An NBA season never ends without a battle of two legendary coaches, and I am talking about Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan here, who have met in various stages in the playoffs since '96. Having taken the long road to the next exit with six games apiece, the Lakers and the Jazz have to prove that they can still hold on.
The Lakers In: The six-game war with Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder was like that against Denver last year, with the Lakers finding their form late in the series and working as a complete team. Though the first round has been stamped all over by Kobe, it was through the help of the trifecta of big men: Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom, who put power and experience over speed and youth. Using this strength together with a few adjustments on the backcourt, the Lakers might have this one easier than we think it is.
The Jazz In: Only a few ever thought that the Utah Jazz, without their main brick wall Andrei Kirilenko, could get past the pesky, Karl-less, Denver Nuggets led by Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony. Their crucial wins could be credited to the leadership of their playmaker Deron Williams, creating scoring opportunities both inside the paint and beyond the arc. Add to that the effort to help out by Paul Millsap and the rest of the bench who carried the burden during crucial stretches. With all these, it seems that the Jazz could grab the ticket to the Western Conference Finals
What Could Be: Aren't we too tired of having Jerry Sloan and Phil Jackson around? Considering their styles and their personnel, this would be a quick battle. Lakers in 6.
2.Phoenix Suns (3) vs. San Antonio Spurs (7)
Having Phoenix and San Antonio around the playoffs kinda became stable during these last few years. Now with various upgrades and adjustments to accommodate their aging key players, we might have something exciting here.
The Suns In: A well-deserved victory against Portland in six games would be proof that Steve Nash, now at thirty-eight, still hasn't lost touch of playing team ball. The execution of the run-and-gun system has been second nature to everyone, even with reserves like Goran Dragic and Lou Amundson. Of course, we have to give the credit to Amare Stoudemire, for making the necessary baskets and constantly hitting on the glass. Overall, as long as the Suns get their fastbreak stretches done, they could win this one.
The Spurs In: Everybody loved the Spurs after thrashing Dallas in six very quick games. And I have to emphasize that it was their speed, despite their age, that helped them against the Mavs, which is generally a half-court team. In fact, the guards who took the effort to run back and forth were the ones responsible for this. Parker, Ginobili, and newcomer George Hill took care of the Dallas backcourt and scored the most crucial baskets, most especially in Game Six. And of course, Tim Duncan took care of the paint job and made sure that they get their inside scores.
What Could Be: This will be a tiring game and it could get longer than everyone expects it to be. But I believe that the "bin there, done that" attitude will prevail in times of pressure. Spurs in 7.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
3.Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. Boston Celtics (4)
The battle between the real Beasts of the East, I should say. Both of these teams have worked their way up with much aggression and intimidation on both sides of the court. Surely, this series would be more of a battle between emotions than that of skill.
The Cavs In: LeBron James swept the Bulls in five games, and that, I believe, is a sign of dominance and hunger for a championship. After getting his second-straight MVP honors, he now has to get the big trophy to become a real NBA icon. But the difference between '07 and '09 is the fact that he doesn't need to do this alone. He's got Shaq, Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas by his side. As long as they play their team game, they could get over this quickly and go to the next stop.
The Celtics In: A healthier Garnett could spell out the entire difference in this year's playoffs. The Celtics have shown that they are still a powerful team after ripping out the Heat in five games, tiring out Dwyane Wade through tough D. Plus, they've got the guns both on inside and the outside. While KG and the rest of the bigs take care of the inside, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce can slide in and out and hit their own threes and pull-ups. The next team that they are up against now would be tougher than the first, so unless they tighten their guard and learn to find easy baskets for their top offensive guys, they have to pack their bags and enjoy the summer.
What Could Be: This is going to be a very tough battle, with a lot of whistles and hustle plays along. But in the end, LeBron James would not be denied. Cavs in 7.
4.Orlando Magic (2) vs. Atlanta Hawks (3)
One took the easy route, while the other had a rough ride. It seems that with the way both of these teams played in the first round, this will be an interesting match-up. Talk about being young and fresh… and able to go for the kill when needed.
The Magic In: Nothing like a good victory for Dwight Howard's squad, with a straight sweep against Gerald Wallace and the Bobcats. This is the Magic's statement that they will be back for the NBA Finals, and they've got new guys who could take over: Jason Williams, Matt Barnes, and Vince Carter, who could help the staple of Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Jameer Nelson throughout. Consistent efforts on the glass and attacking the basket might just be their key to victory.
The Hawks In: Tired but not out, as they say for the Hawks, who just had finished a tight seven-game bout with Brandon Jennings' Bucks. With the core of Atlanta still intact and ready to go, most especially Sixth Man awardee Jamal Crawford, the keys to victory would be allowing their team of shooters to find their spots, with their big men getting back on track with efforts on the board and in the paint. But what has been absent lately was their defense, and if only they could bring it out tightly, then they could close things out.
What Could Be: Hawks have the youth and the legs, but Howard could top them all, backed by his shooting buddies. Magic in 5.
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