JD's NBA Playoffs Recap

Yes, I realize that no one else besides me watches the NBA anymore. But as the last remaining NBA fan, I feel it's my duty to keep you guys up to date on the playoffs.

Miami vs New Jersey

Anyone else remember all the hype about how VC and Richard Jefferson's return would push the Miami in the 1st round? Bullshit. The Nets had no, ZERO, chance of contending with Miami. First problem - who in the hell on Jersey can guard Shaq (even if he is only 70%)? Jason Collins?!? Second, even when they do double team “Batman”, Dwayne “Robin” Wade (32 pts in Game 1) and Damon “Alfred” Jones (30 pts, 7 3’s in Gm1) are killing them. FYI – Damon Jones (who?) led the NBA in 3pt FGs. Hell, Jersey can’t even guard Alonzo Mourning’s rotting corpse! He scored 21 last night. Miami shouldn’t lose a single game in the series.
This is poetic justice for Vince. He admittedly dogs it in Toronto, demands a trade, gets it and then leads his new team to the playoffs. Congratulations! You get Shaq in Round 1. I hate Vince.

Detroit vs Philly

Sorry JC, but this one isn’t worth discussing. Iverson, who’s having a career year, has no help. There’s a reason why last night’s game aired on NBA TV.

Bulls vs Wiz

It’s fun to have the Bulls and the United Center back in the playoffs. It takes me back to 1998. The future is bright for the Bulls. They’re winning without their two best big men, Deng AND Tyson Chandler. Heinrich and Ben Gordon are studs. Yes, I said “Heinrich”. The Bulls are a fun team to watch, second only to Phoenix. As much as like this Bulls team, I’m secretly cheering for the Wiz to win because the comedic potential of watching Brandon Haywood guard Shaq in Round 2 is off the scale.

Celtics vs Pacers

Good series so far. Boston should win this series easily but Indy is feisty and one can never count out Reggie Miller. 13 years later, it’s still entertaining to watch Reggie jump into defenders and kick out his leg to get foul calls. But Detroit will beat the winner like a red-headed stepchild, so the series has little significance.

Suns vs Grizzlies

Phoenix is clearly the most fun to watch. 120 points everytime they step on the court. Uptempo, fast paced, the way basketball was intended to be played. The only thing that worries me about them is they’re just as likely to give up 110 points. Defense wins championships. You can’t outscore everybody. Or can you?

Mavs vs Rockets

If you need one reason to watch this year's playoffs, it's Tracy McGrady. His performance in the 1st two games was a close to Jordan as any player since he retired in 98 (his stint with the Wizards never happened). I never believed T-Mac was capable of it because he may be the most self-absorbed player in the NBA (ok, behind Kobe). But he has stepped up his game this year. He still scoring but I love how he's making his teammates better (Yao's 30+ points were a direct result of T-Mac's passing), he's hustling (chasing down looses balls/diving on the floor) and he's become a defensive stopper (he is really bothering Dirk and Dirk's 5 inches taller). Oh and he had an awesome dunk on Shawn Bradley in Game 2! It was so bad that Bradley ducked out of the way. He's 7'6 for Gods sake!

Spurs vs Nuggets

As a Duncan fan, I was worried about this series from Day 1. Timmy is only playing at 75% on a bum ankle. Denver has only lost 4 games since the All-Star break. And Tony Parker is arriving at games with Eva Longoria (how can he possibly concentrate on a game with her on his arm!? I know I couldnt). Unless Tony Parker steps up in this series, it could be a sweep…. for the #7 seed. They played like shit in Game 1 but they'll be ok. There defense is too good. BTW - Nazr Muhammed played a monster game in Game 1 for Spurs, with 15 boards.

Sonics vs Kings

Who cares.