2009 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Review
Lakers, Nuggets Advance To Meet In The Third Round
May 17, 2009
The Western Conference Semifinals were both very physical, intense series. Here is a look back.
1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. 5 Houston Rockets
Lakers win series 4-3
The Los Angeles Lakers finished off an unimpressive victrory over a shorthanded Houston Rockets team on Sunday. The Rockets were without Tracy Mcgrady for the whole series and without Yao Ming after game 3 and yet were still able to push the Lakers to a deciding game 7. Kobe Bryant led the way with a strong series despite tough defense from Shane Battier. Pau Gasol was solid and the supporting cast played well at home but struggled on the road, yet because of the home court advanatage, it was enough for the Lakers to prevail. The Lakers, however, must be much more consistent if they hope to win a championship. They will next face a very tough Denver Nuggets team in the Western Conference Finals.
As for the Rockets, they put forth a valiant effort extending this series to a game 7 without their two best players. Aaron Brooks led the way as his speed gave the Laker point guards a lot of trouble. Luis Scola and Shane Battier provided their usual gritty play. Ron Artest was great early in the series but struggled mightily late when the Rockets desperately needed someone to step up offensively. Heading into the off-season, the Rockets will have some interesting decisions to make. Do they re-sign Artest? What do they do when Mcgrady comes back? The Rockets have played better without Mcgrady the last couple of years and the combination of Battier and Artest played very well at the two and the three spots, so, they should seriously consider trading Mcgrady and trying to bring back a quality big man as an insurance policy for Yao Ming. If they make the right moves in the off-season, the Rockets can be title contenders next year.
2 Denver Nuggets vs. 6 Dallas Mavericks
Nuggets win series 4-1
The Denver Nuggets continued their impressive playoff run with another relatively easy five game victory. Nene set the tone early in the series with two big games at home. Carmelo Anthony was great throughout the series, including hitting the game winning three on the road in game 3. Chauncey Billups was his usual steady self and did a great job as the floor leader. The Nuggets also got a solid contribution from what is the best bench in the league led by J.R. Smith, Chris "Birdman" Anderson, and Anthony Carter. The Nuggets can score points in bunches and can turn a close game into a blowout quicker than anyone in the league.The Nuggets will be well rested heading into their upcoming match-up with the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers.
As for the Mavericks, Dirk Nowitski had a good series despite tough defense from Denver who game him multiple looks. He struggled, however, in the fourth quarter on the road. Josh Howard, who was great in the first round, was hobbled by two bad ankles. Jason Terry was relatively quiet and Jason Kidd struggled, particularly on defense. Antoine Wright was quiet and made a bone-head play at the end of game 3 by failing to wrap up Carmelo Anthony, who hit the game-winner. Yes, the refs blew the call, but in that situation where you are giving a foul, you have to wrap the guy up so he can't get a shot up. Looking ahead to next year, the Mavericks should let free agent Jason Kidd walk. The NBA, especially the point guard position, has become a young man's game, and Kidd can no longer keep up with the quick young point guards. They will have to decide if J.J. Barea is ready to take over the reigns as the starting point guard. If not, they will have to acquire one through a trade or the draft. They could also use an upgrade at two guard and center. The Mavericks have gone as far as they can with this group and should consider breaking up the core, perhaps trading Howard or Terry and bringing in some toughness to surround Nowitski. Next year may be a transition year for Dallas but they will still have enough to make the playoffs.
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