Isn't the game supposed to be fun at some level?

Now this may be a gross over-simplification (it’s kind of what we do) and a bit of a rush to judgement (another thing we do far too often) but one thing struck me watching the Heat these past few nights.

They don’t seem to have a lot of fun playing the games.

I don’t mean giggling and laughing and not taking things seriously; I mean just the way they handle themselves.

Now, I don’t know that it’s all that important that joy comes through publicly, it’s tremendously hard to win games and the intensity you need to compete doesn’t lend itself to smiles and giggles, but I do think the better teams consistently look like they are truly enjoying themselves out there.

Perhaps it is a reaction to two seasons of being hammered almost all the time by fans and some media, of hearing how evil they are and how they somehow jilted the rightful order of the world when they got together; or maybe the Heat are just more businesslike because of their age and the experiences they’ve had.

But just watch things like facial expressions, body language, how they react to each other and the game. Even when they were winning early and into the third quarter, you didn’t get the impression the Heat were particularly enjoying themselves.

Far too often it looks like it’s a chore to some degree rather than fun, and while it’s not the make-it-or-break-it trait for a team, I do think it translates a little bit into “how” they play as well.

I guess it hit me hardest sometime in the second half of Game 1, it simply looked like Oklahoma City, despite trailing most of the night, seemed to be enjoying themselves more.

Bit a bigger bounce in their step, a bit more enthusiasm at the end of plays, more smiles to some degree.

It won’t be the thing that decides the series – and this series still has a tremendous amount of basketball yet to be played and to count Miami out is folly – but it might be something you want to look at.

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A penguin one day, this the next.

Who knows what’s around the next OKC corner.

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Raptors?

A somewhat ho-hum day of workouts yesterday, I’m told; no one jumped out as some rotation-busting must-have draft pick and today is Canada Day to some degree.

Montreal’s Kris Joseph and Vancouver’s Robert Sacre are in; not sure either is someone they’re seriously looking at (Joseph more than Sacre if they are; he’s more athletic, and scouts think he’s got more room for skill development) but it’ll be good for them to be seen.

I have a Joseph interview somewhere in my notebook from last week in Chicago; guess I have something else to work on this morning.

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I think “booked for dissent” is now my new favourite sports phrase and should be adapted by all professional leagues.

Either that or steals in the NBA should now be called “dispossessions.”

I tell you, soccer does play by play like few other sports, doesn’t it?

I know it’s not nearly as lyrical as baseball or frenetic as basketball or hockey but it’s fun to listen to a guy do a game.

(Can you call how I’ve been killing time since Euro2012 began?)

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Okay, I just don’t get Erik Spoelstra.

This whole “will Bosh start” stuff is getting a little ridiculous by the way he’s obfuscating every day about what he might do.

Look, I can see if a coach is worried about giving a competitive secret away, that’s a bit over-reactive but it’s what coaches do and we all learn to live with it.

But for Spoelstra, it’s just the opposite and he fully admitted it before Game 1.

“I'd be willing to tell Oklahoma City. I don't think it's a competitive advantage … just one of the few times that hopefully we can control a little bit of the noise out there, we don't have to get into the debate about the pluses or minuses about it before the game. The guys can just focus in, get into their iPads and focus on the game.”

Come on!

How silly is that.

You have to realize he said this about 80 minutes before tip-off in the main press room, there was hardly enough time for us to go charging off to the Heat locker room to converge on Shane Battier to tell pester him about losing his job and, besides, if we did, he’d probably say “um, yeah, okay; he’s better than I am.”

And that’s not even taking into consideration the fact that the players – any players – disappear before the game for the precise reason that they don’t really want to talk to us.

Spoelstra may be a good coach – it’s debatable – and it can’t be easy to handle that group of players and the attention – but that’s just a guy taking himself, and a benign situation – far too seriously.

Maybe this “Heat needs to have more fun” thing starts at the top.

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Tough call, need some help.

If I get done in time and find a stool, do I watch Strasburg-Drabek from the ballyard or Netherlands-Germany from the football?

What would you do?

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Okay, folks, here’s the deal: Game days are a bit slow, especially here in OKC, and Friday’s a bit of a bear of a travel day so I’m going to have to start the weekend mail early.

As in Thursday afternoon sometime so let’s get going, shall we?

You know the drill.

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Time to catch up a bit with Canada because it’s that time of year.

The women’s national team split two games in Britain on the weekend, losing the first and winning the second, and that’s not entirely surprising because it’s always hard to win that first game in Europe after some arduous travel.

They’re off to France now for another series of exhibitions before the Olympic qualifier starts in 10 days or so and as coach Allison McNeill said to us they day they left, it’s vitally important that Canada Basketball got them over there early so they could get acclimated to the time, get over the physical toll travel takes and get re-acquainted with the European style of the women’s game.

The results of these games really don’t matter; it’s making sure they’re getting better consistently, remembering what it takes to compete over there and being ready when the big tourney finally starts.

On the men’s side, and we’re really giving this short shrift today because I need something to use here tomorrow or Friday, the Cadet team (under 17) is about to start camp as it gets ready for the world championships that begin later this month in Lithuania and the Junior team (under 19) is off the FIBA Americas qualification tournament in Brazil.

There, you’re caught up a bit.

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Comments

[AT]

the Heat have lost themselves...not sure who they are anymore, not sure when they should have fun, be serious or celebrate. The team has always been that way...they seem to follow their leader(s). Lebron was very workmanlike and serious in the closeout games against Boston and the rest of the team seem to mimic his demeanor..Spoelstra seems way over his head and I am surprised Riley to come down out of the stands and push him aside to finish coaching game 1.Bosh was lost as he ever way in TO. Hits a timely 3 pointer against Boston and now in Game 1 of the NBA finals he thinks he has become Ray Allen
OKC should be feeling pretty good about themselves (especially considering last night they only needed their top 2 and the supporting cast that beat the spurs were relatively quiet.)

[Mich]

I would suggest you find a stool at a sports bar that has a set of side by side tvs. Why should you have to choose?

[Chris]

Hi Doug,

You're right when discussing the Heat not having fun and you can see that in the way Wade and James look at Chalmers specifically. Now, I'm not the biggest Mario Chalmers fan (he's one of those players whose arrogance I just don't understand), but each time Chalmers misses a pass or misses an assignment you can see those two players in particular just stare at him in anger. You have to wonder what type of atmosphere that creates on the court. Every player makes mistakes, but when you take it out on your point guard (and I understand he's not the one controlling the offence in a traditional sense) and he's the one who sets the tone offensively and defensively you just have to wonder if that sense of apprehension is being manufactured from those two and their treatment of their teammate in front of everyone watching.

Regarding yesterday's game, you never really felt OKC out of it at any moment. Even when they were down by 13, you never had that sense of panic and once the 3rd started you saw the athleticism of Sefolosha/Ibaka really make a difference and set a different tone. And how great is that Scott Brooks/mother story?

Lastly, in terms of game, you HAVE to watch the Holland/Germany game. Holland needs the 3 points. There is dissension in the ranks already on the Holland team (Sneider alluded to it, Huntleaar has complained and van der vaart has openly complained about not being happy starting the game off the bench). Technically, it could be footy at its finest. I'd put it up there with must-watch sport t.v.

[john]

Solution, find a stool with multiple screens.
I am surprised, being the stool veteran you are, that this isn't a conditioned response.
Cheers!

Blogger's note: Might be a tough find in this village; er, city

[MC_Brad]

Picture in picture? failing that, Germany Holland, but be prepared for a tie.

[sam]

Sometimes a team is not the sum of it's parts.
The Heat have arguably the best player in the NBA with LBJ on thier team, followed closely by Wade, and Bosh. Sounds like a recipe for success doesn't it? I'm wondering how much personality and ego are playing into the teams psyche. Perhaps the pressure and expectations are fraying some nerves and 2 of the big 3 simply can't co exist on the floor at the same time.

[Sharkey]

Unfortunately if your in Oklahoma City I doubt you'll be able to find a Blue Jays-Nationals game at 10:30 AM your time, even if Strasburg is pitching for Washington

[Diego]

Netherlands v. Germany. It has the chance to be, as the kids say, "epic". Netherlands and Germany are a classic futbol rivalry and the Netherlands desperately need to win. And to make matters worse, there may be friction in the Dutch locker room (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/13/euro-2012-wesley-sneijder-pathetic-egos). All of it should make for some thrilling action, or at least, thrilling story lines.

[Rob.V]

Yeah, the Heat are not having (and will not) have any fun because they are trying not to lose... not much fun in that.
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Teams that have that disposition of peace (or appearance of having fun) generally "believe" they are going to win regardless of any bad quarter or stretch of ball. OKC has it, the Heat doesn't (oh, and OKC is a better team - that might have something to do with it too). Seems like the championship is still in the Heat's heads although they did play like a great team in the 1st quarter.
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Personally I don't think this is too early to state - last night's game was a back (and mental) breaker for the Heat. They played about as good as they could in the first quarter and OKC played about as bad as they could. You're not going to see Battier go perfect from behind the arc every game and using Bosh as a consistent 3 point threat doesn't help. The game actually went according to script really. Make LBJ and Wade jump shooters and you'll win the game.
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The Heat are good however they are still an unfinished product. They need a center, PG, and a little more depth. They are not going to win unless either Bosh or Anthony plays the 5 and they suddenly become rim protectors. Ibaka, Perkins, and Collison are just too much back there and they are going to have to shut down (as much as possible) Westbrook. His slashing to the hoop cannot continue if the Heat want to win a game or 2.
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I remember the great Marv Levy saying - run... and stop the run, as a formula for winning in the NFL. Every Sport has a formula. NBA? - Control the paint! OKC won this in game 1.
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Spoelstra? I'm sure he's a fine coach however he's definitely a disciple of Pat Riley. Now, I'm all for cliche's however it would be interesting to count how many he spews out on any given gameday. What's the over under on this, 20 a night? Come on, all this dyling last breath crap?. Please! It just comes across as "fake".
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Again, I'm sure he's a fine coach however when I listen to Doc Rivers speak it just seems to come from the heart, like coming from a "brother". Yeah, when Doc speaks... he makes me want to jump through the TV and box somebody out!
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Oh, it's gotta be Netherlands-Germany from the football of course. It's not even close really... you'd have to wait another 2-4 years!! to watch the best in the world play on this stage again.

[Jim Rootham]

Off topic quick question: Have you read enough Bill James to get a sense of him as a writer?

Blogger's note: Not really, no

[doug]

doesn't Mickey's place have a few sets, televisions that is....Thunder have too much depth for the Heat to compete against, but that being said they have been written off a few times this year in the playoffs so who knows...this is my choice for the day..soccer match, Jays game or the links...sorry the links wins hands-down...for the rest I'll do what I did last night at 3ish in the morning, roll over turn on the tv go to the Score and see who won the b-ball game....as i konked out despite all my efforts at the end of the 3rd or maybe sooner...those late mid-week starts are killers....ok cheers..

[Mr. Cook]

Is there any other 'superstar' that loafs back on defense more than Dwayne Wade? He was singlehandedly the cause of 8 fast break points last night for OKC. I'm no fan of Boston, but Rajon Rondo's explanation of exploiting the Heat was dead on and it starts and ends with Wade, someone he would listen to should really say something to him.

[jb]

Every time the Heat lose a game, you hear the same things over and over again from the media

- Lebron chokes
- Spo isn't a very good coach, Riley should take over or insert hall of fame coach name
- Bosh is soft

If Lebron smiles or laughs during a game, the media will say he is not taking the game seriously.
If they do win, well they should win.
If they lose, it's Armageddon, fire the coach...break up the team.

This has been going on for 2 years
It's really a no win situation for them. No wonder they don't have any "fun".

Had the the Thunder lost, then Westbrook is a chucker and they can't win with him.

[AT]

I think @Rob V is right on the mark with Spoelstra and it was interesting to hear LBJ say in an interview what he said to Doc Rivers after their game 7. something along the lines of how the Celtics really respond to him and how well his team is prepared.. sounds like is really speaking between the lines about his own team/coach

[Wallace]

Miami is feeling the Heat. And the three amigos brought the pressure on themselves with that arrogant display of bravado on stage in Miami shortly after the Lebron signing. They promised the fans not one but multiple championships. The clowning and mugging for the media was meant to convey to everyone how easy the task would be. Now they know different. No wonder they're not having fun.

[jb]

@AT

Lebron also said this after the Pacers series, when they lost Bosh...

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“Coach Spo’ from Game Three on made some unbelievable adjustments that allowed us to do the things that we did,” said James.

“He put us in a position offensively and defensively to make the plays, to help us to win. Just as he says that we played spectacularly, he coached spectacularly this series.”
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You lose one game and it's the same thing over and over again for 2 yrs. His job is the worst coaching job in the league b/c after every loss, Spoelstra is a terrible coach and after every win, he gets no credit...they are expected to win.

Before the big 3, Spoelstra was able to get D-Wade and a bunch of D-league players into the playoffs. He managed to get Miami into the finals 2 yrs in a roll with a incomplete roster and with 2 stars that play the same way.

If they do change coaches, who do they get - Phil Jackson...Riley hates Phil Jackson. Stan Van Gundy...they already fired him once, Jerry Sloan...if he couldn't deal with a prima donna Deron Williams, his head would explode in Miami. But what I would like to see in the offseason is maybe get a offensive specialist (the offensive version of tom thibodeau) to join the bench in the offseason...not D'Antoni though.

[Steve]

@jb Pretty much nailed it, I think people have forgotten that both teams in this series were down 2-0 in their conference finals and came back. Way to early to be calling it done and dusted now (as many are).

[mw]

Doug, the media is ridiculous. If Lebron laughs, giggles or dances, then he is not serious nor has the killer instinct of Kobe or MJ.If he is serious on the court then the game is not fun. Give it a break. These guys get criticize for no reason no matter what they do, and the fault starts and ends with the self important media.

Blogger's note: And if you didn't have us, what would you rip?

[David in Oakville]

I don't know Doug, if I was in Oklahoma City with a free afternoon, I might just grab a buddy (a not so chatty buddy.. M Grange about?), see about renting a convertible and head out on Historic Route 66 to Miami (Miami Oklahoma that is) looking for drive in restaurants, milkshakes, burgers and assorted road side attractions.
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I find myself agreeing with JB. Miami is at this point over analyzed and they just can't win no matter how they behave. I almost want to see them win so we can move on to some other story line (I said almost).
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And I agree with Mr Cook... Wade seems to be the weak link. Not sure Pat Riley has the courage to pull the trigger on that trade and like you have said Doug, seemingly impossible to get fair value back... but he is the one I would look to move if someone is going to be moved.

[shamus]

Watching cb4 hoist up threes in game 7 (celtics) and game 1 last night I'm having flashbacks of the frustration of how he seems to be allergic to the paint. I know he's not a deep post player but at this stage of the season shouldn't he be? Is the 3 point attempts by design or him being scared of the paint? Thanks

[Lorie]

Hi Doug!
Well, it's no Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin - or not even a Dr. Scholl's with fashion aspirations and a wedge heel - but nice to see cool footwear in today's blog. Now, if any of the Raptors' Braintrust are down there in Oklahoma City and can find the dude whose foot fits that boot, well that may solve a personnel need. Or two! So, there's a wee bit of concern about the Heat and egos? Well, things seem to be coming apart at the seams with sniping about "pathetic egos" and cliques, clans and islands on your Dutch squad. Oh, my! This is must-see TV for me now! Cheers!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/euro-2012-group-b

[Ren]

Team sports are always the same - the players either buy in or they don't. At the professional level, that is all of it. I know you don't necessarily put a lot into coaching, Doug, but it makes a huge difference. The one thing fans never remember is that most of these players are kids - and kids with maybe one year of college in them. They don't even have complete personalities yet, they don't have a sense of cause or friendship or the importance of elders or... well..much. With a solid coach (not always in the sense of x and o, but in leadership), kids learn to follow a path for success. Why are coaches like Pop, Karl, SLoan, Rivers, etc. so successful? Because they have experience and know what to say to get these kids together. When the players run the show, there will always be a problem - they don't really know what to do. They only know what to do for themselves - that's how they grew up. In OKC, the superstar (Durant) is far beyond his years - he knows his role. The cach has finally instilled in the young point guard an idea of team (even though he still has his moments). It is pretty simple - the team that plays like a team and buys in will win, as long as the parts are there. And if that proves correct, then this series belongs to the team from OKC.
If not, then team sports really suck.

[sportschic]

The Heat have more pressure on them to win; they are in danger of imploding. Of course, a win or two changes the atmosphere.

No question you need to find a stool that is in front of the Germany Netherlands game, and may the best beer producing country win!

[Nick M]

'I think “booked for dissent” is now my new favourite sports phrase and should be adapted by all professional leagues.

Either that or steals in the NBA should now be called “dispossessions.”' And...
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Let's not forget that Strasbourg v. Drabek may be a duel, but Germany v. Netherlands is a 'MASSIVE FIXTURE' so you best watch the football!

[gdr]

Doug, any chance the Raptors would be interested in Tyreke Evans via trade? He seems to be the type of player they want (athletic wing/slasher) and I've read the Kings would move him if they got a BIG in return. Thanks!

Blogger's note: No clue