The 2008 NBA Playoffs have been nothing but amazing. This is why basketball is my favorite sport to watch other than MMA. Let’s review each series so far:

Eastern Conference:

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
I am surprised by this series. I thought that Hawks would be swept. While I don’t think the Hawks stand a chance in the coming games, I think they’ve put forth an excellent effort so far. I really like Josh Smith and Josh Childress. Especially since Childress is a Stanford Alum. He does all the intangibles and I love the afro, kind of funky. Josh Smith just plays with so much fire and such intensity. I’m surprised at the unaggressive play by the Celtics and the Hawks in games 3 and 4. I expect them to bring it hard tonight.

Detriot Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
I thought that Detroit would have an easier time with Philadelphia however I am not surprised by Detroit’s performance. This is typical of Detroit. I expect them to win the series however I wouldn’t be surprised if it went seven. Igoudala is a high-flyer, I think he has one of the biggest verts in the NBA, really fun to watch.

Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic put the Raptors away pretty handily. As Dwight Howard gets older, he will morph into the one of the league’s superstars along with LeBron, CP3, D.Wade. I really like the Magic and expect big things from them next round.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
The Cavs are better than the Wizards. I do not understand why the Cavs lost game 5, especially when the Wizards were shorthanded, without their star Gilbert Arenas. I didn’t really see any home court pride from the Cavs, there was no sense of urgency, which is needed every game in the playoffs. Teams cannot just drop a game so easily, the Cavs let that one slip away. It was startling to see the Butler hit the game winner over none other than King James. Expect a big game from LeBron next game.

Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
I expect nothing less from the league’s MVP Kobe Bryant. The Nuggets are garbage and have no real team pride. The Warriors would have done a lot better against the Lake Show than Denver. Denver’s defense is non-existant, cannot win games like that in the playoffs.

New Orleans Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks
I thought Dallas would do a lot better, especially with acquiring Jason KIdd. I think it was a good trade, however Jason Kidd plays an evolved type of basketball. He thrives in transition. The Mavs forwards need to get out on the break more so Kidd can drop some dimes. Give them a little time, they’ll be back. As for CP3 what can I say? Amazing. I think Kobe deserves it this year, however CP3 is definitely earning his stripes. I would say co-MVP, however Kobe is long overdue, CP3 is still young and will have many more chances to win it.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Pheonix Suns
I was a little disillusioned with the Suns lackluster performance. They did not look focused. San Antonio is old and the Suns have so much speed Barbosa and Diaw should be out on the break. San Antonio neutralized the Suns gameplan slowing the game down. The Suns have to push the tempo. The reason they have Shaq is so Diaw, Barbosa, and Stoudemire can release out on the break. Nash would have found them. However, it’s hard to play your own style of basketball when you have the defending champs breathing down your neck.

Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets
I really like the Jazz. All they need is a pure scorer. Boozer is the best pure power forward in the NBA. AK-47 is solid, and Deron Williams continues to impress me. Look for a big effort by T-Mac next game, I expect him to take over. Battier plays solid D in a Duke reunion (Battier and Boozer). I wish the Rockets had Yao, I think that would make a huge difference in the playoffs. It is said becuause they really need a big man. Rafer Alston Most Improved Player.