I love this time of the year for a number of reasons. The weather is great and you can watch basketball almost everyday of the week. Some say that the NBA season is too long and that the players do not give maximum effort during the regular season. As a result, they do not watch NBA games until the playoffs. I, however, love the game. I cannot recall a time, nor will there ever be a time when I do not enjoy watching basketball. That said, let's discuss some playoff basketball.
Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference championship will run through the city of Miami. The Heat have had an outstanding season. They were able to win the championship last year when they relied heavily on injured players including: Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Mike Miller. This year, however, the Heat are healthy. D. Wade has regained the form that made him an MVP candidate. He has been the picture of efficiency and is shooting over 50% from the field. Chris Bosh is enjoying a great year on the court as well. As if those players have not impressive enough, the Heat's bench players have been producing. Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Norris Cole, Mike Miller, Chris Anderson and even Rashad Lewis seem to be on a mission. Oh, and there is some guy named Lebron James who is pretty good.
The New York Knicks are another team that has had a very nice run this year. Mike Woodson has done an excellent job. He has dealt with injuries, and other controversy that comes with coaching one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith are carrying the offensive load. Tyson Chandler has anchored the defense and they look to be a formidable team going forward. They have experienced a great deal of success against the Heat in the regular season. However, if they advance to the Eastern Conference finals agains the Heat, they will lose in 5 games. Their team is too one dimensional and I believe Lebron and Shane Battier can slow Carmelo and he will become a high volume, low percentage shooter. New York will not beat Miami.
Western Conference
The Western Conference playoff picture is not as clear. I think there are three teams that could win the Western Conference title. Of those three teams, Oklahoma City has to be the favorite. The other two teams are the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers. But, I also think the Spurs and Clippers could just as easily lose in the first or second round depending on match-ups. For instance, if the Los Angeles Lakers can regroup, they would be a tough matchup for the Spurs in the first round. If the Clippers play the Grizzlies in the first round, I think they may make an early exit from the playoffs. The Grizzlies style of play is very physical and they will make the Clippers play a half court game, which does not suit them well.
The Thunder are the clear favorites out west. Although they lost James Harden, Westbrook and Durant have made improvements to their games. And, Kevin Martin has played well. They can win playing a fast paced game, or in a half court game because they will almost always have an overwhelming advantage at the point guard and wing positions, respectively. Barring serious injuries to any of their core players, they should represent the west in the NBA Championship.
Eventual Champion
The Miami Heat will once again win the NBA championship. Their team is too deep and they have the best player in the game. As good as LBJ was last year, he has been even better this year.
Peace
No comments:
Post a Comment