[Dionysos]

The series isn't over, even if they lose tonight the Spurs are still heading home for a couple and can even things up. Having said that, there are a few things that are pretty apparent right now:

1) Bowen's officially jumped the shark. 2-3 years ago he'd be getting in front of Paul, drawing charges, and generally screwing Paul's rhythm up. I just saw him get beat to the basket by Peja fucking Stojakovic and he can't keep up with Paul at all.

2) Tyson Chandler's doing better defensively against Duncan than I think anyone outside of NO could have reasonably expected. We're into the 4th quarter of game 2 and Duncan still doesn't have 20 points for the SERIES. This won't last forever - Duncan's simply too good - but the fact that he's being limited by Chandler and some smart double-teams(I'll get to this shortly) speaks volumes for how much better Chandler has become.

3) Byron Scott is outcoaching Pop so far. I know Rufus just winced when I said that, mostly because he knows I'm right. His defensive gameplan, the offensive gameplan, and halftime adjustments are all decidedly in NO's favor thus far. Hell I just saw NO pull out a 4-man weave at the top of the arc; the last time I saw that was at a Globetrotters game. But you know what? It opened up Paul for a drive to the basket.

4) Paul deserved the MVP over Kobe. It's worth mentioning again. He's taking Parker - the 2007 NBA Finals MVP iirc - to the basket almost at will. This is part of the reason why Bowen's been assigned to Paul, because Pop's not getting much D out of his PG...not that anybody can guard Paul right now.