NBAwestern

So has anyone been watching the NBA Playoffs?  I have to admit it’s very
hard for me to get excited about first round match ups, which is why my article is
a little late. While there were some exciting series in the 1st round, it’s the 2nd round
where things get real.

A quick recap of the West :
San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks, this was a decent series up until the end.
The battle for Texas supremacy was again held by the San Antonio Spurs.  It is
remarkable what this team has accomplished.  They don’t play that fast paced,
highlight reel basketball, the run a system, it’s been the same system for years,
and very few teams can beat it, except Miami Heat. Houston Rockets vs. Portland
Trail Blazers

This was an entertaining series, I thought that the Houston Rockets had a chance
given the home court advantage, the addition of Dwight Howard, the pieces looked
to be in place.  But, unfortunately, they will have to wait till next year, as the Portland
Trail Blazers with some amazing play from young guard Damian Lillard and some
outstanding performances for scoring 40 points-plus in games 1 and 2 of a road
playoff series.  He joins the likes of Michael Jordan and Tracy McGrady.That’s some
pretty elite company.

So what to the Trail Blazers get for all their hard work?  A trip to San Antonio to face
the Spurs in round 2 of the NBA Playoffs.  The San Antonio Spurs looked unstoppable
in the first game winning by more than 20 points. While I am confident that the
Portland Trail Blazers will respond, more than likely at home, the Spurs are the better
team.  They have the championship pedigree and with this possibly being Tim Duncan’s
last year, I don’t see how the Portland Trail Blazers come away with the series win.  My
Pick San Antonio Spurs in 6.

On the other side of the bracket we had the Los Angeles Clippers taking on the Golden
State Warriors. This year’s battle for California.  Is it me or does it sound odd not
mentioning the Lakers?  This was a great series, but it was overtaken about half way
through by the Donald Sterling show.  I will not go into details, Sterling isn’t worth
the copy.  But it was amazing to see a team, come together and pull out the 7 game
series, with all the turmoil in the front office.  I would love to see the LA Clippers
make a long playoffs run, but it’s not going to be easy.

In the bottom of the bracket you had the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the
Memphis Grizzlies.  This was an entertaining series.  I don’t think the OKC Thunder
thought they were going to have to work as hard as they did in the first round.  Led by
now MVP (Long overdue) Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder will able
to pull out a Game 7 win.  I feel bad for the Memphis Grizzlies, this team always plays
hard, but they lack the secondary scoring needed to get to the next round.

This leads to a very exciting match-up in the 2nd round of the Western Conference
NBA Playoffs.  The Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers.  This is one
series you won’t want to miss!  You have Chris Paul (CP3) and Blake Griffin going
against Durant and Westbrook.  This series will not be short on offense, the
question is who is going to play defense.  I think the team that flexes its defensive
muscle will pull out the series victory.  My Pick – Oklahoma City Thunder in 7.

By Pat Gavin