after the game 5's

Eastern Conference

Pistons beat Magic 4-1

The Pistons won another close game against the Magic. The Pistons made the plays down the stretch and the Magic simply didn't. The Magic put up good fights in Games 2-5 but they simply weren't good enough to take advantage of Billups missing most of Game 3 and all of Games 4 and 5. If the Magic make some tweaks to their roster they will be a force for years to come.

Celtics lead Cavs 3-2

Nothing too surprising happened in Game 5 if you consider the regular season but if you consider what happened in the 1st four games then a lot of crazy things happened - LeBron dropped 23 in the 1st half and 35 for the game, KG had a beast game with 26 and 16 and actually showed up in the 4th qtr, Doc pulled the plug on Sam I Am early and Rondo flourished (20 and 13 dimes). I was glad to see a relatively well played game. With their continued road struggles I don't think the Celtics will win in Cleveland but they will handle them at home in Game 7.

Western Conference

Lakers lead Jazz 3-2

This has been the most entertaining series of the 2nd round so far and that continued in Game 5. This game was highly entertaining with Utah continually tying the score but never being able to take the lead. They were within 1 point in the final minute but couldn't make enough plays to win. As Barkley said on Inside the NBA, the Lakers might have the real big 3 - Kobe (26, 6, and 7), Pauuuu (21, 6, and 8) and LO (22, 11, and 1). The Lakers will be hard pressed to win Game 6 in Utah but if the players around Kobe step up on the road like they do at home then they will have a very good chance to close the series out. Because Kobe's back is hurting I give Utah the edge at home and expect the Lakers to take the series in 7 like originally predicted.

Hornets lead Spurs 3-2

Nothing changed in Game 5. The home team is down at halftime but the home team dominates the 3rd quarter and ends up winning by double digits. David West had a career game (36 and 14) and if the Spurs want to avoid putting Duncan on him then he is going to keep beasting (at least in NO) and the Hornets will win this series. I'm very surprised that a veteran team like the Spurs repeatedly gives up leads but maybe NO is just slightly better. The Spurs will win Game 6 but I will be watching it closely to see HOW they win Game 6. I still think they can win in NO and if they dominate Game 6 from the start that will only increase that belief.