The New York Yankees improved to 11-3 after 7 no-hit innings by young Phil Hughes and a 3-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics. The Yankees are off to an unusual start; they're winning. In the past few seasons Yankee teams have gotten out of the gate slow, fallen behind in the AL East and had to fight their way back up the division. Not 2010. The Yanks have won every series they have played, their lineup is tormenting opposing pitchers and our starting rotation is in mid-season form. Although our bullpen is a bit shaky, Joe Girardi has to be happy with how things have started out for his team. The pre-season discussions concerning age and likelihood of a world series hang over have to have dissipated with the Yanks cruising through April. Robinson Cano is off to a hot start, multiple players are batting over .300 and the addition of Curtis Granderson has resulted in a handful of clutch hits and game changing home runs. Hopefully the Yankees aren't that horse that gets out of the gate fast only to be surpassed down the stretch.
The NBA playoffs have begun and much of the first round has been as expected. The Cleveland Cavs have turned up the intensity and focus behind LeBron James, Shaquille O'neal and Antawn Jameson. They are gradually breaking down the Chicago Bulls and ready for whichever team awaits in the second round. James had another memorable performance in game 2, behind a tenacious dunk and a barrage of jumpers that iced the game in the second half. It seems that every player on that team, besides Shaq, can hit 3's making it impossible to defend LeBron when he penetrates. The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic are both up 2-0 against the Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats respectively. The Celtics worked Miami over in game two despite the absence of Kevin Garnett, who was suspended after throwing his elbows all over Quentin Richardson's face in the series opener. Although the team leader wasn't on the court, he sparked something in his team who finally played with the edge that won them rings two years ago. This could be the last year for this group of Celtics, they need to leave it all out on the court if they have any desire to recapture a championship. In regards to Miami, you have to wonder if Dwayne Wade really wants to return to this team. They really don't have much around him and after getting worked by the aging Celtics, WITHOUT GARNETT, you have to wonder if he is thinking resign or relocate. For the Larry Brown led Bobcats, making it to the playoffs was an accomplishment and a sign of future promise. However, they can't match the talent of the Magic's starting 5.
Out west, I wanted to see the Oklahoma Thunder test the L.A. Lakers, shut up Phil Jackson and scare Kobe Bryant. Although Kevin Durant's team has played well against the best in the west, it has only amounted to a pair of close losses. This team is going to compete for years to come. If I was a big free agent, the Thunder have to be somewhat appealing, right? Young nucleus, new arena, energetic fans, and Durant as a sidekick; what else do you really want? The Phoenix Suns look sharp against the Brandon Roy-less Portland Trailblazers. The Blazers have lost both big men and now their franchise player a week before the playoffs! Makes things a bit easier for Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire. Portland won't quit, but unless Roy returns and can be 80% of his usual self it is going to be difficult to get by the Suns. The Utah Jazz are in a similar spot, they are without Adrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur, two big guys that contribute on defense, while stretching the opposing D with their ability to shoot the 3. In their absence, the Jazz bench is short, the starters are having to play more minutes and Jerry Sloan looks really cranky. With all the said, you cannot count out Deron Williams. The man is a killer and despite all the talent on the Nugget's roster, the Jazz will be there in game 7. The same can be said for the Spurs/Mavs series. Dallas is younger, more talented and probably better, but San Antonio has the experience and veteran leadership. You can't put a price on that. Tim Duncan probably isn't as good as Dirk Nowitzki today, but he will lead his team and do all the things you have to do to win in the postseason. No matter how brilliant Jason Kidd plays, regardless of the scoring of Caron Butler and the hustle of Shawn Marion... the Spurs will be there.
Overall, the first week of playoff basketball has been dominated by the home teams. The teams we all expected to be on their A-game, are. Watch the Atlanta Hawks and Spurs to make things interesting down the road. They both are somewhat under the radar, but the depth and talent on each roster will shake things up. I still like Cleveland and Orlando to meet in the eastern conference finals and I think whoever emerges after the Lakers/Nuggets meet, wins the west.
