West will prevail
The 2008 playoffs are about halfway finished, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned it’s that the champion is going to come from the Western Conference yet again.
Have you been watching this Celtics-Cavaliers series?
No, I don’t blame you. I have been watching, though I enjoy finger nails scraping across a chalkboard and Republican presidential debates.
This most highlights the reason why the Eastern Conference is inferior to the Western Conference. The East has turned Ray Allen’s sweet jump shot into Muhammad Ali against Trevor Berbick. Yes, Cavs coach Mike Brown makes a mockery of the game with his slowdown, half court, walk-it-up, unimaginative offense that generally puts LeBron James, arguably the best open court player in NBA history, in a one/four set against a wall of defenders.
It would be truly amazing if James remains in Cleveland when his contract expires with that system, which could have him used up by the time he’s 28. The amazing part is Boston has allowed itself to be lured into Cleveland’s stuck-in-mud game, which probably is smart in the short term for the Cavs.
They should lose Game 7. But too many of the Celtics flaws – flaws we all talked about before the season that seemed resolved in a brilliant 66-win run – seem all too real.
Could three All-Stars in their 30’s who’ve never had much playoff success and have just come together stand up to the crucible? It seems no now. Kevin Garnett’s critics say he ran away from late offensive responsibility, and it’s seemed to be happening again. The ball doesn’t go to him enough, which is a Boston mistake, and he seems too willing to give it up, a Garnett failing. Could too much have been strained out of them pushing for that brilliant regular season? But it did give them Game 7’s at home in a season of parity when home court really matters.
The Celtics were wonderful to watch all season, scoring in transition, which Cleveland is good at stalling, moving the ball and themselves. But Cleveland invited them into bad basketball hell and the Celtics obliged.
Though Rajon Rondo bailed out Boston in Game 5 with a couple of big time first half threes, Rondo is mostly ineffective in the half court since he’s a poor decision maker and shooter. Sam Cassell doesn’t fit because he needs the ball and can’t defend. The Celtics Friday finally went back to Eddie House, who’d helped them all season but fell out of favor in the failed Cassell experiment. Kendrick Perkins has been useless and with Rondo that’s two players who don’t have to be guarded, allowing teams to pack it in even more. He should have yielded some time to Leon Powe. But the Little Nine doesn’t matter as much as the Big Three. Larry Bird never blamed Greg Kite. OK, but he was kidding. The Celtics impressed all season with unselfish play, but have failed to impose their collective will against two teams, the Hawks and Cavs, who have far inferior talent.
Whoever comes out of the West it’s difficult to see threatened by an Eastern team.
So what else have we learned in the last month?
Yes, Chris Paul is brilliant. But Deron Williams is brillian. Yes, maybe missing just the last letter. Really, really close.
Though Williams’ Jazz went home Friday night, we’re now waiting to see Williams and Paul in the USA team backcourt this summer. The duo now look like 1-2 in NBA point guards with Williams now officially the league’s most overlooked player, especially with Paul the darling of these playoffs.
But Kobe Bryant would still be my playoff MVP. No one gets more defensive attention and makes more big shots.
Williams can’t have the freedom in Jerry Sloan’s structured system that Paul has. Still, Williams averaged 21.6 points and 10 assists in the playoffs and 24 points and 12 assists the last five games against the Lakers.
The Jazz lost because Carlos Boozer couldn’t make shots, allowing the Lakers’ big men to stay inside, where Boozer was too small to play effectively inside.
The Lakers now look like the title favorites, and that’s without Andrew Bynum.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson hardly got any credit this season for pulling together what looked like a disaster of a Lakers season back in October as Bryant fought to be traded to the East, where he no doubt would have turned into Ricky Davis.
But with the Lakers now setting up what could be a five-year run, Jackson could pass Bill Russell in championships.
Figure them the favorite over who emerges from the Spurs-Hornets Game 7.
What we seem to be encountering there with three Hornets blowouts at home is less the power of home court advantage than two teams meeting, the Spurs on the way down and the young Hornets on the way up.
The future West landscape is beginning to look like the Lakers, Hornets, perhaps Trail Blazers and Jazz.
The Spurs hardly are done with Tony Parker at 26. But Manu Ginobili soon hits a hard 31 with all those falls and flops and international play and Tim Duncan is 32. Their supporting cast is mostly applying for Medicare. It’s why you see the young Hornets too quick for the Spurs too often. Look, this has been a serious decade long run. Few ever go that long. Few have been better than the Spurs.
Even if the Hornets don’t get by the Spurs Monday in Game 7, they are awfully close in their rear view mirror.
This quirky home court dominance in the conference semifinals has led to a mostly boring round with few game winners or buzzer beaters and plenty of blowouts. But with only the Pistons and Lakers winning on the road, at least we get a pair of Game 7’s, which don’t come along much.
So what else have we learned?
Oh, yeah. That Richard Hamilton isn’t bad.
While much was made of Rodney Stuckey stepping in for the injured Chauncey Billups against the Magic and not making a turnover in two games (though Lindsey Hunter threw away his walker and mostly played that first game), it was Hamilton who came up huge with 30-plus games and averaging 43 minutes the last three games.
Yes, Tayshaun Prince’s block on Hedo Turkoglu in the clinching game was the defensive play of the playoffs. Though Duncan’s three in the Game 1 with the Suns to send the game in double overtime – still the best game of this playoffs – remains the best moment in these playoffs.
The worst? The fire in New Orleans, as if they don’t have enough disasters, the choking pregame smoke in Boston, Carmelo Anthony declaring his team quitters (hey, was that another forced Anthony shot?), the Spurs hack-a-Shaq. As Mark Jackson would say, “Spurs, you’re better than that.” And the foolishness of the Washington Wizards, who seemed to have taken Gilbert Arenas‘ entertainment-instead-of-basketball lead by importing a failed rapper to try to mock LeBron James’ rapper friend.
It seemed they could have been using the stuff Josh Howard – wink, wink – says he saves for summer.
So we’re halfway there and if this is where amazing happens, then the games have to be getting better. Although I’m not holding out much hope in the East.
Michael Bennett Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 9:31 am
Sam - What you think is bad basketball, I think is the reason to get excited about the Eastern Conference Finals AND the Finals. You praise the West, but the East has the teams playing defense. And, great defense.
Like most media members, you’re drawn to highlights, flashes, offense, and fluidity. But, that’s not the Game. You might see the Cavs/Cs series as sequence after sequence of poor ball handling, turnovers, flubbing plays, and general disorder, but the reason why it looks like that is because both the Celtics and Cavaliers play stifling, shockingly strong defense.
The problem with your view is that it’s another case of the media trying to strain the richness out of the Game. And, it loses fans. A lot of fans (and people for that matter) are sheep, and will read what you wrote, and regurgitate it to their friends. And, it creates a cycle of everyone saying “The East sucks” or “I have watching the East”… basically, “I’m not a real fan” is what they’re saying.
This is coming from someone who grew up on steady doses of Michael Jordan in Chicago, but now lives in Los Angeles - I celebrate Easter AND Wester. So, I think you’ll be in for a shocker when the team from the West gets to the dance and finds out that other teams in the league actually play defense. What then? What’s going to happen when someone is actually guarding the paint? What happens when the help side defense is a Kevin Garnett, Ben Wallace or a Tayshaun Prince?
I’ll tell you what happens… A GREAT FINALS. Start loving the Game more… every part of it.
DH Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 9:34 am
Detroit will win the NBA title. They have too many weapons for Boston in the East. Perhaps if Lebron isn’t worn out by the 2 grueling series he can put on his Superman cape once more and give the West a chance. Otherwise, New Orleans, LA or San Antonio all have to come East to play. They better hope Cleveland / Boston winner prevails over Detroit.
Otherwise it’ll be a 6 game series at the most. No team out West matches up well with Detroit with San Antonio having the best chance to do so. Kobe maybe playing better but RIP will make him work in the playoffs harder than anyone else. They’ll throw different looks at him. Gasol will get abused by Wallace /McDyess combination. Billups will eat up Fisher. Odom won’t have it so easy. No more finesse physical basketball.
Roland Lazenby Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Interesting as always. I’m not sold entirely on the idea that the Celtics would be a weak finals opponent. If Boston makes it to the finals, I think the matchups would be interesting and quite challenging for the Lakers. And like Mr. Bennett’s observations, I think this Eastern-style muck-muck, or defense, could continue to give the Lakers trouble.
That’s if the Lakers make it that far. Funny, when you read Mr. Smith and other reporters talking about the NBA, they like to talk as if they know what’s going to happen. Every time I interview a coach, I get just the opposite impression. The Spurs or the Hornets are both perfectly capable of using their muscle to shove the Lakers off track. For one thing, they’re bigger than Utah, so their physical approach will be a much bigger challenge.
We could well see ourselves with a Hornets/Pistons series for the championship. Now that would dash more than a few media dreams.
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
bballer Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 10:13 am
mike brown and doc rivers have know offensive sets that takes advantage of all players on the court. along with mike woodson, i’m amazed that these guys are still coaching. the problem with eastern basketball is that the teams are afraid to open up the game due to the lunch bucket mentality of the cities they live in. yes, eastern teams love defensive basketball and a more aggressive style of game, but it turns off the casual fans that enjoys the fluidity of the western conference teams. it will be interesting to see if d’antoni can be part of a changing philosophy of eastern basketball.
oh yeah, even though the spurs has an aging supporting cast, they have already prepared themselves for the future with young bloods like tiago splitter and ian mahimni. they have stashed their young guys in europe and the d-league for more development. a smart franchise like the spurs will always keep themselves in contention like the pistons. so i think the top 4 western teams should make room for the spurs being a fifth for years to come. so the stories of the spurs demise has been grossly exaggerated.
Michael (Belgium) Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 10:14 am
And Detroit?? They lost to Philadelphia twice because the play defense. They only lose once to Orlando, because they don’t. And Detroit played 3 games without C.Billups. It’s all about team-defense.
Don’t forget the year 2003-2004…Minnesota, LA, SA and Sacramento, all great teams,but LA still lost in the Finals. Now LA, NO, SA, Phx, Utah, Dallas, even more great teams in the west but every games has to be played.
I’m a laker fan, I’ll hope they win it, but they can not give up 90 shots in a game.Utah has almost 15 shots more per game in the serie. Detroit will crush the Lakers FG% and they only need 76 shots pg to beat Phi, and 80 shots pg to beat Orlando.
Fade Away 3 Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 11:02 am
Everyone agrees Boston has been a huge disappointment in the post season and I agree with everything said about the Cavs and LeBron’s surely-aching back from carrying bloated contracts and past-prime players this far. Still, how can you discount Detroit from contention? If LA does make it to the finals, Detroit has proven to be Kobe’s kryptonite. With their depth, experience and second-to-none team defense, they’re the best positioned to take the crown.
I can’t see the Celtics overcoming exhausting three 7-game series in this post season. Also if they continue to lose on the road, you know Detroit will take one in Boston. As far as the Cavs, Detroit has been thirsty for redemption since last year’s Game 5 and surely won’t let it happen again.
I don’t see how Detroit isn’t the favorite, especially with Billups rested, their bench deeper and playing better than ever, Hamilton in his stride, Prince’s post-season coming out party and the X-factor in Wallace.
Ray Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 11:25 am
I agree with Mr. Bennett %100. Whatever ESPN says i am pretty sure when i have a convo about any sport someone is repeating verbatim of what they heard and run with it as the gospel. Most of the times these so called experts say stuff it is crazy. Skip Bayless said steve nash was better then john stockton. That was before his back to back MVP’s. When you have broadcasters and journalist thinking that foolish, these are the people ruining sports history. Nash is not even better then Mark Price. There is a reason Nash was a nobody during Jordan’s era and becoming somebody once Stern removed defense from basketball. The NBA is in trouble and has been for sometime. The over saturation of european players and high school players have set the talent and fundamentals of the league back drastically hopefully it will bounce back. The playoffs are not looking good with nobody barely winning on the road and the fact that the hawks and 76ers made the playoffs with losing records and gave the top 2 teams in the east a scare and all the 50 win teams in the west and not one great series speaks volumes to me. But then again im not a fan of the game i love the game to much to be a fan.
Michael Bennett Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 11:31 am
If Cavs get past Celtics, how could you see Detroit as the favorite? Cavs beat them last year in 6 games. And, the Cavs are better this year. LeBron is better.
If Cavs win on Sunday, they WILL go to the Finals. And, I think that they have a great shot at winning this year. They understand how to pull it out and win. Last year they looked like lost puppies in the Finals. This year, if they make it there, LeBron will will them to win.
Cavs vs. Lakers FINALS. LeBron vs. Kobe. How great would that be?
Lupe Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Sorry in advance for the LONG Comment!
I do agree that this type of defense is needed to win it all, but it should be paired with some type of aesthetic pleasing/effective offense. The Hornets, Lakers, and Spurs all have good(Spurs) to great(Lakers, Hornets) offenses to back-up their defenses. I thought SA played great D last year shutting down Boozer(he got his points, but only when the game the game was already put away), but the Lakers made him invisible. Realistically, the only team that can beat any one of these teams is Detroit. Detroit, hands down, arguably has one of the top 3 starting lineups, but they always seem to play down to their opponent so with that said I expect the title to remain out West. I am also positive that it will be Detroit or Boston in the Finals. Though Larry Hughes can’t shoot, he was a good defender, and he played point decently for an SG. Why is this vital? Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups, knows he struggles immensely when he has a big guard on him(See Jason Kidd). Cleveland no longer has that luxury, and I see Detroit’s guards running wild on Cleveland.
Also, Sam is right that Mike Brown/Cleveland is under-utilizing Lebron’s surreal talents. I can’t wait to see him in running in D’Antoni’s offense in New York in a couple of years. Besides Gibson, Ilgauskas, and Delonte West maybe Varejao(love his defense even if he flops, but lack of offense annoys me), I think Cleveland has failed to surround him with a good supporting cast though they do try. I would have loved for them to over-pay Michael Redd rather than Larry Hughes(even though Hughes was instrumental on the job they put on Chauncey last year) a few summers ago.
“What’s going to happen when someone is actually guarding the paint? What happens when the help side defense is a Kevin Garnett, Ben Wallace or a Tayshaun Prince?”
The West does have shotblockers, Tim Duncan, Kirlenko(up until yesterday), Gasol, Chandler, Odom, D-West, etc. Also, I’d have Lebron labeled now as a shotblocker. I enjoy how he’s improved his defensive game so much. The only thing missing is a more consistent J(it’s improved since last year, but with so much defensive attention between now and the end of his career, he needs to continue to improve, Reggie Miller good or bust
), and his free throw shooting.
Good article Sam, keep it up.
Bullfan283 Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 11:57 am
wow, these guy is forgetting that everyone was shocked when the lakers got taken out by the pistons. trust me everyone in the west is just to focus in the west. think about it after the celtics aquired Kevin Garnet, and saw there good start of the season, everyone in the west started to make trades, lakers get gasol, the suns get O’neal, and mavs aquired kidd.
remember every game can be different, and it can casue match up troubles. we need to let go that the west is better then the east, the west is good but in there division.
Alex Borestein Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
I predict the finals will be the Hornets and Clevand. Clevand will lose as they dont have enough depth. Clevand woes lies in the fact they have an a deep overarted bench. Lebron can do only so much. And he doesn’t have to many people to rely on . The Hornets are bloated with so much talent. If they get anymore help on the way they will become a dynasty like the spurs. I predict them winning 4 championship in the next 6 years.
Lakers got to many free agents. I think they were just handed Gasol for title hopes. I think to a certain aspect that NBA is fixed.
Sammy Y. Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
Great Article Sam,
this has been a real exciting playoffs experience, and I truly believe that the Pistons will come out of the east and the Spurs out of the west. The Pistons have matured more and more during this spring and understand what it takes to win games, by blow offs or by a point or two. Boston are the heavy favorites ofcourse but I think they will be way too tired coming out of a two full series to compete with the Detroit Pistons. As for the Cavs they will not win against the Pistons (sorry Michael). No disrespect to you but I don’t see that series in my head as I am a big fan of those two, but I just think that LBJ will be shut down by the stellar defense of the Pistons. Yes I do remember last year, but we have learned that the past does not reveal the future in the NBA… C’s have won 66 games or so.. but have not been that same team during the playoffs.
Why the spurs will win out of the west; to start with I want the lakers out of the west without a doubt, but the lakers will face a squad similar to the Detroit Pistons, defense, great mind, great point guard and a great coach (even though Phil Jakson has my vote for coach of the year). Regardless this series will be hard fought, but the better team will win a road game, the Spurs will be making a push for a back to back Finals appearance, and they will steal a game in L.A. Defense is the key to this playoffs, we have seen in.. If it wasn’t for defensive plays I would be rooting the Warriors to be in the finals, not that I would mind at all. But this has been the story during the playoffs, the better defensive team has been winnning, the Suns, the Nuggets, The mavericks.. I’m sorry but no much defense compared to their opposition.
None of the less, a 2005 finals would be a joy to watch, or a KOBE takin on the king of the east another stellar final. But let’s be realistic, when you have a point guard such as Billups, and guard like Hamilton, an amazing defensive player such as Prince and the Wallace we know (and ofcourse the rest of the supporting cast..) it would be hard to be that group, unless all of those players leave ther A game at home.
Yet again I might all wrong about this..
if anyone has an opinion against mine or agress with me.. more than happy to hear it..
Rick T Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
Bad offense makes it easy to play defense. If you only have to key in on three of the five players defensively you look like the NBA’s version of the “Steel Curtain”. This slow down, Eastern Conference, Woodson-Brown-Rivers ball is boring to watch. Watching teams lumber up the floor and stall offensively for 6-7 minute stretches make me want to watch baseball to speed up my sporting experience!
I agree with Sam on many of his points except for one. Kobe can play on any team in the world, he could play for the St. Francis Elementary Mini Mustangs and will not be the pure shot-chucker that Ricky Davis is. That’s just silly. Kobe could donate half of his ability to science and still better a better player than Ricky Davis. Comments like this can trash the credibility of an, otherwise, well written article.
vic Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
If Detroit dont win it this yr, which I think they should….Say good bye to that team that could of had a least 4 chips together….But choked.
I hope they dont do it again this yr. Good luck to my boys!!!! Go Pistons!!!!!
Lupe Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
Bullsfan, I was not one of those people who were “shocked” when Detroit beat the Lakers in ‘04. When they got Rasheed Wallace in Feb., they went on a damn impressive winning streak in March that saw them hold 5 opponents(6 if they Nets hadn’t driven up the score to avoid adding to the record) under 70, and won 8 games in a row holding opponents under 71 ppg. while averaging 91 ppg. When you add it up, after receiving Wallace they went 18-4 in the NBA, best bench with Mike James, Corliss Williamson, Memo Okur, Derrick Coleman(off the bench for D on Shaq, and only Shaq), and Lindsey Hunter, add the Symbolic Human Cigar Darko, and Karl Malone on a gimp leg in the Finals, how could they not win the ‘04 title? It was no surprise at all, though I will concede the Miami Heat winning in ‘06 as shocking.
I would love to see a rematch of the 2005 finals only if the games are like the last three of the series(game 5 was a classic) rather than the first four(the first 4 were blowouts by the home teams). The Lakers vs. the Pistons would be good too. Actually, I wouldn’t mind any team in the finals except Boston. The way Doc has been yanking the rotation around, I hate to see this Jekyll and Hyde monstrosity he has created in the Finals.
Lupe Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
Oops, an error I meant they held opponents to 69 ppg during the streak, i was off by two. Sorry.
geof Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
Derrick Coleman was not on the Pistons team when they won the championship. I think you’re thinking of Elden Campbell.
Joe Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
i got somethin to say for all you celtic haters out there, does everybody seem to forget that this is the FIRST year for over half of these players together on the same team in the playoffs? are they not entitled to struggle in these playoffs? just because of their stellar season everybody was ready to crown them as the champions but as anyone who watches basketball knows the playoffs are a different monster (well said by Kevin Harlin) I think these game sevens although somewhat nerve wreaking, are helping this team bound together by over and over again putting them in the most clutch situations. and everybody dissing Doc for his spuratic roatations in the playoffs? this is who Doc is and i think it keeps everybody into the game because you really can get called on at any minute.
However, Kevin Garnett obviously needs to be more agressive in the 4th quarter and all of these road losses are unexcusable. Ray Allen still hasent found his touch and as everybody knows is nothing short of leathal when he has it going. To wrap it up i gess all im saying is dont count the C’s out yet.
Hammond Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
homers, homers, everywhere!… the same guys who’ve called the Spurs boring a million times are now singing the praises of great playoff defense when coming to the defense of Cleveland, Boston, and Detroit… I see a pattern emerging…. no razzle-dazzle Phoenix/ Golden State offense oriented smallball… I wonder why? Maybe it just doesn’t work…
Some facts:
1)The big three of the Spurs have a lower combined age than the big three of Boston, Phoenix, and Dallas.
2) Tim Duncan’s free throw percentage was higher this year (73%) than LeBron James’ (71%).
Paolo Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
ALL I CAN SAY: “Lets go Lakers!!!!”
vic Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Lakers ain’t going anywhere without bynum. Sorry….
Lupe Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
My memory has been failing me all day; you’re right Elden Campbell. Thanks, Geof. Coleman did arrive the following season for a few games having little to no impact.
Actually, I think people believe the Spurs are boring has to do with Tim Duncan being so stoic. As for me, I’m a Spurs fan being from Texas and all. Parker/Ginobili are probably two of the funner back-courts to watch in the NBA. I hate to admit it, but this may be San Antonio’s best chance to win the title for the next few years, or else we become the modern Celtics post-1986(good teams, but not enough to win anything). Hopefully, they can beat the Hornets, and head to Los Angeles.
Scrappy Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 9:24 pm
Celts will win tomorrow against Cleveland. And then beat Detroit in 7. And then beat the Lakers in 7. They will again will all 4 home games and lose 3 on the road. They will have played 28 games, and gone 16-12 to win the title. The only championship team never to win a road game.
Go Celtics and raise banner #17!
Weaksauce Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
LAKERS FTMFW!!!!!
Michael (Belgium) Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 4:36 am
@ Vic
so…they played 47 games without Bynum and they got the top spot in the west, they won 4-0 in the first, 4-2 in the second round
conference finals isn’t a big deal for you??
Pepe Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 4:37 am
The west ain’t any stronger than the east and I see no reason why the champion couldn’t come from the east this year. Spurs/Lakers/Hornets are not better than the Pistons/Cavs/Celtics. Don’t anybody even try to argue that. We’re finally in for an exciting finals. Period.
michael reynald Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 5:52 am
Detroit is aging as well as the Spurs. The Cavaliers will shock the Celtics and the Spurs get eliminted. Kobe meets LeBron in the finals and that creates fireworks in the Finals….
michael reynald Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 5:54 am
The ball is round and the referees has the whistle. So hang on guys, only one team will hoist the trophy….
bradley Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 9:38 am
Best piece written about the playoffs thus far. The Tribune lost out.
matt chiang Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
and the court is hardwood…
“The ball is round and the referees has the whistle.” what a stupid thing to say.
Lakers Celtics NBA Finals, Lakers in 6 Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 9:40 pm
Can you Piston fans please shut it?
The Pistons peaked 4 years ago under Larry Brown & prior to the league-instated handcheck rule. Those Pistons were immortals and it’s amazing they didn’t win 2 rings.
The Pistons today, are still viewed by many amateur NBA fans as the ‘team to beat’ although they’ve gotten softer over the years (most recently defeated at the hands of Dwade & Shaq, and then the lowly Cavs). Thanks to Flip Saunder’s playbook, they’re better offensively but they stink defensively and can’t play it a consistent level…
Billups, Rip, McDyess, Prince, Hunter and Wallace still remember how to play that type of defense and when crunch time rolls around, it’s on them to dig into themselves and play it. I mean, do you really see Flip calling out a defensive play for them? You don’t? me neither.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/standings?year=season_2005 Remember that year? Those Pistons were bounced by Miami and I could’ave coached them to 64 wins coming off a game 7 finals the year before.
The Pistons are good, but they haven’t been great since 03-04/04-05. Unfortunately it’s hard to see that because teams in the East make them look really good.
Don’t expect them to win this year or any year Flip coaches.
Guy Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 10:35 pm
I’m picking Detroit over the Lakers in 7.
I’ll just diagnose where the teams are.
Detroit is better than last year. Deeper bench, playing more aggressively, and finding ways to score in the crunch instead of curling up into the fetal postion. They are still offensively inconsistant and capable of droughts. But their defense will spark their offense more often, because they’re really scrapping, not just playing tough physical position D like last season.
If you want a reference to what Detroit was like last year, not unlike Boston and Cleveland look like right now.
Boston is still a championship good team, I think their season and first trip together into the playoffs is wearing on them. I think they’re running out of gas. Too much bravodo worn out during their 20 pt blowouts in January.
Cleveland is not as good. Some people look on paper and say they’re better. Not so fast. Bron Bron had a jump shot last year. And dont tell me its the defense. Boston is giving him the jump shot. And Drew Gooden, Dan Gibson, and even Pavolivic were playing well most of the time, giving Lebron capable scorers. Cleveland wasnt good offensively last year, they’re even worse this year. They wont be winning a title.
Lakers are the real deal. But they’re defensive rebounding and lack of toughness in the paint could be their achilles heal. David West, if healthy, and the Tyson Chandler could eat them up in the paint. The lakers are otherwise the best offensive team in the league. And believe it or not, with their leader Kobe, they have the best chemistry in the league as well. Their depth is certainly championship worthy.
The Hornets could win a title if their guys were healthy. But I’m not sure health will be the only thing that stops them. I think inexperience and their on/off role players could eventually stop them as well.
Guy Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
“Detroit is aging as well as the Spurs. The Cavaliers will shock the Celtics and the Spurs get eliminted. Kobe meets LeBron in the finals and that creates fireworks in the Finals….”
First, I’m not sure what ‘aging’ has to do with this year, unless late May causes 2 years of instantaneous life drain, they are what they are.
Second, Detroit specifically is younger than they were last season in a couple ways. They have a much improved youthful bench, and their starters havent played anywhere near the minutes, regular season or post season. The Pistons are a noticeably better team than last season.
A lot of people discount detroits 4-1 win over Orlando, in which Billups only played in 2 games. (4 minutes of game 3) Orlando was a better team in ever way than Cleveland. Their average win margin after the all-star break was around 10 ppg. 2nd to only the celtics. They dominated down the stretch.
Amazing_Happens Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 1:21 am
Uh, sorry to break it to you all, but Detroit won the 2004 Finals because Karl Malone got injured. And before that, the Lakers won because of an injury to Sam Cassell.
The Celtics and Cavs series WAS brutal to watch. Neither offense had any “system” so to speak, it was just roll the ball out, let Pierce or James handle it, and get out of the way. And has anyone noticed that KG has no offensives moves but a fadeway jump shot? Wow.
I’m with Sam Smith on this one. I don’t know who’s coming out of the West, but IF they’re healthy, you can chalk up the NBA champion as the Western Conference champion.
Mr. F. (SG) Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 2:04 am
Wow. Most of the comments here make sense. Unlike in most other NBA related sites I’ve been frequenting to the last few days, which is dominated by baseless and biased opinions. :p
mick Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 3:40 am
The fact that the Celtics could compete with the Lakers has nothing to do with the relative strengths of the two different conferences. i don’t see how anyone with any sense of objectivity could possibly argue against the West being stronger than the east. Boston just finished two incredibly difficult 7 game series against Atlanta and Cleveland– two teams that would not have made the playoffs in the West. There’s obviously an advantage…. Detroit and Boston would both have home court advantage against any Western conference team, due to the fact that they both played easier regular season schedules.
Jon (Basque Country) Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 5:26 am
How can you disagree with Mr. Smith? Hey Sam, how about a new mailbag in hoopshype? We miss it, even some 5000 miles away from the States!
Omar Aberilla Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 6:57 am
Michael, the West is going to win it. The Lakers being the conference’s rep. Not cause I’m a Laker fan, but because it is what it is. By the way, when you say good defense, the defensive numbers for some East squads may happen to be good or respectable because they play more games against their mediocre neighbors in the East, offensive-wise. But since I know you hate numbers/stats, here’s a concrete example; it’s not like the Celtics are playing exceptional defense on LeBron, the King just happens to miss shots he normally makes. Nerves, perhaps? He still gets his shots in his comfortable spots on the floor. He just couldn’t get them to go in. That’s why he’s still a long shot from being a Kobe or a D-Wade, champion I mean.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the rough and tumble East, I’m just saying that since a healthy, a shade younger Shaq left South Florida, there’s not a legitimate championship team from the East. Even the Pistons, as experienced as they are, would struggle heavily; be it on paper or on the basketball floor, against either the Spurs or Lakers. If the Hornets make it out of the tight West, and that’s a big if, they’d pose matchup problems against either the Celtics and the Pistons. No favorites here, just realness.
Porky Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 7:08 am
Mr. Smith- wow, that is an usual name (sarcasm).
I have never read a more negative overview of the playoffs. Are you a basketball fan or a wanna-be writer?
“Republican” debates are not good…implying that Democrat debates are exciting? R U kidding us? Not so subtle tidbit exposing your political leaning. Boring.
East playoffs have been very tough and not “pretty” basketball. I guess you hated the Bulls- Knicks series with Jordan. Not pretty, but awesome titantic battle.
So, Mr. Smith. Find another sport to review…and just go away.
Thank you.
Zane Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 7:28 am
While I disagree with the title, this was one of the more accurate articles I’ve read on Hoopshype for a while.
I don’t think a West team is a LOCK to win the title, there is one point that has been missed here - home court advantage, and the East has it. This has practically been the theme of this years playoffs.
It’s obviously hard to get a read on the Celts at the moment, but they still have all the keys to win the ring (role players, defence, star power, experience, team play). They are simply playing down to their opponents level on the road. Allen is due to break out. I fully expect them to step up against Detroit, and get past them - again, home court advantage being the key but it could be another 7 game series.
If the Spurs can get past the Hornets on Monday in NO, I pick them to beat the Lakers. Bowen has given Kobe fits, Duncan bullies Pau, Parker is the better PG, and they have a lot more experience as at team at this level. If the Spurs magically lose on Monday, I’ll pick the Lakers to win the West.
Fact is though that any of the remaining teams can win it all, they are very closely matched…
Cutback Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 8:14 am
Sam:
Your comments providde yet more hilarity in a media inspired desire for jacked up scores and forgotten defense. The Western conference is the home to offense. Funny but the Spurs have dominated the post-season for the last 8 years with a strong defense.
This is the the same reason the Cetics and Pistons will present a serious threat, and perhaps insurmountable one to whoever comes through the Western Conference Finals.
My bet is it will be the Spurs once again, because there are no equals to their team concept and defensive philosophy.
But regardless, the Eastern Conference winner will have home court advantage and plenty of firepower. The Pistons had their way with Phoenix, Dallas, and have no problem scoring in a fast paced game.
However these so-called Western Conference teams struggle in a half court, slower paced game. Guess who is good at either?
It won’t be the Lakers.
My bet is the Pistons get another title. They’ve re-tooled their bench and played them all year, and rested their starters to prepare for the post-season and have strained the least of any team still left to get where they are.
Think again Sam.
Western Conference “prettyness” won’t overcome the gritty defensive minded play when crunchtime comes around.
Alex Borstein Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 10:27 am
I predict that Detroit and Lakers in the Finals. Detroit will beat LA bc of their depth. Enough said.
Jorge Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
Isn´t this the same celtics that beated the texas 3 and the laker on their home?
Common, Gasol is way to soft to be siginificant agaist the celtics defense, same actually agaisnt, cleveland and detroit……Garnett and Wallace would both kill lamar odom, and kobe, well, he is kobe, but I think at least the celtics can do a very good job on him like they did to lebron…..the others are non-significant if this 3 players are well covered….
I actually think that if the spurs somehow prevail today they would beat the lakers on the west finals, I know, as a celtics fan, that I rather play the lakers than the spurs on the finals….just saying…….
LAallDay Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Vic- Are you still thinking about the 06-07 season smartguy? “lakers ain’t goin nowhere without Bynum” hmmm, let’s see, they finished 1st in the tough west, swept the nuggets, clinched both series on the road with the last one coming from the leagues most dominant home team, utah, yet “they ain’t goin nowhere” lmao! Let me guess, your really a baseball fan that accidentally landed on this site and decided “hmm I hate the lakers let me put my 2 cents in”,only problem is YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT. Do me a favor, stop watching tivo’d recordings of the last couple seasons, and catch up on what you haven’t been paying attention to this year, you lame.
LAallDay Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
Lakers vs. Detroit for the championship, as much as I’d love to see the Laker vs. Celtic matchup just cause of the history of the 2 storied franchises, and wanting to go against the “best” team of the nba (during the regular season). I don’t think it’s happening. Lebron by himself took them (celtics) to the limits w/o (aside for yesterday) having a dominant impact on the games offensively. Detroit has handled the 1st 2 rounds like their normal self, and they’re experience will pay off against Boston who does have veteran players but not deep in the playoffs, Detroits run in the conference finals almost goes as deep as the spurs, Billups will take control of this series.
Lakers will prevail over either the hornets or spurs, my guess is the spurs show their heart and win tonight to force a tough series with my lakeshow, but it stops there. Bruce on Kobe mismatch, Yes parker is a great pg, but fish plays exceptional D, and farmer will be able to sag off of parker and play him towards penetration, something he wasn’t able to do against d will, as he kept our young backup guard off balance with his 3 point, mid range jumper and penetration. Fabo is not quick enough to stay with lamar, nor does he have the offensive skills to be a factor or real threat. Timmy’s gonna get his, but Pau should be able to step his game up and it’ll be a great battle between those 2. Manu of course is always a threat but Kobe will show why he was the only unanimous pick for the all defensive team and stick to him. Bench wise, we’re the mob and we will run their aged bench out the building.
I wouldn’t say it’s a lock for the west, the east has got their 2 monstars out there. But I am riding with my lakeshow, let’s go lakers!!!!
JUST ONE Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
YOU MIGHT BE MISTAKIN, DETROIT CAN TANGO WITH SAN ANTONIO OR LOS ANGELES, YOULL SEE - POST IT = 5/19/08 8:22 pacific time
Sam Smith Said,
May 20, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
Thanks for the debate. It was interesting and mostly well informed. That’s one of the best things about NBA fans. They know more than the fans of other sports what the game is about and what they are talking about.
Jorel Jenious Said,
May 21, 2008 @ 9:44 am
Every year when a good team get’s beat people same, regular season records don’t matter. Both teams comes to play. The NBA, well every sport is a game of match ups and styles. Boston is a half court team with a few players who can get out in transition. They played an Atlanta team (records not counting, it’s the playoffs now) with an entire rotation, sans Pachulia that can get out in transition. The celtics defense eventually won out put they would have success running against ANY team, they wouldn’t necessarily win 4 games (though I think the Celtics defense is far better than 90% of the leagues, I see the hawks taking the pistons to the wire in game 7 if they played, and possibly beating the Cavalier had they played. Lebron guards Johnson and every other 6′9 235lb guy goes crazy.)
The celtics against the cavaliers was the same. Half court against asininely ridiculously slow half court. The celtics were overall better, but the cavaliers have very solid defense after that trade and would take most HALF COURT teams to 7 games. They would get killed by a talented full court up and down team over 7 games. Killed.
Now Boston has won on against the half court Pistons whose defense is not as good as the Cavaliers. Hamilton cheats, it’s tough for Billups to stay in front of quick guys (Louis Williams anyone) and Rasheed falls asleep sometimes. They are a good team. A great team.
Celtics in 6
As for the West.
Lakers. It’s the match ups. They do a good job a keeping Parker out of the lane. They can go straight up or huge double team (Gasol, Odom) on Duncan. (Gasol will match his production, with more assists) Kobe has Manu plus 4-7 points. Throw in Fisher and Farmar plus the fact that the Spurs don’t really have a backup. The match ups are in the Lakers favor. Toss in a healthy Trevor Ariza and that’s 10 to 12 points attacking the rim.
The Hornets had to guys attacking the rim. The Lakers have 6 maybe 7. The Hornets had 2 outside shooters and two good mid range shooters.
The lakers have 4 good outside shooters and 5 good midrange shooters in the starting line up alone.
The lakers could use a little more shot blocking but, the lakers in 6
lazyk Said,
May 21, 2008 @ 10:33 am
Sam,
How bout the Bulls getting the #1 pick in the Draft!!!
Please put out an article on this, your assessment of who should be #1, who should the Bulls pick, who will the Bulls pick.
For ole time’s sake.
P Lewis James Said,
May 21, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Sam Smith is a very good writer who knows very little about NBA basketball. Not so fast! Don’t drink the Lakerade just yet. Yes, overall the West is a better conference than the East. The two teams that can play with the West are playing in the Eastern Conference Finals as we speak. The Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons are quite capable of beating the Lakers or the Spurs! That being said, I pick the Spurs to win it all.
Eugene Lee Said,
May 22, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
Hi Sam,
I am truly sorry that you are no longer at the Tribune. Even though I have not lived in Chicago in many years, I always enjoyed your writing and was shocked to learn that you were no longer working there.
But I am incredibly pleased to know that you will continue to be writing.
Best Regards,
Eugene