A Quick Recap Of The Playoffs So Far... Round 2

Back to the recap... the second round didn't have quite as many intense games (outside of the Celtics-Magic series--I guess every game the C's participate in is intense) as the first round, but still provided some memorable showdowns. When 2 out of the 4 conference semifinals matchups go to 7 games, it's a pretty good indicator that this year's playoffs have been up there the best in recent years. This year's playoffs have been the best I've seen in at least the last five years.

Western Conference:

Round 2- Lakers vs. Rockets

Everyone knew from the beginning that the Rockets never stood a chance. The Lakers have too many weapons for the Rockets to counter, especially with an out-for-his-career Mutombo and a once again out-for-the-season McGrady. I was very impressed with how the Rockets played in this series, from Yao's explosion in Game 1 to the way they kept on fighting all the way through injuries (like when Yao went down in Game 3 and they came back and won game 4 easy) to push it to 7 games. But let's be realistic here. I'm astounded that so many analysts keep saying the Lakers are definitely going to lose to the Nuggets. You've gotta be kidding me. Obviously the Lakers play to the level of their competition. Now I have a great deal of respect for the Nuggets this year. But the fact remains that the Lakers are one of the more talented teams in the league, and when they want to... they flat out win (it pains me to no end that I must say this). In two must win games against the Rockets, they won from the opening tip. The games were never in doubt. A Game 5 40 point win?!? A Game 7 19 point victory?!? It was never even competitive. The Lakers cruise until they have to show up. And when it's required, they do what they have to--and they blow the other team out in the process. I'm not saying the Nuggets can't win... but I am saying don't EVER count out the Lakers because of early "struggles." The only problems this team really faces are the obstacles that they must get past in overcoming their own complacency. It's like they're too good for their own good. But when it comes down to the wire, they get it done. I'm looking forward to a very hard fought series between the Nuggets and the Lakers, and I'm sure that you know I'm rooting hard for Denver... but when it comes down to it, I know in my heart the Lakers will advance.

Round 2- Nuggets vs. Mavericks

Hard to say what really would have happened if there was actually a foul called when there should have been at the end of game 3, instead of the no-call that resulted in Denver winning and taking a commanding 3-0 lead. That being said, it took an out-of-his-mind effort from Dirk just for the Mavs to barely win one game. At home. the Nuggets were obviously the better team from the get-go and it was never in doubt that they would win this series. I'm impressed by Carmelo Anthony's development in the playoffs...he has really become a bonafide star in the NBA. I don't know if it's the influence of Chauncey Billups, or if he's just finally put it all together--but he has been absolutely awesome. He's turning them into a real contender this year. There are very few teams that I actually believe have a chance to beat the Lakers. This is one of them.


Eastern Conference:

Round 2- Cavs vs. Hawks

I like the Hawks, and I hope that one day the get over the hump, add a few more quality players, and establish themselves as real contenders in the East. They're close... but they're just not there yet. LeBron absolutely dominated this series, and the Cavs got themselves yet another sweep. It's probably past time to officially rename them the Cleveland LeBrons (credit for this nickname I believe is due to Bill Simmons, my current favorite sports columnist--check him out as the Sports Guy on espn.com). The LeBrons were just too much for the Hawks, who played their hearts out in every game... and still lost all of them by double digits. Cleveland is a scary, scary team. Watch out, Orlando and LA-- LeBron is hungry for a ring. And he's only getting better.


Round 2- Magic vs. Celtics

What a series this was! The Magic established early that their talent level was much higher than the current incarnation of the Celtics (missing KG, Leon Powe-- no more Posey or PJ Brown). However, the Celtics are more resilient than any other team in the league. They just plain know how to win. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will them to victories when they, by all rights, should have lost. Glen 'Big Baby' Davis has been amazingly clutch...seemingly out of nowhere. I was stunned by his 20 foot shot to win Game 4. And by the way, as disappointed as I was when Davis made the shot... I couldn't help but crack up when he flung the kid on the sidelines out of his way as he sprinted down the court in elation. Absolutely hilarious. I mean, that kid immediately hit the deck. Straight out of the Will Ferrell in Old School playbook (the scene where he shoots himself in the neck with a tranquilizer, then on his way to the pool, palms a kid's face and pushes him out of his way. Just an inspired comedic moment in cinematic history)

Finally, the Magic stopped choking away their leads and won convincingly in Game 7. I think, in the end, the Celtics roster was too depleted, fatigue was really setting in, and the Magic's talent level was just too high for them. I don't believe the Magic have a realistic shot at beating the LeBrons though. I think best case scenario they take it to 6 games. And even though I live in Florida, I care more about the Lakers losing than the Magic winning. And the reality is the Magic have no chance to beat the Lakers. None. The Cavs do.

Simply put, I'm pulling for the LeBrons. I hope he wins the first of many titles this year, I really do. All that's left is to hold my breath anxiously as the Finals make their inexorable approach. Here's hoping we officially began the championship era of Jordan's heir-apparent.