Tag Archives: LeBron James

Miami Heat streak means nothing without a ring

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LBJ dunking

The Miami Heat are in the midst of a 23 game winning streak, the second longest in NBA history. With their game tonight against LeBron James‘ old pals, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Heat have a chance to make it 24 straight Ws.

I’ve only got one thing to say to that: so what?

This streak doesn’t matter one bit. Ask the 2008 Houston Rockets. This is kid stuff. Sure, it’s impressive. Sure, it would be cool if the Heat matched or broke the ’71-’72 Lakers streak of 33 straight victories. But James, Dwayne Wade and the rest of the SuperFriends are here for one thing only: Rings.

It’s championship or bust for the Heat.

Heat Champison

They’ve got legacies to consider. Yes, breaking the all time record would add another section to the resume. But nothing speaks louder than championship jewelry. So what would be the point of this streak if the Miami Heat come up empty handed in the playoffs?

The NBA doesn’t deal in moral victories. No one will value the winning streak over a championship. If the Heat are as committed to breaking the record as they claim to be, so be it. But they better be the last team standing if that is the case. With only one more guaranteed year together, this could be this version of the Heat’s last chance for another trophy.

DWade Champion

Michael Jordan never lost a series in the Finals. Bill Russell took home 11 championships. If James wants to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys, he can’t afford a third Finals ousting.

It’s all well and good that the Heat are playing at such a high level. It’s impressive that they are going after the winning streak with such ferocity. But it’s important that they don’t lose sight of the ultimate goal for this lesser one.

This streak will mean absolutely nothing if it doesn’t culminate in a Ring.

The Miami Heat mean business

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Miami HeatThe Miami Heat have now won 16 straight games with their victory over the Orlando Magic. During that span, LeBron James has been the model of efficiency (64% from the field in the month of February), Dwayne Wade has averaged nearly 25 points, and the entire teams has gelled together.

If this winning streak doesn’t cement that as the favorite to win it all then I don’t know what will. There are no other truly elite teams in the field.

The Oklahoma City Thunder couldn’t get the job done last year after taking a 1-0 series lead. They’ve subsequently gotten slightly worse after trading James Harden. The San Antonio Spurs just lost Tony Parker for four weeks. There is no way to tell how game ready he will be come playoff time. The Los Angeles Clippers are still a notch below elite. Their fantastic bench will matter less in the playoffs as starters play more minutes.

Durant and WestbrookThere isn’t a single team in the Eastern Conference that poses a true threat to the Heat over a seven game series. Indiana has the league’s top defense but as we witnessed last year, that is merely an inconvenience for James, Wade, Bosh and co. It isn’t a stopping point.

Don’t be surprised when Miami hoists their second consecutive championship trophy. No other team in the NBA can stop them.

LeBron James & the Dunk Contest

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http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9014505&categoryid=2459788

In the above video, Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless debate whether or not LeBron James should be influenced by Magic Johnson’s $1 million offer to participate in the dunk contest.

I am a fan of the NBA. Obviously, I would love to see James throw down his vicious dunks in the contest. But James has turned down the opportunity for 10 years now. I think it is about time we all accept the fact that he just doesn’t want to participate in the dunk contest.

LBJ dunking

And you know what? There is nothing wrong with that.

We get so caught up in what we want these athletes to do or how we want them to act that we forget that they are people too. They have their own preferences and behaviors. It is perfectly acceptable for them resist the public’s wishes. How would you feel if someone else dictated your whole life?

Let’s all stop whining and just move on. The dude doesn’t want to do it. It isn’t the end of the world.