Dwight Schrute
Years ago
NBA Western Conference Playoff Preview
Thunder v Rockets
Snap shot - Big game James gets his chance in round one to seek revenge on his former teammates, more importantly his former front office. Whist working with a lesser supporting cast, Harden does have Chandler Parsons (top 3 most improved players) Jeremy Lin and Asik, all of whom have elevated their games significantly since last season.
With that being said, they run into a Thunder team being lead by two of the most dynamic players of our generation. Durant who's regular season stat line reads as follows 28.1 PPG 7.90 RPG 4.6 APG shooting @ a click of 51% from the field, 40% from the 3 and 90% from the line. (Only Nash, Bird, Mark Price, Dirk and Reggie have ever achieved that line!)
Meanwhile Westbrook plays harder and faster than anyone not named Lebron. The only question, will he maintain self control in the playoffs?
Regardless, with Ibaka, Martin & Reggie Jackson’s improved play, throw in Fisher’s experience, topped off with Thabo’s defence on Harden, OKC appear to wrap this thing up in 6.
Series Stud: Durant
Series Dud: Kendrick Perkins
Prediction: OKC in 6
Spurs Vs Lakers
Snap shot - No mamba, no Lakers? That’s the general consensus. However, whilst the Spurs do have the advantage in almost every conceivable way, coaching, roster, experience. Dwight and Pau have been playing well as twin towers of late and Nash may come back somewhat resembling Nash.
Simmons 'Patrick Ewing’ theory will surely be tested in this series. Kobe commands more double teams than an Alexis Texas feature film. In a matter of 7 days they’ve had to throw out the entire playbook (probably not a bad thing) and start all over again. Suddenly Mike D actually likes playing through Pau? Steve Blake looks like he did back at Maryland and Dwight looks semi interested now he’s the team best player!
Who I am kidding? Unless Metta starts plugging Eva Longoria courtside, Tony Parker, Manuuuu and the big fundamental will wrap this thing up with a SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
Series stud: Parker
Series Dud: Corey Joseph (Play Mills already Pop!)
Prediction: Spurs to sweep
Nuggets Vs Warriors
Snap shot – Cant wait for this series to get popping! The Nuggets at home are just about the most exciting team in the league at the moment. Between Ty Lawson, Kenneth (hope he’s health) IG, Brewer, Fournier and McGee it’s impossible not to love what they bring to the floor! They’re quick, well coached, and deep. The only problem is there playing Step Curry, sorry the Warriors.
Curry has lived up to all the hype! Remember all the noise made when Monta got traded? Me neither. When GSW play Jack at the point, Thompson at the three and allow Steph to do his thing, they look uncontainable! Unlike on the other end, where without Bogut playing good interior defence, no one will be able to stop the Nuggets penetration and inside play. David Lee is a Warrior (pardon the pun) but after that, who else inside? Biedrins? Festus Ezeli (favourite NBA name since Quincy Doobee) has the worst hands in the NBA, Draymond Green’s a kid & Bogut has statistically had his worst season as a pro!
Whilst I love what Mark Jackson has brought to the Bay area, I still think the Warriors are a few years away from really impacting the Western Playoffs.
Series stud: Ty Lawson
Series Dud: Richard Jefferson (Is he really still in the league?)
Prediction: Nuggets in 6.
Clippers Vs Grizzles
Snap Shot – This series will likely come down to two matchups, Blake vs. Z-BO and Chris Paul vs. Tony Allen.
Blake has been huge this year, and if he gets it going early this series could be a wrap! Defence has never been Zach’s strongest asset, however in this series he better improve as there isn’t much else after him!
Conley will start on Paul, but make no mistake Tony Allen will be guarding CP3 when it matters! He’s got length, matchup speed and a legit defensive mindset. (Rare in the NBA) With that being said, Paul is the best floor general in the game today! So when he’s struggling he does what any great point guard does and gets other involved! And he’s got more options than his opponents.
Only way I see the Grizz causing an upset is if the Gas man completely dominates both ends! You can make a case that he deserves his first all NBA team selection this year, however he must put up ridiculous numbers to see the Grizzles make the next round.
Whilst J-Crossover had had his worst shooting month all year in March; I expect him to shoot his way out of his slump. Barnes, Odem, Hill, Billups (assuming he plays) all have significant playoff experience which I expect to hold the Clips strong.
Series stud: Blake Griffin
Series Dud: Ronny Turiaf
Prediction: Clips in 7
