The Playoffs March On

By Stan Eng

LOOKING FORWARD

Where We Stand Now

Detroit 2, Philadelphia 2

The home team has won every game in this slugfest, and that bodes well for the Pistons who hold the home court advantage. If Kenny Thomas and Keith Van Horn continue to provide good support for Allen Iverson, the 76ers can pull it out. The Pistons rookie Tayshaun Prince has been a pleasant surprise. These teams are rather evenly matched, and it really could go either way.

New Jersey 3, Boston 0

Unlike the 76ers, the Celtics have not taken advantage of their home court to turn this into a series. No team has ever come from 0-3 down to win, and it certainly will not happen here. As many astute observers have stated, the Celtics simply do not have any offensive options after Paul Pierce with the overrated Antoine Walker being completely shut down by underrated defensive demon Kenyon Martin. Richard Jefferson continues to raise his game, most notably by canning his perimeter shots, and Jason Kidd is still his masterful self controlling a game. You know it's over when the fans have turned against themselves as seen at the end of the Game 3 blowout.

San Antonio 2, Los Angeles 2

This one has been as good as advertised. I look for San Antonio to finish off the Lakers with the strength of their two home games remaining. Of course, if the Lakers manage to outlast the Spurs, they could be on their way to a 4th straight title. One would be justified in saying the Spurs are the biggest roadblock left.

Sacramento 2, Dallas 2

Even without Chris Webber, the Kings are deep enough to defeat the high-scoring Mavericks. It will take a steady defensive effort, but the Mavs can go unconscious on you (83 points in a half?!) at any time, rendering even the best defensive effort useless. But I think Sacramento will receive a complete team effort and advance to the West Finals. They are savvy enough and know what it takes to win. But lacking Webber in that round will be a handicap too tough to overcome.

LOOKING BACK

Even though Kevin Garnett failed to lead his team into the second round again, he probably won over some new fans with his inspired play against the Lakers. He had some excellent support from Troy Hudson and the Timberwolves genuinely put a scare into the defending champions.

The New Jersey-Milwaukee first round matchup was hyped as the battle between the two best point guards in the game. But Gary Payton is 34 years old and here are some names that make a strong argument for the top of the PG list: Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, and Baron Davis. All three are young and strong and get to the basket at will. (Unfortunately, Davis is battling multiple injuries which limit his effectiveness)

How about this guy Stephen Jackson? After being drafted in the 2nd round several years ago, he spent some time overseas, makes the Nets, comes off the bench and even started a few games during the Marbury era. He was labeled as a slasher then and now his improved jump shot allows him to make a contribution as a starter for the Spurs. He's come a long way.

It was a big surprise to hear that Amare Stoudemire was named Rookie of the Year over Yao Ming. Both had comparable statistics, and the fact that the Suns made the playoffs probably put Stoudemire over the top. But with the NBA hype machine working all season for Yao, I thought it would be a foregone conclusion that he would be freshman of the year.

I still can't believe the Celtics topped the Pacers in the first round. True, Reggie Miller finally shot a playoff blank, but Indiana appeared meek in the face of a Boston club that is not at the level of last year's edition.

Finally, a few words about the Nets-Bucks series. Can you believe George Karl had the audacity to complain about a no-call when he thought Kenyon Martin fouled Anthony Mason at the end of the game where the tipped offensive rebound found its way back out to Rodney Rogers, who promptly made the game winning shot to redeem himself after the missed FT? Mason is a 6-7, 260 lb. immovable rock. How about blasting Mason for not corralling the errant free throw? ... Sam Cassell was brilliant during several stretches. That Milwaukee two point-guard look can give opponents problems, but it may be time to go more conventional. How about swapping Sam to the Knicks for Milwaukee product Latrell Sprewell? I don't know how the salary numbers fit here, but the Knicks would finally get their legitimate point guard to run the show. He's a winner with nerves of steel and has several good years left in him.