Off the Bench: Mikkey Halsted Talks NBA, Celts vs. Heat Goes 7 Games & More (Podcast) Posted by JRtheWriter on 06/08/12 | Filed under Podcasts, Sports, Mikkey Halsted, Off the Bench

In Game 6 of the Boston/Miami series, Lebron did something that no one else has done since Wilt did it in 1964, he went for 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assist. Now I’m not sure if he was on bath salts or what, but despite all the Lebron slander that goes on, the boy deserves his props. With his team at the brink of elimination and giving up 3 games in a row, Lebron did what an MVP is suppose to do and carried that team on his back. No facial expression, driving to the basket, defensive awareness, Lebron did it all, and you could tell the hard work took its toll when Lebron sounded exhausted at the post game conference. However, the question remains, if no one else from Miami steps up, will Lebron be able to play the way he did last night for a whole series against OKC or even game 7 against the Celtics?

Boston VS Miami Game 7

Now that I’ve pissed off every Kobe fan in the world, let’s talk about what we can expect in Saturday’s big matchup. Starting with Boston, someone needs to simply make shots! Peirce was horrible, KG couldn’t even make post up shots against wade on a switch, and Ray Allen is bricking so hard that stucco’s stock went up 13 points this morning. However, shots are something that you can’t control too much of, you’re either hot or not. One thing Boston does need to control is their transition defense. I watched play after play of 4 people ahead of Lebron and Wade and watch them all half ass jog down court and no one clogging the lane on a fast break! Boston has to switch their plans defensively! Peitrus one on one with Lebron hasn’t worked the past 2 games; it’s time to bring in help! Make Miller, Battier, and Chalmers make their shots! Make Wade finish those floaters that haven’t been dropping! The reason OKC dominated was the Spurs was because they had a defensive plan to stop Parker and Manu and make Tim Duncan put the team on his back, which he can’t do.

If Boston is going to win Game 7, they have to win the 3rd quarter. The 3rd quarter has been key to Boston in not just this series but also the whole playoffs. In fact, Boston has only lost 1 game during the playoffs that they won the 3rd quarter! Put pressure on the Heat in the 4th! If you’re confident that Lebron can’t close, then make him! Make Spoelstra draw up one of his genius last shot plays that has worked ONE time in 12 attempts this year. If Boston is serious about winning, they need to show it! There’s no country for “Good Job, Good Effort” around these playoffs part!

Prediction

Lebron won’t have another night like he did in Game 6, but that doesn’t mean the Heat can’t win. If Wade can get his groove back and start scoring early, Boston has to pick their poison. Bosh’s presence has already made a dramatic difference in the post defense game and while Boston is occupied with boxing him out, Wade and Lebron are flying through the lane for put back tips/dunks. I just feel right now that Miami has too much momentum to blow this series. Although no one has impressed me outside of Lebron in the past 2 games, I do feel like Chalmers can hit a big shot when it’s needed, and his 3 pointers may be the difference between Miami ending Boston’s era or Boston going out with glory and pride.

Quick Note On OKC

I don’t care who wins the ECF, they’re not beating OKC. A team that started 3-29 three years ago is now the best team in the league and are getting better. Throughout their playoff run, OKC has beaten teams that have accumulated 10 of the last 13 championships. Kevin Durant is 23 years old and is NOT ARGUABALY but IS the best pure scorer in the game. He’s also supported by two other players who can go off at anytime and one of the best supporting cast in the league. What also makes this team great is their ability to adapt and change their strategies. Give coach Brooks credit, he went down 0-2 to a team that was on a 20 game win streak, and managed to beat them 4 games in a row? It’s truly incredible what the management of OKC has done with this team and not only will OKC be the favorite to win this year, I have a feeling they will win a couple within the upcoming ones as well.

I know my opinion doesn’t mean much, so make sure to check out the podcast where we have Philly Daily News writer Kerith Gabriel (@sprtswtr) talking U.S. Soccer, MLS, and Euro 2012, as well as Chicago rapper Mikkey Halsted (@mikkeyhalsted) who shows us why his future as a NBA analyst doesn’t seem too far off.



See Also: Is Mikkey Halsted Really the Best Baller in the Entertainment Industry?