The 2011 NBA Playoffs begins on Saturday April 16 and this year may be the most anticipated postseason since 2008. In 2008 the Boston Celtics formed a dominant trio when they added All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in order to compliment Paul Pierce. The Celtics went on to win the championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
This postseason all eyes are on the Miami Heat. The Heat emulated the Celtics tactics by forming their “big three” with the likes of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade. After the backlash that the Heat received last summer because of James' hour long “Decision” special on ESPN, and the celebration held at American Airlines Arena, the Heat managed to finish second in the East to the Chicago Bulls at 58-24.
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| Bosh, Wade, and James celebrating their alliance |
Many wonder if the Heat can finally defeat the third seeded “aging” Celtics if the two meet in the second round. Since the Celtics traded center Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder, they have been inconsistent with a 14-12 record. Though slacking, some analysts believe that the Celtics can reach the Finals because of their experience as a veteran team; the Celtics did win the season series against the Heat 3-1.
The Bulls, who are the No. 1 seed in the East, look to continue their spectacular season. At 62-20, the Bulls are led by their two-time All-Star Derrick Rose. Rose is the leading candidate for the 2011 NBA MVP award because of his phenomenal season. Rose has established himself as arguably the best point guard in the NBA with averages of 25 points, seven assists, and four rebounds per game.
The last two “serious” contenders in the East are the fourth seeded Orlando Magic, led by perennial All-Star center Dwight Howard, and the sixth seeded New York Knicks. Howard had an MVP-type season by averaging 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds, and two blocks per game, but the Magic’s success will rely on the play of the supporting cast. For the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Amar’e Stoudemire look to carry their team past the Celtics in the first round. The Knicks ended their season strong by winning seven out of their last 10 games.
In the West, the San Antonio Spurs finished with the No. 1 seed at 61-21. A few analysts did not expect for the Spurs to have such a great season because of the aging Tim Duncan. Since the all-star break, the Spurs have remained consistent besides their six-game losing streak toward the end of the season. Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili plan on leading their team deep into postseason, but they will be on the lookout for the defending NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.
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| Kobe celebrating 2010 Finals victory |
In the second half of the season the Lakers were perceived as the best team in the league before their five-game skid. The Lakers, led by 2010 Finals MVP Kobe Bryant, had won 17 out of 18 games before their losing streak so the Lakers are still favored to win their third consecutive NBA title. At the No. 2 spot, the Lakers ultimate success will depend on the health of center Andrew Bynum who suffered a bone bruise in his surgically repaired right knee against the Spurs last Tuesday.
The Dallas Mavericks are the third seed in the West followed by the Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. The Mavericks are led by All-Star Dirk Nowitzki and they look to gain some respect amongst their Western Conference foes by reaching their first NBA Finals since their 2006 appearance.
The Thunder is the team that others fear the most because of their upside. Led by Kevin Durant, who won his second consecutive scoring title with 27.7 ppg, and point guard Russell Westbrook, the Thunder have the potential to reach the Western Conference Finals. With the edition of Perkins in the middle, and a consistent bench, the Thunder can push any team to its limit.
2011 Playoffs matchups
EAST WEST
#1 Bulls vs #8 Pacers #1 Spurs vs #8 Grizzlies
#2 Heat vs #7, 76ers #2 Lakers vs #7 Hornets
#3 Celtics vs #6 Knicks #3 Mavericks vs #6 Trail Blazers
#4 Magic vs #5 Hawks #4 Thunder vs #5 Nuggets
