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If the first few days of the 2013 NBA Conference Finals are any indication of what’s to come, we are in for some key performances from the NBA’s stars. As Super Bowl MVP quarterback John Elway says, “you make your money during the regular season. You make your legacy in the postseason.” Four teams are trying to make their own legacy and to do so, it is vital that their primary options come to play. Every night.
In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, it could be argued that the favourite and consistently successful San Antonio Spurs were the underdogs against basketball’s new favourite team – the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies, coming off two upset play-off series wins against the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder are not being taken lightly by anyone any more and have everyone’s attention. Lead by big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies have bruised and bullied their way to the best season in franchise history and find themselves four wins from the finals.
However, the Grizzlies were blasted in Game 1, partly because of a big game from Tony Parker (20 points, 9 assists) and 14 made 3-pointers by the Spurs, and partly because of the disappearance of Randolph. Randolph scored 2 points on 1-8 shooting in 28 minutes. He missed layups and shots around the rim that he usually makes look easy. San Antonio forced away from his dominant left hand and sent multiple defenders his way every time he touched the ball, making him uncomfortable as possible. He seemed out of rhythm the entire game and when he was pulled in the fourth quarter, you could see in his face he knew he had underachieved. Against a dynasty like the Spurs, Randolph needs to be not just solid, but also dominate for Memphis to have a chance, and Game 1 was anything but that.
Tony Parker’s performance in Game 1 was huge for San Antonio in terms of taking control of the series, and in Game 2 another veteran stepped up. Over the years, Parker and Duncan have proven themselves to be one of the most successful duo in the league, winning three NBA championships together. Year after year, they get criticized for their “window closing” for the chance at an NBA title, and year after year they contend.
In Game 2, which for most of the night, looked like a mirror image of the Game 1 beat down, the Grizzlies showed some fight. With a combination of timely Mike Conley floaters and a little controversy (Manu Ginóbili’s questionable flagrant foul on Tony Allen), were able to force overtime. However, in the extra frame, Tim Duncan scored 6 of his team-high 17 points, including a Tony Parker-ish floater to seal the deal. It’s no secret that if San Antonio is going to reach the finals, they are going to need big performances from their mainstays. So far, so good.
The Eastern Conference Finals, which had some fireworks even before the teams even took the floor because of Pacers coach Frank Vogel’s comments on the Heat being in their way, certainly did not disappoint in Game 1. Ever since Danny Granger’s injury, Paul George has emerged as a star not only for the Pacers but for the league, making his first all-star appearance this season.
George’s Pacers had Miami on the ropes for most of the entire night, thanks to the dominant inside play of David West. George made big plays down the stretch including a 35-foot jumper to tie the game with 0.7 seconds left in the 4th quarter and three throws to give Indiana the lead with 2.2 seconds left in OT. The Pacers went on to lose at the buzzer, but George finished with 27 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. If George maintains his elite level of play, you can’t count Indiana out of this series.
With their backs against the wall and just coming off of a series in which they lost Game 1, Miami fans everywhere were on the edge of their seat. But LeBron, as he’s done most of the season, came to the rescue. As if a few key 4th quarter layups and and drop offs for Chris Andersen for dunk weren’t enough, the league’s MVP raised his game to another level in overtime. Miami’s final 3 possessions summed up how great King James is. A great assist to a cutting Dwyane Wade for a layup, followed by blowing by George Hill for a right handed layup, and ending the game with a warm-up left handed layup just as time expired to give Miami a 1-0 lead in the series.
Not to mention he finished the game with his 9th career playoff triple-double (30 points, 10 boards, 10 assists). Just another thing to add to the list of why he is the best player in the world. Contrary to his previous years, LeBron is now consistently playing at his best when his best is needed, a quality possessed by all the greats. If he continues this level of play, the Larry O’Brien trophy isn’t going anywhere this year.
It will be interesting to see what these teams can get from their best players in the coming days of the Conference Finals. Do coaching, scouting and role players play major parts on the road to a ring? Absolutely. But looking at all championship teams, they only go as far as their star (or stars) can carry them.
