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NBA Playoff Western Conference Semifinals 2011
By Joe, BettingExpert.com | Edited
Google+: Joe Bexpert
Two of the biggest names in NBA square up in the Western Semifinal Playoffs for the first time, Dallas Maverick Dirk Noworitz leads from Game 1 over the Lakers Kobe Bryant, but surely there will be six other games in store. The same goes for the the Grizzlers and Thunders in the other Western Conference playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks (Out of 7 games: 0-1)
What a start to the Game 1 between the Lakers and Dallas, Mavericks did just what it takes to bring the reigning champion back down to earth after squeezing a win 4-2 series win over the New Orleans Hornet in the 1st round of the playoffs. The Mavericks did also the same to Portland Trailblazers, with a 4-2 win, but now they have done one better than Lakers going into Game 2. The Mav victory has blown this series wide open and maybe one for the neutrals to enjoy.
The Lakers started out just the same way in the 1st round playoff and in the semifinals, a defeat at home to their opposition. However wiser we are, the Lakers bounced back in Game 2 and went on to win the series. A repeat of this could yet be on the card but it all depends on the willingness of the team. Surely Kobe Bryant needs to be where he needs to be and perform the way he knows he does best. It is players like Andrew Byrum, Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol who needs to step up after trailing in Game 1. Their task to make sure they will be able to defend Mavericks’s Dirk Noworitz and even more recently, Jason Kidd. Stop them, then Lakers will get their fourth consecutive Western Conference final under Coach Phil Jackson.
The Dallas Maverick have something to prove and Game 1 against the Lakers showed that they are more than capable to challenge their reigning champion for the spot in the Western Conference Final. Big play from Big Dirk is the key to winning formula but of course a flying Jason Kidd would also help the cause. It seems like the team has suddenly jumped on their momentum and both offensive and defensive work from Tyson Chandler and Sharion Marion are really paying off. If that is not enough to help the cause, then both Jason Terry and P. Stojakovic will be able to fill in the gap and they don’t have to play pretty but it is the result that counts.
The first time that Kobe Bryant and Dirk Noworitz in the playoffs, it is the big German that drew first blood and this guy knows how to pick his spot, but that also goes for Kobe Bryant, because he also leads the team, but his buzz miss in Game 1 did cost the game, but then again third quarter did see Lakers fell apart after leading over 15 points. Both teams are no short of experience but it will be down to whoever can make that big shot making at the end, at this current time, Bryant is the best in the business so Lakers in 7.
Oklahoma City Thunders vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Out of 7 games: 0-1)
Not the best of start for the Thunders as we are already in the second game of the series as I write this. The Oklahoma City Thunders have the home advantage over seven games but that is not a major factor anymore as the Grizzlers took the first game by 114-101at Oklahoma City. The second game of the series will be a vital one and that is where the fun begins.
The Thunders overcame the first round playoff against the Denver Nuggets 4-1 and the only defeat came on the road in Game 4, so it is a bit of contrast in the semifinals to start out with a defeat at home to the Grizzlies. Kevin Durant is still the main man to led the Thunder and that he did with 33 points and 11 rebound in Game 1, with Russell Westbrook scoring 29 points and surely they will have to do better than that if they wish to continue the path to the Western Conference finals. The league’s top shot blocker, Serge Ibaka was move from center to a power forward position to bolster a stronger defensive inside the paint. This is somewhat a chance in a lifetime for the Thunders to showcase what they got and after a bad start, a bounce back is require to keep the dream alive.
Memphis Grizzlers are a surprising bunch and they shocked the basketball world with a win over the San Antonio Spurs in the 1st round of the playoffs. It took six games for the Grizzlers to advance to the semifinals in a tough ask to beat the experienced spurs team and the Grizzlers proved that they are no fluke, with that Game 1 win over the Thunder at Oklahoma City. All credits have to go to Zach Randolph, who has exploded in the playoffs and what timings it is. He and Marc Gasol couldn’t find a fault in their play, no turnovers, and shooting from the outside, inside and up to 80% on post-up plays, what on earth will it take to stop the two big guys. Well, if you try to stop them then there is also Kendrick Perkins who on defense is surely helping the Grizzlers to the success they are craving. One man who is dominating the headline is Zach Randoph, veteran and a former All Star is starting to grow on the team, who has never won a postseason series. Breaking new ground could be Grizzlers destiny.
No disrespect to either team on this but whoever wins this tie will meet a strong team awaiting for them in the Western Conference. Both team will play hard and also in a much given of a even turf, both teams have a chance to go through despite Game 1 results. If you are looking for a star player to shine, then Kevin Durant is your man, but if you are looking for a upmost surprise, well, Grizzlers don’t come bigger than that.
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