There have already been numerous headlines surrounding the playoffs, as each series is approximately two games in. In no particular order, here are 7 things shaping the the 2012 NBA Playoffs so far:
1. DERRICK ROSE’S KNEE
In the fourth quarter of the very first game of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the reigning MVP tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee. This tragic moment was the culmination of the problem with playing 66 games in 123 days. Derrick Rose’s various injuries to his lower extremities (turf toe, back spasms, and a pulled groin) sidelined him for 27 games. The torque and jerks that distinguishes Rose’s game could also be the reason for this type of injury. But it would be foolish to discredit the lack of rest and pressure to play this lockout season caused. NBA commissioner, David Stern, had the nerve to claim that the injury was not due to the schedule. It doesn’t take a doctor to know that playing that many games in that short amount of time will result in injuries. The injury to a marquee player like Rose has swayed the playoffs completely. After a commanding first game victory, in which Rose had a near triple-double with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, the Bulls seemed deflated and lost game two. This team is still talented enough to get passed the Philadelphia 76ers, but they are not making it to the Finals without Rose.
2. LEBRON’S MOUTHPIECE
As I mentioned in my Playoff Preview last Friday, “it seemed as if the Heat were merely taking their foot off the gas and just waiting to taste the postseason.” The first two games seemed to prove my theory right, as the Miami Heat blitzed the New Yrok Knicks behind the tremendous play of LeFlop James, winning the first game 100-67. The Heat are suffocating the Knicks with their speed and defensive prowess. Just as the Heat silenced LinSanity before All-Star break, they have managed to take all the momentum the Knicks had coming into the playoffs and frustrate the Knicks to glass shattering proportions (We’ll get to this point a little later on). LeBron James is even wearing a mouthpiece with the number 16 in roman numerals, which is the amount of playoff games you need to win for a ring. The Heat are focused, driven, and determined to win a title. The shift to Madison Square Garden will show us if the Knicks can prove to be a formidable opponent.
3. RONDO’S SUSPENSION
In the closing minutes of Game 1 of the Hawks-Celtics series, Rajon Rondo approached the ref about what he believed was a missed jump ball call. Whether he tripped or not is up for debate, but when he has a history of doing things like this its hard to say his bump of the ref wasn’t deliberate. As a Hawks fan, I know of their unpredictability and lack of a killer instinct. With a chance to take a commanding 2-0 series lead on a Celtics team missing Ray Allen and Rondo, the Hawks allowed the Celtics to take home-court advantage away as Paul Pierce poured in 36 points to carry the Celtics. Rondo’s ref bump would have been a bigger headline if the Hawks would have been able to capitalize and win the game (but how could we have expected that from the same team that lost to a Heat team without James and Dwyane Wade earlier in the season). Now it’s a five game series.
4. DURANT’S SHOT
The Thunder-Mavericks series is shaping up to be an entertaining one. The old man veteran roster has pushed the young (inexperienced) one to the brink in both games. A couple bounces in the Dallas Mavericks’ direction and they could easily be up 2-0 heading back to Dallas (both games were decided by a total of four points). Kevin Durant, however, is firmly establishing himself as one of the best closers in the game with his heroics in the first game. Durant knocked down a floater from the free-throw line as he was draped with two defenders. Shawn Marion, one of those defenders, tried to discredit Durants’ shot by calling lucky. Unfortunately for Marion, there was more luck involved in game two as well. Even though the Oklahoma City Thunder struggled to score a field goal down the stretch, they hit their free throws when it mattered most. Durant struggled from the field shooting 5-17, but still managed 26 points due to his 14-16 performance from the charity stripe. The achilles heel of this team is still their lack of low post scoring. Their solution for missing shots, is oftentimes to keep shooting. Without a easy way to get buckets, beside Durant ducking his head and charging to the basket to get to the foul line, the Thunder could run into trouble with the slowed down playoff style games. They are getting to the free throw line, though, averaging 31 attempts through the first two games. If they continue to make free throws they’ll be fine and if it comes down to a last second shot, I’m giving the ball to Durant and watching him work.
5. BYNUM’S TRIPLE-DOUBLE
In game one of the Lakers-Nuggets series, Andrew Bynum posted an impressive triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 blocks. Bynum’s triple-double (no assists) with 10 blocks tied an NBA Playoff record. The Los Angeles Lakers’ inside dominance is what prompted Kobe Bryant to tell ESPN’s Hannah Storm that he believes this team will win a championship because of their ability to defend and rebound. Kobe is also scoring the ball well scoring 34.5 PPG in the first two games (almost seems like he’s trying to send a message to Durant that he could have easily won the scoring title if he wanted to but the NBA title is more important). The Lakers are clicking, and enjoying the luxury of a young point guard in Ramon Sessions to keep pace with the speedy Ty Lawson. Bynum has continued the production from his breakout season into the playoffs and if he maintains the Lakers chances are very good. The change in altitude may allow the Denver Nuggets to take one at home, but that’s the best they’ll be able to do.
6. CLIPPERS’ COMEBACK
This Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies first round matchup is living up to the hype of best series and we’ve only had two games. The Clippers went on a tremendous 28-3 run to comeback from a 27-point deficit. Leading the comeback was Nick Young, who hit three threes, showing us all that a change of scenery can work wonders (No need to insert more clips from his Wizarding ways). You could just see the emotion in Chris Paul’s face as he talked with Craig Sager after the win. He talked about how he urged head coach, Vinny Del Negro, to keep him in the game and give them a chance. (Sounds like a pretty good coaching move on Paul’s part, not so much for Del Negro). The win was very emotional for the Clippers, but also for the Grizzlies. Giving up the largest lead in a playoff game in 10 years could ignite a blowup, but the Grizzlies managed to regain their composure and pull out a victory in game two. This series is much see basketball and I hoping it goes for seven with much more dramatics and highlights. Lob City!
7. STOUDEMIRE’S STUPIDITY
In the single most selfish act (although Carmelo Anthony’s 26 shot attempts in game two is a close second) of the playoffs so far, Amar’e Stoudemire hit the glass protecting a fire extinguisher in the locker room in Miami and cut his hand so deep that paramedics rushed in with stretchers. I get it. Players get frustrated and hit things all the time. What I don’t get is when you are going to get $64 million for three more years in New York to play basketball express your frustration in a way that doesn’t make you miss games, ESPECIALLY playoff games. The act is straight up stupid (I believe his cornrows are too tight, thus impairing his judgment). The Knicks are on the verge of setting an NBA playoff record for most consecutive loses (currently 12) and will be playing game 3 without one of their better players. The bright side is that the Knicks played extremely well down the stretch when Amar’e was injured . Anthony will once again have free reign over the offense and hopefully we’ll see the Knicks we thought we would all series (However the knee injury to Iman Shumpert still cripples the Knicks). If the Knicks manage to win some games without Stoudemire in the lineup, his time in New York may be limited. It’ll be a pretty embarrassing to admit that the final blow to his New York tenure came from a fire extinguisher.
Feel free to leave any comments you have down below!
Derick Beresford
The NoseBleed Seats Report 