B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Sports
NBA Playoff Recap
This year's NBA playoffs have probably been the most exciting ever. We've seen a number of upsets, surprises, and plays we couldn't make up if we tried.For starters, the San Antonio Spurs, who for much of the regular season had the best record, were eliminated by the 8th-ranked Memphis Grizzlies. After a couple games going down to the wire, and even overtime, the young franchise took down the seasoned, 4-time NBA champs. To even more of our surprise, the Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers, sweeping them in 4 games. Many have speculated the wear and tear of long seasons the last 3 years has worn on the team, and they are a bit older than most of the teams still contending. We may see a totally different squad next year, especially with the potential exit of coach Phil Jackson.
In the east, the Miami Heat are shocking the Boston Celtics, currently leading the series 3-1. The teams meet in Game 5 tonight, where Rajon Rondo's dislocated elbow will again be tested. He really showed heart, returning after the tough to watch injury in Game 3. After an overtime loss on Monday, the Celtics have something to prove. We'd be remiss if we did not mention our beloved Chicago Bulls. The team with Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau, Co-Executive of the Year Gar Forman, and MVP Derrick Rose has not breezed through the playoffs as Bulls fans would like-- but their defense and perseverance is keeping them on pace to the ring. The Bulls lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 in Atlanta on Thursday.
Clearly all this excitement is working wonders for NBA merchandising, and will do even more for key players in contract negotiations this summer. Certainly we'll be watching what happens in the collective bargaining negotiations, too. With all this hype, no one wants a lockout!