The elite three in the East have run into a bit of trouble, with only Cleveland holding serve. Injuries to the Celtics have left them clearly vulnerable, and the Bulls look capable of an upset right now. Boston may be able enough to bounce back, but they looked as though they just didn't have it in them at the end of the game. Ray Allen is being outclassed by Chicago's guards, and Pierce is going to have to drop 30 plus to give the Celts a chance. Until I see something different, I'm now leaning towards Chicago in an upset for the series.
Philadelphia was given virtually no chance to win the first game or the series vs. Orlando. Not even the home-town sportswriters thought they could win, most picking Orlando to take the series in 5. But based on the individual matchups I thought they had a fair chance, provided they could play disciplined defense and try to single cover Howard.
The Sixers were in the game from the beginning, but fell back in the 3rd quarter by as many as 18 points, and it looked like they were about to get blown out of the arena, when they came storming back, tying the game with 4 minutes left. The final few minutes were what playoff basketball is all about, and the Sixers were just a little better. So much so that Iguodala blew 2 free throws to put the Sixers up with a minute left. It came down to a tie with 25 seconds left and Iguodala waited until there were 8 seconds when he made his move. He backed down his defender, and then backed up to get the space and made the shot with 2 seconds left.
The Sixers could have played a lot better, it was amazing that they finished with over 50% shooting, considering how far they fell back. It will be interesting to see what if anything Orlando can do to respond to the Sixers, a loss by a bucket isn't all that much and these two teams are closely matched. Since the team that wins the first game wins over 70% of the time, the Sixers should feel good, but come out very determined to take another game. Orlando was a very good team all season, it's just that the Sixers are younger, faster and stronger at 3 of the 5 positions and Orlando is having a hard time guarding them. The margin is very small and Phila. has to play their best game to win, in spite of their advantage.
Definitely not a normal 3-6 series, and the winner will face the Chicago-Boston series survivor. The odds now favor both of the elite teams being upset and forced out of the playoffs with Phila. playing Chicago for the right to face Cleveland/Atlanta.
