Sweep the Leg: 2nd Round NBA Playoff Preview (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of the NBA 2nd round playoff preview: Karate Kid Edition
To read part 1 click here

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers played by…

Character: Dutch (portrayed by Chad McQueen)

Quote: Points or no points, you're dead meat.

Character Background: By far the most physically intimidating of all of the Cobra Kai is Dutch. Dutch is tough guy, who portrays himself as a badass on and off the mat. Dutch is always willing to crack a few jokes and talk some trash with the best of them. Even though it looked liked Dutch was the far superior fighter he lost in a surprising upset to Daniel Larusso. It’s one thing to be cocky, but it’s another thing to back it up and Dutch certainly did not in the All-Valley Tournament

Team Breakdown: Unfortunately, the Cavs games have clashed with the Blackhawk games and I haven’t been able to watch either game in its entirety. Although, from the parts I have seen so far it seems with all the hype over Lebron (much of it deserved) and a supposedly better supporting cast the aging Celtics have out played the favored Cavs thus far. There is no question the Cavs were the favorites coming into the playoffs, but I’m starting to wonder if Lebron has that killer instinct needed to win a championship. There is no question he is the most physically gifted player to ever put on a pair of sneakers, but I don’t know if has intangibles of a Jordan to carry a team on his back to a title. Whatever the case is he certainly needs his supporting cast to give him some assistance to win a championship and if last night is any indicator for the rest of the series Mo Williams may as well just pack his bags and go home because he would certainly be more useful there than on the court.

Orlando Magic played by…

Character: Sensei John Kreese (portrayed by Martin Kove)

Quote: We do not train to be merciful here. Mercy is for the weak. Here, in the streets, in competition: A man confronts you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy.

Character Background: A tough as nails Vietnam Vet and karate Sensei, who takes delight in his students picking on the weak. John Kresse makes it clear that there is no mercy allowed in his dojo. Kreese is an intimidating presence around teenagers and makes it abundantly clear that he wants his army of students to win at all costs even if that means using illegal tactics. Kreese will stop at nothing to spread his Cobra Kai message all around California and wants to see his students win the ultimate prize: an All-Valley Karate Championship. Even if that means shattering some windows or picking fights with teenagers. No Mercy!!

Team Background: The Magic all around are probably the deepest and most talented team left in the playoffs in both conferences, which makes them the scariest team to play. Dwight Howard is a beast down low and can change a game if he stays out of foul trouble. If Jameer Nelson continues playing like he did in round 1 there is no question the Magic can make it back to the finals and probably even win a championship if they play up to expectations. With all that said the Magic are still vulnerable because of Howard’s foul trouble problems and a shaky Vince Carter. You can have the best team on paper, but you still need to execute on the floor and I think the Magic will win this round, but don’t be surprised if their tested by Atlanta.

Atlanta Hawks played by…

Character: Ali Mills (portrayed by Elisabeth Shue)

Quote: Ali... with an I. Hey, what's your name?

Character background: Ali comes from a background of privilege up in the Hills of California and is certainly a hit with the fellas. So, it’s kind of shocking to see her slumming it with Reseda native Daniel Larusso. Apparently, she was impressed by his soccer dribbling skills enough to push his mom’s station wagon up a hill to head out for a date on the town with Larusso at Golf-n-Stuff. Ali was there to support Daniel at the All-Valley tournament, but quickly left him on prom night for a college guy.

Team Background: The Atlanta Hawks are a bit of a mystery. There is no question they have a lot of talent, but it makes you wonder why it took them 7 games to fight it out with an undermanned Bucks team. At times in that series the Hawks looked impressive, where at other points they let a clearly inferior Bucks team hang around with them giving them a chance to hang around a push that series to 7 games. Half way through the season the Hawks looked poised to make the next step in the East and possibly reach the Conference Finals, but now it looks like their relegated into that 4-6 playoff spot range for years to come or until Joe Johnson bolts for a better offer.

Boston Celtics played by…

Character: Terry Silver (portrayed by Thomas Ian Griffith in Karate Kid 3)

Quote: You think this is the end of it, old man? I'm gonna open Cobra Kai dojos all over this Valley. Hell, I might even teach for free! From now on, all that anyone will know about is Cobra Kai karate. John Kreese's karate. You won't even be a memory!

Character Background: Terry Silver is a millionaire, who apparently in his free time likes to destroy local teenage karate champions. In a plot to help out his old Vietnam buddy, John Kreese, and restore the legacy of Cobra Kai karate, Silver befriends an alienated Daniel Larusso, who is wrestling with his relationship with Mr. Miyagi and playing the role of a 19 year, when you pushing your 30’s. Through this bond Silver exploits Larusso in getting him back into the All-Valley tournament to fight karate bad boy Mike Barnes all while trying to restore the legacy of Cobra Kai. Ultimately, Silver’s plan backfires, Miyagi trains Larusso and he beats Barnes. Thus, wasting Silver’s time and my $4 dollars and two hours of my time back in 1989.

Team Breakdown: The Celtics are two years removed from winning an NBA championship and with the exception of Rajon Rando; most of the team is on the decline in their NBA careers. The Celtics certainly made the right moves to capture that championship two years ago, but in the long run did they hurt the future of this team? Only time will tell. It’s tough recapturing that championship magic once you have fallen down from the mountain especially when the core of your players are older and when you bring in other aging veterans (Rasheed Wallace) that perform terribly. As an NBA fan it was great to see Boston back on the map with that championship, but you wonder with Ray Allen potentially leaving this summer and Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett getting older can the Celtics be considered an elite team anymore? Either way this is probably the last chance for the Celtics to make some noise in the East in the foreseeable future.

I'll be back later in the week with another special feature and perhaps a special guest. Until then enjoy the Eastern Conference theme song