Western Playoffs

Mavs v. Warriors
Tonight's game could be amazing in Oakland. It could be one of those rare, underdog, moments where this win is bigger than anything else that happens the rest of the way. For my money there is one person to thank for this game (who nobody has mentioned) and that is Devin Harris. Harris dominated the fourth quarter of the last game and was overshadowed by Dirk in the final three minutes. If you rewatch those last three minutes, Harris has the assist on almost all of those threes. On top of this, Harris refused to let the game get out of hand throughout that last quarter, and he did by driving right to the heart of the Warriors defense, making lay ups, gettting fouls and handing out assists. Bill Simmons in his blog today argues that the Mavs have no one who can handle the crowd tonight in Oakland, with the exception of maybe two or three guys. The one person he leaves off the list is Devin Harris, and its a glaring ommission. I have seen him do it in San Antonio last year, and I have seen him do it repeatedly in college. Harris has the will to stand up to the other team and their crowd, and if Dallas wins tonight, it will be because of him.
Suns v. Spurs
I am genuinely giddy with excitement over this series. My pick to win the whole thing at the beginning of the playoffs was the Spurs, with the Suns as the other team I think has a chance. Whoever wins this series I think will win the whole thing. In terms of talent, I think the nod has to go to the Suns. In terms of style and being able to finish a team, I think that goes to the Spurs. Playoff coaching I think goes the Spurs way. Benches are a draw I think. Suns better offense and not terrible on defense, Spurs better defense and pretty good on offense. I am rooting for the Spurs because they are local, but for the Suns because what their winning would mean for basketball. If the Suns could win a championship, it would legitimate their style of play and might undo the years of damage caused by the 90's Knicks and Heat teams.