk again...

11 and 12, 11 especially, had tougher competition. But this year and last year are shaping up to be some of the easiest road to the finals in a long time.

How was Heat s road easier than Spurs last year when Heat had harder time getting to the finals?
How was Heat s road tougher in 2011 when Heat had harder time in 2012?

[DMAVS41]

How was Heat s road easier than Spurs last year when Heat had harder time getting to the finals?
How was Heat s road tougher in 2011 when Heat had harder time in 2012?

Because the Heat were playing like complete shit in the Eastern playoffs last year.

It's really not hard...like...do you people still not accept how bad the Heat were playing until the finals...and even in the finals?

The Spurs were hot last year in the West....and then Parker fell off dramatically in the finals. Credit to the Heat of course, but pretending like playing the scrubs they did to get to the finals was tough is absurd.

I'm not a big regular season guy at all, but at some point not playing a 50 win team the entire eastern playoffs is pretty much a joke. Again...made even worse by the fact these teams couldn't win 50 in a weak ass conference.

[livinglegend]

Because the Heat were playing like complete shit in the Eastern playoffs last year.

It's really not hard...like...do you people still not accept how bad the Heat were playing until the finals...and even in the finals?

The Spurs were hot last year in the West....and then Parker fell off dramatically in the finals. Credit to the Heat of course, but pretending like playing the scrubs they did to get to the finals was tough is absurd.

I'm not a big regular season guy at all, but at some point not playing a 50 win team the entire eastern playoffs is pretty much a joke. Again...made even worse by the fact these teams couldn't win 50 in a weak ass conference.

Them playing like shit had probably a lot to do with their opponents and their match up problems.

It s really easy to determine strength of a team route to the finals. You look at how difficult it was for that team to get to the finals. Heat had more difficulties than Spurs, thus their route ( from their perspective) was harder.

[tpols]

How was Heat s road easier than Spurs last year when Heat had harder time getting to the finals?
How was Heat s road tougher in 2011 when Heat had harder time in 2012?

If the Heat, and Wade specifically, played like he did against indy except against the spurs, the Heat would not have won that series. Wade was like a 15/5/4 44FG player in the east and jumped to 20/5/4 48FG in the Finals..

The Heat have only had the real wade for a couple series over the past few years.. mainly Indy in 12 when bosh got hurt and spurs in 13 when bran fell off his game to start the series. He can only be used in spurts when the team gets in trouble.. so if the Heat ran into a team like the Warriors Wade would have to play and play good and it would be a close series.. they wouldnt be able to rest him like they coulld against the bucks or sixers or hawks

[DMAVS41]

Them playing like shit had probably a lot to do with their opponents and their match up problems.

It s really easy to determine strength of a team route to the finals. You look at how difficult it was for that team to get to the finals. Heat had more difficulties than Spurs, thus their route ( from their perspective) was harder.

That is horrible logic. I hope you aren't serious.

[livinglegend]

If the Heat, and Wade specifically, played like he did against indy except against the spurs, the Heat would not have won that series. Wade was like a 15/5/4 44FG player in the east and jumped to 20/5/4 48FG in the Finals..

The Heat have only had the real wade for a couple series over the past few years.. mainly Indy in 12 when bosh got hurt and spurs in 13 when bran fell off his game to start the series. He can only be used in spurts when the team gets in trouble.. so if the Heat ran into a team like the Warriors Wade would have to play and play good and it would be a close series.. they wouldnt be able to rest him like they coulld against the bucks or sixers or hawks

Wade played bad against Indiana because of their D and his injuries. His stats jumped against the Spurs because he was more comfortable against Spurs D than Pacers D. Wade wasnt resting against Indiana, it would be dumb to coast in a tough 7 games series.

[livinglegend]

That is horrible logic. I hope you aren't serious.

Explain why it s horrible.

[DMAVS41]

If the Heat, and Wade specifically, played like he did against indy except against the spurs, the Heat would not have won that series. Wade was like a 15/5/4 44FG player in the east and jumped to 20/5/4 48FG in the Finals..

The Heat have only had the real wade for a couple series over the past few years.. mainly Indy in 12 when bosh got hurt and spurs in 13 when bran fell off his game to start the series. He can only be used in spurts when the team gets in trouble.. so if the Heat ran into a team like the Warriors Wade would have to play and play good and it would be a close series.. they wouldnt be able to rest him like they coulld against the bucks or sixers or hawks

Exactly this...

[DMAVS41]

Explain why it s horrible.

Because you are assuming both teams are playing at the same level. You do realize that sometimes a team plays better then another...right?

Sometimes teams just play great or bad...irrespective of the competition.

If you can't see just how awful the Heat were playing in the East...then I give up.

Take a look at Wade;

14/5/5 49% TS in the East

You really think that was because of the competition? ROFL...he was hurt and slumping and he clearly started feeling better against the Spurs;

20/4/5 51% TS in the Finals

Again, Spurs had the 3rd best defense in the league...so it's not like they got a break by playing a weaker defense.

The Heat were playing like complete shit in the East and it artificially propped up otherwise garbage teams.

Also notice how Lebron through the first 5.75 games in the Finals was shooting very poorly. Why? Because he was tired from having to carry his team through the East while everyone else was shitting the bed. Imagine him doing that against better teams in the West...how much less would he have left in the tank? Think about how close the Heat came to losing in the finals...what if Lebron had to play 2 or 3 more tough playoff games before that. Maybe he doesn't have enough left to make that 4th qtr run in game 6...maybe Allen misses the shot...etc. This margins are very slim and it's clearly easier to play weak competition to get to the finals and then it helps in the finals as well.

But you can't just say the Spurs had it easier because they won easier...they were clearly playing better than the Heat. No ****ing way in hell do the 13 Heat sweep the 13 Grizzlies...not a chance in hell.

[tpols]

Wade played bad against Indiana because of their D and his injuries. His stats jumped against the Spurs because he was more comfortable against Spurs D than Pacers D. Wade wasnt resting against Indiana, it would be dumb to coast in a tough 7 games series.

It doesnt matter what the reasons are.. everyone knows wades injury prone. Thats why I dont believe hed be able to keep up the numbers he put up against just the spurs for the rest of the playoffs like the heat would need him to if they were playing out west:confusedshrug:

[DMAVS41]

It doesnt matter what the reasons are.. everyone knows wades injury prone. Thats why I dont believe hed be able to keep up the numbers he put up against just the spurs for the rest of the playoffs like the heat would need him to if they were playing out west:confusedshrug:

This This This...

That is the point. Wade would have to carry a bigger burden...he wouldn't have as much left playing a tougher road.

Jesus people...you are literally making Tpols and my points for us!!!!

[livinglegend]

Because you are assuming both teams are playing at the same level. You do realize that sometimes a team plays better then another...right?

Sometimes teams just play great or bad...irrespective of the competition.

If you can't see just how awful the Heat were playing in the East...then I give up.

Take a look at Wade;

14/5/5 49% TS in the East

You really think that was because of the competition? ROFL...he was hurt and slumping and he clearly started feeling better against the Spurs;

20/4/5 51% TS in the Finals

Again, Spurs had the 3rd best defense in the league...so it's not like they got a break by playing a weaker defense.

The Heat were playing like complete shit in the East and it artificially propped up otherwise garbage teams.

Also notice how Lebron through the first 5.75 games in the Finals was shooting very poorly. Why? Because he was tired from having to carry his team through the East while everyone else was shitting the bed. Imagine him doing that against better teams in the West...how much less would he have left in the tank? Think about how close the Heat came to losing in the finals...what if Lebron had to play 2 or 3 more tough playoff games before that. Maybe he doesn't have enough left to make that 4th qtr run in game 6...maybe Allen misses the shot...etc. This margins are very slim and it's clearly easier to play weak competition to get to the finals and then it helps in the finals as well.

But you can't just say the Spurs had it easier because they won easier...they were clearly playing better than the Heat. No ****ing way in hell do the 13 Heat sweep the 13 Grizzlies...not a chance in hell.

You are just making assumptions without no support. First, you assume that Lebron played bad against the Spurs because he was tired. Where did you come up with that? So he was tired for the 5 games and then suddently, he wasnt tired anymore? Doesnt make it sense. It was clearly because he didnt face that kind of defense before.

Second, you assume Wade played horrible against the Pacers and Bulls because he was hurt, but then, he played well against the Spurs because he felt better. Where did you come up with that? Are you his doctor?
It was the same Wade, but facing different teams and different defensive system.

[livinglegend]

It doesnt matter what the reasons are.. everyone knows wades injury prone. Thats why I dont believe hed be able to keep up the numbers he put up against just the spurs for the rest of the playoffs like the heat would need him to if they were playing out west:confusedshrug:

You are also making assumptions without support.
You believe that Wade coasted against the EC teams.
You believe that Heat would need Wade to put up 20 ppg to beat other western conference teams.

[DMAVS41]

You are just making assumptions without no support. First, you assume that Lebron played bad against the Spurs because he was tired. Where did you come up with that? So he was tired for the 5 games and then suddently, he wasnt tired anymore? Doesnt make it sense. It was clearly because he didnt face that kind of defense before.

Second, you assume Wade played horrible against the Pacers and Bulls because he was hurt, but then, he played well against the Spurs because he felt better. Where did you come up with that?
It was the same Wade, but facing different teams and different defensive system.

Wade clearly had a bounce in his step against the Spurs he simply did not have for much of the East playoffs...that is verifiable.

I didn't say Lebron played like that solely because he was tired...

There were many factors that go into that...one of them, in my opinion, was that he had to carry his team more than usual to get to the finals...and then had to go up against another elite defense. That tires players out...

But think about your logic and how flawed it is.

Under your logic, the 08 Hawks and 08 Cavs are better than the 08 Lakers because the Celtics needed only 6 games to beat the Lakers (in blowout fashion I might add)...while they needed 7 games to beat the Hawks and Cavs.

Now, what is more likely? That the Celtics just weren't playing that great early on in the playoffs...or that the Hawks and Cavs were better teams than the Lakers?

And while I agree about the regular season stuff and matchups play a huge role...we agree here...those things don't trump obvious facts like the 08 Lakers being clearly a better team than both the Hawks and Cavs.

Teams don't always play at the same level. How that isn't obvious to you is beyond me.

Also, the Heat were clearly playing below their normal level...and saw their 2nd best player playing obviously hurt. If you think that doesn't artificially prop up teams based on your..."how hard it is to beat a team" logic...then we are watching/discussing a different game

So what makes the most sense?

That 3 sub 50 win teams in a shit eastern conference happened to be way better than we all thought they were...or that the Heat were playing like crap in the playoffs before the finals?

Another question;

Are the Pacers currently slumping...or are they playing tough matchups and under-rated teams?

Do you really not see the flaw in your logic? Think about it...using the last 11 games to show the Pacers are playing tough teams is absurd, but that is exactly what you would be doing if this was the playoffs. You aren't leaving any room for reality...

[Just2McFly]

Both the Heat and Golden State average 103 points per game :facepalm

this makes no sense... look at the games when they play. It's a shootout, the farthest from a defensive struggle and Lebron toys with whoever they throw at him.

they rank third or whatever, which is nice, but matching up against Miami they would get exposed hard in transition.

[HOoopCityJones]

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=330700&page=7

Been saying this for a few days.

Heat fans and LBJ stans would never admit it but they've had the easiest road to the Finals of the modern Era. And yet have still found ways to struggle, usually because of Wade's injuries and Lebron trying to choke away anything and everything.

The fact that they can even afford to "rest" their second best player in the first couple rounds speaks volumes about their run.

Miami should go 16-0 or 15-1 every year with the talent they're facing out East.

[livinglegend]

Wade clearly had a bounce in his step against the Spurs he simply did not have for much of the East playoffs...that is verifiable.

I didn't say Lebron played like that solely because he was tired...

There were many factors that go into that...one of them, in my opinion, was that he had to carry his team more than usual to get to the finals...and then had to go up against another elite defense. That tires players out...

But think about your logic and how flawed it is.

Under your logic, the 08 Hawks and 08 Cavs are better than the 08 Lakers because the Celtics needed only 6 games to beat the Lakers (in blowout fashion I might add)...while they needed 7 games to beat the Hawks and Cavs.

Now, what is more likely? That the Celtics just weren't playing that great early on in the playoffs...or that the Hawks and Cavs were better teams than the Lakers?

And while I agree about the regular season stuff and matchups play a huge role...we agree here...those things don't trump obvious facts like the 08 Lakers being clearly a better team than both the Hawks and Cavs.

Teams don't always play at the same level. How that isn't obvious to you is beyond me.

Also, the Heat were clearly playing below their normal level...and saw their 2nd best player playing obviously hurt. If you think that doesn't artificially prop up teams based on your..."how hard it is to beat a team" logic...then we are watching/discussing a different game

I think here lays the problem with this topic. It s impossible to tell why a team dont play at the same level during different playoffs series. A team may play worse because of the other team s defensive scheme or match up problems or health problems or mental problems, etc. Different factors can influence a team s level of play. Us as fans can never really confirm which factors influenced a team s play. You think Heat s play was influenced by their health, their mindset and I think it was matchup problems and tougher defense of the other teams. It s impossible to prove which one of us is right. This discussion will lead us nowhere.

However, one thing is sure, Heat s level of play was more affected than the Spurs last year. Many factors made Heat play much worse than the way they played in the regular season. Those factors made their run to the finals much tougher than expected. This is why i say their road was tougher.

[DMAVS41]

I think here lays the problem with this topic. It s impossible to tell why a team dont play at the same level during different playoffs series. A team may play worse because of the other team s defensive scheme or match up problems or health problems or mental problems, etc. Different factors can influence a team s level of play. Us as fans can never really confirm which factors influenced a team s play. You think Heat s play was influenced by their health, their mindset and I think it was matchup problems and tougher defense of the other teams. It s impossible to prove which one of us is right. This discussion will lead us nowhere.

However, one thing is sure, Heat s level of play was more affected than the Spurs last year. Many factors made Heat play much worse than the way they played in the regular season. Those factors made their run to the finals much tougher than expected. This is why i say their road was tougher.

I think it's a combination of everything....not just one thing. So I don't follow your point there...I never said it was just one thing.

But please take a step back and think about the current Pacers or the 08 Celtics. Under your extremely narrow view...you'd be forced to praise the competition level for these teams. And we all know the Pacers are just slumping right now and it has nothing to do with the competition....or at least very little.

I can't explain it any more clearly than that...and that is why your way is very flawed.

And we can determine which team had tougher competition. And again...while we agree about the regular season and matchups...we can't ignore the regular season completely. The Heat didn't face a 50 win team in a weak ass conference. That is objectively a fact. No room to debate. None of the teams the Heat faced in the East were good enough to win 50 in a shit conference. End all be all? Hell no, but it's a factor of team strength.

Then factor in the slumps of Bosh and many of the Heat shooters...combined with the clear as day fact that Wade was hurt...and you see ample evidence as to why the Heat struggled more against these weaker teams than they would have. Then, conversely, the Spurs were healthy and rolling and swept round 1, won in 6 against a hot Warriors team, then swept a 56 win Memphis team that had the 2nd best defense in the league and was playing extremely well as they just made the conference finals. See? Under your logic the Pacers were better/tougher than the Grizzlies, but that is horribly flawed. The Grizzlies won 7 more games in a tougher conference...had a slightly better offense and slightly worse defense. They would have posed all the same problems...in fact, I think the Grizzlies were just better than the Pacers last year. But you can't say that on your way of thinking. And that is where the flaw lies...it's obvious.

Just seems obvious which team had the tougher road. Although I wouldn't sit here and say it was a huge difference...never said it was. This year is what we are talking about and this year it is likely to be a huge difference. But we'll have to see...there could be upsets or the Pacers might get their shit together. We don't know yet...but as of now it's obvious the road to the finals in the West is going to be clearly more difficult.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Not easiest ever but it is certainly going to be pretty easy. But who knows maybe Indiana regains form.

[tpols]

this makes no sense... look at the games when they play. It's a shootout, the farthest from a defensive struggle and Lebron toys with whoever they throw at him.

they rank third or whatever, which is nice, but matching up against Miami they would get exposed hard in transition.

Youre right.. all the games Golden State plays are shootouts and all the games miami plays are defensive battles.. thats why they average the same amount of points per game on the season and GS actually holds their opponents to lower offensive efficiency

[tpols]

You are also making assumptions without support.
You believe that Wade coasted against the EC teams.
You believe that Heat would need Wade to put up 20 ppg to beat other western conference teams.

I dont believe anything.. Wade was injured for the east last year.. whether you want to call it coasting or not idc. Its not an issue of belief.. its factually what happened. Wade has had injuries pop up on and off all playoffs long last 2-3 years. If he had an injury pop up against the spurs w/o HCA and put up a 15/5/4 statline the Heat are probably gonna lose because they almost lost with him playing much better. Same goes for memphis, thunder, and clippers.. Wade put up 23/6/5 against the thunder in the 12 Finals.. if he throws up a huge dud like hes been afforded to do out east against one of the top western teams the heat probably lose.. especially w/o HCA

[Just2McFly]

Youre right.. all the games Golden State plays are shootouts and all the games miami plays are defensive battles.. thats why they average the same amount of points per game on the season and GS actually holds their opponents to lower offensive efficiency
You have no concept of context at all. what good is defensive rating when your style of offense plays right into your opponents hands? MIA makes GSW cough up the ball like no tomorrow and kills them in transition. The only way the warriors win more than a game is if they go off from three.

If I was lebron, I'd rather face a team that plays to my strengths(i.e. Golden State, OKC, Suns,etc.) instead of a team like the bulls and pacers than can play that slugfest, 90's Knicks/Heat grind em out style because the Heat arent built for that.

that's why when you are screaming from the rooftops about how easy their run is going to be, i know that you aren't taking in the details of the situation.

[DMAVS41]

You have no concept of context at all. what good is defensive rating when your style of offense plays right into your opponents hands? MIA makes GSW cough up the ball like no tomorrow and kills them in transition. The only way the warriors win more than a game is if they go off from three.

If I was lebron, I'd rather face a team that plays to my strengths(i.e. Golden State, OKC, Suns,etc.) instead of a team like the bulls and pacers than can play that slugfest, 90's Knicks/Heat grind em out style because the Heat arent built for that.

that's why when you are screaming from the rooftops about how easy their run is going to be, i know that you aren't taking in the details of the situation.

I'm not getting into this specific discussion you two are having, but all tpols needs here is that the Warriors would be a tougher matchup than the Hawks.

Which I hope you aren't disputing.

[tpols]

You have no concept of context at all. what good is defensive rating when your style of offense plays right into your opponents hands? MIA makes GSW cough up the ball like no tomorrow and kills them in transition. The only way the warriors win more than a game is if they go off from three.

If I was lebron, I'd rather face a team that plays to my strengths(i.e. Golden State, OKC, Suns,etc.) instead of a team like the bulls and pacers than can play that slugfest, 90's Knicks/Heat grind em out style because the Heat arent built for that.

that's why when you are screaming from the rooftops about how easy their run is going to be, i know that you aren't taking in the details of the situation.

The warriors dont have the big men to give miami trouble ? Theyre the third best rebounding team in the league and have the 3rd best defense. David Lee/Andrew Bogut would abuse them down low just as much as a combo like Hibbert/West.. theyre not far off you know?

And then they have far more dangerous perimeter players than Indy.. I dont think GS wins with Wade playing well but if he gets hurt and throws up a shit series? Yes it will become very close and thats just the first round out west. Any way you slice it its a million times tougher than the hawks or knicks...

[DMAVS41]

The warriors dont have the big men to bang with Miami ? Theyre the third best rebounding team in the league and have the 3rd best defense. David Lee/Andrew Bogut would abuse them down low just as much as a combo like Hibbert/West.. theyre not far off you know?

And then they have far more dangerous perimeter players than Indy.. I dont think GS wins with Wade playing well but if he gets hurt and throws up a shit series? Yes it will become very close and thats just the first round out west. Any way you slice it its a million times tougher than the hawks or knicks...

Exactly. And the Warriors have Iggy as well to chase Lebron around. To act like this is just a throw away series for the Heat is absurd. It's not at all...

[Just2McFly]

I'm not getting into this specific discussion you two are having, but all tpols needs here is that the Warriors would be a tougher matchup than the Hawks.

Which I hope you aren't disputing.

Of course they would but i dont remember the Warriors being an eight seed... this is so point less.

[DMAVS41]

Of course they would but i dont remember the Warriors being an eight seed... this is so point less.

What?

The Heat would be the 3rd seed in the West currently if we moved the Spurs to the East to be fair.

Warriors are currently the 6th seed.

Do you realize that the Heat would actually be the 4th seed in the West right now? And they'd likely have an even worse record having to play tougher teams all year...at least a couple wins less.

[Doranku]

How are people even arguing about this? It's obvious that the Heat have benefited tremendously from playing in a historically weak Conference.

If the Heat somehow fail to win it this year, 2 rings in 4 years is quite honestly a failure given how much more talented the Heat have been than the rest of the league since the Big 3 collusion.

[Just2McFly]

The warriors dont have the big men to give miami trouble ? Theyre the third best rebounding team in the league and have the 3rd best defense. David Lee/Andrew Bogut would abuse them down low just as much as a combo like Hibbert/West.. theyre not far off you know?

And then they have far more dangerous perimeter players than Indy.. I dont think GS wins with Wade playing well but if he gets hurt and throws up a shit series? Yes it will become very close and thats just the first round out west. Any way you slice it its a million times tougher than the hawks or knicks...
:oldlol: :oldlol: :oldlol:

What is this supposed to mean?

Are you just inputting Miami's record into the western standings and seeing who they would match up against? That's the foundation you built your argument on? A completely idiotic fallacy?

You are hyping up the Warriors so much its ridiculous. I go off what I've seen over the past and that's Miami's trapping and ball hawking destroying the flow of GS's offense for stretches and abusing them in transition.

GS focuses in too much on Lebron and gives Bosh,Allen and Wade open lanes/looks .

Just watch the games.

[DMAVS41]

How are people even arguing about this? It's obvious that the Heat have benefited tremendously from playing in a historically weak Conference.

If the Heat somehow fail to win it this year, 2 rings in 4 years is quite honestly a failure given how much more talented the Heat have been than the rest of the league since the Big 3 collusion.

Totally agree.

But if they win...3 rings in 4 years and 4 finals in a row is quite amazing...even given the lack of competition.

This is the absolute make or break year for the Heat. They should already have a 3 peat...so it's their own fault (Lebron's really), but 2 in 4 is actually average for a team this good compared to what the league and their conference has been like since 11.

[Just2McFly]

What?

The Heat would be the 3rd seed in the West currently if we moved the Spurs to the East to be fair.

Warriors are currently the 6th seed.

Do you realize that the Heat would actually be the 4th seed in the West right now? And they'd likely have an even worse record having to play tougher teams all year...at least a couple wins less.

I didn't know a team could be transplanted to another conference without playing that conference's schedule. This is beyond dumb.

[DMAVS41]

:oldlol: :oldlol: :oldlol:

What is this supposed to mean?

Are you just inputting Miami's record into the western standings and seeing who they would match up against? That's the foundation you built your argument on? A completely idiotic fallacy?

You are hyping up the Warriors so much its ridiculous. I go off what I've seen over the past and that's Miami's trapping and ball hawking destroying the flow of GS's offense for stretches and abusing them in transition.

GS focuses in too much on Lebron and gives Bosh,Allen and Wade open lanes/looks .

Just watch the games.

What?

The Heat would be worse playing in the West all year...they'd have at least 2 less wins. They'd be locked into the 3 seed if we moved the Spurs or Thunder over to the East to be fair.

And their first round opponent would be the Warriors.

What are you talking about?

[DMAVS41]

I didn't know a team could be transplanted to another conference without playing that conference's schedule. This is beyond dumb.

No it's not...especially when the Heat's record would just get worse...with no chance of getting better. They would be locked into the 3 seed...

LOL at acting like the Heat would do better in the West playing better teams more often...:facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm

[Just2McFly]

What?

The Heat would be worse playing in the West all year...they'd have at least 2 less wins. They'd be locked into the 3 seed if we moved the Spurs or Thunder over to the East to be fair.

And their first round opponent would be the Warriors.

What are you talking about?
can you also tell me the lottery numbers, what stocks will multiply in value over the next couple years and host of others things since that you are so confident in your psychic abilities.

[Just2McFly]

No it's not...especially when the Heat's record would just get worse...with no chance of getting better. They would be locked into the 3 seed...

LOL at acting like the Heat would do better in the West playing better teams more often...:facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm
I'm not acting like shit. I am merely laugh at the pure stupidity of this argument. You guys are just randomly throwing the heat in the west, with no division, taking their record as is and pitting them against a team that plays their style of ball but on a lower level and telling me that the Warriors would push them to the brink.

I do not know how they would play in the west, I'm a logical guy so i would look at the records just to see how they did against the west...then go from there.

[DMAVS41]

I'm not acting like shit. I am merely laugh at the pure stupidity of this argument. You guys are just randomly throwing the heat in the west, with no division, taking their record as is and pitting them against a team that plays their style of ball but on a lower level and telling me that the Warriors would push them to the brink.

I do not know how they would play in the west, I'm a logical guy so i would look at the records just to see how they did against the west...then go from there.

It's not hard.

The West is better than the East. More games against better teams is going to result in likely less wins for the Heat overall. Hence I gave them two less wins. But we don't even need that...we can give them the same record. And they'd still be the 3rd seed in this hypothetical.

It's called logic. I suggest you use it. The real crazy position is you thinking we are stepping out of bounds by inferring that if the Heat played in a far better conference...they'd have as many or slightly less wins. LOL

[Connor B]

I'm not acting like shit. I am merely laugh at the pure stupidity of this argument. You guys are just randomly throwing the heat in the west, with no division, taking their record as is and pitting them against a team that plays their style of ball but on a lower level and telling me that the Warriors would push them to the brink.

I do not know how they would play in the west, I'm a logical guy so i would look at the records just to see how they did against the west...then go from there.

We do not need specifics or divisions. This isn't a complicated scenario. Imagine if the Heat had to play any number of teams in the west over teams in the east. While they still would in the end get to the Finals probably, it is completely fair to say it would be harder. That's it.

[KingBeasley08]

lol people salty as fck


three in a row baby :banana: :banana:

[ImKobe]

We do not need specifics or divisions. This isn't a complicated scenario. Imagine if the Heat had to play any number of teams in the west over teams in the east. While they still would in the end get to the Finals probably, it is completely fair to say it would be harder. That's it.

Miami would have their hands full, if they were to play in the Western Conference right now. Let's assume that they have the same W-L record & they would be in the West right now, they'd be a 4th seed.

That means that they'd most likely go through Houston, San Antonio & then they'd play OKC in the WCF, that's one hell of a road.

[DMAVS41]

Miami would have their hands full, if they were to play in the Western Conference right now. Let's assume that they have the same W-L record & they would be in the West right now, they'd be a 4th seed.

That means that they'd most likely go through Houston, San Antonio & then they'd play OKC in the WCF, that's one hell of a road.

We were moving either the Thunder or Spurs to the East to be fair...because if you just put the Heat into the conference without moving a team...that wouldn't really be indicative of what the conference is now.

If you take away the Thunder or Spurs and move them to the East...it works pretty well.

They'd be the 3 seed currently with the same record.

[MadSolar]

IF you switch Spurs to the East and Miami to the west then the Spurs would sweep through the East and blowout every team 20+ including the Pacers. Samething with OKC. Miami is still arguably the best team in the NBA.

Who had a better run Mavs in 2011 or heat the last 2 years? It was obvously the MAVS.
It's simple really.

[tpols]

:oldlol: :oldlol: :oldlol:

What is this supposed to mean?

Are you just inputting Miami's record into the western standings and seeing who they would match up against?

No im comparing the Heats current upcoming playoff competition in a weak conference to that of a strong one to contrast the difference.. and you have no answer for how the east is just way weaker.

[Just2McFly]

It's not hard.

The West is better than the East. More games against better teams is going to result in likely less wins for the Heat overall. Hence I gave them two less wins. But we don't even need that...we can give them the same record. And they'd still be the 3rd seed in this hypothetical.

It's called logic. I suggest you use it. The real crazy position is you thinking we are stepping out of bounds by inferring that if the Heat played in a far better conference...they'd have as many or slightly less wins. LOLLOL

I'm know that the heat play to their competition so I have no idea how they would perform and I'm pretty sure they have an awesome record against the west.

[Black Mamba's B]

Yes they do. It's the East

[Legends66NBA7]

1 thing needs to happen if Miami were in the West ... and that is a team from the West has to go to the East to balance out the conferences.

Otherwise, what's the point of conferences?

[Heavincent]

You are hyping up the Warriors so much its ridiculous. I go off what I've seen over the past and that's Miami's trapping and ball hawking destroying the flow of GS's offense for stretches and abusing them in transition.

GS focuses in too much on Lebron and gives Bosh,Allen and Wade open lanes/looks .

Just watch the games.

What the hell are you even talking about here? The Warriors beat the Heat by 9 in their first game, and the second game literally came down to the last shot by Lebron.

I don't even know what the argument is in this thread. Is the west not far superior to the east? Would the Heat not be playing much better teams in the earlier rounds if they were in the west? I just don't get what Lebron/Heat fans are trying to argue in this thread.

[Heavincent]

1 thing needs to happen if Miami were in the West ... and that is a team from the West has to go to the East to balance out the conferences.

Otherwise, what's the point of conferences?

Just switch the Spurs and Heat.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

LOL

I'm know that the heat play to their competition so I have no idea how they would perform and I'm pretty sure they have an awesome record against the west.

Ohhh brother... the "coasting" argument. Just as crazy as the "eye-test" BS people throw around here (yea.. I've used it before too... :oldlol:)