Magic Out, Celtics In, Lakers and Suns Still Up In The Air

I think it is pretty obvious by now that my predictions for the 2010 NBA Playoffs have been a bit off. First the Denver Nuggets fell short due to Coach Karl's absence, then the Cleveland Cavs were overtaken by the Boston Celtics, for reasons I am still trying to figure out, and now the Orlando Magic, though coming up from 3-0, which I will continue to be proud of, were unable to hold their ground, costing them the ring. Perhaps it is my bias but it seems as though this post-season has come with a handful of surprises, and I'm not sure that I'm ready for what is in store for me next. However, the show, or in this case the tournament, must go on, the Finals coming up right around the corner.

Without getting too much into the Celtic/Magic series, as it is still a sore topic for me, I just want to say this. Yes the Celtics played hard, almost every member of the team from Paul Pierce to Nate Robinson, giving it their all, but at least for the first two or three games, it wasnt so much that the Celtics won, as the Magic lost. As I stated previously, I believe the Magic deserve tremendous praise for their effort and win in game four, but it must also be said that their performance before that, was lackluster to say the least. Whether it was over-confidence, or fear, that stopped the Magic from playing at their full potential, I can't say, but after sweeping 8-0, the first few games of this series should not have gone the way that they did. In any case, its over now, and the Celtics have advanced to the Finals.

As for the LA Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, I must admit I am quite shocked by what I have seen so far. The Suns have played a lot better than I expected them to, and at this point, I have no idea what is going to happen. Personally, I don't think the Suns will be able to take on a now cockier than ever Celtic team, so I'm rooting for the Lakers, but honestly, unless something drastic happens in the way they perform, I think the Suns are fully capable of pulling through. I guess we will all have to wait and see, tonight perhaps being the last game of the series, if the Lakers can get it done.

At this point, to be perfectly blunt, I will feel unsatisfied no matter who wins the ring. None of these teams are close to my heart, and unless the Suns take it, the ending will be quite predictable. Sure I will be extra upset if the Celtics come out on top, but all of my preferred scenarios have flown out the window, so at this point, all I look forward to is a good, action packed, dramatic series. For now I'm backing the Lakers, but if the Suns do make it to the next round, my faith rests with them. Its like a shirt I recently saw...anyone but Boston.