FanNation

I can't recall a time I've gone into an NBA postseason more exciting (except when my Blazers have a legit title chance).  Every series in the West can go either way, very realistically.  The biggest mismatch is Lakers-Nuggets, and that really could go either way and should be competitive.  Each has its great storylines: the Spurs-Suns rivalry, Kidd vs. Paul, the rematch between the Rockets and Utah (also the two best teams since February), etc.  There's also Lebron vs. the trash talking Wizards, Dwight Howard flexing his playoff muscles, and now the possiblity of Philly dethroning the Pistons.  And that's just the first round.

What really excites me, and many others, are the potential matchups in the later round.  Lebron going up against the Celtics?  Wow, shades of Jordan vs. the Celtics; how far can one man carry his team?  The possiblity of a throwback Pistons-Celtics East Finals is juicy too.  That one has seven game thriller written all over it.  Basically evey possible matchup in the West is eye-popping and exciting.  But that all pales in comparison to what we all want: Lakers-Celtics Finals.

The NBA has officially risen out of it's dark times marked with thug images, poor team play, and boring playoffs (though I still contend the Spurs had exciting playoffs, overall the playoffs have been dull as of late).  What better way to signify that than a rematch of the NBA's glory years?  KG seeking his ring, Kobe seeking validity, the obvious ties between the franchises...this can really kick start the NBA into another golden age.  I know I am rambling a bit, but I'm just too excited to think clearly. 

I've never so looked forward to every playoff game (figures I work weekends now).  I really hope that this postseason lives up to expectations, though I highlt doubt it won't.