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.
Friday, May 22, 2009
What Have We Learned?
Wow... what a crazy start to the conference finals. Apparently if your team has the game looking pretty much locked up-- then that's the death knell. They're going to lose. This is just bizarre. Take a look at this...
Lakers vs. Nuggets, Game 1:
Nuggets take a thirteen point lead, control the entire game. Wind up losing in the waning moments.
Cavs vs. Magic, Game 1:
Cavs take a fifteen point lead at the end of the first half after Mo Williams' beyond half court three, maintain in control for almost the whole game... take a 2 point lead with 25 seconds left following LeBron's amazing three point play. Wind up losing by 1 on a Rashard Lewis three with 14 seconds left.
Lakers vs. Nuggets, Game 2:
Lakers take a thirteen point lead, control the first three quarters of the game. Play a back-and-forth final quarter... and wind up losing in the waning moments. By the way, it warrants mentioning that the Nuggets were up 31-23 at the end of the first quarter in Game 1. The Lakers were up 31-23 at the end of the first quarter in Game 2. Both end up losing. Very, very odd.
So what's the lesson here? Is the new winning gameplan to play possum for most of the game and then strike at the end? Should you start to panic if your team gains a double digit lead during the game?
...Here's what I'm taking away from all this. We have some highly competitive teams fighting tooth and nail every step of the way-- and basketball is, after all, a game of runs-- so we'll most likely be seeing a lot of games like this. I'm loving these conference finals.
Now I think there is one thing that has become abundantly clear in these two matchups: you cannot EVER, even for one second, let up. Because the other team will absolutely punish you. There is no room for complacency on a championship team. So in the coming days we will see which teams rise to the challenge, because none of these four teams can be taken lightly.
I can't wait.
Lakers vs. Nuggets, Game 1:
Nuggets take a thirteen point lead, control the entire game. Wind up losing in the waning moments.
Cavs vs. Magic, Game 1:
Cavs take a fifteen point lead at the end of the first half after Mo Williams' beyond half court three, maintain in control for almost the whole game... take a 2 point lead with 25 seconds left following LeBron's amazing three point play. Wind up losing by 1 on a Rashard Lewis three with 14 seconds left.
Lakers vs. Nuggets, Game 2:
Lakers take a thirteen point lead, control the first three quarters of the game. Play a back-and-forth final quarter... and wind up losing in the waning moments. By the way, it warrants mentioning that the Nuggets were up 31-23 at the end of the first quarter in Game 1. The Lakers were up 31-23 at the end of the first quarter in Game 2. Both end up losing. Very, very odd.
So what's the lesson here? Is the new winning gameplan to play possum for most of the game and then strike at the end? Should you start to panic if your team gains a double digit lead during the game?
...Here's what I'm taking away from all this. We have some highly competitive teams fighting tooth and nail every step of the way-- and basketball is, after all, a game of runs-- so we'll most likely be seeing a lot of games like this. I'm loving these conference finals.
Now I think there is one thing that has become abundantly clear in these two matchups: you cannot EVER, even for one second, let up. Because the other team will absolutely punish you. There is no room for complacency on a championship team. So in the coming days we will see which teams rise to the challenge, because none of these four teams can be taken lightly.
I can't wait.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Poor Blake Griffin
Oh, the dangers of being the best player in the draft. Can you believe the Clippers won the lottery for the first overall pick? Poor, poor Blake Griffin. His fate is essentially already sealed. He's basically going to be sent to basketball purgatory. The Clippers are where careers go to die. Sorry Blake... it may be a while before you get to enjoy basketball again.
In other news, I'm pretty excited for the Ricky Rubio-OJ Mayo-Rudy Gay era in Memphis. That should be an entertaining team. The Grizzlies better make the right move and draft him at 2...they may yet bounce back from that horrendous Pau Gasol trade.
In other news, I'm pretty excited for the Ricky Rubio-OJ Mayo-Rudy Gay era in Memphis. That should be an entertaining team. The Grizzlies better make the right move and draft him at 2...they may yet bounce back from that horrendous Pau Gasol trade.
A Quick Recap of the Playoffs So Far...Round 1
Okay, so this has been long overdue... let's do a rundown of the playoffs so far, which I completely neglected due to my obsession with the Bulls-Celtics--quite possibly the best first round playoff series ever.
Western Conference:
Round 1- Lakers vs. Jazz
The Jazz played their hearts out and only managed one win. And it took 22 rebounds from Boozer and a buzzer beater from Deron Williams. The Lakers were just too good. The Jazz aren't there yet...they need some more firepower. This series had the Lakers looking pretty scary to the rest of the teams out there.
Round 1- Nuggets vs. Hornets
I am so disappointed in the Hornets. Chris Paul impressed me so much last year, and this was my dark horse pick going into the year to have a chance at winning it all, especially with the addition of James Posey. They played like they didn't even care. It was shocking. The Nuggets just ran all over this team, playing extremely impressive in basically a complete rout of their first round series. It looks like the Hornets don't want to play for Byron Scott anymore. Wouldn't be surprised to see him gone soon. Congratulations are due to the Nuggets for finally getting out of the first round. It's amazing how important Chauncey Billups is. He really turned that team around.
Round 1- Mavericks vs. Spurs
Hm. It's starting to look like the Spurs odd year reign of terror has finally ended. Tim Duncan looks worn down, Ginobili's injuries doomed their season, and Tony Parker was a terror...but he can't do it all by himself. The Mavs really came on at the end of the season, and played extremely well. Dirk Nowitzki has been awesome. They were looking like they could challenge a few of the western contenders after this series. Too bad we never got to see a real series with them and the Nuggets due to the non-call on the intentional foul in Game 3 of the second round. Just another example of poor officiating in the NBA. When, if ever, will they bring in competent refs?
Round 1- Rockets vs. Blazers
Great matchup for the Rockets. The Blazers were the team that nobody wanted to play. Except, that is, the Rockets. The Blazers have no one who can stop Yao Ming, as he demonstrated in a dominant Game 1 performance. He didn't even miss a shot. The Blazers fought hard, and I love the way Brandon Roy plays. I see a few championships in his future if they can find a good big man to pair him with. I'm sorry, but Greg Oden is not going to cut it, as much as I would love to see him succeed. But I'm excited to see the Blazers next year. They should establish themselves as contenders in a short time. This series just came down to matchup problems for them. I think they would have taken out San Antonio. As for the Rockets, despite the win, this series had a dark cloud for them. Mutombo went down with a career-ending injury (at least it was time to retire anyway)... costing them 1 big body to throw at the Lakers in round 2. This hurt them badly when Yao went down later.
Eastern Conference:
Round 1- Cavs vs. Pistons
Wow. Just wow. LeBron James is that good. And the rest of the league should be very, very scared. This guy is going to dominate for years to come. The depleted Pistons never had a chance in the series from the opening tip.
Round 1- Magic vs. 76ers
The Magic choked early, Andre Iguodala had some big moments, Stan Van Gundy had some great reaction faces...seriously, it never gets old seeing Ron Jeremy coaching the Magic and losing it in crucial situations down the stretch. Finally the Magic's talent level was simply too much for the Sixers, and they took it down in 6.
Round 1- Hawks vs. Heat
What a strangely lopsided series. I originally thought D-Wade could win this series by himself. He almost did...but his supporting cast just wasn't good enough to hang with the Hawks at home in game 7. These teams had a very strange dynamic-- pretty much every game was a blowout. How does a series go 7 that way? In any event, kudos to the Hawks for playing tough (57% of the time...which as it turns out, is just enough)
Round 1- Celtics vs. Bulls
I damn near had a heart attack watching this series. This series alone made these playoffs worth it. So incredibly awesome. I didn't even detail Game 6, which was the most entertaining game I've seen all year. Joakim Noah's steal/dunk/forcing Paul Pierce to foul out, then making the ensuing free throw sequence had me jumping up in the air and celebrating. Doesn't hurt that I'm a huge Gator fan, and Noah's an alum, but that moment was absolutely spectacular. Joakim Noah won Game 6 for the Bulls. Of course, as I've detailed to exhaustion, the Bulls simply could not win that series. Wasn't happening. The Celtics are too experienced, the Bulls too prone to choking in the clutch. Look at Game 6 closer. After the Noah explosion, they tried to choke away that game. Remember Hinrich's missed layup? Absolutely terrible. Good thing for them the Celtics couldn't come through either. And just an amazing block by Derrick Rose on Rajon Rondo in the final seconds. What an incredible, incredible series. I don't know if I'll ever see anything like it again. But I can hope.
That does it for the Round 1 recap. I'll be following up soon with a quick recap of Round 2.
Western Conference:
Round 1- Lakers vs. Jazz
The Jazz played their hearts out and only managed one win. And it took 22 rebounds from Boozer and a buzzer beater from Deron Williams. The Lakers were just too good. The Jazz aren't there yet...they need some more firepower. This series had the Lakers looking pretty scary to the rest of the teams out there.
Round 1- Nuggets vs. Hornets
I am so disappointed in the Hornets. Chris Paul impressed me so much last year, and this was my dark horse pick going into the year to have a chance at winning it all, especially with the addition of James Posey. They played like they didn't even care. It was shocking. The Nuggets just ran all over this team, playing extremely impressive in basically a complete rout of their first round series. It looks like the Hornets don't want to play for Byron Scott anymore. Wouldn't be surprised to see him gone soon. Congratulations are due to the Nuggets for finally getting out of the first round. It's amazing how important Chauncey Billups is. He really turned that team around.
Round 1- Mavericks vs. Spurs
Hm. It's starting to look like the Spurs odd year reign of terror has finally ended. Tim Duncan looks worn down, Ginobili's injuries doomed their season, and Tony Parker was a terror...but he can't do it all by himself. The Mavs really came on at the end of the season, and played extremely well. Dirk Nowitzki has been awesome. They were looking like they could challenge a few of the western contenders after this series. Too bad we never got to see a real series with them and the Nuggets due to the non-call on the intentional foul in Game 3 of the second round. Just another example of poor officiating in the NBA. When, if ever, will they bring in competent refs?
Round 1- Rockets vs. Blazers
Great matchup for the Rockets. The Blazers were the team that nobody wanted to play. Except, that is, the Rockets. The Blazers have no one who can stop Yao Ming, as he demonstrated in a dominant Game 1 performance. He didn't even miss a shot. The Blazers fought hard, and I love the way Brandon Roy plays. I see a few championships in his future if they can find a good big man to pair him with. I'm sorry, but Greg Oden is not going to cut it, as much as I would love to see him succeed. But I'm excited to see the Blazers next year. They should establish themselves as contenders in a short time. This series just came down to matchup problems for them. I think they would have taken out San Antonio. As for the Rockets, despite the win, this series had a dark cloud for them. Mutombo went down with a career-ending injury (at least it was time to retire anyway)... costing them 1 big body to throw at the Lakers in round 2. This hurt them badly when Yao went down later.
Eastern Conference:
Round 1- Cavs vs. Pistons
Wow. Just wow. LeBron James is that good. And the rest of the league should be very, very scared. This guy is going to dominate for years to come. The depleted Pistons never had a chance in the series from the opening tip.
Round 1- Magic vs. 76ers
The Magic choked early, Andre Iguodala had some big moments, Stan Van Gundy had some great reaction faces...seriously, it never gets old seeing Ron Jeremy coaching the Magic and losing it in crucial situations down the stretch. Finally the Magic's talent level was simply too much for the Sixers, and they took it down in 6.
Round 1- Hawks vs. Heat
What a strangely lopsided series. I originally thought D-Wade could win this series by himself. He almost did...but his supporting cast just wasn't good enough to hang with the Hawks at home in game 7. These teams had a very strange dynamic-- pretty much every game was a blowout. How does a series go 7 that way? In any event, kudos to the Hawks for playing tough (57% of the time...which as it turns out, is just enough)
Round 1- Celtics vs. Bulls
I damn near had a heart attack watching this series. This series alone made these playoffs worth it. So incredibly awesome. I didn't even detail Game 6, which was the most entertaining game I've seen all year. Joakim Noah's steal/dunk/forcing Paul Pierce to foul out, then making the ensuing free throw sequence had me jumping up in the air and celebrating. Doesn't hurt that I'm a huge Gator fan, and Noah's an alum, but that moment was absolutely spectacular. Joakim Noah won Game 6 for the Bulls. Of course, as I've detailed to exhaustion, the Bulls simply could not win that series. Wasn't happening. The Celtics are too experienced, the Bulls too prone to choking in the clutch. Look at Game 6 closer. After the Noah explosion, they tried to choke away that game. Remember Hinrich's missed layup? Absolutely terrible. Good thing for them the Celtics couldn't come through either. And just an amazing block by Derrick Rose on Rajon Rondo in the final seconds. What an incredible, incredible series. I don't know if I'll ever see anything like it again. But I can hope.
That does it for the Round 1 recap. I'll be following up soon with a quick recap of Round 2.
Why I Hate The Lakers
Let me first say that it is difficult for me to even address them as "The Lakers," without having an expletive included in the name.
I have hated the Lakers for as long as I can remember. They are in my top 3 most hated teams of all time, ranking just behind FSU and just ahead of the Yankees. And if you're wondering where this lifelong hatred stems from, well here you are:
I have hated the Lakers for as long as I can remember. They are in my top 3 most hated teams of all time, ranking just behind FSU and just ahead of the Yankees. And if you're wondering where this lifelong hatred stems from, well here you are:
- The Sacramento Kings. I was a huge, HUGE Kings fan in the early 2000's. I started following them because I loved the style of basketball they played, and I loved the players they had. I still feel to this day that the core team of Bibby, Christie/Jackson, Stojakovic, Webber and Divac should have won a title. And the only thing that ever prevented it was...you guessed it. The Lakers. It wouldn't have been so bad were it not for the gut-wrenching ways the Kings consistently managed to lose to them. Horry's three point dagger to win game 4 in 2002 ranks as quite possibly the worst NBA-related moment of my life. Later in this column, I will elaborate more on my bitterness from the 2002 playoffs.
- They were the team that stole Shaq from the Magic, in an era when Orlando was awful for such a long time, then became good briefly with Shaq and Penny Hardaway. They immediately went back to obscurity when Shaq left--who immediately won 3 titles in LA.
- I absolutely hate Kobe Bryant. I mean, this is the guy who forced out Shaq at a time when he was poised to win at least a few more titles. Just because he wanted it to be exclusively "his team." I think it's part of his ongoing quest to be the next Jordan. But no one could replace Jordan, and I bristle when a player like Kobe tries--right down to the Jordan fist pump. I don't think I need to go over his character issues, since it's been pretty well publicized in the media for the last, oh, seven years or so. Likable players are never associated with the words "rape trial." Doesn't happen.
- Phil Jackson annoys me. It's impossible to truly assess his coaching ability, because when he hasn't had stars on his team, they've missed the playoffs a number of times, but when he does have stars he wins titles. Nine of them. And his legacy is forever intertwined with Jordan. I just don't like the man and his whole "Zen Master" schtick. I liked him better with the mustache anyway.
- Back to the 2002 playoffs-- Game 6 was the most atrociously officiated game I have ever witnessed. It was actually fixed--Tim Donaghy admits as much. It doesn't mean much for vindication, but the fact remains that the Lakers should have lost that game. The refs handed it to them. Don't believe me? During the first five games of the series, LA averaged 22 free throws a game. Then, come game 6, when the Kings are about to eliminate them-- they attempted 27 free throws IN THE FOURTH QUARTER ALONE. The Kings would have gone on to face the Nets in the Finals and undoubtedly won a title. I am still angry about this.
- They just keep winning... historically, all the best teams are the most hated. Because they crush everyone else's dreams. No exception here.
So there you have it. And really, that's just the tip of the iceberg. I could have included more--like how I hate their colors, I hate their fans (except Jack Nicholson, who is beyond reproach), I just can't stand that team. I root for them to lose every game they play.
And now I spend another postseason watching each Lakers game with baited breath, praying for them to lose even though I know in my heart they'll probably win it all this year. The funny thing is I don't even really like the Nuggets. In Chris Anderson's words, they: "May not lead the league in stats, but we lead the league in tats." I don't view this as a good thing. That said, GO NUGGETS!!!
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