Number 1 seeds face scare

NBA Playoff Bracket (Google Images)

The playoffs went underway on Saturday and the players wasted no time putting on a show for the fans.  The Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers put on an extraordinary performance in Game 1 on Saturday.  The Pacers jumped out to a big league, but MVP candidate Derrick Rose took over the game in the final minutes to help his team overcome a 10 point deficit.  The Bulls ended up winning 104-99 in a last minute thriller.  The Bulls were down 10 points with around 3:35 to play when Rose began twisting and turning in the lane finishing with an assortment of moves.  When they needed a big play he mad it, when they needed an assist he dished it.  He was quoted after the game saying he wanted to do whatever it took to win the game.  Many people questioned whether or not he deserved the MVP.  After his 39 point, 6 rebound, 6 assist explosion in Game 1 I think people are no longer doubting him.  The fact that the Pacers were able to have their way with the Bulls for nearly 48 minutes is scary for Bulls fans.  I don't think they should be worried though because they showed poise down the stretch and have one of the best players in Derrick Rose.  The fact that 80% of teams that win Game 1 win the series is also a great positive for the Bulls fans.  The Bulls will take on the Pacers in Game 2 on Monday at 9:30.  I believe the Bulls will win in 6 games, but with the way the playoffs have gone thus far anything is possible.

Zach Randolph rebound (Google Images)

Although it's still early I believe the San Antonio Spurs should be worried for that same reason.  They started off sluggish and gave up a game at home to the 8th Seeded Grizzlies.  Not only did they give the Grizzlies the most important game in the series, they gave them tons of confidence and momentum heading into the next game.  The injury and absence of their leading scorer Manu Ginobli didn't help, but they appeared to be a step slow.  Age has been a factor with them in the past, will it hurt them again in the future?  Zach Randolph was virtually unstoppable finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds.  Tim Duncan was held to 13 points scoring his final basket with 9:24 left to play in the third.  The Spurs would take a two point league with less than a minute to play, but would give up a big three pointer to Shane Battier.  The Spurs missed a potential tying three as time expired and went on to lose 101-98.  The Spurs were one of my favorites to make it out of the West, but this game makes you wonder just how vulnerable they are.  The Spurs are a great team with great experience, but will the youthful Grizzlies knock off the Spurs?  I believe they will bounce back with the return of Ginobli and they will finish the series strong and knock off the grizzlies.