While NBA big-wigs and their corporate partners froth at the mouth over a possible Lakers-Celtics meeting in the Finals for the first time 21 years, there's that other possibility they don’t want to see.
You know what I’m talking about … Spurs-Pistons.
Of course, everyone has their eyes on the top-seeded Celtics. It has been an amazing transformation after falling off the map for so long. This had to be their year. President Danny Ainge took his young roster and high draft choices, turned it upside down, shook it out and presented All-Star Paul Pierce with brand new teammates Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Girded by Garnett, coach Doc Rivers turned them into a defensive-oriented unit (2nd in points allowed, 1st in defensive FG%) and they’ve rolled to the best record in the NBA with ease.
And the Lakers have come together in stunning fashion for coach Phil Jackson. Obviously built around MVP-favorite Kobe Bryant, the return of Derek Fisher at point guard, the theft of Pau Gasol from Memphis in February, and Lamar Odom becoming the versatile force up front everyone expected him to be, they have weathered the knee injury to young center Andrew Bynum. With the Pacific Division in their hip pocket, they are on the verge of the No. 1 seed in the West.
Always lingering, though, is the potential rematch of the 2005 Finals, a defensive struggle between the Pistons and the Spurs. In this era of rejuvenated offenses, that is not high on the NBA agenda for postseason drama – particularly on the heels of the Spurs sweeping the helpless Cavs last spring. Granted, the Celtics have really been the best defensive team, but they are a fresh look -- especially with a popular superstar like Garnett finally on course for a legitimate shot at his first title.
In the West, all anybody has been talking about is, well, everybody. For virtually the entire season, nine teams have been on track for 50 wins and none will reach 60 -- that's how close it has been. Heck, the Warriors are going to be in the lottery with 48 or 49 wins. For varied periods of time, the Spurs, Hornets, Rockets and Lakers have held the conference lead and even today, only two games separate the top six seeds.
And yet the Spurs are the defending NBA champs, with three titles in five years and four in the past nine. Their terrific trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are still arguably as effective as anybody when healthy. Health has indeed been an issue because their depth has aged rapidly, and at the moment, their major concern is the groin strain that Ginobili is dealing with on a daily basis. On the other hand, young Ime Udoka has come on as a young version of Mario Elie with great toughness on the defensive end and clutch shots. Plus they received the gift of veteran Kurt Thomas from Seattle at mid-season for depth up front defensively, rebounding and a deadly mid-range game. Clearly, their consistency and ability to turn up the heat defensively down the stretch will be a factor come playoff time.
The same goes in the East. Despite the omnipotence of the Celtics over the past six months, the Pistons still loom. They've made six straight Eastern Conference finals, twice winning the conference. They won the 2004 NBA title. Although they have not seriously threatened the Celtics for the top seed for months, they still enter these final days with the second-best record in the league for coach Flip Saunders. They still have Mr. Big Shot - Chauncey Billups – running the point, with Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince and Antonio McDyess forming the most experienced and consistent starting lineup in either conference.
The question is whether or not reduced minutes across the board and more production from the bench this season will prevent the postseason burnout the Pistons have suffered the past few seasons. Billups, in particular, hasn’t been as sharp, and were it not for the broken hand suffered by top draft choice Rodney Stuckey during the exhibition season that set him back significantly, Billups would have been even fresher. Still, Stuckey has come on strong late as both a backup point and shooting guard, while Jason Maxiell and Jarvis Hayes have also been solid contributors all season. Youngsters Aaron Afflalo and Amir Johnson also play, although not as consistently, and can help in the long run.
What we won’t know until it happens is how deep Saunders will go into his bench for the long playoff haul because if we’ve learned anything about these guys the past couple of years it’s been that they did get tired and became vulnerable late in the second round. That has been the issue since he became coach in 2005, but there are plenty of people who believe they’ve still got the goods to halt the Celtics' march.
And even if the Spurs look old and slow so often, particularly against the Lakers and Suns, they are still in the foreground as that mountain that must be climbed before reaching the next level.
So while the NBA front office, the networks and a large portion of the sentimental NBA fans would love to see the Celtics and Lakers back at it again to rekindle history, the Spurs and Pistons haven’t left the building … yet.
Billups is down? His career high field goal percentage says otherwise I'd say, 40% 3pt, 91% FT, least turnovers per game as a Detroiter, 2nd fewest minutes per game as a Detroiter...
I'd say Chauncey is prepared for the grind like never before...
The Spurs could come in as the 8th seed and I wouldn't count them out but the Pistons are a different story.
They've imploded two straight seasons. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the Magic took them out in the 2nd round.
I've been saying this for quite some time but I think it's time for Dumars to trade Hamilton or Prince. Take your pick. It really doesn't matter to me but the Pistons need a swingman with size, athleticism, defense, and one who can create his own shot.
Prince is not an elite defender.
RIP is best suited coming off of screens.
Neither matches up with guards/forwards who have size and speed. Witness the performances of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James the past two seasons.
as it stands the spurs/suns in the 1st round, i don't see the spurs getting past the suns. If they do it will take alot out of them. and then having to face hornents or Mavs in round 2? Just don't think it's there year. no matter what there's going to be a lot of great games in the west.
that's a joke right? lose to the Magic?
then surely you would think Lakers are going to implode again and lose to the Nuggets right, surely it would only make sense
Boston - Spurs in June
i just dont see the Celtics losing to the Pistons, both solid defensive teams but the Celtics have a much better flowing offense
Detroit has a bench that can beat several of these teams heading into the playoffs. They have far more depth than they have had the last couple of years. You might be surprised,go Detroit!!!!!!
I don't know how this guy keeps his job. This guy was the fool with a blog on how the Hornets get no respect. He obviously doen't watch basketball. The Spurs are old. They are old and tired...and while they had a good run, it's over. They came to make a statement against the Lakers and got thrashed. That wasn't a regular season game, and everyone knows it. Duncan, and Horry and Bowen are NOT what they used to be, and the rest can't pick up that slack.
Boston Detroit sounds like a great series. I give it to Boston....and while it pains me to no end being a Laker fan, I tip Boston for the big win.
You know....it absolutely astonishes me how you give all these props to the 'old tried and true' team....based on history. But just last week, you gave everyone a rash of K rap for not giving the new upstarts their due. It's like you just write stuff and fling it against the wall. GO AWAY
HOFFMAN have you ever watched a Pistons game in your life?? Prince not an elite defensive player?? YOUR OUT OF YOUR MIND!! Not one player may stand out as an elite player in your eyes, because they play as a TEAM better then anyone. Needless to say thay have thee deepest bench in the NBA!!!!!
Celtics will give them a good run in the conf. finals but they dont have enough depth. Pistons WILL wear them down to much for them to win. Pistons + seasoned professionals = 2008 NBA Champs
The Pistons can beat Boston--if they pklay their D---And don't count the Spurs out---It's playoff time--they'll be at their best---but yes--a Detroit--Boston would be good for the NBA---probably the best of the playofffs--it won't be Larry the Bird Man & Isaiah--but it would be a darn great series
A no name team that's Detroit--but they have some of the greatest players today--Prince--remember his famous block in the playoffs---he plays excellent "D" and plays big when needed--and his offense makes him an all around great player---No team has the ability to play as a unified unit like Detroit---that's why they will win it all, Boston or not
I get what you're saying, but both scenarios are just so unlikely!
The Spurs haven't looked this bad since Duncan's first year, the Suns will take them out in the 1st round (given reasonably fair officiating).
Pistons only have three games at home, and despite what the Detroit fans are saying, Boston is deeper and have proved it as they played through their multiple injuries this season while posting a significantly better record.
Boston's defense is the best, and even though Chauncey beat them once this year there's just not a realistic chance for Detroit to win 4 of 7.
Jazz and Lakers will battle for the West tiltle, and play the Celtics. Write it down!
Last edited by nba is the worst on April 15th at 2:56 PM.
Python_25 - would you classify Prince's defense on Wade or James the past two seasons as "elite?"
Forget what he did against Kobe in 2004. Tayshaun is not the same player he was then.
liu11 - the Lakers didn't implode the last two seasons. They were beaten by a better team. Miami and Cleveland were not better than Detroit. Detroit just didn't show up in the East Finals. We'll see if they can change that this year...if they make it that far.
Ok lets recap, the Lakers have the best player (KOBE) in the league..check. The Lakers have a great number 2 guy (Pau)..check. The Lakers have one of the best number 3 guys (Odom)..check. The best bench in the league..check. Oh yea they have the best coach in the league (Phill "the Thrill" Jackson)..check. Whatever Bynum can bring to the table will be a bonus. The title is theirs for the Lakers to lose. The Lakers in 7 games VS the Pistons. GO LAKERS!!!!
Last edited by zzbigchriszz on April 15th at 3:05 PM.
My first revelation: The Spurs have never ever went back to back as World Champs. The second is the Celtics will beat Detroit, its all about hunger and Kevin Garnet, Paul Peirce, Ray Allen and company have the best chance at winning it all this year. Defense wins Championships, and Celtics Coach Doc Rivers demands you play at both ends of the floor. Celtics President Danny Ainge must feel good about putting together a solid roster that has proven all season (with the best overall record) the Championship goes through Boston.
Last edited by LOVE_4_THE_GAME on April 15th at 4:09 PM.
Why is it that every time the suns are mentioned against any competitor, the issue of the officiating is brought up. I used to like the suns, in fact they were my favorite team; however, I'm sick and tired of excuses and crying and therefore I hope that those weeners don't every win a damn thing!
Last edited by sports_midas on April 15th at 3:26 PM.
Do you actually know how to read entire blogs, have them read TO YOU?
Of course the Hornets deserve props.
Of course, the Pistons and Spurs are dangerous in the playoffs. People like you that look at life through a straw don't quite grasp the simple notion that there are a lot more possibilities in all sports than your painfully narrow view.
If I make a particular pick you don't like, so be it. But I've yet to see you contribute anything of substance ... just shooting off your mouth. When I see some guys like Hoffman throw out ideas about why I may reconsider my thoughts at least it allows me to realize you're the exception rather than the rule.
Have we forgotten that Detroit has the second best winning record and probably will win tonight as well. Detroit is hungry, they're a much better team than they were with Wallace, with Stuckey & Maxiell, plus the rest of their bench which has more playing time than most benches, they can go deep, they will not tire in the late rounds, and yes they can beat Boston---the fire is in their eyes, and they have proven when they want to win, look out!!!! Oh and don't forgey Mcdyess, he had played solid all year. Lakers--will get bumped.
Wake up and smell the roses. The Spurs have to re-prove themselves. The got old quick. I dont care how great of a steal it was to get Gasol everyone had the lakers not even making the playoff this year. And to have them one game out of clinching the west, that has to shut a lot of the critics up. Paul is tough to agrue for MVP, but if the lakers win the west Kobe deserves the award.
The pistons have been on the decline defensively ever since Larry Brown left. While arguably the talent is there and the bench got better they still haven't proven that they can rekindle that defensive spark when they need to. While the verdict isn't out on the Celtics they are in my book the most balanced of the upstart teams because they are (as a team) committed to defense. The Lakers are offensively dangerous and can put numbers with anyone but their defense even by Phil's own words is still suspect giving up 105 pts a game. It could end up being the Spurs and the Celtics which I would favor the Celtics in 6 or 7 games.
Last edited by bullfrogballer on April 15th at 4:21 PM.
first off whoever thinks that the spurs won't be contending for the championships is retarded. They are the defending champs and although they've never won back to back, the celtics haven't won in almost 20 years so i dont wanna hear anymore bs about how the celtics are a lock when they haven't proved anything yet.......and by the way do u remember the mavs last regular season. Yeah they had the best record and got dominated in the playoffs. Lets just say that the celtics have to prove themselves in the playoffs like the spurs have time and time again.
i could agree. I think the spurs will have a tougher time to make it then the pistons. Spurs have every one to worry about and the piston have to worry about Boston. it will be interesting.
Haha I had fun reading all your comments... first of al I am a Pistons fan and I do believe that Detroit can beat the celtics. First of all, I'm tired of all the bs about how good they are you should be that good if you got 3 allstars you have the best powerforward, best three pointshooter, and then you got paul pierce....I mean cmon I expected them to do good..... Any way the west is up in the air as of last week I had pistons-spurs...... but my thing is the lakers gonna beat the nuggets, hornets gonna beat mavs, I would pick the suns but I don't think shaq was the best trade for the suns but hey they might prove everyone wrong so its up in air for them, and final I got the rockets beating utah....... and ofcourse east gonna be detroit celtics east conf finals with detroit going 4-3
Kahn, you're an #### if you truly believe that we're in for a Spurs-Pistons finals rematch. Book the Lakers and Celtics for a finals showdown, and come to your senses already man!
Whoever it was that said the Lakers "have the best bench in the league, check...," there are a couple teams with better benches. Anyone who has truly paid attention to ALL of the teams(and not just their own) over the last couple of months should tell you that the Pistons have the best bench right now. And Lamar Odom is good, I'm a fan of his, but he is nowhere in the ballpark of being the best 3rd man in the league.
I like the pistons chances a lot better than the spurs. The spurs probably have to play the suns, then the hornets and then maybe the lakers to get to the finals. I don't think they can get past all of those good teams one right after the other considering none will be a sweep or close to it to allow them rest.
All I got to say is," if you don't know about the Detroit Pistons, you better ask somebody".
Pistons vs. Spurs, Celtics, Lakers or Hornets in the finals, it don't matter just bring your A-Ball. It's the play-off therefore, you better come to PLAY or get OFF the court.
Last edited by Ms.Twinky on April 15th at 8:02 PM.
I don't see the Pistons getting past LeBron, (dude runs amok on them) let alone Boston.
After Sunday's game, San Antonio isn't looking too strong either...but they ARE the Spurs and were without Manu. They tanked a few games before that too though -the kinks in the armor are showing.
I can see Kahn's angle here...this kind of statement drums up bloggers' ire. If the whole point is to illicit comments, well, it worked no?
I see the Lakers coming out of the West, but my opinion is more than a little bias.
That withstanding...they ARE playing pretty good ball right now, as is Boston. I saw that Boston hasn't lost three out of seven ALL YEAR...that's pretty impressive. The Lakeshow has been a bit more inconsistent, yet the talent and chemistry seem to be there now...and with a weapon like Kobe, ANYTHING is possible.
I don't believe that Kahn is trying to say that this IS going to be the final match-up, it's just one possibility, however unlikely it may seem to us "common folk".
That's why they bother to play the games.
I'm glad they DO....I get to watch.
Props to you Kahn for taking the time to even acknowledge us, most the other hacks come off as eliteists...your articles still show up on the blog section. That to me, seems commendable in and of itself. He considers himself a blogger at heart. He even yelled at CEJAMCP the other day...that was CLASSIC.
LAKERS IN JUNE.
Last edited by BleedPRPL&GLD on April 15th at 8:13 PM.
Con games is right! How can you call the Lakers acquisition of Gasol "theft," but at the same time call the Celtics acquisition of Garnett and Allen an "amazing transformation?" This isn't even the same Celtics! Transformed, my foot! It's a new team built around two perennial all-stars, make that three! I bet any Seattle or T-Wolves fans would call this "amazing transformation" theft, Grand Theft! Of course the Celtics are supposed to win! If Seattle traded for Kobe and Chris Paul, they'd win, even without a third all-star although Kevin Durant is a future all-star! Would Seattle fans still route for this new team? You bet! Or how 'bout the Warriors trading for Garnett? Sweet!
I'm SOO sick of this LAKER HATING FOXSPORTS WEBSITE. You won't catch me reading this BIASED #### anymore. Have fun with your Spurs/Pistons rematch! hahahahaha. Take a hike! Who's paying you to write this ####!
If anything, Kahn is smart enough, unlike you Lakers fans, to realize that the last time a team that was # 1 (in either conference) went to the finals, let alone won, was the 2003 Spurs. Celtics/Lakers will choke like all of the #1 teams since the Spurs.
Also, since when have you ever been able to predict the Finals winner, by looking at the last few weeks of the regular season? Spurs have the bigger picture in mind and know that every possible road to the Finals will be the hardest of all time. That is why they chose to rest the Real MVP (Gino), and not treat every last game as if it were game 7 of the Finals, i.e. Lakers/Hornets
I'll admit my bias upfront as a Pistons fan...so of course I'm pulling for them to come out of the East. That said, I don't think Kahn was necessarily predicting a Spurs-Pistons rematch, much less hoping for it. He was just pointing out the very real possibilty that it could happen, despite most people's desire to see the storied Lakers-Celtics rivalry renewed.
That said, I do think the Lakers are the favorites to come out of the West. I just wouldn't sleep on the Spurs once the playoffs start.
In the East it WILL be either the Celtics or the Pistons -- and I won't be surprised regardless of which of them take that series.
I wouldn't count out the Spurs, but I don't even see Detroit playing Boston in the Eastern Conference finals. I can pretty much guarantee that we won't be hearing that sucky cheer, "Detroit Basketball!" in the NBA Finals. Even IF Detroit plays Boston in the Eastern finals, Boston will beat them in six games, max. Book the Lakers and Celtics in the Finals in June.
I'm from Phoenix and I say the Suns will definitely beat the Spurs, especially with fair officiating. Are we afraid of the Lakers? ... No, they beat us last time right after the Shaq trade before we came together and fit him in the mix better. We've done that now. We can take the Lakers.
Are we afraid of the Mavs? ... Not really, Chokevitski will undue them and without Devin Harris they are easier to beat. Utah & Hornets are the teams that might beat the Suns. We are not worried about the Nuggets or the Rockets.
In the East, I know all roads go through Boston. I'm confident that the Suns can get there. Will they win?... Not sure, I'd like to think if they don't that Boston is forced to go 7 games and pull it out in a 4-3 series win, or even a switch on history and have a triple overtime Game 7 that the Suns win and get the Championship in a 4-3 win.
Ahh...Lakers v. Celtics. Reminds me of what first drew me to the NBA in the first place: Magic/Bird, glitz of LA versus the blue-collar feel of Boston, East against West. The rivalry then was the best I had seen and basically got me hooked on the NBA.
Nice article, Kahn..I wouldn't mind to see another Pistons/Spurs rematch, but obviously I am in the minority, as David Stern is well aware of. He's a smart guy, and knows there's a lot of people like me who consider the mid-80's Lakers/Celtics Finals some of the best rivalry games in all sports.
Rewind 7 months or so ago and the NBA was almost at its lowest, falling below NASCAR and plagued by the officiating scandal. It's credibility almost nil. What follows lends a lot of fuel to "conspiracy theorists" in that both the Lakers and Celtics, who combined hadn't won a lone playoff series in 3 years, are now possible #1 seeds to meet in the Finals this year. How better to revive interest in the NBA! Does kinda make one wonder....
Desert Puma-This just in-All over at Staples-Lakers Win, Lakers Win..Lakers are the #1 Seed in the West...
I would say it doesn't matter what you think about the Suns opposition, in reality virtually any of them will kick your butts.....
Undersgtand, all Western Conference Squads are good..But nobody does it Better, than MVP Kobe, and the team he guided through all the ####, injuries, his own and the teams, to make this a very special year..Just warming it up..just warming it up....the Road to The Finals..goes straight through "I Love L.A." Time to get scared bruddah, "puma buttah"!!
I was going to be gentlemenly about this but I guess I can't in the wake of your denial.
Pau can't stop Stoudemire. Odom does have his moments but that's all they are ... moments. The strategy to beat the Lakers is easy ... force Kobe to do everything and shut everyone else down. It works every time. Kobe has a bad game and the Lakers lose.
In case you haven't seen it recently, Shaq & Amare together is nightmare for everyone, especially the Lakers. Pau is a cotton cape of defense especially when Amare elevates & detonates. He always gets posterized. With Shaq next to him, Amare plays his natural power forward position and the interior defense snuffs people.
Odom has to stay outside where he gets harassed. The other problem I see is the myth of the triangle offense. It really is a myth. It relies on an excellent shooting guard (Kobe or MJ), a wingman who can shoot (Odom or Pippen), and a dedicated rebounder (who? or Rodman).
The problem the Lakers are going to have is what teams are just now starting to find out. The Suns can now play half court very effectively and if necessary do the transition blitz.
However at this point, your purple and gold need to worry about the Nuggets who have whipped your #### all over the Staples Center before and, if not for the Lakers better record, that series would be starting out in Denver.
If you manage to face the Suns in the Western Conference Finals, we'll see how fast we torch you again.
The East will be favored over the West in any event. Both Boston, Detroit and Orlando get to play .500 or sub-.500 teams in their first series, most likely sweeping and resting stars. It'll be a cake-walk for at least Boston and Detroit. Meanwhile the strong teams in the West will be grinding out tough series after tough series, many of them going 'till the last game! Even 1 vs. 8 and 2 vs. 7 will be tough series in the West! It's gonna be one tired and ####ed up team coming out of the West in the end!
If you're talking about Nuggets-Lakers in previous seasons, that may be true, but we destroyed them all three times we played them this season.
3-0 vs Nuggets, 3-1 vs Mavs...and 3-1 vs the Suns this year.
Amare will get his 30-10. Heck, he scored 45+ on Duncan in the playoffs. But anyone that he potentially guards (Gasol, Boozer, West, Duncan) will also get their 30-10. He just cannot stop anyone. Why do you think the Suns failed to win a hcip the past three years.
In terms of matchups, your team has no one that can stop Kobe or Odom, whereas our front court is a wash in terms of production. Shaq nor Amare are capable of stopping the pick-and-roll. They'll get theirs, but so will we.
I would say, for any knowledgable Laker fan, that the Suns and Nuggets are the two teams we fear the LEAST.
Not to mention, your team may not even make it out of the first round.
Last edited by JtbataHK on April 15th at 10:51 PM.
Pistons have made the East finals 6 years in a row. Celtics may have the best record in the league, but so did Dallas last year. Besides, how many playoff series have Garnett, Pierce, and Allen won in their careers, combined? Not many...
I'm not saying that the Pistons will win, but they are determined to prove that the previous years were not true testaments to just how well they can play when motivated AND healthy, AND RESTED. Boston and Detroit will end up in the East Finals, go 7 games, and whoever wins that battle will have no trouble with the matador defense of the West.
I think the Spurs are the only team in the West that can contend with either Boston or Detroit over 7 games.
Kahn assumes that defense will prevail and two of the best defensive teams, the Pistons and Spurs, will supercede their offensive-juggernauts-of-opponents, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively.
Mighty tall order, Mr. Kahn.
I love my Spurs, but they've struggled more often this season (and as of late) than they have in championship seasons past. Recall the 2005-06 season when Duncan's injury proved too great an obstacle to overcome, losing to the Mavericks in dramatic fashion. This year Ginobili is entering the first round hurt- consequently, the Spurs will suffer on offense even more so.
As for the Pistons, They shine when they play well, and fade when their offense goes south, respectively. They're a defensive-minded team capable of a championship ONLY if their offensive intensity matches their stifling defense. The Celts are the most dominant team the NBA has seen in years- on both ends of the court (look how they handled the West). Short of another 1st-round fluke like last year's Mavs-Warriors match-up, I think Boston will find themselves in the big show...
The Spurs have a MUCH more difficult road to the championship- and all that without home court advantage.
Pop- show us somethin'. Maybe we've an ace up our sleeve.
Spurs and Pistons? No way. I am going with the Celtics and Lakers/Sun's. The NBA is banking on that for the money that kind of series would bring. Believe me.. you will see some controversial officiating designed to make this happen.
