duncan228
03-12-2009, 05:02 AM
Planting The Seeds (http://www.nba.com/spurs/timeout/20secondto.html)
by Bill Schoening
I recall writing a column in late March of last season (http://www.nba.com/spurs/timeout/march_08.html#seeding) which addressed how tight the Western Conference playoff race was last season. At the time of the column, only 4 1/2 games seperated the #1 seed and the #8 seed.
This year, the Lakers have jumped out in front of the pack, but there is precious room for error among the other teams jockeying for playoff position. Only four games seperate #2 through #8, which means nobody can afford an extended slump or they could find themselves on the outside looking in.
The Spurs have been able to maintain their position at #2, but the Rockets, Jazz, Hornets, Nuggets and Blazers have shown they are all very capable of challenging for homecourt in the playoffs. Although some would say homecourt is overrated, teams like Utah and Portland have played much better at home and would be an even tougher out in the postseason if they were to secure one of the top four spots.
The stretch run for the Spurs takes on added significance as they work in the newly acquired Drew Gooden and await the return of Manu Ginobili. The rest of March and early April could go a long way in determining who does well in late April and beyond.
by Bill Schoening
I recall writing a column in late March of last season (http://www.nba.com/spurs/timeout/march_08.html#seeding) which addressed how tight the Western Conference playoff race was last season. At the time of the column, only 4 1/2 games seperated the #1 seed and the #8 seed.
This year, the Lakers have jumped out in front of the pack, but there is precious room for error among the other teams jockeying for playoff position. Only four games seperate #2 through #8, which means nobody can afford an extended slump or they could find themselves on the outside looking in.
The Spurs have been able to maintain their position at #2, but the Rockets, Jazz, Hornets, Nuggets and Blazers have shown they are all very capable of challenging for homecourt in the playoffs. Although some would say homecourt is overrated, teams like Utah and Portland have played much better at home and would be an even tougher out in the postseason if they were to secure one of the top four spots.
The stretch run for the Spurs takes on added significance as they work in the newly acquired Drew Gooden and await the return of Manu Ginobili. The rest of March and early April could go a long way in determining who does well in late April and beyond.