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zake201
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May 14 2014, 10:38 AM
Post #1
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Were in the thick of it now. I loved this weekend, with four playoff games a day; truly Hoops Nirvana. Here are a few quick thoughts on the NBA Playoffs. 1. OKC THUNDER SWEEP THE CHAMPS: The thing that jumped out at me this past weekend watching the Thunder take apart the Mavs was wow - what a difference a year makes. I was really impressed with the poise/composure of James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durrant down the stretch closing out Game 4. They played like calm and confident veterans who knew exactly what they wanted to get accomplished. So much of playoffs basketball is about having your playmakers make the right plays and decisions. To take the next step in elite/championship competition, you must have the ability to think and act clearly under duress. Theyre growing up before our eyes. 2. LAKERS DEFENSE: Game 4 in the second half, the Lakers found their way. I loved the 4th quarter defence holding the Nuggets to 18 points. As much as Mike Brown is a defensive coach, this team gets its personality and identity from their offensive success. Theyre off on offense, usually the defensive effort/focus is lacking. Thats a scary team personality trait. The Lakers havent impressed me this season as a road team but they got a big road win Sunday night and in large part because their attention to detail defensively was very good. That has to continue - points are harder to get this time of year and youve got to be sound in every phase of the game. 3. SPENCER HAWES (76ers): Hes the first Sixer to record 20+ points in back-to-back playoff games since 1983 when Hall of Famer, Moses Malone did it for them (Man, Im feeling old! I remember the big fella well Fo-Fo-Fo). It just goes to show how few good big men the Sixers have had of late and how the game has shifted to the perimeter since you see less and less bigs dominate games. Hawes has taken advantage of the Bulls with his soft touch around the basket and efficient face up game when the Bulls have packed the paint. Hes come in to his own under coach Doug Collins and a big reason why the Sixers are a game away from advancing. Nice progress in Hawes game - both back to the basket and 17 feet and in. Hes a good competitor who will battle on the glass for you. 4. DAVID WEST (Pacers): Wasnt a big sexy/hyped signing this past off-season but hes been a great pickup for the Pacers. An undersized power forward coming off major surgery has lost a little lift but has loads of veteran savvy and skill. Watching him go to work on Saturday vs. Orlando was cool. Hes got that Old Man Game which is all substance and no flash. Effective post game and is relentless competitor whos got a good engine. Best big man in his series. Good big guys dont always come in the cookie cutter style of 6"10, 260 lbs who can do it all. Many have to play at a high level of focus and intensity to achieve success and West is a huge reason why the Pacers have gotten tougher and much more consistent this season. The games this time of year are won and lost based upon the decisions your front office makes in the off-season. Larry Bird and his staff hit on this signing. 5. POINT GUARDS: Think about this for a second. No Derrick Rose for the Chicago Bulls and as we can all see, theyre in huge trouble. Rajon Rondo is back the last two games for the Boston Celtics after a silly suspension by him for bumping an official and hes been dominant. Watch any NBA playoff game and youve got to have point guards who can create in the half court when all else breaks down. The way the game is officiated these days favours young quick guards who can get in the lane, shoot the three ball and set the tone for your defense. Lesson learned, watching Rondo and unfortunately what Roses absence has done to mess up the Bulls. 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