May 23, 2006
David Stern has to be ecstatic about what has happened in the playoffs so far. The games have been absolutely brilliant.
It is time to look at the conference final pairings and there is excitement galore in the NBA. The intensity and emotion will be special. Let's start first in the Eastern Conference.
DETROIT VS. MIAMI
I feel this will be a battle of defense, defense, defense. I firmly believe Detroit with its excellent team defense will get it done.
This should be an emotional series. Shaq and Dwyane Wade are well rested after finishing off the Nets. The supporting cast is improved and features a number of hungry veterans. Gary Payton would love to capture that elusive ring. Antoine Walker can be a positive in this series.
When all is said and done, I see Chauncey Billups , Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace repeating last year's feat, knocking Miami's squad out of the playoffs. Flip Saunders has done a terrific job this season, and they will slow down Shaq and Wade.
It will be a real battle, but I am picking the Pistons to advance in another seven-game thriller.
DALLAS VS. PHOENIX
I have to give the edge to Dirk Nowitzki and company, though I have to ask why the Spurs didn't foul him earlier before he made a basket late in game 7? Nowitzki has had a super season and playoff run. Jason Terry has become a super scorer on the perimeter. The Mavericks also have a strong bench and Jerry Stackhouse will be a key contributor as well. Josh Howard is an underrated factor in this series too..
Nowitzki did not allow his team to lose against the defending champion Spurs. He will not allow them to fail against the running Suns. This is the one series Phoenix could have used a healthy Amare Stoudemire. Mike D'Antoni has done an amazing job having them in the conference final with Stoudemire in street clothes. His presence inside would have made a difference.
Steve Nash and company will run into a talented juggernaut as Mark Cuban's squad moves on to the finals in six games.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
