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You know what's awesome? The NBA Playoffs. I realize some people may think they're a bit long - and that's somewhat valid considering they run from mid April to mid June - but I'm not among those folks. I'll take all the 40 days in 40 nights, Charles Barkley babble, and weird movie crossover ads (Pandora? Weird stuff) that the league wants to offer me. Hell, there's a reason I put 2 TVs in my living room.
Enough of my editorializing....on to the games (where you will find more editorializing).
Wednesday April 21st Playoff Results:
Orlando Magicians 92 Charlotte Bobcats 77 (Recap): Just a quick note to the Bobcats - dude's, you can't expect to put up 30 points in a half (as they did in the first last night) and expect to do anything close to win. Although Stephen Jackson is supposed to be banged up he was pretty much the only Jordanaire to show up as he went for 27 of Charlotte's 77. Each of the Orlando starters scored in double figures (but nobody went over 20) as the Magicians cruised to victory. This series is just so unimpressive, thank god for the West.
San Antonio Spurs 102 Dallas Mavericks 88 (Recap): Oh Western Conference, you are so awesome. The Spurs opened the game on a 9-0 run and Dallas could never recover, as they were not in front at any point. The difference in this game was the performance of Richard Jefferson. After a Game 1 stink bomb, the former University of Arizona star put up 19 points to help support another strong performance from the members of the San Antonio Big 3. Of those Big 3, Tim Duncan went into playoff mode and put up a 25/17. Coming off a 10 for 12 shooting night in Game 1, the tall German fellow playing for Dallas cooled off a bit (9/24) but still led the Mavs in scoring with 24. The series now shifts to San Antonio tied.
Series Standings:
(1) Lakers v. (8) Thunder: 2-0 Lakers
(2) Mavericks v. (7) Spurs: 1-1 tie
(3) Suns v. (6) Trail Blazers: 1-1 tie
(4) Nuggets v. (5) Jazz: 1-1 tie
(1) Cavaliers v. (8) Bulls: 2-0 Cavs
(2) Magic v. (7) Bobcats: 2-0 Magic
(3) Hawks v. (6) Bucks: 2-0 Hawks
(4) Celtics v. (5) Heat: 2-0 Celtics
Thursday April 22st Playoff Games:
Game 3 - Cavaliers @ Bulls: This series is still going? Like for real? If you're like me, you're pretty much tuned out of the Eastern Conference playoffs until the inevitable Cavs/Magic conference finals.
Game 3 - Lakers @ Thunder: If Oklahoma City wants to get a game in this series, this is their best chance. It's the first playoff game in Oklahoma City and you know the collegiate style crowd will be pumped. Add to that the fact that the Lakers are staying in a haunted hotel - and OKC could pull off the W.
Game 3 - Suns @ Blazers: Initially I thought the Suns would take this series in 6, but after watching the first couple games I think we're looking at 7 games. It's Nate McMillan's turn to adjust his game plan...and unfortunately I tend to like his chances.