With the first and second rounds out of the way, I feel almost refreshed to the NBA. The top 4 teams in the NBA have finally been set aside and I’m not sure that anyone should really be surprised. The “Final Four” of the NBA should bring out the best basketball in the world from the 4 best teams in the world. Not only have they been tested, (some more than others) but they have all won major battles or overcome injuries to key players in order to get to this place. These teams reached this point without excuses, but by playing their asses off against other top teams in rowdy road arenas yet, still persevering.
The Boston Celtics vs. The Detroit Pistons
As the supposed “top” team in the NBA, the Celtics have struggled mightily through the first 2 rounds and have yet to win a game on the road. They may have had the best record during the regular season, but it is obvious that this team is playing at a lower level now. They’ve managed to squeak through against weaker opponents, but will now face the “Beast of the East” in the Detroit Pistons. They’ll need to bind back together as they once did during the regular season and certain key players will need to find the greatness we’re accustomed to (cough…Ray).
Can they pull together once again and find a way to advance? The battles with Detroit during the regular season were noteworthy and I assure you these Playoff match-ups will be no different.
What about Detroit? Detroit is entering their 6th straight Eastern Conference Final and will obviously have a good feel for the pressure and atmosphere that this series will bring. They’ve done this many times by playing their “blue collar” style and the Celtics better come ready. The physicality of the series could weigh too heavy on the Celtics who have played 14 Playoff games in less than a month. I’m expecting the Pistons (if Chauncey plays) to move past the Celtics with ease. It may go 6 games, but we all know that the Pistons will take a game off here or there to finish up at home. I’d love to see a Celtics vs. Lakers Finals, but the early Playoff showings of Boston have been a complete disappointment.
The Los Angeles Lakers vs. The San Antonio Spurs
I never thought these words would come out of my mouth but, GO LAKERS! After watching the Spurs’ poise and experience dismantle the young Hornets last night, my hatred for them has grown to Edward Norton as the Incredible Hulk ridiculousness proportions. There has been bantering that if the Spurs allow Kobe to drop 40 a game and contain the rest of the team that they will roll through the series. Maybe, but something in my mind is telling me that Kobe will laugh at any strategy the Spurs throw at him and will do something incredible this series; something that we will remember for years to come.
Are the Spurs just too damn good though? Possibly. But are they also old as hell? Yes. Many believe that this could be the last year for the Spurs “dynasty” with many of their players hitting their peak long ago. Expect one last push from the “Big 3” and also expect to be annoyed by 25 Longoria camera shots per game. (The state of the series)
You may have reason to believe the Spurs are a dirty team, but those reasons will come full circle once this series has been completed. This series will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greats of all time. Kobe vs. Duncan. Phil vs. Pop. Scrappy, chippy and gritty play from both teams will leave us all breathless after each game; strap on those Playoff seat belts and cheer with me as the Spurs dynasty comes to an end.
