Although not related to the playoffs, I thought I'd start with this news item: all 20,000 fans attending the final Dallas Mavericks game of the season were given a free ticket anywhere out of Dallas Love Field, courtesy of American Airlines and Mavs owner Mark Cuban. This promotes American's new service out of Love Field (vs. their hub at DFW), where they compete directly against Southwest.

The uptempo style of the Bulls could give Miami some problems....plus, the Heat just don't seem to be playing with any intensity lately...could there be a first round upset??

Spartan, that's actually not such a farfetched prediction. I think BOTH 2 vs. 7 matchups could present upsets. Chicago seems to be playing with some heart as of late, and Miami's had some problems defeating good teams. The Heat had it easy in the Southeast Division. Let's see how they do against the Central, where all five teams made the postseason.

I think both Los Angeles teams could score first round knockouts. Kobe seems to be play at his best against Phoenix, averaging around 40 ppg against the Suns. And the Clippers have earned home-court advantage over the Nuggets due to their superior overall record, thus supporting my argument that the division winners shouldn't receive the top three seeds.

However, I think a Phoenix/Detroit final would be awesome. Old school defense against high-octane offense...the possibilites are scintillating! Weigh in, peoples!

As much as I'd like to see it, I don't think the Lakers have a good chance against Phoenix (Kobe will score tons of points, but the Suns will get Kobe's points times three).

I'd also love to see scrappy Chicago beat Miami, but I give them zilch chance. Absolutely zilch. Who is going to guard Shaq -- Sweetney? He'll foul out in 45 seconds. Even Shaq on 4 cylinders is going to run roughshod. More importantly, no one can guard Wade, who is Miami's real MVP.

The Clippers have a chance, of course, but they've been playing like crap. And I don't think it was just because they were tanking. They're going to need both Kaman and Maggette near 100%, which seems questionable.

Other than the possibility of the Clippers (who have the home court advantage), there will be no other upsets in round 1.

Though I'm sure the Spurs will win the series, I think Sacramento could make them work for it, especially if Duncan and Ginobli aren't in top form.

As for the Lakers v. Suns, LA could make this one a tougher series than it would seem. Let's see how Steve Nash holds up: he's been playing a ton of minutes and could be spent.

~Adam

I think there's a slight chance that the Lakers could beat the Suns if Coach Jackson can convince his team to play defense and Odom and Brown play as they have the last few weeks. This dream scenario would set up a fantastic L.A. vs. L.A. conference semifinal.

Blog: One Man's Eye View: Dreams Are Made Of Such Stuff

Regardless, here are my predictions for the Conference Quarterfinals with a few more upsets sprinkled in.

Eastern Conference
Detroit over Milwaukee in 5
Miami over Chicago in 7
New Jersey over Indiana in 5
Washington over Cleveland in 7

Western Conference
San Antonio over Sacramento in 7
Phoenix over L.A. Lakers in 6
L.A. Clippers over Denver in 6
Dallas over Memphis in 5

[ April 21, 2006, 01:15 PM: Message edited by: Mikeylito ]

None of the first round matchups seem particularly interesting to me.

Kobe v. the Suns has some appeal, but I don't doubt that Phoenix will prevail, as will all the top 4 teams in each conference.

I think that 'like' teams competing is usally more interesting. Example, 2 high ocatane teams like Dallas-Phoenix or two slow, low-scoring defensive teams like Memphis-San Antonio would be good. But Dallas-Memphis? Detroit-Milwaukee?

The second round should be more fun, particularly the Western Conference.

-------------------------

So far today, Cleveland over Washington by 11. And San Antonio has scored 73 first half points! (on 70% shooting) vs. Sacramento.

A disappointing finish today by the Nets, who lost by 2 points to the Pistons, but Vince Carter was hogging the ball and not firing, and Richard Jefferson only got off 11 shots. The Nets won't win in 5 unless Carter plays like he's part of a winning team and doesn't revert to the Vince Carter of past.

I thought the Nets were playing Indiana... :confused:

How many free throws did the Nets brick in their 2 points loss? And yes, the foul call was ticky-tack, but still, you don't grab someone in a tied game with less than a second left.
Meanwhile, the Bulls made Miami sweat. According to TNT, the Suns should be worried because the Lakers played "a perfect game". I see the opposite: if the Lakers played a perfect game AND the Suns were sub-par (which they were) AND the Suns still won, they should be OK.
Clearly, a few teams have adjustments to make before Game 2.

Ms. DeBlazer, I agree with your assessment about the Lakers "perfect game" and the sub-par Suns. What fascinated me was that, for once, the Lakers played true team ball, seemingly out of their usual rhythm, and lost. I fully expect to see a more "normal" Lakers game Wednesday, with ball-hog Kobe making a return appearance.

~Adam

Yeah,"expert" commentary can be so ridiculous. How could the Lakers have played a "perfect game," when Kobe scored only 22 points and shot only 7 for 21? And what would the Suns have to worry about? Tim Thomas for sure isn't going to have another game like that, but Nash, Marion and Diaw can all play better.

I think NJ is overrated, based on a lucky streak to close out the regular season, although I still think they'll pull the series out in 7.

Both Ron Artest and Udonis Haslem were susupended by the league and will miss 1 playoff game. Haslem rec'd his by throwing his mouth piece at an official. IMO, a fine would've sufficed. To be suspended for a playoff game is kinda harsh. Punishment doesn't fit the crime, esp when players who scuffle usu get a game or 2.

None of these playoff games other than the Kobe/Suns matchup appeals to me and maybe the Heat/Bulls. I'm just looking for Kobe to light it up any game now...

Okay...so some, if not most, brothas look "hot" with shaved heads, but what's with Dwyane Wade??!! eek!
He is most definately one man who looks betta with his hair!!
This play-off, shave-my-head thing has run its course (like three years ago!!!!)
DWYANE...PLEASE...let it grow back now!!
wink

Nice win for the Bulls to even up the series against Miami!! Tyson Chandler's injury could hurt in the rest of the series, tho...

The scrappy young Bulls are looking good, while the Heat are showing their age.

The Suns are on the ropes by the surprising Lakers.

I had expected the first round to be a cakewalk for the top teams, but they are turning out to be more interesting.

MVP or not, Nash definitely lost them game four of the series against the Lakers. Yeah, he contributed big time offensively, but why would a point guard dribble the ball up the sideline into a corner of the court where three defenders were obviously setting up a trap? That's something you're taught not to do even in league play. You shouldn't do it because it shuts down all of your options; the corner becomes a fourth defender, and, there's no way to communicate with the ref, or, pass out of the trap. Sorry, I love Steve, and he defintely deserves to be MVP this year, but to make this mistake, not once, but twice when leading a game in the final seconds, and a turnover is the only way the other team can win, is inexcusable for a veteran of his caliber.

I agree with you but I thionk Nash was certain he'd get the call. Often, during the regular season, refs seem to automatically whistle a foul in these situations.

~Adam

Loking at the replay, Nash was clearly trying to call a TO, but got hosed by the refs. Was it a situation where the refs didn't want the game decided at the foul line and have the spotlight on them? I don't think so. Obviously, Nash got pushed, hand-slapped, and pummeled, but when someone as small as Nash foolishly allowed himself and the ball to be surrounded by three wide bodies like that, the refs couldn't see clearly what was happening, and, in a game of such importance, couldn't run the risk of being wrong, so they didn't make the call.

The replay also showed that Nash was trying to call a TO, but, again, in LA with fans all worked up and screaming, they probably didn't hear him (Nash doesn't have a booming voice anyway), and, there was no way Nash could have taken his hands off the ball to signal a TO. He didn't have enough room to even make eye contact with the refs. He was doomed.

There was no reason for Nash to drive the ball into a spot on the court from which there was no way to escape or pass the ball, and, from which the refs had no clear view of the action. I agree with you that Steve should have gotten the call, but he didn't (guess MVP cred is not what it used to be). Any way you look at it, it was a foolish play for a veteran to make. Look what's its done for him. Fans in Pheonix are pissed off and calling for his head. It was a boneheaded play and he must own up to it and apologize for it to set things right. He doesn't want to go into off-season with this hanging over his head. Well, I guess he could set things right by winning the next three game, but the odds of that happening aren't good. Like I said, I am a huge Steve Nash fan and love the guy, but his mistakes cost his team dearly and there's no debating that.

I take nothing away from Kobe and the Lakers (especially George's perimeter shot making). They did what they had to do and Kobe made the shots he's paid to make. I still don't think Kobe's a good person any more, but he's a great athlete and if yesterday was any indication, a team player now. I respect that. So, congratulations to the Lakers for making the next round (its just a formality now).

Way to go Braves!!!! 'Bout time you guys got out of the first round!!!!!

(If you don't know what I am referring to, look up your NBA history)

San Diego's rooting for them, too.

~Adam

Figures....the Rockets didn't make the
playoffs. wink

Phoenix is refusing to let LA hit the easy button for the 2nd round, up 9 in the last minute of OT.

The contretemps between Kobe Bryant and Raja Bell reminds me of what puts me off pro-basketball, and pro-sporsts to a lesser extent.

I personally don't have a beef about, or dislike for, either player. Nor do I have a preference for either team. But that flagrant foul brought back visions of the debacle involving the Pistons and the fans even though no fans were involved here.

The behavior of both players was less than diplomatic both during the series and in their public responses to questions about the event later - not just street ball attitudes but down-right childish churlishness that reflects badly on the sport.

The cause of the dispute may indeed be just personal but Jim Allen's piece on gambling in sports this morning causes my long-time lingering suspicions about the motives and integrity of pro-sports to come rushing back.

Call me a conspiracy theorist maybe but that little Bell-Bryant spat seems like a far too infantile thing to be occuring between two very intelligent men making tons of money, but perhaps greedy enough to want something more.

So does Bell really hate Bryant that much or are we seeing a paid hitman who took a shot and missed? Then again, fame and simple jealousy can drive people to do some stupid things as well.

[ May 05, 2006, 04:15 AM: Message edited by: sportinlife ]

It appears that the less experienced Lakers (think Smush Parker) have worn down over the course of the series which seems to be good news for the Suns. As for Bell v Bryant, Bell cited the time-honored rerason for his hit: Kobe--as a superstar--gets away with things by the refs and he (Bell) had been pushed around all game by Kobe without any whistles. After last night's game, I wonder how long Phoenix will go with Bell before bringing in Barbosa.

~Adam

not sure about that adam...for all of barbosa's offensive heroics, bell seemingly did a MUCH better job defensively on kobe...

It doesn't take a genuis to figure that the Lakers and Phil have decided that, when the game's on the line, Kobe will take the shot. After the debacle of game four, the Suns aren't about to let that happen again, even if all five have to guard him. Kobe's come a long way this season, but until he can trust his teammates enough to give up the potential game winning shot to an open player, or the Lakers expand their options by signing another player cool and talented enough to make that game-winning shot (e.g.,like former Laker, Robert Horry), the Lakers are going to have trouble winning an NBA championship. One thing is obvious: the Suns are content with Kobe scoring fifty points, but are not about to let him get off another game-winning shot. So, since the Suns are taking away the Kobe threat at the end of the game, and, since Kobe is not looking to pass the ball with the game on the line, Phil will need to come up with a plan B should they find themselves in another close or overtime game.

It's official: Steve Nash MVP for the second year in a row. I think a lot of people wrote off the Suns when Amare Stoudamire went down, but Nash put up even better numbers than last season and led the team to the playoffs, and, down 3-1 to the Lakers, he led the Suns to 3 straight wins. Nash is the 9th player to win MVP in consecutive years, and the only point guard besides Magic Johnson to win the award more than once.

Next in voting: LeBron, Nowitski, then Kobe and Billups.

Most MVPs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 6. Bill Russel and Michael Jordan with 5. Wilt Chamberlain with 4.

I second that. Steve is as boring as they some, but is also humble, a good guy, and an exciting ball handler; he deserves something good to happen for him after the abuse he took for his mistakes in game four (from Phoenix fans, and me). LeBron is the best athlete in the NBA, but it's much too early in his career to be giving him such awards; let's see what he does over the next few years (Cleveland will definitely lose to Detroit this year). Kirk would have been a good choice too, but after the difficult fall away jump shots and brain dead decision making he displayed down the stretch in game one against the Spurs (ever heard of passing the ball, Kirk?), I'm convinced now that Steve Nash is definitely more deserving of the league's MVP trophy.

On a side note, can I hear it for the New Orleans Hornets' super-talented Chris Paul (also named as one of People Magazine 2006 100 Most Beautful People), who will soon be be named the NBA's Rookie Of The Year (a well-deserved honor)? Congratualtions Chris! Hornets fans are proud of you; it's not your fault we didn't make the play-offs.

[ May 08, 2006, 10:36 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

The Rookie of the Year voting should be a landslide for Chris Paul. After all, he's first among rookies in points, steals, assista, minutes played.....

As to the MVP, no doubt Steve Nash is deserving, but I find it questionable that so many eligible voters left Kobe Bryant off their ballots completely. I can see not voting him number one or two, but not having him on one's ballot of most valuable?

~Adam

I can see leaving off Kobe Bryant, if the criterion is best player or most indispensible player on a top team. Which is what a lot of writer use.
Ben Wallace is defensive player of the year, again.
Thomas, do you mean Dirk? You said Kirk a couple of times, but your comments seem to fit Nowitzki.

Adam, I think the answer is that some people simply are blinded by their hatred of Kobe (as are some of the posters on this board). But I am happy for Nash -- he's truly one of the good guys in pro sports, and that's a dying breed.

Larry: I don't think Kobe belonged on this year's short list of MVP candidates. The award is not so much about the number of points scored; something Kobe's very good at, but more about making the players around him better; something Steve has mastered the last few years.

The trouble with Kobe is public perception. Many still believe he was responsible for Shaq leaving (I don't); others believe he's selfish on and off the court (I do); and some believe that even if he did nothing wrong in the rape allegations (I don't think he did; thought he was framed), he's not a good person (he definitely lied about it).

Maybe his off-the-court reputation did have something to do with being left off this year's MVP short list, but I honestly beleive that voters simply felt he didn't do enough to make his teammates better players.

I like the athlete in Kobe and admire what he does on court, but my opinion of him as a person has changed too. I loved the guy five years ago, but he's got a lot of image repair left before he becomes one of the league's most admired players again.

There are as many definitions of what constitutes being the MVP as there are sports writers voting for it. Which makes the whole thing a bit of a crap shoot, but I guess that's part of the fun of it.

I don't really have a problem with how it turned out this year. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I would have put Nash and James as 1 & 2. I'd put Kobe slightly ahead of Nowitzki. But Dirk is certainly a reasonable choice too. I'd have put Brand ahead of Billups, but I guess people feel the need to honor Detroit because the overall team is so good.

GO New Jersey Nets!!!

Brand huh? You must be related to this guy. He's trying hard to justify your confidence in him. He looks like a basketball giant against the under-sized Suns. Who would've thought the Clippers could make the Suns look like a bunch of midgets and misfits in their own gym? But can they do it again?

If the conference finals go down Cavs-Heat in the East and Clips-Mavs in the West, not only do the final 4 teams have no championships between them, they have no finals appearances period between them.

If only Rasheed could shoot as well as he runs that fat mouth; he's still sounds and acts like a Portland bad boy. The Cavs are doing well, but I still expect the Pistons to win the series. The script every sportwriter and fan wrote will eventually play out as written: Detroit verses Miami. I don't like either team that much, but if I had to pick one, I'd pick the Heat because of Dwayne Wade. I love watching him weave his way through traffic to get to the basket. Shaq is one of best centers in basketball, but is not exciting any more.

Lebron is a great athlete but is also the ultimate team player, so the Cavs are an exciting team with him as their floor leader. It would nice to see them upset the Pistons, but I'm not holding my breath on this one. The Pistons are a better team and should win that series. New Jersey bores everybody. So, if you're talking talent, the Eastern finals should end up as predicted, Miami vs Detroit.

The Western finals will be fun to watch no matter which teams advance. I like Parker, Horry, and Ginobli, but the Spurs' pick and roll and Duncan's backing his man down for a turn around bank shot is something I've had to watch for years (we see way too much of the Spurs on tv down here). It's time for some new blood in the finals. So, I hope the Mavs eliminate the Spurs. The Mavs vs Suns/Clippers match-up will be fun; I like high scoring offenses. Plus, we never get to watch these three teams much down here.

I wish the championship could be decided between the Suns and The Mavs, but that can't happen, so the next best tv match-up would be Mavs vs Miami (Novitzki, Wade, Stackhouse, and Shaq-when he's trimmed down and alert- are all fun to watch). I'm not watching another Detroit vs Spurs defensive battle this year...no way.

[ May 15, 2006, 11:02 PM: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Actually, he never made guarantees until he went to Detroit.
Keep trying...

Right, with Portland he just got T's.

Still, I think Detroit is going to be in the Finals. Amazingly, it looks like their opponents will be the Mavs -- how many would have predicted that at the beginning of the year? It should be a fun matchup. I still think a healthy San Antonio is better than Dallas, but it's just not the Spurs' year, and the finals will be more fun with fresh blood in them.

And fines...and bad pub...and fights...and suspensions...and then a trade. But he is a better player in Detroit's no-superstar-on-this-team concept. Gotta give him that.

P.S. I got no problem with a Mavs-Pistons final.

Whoa......The CleBrons beat the Pistons in Game 5.

Just one game away from a Shaq/LeBron Conference Final.....NBA should be happy with that.

It would be real interesting to watch Cleveland vs Miami. If they get by the Pistons, and I'm still not sure about that, they can beat Miami. And if the Mavs close out the Spurs and get either the Suns or Clippers (doesn't matter to me), we still get some great basketball. Think about it; an NBA final between Cleveland and Mavs/Suns/Clippers would be terrific. We get to watch, not only the wily veterans like Steve Nash, but also some the best up-and-coming young talent in the league. I'm all for that.

I still think rasheed should talk less and play harder. Seems like everybody on the Pistons team did their part in game five but him. And his last personal foul with technical cost them the game.

I don't see Cleveland having a chance against Miami. Wade will nearly offset James, and other than that Miami is better at almost every position. And you have to wonder what state of mind Hughes will be in, since he'll have to (try to) guard Wade.

Of course, I still can't understand how Cleveland has taken 3 in a row from Detroit. I don't think you can put all the game 5 blame on Rasheed. Hamilton and Billups threw up bricks.

[ May 18, 2006, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: Larry@LA ]

Yeah, well, we said the same thing about Cleveland vs Detroit, didn't we? Who would have thunk it? Yet, Cleveland could actually win that series against Detroit. I agree with you about Wade vs James, who doesn't seem to care much about defense at all (Koby and Wade are better defenders), but unless I'm wrong, wasn't Ceveland 2 of 4 against Miami this season? They can beat the Heat if they get past Detroit; especially if Shaquille continues bitching and moaning about the refs and has to sit the bench with early foul trouble as the thin-skinned refs try to get even with him. Cleveland vs Miami! Bring it on, baby! Gonna be fun for everybody.

I don't mean to pick on Rasheed; he's a great player. I actually like the guy. But, I gotta have a little fun. Plus, because of his errant prediction, he's an easy target right now. But you gotta admit Rasheed is not doing his part, defensively or offensively. I think his injury is worse than we know.

Miami seems to be coming together better now than during the regular season. But who knows -- maybe Walker will revert to form and shoot 30% in the next series.

As for Rasheed, I agree; he definitely deserves some grief.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs beat the Mavs tonight. Jason Terry was wrongly suspended for this game (I didn't see a punch, maybe a nudge) and that might be just the thing the Spurs need to squeak out a win in game six. If Jason were playing and contributing his 18 PPG, I'd say the Mavs would win easily at home, but now, with Harris carrying most of the load, a Mavs victory might be harder to come by. I know everybody is picking Dallas to win tonight, and I hope they are right. But I can't wait to see what the Spurs do to take advantage of Jason's absence. Anyway, no matter what they do, the Spurs biggest problem is poor rebounding and Jason's absence won't help them solve this problem. I hope the Mavs can pull it out.

Well, at half time, Duncan is in foul trouble and having a bad game. Parker's having a bad game. Ginobli's having a great game but in foul trouble. I don't think the planets are aligned for the Spurs! As for the Terry punch, apparently it's very clear on tape.

And Detroit pulls out a win -- barely. Are the Wallaces missing free throws just to make things exciting?

Not too surprised the Spurs beat the Mavs. I figured they had a good chance as soon as I saw that Terry wasn't playing. Ginobli gets to do whatever he wants when Terry's not around; so not surprised he had a big night. As for the Mavs, I still think Nowitzki takes shots that have little or no chance of going in. I know the fall away jumper is his thing, but a fall away three pointer? I didn't like that shot at all. Game seven will be a different story with Terry back in the line-up. The Mavs can still win in San Antonio, if they don't get too down on themselves because of what happened tonight.

Not surprised that the Pistons won game six either. Rasheed was long overdue for a big game and he got it tonight. I think the Cavs blew their opportunity to advance; the Pistons will definitely win game seven at home.

As for the Clippers and Suns, that's a tough call. There's no substitution for size and the Clippers push the Suns big men (I guess medium men is a better description) around at will. The Suns have the experience, so if forced to pick one, I'd say the Suns will squeak out game seven if Nash can re-energize his team.

Something good has got to happen. Please God, not another Miami vs Pistons defensive snooze fest. Anyway, the Western finals will be fun no matter who advances.

Three days of rest will do Nash a world of good, so I'd go with the Suns. I agree that the Pistons are going to wrap things up. I still can't believe what a struggle Detroit is having.

Spurs - Mavericks, I wouldn't even venture a guess. I wonder if there's something wrong with Parker (3 for 15).