How The West Will Be Won

April 2, 2008 on 4:12 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

With another NBA season coming to an end, NBA fans are certain of one thing; that this year’s playoffs should be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The Western Conference has nine teams above .600, each of which can make the finals. Compare that to the Eastern Conference who only has three teams above .600. The odd man out in the West right now is Golden State; an improved Golden State team that as an 8 seed last year defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.

Since last year’s playoffs, the Warriors have arguably been the most exciting team in the Western Conference. Led by Baron Davis, Monta Ellis, and Stephen Jackson, the Warriors are 45-29 and are on the verge of being eliminated. If this were the Eastern Conference, the Warriors would be the #3 seed and several games ahead of the Cavaliers. It is not the East however, so the Warriors will have to settle for the 8th seed at best.

Chris Paul and the Hornets are also doing a great job of defying odds. Being the first place team is not something they are used too this late in the season. Led by Paul and the diligent and energetic David West, the Hornets are riding high atop the Western Conference for now, and would be in great shape come playoffs. The reigning champion San Antonio Spurs, fighting right behind New Orleans in 2nd place, has one of the best rosters in the NBA and should be a favorite to take home the title again.

Topping off the final playoff teams include the Phoenix Suns, LA Lakers, and the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns feature a high powered offense that only got stronger after the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal. Their offense can score a lot of points, but their defense surrenders almost as much. The Lakers are another team that only got stronger after a mid-season trade. Bringing Pau Gasol to Los Angeles has made the Lakers one of the best teams in the league and has finally given Kobe a second scoring option. With nine teams capable of reaching the Finals, we are sure that this year’s playoffs will truly be amazing.