Good series, empty feeling and whither LeBron

By all measures, this has been a pretty good series so far.

Largest margin of victory through four games is eight, each of them went down to the final few minutes, it’s tied and reduced to a best of three.

So why do I feel a bit let down by it?

Really.

Maybe it’s because there have been so few “wow” moments and outside of the two Dirk shots – the make to win Game 2; the miss at the end of Game 3 – there really haven’t been a lot of good things that are creating memories.

We talk about LeBron’s disappearing act in Game 4, there was Bosh’s slow start, the absence of production from anyone on the Dallas bench for a couple of games and the same old, same old from just about everyone else.

I presume as we get to Game 6 and, perhaps, Game 7, something will emerge to make us remember this one for good plays and drama rather than missed shots and failures but, right now, this is the most disappointingly close series I can recall.

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So, LeBron.

Was another rather odd day for him yesterday after the oddest of nights imaginable on Tuesday.

Yes, he sat at the podium and gave all the right answers to all the right questions about wanting to be more aggressive, be more active, have a greater impact on the game than he did in his Game 3 disappearing act.

But the thing that got me was that he was, um, a bit passive doing it.

I expected a higher level of anger or determination or defiance or something. I kind of expected him to get after a questioner or two who doubted his talents, to get his back up a little bit.

He didn’t.

Now, he might have been seething inside – and if you’re a Heat fan you hope that he is – but he kind of sat there and took it.

Not normal.

But, then again, there’s been very little normal about that guy this whole series.

It’s all well and good that he said he plans to make a much bigger mark on Game 5 tonight but, right now, I have my doubts.

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Things I hate: Long-winded interview room questions that include the words “I think” or “talk about” in them.

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Rick Carlisle is not prone to colloquial expressions, which is somewhat odd for an NBA coach.

Not sure that in all the interview rooms I’ve been in, a coach has come up with this one.

Carlisle’s asked if he ever steps back and appreciates what’s going on in the game when the game gets good:

“At times. You know, we’re all so immersed in this, both teams. It’s such a binary situation. You win or you lose.”

Binary?

Not bad.

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Well, this certainly isn’t good news.

Stopped by the labour talks yesterday after practice to hang out and see what was up and the mood was, well, a bit dark.

Darker than it was the day before.

Now, they’re going to meet again twice next week so that’s a good thing and they said they’d commit some things to paper so that’s a good thing.

But …

They were tossing around words like “far apart” and “little movement” and the three big issues from ownership – a hard cap, no guaranteed deals, shorter contracts – are still unresolved.

That’s three huge issues with just three weeks until the deadline and I don’t know whether they’ve got enough time.

I also think they won’t miss games next fall because I don’t think they’re that stupid but I do think we’ll have a nice, lazy summer. And I’m quite all right with that.

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Yes, the Mighty Rockies are on a bit of roll, with little thanks to, well, to me.

Guess we beat The Dastardly Other Team in a 12-11 thriller last night to go 3-1 on the season.

Considering we went 2-13-1 last year, we’re at dizzying heights.

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Mail?

Yes, please.

Click here and send.

Here’s one that’s series-specific because I like the more esoteric ones for the mailbag.

Q: Hi Doug. In the last couple of games I've watched on TV there have been different times when LeBron and Wade have looked completely gassed. Wade last nnigth at the free throw line in the final minutes (he missed one) In game 3 when they were drying up the floor and LeBron was sitting under the basket he was huffing and puffing even though he was sitting there for like 3 minutes.

I am wondering if a) players who play heavy minutes always look tired like that but the fans just don't see them close enough to notice and b) Are the minutes D-wade and LeBron have played in the playoffs starting to wear on them and maybe contributing to LeBron's poor performance?

Jeff M, Saint John

A: There is a theory floating around here that, indeed, that fatigue is a factor, especially with LeBron, who has taken off about 19 seconds in total of all the second halves of all these games.

My reaction?

Balderdash.

I’m not buying it at all. These are exceptional athletes in the prime of their career in an NBA Finals and if they’re tired, they should be ashamed of themselves if it affects their play.

You don’t think the Mavs are just as tired? Think Dirk might have been worn out late in that Game 4?

And, besides, if LeBron was worn out late in the game, how do you reconcile the fact he was detached and uninvolved in the first quarter as well?

Tired? An excuse. A bogus one, too.

But it is something that’s been floated around year. Yawn.

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Another oops.

Brain cramp or reading bios wrong or whatever but had one big glitch in this little rundown of the two finalists for Jay’s job.

Dwane Casey’s been here in Dallas for three years and was a finalist last year for the Atlanta job.

Oh, dopey me.

Anyway, I think we’re maybe a week from getting resolution to this one and that should give the new coach and his staff lots of time to be involved in the draft process, just as Bryan wanted from the get-go.

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Okay, you Irregulars know I seldom do this because you could spend all day sitting around shooting down stupid rumours and I have better things (coffee, rest, work) to do with him time.

But there’s some nonsense that’s been out there about Toronto and Minnesota and I’m getting soooooooo many questions it’s ticking me off.

No.

Never talked about.

Hasn’t been discussed.

Not going to happen.

Hasn’t been contemplated.

Forget it.

And, no, I won’t reveal my sources but, trust me, they’re good and they’re right and whoever started that crap needs to turn off his or her internet connection and go get a job.

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Speaking of the draft, the last I heard was the next workouts for the HOTH are scheduled for the middle of next week and could include Tristan Thompson of Brampton.

Other than that, there are four other days scheduled for workouts but because they have such a short list of possibilities at No. 5, I don’t imagine they’ll include any legitimate candidates for that pick.

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Places I wish I were.

The Euro camp in Treviso this week.

Not to see the players as much as to sit in the restaurant at La Ghirada and have some of their outstanding pasta with clams and pour my own Moretti from the draught pump that’s in the middle of the table. Best.

Invention.

Ever.

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Comments

[Derek]

Morning Doug,
I tend to agree with you about LeBron. Not sure if you saw it, but prior to game 4, the camera's were on LeBron addressing his team in the huddle. He was screaming at them about how it was a "must win" game, and how every one of them needed to give it everything they had, blah, blah, blah. The "speech" seemed very impassioned (and I'm sure had nothing to do that there were a dozen camera's on him at the time). On the heels of that passionate, inspiring speech, he comes out and scores 8 points with a pile of turnovers. At this point, I don't care what he says in a press conference - show it on the court.

[Jacques]

Doug, all that matters is, would you be happy with either Frank or Dwane?

Blogger's note: Either probably; but I do think coaching's over-rated to a degree. Haven't given much thought to which one might be better

[LeeZ]

Doug, thanks for shooting down that Minnesota rumour. I think I may have asked you this once before, but if so please humour this doddering old fool and bear with me once again. Just for the sake of argument, let's say that this Minny rumour was spot on. So, you go to the trusted sources you reference in today's blog and ask, hey, any truth to this Minny rumour? Your sources obviously don't want it getting out that they're planning to trade Derozean or Calderon or whatever in advance of the actual trade, ESPECIALLY in light of the two failed deals last year that leaked prematurely. But they don't want to lie to you, I assume. I think your readers would find that whole process intriguing. Is there some "code"? Would they say something like "no comment" so as not to lie to you but at the same time not give anything away? And would you, in turn, take that "no comment" to mean that the trade is on and report something to that effect? I'm sure there's a lot of mutual respect and good will between you and your sources, but there must be times when things get sticky, no?

[LeeZ]

Oh, and if you do care to respond to my above post but feel this isn't the right forum, please feel free to kick this one into the mail bag. Thanks.

Blogger's note: I think I will; move it near the top for the weekend. Thanks

[Dallas]

is Kawhi Leonard coming in for a workout Doug, I'd think he'd at least get some consideration. Also, with the reports of BC looking for a second pick in the top 10, would the workouts feature players they've targeted at that spot.

Blogger's note: Don't believe all the "reports" you read; not sure on Leonard, I presume they're trying

[Mike D.]

Doug, do we have a second-round pick this year? I seem to remember that we got a second-rounder in the Ajinca/Peja trade, and I'm not sure why else the Raps would be working out lower-tier draft candidates, but I can't find it on any of the mock draft sites.

Btw, my dark horse favourite lower-tier draft candidate is Frank "The Tank" Hassell from Old Dominion, a Reggie/Dorsey sized banger but with more offensive game. After his workout here Jim Kelly actually compared him to Zach Randolph.

Blogger's note: I'll check on that

[Matt M]

Now I figure no one has posted so I will get the normal complaints out of the way early. Dwayne Casey? Lawrence Frank? Now I'm sure they will have fine careers as head coaches but neither one are nearly famous enough for the Raptors head job. I'm sure that Colangelo will reveal Rick Adelman with Jeff Van Gundy and Mike D'antoni as his assistants any day now. Probably with Phil Jackson as special advisor/high priest to the coaching staff. But then maybe he is still waiting to reveal Sam Presti as his assistant GM and the trade of Bargnani for Kevin Durant and Calderon for the first over all pick. There. Now we can talk basketball.

[Ray]

Re: Minnesota

Never gonna happen, no, zilch.

Like Smitchell wasn't going to be fired.

Like Calderon wasn't going to be traded.

Like...anymore?

Blogger's note: Like, go away.
Yawn.

[Johnn19]

Whither Lebron???
Unfortunately whether you have one all-star, Dirk, or three, Wade, Bosh, Lebron, or five, their is only one ball to play with. With Wade and Bosh scoring 56 points, and Miami taking 75 shots vs 73 for the Mavs not many left for LBJ. The difference in the game was Dallas 24 FT's made and Miami only 17.

[Mike D.]

@Ray, firing Smitch and trading Calderon at least had some element of reality. The only way the Raptors would trade DeRozan for Jonny Flynn and the right to move up 3 places in a weak draft packed with tweeners would involve Bryan Colangelo being kidnapped, and replaced with a clone, by Timberwolves management.

[David in Oakville]

Hey Doug, I am starting to suspect you do this job as much for the travel and food as for anything else. Fess up.... you really long to write in the Life section as the food and travel editor.

BTW: hoping to make it to FiveGuys tonight before the game.

[chris]

A terrific read on Lebron in this series on Bill Simmons' new grantland site - http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6640925/time-lebrondown-part-ii

[Ray]

@Mike D. The joke was that Doug had refuted those events as if they were nonsense, much like this one. Where were the 'sources' on that one?

I agree with him, the chance of us trading the 2nd pick is slim to none.

Blogger's note: Double yawn.

[Vincent]

Not sure why you're so upset about the Minnesota questions. Please ask you because they respect that you may have access to information/people that the public don't. That's in fact why some choose to read your blogs/articles. Otherwise, why bother reading anything a reporter writes? It's like a movie-star complaining about the Papparazzi. Sure they're annoying, but the Papparazzi happen to be doing the movie-star a favor by keeping them relevant and talked about. When nobody's asking you these questions, you should start worrying for your job.

In any event, this is interesting topic (to me, at least) because there is a lot of merit from the Raptors perspective. Not only do you get to take a look at Flynn to see if he can be your point guard for the future (which the Raptors don't have, please don't say we have Bayless already), you also get a top 2 pick in what sounds like a 2-person draft. The cost is fairly steep, but I think it's manageable given DeRozan's limited potential as a star-level player and his lack of progression in some key areas from year 1 to year 2 (defence, handles, long-range shooting - all areas probably highlighted to him by Jay/BCo). DeRozan is looking like a largely one-dimensional player with limited upside. Poor rebounder with dreadful court vision don't help his case either.

If Minnesota is willing to do this, the Raptors have to be interested, although I would be looking at a LOT of video of Flynn to see if there's a possibility he can be a starting PG in this league before going through with it.

Blogger's note: The last thing I am is worried about my job; and I hate wasting a minute of my time on some nonsense made up by some fantasy league-oriented person with no reputable information. Yawn

[Nick M]

@ Matt M

'High Priest' of the couaching staff. Love it! This should instantly become a new position along with 'Grand Master' of player movement, 'Supreme Chancellor' to the Board, of course, 'Assistant to the Travelling secretary' and we should just rename our Defensive Coach 'Jester'.

[Lorie]

Good Morning, Doug.
When does The Silly Season start? After the Finals? After the Draft? Or, does it ever really end? I'm one of those who loves the stuff on the court (as perplexing as it has been lately) but not the business or travelling sideshow of rumours, speculation and fantasy stuff. So, with that in mind, I hope you're sense of things are right and that not a game is missed in the fall. Because I remember when hockey stopped for a while and we were 'entertained' by talking sports heads analyzing stuff like facial expressions of poohbahs leaving labour talks for month after painful month after mind-numbing month. Treviso? That sounds perfect! For now, the closest I'm going to get to Italy is by sipping from my Carlo Moretti vintage wine goblets, cueing up some Placido Domingo while waiting for my crust to rise in the oven. Cheers! Buona giornata!

[D-Mac Ottawa]

How do, Doug,
As entertaining for odd reasons as the finals have been, I'd agree something's been missing. In fact, I think it's three somethings. I was expecting a lot of intensity, chippiness and excellent execution. After all, it's the NBA finals. I haven't really seen much of any of those items, though. They were missing last year, too. Makes ya long for the 70s, 80s, 90s brand of NBA play a bit, doesn't it? Cheers.

[Rob.V]

Dude, I think you're dissapointed because you're not a fan of either team.
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Personally I find these finals to be entirely compelling... and really a great series.
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One could think that Dallas was dead and buried after game 3 however I beleive this series is a lot closer than what meets the eye. If Dirk stepped back and drained a 3 at the buzzer in game 3 rather than the missed 2, the Mav's are up 3-1 and looking to close out tonight.
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I know, coulda, woulda, shoulda, but if Dallas gets tonights game and Haywood returns for game 6 or 7.. they have a shot. Clearly Miami has a better 3 than any of Dallas' 3.
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But I think this one time your dissapointment is solely related to the fact that you're not really cheering for either team.
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Personally, I don't think I've ever been on the edge of my seat (so much) at the end of games, probably because I'd love to see Kidd and Nowitzki win... and its against the odds.
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I guess what I'm saying is it's all perspective. This series to me has so far been one for the ages... one of the best I've ever seen!!
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It really is a shame that either team is going to have to lose because both teams are dog tired. Everything is being left on the floor... and the players are making the NBA (and me) proud!!!
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After sitting through 81 Raptor games where "persperation" on most nights was a "premium"... this series is an absolute joy to watch.
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Anyone else feel this is a great series... or is it just my heart strings pulling for the (underdog) Mav's?

[Rob.V]

Oh, and also.
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I really wish the media/Stevenson/Terry and everyone else with an opinion on LBG would just shut the fawk up already!!!
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All this pressure on LBJ and he might just go off for 60 + tonight... when what we really need is for him to stay asleep.... for only another 96 minutes please!
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Geez!!! The Mavericks may be in the finals, but some of them are not the sharpest tools in the shed, that's for sure.

Blogger's note: Or maybe with all this pressure on him he'll go off for ... eight

[Angelo]

Minnesota must be salivating at the thought of pairing Derozan with Rubio. If I'm BC I'm pushing for some type of Bargnani for Love scenario though.

[Lorie]

@Rob V
C'mon you Sillyhead...you're kidding, right??? We all know Doug doesn't 'cheer' for any one team. And I, too, have been on the edge of my seat but it's more from utter disbelief at missed assignments, missed shots, missed passes than anything spectacularly glorious and well-executed. Now, I was frequently on the edge of my seat watching my own kids play the game. However, it didn't mean that what I was watching was a great game played well. It was usually because you didn't know what on earth kind of wacky thing was going to happen next. And I guess you could say that about this Finals. But, I'd like to have my 'Holy Crap' moments accompanied by the thought "I may never see something that perfect again" rather than "How did either of these teams get here?" Cheers. With Hopes for the Glorious and Spectacular Tonight.

[sparky chewbarky]

The only thing that could save this series, is for Dirk to throw a big German wrench into the master works of the Miami "collusionists".
The Heat will probably take the series though, and when they do, relatively few will join their self-gratifying celebration.
Bosh and James will get their rings and the world will declare "big whoop".
They sure took the easy way.
...And the fierce combativeness that used to be part of the NBA playoffs, is gone, mainly because "getting up into someone's grill" isn't allowed anymore.
D-Mac from Ottawa is right.
No wonder you're feeling empty, Doug.

[Cluck Kent]

Well it's always interesting to see what happens when you poke the bear. I'm sure we'll learn a lot more about LeBron's legacy in the next 2 or 3 games.

I get the feeling from LeBron like he's already won a dozen rings and that he's 'above' the moment. It certainly would explain why he hasn't played with the kind of passion you expect to win a championship. Kind of a 'been there, done that' mentality like his future legacy exists already - in his mind.

At least the TV announcers haved stopped calling him the 'best in the game for a number of years now'.

I think it's been a compelling series but not a great series to watch. I find Miami because of it's stars, plays a lot of one on one individual style and while Dallas plays a more team oriented game, they simply haven't been able to execute the way they did earlier in the playoffs. As much as that might be due to a tougher defense in Miami, the missed open looks speak just as much to me about Dallas having a bad case of finalitis. I've still got a feeling they are going to go off for 120 points in one of these final games. I hope that's more than the power of positive thinking.

[John]

Hey Doug,
Long-time reader, very seldom poster. I must say I am immensely impressed with all the effort you put into this blog ... the IGBT ... the mailbag ... not to mention the daily stories in the paper. You're the hardest working beat grunt in the city, without a doubt. You also clearly put up with a lot of crap from some of the posters here, but I must say, please try to stay above the fray. Your "Yawn" comments are unprofessional, demeaning and really off-putting, at least to me. I know it's easy to say just ignore them when I'm not the one in the crosshairs ... but I'm going to ask anyway. Assinine comments speak for themselves, they don't deserve a response.
Thanks

[Jason G.]

Doug,

To echo Rob V, I think this is a pretty great series and I play pick up with about 10 other 40 year olds every week and we were talking about it last night like it was shaping up to be a pretty fantastic series.

You have at least four future all stars, all at various levels of their careers, trying to establish or tarnish their legacies. The story lines have been wildly interesting; all of us last night agreeing that each team seem to make a slight adjustment on the off days to allow them to just squeak out a win.

Now you have the broad sports media basically calling Lebron a punk when all of us deep down would not be surprised if he went off for 41, 13 and 11 tonight.

There has been some spectacular clampdown defense, both zone and man to man. Some alleys, some oops and some pure, sweet passes and textbook jump shooting. And three of the games went down to the last shot, giving us the element of high drama to keep us highly engaged.

Our chatter last night during pick up and after it ruining the exercise with suds and wings, was all about how compelling this series is shaping up to be, best in the last five or six years and it deserves to go seven if only to please us gym rats.

Anyway, respect your opinion, that’s why I come back every day.

Cheers,

J.