Week 21 Power Rankings

The Heat keep winning, and the rest of the league is wondering who can stop them. Here are your week 21 power rankings:

 (Oh my word are we good at basketball!)

1. Miami Heat (52-14)

-24 and counting. After the 17 point comeback and the 27 point comeback in Cleveland, you wonder how anyone can beat this time once, let alone four times in the playoffs. (BF)

2. San Antonio Spurs (51-16)

-Still getting it done as the season hits its final stretch.  The Spurs are clearly the 2nd best team in the NBA behind Miami, but they face 7 straight opponents with a record above .500%.  Big stretch ahead for Pop, TD and crew. (AL)

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (50-17)

-Two top 5 players, a defensive player of the year candidate and OKC miraculously isn’t dominating every team not named Miami. Hopefully they are able to focus on getting better shots down the stretch, because if they continue to settle for jumpers in the playoffs, their playoff run will be a short one. (EJ)

4. Denver Nuggets (46-22)

-Denver has won 13 straight without an all-star. Suddenly the possibility of a three seed in the playoffs is not out of reach. Although the Nuggets probably will come up short, look for the team to take an OKC type leap after their playoff run this year. (EJ)

5. Memphis Grizzlies (45-21)

-This team is capable of beating anyone.  Its a pleasure to watch Gasol and Randolph dominate the interior every single game. (AL)

6. Los Angeles Clippers (46-21)

-The Clippers have quietly fallen to fourth in the West, which isn’t a good thing. A team that struggled on the road(just 20-14) needs home court for the first two rounds to have any chance in the playoffs. (BF)

7. Indiana Pacers (42-26)

-Indiana is the second best team in the east simply because the rules prohibit the Heat from occupying more than one spot in the standings. Danny Granger has yet to fill his role as the savior of the franchise’s title hopes. (EJ)

8. Brooklyn Nets (39-28)

-I know Dwill and Brook Lopez continue to play well, but the rest of the cast is frustratingly inconsistent.  Coach C needs to get his rotation down heading into the postseason or it will be a disastrous first round exit for the Nets. (AL)

(This has been a familiar face in Brooklyn.)

9. Boston Celtics (36-30)

-A loss to Miami is somewhat expected, but they proved once again they can play with anyone.  I just can't see this team bowing out before a series with Miami in whatever round that ends up being. (AL)

10. New York Knicks (39-26)

-Injuries have left this team in a horrible way.  Without Melo, Amare, or Chandler they put out laughable lineups.  Health will be the key for this team, but even still, I've been unimpressed with what i've seen over the last month.

 11. Los Angeles Lakers (36-33) 

-Listen, the Kobe injury hurts, we get it. But this team is staying afloat, could have Kobe by tomorrow, and Pao by early next week? With Steve Blake playing well and Jamison improving, all of the sudden the Lakers are the team NO ONE wants to face in round 1. (BF)

12. Chicago Bulls (36-30)

-The return of Derrick Rose, originally was viewed as the weapon that would turn the tide in the war that is the Bull’s season. Now it is looking more and more like reinforcements never will arrive. (EJ)

(I'll give it to Rose, that's a sweet jacket.)

13. Golden State Warriors  (39-30)

-The season’s early darlings have fallen back into somewhat of a mediocrity. Since a hot start in November and December, the Warriors are just 18-21 in the calendar year and are looking at a date with Memphis, LAC or OKC in the first round. (BF)

14. Houston Rockets (36-31)

-Still hanging onto the 7th seed, this team face some tough competition through the rest of March.  Visits from the Jazz, Cavs and Spurs are in store this week. (AL)

15. Atlanta Hawks (37-30)

-Jeff Teagueshowed what he can last night as the primary ball handler when he torched the Bucks with a solid double double. But can he do that against point guards that actually know how to play defense? (BF)

16. Milwaukee Bucks (33- 32)

-Since the JJ Redick trade, Monta Ellis has finally lived up to the promise he showed early in his career. Suddenly the Bucks are watchable again, and the future looks bright, with overpaying JJ and Jennings right on the horizon. (EJ)

17. Dallas Mavericks (32-35)

-They are trying so hard, but I just can't see them getting over the hump to the postseason. Thankfully Mark Cuban says Dirk has "at least 3" more good years, so Dallas fans, there's that. (AL)

18. Portland Trailblazers(31-35)

-It’s been the same old song and dance all year, good starters, no bench. To give you a different narrative how about we discuss the most recent Champs Sports national commercial, featuring All Pro Von Miller, future rookie of the year Damian Lillard and IMAN SHUMPERT! With the season Shumpert is having he would be lucky if the Pick and Pop Diaries hired him as a spokesman, his agent is making his fee and then some. (EJ)

(Remember when this was the Nets pick? Oh wait, they wanted Gerald Wallace.)

19. Utah Jazz (34-33)

- Hey Utah, everyone is tired of hearing an endless string of Lakers news it would be cool if you could actually start winning some games. Good thing their most difficult game is behind them after losing to a Knicks team at home that is missing its three best players. My only hope for this team at this point involves Al Jefferson playing so poorly he’s forced to take the MLE in Boston. (EJ)

20. Toronto Raptors (26-41)

-A rough stretch for the team, winning only 3 of their last 10, but at least Rudy Gayhas finally put together back-to-back good games of shooting over 50%.  (AL)

21. Minnesota Timberwolves (23-42)

-Good thing, Minnesota’s best players are coming back in time for the playoffs. What’s that? They aren’t going to make the playoffs. Oh well in that case the Wolves should find a way to sit everyone, I hear the Caucasian flue is going around. (EJ)

22. Philadelphia 76ers (26-40)

-After all my ranting, Bynum is now officially done for the season.  Should the 76ers max him out in the offseason? (AL)

(This is pretty much the most Bynum touched a basketball in Phili.)

23. Washington Wizards (23-43)

-The Wizards make the All-League Pass team. Despite not being that good, they are so much fun to watch. This team could be a 7 or 8 seed next year. (BF)

24. Detroit Pistons(23-46)

-The Pistons clearly don’t not what they are doing. Bringing back Andre Drummond during tank season, terrible take a lap. Hopefully Drummond continues to progress in these last few games making his return worthwhile to the franchise. (EJ)

25. New Orleans Hornets (22-46)

-Last place record wise in the west, but this team has talent.  When watching them at times you see a playoff-esque team, but most of the time you just see a group not organized enough to win against quality NBA teams. (AL)

26. Phoenix Suns (18-50)

-Umm….the Morris twins are playing well together? So that’s cool. If there was ever a team that needed their draft pick to land, it’s the Suns. (BF)

27. Cleveland Cavaliers (22-45)

-The skeptic in me thinks it is curious that both Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving got injured during the tanking portion of the season. Obviously they are both hurt but it is convenient none the less. Since Kyrie graduated high school he has struggled to stay healthy for an entire year. In this case his injury history will help Cleveland rebuild, but is it a bad omen for the future? (EJ)

28. Sacramento Kings (23-44)

-Quietly, Sacramento picked up wins over the Clippers and a blowout victory over the Bulls. But the efficient offense that is too dependent on the three is still there. (BF)

29. Orlando Magic (18-50)

-The Hack a Dwight was the writing on the wall for this team. Whenever a premier scorer comes into town, the Magic have little to no shoot with no premier defender. (BF)

30. Charlotte Bobcats (15-52)

-Why are we even doing this anymore to this team? Just let them go golf. (BF)

The Medal Stand: Last Night's Three Best Games

Last night was one of the nights where it was just awesome to be a basketball fan. Despite the Celtic's loss(and thus my awful mood this morning that was ever so nicely met by a snowstorm in LATE MARCH in Boston), you have to appreciate the talent that we saw. While Boston and Miami were certainly the center of focus, multiple games fit the bill. Well, except for Charlotte vs. Washington. Here's some notes from the goodies.

(Last night Jeff Green played at an all-star level on both sides. Unfortunately the MVP was his opponent.)

Gold:
Miami 105, Boston 103: Boston showed the NBA how to beat this version of Miami: Force Lebron to pass out of the lane by double or triple teaming him when they drive, and have the guards shoot threes. Now I want to remind you of something, the guys shooting threes are Ray Allen, Mario Chalmers, and Shane Battier. This is why Miami has won 23 in a row. 

Also, poor Jeff Green. Check out this line: 43 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists and 2 steals while shooting 14-21 from the field and 5-7 from three. Oh, and he was guarding Lebron most of the game on the other end. You have to wonder what the Celts can be like when Green plays like this AND Kevin Garnett is the one patrolling the paint and not Chris Wilcox.

Silver:
Denver 119, Chicago 118(OT): While the Celts and Heat were stealing all the headlines, a classic was brewing in Chicago. The leading scorers for each team? Wilson Chandler(35 points off the bench) and Nate Robinson(34 points in 46 minutes). I'll give Nate this, his hustle is unquestioned in games like this. This game had street fight written all over it, and unfortunately the game came down to a very controversial offensive goaltending call. See it here and let us know what you think yourself. 

With this win, the Nuggets have quietly won 12 straight, and sit just a 1/2 game back of that third spot in the West.


Bronze:
Philadelphia 101, Portland 100: Unless you live in Portland or Eastern Pennsylvania, you probably weren't watching this game. While Andrew Bynum's drunk knees stole the headlines again(Bynum is officially done for the year as he is having surgery on both knees), Jrue Holliday and Damian Lillard went toe to toe. The jump that Holliday has made now that he is the man on this roster(and probably deserves Bynum's contract for it) has been fun to watch. He had 27 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and was 3-6 from outside to outduel Lillard who by no means backed down(27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 5-7 from outside.) Lillard made a three late but the Blazers couldn't covert in their last possession giving the Sixers the one point win on an otherwise down night for the franchise. 

Oh yeah, Jason Terry died last night.

And then Avery Bradley did his best Lebron impersonation.

Wow, last night was fun.

-Bford

 

San Antonio Spurs: The NBA's best Chance at Knocking off the Heat

The Miami Heat have become an unstoppable force to end the NBA season. Having won their last 22 games has cemented them as one of the hottest teams in history. As the defending champions they have always been the favorites this year but that point has been hammered home during this win streak. LeBron James is clearly the best player in the game, this has been true for several years and will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. Dwyane Wade is again playing like the top five player that he was before teaming up with LeBron ( and taking a back seat). The Heat are playing the type of basketball that could lead to them breaking the record for wins in a row.

Miami has shown that no one can stop them in the East if they are at their best. The last time they played in a rematch against the 2012 NBA Finals Western conference foes, they beat up Thunder en route to a blow out. That isn't to say that the Heat winning a title is forgone conclusion, I believe one team will stand in their way, The San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are one of the few teams in the league that match up well with the Heat, to see why you just need look at the stats and he weaknesses they point out.


Rebounding 
Statistic
Miami Heat 2500 Total Rebounds, Last in the NBA

This is the most deceiving of the Heat's weaknesses. Eric Spoelstra has always been a coach who emphasized getting back on defense first and offensive rebounding second, so their lack of rebounding is in part designed.
San Antonio subscribes to the same rebounding philosophy. With the Heat having one of the most explosive fast break attacks in the league, getting back on defense becomes all the more essential. That doesn't mean that Spurs can't crash one or two players to the glass to take advantage of Miami's woeful defensive rebounding.

Miami's rebounding problems can be broken down to two factors. First, a lack of rebounding from their bigs, specifically all star Chris Bosh (12.6 rebounding percentage, good for 7th on the team). Second, and most importantly, their rotating defense causes their big men to blitz screens and defend on the perimeter making it so a lot of defensive rebounds come down to a guard/wing attempting to box out the other teams big man.

The best way to beat any defense is ball movement, which the Spurs excel at (first in the league in assists) but against a trapping defense it becomes even more important. With San Antonio's ability to move the ball Miami will find itself more out of position for rebounds than normal, allowing the front court players Popovich does send to the glass to excel. Tiago Splitter, Tim Duncan and even DeJuan Blair (the three best rotation offensive rebounders), will find the gaps in the Miami rotation and be a big threat on the glass against Miami.


Interior Scoring
Statistic:
Heat percentage of close shots taken by PF, C: 31%, 38%
Opponents percentage of close shots taken by PF, C: 38%, 51%
Spurs' percentage of close shots taken by PF, C: 37%, 50%

The Heat lack a post presence, both offensively and defensively. Their best interrior player, Chris Bosh, has the offensive skill set of a small forward. Their offense is founded upon the idea of spacing the floor with shooters in order to allow LeBron James and Dwyane Wade the space to drive to the hoop. The Heat thrive by pulling shot blockers away from the hoop, creating lanes to the basket. It is for this reason that the Heat struggle against zone defenses, that keep their shot blockers in and around the painted area.

San Antonio is one of the most disciplined defenses in the league, lead by the league leader in defensive rating, Tim Duncan. The Spurs will zone up, staying home in the paint on rotations leaving Wade and James little room to drive to the hoop. Even when the Spurs play man to man defense against the Heat, their help principles have much in common with a zone.

The best way to defeat a collapsing match up zone type defense that the Spurs will throw at Miami is to get the ball inside to break down the zone, then throw the ball out for open shots. Miami's lack of interior scoring will make shots difficult, forcing LeBron into many ill advised shots. If Miami can not manufacture shots close to the basket to break down San Antonio's defense expect LeBron to develop a fake injury reminiscent of elbow injuries past, en route to missing a ton of contested jumpers.

Fouls
Statistic:
Miami Heat .208 Free Throws per Field Goal Attempted, 19th in NBA

If you adjust for the pace that they play at (shockingly slow at 23rd in the league even after factoring in James and Wade's breakouts) the Miami Heat are near the bottom third in the league in fouls committed per shot attempted. Now this number is considerably more perplexing when you consider that fouls are almost never called on LeBron or Flash, a combined 3.7 fouls over 72.9 minutes a game.

The Spurs play at a much faster pace than the Heat are comfortable with. With the increased number of possessions the Heat's fouls will probably increase. If the Spurs are able to get the ball inside and challenge the Heat's size deficiency they have a good chance to have the Heat  at a bigger size disadvantage than their normal tiny front court.

Yes Lebron and Wade are great, but if their teammates are ushering the Spurs to the free throw line, their chance of victory plummets. With the Spurs combination of size, speed and ball movement San Antonio could force Miami into a lot of fouls.


Lack of Attempts
Statistic
Heat 5092 Field Goals attempted, last in NBA

The Heat are the best shooting team in the league, leading the NBA with a .548 effective field goal rate. They  take a lot of good shots and knock them down at a great rate. However, they have compiled these numbers against a worse than average schedule (25th in the NBA). Against, more difficult playoff competition the Heat might not have as easy a time scoring.

In the playoffs, defense is taken to the next level. At the same time due to the importance of the games, each possession becomes that much more vital. Regardless, of how good teams shoot, it is important to get as many scoring opportunities as possible. With the Heat lacking in both pace and rebounding they do not create the extra shots that can be the difference between winning and losing in the playoffs.

The Spurs on the other hand, are 7th in the league in pace, they are 19th in total rebounds both far superior to Miami's numbers in these categories. These extra possessions in the NBA finals will force the Heat and Lebron short of their ultimate goal. If the Heat are to lose in the playoffs these concern areas will be their undoing.

Quick Halftime Thoughts: Celts/Heat

1. Jeff Green is playing the game of his life tonight, and we are only halfway through. He had 21 points in a 9 minute stretch, and is 9-12 from the field. Unless Miami starts to play Chris Bosh and Chris Anderson together in stretches with Lebron James at the three covering Green(which opens up all of Boston's shooters or creates a mismatch for those bigs), expect Green to be going to hole all second half just like he did in the first.

2. The fouls on Boston's side are troubling. All starters have two, and Jason Terry got three quick ones. While some were questionable, the Heat stayed calm and did what they do best, get to the rack.

3. The fact that the Heat are only down six right now is troubling. Lebron quietly has 18 points and 6 assists. You have to know that this game will come down to if Boston can continue to play the halfcourt defense they have by congesting the lane.

4. Ray Allen and Shane Battier going a combined 1-6 from three is a major stat in this game. If they are even hitting half of those, the Celtics can't double Lebron in the paint with such aggressiveness that they have been. FYI, the Heat as a team are just 3-10. The Celtics are 5-11.

5. Lebron's dunk was insane. Like, I will have nightmares insane.

6. Bradley's block won't get as much PR, but it is just as insane.

7. Chris Bosh could be the X-factor in this game. While he isn't going much on the offensive end, if he can prevent the Celtics from getting into the lane as easy as they have guys like Courtney Lee and Avery Bradley will have to make jumpers.

 8. Jeffrey Green. It needed to be said again.


See you after the game!

-Bford

What has happened during the Heat's Winning Streak

With a 102-93 win over the Sixers last night, The Heat stretched their winning streak to 17 games. They haven't lost since February 1st, when they dropped a 102-89 decision to Indiana, who they just happen to play on Sunday. Seeing as it has now been 36 days since they lost, I decided to take a look at what has gone on in the world since the Heat last lost. You might be surprised.


1. The Harlem Shake Took Off, and then annoyed us all:

 

(Mario Chalmers wins this video for dressing like Super Mario.)

 2. Winter Storm Nemo dropped up to 40 inches on the Northeast on February 8th, and destroyed my will to live. I never want to shovel again.

 

(Stop mocking me with that smile.)

3. Lebron James has scored 476 points in their 17 wins(good for 28/game). That is more points scored than 57 players have total for this year who have played forty games this year and averaged at least 20 minutes a game. Thank you to hoopdata.com for being amazing so that I didn't have to do massive amounts of math.

(This is starting to get boring. Wait, nope, no it isn't.)

4. Lovers everywhere went out on the town for Valentine's Day. Yup, seems like forever ago doesn't it? 

(Where do you think these two lovebirds went?)

5. The Groundhog predicted that winter would be over soon. Yeah, how about you shovel the snow in driveway you ugly rat. (Still not over the shoveling).

(Bill, I hate him too.)

6. People continued to hate Skip Bayless. And for once(and probably the only time), I agreed with Richard Sherman.

 ("I'm better at life than you". Well yes, but not that hard to do.)

7. Chris Bosh kept photo bombing people. 

  (I WANT TO HATE YOU CHRIS. BUT I CAN'T. I JUST CAN'T.)

8. The Superbowl happened. 

 (Who turned the lights out?)

The Heat do have a difficult schedule coming up, with games against Indiana and Atlanta, both playoff teams in the East. Needless to say though, alot of time has passed since the Heat have last lost, and they have shown they can beat anyone. Whose to say they can't run the table?(homer alert!)

THAT GUY. THAT GUY SAYS THEY WON'T.

(I hope.)

-Bford