Scott ‘Vinny the Greek’ Vincent

Vinny the Greek picks the Pacers over the Spurs in seven to win it all

            By Scott Vincent, THG Sports

The Indiana Pacers are dominating the playoffs like no other team ever has before.

Saturday night’s 91-80 victory over the Miami Heat marked the sixth playoff game in a row that the Pacers have won by a double digit margin—an NBA playoff record.

Reggie Miller was on fire, scoring 19 points in 18 minutes, proving he is hungrier than ever for that elusive NBA championship.  Ron Artest added 20 points and five assists.

The Pacers great start has everyone asking: could this finally be the Pacers’ year to bring home the Stanley Cup? 

The answer, sports fans, is a resounding “Yes!”

I will even tell you exactly how they will do it:

The Pacers’ next game is in Miami, where the Heat have won 16 straight.  I will give Miami one, but not two victories at home.  The Pacers have one bad night, then continue there domination of the East by winning the series 4-1.

The Pacers will then take on the Detroit Pistons, a team that cannot match up with the firepower of Indiana’s Miller and O’Neal.  Look for Miller to light up the Pistons for 25 a game and the Pacers to win this one in six to represent the East in the finals.

This takes us to the NBA Finals.  The Spurs’ biggest obstacle came is in the second round against the Lakers.  After that it is smooth sailing.  Garnett may be the MVP, but Duncan is still the best player in the league.  This is why the Pacers will meet the Spurs in the finals.

This year’s finals will be one for the ages; if this was last year, I would have had to pick the Spurs.  This year I gotta go with the Pacers for one reason—the Spurs have no Admiral.  Last year David Robinson left it all on the court, had a great series, and of course San Antonio won. 

This year O’Neal and Artest shut down Duncan, and Parker gets his 30 a night but it won’t be enough to overcome the Pacers’ D.  Look for Reggie to hit a couple of threes in the closing minutes of game seven to put Indiana ahead for good in a sea-saw game.  The Pacers will final bring home the gold and Reggie will ride off in the sunset ala John Elway after Super Bowl XXXIII.

Go ahead and get downtown Indy ready for a ticker-tape parade; Vinny the Greek knows what he is talking about when it comes to pro basketball.

Copyright © 2003-2004 The Hoosier Gazette ● Disclaimer