duncan228
03-10-2011, 08:55 PM
Drama-free Spurs the pick to win it all (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42002669/ns/sports-fan_zone/)
With Parker, Ginobili and Duncan, San Antonio will be too much for L.A.
Opinion
By JT the Brick
NBCSports.com contributor
The drama continues to intensify in a great NBA season as we get closer to the playoffs. Each team has a great storyline to follow, enough to make your head spin. But the one to watch is the team that dodgers drama the best.
This week has been dominated by the Miami Heat and their losing steak. Coach Erik Spoelstra admitted some players cried after losing at home to the Bulls last Sunday, and this South Beach soap opera has listeners flooding into my radio show slamming the "Big 3" for their underachieving ways.
The Lakers have been rolling since the All-Star break, winning eight straight as Phil Jackson appears to have awakened his roster as the postseason draws near. The two-time defending champs mailed in the first half of the season and seemed to care more about the All-Star parties in Hollywood instead of fighting for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. But now the Lakers are rolling.
The Knicks purged most of their roster to get Carmelo Anthony, while the Jazz shipped Deron Williams to the Nets, fearing he would become a free agent after next season.
But despite all that, the Spurs are the team to beat and are my pick to win the title.
Yes, the Spurs' home loss to the Lakers — one in which San Antonio trailed by 30 points for most of the contest — was shocking. For a Gregg Popovich-coached team, this was unacceptable. Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson enjoyed sending the message to Spurs fans that they would be ready when the playoffs begin.
But as of Wednesday night, San Antonio leads Dallas by six games and L.A. by seven in the loss column in the Western Conference standings. The Spurs' last three losses came against the Lakers, Grizzlies and Bulls — the three hottest teams in the NBA. San Antonio doesn't need to panic, despite looking lazy on defense and stagnant on offense.
Don't forget what got the Spurs to the best record in the league and complete control of their destiny. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have combined for 10 titles. They lead their teammates on and off the court.
Keep reading... (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42002669/ns/sports-fan_zone/)
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42002669/ns/sports-fan_zone/
With Parker, Ginobili and Duncan, San Antonio will be too much for L.A.
Opinion
By JT the Brick
NBCSports.com contributor
The drama continues to intensify in a great NBA season as we get closer to the playoffs. Each team has a great storyline to follow, enough to make your head spin. But the one to watch is the team that dodgers drama the best.
This week has been dominated by the Miami Heat and their losing steak. Coach Erik Spoelstra admitted some players cried after losing at home to the Bulls last Sunday, and this South Beach soap opera has listeners flooding into my radio show slamming the "Big 3" for their underachieving ways.
The Lakers have been rolling since the All-Star break, winning eight straight as Phil Jackson appears to have awakened his roster as the postseason draws near. The two-time defending champs mailed in the first half of the season and seemed to care more about the All-Star parties in Hollywood instead of fighting for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. But now the Lakers are rolling.
The Knicks purged most of their roster to get Carmelo Anthony, while the Jazz shipped Deron Williams to the Nets, fearing he would become a free agent after next season.
But despite all that, the Spurs are the team to beat and are my pick to win the title.
Yes, the Spurs' home loss to the Lakers — one in which San Antonio trailed by 30 points for most of the contest — was shocking. For a Gregg Popovich-coached team, this was unacceptable. Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson enjoyed sending the message to Spurs fans that they would be ready when the playoffs begin.
But as of Wednesday night, San Antonio leads Dallas by six games and L.A. by seven in the loss column in the Western Conference standings. The Spurs' last three losses came against the Lakers, Grizzlies and Bulls — the three hottest teams in the NBA. San Antonio doesn't need to panic, despite looking lazy on defense and stagnant on offense.
Don't forget what got the Spurs to the best record in the league and complete control of their destiny. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have combined for 10 titles. They lead their teammates on and off the court.
Keep reading... (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42002669/ns/sports-fan_zone/)
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42002669/ns/sports-fan_zone/