2008 Woodie Awards
The NBA Playoffs are approaching: Get Excited
David Mellars
Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: Sports
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The NBA playoffs are less than two months away, and several teams are emerging as NBA Finals candidates in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. In the East, the Detroit Pistons separated themselves from the rest of the pack with a 37-20 record and sit atop the conference. Spots two through five are separated by only 2.5 games and are within striking distance of the Pistons if Cleveland, Washington, Toronto or Chicago gets hot. The West is a completely different story. Dallas and Phoenix are playing steps above any other team and should face off in a Western Conference final that could be one of the greatest basketball series of recent memory. Don't sleep on San Antonio or Utah either; both have played outstanding basketball as of late.
The Pistons have won 12 of their last 14 games, including wins over Cleveland, Toronto and Chicago. The Pistons have been led by Chauncey Billups, who is averaging 17.7 ppg and 7.5 apg. The addition of Chris Webber has also been huge for the Pistons. Webber has contributed on both ends of the court and provides an extra forward up front. The Cavaliers and all world player Lebron James and the Raptors have played consistent basketball over the past month. Cleveland defeated the Lakers and Raptors twice but suffered close defeats against Dallas, Chicago and Utah. The Raptors, led by Chris Bosh have beaten Houston, Chicago, the Lakers and Washington to take control of Atlantic Division.
In the West, Dallas has been all but unstoppable, winning a franchise best 15 games in a row. After losing 3 in a row in early February, Phoenix has bounced back to win 7 of 8 and sits 4.5 games behind Dallas for the best record in the league. The two will play each other twice more this season, while both still have important games against conference foes, San Antonio, Utah and Houston. The Utah Jazz has surged as of late, led by Mehmet Okur and Deron Williams. Utah has won 11 of 13, including impressive wins over Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix and Denver. San Antonio is currently on an eight game win streak and is once again poised to run deep into the playoffs behind the veteran leaders that have been there before. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have led the team as of late and will continue to lead them down the stretch run of the season.
The Wizards will get Caron Butler and Antwan Jamison back so look for them to make a run for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons will be tested in the upcoming weeks when they play the Suns, Mavericks, Spurs and Rockets, with only one game at home. Its going to be an exciting next couple of weeks, so continue to tune in.
The Pistons have won 12 of their last 14 games, including wins over Cleveland, Toronto and Chicago. The Pistons have been led by Chauncey Billups, who is averaging 17.7 ppg and 7.5 apg. The addition of Chris Webber has also been huge for the Pistons. Webber has contributed on both ends of the court and provides an extra forward up front. The Cavaliers and all world player Lebron James and the Raptors have played consistent basketball over the past month. Cleveland defeated the Lakers and Raptors twice but suffered close defeats against Dallas, Chicago and Utah. The Raptors, led by Chris Bosh have beaten Houston, Chicago, the Lakers and Washington to take control of Atlantic Division.
In the West, Dallas has been all but unstoppable, winning a franchise best 15 games in a row. After losing 3 in a row in early February, Phoenix has bounced back to win 7 of 8 and sits 4.5 games behind Dallas for the best record in the league. The two will play each other twice more this season, while both still have important games against conference foes, San Antonio, Utah and Houston. The Utah Jazz has surged as of late, led by Mehmet Okur and Deron Williams. Utah has won 11 of 13, including impressive wins over Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix and Denver. San Antonio is currently on an eight game win streak and is once again poised to run deep into the playoffs behind the veteran leaders that have been there before. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have led the team as of late and will continue to lead them down the stretch run of the season.
The Wizards will get Caron Butler and Antwan Jamison back so look for them to make a run for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons will be tested in the upcoming weeks when they play the Suns, Mavericks, Spurs and Rockets, with only one game at home. Its going to be an exciting next couple of weeks, so continue to tune in.
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