How 'bout those Thunder!

[jesseix]

I don't root for them (especially after beating my Lakers), but it was pretty impressive the way they lost the first 2, and then just came back to win 4 in a row. I really thought that San Antonio would outplay and outcoach them in the series, but it was pretty impressive to watch Durant & Co come into their own and overcome some tough spells to win the series.
After the way they played I think they'll beat either East team in the finals.

[htownmmm]

OKC is no joke; since 1998, the only teams to represent the Western Conference has been Dallas, the Lakers, and San Antonio-the three teams the Thunder beat to make the finals this year.


marty

[slugg77]

I am a Cleveland honk first, then a BBall fan. The Thunder play very watchable and enjoyable basketball, I am pumped for the finals. KD vs KG or KD vs LBJ will be sweet!

[SalvadorMontenegro]

Funny you say that, I think they will lose to either East team. I think the physicality of Bron Face and Company will manhandle them. I think the Celtics have the experience and drive, this being their last stand (probably). That said, I will happily root for the Thunder against either team, as I dislike both the Celtics and the Heat.

Honestly, I was kind of rooting for a Spurs/Celtics Finals, so that we could watch a bunch of old guys.

I've never been a Spurs fan, but I have to admire what Popovich has done with that team. They've been contenders for something like 15 years. Very impressive.

Impressive run for the Thunder, knocking off the defending champion Mavericks, the Lakers and the late season favorite, Spurs.

[SalvadorMontenegro]

Wait, should we have a moment of silence for the fine people of Seattle, Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp?

[htownmmm]

Wait, should we have a moment of silence for the fine people of Seattle, Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp?

Absolutely; if not for the NBA running after new money, the city of Seattle would be rejoicing.

marty

[jesseix]

I think we should also be having a moment of silence for the city of Portland; do you think they've stopped kicking themselves for a single day since taking Oden in the '07 draft?

[SalvadorMontenegro]

Yeah. I feel bad for that guy (Oden), though. It's not like it's been his fault.

[slugg77]

I think we should also be having a moment of silence for the city of Portland; do you think they've stopped kicking themselves for a single day since taking Oden in the '07 draft?

Did they stop after Sam Bowie?

[SalvadorMontenegro]

Good start! I have to admit, I was nervous. The Heat had a double digit lead for a lot of the game. The Thunder didn't take over until the fourth quarter. Kevin Durant seems to be the premiere closer in the NBA right now.

[blary54]

Im not a big NBA fan... but I want anyone to win but the Heat. I dont mind Lebron and like Wade...just so sick of ESPN and other media outlets saying its the greatest team ever assembled.

So Im cheering for OKC. They have a very talented team.

[SalvadorMontenegro]

Every time I think that I might give Lebron and/or Wade a chance, I watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9BqUBYaHlM

I cannot watch that video without wanting to punch my monitor.

Dear God, I just watched it.

[Kooze]

Thunder almost came back and won again last night. 1st period was ugly.

[slugg77]

Interesting game. Heat up 17 and still eked out a win. Westbrook needs to dial it up a notch. I think this will be a very entertaining series no matter how it ends.

[Kooze]

Interesting game. Heat up 17 and still eked out a win. Westbrook needs to dial it up a notch. I think this will be a very entertaining series no matter how it ends.

Westbrook, argh! I know he's talented, but not the best shooter. Reminds me of allen iverson in his day (but i still like AI better)! Sometimes I wish he remembered that he has Durant on his team- now that guy is amazing. Sucks he was in foul trouble so early.

[Seraphim]

Every time I think that I might give Lebron and/or Wade a chance, I watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9BqUBYaHlM

I cannot watch that video without wanting to punch my monitor.

Dear God, I just watched it.

I just watched it as well.

As a Celtic fan, I opted for the computer screen headbutt.

[SalvadorMontenegro]

Westbrook is a great player, but he's young and immature and that makes him frequently reckless. He has to, like, tone it down and stop trying to force shots. At halftime, Magic Johnson called it the worst performance he'd ever seen by a point guard in an NBA Finals. I think he (Westbrook) played better in the second half, but the Thunder can't keep relying on these fourth quarter surges. They have to play well all game. Particularly now that they have to play three in Miami.

I don't like him, but Lebron is playing with a ferocity that I've not seen him play with before. He's playing like Jordan or Kobe - fearlessly.

[SuperChris]

I don't think OKC can win the series if they keep starting out cold, its gonna be really hard to pull off a win in Miami if they get doen double digits. I love James playing in the post and think that if the Heats role players have decent games, the championship is going to Miami

[SuperChris]

Im not a big NBA fan... but I want anyone to win but the Heat. I dont mind Lebron and like Wade...just so sick of ESPN and other media outlets saying its the greatest team ever assembled.

So Im cheering for OKC. They have a very talented team.

I actually don't think ESPN is about the Heat like they were last season. All I hear from them is how KD is better than James which I think is nonsense. Durrant is a better shooter, but I think Lebron is a far better all around player.

[mhdena]

I never heard ESPN call the Heat the best team ever either.

They appeared more focused and hungrier tonight.

Go Heat!