The first round's defining moment — not a nice one, mind you — might well have been Jason Kidd deliberately cuffing an airborne Jannero Pargo of the New Orleans Hornets. Kidd, robust of stature, even at 34, is a future Hall of Famer. Pargo, who started five games this season, goes 6-foot-1, 175 pounds.
2008 NBA playoffs
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So, as much as I like Chris Paul and the Hornets, the old guys win here. Age may not help, but in the Spurs' case, experience does. They know how to craft a win. Don't believe me; ask the Phoenix Suns.
What's more, the Spurs match up well with the Hornets, being strong or stronger at the same positions. At power forward, West is a worthy All-Star. But he'll be going against the best to ever play the position. Duncan has four rings, as many as Shaq and one more than Kobe Bryant, and enough to wonder if the Spurs are the least appreciated team of all time in any sport.
Still, as it concerns this series, the most intriguing pairing is at point guard. Chris Paul might be the best, but Parker — averaging a mere 29.6 points in these playoffs — will more than keep him busy. They are each little guys adept at penetrating the biggest and most ferocious defenses. Should be interesting. I hope Jason Kidd enjoys it, watching from home.
