Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Golden State Warriors 89 Memphis Grizzlies 99

The Golden State Warriors jumped to the best record in the NBA this season primarily because of their high-powered offense led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, relkied on old school low post scoring and defense to defat their opponents this season. Nevertheless, the Warriors had the best home and road record in the NBA this season and never found themselves on a losing streak all year.

Until tonight. The Memphis Grizzlies were determined to use their stifling defense to slow down the "Splash Brothers," and they did just that. For the second game in a row, the Grizzlies made the Warriors look nothing like the team that was the NBA's best home or away during the regular season. The Warriors missed seven straight 3s during one stretch, several wide-open looks, and the Grizzlies harassed them into a handful of ugly turnovers. Golden State went just 6 of 26 from 3-point range, tying their season-low at 23.1 percent, and 19 of 28 at the free throw line.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies were monsters inside the paint. Zach Randolph scored 22 points and Marc Gasol added 21 points and 15 rebounds. The Grizzlies led by 17 early in the fourth quarter, but Golden State would come within four with just over three minutes remaining. Then Mike Conley Jr. and Courtney Lee took over down the stretch, hitting key shots and making free throws as they each scored 11 points in the contest. MVP Stephen Curry finished with 23 points for Golden State but shot 8 of 21 from the field, including just 2 of 10 from behind the 3-point line. Klay Thompson scored 20 points while Harrison Barnes added 16.

Memphis leads series 2-1.

RJOrion said:

Grizzlies look more playoff battle tested than Golden State...i was wondering if Draymond Green could handle Zach Randolph...ZBo is the most underrated power forward in the game...hes almost like a modern left handed Moses Malone...Allen, Conley, Gasol & them play defense like the 90s Knicks teams

Exactly, but the Grizzlies are better offensively. The 90s Knicks (damn I miss them) were downright ugly on the offensive end.

Grizzlies MUST win Game 4. I like their chances to win the series better at 3-1 than 2-2.

Paul Pierce is the mutha-PHUCKIN' truth.

uPtoWnNY said:

RJOrion said:

Grizzlies look more playoff battle tested than Golden State...i was wondering if Draymond Green could handle Zach Randolph...ZBo is the most underrated power forward in the game...hes almost like a modern left handed Moses Malone...Allen, Conley, Gasol & them play defense like the 90s Knicks teams

Exactly, but the Grizzlies are better offensively. The 90s Knicks (damn I miss them) were downright ugly on the offensive end.

Grizzlies MUST win Game 4. I like their chances to win the series better at 3-1 than 2-2.

Paul Pierce is the mutha-PHUCKIN' truth.

Lol..........no kidding.

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

Exactly, but the Grizzlies are better offensively. The 90s Knicks (damn I miss them) were downright ugly on the offensive end.

Grizzlies MUST win Game 4. I like their chances to win the series better at 3-1 than 2-2.

Paul Pierce is the mutha-PHUCKIN' truth.

Lol..........no kidding.

If Golden State ties the series they win in seven.

I think the Grizzlies can knock Golden State off if they keep

pounding them inside and play good team defense. I don't

expect Curry and Thompson to keep struggling shooting the rock but I really believe

the Grizzlies are too strong up front. Conley and Allen must continue

to play well too.

RJOrion said:

i HATE the Bulls... Derrick Rose getting carried off the court by Bulls reserves and medical staff, couldnt happen soon enough

I don't like them either but i do like Rose game. I don't like that jackass

Jokeim Noah. LeBron should have kneed him in the throat when he

dunked on him.

phunkdaddy said:

RJOrion said:

i HATE the Bulls... Derrick Rose getting carried off the court by Bulls reserves and medical staff, couldnt happen soon enough

I don't like them either but i do like Rose game. I don't like that jackass

Jokeim Noah. LeBron should have kneed him in the throat when he

dunked on him.

Some fools actually think Noah is an all-star. One of the most overrated players in NBA history.

Graycap23 said:

phunkdaddy said:

I don't like them either but i do like Rose game. I don't like that jackass

Jokeim Noah. LeBron should have kneed him in the throat when he

dunked on him.

Some fools actually think Noah is an all-star. One of the most overrated players in NBA history.

He's a decent rebounder and defender and an all star at trash talk but

has the ugliest offensive game I've seen since Dikembe Mutuombo. Noah

is not the all star he think he is.

phunkdaddy said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Cleveland Cavaliers 86 Chicago Bulls 84

Game 3 came down to one final buzzer-beater shot to seal a dramatic victory for the Chicago Bulls. Game 4 would be no different. It came down to a breathtaking final buzzer-beating shot, and once again it hit net, leading to a dramatic victory as time expired.

However, the outcome was different this time for the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls came into this game without Pau Gasol, who injured his hamstring in game 3, and his offensive presence was missed. Meanwhile, the Cavs desperately needed to win this game or else face potential elimination going back home. This game matched the physical intensity of game 3, and it was ugly at times. Both teams had long stretches where they struggled to score, partly because of defense but also because of poor shooting. Kyrie Irving again struggled from the floor, making only two of 10 field goals, though he did finish with 12 points thanks to his perfect 8 for 8 shooting from the free throw line. But the woes weren't just limited to the Cavs. Taj Gibson, starting in place of the injured Pau Gasol, scored just six points, and Joakim Noah scored just eight points, though he did grab 15 rebounds. Mike Dunleavy scored just four points and was in foul trouble throughout the game.

Yet the Cavs were bolstered by their supporting cast. Timofey Mosgov had a monster game, scoring 15 points, grabbing eight rebounds, dishing out three assists, and blocking three shots. Tristan Thompson had 12 points and seven rebounds, and J.R. Smith was again effective off the bench, scoring 13 points including three clutch 3-pointers.

But once again it was the superstars who led their respective teams. Jimmy Butler scored 19 points while Derrick Rose scored 31 points for Chicago including a driving layup that tied the game with just over eight seconds remaining. But it was the King who decided this outcome. Lebron James scored 25 points for the Cavs while grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out eight assists. But none was more important than his jumper in the final 1.5 seconds to give the victory to Cleveland and even up the series.

Series tied at 2-2.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Houston Rockets 95 Los Angeles Clippers 128

After the Clippers exploded on the Rockets in game 3, Houston was determined to slow down their momentum, and their primary target was DeAndre Jordan. They used the "Hack-a-Jordan" strategy to foul him and put him on the free throw line. He shot 28 free throw attempts in the first half, which is what most teams may attempt in an entire game. He would finish with 34 free throw attempts in this game, just five shots short of the record set by Shaquille O'Neal in 2000. (He would make 14 of those free throw attempts.) Despite this strategy by the Rockets, the Clippers led by six at the half.

But Jordan would get his revenge in the third quarter. He along with J.J. Redick would spark a 29-7 Clippers run in which they scored a playoff record 43 points in that quarter, and the Clippers would cruise after that. Jordan finished with 26 points and 17 rebounds while J.J. Redick finshed with 18 points including four 3-pointers. Blake Griffin added 21 points and eight rebounds, Chris Paul added 15 points and 12 assists, and Jamal Crawford added 13 points off the bench. James Harden scored 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out six assists while Trevor Ariza added 18 points and eight rebounds and Jason Terry added 16 points, but the Rockets' defensive effort outside of their "Hack-a-Jordan" strategy was non-existent, and they now go home facing elimination on their home court.

LA Clippers lead series 3-1.

The Rockets/Clippers series is unwatchable with all this "hack-a-Jordan" shit. I'm pretty sure the league will do something about it during the off-season.

uPtoWnNY said:

The Rockets/Clippers series is unwatchable with all this "hack-a-Jordan" shit. I'm pretty sure the league will do something about it during the off-season.

The best part was halftime, watching Shaq, Kenny and Charles yelling at each other. "That was 24 minutes of basketball and it took 84 minutes to watch it!" LOL, that game sucked so bad.

The Clippers are clearly the better team. Which is weird, considering the Rockets and Clippers had identical regular-season records and went 2-2 against each other. I expected 7 games, each one decided by a basket or less.

But man, this is men against boys. Poor Rockets...

RJOrion said:

Joakim Noah is an overrated, awkward, role player... i give him credit fot the facts that he plays with a high level of intensity and appears to give max effort at all times, but dont get it twisted...hes a mediocre ball player...he's not much better than Tiago Splitter...how he made an all star game is beyond me...im so glad King Rogaine hit that game winner today...not that i like the Cavs... i just HATE the Bulls

He is the Scottie Pippen of his era, but without a Michael Jordan to make him look like a Hall of Famer.

At least he has never quit on his team like Pippen did.

728huey said:

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Houston Rockets 95 Los Angeles Clippers 128

After the Clippers exploded on the Rockets in game 3, Houston was determined to slow down their momentum, and their primary target was DeAndre Jordan. They used the "Hack-a-Jordan" strategy to foul him and put him on the free throw line. He shot 28 free throw attempts in the first half, which is what most teams may attempt in an entire game. He would finish with 34 free throw attempts in this game, just five shots short of the record set by Shaquille O'Neal in 2000. (He would make 14 of those free throw attempts.) Despite this strategy by the Rockets, the Clippers led by six at the half.

But Jordan would get his revenge in the third quarter. He along with J.J. Redick would spark a 29-7 Clippers run in which they scored a playoff record 43 points in that quarter, and the Clippers would cruise after that. Jordan finished with 26 points and 17 rebounds while J.J. Redick finshed with 18 points including four 3-pointers. Blake Griffin added 21 points and eight rebounds, Chris Paul added 15 points and 12 assists, and Jamal Crawford added 13 points off the bench. James Harden scored 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out six assists while Trevor Ariza added 18 points and eight rebounds and Jason Terry added 16 points, but the Rockets' defensive effort outside of their "Hack-a-Jordan" strategy was non-existent, and they now go home facing elimination on their home court.

LA Clippers lead series 3-1.

Those were the quietest 21 points I've seen in decades. Harden was MIA for most of the game. Hell, the whole team was - not just Harden. They missed wide open dunks. Ugh.

LOL @ David Platt almost pulling a Pete Carroll on that last play.

Derrick Rose. Paul Pierce. Lebron James. Who made the most dramatic buzzer beater this past weekend? You make the call.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Atlanta Hawks 106 Washington Wizards 101

After a disappointing game 3 in which the Atlanta Hawks trailed badly for most of the game and was taken out of their ball sharing offense by the Washington Wizards, the Hawks went back to basics and looked much like the team that dominated the Eastern Conference this season. They were led by Jeff Teague, who scored 26 points, dished out eight assists, and grabbed four rebounds. Paul Milsap, who played only limited minutes in game 3 due to flu-like symptons, bounced back with 19 points while Al Horford had 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Hawks led for most of this game, but the Wizards would make a run late in the fourth quarter to cut Atlanta's lead to three points with just 36 seconds remaining. Paul Pierce would attempt another dramatic 3-point shot to tie the game, but this time the ball would bounce off the rim and be rebounded by the Hawks to secure the victory. Pierce finshed with 22 points. Bradley Beal scored 34 points and sparked the Wizards' comeback in the fourth quarter but it was just not quite enough this time.

Series tied at 2-2.

[Edited 5/11/15 19:43pm]

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Golden State Warriors 101 Memphis Grizzlies 84

For the first time this season the Golden State Warriors found themselves in real adversity, and head coach Steve Kerr commanded his players to play with a sense of urgency. They apparently took it to heart, as they would take the lead for good late in the first quarter and looked very much like the team that has dominated the NBA all season. MVP Stephen Curry scored 21 of his 33 points by halftime, and by the end of the game he added eight assists and five rebounds. Draymond Green scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Warriors while Kay Thompson added 15 points, Harrison Barnes added 12 and Andre Iguodala added 11 off the bench. Marc Gasol had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Memphis while Zach Randolph added 12 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Coinley Jr. finished with 10 points and seven assists but was 4-of-15 from the field.

Series tied at 2-2.

[Edited 5/12/15 17:31pm]

i thought my Lebron hatred had subsided when he went back to Cleveland. i was proud of him for that decision, but i still find myself rooting against him. I guess i still don't want him to win. Bulls should've "stepped on their throats" when they had the chance in game four. their window is closing fast

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 5

Chicago Bulls 101 Cleveland Cavaliers 106

This game would be a series of runs, and in the end the Bulls run would fall short. The Bulls would come storming out of the gate, jumping to a 10 point lead midway through the first quarter. But Lebron James would take over, scoring the first 12 points of the second quarter and playing suffocating defense. The Bulls have been plagued by hot and cold scoring spells all throughout the playoffs and especially in this series, shooting 4 of 22 from the floor in the quarter and missing all eight 3-point attempts. The Cavs would go into halftime with a 10 point lead.

But the Bulls would come charging back in the thrid quarter thanks to Mike Dunleavy, who would score 11 of his 19 points in that quarter and sparked an 11-0 run that brought the Bulls within one. But Cleveland would go on a run of their own that was sparked by Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, and J.R. Smith. The Cavs led by 17 with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Bulls would make a furious comeback to cut the lead to two with 1:18 remaining. But Derrick Rose would miss a layup, get another fast break attempt blocked by Lebron James, and Jimmy Butler would miss a 3-pointer, and Cleveland would secure the victory with free throws. Lebron James finished with 38 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocked shots. Kyrie Irving showed no ill efefcts from a sprained ankle and knee tendonitis, scoring 25 points while Iman Shumpert added 13 points, Tristan Thompson added 12 points and 10 rebounds, and J.R. Smith scored 12 points off the bench. Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 29 points and nine rebounds while Derrick Rose scored 16 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out seven assists. The Cavs can now look to close out the series in game 6.

Cleveland leads series 3-2.

Now that San Antonio is out, the remaining teams are still learning how to take that Next Step(TM) against each other. Collectively, it seems that the Grizz have the advantage on the remaining teams, but we've had some pretty good competition thus far.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 5

Los Angeles Clippers 103 Houston Rockets 124

The Houston Rockets found themselves on the brink of elimination, and James Harden found himself suffering through an illness. But he wasn't ready to spend the rest of the summer to recover from it, knowing what was at stake. Caoch Kevin McHale also knew what was at stake, substituting Josh Smith in the lineup in place of Terrence Jones in hope of sparking the offense.

Apparently these moves worked, as Harden would have a triple double in this game, scoring 26 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists, Dwight Howard added 20 points and 15 rebounds while Trevor Ariza added 22 points, Corey Brewer added 15 points. The Rockets led by 22 points in the thrid quarter, but the Clippers would cut the lead to 13 when Houston again went with their "Hack-a-Jordan" strategy. However, it wasn't needed as much, as DeAndre Jordan only attempted 16 free throws in the game, making seven of them and finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Houston would extend their lead in the fourth quarter thanks to some clutch shots from Josh Smith, and they cruised to an easy victory to stay alive in this series. Blake Griffin had 30 points and 16 rebounds, and Chris Paul added 22 points and 10 assists for the Clippers.

LA Clippers lead series 3-2.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 5

Washington Wizards 81 Atlanta Hawks 82

The second round of the NBA Playoffs has had its share of dramatic moments with last second game-winning shots from the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Washington Wizards. Toinight, it would the the Atlanta Hawks turn to make the dramatic shot.

Early on, however, the real drama was the surprise return of John Wall to the Wizards lineup, as he had been sidelined with multiple fractures in his hand and wrist and was believed to be out for the remainder of this series if not the playoffs altogether. But he was strong in his return, scoring 15 points, dishing out seven assists, grabbing four rebounds, and making four steals. But the Hawks would lead this game early on, yet the Wizards would go on a 17-6 run in the second quarter which was sparked by Bradley Beal, who would would finish the game with 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, and Marcin Gortat, who would finish with 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Atlanta would make a run in the third, but Washington would pull away early in the fourth to take a 10 point lead.

But the Hawks would storm back with a 14-0 run to take a five point lead with 2:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. Then Paul Pierce took the game into his own hands, shooting a clutch 3-pointer with 2:03 remaining to bring the Wizards within two, and after a couple of buckets back and forth shot what appeared to be the game winning 3-pointer to put Washington up by one with 8.3 seconds remaining.

Then with time winding down, Dennis Schroder went to the basket to shoot a desperation shot that missed, but Al Horford was there to follow, grabbing the rebound underneath the bucket and putting it in with 1.9 seconds remaining to give the Hawks the dramatic victory. Horford led the Hawks with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocked shots. Paul Milsap and Jeff Teague each added 14 points. The Hawks can now close out this series in the nation's capital.

Atlanta leads series 3-2.

namepeace said:

Now that San Antonio is out, the remaining teams are still learning how to take that Next Step(TM) against each other. Collectively, it seems that the Grizz have the advantage on the remaining teams, but we've had some pretty good competition thus far.

2 bad my team hasn't learned how 2 shoot layups.

RodeoSchro said:

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 5

Memphis Grizzlies 78 Golden State Warriors 98

The Memphis Grizzlies came into this game without the services of Tony Allen, who was sidelined with a sore hamstring. The Grizzlies took off with the early lead, but Golden State would come roaring back thanks to the streaky clutch shooting of the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Curry scored 18 points on six 3-pointers and added a career-playoff high six steals to go with seven rebounds and five assists. Thompson scored 21 points, and Harrison Barnes added 14 as the Warriors won their second straight game in impressive fashion. The Warriors made 14 of 30 shots from 3-point range, while Memphis made just four of 15 from long distance. Marc Gasol had 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Zach Randolph had 13 points and 10 rebounds, yet Jeff Green and Vince Carter struggled in this game, scoring a combined 18 points on 8 for 23 shooting from the floor. The Warriors can now close out this series in Memphis.

Golden State leads series 3-2.

[Edited 5/14/15 19:54pm]

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 6

Cleveland Cavaliers 94 Chicago Bulls 73

The Chicago Bulls found their backs against the wall once again against a Lebron James-led franchise, and if they had any hope of staying alive in this series, they had to come out strong. They also got Pau Gasol back for this game to help on offense. And in the first quarter they came out blazing, scoring 31 points in the quarter. In the meantime, Lebron James was playing (for him) a subpar game, and Kyrie Irving aggravated his knee injury in the second quarter, and he did not return in the second half.

But the scoring droughts that plagued the Bulls all throughout this series came to a crashing head in this game. After scoring 31 points in the first quarter, they managed to score only 42 points the rest of the game. This time around, it was the supporting cast who slayed the Bulls. They were led by Matthew Dellavedova, who scored 19 points including three 3-pointers. Tristan Thompson again had a solid game, scoring 13 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. J.R. Smith was again effective off the bench, scoring 12 points including three 3-pointers, and Iman Shumpert added 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Lebron James finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists.

As for the Bulls, Jimmy Butler led with 20 points but shot only eight for 22 from the floor while Derrick Rose scored just 14 points on seven for 16 shooting. No other Bulls player managed to score in double digits. The Cavs now advance to the Eastern Conference Finals while Chicago ponders its future and whether Jimmy Butler and/or coach Tom Thibodeau are part of it.

Cleveland wins series 4-2.