WESTERN CONFERENCE
San Antonio (1) vs. Dallas (4)
My Prediction: Spurs 4-3 Outcome: Mavs 4-3
Some of the best basketball you’ll see played; this series lived up to the hype. It’s too bad it wasn’t the Western Conference Finals because these two teams are close to the best in the league. When Jason Terry was suspended game six, and the Mavs lost home-court , it figured they blew their opportunity, but game seven saw them prove who the better team was this year. This is not the same Dirk Nowitzki who could once be shut down by smaller defenders, such as Bruce Bowen. This Dirk is one of the very best players in the league. Again, how does Ginobili foul him on a layup up three? It’s a mistake a championship team doesn’t make. Dirk made one three-pointer the entire series; he attempted 80 free throws. While Duncan played one of the best game sevens ever, the Mavs were too deep in the end. Diop’s defense against Duncan down the stretch cannot be underestimated. The Mavs have now outrebounded their opponents in 11 straight playoff games. Thank God we don’t have to endure a Spurs vs. Pistons slugfest of a finals again.
Phoenix (2) vs. Los Angeles (6)
My Prediction: Suns 4-3 Outcome: Suns 4-3
Another terrific series that came down to a game seven saw the Suns ultimately prevail. The Clippers put up a great fight, and if not for their big coaching disadvantage, they might have taken this series. Instead, replacing Sam Cassell with yet to play in the game rookie Daniel Ewing in game six allowed Raja Bell to hit the three, and proved to be the difference in the series. Elton Brand has transformed into one of the game’s very best, but he couldn’t do it by himself. This series came down to rebounding; when the Suns were able to match the Clippers on the boards they won, and when they couldn’t they lost. The Suns are 4-0 in elimination games in this year’s playoffs.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Detroit (1) vs. Cleveland (4)
My Prediction: Pistons 4-1 Outcome: Pistons 4-3
The Cavs gave Detroit quite a scare, at one point taking a 3-2 lead in the series. The “Guaran-Sheed” is no longer undefeated, as Rasheed Wallace predicted it would be over in five. The Pistons have exhibited overconfidence, basically deciding when to turn it on and when to coast. Maybe it won’t come back to bite them, but it’s a strategy that rarely works. They still look like the favorites to win the title to me, but this series should never have gone to a game seven. A game seven in which the Cavs scored an all-time playoff game seven low 61 points. Not sure where the Cavs go from here, as something tells me Damon Jones and Larry Hughes aren’t the answer.
Miami (2) vs. New Jersey (3)
My Prediction: Heat 4-3 Outcome: Heat 4-1
After losing game one, the Heat rolled off four straight victories and cruised into the Eastern Conference Finals. It remains to be seen if Jefferson and Carter can coexist, but the Nets look to have a solid core for the future. The Heat had a more impressive round two than the Pistons and may be ready to put up a fight.
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