Several teams retooled by plucking All Stars off struggling squads, including the modern game's most dominant force. The NBA's MVP will probably be between 2 different yet completely viable candidates, along with the probable Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year. It's been an incredible and historic season, and it's just getting to the good part...
2. Hornets vs. 7. Mavericks – The NBA saw its future this season, a dominating force standing all of 6 feet tall, and just about ready to launch himself into true NBA super stardom. This has been the year of Chris Paul and his Hornets, who came out of nowhere this year and took the Big Easy, and the Western Conference, by storm, securing the #2 seed after missing the dance a season before. However, the young upstart Hornets face a veteran Mavericks team on a mission to erase the memories of that historic and humiliating first round exit against the Warriors a year ago. Dirk Nowitzki, without the pressure of past years, will emerge from his playoff funk dating back to Game 3 of the Finals 2 years ago, Jason Kidd, still learning to man this team, will have an incredible match up with CP3, while Josh Howard will probably be a tremendous secondary option and should have a breakout series. Mavericks in 6.
3. Spurs vs. 6. Suns – This should be the most entertaining series of the playoffs, the 3rd matchup between the squads in 4 years. Shaq vs. Timmy. Nash vs. Parker. Amare, Manu, Grant Hill, and Big Shot Bob’s bodychecking hips. While all of us around the country questioned Steve Kerr’s sanity when he made the crazy February trade to bring in an old and overweight Shaq in the run-and-gun Suns offense, this is the series he was gearing up for, Well, it’s 2 months later, Shaq is in better shape, Amare is having arguably his best season ever, and Nash can lead this team in both uptempo and halfcourt styles. However, you never, ever underestimate playoff-version Spurs, who have demonstrated that team chemistry often beats out superb individual talent. San Antonio has the bench to counter the Suns’ different styles of attack, the best coach in the league, and the battle experience, along with the matching hardware, and will be moving on. But damn, it should be fun to watch. Spurs in 7.
4. Jazz vs. 5. Rockets – After a historic 22-game run and rolling over opponents for months, the Rockets were rewarded with a rematch against the Utah Jazz, who ousted the Rockets in 7 last year. This should be another fun series to watch, as both teams get set to duke it out once again, though with a 7 foot 6 void in the Rockets’ game. Yes, Houston reeled off 10 straight even without Yao, but the playoffs are a different beast. I don’t see how Scola can contain Carlos Boozer, who should be absolutely dominant this series, nor is Dikembe Mutombo a good answer for perimiter shooting Okur. Plus, there’s nobody on the Rockets that can stop Deron Williams, though while not as flashy, is right up there with Paul as the top rising Western PG’s. Rafer’s probably going to be out at least the first game with an injury, and he’s probably the best option they have of staying on Dwill. TMac’s had an incredible season and has put to rest those who doubted his body, and his heart, but the matchups are just going to be too unfavorable to overcome the Rockets trying to get McGrady out of the first round. Jazz in 6.
