Contenders Gear Up for Second Half In NBA
Wes Allen
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Sports
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With a lot of big moves that took place right before the trading deadline, it looks like the second half of the NBA season and the upcoming playoffs could one of the most exciting in recent memory. In the beginning of the season, it was clear who the dominant team was. the Boston Celtics jumped out early and claimed the best record in the league at the All-Star break at 41-9. Some experts say, however, that the Celtics lack the experience to go deep in the playoffs and win the title. Coming out of the All-Star break, they have stumbled a bit, starting off the second half of the season 1-3, losing the first three games winning Sunday to get their first win since the break.
Another team in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons are battle tested and won a title back in 2004. Many feel the Pistons will represent the Eastern Conference in the finals come June. The Pistons are currently 41-15 and are second in the East behind the Celtics.
When you talk about the East, then you can't forget to talk about LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who made it to the finals last year but were swept by the San Antonio Spurs 4-0. The Cavs are currently 32-24 and are fourth in the East; look for them to be there in the end, especially considering they made a big move before the trading deadline, acquiring Ben Wallace and Joe Smith from the Chicago Bulls. They also acquired Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak from the Seattle Sonics. Look out also for the Orlando Magic, the only other legitimate contender in the East, led by rising star Dwight Howard.
Some people still think the Celtics will come out of the East.
"Well basically Boston will win the East without a problem because they have Ray Allen, KG, and Paul Pierce and they have been playing outstanding this year," said Anthony Velez, a UC student.
As the season has gone on, however, the Western Conference seems to be regaining its stature as the more dominant side. It's definitely the more competitive side; from the top seed at the moment (L.A. Lakers) to the eighth seed (Golden State Warriors), they are only separated by five games, which means if you go on a little win streak or losing streak you can drop from one to eight or climb from eight to one.
A few key moves have shifted the power back to the West and have several teams thinking championship. The L.A. Lakers traded for All-Star Pau Gasol, a move that many think have put them over the hump to getting to the Finals; so far the move has paid great dividends: the Lakers are currently first in the West at 39-17. Big man Andrew Bynum has emerged as a big reason for early season success but injured his knee in January. The Lakers say he should be back very soon though. Kobe Bryant finally has a good team around him and is playing "team ball" with them; probably the biggest reason for their success.
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