NBA Playoff Update

Everyone assumed the Cavs would coast to the championship after their breezy first two rounds. But the NBA is a league of matchups. Logically, what does beating the Hawks have to do with playing against the Magic?

The Cavs happen to matchup poorly with the Magic. I can see why. Normally, the Cavs can use their two combo guards to their advantage. They have an offensive-minded center and a dirty-worker power forward. It's a recipe for success, especially when you add LeBron James into the mix.

But the Magic negate the Cavs personnel strengths. Unless LeBron is forced to guard one of the Magic's two best offensive players, Lewis or Turkoglu, he guards the Magic's shooting guard. That leaves either Mo Williams or Delonte West to try and stop Hedo Turkoglu. Turkoglu has a combination of size and talent that makes that chore impossible. Then, Varejao must contend with the inside-out ability of Rashard Lewis. And it isn't like Varejao or Ilgauskus can take Lewis down in the post on the other end- that's not their game. Then, Ilgauskus has no chance of contending with the strength and speed of Dwight Howard. Add Rafer Alston and Mickael Pietrus, who are both on fire, and you get a 3-1 Magic lead despite LeBron's play.

I criticized Dwight Howard when he called for the ball. He can't yet dominate in the post and is nonexistent in fourth quarters with good reason. Now, Pau Gasol is calling for the ball. Pau needs to follow Howard's lead and shut up. Pau is not the reason the Lakers are in their current position. He's a nice second scorer. Since I've been following the league, I've never heard a second scorer demand the ball (well until Howard, the team's third option, did so). If Kobe decides you should have the ball, then you'll get it. If not, shut up and get back on defense. In Game 5, Gasol took 8 shots and scored 14 points. In Game 4, Gasol took 11 shots and scored 21 points (the game that caused him to complain). Guess which one the Lakers won?

Besides all the ball demanding and with all the clutch shots in the East and Trevor Ariza's memorable steals in the West, this has been an exciting Conference Finals, which is good for the league.