NBA Playoffs News and Notes

A few thoughts on the series currently going down:

Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs
(Mavs currently lead series 2-1)

I am expecting Dallas to take this series. Why? Because I think the Spurs have finally become a victim of playing the most boring basketball in the NBA. Tim Duncan is getting old, Manu Ginobli has been on the brink of becoming a star for 3 years, but gets lost in big games, and Tony Parker is great, but isn't enough to lead a team. The younger, faster legs of the Mavs will prevail. Dirk Nowitski is a beast whether you like him or not, speedsters like Jason Terry, Josh Howard, and Marquis Daniels can score inside, and Erik Dampier is JUST enough to hold down the center. By the way, they are led by the coach of the year, Avery Johnson. Game 4 is tonight in Dallas.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns
(Series tied 2-2)

This is the only semifinals series that is keeping me interested in the playoffs this year. I have rooted for the not-so-underdog anymore Clippers all year, and I am still picking them to go to the NBA Finals this year. Don't laugh...especially when I'll give you Mr. Elton Brand as a reason not to. This is the real man that should have been MVP this year, the most intimidating force on the inside in the league (Shaq is old), the best rebounder (don't say Ben Wallace), and isn't afraid to take that little jumper to use his height advantage (you know, what Duncan used to be able to do). The Suns, on the other hand, just can't get a break. The Lakers gave them a scare in the first round, and I bet Steve Nash cries every time he looks over and sees big guy Amare Stoudemire on the bench (I cried when I saw him in that green suit the other night). Don't be fooled, however, I'm sure the official MVP still has a few tricks up his sleeve. I'm praying this series goes to seven. Game 5 tomorrow night.

Back to the East...

Detroit Pistons vs. LeBron James and those other guys (Cleveland Cavaliers)
(Detroit leads 2-1)

I'd love to sit here and say LeBron's big game the other night is a sign that the Cavs might stand a chance. I'm sorry, but I can't do it. The Pistons are just too good. They are one of the most complete teams in NBA history, and actually know that defense makes a difference. In order for the Cavs to take this series, someone else needs to step up, and no one on that team has shown me they can do that. Larry Hughes disappears in big games, Zydrunas Ilgauskas has been MIA since the playoffs started...and yeah...those are the only other scorers on the team. And don't tell me Damon "Big Shot" Jones or Donyell "I only shoot 3's" Marshall. Game 4 is tonight!!! (By the way, yeah...I'm rooting for LeBron anyway)

Miami Heat vs. New Jersey Nets
(Miami leads 3-1)

The race to see who gets to lose to this Pistons is almost over as well. Dwyane Wade is out of control as usual, and Shaq has just enough in the tank to make a run here. And was that Antoine Walker on fire the other night? I thought I was seeing things, but then I saw Gary Payton hit a clutch 3 at the end of the game! Honestly, this team is still underachieving to me. How can you list off names like Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Antoine Walker, Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton, and Jason Williams and not hand this team the title? (Not to mention coached by Pat Reilly) Prove me wrong fellas, or just call me up and be like: "Who the hell are you? Some dude from fu**ing Buffalo?? No one even reads your sh**!!!" Anyway, the mutant three-way that is Kidd-Carter-Jefferson just won't be enough.
Game 5 tomorrow night.

Let's see what happens...