NBA Playoffs

Alright guys, this is my first blog entry for my new blog, The Big "D"etails. My friends and girlfriend have convinced me that starting this Sports blog would be a great way for me to express my views on all things sports. I hope you enjoy, and continue coming back for more.



NBA Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs kicked off Saturday, starting the extremely long process of crowning a new NBA champion. The Mavs are matched up with their old in-state rivals from San Antonio. These teams have matched up for some extremely exciting playoff series over the last decade including the 7 game thriller in '06. This year's match-up doesn't have the same buzz to it with it being a first round 7-2 match-up rather than a Conference Finals. However, there is still plenty of reasons to believe it will be a competitive series.

- Any series with names like Dirk, Kidd, Caron, Duncan, Manu, and Tony Parker will be an interesting series.

- The Rivalry- This series has become one of the best rivalries over the past decade having met 4 times in the Playoffs since 2001.

- Can the Mavs remember how to be a good playoff team? Since their 2-0 start to the Finals in '06 the Mavs are a paltry 8-17 in the Playoffs, with the only series win coming last year against the Spurs.

Why I think the Mavs will win in 6

- The Mavs are too athletic this year. The trade acquisitions of Butler, Haywood, and even Stevenson have improved the Mavs athleticism, defense, and toughness. The Spurs are a veteran team who don't have the athletes on the wing or in the post who can match Butler, Marion, and Haywood.

- The Spurs simply can't stop Dirk. I'm not suggesting Dirk will shot 12-14 (86%) from the floor every game, but I'm willing to bet he shoots over 50% the rest of the series. The Spurs are attempting to guard Dirk with Antonio McDyess and Matt Bonner. Neither has the size or athleticism to guard Dirk. The combined for 8 fouls which led the way to Dirk's 12 free throws last night. Expect that to continue throughout the series.

- Caron Butler. The Spurs don't have a guy with the athleticism or defensive ability to consistently stop Butler. Caron is going to be able to get his shot whenever he wants all series. The threat of a legitimate 2nd scoring option make the Mavs so much more dangerous than in years past.

Why the Mavs could lose the series.

- The Mavs lineups frustrate me greatly, and it could come back to bite us. Roddy Beaubois had another DNP last night. Roddy is one of our best wing scorers and could really pick up the scoring slack when Dirk is out of the game. Beaubois averaged 14.5 PPG on 20 MPG during the month of February while Terry was hurt, including a 40 point explosion against Golden State. The scoring average is a little skewed still with Beaubois playing under 10 minutes 4 games. I'm not saying Terry shouldn't see the floor, but when he's 2-9 on the game I think it's worth our while to see how Roddy B is feeling.

- The Spurs are still a veteran team who know how to win in the Playoffs. Since the big trio of Parker, Duncan, and Ginobli were united in 2001-2002 the Spurs are an incredible 75-47 (.61 winning percentage). They have been here before and know what it takes to get it done.


I think the Mavs are the clear favorite this series, as they should be as the #2 seed. I think this series ends in 6, although I wouldn't be surprised to see it end in 5 back in Dallas.

The Rest of the Playoffs

I'm going to take a quick shot at making my picks throughout the playoffs.

West

Lakers over Thunder in 6- Too much Kobe and Pau. The Thunder are a young improving too, but they aren't ready to knock off the Defending champs.

Nuggets over Jazz in 6- Boozer is hurt. Okur is hurt. The Jazz are in trouble. They can't keep up the scoring with one of highest-scoring teams in the NBA.

Suns over Blazers in 7- The Blazers made a statement last night that they can win without Roy but I think the Suns will regain their composure and pull it out in 7.

Mavs over Spurs in 6.


Lakers over Nuggets in 7- Kobe and Carmelo are going to put on an absolute show all series long, but Pau, Bynum, and Lamar prove that it takes more than one superstar to win in the Playoffs.

Mavs over Suns in 7- The Dirk-Nash Playoff reunion will be an exciting affair with a lot of high scoring close games, but the Mavs will pull it out behind big games from Dirk.


Mavs over Lakers in 7- Mavs get to their 2nd NBA finals with a game 7 win in LA. The Mavs have the wings to run at Kobe all night long. The length inside of Haywood and Damp can keep Bynum and Pau in check, and the Lakers bench is non existent. The Mavs prevail behind some stingy defensive efforts.


East

Cavs over Bulls in 4- Lebron

Celtics over Heat in 7. The Celtics are old and decling but they have enough to finish off DWade and CO. at home.

Hawks over Bucks in 6- The Bucks are very underrated with rookie PG Brandon Jennings leading the way, but Joe and Josh lead the Hawks to the series win.

Magic over Bobcats in 5- The magic are too big, athletic, and good for the Bobcats. Charlotte's first playoff series ends quickly.


Cavs over Celtics in 6- Lebron.

Hawks over Magin in 6- Hawks declare themselves among the elite teams in the NBA with a win over the Magic in 6 games. Joe Johnson solidifies his superstar status and Josh Smith winds up on the Top 10 5 times.


Cavs over Hawks in 6- Lebron again is to much for anybody to stop and the Hawks simply can't stop him. More competitive though than many people will think.


Finals

As much as I hate to admit it, I'm taking the Cavs in 7 over the Mavs. It will be extremely difficult to knock of the Cavs in Cleveland. Lebron is the best player in the league and the Mavs will be fatigued after series wins over the Spurs, Suns, and Lakers. Lebron wins his first championship.