This is a Special Group

The Golden State Warriors, who barely made the playoffs this year, have the chance to join the likes of the ’94 Nuggets and ’99 Knicks as the only 8th seeded teams to knock off a #1. With its 103-99 victory last night, GS is in fine form heading back to Dallas for game 5 to do just that. It’s a general rule of mine, that the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs blow, it’s just a fact. The round is just too long and generally speaking, we see a #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3 in the next best of 7. Just no upsets. Any true pier of mine can attest that basketball is, and always will be, my sport, but lately I’ve been drawn to the excitement dished out by the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have never played hockey, and my knowledge of the sport is limited, but I know riveting sports when I see it. The true heart that these guys show every game is a trait lost within the NBA, at least until now. This Warriors team is a scrappy bunch. They lack a definitive super star (although B. Diddy is playing out of his mind right now), and are comprised of a street thug (Stephen Jackson), MIP candidate (Monta Ellis), journey-man center (Al Harrington) and former slam dunk champion who still needs to improve his mid range game to be considered a stud (J. Rich). So what is it about this team that’s about to dethrone the reigning Western Conference Champs? Heart. That’s your answer. Something that isn’t shown by anyone in this league of overpaid, ego driven players. Honestly, I hope Golden State runs the table and drops everyone’s jaws along the way. They deserve it. Although I still think that putting Stephen Jackson in Oakland could’ve been the worst decision in NBA history.