East Rombo: The Blog with Balls

This year's playoffs is really exciting with teams really grinding each other out and even getting so emotional that they get fined, suspended and snap at each other.

Here's a recap of the matchups so far (the Cavs and Wizards are playing as I type, and the Spurs-Kings match is yet to start):

[sidenote: Let's check how long I write an article. The Cavs-Wiz score is at 90-98, respectively, with 2:48 to go]

1. Detroit vs Milwaukee (Detroit leads 2-1)
Since last year, I have been a fan of Detroit mainly because of two things: they beat Kobe's Lakers in 2004 and I really don't like Tim and the Spurs. I didn't like Kobe because he was egotistical (back then... right now, there's a different Kobe playing in LA), and I didn't like Duncan because he never smiles. Seriously. He looks like he's an emo guy who hates the world and takes his repression out by playing ball.

[update: Cle 92 Was 101, 25.5 seconds left. Oh well, I guess the series is tied 2-2, unless LeBron pulls off a TMac or a Reggie Miller.]

Anyways, given that, my team for the East is Detroit, obviously. They have the best starting lineup although their bench is a bit too limited. They COULD have used Darko and his defense (yes, he does have defense) as a reserve for Big Ben, and although they have Antonio Mcdyess, Lindsey Hunter and Tony Delk, these guys are already old and in a couple of years, are going to retire. Milwaukee is a good team, but not good enough, although I commend their deep bench. Mo Williams and Charlie Bell are good backups for Michael Redd and TJ Ford.

Still, I go with the Beast.

2. Chicago vs. Miami (series tied 2-2)
Although Chicago's wins over Miami were questionable (their home court REALLY is an advantage because most foul calls are called their way. Come on, 31 fouls to 5?), I really do think there's something going on in Chicago.

Still, I never liked Shaq (although he really is good) and although Dwyane Wade is a rising superstar (if not already), I'd want an upset in this one because it's been awhile since the Bulls were the team to beat and Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon are playing like crazy right now.

Shaq has never really wanted to perfect his game. He just focused on his strengths and relied on them to overshadow his weakness: his free throw shooting. Great players should focus on their strengths, but at the same time, work on their weaknesses, because sooner or later, it'll catch up to them. Thus, the Hack-a-Shaq play was born.

3. Indiana vs. New Jersey (series tied at 2-2)
For one thing, I was a Knicks fan back when they had a rivalry with Indiana. Back when Sprewell wasn't concerned about feeding his family and when Allan Houston was in his prime. And during my stay at my cousin's house in White Plains, we always picked different teams, because we were really competing with each other in almost everything (and yeah, I lost most of the video games we played. I think he's half-Korean). His team back then was the Pacers because he was a big Reggie Miller fan, and everytime Miller made the Pacers win, my hate increased. So there.

I want the Nets to win because of what they showed before the season ended (beating the top teams in a run of 14 straight wins) and because I'm a big fan of 'the original' Big Three (well for this season that is. The other Big Three is in Washington).

4. Washington vs. Cleveland (series tied 2-2)
Although Gilbert Arenas is really good right now, I'm sticking with Lebron James going deeper into his career's first postseason. I just hope LeBron doesn't take the path of the MFP (Most Frustrated Player), and no one has ever wrestled that title from none other than: Kevin Garnett.

5. Sacramento vs. San Antonio (Spurs lead 2-1, game 4 ongoing)
I was a big fan of Sacramento because: the first complete NBA game I ever watched (from start to finish, sitting through the commercials and halftime crap) was a Kings-Jazz playoff game with Jason Williams at the point. For one thing, Jason Williams was good, but John Stockton used his dirty plays to take advantage of the rookie, so there. Plus, Peja was a great shooter, and with Doug Christie and Chris Webber, they were almost playoff contenders... until Peja's deep dark secret came out: he is a choker. Maybe the biggest choker in NBA history. He's like the exact opposite of MJ in terms of clutch play. And did I mention that I dind't like Duncan and the Spurs? There. Obviously, I hope the Kings win.

6. LA Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns (Lakers lead 3-1)
This maybe the first upset in the first round. And I am a big fan of underdog teams (as seen in this entry's title). Although I still don't like Kobe (Kobe Blackhole that is. Right now, he's possessed by some playmaker spirit or something) the Lakers are playing REALLY well. Kobe is making his teammates better (There's no argument here. Look at Luke Walton's and Kwame Brown's numbers in the postseason).

Although I also want the Suns to win (no hate here, Jase. hehe) I'm sticking with the Lakers because the Battle of Los Angeles is just too good to pass up.

7. LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Clippers lead 3-1)
The Clippers are GOOD. Yeah, with Elton Brand and Sam Cassell leading the way, they are a team to beat. Although the Nuggets look like underdogs right now, the Clippers are THE underdogs. They haven't had a postseason since even before I was born and like I said, the Battle of Los Angeles is just to good to pass up. Plus, I don't like Carmelo Anthony (although I like Camby, because he used to be a Knick).

8. Memphis vs. Dallas (Dallas leads 3-0)
Damn. I really want Memphis to win because I never really liked Dallas. Oh and this is my cousin's team too (because he was born there) so there's that a bit of a rivalry thing. But still. Dirk is unstoppable right now, and Pau is choking like Peja. Darn it. You know, their beards really must make them better, but like Samson, their hair is their downfall in the end. I think their beards are the culprits of their choking. Pau should try shaving, just this once.

I still believe in miracles and maybe they can just pull it off (and be the first team to do it) although their path to winning is kinda hard: even if they miraculously survive the Mavericks, they are facing the Spurs or the Kings next, which will also make their playoff lives a living hell (although they are already living it right now)

In the end, I still want Memphis to win but if you want a more reasonable opinion, I want the Kings and Detroit to meet in the Finals. Or Cleveland and the Clippers. Or maybe even the Heat and the Suns. Or maybe a rematch of last year.

[aside: I hate Manu. He only becomes good in the postseason. If you have an NBA fantasy team, don't pick him.]