2012 NBA - Round 1 Series Recaps

Been watching a lot of basketball and hope that you have too.  Unfortunately this year has been marred by injuries to several players but I hope that it doesn't impact the playoffs any further.  


Heat vs. Knicks


If the Knicks didn't have bad luck, they'd have no luck at all.  After losing Shumpert and Baron Davis to knee injuries, and Stoudemire for a game, the Knicks just seemed to be lost.  I thought with a fuller roster, they would have given the Heat something to think about, but it just wasn't meant to be.  With the off season now in full swing, the Knicks have some questions that need to be answered.  1) Do you call Phil Jackson and see if he's ready to coach again (and that's not a knock on Woody who did a great job with what he had).  2) Do you bring back JR Smith or do you hope he opts out?  3) Do you go after Nash in free agency?  4) and finally is Carmelo the guy that you can build around and win a championship (I think you can). 


Thunder vs. Mavericks

The young bucks took down the defending champions and looked good doing it.  Westbrook and Durant did a great job swapping responsibility of taking over the game.  They do have to worry about the health of Kendrick Perkins who missed some time due to a hip strain.  They also have to be prepared for the rust that they've accumulated while waiting to find out who they'll play in the 2nd round.  The Mavericks go into the off season with some 'what if's' around Odom and Chandler and 'what happens' next year.  The Jet is a free agent (if he goes to Miami, whew!!), and it looks like Deron Williams will be the top target for this team to be able to bounce back next year. 


Spurs vs. Jazz

This was ugly, I mean really ugly.  I thought the Jazz would have been able to compete in this series but they looked like a man showing up to a gun fight with a .22.  They seemed to be able to play with this team for a few minutes at a time, but then that old man basketball got to them.  The Spurs looked great in dismantling this Jazz team.  The Big 3 in San Antonio (Ginobili, Parker, and Duncan) showed up but more telling was the bench showed that they are just as capable of scoring and defending when called upon.  The Jazz go into the off season and they have to find a way to get some better point guard play.  Their bigs actually showed some heart in this series, so I'm not as worried about them. 

     
Bulls vs. Sixers

We knew it was over after that horrific Rose knee injury, but last night was a fitting (and possibly not) end to the Bulls season.  They know who the guys are that they can count on (Rose, Noah, Gibson, and Deng) and they probably know who they can't (Carlos Boozer, I'm talking to you).  The Bulls have to keep this team together and try and get back next year.   They will pay dearly for that (around $85M), but there's nothing else to be done.  The Sixers didn't impress me, especially in a closeout game playing a Bulls team without Noah and Rose.  The Sixers didn't want to win that game last night, running an offense that consisted of hold the ball for 20 secs and then find a way to throw up a contested 3 pointer at the buzzer (I apologize to my neighbors for the yelling and screaming that you heard last night, that was me and the TV).  Up next for the Sixers, the Boston Celtics and we can now start the clock as to how much longer the Sixers will be in the playoffs.   

Hawks vs Celtics

You know that you should never, under any circumstances, bet ON the Atlanta Hawks.  Never!!!!  If they were in a one pony race you should bet on the jockey or someone, but not the Hawks.  There is something about this team that just needs to change.  Johnson is a good complimentary player, but he's not your ace.  Horford came back and was probably the 2nd best player in this series for the Hawks.  It's gotta be the 'Curse of Chris Paul' that hangs over this team.  The Celtics aren't spectacular but they someone how get it done.  Pierce is playing on a sprained knee and without him, I'm not sure this team could score 70, especially with Ray Allen hobbled with bone spurs.  The good thing in all of this is that the Celtics get the Sixers and another chance to play old man basketball (slow it down) against a younger team.  The bad is that if Pierce's knee gets worse, what happens?  I'm not sure KG has many more of those 28pts, 14 rebs games left in him. 

2012 NBA Playoffs - San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz

In recent years, this would have been a matchup for the Western Finals but this year it's a #1 vs. #8.  The Spurs are rolling and have people saying don't forget about us, we're still here. 

Spurs: The Spurs usually win with defense but this team is winning with offense.  They are actually scoring over 100 points a game.  If you've watched the Spurs for years, getting to 100 was an amazing feat.  Tim Duncan has found the fountain of youth and Tony Parker has gotten his name back into that best point guard in the game discussion.  Ginobili is still underrated, but this team is going to win because of their bench.  This Spurs team is still dangerous so don't sleep on them. 

Who has to step up: Boris Diaw and Stephen Jackson.  Diaw is the Swiss army knife of players, but his effort has always been questioned.  He has the tools to be a mismatch at the 3 or 4 but he has got to play ball.  Jackson has always been one of those guys that can get on a court and score 20 any night, but he can also, when he wants to, D someone up.  They are going to need him to possibly do both in this series. 

Jazz: The Jazz have been going sideways most of the season but have fallen into the 8th spot.  I actually like the bigs that Utah bring into this game with Milsap, Jefferson, Kanter and Favors.  If they get some wing production, they could scare a few people.  The Jazz are one of those teams that have the pieces, but something is missing.  Maybe they find 'that' in this series. 

Who has to step up: Al Jefferson and Devin Harris. Jefferson just has to do what he do and be a beast on the blocks, but he has to stay out of foul trouble against the Big Fundamental.  That's the only way his team will have a chance to win.  Devin Harris has been that up and coming point guard and he's been that guy that you throw in on a trade.  Which one shows up during this series?  Harris has the talent, but I can't explain why he doesn't play better.  Maybe the 'it' that the Jazz are missing starts with him.  If he plays well,...this will be interesting. 


Outcome: I got the Spurs in 6.  Utah may scare them, but Spurs have the edge. 

Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Wrap Up Game 1's

And now the West,......

Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Just for a second I thought that everyone, including Charles Barkley, was going to be wrong after Matt Bonner hit his second 3 late in this game, but the Grizzlies didn't fold.  Tony Allen almost gave the game away with some missed free throws, but in the end it was the newly signed Zach Randolph (4 years, $71M) and Marc Gasol that proved to be the difference in this matchup.  The Spurs really missed Ginobili with the game on the line and it showed.  The Grizzlies stole one from the Spurs at home and now they have win Game 2 to keep it going.  Great shot by Battier there at the end, nothing like a veteran presence.  Duncan looked good, so maybe that rest all season really helped out.

Lakers vs. Hornets - Please go and look at what I wrote here, and then read the rest.  Paul came out and got his 33 pts, 14 asts, 7 rebs (all defensive), and 4 stls.  That's not quite what I said, but that's damn close.  This is all fools gold anyway.  The Hornets can't play this well for 4 games, so I imagine that they lose this series 4-1 now instead of the 4-0 prediction.  The sad part is that Kobe had a chance, twice, late in the game to bring his team back and he couldn't.  He missed two layups and didn't get any calls.  Is this how it ends for him?  Kobe actually looked human on Sunday.  He can't do that again if Gasol plays as bad as he did, if the Lakers expect to win.

Thunder vs. Nuggets - The refs had better be in shape for this series because these two teams are going to run and put up numbers.  Nene should be outlawed in about 25 states the way he is abusing the rims.  I haven't seen any big man just dunk on people like he did in this Game 1 and the Thunder for the most part were watching the entire time.  Give Westbrook his props (that's aimed at some of my co-workers) because he balled for this team.  With Westbrook the Thunder can't put up enough points to win this series against this loaded (did you see the ease with which Gallinari was shooting the rock, Chandler played well, and both point guards for Denver pushed the rock) Nuggets team.

Mavs vs. Blazers - Ho hum,....another well intentioned badly reffed game that helped the Mavs win this down the stretch.  Are the refs trying to make it up to Dirk from their calls when the Mavs played the Heat for the title a few years ago?  Dirk had 13 free throw attempts in the 4th quarter.  Stop, read it again, 13 free throw attempts.  Not much else to say.  The Blazers have got to win Game 2 or they may get bounced early.

What game did you enjoy the most?  Who you got?    

Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - San Antonio vs. Memphis Grizzlies

I never thought the Spurs would have had the best record in the West, but they found a way to hold to their lead over the Lakers and be the #1 seed.  The Grizzlies have been quiet all year but they toughed it out to make the playoffs this year and they are a little scary. 

Spurs: 

The old guard is back.  The Spurs draft well and make good decisions and that's why they are always here.  They still have Tim Duncan, although somewhat limited, they have Ginobili and Parker, that's the core.  Add to that the way the bench has played, (Neal, Blair, Bonner, etc.) and this Spurs team looks like just about as good as any they've had going in to the playoffs.  With Ginobili ailing from his elbow injury, this will give more time to the bench until he's ready to return.  After Tiago splitter, the Spurs lack big men, so that can be an issue for them. 

Grizzlies:

The young guns.  Mike Conley is playing like he signed a big contract, Randolph and Gasol are big and talented enough to score in the post and command double teams.  I like the guys that they can throw out there on defense to shut down an opposing teams' wings (Tony Allen and Shane Battier).  If the Grizzlies are smart they will run on this Spurs team and try to make this a sprint.  They have to impose their will and dominate the game in the post. 

X-factors:

Spurs - Gary Neal and George Hill.  Both of these guys are intricate members of the Spurs, but they are going to have to step up in this series because the Grizzlies are more athletic than the Spurs.  Being the younger member of the Spurs, they are going to have to stay in fron of the Mike Conleys and OJ Mayos of the world.  They will also have to pick up the slack in scoring for any games Ginobili misses. 

Grizzlies - OJ Mayo and Sam Young.  OJ Mayo has got to find a way to get the ball in the basket, but he can't be a volume shooter.  He's going to have to play off of the Grizzlies big men to have a complete game.  Sam Young has quietly had a decent game.  He's going to have to good games against these smaller Spurs' guards.  If they can get them into foul trouble along with the absence of Ginobili, this could get interesting quickly. 

Prediction: The Grizzlies are a good enough matchup against the Spurs to cause them problems.  If Randolph is able to play the best series of his life, they can upset this Spurs team.  Will he and will the Grizzlies be ready to step up against the veteran squad?  Spurs 4-3.

The Weekend that Was (Catching Up)

Ok, lots of sports to catch up on from this past weekend, so here’s the cliff notes version:

Miami Heat – Terrible loss against the Knicks and they were at home.  This team still ahs some wrinkles to iron out, most specifically some semblance of a half court offense, but I still think that they will be ok.  It’ll be interesting to see if they are players in the veteran market when Troy Murphy (bought out today) and possibly Mike Bibby (may get a buyout tomorrow) are added to the team. 

Los Angeles Lakers – Good game for the Lakers as a team.  They were able to keep Durant in check (isn’t that all the Lakers need from Artest) and they let their volume shooter, Kobe, get his 17 points on 22 attempts.  I only point that out because I have someone (Moose, I’m talking about you) who rides and dies with Kobe and his greatness, so I just had to point something out.  Congrats to Kobe for becoming #7 on the All Time scoring list. 

Duke Blue Devils – You went and did what?  You lost to the Hokies, in Blacksburg?  Yes, it’s a tough place to play but the Dukies came out lackadaisical or something and then fell behind.  With games against Clemson and UNC coming up, that should be the last ‘L’ for this team until the NCAA tournament.  There are rumors out of Durham that Kyrie Irving may return and I think quietly, Coach K is praying in earnest for that.  Plus, Irving may not want to go to the NBA next year with the lockout and several sources claiming that the Cleveland Cavaliers will select him with the #1 pick.  If Irving didn’t have a reason to stay, that may have clinched it. 

Cincinnati Bearcats – I took a bet just to watch how this team plays.  I still can’t understand how they score points?  I mean they are like the Miami Heat to me, they get steals and turnovers because of their defense and they are great in transition, but once you slow the game down, they look like a bunch of guys who just got to the same court and decided to play basketball.  No sets, no offense, just a lot of standing and watching.  Shout out to Dion Dixon, whom we have to hear about on occasion (Dion your cousin has your back).  You guys have some work to do in order to make the NCAAs so take your turn and step up your game.  Also, drop by and let’s do an interview or something.

San Antonio Spurs – People, they just keep winning.  I’m waiting for them to falter or even see a team that will catch them (Jason Terry said the Mavs would, but I’m not sure), but the Spurs are quietly beating the tar out of just about everyone.  Each night it’s a different person and Tim Duncan has been able to rest for the majority of the year.  I know people don’t think they have a chance because they aren’t the Lakers, but it’s time to take notice.

Chicago Bulls – Another team that people should really take notice of is the Bulls.  I’m going out on a limb that if the Bulls were able to pull off an OJ Mayo deal, I think they would be in the NBA Finals, this year.  They are that close, a SG away.  If they could combine Korver and Brewer into one person, that would be excellent.  Derrick Rose is playing out of his mind and he’ll have to continue doing that for the rest of the season.  He is, by all accounts, #1 on anyone’s MVP list.  Rasual Butler, whom the Bulls plan on signing today, will help, but I’m not sure he’s the answer either. 

BYU – I have seen a lot of Jimmer Fredette and I can say one thing, the kid can play ball.  He has that off the bus range (meaning you gotta start checking him when he gets off the bus) and enough savvy to know that if you crowd him he can make the right pass (9 asts against SDSU on Saturday).  He has proved that he can adapt his game and when he has help (Charles Abouo, 18 pts, 9 rebs, 2 stls) this team is going to be hard to beat.  I think that point guards have an advantage over other players making the leap to the NBA because they have the ball in their hands more.  Part of me thinks that Jimmer is going to be somewhere between Adam Morrison (bust) and JJ Redick (better than average role player).  It’ll be interesting to see where he goes in the draft.

The Big East – Understand that when I write this it give me pain.  I’m an ACC guy, born and bred and they have arguably always had the best conference in basketball from the top down.  This year, there is NO argument.  The best conference is the Big East and they are beating the crap out of each other.  Georgetown, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Providence, Villanova, West Virginia, Syracuse, and quietly St. John’s have all taken turns beating each other.  I’m not sure who’s going to win this conference, but whoever does will definitely be battle tested.  I could see 3 or 4 Big East teams make it to the Elite 8 (depending on seeding) because of the level they’ve had to play at all year long.  

What should I be talking about?  

Who ya got? NBA Playoffs 2010 - Western Conference

Well, the regular season is done and there’s nothing left to do but look at the playoff brackets and dream. The season seemed to end on a sour note with a lot of teams experiencing injuries to their important players on their team. Other teams may have over thought this thing and rested some of their key players while at the same time enduring a small losing streak here and there. We’re going to take a look at the playoffs and see where it takes us.

Western Conference – Round 1

Lakers vs. Thunder

Not too many teams have looked as out of sync as the Lakers as of late. With Kobe ailing (where are his legs?), Fisher injured, Vujacic injured, Bynum returning (hopefully) from injury, and Farmar with a hammy that could go at any time, the Lakers are playing the part of the wounded hero. We all know that the Lakers were the odds on favorite with the addition of Artest, but now, not so much. Kobe looks like he needed the 2 game break he got at the end of the season, but the Lakers just aren’t plain playing well. We know that Kobe should be able to turn it on, but the big question is whether Bynum can come back and play decent ball and whether the other injuries are going to hurt the Lakers. We’ll see.

The Thunder come in as one of the darling teams in the NBA. By that I mean they weren’t supposed to be here. They were the young team with a lot of talent, but they played ahead of their curve. Kevin Durant has been the catalyst for them by scoring at will, but this team also has Jeff Green (a do it all forward), Russell Westbrook (a good on the ball defender), and a host of guys willing to play their roles. Phil Jackson has already started working the refs in his favor, evidenced by his $35K fine for what he said about the refs giving Durant all the calls. This is the big stage for the Thunder, their opportunity to shock the world. As healthy as they are and as hungry as they are, they have more than a fighting chance.

Series Roundup – I want an upset, I’m thinking it’ll be an upset, but then reality sets in. Prediction: Lakers in 7.

Nuggets vs. Jazz

The Nuggets come into the playoffs struggling also. They can at least attribute their struggles to their coach being out fighting cancer. This team is too talented to not be at the least in the Western Conference Finals. It’s the same crew with Billups, Melo, and Nene. Add to them, the speedy Ty Lawson, the never gun shy J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin (recovering from a knee injury), and the crowd favorite, the Bird Man. I think the window for these Nuggets is closing and that may add some pressure to the expectations that many have as the team that can dethrone the Lakers in the West. Now is the time to step it up Denver.

The Jazz are suffering from their own pains. Carlos Boozer went down with an oblique strain that will probably not get better during the playoffs and Andrei Kirilenko’s calf isn’t allowing him to play. The Jazz still have Paul Milsap who can produce like Boozer, but they really need AK. I like the fact that Deron Williams has played well of late and he in his own groove. The Jazz always play a physical game and that may be to their benefit against a Nuggets team that doesn’t have their enforcer (Martin) really ready to step up to the plate. Look for CJ Miles to play an important role in this series if the Jazz are to win.

Series Roundup – Can I just watch the first game to see who wins to pick this series? Denver has home court, but something is telling me to pick the Jazz.

Prediction: Nuggets in 6.

Mavericks vs. Spurs

This will be interesting. The Mavericks have played some of the best basketball since the All-Star break. Caron Butler is starting to find his way in this rotation, Haywood is giving them a much needed offensive presence in the paint, Kidd looks 30 again, Shawn Marion playing good defense, and you still got Dirk. I didn’t even mention Jason Terry, who is quietly the compass for this team. As he goes, so go the Mavericks. The Mavericks were supposed to end up around the 4th seed but they have used defense to help them get to that second spot in the West. The Spurs have really been a thorn in the Mavericks side in the past and this year, I think the Mavericks are ready.

The Spurs have been battling injuries coming into this game. George Hill sprained an ankle and may not be able to come back for the 1st round of the playoffs, Tony Parker is coming back from an injury, Tim Duncan is fighting off father time and bad knees, and we all know that Ginobili is one falling down awkward shot from being out of the series. I am surprised that Richard Jefferson hasn’t been more of a force with this team, but he is starting to come on now that Ginobili is back. DeJuan Blair has been some beef that has been welcomed by everyone, but specifically Tim Duncan. This team is solid as they always are and they are playing well at this juncture.

Series Roundup – This is going to come down to defense for the Mavericks. Can they stop this Spurs team when they need to and can they keep Ginobili from going bonkers? The Spurs get older each year, but like wine they seem to get better with age. Prediction: Mavericks in 6.

Suns vs. Trial Blazers

That’s Amar’e!!! Talk about someone who has done the most with what he has and has thereby increased (well, he’s getting a max deal regardless next year) his value, Stoudamire has caught fire since playing his way into shape. He has led the Suns on a streak that has gotten the Suns to the #3 spot in the West. Steve Nash and Grant Hill look at least 3 years younger and the Suns have enjoyed getting Barbosa back from a wrist injury. The only downside is that they are going to lose their big man, Robin Lopez for at least the first round and possibly the entire playoffs. He’s not spectacular but he does have a good motor and plays well next to Amar’e. Replacing him is one of the Collins twins (are they both still in the league?), but I hope that we’ll see more Channing Frye or even a sighting of Earl Clark (where has he been?).

Let me get myself together for a second (grabs rabbit feet, lucky charms, the Bible, some holy water, brought in my pet unicorn, caught a falling star, threw about $20 in a wishing well, and grabbed some horse shoes), the Blazers lost another player to injury. Brandon Roy tore his meniscus and will have surgery and will miss at least the 1st round of the playoffs. The Blazers have lost at least 300+ games due to injury. Even with all of that the Blazers have performed this year and are the #6 seed in the West. Nate McMillan should have some COY votes strictly on that alone. The Blazers are a balanced squad and they can play defense with the best of them. They were able to shut Kobe down towards the later part of the season with Batum and Webster taking turns. They will struggle to score a lot without Roy, but don’t’ count these Blazers out just yet. Look for the veteran big men Camby and (gulp) Howard to play a big role in their success.

Series Roundup – Can anyone stop the Suns from rolling? I expect the Blazers to slow this thing down and make the Suns play half court or it’s over. Prediction: Suns in 6.

Jefferson to San Antonio

With a lot of moves expected in the next few days and the rest of the off season, the Spurs may have hit a home run. The Spurs have agreed to trade Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto, and Kurt Thomas to Milwaukee for Richard Jefferson.

This move is great for the Spurs who are looking to get a little younger, but also get someone that can create their own offense if Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili aren't on the floor. Udoka can become a new version of Bruce Bowen, but now the Spurs will need to find some toughness in the paint to back up Tim Duncan.

The Bucks get parts that allow them to play more defense, and I think Kurt Thomas has an expiring contract that may be useful later in the season. I just see the Bucks got older in this deal but may have gotten some salary cap relief in the future.

Great deal for the Spurs, maybe a good deal for the Bucks. Who do you think won out on this deal? Does either team get that much better?

Catching Up with the Western Conference

Yes, it's been a few days since I talked about the NBA playoffs, but let's just catch up with the Western Conference since the first round is basically over.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz

Did we expect anything different? We knew that Kobe wasn't going to allow the Lakers to play around for too long. They are at home now and they should be watching the Nuggets play and they should be getting worried. The Lakers still haven't shown me their want to play defense. That may hurt them in the future. My take on the series was 4-1 Lakers, and it ended 4-1.

Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets

I don't know how you lose a game by 58 when you have a chance to get back in your series and you are playing at home. I think the Hornets just quit. They lost all of their mojo in a year. Last nights game sealed. They at least made it a game but Melo finally gets to the 2nd round of the playoffs. My take on the series was 4-2 Nuggets, but it ended 4-1.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Spurs are just old. I don't think that this is the end of an era, but the Spurs have to retool, somehow. Duncan needs a young beast in the paint like he was to David Robinson and some help on the wing (which I thought Udoka would be able to provide, but he hasn't done that yet). We'll see if Pop can do something to spruce up this team. Dallas was the better team in this series and they showed it. This is the scary team that may cause Denver some problems. My take on the series was 4-2 Mavericks, but it ended 4-1.

Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets

This is the most exciting series in the West. The Blazers are showing their youthful side as they seem to play every other game. They haven't been able to consistently win the matchups that they should win (LaMarcus Aldridge, that means you against Scola), but they are only down 3-2 and they get a chance to go into Houston tonight to try and even the series. The Rockets are playing extremely well, without T-Mac. They are one game away from getting out of the 1st round of the playoffs. That would be a success but again another knock on T-Mac since they would have done it without him. Yao is showing that he is the most consistent big man in the league and possibly the best. I had the Blazers winning this series 4-3, so the Blazers have a lot of work to do.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

There's not much you can say that's good about this game unless you're a Mavs fan. For the Spurs, I just have the following: 16 - total number of Spurs points in the 1st quarter, 14 - total number of Spurs points in the 2nd quarter, 12 - total number of Spurs points in the 3rd quarter, 4 - total number of points by Tim Duncan, 12 - total number of points by Tony Parker, 0 - total number of points by Michael Finley, 2 - total number of points by Matt Bonner, and 7 - total number of points by Roger Mason. Coach Pop sat his starters mid way through the 3rd quarter and even he admitted that he this was one of the worst games that he's been a part of.

The Mavs came out with that energy from being home and feeling as though they can win this series. The surprise start of JJ Barea actually worked for the Mavs. He's been the only person that has seemed to bother Tony Parker so far in the playoffs. Barea ended the game with 13 pts and 7 asts. Dirk Nowitzki got his first 20 pt (7 rebs, 2 asts, 1 blk) game of the series and Josh Howard chipped in 17 pts (8 rebs, 2 stls, 2 blks). The Mavs rolled and the crowd loved it. The only thing missing was Erick Dampier knocking Tony Parker to the floor. That's what I was waiting for.

Key facts:

- Dirk is on. He's feeling it and he's hitting a lot of his shots. He's dangerous when he's like this and I think the Spurs are done.

- The Mavs and the Celtics both had 32 point leads at the same time last night.

- Gerald Green got his first extended meaningful minutes and twisted his ankle, what's up with that?

Mavs are up 2-1 and I think they go up 3-1 in the next game. Are the Spurs done or is it just me?

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

This game started the same way the last one did, the Spurs ran out to a big lead. It didn't end the same way. The Spurs ran out to an early lead, ignited by the French Assassin, Tony Parker (38 pts, 8 asts). Parker got into the paint and finished like he was a power forward or a center. As I would have predicted, the Spurs got several home cooking calls and really blew the Mavericks out of San Antonio. Tim Duncan chipped in a modest 13 pts, 11 rebs, and 5 asts, while the Red Rocket, Matt Bonner had a great game for the Spurs with 11 pts and 7 rebs. If hustle stats were official, Bonner would have been close to a triple double.

The Mavericks big three, Terry (16 pts), Jason Kidd (14 pts) and Dirk (14 pts) had a terrible game. Dirk, at least had an excuse for his game due to a jammed left thumb and a thigh bruise from Bruce Bowen's knee. Everyone else pretty much sucked too. Josh Howard did a great disappearing act from his game 1 performance and ended the game with 7 pts. I'm glad, and I think they are glad, that they won game 1. We'll see how good the Spurs are in Dallas.

Key facts:

- Drew Gooden had a good night. He had 13 pts off the bench and was a spark on offense for the Spurs. With Duncan's knees causing problems, this is a welcomed sight.

- Roger Mason Jr. continues to show up for the Spurs. He'll have to take and hit a few more shots for the Spurs to get deep in the playoffs.

- Brandon Bass continues to play well off the bench for the Mavericks. He ended with a quiet 8 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 1 blk and 1 stl.

Okay, it's tied at 1-1. The Spurs bounced back, albeit with some home cooking (refs). We're heading to Dallas to see if the Mavericks can rebound. I still think the Spurs are in trouble in this series. What do you think?

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

Wow, all I can say is that the Spurs played the game the way they wanted and got all of the calls and lost at home. The Spurs came out hitting on all cylinders. Tim Duncan looked like the rest really helped his knees and he was hitting his patented bank shot. Tony Parker was getting to the rim and the Spurs were able to get Nowitzki in foul trouble and things didn't look good for Spurs. This looked like the Spurs would just pile it on. Duncan ended the game with 27 pts and 9 rebs, while he got help from Tony Parker (24 pts, 8 asts, 4 rebs) and Mike Finley (perfect from 3 land for 19 pts and 4 rebs).

At that point in the game when all hope was slowly going out the door, enter JJ Barea. Barea was able to get to the lane and hit shots and was the spark plug that turned the game around for the Mavericks. He only had 13 pts and 3 asts, but they were big for this team. Josh Howard had a great game with 25 pts, 4 rebs, and 3 asts. Dirk had a rough game as he got in foul trouble early, but I noticed two things. Dirk whines way too much and he was able to collect himself after some dubious calls went against him (attn NBA refs: You can call a foul on Bruce Bowen, really). Dirk ended with 19pts, 8 rebs, and 2 asts. Please continue to run that isolation play for Dirk at the foul line, that's money.

Key facts:

- Jason Kidd really doesn't have to score too much for this Mavericks team to win, and that's probably a good thing. He ended the game with 4 pts, 8 rebs, 5 asts, and 2 stls.

- The player of the game for the Mavs was Erick Dampier, yes Dampier. He quietly played Duncan tough (yes Duncan had 27 pts, but it didn't seem like that at the end of the game) and he had his own double double, 10 pts , 11 rebs, 1 blk, and ONLY 1 TO.

- The player of the game for the Spurs was Roger Mason Jr. I knew this kid could shoot when I watched him at Virginia, but he needed to go to the right team and guess what, he did. He hit some tough 3's last night to keep giving the Spurs their lead or to catch back up to the Mavs. He ended with 13 pts, 5 rebs, and 4 asts.

I know it's one game, but I think the Spurs are in trouble. They don't have Manu over there on the bench to come in and save them anymore.

NBA Playoffs - Western Conference First Round

We already talked about the Eastern Conference First Round matchups, so let's get to the West. This year, we had a run for the best record in the NBA between the Lakers and the Cavs, but the Lakers came up a little short. They'll have to be happy with being the #1 seed in the West.

Los Angeles Lakes vs. Utah Jazz

The Lakers have played ball all year long, and then the moment that almost had people jumping off bridges, Andrew Bynum tore up his knee. Everyone in La La Land remember how the Celtics just out manned the Lakers last year in the Finals and there was worry to go around. A few weeks ago, Bynum returned and showed us all why the Lakers didn't trade him for Jason Kidd. With Bynum ready to go, the Lakers look headed for a showdown with the Cavaliers. They should have any problems in the playoffs.

The Jazz kind of limped in to the playoffs and they are looking great at home, but they can't win on the road. With Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, this team should be picking and rolling their way to the conference finals, but they meet the Lakers in round 1. The rest of the Jazz team is actually good and part of me could say that the Jazz could (I'm not saying will), but they could give the Lakers problems in the first round. There are Jazz fans out there that have to have hope (Eric, that's for you), but in the end, the Jazz shouldn't pack for anything longer than a first round playoff series.

Series Winner - Lakers 4-1

Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets

Denver comes into this series riding high. After acquiring Chauncey Billups and getting Kenyon Martin back in the fold, the Nuggets are ready. They have a point guard that can get the ball to their scorers (Melo, JR Smith, and Nene) and this team finally decided to play some defense. I know a lot of people want to give George Karl a lot of credit, but I think that Billups should get as much as Karl. This is a scary Nuggets team.

The Hornets are winning despite all of their issues. They have lost both Tyson Chandler and David West for extended periods of time during the season. West has returned and is playing well, but Chandler is just coming back and by his own admission, his toe is about 70%. That does not bode well for a team that isn't as deep as they were last year and is facing a stacked Nuggets team that can score. Chris Paul will again have to carry this team if they are going to make it past the first round.

Series Winner - Nuggets 4-2

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Spurs come in hoping that Tim Duncan's knees aren't sore. He has played through pain over the last few games of the season, but the Spurs will need him to win this series. Tony Parker has carried the Spurs for the majority of the year and should have garnered some MVP votes in my estimation. This is the same crew, minus Ginobli (out for the season), and a little older. It's time for the Spurs to restock this team on the wings. They will struggle in this first round.

The Mavericks are balling a little bit. Jason Kidd looks like he's found the 'Fountain of Youth' and Dirk is getting back into that form that had him in line for an MVP a few years ago. Josh Howard is stepping up and they are getting production, or at least defense from their bench. They've been somewhat under the radar for the entire year. Look for Jason Terry to have a big series for the Mavs.

Series Winner - Mavericks 4-2

Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets

The Trailblazers are led by do everything Brandon Roy, but they are a deep team. I mean real deep. This team can play 10 players each game and the guys coming off the bench are just as good as the starters. LaMarcus Aldridge (don't the Bulls wish they would have kept him instead of Tyrus Thomas?), Greg Oden, Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw, and crew will definitely cause the Rockets problems during this series. They have enough big bodies to play Yao and enough young guys to run and score.

The Houston Rockets made it this far without Tracy McGrady and not many people thought they would. Yao has stepped up and more importantly hasn't gotten hurt this year. When you add that to a behaving Ron Artest, and a surprising supporting cast in Aaron Brooks, Chuck Hayes, Carl Landry, and Kyle Lowry, you see how the Rockets were able to overcome the loss of McGrady. I think this will be the stage where the Rockets realize that they need that go to scorer and I don't see Artest being that guy on a night in night out basis. This will definitely be an exciting series.

Series Winner - Trailblazers 4-3


What's your take? Who are you rooting for? Can the Jazz give the Lakers any problems?