By now, almost every blogger out there would have put out their own predictions for the Conference Finals.
Being one of them, I thought I'd join in on the fun! But a word of caution: the basketball channel in my household switched over to another cable provider at the start of the year, so since January I haven't been able to watch the NBA on a consistent basis. And even in the playoffs, I missed some great games, and that sucks. I've been doing my best to make up for it by scouring the net for blogs, articles and features, but it's just not the same.
Still, I think I've read and know enough about the teams playing to make, at least, some sensible predictions.
And with that, I present my thoughts on the NBA Conference Finals.
BOSTON CELTICS (1) vs DETROIT PISTONS (2)
Boston Celtics in 7 
This is it. The dream match-up. The one almost everybody saw coming since the season began. The Cavs almost screwed it all up, but we finally have it.
I'm picking the Celtics in 7 games, though. Despite their obvious troubles on the road and Ray Allen's nightly flirtations with mediocrity, they have found ways to win. I think those tough tests should only prepare them better for Detroit, who is oozing experience and team chemistry. Ray Allen is too good not to get better (although he did shoot 3-10 in Game 1), and Kevin Garnett has somehow increased his role in the offense. Pierce showed the world how much he wants to win the title this year when he answered the call in Game 7, so I feel all the Celtcis will follow suit. Oh, and yeah, they will finally win a road game in the Playoffs.
The Pistons, I believe, will prove to be a tough test. Although you have to question their mindset. Let's not forget, this is the same team that claims to perform better when unappreciated. But with Celtics underachieving, mostly everybody favors the Pistons now. And that could rob them of their intensity. Especially Rasheed Wallace, who thrives on adversity. Detroit will still come out focused, though, and you can bet Chauncey will keep his boys in check all throughout.
Every obvious advantage goes to the Pistons (deeper bench, rock-solid chemistry, championship experience, and a clutch player), but somehow, I feel it's the Celtics' time. Paul Pierce wants it, Kevin Garnett also wants it, Ray Allen should want it, and they just survived two taxing match-ups. I think they're ready for the next step.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS (1) vs SAN ANTONIO SPURS (3)
Los Angeles Lakers in 7
As much as I disregarded all conventional wisdom in my pick for the East Finals, I have to be more realistic with the Spurs-Lakers series.
Like the Pistons, the core of the Spurs have been together for so long now. Also, like the Pistons, they have been playing virtually the same core for years now, have won championships and always is a threat to win the title any given year.
But that's where the similarities end. Unlike the Pistons, the Spurs have no motivational issues, plays the same way whether they're the underdogs (HA!) or the favorites. They have one of the best coaches in the league, they never implode at the most inopportune times, and they seem to have mastered the black arts while getting away with it.
HOWEVER, the Lakers have the reigning MVP. But, unlike Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant can never be considered as "soft" or "un-clutch". And, as dirty as Bruce Bowen can be, he cannot contain The Black Mamba. With Kobe playing for something meaningful again, expect him to rise to the occasion like he always does.
The biggest question here is whether the bench will answer the call. This is a pretty young group of guys, with no one exceptional having been on a stage as big as this. Fortunately for them, they have an international champion in Pau Gasol, a Lamar Odom who seems to have turned the corner, and the valuable leadership and toughness that Derek Fisher provides.
This will be a great series, and with two coaching genuises at the helms, it's going to be fun seeing them one-upping each other game after game.
But in the end, I think the Lakers will take this in 7. The Spurs are tough, but the series against the Hornets showed they have somehow really slowed a little. And I just can't vouch for a team that deliberately hurts other players.
And yeah, the Spurs are allergic to consecutive titles.
May 23, 2008 at 8:12 AM
just you watch. the Lakers will be win their first 3 home game (not easily, but they'll win, and San Antonio will win their's (again, not easy.)
and in game 7, the Spurs will jump out ahead. Kobe will calmly just say "no fuckin way", take over, score 400 million points, and lead his team to the finals.
May 23, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Damn, man. You've got the series all worked out! It's thrilling, but I dont trust the Spurs to suck in a Game 7. I really hope it doesnt come to that. The Laker bench is good, but it's young. The Spurs' bench is playoff-ready... I still think that's their biggest advantage.
But wow! What a game by LA and Kobe! 25 (or 27?) points in the 2nd half? Let's see Bruce handle the MVP!
May 26, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Well Robbz, you were right about the Celtics winning on the road! And the Lakers bench are actually playing well these playoffs (Game 3 against Spurs is not a good example).
Just wondering Robbz, why don't you watch some games online? In my country, The Netherlands, they air 2 or 3 games every week, but I also watch games which are being streamed live. Sometimes I takes a little while to find a good stream without any lagging, but it's worth it. Let me know if you want to have more info on this.
May 27, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Yeah, Gerard, that was a good call on my part. I just felt that they'd wake up by now if they want to win a chip, hence the road win. But man, it could really go to 7 games. I'm not counting out Detroit at all.
However, what has happened to Ray Allen?!?! I mean, really? This isnt just any slump anymore. Could he really be aging terribly before our eyes? His regression is of a Steve Francisian or Larry Hughesian proportion. It's disgusting.
Really? I've heard about that, but never really got around to trying it. And Ireally do want to try it. Hopefully you can provide me with more info.
Problem is, games usually start here at 9 in the morning, so Im at work at that time. Usually I just get to follow it through Yahoo, basically just text. But man, I'd love to know more about that service! Thanks!
May 30, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Rob (I'm gonna call you Rob from now on): haven't forgot about that. I need to provide you with some links, and when I get home I will send them to you. Last couple of days were kind of hectic with my job, and wasn't home a lot. What I need from you is your e-mail address.
If you don't want to post that, I understand, so mail me!!!!
grotevriendelijkeneus@gmail.com
I also posted this on my blog.
But e-mail me, and I'll e-mail you back with all the info you need to make this work. With a bit of luck, you might be watching Game 6 Celtics-Pistons online. Mail me!
May 30, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Gerard: Already e-mailed you, man. Hopefully you can e-mail me teh details soon. Im prolly gonna be at work during Game 1 of teh Finals, so I need the details BAD! Lol. Man, you're gonna be the reason I'ma get fired.
Jason: Your prediction above is eerily similar to what actually happen. It didnt reach Game 7, but man, your prediction was spot-on! I salute you, man.
May 30, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Damn! *happened!
May 31, 2008 at 5:52 AM
Robbi, you've got an e-mail my man. You don't have to work during the weekend do you? Who knows, you can check some games out next weekend online?
Tonight! Boston-Detroit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 31, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Gerard, thanks for the e-mail, man! I'm currently in the process of installing it on my home PC. But I'm worried that I wont be able to install it on my work laptop. Restrictions.
Yeah, man! I'm currently watching the game right now. Good to see Ray Allen stepping up!
June 16, 2011 at 2:39 AM
You have hit the mark.