How Derrick Rose’s injury ultimately impacted the NBA playoffs

June 25, 2012 By 1 Comment

Derrick Rose torn ACL

Now that Miami has clinched the NBA Finals with a decisive Game 5 victory, we can most accurately assess what impact Derrick Rose’s knee injury may have had in the 2012 NBA Playoffs.  Think back nearly two months ago, when Chicago (50-16) was the NBA’s top seed—holding the tiebreaker over San Antonio thanks to a head-to-head victory—with its star point guard seemingly back at full strength.  With minutes remaining in Game 1 against Philadelphia, Rose landed awkwardly and tore his ACL, ending his season and the Bulls’ chances at a title.

But would his presence have changed anything?  Would a healthy Rose have helped Chicago topple Boston and then Miami in the East?  Could the Bulls have handled the Thunder and actually taken home the title for themselves? [Read more…]

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Let the rivalry begin: Can Lebron-Durant compare to Bird-Magic?

June 12, 2012 By 1 Comment

LeBron James and Kevin Durant

Since LeBron James took his talents to South Beach and Kevin Durant proved himself as the NBA’s most dangerous offensive weapon, we’ve wanted nothing more than the inevitable NBA Finals matchup pitting these two against each other.  Now that it’s finally here, don’t expect this to be a one-time confrontation.  In reality, this LeBron v. Durant championship showdown—a preview of more Finals matchups to come, no doubt—should be the beginning of a storied NBA rivalry, one that could ultimately evoke memories of the Bird-Magic duels of the 80s. [Read more…]

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