It was as good as advertised, if not better. All the matchups and its corresponding subplots played out well (so far). Even the most boring series (Boston vs New York) still turned out to be watchable because you just had to see Carmelo Anthony turn it up a notch and see whether Chris Paul is the solution for them.
This year, I got the privilege of watching every NBA game with Jaye and so I got to explain to her what she needed to know from an NBA fan – not just from a DRose fan, not just a Chicago Bulls fan, not just a 2011 Chicago Bulls fan but from someone who followed and enjoyed the game since the early 90’s.
I explained that higher seeded teams are not a sure shot to win the series and that some teams are just designed to beat certain opponents – case in point, Memphis beating San Antonio and basically ending the Duncan era. Jaye got the bonus story about Tony Parker used to be married to Eva Longoria and that big weird white spot on the top of Ginobili’s head.
I explained why Chris Paul is one of the best persons in the NBA, not just by being an MVP candidate and putting up monster stats almost every night but by the fact that he forgave the kids who murdered his grandfather.
I explained that Dwight Howard has the best muscles in the NBA, that Shaq is the fattest and that Shrek (we never called him Glen Davis anymore) was the second fattest. Oh yeah, I had to remind her that Shaq was still in the league and is still in the playoffs.
I explained that that German guy (easier for her to remember) and Durant had unstoppable offensive moves and were freaks of nature.
I explained that that little guy who looks like a water boy for the Mavericks (JJ Barea) is dating a former Ms. Universe.
I explained that the Denver Nuggets had nothing to do with the manufacturing and exporting of frozen chicken nuggets (No, really.)
I explained the “On/Off switch” that San Antonio, Boston and Los Angeles had. How Boston found theirs, how San Antonio couldn’t find theirs and how Los Angeles found the dimmer switch instead.
I defined the term “playoff foul” and that guys like Jeff Foster were meant to dish those out.
I explained why the New York Knicks couldn’t defend a team from the ABL.
I explained that it was perfectly normal for a crowd to chant “Foster sucks!” or “Pacers suck!” and that it was just sports hate.
I explained, diagrammed and provided metrics to explain the difference between Boozer and Noah. How you’d see Boozer acting like a wimp (was going for another word but decided to keep it wholesome) on defense and how Noah hustles, gets into opponents’ heads and fires up the crowd. She understood this so well that she was shouting for Thibs to sub Gibson in for Boozer.
I explained that DRose was the most valuable player but not necessarily the best player (or the most talented player) in the league.
The second round of the playoffs has already started and it has given another set of subplots to watch: What’s up with DRose’s shoe? Can Boston still get back in the series or can they at least wound the surging Heat if it ends up in the conference finals? Can the Mavs get away with their defensive “strategy” against the Lakers? Are the Grizzlies for real?
I’m sticking with my bets despite the Heat surging and the Bulls stumbling along. I’m guessing the Bulls will finally find their NOS button. Down 0-2, I say the Lakers are done. Oklahoma and Memphis will fight to a virtual draw but Durant will just be too much and I say Boston (down 0-2 as of writing) wins game 3 but loses a big game 4 and eventually the series. Oh, and I say Pacquiao over Mosely via unanimous decision.
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