HOME-ROAD 22-3 as NBA welcomes the Conference Finals

Only the third road victories closed the second round saga of the 2008 NBA Playoff starring the mighty SPURS against the bravery HORNETS. In a round that included some of the best stories from 8 best teams in the league so far, home teams won their first 12 games before Billups-less PISTONS showed their experience by beating a more complete but less-experienced MAGIC. Then it went another nine in-a-row before LAKERS' superstars finished off the JAZZ, guardian of the Delta Center.

The closing game at New Orleans this morning summed up that this year NBA title wouldn't go farther than the magnificent 8 that won the last twenty eight titles, starting by Bird's CELTICS in 1981, one of their 3 titles in the 80s. Duncan's SPURS is the defending champion, with Magic's LAKERS won 5, Thomas' PISTONS had 2 consecutive, Shaq's LAKERS went 3 in-a-row, and Billups' PISTONS once in between.

As the series goes to Conference Final, it wouldn't be likely there be another sweep (although I'd like to bet for one), but some may bet that there's another 7-game series battle to the end. Every team will do everything in order to guard their homecourt advantage they desperately had during 82 regular games. Like Coach Rivers said, "We want our homecourt advantage, and we fought (82 regular games) for that!" And so be it! CELTICS has never won a single game outside Boston Garden, and must went through 7 games series twice in their journey to Eastern Conference Final, but they were a perfect 8-0 on home. LAKERS and SPURS, who were also perfect in home games, won 3 and 2 games on the road, respectively. PISTONS who lost in their first playoff games (on HOME!), went to the Eastern Final after 5-1 home record and 3-2 record on the road.

So... what does it take to advance to the Final? A road win, i guess. Just one.