The NBA Playoffs have always been an awesome postseason. It's a time when even non-NBA fans can enjoy some basketball because all the players actually care about whether they win or lose, so the play tough defense, actually look at the hoop when they're taking free throws, and continue with doing the absolutely ridiculous feats of athleticism they have all regular season long.
Well, this year's playoffs are looking like they might be any better, if the first games of each series are any indication. There has been a 10-point comeback in the final 3:30 of a game (Bulls over Pacers, a 46 point performance (Dwight Howard, whose team lost), a late three-ball to win it in Boston by Ray Allen, two shocking upsets in the Western Conference (including one of the great performances of the entire season by Chris Paul), and a high-energy, close throughout shootout between two of the team's youngest teams in Oklahoma City. Did I mention not a single series has played game two yet?
It has been one of the truly great weekends of basketball I can remember. The first two days of these playoffs have been as good or better than any first round NCAA Tournament action (the round of 64, to clarify; I'm boycotting calling that the second round). Usually, nothing can top the NCAA Tournament because you never have to settle for watching bad basketball. If one game is boring, or another is a blowout, you've got four more options to choose from. Saturday and Sunday in the NBA Playoffs, there was not a moment of bad basketball to be watched.
The question now becomes, can this possibly continue? Unfortunately for some of the series, I think the answer is probably no. The Pacers expended just about everything they had, played a great game, and still collapsed to lose in game 1 to the Bulls. Now I think the Bulls will grab that momentum and run with it. A sweep seems like a strong possibility. The New Orleans Hornets will have a tough time maintaining what they produced in game 1 against the Lakers. Chris Paul was phenomenal, but I don't think his supporting cast will continue to produce like they did. The Hornets might take another game away at home, but the Lakers will recover.
The good news, however, is that plenty of series ought to keep on trucking just like in game 1. There is no reason the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder won't have similar games for the next five or six. The New York Knicks proved that they will be able to stick with the Boston Celtics in their series. A young Memphis Grizzlies team looks like they will give the San Antonio Spurs all they can handle and possibly pull off an epic 8-seed over 1-seed upset. The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks look primed to battle for seven games as well.
What's the point here? Even if you're typically not an NBA fan, start watching. This is great stuff. I know, I know, the fact that NBA players are lazy and that they are obsessed with money and their images is annoying, but don't let that deter you from the fact that their basketball is phenomenal. They're the best athletes in the world, and for the next month and a half their best will be on display. So tune in for crying out loud! You won't be disappointed.
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