Thoughts from the Playoffs | From My Sporting Perspective

04:00 PM ET 05.20
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This year's playoffs has been more exciting than in recent years. The favorites, Boston, have been struggling mightily to far inferior opponents, yet somehow have found a way to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Kobe Bryant, on the other hand, has proven the voters right. He is the choice over Chris Paul and is playing better this postseason.

Last night, the Hornets showed their inexperience and youth quite a bit in falling to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 by nine points. To say CP3 had a bad series would be ridiculous. However, to say he wasn't at his best in the games following Game 2 is probably a valid assumption. In fact, in those five games, Paul averaged "only" 24 points, 10 assists, and 3 turnovers. (All of those averages would be good for any point guard in the League except him.)

A couple nights ago, Paul Pierce and LeBron James engaged in quite a scoring battle. They combined to score 46% of the points in the entire game with LeBron putting up 45 and Pierce scoring 41. Interestingly enough, this was not the story of the series. It would almost have to be Boston's inability to win on the road the entire postseason. They are 0-6 in games played outside of TD Banknorth Garden.

The home teams dominating has actually been the story of the second round. The visiting teams were an astonishing 3-22 with the only wins being the Spurs over New Orleans, Los Angeles over the Jazz, and Detroit over Orlando. Many bloggers and analysts would claim a reason as to why this is happening. The truth of the matter is I have no idea what is going on. Some of you could make a case for the fans, refs, or even the players' being more comfortable in their home gym. Whatever the reason, road wins have been remarkably hard to come by.

My predictions for the next round aren't really surprising. I think the Lakers will dethrone the defending champs in six games with Kobe's crew stealing a win in the Alamo City. With the other series, it's an extremely tough call. However, I'm going with the Pistons in seven games. They will most certainly have to win in Boston (which hasn't happened yet in the playoffs this year). At any rate, I am sorry to tell you that the hoped-and-sought-for Lakers/Celtics finals will not be. Better luck next year.

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The Words Of My Wisdom

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May 20, 2008 04:11 PM ET

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I believe the Lakers won on the road as well. That would make 3 wins for road teams in the second round.

The Ram

Pittsburgh, PA

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May 20, 2008 04:12 PM ET

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Good blog. Lakers-Pistons rematch in the Finals would be fine by me.

J. HOVA: BROOKLYN

Brooklyn, NY

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May 20, 2008 04:14 PM ET

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Thanks, Hova. And Ram, you are correct. During the Hornets game last night, I misheard. I'll fix it.

G.O.A.T. is back?

Scranton, PA

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May 20, 2008 04:30 PM ET

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I'd have to go with the Lakers here as well.Though I hate to admit it.

(Cincy)

Jamestown, OH

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May 20, 2008 04:47 PM ET

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I actually think the Pistons win in 6 games...I think Detroit definitely wins either Game 1, 2, or 5, and the Celtics look extremely shaky in the 4th quarter on the road.

As for the Lakers easily winning, I doubt that as well. Do the Lakers have anybody that can guard Tim Duncan? When Manu comes in off the bench, and Kobe sitting down, who defends him? Spurs in 6 there too.

That's right, I'm predicting a Spurs Pistons final. May God have mercy on us all.

Basketball Jesus:…

Mc Lean , VA

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May 20, 2008 04:48 PM ET

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So, what was supposed to be an exciting playoffs ends up in two boring matchups.
Anyways, I pick Lakers in 6 and Celtics in 5.

LoS-I Am Torgo

Kaukauna, WI

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May 20, 2008 05:15 PM ET

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Good blog, and I am incredibly thankful for someone saying that it won't be a Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals. Mad props, and good blog, as usual.

0x NBA/NFL Champion

Saint Paul, MN

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May 20, 2008 05:44 PM ET

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Great blog...I predict Lakers-Celtics with Lakers winning it in 7 games.

Two thing stood out at me. The Celtics, who everyone claims to be the best team in the league, can't win on the road in the playoffs. Another stat that stood out at me is the fact that there were only 3 wins in 25 games, by the road team. That is incredibly bad. I'm saying that the reason for this is the refs. Anyway, great blog.

Dyhard

Germantown, WI

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May 20, 2008 05:46 PM ET

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No, the refs are not the problem. Its the fact that Doc Rivers is a weak coach and Kevin Garnett vanishes in the clutch.

LoS-I Am Torgo

Kaukauna, WI

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May 20, 2008 07:27 PM ET

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I agree with basketball jesus, I think the Pistons will win game 1 or 2 and see the Spurs taking down Kobe. Tim will make Pau his b*&ch. Parker is way to quick for the old Fisher. Obviously they have the Kobe edge but Bowen will distract him and go after his injuries. And again as BJ said "May god have mercy on us all"

Nickb23 - Holland…

Arlington , TX

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May 21, 2008 07:04 AM ET

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I agree with you on the Championship prediction. The Pistons are just too much for Boston, ecspecially the Billups-Rondo matchup. Also, the weird thing is that all 3 losses for the home team, they got knocked out of the playoffs. The Lakers win in 7 versus the Pistons. Good blog.

Denis24

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May 21, 2008 04:53 PM ET

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Danbash, my only beef with the Lakers is their lack of a true point guard to lead them in the playoffs.

Basketball Jesus, I pray that you are wrong on that prediction. Another slow-paced Finals may have us watching hockey and baseball instead.

LoS, perhaps you are right, but the storylines are still interesting. However, Boston in 5? I seriously doubt that. When was the last time they won on the road?

Thanks for the compliments as well, guys.