NBA Playoffs

Since there is a day off and I'm bored I decided to make some playoff predictions and give out some Browshys (the awesomest award ever). So first the predictions:

Indiana vs. Detroit (Indiana 4-3)
I just can't help it I love Reggie, Jermaine, and Stephen so much I am on a first name basis with them. This team took the lopsided punishment by Stern and the loss of an all-star to come out the shadows sustain the team when all their stars were out and were left with six players, and fought for the sixth spot and had a first round upset of the over-seeded Celtics. Now they are facing the team that cost them a championship contension, don't you think they would love to knock off the Pistons. Do I think they are going to run out of gas, yeah probably but they have enough in the tank to take the series to seven games and to pull off the shocker in Detroit. Reggie will come up clutch as usual and Jermaine is finally getting his legs. The Pistons will continue their bitching and moaning about calls, but it won't matter. I will address some other Pacers later.

Phoenix vs. Dallas (Suns 4-3)
After Sunday's game all people can talk about is how the Mavs have the Suns figured out and how the series is over. That clearly is not the case, the Suns had to get over the loss of Joe Johnson and they weren't ready for the "Let Nash loose" strategy. But this does not spell the end of the Suns, it was not the strategy or Johnson that was the problem, it was the bad defense played by the Suns. As we all know the Suns are not defensive juggernauts, but in all their other games the Mavs shot under 45% and in the wins for the Suns the Mavs shot under 42% in both games. It is not an issue of the Suns keeping the score low, but they feed off the transition game so they need turnovers and rebounds to run. They will play better D and be better prepared for any Mavs strategy. The Mavs will get another win, but the Suns will win both at home.

Spurs vs. Sonics (Sonics 4-3)
Yes the third game to go seven games and this one is a pretty big upset since a lot of people have the Spurs winning the championship. The Sonics just keep getting role players to contribute at the right time. Without their all-star Lewis starters like Ridnour picked up his contribution and Damien Wilkins came out of nowhere to score 15 points, 5 steals, and 6 rebounds. Lewis should be back for game 5, and the Sonics have figured out to stop the Spurs you need to stop Parker and the supporting cast because Duncan is still a little slow and not the real Tim Duncan we are used to seeing. If the Sonics bench continues to at least stay with the Spurs bench, and the Sonics shoot like they did last game and earlier in the season the Sonics seem to want it more and will steal game seven and head to the Conference Finals. But there are a lot of 'ifs' and it is actually the Spurs series to lose, but they are not playing like they want it.

It is hard to read the playoffs especially with all three remaining series at 2-2, but anything can happen. Just as easily as the Pacers can surprise the world, the Pistons can end the cinderella story and give everyone the East Finals they have been looking forward to all year. It could also be an all-Texas West Finals instead of two teams SI had finishing outside the eighth seed. But I still think the Suns will meet the Heat in the finals like I have thought for a few months now.

Now for the Browshys:

MVP: Dwyane Wade (28.6 pts, 8.4 ast, 6.6 rbs) All they've needed is 8 games and they are in the Conference Finals. Shaq has been slowed with a thigh bruise so Wade has kicked it up, especially the last two games where the big man didn't play. I don't agree with Wilbon saying he is the best player under 6'10, but right now he is playing like the best player left in the playoffs.

Most underrated: Stephen Jackson (17.4 pts, 1.9 stls, 3.7 rbs) His numbers are down from his regular season numbers, but are still very good. His down stats are most likely a result of O'Neal playing again, but he still comes to play every night at both ends. But no one talks about him, hopefully someone sees how well he is playing.

Biggest Disappointment: Kenyon Martin (12.4 pts, 5.6 rbs, 1 blk) All his stats were down and he just didn't play well. His knee was hurt and he was playing against Duncan, but he just didn't breakout in any game.

Best Play: Tracy McGrady's dunk on Shawn Bradley. Good news Bradley is still alive, bad news he is still 7'6" and just got a major facial.

So thats it, the championship depends on the thigh of a giant. If he plays like Shaq the Heat will win, if not the Suns will backup their best record.