Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 2

Washington Wizards 119 Boston Celtics 129 F/OT

The Washington Wizards jumped out to a huge lead in game 1 of this series only to relinquish that lead and get blown by the Boston Celtics en route to an opening loss that they felt they gave away. They were hoping not to repeat that in this game.

The Wizards once again jumped out to a huge early lead, leading the Celtics by 13 at the end of the first quarter. But Boston would storm back in the second quarter and tie the game just before halftime, as the Wizards would lead by three. But after an opening 3-pointer from Marcus Smart. the Wizards went on a 14-0 run, as it appeared they would take control of this game. John Wall would have a huge game, scoring 40 points and dishing out 13 assists. In fact, the rest of the Wizards' starters scored in double digits.

But once again, it wasn't enough to stop the Celtics from clawing their way back into this game. The bench once again would spark the comeback, as Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, and Kelly Olynyk chipped into the Wizards' lead, as Rozier scored 12 points, Olynyk added eight points, and Smart nine points, five assists, and four rebounds. But it was Isaiah Thomas who had a monster game, scoring 53 points and bringing the Celtics back in the lead. The Wizards wold take the lead back late in the fourth quarter, but a couple of free throws from Isaiah Thomas would tie the game with 14.4 seconds remaining in regulation. John Wall would attempt the game winning shot, but it bounced off the rim, and Bradley Beal's follow up jumper would fall short of the net, sending the game into overtime.

Isiah Thomas took over the overtime period, scoring nine of the Celtics 15 points in the period, as they would pull away for the victiory. Al Horford scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder each added 14 points. Markieff Morris scored 16 points for the Wizards while Bradley Beal and Marcin Gortat each added 14 points, Otto Porter Jr. added 13 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 12 points and seven rebounds.

Boston leads series 2-0.

phunkdaddy said:

I wouldn't write the Spurs off after one game. They've been there done that.

I see it as more of Game 1 rust however the last time I've seen LaMarcus Aldridge

is on the back of a milk carton. This guy needs to show the hell up.

Rust? The Rockets had more time off between series than the Spurs did.

John Wall is a straight up beast, but how in the hell the Wizards gave up Game 2 to the Celtics and not defending Isaiah Thomas properly has to be a sin. The Wizards should've won this game. Seems they repeated the same exact thing they did in Game 1. Hello guys, you have to switch it up. And can someone please tell Markieff Morris to STFU with the trash talk until AFTER they have the game on lock? All that did was fuel IT even more and he went berserk in overtime.

Speaking of IT, this man has a heart of gold. Not only is he still grieving his sister, but it was his sister's birthday AND he had hours of dental surgery to repair damage done when his tooth got knocked out in Game 1...and everyone knows, mouth pain is extremely uncomfortable. So he was not only playing with an emotionally heavy heart but also in pain AND STILL SCORED 53 POINTS!!!!!! The courage of this guy is mindblowing.

missfee said:

John Wall is a straight up beast, but how in the hell the Wizards gave up Game 2 to the Celtics and not defending Isaiah Thomas properly has to be a sin. The Wizards should've won this game. Seems they repeated the same exact thing they did in Game 1. Hello guys, you have to switch it up. And can someone please tell Markieff Morris to STFU with the trash talk until AFTER they have the game on lock? All that did was fuel IT even more and he went berserk in overtime.

Speaking of IT, this man has a heart of gold. Not only is he still grieving his sister, but it was his sister's birthday AND he had hours of dental surgery to repair damage done when his tooth got knocked out in Game 1...and everyone knows, mouth pain is extremely uncomfortable. So he was not only playing with an emotionally heavy heart but also in pain AND STILL SCORED 53 POINTS!!!!!! The courage of this guy is mindblowing.

He's got a giant heart.

But the reversal of the 3-point + blocking call for the Wiz midway through the 4th, which could have extended their lead to 11 or 12, resulted in the ball going to the Wiz out of bounds up by 7. One stop and a bucket later, the C's had cut it to 5 with IT on the bench. That was a tremendous if not decisive swing in the game.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 1

Utah Jazz 94 Golden State Warriors 106

The Golden State Warriors spent a week off waiting for the Utah Jazz to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers, and they were worried about coming out rusty after not having played since last Monday. While they did experience some rust - they shot 7 for 29 from beyond the 3-point line - they still managed to lead the game from wire to wire and gradually puled away for a relatively easy victory. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in just 30 minutes of action while Draymond Green and Kevin Durant each added 17 points, though Durant had a lackluster night, shooting just 7 for 17 from the floor. Klay Thompson added 15 points. Rudy Gobert led the Jazz with 13 points and eight assists, but Gordon Heyward and Joe Johnson had poor shooting nights, shooting 4 for 13 and 4 for 10 from the floor respectively while scoring 12 and 11 points each. Rodney Hood also added 12 points for Utah.

Golden State leads series 1-0.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 2

Toronto Raptors 103 Cleveland Cavaliers 125

Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers easily dispatched the Toronto Raptors in game 1 but tonight he was looking to make history, and he would do that in the third quarter, as he hit a 3-pointer that would send him past Kareen Abdul-Jabbar for second place on the all-time postseaosn scoring list. now trailing only Michael Jordan for playoff supremacy.

As for the game itself, it was basically a repeat of game 1, as the Cavs stormed out of the gate and put the clamps on the Raptors. Lebron James led all scorers with 39 points while Kyrie Irving scored 22 points and dished out 11 assists. Channing Frye added 18 points off the bench while Iman Shumpert added 14 points. Though he did not start this game, Jonas Valanciunas led the Raptors with 23 points, but Kyle Lowry injured his ankle in the third quarter and was seen icing the ankle in the fourth quarter. He would finish with 20 points. Cory Joseph scored 22 points for Toronto, but DeMar DeRozan had a miserable night, scoring only five points on 2 for 11 shooting from the floor.

Cleveland leads series 2-0.

RodeoSchro said:

phunkdaddy said:

I wouldn't write the Spurs off after one game. They've been there done that.

I see it as more of Game 1 rust however the last time I've seen LaMarcus Aldridge

is on the back of a milk carton. This guy needs to show the hell up.

Rust? The Rockets had more time off between series than the Spurs did.

And it showed tonight as the Spurs returned the favor.

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 2

Toronto Raptors 103 Cleveland Cavaliers 125

Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers easily dispatched the Toronto Raptors in game 1 but tonight he was looking to make history, and he would do that in the third quarter, as he hit a 3-pointer that would send him past Kareen Abdul-Jabbar for second place on the all-time postseaosn scoring list. now trailing only Michael Jordan for playoff supremacy.

As for the game itself, it was basically a repeat of game 1, as the Cavs stormed out of the gate and put the clamps on the Raptors. Lebron James led all scorers with 39 points while Kyrie Irving scored 22 points and dished out 11 assists. Channing Frye added 18 points off the bench while Iman Shumpert added 14 points. Though he did not start this game, Jonas Valanciunas led the Raptors with 23 points, but Kyle Lowry injured his ankle in the third quarter and was seen icing the ankle in the fourth quarter. He would finish with 20 points. Cory Joseph scored 22 points for Toronto, but DeMar DeRozan had a miserable night, scoring only five points on 2 for 11 shooting from the floor.

Cleveland leads series 2-0.

Toronto is ova. They don't even play like they believe that they can beat Cleveland.

[Edited 5/4/17 4:53am]

missfee said:

Toronto is ova. They don't even play like they believe that they can beat Cleveland.

[Edited 5/4/17 4:53am]

They may give CLE a game in TOR, but the Raptors' best players can't hang with CLE's Big 3.

I think LBJ is expending a lot of energy to end this series early and get ready for BOS.

Bad night for Harden. Incredible night for Leonard and Gasol. Bummer for Tony Parker.

All in all, you have to feel good about splitting games away from home.

As in any series, the odd-numbered games are more important than the even-numbered ones. So i'm really looking forward to seeing what Game 3 brings.

Go Rockets!

LBJ playfully spinning the ball in his hand two times before draining that 3 in front of Ibaka is
the coolest most disrespectful thing I've seen in awhile.

My Warriors gettin another ring.

namepeace said:

missfee said:

Toronto is ova. They don't even play like they believe that they can beat Cleveland.

[Edited 5/4/17 4:53am]

They may give CLE a game in TOR, but the Raptors' best players can't hang with CLE's Big 3.

I think LBJ is expending a lot of energy to end this series early and get ready for BOS.

Shucks, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if Boston wins the semi-finals then suddenly forget how to win games once they start playing Cleveland in the ECF.

[Edited 5/4/17 10:13am]

missfee said:

namepeace said:

They may give CLE a game in TOR, but the Raptors' best players can't hang with CLE's Big 3.

I think LBJ is expending a lot of energy to end this series early and get ready for BOS.

Shucks, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if Boston wins the semi-finals then suddenly forget how to win games once they start playing Cleveland in the ECF.

They haven't gotten Playoff LeBron yet. Had Rondo stayed healthy they might not be playing now.

I hate the C's, but it'd be fun to see whether IT4's giant-killer act against CLE's Big 3. Horford and Thompson are VERY well matched.

namepeace said:

missfee said:

Shucks, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if Boston wins the semi-finals then suddenly forget how to win games once they start playing Cleveland in the ECF.

They haven't gotten Playoff LeBron yet. Had Rondo stayed healthy they might not be playing now.

I hate the C's, but it'd be fun to see whether IT4's giant-killer act against CLE's Big 3. Horford and Thompson are VERY well matched.

If Washington doesn't get their act together tonight, your wish very well may come true.

missfee said:

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 2

Houston Rockets 96 San Antonio Spurs 121

The San Antonio Spurs were absolutely embarrassed by the Houston Rockets in game 1, so they were looking to bounce back with a much better game this time around. The Spurs would jump out to an early lead, but they were not quite able to put Houston away in the first three quarters, as the Rockets would rally back to within five points several times.

But the Spurs were able to kick into higher gear in the fourth quarter and put the clamps on the Rockets' high-powered offense. They pulled away to a 20-plus point lead to cruise to victory, but it may have come at a huge price. Tony Parker, trying to hit a floating jumper in the lane with 8:43 remaining in the game, landed awkwardly on the floor and immediately grabbed his knee in what looked to be a serious injury. He attempted to limp off the court but eventually had to be carried off with what appeared to be a torn knee ligament. Up to that point he was having a decent game, scoring 18 points for San Antonio.

As for the rest of the Spurs, Kawhi Leonard had a huge game. scoring 34 points while dishing out eight assists and grabbing seven rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge rebounded from his lackluster performance in game 1, scoring 15 points and grabbing eight rebounds while Jonathon Simmons added 14 points off the bench and Danny Green added 12 points. Ryan Anderson led the Rockets with 18 points, but James Harden was held to 13 points on 3 for 17 shooting fron the floor. Clint Capela added 14 points for Houston while Patrick Beverley added 12 points.

Series tied at 1-1.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Boston Celtics 89 Washington Wizards 116

The Washington Wizards came into game 3 having led by huge margins in the first two games only to blow those leads and allow the Boston Celtics to take a 2-0 lead in the series. They were coming home to their faithful fans this time around, and they were hoping not to jump ahead only to lose another lead again.

This time the Wizards took control and never let their foot off the pedal. They would explode to a 22 point lead at the end of the first quarter and were never threatened after that, save for a couple of testy moments in which thew Wizards' Kelly Oubre Jr. was ejected for shoving Celtics reserve Kelly Olynyk and where Terry Rozier and Brandon Jennings got into a tussle that led to back-to-back double technical fouls on each player and an instant ejection from the game. All of the Wizards' starters finshed the game in double digits, led by John Wall who scored 24 points and dished out eight assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic even joined in the fun, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds off the bench. Otto Porter Jr. added 19 points while Marcin Gortat added 13 points and 16 rebounds. Al Horford led the Celtics with 16 points while Jae Crowder added 14 points. However, Isaiah Thomas was held to just 13 points on 3 for 8 shooting from the floor.

Boston leads series 2-1.

Empress said:

missfee said:

Toronto is ova. They don't even play like they believe that they can beat Cleveland.

[Edited 5/4/17 4:53am]

I think you might be right. The Raptors have not played well at all. Let's not forget that both teams had 51 wins this season. We just can't control LeBron and we haven't been making our shots. Oh well. At this point I'd like to see any teams In the final other than the Cavs and GS.

Well, my Warriors and the Cavs are pretty much looking like they will see each other again in the Finals at this point. It seems that Houston will be the only challenge to GSW from the West, as they are pretty much the only team that is on GSW's level but I don't see Houston beating GSW in the WCF. If the Wizards are able to get past the Celtics and meet up with the Cavs in the ECF, I believe they will present the Cavs with some problems, but they may not be able to beat them in an upset. Plus, the Wizards sort of wear their hearts on their sleeves. If they think the Celtics are too physical, the Cavs are worse.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 2

Utah Jazz 104 Golden State Warriors 115

The Golden State Warriors easily dispatched the Utah Jazz in game 1, and on top of that the Jazz would be without the services of point guard George Hill in game 2, who sat out due to an injured toe. But this game was a near repeat of game 1 except that Draymond green and Kevin Durant were the big stars for the Warrirors. Durant scored 25 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out seven assists while Green scored 21 points inluding going 5 for 8 from beyond the 3-point line. Stephen Curry scored 23 points while Klay Thompson added 14 points. Gordon Heyward rebounded from his lackluster performance in game 1, scoring a game-high 33 points for the Jazz while Rudy Gobert scored 16 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Shelvin Mack added 14 points for Utah, but Joe Johnson once again struggled, scoring just eight points.

Golden State leads series 2-0.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Cleveland Cavaliers 115 Toronto Raptors 94

Last season Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers won the first ten games of their postseason run before having that streeak snapped by The Toronto Raptors in game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Raptors knew if they had any chance of getting back in this series they would need to repeat that performance, but they were already at a disadvantage because they would be without Kyle Lowry, who sprained his ankle in game 2.

The Raptors would make a much stronger effort in this game, going back and forth and trailing only by two points at the end of the third quarter, but they struggled from beyond the 3-point line, shooting just 2 for 18 from beyond the arc. This would prove devastating, as the Cavs would blow them out in the fourtth quarter while the Raptors went ice cold from the field, missing 10 out of their first 11 shots. Lebron James led all scorers with 35 points while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out seven assists. Kyrie Irving and kevin Love each scored 16 points while Love also grabbed 13 rebounds. Kyle Korver added 14 points off the bench for the Cavs. DeMar DeRozan scored a game-high 37 points for the Raptors biut made only one field goal in the fourth quarter. Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds while Nate Powell added 13 points and Serge Ibaka added 12 points. The Cavs now look to make their second playoff series sweep in game 4.

Cleveland leads series 3-0.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

San Antonio Spurs 103 Houston Rockets 92

LaMarcus Aldridge had been criticized for his lackluster performances in the first two games of this series, but he knew he would have to step up his game dramatcially, particularly since Tony Parker suffered a torn quadriceps which not only ended his season but maybe his career. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets spanked the Spurs in game 1 due to their explosive 3-point shooting, but that shooting went cold in game 2. They were hoping some home court advantage would once again light up the offense.

This game would go back and forth, with the Spurs leading at times only for the Rockets to come back. Biut it was during the fourth quarter that the Spurs would pull away thanks to LaMarcus Aldridge scoring seven of his 26 points in the game in a 7-2 run to make it 85-74 with about five minutes left. The Spurs would never trail after that. Kawhi Leonard also scored 26 points while Patty Mills added 15 points off the bench and Pau Gasol and Danny Green added 12 and 11 points respectively. James Harden led the Rockets with 43 points while Trevor Ariza added 17 points, but they once again struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 12 3-pointers on 39 attempts.

San Antonio leads series 2-1.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Golden State Warriors 102 Utah Jazz 81

The Utah Jazz couldn't get their game going in the first two games of this series, but they were hoping that their home court would give them a decided advantage against the Golden State Warriors. They also needed to find a way to slow down Kevin Durant if they were going to come back in this series.

Things didn't go exactly as planned for the Jazz. The Warriors once again jumped out to an early double-digit lead thanks to Kevin Durant, who had 22 points and six rebounds by halftime. But Utah would rally back to take the lead at the half, and they led by nine points in the third quarter. But the Warriors would come back, and they capped off their comeback in the fourth quarter by going on a 10-4 run that gave them the lead for good. Durant finished with 38 points and 13 rebounds. Stephen Curry scored 23 points while Draymond Green overcame foul trouble in the first half to finish with noine points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Andre Iguodala added 11 points off the bench. All of the Utah starters finished in double digits in scoring with Gordon Heyward leading the way with 29 points and six assists. Rudy Gobert scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds while Shelvin Mack added 11 points and Joe Ingles and Boris Diaw added 10 points each. But the bench failed the Jazz, as they scored a total of 10 points, with Joe Johnson accounting for seven of those points.

Golden State leads series 3-0.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Cleveland Cavaliers 109 Toronto Raptors 102

Lebron James was looking to close out this series as soon as possiblle, if only for the fact that he himself said they were an older team that needed a little rest to get over some nagging injuries. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors had their backs against the wall and didn't want to be swept out of this series. But they were once again without Kyle Lowry, whose ankle injury still had not healed in time for this elimination game.

The Raptors came out strong, but the Cavs would again take the lead in the second quarter and led by as much as 16 in the third when the Raptors made their desperation run. They were sparked by Cory Joseph, who started in place of Kyle Lowry, as he hit some key baskets and drove into the lane with quick layups to get the Raptors back into the game. Joseph would finish with 20 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds. The Raptors would come all the way back in the fourth quarter, taking the lead on a Serge Ibaka bucket and foul shot at 93-92 with 6:37 remaining.

But then Kyrie Irving took over down the stretch, htting some key jumpers to put the Cavs up for good. Irving finshed with 27 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. Lebron James scored 35 points while also grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out six assists. Kyle Korver added 18 points off the bench while going 4 for 6 from beyond the 3-point line. Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 23 ponts while DeMar DeRozan added 22 points and eight assists and P.J. Tucker added 14 points and 12 rebounds. But they just didn't have enough firepower to overcome the Cavs dominance. The Cavs now await the winner of the Celtics-Wizards series.

Cleveland wins series 4-0.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Boston Celtics 102 Washington Wizards 121

The Washington Wizards stormed into game 3 with a huge lead and unlike the first two games of this series, they hung on to that lead, and they were hoping to use that momentum to even up the series. The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, wanted to get back to basics and take a commanding lead back home to Beantown.

This Celtics would jump out to an early lead, but the Wizards would come back to tie the game at halftime. But after the Celtics scored the first five points of the third quarter, the Wizards exploded, going on a 26-0 run to take control of the game and eventually cruise to victory. They were led by their backcourt of Bradley Beal, who scored 29 points, and John Wall, who scored 27 points, dished out 12 assists, and made five steals. Otto Porter Jr. added 18 points and eight rebounds while Markieff Morris added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 13 points off the bench. Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 19 points but struggled mightily in the second half. Terry Rozier scored 16 points while Kelly Olynyk added 14 points for Boston.

Series tied at 2-2.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

San Antonio Spurs 104 Houston Rockets 125

The Houston Rockets found themselves struggling in games 2 and 3 due to their lackluster shooting from beyond the 3-point line, which sparked much of their offense this season. The Spurs had a opportunity to take a commanding lead by continuing to shut down the Rockets' high-powered offense.

But tonight the Rockets found their groove again from behind the 3-point line. They led from wire to wire, with Eric Gordon leading the 3-point assault, hitting six of his nine 3-point attempts in this game and finishing with 22 points. The Spurs would cut Houston's lead to four points at the half, but the Rockets blasted the Spurs away in the third quarter. James Harden led the Rockets with 28 points and 12 assists while Trevor Ariza added 16 points and Ryan Anderson and Lou Williams each added 13 points. Jonathon Simmons led the Spurs with 17 points but the Rockets defense held both Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge in check, with each scoring just 16 points in the game.

Series tied at 2-2.

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Boston Celtics 102 Washington Wizards 121

The Washington Wizards stormed into game 3 with a huge lead and unlike the first two games of this series, they hung on to that lead, and they were hoping to use that momentum to even up the series. The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, wanted to get back to basics and take a commanding lead back home to Beantown.

This Celtics would jump out to an early lead, but the Wizards would come back to tie the game at halftime. But after the Celtics scored the first five points of the third quarter, the Wizards exploded, going on a 26-0 run to take control of the game and eventually cruise to victory. They were led by their backcourt of Bradley Beal, who scored 29 points, and John Wall, who scored 27 points, dished out 12 assists, and made five steals. Otto Porter Jr. added 18 points and eight rebounds while Markieff Morris added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 13 points off the bench. Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 19 points but struggled mightily in the second half. Terry Rozier scored 16 points while Kelly Olynyk added 14 points for Boston.

Series tied at 2-2.

Now if Washington can beat the Celts in Boston, then we are on to something.

728huey said:

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Golden State Warriors 102 Utah Jazz 81

The Utah Jazz couldn't get their game going in the first two games of this series, but they were hoping that their home court would give them a decided advantage against the Golden State Warriors. They also needed to find a way to slow down Kevin Durant if they were going to come back in this series.

Things didn't go exactly as planned for the Jazz. The Warriors once again jumped out to an early double-digit lead thanks to Kevin Durant, who had 22 points and six rebounds by halftime. But Utah would rally back to take the lead at the half, and they led by nine points in the third quarter. But the Warriors would come back, and they capped off their comeback in the fourth quarter by going on a 10-4 run that gave them the lead for good. Durant finished with 38 points and 13 rebounds. Stephen Curry scored 23 points while Draymond Green overcame foul trouble in the first half to finish with noine points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Andre Iguodala added 11 points off the bench. All of the Utah starters finished in double digits in scoring with Gordon Heyward leading the way with 29 points and six assists. Rudy Gobert scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds while Shelvin Mack added 11 points and Joe Ingles and Boris Diaw added 10 points each. But the bench failed the Jazz, as they scored a total of 10 points, with Joe Johnson accounting for seven of those points.

Golden State leads series 3-0.

Hopefully, GSW can go ahead and close this out tonight. Our next round will be the official start of the playoffs. Both Houston and the Spurs are formidable opponents and will be competition for sure.

728huey said:

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

San Antonio Spurs 104 Houston Rockets 125

The Houston Rockets found themselves struggling in games 2 and 3 due to their lackluster shooting from beyond the 3-point line, which sparked much of their offense this season. The Spurs had a opportunity to take a commanding lead by continuing to shut down the Rockets' high-powered offense.

But tonight the Rockets found their groove again from behind the 3-point line. They led from wire to wire, with Eric Gordon leading the 3-point assault, hitting six of his nine 3-point attempts in this game and finishing with 22 points. The Spurs would cut Houston's lead to four points at the half, but the Rockets blasted the Spurs away in the third quarter. James Harden led the Rockets with 28 points and 12 assists while Trevor Ariza added 16 points and Ryan Anderson and Lou Williams each added 13 points. Jonathon Simmons led the Spurs with 17 points but the Rockets defense held both Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge in check, with each scoring just 16 points in the game.

Series tied at 2-2.

This series and the Wizards vs. Celtics have been the most watchable. It'll be interesting to see how Game 5 will turn out. I'll surely be watching.

It is difficult to watch the Spurs; somebody needs to take this team out back and put it down.