How Did Korver and Co. Take it to Denver?

Some good first round action so far -- The Jazz took a lesson from the Blazers victory Sunday, and scrubs ruled - and showed that team basketball isn't about big names -- except Deron Williams, Deron Williams, Deron Williams, who scored huge points, and most importantly got everyone else involved, dishing for swishes from Korver, and hooking up dunks for Fasenko - the Ukraine Train!

Lots of whistles and Denver's bad decisions and occasional indifference cost them the game. Things broke just right for Utah in their game two victory, however....and it was still close. If Utah wants to stay in it, they had better make the most of their homecourt advantage these next two games. But I think we'll see the Nugs bounce back now that Utah's got their attention. I'm not sure either of these teams can beat the Lakers, who appear likely to come out of their 1-8 unscathed. The Lake show should have adequate time to flip the switch in these first two rounds. A healthy Bynum is helping a lot, and their size will be too tough for OKC to overcome, even though OKC's center by committee is doing better than expected, and Durant's length is helping.

I would love to see BRoy come back to test the Lakers. Unfortunately, Portland came back to Earth last night against the fast-paced Suns. What really struck me was watching the Suns' scrambling defense. The Suns did well on the perimeter and Amundson's a hustler. J-Rich came up big with some threes.

I'm excited to see the game go back to PDX, but Batum's shoulder injury is a big concern. The Blazers are deep, but without the magical ability to grow new appendages or players, they might find themselves a little too thin. Outside of my Blazer allegiance, I'm thrilled the Suns are still where they are after being at risk of irrelevancy after the previous few years' playoff losses.

Kelly Dwyer had an interesting article about KG calling him a lion in winter-- maybe he's reading into things. But it's interesting to consider the man with the spinning baseline fadeaway fading away. By accident, I happened on Youtube highlights of Wolves vs. Kings game 7 the other night, and it was an interesting reminder of what an amazing player he has been. Speaking of flipping the switch, I'm hoping the regular season has been a restful prelude, and the Celts with Sheed and KG will finish warmups against the Heat in Round 1 and make for a great series in Round 2, Celts vs. the Bulls all over again, right?...or do y'all think LeBron and Co. will advance?

Mavs Spurs 2 tonight!