Tuesday, May 20, 2008

To Be the Champ You Have To....


The Hornets proved they were more Michael Spinks than Buster Douglas when it came to a prize fight with the champs. The Spurs dismissed the youthful Hornets in easy order last night. The future is certainly bright in the Big Easy, but it was not to be for Paul and West this season. The Spurs victory sets up a dream Final Four for the NBA with the league's four best teams (yes, the Hornets were technically the number 2 seed in the West, but the Spurs were a better team). To date, LWAL has picked all playoff series winners correctly, which is not that impressive when one considers that outside of the Spurs beating the Hornets, the higher seed has won every series. A track record like this means I am due to be wrong. Without further adieu, Picks That Sure to be Wrong, Conference Finals Edition:
  • Mighty C's over the Pistons, 4-2: The Celtics will win at least on game in Detroit in a series that will certainly be low scoring, as these are the two best defensive teams in the NBA. This nonsensical streak of wining at home and losing on the road cannot continue. It must be embarrassing for Ray Allen to lose minutes in the fourth quarter of a Game 7 to Eddie House. He must shoot better. All of these games will be close and come down to who executes best in the fourth quarter, also Billups' health could be an issue.
  • Lakers over Spurs, 4-3: This should be a great series. Of course I said Spurs-Hornets would be great and it was the worst seven game series in the history of sports. These two teams have won 7 of the last 10 championships, thus their meeting in the Conference Finals is a dream match-up for basketball fans. I like Kobe playing the signature game of his career in a close Game 7 at home.
This of course will create an NBA Finals for those who's interest has waned since Larry and Magic retired. While the rivalry is not what it was, when the Lakers' starting five were the five sports figures I despised more than all others, this match-up might bring people back into the fold. My projection remains unchanged: Celtics over Lakers.

For an expert take, go here.

1 comment:

Bill said...

Full agreement here- except your final prediction; Lakers over Celts in 7. Spurs-Pistons would be snooze-fest, part 15.