Entering the second week of playoff basketball, postseason play has seemingly brought out the best of competition, as no team in either conference has prevailed in the second round thus far. From top to bottom, the Western Conference carries the strongest of championship contenders, yet no team so far has dominated their first round series enough to be considered a sure lock for either the conference or NBA finals.
A return trip to San Antonio has helped the Spurs regain the series lead over the Suns 3-2. However, the biggest key in the series is how Phoenix has successfully been able to control Spurs center Tim Duncan. With double and triple teams, the Suns' defense has been able to keep Tim Duncan's scoring in check (18.5 points per game), tempting the Spurs' supporting cast to step up and beat them. Forward Stephen Jackson has been averaging 17 ppg, but it has been the play of point guard Tony Parker that has been most disappointing. For the Suns, guard Stephon Marbury's 25-point and six-assist average has paced the young team as they have proven that they can win a big game on the road. However, for Phoenix to win, major contributions will need to continue from role players as well as centers Amare Stoudemire and Jake Voskuhl.
The Kings reclaimed their control of this first-round series with their impressive win on the road at Utah in game four. Guard Peja Stojakovic has stepped up his game in the playoffs and found his shooting touch as he has lit up the Jazz for a 22 ppg average. Along with the strong play of forward Chris Webber and guard Mike Bibby, the Kings look to be warming up with the Jazz in preparation for a trip to the second round. For the Jazz, the main story is the end of an era. Forward Karl Malone and guard John Stockton have quite possibly played their final home game together in Salt Lake City. The legendary duo has played a tough series, but does not have the firepower to match up with the young guns of Head Coach Rick Adelman's Kings.
The Kings can clinch the series with a win at home on Wednesday night.
Plagued by injuries, the Trail Blazers dug themselves an 0-3 hole and face one of the toughest tasks in the game in needing to win four straight to survive. Guard Bonzi Wells has taken the lone spotlight for the Blazers with his 45-point outburst in game two, ironically in a loss, but Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki has been just too much for Portland to handle in this series. Averaging near 35 points and 10 boards per contest in the 2003 playoffs, Nowitzki is poised to carry the Mavs deep into the playoffs. Head Coach Don Nelson's Dallas squad has looked strong throughout the first 12 days of the playoffs and now has the tough task of maintaining a high level of play, preventing injuries and winning the series in the shortest amount of time.
The Mavericks' next opportunity will come this Wednesday at home in Dallas.
Without a doubt the most intriguing matchup in the first round in either conference, this series pins the perennial first-round losers, the Timberwolves, versus the three-time, defending champions, the Lakers. Although the Lakers came out in game one and demonstrated their championship form, the Timberwolves regained their composure and have provided a very good series. Led by their MVP candidate Kevin Garnett and his near 30 points, 17 rebounds and six assists per game, the T-Wolves have made huge strides in controlling Lakers' center Shaquille O'Neal and making the role players of L.A. beat them. Representing Minnesota's lesser-known players, guard Troy Hudson has been one of the biggest surprises in the series as he has elevated his game to average 27 points and five assists per contest. With Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant struggling with his shot and the injury to forward Rick Fox, the Lakers have their work cut out for them as they look to continue their championship dynasty.
