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OKC had no answer for Nene in Game 1

Nene played like an All-Star, dunking at will on the Thunder big men.

Knicks-Celtics:

• People who are criticizing Melo and his shot selection at the end are ridiculous.  This is the reason why the Knicks traded for Melo!  Big games, big shots.  Why blast a guy for trying to do what he’s supposed to do?  With the time winding down and the C’s defense as stifling as it is, you let your star player go to work.  It’s a tough spot to get a clean look, so I don’t mind him going for the win.  Your not going to get much against an aggressive Boston defense late in the game.  I love the idea of going for the win on the road with the three point shot.  I fault Melo more for his offensive foul trying to clear out Paul Pierce, not his deep try from downtown.
• Ray Allen is the most important Celtic.  He may even go down as the best of the “Big 4″ when it’s all said and done.  I don’t know of another player who converts tougher clutch shots with the game on the line at an impressive rate like Allen does.  When was the last time he failed to deliver?  How can you not love Ray’s game and his approach?  Playoff basketball, at its finest.
• Paul Pierce does the little things.  He’s a superb passer, solid defender, and continues to make key shots.  Ray Allen gets the money shot, Garnett gives you the intensity and defensive fire, and Rondo orchestrates; but its Pierce who brings it all to the table.  He’s like that buffet you continue to rave about how much it offers.  It may not look all that smooth but it’s consistent and gives you all you need.  Pierce as a shot-maker opens up Ray Allen late in games.  His defense on the team’s best perimeter player relieves Allen to do his thing.  Rarely do you find such a talent who’s so willing to do whatever it takes.
• Jermaine O’Neal used to be a Top 10 player.  He also used to be absolutely useless and hurt on the bench.  Now he’s playing significant minutes and giving the C’s a legit offensive threat and a shot-blocking presence.  His play is the missing piece to the puzzle that allow them to advance further in the Playoffs.
• Toney Douglas reminds me of a young Sam Cassell.  He’s not afraid of the spotlight and three-pointer in crunch time.  Douglas has no consciencewhatsoever and is good enough to take you off the dribble and score to compliment his outside shot.  I don’t think the Knicks will miss Chauncey much in Game 2, if he doesn’t play.  Landry Fields is a solid two-guard who can defend and stroke it from distance.  I actually like Douglas more than I do Billups at this point.  I think Fields will give the Knicks an added toughness out on the perimeter and I feel like they could win one in Boston with this starting backcourt.
• Amare’s ability to extend Garnett by being able to make shots from the 16-18 foot range makes his quick drive off the bounce even more difficult to defend.  Which brings you to the big question: Do you go Amare or Melo when the game’s on the line?  Both are good free-throw shooters and both are strong enough to finish with contact and make the tough shot.  I think you still go with Melo because of his lethal mid-range shot in the triple-threat position.  Plus, if you have Melo with the ball you can get Amare clashing the offensive glass.  Either way, it’s a win-win, but you have to feel like there might be some discontent with Amare.  He was always on “Nash’s team”, and now he’s on “Melo’s team”.
• For those who said the Knicks can’t be a serious Playoff contender are out of their minds.  This team can win right now.  It’s almost as bad as those experts who are discounting the Celtics as a team to represent the East in the NBA Finals this June.  I still give Boston as good of a chance as any team to win it all.

Nuggets-Thunder:

• Nene was a man amongst boys inside against OKC.  He made Kendrick Perkins look like Chris Dudley.  Nene is easily one of the most talented bigs in the Association, and he was dunking everything against the Thunder.  It was something to be seen.  I expect more of this from Nene and I believe he will continue to give the Nuggets an advantage inside in this series.  He was one of the most impressive players over the weekend, making tough shots and playing with a chip on his shoulder.  Could he be the reason Denver gets a win in Game 2?
• Kenyon Martin still has some game left.  He pulled down rebounds with authority, and did well offensively to pair up with Nene.  At times, it was the Kenyon of old.  However, his ill-advised shot with the team up one and just a little over a minute to go was a bad sight.  Though I believe it was more due to the Nuggets not getting into the offense sooner than it was his fault.  In that situation you have to get your best players out on the floor offensively.  Where was Wilson Chandler?  Why doesn’t Ty Lawson have the ball?
• Another bad shot: Raymond Felton’s three-pointer.  It wasn’t even close.  I admire his courage to take a big-time shot but you have to at least make sure it’s going to have a chance, or at least a chance for an offensive rebound.
• Ty Lawson is going to be an All-Star soon.  I compare his drive game with Tony Parker, he has the quickness to get by anyone and get anywhere on the court.  It doesn’t end there.  He also is very strong and can finish like a bigger shooting guard.  Lawson will continue to shine this postseason and he will be one of the reasons why the Nuggets play the Thunder well.
• Arron Afflalo has to return.  His defense and three-point accuracy is much-needed.  He can guard Russell Westbrook and improve the Nuggets 4-16 from beyond the arc.
• I don’t see the Nuggets missing 12 free throws again.  Perkins’ offensive basket interference was such a missed call.  Thunder were very fortunate to win the game with only two players doing much.  Nonetheless, I loved this game and it’s the best series of the first round.  I can’t wait for Game 2 on Wednesday.
• I still see the Nuggets winning the series, and doing it in six games.  George Karl’s gang has more weaponry and J.R. Smith will show up sooner or later.  I cannot see OKC winning with Durant/Westbrook having to make every key shot.  This just isn’t going to happen.
• Speaking of Westbrook/Durant: I think I rather have Russ take the last shot over Durant.  Right now he’s been playing unstoppable.  I’m interested to see who will get the shot if it comes down to it.  So far, Westbrook is my option because his quickness and mid-range has been unguardable.  Another reason: you have Lawson or Felton on him, if Afflalo doesn’t return.  Durant has to contend with Martin, Gallinari, or Chandler.
• I’m still not sold on the Thunder or Durant becoming the best player in the NBA.  There’s something missing.  Durant doesn’t strike me as a guy who wants it enough and is able to make an extremely difficult shot.  Too much of a jump shooter for my liking.  I don’t like the formula OKC is winning by.  James Harden needs to step up.  Durant saying this isn’t a rivalry and downplaying the competitiveness of this match-up will come back to haunt him.  Even though the Nuggets lost, I still feel they are the better team.  They will figure out how to execute down the stretch and get to the line.  Their style is a joy to watch.  You cannot beat the way they are playing, so loose and everyone contributing.  Balance prevails in this case.