2005 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals Preview

#1 Phoenix Suns vs #2 San Antonio Spurs
(110.41 PPG #1 in Scoring) (96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring)
(103.29 PPG #30 in Defense) (88.39 PPG #1 in Defense)
(+7.12 #2 in Scoring Differential) (+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential)

Here's the confrontation many never thought would happen. The #1 offense in the NBA vs. the #1 defense. I think the fact that Phoenix has the #1 seed in the playoffs and home court advantage gives them the edge in this series. This series may also be decided on the health of Spurs PF Tim Duncan's recently injured ankle. He missed a lot of games in the regular season because of a right ankle injury, and in game 6 against the Sonics he injured his left ankle toward the end of the game. It might also be the comeback of Phoenix SG Joe Johnson after a serious orbital bone injury he suffered in game 2 against the Mavericks. Aside from injuries this series is going to be decided by how much the Spurs can contain Phoenix PG Steve Nash. Steve Nash can score, or get his teammates involved in the scoring as well. He proved almost unstoppable the last series, and I don't think he's going to cool off any time soon. Any way I look at it Phoenix wins the series in 6 games (4-2).

Series starts Sunday.
1. Sun, May 22 – at Pho, 3:30 pm (ABC)
2. Tue, May 24 – at Pho, 9:00 pm (ESPN)
3. Sat, May 28 – at SA, 9:00 pm (ESPN)
4. Mon, May 30 – at SA, 8:30 pm (ABC)
5.* TBA – at Phoenix
6.* TBA – at San Antonio
7.* TBA – at Phoenix

Head to Head
PG Steve Nash vs. Tony Parker
SG Joe Johnson vs. Bruce Bowen
SF Quentin Richardson vs. Manu Ginobili
PF Shawn Marion vs. Tim Duncan
C Amare Stoudemire vs. Nazr Mohammed

2005 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semi Finals Wrap Up

#1 Phoenix Suns vs #4 Dallas Mavericks
(110.41 PPG #1 in Scoring) (102.5 PPG #3 in Scoring)
(103.29 PPG #30 in Defense) (96.75 PPG #14 in Defense)
(+7.12 #2 in Scoring Differential) (+5.74 #4 in Scoring Differential)

Steve Nash scored 39, and he was a rebound away from back-to-back triple doubles. Shawn Marion scored 38 and pulled down 18 rebounds. Amare Stoudemire fouled out in the fourth quarter, Dallas had a good lead, but couldn't get it done. I bet Mark Cuban regrets getting Erick Dampier instead of re-signing 2005 NBA MVP Steve Nash. I bet that has to go down as one of the worst free agent decisions in the NBA in the last 5 years.

Phoenix wins series 4-2
1. Mon, May 9 – Pho 127, Dal 102
2. Wed, May 11 – Dal 108, Pho 106
3. Fri, May 13 – Pho 119, Dal 102
4. Sun, May 15 – Dal 119, Pho 109
5. Wed, May 18 – Pho 114, Dal 108
6. Fri, May 20 – Pho 130, Dal 126 (OT)

Head to Head
PG Steve Nash vs. Jason Terry
SG Joe Johnson vs. Michael Finley
SF Quentin Richardson vs. Josh Howard
PF Shawn Marion vs. Dirk Nowitzki
C Amare Stoudemire vs. Erick Dampier


#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #3 Seattle SuperSonics
(96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring) (98.93 PPG #11 in Scoring)
(88.39 PPG #1 in Defense) (96.64 PPG #13 in Defense)
(+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential) (+2.29 #7 in Scoring Differential)

It looks like the better team won. I thought Seattle had a chance, but they had too many injuries to overcome to win. The Spurs now await the winner between Dallas and Phoenix. The Spurs have had success against both teams this year. They have won 2 of 3 games against Phoenix, and the only loss was when Tim Duncan was out with an ankle injury.

Spurs win series 4-2
1. Sun, May 8 – SA 103, Sea 81
2. Tue, May 10 – SA 108, Sea 91
3. Thu, May 12 – Sea 92, SA 91
4. Sun, May 15 – Sea 101, SA 89
5. Tue, May 17 – SA 103, Sea 90
6. Thu, May 19 – SA 98, Sea 96

Head to Head
PG Tony Parker vs. Luke Ridnour
SG Bruce Bowen vs. Ray Allen
SF Manu Ginobili vs. Rashard Lewis
PF Tim Duncan vs. Reggie Evans
C Nazr Mohammed vs. Jerome James

2005 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Preview

#1Miami Heat vs #2 Detroit Pistons
(101.54 PPG #4 in Scoring) (93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring)
(95.02 PPG #8 in Defense) (89.46 PPG #2 in Defense)
(+6.52 #3 in Scoring Differential) (+3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential)

This is the matchup everyone wanted to see. The defending champion Pistons versus the new upstart power Heat. The Heat proved they can win as a team with or without Shaq. They had a week off after sweeping the Wizards. All hopes in Miami are that Shaq can get his legs back under him and dominate like he did during the season. Shaq is the most dominating player in the NBA at 50% or above. He feels like he is playing "like Erick Dampier", but he is going to give Ben and Rasheed Wallace a lot to handle in the paint. Chauncey Billups will be guarding DWade. That matchup is one of epic proportions. Usually the Eastern Conference Finals are a bore to watch. This year is going to change that trend. This will be a tight, competitive series. The Heat will win in 7 (4-3).

The Series begins Monday
1. Mon, May 23 – at Mia, 8:00 pm (TNT)
2. Wed, May 25 – at Mia, 8:00 pm (TNT)
3. Sun, May 29 – at Det, 8:00 pm (TNT)
4. Tue, May 31 – at Det, 8:00 pm (TNT)
5.* Thu, Jun 2 – at Mia, 8:00 pm (TNT)
6.* Sat, Jun 4 – at Det, 8:00 pm (TNT)
7.* Mon, Jun 6 – at Mia, 8:00 pm (TNT)
All times are Eastern Daylight Time
* - If necessary

Head to Head
PG Damon Jones vs. Chauncey Billups
SG Dwyane Wade vs. Richard Hamilton
SF Eddie Jones vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF Udonis Haslem vs. Rasheed Wallace
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Ben Wallace

2005 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semi Finals Wrapup

#1 Miami Heat vs #5 Washington Wizards
(101.54 PPG #4 in Scoring) (100.50 PPG #6 in Scoring)
(95.02 PPG #8 in Defense) (100.82 #23 in Defense)
(+6.52 #3 in Scoring Differential) (-.32 #16 in Scoring Differential)

Hopefully Shaq can get the rest he needs to be at 100%. If Shaq and DWade can both play at 100% the Pistons are going to have all the game they can handle.

Miami won series 4-0
1. Sun, May 8 – Mia 105, Was 86
2. Tue, May 10 – Mia 108, Was 102
3. Thu, May 12 – Mia 102, Was 95
4. Sat, May 14 – Mia 99, Was 95

Head to Head
PG Damon Jones vs. Gilbert Arenas
SG Dwyane Wadevs. Larry Hughes
SF Eddie Jones vs. Jared Jeffries
PF Udonis Haslem vs. Antawn Jamison
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Brendan Haywood

#2 Detroit Pistons vs #6 Indiana Pacers
(93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring) (93.00 PPG #25 in Scoring)
(89.46 PPG #2 in Defense) (92.24 #5 in Defense)
(+3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential) (+.75 #15 in Scoring Differential)

The Pistons are a real class act. Even after defeating the Pacers, Coach Larry Brown called a timeout to join into the standing ovation to Reggie Miller's last game. The Eastern Conference Finals are going to be a matchup of the 2 best teams in the conference.

Detroit wins series 4-2
1. Mon, May 9 – Det 96, Ind 81
2. Wed, May 11 – Ind 92, Det 83
3. Fri, May 13 – Ind 79, Det 74
4. Sun, May 15 – Det 89, Ind 76
5. Tue, May 17 – Det 86, Ind 67
6. Thu, May 19 – Det 88, Ind 79

Head to Head
PGChauncey Billups vs. Jamaal Tinsley
SG Richard Hamilton vs. Reggie Miller
SF Tayshaun Prince vs. Stephen Jackson
PFRasheed Wallace vs. Jermaine O'Neal
C Ben Wallace vs. Dale Davis

2005 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semi Finals Update 3

#1 Phoenix Suns vs #4 Dallas Mavericks
(110.41 PPG #1 in Scoring) (102.5 PPG #3 in Scoring)
(103.29 PPG #30 in Defense) (96.75 PPG #14 in Defense)
(+7.12 #2 in Scoring Differential) (+5.74 #4 in Scoring Differential)

Steve Nash scored 34 and dropped a triple double and Dallas couldn't overcome Amare Stoudemire's 33 points either. Phoenix in 6 games (4-2).

Phoenix leads series 3-2
1. Mon, May 9 – Pho 127, Dal 102
2. Wed, May 11 – Dal 108, Pho 106
3. Fri, May 13 – Pho 119, Dal 102
4. Sun, May 15 – Dal 119, Pho 109
5. Wed, May 18 – Pho 114, Dal 108
6. Fri, May 20 – at Dal, 9:00 pm (ESPN)
7.* Sun, May 22 – at Pho, TBA

Head to Head
PG Steve Nash vs. Jason Terry
SG Joe Johnson vs. Michael Finley
SF Quentin Richardson vs. Josh Howard
PF Shawn Marion vs. Dirk Nowitzki
C Amare Stoudemire vs. Erick Dampier


#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #3 Seattle SuperSonics
(96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring) (98.93 PPG #11 in Scoring)
(88.39 PPG #1 in Defense) (96.64 PPG #13 in Defense)
(+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential) (+2.29 #7 in Scoring Differential)

It looks like the better team won. I thought Seattle had a chance, but they had too many injuries to overcome to win. The Spurs now await the winner between Dallas and Phoenix. The Spurs have had success against both teams this year.

Spurs win series 4-2
1. Sun, May 8 – SA 103, Sea 81
2. Tue, May 10 – SA 108, Sea 91
3. Thu, May 12 – Sea 92, SA 91
4. Sun, May 15 – Sea 101, SA 89
5. Tue, May 17 – SA 103, Sea 90
6. Thu, May 19 – SA 98, Sea 96

Head to Head
PG Tony Parker vs. Luke Ridnour
SG Bruce Bowen vs. Ray Allen
SF Manu Ginobili vs. Rashard Lewis
PF Tim Duncan vs. Reggie Evans
C Nazr Mohammed vs. Jerome James

2005 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semi Finals Update 2

#1 Phoenix Suns vs #4 Dallas Mavericks
(110.41 PPG #1 in Scoring) (102.5 PPG #3 in Scoring)
(103.29 PPG #30 in Defense) (96.75 PPG #14 in Defense)
(+7.12 #2 in Scoring Differential) (+5.74 #4 in Scoring Differential)

It's amazing how when Dirk Nowitski embarassed Erick Dampier, he actually showed up the next game. Somehow Dallas is playing better defense and withstood a 48 point night from Steve Nash and won by 10. I don't think that'll happen again, but you have to tip your hat to Dallas coach Avery Johnson's adjustments during the series. If his adjustments didn't go so well Dallas would have lost already. Phoenix is too good of a team to lose this series though. Phoenix in 6 games (4-2).

Series is tied 2-2
1. Mon, May 9 – Pho 127, Dal 102
2. Wed, May 11 – Dal 108, Pho 106
3. Fri, May 13 – Pho 119, Dal 102
4. Sun, May 15 – Dal 119, Pho 109
5. Wed, May 18 – at Pho, 9:00 pm (TNT)
6. Fri, May 20 – at Dal, 9:00 pm (ESPN)
7.* Sun, May 22 – at Pho, TBA

Head to Head
PG Steve Nash vs. Jason Terry
SG Joe Johnson vs. Michael Finley
SF Quentin Richardson vs. Josh Howard
PF Shawn Marion vs. Dirk Nowitzki
C Amare Stoudemire vs. Erick Dampier


#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #3 Seattle SuperSonics
(96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring) (98.93 PPG #11 in Scoring)
(88.39 PPG #1 in Defense) (96.64 PPG #13 in Defense)
(+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential) (+2.29 #7 in Scoring Differential)

I don't think the Spurs were ready for Seattle to hold home court in this series. It is reminiscent of last year when the Spurs sprinted out to a 2-0 series lead against the Lakers, and proceeded to lose the next four games to get bounced from the playoffs. The Spurs game is predicatred on intimidating the opponent into mistakes that the take advantage of. I see no fear from the Sonics at all. Seattle won the last game without their #2 and #3 scorers. Seattle may just have enough to pull this series out. Seattle wins in 7 games (4-3).

Spurs lead series 3-2
1. Sun, May 8 – SA 103, Sea 81
2. Tue, May 10 – SA 108, Sea 91
3. Thu, May 12 – Sea 92, SA 91
4. Sun, May 15 – Sea 101, SA 89
5. Tue, May 17 – SA 103, Sea 90
6. Thu, May 19 – at Sea, 10:30 pm (ESPN)
7.* Sun, May 22 – at SA, TBA

Head to Head
PG Tony Parker vs. Luke Ridnour
SG Bruce Bowen vs. Ray Allen
SF Manu Ginobili vs. Rashard Lewis
PF Tim Duncan vs. Reggie Evans
C Nazr Mohammed vs. Jerome James

2005 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semi Finals Update 2

#1 Miami Heat vs #5 Washington Wizards
(101.54 PPG #4 in Scoring) (100.50 PPG #6 in Scoring)
(95.02 PPG #8 in Defense) (100.82 #23 in Defense)
(+6.52 #3 in Scoring Differential) (-.32 #16 in Scoring Differential)

The Wizards had no answer for DWade. He single handedly carried the Heat to game 3 and game 4 wins. DWade had no Shaq to help but the Heat reserves were also too much for the Wizards. If Shaq can heal his dual thigh injuries, the Eastern Conference finals are going to be great to watch. The Heat are getting a lot of time to recover because of successive sweeps in the playoffs so far.

Miami won series 4-0
1. Sun, May 8 – Mia 105, Was 86
2. Tue, May 10 – Mia 108, Was 102
3. Thu, May 12 – Mia 102, Was 95
4. Sat, May 14 – Mia 99, Was 95

Head to Head
PG Damon Jones vs. Gilbert Arenas
SG Dwyane Wadevs. Larry Hughes
SF Eddie Jones vs. Jared Jeffries
PF Udonis Haslem vs. Antawn Jamison
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Brendan Haywood

#2 Detroit Pistons vs #6 Indiana Pacers
(93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring) (93.00 PPG #25 in Scoring)
(89.46 PPG #2 in Defense) (92.24 #5 in Defense)
(+3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential) (+.75 #15 in Scoring Differential)

Indiana showed up to play. After losing game 1, Jeff Foster has been a monster on the offensive glass for the Pacers. This is going to be a tighter series than I had previously thought. Rasheed Wallace's game 4 guarantee was the thing the Pistons needed to get back into this series. The Pistons will win in 6 games (4-2).

Detroit leads series 3-2
1. Mon, May 9 – Det 96, Ind 81
2. Wed, May 11 – Ind 92, Det 83
3. Fri, May 13 – Ind 79, Det 74
4. Sun, May 15 – Det 89, Ind 76
5. Tue, May 17 – Det 86, Ind 67
6. Thu, May 19 – at Ind, 8:00 pm (ABC)
7.* Sun, May 22 – at Det, TBA

Head to Head
PGChauncey Billups vs. Jamaal Tinsley
SG Richard Hamilton vs. Reggie Miller
SF Tayshaun Prince vs. Stephen Jackson
PFRasheed Wallace vs. Jermaine O'Neal
C Ben Wallace vs. Dale Davis