NBA ROUNDUP: 4/18 -4/24
April 24, 2009 by Andy
The NBA playoffs have started with the top two teams in the league - the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers - easily taking the first two games. Look for easy wins by these powerhouses as they continue their journey to the Finals. Things have not been easy for the defending champions Boston Celtics with Leon Powe out for the playoffs with a knee injury. Look for the Chicago Bulls to stun the Celtics in seven games. Another series to watch out for is the Dallas-San Antonio series, with tempers likely to rise as Eric Dampier looks to protect the basket with rough play on Tony Parker. The Mavericks will also stun the Spurs in six games.
Rondo Emerging As Leader
Things have changed a lot since last year, when the Celtics were out to prove themselves as NBA champions with an unknown and unproven point guard in Rajon Rondo. Now, Rondo has clearly emerged as the leader of the team even though he is surrounded by three future hall-of-famers. His decision-making skills and overall play have improved so much that come next year he will likely be an All-Star.
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NBA All-Hunger Team
It’s a feeling of hunger that sticks with you and won’t let go. It’s something that pains and consumes you. It’s a feeling of undernourishment that can only be whetted by an NBA title. Among the elite few that burn with this hunger are LeBron James and Chris Paul.
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LeBron Taste That Ring
After suffering a disappointing Game 7 loss to the Celtics last year, James looks to wipe away the bitter taste with an NBA championship this season. Much like Michael Jordan had to overcome defeat by the Detroit Pistons, James is looking to overcome all obstacles this playoffs and lead his team to the promise land.
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NBA Doomsday 2011
With the current economy heading into a downward spiral, BIlly Hunter, head of the NBA union, has spoken out that better revenue-sharing for teams is an important point in negotiation talks between owners and players. However, the biggest concern that may lead to another lockout is if the owners insist on salary reductions. All hell will break loose with the potential restructuring of the current system will take place in the next few years.
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On Dominant Point Guards
The 2009 playoffs have been dominated by superb point-guard play. The success of teams during this playoff run have been mainly driven by the effectiveness of the point guards on the court. For example, Chauncey Billups has taken the Nuggets to a whole other level, giving the team a 2-0 lead against the Hornets. Thanks to rule changes allowing less contact up top, the league has turned into a point guard’s haven.
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Portland Has The Size Advantage
With Dikembe Mutombo out of the playoffs for good, the Portland Trailblazers have size advantage underneath with Joey Przybilla, Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge. It’s up to Oden to take up a bigger offensive load as he will have a height advantage when coming off the bench. But it may be asking too much for an over-hyped center that has yet to prove his offensive prowess.
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So-Called Home Court Edge
Teams play all season to garner home court advantage, but with one loss at home, that is taken away. So far in these playoffs, half the teams have already lost their home court advantage as they look to regain it back in Game 3. The main reason the top teams have lost their initial games is because of injuries to key players in the rotation. Look for some upsets during these first round playoffs.
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Lakers Will Have It Rough In Utah
During last year’s playoffs, the Lakers held a two-game lead heading into Utah only to lose the next two games to the Jazz. Look for the Lakers to have learned from that experience and expect to take at least one of the two games in Utah.
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