April 23, 2007

The NBA playoffs are under way and already there have been a couple of big-time surprises.

Denver and Golden State scored shock city on the road, upsetting San Antonio and Dallas, respectively. I was really impressed with the defensive effort of the Nuggets. Denver is known as an offensive team with Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson leading the way. They did a phenomenal job muscling up. Nene did a great job pushing Tim Duncan away from the basket as he went seven-of-17 from the field.

Defense was the difference in the game. Denver also did a super job with shot selection and Iverson was simply brilliant. They shared the basketball and have some momentum after a strong finish in the regular season.

Golden State has had the Mavs' number with Don Nelson as Warriors coach. He seems to know the Dallas personnel inside and out. Baron Davis hit big shot after big shot and Golden State moved to the winner's circle against a club that won 67 times in the regular season.

Psychologically the Warriors get pumped up to face the Mavs. Nelson knows the strengths and weaknesses of Dallas and this is a wake-up call for the Mavs.

My friends, if this was a five-game series, there would be some nervousness coming out of San Antonio and Dallas. In a seven-game series, forget about it as the favorites will march on. Talent will come through and the losers in game 1 will turn it up a notch.

I still like the Spurs and Mavericks to prevail 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.