2008 NBA Playoffs Thread - Page 2

Scott Merryfield · 05-18-2008, 06:47 PM

Well, it's the Celtics vs. the Pistons, as has been anticipated for most of the season. I'm not as confident as Brandon, though. This should be a close matchup, and Boston's struggles on the road in the playoffs could benefit Detroit if they can steal one of the first two games in Boston. However, after the disappointment of the last two conference finals, I'm not getting my hopes up this time. I'll just be pleasantly surprised if the Pistons beat Boston.

It's too bad that Game 1 starts at 8:30pm due to the draft lottery (does anyone really care about this?). I'll probably be sleeping when the game ends. Come on, David Stern. Start the eastern games at a time that fans in the East can deal with!

Jan H · 05-22-2008, 12:48 AM

There I go again, underestimating the Spurs. In Game 1, they controlled the tempo, dominated the first 30 minutes of the game, contained Odom, the final score was exactly the kind of number they like, and Tim Duncan was heroic. They should have won.

But Kobe is an assassin, Manu was a non-factor, and the Spurs scored 20 points in the last 18 minutes of the game. That's why they lost.

Make no mistake, this series is going to be a war. But damn, it's hard to see how the Lakers can play a worse overall game than this one, and they still won.

Brandon_T · 05-22-2008, 10:50 PM

And poof goes the home court advantage for the Celtics. I think the fans of the NBA are going to be very lucky with the two conference finals as well as whoever ends up in the finals. Should be fun the whole way. Oh, by the way, IMHO, Doc Rivers=Not a good coach.

Scott Merryfield · 05-23-2008, 06:54 AM

The pressure is definitely on the Celtics these next two games since they have yet to win on the road in the playoffs. However, the Pistons have already proven this playoff season that they are capable of losing at home, just like they can win on the road. I'm expecting a split of the next two games at The Palace. This series is going at least 6 games.

Brian Perry · 05-23-2008, 09:29 AM

Another crazy stat for you: when Phil Jackson wins the first game of a playoff series, he is 40-0 in those series.

Having said that, I think tonight is a must-win for LA.

Jan H · 05-25-2008, 10:23 PM

The Spurs played beautifully tonight, and the Lakers were atrocious in all phases of the game. If the Lakers don't come out with more aggression in Game 4, this series may go 7.

Wow, the Celtics won a road game. I'm actually kind of shocked. You Pistons fans know your team better than I do, but the Celtics have looked very mortal in the playoffs so far. Can/will the Pistons pull it off?

Brandon_T · 05-25-2008, 10:41 PM

It's tough to tell. The game last night for the Pistons was due to the fact that they just couldn't hit the shot. I think it goes seven as well.

Scott Merryfield · 05-26-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan H

Wow, the Celtics won a road game. I'm actually kind of shocked. You Pistons fans know your team better than I do, but the Celtics have looked very mortal in the playoffs so far. Can/will the Pistons pull it off?

Billups appears to still be injured, and he matched up well against Rondo when healthy. So, the Pistons have lost one of their favorable match-ups. Since Boston probably will no longer be pressing as much on the road now that they've actually won a game, I think the Celtics will end up winning the series. I hope the Pistons prove me wrong, though.

Brandon_T · 05-26-2008, 07:17 PM

The Pistons MUST attack the rim, especially with Stucky and Rasheed. For me that is the key to this series, attack attack attack, draw fouls, hit your free throws and expose Rondo. Kevin Garnetts ability to hit long fade away jumpers still amazes me to this day. What a talent. I hope he gets his ring, but not this year.