Season 5 - BasketballSim Finals Game 1 - Ocelots @ Tigers [completed]

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Preview:
The Season 5 BasketballSim Finals are finally here, with last year's runners up the Tigers playing host to the newly branded Ocelots in the first of a 5 game series.

For the Tigers, it's a championship or bust. They went 12-1 in the regular season and, while dropping a game to the Seahawks, looked dominant in their Conference Finals series. What makes this team so special is the fact that they don't rely on a single player. The backcourt comprises the league's best pure point guard in G Truman Lee and a genuine superstar in former DPOS G Siege Morgan, the frontcourt features the two way force that is F Brett Hall and a defensive juggernaut in C Ether Starris. F LeBron Ames then lurks on the wing, scoring, rebounding and playing defence perfectly in this system. Much has been made of the impending departure of Ames, who is off to be the franchise player for new franchise the Hurricanes, and the Tigers hierarchy see this as their last chance for a championship with this group.

The Ocelots, however, have surprised experts in their rise to becoming a contender. The lineup is unconventional, but the ability of MVP F Charlie Downes to step out onto a wing and not only be successful, but improve his play, has been the biggest factor in this. This team has, by far, the best inside defence in the league. They have two legitimate 7 footers in the paint, and Downes, who also won DPOS, on the wing sliding in. Their weaknesses are plain to see, however. Their backcourt is average at best. Manera, while serviceable on the offensive side of the ball, can be a defensive liability, and Anraad still looks uncomfortable playing 2 guard - especially on defence.

Looks for Lee and Morgan to exploit the weaknesses in the perimeter D of the Ocelots are kick to open shooters. Ames, who shot a disappointing 30% from deep this season, becomes an important player on offence - in addition to the unenviable task of guarding Downes. If he can hit his shots the Tigers should win. Hall vs Gayler should also be a vital contest. Should the Ocelots D step up, they're every chance in the world, even if their offensive game stutters.

Key Battle:
As eluded to above, Ames v. Downes could prove to be the series defining contest. Ames' willingness to shoot means Downes will have to play more perimeter D than he'd like. Ames hits those shots and the paint thins, allowing Lee and Morgan to take it to the hole with a little more ease. Downes is clearly the best player on this Ocelots team. Ames has also become a tenacious defender this season, he'll need to use all he's learned to cover Downes - the guy who can do it all.

Odds:
Ocelots - $2.10
Tigers - $1.70

Prediction:
The home-court advantage has proven to be massive for the Tigers, they may have the best crowd in the league. I expect the Tigers overall balance to allow them to take advantage of early opportunities and bring the home crowd into the game, from their they coast.

Tigers by 9, 111-102.

 

That post is the fucking sex.

 

No one better change their lineups, would make me so mad.

 

Gun OP.

 

On an unrelated topic, forgot to mention that Hall's been indefinitely suspended.

 

Good call son!

Let's go Tigers!

 

Mousey you do a real good job.