I hope the Hornets win, but I predict the Spurs will. "Never underestimate the heart of a champion." The Spurs will be very, very hard to close out.
Despite the fact I agree with you that the Spurs are much more formidable against the Lakers, and that I will route for either against the Lakers, that isn't enough of a factor to route for the Spurs in this one because I think the EC will end up desposing of the Lakers if it comes down to it. I just as soon have the San Antonio Roaches (after all, they are about as hard to kill) out of title contention whenever possible.
Oh, I would say if any series this resembles it is SA versus Dallas two years ago. SA had the experience and the stability, NO had the more athletic and active squad. Dallas broke through that day (even on the Spurs home court), I think the same for NO. Young legs and home court wins it down the stretch.
To be fair, Dallas doesn't break through that day if not for one of the most stupid, mindless and idiotic fouls in the history of basketball, without which the Spurs might have three consecutive titles. Dallas certainly played a good game, but the legacy of that Game 7 is Manu Ginobili's idiocy. I really don't know what to make of this game tonight. Logic tells me New Orleans -- they've consistently been the better team in New Orleans, and it really hasn't been that close. The Spurs don't seem to have the energy to stay with them for 48 minutes in that building. However, sometimes the Spurs give off the vibe that they don't really play hard until their backs are against the wall and they have to, which is certainly the case tonight. If I had to pick, I'd take the Hornets simply based on logic and the series thus far. But I wouldn't be a bit surprised if San Antonio had an extra burst tonight and takes it by 5 or so. I certainly hope that's the case.
Well Dallas had a huge lead if I remember and if they don't get all tight and choked up themsleves they win game 7 going away. It was a strange game, both teams had command of it only to lose their grip. And then Diop outplays Duncan in the OT--go figure. And I don't think it is fair to pin it all on the Manu foul of Dirk, as poor of play as it was. He was the key player in the charge to get the Spurs back in it (if memory serves). And again, Duncan gets outplayed by Diop in the OT. What I remember, anyway. I agree it is really hard to get a handle on this game. So much of it is on whether NO can keep their emotions in check enough to play out this world active and hard, but not stupid and tight. I am fairly confident at least 2 of the Spurs big 3 will play well, so NO will need to play well to win. So in the end who knows?--I don't think anyone does, including the coaches and players until the game just unfolds.
From the very beginning, this series has reminded me of the Rockets - jazz series from a year ago. I wouldn't be surprised if it played out the exact same way. The game is close until the spurs pull away in the last few minutes.
If Hornets advance, Lakers will do an easy boring walkthrough to the finals, if SA advances there's a different story..
I'm not a fan of New Orleans, but I hope they beat the Spurs tonight. I don't want to see the Spurs win another championship.
Speaking of betting against the house, I've made it a rule not to ever bet against the home team in game 7's. But you're right about experience, so the Spurs would be my team to buck the trend if I had to pick one this postseason. Yet, it's just a win-or-lose call, so I still have to go with the Hornets in New Orleans.
Manu has already missed 2 relatively easy right-hand finishes. I don't undertand why teams don't force him that way more often.
I'm hoping for the Spurs to win. I think they can compete with the Lakers, I'm afraid the Hornets wouldn't put up much of a fight. Boo the Lakers!
