So far, the NBA playoffs have been pretty freakin’ good. I know that I've tuned in more than I normally would to the first round matchups. I've been paying the most attention to the Wizards-Cavs series, for the LeBron-Deshawn Stevenson “rivalry”, but they've all exceeded my expectations. Well except maybe that lame Hornets-Mavs series.
I'd like to take a second and thank the Phoenix Suns for making me look like a huge tool by picking them to catch fire and make it all the way to the Western Conference finals. I overrated the effect I thought The Diesel would have on the series. With that said, I think it's a mistake for Phoenix to fire D’Antoni as their coach, as is being reported this morning. They are in for a rude awakening if they think there are better coaching options available right now.
So anyway, the two teams I picked to get to the Finals are the Pistons and the Lakers. Both of these teams, thankfully are still alive and kicking. First, in the West, I just don't see New Orleans, Utah or even this year's Spurs beating a loaded Lakers team in a seven game series. In the East, it's just a little more unclear at the moment. I never have bought into the Celtics and all the hype about how dominate they're going to be. I think Atlanta is proving my point rather nicely at the moment. And although I love LeBron James, I don't know if he can dominate this year as he did last year and get his team all the way to the Finals. I'll take Detroit's playoff experience over the Celtics and Cavs any day.
So it's going to be the Lakers and Pistons. I think it's going to go seven games, and be the best NBA finals matchup we've seen in about 5 years. I'll take the Lakers in 7, and Kobe to be amazing.
