Arguably the most exciting time in sports is right after America's tax deadline, because thats when basketball really starts to matter. And the more it matters the better the play gets from the stars across the league. Whether it's the man who was robbed of the MVP award Chris Paul leading his young and sharp shooting Hornets into the playoffs or the actual MVP, Kobe Bryant trying to prove to the world that he doesn't need Diesel fuel to win a championship. The playoffs in the National Basketball Association is high level intensity where every game and every play matters.
The first round of the playoffs showcased LeBron James and his freakish like talents, that which included one of the most ridiculous dunks I've ever seen. James on an alley-oop that was behind his head reached back a good foot and change while his head was over the rim and just annihilated the rim. The first round playoffs also featured Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic advancing past the first round but running into a road known as the Detroit Pistons. The first round showcased the eastern power house known as the Celtics from Boston. A team with 3 superstars that are all hungrier than ever for a championship ring. The western conference proved that experience is not a necessity as the Hornets cruised past the Dallas Mavericks on the back of Chris Paul. The Spurs showed us all that boring basketball equals winning in basketball. The Kobe's are on pace for a championship but find themselves in a whole heap of trouble against Deron Williams and the might Utah Jazz.
The Jazz are a team with enormous potential and are looking like the team we once saw with some guy named Stockton and some other fella named Malone. Too bad they ran into some guy named Jordan. From the fights to the flops and the moms (who look young enough to be your sister) getting into the middle of things, these NBA playoffs have given all the fans their moneys worth.
New Orleans is now facing a game seven situation in which this young team will really be put to the test. The Spurs are a battle tested bunch full of players who have been there and done that. Chris Paul and David West will have to play better than ever to get past this game as it will be a true testament to their entire squad. The Lakers, Pistons, and the Celtics all have a chance to end their series' in game 6, as Kobe, Rip Hamilton and Kevin Garnett look to take that next step to that shiny trophy with a gold ball atop it.
As the Playoffs reach its climax the stars will rise and the pretenders will fall. Those who really want it will step up and show everyone that this is the real deal and that their skills are worthy of getting a ring on their finger. There are never ending questions that have been posed to the bunch on the brink as we speak. Can Kobe Bryant win on his own? Can Kevin Garnett finally over come his failures in Minnesota and bring a championship back to the Boston Garden? Can Chris Paul prove to the world that all it takes is a smart point guard and reliable shooters to wear the crown of the NBA? These questions and more will be answered in the up coming weeks, the answers might not be predictable but what we do know is the excitement of the NBA playoffs is tough to be reckoned with.
2 comments:
Well, it sure has been an amazing race to the gold. I haven't paid this much attention to the hardwood since the Jordan days (Sad, isn't it?)
I say the NBA is happy with the attention it is receiving with both the East and West carrying dominating teams that will lead to an amazing finals matchup.
This year's playoffs has been a great one for NBA fans and for the NBA itself. Now that they have two of the biggest markets in the playoffs and favorites to make it to the finals with the Lakers and the Celtics you couldn't ask for more. Also with the Cinderella story with the Hornets and the city of New Orleans, having the chance of eliminating the reigning champs the Spurs, this is playoffs will be remembered for years to come.
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