Wrap Up
> The playoff field is finally set and the big news of the last night was that Chicago lost in New Jersey. With this defeat, and Cleveland’s dismissal of Milwaukee, the Bulls fell from #2 to #5. What that means is Chi-town opens up with Miami rather than Washington. Ouch! Boki Nachbar’s three 3’s in the fourth quarter sealed the game and locked up #6 for the Nets.
> In the other Eastern race Orlando did their part by beating a depleted (by resting people) Miami squad, but Washington did not cooperate. Ike Diogu missing two free throws with :25 seconds left and Indiana down one pretty much sums up the Pacers season. The Wizards ended up at #7 and the Magic #8.
> Out West Golden State demolished an undermanned (by injuries) Portland club to make the playoffs for the first time since 1994. NellieBall in effect! The Warriors finished up at #8 because the Lakers (#7) took care of their business in Sacramento. The Clippers were officially eliminated when GS won, but LA’s other team didn’t even give themselves a chance by losing to New Orleans/Oklahoma City at Staples Center.
> Considering the amount of unfair criticism the NBA takes it has to be somewhat of a surprise to most that only one under .500 team (Orlando 40-42) qualified for the post season in both conferences combined. There were also seven 50-win clubs (5 West, 2 East) overall, which is a decent number.
> These playoffs are going to have a hard time living up to last year’s memorable display, but there are some very intriguing first round match ups.
- New Jersey at Toronto features Vince Carter’s return to Canada.
- Miami at Chicago is a rivalry in the making. There is definite bad blood between these two squads.
- Utah at Houston will be boring but competitive.
- Lakers at Phoenix is a rematch that hopefully lives up to last year’s epic seven gamer.
- Denver at San Antonio pits two of the hottest teams in the league in a battle of styles.
- Golden State at Dallas will have the most interesting quotes with Don Nelson facing off against his former boss Mark Cuban.
> I leave you today with another shout out to Luke Jackson. In a meaningless game in Toronto Jackson went 12-16 from the floor and scored a career high 30 points in 39 minutes (he also had 5 assists & 4 rebounds). Never mind that the Raptors lost because Luke already signed a contract for all of next season on 4/14. This is your last chance buddy, better make the most of it.
> In the other Eastern race Orlando did their part by beating a depleted (by resting people) Miami squad, but Washington did not cooperate. Ike Diogu missing two free throws with :25 seconds left and Indiana down one pretty much sums up the Pacers season. The Wizards ended up at #7 and the Magic #8.
> Out West Golden State demolished an undermanned (by injuries) Portland club to make the playoffs for the first time since 1994. NellieBall in effect! The Warriors finished up at #8 because the Lakers (#7) took care of their business in Sacramento. The Clippers were officially eliminated when GS won, but LA’s other team didn’t even give themselves a chance by losing to New Orleans/Oklahoma City at Staples Center.
> Considering the amount of unfair criticism the NBA takes it has to be somewhat of a surprise to most that only one under .500 team (Orlando 40-42) qualified for the post season in both conferences combined. There were also seven 50-win clubs (5 West, 2 East) overall, which is a decent number.
> These playoffs are going to have a hard time living up to last year’s memorable display, but there are some very intriguing first round match ups.
- New Jersey at Toronto features Vince Carter’s return to Canada.
- Miami at Chicago is a rivalry in the making. There is definite bad blood between these two squads.
- Utah at Houston will be boring but competitive.
- Lakers at Phoenix is a rematch that hopefully lives up to last year’s epic seven gamer.
- Denver at San Antonio pits two of the hottest teams in the league in a battle of styles.
- Golden State at Dallas will have the most interesting quotes with Don Nelson facing off against his former boss Mark Cuban.
> I leave you today with another shout out to Luke Jackson. In a meaningless game in Toronto Jackson went 12-16 from the floor and scored a career high 30 points in 39 minutes (he also had 5 assists & 4 rebounds). Never mind that the Raptors lost because Luke already signed a contract for all of next season on 4/14. This is your last chance buddy, better make the most of it.
posted by D$ at 9:28 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home