Wow.. what an amazing first round we had in the playoffs. With five of the eight series going to seven games, you were always glued to your seat. With the second round coming up, it is time for the real contenders to mark their territory. If you’re in the second round in these playoffs, you without a doubt deserve to be there.
Western Conference Second Round:
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder Vs. (3) Los Angeles Clippers: Both of these teams were pushed to the brink in the first round. It was expected for the Clippers series to go seven games, but I was very surprised Oklahoma City was taken to seven games by Memphis. Kevin Durant will be named MVP later this week, and it is time for him to truly show why he won the award. He did well against Memphis, but he could’ve done better. He has to take over for this Thunder team, not Russell Westbrook, especially in crunch time. When you have the league MVP on your team, you have to give it to him down the stretch. Also, both Durant and Westbrook need to work on shot selection. But, I expect them to be ready for the Clippers.
It’s been a crazy few weeks for the Clippers, but they’re moving on. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are leading this team, and they’re going to go as far as those two take them. This playoff series has a big impact on Chris Paul’s legacy. After countless years of being knocked out in the first and second round, he needs to take that next step to reach the legit superstar level. It could happen this year, but I just don’t see it happening. Oklahoma City wants revenge for their early playoff exit last season, and they’re going to get it. It won’t be easy though. Oklahoma City in 7.
(1) San Antonio Spurs Vs (5) Portland Trail Blazers: This series is going to be a great one. You have two of the better point guards in the league going at it with Tony Parker and Damian Lillard. You also have a new school vs old school power forward matchup with LaMarcus Aldridge and Tim Duncan.
San Antonio is looking to continue their dominance throughout the years. After suffering a heartbreaking defeat last year in the finals, they want another shot. It wasn’t easy for them to get past Dallas, but Parker, Duncan and Manu Ginobili were able to lead the way, as they always do.
For Portland, they are one of the rising teams in the league. After coming off an amazing series with Houston, they’re hungry for more. But, it isn’t their time just yet. They’re a very young team with not much experience. San Antonio has more experience and a better overall team. But, this series is going to be exciting. Portland could easily steal a few games, but I feel San Antonio will take this one in seven. Portland won’t win the series, but they will certainly earn respect around the league.
Eastern Conference Second Round:
(1) Indiana Pacers vs (5) Washington Wizards: I’m a little iffy on this one. I do feel Indiana will pull this one out, but I’m not very confident. While Indiana hasn’t been playing the basketball we expect, Washington has been playing great. It took Indiana seven games to beat the Atlanta Hawks. I’m not bashing on the Hawks, but Indiana should’ve swept this team. I have no words to describe the play of Roy Hibbert. It’s been embarrassing. It is sad knowing this man was an all-star and considered the best center in the league by some. How do you have 0 points and 0 rebounds when you’re 7’2? I just don’t get it. It is time for Paul George to take over. He is the best player on this team. If Indiana wants to get past Washington, he has to show up. If he doesn’t, I can’t see Indiana winning this series.
Luckily for Washington, they’ve been able to have some rest after eliminating Chicago in five games. I was very impressed by Washington’s play. NeNe and Trevor Ariza stepped up for the Wizards, and you already knew John Wall and Bradley Beal were going to lead this team. I’m actually disappointed in myself for picking Washington to lose that series, they completely proved me wrong. John Wall and Bradley Beal are the backcourt of the future, and they are putting the league on notice. I will not be surprised if they win this series. But for now, I’m going to have to stick with Indiana. Indiana in 6.
(2) Miami Heat Vs (6) Brooklyn Nets: Probably the most anticipated series in the second round. Miami has been resting for about a week, which is great, especially for Dwayne Wade. Miami needs Wade healthy, it’s just that simple. When he is healthy, there is no one that can beat this Miami Heat team. They’re just way too talented across the board. LeBron James has been dethroned as MVP, and I feel it is going to motivate him to show the world who the best player in the world is. If there’s one player who really needs to step up, it’s Chris Bosh. He played well in the first round, but he needs to be even better against Brooklyn. When Miami’s big 3 are working together, they’re nearly unstoppable.
For Brooklyn, they’ve actually had Miami’s number this season. They were able to sweep Miami 4-0 in the regular season, something that has never been done in the Heat’s big 3 era. Brooklyn is one of the older teams, but they have experience, and that’s what helps the most in the playoffs. They brought in Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, and even though they’re on the tail end of their careers, they’re helping Brooklyn on and off the court. They have experience on the court and have leadership roles in the locker room. But, I don’t think all of this will get Brooklyn past Miami. It’s not going to be easy, but I feel Miami will get the job done. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will probably get their last shot at LeBron, which will make this series very exciting. Miami in 7.
Get ready for the second round, folks. If it’s going to be anything like the first round, I can’t wait.
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