Upon the Conference Finals Pt 1

The Conference Finals are underway in the NBA, and we will now see who goes to battle for the crown. Most experts had these four teams here, and I did as well. The undermanned Pacers gave it a good run, but Detroit took care of them as the defending champs should. Dallas got out-gunned in a close series, and San Antonio brushed off the pesky Seattle foes. Now to the Series predictions

San Antonio V Phoenix (San Antonio leads 1-0)

Yesterday, the two teams burned up the scoreboard, as the Spurs decided to score with the Suns, rather than defend. Amrae had 41, Nash had 29, and Jim Jackson had 20. Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili scored in the 20's, and San Antonio got great 3-point shooting from Barry. Lets break it down:

Point Guard: Nash vs Parker

This match-up is very tough to call. Nash has been running wild this playoffs, but Parker is no slouch himself. Neither defends, but both can put their whole team on their back. I will slightly favor Nash for how he gets his teammates involved, but I don't take anything from Parker, who could be a real difference maker.

Slight edge: Suns

Shooting Guard: (for now) Jim Jackson V Ginobili

The injury to Joe Johnson forces Jim Jackson into some critical sub-minutes, as he will need to fit into Phoenix's scheme as seamlessly as Joe did. Ginobili is another player who can turn a game by himself, and provides an interesting parallel to the Wade-shaq dynamic in Miami. I have to favor Manu, because his manic forays to the basket, while ugly, draw key fouls and break backs when he gets the and1. Jackson's veteran skills and 20 point effort last night make this close, and Johnson's 3-point shooting can tip the scales closer when he returns.

Edge: Spurs

Small Forward: Richardson V Bowen

Bowen is almost always on the other team's best perimeter player, and his defense give opponents fits. Q didn't show up in yesterday's game, and will need to make strong contributions to keep this a series. Bowen is a piece out of the old-school championship mold. Plays D every single play, hustles, and knows his role offensively. Phoenix burned the nets without anything from Q, so if he gets going it could be a plus for the Suns

Edge: Spurs (for now)

Power Forward: Marion V Duncan

Marion was another no-show yesterday, and is another player who must be a huge factor for the Suns to have a chance. Tim Duncan is simply a constant superstar. Pencil 20+, 10+, and 2 blocks every night, with the amazing game thrown in the mix. The rebounding and shot blocking, dunking and spotting up Matrix needs to come to play. Marion can be a match-up nightmare, but Duncan always is. The ankle worries are behind him, it appears.

Edge: Spurs

Center: Amare V Nazr Mohammed

I loved Nazr with the Knicks, he was a steal for the Spurs, and he is playing quite well these playoffs. Amare is a monster, he dropped 41 in Game 1, and noone on the Spurs can D him. Tim can have some success, but if he's on D against the Manchild he will get worn out quick, and can pick up fouls. Amare needs to stay out of foul trouble himself, and he can have a Kemp/Barkley type series.

Edge: Suns

Coaches: D'Antoni V Popovich

Gotta go with Pop on this one. Experience will get it done. D'Antoni has been coaching his Euro style well all year, but let's see him grind it when the Spurs switch to defense mode.

Edge: Spurs

Bench: Barbosa, Walter McCarty, Steven Hunter V Barry, Horry, Udrich, Nesterovich

Suns are really up against it in this category. Jim Jackson is forced into a starting role and the rest of the Suns starters are looking at 35+ minutes. Brent Barry was another overlooked steal for the Spurs, and he killed it Game 1. Big Shot Bob always seems to lurk on a title contender.

Edge: Spurs


Home court now belongs to the Spurs. I gotta think this goes 7, but Phoenix could also be gone in 5.

Prediction: Spurs in 7


Later: The East