Semi-finals Recap

The NBA Finals will be here sooner than you think and now that the Eastern and Western Conference finals are underway, let’s recap round two of the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Miami vs. Chicago: Miami wins 4-1

The reigning champions took on the short-handed Chicago Bulls, for the second round of the playoffs. Without their key players which included, Kirk Hinrich and of course Derrick Rose, most analyst counted Chicago out and predicted a sweep. The Bulls surprised everyone in Miami during game 1, when they came out on top stealing home court. Nate Robinson would lead his team with 27 points for this big win. Although Chicago managed to pull out a victory in Miami, I believe this loss was a wakeup call for the Miami Heat, as they wouldn’t lose another game for the remainder of the second round. During the following game, Chicago struggled on every end of the floor and was pretty much embarrassed. Miami came out on top to defeat the Bulls by 37 points, the largest lead was as high as 46. This game was filled with lots of tension and it got physical. Chicago got hit with six technical fouls, which eventually led to the ejection of Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. The Bulls were hoping to gain some momentum once the series shifted to Chicago; it wasn’t enough as Lebron James and Chris Bosh lead the Heat for the win. This was a disappointing loss especially since they were home. Tom Thibodeau wasn’t pleased with the officiating during this game and spoke about it during the post-game press conference. Unfortunately he was fined $35,000 for his comments. The struggles continued into game 4 with the Bulls finishing with 65 points total including only 9 points in the third quarter. Before this loss, Chicago had never scored fewer than 69 in a playoff game. Nate Robinison, who led his team to victory in game 1, finished this game with not one point, 0-12.  The series headed to Miami for game 5, which would be the final game of this round. The Heat got off to a fast start with the lead early in the first; however the Bulls would outscore them for the next 2 quarters. Seemed as if Chicago would pull out on top to avoid elimination, but Miami went one a run in the fourth, 25-14. And the second round came to a close; as the Heat pushed pass the Bulls to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

New York vs. Indiana: Indiana wins 4-2

The New York Knicks advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2000. The Knicks led by Carmelo Anthony had their eyes set on a bigger prize but neglected to focus on the task at hand. For game 1, the Pacers beat the Knicks in Madison Square Garden to take away home court advantage. The best defensive team in the league dominated the boards to get the first win of the second round. Game 2 continued in New York, where the Knicks tied the series after a disappointing loss in game 1. Carmelo scored 32 points leading his team to a much needed victory before the series headed to the Field House. Once in Indiana, the Pacers protected home court, beating the Knicks in game 3, 82-71. This game was all Indiana, as they only allowed the Knicks to take the lead one time. J.R. Smith continued to struggle; he didn’t shoot well and had a fever before the game. His difficulties go back to his suspension in round 1 against Boston; the sixth man of the year hasn’t played the same since. Amare Stoudemire returned for the Knicks after being out for two months due to a knee injury. He wasn’t too productive, scoring only 7 points in his first game back. Indiana defended the ball well; making their previous lost a distant memory. Before going back to New York, the Pacers took a 3-1 lead after another win in game 4. The Knicks struggled, had difficulties offensively and couldn’t rebound the ball. Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points but got into foul trouble, fouling out towards the end of the game. Eliminating the Knicks was within their grasp, as the Pacers headed back to New York for game 5. The Knicks avoided elimination with a huge victory at home, 85-75. Carmelo Anthony once again led his team with 28 points and got some help from Chris Copeland and J.R. Smith. The Pacers were without George Hill, who apparently sustained a concussion during game 4. Indiana committed 19 turnovers and New York took advantage, and lived another day. The celebration was short lived once the series went back to Indiana. Native new Yorker Lance Stephenson had a playoff career-high, 23 points to help eliminate the Knicks, 106-99. Carmelo Anthony led in scoring with 39 points but had no help from his teammates. George Hill returned to the Pacers lineup after missing game 5 to the delight of his team and fans. The Knicks had plenty of chances to force a game 7 but missed ample opportunities and got into foul trouble. Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert and Kenyon Martin all fouled out. For the first time since 2004, the Indiana Pacers are heading to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City vs. Memphis: Memphis wins 4-1

 

What a surprising outcome between the defending Western Conference Champions and the 5^th seed Memphis Grizzlies. Throughout the 5 games, the largest deficit wouldn’t get pass 6 points. It was a battle but Memphis would get the edge over Oklahoma City. Without floor general, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant had to carry majority of the load for the Thunder. He followed suit during game 1, scoring 33 points to lift his team to a victory, 93-91. The Grizzlies two big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph made it challenging for Oklahoma City, who trailed for most of the game. Both teams matched up well and were practically even as far as rebounds and points in the paint go. Now game 2 was slightly different. Mike Conley scored 26 points including a big 3-pointer with less than 2 minutes to go. Memphis went on to score 10 straight points to tie the series in Oklahoma, 99-93. Kevin Durant, who made clutch shots in game 1 couldn’t knock down similar shots down the stretch. Nonetheless, he had another big game and finished with 36 points and 11 rebounds. Neither team led by double digits but the Grizzlies outscored the Thunder in the paint 48-30, and also took advantage of the Oklahoma City’s 21 turnovers, gaining 26 extra points. With the series tied at one game apiece, we headed to Memphis. The  Grizzlies would take a 2-1 lead after beating the Thunder 87-81. Key in this game was free-throws. Back in Oklahoma City, Memphis had difficulties at the line but made 6 in the final minute of the game. 91 percent free-throw shooter Kevin Durant missed 2 major ones with less than 40 seconds left. The Thunder had a horrible night offensively, Kevin Durant along with his teammates combined for 23 of 69 attempts. Surprisingly Oklahoma City outrebounded Memphis and outscored them in the paint, but wasn’t able to pull ahead.  The Thunder missed a chance to tie the series before heading back home in Game 4 as the Grizzlies would get the win in OT, 103-97. Memphis continued their winning streak at home in the post season after being down as much as 17 points. Mike Conley scored 24 points and Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph both finished with double doubles. The Grizzles didn’t repeat what happen during their 2011 post season, where they blew a double digit lead allowing the Thunder to tie the series. During this game Oklahoma City had the huge lead, but Memphis went on a 20-8 run to stay in the game. With the game tied at 94 apiece, the Grizzlies had a chance to win in regulation. Serge Ibaka blocked the game winning shot to send his team into overtime. Once in overtime the Thunder struggled. Kevin Durant would finish with 24 points in 48 minutes, missing his last 5 shots in overtime. Kevin Durant finially got some help from his teammates including, Kevin Martin with 18 points and Serge Ibaka with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Memphis outscored Oklahoma City 9-3 to give them the win and put the Thunder on the verge of elimination. Game 5 headed to Oklahoma City were the Thunder was hoping to extend the series. Unfortunately Kevin Durant struggled offensively finishing with 21 points on 5-21 shooting and with 6 seconds left he missed a key jumper to tie the game. For the first time in franchise history the Memphis Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference Finals.  After losing their all-star point guard, the Thunder went 2-6 in their playoff run. After being down 12 at the break Oklahoma City rallied and managed to get within 2 during the last 15 seconds. Zach Randolph would go on to miss his two free-throws, giving the Thunder another chance. After Kevin Durant’s missed shot, Tony Allen grabbed a rebound and would get fouled and made his 2 at the line sealing the win at 88-84.