2007 NBA 2nd RD Playoff Matchups
Duncan vs Stoudemire a Key Matchup; Pistons a Tough Test for Bulls
May 8, 2007
The first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs was filled with exciting finishes and jaw-dropping upsets. The Golden State Warriors stole the headlines after beating the Dallas Mavericks, which is the first time an eight seed team defeated a one seed since the first round of the playoffs went to the best-of-seven games format. In addition, for the first time since 1957, it's guaranteed after only one round that there will be two new teams from last year competing in the NBA finals.
Here's a look at the second round playoff matchups.
West: (8) Golden State Warriors vs (4) Utah Jazz
The Warriors are a matchup nightmare for any opponent, with their surplus of perimeter shooters and speed. The Jazz just finished with a grueling seven-game series against the tough Houston Rockets. Though that might be a factor in this series, the Jazz are expected to put up more of a fight against the Warriors than the Dallas Mavericks did. The Warriors are no longer flying below the radar and Jerry Sloan is notorious for his ability to prepare his players. Carlos Boozer is going to be a tough matchup for anyone on the Warriors' to handle and Deron Williams will also be key. At the Warriors' end, Baron Davis will have to continue to play well for Golden State to compete in this series. It should be an interesting battle.
Prediction: Jazz in six.
West: (2) Phoenix Suns vs (3) San Antonio Spurs
This will be a tough matchup for Phoenix. The Spurs are very good at forcing teams to play their half court tempo, which Phoenix absolutely does not want to do. Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni has said that Kurt Thomas, the Suns' best post defender, may not play many minutes for fear that he will take the Suns out of their run-n-gun style offense. However, this leaves Amare Stoudemire susceptible to foul trouble, as he will have to face Tim Duncan more often. That being said, two years ago, when Phoenix played San Antonio in the playoffs, Amare was extremely impressive against the Spurs. Look for him to also be aggressive in this series.
This is an important year for the Suns. Steve Nash is not getting any younger, everyone's healthy for the most part, the Dallas Mavericks are out of the playoffs and the Spurs aren't getting younger either. If the Suns want to prove their critics wrong, this might be the year to do it.
Prediction: Spurs in six.
East: (1) Detroit Pistons vs (5) Chicago Bulls
This could be a very difficult matchup for the Bulls. Detroit has much more playoff experience and is a gritty team down the stretch with numerous players who come through in the clutch. Both teams are defensive oriented, though Chicago lacks an offensive post player who can draw double teams. The Pistons at least have Rasheed Wallace and Chris Webber.
Expect Chicago to try to run on the older Pistons, while Detroit relies on execution on offense. Either way, this should be a matchup of the defenses.
Prediction: Pistons in five.
East: (2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (6) New Jersey Nets
The Cavs went un-tested in the first round against the hobbling Washington Wizards. They'll face a tougher test against Jason Kidd and the Nets, who played very well against the Toronto Raptors in their first round matchup. The Cavs are a better rebounding team, but will rely heavily on their leader, LeBron James. The Nets hope that the Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson trio can enforce its will on the Cavs, but will still have their hands full trying to contain James. Expect this series to go the distance.
Prediction: Cavs in seven.
Check out the 2007 NBA Playoff first round matchups in the Eastern and Western Conferences.
