With the college basketball season over, I can turn my attention to the NBA playoffs. I am a big basketball fan, though I am not an expert of the pros like Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. I love the unbelievable athletic ability of the players and am thrilled to see the intensity level rise another notch in the postseason.
I watched a lot of basketball over the first weekend of the playoffs and here are some observations:
The Bulls scored a big confidence booster by winning game one in Boston. Yes, the Celtics are not the same team without Kevin Garnett missing from the line-up, but the defending champions must regroup. Ray Allen suffered through struggle city in Game 1, and he is too good a shooter not to respond in this situation. Diaper dandy Derrick Rose was brilliant in game one, not only scoring 36 points but also reaching double-figures in assists, dishing the rock to make his teammates get better looks at the basket. I still feel Boston will bounce back and win this series in six games. Vinny DelNegro's team has really improved, but the Celtics will find a way to prevail.
The 76ers came back from a huge deficit to stun the Magic in Game 1 of their series. Orlando has been outstanding all season, but this was a wakeup call. Dwight Howard had a solid performance, but it was not enough as Andre Iguodala was phenomenal in the game's final moments, hitting a pressure-packed shot to give Tony DiLeo's team a stunning 1-0 series edge. I believe when it is all said and done Stan Van Gundy's club will rebound and still win this is six games.
The Hawks and Heat figure to have a great series, though Game 1 was blowout city. Dwyane Wade never got it going, turning the ball over too often. Miami scored seven points in the final quarter and was never in synch. Give Mike Woodson's team credit for a great effort in a 90-64 romp. Al Horford and Joe Johnson have been solid all season while Josh Smith posted a double-double, including a number of monster dunks. I look for Miami to respond and make this an exciting series. I still feel the Heat will win in seven, though this team must step up and fight back in Game 2.
LeBron James and the Cavaliers are dynamite at home and King James sent a message with 38 big points in Game 1. Yes, Detroit has a lot of veterans, and it should put forth a good effort in Game 2. Cleveland is simply too good and should roll in five games.
Out West, the Lakers got off to a good start in Game 1 against Utah. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and company are too good to lose this series. Jerry Sloan gets the most out of his talent and Carlos Boozer had a good performance, but Phil Jackson's club should not lose more than one game in this series.
George Karl's Nuggets were impressive in the second half against the Hornets. Chauncey Billups put on quite a show, hitting 8-of-9 trifectas while putting up 36 big points. Chris Paul and company are too proud, and New Orleans will come back and challenge.
Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan squared off and Dallas came away with a Game 1 W. Without Manu Ginobili, this is a different San Antonio team and it is going to be tough for Gregg Popovich's quintet to bounce back. The Mavericks have been as hot as anyone down the stretch.
Houston looked great in Game 1 in Portland. The Rockets have stepped up their game and Ron Artest gives them a strong defensive presence on the perimeter. Yao Ming took charge early and the Blazers didn't have an answer. Shane Battier gives Houston a solid contributor. Rick Adelman should get to the winner's circle in a tough series. I still like this to go seven games.
Basketball is heating up. It is a great time of the season and David Stern has to be smiling as his league is in the sports spotlight, baby!