The NBA Finals....Who Ya Got???

The moment that we have been waiting for is finally here...


NBA Finals on ABC....Tonight....


#2 Detroit Pistons vs.
#2 San Antonio Spurs


Spurs...

The Spurs got a suprise from the Nuggets in Game 1 of their series, and have been awoke since then. They took four straight and sent the Nuggets back to the mountains. The Sonics came in and gave the Spurs a challenge. With the series knotted at 2 apiece, the Spurs looked to their experience to take Game 6 on the road. The Spurs awaited the Suns and played the Suns style game by running them out the series with ease.


Pistons...

The defending champs came into the playoffs hot and had no problem dismantling the Sixers in five game. Next were the Pacers. We ALL know why this series was special. Down 2-1 in the series, the Pistons were reminded that they are the champs. They seem to play better when their backs are against the wall. They tailed off three straight wins to take the series and sent Reggie Miller to retirement paradise. Awaiting the champs were the Heat, who had swept their two series with the Nets and Wizards. The Pistons took Game 1 in Miami, sending the message to the Heat that they were there to play. Trailing 2-1 and 3-2 in the series the Pistons somehow managed a Game 7, where the better team won.

Breakdown...


Tony Parker vs. Chauncey Billups

Parker is too inconsistent and has shown that in the playoffs. Billups is the bigger, stronger of the two and will try to put Parker in the post whenever he can. A better shooter and defender easily Billups is...

Advantage: Pistons


Manu Ginobili vs. Richard Hamilton

Ginobili is an All-Star now and has elevated his game, whether it's in the starting lineup or coming off the bench. Ginobili can do everything and very difficult to contain for anyone. Hamilton is the best conditioned athlete in the NBA and can play extremely well with out the ball. The Spurs will probably have Bowen run around with Rip or maybe not. Ginobili is a good defender too.

Advantage: Even


Bruce Bowen vs. Teyshaun Prince

Two exceptional defenders at the small forward position. They may not be Scottie Pippen but they can defend. Both can shoot from the perimeter. The difference may be that Prince is taller and can post up Bowen. Bowen may be more on Rip than Prince, but if he deals with the taller Prince, he will still have his hands full.

Advantage: Pistons


Tim Duncan vs. Rasheed Wallace

The marquee matchup in the finals. The Big Fundamental vs. The Big Thermometer. Both players are the keys to their teams success this season. Both can post, shoot from the outside, especially Wallace. Both bring energy to the game. They seem like mirror images of each other. But Duncan is the better of the two. His attitude doesn't hurt his team, like Wallace's does. A proven All-Star, MVP, former champion, Duncan is clearly the better of the two.

Advantage: Spurs


Nazr Mohammed vs. Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace can breathe now. He no longer has a 350-pound machine leaning on him for seven games. Nazr is no Shaq, so Wallace will be more effective in this series. Nazr has played well at times, but hasn't seen anyone like the Defensive Player of the Year in Wallace. Big Ben will be able to contain Mohammed help to contain Duncan if needed.

Advantage: Pistons


Spurs' bench vs. Pistons' bench

The Spurs bench is outstanding. Horry, Barry, Udrih, Brown, Robinson can provide so much to help out the starters. The Pistons' bench not as good as last year's bench, but hasn't been sat out to dry.

Advantage: Spurs


Prediction...

Many say that the Spurs are the better team. Let's see... Duncan will face the best defensive frontcourt in the league. Parker has to contain Billups from posting him up. Bowen will have to run around with Rip. Some say the Pistons are better. Let's see... The bench is not as strong as the Spurs' bench. Will they have an answer for Duncan? One for Ginobili? Can Rasheed Wallace keep himself in the game?

Both teams have questions to be answered. At the end, you cannot ever underestimate the heart of a champion...

Pistons in seven...


Drink of the Day....

Martini...

2 1/2 oz. Gin or Vodka
1/4 oz. Dry Vermouth

Shake or stir, strain into a cocktail glass...

Garnish with an olive...


-Da Original 1-