If there is one thing the playoffs teaches us, it is that experience matters. Even with the high flying New Orleans hornets coming in with the momentum of fresh legs and confidence of winners, one could never doubt the veracity of the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. Winners are such for a reason.
In the first two games of the series, the Spurs were playing outside of their element, trying to keep up with the MVP runner-up Chris Paul and friends. The Hornets had the crowd behind them, and they took advantage of Tim Duncan. While he was struggling the team, without their leader, seemed to be swallowed up by the Hornets energy on the floor. Not just that, they had come off an easier series with the now perennial under achieving Dallas Mavericks. The Spurs came off a tough fought Phoenix Suns match up. Fatigue had to be a factor.
Back home, with a little rest, the true Spurs appeared. They got a bit more swagger in their step. It couldn't be summed up any better as when Tim Duncan was warming up before Game 4, he decided to have a little fun. He threw the ball behind his back and between his legs, then went up for the lay-in. He became more relaxed, and was once again a dominate force, as he put up 22 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks as the Spurs took it back to "Nawlands" with a bit more momentum on their side.
Some may say, two home wins, join the club. For those who are paying attention would point out that home teams are 15-1 in the second round . I concede that point because it is fact, but this is where the playoff experience comes into play. The Spurs can win on the road, you have to, if you plan to hoist a trophy in June. There is no other team in this playoffs that have been to the Promise Land in this era as the Spurs. (Only the Lakers can say they are in the ring hunt, but their personnel is completely different from the Shaq-Kobe Years outside of Derek Fisher and Bryant himself). This is what makes this a new series, and a new chance for the Defending Champs to take over.
It is easy for anyone to play chalk, but the series are not played on paper. With this being a new series, one cant help to wonder how will the young upstarts recover, and will the Spurs make their show of dominance. Chances are, the Hornets will be taking this home after game 7 to build on next year, watching and taking notes from the Defending Champs.
I need a haircut
This series is not going to 6 games
I did not see the Spurs losing a Game 7, but I guess like most people, im picking the Lakers to win the series and the 'ship.