General

BSTFWNHO: Last Night in NBA Playoffs

Apr 22, 2008, 1:33 PM UTC

Every weekday, Shoals recounts playoff action in terms of the seven categories that govern the universe.â†µ

â†µâ†µBig: All them Cavs. LeBron's stat line was typically colossal—30 points, 9 rebounds, 12 assists. But while close games can come down to one man, a 113-83 drubbing takes between seven and ten, usually playing defense. Especially when only LBJ and the perfunctory Big Z left any mark on the box score.â†µ

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â†µâ†µSmall: In the interest of symmetry, this goes to all the Wizards. They were so focused on (literally) bashing James, which didn't even work, that they forgot to do anything else. Arenas gets a pass, for the knee, and the wrist, and the fact that he hasn't barely played since last spring. Everyone else should be ashamed.â†µ

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â†µâ†µTrue: It hurts, and stings, but the Jazz going up 2-0 is that kiss of death. They don't lose at home, and are just more complete and together than these rascally Rockets. Let the McGrady march of sadness begin.â†µ

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â†µâ†µFalse: Cleveland never looked this polished once last year. That doesn't mean you need to go thinking they're for real; in the East, mediocrity plays tricks on you. It creates illusions. Just how out West, you sometimes forget how good all the teams are.â†µ

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â†µâ†µWide: So I know Chris Paul lives with this chip on his shoulder, because he went later than he should have. I've begun to think that Deron Williams has one vis a vis Paul. It explains why he's the only person who can guard CP3—mind over matter, weeks of preparation, eye of a newt. Anyway, look for it to grow during these playoffs, as Williams plays out of his head and no one notices.â†µ

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â†µâ†µNarrow: Quote of the night, from Reggie Miller: "Arenas did that to make a point, I just have no idea what that point was." That was about a tiny shove that elicited a tech.â†µ

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â†µâ†µObama vs. Hillary: T-Mac starting to creep out of the picture is a bummer for anyone who loves this game, just as Hillary winning Pennsylvania will bug me. However, both were bound to happen, and we've known this for a while.â†µ

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This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.

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