LeBron James Against the World by Ben Galli

Wow. Times a thousand.  

In what was one of the greatest performances in NBA history, LeBron James catapulted himself into serious consideration for the greatest performer of all time.  Enough so that more and more, that talk grows among media and fans alike.  If these Cleveland Cavaliers win this championship, there will be a real debate on who is better, LeBron or Jordan.  There is a certain amount of disregard for the current greatest player in the world.  The stakes have always been higher for The Chosen One.  But he's always met them before.  With one premeditated mistake, albeit one that most normal 25 year-olds would make, LeBron has silenced the doubters.  The haters may still persist, but the only doubters are fools who can't see before their very eyes.  

It started on October 29th, 2003 where at Andyman's Treehouse I kept tabs(and ran them up) on James' pro debut in Sacramento.  Couldn't even fathom that an 18 year old could have 26 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals on 12-20 shooting with only 2 turnovers in his first pro game ever. On national television.  Better than I expected.  It has been an absolute joy to watch LeBron since that day.  Even if I couldn't bring myself to root for him in Miami.  When he came back to Cleveland, something I had thought would happen eventually, just not this year, I was thrilled because LeBron had a chance to save his legacy.  

Coming back to Akron and winning a championship in Cleveland would mean the forgiveness of most of Northeast Ohio.  Something I think is important to James.  LeBron would be joining Kyrie Irving, a budding superstar.  They also had the first pick in the NBA draft.  Even with that  pick, the Cavs were still supposedly short on talent.  There was some desperation in the organization.  Burned once before by LeBron, they didn't want to take any half measures.  The first pick along with the previous year's number 1 overall pick got traded to Minnesota for Kevin Love.  At this point, Cleveland became the title favorite, and Cleveland fans started believing.

So of course, naturally, Cleveland things started happening.  Kevin Love was rudely injured by Boston's Kelly Olynyk in the first round of the playoffs and later ruled out for the postseason.  Kyrie Irving was hampered with injuries yet Cleveland soldiered on to a 12-2 record in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  This set them on a collision course with Golden State who could brag of their own impressive 12-3 record in the Wild, Wild West.  

Game 1 was everything everyone hoped for as it neared the end.  The undermanned Cavs were being carried by LeBron and Kyrie and running with the Warriors.  The Warriors proved their depth advantage, with their bench outscoring Cleveland's 34-8.  J.R. Smith was the only Cavalier to score off the bench but he shot 3-13 to do it.  Irving, known for porous defensive play, made a huge one with his block of MVP Curry with 24 seconds left.  LeBron added fuel to the hater pyre by missing a difficult long jumper near the end of regulation causing the game to go into overtime after Shumpert's put back attempt miss.  The game was basically over at that point as Golden State ran away to a 108-100 victory.  

The series may have been over with about 2 minutes left in overtime when a valiant effort from a less than 100% Irving may have backfired.  Irving went down on a drive and eventually left the game.  The next day it was announced that he'd suffered a broken kneecap and would be out 3-4 months.  Fans of all ages fought back tears.  Fought back tears of disappointment and whispered, "Put me in Coach".  From Jenny from Chagrin Falls to Robby from Chardon, Cavs fans felt something they'd felt far too many times before.

By the end of Game 1 on Thursday night, LeBron James had scored a Finals career high 44 points on 18-38 shooting with 8 rebounds and 6 assists.  Stephen Curry had 26 points on 10-20 of shooting including 2-6 from three-point land with 8 assists.  Kyrie Irving played 43 minutes and had 23 points joining Timofey Mozgov as the only other Cavalier that reached double figures in points.  Kyrie and LeBron combined for 67% of the Cavs total points.  The Cavs as a team shot 41.5% from the field, 29.0% from three, and a disappointing 68.4% from the foul line.  The Warriors shot 44.3%, 37.0%, and an astonishing 90.9% in those respective categories.  Different inferences can be made from this.  That the Cavs should have won and let one get away or that the Cavs shouldn't have been as close as they were. I think losing Kyrie in the manner they did, that late in the game,was a gut punch from which they wouldn't recover.  

That gut punch turned into an ulcer on Monday when it was announced Irving would be out for the rest of the playoffs.  Few fans or media members could truly be confident in Cleveland's chances anymore especially after losing Game 1 in the shadow of LeBron's Jerry Westian game.  Admittedly, I was skeptical like most that Cleveland could win without Love. It didn't seem logical to still give them a chance without Irving too.  I'd be mildly surprised if they won 1 game in this series, not two, not three, not four.  Looking back on the last time we had one great player with a supporting cast resembling the remaining Cavs, you'd probably need to go back to 2001 with Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers.  Iverson came into L.A. to take on a juggernaut Lakers squad that had gone 11-0 in the playoffs. Iverson scored 48 on the road with 6 assists and 5 steals in Game 1 and Philadelphia pulled off the big upset.  They then proceeded to lose the next 4 in a row.  Has there ever been a team that won a title without their 2nd and 3rd best player in the Finals?

Spoiler Alert:  It has not happened before.  That's what made Game 2 so special.  LeBron played hero ball and it worked.  The LeBron narrative is such that simply because it is him, people will not count the Cavs out anymore.  Not if they could win Game 2 in the manner that they did.  It's not just that LeBron had 39 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists.  It's the Cavs shot a miserable 32.2% from the field and still found a way to win on the road and in overtime.  It's that Matty Delly played 42 minutes helping guard Steph Curry and having a team high plus/minus of +15.  LBJ had 0.  

But at the same time, we can't forget some other numbers.  The Warriors shot a very uncharacteristic 8-35 from three-point land including Chef Curry undercooking at 2-15.  They also had 10 less rebounds and 5 more turnovers.  I like Dellavedova. He hustles and plays with grit.  He's a scrappy, likable guy (on your team).  The Cavs found their Aaron Craft.  But I don't see Steph Curry repeating his Game 2 performance.  He may still struggle a little bit for him being it's his first time on this large a stage, but he won't play as poorly as he did in Game 2 probably for the rest of the series.  LeBron played 50 minutes on Sunday night after playing 45 three days before.  How superhuman can he be?

It's probably a good thing that James Jones is playing more.  He's also been to 5 straight Finals.  The Warriors can't boast that kind of experience.  It might be what's affecting them.  Perhaps this will merely be the year that Steph Curry has to pay his dues and lose in the Finals before reigning triumphant in the years to come.  The Cavs can win but they need more things to fall into place than Golden State does.  The Warriors still have the advantage but the Cavs still have LeBron and hope.  If Golden State plays the normal game they are capable of and had been playing normally in these playoffs, the Cavs *shouldn't* stand a chance with their current lineup.  But if the Cavs can play all out again and get Curry and the rest of the Dubs' perimeter players to struggle, they can keep it close like they did in Game 2.  J.R. Smith should have a better game but as always, all eyes will be on the King.  And you come at the King, you best not miss.

(Warning:  Video May Contain Graphic Violence)

NBA Playoffs Recap and Round Two Predictions by Ben Galli

Don’t Look Back in Anger - @Bengalli33

NBA Playoffs Round 1 Recap (Round 2 Preview below)

That Game 7 though.  Wow.  That might go down as one of the best Game 7’s in Playoff history.  It’s a pity it was in Round 1.  Would have much rather seen Warriors-Rockets and Clippers-Spurs as Second Round series.  Just the flow and closeness of the game was impressive. (there were 31 lead changes(12 in 4th, and 16 ties!) At halftime, the Spurs were shooting 53% from the field.  L.A. shot at a 51.9% clip from 3 point land for the entire game.  Blake Griffin had a triple double, Tim Duncan had 27 and 11 on 11/16 shooting, but this was Chris Paul’s masterpiece.  

The biggest game of his career and a legendary Hall of Fame performance.  When CP3 left late in the 1st quarter, grabbing his hamstring, you felt 2 things:  One, L.A. wasn’t winning without Chris Paul and Two, Chris Paul was gonna come back and play.  And play he did.  Paul had 5 points and 3 assists when he left the game.  He returned to the court near the end of the 2nd quarter and proceeded to add 22 more points and this remarkable shot over Tim Duncan.  Let no one doubt Chris Paul again.

Watch this!

Los Angeles Clippers:  4 San Antonio Spurs:  3 (My Prediction, Spurs 4-3)


From Hall of Fame, to Hall of Shame.  Nearly a week before Paul’s legendary performance, the infamous antics of Kelly Olynyk had enraged the Cleveland contingent.  Judge for yourself:

Watch This!

Perhaps the gangly Olynyk didn’t mean to sideline Love for 4-6 months, but his actions were surely not accidental.  No NBA player can be that uncoordinated.  And to think most people would root for the kid from Dazed and Confused all grown up.

png;base649f68aac0d90d3346.png

         

Kendrick Perkins was put in later to do what Kendrick Perkins is put in games to do.  Be flagrantly surly.  Later, as is J.R. Smith’s MO, he took things a little too far in the 3rd quarter with his spinning backfist of Jae Crowder, earning J.R. a 2 game suspension for the beginning of the Cavs most important series to date (see below).  I doubt Kelly Olynyk will ever have as great an impact on the NBA Playoffs as he did with his dirty play that Sunday.  

Watch that bastard Olynyk do Satan's work against Cleveland.

Cleveland Cavaliers:  4 Boston Celtics:  0 (My Prediction, Cavs 4-0)

There were some surprises in the first round of this year’s playoffs, most notably the lack of competitive series for the most part.  Of course, everything was always going to be overshadowed by the Spurs and Clippers, two title contenders somehow having to face off in the 1st round but otherwise it was just kind of a ho-hum first round.

The Washington Wizards really took it to the North.  I really wasn’t sure which of these teams would have won this series but I definitely would not have predicted the Wiz in a sweep.  

Washington Wizards:  4 Toronto Raptors:  0 (My prediction, Wizards 4-3)

I wasn’t as surprised by the outcome of this series, but I was a little dismayed by how the Blazers let themselves get dominated for the most part.  Losing Wes Matthews was one thing, but your best player shooting 33% (career avg: 48%) and Dame Lillard’s defense getting exposed spells trouble for Portland’s future.  The whispers are getting louder about LaMarcus Aldridge going to San Antonio or Dallas. 

Memphis Grizzlies:  4 Portland Trail Blazers:  1 (My prediction, Grizzlies 4-2)

It wasn’t that I doubted the Warriors as much as I respected the greatness of the individual Anthony Davis when I predicted G State wouldn’t sweep.  I wrote about what happened here but the Warriors were always going to advance.

Golden State Warriors:  4 New Orleans Pelicans:  0 (My prediction, Warriors 4-1)

The only thing that told me anything from the Mavs-Rockets series, is that Dallas players voted to not give Rajon Rondo a share of their playoff bonus.  It wasn’t a money thing, as Rondo missed out on a little less than an estimated $14,000.  That guy is the current definition of high risk, high reward.  With many doubting how high that reward actually is.

Houston Rockets:  4 Dallas Mavericks:  1 (My prediction, Rockets 4-1)

The Hawks will be the Hawks will be the Hawks will be the Hawks.  Deron Williams prioritized basketball over the buffet line for 1 game and the Nets appeared a slight threat but only because few outside of the ATL give the Hawks a second glance.

Atlanta Hawks:  4 Brooklyn Nets:  2 (My prediction, Hawks 4-1)

The Bucks showed some spunk by taking this series to 6 games and they will definitely be a team to watch next year. I cannot remain silent however, on more important matters of justice.  We continue to live in a society where a “thug” from New Jersey will receive a 2 game suspension for an act of retaliation whereas an All American from Duke will receive no suspension for a similar act of actual aggression.  Obviously I’m exaggerating the social relevance but at the same time, sports and society are mirrors into truth, and worthy of at least some analysis.  Plus, I’m biased for Cleveland.  Dunleavy’s play below led him to getting absolutely decked by the Greek Freak who’s growing up fast before our very eyes.
 
Watch this!

Chicago Bulls:  4 Milwaukee Bucks:  2 (My prediction, Bulls 4-1)

Love Will Keep Us Together. Round 2 Preview

Each conference is down to their own Final Four.  As usual, the West has more intriguing matchups than the East but the most intriguingest one of them all is da’ Bulls versus Cleveland.  Let’s get to the other three first.

#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. # 5 Washington Wizards

One of the writing guidelines I adopted a long time ago was don’t waste too many words on the Atlanta Hawks.  Let people in Atlanta discuss them and root for them and suffer their inevitable disappointments.  Even with “team basketball” and “unselfishness” and “Popovich disciple” as catch phrases surrounding this team, does anyone else really give a damn?  I admit it is interesting to see if they can succeed against superstar laden teams but I feel I already know the answer to that.  

A good test will be John Wall’s Wizards.  Wall is as fast as a bullet and I can’t stop using bullets to describe Washington’s basketball team.  The Wizards have an intriguing team with young sharpshooter Bradley Beal, the always dangerous Paul Pierce, and the recent emergence of former 3rd pick in the draft, Otto Porter Jr.  Still they ended the season struggling majorly and it is always hard to pick a team to win 4 games against a team that won 14 more regular season games including 3 of 4 head to head.  But Atlanta doesn’t have a real go to guy especially with Horford not being 100%.  And I’m on the John Wall bandwagon.  

Pick:  Washington in 7

#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies

What happened to Mike Conley Jr’s face?  Guy had to get plates surgically inserted and has already missed 3 games in the playoffs including Game 1 of the Warriors series.  That must have been the hardest elbow ever.  With Conley at full go, the Grizzlies did pose a challenge to the Warriors because of the always difficult matchups that Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol pose both on offense and defense.  

Conley’s a gamer so I expect he’ll be back for Game 2 but the Warriors are playing really well right now.  Their comeback against the Pelicans, from 20 points down in the 4th quarter, may have given the team the indomitable confidence that leads some to magical postseason runs.  The Grizzlies will still be the toughest defense the Warriors play in the West and I still think they find a way to steal 2 games.  But deserved MVP Steph F’in Curry will get to his first Conference Finals. 

Pick:  Golden State in 6.

#2 Houston Rockets vs. # 3 Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers’ MVP Chris Paul will likely miss the first game of this series which gives Houston a great chance at taking advantage of a brief dip in the Clippers’ momentum.  Perhaps finishing 2nd to Steph Curry will give James Harden the extra motivation to take no prisoners and carry Houston to a Conference Finals showdown with the guy who stole his MVP in the 2nd half of the season.  Harden’s biggest challenges remain in his ability to get Howard and Josh Smith to play the playoff basketball they need to play.  They both showed they could contribute against the Mavs, but these Clips are far removed from that team talent wise.  With Doc Rivers at the helm and Chris Paul looking to advance to a Conference Finals for the first time in his career, Los Angeles looks too tough a matchup for Houston.  

Pick:  Los Angeles in 6

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. # 3 Chicago Bulls

This is the series that all eyes will be on in Round 2.  So many questions raised by the unnecessary antics in the Cavs’ Game 4 clincher over Boston. (I really only mean Olynyk’s actions that led to everything else).  Losing Kevin Love, who the Cavs traded the Rookie of the Year for, really hurts, especially mentally.  Losing J.R. Smith for 2 games is not as bad but starts the series with Cleveland in an even deeper hole.  The fact that Derrick Rose has not gotten hurt again and Jimmy Butler is playing lights out ball recently, gives the Bulls a seeming advantage.  

But the Cavs have ability and versatility on the bench.  They can change up what positions some of their players play most notably because of the 4 position monster LeBron is.  They may not be able to stretch with Tristan Thompson playing more minutes, but he has been very solid on the glass.  If some combination of James Jones, Mike Miller, and gulp! Shawn Marion, can put in some quality buckets, the Cavs can overcome the absence of Love.  More than anything however, the Cavs know they all need to step it up with KLove out for the playoffs and that may be just the motivation they need to really come together as a true championship contender.  

Pick:  Cleveland in 7

And not to forget, the newest episode reflecting on this year’s playoffs:  

Game of Zones returns for the 2015 season with another spoof on HBO's hit show Game of Thrones.


Cavs n Roses: "The Greatest NBA Players Get Embarrassed." - by Ben Galli

Follow @bengalli33

The greatest players get embarrassed. Magic Johnson fell flat on his face running onto to the court in his first game ever.  Larry Bird wore the stupidest mustache for the better part of his career.  Jordan was going bald when he took Kareem’s advice and just shaved it all off.  I contend that’s what made him better than Clyde Drexler.  

 

Anthony Davis got swept by the Golden State Warriors last night.  He also has a land bridge over his eyes.  We’ll get to that later.  This was Davis’ first playoff series in the year he blossomed into what many felt he was destined to be.  The Brow averaged 24.4 points per game (4th in NBA), 10.2 rebounds per game (8th), and 2.9 blocks per game (1st) this year. In the playoffs those numbers rose to 31.5, 11.0, and 3.0.  But he couldn’t win a game.  Obviously the Pelicans were playing a far superior Warriors team that had won 22 more regular season games.  Davis showed that he could play big in the bigger games.  The question now remains: What will he do next?  Will he take his team to the next level?  Great players make those around them greater.  Bird and Magic did it with their passing and attitude.  Jordan punched his way to the top.  Who knows if Steve Kerr would be a good coach if he hadn’t experienced the Jordan rules.  He himself says it was one of the best things that ever happened to him.  Davis is pretty much unstoppable but will he put in the work to take his team to newer heights.  I believe in his desire for greatness.  But how high can Pelicans fly anyway?

Still, Davis may have bigger problems.  Many around me believe his grooming can be improved.  Or is it an issue of grooming?  Face it.  We can’t depend on the judicial branch of this great nation to decide on the most important issues of the day.  Sometimes the people have to take to the streets.  Or the tweets.  So I ask you loyal readers: Should Anthony Davis get rid of his famed unibrow or should he continue owning it and keep it? I hope there’s more of you than the Supreme Court, and I hope you’re all less old.  

The A-K Rowdy is being represented well in these playoffs.  Although Akron can’t truly claim Stephen Curry, he joins LeBron James as top 5 NBA players this year that were born in that famed city.  I imagine if you’re reading this column, you saw his absolutely not-real, eyes-closed, fouled, 3-point dagger to tie the game Thursday night.  If I knew how to Vine, I’d Vine it for you but the anticipation of searching for it online will only increase the satisfaction.  (watch it here)  In just under 40 minutes a game, Steph put up 33.8 points per contest in the 4-game sweep of New Orleans.  That’s Curry in a Hurry.  LeBron James has been LeBron James but Kyrie Irving has really been impressive.  In his first playoff series ever, Irving has shown a cold confidence that the Cavs will need to truly contend in these playoffs.  Kevin Love is shooting 47.4 percent from 3-point land, a considerable improvement over his 36.7 regular season percentage.  The Celtics have battled hard and impressed many.  Just imagine this team with an actual superstar.  However, I don’t see them winning a game in this series.  It’s not like Rajon Rondo’s going to suit up for them and not play.  

Someone who’s always played and brought it in the big games?  One 39 year old Timothy Theodore Duncan.  I’ve actually heard people spew vitriol towards him simply for how bland and boring he is.  In my mind though, 5 rings is never bland and boring.  And come on, the guy’s official website is www.slamduncan.com.  Exciting stuff.  Duncan scored 28 on 14 of 23 shooting in Wednesday’s important game 2, then took it easy with 4 points in the Spurs 100-73 blowout win Friday night.  Yes, the Spurs won the important game 3 in the best series of the first round by far.  This could have been the Western Conference Finals.  The game Sunday is a must win for the Clippers.  They have the 3:30 pm national attention.  They’re on the road at a place they were recently embarrassed.  Chris Paul might murder most of his teammates if they lose.  Blake Griffin does not want to be remembered for that dribble off his foot or as just Taylor Griffin’s little brother.  

But really, most of the series' have been atypically one-sided this year.  The Wizards are up 3-0 on the Toronto Drakes, despite Randy Wittman’s buffoonery.  (Just look up Randy Wittman Playboard.)  The Rockets lead the Mavs 3-0 and somehow Josh Smith is making them a lot better.  Both these teams can sweep today.  Why even play another game?  The Nets and Bucks both won yesterday.  I don’t want to waste words on the Brooklanta series, but the Bucks called a great play at the end to steal their victory.  I just wonder who called it, Jason Kidd or one of his assistants.  It was nice for the Deer to get a playoff win, but the Bulls should close out tomorrow.  The Jimmy Butler, D-Rose backcourt is going to spell trouble for all and the 2nd round Bulls-Cavs matchup will determine your East Coast Champ.  Memphis is pretty much dominating the overmatched Blazers.  R.I.P. City is down 3-0 but the larger concern might be are they losing LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency this summer.  Is he going back to Texas or is L.A. in LA’s future?  

It’ll be about a week but the 2nd round will show more promise.  Nothing in the East can top Cavs-Bulls, so as per usual the excitement level will come up short there.  Atlanta will lose whatever respect they may have gained this year if they can’t beat the Bullets.  In the West, although it’s too early to count the Clips out, the 2nd round in my mind will be Spurs-Rockets and Warriors-Grizz.  If Josh Smith stays in control and uses his talents, the Rockets can make it interesting.  The gritty Grizzlies may have just enough moxie and Marc Gasol to take G-State to the limit.  Still though, it feels like Spurs-Warriors is inevitable.  Well, until next time, a throwback to last year’s playoffs. @bengalli33

Game of Spurs or Cavs n Roses? NBA Playoff Preview by Ben Galli

Get your basketball fix and follow @bengalli33

Welcome to Pencilstorm’s 2015 NBA Playoff preview.  What follows is a brief (and snarky) overview of each playoff series, ending with my pick to win.  Personally, I don’t get the big deal about picking how many games a series will go, but as they say, give the people what they want.  I separated by Conference and then in order of the series that were least appealing to most appealing. Please feel free to comment below and follow me @bengalli33 . The NBA Playoffs are FAN-TAS-TIC!


Game of Spurs - Westerosi Conference


I’m starting with the superior Western Conference.  Golden State had one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory but the West is all about overcoming the Spurs. Golden State may be a growing force but the Spurs just find ways to prevail.  Very Daenerys Targaryen pitted against the Lannisters.  This could be San Antone's last run with Timmy. So once again, starting with least appealing.....


#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks

    (56-26)            (50-32)


There’s a lot of storylines in this series but I’m just not very moved by either team.  Dirk’s an all time great but I don’t really see this team contending.  Harden can be fun to watch but the rest of the Rockets are a charisma vacuum.  The Mavs do have 2, maybe 3 guys that have the ability to carry them for a game in Dirk, Rondo, and Monta but they’re not at the point where they can do it for a whole series.  I think the Rockets handle Mark Cuban’s team easily even with some simmering bad blood between them.  Rockets in 5.


#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans

    (67-15)                (45-37)


Steph Curry plays basketball the way we all dreamed we could as kids.  The probable MVP has really cemented himself this year as must-watch TV.  The Warriors have a lot of talent and a coach that seemingly gets it, but they are young and untested. Even though they won 21 of their last 25 games this season, Golden State's knock is their youth and inexperience even though this is their 3rd straight trip to the playoffs.  Coming up against the best record in the NBA is The Brow, Anthony Davis, and the no-expectations-having Pelicans.  The best part about this series is that many more fans across the country get to watch Anthony Davis play.  Maybe he’ll make this series interesting but it’s not likely.  Warriors come out to play.  Warriors in 5.


#4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. # 5 Memphis Grizzlies

    (51-31)                (55-27)

 

This series features 2 flawed but pretty solid teams.  I’m interested in seeing how Memphis does in the playoffs since they were considered a contender by some prior to and during this season.  They play tough defense but can struggle to score at times. No lie, it is fun to watch Vince Carter ball out here and there.  Also want to give a tip of the hat to Mike Conley Jr. who has really evolved as a player into a bona fide NBA star after his one year at Ohio State (2015 National Champions!).  Portland has the ultra exciting Dame Lillard but was also swept in 4 regular season match-ups with Memphis.  Who would you root for? The music &d soul of Memphis or the hipsters of Portland?  Grizzlies in 6.


#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs

    (56-26)            (55-27)


The Spurs are on fire.  They finished the season winning 21 of their last 25 by an average margin of victory of 16.4 points.  That run included 14 games against playoff teams.  This is a annual thing now for the Spurs who seemingly turn it on whenever they want to.  Every year we get older and the Spurs stay the same age.  A win last Wednesday against the Pels would have sealed them a #2 seed. As it stands, their loss dropped them to the #6 seed and lost them home court advantage most likely for the entire playoffs.  They are going up against a formidable opponent in Chris Paul’s Clippers squad.  Paul had a great season, De Jordan is a force inside, and Blake Griffin is still Blake Griffin, mediocre Kia spokesperson.  Even with a championship-winning coach and some interesting pieces, it’s difficult to go against the defending champs if only because they’ve earned that respect.  Spurs in 7.


Cavs N’ Roses

The Eastern Conference is the Chinese Democracy Guns N’ Roses lineup and the Western Conference is their Appetite For Destruction lineup.  With due respect to Atlanta’s wonderful season, the East is going to see Lebron’s Cavs or Rose’s Bulls as it’s Finals participant.  Hopefully Bulls fans don't regret Rose coming back from yet another knee injury too quickly while Lebron looks to make a rarely seen 5th Finals appearance in a row.

 

#4 Toronto Raptors vs. # 5 Washington Wizards

    (49-33)                (46-36)

Which Wizards team will show up?  The Wizards started off really well this year but also have a 13-15 record since the All-Star Break.  They have some talent but their coaching has been questioned.  The Raptors are in Toronto, which is in Canada, and it is true people in the states don’t give a shit about 'em. Drake being their superfan probably doesn’t help either.  I don’t know if Rob Ford hurts or helps.  The bigger concern is that they were a tad worse than Washington with a 13-16 record post Break. I like John Wall and I'm going Bullets on this one.  Wizards in 7.

#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets

    (60-22)            (38-44)


I’m mainly interested in this series for 2 reasons. I want to see what Joe Johnson can do.  He has the ability to carry a team for an entire series but how close is he to 100 percent?* And I want to see if this Hawks team is for real.  History says no but you can’t count out a Popovich disciple and the concept of good team basketball.  Although you don’t hear of Spurs players out at clubs at four in the morning altercating with the Po-Po, the Hawks will survive Round 1.  Hawks in 5. 

* This is a boldfaced lie, Joe Johnson only carries bags of money.


#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks

    (50-32)            (41-41)


The 6th seed in the East is 41-41 and the 6th seed in the West is 55-27.  The West's 6th seed would be the #2 in the East.  It's just gotten embarrassing. This series is interesting because Chicago remains a major player in this conference and this guy named Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, remains set to be a major player in the NBA for years to come.  Much like Anthony Davis in New Orleans, I’m looking forward to the casual fan getting a glimpse of his magnificent play.  I think Milwaukee lacks the playoff seasoning but Jason Kidd appeared to vastly improve as a coach. Remember the Bucks did this after losing the #2 pick in last year’s draft for more than 2/3rd’s of the season.  Fear the Deer Next Year but not this one.  Bulls in 5.

 

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics

    (53-29)            (40-42)


Some of LeBron's biggest series have been with the Celtics even back from his first Cavs days.  These are not those Celtics.  There's probably not a Hall of Famer in this bunch, but these guys are gamers and Brad Stevens is really starting to make a name for himself.  I still think his boyish presentation enhances the credit he gets - which may be unfair - but the Boy Wonder had a Celtics team many expected to tank in the 7th spot, albeit in the East. It'll be fun to root for former OSU stars Sully & ET, and Isaiah Thomas is a baller but I can't see this being much of a challenge for the Cavs.  I'm more interested in the wear and tear on LeBron and this being KLove's first playoff series.  LeBron hasn't rested this many minutes in the regular season in a long time and Love better learn fast if he's expected to be a major contributor on a championship team.  Cavs will be all business in this first round because the series everyone wants to see in the East is looming.  Cavs in 4.