May 20, 2008

We are ready for the Final Four -- NBA style, baby!

So we have Boston, Detroit, the LA Lakers and San Antonio battling. The winner will get the gold trophy and it is excitement galore at this time of season for hoop junkies like me.

Let's take a look at the conference finals:

Wow, the Celtics have really been pushed, going seven games in each of the two series so far. I was surprised Atlanta was such a challenge, but LeBron and the Cavaliers really took that series to the wire.

Will those games wear Boston out? I think Detroit is a team capable of winning on the road because of its experience and mentality. Flip Saunders' club can steal a game in Boston.

The Pistons are in the Eastern Conference finals for the sixth straight year and this team understands what to expect in this situation. Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton and company also got added rest by beating Orlando in five games. It looks like Billups will be ready to go after missing some time against the Magic. That could be a plus in a long series.

The Celtics really need Ray Allen to bounce back after struggling at times vs. Cleveland. He has to get going by contributing in the scoring column.

I am going with Detroit in an upset, taking it in seven games.

SAN ANTONIO vs. LA LAKERS

If you mention Gregg Popovich's name to the average fan, he doesn't know who he is.

I will tell you, his peers know he can flat-out coach. For Popovich to get his team to regroup and win four out of five against New Orleans and top point guard Chris Paul, that is impressive. That also tells you about their tenacity and mindset in handling such a tough opponent. Winning Game 7 on the road is about guts, hard work and effort.

San Antonio is not about stars, even with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. This team is about winning. Duncan is the best player nobody talks about; he is so solid every game in all facets of the game. Ginobili is a big scorer and Parker is as steady as it gets.

When it is all said and done, people think Kobe Bryant will be the key for the Lakers. I feel the day the team added Pau Gasol, it made all the difference in the world. Los Angeles is on a mission and Gasol gives the Lakers the big man that can pass the ball, rebound and score. He helps the multi-talented Bryant.

Kobe has been sensational all year. He would love to add another ring and it would go well with the MVP trophy! Lamar Odom gives Los Angeles some versatility up front. Phil Jackson knows how to win. This should be a great series.

I see the Lakers surviving an amazing series in seven games.

My championship series is Pistons-Lakers.