Sunday wrap-up: Series Business
by Guichard Cadet
With one week of NBA playoffs done, it is rather easy to discern the trouble spots for a team’s losing ways.
1 & 8 match-ups – Swept Away in a Sea of Emotions
For the Nets, though they had the inner strength to push Miami to double overtime in Game 3, they simply did not have enough firepower and inside presence to combat Miami’s bench. Yes, the bench play of Alonzo Mourning and Keyon Dooling was the difference in the series.
In the other series, the Phoenix Suns ran roughshod over the Memphis Grizzlies. This was my upset special, and it looked as if it could become true in Game 2. It was not to be. How did I know coach Mike Fratello would pick the playoffs to confirm his Napoleonic complex by sticking to a rotation and pre-determined playing time, even when players (Jayson Williams) were hot; or not utilizing Bonzi Wells, and even banishing him (to the bench / from team) before the start of Game 4?
2 & 7 match-ups – The Nature of Sportsmanship
As much as I love the fact players show respect each other, I found all the hugging after yesterday’s Detroit and Philly game a bit disturbing. Was Philly conceding the overtime loss, which dropped them to 3-1, too high an obstacle to overcome? Knowing AI, I doubt it…he’s always provided an answer, and had the team just one Willie Green foul shot away from a win.
A Nugget of pride and frustration in the late stages Game 3 of the Denver vs. San Antonio series led to Carmelo Anthony being ejected, after he and Greg Buckner assaulted Manu Ginobli as he drove for a layup. Tensions were high throughout the game, and I expect tonight’s play to be as physical, much like Denver’s series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in last year’s playoffs.
3 & 6 match-ups – The Truth: it’s Miller time ‘cause He Got Game
In both conferences, there was a common theme of the three lower echelon teams wanting to finish as the 6th seed in order to face Seattle or Boston. Even if you’re not religious, Sunday night, you had to give praise to Ray Allen doing his best ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’ impersonation, as he torched the Sacramento Kings for 45. Allen could have easily gone for 55, had not the team decided to involve Jerome James and Rashard Lewis.
The most up & down series to date features two teams with short fuses. Game 2 and 3 was about Reggie Miller’s range, while in Game 4 Paul Pierce showed why he was dubbed ‘The Truth'…of the matter, Antoine Walker - getting suspended for Game 4 - gave credence to Danny Ainge’s concern, and why this team’s core (Pierce and Walker) need to be traded, unless they reach the Conference Finals.
1 & 8 match-ups – Swept Away in a Sea of Emotions
For the Nets, though they had the inner strength to push Miami to double overtime in Game 3, they simply did not have enough firepower and inside presence to combat Miami’s bench. Yes, the bench play of Alonzo Mourning and Keyon Dooling was the difference in the series.
In the other series, the Phoenix Suns ran roughshod over the Memphis Grizzlies. This was my upset special, and it looked as if it could become true in Game 2. It was not to be. How did I know coach Mike Fratello would pick the playoffs to confirm his Napoleonic complex by sticking to a rotation and pre-determined playing time, even when players (Jayson Williams) were hot; or not utilizing Bonzi Wells, and even banishing him (to the bench / from team) before the start of Game 4?
2 & 7 match-ups – The Nature of Sportsmanship
As much as I love the fact players show respect each other, I found all the hugging after yesterday’s Detroit and Philly game a bit disturbing. Was Philly conceding the overtime loss, which dropped them to 3-1, too high an obstacle to overcome? Knowing AI, I doubt it…he’s always provided an answer, and had the team just one Willie Green foul shot away from a win.
A Nugget of pride and frustration in the late stages Game 3 of the Denver vs. San Antonio series led to Carmelo Anthony being ejected, after he and Greg Buckner assaulted Manu Ginobli as he drove for a layup. Tensions were high throughout the game, and I expect tonight’s play to be as physical, much like Denver’s series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in last year’s playoffs.
3 & 6 match-ups – The Truth: it’s Miller time ‘cause He Got Game
In both conferences, there was a common theme of the three lower echelon teams wanting to finish as the 6th seed in order to face Seattle or Boston. Even if you’re not religious, Sunday night, you had to give praise to Ray Allen doing his best ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’ impersonation, as he torched the Sacramento Kings for 45. Allen could have easily gone for 55, had not the team decided to involve Jerome James and Rashard Lewis.
The most up & down series to date features two teams with short fuses. Game 2 and 3 was about Reggie Miller’s range, while in Game 4 Paul Pierce showed why he was dubbed ‘The Truth'…of the matter, Antoine Walker - getting suspended for Game 4 - gave credence to Danny Ainge’s concern, and why this team’s core (Pierce and Walker) need to be traded, unless they reach the Conference Finals.
4 & 5 – Home and Away
Both these series were toss-ups, in that picks were made based on preferences – what style of play do you most enjoy. In Dallas vs. Houston: speed and fun vs. structure and a wild card. So far it’s been tough to say which is which. In Game 1, Houston came out gunning and had Dallas on their heels throughout the contest. The past 3 games, Dallas regained its identity and could easily be up 3-1, if not for Yao Ming balling for 33 in Game 2. Though Tracy McGrady has developed and maintained a killer instinct, the series depends on Yao’s productivity, whether he can be as consistent as let’s say, Rick Smits, the player his game most resembles…though he still needs Smits’ tenacity.
If the Washington Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls tonight, the series will be knotted at 2-2 with both teams having defended their home court. Scoring-wise, guard play and points will be a wash; the winner will be decided by what each team gets from the 4 and 5 position.
Both these series were toss-ups, in that picks were made based on preferences – what style of play do you most enjoy. In Dallas vs. Houston: speed and fun vs. structure and a wild card. So far it’s been tough to say which is which. In Game 1, Houston came out gunning and had Dallas on their heels throughout the contest. The past 3 games, Dallas regained its identity and could easily be up 3-1, if not for Yao Ming balling for 33 in Game 2. Though Tracy McGrady has developed and maintained a killer instinct, the series depends on Yao’s productivity, whether he can be as consistent as let’s say, Rick Smits, the player his game most resembles…though he still needs Smits’ tenacity.
If the Washington Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls tonight, the series will be knotted at 2-2 with both teams having defended their home court. Scoring-wise, guard play and points will be a wash; the winner will be decided by what each team gets from the 4 and 5 position.
posted by Guichard Cadet @ 2:44 PM
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