With only four teams left to compete for the NBA Championship, the 2009 playoffs gets more and more intense. Here's a sneak peek of the wars that are to come.
THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Los Angeles Lakers (1) v. Denver Nuggets (2)
When these two teams meant business, they always mean that there is no time for playing around.
The Lakers, after a tiring seven-game series with the defense-oriented Houston Rockets, still have lots to prove in this playoff series. They haven't found their consistency yet, as they had their own ups and downs in the second round, which, as analysts would say, should have been finished a week ago. However, in spite of plays going bad and shots bouncing off the rim, the Lakers know how to stand still and keep up with their opponent. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol try to get rid of this bipolar personality by scoring big baskets and distracting the defense, and they are going to need all the help they can get from their bench.
While the other team is struggling, Denver seems to have been more relaxed than ever. Nearly sweeping the Dallas Mavericks in a 5-game battle, they seem to elucidate fear among their opponents, telling everyone that they are the new Denver Nuggets that can crush opponents if they want to. Chauncey Billups did a good job at playing the point and scoring when needed. Anthony and J.R. Smith can score both from the inside and the outside, and K-Mart and Birdman can take care of the paint. Denver is indeed lock-and-loaded for this fight, and they are not going to hold back.
However, Lakers defense can edge them out, and Phil Jackson could outwit George Karl in terms of plays. Lakers in 7.
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Cleveland Cavaliers (1) v. Orlando Magic (3)
It's the battle for the crown in the east and a chance to get the NBA Championship for these ring-hungry teams. Is it going to be the King or Superman who will step up and emerge victorious?
The Cleveland Cavaliers, having an 8-0 record in the playoffs, should prepare themselves for what we call as real battles. Clearly, their opponents in the previous rounds weer nothing compared to them, showing that LeBron could singlehandedly beat these teams. The other player in this team that made a difference is Mo Williams, who was James' partner and go-to guy in case of defensive pressure. They should be more than prepared now, having been able to rest and come up with new styles of play. The other Cavs should be pumped up too and prepared to step up during difficulties.
However, the Magic had lessons of their own in their seven-game fight against the defending champion Boston Celtics. Without Garnett, they were able to utilize the strength and power of the Manchild to crush Ray Allen and Paul Pierece's company. However, it would not be possible without the help of his partners Rafer Alston and Hedo Turkoglu, who had been making big big shots most especially in the last three games of the series. Can they hold on to their hopes and defeat the brick wall of Cleveland? Everything would entirely depend on their teamplay.
This would be a rough fight, but Lebron would be able to stand his ground. Cavaliers in seven.
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