2005 NBA Draft Results

ROUND 1 2005 NBA Draft

NO. TEAM SELECTION
1 Milwaukee Bucks Andrew Bogut, Utah
2 Atlanta Hawks Marvin Williams, North Carolina
3 Utah Jazz Deron Williams, Illinois
4 New Orleans Hornets Chris Paul, Wake Forest
5 Charlotte Bobcats Raymond Felton, North Carolina
6 Portland Trail Blazers Martell Webster, Seattle Prep HS
7 Toronto Raptors Charlie Villanueva, Connecticut
8 New York Knicks Channing Frye, Arizona
9 Golden State Warriors Ike Diogu, Arizona State
10 LA Lakers Andrew Bynum, St. Joseph (NJ) HS
11 Orlando Magic Fran Vazquez, Spain
12 LA Clippers Yaroslav Korolev, CSKA Moscow
13 Charlotte Bobcats Sean May, North Carolina
14 Minnesota Timberwolves Rashad McCants, North Carolina
15 New Jersey Nets Antoine Wright, Texas A&M
16 Toronto Raptors Joey Graham, Oklahoma State
17 Indiana Pacers Danny Granger, New Mexico
18 Boston Celtics Gerald Green, Gulf Shores Acad (TX)
19 Memphis Grizzlies Hakim Warrick, Syracuse
20 Denver Nuggets Julius Hodge, North Carolina State
21 Phoenix Suns (to New York) Nate Robinson, Washington
22 Denver Nuggets (to Portland) Jarrett Jack, Georgia Tech
23 Sacramento Kings Francisco Garcia, Louisville
24 Houston Rockets Luther Head, Illinois
25 Seattle SuperSonics Johan Petro, France
26 Detroit Pistons Jason Maxiell, Cincinnati
27 Portland Trail Blazers (to Denver) Linas Kleiza, Missouri
28 San Antonio Spurs Ian Mahinmi, STB Le Havre (France)
29 Miami Heat Wayne Simien, Kansas
30 New York Knicks David Lee, Florida

ROUND 2 2005 NBA Draft

NO. TEAM SELECTION
31 Atlanta Hawks Salim Stoudamire, Arizona
32 LA Clippers Daniel Ewing, Duke
33 New Orleans Hornets Brandon Bass, LSU
34 Utah Jazz C.J. Miles, Skyline H.S. (Tex)
35 Portland Trail Blazers (to Denver) Ricky Sanchez, IMG Academy
36 Milwaukee Bucks Ersan Ilyasova, Ulker Istanbul
37 LA Lakers Ronny Turiaf, Gonzaga
38 Orlando Magic Travis Diener, Marquette
39 LA Lakers Von Wafer, Florida State
40 Golden State Warriors Monta Ellis, Lanier H.S. (Miss.)
41 Toronto Raptors Roko Ujic, KK Split (Croatia)
42 Golden State Warriors Chris Taft, Pittsburgh
43 New Jersey Nets Mile Ilic, BC Reflex (Serbia & Montenegro)
44 Orlando Magic Martynas Andriuskevicius, Zalgiris (Lithuania)
45 Philadelphia 76ers Louis Williams, South Gwinnett HS (Ga.)
46 Indiana Pacers Erazem Lorbek, Climamio Bologna (Italy)
47 Minnesota Timberwolves Bracey Wright, Indiana
48 Seattle SuperSonics Mickael Gelabale, Real Madrid (Spain)
49 Washington Wizards Andray Blatche, South Kent Prep (Conn.)
50 Boston Celtics Ryan Gomes, Providence
51 Utah Jazz Robert Whaley, Walsh University
52 Denver Nuggets Axel Hervelle, Real Madrid (Spain)
53 Boston Celtics Orien Green, La.-Lafayette
54 New York Knicks (to Phoenix) Dijon Thompson, UCLA
55 Seattle SuperSonics (to Memphis) Lawrence Roberts, Mississippi State
56 Detroit Pistons Amir Johnson, Westchester H.S. (Calif.)
57 Phoenix Suns Marcin Gortat, RheinEnergie Koln (Germany)
58 Toronto Raptors Uros Slokar, Snaidero Udine (Italy)
59 Atlanta Hawks Cenk Akyol, Efes Pilsen (Turkey)
60 Detroit Pistons Alex Acker, Eisenhower HS (Calif.)

2005 NBA Finals Game 3 analysis

In game 3 of the 2005 NBA Finals, the Detroit Pistons decided to make a series of it. From the opening steal, jam, and three point play by Ben Wallace the Pistons meant business. The Pistons played hard, smart, and together as a team. A lot was on the line last night. The Pistons needed a win and the Spurs wanted the chance at a sweep. The will of the Pistons prevailed 96-79.

The Pistons swept the three games at home last year to win the championship over the Lakers, and they needed a shot in the arm in this year's series against the Spurs. Meanwhile the Spurs are still trying to forget the 2004 NBA Playoffs when they were up 2-0 over the LA Lakers, and lost the next four games to get bounced out of the playoffs. Last night was a night of firsts and worsts. The first win in the series for the Pistons, the first NBA Finals with the first three games decided by 15 or more points, the Spurs worst defensive effort in surrendering 90 points to an opponent for the first time in their 3 trips to the Finals, and Tim Duncan's worst shooting night in the Finals (5-15 from the field).

The Pistons as a team forced 18 turnovers, had 12 steals, 10 blocks, 22 assists, 17 offensive rebounds. Ben Wallace was a major contributor to a lot of those stats with 15 points, 11 rebounds (6 offensive), 3 steals, 5 blocks, and an assist. Once Big Ben got started the rest of the Pistons followed in with 24 from Rip Hamilton, 20 points and 7 assists from Billups, 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists from Tayshaun Prince, and 8 points 7 rebounds from Rasheed Wallace. The great defense of reserve Lindsay Hunter as well as the 12 points off the bench for Antonio McDyess displayed a complete team effort from the Pistons.

The Spurs were kind of lost in the second half. The Spurs scored 10 more points in the second half than they did in the first quarter. The game was so off for them that Duncan got a technical foul. When's the last time you saw that in a box score? Bruce Bowen scored 13 on his 34th birthday last night along with 14 points and 10 rebounds from Tim Duncan, 21 points from Tony Parker, and 7 points and 6 turnovers from Manu Ginobili. The Spurs will regroup and address a few things, and I bet we'll see a better effort from them in game 4.

Overall the series is now back to series status. I expect the Pistons to continue to win at home to take this series to six games. Detroit over San Antonio (4-2).

San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons
96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring vs. 93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring
88.39 PPG #1 in Defense vs. 89.46 PPG #2 in Defense
+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential vs. +3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential

Spurs lead 2-1
1. Thu, Jun 9 SA 84, DET 69 - Final
2. Sun, Jun 12 SA 97, DET 76 - Final
3. Tue, Jun 14 DET 96, SA 79 - Final
4. Thu, Jun 16 - at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
5. Sun, Jun 19 - at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
6.* Tue, Jun 21 - at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)
7.* Thu, Jun 23 - at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)

All times are Eastern Daylight Time
* - If necessary

Head to Head
PG Tony Parker vs. Chauncey Billups
SG Bruce Bowen vs. Richard Hamilton
SF Manu Ginobili vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF Tim Duncan vs. Rasheed Wallace
C Nazr Mohammed vs. Ben Wallace

Phil Jackson Returns to the L.A. Lakers

It appears that Phil Jackson is returning to coach the Los Angeles Lakers atfer a one season hiatus. Jackson and the Lakers agreed on a three year deal that makes Jackson the highest paid coach in the NBA. Jackson was reportedly seeking $8-$12 million a year on his contract. Reportedly Jackson and the Lakers came to an agreement last week. With Phil Jackson's NBA record tying 9 titles, it is money well spent. During the coaching announcement, Jackson said that his returning to the Lakers was about "forgiveness, and a chance at redemption".

What remains to be seen is how well Kobe Bryant and Jackson get along, as well as how well the triangle offense will run given the Lakers talent. This offseason and the draft are going to be the only way the Lakers will get any better. With their current roster they will not make the playoffs. Stay tuned.......

2005 NBA Finals Game 2 analysis

Game 2 of the 2005 NBA Finals was pretty much the same as game 1. The San Antonio Spurs got out to a quick lead over the Detroit Pistons and won 97-76. The Pistons didn't guard the 3 point line on defense, missed a lot of short shots on offense, and just didn't play good defense all night. The Spurs had four starters (Ginobili 27, Duncan 18, Bowen 15, Parker 12), and their main reserve (Robert Horry 12) score in double figures.

After Tayshaun Prince's 2 quick fouls in the first quarter, the Pistons played less than their best on defense. Without Prince, the Pistons were sagging into the lane too late on defense, and not getting out to the three point line to defend shots. The Pistons stopped passing the ball, they settled for quick shots on offense.

The Spurs were 11-24 (45.8%) on 3pt shots, and 18-38 (47.4%) from the rest of the field for the game. If the Spurs didn't have a wide open three, then they had a wide open layup. After the third quarter, the game was hard to watch. The Spurs lead 79-63, had 21 assists on 27 field goals, and were 9-19 from three. The Spurs had it on cruise control from there.

Rip and Sheed need to contribute more points on offense, like 30-40 points a game between them instead of 25. The Pistons will make changes and you will definitely see a different Detroit Pistons team at home in game 3.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons
96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring vs. 93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring
88.39 PPG #1 in Defense vs. 89.46 PPG #2 in Defense
+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential vs. +3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential

Spurs lead 2-0
1. Thu, Jun 9 SA 84, DET 69 - Final
2. Sun, Jun 12 SA 97, DET 76 - Final
3. Tue, Jun 14 - at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
4. Thu, Jun 16 - at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
5.* Sun, Jun 19 - at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
6.* Tue, Jun 21 - at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)
7.* Thu, Jun 23 - at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)

All times are Eastern Daylight Time
* - If necessary

Head to Head
PG Tony Parker vs. Chauncey Billups
SG Bruce Bowen vs. Richard Hamilton
SF Manu Ginobili vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF Tim Duncan vs. Rasheed Wallace
C Nazr Mohammed vs. Ben Wallace

2005 NBA Finals Game 1 analysis

Looking over the stats from game one of the 2005 NBA Finals, the Detroit Pistons have a few adjustments to make to win game 2. First, the Pistons need to get Rasheed Wallace and Richard Hamilton involved on offense. Second, the Pistons need to play better defense, like they did in the first half of game one, against Manu Ginobili. Ginobili only had 4 points in the first half. Finally, the Pistons need to be a better defensive rebounding team to elimanate second chance points.

The Pistons were in the lead to start the second half 37-35. In the third quarter the Pistons were a dismal 6-21 from the field and managed only 14 points. The Spurs were 8-18 from the field for 20 points in the quarter and lead 55-51 to start the fourth quarter. The third quarter showed how much the Pistons just stopped playing their team style of basketball. The Pistons stopped passing the ball, they settled for quick shots on offense and they didn't get back on defense in transition.

Rasheed Wallace didn't get started on offense he was 3-6 from the field for 6 points. He did have 6 blocks in the game on defense along with 8 rebounds. Rip Hamilton was an uncharacteristic 7-21 from the field for 14 points. Rip Hamilton scored under 20 points for only the second time the Pistons 18 playoff games this year. Hamilton and Wallace need to be more like themselves on offense and contribute 30-40 points a game between them instead of 20.

The fourth quarter got away from the Pistons. The Pistons were 7-16 from the field and scored 18 points for the quarter. Meanwhile the Spurs extended their lead. The Spurs were 12-20 from the field for 29 points. The Pistons had contained Ginobili to 11 points through the third. Unforunately for the Pistons that changed. Ginobili was 6-for-6 from the field and scored 15 points in the fourth quarter. Whomever the Pistons have guard Ginobili on defense, they need to be in Ginobili's face at all times, and he needs to get help from good rotations on defense if he gets beat off the dribble by Ginobili.

The last adjustment the Pistons need to make is being a better defensive rebounding team. The Pistons did have 24 defensive rebounds, but they let the Spurs have 15 offensive rebounds. That many offensive rebounds lead to losses. The Spurs out rebounded the Pistons 49-35. The Pistons will make these changes and you will defeinitely see a different Detroit Pistons team in game 2.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons
96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring vs. 93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring
88.39 PPG #1 in Defense vs. 89.46 PPG #2 in Defense
+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential vs. +3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential

Spurs lead 1-0
1. Thu, Jun 9 SA 84, DET 69 - Final
2. Sun, Jun 12 – at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)
3. Tue, Jun 14 – at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
4. Thu, Jun 16 – at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
5.* Sun, Jun 19 – at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
6.* Tue, Jun 21 – at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)
7.* Thu, Jun 23 – at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)

All times are Eastern Daylight Time
* - If necessary

Head to Head
PG Tony Parker vs. Chauncey Billups
SG Bruce Bowen vs. Richard Hamilton
SF Manu Ginobili vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF Tim Duncan vs. Rasheed Wallace
C Nazr Mohammed vs. Ben Wallace

2005 NBA Finals Preview

The 2005 NBA Finals is going to be a defensive chessmatch. The San Antonio Spurs are #1 in NBA Defense Points Per Game allowed, the Pistons are second. The Spurs beat running teams in the playoffs with good transition defense, low turnovers, and timely scoring. So far, the Pistons have accomplished the same thing in the playoffs . Two conference championship teams, two defensive minded coaches, one NBA champion. NBA Playoff basketball at its best.

There is a major difference in the NBA Finals than in the regular playoffs. Home court advantage is subjective. The regular playoffs use a 2-2-1-1-1 format. The home team enjoys an advantage with 2 of the first 4 games at home and 2 of the last 3 games at home. With the NBA Finals the format changes to 2-3-2. The home team enjoys the first and last two games at home. The road team has an advantage with this format. If the road team splits the first 2 games, and wins 2 of 3 games at home, then the road team has a 3-2 lead with 2 games left to win 1. This format change and the fact that Detroit wins on the road as well as they do at home to me gives them the edge in this series.

Head to head the Pistons and Spurs almost look like mirror images. Position by position they both have a quick PG that shoots from the outside well. They both have a long lanky SF that defends well and scores. They both have a PF that plays inside and outside with long range, and banging bruisers that defend and rebound at C. The only mismatch comes at SG.

Spurs SG Bruce Bowen plays physical defense, while the Pistons SG likes to run all the time and hits shots from anywhere and everywhere. Bowen may be a good defender, but Hamilton has scored 20 points or more in 16 of 17 Pistons playoff games this year. If Rip Hamilton gets going, then the Pistons score a lot.

The only other question is whether PF Tim Duncan's ankles are healed. Rasheed Wallace plays from the three point line to the paint. If Duncan has to chase Wallace around the three point line, and defend Wallace in the paint he needs to be 100%. When Rasheed Wallace has a good scoring performance it leads to Pistons victories as well. If Pistons SF Tayshaun Prince can't cover Spurs SF Manu Ginobili, then everyone on the Spurs gets involved on the offensive end. Those three matchups are crucial to winning the series for each team. Who will win? In the clash of the defensive titans the Pistons win in 6 games(4-2).

San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons
96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring vs. 93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring
88.39 PPG #1 in Defense vs. 89.46 PPG #2 in Defense
+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential vs. +3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential

Series tied 0-0
1. Thu, Jun 9 – at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)
2. Sun, Jun 12 – at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)
3. Tue, Jun 14 – at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
4. Thu, Jun 16 – at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
5.* Sun, Jun 19 – at Det, 9:00 pm (ABC)
6.* Tue, Jun 21 – at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)
7.* Thu, Jun 23 – at SA, 9:00 pm (ABC)

All times are Eastern Daylight Time
* - If necessary

Head to Head
PG Tony Parker vs. Chauncey Billups
SG Bruce Bowen vs. Richard Hamilton
SF Manu Ginobili vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF Tim Duncan vs. Rasheed Wallace
C Nazr Mohammed vs. Ben Wallace

Detroit Pistons move on to the 2005 NBA Finals

The Detroit Pistons accomplished something that hadn't happened in 23 years. The Pistons won game 7 on the road to clinch the 2005 NBA Eastern Conference Championship. The game was close until the Pistons closed the game with a 10-3 run to win by the final score of 88-82 over the Heat. The Miami Heat had solid performances from Shaq with 27, DWade with 20, Udonis Haslem added 13, and Eddie Jones had 10. DWade didn't score in the last 15 minutes that he played in the game, most likely due to his ribcage injury, and the Detroit defense staying with him all night.

The Pistons offense had contributions from Rip Hamilton with 22, Rasheed Wallace with 20, Chauncey Billups added 18, and Tayshaun Prince had 13. Last year's playoff experience of the Pistons down the stretch helped them go 6-6 from the free throw line to insure their win. The Pistons played the entire series like they were the underdogs. Detroit accels at winning when they feel like they have been underestimated. The Pistons now face the San Antonio Spurs in the 2005 NBA Finals.

Overall the Pistons had everything their way in the closing minutes of the game. The Heat lead quickly disappeared from 4:00 left in the game to 1:26 left in the game. The Heat were one consistent 15 point scorer and a defender away from being in the 2005 NBA Finals. DWade's injury had to play into him not being able to dominate as well. If Miami is able to resign some free agents, and the NBA labor agreement will go well this summer, then Miami should be able to compete in the eastern conference next year. This year the Detroit Pistons will strive to prove last year's title wasn't a fluke, and the San Antonio Spurs are looking to prove they are a consistent championship team.

#1Miami Heat vs #2 Detroit Pistons
(101.54 PPG #4 in Scoring) (93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring)
(95.02 PPG #8 in Defense) (89.46 PPG #2 in Defense)
(+6.52 #3 in Scoring Differential) (+3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential)

Detroit Pistons win series 4-3
1. Mon, May 23 – Det 90, Mia 81
2. Wed, May 25 – Mia 92, Det 86
3. Sun, May 29 – Mia 113, Det 104
4. Tue, May 31 – Det 106, Mia 96
5. Thu, Jun 2 – Mia 88, Det 76
6. Sat, Jun 4 – Det 91, Mia 66
7. Mon, Jun 6 – Det 88, Mia 82

Head to Head
PG Damon Jones vs. Chauncey Billups
SG Dwyane Wade vs. Richard Hamilton
SF Eddie Jones vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF Udonis Haslem vs. Rasheed Wallace
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Ben Wallace

2005 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Game 6

Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals was not even close tonight. The Heat sorely missed PG Dwayne Wade, who sat out because of a ribcage injury he suffered in game 5. The Heat got a lot from Shaq, but they needed more of a scoring effort from the rest of the team. Rasheed Wallace is now 3 for 3 in game winning predictions in the playoffs for his career. The Pistons rolled on to win by 25 points tonight 91-66.

The Heat only had three players in double figures. Shaq had 24, Rasual Butler had 13, and Keyon Dooling had 10. Eddie Jones was held to 3 points and Damon Jones was held to 7. Without Dwayne Wade, the Heat offense never got going at all. Detroit had four in double figures, lead by Richard Hamilton with 24, Tayshaun Prince had 16, Chauncey Billups added 14, and Rasheed Wallace had 11. The Pistons made a great effort caring for the basketball. The Pistons had 24 assists to only 6 turnovers and shot 41.9% from the field.

When the Detroit Pistons are playing well it shows up in their assist to turnover ratio. When the ratio is closer to 1:1 the Pistons lose like in game 2 of the eastern conference finals when it was 17:15 and the Pistons lost by 6. In game 5 eastern conference finals when it was 16:15 the Pistons lost by 12. When the ratio is close to 4:1 the Pistons win. Game 4 eastern conference finals it was 27:6 and the Pistons won by 10. In game 6 eastern conference finals it was 24:6 and the Pistons won by 25. In the Pistons offense making the extra pass to find high percentage, or uncontested shots, leads to the Pistons winning. When the Pistons settle for one on one offense they have a tendency turn the ball over and lose.

The Miami Heat need Dwayne Wade for game 7, or they will have to face the reality that it might be their last game in the playoffs this year. The Heat need three major scoring efforts, and without DWade the Heat struggle to get that. They need efforts from Eddie Jones, Damon Jones, or Udonis Haslem. If those three continue to score in single digits, game 7 will go to the Pistons in a landslide. This is the pressure that makes legends. If DWade is back in the lineup, the Heat win game 7 at home on Monday, and DWade and Shaq are definitely the new dynamic duo in the East. If DWade doesn't play, the Pistons win game 7 to move on to the NBA Finals and face the San Antonio Spurs. Who will move on to the finals?

#1Miami Heat vs #2 Detroit Pistons
(101.54 PPG #4 in Scoring) (93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring)
(95.02 PPG #8 in Defense) (89.46 PPG #2 in Defense)
(+6.52 #3 in Scoring Differential) (+3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential)

The series is tied 3-3
1. Mon, May 23 – Det 90, Mia 81
2. Wed, May 25 – Mia 92, Det 86
3. Sun, May 29 – Mia 113, Det 104
4. Tue, May 31 – Det 106, Mia 96
5. Thu, Jun 2 – Mia 88, Det 76
6. Sat, Jun 4 – Det 91, Mia 66
7. Mon, Jun 6 – at Mia, 8:00 pm (TNT)
All times are Eastern Daylight Time

Head to Head
PG Damon Jones vs. Chauncey Billups
SG Dwyane Wade vs. Richard Hamilton
SF Eddie Jones vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF Udonis Haslem vs. Rasheed Wallace
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Ben Wallace

2005 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Game 5

Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a much different story than game 4. The Miami Heat had an even scoring night for all starters and some of their reserves. The Detroit Pistons only had a few of their starters involved on offense. The Heat won the game 88-76. The only bad note was that Dwayne Wade was injured while executing a crossover dribble in the third quarter. DWade might not play in game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight in Detroit. By winning game 5 the Heat have the odds on their side. In NBA history, the winner of Game 5 in a series tied 2-2 has gone on to win the series 106 of 126 times (84%).

In game 5 the Pistons scored 76 points on 16 assists, 15 turnovers and shot 38.5% from the field and lost by 12. In game 4 the Pistons scored 106 points on 27 assists, 6 turnovers, and shot 48% from the field and won by 10. It's kind of hard to figure out which Pistons team is going to show up from game to game. When the Pistons win they don't turn the ball over, make the extra pass on offense, and get scoring contributions from most of their starters. When the Pistons lose they turn the ball over a lot, don't make the extra pass, which leads to them playing a lot of one on one basketball on offense, and that leads to them not getting contributions from all their starters.

If the Pistons continue to cut down on turnovers, and get all their starters involved on offense, the Heat will have to beat the Pistons at their game with good defense and flawless offensive execution. The Heat also need major contributions from Shaq, Eddie Jones, and Damon Jones. If DWade is out for game 6 and or game 7, the Heat are going to need Shaq to carry this team to the 2005 NBA Finals. Along with Shaq the Heat will need three solid scoring performances for the remainder of the series to win the Eastern Conference Finals.

Rasheed Wallace made another game winning guarantee. The second of the heavyweight Championship Belt holder Wallace this year. ``We're going to win Game 6,'' Wallace said. ``They want there to be a Game 7, there's no other series. If y'all can't see that, y'all crazy.'' I agree with Rasheed. The series will go 7 games with the Heat winning (4-3).

#1Miami Heat vs #2 Detroit Pistons
(101.54 PPG #4 in Scoring) (93.32 PPG #24 in Scoring)
(95.02 PPG #8 in Defense) (89.46 PPG #2 in Defense)
(+6.52 #3 in Scoring Differential) (+3.86 #6 in Scoring Differential)

Miami leads series 3-2
1. Mon, May 23 – Det 90, Mia 81
2. Wed, May 25 – Mia 92, Det 86
3. Sun, May 29 – Mia 113, Det 104
4. Tue, May 31 – Det 106, Mia 96
5. Thu, Jun 2 – Mia 88, Det 76
6.* Sat, Jun 4 – at Det, 8:00 pm (TNT)
7.* Mon, Jun 6 – at Mia, 8:00 pm (TNT)
All times are Eastern Daylight Time
* - If necessary

Head to Head
PG Damon Jones vs. Chauncey Billups
SG Dwyane Wade vs. Richard Hamilton
SF Eddie Jones vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF Udonis Haslem vs. Rasheed Wallace
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Ben Wallace

San Antonio Spurs reach 2005 NBA Finals

The Suns Amare Stoudemire played a great game but it wasn't enough to beat the Spurs. Stoudemire has averaged an amazing 37 points a game this series. Stoudemire had 42 points and 16 rebounds, with 17 of those points coming in the fourth quarter. Tim Duncan added 31 points and 15 rebounds to help the Spurs reach the 2005 NBA Finals. San Antonio is now in the NBA finals for the third time in six years. San Antonio won the NBA Championship in 1999 and 2003. San Antonio now awaits the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals which the Heat leads 3-2 over the Pistons.

#1 Phoenix Suns vs #2 San Antonio Spurs
(110.41 PPG #1 in Scoring) (96.19 PPG #18 in Scoring)
(103.29 PPG #30 in Defense) (88.39 PPG #1 in Defense)
(+7.12 #2 in Scoring Differential) (+7.8 #1 in Scoring Differential)

The San Antonio Spurs win series 4-1.
1. Sun, May 22 – SA 121, Pho 114
2. Tue, May 24 – SA 111, Pho 108
3. Sat, May 28 – SA 102, Pho 92
4. Mon, May 30 – Pho 111, SA 106
5. Wed, Jun 1 – SA 101, Pho 95

Head to Head
PG Steve Nash vs. Tony Parker
SG Joe Johnson vs. Bruce Bowen
SF Quentin Richardson vs. Manu Ginobili
PF Shawn Marion vs. Tim Duncan
C Amare Stoudemire vs. Nazr Mohammed