May 5, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) reacts to a play in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game one of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 93-91. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
In these playoffs, which are solely for entertainment, one can only wonder who’s going to win the championship. In the NBA it’s all about upsets of course, and who wants to get to the finals more than others? This is obviously all important, but fans love the entertainment that the playoffs bring them, and there’s more than one series that has been entertaining so far.
When the word “champions” comes to mind, I’m sure the first team any NBA fan thinks about is the Miami Heat, simply because they’ve been dominant so far. Currently up 3-1 on the Chicago Bulls after crushing them in an intense game four, the Heat are surging and looking to once again gain entry to the conference finals.
It wasn’t like this two years ago, however. Remember when the Heat looked dominant, but were taken down by the Dallas Mavericks, of all teams, in the Finals? I’m sure that everybody does. The Mavericks were actually the funnest team to watch during those playoffs, as Dirk Nowitzki was incredible in crunch time with some big baskets.
This year, it may be different with the Heat winning it all, but which teams have gotten together for some great series, so far?
1. Brooklyn Nets – Chicago Bulls:
Without a doubt, this has been the best series so far in the playoffs. The Derrick Rose-less Bulls were able to surge to a 3-1 lead on the Nets, and eventually beat them in a game seven. It was very entertaining, of course, and is the only series that has been to game seven so far. It may have been a first round game, but it lasted the longest and gave the Heat a very lengthy rest. Fortunately for the Bulls, they were able to capitalize and win when it mattered.
You know that it was very exciting when in game four, the Nets and the Bulls went to triple overtime, and after binges of buzzer beaters, the Bulls were able to pull away. This matchup between the fourth and fifth seed kept everyone on their heals, and never failed to impress. It has been, by far, the most interesting series of the playoffs so far.
2. San Antonio Spurs – Golden State Warriors:
The Nuggets – Warriors series was a close second here, but it doesn’t make the list because it’s just not as exciting as this one. So far, the Warriors’ magical playoff run has been incredible. In the first round, they upset the number three seed, something almost nobody predicted that they could do without David Lee, their all-star, and then they tied the Spurs 1-1 in the series. After some disappointment for both teams, the Warriors and the Spurs are playing in San Antonio in game five to break the 2-2 series tie.
The reason that all these games are so interesting is not only because many want to see the Spurs make a final championship run, but it is because it’s the emergence of a dynasty (the Warriors) and a superstar (Stephen Curry). It’s like watching a star die, and a new one being born for the scientists. Also, the first game went into double overtime, and the fourth went into overtime, putting fans on their heels once again.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Memphis Grizzlies:
So far, the Thunder are almost at the mercy of the Grizzlies. The shining brilliance of Kevin Durant, however, may be just enough to pull the Thunder out of some trouble. Nevertheless, from Durant’s game one winner, the Grizzlies’ fierce rally in game two, this series has had fans on their heals. It’s been a battle of whits from the coaching staff, but also of talent from Durant and Mike Conley. The Grizzlies look deserving of a championship run this year, but it’s not going to come so easily.