With most playoff series entering their fifth game today and tomorrow, the opportunity for a first round sweep has come and gone for all teams except the Celtics and the Thunder (who have yet to play their fourth game). And although there was only one first round sweep last season, many other aspects of this years playoffs have been extremely exciting.
It is often said that great players make big plays in big games. And that is exactly what is happening this postseason.......for the most part. Specifically, the Bulls' Derrick Rose, and the Magic' Dwight Howard have done what was expected of them. Although Dwight's Magic are down 3-1 against the Hawks, a team I have mentioned before for their rare season this year, Howard has continuously held his team in the game, despite a suspension to Jason Richardson, and having to overcome the Hawks' all-around height.
As well, Rose has lead the Bulls to a 3-1 lead over the sub-.500 Pacers (hardly an accomplishment), and will play most likely start tomorrow's game 5 despite ankle issues. But beyond those two, it seems that the usual stars are not living up to their stature.
The top two big men in the West, Tim Duncan and Pau Gasol, have both failed to rise to the occasion thus far, as their teams are losing to far inferior teams. The Hornets held Pau Gasol to 8 points in the first two games, and the Grizzlies have dominated the Spurs, Duncan included. As this is highly uncharacteristic for both of these teams, I can hardly say I expect their teams to lose in the first round, but so far, they aren't making any fans feel comfortable in LA or San Antonio.
And a similar story is the case around the country thus far. The Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks, and Magic, the elite of the NBA, are all either tied in their series, or losing. And on the flip side, the Hornets, Grizzlies, Trailblazers, and Hawks, are riding a winning high as of late.
As much as it may pain long-time NBA fans to hear, the older generation of players may be reaching their demise, as it may be time to give way to the next generation of superstars. There's no denying that the young Hornets and Grizzlies have looked impressive thus far.
All I know for sure, is that the playoffs missing a key part of the game:
It is often said that great players make big plays in big games. And that is exactly what is happening this postseason.......for the most part. Specifically, the Bulls' Derrick Rose, and the Magic' Dwight Howard have done what was expected of them. Although Dwight's Magic are down 3-1 against the Hawks, a team I have mentioned before for their rare season this year, Howard has continuously held his team in the game, despite a suspension to Jason Richardson, and having to overcome the Hawks' all-around height.As well, Rose has lead the Bulls to a 3-1 lead over the sub-.500 Pacers (hardly an accomplishment), and will play most likely start tomorrow's game 5 despite ankle issues. But beyond those two, it seems that the usual stars are not living up to their stature.
The top two big men in the West, Tim Duncan and Pau Gasol, have both failed to rise to the occasion thus far, as their teams are losing to far inferior teams. The Hornets held Pau Gasol to 8 points in the first two games, and the Grizzlies have dominated the Spurs, Duncan included. As this is highly uncharacteristic for both of these teams, I can hardly say I expect their teams to lose in the first round, but so far, they aren't making any fans feel comfortable in LA or San Antonio.And a similar story is the case around the country thus far. The Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks, and Magic, the elite of the NBA, are all either tied in their series, or losing. And on the flip side, the Hornets, Grizzlies, Trailblazers, and Hawks, are riding a winning high as of late.
As much as it may pain long-time NBA fans to hear, the older generation of players may be reaching their demise, as it may be time to give way to the next generation of superstars. There's no denying that the young Hornets and Grizzlies have looked impressive thus far.
All I know for sure, is that the playoffs missing a key part of the game:
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