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TSN Basketball Analyst

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TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong checks in with thoughts on Dwane Casey's fine, the Thunder's huge Game 3 win, NBA fans and more.

1. DWANE CASEY FINE: None of us have any idea if Casey's comments about the officiating in the Cavs series will have any impact. When you've been called for 27 more fouls (73 to 46) than your opponent, you have to go public with your displeasure and he did. Proper move. Bottom line, the team that dictates terms in the games will win, if you're better, you prove it.       

2. THUNDER BLOW OUT WARRIORS: Doubt many people saw that coming. The thing that jumped out at me about Game 3 was how much hungrier OKC looked than Golden State. Warriors have been down this road before stuck 2-1 and responded. Suddenly though, Billy Donovan's squad has shown us all that not only are they good, but they're a legit contender despite all of the hype about the Cavs & Warriors.      

3. JEFF HORNACEK (Knicks): He deserved another crack at it and got it with this club. He'll be up tempo and creative offensively, which is a good thing. The issue here is talent and chemistry. Is Carmelo Anthony the winner that you can build with? Will Phil Jackson be around in 12 months or back to LA? More questions than answers.        

4. FANS: Look at the four remaining teams and their fan bases. Awesome. Off the charts enthusiasm and support are evident in all venues which makes it a wonderful event to watch on TV. In person: fantastic. I can say from being there, in both Cleveland and Toronto, that it's been very passionate.    

5.  DAVID BLATT: I spoke at the Canada Basketball Coaches Clinic on Sunday and Coach Blatt was in attendance, he also spoke on Saturday night in Toronto.  I have lots of respect for his wide range of accomplishments as a coach and have no doubt that he'd be a good fit again on an NBA bench.  Remember Mike D'Antoni only lasted a year in Denver at the start of his NBA career and he grew from it. I feel the same will apply here.