Focused on the Association -- The 2012 NBA Playoffs

We're off!

We've learned a few things during this bastardized, truncated, lockout-shortened season.

--Playing 66 games in 89 days is reckless.
--Playing 66 games in 89 makes for some exciting playoff races.
--Letting five guys walk in free agency is a poor title defense strategy.
--Los Angeles has two NBA teams.
--Charlotte still lacks one.
--The playoffs will be fun!

The Awards:


MVP

As much as we want to give it to Kevin Durant -- or anyone else -- we've got to give it to:

LeBron James, Miami Heat


GARY'S MVP

Vince Carter, Dallas Mavericks

We grunted when he was acquired this summer.  He proved us wrong.  Vince the Malingerer no longer, he is henceforth The Malingering Menace!


ROOKIE of the YEAR

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

And it wasn't even close.  Sorry, Ricky Rubio.


SIXTH MAN

James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder

Again, not even close.  There's not even anyone close enough to apologize to for not selecting.


MOST IMPROVED

A strong case can be made for Ryan Anderson and Marcin Gortot (we told you that guy has skills).  Andrew Bynum took a smaller step forward, as did Nikola Pekovic.

But.

If you say you knew who Jeremy Lin was before this season started, you're a damned liar.

Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks

Yeah, we know he got hurt and missed games but there was a lockout, so everyone missed games.


DEFENSIVE PLAYER of the YEAR

Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks

A guy who cashed in on a free agent contract and delivered the goods.  Serge Ibaka also had an excellent defensive season.


COACH of the YEAR

All props to Frank Vogel  and the job he did in Indiana aside -- you lead the cast of Cocoon to the league's best record, you get Coach of the Year.

Greg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs


PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

EAST

(1) Chicago Bulls vs (8) Philadelphia 76'ers

Philly started the season strong then faded.  Chicago steamrolled to the league's overall Number One seed.  Doug Collins might be able to coax one win out of his group.  But we doubt it.

Bulls in 4

(2) Miami Heat vs (7) New York Knicks

We'd love to see the Heatles flame out in the first round but it ain't gonna happen.  They are sufficiently weak-minded to lose a couple of games but the talent level is just too disparate to warrant an upset.

Heat in 6

(3) Indiana Pacers vs (6) Orlando Magic

Poor Ron Jeremy.  Dwight Howard is faking hurt for the playoffs and his team is in a tailspin.  The underrated Pacers will make quick work of them, with the talents of the aforementioned coach willing the Magic to any wins they get in this series.

Pacers in 5

(4) Boston Celtics vs (5) Atlanta Hawks

This is a reputation pick.  We hate the Hawks and their fans.

Celtics in 5


WEST

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (8) Utah Jazz

Utah played over their head all season and surpassed their talent on paper. Tyrone Corbin picked up right where Jerry Sloan left off as the coach you don't bet against.  That'll get them a win.  Maybe.

Spurs in 5

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (7) Dallas Mavericks

Records be damned, this series is still overwhelmingly tilted toward the Thunder.  The Mavericks have looked old and uninspired all season long.  We don't believe there is a "switch".  Having a ring helps.  Being the obstacle OKC needs to get past, a la the Pistons to Jordan's Bulls, the Spurs to Dirk's Mavs helps, too.  But those teams eventually got past their obstacles.  Will it take OKC two or three years?  Our bet is on two.

Thunder in 6

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets

The Lakers will be missing Metta World Peace and the Nuggs are always tough in the playoffs.  Still, we're gonna give another reputation win here. in a long series.  If there's one we're gonna be wrong on though, this one's it.

Lakers in 6

(4) Memphis Grizzlies vs (5) Los Angeles Clippers

Hands-down the first round series we are most looking forward to.  Lob City vs the proverbial Team No One Wants to See in the First Round.  Griffin and Paul will do something Amazing and Vinny the Hair will get outmaneuvered by Lionel Hollins.  It'll be a long series and there will be no blowouts.  We cannot wait to watch this series.

Grizzlies in 7


FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD

Bulls over Celtics, Pacers over Heat
Bulls over Pacers

Grizzlies over Spurs, Thunder over Lakers
Thunder over Grizzlies

Bulls over Thunder.

But we reserve the right to update these after the first round.  :)

Also -- after the shit the Lakers pulled by sending Lamar Kardashian to the Mavs as a double agent, if Derek Fisher "blows an ACL" against LA in the second round -- or misses a key free throw -- or is hit by a fucking bolt of lightning, we are DONE with the NBA.  Forever.

Enjoy the playoffs!

Until next time,
Keep the Faith