The Finals have been -- correctly -- billed as LeBron vs. the Spurs. But there are a host of more subtle storylines that are just as intriguing:
LeBron vs. Bruce Bowen: Rare is the star who hasn't openly ripped into Bowen and his defensive tactics. To this point, James has fared well against the Spurs' stopper, but after stepping on each other's toes - literally -- for four or more games, will James join the Vince Carters and Ray Allens of the NBA in criticizing Bowen? James has rolled his ankle a few times this season already; another instance at the feet of Bowen might be too much even for the league's new face to hold his tongue.
Another lesson for Mike Brown: The Cavs coach developed many of his philosophies at the arm of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, whom Brown assisted from 2000-03. Even in this spring's playoffs, Brown would consult with his mentor. Now school's out and Brown will have to fly on his own. And though the Cavs seem to have adopted Brown's defensive principles, they far too often look lost on offense, a state Brown has been reluctant to admit. The Spurs' boa-constrictor-tight defense, though, may demonstrate even to Brown just how dysfunctional the Cleveland offense can be.
Floppers Ball: Cleveland's Anderson Varejao drove the Pistons' batty with his penchant for drawing offensive fouls, most of which the Pistons felt were more acting jobs than fouls. He will meet his match in fellow thespian Manu Ginobili, who is no stranger to sprawling backwards on the floor. With Ginobili likely to be defending players with far less respect from the refs than Varejao will with Duncan, our money is on the Spurs' dervish to win this battle, but Duncan's role in getting referee Joey Crawford booted late in the regular season could make this interesting.
The James Gang: Cleveland's supporting cast not only has been cast aside as largely anonymous, but ineffective, too. And while there is no one on the Cleveland roster the likes of Tony Parker or Ginobili or even Michael Finley, there are some solid NBA pros such as Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden who could make the Spurs sweat a little if they can contribute something meaningful in the boxscore. And they will likely have to as we can't see the Spurs leaving rookie phenom Daniel Gibson as open as Detroit did in the conference finals.
Nothing free for Duncan: Tim Duncan has played like a man possessed in the playoffs, averaging 23.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.3 blocks through 16 games. But he's played like a man scared at the free-throw line, hitting less than 65 percent of his attempts. Considering Duncan is the Spur sent to the line most often, and considering that Cleveland may use as many as four different bigs to defend him, Duncan's foul shooting may well decide how close the Spurs keep the Cavs in each game.
All that written, there is no reason the Spurs shouldn't win this series. They have more talent, better coaching and deeper experience. But the Cavs have played to the level of their competition all season, which should bode well for a Finals more closely contested than many expect.
But that's just my opinion. How do you think the Finals will play out?
Shanon Lersh
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Comments (22) Add A Comment
It's going to be closer than people anticipate because Mike Brown has an advantage comparable to Nelly's when the Warriors ousted my Mavs. I say the Cavs give the Spurs six games but while San Antonio wins again, my heart takes courage as I anticipate this dynasty falling. After all, when the Mavs aren't playing G. State, they're better than anyone else in the Association. I hope the Cavs can pull the upset, though.
Brad James
Manti , UT
Total Comments (37)
The Cavs will not make it past game 5 of this series. They will be outplayed!
EastCoastJessie
Total Comments (1262)
All I ever hear is that the Cavs cant do it, and I have heard that since the regular season. Inspite of all that, they had a 50 win season (second best in the Eastern Conference), the went 2-0 against the spurs, they made it to the conference finals and in the process lost only four games. I think they like being underestimated and my money is that they are being severly estimated once again. Oh, I am sure there will be excuses once that happens too - Duncan played without fire, the Spurs took them too lightly, it snowed in San Antonia, the Alamo was re-taken causing a distraction etc etc. Ho hum, I'm tired of pundits and commentators singing the same old tune - its time for a wake up call, again!!
RJB, Boston
Cambridge , MA
Total Comments (2)
Everything is possible for a Cavs win (not upset). The Spurs may be in for a shocker and they won't know what hit them. Larry Hughes will be the X factor in this series and LeBron must drive to the basket and hit his free throws. LeBron will be the Finals MVP not Duncan. We would also like to see how Eric Snow will "leech-like" guarding of Ginobili, Finley.
This will be a hotly contested Finals.
Whether the Cavs end up as the champion, Cavs have to beef up their roster via free agency or trade. They should train their sights on Gerald Wallace (SF/SG) and Walter Herrmann (PF) and trade with the Clippers for the rights to Sofoklis Schortsianitis (C/PF) or Tyson Chandler (C) of Hornets.
RicBogilAdonis
Total Comments (1)
Cavs in 7. Their D will shut the Spurs down and frustrate them big time
Amber_laden
Akron , OH
Total Comments (1)
We hear the same line again from the SI and other sports pundits. How many of them picked Cavs to be in the finals (none) or for that matter San Antonio (one). Cavs should be able to neutralize the guard and small forward combination of SA (Parker, Ginobli, and Bowen) just like they did against NJ (Kidd, Carter, & Jefferson), and Detroit (Billips, Hamilton, & Prince). It all depends on how well Cavs big guys - Z, Varejao, & Gooden, fare against Tim Duncan, the best power forward that ever played in the game of basketball. But I don't count them out by any means. If Cavs loose, it would be because of the inconsistent play of Sasha and Hughes and the bench players: Snow, Jones. We will see how great it would be for the Cavs to pull this off.
Cavsfan2009
Total Comments (2)
I'm a Spurs fans and really want them to win. But LeBron scares me. Has his time come? I hope for a great series. Good luck Cleveland!
El_Stone
Total Comments (500)
Of course the Cavs can win, but I see the team pulling it together for one home win and Lebron winning another on individual talent alone. THe rest go to the Spurs. San Antonio in six.
Favrefan
Bellingham, WA
Total Comments (3640)
Even though this is two of the top players in the Leauge (playing different position) it will be a very boring Finals. I put that on the style of their games. If both were PF or SF than it would be interesting because they would guard eachother and you would see a one on ene match up. Not the case here .Oh well maybe next time.
JULIUSCESAR25
N/A, FL
Total Comments (36)
People keep talking about the Cavs defense being the best in the playoffs. Against the East!!! The Wizards w/o Arenas, the jump shooting Nets, and a pistons team that couldnt buy a three to space the floor. After the Pistons beatdown a lakers team in 2004 a realized that anything was possible in the playoffs but player but Lebron can abuse the Spurs consistently, which is exactly what they will need to win a 7 games series. Spurs in 6 due to the 2-3-2 format and Parker's streaky jump shot on the pick and roll.
gsg
Denver , CO
Total Comments (6)
Lets face it. It really is Lebron vs the Spurs. If the Cavs hope to win they need to change it to the Cavs vs the Spurs. They need atleast 2 to 3 other players to show up if they hope to beat the spurs. I see this happening maybe once at home (game 3). I see Lebron winning a game (either game 2 or game 4). Which puts the Spurs winning in six.
Side note, I would prefer the winning team to win at home, So while I expect a game 6 win, I'm hoping for a game 5 or 7 win for the Spurs.
rabidkeebler
San Marcos , TX
Total Comments (9)
Cavs in 7, after Brent Barry is thrown to the floor in garbage time of game 4, causing 3 of the Spurs' starters to leave the bench. :0
wrench217
Hillsboro , OR
Total Comments (1)
Everyone seems to forget that the Spurs are in the finals because of a free pass from the NBA. Who cares? Whoever wins should have an asterisk next to their name.
ELK
Total Comments (2)
It makes me laugh when I read all of the comments about the Cav???s not being able to handle the Spurs. Cleveland is 3-1 against the Spurs since Brown became the coach in Cleveland and won 2 twice this year the second game by 18 points I believe.
Nobody thought the Cav???s would beat the Pistons but they did! As matter of fact they out played them in all 6 games and it should have finished in a 4 game sweep.
The Spurs have their hands, Feet, Bodies and Heads full in this series and I can not wait to read the articles after Cleveland takes this series and the fun reading starts tonight.
I just can not believe everyone is saying Spurs this, Spurs that, Ducan this and Duncan that! Where was Duncan in the first two games this year against Cleveland? I know the Spurs are playing better now is everyone???s answer but so are the Cavs!
Lou G Canton Ohio
Canton , OH
Total Comments (5)
Cavs in 2! After the second vistory, the Spurs will be so shell shocked, the rest of the games wont matter
RJB, Boston
Cambridge , MA
Total Comments (2)
Wow..I enjoy reading everyone comments about how the Cavs swepted the Spurs during the Reg season. An the Cavs should be able to neutralize the guard!!!
Ok first of call there is no one on the Cavs Team(that includes Lebron) that will be able to slow down Tony P. Did you see what he did again Utah Guards(and even AK47). Secondly both Duncan & Tony P avg 20+ point in the previously two meeting, the X Factor is Manu & Finley. If Manu scores more than 15 points and Finely 13 points the Spurs will win the series hands down.
Everyone one keeps talking about Lebron this and Lebron that. Believe me I do think Lebron will win a Championship soon, but it won't be again the Spurs. This Spurs team is built for the playoffs which means they don't fight agains one another, they respect their coach and they know how to play the best Team Defense in the League. Some sayed that Lebron could score 50 points against the first and maybe they will let him do that but what separates the Spurs from all the other teams is that they will wear U down. The rest of the cavs will need to score if they don't it will be a really short series.
When all is said and done I pick the Spurs to win there 4 title(and probably their last) in 6 games(6 only because they want to win it at home)
BasicBlaq
Beverly Hills , CA
Total Comments (1)
if cavs can steal a game or two, that'll be great for me. there's nothing to be ashamed of if you're a cavs fan. win or loose, my hats off th the cleveland cavaliers!!!
drivesavers
Total Comments (4)
It will help the league should the Cavs win the title. Right now, with all the hoopla of the Spurs being the outright winner, ratings may just go down. Honestly, I'm seek and tired of repetitive winners. Besides, the Spurs got their ticket with the NBA's unceremonious suspension of 2 Suns players during Game5 of the Suns-Spurs battle.
Baldo
Total Comments (1)
GO CAVS!!! Like anyone (but SA fans) wants to see the Spurs win ANOTHER title........
Jewlz(MFFL)
Avondale , AZ
Total Comments (7)
i think the spurs take this in 6 because they have way more championship experience and when tim duncan isn't playing at his best the spurs can still win but when lebron isn't at his best the cavs dont normally win and tim duncan has way better players around him then lebron does thats why i dont see them beating the spurs but i really like cleveland though just not against my spurs
nelly-bone
Pittsburgh , PA
Total Comments (1)
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