Was the West More Balanced than Better?

[Big Ticket]

Here's a hypothesis of mine, than I deathly hope becomes true, but is it possible that the Western Conference's top teams this year were so balanced, that every just assumed they were all great?  Yes, on the whole, the West had the East's number yet again, but the Celtics and Pistons mightily stood out.  People discount their record's because of the 52 games played against Eastern foes, but usually don't have such a good argument for why each team played so well against the West.

I know the Celtic's struggles against the Hawks and partially the Cavs make a lot of people think they were worse than their 66 wins indicates, but I think the way they're playing the Pistons, who trampled through a couple solid teams to get here, tells more that the Celtics were struggling with playing to their opponents.

I really think people are underestimating the two Eastern powers.  Yes, the Lakers looked good.  Very good.  But what if they are at a level below Boston and Detroit, but still above the other West teams?  I think it's possible.  And either East team beating the Lakers in 5 or 6 will not surprise me.

[guava_wrench]

Here's a hypothesis of mine, than I deathly hope becomes true, but is it possible that the Western Conference's top teams this year were so balanced, that every just assumed they were all great?  Yes, on the whole, the West had the East's number yet again, but the Celtics and Pistons mightily stood out.  People discount their record's because of the 52 games played against Eastern foes, but usually don't have such a good argument for why each team played so well against the West.

I know the Celtic's struggles against the Hawks and partially the Cavs make a lot of people think they were worse than their 66 wins indicates, but I think the way they're playing the Pistons, who trampled through a couple solid teams to get here, tells more that the Celtics were struggling with playing to their opponents.

I really think people are underestimating the two Eastern powers.  Yes, the Lakers looked good.  Very good.  But what if they are at a level below Boston and Detroit, but still above the other West teams?  I think it's possible.  And either East team beating the Lakers in 5 or 6 will not surprise me.

All that matters is that 1 team from the east and 1 from the west will play each other and only 1 of them will be the champion.

[Roy Hobbs]

I think Boston and Detroit are extremely good teams.  I think they're on the same level as Los Angeles, Utah, San Antonio, and New Orleans (maybe) out west.

I think Dallas, Phoenix, and Houston were a step below.

[Mr October]

I think the West is overrated this year when being compared to the Pistons or Celtics. As a whole the West was better. And there are no GREAT teams this year. The Spurs were not THE SPURS this year, if you know what I mean. Each of the below tiers are pretty equal despite record and conference.

The top tier: LA, SA, BOS, DET, UTA, NO, PHO (maybe)

The second tier: DAL, HOU, ORL, CLE (much better than their record), GOL, DEN

Whoever plays the Lakers will go at least 6 games.

[OmarSekou]

I think the West is overrated this year when being compared to the Pistons or Celtics. As a whole the West was better. And there are no GREAT teams this year. The Spurs were not THE SPURS this year, if you know what I mean. Each of the below tiers are pretty equal despite record and conference.

The top tier: LA, SA, BOS, DET, UTA, NO, PHO (maybe)

The second tier: DAL, HOU, ORL, CLE (much better than their record), GOL, DEN

Whoever plays the Lakers will go at least 6 games.

I'd say the opposite is true. There are a lot of GREAT teams this year. I think the Spurs were at least as good this year as last, but several teams got a lot better. Your tiers are pretty much spot on (I might move ORL and HOU down). The point is that we've had some great basketball this year from all the teams listed and will have an awesome final even if the Celts don't make it (which they will).

[liam]

I think the West is overrated this year when being compared to the Pistons or Celtics. As a whole the West was better. And there are no GREAT teams this year. The Spurs were not THE SPURS this year, if you know what I mean. Each of the below tiers are pretty equal despite record and conference.

The top tier: LA, SA, BOS, DET, UTA, NO, PHO (maybe)

The second tier: DAL, HOU, ORL, CLE (much better than their record), GOL, DEN

Whoever plays the Lakers will go at least 6 games.

I'd say the opposite is true. There are a lot of GREAT teams this year. I think the Spurs were at least as good this year as last, but several teams got a lot better. Your tiers are pretty much spot on (I might move ORL and HOU down). The point is that we've had some great basketball this year from all the teams listed and will have an awesome final even if the Celts don't make it (which they will).

Horry was beat this year, Ginobili looked hurt for the whole LA series, Duncan looked a step slow. This was not the same team as last year. They had a tough series with NO and then had to sleep on the plane. They looked tired all series with LA. LA has not had the wars yet this year the Celtics have had to fight very hard for everything. What ever doesn't kill you makes you stronger,