The first to come out of this Series was the Lakers sweeping the Nuggets out of the Postseason. With a more competitive West Conference this Season, it was expected for Denver to at least give L.A. a little scare. But Bryant, Odom, and Gasol showed their opponents why they came out number one during the Regular Season. L.A. was one of the Western teams that participated in the proverbial arms race after the end of the All-Star break. They were also the only team to successfully continue to the next round. The other two were not as fortunate or as talented.
The Suns fell to the Spurs in five games even after trading Marion for Shaq. Almost every game, Phoenix was very aggressive and leading by halftime; they were unable to finish what they had started. The Suns' inconsistency closing games and the Spurs' experience cost them another shot at the Title.
Dallas was the other team that participated in one of those blockbuster trades during the midseason. And their pick? A point guard in Kidd. Like the Suns, the Mavs were ousted from the Postseason in Game Five. But unlike the Suns, the Mavs were put out by the younger and less experienced Hornets. Led by the trio of CP3, Chandler and West, New Orleans is having a breakout season this year and they are looking confident going into the Second Round.
Blockbuster trades isn't everything. Just ask the Jazz and their midseason trade for Korver, which brought them great results including their Game Four win against the Rockets in Houston. With Boozer's performance on a slump, the Jazz got all the help they can get, including a helpless McGrady, to finish the Series in six games. Winning road games also help for Utah, since they are more formidable at home, with 37-4 during the Regular Season.
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