Grady Gallagher | Blogger

What a series! Probably the most entertaining series of this year’s playoffs. Bogut was the difference maker pulling down 21 boards. Steph really got it going in the third, and it was basically over at that point (or at least that’s what I thought) until a turnover plague almost forced a tragic game 7. Fortunately, the buzzer sounded, and everyone was happy (except Austin Perry). It’s now time for San Antonio.

So, I’ll admit, I was hesitant about the Warriors’ chances on Monday night. Then, the third quarter happened, and Steph seized the moment in the way only he can. Have you ever had someone bring you to your feet night after night? You know it’s coming. How long can he keep this up? So, after the third, it’s over right? The inability to take care of the ball down the stretch finally came back to bite the Dubs. For some reason, in the fourth and overtimes, all that happens are one on one isolations, which are exactly the opposite of what they do the entire game. Finishing quarters, especially the fourth (obviously), is one of the most important components of the NBA game. The Dubs got away with it at home, but in Texas, the Spurs will make you pay. The Warriors were lucky to get to overtime and a second overtime. Curry just could not get it going, and Klay fouling out was HUGE.

There are two things I take away from the game. First, the Warriors can win this series. Yes, the Spurs will have all the momentum going forward, but isn’t this almost the same thing that happened in the previous series (Miller and the Nuggs)? If the Dubs come out like they did Game 2 in Denver (60%), they will FINALLY get their first win in San Antonio since ’97. Second, the Warriors are so young that you could probably see something like this coming (a meltdown of “wet your pants” proportions). They will learn from it and hopefully not make the same mistake again.

Also in the news, LeBron wins his 4th MVP one vote short of a unanimous decision. Originally I thought what kind of idiot doesn’t vote for #6 after the way he has dominated (really) the last two years?! Luckily, I was able to catch the column the Boston writer published pleading his case. His name escapes me, but his vote was for Melo. He went on to describe the amount of injuries the Knicks went through this season (Amare, Raymond, Chandler, etc), the fact that Melo lead the league in scoring, and carried the Knicks to 54 wins and 2nd place in the East. He argued that Melo was most valuable for his team while LeBron benefits from the Wade/Bosh/Cole effect (had to, sorry). After reading the article, I can see where Melo might be more valuable for his team, but I just can’t agree. Even if you can’t stand LeBron and the Heat, he was unreal this year, and the only thing standing between him and his 2nd championship is D Rose (thanks Wes).

This being said, Game 1 of Heat/Los Bulls was electric. I would bet a lot of team would kill to have Jimmy Butler. The whole Bulls team just plays so hard. Coach Tibodeau has this team (less talented and a couple men down) playing like a college squad. They don’t care who’s on the floor; they are going to out hustle, out physical, and make their business known: WIN. Nate Robinson, my goodness. As the old Allen Iverson saying goes, “It’s not the size of dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” (Insert goosebumps)

The fact that there are playoff games on every night is not helping my study habits. Only two and a half more weeks BVU. All I’m asking for is some sunshine, limited wind, and an ice cold Arnie Palmy. Thanks for reading folks.

#TradeMarmol

Photo by Makensie Brown