Here's an interesting fact. The second round of the NBA playoffs is basically half over and there's been one - that's right one - road win. Let's get you caught up on where every series stands - because I know you care.
Boston - Cleveland - Series tied at 2
The Celtics leave beantown and don't bring their defense with them - LeBron is still not playing as well as he can, but for the last two games, he's done enough to get the job done, and keep his mom in check.
LeBron is obviously one of the best basketball players on the planet - but man oh man do the Cleveland management has to do something to help him out. For a variety of reasons I find watching Cleveland games flat out painful. Maybe it's the color scheme - I'd suggest a return to the Larry Nance era jerseys - the orange and blue is such a pleasant combo and it's worked well for the Knicks and Syracuse football lately.....uh wait a minute. Even so, these jerseys were much better in my opinion.
The series resumes Wednesday in Boston at 7:00 PM on TNT.
Detroit - Orlando - Detroit Leads 3-1
Detroit has done something no other team has been able to accomplish in the second round - they won on road. They can close out the Magic tonight at home on TNT at 7 PM, and even though Chauncey Billups may not play, the smart money is on Detroit closing out this series, even with Jameer Nelson guaranteeing victory. We find out tonight starting at 8 PM on TNT if this will be the case.
Detroit has done something no other team has been able to accomplish in the second round - they won on road. They can close out the Magic tonight at home on TNT at 7 PM, and even though Chauncey Billups may not play, the smart money is on Detroit closing out this series, even with Jameer Nelson guaranteeing victory. We find out tonight starting at 8 PM on TNT if this will be the case.
LA Lakers - Utah - Series tied at 2
A few months ago the debate du jour at ESPN was who is better - Deron Williams or Chris Paul? Now Paul has kicked it up a notch and quelled that debate, but Williams is quietly having a very good post-season, averaging 21 points and almost 10 assists per game. Combined with the fact that Carlos Boozer is playing well, the Jazz are hanging around. They really need Kobe Bryant's bad back to continue causing problems to have a real shot at winning this series though.
On a side note, is it me, or does anyone else get the feeling that the Jazz might be ready to go on another long run of putting together good teams that do well in the playoffs but can't win the whole thing? Game 5 of that series is Wednesday at 10:30 on TNT.
A few months ago the debate du jour at ESPN was who is better - Deron Williams or Chris Paul? Now Paul has kicked it up a notch and quelled that debate, but Williams is quietly having a very good post-season, averaging 21 points and almost 10 assists per game. Combined with the fact that Carlos Boozer is playing well, the Jazz are hanging around. They really need Kobe Bryant's bad back to continue causing problems to have a real shot at winning this series though.
On a side note, is it me, or does anyone else get the feeling that the Jazz might be ready to go on another long run of putting together good teams that do well in the playoffs but can't win the whole thing? Game 5 of that series is Wednesday at 10:30 on TNT.
San Antonio - New Orleans - Series tied at 2
Much like Sylvester Stallone's acting career (seriously Sly, it was a good run, but its over - retire Rambo already), the Spurs aren't dead yet. With the series tied at 2 and game 5 shifting to New Orleans you just know there will be a controversial play down the stretch of a close game, Bruce Bowen will knock someone down, Tim Duncan will grab a needed rebound or loose ball and Tony Parker will find a way to make a play to win a close game and break the will of the young Hornets. We don't have to like it, but that's what the Spurs do. Game 5 is tonight at 9:30.
Much like Sylvester Stallone's acting career (seriously Sly, it was a good run, but its over - retire Rambo already), the Spurs aren't dead yet. With the series tied at 2 and game 5 shifting to New Orleans you just know there will be a controversial play down the stretch of a close game, Bruce Bowen will knock someone down, Tim Duncan will grab a needed rebound or loose ball and Tony Parker will find a way to make a play to win a close game and break the will of the young Hornets. We don't have to like it, but that's what the Spurs do. Game 5 is tonight at 9:30.
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