With the first round of the playoffs well underway and the end of the season awards being handed out, here is a look around the NBA to determine who has been great (tops) and not so great (flops) in the last seven days as the postseason gets started.
Tops
Gregg Poppovich– As well as winning his third Coach of the Year Award, the Spurs’ coach showed all his class with a very touching message to Craig Sager, who is suffering from leukemia. Usually, Poppovich is a nightmare for reporters, but this time he answered Sager’s son’s questions frankly, before promising Craig Sager that when he returns he promises to be kind.
Portland Trailblazers- Behind LaMarcus Aldridge’s 89 points in two games, the Blazers lead Houston 2-0 with two great wins on the road. Portland look set to advance to the semi finals of the Western Conference if nothing goes majorly wrong.
Goran Dragic- The Suns’ Point Guard received Most of Improved Player after a great season with Phoenix. Although they narrowly missed out n a playoff spot, leading a roster that was expected to be very poor was a great achievement.
Flops
Chicago Bulls- Although center Joakim Noah was awarded Defensive Player of the Year, the Bulls have had a nightmare week, with two home defeats to Washington in their first round match-up. Chicago are going to need a drastic turnaround if they hope to reach the eastern conference semi-finals.
San Antonio Spurs- After a shaky win in the first game, the Spurs lost at home against Texas rivals Dallas by a surprising 21 points. Now at 1-1, the Spurs are far from securing they’re place in the semis, and are going to need to step up their game.
Indiana Pacers- The Pacers have not been playing well recently, that is a known fact. With a surprising home defeat in their first game against the Hawks, Indiana has lost it’s home court advantage. More importantly, if the Pacers hope to go far in the postseason they are going to need to step it up.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @fourpoint_play or @MatthieuRident. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Basketball writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
