Commentary: First Round Action - Opinions, Thoughts, Impressions

Ehh, what to say other than SURPRISE.

1. First, oh the mighty Celtics how you guys just kill me. So, the major trend of this series will be the epic clash between Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose (36 points, 11 assists - Playoff Debut and the most calm and composed player I have ever seen (almost)). Anyways, Ray Allen, doing his thang, missing his shots during the beginning of the playoffs as usual.

“I heard it all,” Rose said, matter-of-factly. “I want all the pressure as a rook and people saying I can’t lead the team. We fed off of it.”

- Derrick Rose's new nickname: The Beast.

Anyways, this was a hefty loss for the Celtics especially since it was at home...with a wild set of fans. Celtics should regroup, watch tape, and get their heads outta the gutter.

2. Next, Blazers vs. Rockets (All the Yahoo analysts picked the Blazers, I do too). Rockets just had everything going for them - superior offense, kinda sorta stopped Brandon Roy, all around good play. The Blazers were never really able to get some sort of momentum going, but I'm sure they'll be able to rebound. If Aldridge picks up his play and Brandon Roy + Steve Blake keep a steady backcourt, the Blazers have this in the bag. Aaron Brooks had an unusually nice game, especially from beyond the arc...I say it's a fluke. Yao had a perfect game (literally 9-9 from FG, 6-6 from FT).

3. Philly/Magic game was probably the best game so far. Sixers really pulled off quite an upset especially with a nice comeback in the fourth quarter. Iggy's shot dumbfounded me - definitely one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Honestly, the Sixers have a shot at this - I doubt they can stop Dwight, but if they can suspend the perimeter shooting of the Magic that'll help tremendously.

Good start to this year's playoffs, I'll try to keep updating as much as possible. Stay tuned.

NBA Playoffs 2009

Fail (sorry, but I couldn't say it in any other way)
This season has been injury plagued and, frankly, extremely depressing. They started off decently, but ever since then they have had hot streaks and cold streaks - losing to teams both bad and mediocre. I don't see the passion and "team cohesion" that was present last year and the will to win has gone down a level or two.

Honestly, even with Celtics bias, they don't stand much chance of getting into the Eastern Conference Finals. Chances are they'll have to face the Magic in the second round and with no KG they don't really have a good shot. Perkins and Powe are fantastic big men (don't get me wrong), but they have nothing on Superman -___-
I still love you and will be cheering for the green. Oh, and thankfully Danny Ainge had a speedy and successful recovery from a minor heart attack Thursday. One of the best GM (still probably the best) in the game right now.

My Playoff Predictions:

Eastern Conference
1. Cavs, Celtics, Magic, Hawks all make it to second round.
2. Cavs destroy the Hawks, the Celtics/Magic will have a memorable series where (unfortunately) the Magic win.
3. Cavs win the Eastern Conference finals in an epic battle.

Western Conference
1. Lakers (need I say more?)

Finals
Hmm...LeBron vs. Kobe probably the hottest topic this whole bloody season.
Yup, Cavs are going to win. LeBron James will show his true colors, his blood and grit, and flat-out stomp the Lakers in the finals. Yes, call me crazy but it is feasible and highly likely in my eyes.

Watch for the Hawks and Rockets for any upsets.

All-Star Weekend

Well here were my favorite moments from this year's All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, AZ.

Runner Ups: Daquean Cook upset in 3PT competition, Derrick Rose winning skills challenge, BDL had some hilarious videos.

5. Nate Robinson's Lex Luthor - I missed the dunk live, but boy when I saw it, it was spectacular. Loved the idea, the look, and everything. Moreover, using Dwight (Superman) as the prop was hilarious and fantastic. (It helped that D-Howard was cooperative). Boy, that little guy has hops



4. Kevin Durant's miraculous G-E-I-C-O comeback - He was down to OJ Mayo early on...but talk about clutch. His half court shot from behind the tables was INSANE. Here's a clip...Mayo also had a ridiculous shot from the stands.

Mayo and Durant are upcoming superstars no question.

3. Kevin Durant's 46 point performance Rookie/Soph. game - He's a slow starter, but when he starts he's unstoppable. His size and agility give him a great advantage over most players at his position. Forcing defenders to step out on to the arch opens up inside shots for other players. Anyways, Durant just made everything. When it rains, it pours. I love Kevin (and Jeff Green too!). OKC does have a future.

2. Shaq/Kobe Co-MVP's - During the interview with Craig Sager (the guy's suits are ridiculous) Shaq said something like Kobe and I are biffles. We never really had a rough patch in our friendship etc. Bull****. More like it would have been awkward to say you still hate the guy who's sitting right next to you. Anyways, good to see these two have recovered some sort of friendship. Both had eggcelent games last night. Congrats.

1. Shaq's Dance with Jabawockeez - Classic. Truly Classic Shaq

Lakers vs. Celtics Part 2

Here we go again.
Painful as it was for me, I applaud the Lakers performance. Even though Kobe was anti-clutch, his teammates picked up during the end of the 4th and OT to lead them to victory. He did knock the ball out of Pierce's hands during regulation forcing House to chuck up an ugly three that burned my eyes. Anyways, a couple notes on the game. Celtics played with Garnett in the lineup after his brief recovery period. Lakers were Bynum-less...you would think it would be a repeat of last year's finals. Think again..LA proved their toughness as they were down for a majority of the game. They have gained something this year that they lacked previously - willpower. Oh, and the Lakers have stopped both of the longest winning streaks in the NBA (Celtics 19 game streak and 12 game streak).

Check out the Basketball Jones w/ JE Skeets and Tas Melas - love those guys.