Playoff Action Day 2

Day 2 of the playoffs resumed on Sunday and after 2 days, all of the home teams came out on top, 8-0. Heres a recap of Sundays playoff action.

Atlanta vs Indiana: Pacers lead 1-0

Paul George scored 22 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assist and became the first Pacer since Mark Jackson to record a triple-double in playoffs, leading his team for the win 107-90. The Pacers had a rough ending to the season, after losing 5 of their last 8 games all five starters were in double figures and even got some production off the bench. George Hill had 18 points, Roy Hibbert finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and David West and Lance Stevenson added 13 each. Gerald Green scored 11 points off the bench and Tyler Hasbrough made big plays with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 key steals. Atlanta got off to a good start, scoring the first 6 points but the Pacers responded quickly with defense and limited turnovers, ending the first half 58-50. Once the third quarter got underway, Indiana went on an 8-3 run to extend their lead and pulled away, not allowing Atlanta to get closer than eight for the remainder of the game. Indiana was nearly perfect at the line, hitting 30 of 34, while Atlanta missed half of their 14 trips to the line. Jeff Teague had 21 points, 7 assist for the Hawks, Josh Smith scored 15 points, 8 rebounds and Al Horford with 14 points.

The best of seven series continues on Wednesday back in Indiana.  

Los Angeles vs San Antonio: Spurs lead 1-0

The Lakers put up a good fight, but it wasn’t enough, as Los Angeles fell to the Spurs in Game 1, 91-79. Manu Ginobolli was limited minutes and managed to score 18 points along with Tony Parker who also had 18. Leader Tim Duncan had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Matt Bonner added 10 points, and Kawhi Lenard finished with 8 points and 11 boards. Although the Lakers gave the Spurs a bit of trouble in the paint, they wouldn’t take the lead. Los Angeles two big’s finished with double-doubles, Dwight Howard scored 20 points and grabbed 15 boards and Pau Gasol with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Steve Nash returned to the line up for the Lakers and added 16 points. The Lakers didn’t get much from their reserves as San Antonio outscored them 40-10. Los Angeles will definitely miss Kobe Bryant who is out for the remainder of the season.

Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol will have to use their size to their advantage to contend against Tim Duncan and the Spurs. Game 2 will take place Wednesday night at the AT&T Center.

Milwaukee vs Miami: The Heat lead 1-0

The defending champion Heat never trailed, as they beat the Milwakee Bucks in Game 1. 110-87. Lebron James only took 11shots, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assist, 2 assist away from a triple-double. Ray Allen ended with 20 points, Dwyane Wade scored 16, Chris Bosh added 15 points and Chris Andersen off the bench had 10 points. The Bucks got within 26-24 after the first quarter, and stayed in the game for the first half. Heading into the third quarter the Bucks came close, but Miami went on an 11-1 run and the lead continued to extend. For Milwakee, Brandon Jennings had 26 points and Monte Ellis scored 22.

Brandon Jennings came into the series prediciting that the Bucks woud win in 6. Will Milwakee avoid a sweep and steal one? Round 1 continues on Tuesday with Game 2 at American Airlines Arena.

Houston vs Oklahoma City: OKC leads 1-0

The Oklahoma City Thunder took care of home, as they defeated their former teammate James Harden and the Houston Rockets, 120-91. Kevin Durant scored 24 points, and Russell Westbrook ended with 19 points, 10 assist and 8 rebounds. Serge Ibaka had 17 points and sixth man Kevin Martin added 16 points. In the beginning of the game Houston struggled, failing to make a shot in the first 6 minutes, eventually they rallied together and with a 3-pointer in transition by Patrick Beverley, tied it at 38. But the Rockets couldn’t get ahead. Oklahoma City went on another surge and extended their lead, 60-47 at the break. In the second half the Thunder led by as much as 35. James Harden finished with 20 points and was the only starter for Houston to score in double figures. Strong defense by Oklahoma City kept the Rockets shooting at 36 percent and just 22 percent from the 3-point line. James Harden remained on the bench for the fourth quarter and although the reserves reduced the deficit, Houston never recuperated.

Houston’s starters will have to be more active if they want to contend with the top team in the west. Game 2 is on Wednesday.  

-@SarahTresChic15