Post by CHANGEME on Sept 25, 2007 11:16:28 GMT -5
I thought I'd write another article reviewing my midseason playoff picks and the teams I didn't pick that ended up making it.
1. Phoenix (My pick: 1) - They finished strong as I expected, 60-22. Diaw is hurt for 5 days so they'll need some lineup shuffling early, but this team should still be considered strong going into the playoffs
2. Houston (My pick: 2) - They continued to roll on the backs of Yao and TMac. Like I said, they just stuck with their system and coasted to the #2. Actually won 57 games, a couple more than I expected.
3. San Antonio (My pick: 4) - I didn't really expect them to falter as much as I expected Utah to sneak by them. I think with some adjustments this team might be as dangerous or moreso than Houston in the playoffs. Scary team to face in round 1. They're not just a 50-win team, they're a 50-win team with a crapload of experience.
4. Utah (My pick: 3) - They didn't finish quite as well as I expected them to. 49-33 is a great season, but they don't really have the talent to take the next step. They will have to fight for everything they get in the playoffs.
5. Sacramento (My pick: 6) - This pick would've been correct, but Golden State just died when Monta went down. They've done well at beating the teams they should beat, but they can't seem to really click against the upper-tier teams. They will have to fight for anything they get in the playoffs, likely having to go through Utah and Phoenix to get deep...not an easy road at all.
6. Los Angeles (My pick: 7) - I actually underestimated their finish, I expected them to win 41-43 games on the back of Kobe. They jumped up to 46 wins, and with Kobe's star power and slightly improved role players, they might be able to make some noise. The X-factor will be Bruce Bowen on Kobe...again. Let's hope anyway.
7. Denver Nuggets (My pick: 8) Melo carried them here, they got enough tougness from Camby and Nene to win 45 games, which is pretty good. They don't have an easy 1st round matchup, but it's winnable. AI's healthy for the playoffs, but nobody has seen him for a few months...? I want an interesting 2-7 matchup in the 1st round, bring AI back!
8. Portland Trail Blazers - (My pick: not even on my radar) - They finished 10-3, beating some good teams along the way. Anyone wondering what a franchise center with amazing defense can do for you? How about carry you into the playoffs? I think the Suns will run them out of the court, but still, props to the Blazers for fighting into a 41-41 record. Nice work.
What happened to...
My #5 pick, Golden State Warriors. They were good...really. Baron Davis and Monta Ellis not playing the last 24 games destroyed them...8-16.
1. Phoenix (My pick: 1) - They finished strong as I expected, 60-22. Diaw is hurt for 5 days so they'll need some lineup shuffling early, but this team should still be considered strong going into the playoffs
2. Houston (My pick: 2) - They continued to roll on the backs of Yao and TMac. Like I said, they just stuck with their system and coasted to the #2. Actually won 57 games, a couple more than I expected.
3. San Antonio (My pick: 4) - I didn't really expect them to falter as much as I expected Utah to sneak by them. I think with some adjustments this team might be as dangerous or moreso than Houston in the playoffs. Scary team to face in round 1. They're not just a 50-win team, they're a 50-win team with a crapload of experience.
4. Utah (My pick: 3) - They didn't finish quite as well as I expected them to. 49-33 is a great season, but they don't really have the talent to take the next step. They will have to fight for everything they get in the playoffs.
5. Sacramento (My pick: 6) - This pick would've been correct, but Golden State just died when Monta went down. They've done well at beating the teams they should beat, but they can't seem to really click against the upper-tier teams. They will have to fight for anything they get in the playoffs, likely having to go through Utah and Phoenix to get deep...not an easy road at all.
6. Los Angeles (My pick: 7) - I actually underestimated their finish, I expected them to win 41-43 games on the back of Kobe. They jumped up to 46 wins, and with Kobe's star power and slightly improved role players, they might be able to make some noise. The X-factor will be Bruce Bowen on Kobe...again. Let's hope anyway.
7. Denver Nuggets (My pick: 8) Melo carried them here, they got enough tougness from Camby and Nene to win 45 games, which is pretty good. They don't have an easy 1st round matchup, but it's winnable. AI's healthy for the playoffs, but nobody has seen him for a few months...? I want an interesting 2-7 matchup in the 1st round, bring AI back!
8. Portland Trail Blazers - (My pick: not even on my radar) - They finished 10-3, beating some good teams along the way. Anyone wondering what a franchise center with amazing defense can do for you? How about carry you into the playoffs? I think the Suns will run them out of the court, but still, props to the Blazers for fighting into a 41-41 record. Nice work.
What happened to...
My #5 pick, Golden State Warriors. They were good...really. Baron Davis and Monta Ellis not playing the last 24 games destroyed them...8-16.
