The NBA Playoffs
Sixteen teams entered the playoffs.
Only eight teams remain.
I am an avid sports fan. If there is one thing that you don't want to get me started on, it is professional sports, specifically, the NBA. I can talk about it all day, and I love stats and numbers. With that, I thought it was about time I blogged about sports. I know this will not be my most popular blog. Honestly, it will probably get the least views, but no worries. I am just doing this because I love the NBA landscape.
Let's go.
Eastern Confrence
2) Miami Heat vs 3)Indiana Pacers
Series - 1-0 Miami
Miami played the New York Knicks in round one, winning in 5. Lebron James was dominant, posting 27.8 PPG, 6.2 REB, and 5.6 AST with 2.2 STL. Before the Indiana series began, LeBron was awarded the MVP trophy, but in the first half, no one could tell, with LeBron only having 6 pts at halftime, and Miami trialing. LeBron picked it up in the second half, finishing with 32 pts, 15 reb, 5 ast, 2 stls, and a block, and running partner Dwyane Wade dropping 29 in the win. The Heat won 95-86 but potentially lost Chris Bosh for an extended amount of time, who went down in the first half. The Pacers, who were leading before Bosh went down, allowed Wade and James to carry the Heat, scoring 20 in a row in the fourth quarter, and gave up game one. Now the question becomes, can Indiana take advantage of the Bosh injury, or will they bow out to the league MVP and his running mate D-Wade?
Why Miami will potentially win?
As I just said, they have LeBron and Wade, who are two of the top ten players in the league. Both players can score, pass, rebound and play defense. Indiana will be having trouble all series defending them, and will also need good offense from their players. Besides that, Miami boasts the number one scoring defense in the NBA this postseason, giving up just 83.3 pts per game, in six games.
Why Indiana will potentially win?
Chris Bosh is out indefinitely, and though Indiana has no players at the level of Lebron or Dwayne, it can be argued that they have a much better supporting cast. With Barbosa, Hansbrough, and Collison all rolling off the bench, they were able to beat Miami's bench scoring, 29-15. The Pacers have a strong lineup, and their front court could pose problems for the Heat, especially with Bosh out.
Who Wins?
When it comes down to it, I think Indiana can keep the series interesting, but it is Miami's to lose. I'll take Miami in 5.
5) Boston Celtics vs 8) Philadelphia 76er's
Series - 1-0 Boston
A Celtics team that was counted out months ago, has a bit of an easier path to the Eastern Conference Finals, with Phili knocking off the Bulls. In the first round, Boston defeated the Hawks, and now finds themselves versus a team that finished 8th in the Eastern Conference standings. They played one another three times during the season, with the home team winning decisively, giving Philadelphia the edge, 2-1. The 76er's are not the same team they were in March, and neither is Boston.
Why Boston will potentially win?
Experience. Boston has been down this rode before, and though Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are getting up there in age, there is a look in all of them, saying they have one more go. Besides the play of those three, Rajon Rondo has played out of his mind, posting his 8th postseason Triple Double in the game one win.
Why Philadelphia will potentially win?
The Boston Celtics are a very good team, but so are the 76er's. So far, in 7 games, the Sixer's have averaged just 10 turnovers a game, least among the teams in the playoffs. Among the eight teams left, they hold the worst shooting percentage, at .412, but keep themselves in the game with smart ball movement. With that, the Sixers also are confident after knocking off the 1st seed, The Chicago Bulls.
Who Wins?
Not that Philadelphia couldn't win this series, but the way Kevin Garnett and Rondo are playing, I have a tough time thinking they will. It should be a good series.
Boston in 7.
Western Conference
1) San Antonio Spurs vs 5) Los Angeles Clippers
The San Antonio Spurs are on a 14 game winning streak, and 25-2 in there last 27 games. In their postseason series versus the Jazz, they won by an average of 16 pts a game. No team is rolling like they are. The Clippers on the other hand, are just happy to be here, winners of a physical game 7 in Memphis. With one team dominating, and the other just barely making it to this round, it will make for an interesting match up.
Why San Antonio potentially wins?
The Spurs have not won since 2007, and it is clear that they miss the ceremony. When everyone counted them out, saying they were too old and washed up, the Spurs did what they've done for years, and finished with the best record in the league. These Spurs are not like the Championship teams in the past, but with a young core grouped around Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, they could very well be the deepest team Popovich has ever had to work with.
Why Los Angeles potentially wins?
"Lob City" put on a show this season, and for the first time in years, there is buzz in L.A. that is not about Kobe and the Lakers. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul carried L.A. all season, and they look to continue that versus the Spurs. The Clips forced the second most turnovers per game during the postseason, with 15.5 a game, but also average 14.8 turnovers, and will have to take care of the ball better.
Who wins?
The Spurs have played better basketball than anyone this season, and especially of late. I don't expect the Clippers to be able to stop them but Chris Paul will try.
Spurs in 6.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs 3) Los Angeles Lakers
In their 2009 matchup, the Lakers won in 6. With time, things change. The Lakers are not the same team that won the championship, and in their first round, they had to go to seven games before knocking off Denver. The Thunder meanwhile, beat the defending champions 4-0, and look to win it all.
Why Oklahoma City potentially wins?
The Thunder posses a 1-2-3 punch that is as good as anyone, including the Lakers. Durant and Westbrook had the best scoring average between teammates, at 51.6 pts per game, and when you add James Harden, it goes to 68.4 pts per game. The Lakers will need to keep all three in check to win this series. If not, OKC will roll them just like they rolled Dallas.
Why Los Angeles potentially wins?
I've watched enough Lakers games to know Kobe is there go-to guy, the one who can single-handedly lead them to victory. In their game 7 versus the Nuggets though, Kobe wasn't that guy, and didn't need to be. He scored just 17 pts, and had 8 asts. The last time Kobe had 8 or more assists? Back on February the 3rd, versus the Nuggets in a four point win. When Kobe shoots less, the outcome is normally positive. In the Lakers four wins, Kobe averaged just 23.6 shots a game, and averaged 26 shots in their three loses. When it comes down to it though, the Lakers need to get Pau Gasol involved, who scored just 9.33 pts per game in there three losses, and 18.25 in their four wins. The more the Lakers play team ball, the better off they are.
Who wins?
Though I would rather have Los Angeles Big Three than OKC's, The Lakers have too many team issues, while the Thunder play great team ball. Expect them to take the series, but Kobe wont go down with out a fight. Don't be surprised if you find yourself watching the final game and screaming to Kobe, "Pass!"
Thunder in 6.
Yes, I am predicting both L.A, teams to lose at home. Wouldn't that be funny to watch L.A. fans watch one team fall, then the next one a day later?
Quick Predictions -
Miami vs Boston - Miami in 6
San Antonio vs OKC - San Antonio in 7
Finals - Miami vs San Antonio - Miami in 6
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