Observations from the Playoffs thus far

With the 2010 NBA playoffs underway, here are some of the things I’ve noticed this weekend in the first games:

• Point guards have been threats in losing efforts so far.

1. 1. When the Thunder were in striking distance of the Lakers, it was all thanks to Russell Westbrook. He repeatedly make the Lakers’ otherwise-solid defense look silly, diving into the lane and finishing with ease at the rim. I’ve said it all season: L.A. can’t handle the quick point guards. If Westbrook can recreate that production for the rest of the series, and Kevin Durant gets back on track, Oklahoma City has a serious chance to make some noise.
   2. In the Cleveland-Chicago series, Derrick Rose was the only semblance of offensive production for the Bulls, and although he shot a low percentage, he played decent ball against a stingy Cavaliers defense.
   3. Jameer Nelson absolutely lit up the Bobcats in the first half of their contest.

• The underdogs are finding a way to stick around.

1. 1. Chicago, despite trailing to Cleveland big, made the game somewhat interesting at times.
   2. Oklahoma City gave L.A. a run for its money even into the fourth quarter.
   3. The Heat were in striking distance after Kevin Garnett’s eruption on the sidelines.
   4. Charlotte, too, was able to stay in the picture by drawing well-timed fouls on Vince Carter and Dwight Howard.

• There probably won’t be any upsets in the first round, although San Antonio has an outside chance.

• The stars aren’t going to be the only factors. Carmelo Anthony’s the exception for now.

1. 1. Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant shot for poor percentages in their first game.
   2. Dwight Howard, although a beast on defense, was shut down completely on the offensive end.