BASKETBALL

This weekend marked the beginning of the NBA Playoffs.  And this is the first time in many years that there are no clear favorites.  Seriously, we could see a #4 seed vs. a #6 seed in the championship and people wouldn’t be that surprised.  Here were the main highlights.

The Chicago Bulls surprised everyone this season by nabbing the #1 seed in the East.  Prior to the season, everyone argued whether the Celtics or Heat or MAYBE Magic would get the 1-spot.  But, Derrick Rose turned into a super human and MVP front-runner and led the Bulls to an amazing season.  So, it was pretty wild watching them get crushed by the #8-seed Indiana Pacers.  Not until the very end, when Rose led the Bulls on a spectacular run with just under 2 minutes to play, did the Bulls come back and save the home game.  Indiana looked very good, but the Bulls brought it up a notch and grabbed the game.  Chicago 104, Indiana 99.

Then, later on Saturday, everybody thought that the Orlando Magic would have their way with Atlanta.  Why?  Because last year, the Magic simply crushed the Hawks.  They even won one game by more than 30 points.  But, what they didn’t take into mind, was that Atlanta is rejuvenated and firing on all cylinders now.  And the Magic, well, they’re kind of disjointed.  They’ve had a bunch of clientele come and go throughout the season, and aren’t jelling at the right time of the season.  Sure, Dwight Howard had 46 points, but Atlanta played the better team ball and stole Game 1 from Orlando.  Atlanta 103, Orlando 93.

And, on Sunday, the best record in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs took the court (albeit without their Argentinian star Manu Ginobili).  But, the Memphis Grizzlies are a very, VERY tough #8 seed.  They’ve been playing fantastic team ball ever since they had a team altercation over a card game mid-season.  Veteran Tony Allen was the primary character in that story (wanting money owed for a card game), but he used that to bring the players together.  They started talking to each other more, and being honest (e.g. “Hey, you need to pass the ball more”).  This type of camaraderie is exactly what you want come playoff time.  That’s why they were able to go on a run late in the game, and actually nab the win IN San Antonio.  That’s amazing!  They even trailed with under a minute to go and still got the win.  This team looks very dangerous, and they’re even more scary on their home court.  Memphis 101, San Antonio 98.

In Los Angeles, the defending champion Lakers were ready to protect their throne.  The Lakers have been up-and-down this season, especially recently, going on a losing streak just before the playoffs. But, as everyone knows, the Lakers turn it on come playoff time.  Then again, they kinda forgot that the New Orleans Hornets have one of the best players in the NBA:  Chris Paul.  Paul played out of his mind on Sunday, putting up 33 points and 14 assists.  They simply had NO answer for him, and the Hornets just rolled on to a victory.  This is the first time since the NBA expanded the playoffs to 16 teams that a #1 and #2 seed have lost their opening home playoff games.  This is set to be one of the best NBA post-seasons EVER!!!  New Orleans 109, LA Lakers 100.