NBA Playoffs Conference Semifinals Predictions

Bulls over Hawks in 7
Heat over Celtics in 7
Thunder over Grizzlies in 5
Lakers over Mavericks in 7

Knicks-Celtics Game 3 Quick Reaction

Celtics 113, Knicks 96
Celtics lead series 3-0 

They overwhelmed us from the opening tip. Swallowed us whole. This is what I was worried about from the beginning of the series. The Knicks looked they were trying too hard. They were slow to adjust and rotate on D. Pierce and Allen were hitting their shots. The Celtics were getting every call and bounce but the Knicks didn't do anything to change that. They didn't handle the pressure of hosting their first playoff game in seven years very well. It's disappointing because I was hoping they would come out and crack some heads, but everyone looked tight. The ball was being forced to Amar'e early on and he was pressing a little too much, but he must be hurting. Nobody handled the situation well. Nobody stepped up and took charge. Maybe not having a veteran like Chauncey out there hurt. The only excuse I can offer is that the officiating was poor but that's not a good excuse. I'm not giving up hope on the series. The Knicks have to play with pride on Sunday and match their intensity of the first two games. If they keep the open shots to a minimum, get to every loose ball, and catch a few breaks, they should have a chance...with or without Chauncey and Amar'e.

Knicks-Celtics Game 2 Quick Reaction

Celtics 96, Knicks 93
Celtics lead series 2-0

That was another heartbreaker. It hurts more than the first game because they really shouldn't have been hanging around without Big Shot and Amar'e. Jeffries didn't make the best move ever on the final play but what do you expect from him? If anything, my big criticism is why is Roger Mason in the game? He did make a big 3 but Landry Fields was playing OK and isn't afraid to put the ball on the floor out there. The Knicks played valiantly. Carmelo was awesome, not only scoring but rebounding, playing D, and getting his teammates involved. Rondo created some problems and the big guys need to help out better although that does leave some of the perimeter guys open. Besides that, the defense has been really good. The guys are shifting and contesting every shot. If the team was healthy, I'd predict a big Game 3 but I'm afraid especially with Amar'e hurt. I liked the way Toney ran the team. It was quick and upbeat but he needs to stay out of foul trouble. Still, you miss Big Shot's experience. The crowd is going to need to come up huge for Game 3.

Knicks-Celtics Game 1 Quick Reaction

The Knicks probably should have won that game. Overall, I thought they played really well. They were composed. Everyone contributed. Heck, even Ronny Turiaf made a couple of baskets. It's all for naught, though. They couldn't execute in the last few minutes. Chauncey Big Shot's injury was a killer. Hopefully, he'll be back for Game 2, but not having him out there for the last play was tough. The team looked lost out there. Obviously, the offensive foul call against Carmelo was horrendous but there's nothing you could do about it. Coach D used up all his timeouts again and it really hurt on the last possession. The final shot wasn't great but Melo is the guy that's going to take it. He should have taken it earlier to make it easier for a putback. I have no problem with a 3 instead of a 2 because you might as well go for the win instead of having to go for a win in OT on the road. Amar'e played great and was fearless taking the ball to the hole. He made KG look bad. The defense was really solid. Everyone was quick to move around. Turiaf was great especially. He's really underrated. I would love it if he could give 30 minutes a game.

The jitters should be out of everyone's system now and it's clear that these two teams are pretty evenly matched. Today was a tough loss but nobody should hang their head.

Not Afraid

There's a lot to be scared about. The Celtics are a good team. They know how to win. They're tough. They'll cut your heart out if you let them. But the Knicks can beat them. They couldn't do it during the regular season but they can do it now. This season has been all about overcoming fear. Not the fear of losing, but the fear of winning. It's easy to lose. There are 29 teams that are going to lose. Everything that has happened so far this year culminates tonight. The pressure of climbing the mountain is enormous, especially in New York. Amar'e and Carmelo can do it, but they need to do it together. And their guys and the fans need to be there every step of the way. Big Shot needs to stay in front of Rondo. Turiaf needs to get control the paint. Toney needs to hit his open shots. Landry needs to not play like a rookie. Everyone needs to rebound. Everyone needs to defend. There can't be any doubts or complacency. The Celtics are old but they will find a way to win. If they sense even an ounce of fear, they will take advantage of it. When the Celtics look into our eyes tonight, what will they see?

NBA Playoffs Conference Quarterfinals Predictions

This is what we've all been waiting for. Sixteen wins to get basketball's ultimate prize. Sixteen wins to become immortal. But you can't reach the top without starting somewhere. Rory, Dat Roro Kid, and myself picked the winners of the eight opening-round series. Some might seem like a forgone conclusion, but then again, anything is possible. Again, due to my extreme, extreme bias, I won't be picking the Knicks series.