NBA Playoffs: First-Round Throwdown

The excitement of the playoffs has been quite magnificent this season.

The courts of the NBA have all been lit up with great moments, and have brought new life to the playoffs.

Every team has earned their way to this position, and have proven it as well.

Of everyone else though, these few teams have proven themselves like no one else has: the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic

These teams have been really surprising factors for the postseason, and if they would have played as good in the regular season, they probably would have more respect.

Only two of these three made it to the second round of the playoffs, though Chicago played excellently in the first.

Only God knows who will win it all this year—but as I have said plenty of times before, if you think you can do it, you can do it.

I wish every team could win it all, but since that can't happen, i believe that Cleveland will take home the trophy and be crowned champions. They have all the skill that a team needs to go all the way.

Most of the other teams lack one or two key elements that allow them to go all the way, and it will and has really hurt them. If the Lakers could step it up two or three notches on defence, they could go all the way.

The true test is within your mind. It depends whether you have the heart and mental stability it takes to win a championship, and Cleveland has just that. As coach Mike Woodson said, "You need to go out there and defend a team, not just one player," and that is exactly right.

Cleveland dominated in the first round with barely a sweat, and did the same in the first game of Round Two against the Hawks. It takes more than one player to make a team, and LeBron James knows that. With plenty of assists to go around, his presence on the court against Atlanta was a great help as they went on to win—big time.

Dominance and precision are the best words to describe Cleveland's playing style, and if they can't go all the way, no one can. This may be Cleveland's best team ever in some people's eyes.

I can't wait to see who is crowned champion when the smoke is cleared!