As always, what we expected to happen in the playoffs didn't exactly work out as planned. Though each series is only 2 games in, the way most of the series have progressed comes as a surprise to most. Who would have thought the LAKERS would lose game one at home to the HORNETS? Probably not many of us. I'm going to grade each series on a letter scale from F to A+. F will indicate that the series is a shocker and an A+ means that the series is continuing soundly.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
BULLS(1) vs. PACERS(8)
Chicago leads the series 2-0 as most expected. The BULLS are just a superior team in every fashion and the series score shows it. However, I give Indiana credit for being able to stick with BULLS. In game 1, the PACERS had the lead the entire game until the dying minutes of the final quarter when Derrick Rose ended their hopes of a game 1 upset. I know I predicted a series sweep by the BULLS, but don't be surprised if Indiana takes one at home with their crowd behind them. GRADE: C- (passing, but not by a lot)
HEAT(2) vs. 76ERS(7)
Miami leads the series 2-0 which isn't much of a surprise. The way the first 2 games progressed, however, comes as a surprise to me. I thought Phili was going to put up a good fight in this series but it has clearly been the most one-sided in the playoffs. Miami has dominated the 76ERS other than certain stretches in game 1. My prediction could have been skewed as a result of my lack of faith in the HEAT, but they are impressing me. A first round sweep might end Phili's season. GRADE: D (surprise to me, but probably not to people who believe in the HEAT)
CELTICS(3) vs. KNICKS(6)
Boston leads the series 2-0 as expected. Home court has proven to be the CELTICS advantage in this series thus far, as their ability to lock-up defensively down the stretch has been what has won them games and much of that fire comes from the crowd. Melo' was great in game 2 and Amar'e was great in game 1, which ensured that KNICKS were close. Chauncy Billups and Amar'e Stoudemire both sat out game 2 with injuries which makes you wonder 2 things in particular: Would New York have won game 2 with them in lineup? And how can Amar'e say Pau Gasol is soft when he dresses in a suit and tie in the playoffs because of sore back? Kobe played a season with a broken finger. It's time to take of the dress, put down the fairy wand, and put on the jersey. GRADE: A (look for New York to win a couple at home coming up)
MAGIC(4) vs. HAWKS(5)
This series has not gone the way I expected it at all. The HAWKS appeared to be uninterested all year and seemed to be at the end of every punchline. Besides that, these 2 teams played in the post season last year and Orlando swept them. Such is the cruel mistress that is expectation. Orlando expects it to be a cake-walk and Atlanta comes out with something to prove. Dwight Howard has been a absolute monster in the series and probably the best player in the playoffs so far. With a MAGIC team that relies so heavily on Howard's production, it's hard to believe the MAGIC lost one at home and series is tied at 1. GRADE: F (impressed with the HAWKS, disappointed with the MAGIC minus Howard)
WESTERN CONFERENCE
SPURS(1) vs. GRIZZLIES(8)
The series is tied at 1-1, which isn't a surprise considering Manu Ginobili didn't suit up game one with a sore elbow. The SPURS sort of stumbled into the playoffs and it's showing. I still expect San Antonio to take this series but not without a fight. GRADE: A (Manu is back, which gives the SPURS is the upper hand)
LAKERS(2) vs. HORNETS(7)
Wow, Chris Paul. The series is tied 1-1, and CP3 has made his mark. The All-Star PG single-handedly beat the LAKERS in game one. It was a surprise because it was game 1 and in L.A., but it isn't a surprise that the HORNETS beat the LAKERS once. Like I said last week, L.A. can turn off the switch, and that's what they did. I still don't expect the series to be close the rest of the way. GRADE: B (I thought the HORNETS would steal one at home, not on the road. But it doesn't change that the LAKERS will win)
MAVERICKS(3) vs. BLAZERS(6)
The MAVS lead this series 2-0 and it has been a lot more one sided then I predicted. My lack of faith in the post season prowess of Dallas might have been falsely placed (you're welcome Evan). Their play has been impressive thus far and they have dominated the BLAZERS for most of each game. The one reason this report card wont get an F is that the series is now swinging to Portland which gives them a chance to even the series before they go back on the road. If the BLAZERS don't take advantage of their home court in game 4 and 5 then this series will end in 5 or 6. GRADE: D
THUNDER(4) vs. NUGGETS(5)
OKC leads the series 2-0. Game 1 was exactly as I expected: a close and exciting game. Denver lost game 2 by 17, which was a poor effort on their part. Look for this young NUGGETS team to bounce back and fight hard on their home court. This series still has a lot of basketball to be played. GRADE: B
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