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 

Playoffs 2013:Day 1

The playoffs have officially begun here’s a recap of Day 1.

Boston vs New York: NYK leads 1-0

The Knicks get the win in their playoff opener, 85-78. Carmelo Anthony scored 36 points to lead his team. J.R Smith followed with 15 points and Raymond Felton finished with 13 and 6 assist. Kenyon Martin was very productive off the bench with, 10 points and 9 rebounds. Boston stayed in the game, and even led after the third quarter. However, they only scored 8 points in the fourth quarter, thanks to the great defense by the Knicks. Jeff Green had 26 points and Paul Pierce scored 21 for the Celtics. Avery Bradley added 15 points, but Boston was in need of their floor general Rajon Rondo.

Game two is on Tuesday back at Madison Square Garden. Stay Tuned  

Golden State vs Denver: Denver leads 1-0

This was a big game for veteran Andre Miller, who led his team with a career-high 28 points for the win, 97-95. The game was tied at 95-95 as he made a clutch lay-up with 1.3 seconds left to avoid overtime. Wilson Chandler had 11 points and 13 boards, and Ty Lawson scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assist. Denver did a good job keeping sharp shooter, Stephen Curry off the 3-point line in the first half, but after poor shooting he got some rhythm finishing with 19 points and 9 assist. Klay Thompson shot well with 22 points to keep the Warriors in the game, but lost their All-Star David Lee who injured his leg in the fourth quarter. Before David Lee left the game he had another double-double, 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Denver played without Kenneth Faried, still recovering from an ankle injury and Danilo Gallanari who is out for the rest of the season. Round one continues on Tuesday with game 2, back at the Pepsi center.

Chicago vs Brooklyn: Brooklyn leads 1-0

This game was all Nets, as they got the win in their first playoff debut in Brooklyn, 106-89. Brooklyn led by 25 at halftime, and Chicago never got close, as the Nets shot 56 percent from the field. Deron Williams finished with 22 points and 7 assist, including a steal that led to a reverse dunk. Brook Lopez added, 21 points, Joe Johnson had 16 and Reggie Evans grabbed 13 rebounds. As for bench production, CJ Watson had a good game against his former team with 14 points. The Bulls had no answer for the Nets, poor defense and they couldn’t get anything to drop offensively. Carlos Boozer was the Bulls leading scorer and the only consistent scorer with 25 points. The rest of the starters were quiet with the exception of Jimmy Bulter who finished with 13. Joakim Noah tried his best to play, but was limited to minutes as his foot injury continued to bother him, scoring only 5 points and 6 rebounds. Nate Robinison was productive off the bench, with 17, but his effort was in vain as they lost by 17.

After a days rest, game 2 continues on Monday in Brooklyn.

 

Memphis vs Los Angeles Clippers: Clippers lead 1-0

The rematch of last years first round series has begun, with the Clippers getting the win, 112-91. This game was a battle, led by Chris Paul who scored 23 points and 7 assist. The game stayed pretty close, but with 7 players in double figures Los Angeles came out on top. Eric Beldsoe contributed 15 points off the bench, and veteran Chanucey Billups followed with 14. Caron Butler and Jamal Crawford had 13 a piece and Blake Griffin finished with 10 points and 5 rebounds before fouling out in the fourth. The Clippers played more of a Memphis style of basketball with only one dunk in the entire game by DeAndre Jordan. The Grizzles beat the Clippers in the paint 48-46; however they never managed to get the lead as Los Angeles, dominated second chance points 25-5. Jerryd Bayless scored 19 points to lead his team, Marc Gasol had 16 and Zach Randolph added 13 points and 4 rebounds.

The battle will continue on Monday night, back at Staples Center.

-@SarahTresChic15

Playoff Predictions 2013

-SarahTresChic15

The Future of the WNBA

Brittney Griner

Standing at 6’8, Brittney Griner, is considered to be one of the most dominate players in NCAA history. While at Baylor University, she averaged 23.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.2 blocks. She is the first NCAA player, to score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. Not only is she the second leading scorer in women’s college basketball, she also has the record for the most block shots among men and women at 748. Her accomplishments throughout her college career, earned her the top overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Brittney Griner’s professional career will being in Phoenix, where she will play for the Mercury.  To say she made an impact in women’s basketball is an understatement; the mark she left on college basketball will never be forgotten.

Elena Delle Donne

The fifth all-time scorer out of Delaware State was chosen by the Chicago Sky. She has the ability to play multiple positions at 6’5, making her versatile on all ends of the court. She was chosen second by the Chicago Sky, and she will be a great addition to the team.

Skylar Diggins

One of the most talked about players in womens college basketball is Skylar Diggins. She is one of Notre Dame’s top players who holds or co-owns 32, game, season, and career records. In addition, she is the only Notre Dame Basketball player to have 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assist and 300 steals. Skylar Diggings rounded off the top 3 picks in the draft and will join the Tulsa Shock. 

The WNBA barely receives the recognition it deserves. Professional basketball has been a male dominate sport for as long as I can remember and I believe that the addition of these three dynamic women will improve the perception of women’s basketball forever. As of April 10, 2013, WNBA’s deal with ESPN has been extended and Up to 30 games, including playoffs, and the all-star game, will be broadcasted nationally.

-@SarahTresChic15

Russell Westbrook & Walt "Clyde" Frazier: Style Points

Chicago Did it Again, Ends Knicks Winning Streak,118-111

The New York Knicks were going for their 14^th consecutive win, as they headed to the United Center to take on the Chicago Bulls. Just two weeks prior, the Bulls ended the Miami Heat’s 27-game winning streak, and on Thursday they had the chance to do it again. Both teams played without their key big men, Tyson Chandler and Joakim Noah, so without their key centers both teams played small. Nate Robinson put on a great performance off the bench as he led his team with, a season high 35 points. Jimmy Butler added 22 points, and Luol Deng scored 16 and Chicago came out on top as they snapped another streak in OT, 118-111.

           

New York came out hot with a 14- 2 lead to start the first quarter, which included three 3pointers. However, the Bulls got back in it, as they continued to reduce the deficit throughout the first half. After the break the game got even more interesting. The Knicks were up by double figures again, and then Jimmy Butler responded with 2 steals and 2 dunks to get his team back in the game. Carmelo Anthony had 36 points for the Knicks, but thanks to the defense by Jimmy Butler, he didn’t reach another 40+ night. The NBA’s top scorer off the bench, JR Smith, finished with 28, Raymond Felton had 19 points and rookie Chris Copeland scored 14. Late in the fourth quarter, the Bulls cooled off and the Knicks rallied to tie the game at 105-105 with 14.5 seconds left. Luol Deng missed a shot 1.5 seconds left for the win, giving New York another chance. Carmelo Anthony also missed the game winner, and the battle continued in overtime. Nate Robinson continued his strong performance, with 8 of the 13 points in overtime, and Chicago maintained the lead for the win.

Chicago became the second team in NBA history to end two 13+ winning streaks in the same season. The last team to achieve this was the 1991 Phoenix Suns. The Bulls lost to the Raptors last night and are now a game behind the Atlanta Hawks in sixth place. Chicago heads to Miami to take on Lebron James and the Heat and they finish the season against the Wizards.

With their streak behind them, the New York Knicks are trying to clinch the number 2 spot, which would give them home court advantage for at least the first 2 rounds. After defeating the Cavaliers last night, the Knicks have a 3-game lead over the third place Indiana Pacers. In order for New York to secure the second seed, they have to beat Indiana tomorrow at home.

-@SarahTresChic15

Lakers vs Trail Blazers: Kobe Scores 47 Points, for a Huge Win in Portland

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their fight for the final spot in the playoffs, as they headed to Portland to face the Trail Blazers, on the second night of a back-to-back. After a big win on Tuesday at home against the Hornets, the Lakers got the victory over the Blazers, 113-106. With this win, its the first time this season the Lakers won on consecutive nights.Kobe Bryant led the Lakers, scoring a season high 47 points and was 18 of 18 from the free throw line. Along with his superb scoring, he added 8 rebounds, 5 assist, 4 blocks and 3 steals, giving him a fully loaded stat sheet. The big men, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard played well together, as Dwight Howard was on the receiving end of a few lobs from his teammate. Pau Gasol finished with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assist, and Dwight Howard contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds.The Lakers were without Steve Nash for the 5th game, still suffering from injuries he sustain on March 25th.

The Trail Blazers got off to a great start. In the first quarter they shot very well, 68.2% from the field scoring 41 points in 12 minutes without key players, Wesley Mathews, Nicholas Batum and J.J. Hickson. Portland continued to shoot at a high percentage throughout most of the half and maintained the lead. The Lakers came out strong in the second half and went on a 10-0 run giving them their first lead of the game in the third. The Blazers responded with every push the Lakers made, until the Lakers started to pull away in the fourth quarter. Damian Lillard had a phenomenal game, with 38 points, 9 assist and 3 steals. LaMarcus Aldridge added 17 points and 16 rebounds. The Blazers were a bit of a challenge for the Lakers, but with Kobe Bryant’s dominating performance, he lifts his team for a much needed win.

Kobe Bryant played so well last night, that fans at the Rose Garden were chanting "MVP". He even set a all-time record in Portland for an opponent, with his 47 points, beating LeBron James 44 point performance in 2011. Los Angeles is now one game ahead of the Utah Jazz, and is currently in playoff position. Both teams will have to continue battling for the 8^th seed with 3 games apiece left. For the Lakers, they remain at home to take on top teams, Golden State, San Antonio and Houston. The Jazz have 2 games against the Timberwolves and one against the Memphis Grizzlies. Nine days till the playoffs, who will have the final spot? Stay tuned.  


-@SarahTresChic15