Wednesday 4/25
> I have to start out today with a disclaimer. If any of you out there ever consider investing in satellite internet, I have one word for you: DON’T. My whole home computer was slowed to the pace of drunken turtle carrying a 100-pound weight last night. As such, my analysis may not be as in depth this morning as you are used to.
Denver v San Antonio (tied 1-1) – After shooting 11-22 and 10-18 respectively in Game 1, Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony returned to their normal ways last night going 9-25 and 8-21 respectively while the Spurs regained control of this series in their typical unspectacular way. Tim Duncan rebounded from a poor performance and everything is once again okay on the River Walk. Although, Nene Hilario muscling Tim on the ball and Marcus Camby helping from the weak side does present Duncan with some problems. That’s why Fabricio Oberto’s 8 points and 10 rebounds were so important in Game 2. Someone has got to support Tim down low whether it be Oberto, Francisco Elson or Robert Horry.
As we’ve seen thus far in the playoffs, it’s much easier to play when the pressure is on the other squad. So with the pressure squarely being on the Nuggets now, this is what I’ve been waiting to see. Will Denver come together at home or fracture apart when the going gets tough? And trust me, SA is going to come out focused and ready to dismantle the Nugs right from the start of Game 3. If Denver can hang in and withstand that, then we may have a series on our hands after all.
Washington v Cleveland (Cavaliers up 2-0) – I don’t really know what to say about this series other than it only lasts as long as Cleveland allows it to last. Really though, this match up reminds me of two other series’ we have going on right now. Much like Detroit the Cavs are obviously coasting, and just like Phoenix you can’t be too impressed with Cleveland’s play thus far because the Wizards are atrocious.
The Cavs would be wise to take care of business, sweep Washington, get some rest for LeBron James’ left ankle and then practice hard for the next round. Because let me tell you that either Toronto or New Jersey, both of which will be in full on post season mode, will give Cleveland a much tougher time in the next round.
Golden State v Dallas (tied 1-1) – The Mavericks were able to overcome their inexplicable shakiness and tie this series up…with a little help from the Warriors of course. After being the toast of the league just one game ago, Baron Davis reverted to his career norm of a super talented guy that just can’t keep it together. His ejection at the end of the 3rd quarter pretty much sealed GS’s fate. Now that’s a team leader! My favorite part was BD standing next to coach Don Nelson while showing up official Bennett Salvatore (by clapping facetiously) and Nellie saying “Don’t do that” right before Davis got his second technical foul. As for Stephen Jackson, nothing this maniac does surprises me. Given Jack’s track record it would not shock me at all to see him suspended for Game 3 either (for failure to leave the court in a timely manner).
I found it interesting that Mavs coach Avery Johnson went back to his normal starting lineup with Erick Dampier at center. I mean, Avery basically admitted he made a mistake in Game 1. It makes sense though when you consider that Dallas has out rebounded the Warriors 91-79 so far overall and 31-22 on the offensive glass. I think it’s smart to play Nellie’s game right back at him. I never get why more coaches don’t do this? You go small, I go big, and we’ll see who’s players are better.
Anyway, I don’t hold out much hope for GS making a series of this, even though the Oakland crowd is sure to be the loudest bunch of the playoffs. The Warriors whole we’re-not-supposed-to-be-here-no-one-gives-us-a-chance mantra is bound to change now that they *need* to win at home. The Mavs were the best road team in the NBA this season (31-10) and should play much looser with a win under their collective belts against their nemesis.
Denver v San Antonio (tied 1-1) – After shooting 11-22 and 10-18 respectively in Game 1, Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony returned to their normal ways last night going 9-25 and 8-21 respectively while the Spurs regained control of this series in their typical unspectacular way. Tim Duncan rebounded from a poor performance and everything is once again okay on the River Walk. Although, Nene Hilario muscling Tim on the ball and Marcus Camby helping from the weak side does present Duncan with some problems. That’s why Fabricio Oberto’s 8 points and 10 rebounds were so important in Game 2. Someone has got to support Tim down low whether it be Oberto, Francisco Elson or Robert Horry.
As we’ve seen thus far in the playoffs, it’s much easier to play when the pressure is on the other squad. So with the pressure squarely being on the Nuggets now, this is what I’ve been waiting to see. Will Denver come together at home or fracture apart when the going gets tough? And trust me, SA is going to come out focused and ready to dismantle the Nugs right from the start of Game 3. If Denver can hang in and withstand that, then we may have a series on our hands after all.
Washington v Cleveland (Cavaliers up 2-0) – I don’t really know what to say about this series other than it only lasts as long as Cleveland allows it to last. Really though, this match up reminds me of two other series’ we have going on right now. Much like Detroit the Cavs are obviously coasting, and just like Phoenix you can’t be too impressed with Cleveland’s play thus far because the Wizards are atrocious.
The Cavs would be wise to take care of business, sweep Washington, get some rest for LeBron James’ left ankle and then practice hard for the next round. Because let me tell you that either Toronto or New Jersey, both of which will be in full on post season mode, will give Cleveland a much tougher time in the next round.
Golden State v Dallas (tied 1-1) – The Mavericks were able to overcome their inexplicable shakiness and tie this series up…with a little help from the Warriors of course. After being the toast of the league just one game ago, Baron Davis reverted to his career norm of a super talented guy that just can’t keep it together. His ejection at the end of the 3rd quarter pretty much sealed GS’s fate. Now that’s a team leader! My favorite part was BD standing next to coach Don Nelson while showing up official Bennett Salvatore (by clapping facetiously) and Nellie saying “Don’t do that” right before Davis got his second technical foul. As for Stephen Jackson, nothing this maniac does surprises me. Given Jack’s track record it would not shock me at all to see him suspended for Game 3 either (for failure to leave the court in a timely manner).
I found it interesting that Mavs coach Avery Johnson went back to his normal starting lineup with Erick Dampier at center. I mean, Avery basically admitted he made a mistake in Game 1. It makes sense though when you consider that Dallas has out rebounded the Warriors 91-79 so far overall and 31-22 on the offensive glass. I think it’s smart to play Nellie’s game right back at him. I never get why more coaches don’t do this? You go small, I go big, and we’ll see who’s players are better.
Anyway, I don’t hold out much hope for GS making a series of this, even though the Oakland crowd is sure to be the loudest bunch of the playoffs. The Warriors whole we’re-not-supposed-to-be-here-no-one-gives-us-a-chance mantra is bound to change now that they *need* to win at home. The Mavs were the best road team in the NBA this season (31-10) and should play much looser with a win under their collective belts against their nemesis.
posted by D$ at 9:03 AM
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