FanNation

Tonight is game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks. Despite winning 29 more games than the Hawks this season, the Celtics have had trouble winning any roads games this series. You may ask, how is this happening? Well, I think they had it coming.

First off, why isn't a talented team like the Celtics blowing away the Hawks? They have 3 stars right? Well, if you look at these players prior stats, all three's best sucess in the playoffs is one trip to one Conference Final in a losing effort. Does this look like a good way to build a championship? Meanwhile, look at the Atlanta Hawks, who's two biggest stars, Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson, have a history of playoff sucess and many solid apperances in the playoffs. It is showing that good playoff experience is key to winning a championship. In last year's finals, the super talented LeBron James was no match for the Spurs, the NBA's most experienced team. Time and time again, this proves true.

Secondly, the Hawks are no slouch. Every time I look at this team, I wonder how they only won 37 games this year. Mike Bibby is still a very good point guard, and Joe Johnson is showing that he is a great clutch player. Both were cast off by their former teams, and both teams are paying dearly for this. Much like the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Hawks team may not be built for a lot of regular season wins, but the way they play wins games in the playoffs. I mean look at this starting lineup:

PG: Mike Bibby

SG: Joe Johson

SF: Marvin Williams

PF: Josh Smith

C; Al Horford

That's a team made up of 2 experienced players and 3 great young players. This team isn't going anywhere. Looking at it now, I can really see this team winning the series.

So, will the Hawks pull the upset in the playoffs? Well, I picked the Celtics to lose in the second round to Cleveland because of the experience factor, and now it seems to be coming early. I love this Hawks team, and they are playing with nothing to lose. I predict the big upset. Atlanta 98, Boston 95.