By Answerman

Welcome to another installment from the Answerman's "How to" series. Today it's "How to Write Your own Overreacting Sports Column Following Game 1 of the Finals."

We all know that there is nothing sports columnists like better than blowing things out of proportion. The greatest thing to exaggerate is the results of a playoff Game 1 (exaggerating the use of exaggeration, where's Steven Wright when you need him). Its after the hype, before we get bogged down with Games 2 - 5, that a Game 1 seems so conclusive. The team that wins seems virtually invinceable.

Once there is a split in the series, the details get too confusing and it's hard to write truly bold statements. For example, after Game 1 of Spurs-Lakers everyone wrote how Bowen contained Bryant and is an offensive force. Unique, fresh perspective.

By the time we were done with Game 3, writers could only say that Bowen is doing a good job against Kobe, sometimes, and can hit some open shots. Much less interesting.

Truth be told - Game 1's mean very little. Usually, the game is three quarters of the teams feeling each other out, shaking off some rust, followed by a push in the 4th quarter. Series patterns are more likely to evolve in a Game 2.

So, as a service to you, my loyal readers, so you do not have to even log onto ESPN.com or CNNSI, (but as always on Insidehoops.com) here is The Article you will read over and over on Thursday morning - you just need to fill in the blanks.

SPURS/NETS CRUSH THE SPURS/NETS

It was a historic night here in San Antonio as the Spurs/Nets took one more step towards establishing themselves as the next great dynasty of the NBA.

Duncan/Kidd throughly outplayed Martin/Parker. Though they weren't matched up for most of the game, you could tell a rivalry was budding.

Parker/Martin, in the way he defended and played with Kidd/Duncan, though the numbers don't even fully reflect it, is turning into a premier point/forward in this league. Certain to be an all-star for years to come.

The game got exciting in the fourth quarter as the Spurs/Nets cut/extended the lead. Harris/Kerr/Ferry/Kittles/Jefferson/Bowen hit the biggest 3 of his career cutting/extending the lead to/from 7. There was no turning back.

The series took a dramatic turn as Duncan/Ferry/Robinson/Kidd/Kittles/Jefferson was on the receiving end of a hard foul by Ferry/Rose/Bowen/Martin/Rodgers/Mutombo. No punches or words were exchanged, but you can tell these teams respect, but don't like each other. Or, at the very least, are playing like it's now or never. Do or die. Win a few or go home early. While this comparison may be a stretch, I'm reminded of the old Celtics-Lakers rivalries. Hard-fought, but plenty mutual respect.

There were some questionable calls by the referees. Traveling/non-call/palming/offensive foul but you have to expect superstars to get that kind of call, and tonight, Duncan/Kidd got that little extra help he needed.

Despite that, it does not appear that any team can actually beat the Spurs/Nets 4 times in a week. Duncan/Kidd establishing himself as the clutch performer for the ages.

We are certainly on the brink of NBA history.
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Hope you all enjoy Game 1. If any of you read a tempered columnist following Game 1. A guy who writes, "This was an exciting game. The series is just getting started. These are some reasonable adjustments that should be made" - please let me know. That's the bold perspective the NBA coverage needs.