Posted on 6/6/2007 5:57:25 PM

NBA Playoffs – Finals – Cavs vs. Spurs

By Jeremy Allingham

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With the NBA Finals due to kick off in a matter of days, the basketball world should be ablaze with excitement and drama. Instead, we’re simply waiting to see what defensive scheme the defensively dominant Spurs will throw at the one-man show that is LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

In a playoff that involved the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls, it really is too bad that it had to be these two teams that made their way to the finals. Not to say for a second that neither team deserves to be where they’re at, it’s just that we’re in for an extremely boring series of half-court sets, walking the ball up the floor and double-teams every time LeBron touches the ball.

 

The Spurs are boring because they are the ultimate in efficiency. They run their offense, make open shots and Tim Duncan scores in the low-post. They play tough man and team defense that staggers the league’s highest-octane offensive juggernauts. Sounds like a recipe for success, however, there is no flash, there is no bravado, and there is no “wow” factor. Watching the Spurs is like watching a basketball fundamentals instructional video.

“Learn to drop-step like Tim Duncan! Learn the perfect defensive stance from Bruce Bowen! Learn how to systematically dismantle a defense using Tony Parker’s three crossover moves! Flop to the floor like Manu Ginobili!” Errrrr… No one wants to watch a fundamentals video. We want to see high-flying NBA action and that’s why LeBron offers a slight reprieve from the doldrums of San Antonio.

Yes, King James will definitely provide his share of exciting moments (as evidenced in his coming out party versus Detroit), but it’s the atrocious supporting cast that makes Cleveland so dull.

Did you know that Eric Snow still garners playing time in the NBA (making $6.1 million this year)?! The guy is 30% from the field in 14 minutes per game. Ugh. The highly overrated Larry Hughes gets 37 minutes per game and has shot 36% from the field. Even Sasha Pavlovic who is widely considered to be one of the players who energized the Cavs on their run to the finals is shooting a paltry 39% in 30 minutes of floor time. Incredible.

 

Needless to say, if the Cavs can neutralize LeBron James in ANY fashion whatsoever this series will be over. In a hurry.

So this is what the 2006-2007 NBA season has brandished – a boring, fundamentally sound team that is ready to exploit and destroy LeBron James and his team of misfits. Expect the Spurs to force the ball from James’ hands into the hands of those who will miss open shots time and time again. The only exciting aspect of this series will be to see if and when LeBron turns on his teammates. I pick game four.

While I’m at it, I’ll take the Spurs in five games. You can bet on the Spurs (-550) or the Cavaliers (+375) at BetUS.com’s Sportsbook.

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