And there were 4. The Lakers, Suns, Spurs, and Jazz are the last 4 standing. All 4 teams went 6 games in their 1st round matchups. Maybe the most surprising was the Thunder taking the defending champs to 6 and almost 7 games. Well lets take a look at the two matchups:
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (5) Utah Jazz
The Lakers are coming off a first round series that maybe they didn't expect. The Thunder really gave them a run for their money taking them to 6 games and nearly a game 7. But they are here and they are the defending champs. Kobe and company seem to get stronger as the Playoffs go on, so I wouldn't worry to much. With Kobe anything is possible. Now Utah is coming off a series in which no one thought they would advance. Meeting Denver in the 1st round, and marred by injuries, they didn't complain. Utah just went out and outplayed Denver. The Jazz led by Deron Williams were impressive in their 1st round series win. Now last year the Jazz were over matched in their 1st round series with the Lakers nearly getting swept. The Jazz are smarter and tougher this season. They also should have AK-47.
The Sports Paisan's Prediction: I Like what Utah's doing, Defense and Pick and Roll's, but Lakers prevail. Lakers 4-2
(3) Phoenix Suns vs (7) San Antonio Spurs
I don't think any team is scarier to face come Playoffs than the San Antonio Spurs. They seem to always play their best basketball of the year when the Playoffs start. Coming off an impressive performance in round 1 against Dallas they look poised to make a run at another NBA Title. Led by Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli the Spurs will be a very tough out for anybody. Now its Phoenix's chance. I like Phoenix, I do. But the Spurs make you play to their tempo. Phoenix loves to run with Nash, Stoudemire, Richardson, and crew, but the Coach Pop knows how to slow it down and let the game come to them.
The Sports Paisan's Prediction: Suns can run, but run into a San Antonio defensive wall. Spurs 4-2
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