Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 2

Indiana Pacers 78 Miami Heat 75

The Miami Heat took the early lead in this game, but Indiana went on a tear in the third quarter. going on a 12-0 run to take a nine point lead over the Heat. But in the fourth quarter the duo of Lebron James and Dwyane Wade brought Miami back with the two scoring 25 of Miami's 29 points in that quarter. In the end, though, it was free throw shooting, or the lack thereof, wihich would freeze the Heat. Both Lebron James and Dwyane Wade missed crucial free throws which would have tied the game or given Miami the lead. The Pacers were led to victory by David West, who led the Pacers with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and George Hill, who scored 15 points. Roy Hibbert and Paul George also had huge games, as they scored 8 points and 10 rebounds. and 10 points and 10 boards respectively.

Series tied at 1-1.

Pacers could be up 2-0 if they played smarter down the stretch in Game 1.

uPtoWnNY said:

Pacers could be up 2-0 if they played smarter down the stretch in Game 1.

Sixers could easily have won game one, as well. The East series have been good so far.

I probably should have been more clear...

The SECOND ROUND of Eastern Conference playoffs have been good so far.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Boston Celtics 107 Philadelphia 76ers 91

The Sixers got off to a good start, even leading by five ponts at the end of the first quarter, but it all went downhill for Philly after that as the Celtics gave an old fashiioned whuppin' to the Sixers. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 27 points and 13 rebounds while Paul Pierce added 24 points and 12 rebounds and Rajon Rondo added 23 points and 14 assists. Thaddeus Young led the Sixers with 22 points off the bench.

Boston leads series 2-1.

^^^ Well, they were good. That game was shit. It was like a different team showed up pretending to be the Sixers.

Cerebus said:

^^^ Well, they were good. That game was shit. It was like a different team showed up pretending to be the Sixers.

It was more painful than watching them lose to the Wizards and the Nets the latter

part of the season.

Philly's bigs are no match for Boston's. The guards were very lathargic. Lou Williams

played like he wasn't interested. Elton Brand is done. He missed so many shots around

the basket i got dizzy. The Sixers need more talent around Iggy, Thad Young, and Turner.

[Edited 5/16/12 19:22pm]

A whole bunch of curse words written in all caps, followed by several exclamation points.

Lakers are in deep shit if they split the next two at home.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 2

Los Angeles Lakers 75 Oklahoma City Thunder 77

The Lakers came out with much more energy in this game than they did in the opener, and they gave the Thunder a run for their money, but it would still not be enough, as OKC came roaring back from a seven point deficit in the last two minutes with some critical buckets and defensive stops, which was capped off by a baseline basket by Kevin Durant with 18 seconds left, giving the Thunder the lead and tbe eventual victory. Steve Black attempted a game winning 3 pointer with five seconds left, but it missed the mark, and OKC got the rebound and foul to secure the victory.

Oklahoma City leads series 2-0.

San Antonio vs Indiana in the finals? Yeah, wouldn't that be exciting?

I'm not sayin' that's going to happen. In fact, it could just as easily be OKC and Boston, which would also suck.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Miami Heat 75 Indiana Pacers 94

The game was fairly close in the first half, but some bad omens were on the horizon, as Dwyane Wade struggled to score all game. And without Chris Bosh the Heat had to rely on their supporting cast to carry them. Unfortunately the only other person who showed up for Miami was Mario Chalmers, who lead all Heat players with 25 points.

But Indiana would blow the game open in the second half, using a balanced scoring attack, some crushing defense, and some explosive three-point shooting. Roy Hibbert had a monster game, scoring 19 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, while George Hill led the Pacers with 20 points. Danny Granger added 17 points while David West scored 14.

Now the pressure is clearly on Miami to even the series. While they still are the presumptive favorites to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, they have struggled on the road at times during this season, and another road loss could have them on the brink of going home early.

Indiana leads series 2-1.

Shaolin325 said:

- LeBron is the best player on the planet, but he seems to be lacking the nastiness I see in other great players. Wade is extremely nasty, when necessary. Kobe is too. Jordan had a nasty streak also. I said all that just to ask can the Heat win it all if their best player is really a "nice guy" down deep? Nice guys are good for relationships, but maybe not b'ball. -

People (fans and talking heads alike) have been saying that about LeBron for years. I agree with that assessment myself and I actually think it's gotten worse in Miami.

Will it stop the Heat from winning a title? I don't think so. After all, the Heat are a team, not one player. And as you already pointed out, Wade has that nasty streak for sure.

But then, the other side of that is the HUGE number of games he won in Cleveland (not exactly a basketball powerhouse) AND Miami without yet winning a title.

Another point, one that doesn't get brought up nearly enough, is that there are FAR MORE players who have had long careers in the NBA who NEVER won a title than those who did. Only nine different teams have won the title since 1980. And it was only eight until Dallas won last year.

Cerebus said:

Cerebus said:

San Antonio vs Indiana in the finals? Yeah, wouldn't that be exciting?

I'm not sayin' that's going to happen. In fact, it could just as easily be OKC and Boston, which would also suck.

San Antonio vs Indy. I'd watch. The Spurs get a bad rap for being bland to watch

but this year's version is different. They have a little more athleticism with this team.

OKC would be a fun team to watch in the finals. I just don't want another Lakers Celtics

matchup.

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Miami Heat 75 Indiana Pacers 94

The game was fairly close in the first half, but some bad omens were on the horizon, as Dwyane Wade struggled to score all game. And without Chris Bosh the Heat had to rely on their supporting cast to carry them. Unfortunately the only other person who showed up for Miami was Mario Chalmers, who lead all Heat players with 25 points.

But Indiana would blow the game open in the second half, using a balanced scoring attack, some crushing defense, and some explosive three-point shooting. Roy Hibbert had a monster game, scoring 19 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, while George Hill led the Pacers with 20 points. Danny Granger added 17 points while David West scored 14.

Now the pressure is clearly on Miami to even the series. While they still are the presumptive favorites to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, they have struggled on the road at times during this season, and another road loss could have them on the brink of going home early.

Indiana leads series 2-1.

The fuck, Miami?

phunkdaddy said:

Cerebus said:

San Antonio vs Indiana in the finals? Yeah, wouldn't that be exciting?

I'm not sayin' that's going to happen. In fact, it could just as easily be OKC and Boston, which would also suck.

San Antonio vs Indy. I'd watch. The Spurs get a bad rap for being bland to watch

but this year's version is different. They have a little more athleticism with this team.

OKC would be a fun team to watch in the finals. I just don't want another Lakers Celtics

matchup.

It actually would be nice to see OKC and a different East Coast team in the finals. Hell if Miami can pull through, them and OKC. Stern wants Miami and L.A. or Boston or L.A.

Timmy84 said:

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 3

Miami Heat 75 Indiana Pacers 94

The game was fairly close in the first half, but some bad omens were on the horizon, as Dwyane Wade struggled to score all game. And without Chris Bosh the Heat had to rely on their supporting cast to carry them. Unfortunately the only other person who showed up for Miami was Mario Chalmers, who lead all Heat players with 25 points.

But Indiana would blow the game open in the second half, using a balanced scoring attack, some crushing defense, and some explosive three-point shooting. Roy Hibbert had a monster game, scoring 19 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, while George Hill led the Pacers with 20 points. Danny Granger added 17 points while David West scored 14.

Now the pressure is clearly on Miami to even the series. While they still are the presumptive favorites to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, they have struggled on the road at times during this season, and another road loss could have them on the brink of going home early.

Indiana leads series 2-1.

The fuck, Miami?

I said way, way, WAY back in the regular NBA thread that Indiana was going to be tough this year. They were WAY under the radar, but they're a solid team. I actually think they could beat Boston or Philly in a best of seven, so Miami better get their shit together.

Timmy84 said:

phunkdaddy said:

San Antonio vs Indy. I'd watch. The Spurs get a bad rap for being bland to watch

but this year's version is different. They have a little more athleticism with this team.

OKC would be a fun team to watch in the finals. I just don't want another Lakers Celtics

matchup.

It actually would be nice to see OKC and a different East Coast team in the finals. Hell if Miami can pull through, them and OKC. Stern wants Miami and L.A. or Boston or L.A.

I'm a traditionalist, which means I agree with Stern as far as whats best for the league (it's been proven - more people watch when those teams play), and an LA fan, which means I HATE Boston.

So for me, LA and ANYBODY other than Boston would be great. LA and Miami would be a SOLID finals.

But LA isn't going to make it. I'm at peace with that.

Unfortunately, I also hate the Spurs. Always have. Like, since BEFORE Tim Duncan was drafted.

So, secondary to LA, yeah, I'll agree with you and say Miami/OKC would be a nice series. I really don't see anybody beating the Spurs, though. So I think we'll be looking at San Antonio and OKC in the Western Conference Finals. I can't call a winner on that one yet, but I THINK San Antonio would take it based on what I've seen this season.

The East, though, maaaan.... if Miami doesn't go on a tear and take that series to six or seven games I think it's the Pacers to lose.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 2

Los Angeles Clippers 88 San Antonio Spurs 105

The Spurs pretty much jumped into the lead straight out of the gate and never let up. The banged up Clippers tried to make a run of it in the second quarter, but they didn't have the manpower down the stretch to keep San Antonio from pulling away, especially since they were led by their big three, Tim Duncan, who scored 18 points, Tony Parker who led all players with 22 points, and Boris Diaw who contributed 16 points. Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 20 points, but Chris Paul struggled all night, scoring only 10 points while playing through a nagging hip injury. However, the weary Clippers will get no rest, as their next two games, though at home, will be back-to-back affairs.

San Antonio leads series 2-0.

Cerebus said:

Timmy84 said:

It actually would be nice to see OKC and a different East Coast team in the finals. Hell if Miami can pull through, them and OKC. Stern wants Miami and L.A. or Boston or L.A.

I'm a traditionalist, which means I agree with Stern as far as whats best for the league (it's been proven - more people watch when those teams play), and an LA fan, which means I HATE Boston.

So for me, LA and ANYBODY other than Boston would be great. LA and Miami would be a SOLID finals.

But LA isn't going to make it. I'm at peace with that.

Unfortunately, I also hate the Spurs. Always have. Like, since BEFORE Tim Duncan was drafted.

So, secondary to LA, yeah, I'll agree with you and say Miami/OKC would be a nice series. I really don't see anybody beating the Spurs, though. So I think we'll be looking at San Antonio and OKC in the Western Conference Finals. I can't call a winner on that one yet, but I THINK San Antonio would take it based on what I've seen this season.

The East, though, maaaan.... if Miami doesn't go on a tear and take that series to six or seven games I think it's the Pacers to lose.

I don't hate the Spurs but I always thought they were dull. I don't know why, I just do.

A poor attempt at displaying a Boston accent " BAAAAAAAAAASSSTTAAAAANNNNNNN, blblkuriuoioissuughhh ( vomits ) "

I'll watch whoever makes it to the finals, that's what fans do. I don't care about the ratings because I don't profit from them so if its the Mid South ( SAT, OKC ) vs. the east ( BOS, IND ), bring it on . I'm counting out MIA not because I'm a hater, I just realize they will implode somewhere between now and if they reach the finals.

Maaan. If the Sixers could just play the way they play when they're playing good all the time, they would never lose. As it is, they're too inconsistent.

Go Sixers! But I still think the Celtics will take it in six or seven.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 4

Boston Celtics 83 Philadelphia 76ers 92

When this ganme began it looked like the Sixers didn't even belong in the same building as the Celtics. Boston opened the game with a 14-0 lead, and at halftime they led by 15 points, and it looked like it would be an easy victory for the Celtics as they would go home and attempt to close out the series in front of their adoring fans.

But Philly refused to die. Even though their starters, Andre Iguodala, Jrue Holiday, and Evan Turner had a miserable first half, they came rolling back in the second, with some potent defense which got the Celtics stars Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo in foul trouble. The Sixers crawled, kicked, and scratched their way back into the game in the third quarter with some huge shots, though they still had trouble shooting as they have during their playoff run. They got to withiin two points by the end of the third quarter, and in the last two minutes they stepped on the gas, led by Andre Iguodala, who had 16 points for the game, and they also got huge shots from Evan Turner and Lou Williams, who pot up 16 and 15 points respectively. They were also helped by Thaadeus Young, who had 12 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. So it appears all bets are off regarding the presumptive favorites in the Eastern Conference.

Series tied at 2-2.

Cerebus said:

Maaan. If the Sixers could just play the way they play when they're playing good all the time, they would never lose. As it is, they're too inconsistent.

Go Sixers! But I still think the Celtics will take it in six or seven.

I won't say they would never lose but they would win some more games. They are

such a rollercoaster. I don't even know what to expect from them. They showed a lot

of heart fighting back in the second half. They played like garbage in the first half

and got some well deserved boos from the home crowd in the first half. I'm glad they

shut Kevin Garnett up tonight. Good player but what an ass he is.

phunkdaddy said:

Cerebus said:

Maaan. If the Sixers could just play the way they play when they're playing good all the time, they would never lose. As it is, they're too inconsistent.

Go Sixers! But I still think the Celtics will take it in six or seven.

I won't say they would never lose but they would win some more games. They are

such a rollercoaster. I don't even know what to expect from them. They showed a lot

of heart fighting back in the second half. They played like garbage in the first half

and got some well deserved boos from the home crowd in the first half. I'm glad they

shut Kevin Garnett up tonight. Good player but what an ass he is.

Well, yeah. I was rollin' with a bit o' the old hyperbole there. But its just amazing how different they look when they play bad. Rollercoaster for sure.

I've never been a fan of KG. Sure, he's a good player. But not a very likeable one.

Kevin was always an ignoramus going back to his Minnesota Timberwolves days.

Lakers up by three with 12 seconds left.

Oh my crap that was close! Durant almost made that shot. Go Lakers!