I love this game. Only about 16 or 17 games or so left in the regular season. So many intriguing subplots: Flip Murray comes out as a 4th quarter weapon for the Cavs. Can they make really make some noise in the playoffs - i mean it's clear they have some Weapons. Lakers and Kings BOTH at .500, old rivals but completely new look. No Shaq, and the Kings have Ron Artest who can pretty much dismantle your favorite team's best scorer. The Spurs are OLD. JADED. WORN OUT. Can they summon the competitiveness from within? How worn out was Jordan in 98? Miami showing their depth and chemistry. Zo just might be the defensive player of the year. I can't see T Parker doing his thing in Zo's paint on the regular. IF they get there.....personally i see Phoenix I bet on PHOENIX and MIAMI in the finals. Phoenix cause they're just Hungry and their confidence and Steve's confidence is at an alltime high. Miami cause they have too many weapons. And they're hungry too. Payton. Wade. Mourning. There's a lot of heart on this team, a lot of "The Time Is Now" What are you all looking forward to down the stretch? Pick the finals noW! What are the subplots I missed??? thanks in advance....
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting phunDamentalz:</div><div class="quote_post"> The Spurs are OLD. JADED. WORN OUT. Can they summon the competitiveness from within? How worn out was Jordan in 98? </div> Old? Sure they've got a few solid veterans coming off the bench, but their core is quite young (TD is 29, Manu 28 and TP is 23).
I see the Spurs taking it all out again, I think Detroit will struggle to make it past the conference finals, although we do seem to play our best against the better teams, all of our losses except for 2 (against Miami & Dallas, could make an exception for Indiana/Denver) are games we <u>should</u> have won. Spurs definatley arnt worn out, and as stated, they arnt that old either (their core players). I was hoping to see New Orleans make the playoffs, but that doesnt seem likely over the last month or so, which is a shame to see.
I would say the Sours are at the top of the hill, not old and certainly not jaded. A few key injuries for sure. Tim Duncan should be in good form in one month. Ginobli is being groomed to peak health in one month. Parker is having the best year of his career. And Barry, Horry, Mohammed and particular Udrih are giving them smart, solid defense and points. It will be hard to wrest the title from them. Phoenix may have the best shot. I thought this was Dallas' year to grapple for it, but I don't think they can take a seven game series in the 2nd round without Josh Howard and Devin Harris.
The Knicks are the disappointment of the year. We made questionable deals and what-not, but I thought atleast we'd have a 30 or 40 win season. All in all, the season hasn't been going too bad. My second favorite team, The New Jersey Nets are third in the East and if they ever get a legitimate big-man and sign back Vince, might be the scariest team next year. To be honest I think the Suns or Mavs will finally make it to the Finals and win out.
