Swiss Cheese D

We are entering the third year in a row where the same teams have played each other in the finals. This is the first time this has happened in NBA history. 2016 was a historical year for the NBA. The Golden State Warriors broke the all-time record for wins in one season (73-9). However, the playoffs exploited the vulnerability of the Dubs. In the Western Conference Finals, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook had a 3-1 lead on the Warriors. With OKC’s raw athletic dominance combined with their rebound advantage, they pushed the Warriors to the limit. The Warriors did not let up, as Klay Thompson managed to guide Golden State to the finals, and Kevin Durant blew a 3-1 lead. Fast forward to the 2016 finals and a similar scenario happened. The Warriors were up 3-1 on the Cavs, but LeBron played arguably the best basketball of his life, averaging 30 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Kyrie hit a crazy three and the Warriors historically dominant 2016 season will forever ...

The Cavs faced plenty of doubt throughout this season. From their poor defense (ranked 23rd in the league in defensive efficiency this season) to their lack of chemistry with new acquisitions of Kyle Korver and Deron Williams, a lot of factors were against Cleveland. They  got their top seed stolen by the Boston Celtics to boot. All of this seems like a distant memory now with the Cavs sweeping the Pacers in a more competitive series than one would think (including an open game winner botched by C.J. Miles). Paul George fought, and some games came down to the wire, but it’s business as usual for LeBron. It might be another another easy trek to the finals for The King. In the second round the Cavs will either play the Toronto Raptors or the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s interesting to think who would be a tougher opponent Cleveland? Let’s ask twitter: https://twitter.com/NBASwissCheeseD/status/856246059085041668 Raptors The Raptors and Cavs have history in the playoffs. Last year in the Easter...

Anthony Davis had himself a night. Not only did he break Wilt Chamberlain’s all-star scoring record , but he also acquired fellow Kentucky Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins as his front-court buddy. The Pelicans will send guard Buddy Hield, 2017 first- and second-round picks, and guards Tyreke Evans (going back to Cali) and Langston Galloway to Sacramento for Cousins and forward Omri Casspi. Anthony Davis (age 23) is averaging 28 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists. DeMarcus Cousins (age 26) is averaging 28 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. This newly formed duo has the potential to be the greatest front-court in NBA history.  What makes this front-court so lethal is how the NBA is developing into a small ball league. Power forwards are becoming big-man hybrids who can shoot and guard the perimeter, but with limited size they give up boards to bulkier power forwards like Zach Randolph. The difference between the Pelicans playing big with Cousins and Davis, versus the Grizzlies playing big with M...

As the Knicks continue their inconsistent play, it is becoming clear that they are not a championship contender playoff contender. Apologies to everyone who thought they had great Vegas odds to win it all. Many Knicks fans are stressing that it's time for Melo and the Knicks part ways. This is considered a win-win because Melo can join a contender, and the Knicks can build around their unicorn, Kristaps Porzingis. There are multiple reasons why this is not going to happen: Carmelo Anthony has a no trade clause Phil Jackson met with Carmelo about potentially trading him. Melo claims he never even considered waiving his no trade clause , "I've never even, haven't even thought about that," Anthony said. "Like you said, I guess there's people talking about it. I don't know, I haven't thought about it. It's not something that I've thought about so far." You could argue that Melo is just being politically correct after being classically c...

The Knicks are going to be up and down all season. We can blame this on their lack of chemistry, health, and inability to guard the opposing team. The Knicks have the 6th worst defensive rating in the league and are second in the league in second chance points allowed. That alone can explain a lot. I received many tweets from my followers stating that Phil Jackson should blow up the team and rebuild around Porzingis. I'm here to explain why it's not that simple. Get Rid of Joakim Noah I have been through enough rants regarding  why Joakim Noah was one of the worst signings in the history of the Knickerbockers. Not one team in the NBA has a demand for an injury prone and overpaid center who is atrocious at both ends of the floor. This dilemma is pretty simple, wait out the next three seasons and then trade Noah's expiring deal for a second round draft pick. There is no other alternative. Let's look at a side by side comparison between Joakim Noah and Kyle O'Quinn...

Tomorrow is the most wonderful day of the year. It is a day where you can watch over 12 straight hours of basketball, instead of paying attention to your loved ones. The NBA has a history of putting together some fun, competitive matchups that occasionally give a playoff-like atmosphere. Celtics @ Knicks at 12pm EST on ESPN Knicks and Celtics have a very long and ugly history. This is a refreshing season to see both teams being fairly competitive. The Celtics are an inch higher than the Knicks in the Atlantic division (Celtics: 17-13 // Knicks 16-13), so this should prove to be an exciting noon game. Isaiah Thomas is one of the best rim penetrators at his position at only 5'9". He can also finish with both hands around the rim with crazy pressure around him. Think of him like a mini-Kyrie Irving. Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings have had trouble all season containing guys like Thomas, so that's a matchup to look out for. The Knicks can win this game if they can limit turn...

Swiss Cheese D would not have received as much exposure if not for twitter. Twitter enables me to connect with a tremendous amount of NBA fans. Although it is unfortunate that I only have 140 characters to respond to questions, I can get around that by using my website to answer all of your genius questions. Welcome to the first Swiss Cheese D Q&A. https://twitter.com/jaSILVERke/status/809855643486142465 I recently wrote a column on why Derrick Rose is so important to the Knicks.  A lot of the Knicks' success this season has been due to Rose's ability to penetrate and create for others. Although Rose is only 28 years old, there is no doubt that he is an injury prone player. Long-term I think it would be a good idea to either sign Rose to a short term deal (which is something his agent will oppose), or say goodbye. Players like Shaun Livingston, Vince Carter and Grant Hill were able to reinvent their game after career threatening injuries. This was due to their ability to re...