I Hear Your Cries... (and they make me warm)

It is truly touching to see that these entries are missed... and I thank you all for the comments and the e-mails.

The reason why I wasn't updating this page, is because the whole point of it all was to share my first-hand experiences. I didn't want to necessarily impose my opinions upon you, but apparently you want it.

So here's what I'll do... Since there's no Raptors news (cue the Raptors news, please), we'll talk a little playoff ball.

Oh, how refreshing it is.

The intensity is glorious.
The fierceness is furious.
And most of these series are spectacular.

We already know the struggles of the Grizzlies - 12 straight playoff losses leads to their third sweep in as many seasons. As much as Pau has improved, and turned into the force, he pretty much carried the entire offensive load. Avery Johnson (coach of the year) designed a strategy to make sure nothing came easy - and the plan worked to perfection. Memphis was close to winning one game. One game.

The Nuggets are no more, either. Witnessing an implosion can be fun to watch. K-Mart flips out on his coach and teammates, and gets the team-imposed suspension. Reggie Evans grabs Chris Kaman's "southern jugulars" and gets fined. Carmelo Anthony reverts to his selfish self that first entered the league (maybe because all his healthy help was stuck in the sin bin) - and get this, after the series says they needed NENE out there. They really missed his defense. Nene had been out since the FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON. I don't get it.
While we're still talking Nuggets/Clippers... I want to point out how Sam Cassell gets no credit. In fact, everything that we hear about him is either revolving around his contract situation, or how ugly it is (the majority). This guy is a proven winner. While Elton Brand was garnering MVP talk earlier in the season, I was always whispering Sam I Am. He brings that swagger, that confidence... and their first playoff series win in 30 years.

Kobe Bryant is a different man. Seriously. Watching him in these playoffs has made me light up with glee. He's doing everything, without doing everything. He's bringing along the young guys, and showing what kind of team they can be, when they share the ball.

Kobe's averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds, and a TEAM-HIGH 6 assists per game in this doozy of a series. I love it. My heart beats faster when these Phx/Lal games are on. I just hope the Suns can extend it. I want more.

Phil Jackson has never lost a first round series in his coaching career... and as I write this (Lakers lead 3-1), it doesn't appear as though he will this year.

Lakers/Clippers anyone? How fun would that be? Both teams get "home-court", and neither needs to travel. Fresh legs for all.

I'll take another, please.

The Bulls/Heat series is also incredible. Miami's theoretically starting to fall apart. Chicago's making Shaq run and Wade shoot... and both are struggling doing so. Chicago's youth, energy, and grit has slowly started to pick apart Miami's vets. However, with that being said... it's tough to see Shaq and/or Wade going down in the opening round (they're tied at 2's heading into tonight).

Andres Nocioni should get a deal with Viagra... I don't know why, but please feel free to insert a "never stops going hard" comment of your own.

The Cavs/Wiz series is a bucket of fun, as well. Watching Gilbert Arenas and Lebron James go head to head with spare parts on both sides makes me giggle. No one seems to be stepping up but these two. In game 4... Lebron set a Cavs' record for playoff points in a quarter (18), and a half (25), but got shut down in the 2nd half, finishing with 38. Whereas, Gil struggled in the first half - so badly, they he changed his entire uniform (shoes, socks included) at the break, returned and dropped 34. Watching Larry Hughes struggle must be music to Eddie Jordan's ears. This is the only coach in the NBA who has bashed the refs without getting fined. He said something along the lines of:

"I'm not going to get fined, because I'm right." Incredible.

The San Antonio/Sacramento series wasn't supposed to be as good as this, either. Ron Artest is simply shutting down Manu Ginobili, which makes the Spurs' offense only double-edged. Tony Parker and Timmy D can't do it by themselves, while Bonzi Wells is taking the brunt of the Kings' offensive load. To think, if Brent Barry didn't make that miraculous shot in game 2, to send it to OT... San Antonio could be down 3-1. However, with it tied at 2's... keep in mind, last year when San Antonio took the title, they needed at LEAST 5 games in each series.

The Pacers/Nets series is mildly entertaining. There's something about Indiana that bores me, despite seeing stellar performances from Anthony Johnson and Jermaine O'Neal (on separate occasions). Kidd, RJ + Vince are doing their thing just well enough to keep pace, but this series is definitely up in the air.

The one series I haven't been watching is the Bucks/Pistons - although through the highlights, you can see it's closer than it is on paper. Frankly, though, I think Detroit's just toying with Milwaukee. They're just too tough to worry about the Bucks.

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With all that being said... I need to put out a "GO OILERS." Just last night, Edmonton knocked off the best in the West, in 6 games. Oh, how pretty it is.

If the Flames can beat the Ducks (in game 7), it'll be Edm/Cgy. Please, sign me up for that.

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Please feel free to e-mail/comment your thoughts about the playoffs... and your observations are more than welcome.

Thanks for keeping me on my toes, people.
-Zack