Like the first round of the playoffs, the second round was full of drama and shocking upsets. Some of the NBA elite teams were brutally eliminated, young stars played up to their full potential, and two teams engaged in a battle royal that brought us our first 7 game series of the post season. I personally found this round hard to watch and even more challenging to write about. Luckily, I’m a professional and just because my team was annihilated doesn’t mean that I will ignore my love for the game (and analyzing it). Here are some my thoughts.
The West
Dallas vs. LA (4-0)
I knew a three-peat was not in the cards this year but the last thing I expected was a sweep. This is hard for me to say aloud but I think the dynasty is dead. Phil is gone and what way to go out. The Lakers lost the first two games at home and were completely humiliated in that last game. The once glorious two-time champs were shamefully swept by the Dallas Mavericks.
Luckily, I chose food shopping with my mother (Mother’s Day) over watching that last game. Watching SportsCenter was a nightmare that night. Much to my dismay, we had the wrong Gasol. Pau’s game was atrocious. I was happy to see Bynum finally get aggressive in many of the games but once he let loose he couldn’t be contained. If you need any more proof just ask J.J Barea. Odom didn’t seem to show up maybe because he was busy shooting his reality show with his annoying wife.
What else can I say except Dallas out played the Lakers. Dirk knows how to take over a game and lead his team to a possible championship. I have my fingers crossed that his Hasselhoff loving ass falls short. I can’t believe I am saying this but if it comes down to a Dallas/Miami series; I have to root for Miami. It would be quite poetic if Dallas gets back to the Finals only to loose to Miami again just like in 2006.
Oklahoma vs. Memphis (4-3)
This series has been a battle of shooters, scorers, and pure will. In fact it’s not only the first 7-game series of the finals but probably the most interesting to watch. The Grizzlies were an 8 seed team, who people thought would be crushed by San Antonio in the first round. Oklahoma is a young team with talented players that can score when it counts. I had never seen Memphis play in a regular season game but Zach Randolph was on my fantasy team and he performed miracles for me every night. I wasn’t surprised to see him continue his reign throughout the post season.
Every game between these two teams (except the last one) was a battle. Durant and Westbrook are sleek and speedy shooters and Randolph and Gasol are a combination of brute force and talent. As most people expected Oklahoma won the battle in the end. They finally figured out how to contain Randolph, when it really mattered. I found myself a bit disappointed in the end. The last game wasn’t really that competitive and I was rooting for the underdogs. I know that the Thunder have a better chance against the Mavericks, so for that I am grateful. Despite that last game, I have a newfound respect for the Grizzlies and I hope that I am not the only one.
The East
Miami vs. Boston (4-1)
This series surprised me. In the regular season Boston had no problem beating Miami. I truly expected this match up to be more competitive. The fact that Celtics only won 1 game at home is almost unbelievable. I must admit that I was a little giddy that they preformed so poorly. I was rooting for them only because of my loathing for the Heat. After the way they humiliated the Knicks, it seemed like justice that they almost got swept. The Celtics might have been over confident and had too much rest. They also probably regretted that Perkins trade.
The bottom line although I cringe to acknowledge it is Miami has figured out a way to play balanced basketball together. The big three are making quite the unbeatable team. Wouldn’t it be horrifying if they proved everyone wrong? My last hope is Chicago but if it comes down to a choice between Miami and Dallas in the finals, I might have to swallow my pride and root for Miami. My hatred for Dirk and Mark Cuban runs deeper than my disgust for LeBron. Let’s hope it doesn’t come down to that difficult choice. I’m putting all my faith in my #1 fantasy player and current MVP, Derrick Rose.
Chicago vs. Atlanta (4-2)
The Hawks played well and deserve respect especially because they managed to beat the Bulls at home in game 1. Joe Johnson scored 34 pts during that game and the Bulls had a scary moment where D. Rose starting limping at the end of the game. Thankfully, he recovered quickly and played his heart out the rest of the series. D. Rose proved just how healthy he was feeling in game 3 with a career high of 44 pts. The Bulls shine as a great defensive team as well as an amazing bench team. As long as Deng, Boozer, and Noah need to keep up their competitive roles and Gibson, Asik, and Brewer keep playing hard, the Bulls have a shot at beating the Heat. Hopefully their strong bench will be the key to their success in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Predictions:
Dallas will win the Western Conference Finals 4-2 (Hoping the Thunder will win at least 2 games at home)
The Eastern Conference Finals could go either way. It will be a tough defensive battle. It could go even go 7 games. I am picking the Bulls (wishful thinking) but I know it my heart it’s could be the Heat.
