My how things have changed in the past three months, the Rockets went on a 22 game winning streak, 12 of them after Yao Ming went down with a season ending injury. As a result, the Rockets were in the thick of the Western Conference best record race until the final 3 games and wound up with the 5^th seed, but home-court advantage in the first round of the play-offs. Golden State failed to make the playoffs despite winning 48 games which would have been good enough for the 4^th seed and home court advantage in the Eastern Conference. The bottom fell out of the Trail Blazers and they wound up 10^th at 41-41 and Dallas squeaked into the playoff as the Western Conference's 7^th seed. New Orleans however was able to maintain their play through the dog-days of April and won their first ever divisional title in the strongest division in the NBA (Mid-West) coming up just a game short of taking the top seed of the Western Conference, which went to yet another surprise team the Los Angeles Lakers led by MVP candidate Kobe Bryant.

In the Eastern Conference the Boston Celtics led by their three-headed monster ran away with the top spot and in the process set a record for the largest single season victories turn-around in NBA history. The Detroit Pistons were simply themselves once again winning their division easily and getting the 2^nd seed in the Eastern Conference as well as having the second best record in the NBA. Orlando was a big surprise with Dwight Howard putting up MVP type numbers, but getting the "Rodney Dangerfield" card for all his trouble, but giving the Magic the 3^rd seed in the East. LeBron led the Cavilers to the 4^th seed once again, no better than last season. If you are looking for a "sleeper" I would lay those odds on the Washington Wizards at the 5^th seed, but are back close to full strength with Gilbert Arenas coming off the bench providing the ability to go for 40-plus on any given night.

Now in regards to the awards, I have gone back and forth on the Kobe, LeBron, Howard, Paul, Garnett issue for the past month. You can look at stats (Kobe and LeBron win that with Paul a very close third), you can look at how the team did, or speculate how the team would be without each, (way harder to do, example would be the Rockets losing Yao and then doing what they did). After all is said and done I believe I have to go with Garnett, he has been the difference maker on a team that is ranked number one defensively in field goal percentage, points allowed and point differential and everyone knows that you win championship with defense. Coach of the year, has to by Byron Scott in New Orleans, with Doc Rivers second and Phil Jackson third. Rookie of the year not much of a decision, although Luis Scola with the Rockets had a strong year, Kevin Durrant is the hands down winner here.

Finally let me give you my picks for the playoffs. I am only going to do it by round, so any that I miss I can make up for the next round (Yea I am a wussy).

Eastern Conference:

Celtic take out the Hawks in 4 straight.

Pistons beat the 76ers in 5.

Orlando over the Raptors in 7

Wizards over the Cavilers in 6

Western Conference:

Lakers over the Nuggets in 6

Hornets over the Mavericks in 7

Spurs over the Suns in 7

Rockets over the Jazz in 7

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Bullpen Brian said:

It's nice to have a preview of the NBA playoffs. I'm not a huge NBA guy but, I enjoy following what I can of the playoffs. I'll be rooting for the Suns and the Celtics. Speaking of which, I like Doc as Coach of the Year. When Boston brought over Garnett from Minnesota the expectations for this team went through the roof. And, a situation like this is a catch 22 for Doc. If the Celts win (like they did) it's often viewed as "well they're suppose too." But, if the Celts lose, Doc becomes the worst coach in the NBA. Besides, Boston didn't just simply win this season, they dominated the opposition. And, that's why I give Doc the most credit for the Coach of the Year. Rivers never let this team get too high or too low, and most importantly, he made good of all the talent the team has, little went to waste.

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April 21, 2008
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