Is an upset brewing? The Magic and Suns make it interesting.

Oh hello NBA Playoffs…how I’ve missed your warm embrace. In what has been one of the least competitive NBA Playoffs in recent memory, the tides seem to be turning. Just a handful of days ago, we were all ready to see the Celtics (3-0) and Lakers (2-0) wrap up their series. But with their backs against the wall, both the Magic and Suns have responded in a big way.

Even after the Magic and Suns posted their first win of the series, it only made me irritated as these “fluke” victories were denying the inevitably more competitive Celtics vs. Lakers NBA Finals matchup. Thankfully, my irritation was unfounded.

Lakers vs. Suns

The Suns didn’t even appear to be on the Lakers’ level in the first two games. The Suns’ defense was horrendous, their stars weren’t performing as they needed them to, Lamar Odom was getting “lucky” and Pau Gasol was dominating Amar’e Stoudemire in the post.

In game three, the Suns were able to change the tempo and exploit the Lakers’ sub-par defensive effort. Most importantly, Stoudemire was able to put together a monster 42 point (after scoring 41 points combined in his previous two games) and 11 rebound outing. This performance infused confidence amongst the Suns squad, but most importantly, it got the Suns back in the mode of playing freely and having fun.

The Suns bench was the story in game four. Channing Frye found his shooting touch (scoring 14 points including four 3-pointers) and Suns’ second unit outscored the Lakers’ 54-20. The Lakers’ loose defense was clearly a problem, and the Suns looked to be having as much fun as they have had all season. While it’s unlikely that Bryant (who was absolutely pissed about the Lakers’ defensive effort in his postgame interview) and his talent-superior Lakers will allow the Suns to linger much longer, wins often are the result of momentum and confidence – two things that the Suns now possess.

Celtics vs. Magic

After I had criticized Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis as being primary reasons for the Magic’s lackluster play, they combined for a productive 45 points and 21 rebounds en route to a big game-four win in overtime. But a major key for Orlando’s newly found success was their change in style of play. They departed from their predictable, pound it into Howard and kick it out strategy, and allowed Jameer Nelson to be a playmaker. Nelson’s penetration and solid decision-making off of pick and rolls began to open up his teammates for open shots.

Game five brought more of the same for Orlando, but they also finally found their shooting touch – knocking down 13 of 25 from downtown. Howard and Lewis both continued their productive play, and the whole Magic team played with an increased level of toughness and focus, maintaining a lead for the vast majority of the game. The Celtics faced a great deal of adversity throughout the game as Kendrick Perkins was ejected in the first half, Glen Davis left the game with a (scary) concussion, Rasheed Wallace had to head to the locker room with back spasms, and Marquis Daniels got in on the action by receiving concussion number two on the night.  Both of Perkins’ technical fouls were questionable and will be reviewed in further detail by the NBA. If they both stand, Perkins will be suspended for game six as it would be his seventh technical of the playoffs. If he is suspended, and Davis and/or Wallace aren’t able to play in game six, the Magic will have a serious advantage in the post, and a good shot at forcing a game seven.

Why is this happening?

My theory, imperfect as it may be, is that the Lakers and Celtics have had a more difficult road to their Conference Final berths. Let me explain.

The Lakers had a closer-than-they-bargained-for series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, dealing with a rowdy OKC crowd and a driven duo of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Even though they went on to sweep the Utah Jazz in the second round, the Jazz were a respected opponent that demanded the Lakers’ focus.

The Celtics had their way with the Miami Heat in the first round, but had to deal with the likes of Dwyane Wade. This required the Celtics to play purposeful team defense to slow down one of the most dynamic scorers in the league. The second round got even tougher, as they faced an even deadlier threat in LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even as underdogs, their chemistry seemed to blossom as they went on to send the Cavs packing in six games.

The Magic and Suns, on the other hand, waltzed into the Conference Finals. The Magic romped over the Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks, making it through the first two rounds without losing a game. The Suns were able to put down an injury-riddled Portland Trail Blazers team and put together a surprising sweep against the less-than-impressive San Antonio Spurs. While both teams felt great about their play through the first two rounds, neither of them traveled on a path that would instantly prepare them for the intensity that they would face from their sharpened opponents in the next round.

It’s my guess that the first couple games in both Conference Finals series were a bit of a jolt for the Magic and Suns. Suddenly, each were going against opponents that were vastly superior to any other team they had played for several weeks. Suddenly, everything is a bit more difficult, every shot is a bit more hard-earned, and the decent defense they had been getting away with just wasn’t cutting it any more.

By game three, each team has an idea of the adjustments they need to start to making and they have adjusted to the intensity of the series. Both the Suns and Magic have been able to equal and surpass the energy of their opponents as their series have progressed.

Do you think the Suns or Magic have a shot at pulling a major upset in their series?

Tagged as: Amar'e Stoudemire, Channing Frye, Dwight Howard, Glen Davis, Jameer Nelson, Kendrick Perkins, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Lebron James, Marquis Daniels, Pau Gasol, Rashard Lewis, Rasheed Wallace