WESTERN CONFERENCE
San Antonio (1) vs. Sacramento (8)
My Prediction: Spurs 4-2 Outcome: Spurs 4-2
The Spurs’ coaching really is that much better. While they passed the ball all around the court, the Kings settled for one-on-one basketball nearly every possession. In the end, team play won out. Tony Parker absolutely abused Mike Bibby. The Kings have no interior defense whatsoever; it should be off-season priority No. 1. Well, that and resigning Bonzi Wells, who earned himself a monster contract by being the best player on the court for most of the series. He’s already their best rebounder and finisher. The Kings should go ahead and pay-up, as toughness is something they are already running short of. If Ron Artest didn’t have to play with a cast on his shooting hand and on one leg the final two quarters, maybe the outcome would have been different; as is, the Spurs move on to the second round.
Phoenix (2) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7)
My Prediction: Phoenix 4-3 Outcome: Phoenix 4-3
I was really wavering when it stood 3-1 Lakers, but it just goes to show how difficult it is to win a seven game series as a road team. Game six was crucial, and the Lakers blew it; the fact that Raja Bell wasn’t playing and they had a three-point lead with under 10 seconds left make it that much more frustrating for Laker fans. Maybe Bell not playing turned out to be a cursing in disguise. When he played, Kobe never shot 25 times and played within the system. In game six, he heaved it 35 times (although it was at 57 percent) and turned it over seven more. No “Hallway” series. No more Jack Nicholson. No more Phil Jackson never losing a first round series; it was also his first time ever losing a series in which he held a lead, which has been 45 of them. The Suns are ultimately a better, deeper basketball team, and the fact they came from 3-1 down should surprise no one. They are only the eighth team ever to do so.
Denver (3) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (6)
My Prediction: Clippers 4-2 Outcome: Clippers 4-1
The Nuggets were pretty much a mess. If it wasn’t K-Mart getting suspended; it was Reggie Evans molesting Chris Kaman. On a side note, K-Mart has chronic tendonitis in his left knee, something that figures to debilitate him in the future as well and is under contract for the next five years for a measly $71.9 million; low and behold, the latest rumor has the Knicks interested in acquiring his services. This has got to be a joke, right? You can’t make this stuff up. We are getting to the point (or maybe passed it) of nothing should surprise when it comes to Isiah. Anyway, the Clippers won their first playoff series since 1976 and should make for a great matchup with the Suns. Carmelo Anthony’s best shooting game from the series was 35 percent, ouch.
Dallas (4) vs. Memphis (5)
My Prediction: Mavericks 4-1 Outcome: Mavericks 4-0
This was even a more lopsided four versus five than anticipated. The Grizzlies never had a chance and are now a combined 0-12 in playoff franchise history. The Mavs are now rested and primed to give the Spurs a serious run. It should be one of the best series this year’s playoffs has to offer. As for Memphis, they were definitely punished for finishing with a five seed, as they would have no doubt had a highly contested series if they were pitted against Denver. When you look at the Grizzlies on paper, you’ve got to think they must be one of the best-coached teams in the Association.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Detroit (1) vs. Milwaukee (8)
My Prediction: Detroit 4-0 Outcome: Detroit 4-1
It figured that for the Bucks to win a game, Redd had to go off. Sure enough, game three saw Redd drop 40, and the Bucks avoid a sweep. The fact they did avoid the brooms is an accomplishment in itself. A team that has gone an unprecedented amount of time injury-free, Detroit’s Richard Hamilton turned his ankle, but it doesn’t appear to be too serious. With that bench, the Pistons will need to remain unscathed if they want to take home the title. They still look like the favorites to me.
Miami (2) vs. Chicago (7)
My Prediction: Heat 4-1 Outcome: Heat 4-2
The Bulls impressed. Not only did they take games three and four, but they were close in the first two as well. Skiles may be the most underrated coach in the NBA, and the Baby Bulls look to have a bright future; don’t forget, they also have an extra top-5 pick this year courtesy of Isiah and company. No, they don’t miss Eddie Curry. The Heat, on the other hand, were fairly unimpressive in victory. Maybe too much is expected, but at this rate, they may be lucky to even reach the Conference finals. The off-season complete makeover has been rightfully brought into question, and it remains to be seen just how much Shaq Diesel has left in the tank.
New Jersey (3) vs. Indiana (6)
My Prediction: Nets 4-3 Outcome: Nets 4-2
After a surprising game one loss at home, the Nets bounced back to take the series in six. The Pacers were without the services of Peja for four games and are left with a somewhat unclear future. The Ron Artest situation was quite the setback for the franchise. Where did this Anthony Johnson breakout come from? Kidd is going to need to shoot better if the Nets plan on beating the Heat, but it should be a close series.
Cleveland (4) vs. Washington (5)
My Prediction: Cavs 4-3 Outcome: Cavs 4-2
I thought the series would be dominated by homecourt; instead, the home teams were only 3-3 in the series. LeBron James is pretty much the best player on the planet, and it’s amazing the guy lived up to the hype. He is even hitting clutch shots now. The Arenas-James battle was great, and the series proved to be one of the best so far. The last time the Cavs won a playoff series, James was 8 years old. They are now rewarded with a matchup against Detroit. Good luck with that.
Editor’s Note: Round 2 preview will be up Monday, but since 2 games start Sunday, I’ll let it be known now I’m picking the Spurs in seven and the Pistons in five.
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