So I went 1 for 2 on my predictions. The Heat again showed why they’re the best team in the NBA while the Thunder answered some of my criticism of their defense. Miami and Oklahoma City are tied for the top record in the league at 27-7 as the All-Star break starts today and lasts until Tuesday. The Heat have won eight straight games, all by at least 10 or more points. Meanwhile, the Thunder enter the midseason mark with a five-game winning streak.
What was supposed to be a showdown versus Linsanity and the New York turned into a showcase for the Miami Heat’s overall team play. Miami allowed only 88 points to New York while scoring 102 themselves in another Heat rout. On defense, they bump and hit Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin a lot early in the game whenever he dribbled the ball. We think if players from other teams make contact with a player dribbling, then it is a foul. It seems Miami receives some help from the officials making and not making calls toward their favor. On one play, Lin’s arm was knocked from behind causing the ball to squirt out of bounds. Most times, a foul is called on the defense. Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole primarily defended Lin and caused him to have his worst game of the season. In 34 minutes, Lin scored only eight points and shot a woeful 1 for 11 on field goal attempts. In addition, he had eight turnovers compared to only 3 assists.
Meanwhile, the Heat got contributions from everybody. Chris Bosh had his best performance of the season and career. He is a tall but skinny dude who looks like he is afraid of contact. He collected 25 points on 11 of 17 field goals and grabbed eight rebounds. Dwyane Wade added 22 points and dished out 5 assists. Lebron James played an all-around game putting up added 20 points, nine boards, and five steals. Miami made 12 steals while also forcing 19 New York turnovers. The Heat even blocked 10 shots with Joel Anthony’s left hand swatting away five. The Heat looked like a team that won the title in 2006 but more importantly a squad that lost in last year’s Finals and wants the championship this year. On the other hand, the Knicks appeared as if they were a group trying to win but don’t have the fluidity and confidence of Miami right now.
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder played a surprisingly good defensive game to defeat the Lakers 100-85. Yes, Oklahoma City allowed only 85 points. I did not type that wrong. They did an excellent job of guarding the Lakers inside scorers, Pao Gasol and Andrrew Bynum. The Thunder would double-team Gasol, Bynum, Metta World Peace (what kind of name is that?), or even Kobe Bryant when he posted up. Oklahoma City showed great athleticism to run whenever the ball was passed outside which was often.
Serge Ibaka is not talked about enough when people analyze the Thunder. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are the two-All-Stars on the OKC roster. Durant’s 33 points seemed an afterthought considering he scores around that every night. Westbrook added 19 from his point guard spot. However they need guys like Ibaka to rebound and defend the other team’s post players. Ibaka had a quiet but effective double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. He also blocked three shots. Kendrick Perkins used his big body to set screens on offense and move Bynum and Gasol out of the paint on defense. Nonetheless, he needs to add some more inside scoring. Perkins got only 3 points and 9 rebounds while playing 31 minutes. The combo of Ibaka, Perkins, and currently injured Nick Collison need to give Oklahoma City a balance of inside and outside scoring.
The Los Angeles Lakers are a confusing team this season. They have a lot of age on their squad. Kobe and Derek Fisher are in their fifteenth NBA seasons. Bryant, who jumped straight high-school to pro ball, is 33 years old while Fisher, who spent four years in college, is 37. Metta World Peace, aka Ron Artest, is 32 in his eleventh campaign while Pao Gasol, 31 from Barcelona, is a ten-year pro in the NBA along with a few years playing in the Spanish professional leagues. Those are four of their five starters. Maybe I assumed their age work in terms of experience. Right now, L.A.‘s best players are too old to keep pace with teams like the Thunder while their younger guys are not good enough .
I think the All-Star break comes as a good time for the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. For the Knicks, the time off can represent a period of relaxation. Since Jeremy Lin was put into the starting lineup, the media attention has multiplied by millions. As far as the Lakers, they should use it to decide if they’re going to trade Gasol and regain their energy. The Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder don’t really need a stop to their season but players like James, Wade, Bosh, Durant, and Westbrook can enjoy their All-Star Game experience.
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