This week in the NBA Playoffs

[Eugene]

Hey guys, it's been a while, but...

This week of NBA action has been absolutely stunning, and I'd like to reflect on what happened this week, having watched most of all the games.

Monday:

I didn't catch this game, but I saw the highlights, Dwayne Wade dunking over Jermaine O'neal? Isn't he supposed to be an All-League defender? Anyway, more on this later.

So, Sam Cassell comes in with six minutes left in the fourth, Minnesota up 16 or something, and proceeds to pick up 5 fouls in the next two minutes and foul out. Wouldn't you know it, Kings force a few turnovers, just as Doug Collins says the T'Wolves shouldn't let the Kings get any momentum for the next game, and Peja catches fire, scoring about a dozen points in two minutes. Overtime. With Cassell on the bench, it's time for the MVP to step up and he does, and shows the Kings that indeed, there's no one on that roster that can stop him. Garnett hits the go ahead bucket and Wovles win. Way too close, though--if Cassell wasn't screwing around, they'd have won by 20.


Tuesday:

Clearly home court does make a difference.

Jason Kidd finally broke out of his shooting slump (momentarily, as we'll soon see), and picked up his seventh career playoff triple double. I didn't see much of this game, but here's the thing: New Jersey Nets can beat the Pistons and their monster frontline of Wallace, Wallace and,
Tayshaun Prince because they can run on 'em. And they did run, and they won. First of all, you can't pin your playoff hopes on Rasheed Wallace, no matter how much you think he's changed. He's about one meltdown away from blowing this series completely for the Pistons. Second, there's a reason the Net have been to the Finals last two seasons, and the starting five is the same, and their core is only getting better.

Later that night, we had Kobe Bryant going for 42 against the Spurs. He shot for 18 points in the first half, then exploded in the 3rd and 4th quarters, not only providing the points, but the energy and the intensity the Lakers needed. One of the best, if not the best, performances I've ever been witness to. All the more impressive because of the court appearance he had to make (although at this point, I'm convince he should go to court before every game). Quick response to Whitlock's article on ESPN.com--no, Kobe going back and forth from court to court does not make him a hero, but what he is doing under those conditions is pretty damn impressive, and although he brought it upon himself through some very poor decisions, he is handling it as well as any man could, better than most, in fact.

Anyway, when a player is in a situation like that, especially someone like Kobe who focus is as intense as a laser, he is forced to concentrate and play even harder.


Wednesday:

Dwayne Wade is the real deal, and you can see the difference in a player who has stayed in college all four years and immediately make an impact, not only during the regular season, but in the postseason as well. In the fourth quarter, with the Indiana Pacers threatening to make a run, closes the Heat lead to 4 points. Dwayne Wade, in response, up till this point only having made 4 of 13 shots (I'm not sure) has Ron Artest guarding him at the top of the circle. Using his quickness, and as good a defender as Artest is, Dwayne Wade is still quicker, he blows by him, then runs into O'Neal, draws contact, finishes, then makes the free throw, putting the Heat up seven.

Throughout the playoffs, this man has made key plays after key plays for the Heat. Yes, Lebron was the ROY, and Carmelo lead his Nuggets to the playoffs in a very tough conference. But as of right now, Wade is the only rookie playing (Darko doesn't count, nor does Luke Walton, but more on him later). I'm not saying Wade is better than either of them, but it's something to consider.

I watched only the first quarter of the Kings game, so I can't comment, but they even the series at home.

Thursday:

Incredible. By now, you've heard all there is to hear about Duncan and Derek Fisher. Sports Guy Bill Simmons points out that Fisher's been the third best player on the Lakers in the playoffs. It's a good point--Fisher's made key plays defensively and consistently hit shots, but I think Karl Malone had a bigger impact, playing Duncan to a near standstill.

Anyway...

Phil Jackson has a habit (good or bad, I don't know) of playing his role players at crucial points, and Luke Walton actually had to play because of foul trouble. Someone pointed out to me that Walton wouldn't have even gotten drafted if not for his name. That has some merit, I suppose, until you look at what he's done for Arizona. He led the Pac-10 forwards in assists, made key plays, offensively and defensively, and if he wasn't the best player (you could make a case for Gardner here), then he was certainly the most consistent, reliable player. And, there was not a smarter ball player in college. So, he comes in and hits a key three pointer. He's adept at making the entry pass to Shaq. His defense is the only thing holding him back, but I think Walton can play an important role for the Lakers down the road.

Back to the miracle finish--it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see something like that happen. I was glad to be witness to it, and I only wish I'd taped the game (without express written consent, as it were).

Friday:

Triple overtime thriller that resulted in me missing the first half of the Wolves game. Excellent game. Classic? I don't know. There were some key plays, from Billups's half-court heave to Richard Jefferson flying out of nowhere to punch Billups's layup, to Brian Scalabrine, of all players, coming out and scoring 16 points in the three overtimes. Every team should have someone like him--someone who comes in, knows his role, finds himself at the right place at the right time, and basically hustles furiously to make up for any deficiencies skill wise. Mark Madsen is one. Najera is another, but the Mavs never played him and that's why they lost. Devean George can fill that role, if he ever got his head on straight, right now, it's Derek Fisher for them. But these players are crucial parts of championship teams. It's always good to see these guys shine.

One more thing--Nets are going to win this series. Why? Because you must, absolutely must, win these triple overtime games, especially at home.

The Kings-Wolves game was the utter antithesis of the Pistons-Nets. Yes, for much of the time, Kings were only down five, but it was also the largest five point deficit I've ever seen. Every time Kings scored, so did the Wolves. Which again is the reason why the Kings will not win a championship. Really, name one player out of the Scalabrine-Madsen-Najera mold on the Kings. Bobby Jackson? He's a spark plug, and he'd already play big minutes for them if he wasn't hurt. Brad Miller? Again, he's already a big part of their team. Neither of them play that role anyway. Maybe Songaila. See? Wolves win this series.

Which brings us to...

Saturday:

I didn't see much of this game, but enough to know that the Heat got smacked on the road. That's the trademark of a young team. On the other hand, this series should have been over long ago--it's up to O'Neal and Artest to step on these youngster's throats on the road. Miami had a good run, but really, Pacers should stop messing around and finish it in six. And by the way, what's up with Tinsley cutting up the Heat defense? Absolutely killed them. Is he going to be a real point guard now?

But, if Miami protects home court and this goes to seven--then anything can happen. Anything.

And finally, the Lakers are the first team to advance to the conference Finals. This has been a great series. Both teams going back and forth, great team play, great individual play, great defense. Tim Duncan got his double doubles and whatnot, but let's face it, TD was effectively shut down. Lakers smothered him with 2, 3, 4 guys (and that's normally what it takes), and no one on the Spurs other than Ginobili and Devin Brown could make a shot. At first I was nervous for the Lakers when they left Hedo Turkoglu (who led the Spurs in three point shooting) open for threes, right up until I realized that this was still Hedo Turkoglu, 6-10 forward who jacks up more threes than two's. But basketball always comes down to the best players and Kobe and Shaq were just better than Tony and Tim. And did you see that dunk Kobe threw down on Duncan late in the fourth? Just brutal. Put 'em up ten, no less.

And maybe if Popovich hadn't botched the fourth quarters of games 5 and 6. Really, why wouldn't you guard the inbound pass--again, courtesy of Sports Guy, and have Bowen sticking Kobe, Horry flailing wildly in front of Payton. Why take chances? And Pop really done screwed it up when he told his team to start fouling Shaq. Why, when after the Spurs have shown time and again that they can stop the Lakers straight up, would you put Shaq on the line? Again, why take chances? What will it take for coaches to realize that gimmick defenses never ever work? They were down six with three minutes. A two posession game, and Ginobili was getting to the basket at will. Why give the Lakers a chance to score?

Anyway, Shaq comes through--his free throws give the Lakers a nine point lead, until Turkoglu gets a wide open look at three and... airballs it. Game over.

That's it. Really, I can't believe you read this far. I hope you enjoyed it.

All the best,

Eugene

[Colin]

nothing to add, you covered everything. Very nice post eugene.

[Andrew]

I've nothing to add either, but a great post. Nice to see you again Eugene.

[kevC]

This week's playoff action truly makes you want to say "I LOVE THIS GAME"

[PRoPuLsiOnDJ]

yeah i dont recall experiencing a week like this ever! this has to be one of the greatest weeks the nba has ever had. There hasn't been this much competition in the playoffs for a looooooong loooooooong time. This is definitely great for the NBA and us fans.

[Matt]

yeah seems only gonna get better. 2 Game 7's so far

Pistons forced a game 7 (Brown mixed it up and confused the Nets and won)
Kings easily beat the Wolves

and if Heat win @home then we have another Game 7