NBA Playoffs: It is a given that each team's goal is to win the NBA Championship and not winning it automatically considers them as under achievers. In reality, when you look into a team's roster, speculations will always arise as to how far that team will reach during the post-season. It might be too early to tell if teams have fulfilled the expectations labeled to them but so far, let us take a look to each team's performances after Round 1 of the Playoffs.
San Antonio Spurs
Verdict: Underachievers
The Spurs are currently in a win-or-go home situation with the Dallas Mavericks as of writing, The Spurs, having the best record in the West should easily have dispatched the Mavs if you look in the standings. But no one should underestimate the Mavs as they were a championship team in their own right. If the Spurs manage to win the series,
Oklahoma City Thunder
Verdict: Underachievers
Being pushed by the Grizzlies to a game 7 is never a good sign for a team having this year's MVP Kevin Durant. Although they won the series, the Grizzlies played without its best player in Zach Randolph. Although not OKC's fault, they should really step it up a notch. If a lower seed can push them to the limit, what more when they face a more experienced, top-seeded team?
Los Angeles Clippers
Verdict: Underachievers
Yes, they might be moving on to the next round but the controversies surrounding the team right now are just too much to handle. When you look at that roster, you can instantly say that it's a championship caliber team. The Golden State Warriors almost eliminated them and they have to focus once again if they want to keep their championship hopes alive.
Houston Rockets
Verdict: Underachievers
The addition of Dwight Howard instantly propelled the Rockets from being a mediocre team in the West to Championship Contenders. However, getting eliminated by the Blazers in the first round was completely unexpected, specially when they have the home court advantage. Although it is understandable that this is a relatively new team, critics and analysts just expected them to get past the first round this year.
Portland Trailblazers
Verdict: Overachievers
The Blazers made a statement in their match-up against the Rockets that they are ready to compete for the crown. Led by sweet-shooting LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard and having a strong supporting cast, don't be surprised if these youngsters reach the West Finals or even the NBA finals.
Golden State Warriors
Verdict: Overachievers
Having plenty of injured key players to deal with, The Warriors valiantly fought till the last second of their game 7 match-up with the Clippers. Expect the Warriors to be back with revenge in their minds next year.
Memphis Grizzlies
Verdict: Overachievers
What many thought would be a walk in the park for the Thunder turned out wrong. The Grizzlies fought for their season without their Zach Randolph and still performed fairly well. This is a team who traded away its key players for salary concerns and yet they were able to reach as far as this.
Dallas Mavericks
Verdict: Overachievers
Nobody expected that the line-up Dallas have will push the Spurs in the brink of elimination. Led by veteran Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks are fighting with a purpose and all their players are contributing fairly well.
