Game 1 thoughts
Cleveland vs. Detroit
It is pretty obvious that the mindset of these two teams are direct opposites. The Cavaliers are hungry and willing to please while the Pistons seem like a group ready for a vacation. I continue to laugh at people who think the NBA season starts in April. The reason the Cavaliers are good is because of the consistency they have developed during the year and the reason Detroit is playing poorly is because they treated the season like a training camp. I continue to remind people about how special Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Hakeem Olajawon, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan are. They never lost the hunger to win multiple championships. This Piston team has proven to us that they are a content group and the Cavaliers should sweep them if they don’t let down their guard.
The Pistons are paying a serious price for losing the leadership of Chauncey Billups. Combine that with the mistake of not drafting Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony or Chris Bosh in 2003 and Joe Dumars now has to blow up this team next year. I love Antonio McDyess, but the move he made by forcing Denver to buy out his contract to go back to Detroit will go down as one of the worst personal decisions he will ever make in his life.
I continue to marvel at LeBron James. He is on par with Kobe Bryant as the smartest basketball player in the NBA. We are watching a combination of skill and power that this game has never seen. The 38-8-7 night he had in Game 1 was a message to the rest of the playoff teams that King James is on a mission.
Chicago vs. Boston
I thought Chicago made a mistake when they took Derrick Rose over Michael Beasley. I understood the marketing aspect of it all, but I still thought Beasley was the right choice. Well, I was dead wrong. Rose has proven to me all year that he was the right pick and after the 36 points and 11 assists he put on Boston in Game 1, I would tend to think the Celtics are believers as well. Doc Rivers made a remark last year when people were applauding what a great coaching job he did in the Celtics championship run… He said, “I ran the same stuff the year before and got blasted for doing a poor coaching job.”
You do not have success in this league without great players. Kevin Garnett is a great player and most importantly is the emotional leader of the Celtics. Without Garnett, the Celtics are a 5th or 6th seed. So it is no surprise the Bulls were able to beat them and it was no surprise that Rose shredded their tough defense. I love Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, but they will need some tremendous defensive help from Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe and the rest of the guys to make up for the loss of Garnett.
The Bulls are young and hungry and as I mentioned above in reference to the Pistons, it is hard to win back-to-back championships. I still think the Celtics have enough to win this series, but they will not if Rose continues to attack the rim and create opportunities for his teammates. This has quickly become the best series to keep an eye on.
(I wonder if Stephon Marbury realizes Derrick Rose is a mirror image of what people thought he would become with his combination of scoring, defense and the leadership he has portrayed this season).
Orlando vs. Philadelphia
I missed this game and I was extremely surprised when I saw the final score, but Philly has made a consistent effort to change people’s opinions come playoff time. Last year they had Detroit on the brink of elimination before they ran out of nerves and gas.
Orlando will now find out how difficult they are to beat. This was the worst matchup for the Magic because Philly is better at what Orlando likes to do. The edge Orlando has is Dwight Howard, but if he does not have monster games the Magic are in serious trouble.
The keys to this series are Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. They cannot continue to shoot poorly and most importantly they have to get back in transition to keep Andre Miller out of the paint. Miller is the most underrated point guard in the NBA and he is a potential triple-double every game he plays.
The Magic better use the length of Lewis and Turkoglu to get more interior shots to slow the pace or the Sixers or they will suffer. Also, would someone please tell Rafer Alston that he is a point guard and not a shooter? He took 15 shots and made 5 and he shoots 38 percent for the year. Stan Van Gundy also needs to calm down or he will prove Shaq’s assessment of being a nervous coach down the stretch to be correct. A good team like the Magic should not be blowing 14-point leads in the fourth quarter. I am reminded that most great coaches will say, give me a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. The pressure is on them to solidify the win.
I think Orlando will win the series, but it will go 6 or 7, which will kill their chances to stay fresh enough to deal with Cleveland in the conference finals.
Atlanta vs. Miami
The Miami Heat are arriving in Atlanta on Wednesday, I assume, because they sent their junior varsity team on Sunday and the Atlanta Hawks spanked them and cruised to one of the easiest playoff victories I have seen in a while. Josh Smith had his own personal dunk contest going on throughout the game.
The Atlanta Hawks are a dangerous team and the scare they put into the Celtics last year is giving them the confidence to excel in this year’s playoffs. This Hawks’ version is much better defensively and extremely unselfish. Mike Woodson has done one of the best coaching jobs this year and it showed in his defensive plan against Dwyane Wade in Game 1. Wade was 8 for 21 in a devastating display of offense and defense from the Hawks.
The Heat played like a young team and left Wade alone on an island. That cannot continue to happen or this series will be over in a hurry. This victory is bittersweet for the Hawks because the challenge for Mike Woodson will be to get his team to believe that Game 1 was a mirage and the real Heat team will show up on Wednesday.
I do not expect the Heat to shoot 36 percent again and struggle from behind the three-point line (4-23), but if they do they will need to grab more than the five offensive rebounds they had in Game 1.
LA Lakers vs. Utah
The Utah Jazz will be swept out of the first round quickly if they continue to shoot 39 percent while giving up 55 percent to the powerful Lakers. Logic tells me that this trend will not continue to happen especially if Mehmet Okur gets back in the lineup for Game 2. The Lakers toyed with the Jazz in Game 1. The Jazz hung around and probably could have made it a game if they did not blow the many opportunities the Lakers gave them around the basket.
The Lakers’ length is obviously a major problem for the Jazz, so in that instance they will need to get better outside shooting from Deron Williams, Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver and CJ Miles.
The Laker bench had 33 points to offset the 37 the Jazz bench produced. Utah has no chance to win one game if that trend continues because the Lakers starters will have a stranglehold on that scoring advantage all series long.
Trevor Ariza was huge with his 21 points on 8 for 10 shooting. The Lakers are looking to close this series out fast, but they better be very cautious about any letdown in Game 2 because Utah is the most difficult place to play, especially come playoff time. L.A does not need that kind of stress in their run for another championship.
New Orleans vs. Denver
This was a beat down of surprising proportions, but not unexpected if both Chauncey Billups and JR Smith shoot the ball like they did in Game 1. I think the Nuggets would have beaten anyone shooting the ball like that. Billups sent a serious message to Chris Paul and the Hornets by draining 8 three-point shots and scoring 36 points. Smith did not shoot it well. He was 0-7 from behind the arc, but he made some acrobatic jumpers in the third quarter to put the Hornets out of their misery and think about Game 2.
The Nuggets are a volatile team and usually come playoff time those teams eventually lose, but Denver plays emotional/physical defense and the Hornets seemed to back down from it in Game 1. Don’t expect it to happen again. I picked the Hornets to win this series and I still see it happening, especially if they can keep Carmelo Anthony under wraps, which is not easy. Also Billups will continue to play well, but not to the tune of 8 for 9 three-pointers and 36 points. And that means others will have to step up for the Nuggets to win the second game.
The Hornets’ goal is to win one game away because they know the Nuggets have struggled on the road this year and the emotion they rely on can backfire when things are not going well for them.
David West has to become a more physical presence in protecting Chris Paul from the over excessive contact from Kenyon Martin and Dahntay Jones. I am sure the best officials will be working the rest of this series because it’s about to become a fist-fight.
San Antonio vs. Dallas
The benches will be the difference in this series and the Mavericks have a big advantage as it showed in Game 1. The Mavericks led by Jose Juan Barea, Brandon Bass and likely Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry outscored the Spurs bench 39 to 14.
The Spurs are a beaten-down bunch and the patchwork job that Gregg Popovich has done over the last few years has finally taken a toll. Without Manu Ginobili, I can’t imagine the Spurs beating the Mavericks trying to rely on just Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.
The Mavericks have too many weapons and most importantly they are playing excellent basketball. We have to admire how good Duncan and Parker are. If you told me that 36-year-old Michael Finley, Matt Bonner and Roger Mason would be starting alongside them in a playoff series, I would have said they needed to explore what vacation destination they would be headed to after Round 1.
If Popovich finds a way to win this series, he will definitely become a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He already is the best smoke-and-mirrors coach I have ever seen, but if Josh Howard can stay healthy with that gimpy ankle the Spurs will need much more than that to survive a first-round ouster.
The player of the game was Erick Dampier. His 10 points and 11 rebounds were big, but his ability to keep Tim Duncan off the free throw line was huge. Duncan had only 1 attempt in 37 minutes.
Portland vs. Houston
Aaron Brooks is the real deal. People wonder why the Rockets gave Rafer Alston away. Now you know why. Brooks has replaced the offensive production of Tracy McGrady but in a more efficient way. The Blazers have no answer for Brooks and that might be the difference in this series before it’s over. He was 10 of 17 with 7 assists and 2 turnovers and I thought jumpstarted a Rocket team that all of sudden is looking like the one team that will make it extremely difficult for the Lakers before it is over.
I can’t ignore the perfect game Yao Ming sent the Blazers way in just 24 minutes of action. He did not miss a shot. 9-9 from the field and 6-6 from the line for 24 points.
The physical presence of the Rockets and the youthfulness of the Blazers jumped off the screen in Game 1 and it will be interesting to see how the Blazers react from the beating they received.
LaMarcus Aldridge will have to show up. He was a nervous puppy Saturday and I don’t expect him to be that way in Game 2, but will it be enough?
The Blazers win with energy, but the Rockets create a major problem with their half-court offense. Don’t be surprised if Nate McMillan gives seldom-used rookie Jerryd Bayless a look to try and put some pressure on Aaron Brooks on the offensive end if he gets it going again in Game 2.
I still give the Rockets the edge in this series based on experience.
Jams Said,
April 20, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
Its good to hear your opinion on the different matchups Eddie but you’ve really gotta run a spelling/grammar check before you publish your stories!
Rockets 2009 NBA CHAMPS Said,
April 20, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
DAMN Jams
eddie Said,
April 20, 2009 @ 10:23 pm
Jams
Thank you, we did find a few mistakes. they will be changed soon. I hope we did not offend you.
Now tell me what you thought, because you just got my attention and wasted my time in the same sentence.
Derek Said,
April 20, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
Why are the Celtics getting a woo is me pass due to the fact that they don’t have Garnett but they beat a Laker team last year that played without their starting center and that was just part of the game?
Kane Said,
April 20, 2009 @ 11:29 pm
I enjoy this and especially your evaluation of celtics being a 5th-6th seed with out garnett, they were lucky to get away with the 2nd game win today.
Though I did not agree with you saying about sixers “was the worst matchup for Orlando because Philly is better at what Orlando likes to do”
So philly are a better three point team? I think not, sixers are the best matchup for magic and if not for Van Gundy’s terrible coaching (let ewing take over in the fourth quarter please!) sixers are a small front court team with no one able to defend Howard. Also sixers have no inside offensive pressence and require penitration to get points.
Howard can sag of his man block the paint, other defenders can sag and prevent penitration.
Magic should own this series and if coach correctly win by big.
michael Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 1:30 am
i love what eddie said to jams haha
@derek
in a sense youre right but also not, celtics were a first seed last year with a healthy KG and eddie is right they would be 5th or 6th without him, lakers made first seed with bynum in and out of the lineup. lakers without bynum does make a difference yes but not nearly anything close to celtics without garnett. take kobe away from the lakers and thats a more valid comparision. without kobe the lakers would be around 6th (with alot of luck)seed maybe lower but you get an idea how much different the team would be without their leader. lakers with and without bynum is still basically the same team
Hot News » Chauncey Billups Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 2:40 am
[...] of Pistons fans and colleagues for tenacious defense and clutch shooting. Usefull Posts HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Eddie Johnson » Game 1 thoughts…NBA Playoff Surprises! | Sports Betting Blog - BetASite…Chauncey Billups Basketball Academy | Our [...]
Benoit Benjamin Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 7:33 am
Hi Eddie,
Great piece. I agree with you on most of it, though I see denver coming out on top in their series with the Hornets. I got a question though. How ironic would it be that Houston passes the first round without T-Mac? And what will become of him if they do? How will he take that? You’ve got any idea?
Michael Bennett Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 8:27 am
Hi Eddie… great topic. I was anticipating a Playoff prediction article from you, but I know that if you write one of those, all the fans on here just jump on the couple of wrong guesses. So, good call.
I think the Magic have learned their lesson after Game 1. They underestimated their opponent, went up big, and gave up. The Lakers do the same thing all the time. But, the 76ers have the youthful nerve to play hard for 48 minutes. My guess is that the Magic blow them out by about 30 in Game 2.
The Cavs must be pretty happy. Orlando is flailing, the Celtics are injured… their best competition is, at this point, a confident and Playoff tested Hawks team. But, the great thing about the Cavs is that they take one game at a time. And, they have the best leader in the game (LeBron) and a coach who finally understands you need to win every quarter (congrats on the COY, Mike!) of every game.
I knew the Spurs would come out and win Game 2. I think they’ll win the series in seven games. Dallas just doesn’t have it. And, the Spurs want to show the NBA they can win game still, even without Manu. They have a lot of role guys ready to step up and help. Plus, it’s an odd year (2009) and they’ve won a ring in every odd year for the past 6. I’m not saying they’ll win the title this year, but I’m going a little bit with the law of averages.
Cavs vs. Lakers in the Finals. And, the Cavs will win. Like Phil Jackson keeps on saying about his own team, the Lakers lack the killer instinct needed to win a title. They get lazy with big leads. And, they don’t play great defense. Cavs do the opposite. They’re hungry, their role guys extend leads, and they’re the best defense in basketball. LeBron is Finals MVP.
Porky Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 10:06 am
Celts definitely get a pass. Injuries all year not just to Garnett. Only an idiot would say they have not been impacted (hear that Derek?). That said, Celts will beat Chicago, but probably in 7 games.
David Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 10:20 am
MB That is definitely the most respect you have ever given to the Spurs….ever!
Derek Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 11:03 am
The Celtics don’t get a “pass” due to injuries due to the fact that one of the key components of professional sports is health. The health factor is what it is. The Spurs would not have Tim Duncan if David Robinson did not get hurt the year before Tim came out of Wake, the injury issue is a part of sports. Portland with a healthy Sam Bowie back in the day is a perfect example. My point Porky and Michael is that the Celts trading Al Jeferson away who had a good decade of productive ball left in him for Garnett whose best years are behind him, they opted for a win now strategy that worked last year, it is not a decision worthy of a pass, just a decision that paid off early with a possible steep price later.
Cordell Taylor Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 11:25 am
Excellent piece Eddie,
I am marveling at Lebron and his focus to win a championship and play outstanding defense. He has benefitted from a better supporting cast this year with Mo Williams (All Star) and Delante West. Collectively, I think they are the best defensive team in the league. This is their advantage vs the Lakers, I hate to admit it.
I hope the Celtics lose to the Bulls, I am sick of their “cheerleader” like atmospher with Garnett and the fans, its sickening. They need to drop their white towel waving and realize they sold their soul for a championship. They got three aging superstars that will continue to break down, they cannot win the East this year if they are struggling to get out of the first round with the Bulls. I got news for them, the Bulls will not roll over at home, the series will likely go 7 games.
frank B Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 11:52 am
Nice job on this article Eddie. I usually find myself disagreeing with you but I think your analysis is very good in this article.
I don’t think that we can shovel dirt over the Celtics just yet. Without Garnett, they are not going to win the Championship but all they really have to do is win one game in Chicago to win this series. One has to also suspect that there is a chance for a few “Willis Reed” moments from Garnett during the playoffs similar to the way Paul Pierce played through injuries last year in the Finals.
David Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
By the way, Eddie, this is a good article ONLY IF you keep following it up. Otherwise this will obviously date quickly.
As an aside, I think KG needs a different “in your face” expression, especially when it comes from him “on the bench.”
eddie Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
David
Now you are telling me how to do my job. lol
I will follow up soon after game 3.
David Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
Far be it from me to tell ANYONE how to do their job lol…it’s just that this site has been kinda boring lately
on a personal note — my now 7 year old is knockin ‘em dead — and he’s a die hard Celtic fan. Go figure!
Porky Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
Celts get another injury- Powe is out with torn ACL. Yes, they are riddled with injuries and its a miracle they can advance in the playoffs. As for KG- he is totally awesome, an inspiration and only an idiot would question him supporting the players on the bench. Celtics trade with Jefferson ALREADY PAID OFF!!! Its called banner #17. Hey Derek and other Dominoes…who is your team?? Duh. Celts the greatest hoop franchise in history and WE are the reigning champs. Read it and weep, creep.
David Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
Porky,
I’m the “idiot” who commented about KG on the bench. It ws not that I object to his supporting the players on the court. Quite the contrary. I only thought that he should change his expression — he scrunches up his face real mean like he just dunked on someone and knocked him down. Coming from a guy with a suit on rings hollow.
Lighten up! Like I said, my boy is a Celtics fan. Boston is a great dynasty — no doubt. Have fun! It’s the play offs!
simpleguy Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
You guys are all wasting your time….Cavs are goin to steamroll through the east because lebron james is a beast and if he wins the title this year, mark my words, he will be considered better than jordan in the next 5 years…the lakers are just too deep and who the hell in the west is able to stop them? the nuggets? naw, theyre a bunch of streetballers and kenyon martin is a goof with the basketball iq of my lil brother whose 7…..the rockets are good right now but bynum and gasol will shut down yao ming and make em feel like hes 6-7 instead of 7-6. lets be honest….cavs vs lakers….7 game series..prolly one of the most watched nba championships in a while.
Michael Bennett Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 7:56 am
simpleguy - LeBron might be “considered better than Jordan in the next 5 years,” but it will take him about 4 total championships (4 Finals MVPs), at least one DPOY award, averaging a triple-double and a lot more amazing finishes.
There’s no one on here that watches more LeBron than I do. And, probably no one who watched more Jordan than I did. So, I know that the benchmark is set VERY high if you want to be the greatest of all time.
With that being said, I think LeBron could accomplish anything. He’s the most incredible athlete I’ve ever seen. And, he’s really going to peak in about five years. So, he’s got another 10 or so quality seasons left in him in the NBA.
But, first, he’s gotta win THIS YEAR. That’s very important. I think the Cavs will win. But, we will see…
Porky Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 8:16 am
David- I am glad you recognize that indeed you are an idiot. You want to remake KG’s personality. Please stop. The man is intense, he has intense facial expressions. Perhaps you have the personality of a postage stamp, but KG has passion and real fans love it. Lighten up? You are the one holding back joy and passion, not me. I am the happiest man in the world because I am a true Celtics fan, unlike you.
Derek Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 9:41 am
@ Porky… My team is the Lakers been that way through thick and thin, I’m not a wagon jumper like you are you are the kind of guy that hated the Red Sox right up to tasting the blood off the dirty sock and now you are their number one fan. Three years from now the Celtics will not make the playoffs in the east, I wanna see if you are still a fan and was it “worth it.”
David Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 9:49 am
Porky,
If you think I’m an idiot then take a number and get to the back of the line…lol. I actually have a great personality and am having fun. Are you the guy that goes to games without a shirt and paints his chest green?
If you actually read my post (you can read, can’t you), I never said I was a Celtics fan. My son is. I just gave them respect. I am a Spurs fan, which now opens the door for you to insult them as well. And like Derek, I have supported my team through thick and thin…and there has been plenty of thin.
Porky Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 10:09 am
Derek- you are missing one of your dominoes, you Faker. What gave you the impression I am a wagon jumper? You are creating a reality that does not exist- just like your love life. Have been a Celts fan my entire life- a life of progress, excitement, accomplishment…all the things you only dream about in your fantasy world.
David- talk about a has-been team, the Spurs. Yes, plenty of thin, like your remaining brain cells. I guess being a red neck has its limitations. Go ahead and eat some more pork rinds. I found a number and it was yours- its a zero.
fitnessrunner Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 11:36 am
Hey Eddie,
I know you posted 11/08 about the initial trade -
As a former player -I’m curious to know your thoughts of the final parting of AI - from the Pistons -
A player who says I’m willing to do anything - to a back problem
(that’s a huge gap-)
G Dawg Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
Eddie:
Good analysis. I had the Hornets beating the Nuggets, but I am not so sure about that anymore. Billups is unbelievable, but what about the Bird Man? He is a shot-blocking menace and one of the most fun players to watch. Is there a better come-back story in the NBA this year?
Porky Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
Hey Eddie- where are you? We need more analysis of Game 2.
michael Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
@porky and derek
dudes cmon lets talk about basketball again you sound rediculous, whether youre trying to joke or not i came here to read new comments debating eddies article not each others love lives and loyalty to a team. its just ridiculous
Porky Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 10:06 am
Michael- its not only rediculous, its ridiculous. I blame it on my heavy drinking.
eddie Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 10:31 am
i will write an update after the weekend and once the semifinal round starts i will give an update after each set of games. Too much traveling for me lately plus the series get more interesting after game 3
Chuck Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
start shovelling dirt on the Celtics cause that team is gonna be old next year and those three contracts are gonna put a stranglehold on any opportunity to bring in help.
Garnett’s body is breaking down.
Paul Pierce has lost a step.
Chuck Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 12:31 pm
Boston hasn’t been a dynasty since the 60’s.
Don’t you have to win at least three in a decade to be considered a dynasty?
I’m glad to see it is highly unlikely that Stephon Marbury will no get a championship ring. That would have been a bad omen for the league.
Porky Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
Hey Chuck- why the 2 posts right after each other? Was it too taxing after the first reply? You had to gather your thoughts and then post again? Got milk? I bet you do.
temanuel1 Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
lakers all the way!!
Marco Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
Celtics will get by the Bulls. Will put up a tough fight against the winner of the Heat/Hawks series and may even squeak by. Yes, the Celtics took a “win it all now” shot with KG. What’s wrong with that (especially by completely embarrassing the Lakers in the finals-that was a bonus)? Al Jefferson is a great player with many good years to come but injury does play a key role. That was one of the reasons they parted ways with Big Al. He IS injury prone (hurt in 2 of his seasons with the Celtics and this year with the wolves and is a slow healer). Bottom line is the Celtics got another trophy to add to the case (adding to the lead on the Lakers). Frankly, it would have been a toss up this season even with KG healthy that they got by the Cavs. As for the Spurs getting Duncan because The Admiral was hurt the season before…yes, but it was really all about the ping pong balls falling just right. Boston had the best chance to land him not the Spurs in the lottery. Cavs will win it all this year. LeBron: 1st championship, MVP, Finals MVP. It seems we finally have the heir apparent to Jordan and it isn’t Kobette.
Michael Bennett Said,
April 24, 2009 @ 8:19 am
I hate to be a stickler Marco, but the winner of the Bulls/Celtics series will play the winner of the Magic/76ers. NOT Heat/Hawks. That winner will play the mighty Cavs.
I absolutely agree with your “LeBron: 1st championship, MVP, Finals MVP…” though.
Porky Said,
April 24, 2009 @ 9:16 am
Marco- you actually had some intelligent comments about the Celtics. You understand correctly that the Celtics ALREADY got what they wanted with Garnett trade- banner #17. Anything else is gravy. Cheers.
pretty in tents Said,
April 24, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
still think the hornets are going to pull it out eddie?
Porky Said,
April 29, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Hey Eddie- where are you??
Holla Bolla Said,
May 1, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
Thanks for the updates after Game 3 Eddie.
Bennett, good call on Mavs/Spurs.
BTW–how does Eddie’s Johnson feel?