Heat vs Thunder - 2012 NBA Finals: A 'Ballers' Battle

   

Who's Down to Ball?

 

This year's NBA 'b-ball' finals, between the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder, is all ball-n-swagg, baby! Finally the game 'b-ball' fans have been longing to see, a battle of young NBA greats and future champions will feature, arguably, the game's best two talents: 

  Lebron James and Kevin Durant!

While some odds and prediction makers seem eager to give Miami the nod in a seven game series, it might be a mistake to count OKC, the underdogs, out so soon and so easily. 

The Big3 in Miami -- King James, D. Wade and Bosh 
-- may be too hot to handle for the Boston Celtics, but getting into the paint won't be an acceptable proposition for the lengthy-likes of Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, and a defiant Kendrick Perkins.

If OKC can keep, either, King James or D. Wade out of the box, forcing them to take perimeter shots, Oklahoma will likely earn their first NBA title. 

Considering Chris Bosh is just getting back to business, helping Miami advance to the finals with a solid performance against Boston in game seven, it's too soon to expect CB to remain healthy, as the series against the Thunder becomes more turbulent and physically challenging. 

The Thunder are a tight crew of young, hungry, athletic, fast, and way-too-talented bunch to be intimidated by Miami's brand of heat-game. No doubt, Batman and Robin (James and Wade) and the rest of the Heat can put-it-down with great athleticism and skill, too, but the bulk of Miami's "heat" is generated by these two heroic stars.

If just one of them, Bosh, James or Wade, isn't on-point throughout a series of fast-breaks served-up by OKC's thunder & lightening speed, the Heat's dynamic duo, along with their starting center, may just have to settle for champions of NBA-swagg-fashion.

And  the 'X' factor  no one seems to notice, except Oklahoma's coaching staff; the veteran leadership, experience, game I.Q., and poise of 5-Time NBA champ, Derek Fisher (aka: D-Fish), who is just as
determined to help his team earn [the] bling...and sport another NBA Championship ring on his 6th finger. 

Blame it on Kupchak, Kobe! 

Had it not been for Fisher's, "as usual", clutch play and court leadership, during an entire 4th quarter of game seven against the Spurs, the inexperienced Thunder were looking to self-destruct and possibly see another opportunity to be known as Kings of The Court, slip through their fingers.

Against a Miami offense fully heated and healthy, mental toughness and focus, fueled by a will-to-win and 'gotta-get-mine' attitude, must be OKC's most potent invisible weapon against  the 'zone' factor, or rhythm & flow of [the] D. Wade-King James connection.

Perhaps their "connection" will be disco'd by OKC's "quiet storm", represented by two young bolts of lightening:

Russell Westbrook and James Harden 

Hands down, Miami gets Ballerswagg's nod for Team with Most Swagg, but OKC...them boys look like they want it more, and could care less about swagg; they want that title. But to get it, they will have to take it from King James and Prince Wade -- who probably assume they deserve it more. Square Biz, Ballerswagg will be in the buildin'!

TicketFeeder - Basketball Tickets

  
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2K12 MIAMI HEAT

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPS

2K12 NBA FINALS GAME SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES EASTERN):


G1: Miami @ Oklahoma City (Tues., June 12, 9p)

G2: Miami @ Oklahoma City (Thrs., June 14, 9p)

G3: Oklahoma City @ Miami (Sun., June 17, 8p)

G4: Oklahoma City @ Miami (Tues, June 19, 9p)

G5: Oklahoma City @ Miami (Thrs., June 21, 9p)

G6: Miami @ Oklahoma City (Sun., June 24, 9p)

G7: Miami @ Oklahoma City (Tues., June 26, 9p)

2K12 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPS

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The Return of Allen Iverson to 'Philly Love' at Game 6 of NBA Playoff and Wants to 'Ball' Pro Again

   

Before game six of the 2K12 NBA playoffs, between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, eleven-time All-Star, Allen Iverson (aka:  The Answer) returned to his court of greatness, in the City of Brotherly Love, to deliver the game ball and no-doubt a splash of good luck.

And that luck was bankable as the 76ers beat Boston and now look forward to game seven, and hopefully advancing to face their next opponent in the eastern conference. 

But the real story is 'The I' and his possible return to the NBA. Say what? Yes sir! According to reports, during an interview with Iverson, he said the following:

“I’m not using that word (retirement)…” he said. “The way it is right now, I’ve accepted the fact that (returning to play in the NBA) might not happen. But I still want to play basketball. If I can get an opportunity to where it’s going to make me happy at the end of my career, I’ll take that opportunity. But I just love to play and I want to have another opportunity to play on the professional level.” 

Although returning to the pro ranks of the NBA might not happen like 'The Answer' wants it to, as far as fans and ballers are concerned...

"'The I' gets much love in Philly!"

Andrew Bynum ties NBA record for most Blocks in playoff game!

 

 'Big Smack' was turnt-up against Nuggets in game 1 of NBA playoffs!

In the Laker's first game of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, Lisa Leslie said of L.A. Laker's center: "Andrew was 'Bynumite'!" Leslie also said she "had to give 'props' to my twitter followers for that one", referring to Bynum's explosive play during the Laker's 103 - 88 victory over Denver.

 [Stat:  winner of game 1 wins series 78% of time]

And even though [the] 'Black Mamba' did his usual thang ('sho-nuff' cold as ice until the second half, scoring a total of 31pts), it was BIG Andrew Bynum who dominated and flossed hard in the paint, earning a triple-double, a first since Laker legend - Magic Johnson did it in the '91 NBA finals, with 10 big blocked shots, 10 points and 13 rebounds in game one against Denver!

With 30 points scored against the Nuggets on 4.13.2K12, in spite of his 10 buckets today, "his timing was impeccable", said Kobe about 'Big-Bang's' blocking and rebounding ability in today's game. According to Laker head coach - Mike Brown, "The difference in the game was Adrew Bynum."
 

"He was an absolute BEAST down there!" -Coach Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers

Talk about doggin'-um, number 17 caused Nuggets to crumble with just 16 of 44 shots scored in the paint; he was blocking, dunking and rebounding with high energy. Laker legend - Michael Cooper said, "his play was stellar"! 

The other 7 footer - Pau Gasol also put-in-work on 'D', as he almost triple doubled, too, but laced-up a nice set of digits to help his team secure the 'dub':

13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks

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Once upon a time [young] Andrew Bynum
 

was harshly and just about routinely criticized for his perceived lack of will, strength and endurance. Many fans, critics and analysts forgot that although he joined the NBA in a mans frame, he was still a developing 'youngsta' trying to figure out how to run with the big doggs. 

With tutelage from The Cap (Kareem Abdul Jabbar), experience, growth, dedication to his craft,  and maintaining good health (*this year only one game missed due to injury) - he'll likely continue to reek havoc on the opposition! 

And as Bynum becomes more confident and settled in his physicality (coordination, reflexes, etc.), the evolution of his 'b-ball' I.Q. will allow him to continue to dominate the middle for seasons to come. 

Think about it:  Andrew Bynum has been playing pro ball for six years, most of which has been spent healing battle wounds his developing frame wasn't used to absorbing from more powerful and physically seasoned NBA centers. But at 25 years old, 'Big Drew' is poised to become one of the NBA's next [most] dominating 'Big Men' to play the game - go hard, 'Big Bang'!

Metta World Peace gets 7 game suspension for violent 'bow' to 'dome' of James Harden

'Deez-am', Ron! Just when we all thought Metta World Peace was finally on the road to  non-violent court conduct, L.A. Lakers forward - [Ron Artest] showed up in the second quarter of a double over time defeat of the Oklahoma City Thunder. After completing a critical [dunk] play, Artest 'gives-it' to Thunder's shooting guard - James Harden, causing Harden to suffer a concussion -- boo!

    As a result of Ron's (no dis', Metta, but we gotta call you Ron Artest when it's like that) shockingly violent flagrant foul, intentional or not, apology or not, and violation of league conduct rules -- he has earned a seven game suspension. 

NBA Commissioner - David Stern said regarding the unfortunate incident, "The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area." He also stated, "We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations." 

Unfortunately for Artest and the Lakers, missing seven games of hustle, muscle rebounding, and dunking and stealing balls will be hard to replace, but the Lakers have shown a knack for adjusting to difficult situations. This is one tight jam, though, that is no doubt a concern for Laker management.

"Metta has for the most part been a model citizen both on and off the court since joining the Lakers. Still, his most recent lapse in judgment is not to be condoned or accepted. His actions could have seriously injured another player, and his absence during this suspension will hurt our team, as well. While we accept the league's decision, we will be supportive of Metta and try to help him be more professional on the court." -Mitch Kupchak

While fans appreciate Metta's passionate style of 'b-ball' swagg, they don't want to see cats take shots, especially to the 'dome', that could seriously hurt or fatally wound players. Considering Metta's apology to his teammates, the league, fans and Harden, no doubt, if he could do it all over again, just after dunkin' over Kevin Durant , 'MWP' would have pounded his chest (all good), then headed down court to 'D-Up' without incident. 

Monday's Top 10 NBA Plays

Monday night 'b-ball' was hot around NBA! 

First up is your boy, 'King James' with a mean lean-in dunk.

Next, Andre Iguodala, "holla", drives down the middle for an easy put-down. 

At number eight, and maybe this play should have been numero-uno, at number 10, cause 'VC' -Vince Carter looked like Barry Sanders shaking and faking through defenders, then finishes with a nasty rim blaster - aaahhh!  

A power play by Joakim Noah nets him the number seven position. 

The clean-up man, George Hill was feelin' it after a nice two-hand put-back slam, which placed him in seat 6. 

Smack dab in the middle, at position five, and worth every bit of fans' expectations -- 'Big Red', 'BG' - Black Griffin hits an acrobatic spin, off-the-glass, and-1, ringer; yeah dat!  

Derrick Williams occupies pn4 with a 'for-realla' right hand power jam. 

But quite nicer than he was a so-sick-wit-it facial slam by 'Double-J' - James Johnson. 

At number 2, Randy Foye showed major heart, rhythm and soul when he straight took it to the rack with super 'funk'. 

RF was in the building, playa! And finally, Paul Millsap takes baseline and makes crucial two-hand put-down to send game into O.T. 

 

Phoenix Suns Point Guard - Steve Nash "Can Do" Miami Heat

Who could argue that two time NBA MVP and eight time All-Star -- Steve Nash lacks dedication and loyalty as starting point guard for the Phoenix Suns? 

After rejoining with the Suns since the 2004-05 season, Nash has given more than 100% effort in hopes of achieving his ultimate goal...of being crowned an NBA champion; so far and so long in waiting for [his] taste of champagne bubbly.

Like many great players before and no doubt after him, Nash does not want to go out like the great Charles Barkley - not a champion. And with 15 years in the game, Steve Nash seems to be getting tired of waiting for his time to shine [in] the sun, and with the Suns. A 38 year old free agent this summer, Nash indicated that unless the Suns make some positive improvements, he'd give Lebron James a listen regarding ballin' with the Miami Heat! 

"I would listen," he said. "(James) is phenomenal. I love what they're doing there. A lot of people don't like them because they put all that talent there. But they're professional, they play hard, they play together. Their coaching staff has done a great job, so I have a tremendous amount of respect for them."  ~Steve Nash

If Nash does end up runnin' with the Heat, it won't be for the 'dough'; the Heat just can't afford it. But considering what we know about the heart, passion and relentless 'b-ball style' of Nash, he'd likely give up a few dead presidents' for the chance to be considered, not only one of the greatest, but finally, a great NBA champion (assuming that could happen with Miami).

Steve Nash - 15 year NBA Pro 'Baller'

"People have always doubted whether I was good enough to play this game at this level. I thought I was, and I thought I could be. What other people thought was really always irrelevant to me."

Angelino's and Lakers say sad "so long" to Derek Fisher

 5 Time NBA Champion, point guard - Derek Fisher [aka:  'D-Fish']

It came as somewhat of a surprise to Laker fans when Los Angeles Laker point guard - Derek Fisher signed with the Golden State Warriors, after a long run and 'three-peat' championships with the Lakers. 

When he was traded to the Utah Jazz he helped lead them to the NBA - Western Conference Finals. L.A. fans were, no doubt, surprised and more than happy when 'D-Fish' returned home, in 2007, to help his beloved Lakers conquer the NBA crown, once again in 2010, for his fifth championship. 

Until today, most Laker fans assumed or anticipated that Pau Gasol would get traded, not 'D-Fish'!

No disrespect to Luke Walton, but hardly any fans were surprised to learn he got traded; many believe trading Luke was long overdue, and perhaps Shannon Brown should have stayed and played in the land of "G's", instead of Walton. 

But the news of Derek Fisher getting traded to the Houston Rockets for forward - Jordan Hill, hit L.A. like a ton of bricks!

No he's not the best PG in the league. No he's not the biggest baller, physically. No he's not the fastest or the best defensive player. What Fisher may have lacked, he more than made up for with smart play, hustle, emotion, heart, leadership and 'right-on-time' offensive juice. 

 NBA 'Ballers' Rep - Derek Fisher:

L.A. fans [do] realize and respect the business aspect of sports, but when Laker vets like Derek Fisher get

the hook, it is a bitter pill to swallow -- 'fuh sho'. "But no matter where he is, and who he balls with, Derek Fisher will always be a Los Angeles Laker...heart and soul". Big love to you and your fam, 'D-Fish'. "It was a stone cold groove, my man"!

Jackson secure, Gasol not sure about team destinies

Today one athlete, wide receiver - DeSean Jackson, 

has secured his future by signing a five year, 51 million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. But another professional athlete, Pau Gasol, is still not sure about his fate as a starting forward-center for 
the Los Angeles Lakers.

No doubt, Mr. Jackson is feelin' pretty good about things, with regard to his continued cash flow from the same provider. PG (Pau Gasol), on the other hand, appears to be handling the anxiety of not knowing if he'll continue to play ball with the Lakers or not, "with grace". In other words, he's keeping his true emotions in check. But at the house, you can bet Pau is like "What the deal, Buss?" 

No worries, PG! As you already know, when it comes to the NBA; it's strictly business. Plus, the Lakers probably needed to see you 'up' your productivity this season to see where your head and heart is. It could also be a simple matter of philosophical approach considering there's a new coach in town -- Mike Brown. Whatever the case, with the Lakers or not, PG is a champion big man with big skills, and it is understandable why he'd want to remain in Los Angeles. Who wouldn't?

Lesson to all pro athletes:  

You're only as good as your most recent performance. Get lazy with your smash-game and you'll be the topic of "trades" conversation(s) for the shot callers. In business, productivity always trumps history. Right DJ?

Jeremy Lin: Knick's point guard emerges as NBA's 'new jack' hype!

Lately, it seems, everybody (NYC fans, especially) is feelin' the 'buzz' from the b-ball style of the NBA's most recent hype - the 'linsanity' of point guard, Jeremy Lin!  

So what's up with all the hype? Is this new-jack, 'J-Lin', really the master of 'b-ball swing & flow' that Knick fans and analysts are so geeked about? Will he continue to kick masterful game on-the-court, or will his "hype" hollow-out just as fast as Yao Ming's did? 

Other than a Harvard University grad,  

              "who is this kid?"
 

Before he served the Lakers, [KB] Kobe Bryant knew of Lin, but he admitted he wasn't aware of all the hype surrounding Lin's game, and why. "Who is this kid?", he asked reporters during an interview. Um...KB and the Lakers are much more aware of J-Lin's 'get-down' after losing to the Knicks (92 - 85) on Feb.10.2K12. "'Linsanity' was in full bloom at Madison Square Garden" as 'Liny-Lin' put up a career high 38 points and seven assists. 

"The only thing we established tonight was getting four in a row and we're going for five tomorrow."  ~Jeremy Lin

Is his production so 'all-that', and if so, is his game contributing to wins that will likely result in post-season play-off appearances by the Knicks this year?

All these questions come as no surprise whenever a team struggles, but suddenly discovers a diamond in the rough. On one of the sports and entertainment world's biggest stages, Jeremy Lin is gettin' his major ball-n-swagg on (yeah, we heard he thinks he can do 'The Dougie', too). 

Not completely sold on his hip-hop moves, but after checkin' Lin's highlights, stats, and journey to NBA stardom - homie just might be the real deal, but time, a few all-star game appearances, and definitely an NBA championship ring, will no doubt be [his] ultimate judge. 

As any person of noteworthiness might expect, Lin also has his share of 'haters' (ignorant racists) and, at the least, doubters. But at the moment, 'JL' appears to be legitimately on fire, as the Knicks continue to ride his flow to recent victories. And by the way, Nike is diggin Lin's style so tough -- you can expect to see a fresh pair of 'Lin-kicks' coming soon to a hood near you!


'J-Lin' on CNN:

Kickin'-it with 'J-Swagg':  "A Day in the life"

Jeremy Lin 

(aka:  J-Lin, JL, J-Swagg, J, Liny-Lin, New-Jack Swing)

DOB:  08.23.1988
POB:  Los Angeles, CA (grew up in Palo Alto)
College:  Harvard University (economics major)

High School:  Palo Alto
Listed Height:  6 ft, 3 in
Listed Weight:  200 lbs
Unit:  New York Knicks
Position:  Point Guard
Career High:  38 points
PPG:  12.7
APG:  5.1

"The last Ivy League player to play in the NBA was Yale's Chris Dudley in 2003, while the last Harvard player in the league was Ed Smith in 1954. After graduating from Harvard University, Lin went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft. Eight teams had invited Lin to predraft workouts." [Source:  Wikipedia]

2012 NBA All-Stars featuring the 'Swagg' Mob from East to West

The Event:  2012 NBA All-Star Game

The Spot:  Amway Center - Orlando, Florida

The Date:  Feb. 26.2K12

The Time:  7pm EST

The Main Players:  The Swagg Mob 

 

[SME] Swagg Mob Eastsiders

#7: Carmelo Anthony

(aka:  C-Melo, CA, Melo, C. Anthony, C-Money, C-Style)

Home Squad:  New York Knicks

Position:  Forward

Height:  6-8

Weight:  230

B-Day:  05.29.1984

 

#6: Lebron James
(aka:  King James, LJ, L-Jeezee, Bron'Bron, L, Jam, Jamaica Funk)

Home Squad:  Miami Heat

Position:  Forward

Height:  6-8

Weight:  250

B-Day: 12.30.1984

 

#1: Derrick Rose 

(aka:  Rose, D. Rose, DR, Speedy, Chi-Town, D Chi) 

Home Squad:  Chicago Bulls

Position:  Guard

Height:  6-3

Weight: 190

B-Day:  10.04.1988

 

#3: Dwayne Wade 

(aka:  D. Wade, Flash, Wade, D-Dubb, D-Weezee) 

Home Squad:  Miami Heat

Position:  Guard

Height:  6-4

Weight:  220

B-Day:  01.17.1982

 

#12: Dwight Howard

(aka:  Big-Deezee, Superman, D. Howard, Deezee, DH, D-Hizzle) 

Home Squad:  Orlando Magic

Position: Center

Height:  6-11

Weight:  265

B-Day:  12.08.1985

[SMW] Swagg Mob Westsiders

#35: Kevin Durant 

(aka:  KD, K-1, K-Nice, Slim, Smooov, K-Dubb, K-Swish, Big Rain)

Home Squad:  Oklahoma City Thunder

Position:  Forward

Height:  6-9

Weight:  235

B-Day:  09.29.1988

 

#32: Blake Griffin 

(aka:  BG, Big Blake, Big Red, B-Griff, Big-Bang, Blake G, B) 

Home Squad:  Los Angeles Clippers

Position:  Forward

Height:  6-10

Weight:  251

B-Day:  03.16.1989

Click here to see BG 'posterize' Kendrick Perkins

 

#24: Koby Bryant

(aka:  KB, Shoot-Man, Black Mamba, Nice-Like-Mike, Kali-Ko, K Bizz) 

Home Squad:  L.A. Lakers

Position: Guard

Height:  6-6

Weight:  205

B-Day:  08.23.1978

#3: Chris Paul 

(aka:  C-Town, CP3, C. Paul, P Swift)

Home Squad:  Los Angeles Clippers

Position:  Guard

Height:  6-0

Weight: 175

B-Day:  05.06.1985

 

#17: Andrew Bynum

(aka:  Big Smack, AB, Big Bynum, Big Ben, Young-Big, Dru, Quiet Storm) 

Home Squad:  L.A. Lakers

Position: Center

Height: 7-0

Weight:  285

B-Day:  10.27.1987

  
The Crew:  Eastern & Western Conference All-Stars

Eastern Conference All-Stars: 
  

forward Chris Bosh 

                                                          Miami Heat

 forward Luol Deng 
                         Chicago Bulls 

                             center Roy Hibbert 

      Indiana Pacers

forward/guard Andre Iguodala 

Philadelphia 76ers

                                        guard Joe Johnson 

Atlanta Hawks

 forward Paul Pierce 

                     Boston Celtics

                              
                                 guard Deron Williams 
New Jersey Nets

Western Conference All-Stars:

forward LaMarcus Aldridge 

Portland Trailblazers

center Marc Gasol 

                    Memphis Grizzlies

                       forward/center Kevin Love 

                               Minnesota Timberwolves

guard Steve Nash 

                         Phoenix Suns

                          forward Dirk Nowitzki 

                                                     Dallas Mavericks

guard Tony Parker 

                        San Antonio Spurs

guard Russell Westbrook 

                                         Oklahoma City Thunder

Need a bit more inspiration? Check how 'sick-wit-it' the gig was last year in L.A.:

FEB.24.2K12

LET'S GET IT IN!