As I start this post, I have exactly 20 minutes until the Conference Finals get under way and I'm afraid to even pick anything anymore since both of my finals predictions were eliminated in the last round, but without further ado......
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Miami Heat vs (3) Indiana Pacers
We all expected Miami to be here, however I expected them to be knocked out in this round by the Knicks. Well, the Pacers crushed those hopes and dreams for me. The Heat looked like an unstoppable train against Chicago after giving up game 1 on their home court and while Indiana looked impressive while eliminating the New York Knicks, they're too young and not experienced enough to handle the pressure on this stage. I expect Lebron to prove to us all why he's the MVP again and Birdman should get some extended minutes throughout this series to help defend against Roy Hibbert. We'll have a repeat Eastern Conference Champions this year. Miami in 6.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (5) Memphis Grizzles
I don't think anyone had Memphis here over OKC when the playoffs started in April, however, injuries happen in sports and the Thunder didn't have their star PG against Memphis and the Grizzles did what they were supposed to do and handled their business, so respect is given where it's due.
ALOT of people picked and expected Steph Curry and the Warriors to knock off the older Spurs team, I wasn't one of them. While I did expect OKC to be the Spurs in this round, that scenario doesn't exist and you won't catch me going against Pop against Memphis. I expect and epic NBA Finals series this year. San Antonio in 6.
This is a topic I've debated with myself for months on whether I want to write about it, and now that I've decided to, I'm wondering why it was even a debate. This happens to be a blog where I express MY opinions and hope to hear YOUR feedback, so here we go.
Last week the first male professional athlete announced that he is gay. Now, as expected, the reaction from other professional athletes ranged from extremely supportive to completely against. But here is where things get interesting, if you are supportive of this issue, you can be as vocal as you'd like and no issues would arise. However, if you are against same sex relationships and you make that known in any shape form, or fashion, you're automatically homophobic and insensitive.
My parents, both respectfully against same sex relationships, and I, in support of same sex relationships, have debated numerous times on why or why not we have our views and beliefs. To this day we still don't agree on the issue, however my parents do recognize that this is truly a different day in age. My generation is considered to be the most accepting of change in history, and my parents have 4 kids who all have friends that are part of the LGBT
The biggest reason my parents are against this topic at hand is because of religious beliefs. How do we know that when celebrities speak out against same sex relationships religion isn't a driving factor......we don't. We don't and this rate we never will because as a society, everyone is quick to ridicule them with calling them a homophobic or insensitive. In actuality, it's just an exercise of freedom of speech. The same freedom exercised when the person chooses to announce their sexual preference and the same right exercised when anyone expresses their support for the person or matter.
My main point in this article is to remind everyone that the right to have an opinion is something that will always exist. Their opinion does not, and will not, fall in line with your opinion, but their choice to express their opinion is the same as you choosing to express your opinion.
The Conference Semifinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs will tip off in just under 2 hours of me posting this article and compared to the 2012 NBA Playoffs, I feel like I'm hitting the lottery so far with my 1st round picks so I'm hoping to keep it up as the playoffs continue.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Miami Heat vs (5) Chicago Bulls
Chicago showed alot of grit and toughness against Brooklyn winning the serious despite multiple players with illnesses and injuries. These 2 teams always bring alot of entertainment when they step on the court against each other. Although Miami has beaten Chicago since, don't think either team forgot who snapped who's 27 game win streak in March. This series is going to be more interesting than most expect. In order for the Bulls to get past Lebron and the Heat, they're going to need the last person to win the MVP award not named Lebron to actually suit up and play. Miami in 6.
(2) New York Knicks vs (3) Indiana Pacers
Well, Melo is out of the first round, no more pressure. He can get swept by the Pacers and while there will always be criticism for not winning a ring yet, Melo will have gone farther than ever before. Once again, no pressure. With that being said, the Knicks faced just the type of pressure they needed to against a veteran Boston team. With a 3-0 series lead, New York gave up 2 consecutive games and a 20-0 lead in Game 6 to an experienced Celtic team that refused to quit in a series that people, including myself, expected to go 7 games, looked like a possible sweep, and then had hopes of a 7 game series once again. In the worst, most boring, and least entertaining series in the first round, the Pacers struggled with a sub-par Atlanta Hawks team that took them to a 6th game. The Knicks learned alot in their first round series, the Pacers didn't. New York wasn't allowed to quit until 0:00 was on the clock in their 4th win of the series, Indiana was. Melo will be more consistent in this series, JR won't get suspended, the Knicks will take care of business. KEY FACTOR: Does STAT come back before, after, or during Game 3 of this series. New York in 6.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (5) Memphis Grizzlies
Westbrook is supposedly out for the playoffs. I have my doubts about this after David Lee's early and unexpected comeback. Kevin Durant better unleash that mean streak we all know he has in this series because it's going to take all of that and a bag of tricks to get the Thunder out of this round with the most athletic point guard in the game. Memphis exploited a Clippers team that some expected to challenge Miami in the finals so this team is nothing to sleep on. With all of this being said, this will be a physical series either won or lost in the paint. MATCHUP TO WATCH: Serge Ibaka vs Zach Randolph. KD shows out and scores 40 in at least 4 games. Memphis doesn't know how to stop him. Oklahoma City in 7.
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Golden State Warriors
While no one expected the Lakers to beat the Spurs, the way San Antonio dismantled the Lakers was unexpected. Pop did his thing, stuck to the strategy, got the sweep, and has been resting since last Sunday, and his 3 30 year old stars don't have to step on the court again until Monday. Against Golden State, they'll need that rest. Steph Curry is undoubtedly the MVP of the playoffs so far. David Lee's miraculous comeback, has brought more interest into this series and the coaching matchup is better than most think: Pop vs Mark Jackson. This will be a clash of styles, slow and methodical vs run and gun. Once again, I can't go against Pop. San Antonio in 7.
Round 1 Series Record: 6-2
Conference Semis: .....
