*FAN SUBMISSION by Jack Bolesta of College Park, MD. Follow him on Twitter @jackbolesta.*
With the semi-final round of the 2013 NBA playoffs underway for the remaining 8 teams, fans have been upset, rejoicing and shocked by how some games and series have played out. So far, the 2013 NBA playoffs have been extremely exciting, entertaining and a battle on the court.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors
Spurs Win 4-3
So far, during the 2013 NBA playoffs, Stephen Curry has been a dominating player, averaging 27.1 PPG this post season. Many people wanted to count the Warriors out after losing David Lee against the Nuggets; in fact, most critics had Denver eliminating Golden State. With the timely return of David Lee, Stephen Curry has provided the Bay Area with its first playoff advancement in six years.
Game 1 of the Spurs vs. the Warriors turned out to be a double overtime thriller, where Curry went off on another 3rd quarter superhuman performance, scoring 22 points. Though, do not let Stephen Curry and the Warriors exciting style of play distract you from Gregg Popovich and his fundamentally sound Spurs. During Game 1, Popovich decided to pull Tim Duncan from the game due to illness. Warriors fans need to ask themselves two things; 1)Can you beat the Spurs with a healthy Tim Duncan? 2) Did the Warriors blow Game 1 and possibly the series?
1) With a healthy Tim Duncan, the Spurs will be harder to play against defensively and offensively. Let’s not forget Duncan has hit his share of buzz beaters too. With a healthy and rested Tim Duncan the Spurs will be stronger, but I think the Warriors can match up against them as well.
2) I do not believe the Warriors “blew it”. The San Antonio Spurs are a tough group of guys who possess veteran postseason experience, who were not going to give up. To beat the Spurs, it is going to take four quarters of solid basketball on both sides of the court. Game 1 can always be used as a game to learn from. For instance, the Warriors lost Game 1 to the Denver Nuggets and blew their lead in the 4th quarter. While these losses can be painful, the they won three straight after a after that loss in Denver. I would not count Stephen Curry, and this group of young relentless men out, just yet. This series will end up going seven games. I have the Spurs winning the series because Tim Duncan should be healthy before Game 7; as well, Game 7 is in San Antonio, which can propel the Spurs to victory.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Thunder Win 4-2
Oklahoma City and Kevin Durant had to adapt to a different game plan and style, since losing Russell Westbrook to knee injury against the Houston Rockets in Round 1. During the regular season, OKC had the 8th worst assist rate, that is with Westbrook at starting point guard. This statistic did not matter much though, because Westbrook and Durant were two offensively dominating athletes. The Thunder need to develop and execute their ‘Plan B’ offense, something many fans have not ever seen, since the Thunder have been so successful at full strength.
The Grizzlies shocked critiques as they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 4-2 in Round 1. Even after trading away Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies have been playing very solid basketball. Even after falling behind 2-0 to the Clippers, the Grizzlies were able to bounce back and win four straight games to take the series. Michael Conley Jr. will be a key offensive factor for the Grizzlies against the Thunder, just as he was against the Clippers. During Round 1, Conley Jr., almost matched Chris Paul in production. Zach Randolph will also be a key figure if the Grizzlies want to win, a he will need to be get a double-double each game. (Game 1 Randolph had 18Pts and 10Rebs)
Memphis Grizzlies have the ability and roster to pull an upset, but if Durant asserts himself offensively each game and can receive big helping roles from Serge Ibaka, Derek Fisher, Reggie Jackson, Thabo Sefolosha, Kevin Martin, Kendrick Perkins, etc., the Thunder should be able to advance and revisit the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
Pacers win 4-2
This rivalry dates back to 1994 with Reggie Miller going at John Starks and Spike Lee yelling at the top of his lungs from the sidelines. With a Win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals over the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, the Pacers have finally woke up every critic up that was “sleeping” on this team. Just like many others have against the Pacers defense, Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith disappeared in Game 1. Along with their current shooting, the Knicks face an even bigger problem, former Georgetown University star, Roy Hibbert. The Pacers play tough, fast and competitive on both sides of the court with multiple threats. Hibbert’s size protects the hoop and paint; his great size allows perimeter defenders to stay at home and not “crowd” the paint when players like Carmelo Anthony come driving down the lane. If anyone forgot, the Pacers are the league’s best defensive and rebounding team and have seemed to be able to completely dominate the Knicks.
Carmelo has been suffering from shoulder pains, but if he cannot get the Knicks past the Pacers in the conference semi-finals he will be facing greater pains to deal with. The Knicks are a good 3-point shooting team, but if they cannot create space and opportunities to allow for uncontested shots it will be a long series. Raymond Felton will need to step up as point guard in facilitating the ball around. As we saw in Game 1, the Knicks shot very poorly against contested mid-range to deep shots.
The Pacers hold a few keys, other than Roy Hibbert, that will allow them to get away with this series. In Game 1, the Pacers had 6 players score in double figures. Performances by players such as Lance Stephenson, David West, and jack-of-all trades Paul George will dictate how long this series is played for. Indiana is a bigger team and will win this series.
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
Bulls win 4-2
Everyone is asking around, “was Game 1 of the Heat vs. Bulls series a fluke?” No, it was not. So far this year the Chicago Bulls are 3-2 against the Heat. This season the Bulls ended the Miami Heat’s and New York Knick’s winning streaks. The currently injured Chicago Bulls beat the Heat in Miami in Game 1, while missing Luol Deng , Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose. Players like Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Jimmy Butler, and Nate Robinson have been stepping up immensely. Without Derrick Rose, a lot of critiques “sleep” on the Bulls.
The Chicago Bulls play excellent defense and constantly contest mid to long range jump shots, which the Heat have a problem making; as well, the Bulls do not allow for second offensive opportunities to their opponents. Because the Bulls play very physical, LeBron James is in for a long series; especially if the Bulls and Nate Robinson play the same way they have been playing. We should expect some complaining about the refs and type of fouls.
2013 Eastern Conference Finals Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls
2013 Western Conference Finals Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
