I don't know about you guys, but I can't remember the last time I enjoyed the first round of the playoffs this much! Already some spectacular finishes, great matchups, lots of intensity, I am very, very impressed by the quality of matchups we have so far. You've got the Pacers vs. Nets matchup, the Spurs/Kings has been pretty exciting and closer than most would've expected (this is an 8th seed going up against the defending champs, afterall), you got the Bulls/Heat which has been very intense as well, and the Cavs/Wizards has had some spectacular moments to it. Normally, I rarely would pay attention to the first round matchups because they tend to go as planned. However, this season I just think that seedings are much less of a factor because with the exception of the Spurs and the Pistons, I honestly think that all the teams in the league are just not that far off talent-wise, even if it might seem otherwise. Has anyone else been enjoying these first round matchups more than usual? I think this can only be good for the league.
Martin's finish reminds me Fisher's 0.4 second shot. Pop's face tonight reminds me Pop's face in T-Mac "13 in 33" game. Simply priceless!
Easily one of the best playoffs in recent memory. I'm loving the Kings/Spurs series, Cavs/Wiz series, and the Lakers/Suns series is both extremely physical and extremely emotional. The Bulls/Heat series looks like it might get interesting also. Why couldn't Kobe play like this all season? The Lakers would be so much better. Well, I don't mean his 6/18 FG and 17 pts, but his sharing of the ball and getting his teammates open and bulding up some chemistry and confidence in them.
I cant remember a first round being this strong. Every game is enjoyable. It seems like we have a new guy suspended everynite, the teams and players are playing with passion and physicality.
That's exactly what I am referring to. It will be interesting to see whether or not the next rounds will be as good or even more interesting than this one. I honestly can't remember the last time I enjoyed the first round of the playoffs as much as I am enjoying this one...and the weird thing is the Rockets aren't even in it! If they were, it would only be that much sweeter.
And can you believe the Bucks smacked the Pistons? This was the one series that had a guaranteed 4-0 written all over it. If the Pistons lose before the Finals, then it's a great playoff year for me. If today turns out to be the ONE bad game Detroit gets out of their system, I'm not happy. It's kind of a bummer to be keyed in on one team losing. Still, the action and intensity have been great. Detroit losing would be a cherry on top of it all for me.
Seriously, is this the year of the underdog or what? Lakers, Clippers (at least seed-wise), Bulls, Kings, all those teams are giving top-seeded teams a run for their money or are actually primed to beat them. This is so much fun!
funny thing is, the first two days of the playoffs, i was saying that i have never been less interested in the playoffs since i started watching basketball. just when i thought i was out....they pull me back in.
Watching Ron Artest putting Manu Flopini back to his scrub status is simply amazing. Watching Bozi Wells seriously abusing Bruce "Dirty" Bowen adds the icing to the cake. I am loving every minute of this playoff.
I agree, these have been some of the most entertaining days of basketball I've watched in a while. For my money, there isn't a better time of the year than the NBA playoffs. The only thing that really stinks is that the Rockets aren't in it. I really wanted another shot at the Mavbricks.
I'm enjoying watching the lakers beating the suns. Hope Kings can knock out SA and Dallas!! Will root for clippers to go all the way. Want wizards to knock out the HYPE that is lebron james. Expect a heat-pistons ECF even though miami is struggling right now.
i totally agree with you. i've been watching every game i can and staying up late to watch the west coast ones. the clips/nugs games are good. i love watching SA lose to the kings. lakers (i don't like kobe, but he has been great) beating the suns, bulls over heat. fustrated plays, Ts, last second shots...i love it. too bad i'm going over sees and won't be able to watch anymore.
I agree, to me the best thing is, this isn't an example of parity like the nfl as much as it is an example of the depth of talent in the league. take milwakee, they have a bad record, but they do have talent, and probably one of the most complete teams in the league.
