maverick94
Player Valuation: £1.5m
So the 2014 NBA Playoffs are underway. Here's the place to air your comments, predictions and general discussion all things basketball. This is how the bracket looks for the 1st round as well as how I rate (in my humble English opinion) each team's chances.
WEST:
San Antonio Spurs (1) v Dallas Mavericks (8)
Spurs made the first seed in the West after a fantastic win streak, and despite an ancient Duncan, Ginobili, Parker trio, they seem to be playing their best basketball again this season. They'll be looking for revenge after last years Finals loss, and under the guidance of the ever sarcastic Coach Pop, I think they have a chance this year. I highly rate the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Thiago Splitter too. My tip for the championship winning team.
The Mavs are very much improved after last season's disappointment of missing the play-offs. Monta Ellis has been a fine addition to an aging Mavericks roster, and just what Dirk has needed to help assist with the scoring load. Decent help from the bench in Vinsanity, who for me is the 6th man of the year. Unfortunately for me, I don't think the Mavs will have enough to go past the experienced Spurs. Spurs completed the season sweep over their Southwest conference rivals and should win this in under 6.
Houston Rockets (4) v Portland Trail Blazers (5)
This is the match up of the entire play-offs for me. Rockets have been a bit stop and go this season, but have some great players in Harden, Chandler, Lin and Howard. Pat Bev and Omar Asik have been valuable to the team too. It finally looks like Dwight has settled in to a team again, and I think he will be key to this tie.
The Blazers got off to a fast start this season, 31-9 in their first 40 games. Aldridge just does it season after season, scoring 46 in the first game of this match up. Lillard is the real deal, and showed he can handle the pressure adding 31 in his first ever play off game. I hope our English man Joel Freeland can get some minutes in this one, maybe a game winning banked three for the Blazers, providing his ankles don't act like rich tea biscuits again. I think Portland could take this one, but it will be close.
LA Clippers (3) v Golden State Warriors (6)
Impressive seasons for both teams, blowing out opponents well in to double figures several times. Clippers will fancy their chances in this one. They have that arrogance in their play, as Roberto might say, and Griffin has been a monster this season. He's improved his mid-range game, and become a much more rounded player. Barnes and Reddick have been pulling extra weight, but I think the game lies with CP3 and Jamal Crawford, and if they can both stay fit.
Golden State have again been impressive again, and I really rate Mark Jackson as a coach (I have no idea why his job is in danger). The splash bros (Curry, Thompson) have been lighting it up all season, and they have solid assistance in Igoudala, as well as defensive intensity from Bogut and Lee. I'd predict the Clippers take this in 6. We might well see them in the Western Finals too.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2) v Memphis Grizzlies (7)
OKC have had a relatively unsurprising season. Unsurprising in that KD has been putting up ridiculous numbers as usual, and will be this years scoring champion and MVP, after he passed the GOAT's (that's Michael Jordan, not @MoutsGoat) record of 40 consecutive 25+ point games. Westbrook, in the meantime has been acting like an upset teenager as per. I do like the big man Kiwi rookie Steven Adams though.
Memphis will be happy with their season, and I think the key to how well they do lie in Gasol and Z-Bo. If they both turn up, they have every chance. We're tied at 1-1 as I write this. I would have though a comfortable passage to the next round for OKC, but after watching the highlights I think it may be a lot closer than that, maybe a game 7 in this match up.
EAST:
Indiana Pacers (1) v Atlanta Hawks (8)
Well the Pacers really should be up against Mike Woodson's fake beard and the Knicks in this one, but they fell apart, and all credit goes to Atlanta, who make up the 8th team in the East. Paul George is boss. Lance Stevenson should have been an all-star and I think Roy Hibbert is important to this team. Much better than Scola, their back up 4/big. I wanted them to make the finals last year, so I hope they can do one better this time round.
Atlanta are a dark horse in a relatively weak Eastern Conference. Jeff Teague is an exciting player and has shown he can score in the NBA, despite concerns coming out of college. He has the range of Kyle Korver to his side to rack up the assists. The series was tied at 2-2 in the regular season, and I expect it to go a similar way in this one. But if there's going to be an upset in the East, it could well be Indiana who go out.
Chicago Bulls (4) v Washington Wizards (5)
Joachim Noah has been named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and quite right. He's intense, scary, angry and hates losing. He was even thrown in amongst the race for MVP in the latter part of the season, so I hope he has a good play off run in this one. The Bulls made some mistakes this season. First letting go Nate Robinson, who was white hot in last years play offs (although they proved to be right, as he's injured now) and then trading Luol Deng to the Cavs. Thats one less hard working all star on their team. They only really compensated with the addition of College heart-throb Jimmer Fredette, who may be able to provide some late game threes when needed. They dearly miss the sick note that is D-Rose. I miss watching him play as well.
On the other side, Washington make their first play offs since 07/08 and they definitely deserve it. John Walls deserves his big stage, and I'd like to see Bradley Beal step up too. They have two imposing bigs in Nene and Gortat, so this match up will be physical and intense. I'd liken it to Crystal Palace vs Stoke, just better. Could be another upset here. Wizards in 5.
Toronto Raptors (3) v Brooklyn Nets (6)
The league's only Canadian team are back in the play offs, as Atlantic Division Champions. They have some exciting scorers in DeRozan and Lowry as well as explosiveness in Terrence Ross. Jonas Valanciunas appears in his first playoffs and it'll be interesting to see how this team gets on, but they seem to have really got it going after the departure of Rudy Gay. I like Toronto, they're quite unoffensive really, a bit like Southampton or something.
After a shaky start under Jason Kidd, the Veteran Nets are starting to play some basketball. Joe Johnson is quality, and they have some championship experience in the JET, Pierce, Garnett and Kidd. Finally, they seem to have become a real unit of a team. They swept the heat 4-0 in regular season, so I think they can definitely go far in this. Nets in 4 or 5.
Miami Heat (2) v Charlotte Bobcats (7)
They were once the Man Utd of basketball, but now United suck, I guess they'd have to be compared to Liverpool. LeBron is a Kopite, and part owner of Liverpool after all. Miami are looking for their 'three-peat'. I don't like them, so can't really be arsed writing much more about them. it would be boss if the Bobcats knocked them out in the first round. Not going to happen like.
On the other hand, I'm really happy that Charlotte's 7 fans have something to cheer about this season. It's quite embarrassing that their state's college team has a better reputation, that's why I'm glad they're changing their name back to the Hornets for next season. Saying that, they do have some decent young players in Kemba Walker, Kidd-Gilchrist and Cody Zeller, and very impressive Al Jefferson. But to win this series they'll need MJ himself to come out from behind the Bobcats managerial set up and step out on to the court.
There we have it, maverick's NBA playoff preview of sorts. Here's hoping for some game 7 triple OTs!
Who have you got, GOT?
NB. In true American spirit I've left room for a sponsor, if anyone wants it?
WEST:
San Antonio Spurs (1) v Dallas Mavericks (8)
Spurs made the first seed in the West after a fantastic win streak, and despite an ancient Duncan, Ginobili, Parker trio, they seem to be playing their best basketball again this season. They'll be looking for revenge after last years Finals loss, and under the guidance of the ever sarcastic Coach Pop, I think they have a chance this year. I highly rate the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Thiago Splitter too. My tip for the championship winning team.
The Mavs are very much improved after last season's disappointment of missing the play-offs. Monta Ellis has been a fine addition to an aging Mavericks roster, and just what Dirk has needed to help assist with the scoring load. Decent help from the bench in Vinsanity, who for me is the 6th man of the year. Unfortunately for me, I don't think the Mavs will have enough to go past the experienced Spurs. Spurs completed the season sweep over their Southwest conference rivals and should win this in under 6.
Houston Rockets (4) v Portland Trail Blazers (5)
This is the match up of the entire play-offs for me. Rockets have been a bit stop and go this season, but have some great players in Harden, Chandler, Lin and Howard. Pat Bev and Omar Asik have been valuable to the team too. It finally looks like Dwight has settled in to a team again, and I think he will be key to this tie.
The Blazers got off to a fast start this season, 31-9 in their first 40 games. Aldridge just does it season after season, scoring 46 in the first game of this match up. Lillard is the real deal, and showed he can handle the pressure adding 31 in his first ever play off game. I hope our English man Joel Freeland can get some minutes in this one, maybe a game winning banked three for the Blazers, providing his ankles don't act like rich tea biscuits again. I think Portland could take this one, but it will be close.
LA Clippers (3) v Golden State Warriors (6)
Impressive seasons for both teams, blowing out opponents well in to double figures several times. Clippers will fancy their chances in this one. They have that arrogance in their play, as Roberto might say, and Griffin has been a monster this season. He's improved his mid-range game, and become a much more rounded player. Barnes and Reddick have been pulling extra weight, but I think the game lies with CP3 and Jamal Crawford, and if they can both stay fit.
Golden State have again been impressive again, and I really rate Mark Jackson as a coach (I have no idea why his job is in danger). The splash bros (Curry, Thompson) have been lighting it up all season, and they have solid assistance in Igoudala, as well as defensive intensity from Bogut and Lee. I'd predict the Clippers take this in 6. We might well see them in the Western Finals too.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2) v Memphis Grizzlies (7)
OKC have had a relatively unsurprising season. Unsurprising in that KD has been putting up ridiculous numbers as usual, and will be this years scoring champion and MVP, after he passed the GOAT's (that's Michael Jordan, not @MoutsGoat) record of 40 consecutive 25+ point games. Westbrook, in the meantime has been acting like an upset teenager as per. I do like the big man Kiwi rookie Steven Adams though.
Memphis will be happy with their season, and I think the key to how well they do lie in Gasol and Z-Bo. If they both turn up, they have every chance. We're tied at 1-1 as I write this. I would have though a comfortable passage to the next round for OKC, but after watching the highlights I think it may be a lot closer than that, maybe a game 7 in this match up.
EAST:
Indiana Pacers (1) v Atlanta Hawks (8)
Well the Pacers really should be up against Mike Woodson's fake beard and the Knicks in this one, but they fell apart, and all credit goes to Atlanta, who make up the 8th team in the East. Paul George is boss. Lance Stevenson should have been an all-star and I think Roy Hibbert is important to this team. Much better than Scola, their back up 4/big. I wanted them to make the finals last year, so I hope they can do one better this time round.
Atlanta are a dark horse in a relatively weak Eastern Conference. Jeff Teague is an exciting player and has shown he can score in the NBA, despite concerns coming out of college. He has the range of Kyle Korver to his side to rack up the assists. The series was tied at 2-2 in the regular season, and I expect it to go a similar way in this one. But if there's going to be an upset in the East, it could well be Indiana who go out.
Chicago Bulls (4) v Washington Wizards (5)
Joachim Noah has been named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and quite right. He's intense, scary, angry and hates losing. He was even thrown in amongst the race for MVP in the latter part of the season, so I hope he has a good play off run in this one. The Bulls made some mistakes this season. First letting go Nate Robinson, who was white hot in last years play offs (although they proved to be right, as he's injured now) and then trading Luol Deng to the Cavs. Thats one less hard working all star on their team. They only really compensated with the addition of College heart-throb Jimmer Fredette, who may be able to provide some late game threes when needed. They dearly miss the sick note that is D-Rose. I miss watching him play as well.
On the other side, Washington make their first play offs since 07/08 and they definitely deserve it. John Walls deserves his big stage, and I'd like to see Bradley Beal step up too. They have two imposing bigs in Nene and Gortat, so this match up will be physical and intense. I'd liken it to Crystal Palace vs Stoke, just better. Could be another upset here. Wizards in 5.
Toronto Raptors (3) v Brooklyn Nets (6)
The league's only Canadian team are back in the play offs, as Atlantic Division Champions. They have some exciting scorers in DeRozan and Lowry as well as explosiveness in Terrence Ross. Jonas Valanciunas appears in his first playoffs and it'll be interesting to see how this team gets on, but they seem to have really got it going after the departure of Rudy Gay. I like Toronto, they're quite unoffensive really, a bit like Southampton or something.
After a shaky start under Jason Kidd, the Veteran Nets are starting to play some basketball. Joe Johnson is quality, and they have some championship experience in the JET, Pierce, Garnett and Kidd. Finally, they seem to have become a real unit of a team. They swept the heat 4-0 in regular season, so I think they can definitely go far in this. Nets in 4 or 5.
Miami Heat (2) v Charlotte Bobcats (7)
They were once the Man Utd of basketball, but now United suck, I guess they'd have to be compared to Liverpool. LeBron is a Kopite, and part owner of Liverpool after all. Miami are looking for their 'three-peat'. I don't like them, so can't really be arsed writing much more about them. it would be boss if the Bobcats knocked them out in the first round. Not going to happen like.
On the other hand, I'm really happy that Charlotte's 7 fans have something to cheer about this season. It's quite embarrassing that their state's college team has a better reputation, that's why I'm glad they're changing their name back to the Hornets for next season. Saying that, they do have some decent young players in Kemba Walker, Kidd-Gilchrist and Cody Zeller, and very impressive Al Jefferson. But to win this series they'll need MJ himself to come out from behind the Bobcats managerial set up and step out on to the court.
There we have it, maverick's NBA playoff preview of sorts. Here's hoping for some game 7 triple OTs!
Who have you got, GOT?
NB. In true American spirit I've left room for a sponsor, if anyone wants it?
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