May 4, 2013
The Knicks, Pacers, Thunder, and Grizzlies all advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs.
With only one series left to be completed (Bulls-Nets) the playoffs have been a dogfight and very entertaining for basketball fans. In the first two games of the night the New York Knicks closed out the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers handled the Atlanta Hawks.
Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks – May 3, 2013
Let’s recap the Pacers-Hawks game first since it wasn’t as exciting as the other Eastern conference game. This game was difficult for me to watch because the Hawks played like they wished their season was over, now it is. I recall the Hawks missing shot after shot, committing turnovers and Kyle Korver, their 3-point specialist, shooting an air ball. The Hawks have all summer to figure the pieces needed to come back stronger next year.
For Indiana although Paul George had an off shooting night and only scored four points, David West was a leader on the court with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks. They move on to face the fearless New York Knicks and this series is one that I am looking forward too. A physical team in Indiana and a New York team that will not back down, this should be fun to watch.
Final Score: Indiana 81-73
Team Leaders: (Ind.) David West 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks | (Atl.) Al Horford 15 points, 7 rebounds
Series: Indiana Pacers wins series 4-2.
New York Knicks at Boston Celtics – May 3, 2013
We all know how difficult it is to win in Boston’s TD Garden and how their fans stand behind their team. After getting blown out majority of the game, the Boston fans rallied them back. The game became interesting in the fourth quarter when Boston made a run but it was eventually shut down by Carmelo and team. The Celtics were down by 26 points in the fourth quarter and managed to cut the lead to six, that shows how tough this team is and how they will fight until the end.
Coach Doc Rivers insists that he has not given though to his future with the Celtics or his star’s future with the franchise but did state that Garnett is as tough of a competitor as he has been around and that Paul Pierce is “one of the greatest Celtics to ever play.” We shall see what direction Danny Ainge decide to take the team in going forward.
Twelve years is a long time to go without advancing in the playoffs but now the Knicks can rewrite that as they look forward to taking on the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
Final Score: New York 88-80
Team Leaders: (NY) Carmelo Anthony 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists | (Bos) Jeff Green 21 points, 5 rebounds/Kevin Garrett 15 points, 10 rebounds
Series: New York Knicks wins series 4-2.
Oklahoma City at Houston Rockets – May 3, 2013
When Russell Westbook went down to injury the thoughts were who would set up and help Kevin Durant get this Thunder team into the second round of the playoffs. Kevin Martin stepped up to the challenge in game 6, by helping his team advance to the next round. Martin’s 25 points and Reggie Jackson’s 17 points helped Durant in the scoring department.
Former OKC player, James Harden gave all he could give to lead his team. He also got help from Chandler Parsons (25 points) and Omer Asik (13pts, 13reb). It was just that the role players and bench for OKC came out stronger.
Final Score: OKC 103-94
Team Leaders: (OKC) Kevin Durant 27 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists | (Hou) James Harden 26 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists
Series: Oklahoma City wins series 4-2.
Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies – May 3, 2013
For the most part it was the Matt Barnes show for the LA Clippers. Barnes scored a career playoff- high 30 points. This game was clearly a dogfight to the end. Chris Paul was ejected, Billups received a flagrant-1 and Butler, Griffin, and Barnes all received technical fouls in the game. Memphis’ Randolph was tossed too with 1:57 remaining but at that point the game was in favor of the Grizzlies.
This is another disappointing season for the Clippers although they started off the season strong and added some very good pieces during the summer. Many thought that the Clippers would make it to the finals this year but instead they go back to LA trying to figure out where did things go wrong. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies advance to the second round of the playoffs to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Final Score: Memphis 118-105
Team Leaders: (LA) Matt Barnes 30 points, 10 rebounds, Chris Paul 28 points, 8 assists | (Mem) Zach Randolph and Mike Conley 23 points each
Series: Memphis Grizzlies wins series 4-2.
Make your picks now because the second round of the playoffs should be as interesting as the first.
