KingKong
Starter
April 20, 2006
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
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It took all season to decide the Western Conference's top team, and between the Spurs and Mavericks, the loser ended up as the fourth seed. Northwest Division winner Denver was dismal down the stretch, and it lost out on home court to the No. 6 seed Los Angeles Clippers, who conveniently rested pretty much everyone to ensure a more favorable matchup. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Yeah. Welcome to the West playoffs, where nothing is what it seems, but this much is true: The Spurs and Mavs will meet in the semifinals, and the winner will ultimately represent the conference in the Finals.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Brace yourself for what should be some pretty exciting basketball. No one is feared, not even the defending champion Spurs -- if you believe Ron Artest, who expects his Kings to surface as the top contender.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Screw the politics. Let's get it on. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] No. 1 San Antonio vs. No. 8 Sacramento [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What it is: Artest's opportunity to back up his word. Love him or hate him, he is a difference maker and his toughness has given the once-soft Kings an identity of a team that will punch you right back in the face. The Spurs managed to prove their excellence by overcoming injury-riddled seasons from Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili to still earn the top seed. Now, they face a team Artest says is a title contender. Whether that's true or not, this will be the toughest No. 8 the Spurs have ever faced.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Defense wins championships: There's no denying that Artest has changed the makeup of the Kings, but the Spurs won't be scared. Why? They have Bruce Bowen to sic on Artest and whoever else dares to step up against them. There's a reason Bowen, getting up there in years, was included on the potential U.S Olympic roster. He pesters opponents into failure. Artest bullies them into the same thing. Which style prevails? That alone is worth the price of admission.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Duncan done? Whispers are out there that Duncan is no longer who he used to be. Foot problems have limited him this season, but the verdict is still out. Not to say he's been sand-bagging, but an NBA Finals MVP has the right to reserve energy. It's time to find out whether he's still the "Big Fundamental" or simply a strong big man who can be shut down.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] T.P. vs. Bibby: For quite some time, people have been calling for Mike Bibby to take the helm of his team and become unstoppable. If you don't want to pull punches, Tony Parker beat him to the point where he's the more valuable floor general. His speed is the reason why the Spurs ended up No. 1. Bibby has the potential to overcome him, but it has to be proven on the floor first. This matchup will be an intriguing one.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] The call: Anyone who believes this will be your typical 1-8 walkover is sadly mistaken. Sacramento has developed a swagger and won't be swept. The only way to stand up to the Spurs is to look to draw blood, and the hunch here is that is exactly what the new-look Kings will do. It still won't be enough. Spurs in 6. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] No. 2 Phoenix vs. No. 7 L.A. Lakers [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Kobe's contributions: Not trying to be cute or anything, but if Kobe Bryant doesn't average at least 40 points in this series, the Lakers are done. Sound far-fetched? It's not. This will be a high-scoring series in which the Lakers will have to match the Suns' offensive production in order to challenge. You know what that means. It's time for Bryant to cement his reputation as the game's most unstoppable scorer.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Odom vs. Marion: The running mates of two of this year's primary MVP candidates have some work to do. The verdict is out on whether Lamar Odom likes playing with Bryant, but it's undeniable that he's found his niche down the stretch. Shawn Marion has been invaluable to the Suns, finishing fourth in rebounding despite being just 6-7, but last season's playoff struggles haven't been forgotten. This will be a pivotal matchup. [/FONT]
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Can Kwame? It's somewhat amusing, but the Lakers are forced to rely on Kwame Brown to have a positive impact in this series. Remember when Jermaine O'Neal used to be an afterthought? What is he now? Brown has the same opportunity. For all the reported immaturity and inconsistency, he has a chance to carve out a new reputation. He played his best ball down the stretch. If that continues, the Lakers have a chance to do damage.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] The call: As great as Kobe is, he's short-handed, and this is the wrong series to go into without backup. The Suns are formidable, whether you think them gimmicky or not. They have a history of exterminating teams, and even though Amare Stoudemire, Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson are history, the Suns have proven that they will never roll over. That makes it difficult to bet against Phoenix. Suns in 7. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] No. 3 Denver vs. No. 6 L.A. Clippers [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What it is: Not only did the Clippers win the regular-season series outright, but they have home court and are rested. L.A. can sit back and welcome Denver for the first two games, making for a surreal reality where the Clips are the favorites. The No. 6 seed. The Clippers. Believe it.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Brand-name attack: Marcus Camby is a top-notch defender who can take over a series. Kenyon Martin is an athletic wonder who blocks shots, rebounds and is the Nuggets' emotional leader. Welcome to a perfect world -- which doesn't exist. Camby and Martin enter this series with question marks regarding their health, while Brand seems to have an advantage, having rarely missed a game in his phenomenal season.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Mighty 'Melo: It doesn't matter what haters want to believe, does it? The Nuggets should have probably dominated their division and have challenged for the West's top record. Instead, injuries pulverized them to a point where Carmelo Anthony became the poster boy, dismantling opponents with his relentless attack and newly acquired leadership skills.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Maggette vs. Patterson: Ruben Patterson once touted himself as the Kobe-stopper. He thrives on personal challenges, which makes his matchup with Corey Maggette so interesting. The Clippers swingman has missed the majority of the season due to an assortment of injuries, but the herniated disc in his back has healed to the point where he should be a factor. Should is the operative word, and the relentless Patterson will have his say in the matter.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] The call: Whether you think what happened down the stretch -- with L.A. tanking games -- was a crock, this matchup was coming down the pike for a long time. The Nuggets will be facing a team that is healthier, deeper and has home-court advantage. The Clippers are in better shape. Clippers in 7. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] No. 4 Dallas and No. 5 Memphis [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What it is: Pau Gasol is an All-Star now, the team's defense is among the league's best, and everything points to Memphis making this a series. But how can you pick against a team that has been among the league's elite all season? Dallas is a potential champ, while Memphis is a team still looking to take its next step. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Pau vs. Dirk: Gasol has made remarkable strides this season, yelling in opponent's faces after dunks, brawling for boards and going after people. He's no longer a soft European. So now what? Time to go from borderline star to someone who dominates his position and won't back down from the league's best. This is Pau's time to prove he's like Dirk Nowitzki: a superstar worthy of credit.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Jet taking off: It isn't said often, but Jason Terry is among the league's top floor generals. He has learned to play defense and challenge opposing point guards. Considering Chucky Atkins and Bobby Jackson have to prove themselves, Terry may just be the primary figure in this series.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Depth: Jerry Stackhouse, Marquis Daniels and a few others have missed time for Dallas. The Mavs persevered, but injuries have left them vulnerable. Mike Fratello has employed a host of players in this year's rotation and would be perfectly comfortable taking the all-hands-on-deck approach.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]The call: Once the Grizz win a game, it's not like they'll get comfortable -- but they'll get satisfied. That's just how things are, and that will be their downfall. Mavs in five.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]http://www.sportsline.com/print/nba/story/9388026
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By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]
It took all season to decide the Western Conference's top team, and between the Spurs and Mavericks, the loser ended up as the fourth seed. Northwest Division winner Denver was dismal down the stretch, and it lost out on home court to the No. 6 seed Los Angeles Clippers, who conveniently rested pretty much everyone to ensure a more favorable matchup. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Yeah. Welcome to the West playoffs, where nothing is what it seems, but this much is true: The Spurs and Mavs will meet in the semifinals, and the winner will ultimately represent the conference in the Finals.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Brace yourself for what should be some pretty exciting basketball. No one is feared, not even the defending champion Spurs -- if you believe Ron Artest, who expects his Kings to surface as the top contender.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Screw the politics. Let's get it on. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] No. 1 San Antonio vs. No. 8 Sacramento [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What it is: Artest's opportunity to back up his word. Love him or hate him, he is a difference maker and his toughness has given the once-soft Kings an identity of a team that will punch you right back in the face. The Spurs managed to prove their excellence by overcoming injury-riddled seasons from Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili to still earn the top seed. Now, they face a team Artest says is a title contender. Whether that's true or not, this will be the toughest No. 8 the Spurs have ever faced.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Defense wins championships: There's no denying that Artest has changed the makeup of the Kings, but the Spurs won't be scared. Why? They have Bruce Bowen to sic on Artest and whoever else dares to step up against them. There's a reason Bowen, getting up there in years, was included on the potential U.S Olympic roster. He pesters opponents into failure. Artest bullies them into the same thing. Which style prevails? That alone is worth the price of admission.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Duncan done? Whispers are out there that Duncan is no longer who he used to be. Foot problems have limited him this season, but the verdict is still out. Not to say he's been sand-bagging, but an NBA Finals MVP has the right to reserve energy. It's time to find out whether he's still the "Big Fundamental" or simply a strong big man who can be shut down.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] T.P. vs. Bibby: For quite some time, people have been calling for Mike Bibby to take the helm of his team and become unstoppable. If you don't want to pull punches, Tony Parker beat him to the point where he's the more valuable floor general. His speed is the reason why the Spurs ended up No. 1. Bibby has the potential to overcome him, but it has to be proven on the floor first. This matchup will be an intriguing one.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] The call: Anyone who believes this will be your typical 1-8 walkover is sadly mistaken. Sacramento has developed a swagger and won't be swept. The only way to stand up to the Spurs is to look to draw blood, and the hunch here is that is exactly what the new-look Kings will do. It still won't be enough. Spurs in 6. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] No. 2 Phoenix vs. No. 7 L.A. Lakers [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Kobe's contributions: Not trying to be cute or anything, but if Kobe Bryant doesn't average at least 40 points in this series, the Lakers are done. Sound far-fetched? It's not. This will be a high-scoring series in which the Lakers will have to match the Suns' offensive production in order to challenge. You know what that means. It's time for Bryant to cement his reputation as the game's most unstoppable scorer.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Odom vs. Marion: The running mates of two of this year's primary MVP candidates have some work to do. The verdict is out on whether Lamar Odom likes playing with Bryant, but it's undeniable that he's found his niche down the stretch. Shawn Marion has been invaluable to the Suns, finishing fourth in rebounding despite being just 6-7, but last season's playoff struggles haven't been forgotten. This will be a pivotal matchup. [/FONT]
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Can Kwame? It's somewhat amusing, but the Lakers are forced to rely on Kwame Brown to have a positive impact in this series. Remember when Jermaine O'Neal used to be an afterthought? What is he now? Brown has the same opportunity. For all the reported immaturity and inconsistency, he has a chance to carve out a new reputation. He played his best ball down the stretch. If that continues, the Lakers have a chance to do damage.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] The call: As great as Kobe is, he's short-handed, and this is the wrong series to go into without backup. The Suns are formidable, whether you think them gimmicky or not. They have a history of exterminating teams, and even though Amare Stoudemire, Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson are history, the Suns have proven that they will never roll over. That makes it difficult to bet against Phoenix. Suns in 7. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] No. 3 Denver vs. No. 6 L.A. Clippers [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What it is: Not only did the Clippers win the regular-season series outright, but they have home court and are rested. L.A. can sit back and welcome Denver for the first two games, making for a surreal reality where the Clips are the favorites. The No. 6 seed. The Clippers. Believe it.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Brand-name attack: Marcus Camby is a top-notch defender who can take over a series. Kenyon Martin is an athletic wonder who blocks shots, rebounds and is the Nuggets' emotional leader. Welcome to a perfect world -- which doesn't exist. Camby and Martin enter this series with question marks regarding their health, while Brand seems to have an advantage, having rarely missed a game in his phenomenal season.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Mighty 'Melo: It doesn't matter what haters want to believe, does it? The Nuggets should have probably dominated their division and have challenged for the West's top record. Instead, injuries pulverized them to a point where Carmelo Anthony became the poster boy, dismantling opponents with his relentless attack and newly acquired leadership skills.
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Maggette vs. Patterson: Ruben Patterson once touted himself as the Kobe-stopper. He thrives on personal challenges, which makes his matchup with Corey Maggette so interesting. The Clippers swingman has missed the majority of the season due to an assortment of injuries, but the herniated disc in his back has healed to the point where he should be a factor. Should is the operative word, and the relentless Patterson will have his say in the matter.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] The call: Whether you think what happened down the stretch -- with L.A. tanking games -- was a crock, this matchup was coming down the pike for a long time. The Nuggets will be facing a team that is healthier, deeper and has home-court advantage. The Clippers are in better shape. Clippers in 7. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] No. 4 Dallas and No. 5 Memphis [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] What it is: Pau Gasol is an All-Star now, the team's defense is among the league's best, and everything points to Memphis making this a series. But how can you pick against a team that has been among the league's elite all season? Dallas is a potential champ, while Memphis is a team still looking to take its next step. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Pau vs. Dirk: Gasol has made remarkable strides this season, yelling in opponent's faces after dunks, brawling for boards and going after people. He's no longer a soft European. So now what? Time to go from borderline star to someone who dominates his position and won't back down from the league's best. This is Pau's time to prove he's like Dirk Nowitzki: a superstar worthy of credit.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Jet taking off: It isn't said often, but Jason Terry is among the league's top floor generals. He has learned to play defense and challenge opposing point guards. Considering Chucky Atkins and Bobby Jackson have to prove themselves, Terry may just be the primary figure in this series.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Depth: Jerry Stackhouse, Marquis Daniels and a few others have missed time for Dallas. The Mavs persevered, but injuries have left them vulnerable. Mike Fratello has employed a host of players in this year's rotation and would be perfectly comfortable taking the all-hands-on-deck approach.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]The call: Once the Grizz win a game, it's not like they'll get comfortable -- but they'll get satisfied. That's just how things are, and that will be their downfall. Mavs in five.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]http://www.sportsline.com/print/nba/story/9388026
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