The success of the Phoenix regular season let San Antonio flew slightly under the radar. Not that nobody thinks San Antonio can win it all. The glamorous teams have definitely took the spotlight away from San Antonio. It might have been a good thing since it lifted some pressure from them. Or maybe they are so good they don't even worry about having pressure. You have got to admit that San Antonio is the better and more complete team. They play great defense, and to my surprise in this serious, played great offense, too. I heard a sports radio phone call about a month ago. The called complained that there was too little love for the league leading Phoenix Suns. The explanation is simple. If you have followed the NBA in recent years, you should know defense wins championships. Phoenix is a run-and-gun team. Run-and-gun teams either under-performed in the playoffs (Dallas) or ran out of luck (Robert Horry shot down the Kings in 2002). They never fared well. Phoenix was no exception. The San Antonio Spurs played great defense as well as great offense with the Suns. They simply outplayed the Suns. I picked them to win the championship before the season started. Now I'm more strongly believing in them. As for the Eastern conference, I would like to see Detroit win. I picked Detroit to win in 6. I know it's unlikely now. But I think Detroit is a better team and is the team that truly receiving way less love than they deserve. I don't really buy the Heat. Either Wade or Shaq is shut down, they will lose. If the Pistons win tomorrow in game 5, they will win the series at home. If the Heat win, we will see game 7. I personally think the Pistons will win. And I win to see Pistons win so I can watch San Antonio play Detroit. I'm sure there aren't many people with me on this. Who wants to see boring defensive basketball? From last year to this year, people say it will be a rating tragedy if SA indeed face Detroit. It will be defensive battle. I have to admit I long to see the two most complete teams in the NBA face each other. I want to see how defense versus defense will be. I'm sure Dwyane Wade in the Finals is exciting. But I really don't want to pass on the chance to see this much anticipated "boring" defense matchup. Hey! Defense vs. Defense isn't always bad. Remember Indiana and Detroit last year? That was one of the best series in recent memory.

6.1.05 photos: AP