We got what we asked for

On May 17, 8:06 pm, Brian Matthews <nooneca....DeleteThis@ddd.com> wrote:
> Earlier in the winter, many of us were hoping the Pistons would play
> Orlando in the 2nd round and that Cleveland would play Boston and play
> them tough. Up to this point, we've gotten just what we hoped for.

Yeah, I was just thinking about how it all worked out the way I had
hoped. Except for Chauncey's injury and the odd lapses against
Philly, that is, but in terms of match-ups, it's what I wanted.

Now
> I hope the Pistons aren't too rusty when we play the winner of that
> series.

I would rather worry about rust than worry about being tired,
especially given the minutes some of the starters, especially Tayshaun
and Rip, played in the last couple of Orlando games.

My gut tells me it will be Boston, but in a game 7, you just
> never know. It wouldn't break my heart if the winner of the series had
> an injury or two. : )

I wouldn't be surprised to see either team win, but if I had to pick I
would say the Celtics just because home court has been such a big deal
in this round, and for Boston especially. And honestly, the Celtics
coulda/shoulda won game 6 but a few key calls went Cleveland's way.

In either case, I'm hoping that this series will be physically and
psychologically draining on the winner.

> I guess I would prefer Boston. For some reason, the Pistons don't
> match up well against the Cavs. They are a hustle team and James has
> proven he can go off on us and beat us all by himself. Of course, they
> already lost Gibson, so that's a plus. But I think we could win a game
> in Boston to steal the HCA. And we would have an easier time winning 3
> home games instead of 4.

In the regular season, we did better against the Cavs. That's
probably deceptive in that the Cavs are a somewhat different team and
are playing better now, whereas the Celtics look a lot more mortal
than they did in the regular season.

I agree I would prefer to have home court, although if we are rusty,
maybe better to get that out of our system in a road game (and, if the
other team is tired, maybe better to steal the first one on the road
rather than just hold serve).

As to personnel, as you say, the Cavs lost Gibson, although I haven't
heard whether he'll be able to play in the ECF. For the Celtics, it
was interesting to see that Sam C. got NO minutes in game 6. I wonder
if Boston has completely lost confidence in him.

Of course there are good story lines either way -- revenge for last
year (Cavs) or beating the team with the best record in the NBA
(Celtics).

Bottom line, I don't have a real preference (beyond seeing game 7 go
to triple OT). I just hope Chauncey is 100%, that Stuckey continues
his good play, that Maxiell can continue to bring energy, that McDyess
continues his scoring and rebounding groove, and that somebody can
play some productive minutes at backup SF.

> Whatever happens, I'm just glad we're still playing. If we were to
> advance to the Finals, who would everyone want to play? Of the 3 teams
> left, I would prefer New Orleans, followed by San Antonio. Los Angeles
> scares me. I think they're the best team left in the West. But, at
> least we won't have to face Utah. For some reason, they really have
> our number.

Chris Paul would blow by Chauncey, but then again Paul would blow by
anybody. San Antonio is familiar but still scary because they've done
it so many times. Much as I don't like LA, you have to say that with
the addition of Gasol they are very, very good.

I can't choose. If Detroit doesn't win it all, my second choice would
be NO, because I like Paul as a player and it's a good story (and some
new blood). On the other hand, beating the Spurs would be revenge for
2005, and would be beating the signature team of the last 5 years or
so. On the other, other hand, beating LA would be very satisfying
because I just don't like them. -- Joe
> Brian