Would the results from the Playoffs have been any different? For example, Min would be up 2-1 with two games left. Thoughts??
Yeah, I think so. Once a team is up in a series and all they have to do is win at least one game, I think they would gain enough confidence in trying to close out the series. If it was still a 5 game series, the Wolves probably would not have had a 2-1 lead.
It is not as simple as that. There is an unquantifiable mentallity change between a 5-game series and a 7-game series. We cannot use what happened in this years round one as a gauge of what could have been had it been a best of 5 series. But I sure miss the intrigue of a 5-game series. There are more surprises and very little margin for error.
The Lakers whined about the change of first round format before the playoffs started. They thought it was to their disadvantage. It turns out helping them, imo.
You should try telling that to the Mavericks, Blowing a 3-0 lead. Man if they lose their next at Portland I think it could be it for them and i thought they have matured enough to have that killer instinct.
