Summer and the NBA Playoffs

School is out! Finally. Plus it looks like the weather has finally begun to listen to me and started warming up. On that note...

The playoffs are in full swing and so far have not disappointed. With the exception of Lakers-Nuggets (also known as Defense-Is-Optional) the first round had some good excitement. I really thought the Mavs would be able to take the Hornets but West and Paul have developed into a very potent 1-2 punch and so far their bench has been adequate. I don't know if they have enough in the tank to take the Conference finals though.

My Jazz made it tough on themselves but managed to finish off Houston. However the chance to sweep or finish them in 5 may come back to haunt them. They looked the older team in Game 1 vs. the Lakers. However, a scheduling quirk giving them an extra days rest before Game 2 could be enough to get them a bit more rejuvinated.

And if T-mac's whining wasn't enough the NBA has now instructed referees to call fouls anytime Kobe Bryant touches the ball. At least that's what it seemed like at times on Sunday according to multiple reports. 23 free throws? That's ridiculous even by Iverson standards. Brant is a physical guy, and to not be able to meet that physicality makes guarding him nearly impossible. I still think he's not as good defensively as he's given credit for so I'd love to see Brewer and co. make him work harder. Could Boozer maybe even play aggresive for a change? Perhaps that's too much to ask.