2008 Woodie Awards
Western Conference still dominates as playoffs approach
David Mellars
Issue date: 3/14/07 Section: Sports
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One week closer to the NBA postseason and the Western Conference looks stronger than ever. The Dallas Mavericks have reeled off 17 wins in a row, while the San Antonio Spurs have won 12 in a row as the two approach their meeting in Dallas in three weeks. Phoenix continues to play strong basketball, winning nine of ten. The Jazz have won 13 of their last 15.
In the East, LeBron has led the Cavaliers to 8 of 11 victories and defeated the Eastern Conference leader Pistons 101-97 in Detroit. LeBron went off for 41 points and eight assists and pulled the Cavaliers within two games of the Pistons in the Conference. Although the Wizards got Caron Butler and Antwan Jamison back from injury, they have lost three straight (to Atlanta, New York and Miami.) Toronto and Chicago sit at fourth and fifth respectively in the East. The Bulls have won five of six and are coming together at the right time. Led by Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich on offense and veteran Ben Wallace on defense, the Bulls will certainly compete to represent the East in the NBA Finals.
It will be interesting to see who emerges as the number one pick in the NBA draft as the NCAA tournament gets underway. Will it be Greg Oden or Kevin Durant? Who will have this draft pick? The Grizzlies (16-48) over took the Celtics (18-44) for worst record in the league, while a young Charlotte team (22-41) will certainly be in the running for top pick in the lottery.
Finally, Isiah Thomas received a contract extension today for 'improving' the Knicks. The Knicks currently have 29 wins and 34 loses and are the 8th seed in a very weak Eastern Conference. This contract is extremely early for a coach who has spent way too much money and has a team who is five games below .500 and has no real chance at winning a playoff series if they get in. A multi-year deal for Isiah is not what the Knicks needed, but alas, it's what he got.
In the East, LeBron has led the Cavaliers to 8 of 11 victories and defeated the Eastern Conference leader Pistons 101-97 in Detroit. LeBron went off for 41 points and eight assists and pulled the Cavaliers within two games of the Pistons in the Conference. Although the Wizards got Caron Butler and Antwan Jamison back from injury, they have lost three straight (to Atlanta, New York and Miami.) Toronto and Chicago sit at fourth and fifth respectively in the East. The Bulls have won five of six and are coming together at the right time. Led by Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich on offense and veteran Ben Wallace on defense, the Bulls will certainly compete to represent the East in the NBA Finals.
It will be interesting to see who emerges as the number one pick in the NBA draft as the NCAA tournament gets underway. Will it be Greg Oden or Kevin Durant? Who will have this draft pick? The Grizzlies (16-48) over took the Celtics (18-44) for worst record in the league, while a young Charlotte team (22-41) will certainly be in the running for top pick in the lottery.
Finally, Isiah Thomas received a contract extension today for 'improving' the Knicks. The Knicks currently have 29 wins and 34 loses and are the 8th seed in a very weak Eastern Conference. This contract is extremely early for a coach who has spent way too much money and has a team who is five games below .500 and has no real chance at winning a playoff series if they get in. A multi-year deal for Isiah is not what the Knicks needed, but alas, it's what he got.
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