The Bulls vs The Nets: Series tied 1-1
When Chicago opened the playoffs in Brooklyn against the Nets, they lacked execution and aggressiveness. This was uncharacteristic of a team that ended two impressive streaks in the weeks before. Well during game 2 Monday night, they responded to adversity by tying the series 1-1, with a 90-82 win over the Nets. Luol Deng led the Bulls with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Joakim Noah endured the pain of his foot injury to finish with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich and Carlos Boozer both scored 13 points and Boozer grabbed 10 rebounds. This victory was a team effort, with production from the bench, including Joakim Noah’s backup, Nazr Mohammed. Brook Lopez ended with 21 points, but overall, the Nets only shot 35 percent from the field and struggled from the 3-point line. Joe Johnson only made 6 of his 18 shots and finished with 17 points. It was a one point game at the break, thanks to a 3-pointer at the buzzer by C.J. Watson however Chicagos defense suffocated the Nets and they only scored 11 points for the entire 3rd quarter. Deron Williams struggled offensively only making 1 of his 9 shots, finishing with 8 points.
Now with the series even, the Nets head to Chicago to take on the Bulls tomorrow tonight for Game 3.
Grizzles vs Clippers: Clippers lead 2-0
What a battle this was between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The game went down to the wire and with a tenth of a second left in regulation, Chris Paul made a clutch shot to give his team the victory 93-91. All-star point guard Chris Paul finished with 24 points and 9 assist. Blake Griffin scored 21 points and 8 rebounds and Jamal Crawford added 15 points off the bench. The game stayed close in the first half, with neither team leading by more than 8 points. The Grizzlies took the lead early in the first half, but Jamal Crawford tied it with a 3 pointer. Los Angeles took over in the second quarter finishing the half with 50-44 lead over the Grizzlies. Heading into the third quarter, the Clippers extended their lead and then Memphis continued to respond. Mike Conley had a career high 28 points including 10 to keep his team in the game during the fourth quarter. Marc Gasol ended up with 17 points, including a dunk that tied the game at 91. Tony Allen added 16 points and 10 rebounds and Zach Randolph had 13. The Grizzlies fought hard but came up short.
The Clippers are up 2-0 and will continue the series in Memphis tomorrow night.
Celtics vs Knicks: The Knicks lead 2-0
The Knicks took care of the Celtics last night, giving them a 2-0 lead over Boston. This is New York’s first 2-0 lead since the 2000 Eastern Conference semifinals. Carmelo Anthony went for 34 points, Sixth Man of the Year, J.R. Smith added 19 and Raymond Felton finished with 16 points. The Celtics were off to a good start in the first half, but like the last game, they struggled after the break. Once Boston entered the second half they lacked defense and couldn’t get off offensively. They missed majority of their shots in the third quarter, and got outscored 24-4 by the Knicks. New York continued to dominate every part of the game making it very difficult for the Celtics to get back in the game. Paul Pierce had 18 points; Kevin Garnett scored 12 points and 11 rebounds. Jason Terry made a few 3-pointers in the first half, but failed to do so in the second. This game was very similar to the first meeting, as Boston only had 22 points after halftime.
The Celtics are on the verge of being eliminated and will host game 3 on Friday. Boston will have to play with urgency to keep them in the series.
Bucks vs The Heat: Miami leads 2-0
Milwaukee
came into game two with the hopes of stealing home, unfortunately the Miami
Heat have Dwyane Wade and Lebron James. Dwyane Wade finished with 21 points and
Lebron James had 19, and the Heat beat the Bucks 98-96. Miami got production
from multiple players including, Chris Bosh, Shane Battier and Chris Andersen, who
all finished with 10 apiece. Milwaukee came out playing hard and was within
47-43 at halftime. Throughout most of the third quarter the game stayed closed,
with Miami only having a 3 point lead. The fourth quarter was all Miami as they
went on a 12-0 run extending their lead to 80-65. Ersan Ilyasova had 21 points
for the Bucks; Mike Dunleavy scored 16 and Larry Sanders 14. During the first
game, Monte Ellis and Brandon Jennings combined for 48 points. After getting
blown out they decided to make an adjustment and get their teammates involved. Although
they managed to facilitate, they neglected to score themselves, scoring only 15
points between them.
Brandon Jennings
remains confident that his team will stay in the series. Game 3 takes place on Thursday
in Milwaukee. Will the Bucks manage to pull out a win at home? Stay tuned
Warriors
vs Nuggets: Golden State ties the series 1-1
The
Nuggets are the NBA’s best home team this season with a record of 38-3. After
more than three months the Golden State Warriors shocked everyone at the Pepsi
Center, with a 131-117 win over the Nuggets. Stephen Curry finished with 30
points and 13 assist, Jarrett Jack scored 26 points, Harrison Barnes with 24
and Klay Thompson added 21. The Warriors were without their All-Star David Lee,
and still managed to outrebound Denver 36-26. Golden State dominated the glass
and shot at a high 64.6 percent from the field. Ty Lawson and Corey Brewer both
had 19 points and Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller each scored 18. The Nuggets
got Kenneth Faried back after he suffered an ankle injury, but they had a hard
time offensively and struggled from the 3-point line. Stephen Curry and Klay
Thompson knocked down huge three’s everytime Denver would rally to get back
into the game. The Nuggets eventually got within 10, but once again Golden
State continued hot shooting from the outside, at 56 percent.
Golden
State became one of two teams to steal a game on the road, so far in this
season’s playoffs. The series continues on Friday, at Oracle Arena for game 3.
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