The 2008 NBA Conference Finals

First of all, congratulations to the Spurs. Fresh off a victory on the road - a rarity in this postseason's conference semis - they have proven once again how the road to the Championship banner still runs through San Antonio. After being hammered in New Orleans the first two games, Duncan and his band of fogies had more than enough reason to worry their fans and followers. The rumblings of being too slow, too dry on the offensive, and too old had indubitably surfaced in the media. And the inability to follow through on a repeat would come to haunt them yet again.

But chalk it up to Coach Pop and his staff to flip the script. Down, but not yet dispirited; down, but not desperate; down, but not disillusioned. Sure, they were down 0-2, but they were not out. And you know what they've always said about this Spurs team: "Anybody would be hard-pressed to beat them four times."

As much as I like to detract from those pesky Spurs, I have to credit the Coach and the team to mustering up the ability and the smarts to overcome the Hornets in their home nest. You might take their Queen, but if there are still moves left on the board, the Spurs will somehow find a way to capture the King at the end of it all. (Oh Lakers, you are in for a wild one!)

So now only four teams remain for the finale of the season. The Lakers, Pistons, and Celtics all took care of their business earlier. The question then becomes: will it be as Hollywood would prefer it scripted - packed with the action, drama, and intrigue of a blockbuster - or will it be a page off one of those grade C pilots - good on paper but a stinker when it comes on air?

The reality of the situation is that all basketball fans - outside of SA and Detroit - and the NBA are pining for a classic Lakers-Celtics match up in the Finals. Think about all the history that comes with both teams, and their historic rivalry. All the traditions, titles, and legends. It was no less than Larry Legend and Magic, the faces of the league in their time, who succeeded Bill Russell and Wilt the Stilt in their epic duels a generation earlier. Now you have another potential of Kobe Bryant, arguably the most talented and recognized player in the league, up against Kevin Garnett, the epitome of basketball heart and soul, and two other all-stars who aren't exactly fish fodder either. Think of all the interest, the drama, and the revenue that would come with such a series!

And then imagine David Stern crying in his plush front office throne when he discovers that the Pistons have taken advantage of the weaknesses that Boston had exposed in its two earlier series, and that the Spurs have yet again edged out another opponent in its defense of the crown. A Spurs-Pistons match-up? Again? Noooo, this is a bad dream. (Screaming) This can't be happening! (Tears) Wasn't the first time punishment enough?

Okay, the first time those two met was not horrible. In fact, they went 7 games and even had a dramatic overtime finish in Game 5. But as much as I respect both teams and their smart, scrappy play, I cannot say that I will be entertained. In fact, they bore me with their schemes and slow-ball tactics. They are not pretty to watch. There is no real intrigue - I'm tired of you, Duncan! And honestly, outside of Detroit and San Antonio, I cannot imagine any other person really wanting to watch that series.

Call me superficial, but I need the superstar match-ups, the intensity of two uber-passionate players, and the unending intrigue that comes with the NBA's two mega teams. Don't you see how beautiful of a story that could be written: Will KG and the Big Three finally win one, or will Kobe finally be able to move out of big Shaq's shadow? The flashing lights of LA and the recent emergence of the Boston as a dominant sports town. It fits the NBA like Cinderella her slipper, and hex on the evil stepmother who dare ruin it!

In a season where we've seen multiple blockbuster trades, the reemergence of two storied franchises, and the influx of young and hopeful studs, it would be cruel fate if we were relegated to Spurs-Pistons II. It's like hearing your ice cream truck come down the street and you run out only to find the other kid down the street just took the last of the choco-tacos. Oh, I'll find you, fat kid. You watch.

But I have hope. I have a dream. Let us root for the Lakers, and let us root for the Celtics. Don't do it for Stern. Do it for the people! Let us await the fireworks. And let us shoot for history.

Or let me go fishing with the rest of 'em. After all, it'll really be your lost, ABC.