April 24, 2006
I love the sport of basketball, and now it is heating up in the NBA with the playoffs underway. This is when the creme de la creme, the best of the best respond. There is more intensity and emotion in the postseason.
The collegiate game has the incredible spirit, the pagentry and enthusiasm. Fans are proud of their teams and get excited. The cheerleaders and the college environment with on-campus arenas is special.
The pro game has the excitement of teams making a run to put up that NBA championship banner. That makes this time of the year special as players go for that ring, baby! They can be multi-millonaires, but they can't buy that championshp ring ... they have to earn it with blood, sweat and effort.
Just ask some of the greats who never got to the winner's circle like Charles Barkley, the round mound of rebound and a member of the newest Hall of Fame class and deservingly so. Go ask guys like John Stockton and Karl Malone and all the superstars who have played and never been able to put the ring on.
When I look at the competition, here is how I break down round one. Let's start in the East:
Detroit vs. Milwaukee
The Pistons have great balance offensively and this is a group that believes in the team concept. They are dynamite, and Chauncey Billups and company should prevail. Ben Wallace on the interior will be blocking shots and the whole gang understands how to win. Detroit will march on in five.
Chicago vs. Miami
In Game One, the Bulls took the Heat right to the wire. It was simply too much Shaquille O'Neal after Dwyane Wade left the game with an injury. Scott Skiles' squad plays hard every night, and his young squad will continue to hustle and challenge Miami. When it is all said and done, Shaq is too tough for Tyson Chandler in the post. I look for the Heat to win it in six.
New Jersey vs. Indiana
The Pacers scored a surprise on Sunday, edging the Nets by two at the Meadowlands. Indiana has had injuries all season and now it faces a postseason without Mr. Clutch, Reggie Miller while Jermaine O'Neal is back to give them post presence. The Nets need more consistency from Vince Carter in Game Two to bounce back. Rod Thorn has done a good job structuring this team. Jason Kidd and company will respond and win this in six games.
Washington vs. Cleveland
LeBron James had a coming out party for his first NBA postseason game. He was absolutely super, scintillating and sensational with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. James, if he can stay healthy, will be among the star of stars for the next decade. I really feel he will be in the conversation among the elite players of all-time. This will not be an easy series for the Cavaliers and Washington has its share of firepower with Gilbert Arenas and company. I like Cleveland to get it done in seven games.
Out West, it should be competitive.
Sacramento vs. San Antonio
The Spurs got great play from Tony Parker in a Game one blowout. Look for San Antonio to get through this as the club knows how to win. Gregg Popovich has done a great job on the sideline, putting up Hall of Fame numbers as a leader. Tim Duncan is as special as it gets and the Spurs have added veterans like Nick Van Exel and Michael Finley to bolster their bench. San Antonio should win this series in five.
LA Lakers vs. Phoenix
Kobe Bryant has had a magnificent season, doing a phenomenal job carrying his club. He has put plenty of points on the board, to the tune of 35 per game, but it will not be enough against a talented Suns squad led by MVP candidate Steve Nash. Phoenix has an offensive machine, and imagine if they had a healthy Amare Stoudemire? The Suns will shine in seven games as Phil Jackson's group puts up a real fight.
Dallas vs. Memphis
Mike Fratello has had his team playing well all season, but they have had a tough time in their match-ups with Dallas. Dirk Nowitzki and company will find a way to win a tough series. Nowitzki put up 31 points and 11 rebounds in the series opener. Pau Gasol and company will make this close, but I like Dallas in seven.
LA Clipper vs. Denver
Who would have believed the Clippers would have the kind of season they enjoyed? Give a lot of credit to Mike Dunleavy as his team is playing winning basketball. The addition of Sam Cassell was a big, big plus. Elton Brand has been phenomenal as a dominant player inside. The Clippers held off the Nuggets in game one and homecourt advantage will be the difference as LA wins in seven.
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.
