Ranking the Remaining Playoff Teams In Terms Of Title Hopes
By Tej Kamaraju
May 21, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) reacts against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at AT
The playoffs have met the expectations so far, but there haven’t been any major upsets. Without the upset factor, it just gets boring after a while. Right now, the Miami Heat are up 1-0 on the Indiana Pacers after winning a toughly fought Game 1. Paul George hit an incredible 3-pointer to send the game to overtime, where he scored three crucial free throws to gain the lead. He played incredibly in crunch time, but LeBron James was just a little better. With just 2.2 seconds left, James broke free and scored the easy layup for the win.
Now the Pacers are going to comeback even stronger than ever. As for the other series, the San Antonio Spurs have dominated the Memphis Grizzlies, despite being given a run for their money in game two. However, they haven’t secured the series just yet. Which teams have the best chance at getting the title?
1. Miami Heat:
No disputes here, right? Dwyane Wade is feeling pretty confident, as he’s already picked out his outfits for the finals. It may seem arrogant, but it could also just be a confidence level. His Heat are doing well right now, and looking unstoppable. Many think that the Pacers are the only team in the Eastern Conference that is capable of taking down the Heat. I tend to agree with that because they have so much depth, and an adequate center in Roy Hibbert. If they utilize him, they should do well. Still, however, the Heat have three of the best players in the NBA. That’s tough to deal with.
2. San Antonio Spurs:
After two games the Spurs are up 2-0 on the Grizzlies. It may seem odd, but they might actually be able to make it back to the NBA Finals. After everyone thought they were too old and that their NBA Finals run was finished, they responded with yet another strong season, finishing as the 2nd seed and have been able to make a deep postseason run. They’re once again solid. Tony Parker is dealing with some injury, but it isn’t serious and Tim Duncan knows how to take over games. Danny Green has been hitting every shot lately and even Kawhi Leonard is looking like a veteran. This San Antonio team may be as unstoppable as the Heat.
3. Memphis Grizzlies:
The Grizzlies are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, but so far they have failed to show that against the Spurs. In the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers the Grizzlies were able to win four straight after losing the first two. When their defense starts to click, it can get to be a very long night for the other team. They have a good shot at beating San Antonio, but they’re going to have to make some key adjustments when dealing with some of the Spurs bigs who have played Zach Randolph very well.
4. Indiana Pacers:
The Pacers are last on a rankings list. That could only happen in the Conference Finals. It’s going to be tough for the Pacers, who are playing the defending champions, to move one. They’re a very young team who is extremely good at times, but still is at the mercy of the King and the royalty of the Heat. When you have some of the best basketball players in the universe, you better be winning. The only way that the Pacers can jump this hurdle is for them to get Roy Hibbert back into the game. The Heat have nobody that can guard him. Lately, he’s been playing decently well, but will have to return to All-Star ways.