I know this is late, but it was a closeout game, so I need to post this.


Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Denver Nuggets 88 Golden State Warriors 92

Golden State was looking to close out this series in front of their home fans, and they got a huge emotional jolt as David West was cleared to play by his doctors. THough he only played one minute early in the first quarter, he grabbed a rebound, and that was enough to light a fire underneath the Warriors, who would surge into the lead in the third quarter and led by as much as 16 points in the fourth. But Denver would make one final furious run, cutting Golden State's lead to just two points with 32 seconds left in the game, but they could not finish the deal, and after looking like they would be the surprise conetender for the NBA title, they now found themselves exiting the playoffs early. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 22 points and eight assists while Draymond Green added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Andrew Bogut had his best game of the playoffs, scoring 14 points while grabbing 21 rebounds. Andre Iguodala led the Nuggets with 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists while Ty Lawson added 17 points in a season-ending effort. Golden State now moves on to the conference semifinals on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

Golden State wins series 4-2.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Indiana Pacers 81 Atlanta Hawks 73

The Pacers looked to close out this series in Atlanta, where they had not won in the last 13 games. This time around they built a 17 point lead and held on to claim victory, putting off a furious final run by the Hawks. George Hill and David West each led the Pacers with 21 points, while Roy Hibbert added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Al Horford led the Hawks with 15 points while Josh Smith and Devin Harris each added 14 points. The Hawks cut the Pacers lead to three points with just 2:13 remaining, but some key defensive stops by the Pacers would doom Atlanta and end their season. The Pacers now await the winner of the Knicks-Celtics series.

Indiana wins series 4-2.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

New York Knicks 88 Boston Celtics 80

The New York Knicks were determined to close out this series tonight but figured to have a tall order on hostile territory against one of their long-time opponents, the Boston Celtics. Nevertheless, the Knicks stormed out of the game early and dominated the game for three quarters, despite the continued poor shooting of Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith, who scored 21 and 13 points for the game respectively, yet did that on 7 for 23 and 5 for 13 field goal shooting respectively. They were helped tremendously by Iman Shumpert, who scored 17 points and hit all three of his 3 point field goal attempts, and Pablo Priglioni, who scored 14 points including going 4 for 6 behind the 3 point line. The Knicks would take a 26 point lead early in the fourth quarter

But that lead would nearly evaporate, as the Celtics would make one final furious run back into the game thanks to Jeff Green and Avery Bradley. Bradley made three steals during this run and scored 10 points for the game, all in the fourth quarter. Jeff Green would be huge down this final stretch, scoring 21 points for the game before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Paul Pierce scored 14 points with seven rebounds and five assists while Kevin Garnett scored 15 points with 10 rebounds. The Celtics would cut the lead down to foour points, but Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith would seal the victory with some key jump shots and offensive rebounds. It was a valiant effort by Boston, but it came up short. Meanwhile, the Knicks move on to play the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals.

New York wins series 4-2.

Good. Bye bye Celtics.

Now if only the Bulls can do what NY did, we'll be alright.

YES YES!

go Knicks go!

--

undoubtedly, the 08-10 era, when the Celtics-Lakers ruled, is basically OVER

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Oklahoma City Thunder 103 Houston Rockets 94

Oklahoma City looked to show doubters that they were ready to move on to the next round, and this time around it would be the player they traded James Harden for that would prove to make a difference. Kevin Martin had struggled mightily through this series, but he had a breakout game here, scoring 25 points as the Thunder finally put away the Rockets. Kevin Durant scored 27 points with eight rebounds and six assists, but four other OKC players scored double digits in points. James Harden led the Rockets with 26 points while Chandler Parsons scored 25 points. Omer Asik added 13 points while grabbing as many rebounds. But in the end, Houston's spirited floursih in the first half of the game was not enough to stop the rolling Thunder, and OKC now moves on to the conference semifinals.

Oklahoma City wins series 4-2.

Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Los Angeles Clippers 105 Memphis Grizzlies 118

The Grizzlies still remembered the ugly feeling they had when they had a chance to win a game seven on their home court last season only to be bounced out by this same Clippers team. They were determined not to repeat that outcome, and they delivered, defeating the Clippers and moving on the conference semifinals for the second time in three seasons. The game got very physical at times, as Zach Randolph and Blake Griffin got involved in a tussle on the floor and had to be separated. Even Grant Hill got five personal fouls in just 20 minutes of play for the Clippers. Even so, Zach Randolph and his teammate Mike Conley Jr. each led the Grizzlies with 23 points while five other Memphis players also scored in double digits. Matt Barnes led the Clippers with 30 points and 10 rebounds while Chris Paul added 28 points. However, Blake Griffin, who injured his ankle earlier in the week, was llimited to just nine points in 14 minutes of play. The Clippers, who had such a promising season, now find themselves going home early while the Grizzlies move on to the conference semifinals against Oklahoma City.

Memphis wins series 4-2.

shame about the Clippers, promising team indeed

the Lakers should buy Griffin and Marc Gasol

JoeTyler said:

shame about the Clippers, promising team indeed

the Lakers should buy Griffin and Marc Gasol

Chris Paul is a free agent. D12 is too. Sign Chris Paul. A core of Kobe-Pau-CP3 for 13-14 would be great, with Nash, Clark, MWP as the role players.

If you wanted to trade Pau for pieces and keep D12, you have CP3 and D12 . . . which is probably what they aimed for 18 months ago until Stern killed the CP3 trade.

I think everyone assumed CP3 would re-sign, but I think LA'd have a puncher's chance of coaxing him to switch locker rooms in Staples.

Griffin is a great player, but he's a few years away from being a genuine franchise player.

Gasol is under contract, IIRC. The Gasol-Gasol trade was a steal in 2008, for the Lakers, AND a steal, in 2013, for the Grizz. Both sides won.

Knicks never do anything easy, but a win is a win. No time for rest - Game 1 is tomorrow.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 7

Chicago Bulls 99 Brooklyn Nets 93

After the Chicago Bulls lost game six on their home court, it was assumed that they had a very uphill climb to win game seven in Brooklyn, especially without their point guard Kirk Hinrich, who was still suffering with a calf injury, and Luol Deng, who was hospitalized twice with a serious upper respiratory infection. But immediately after that loss, Bulls center Joakim Noah promised the fans that the Bulls would win game seven.

And he did everything to live up to that promise. He came out on fire, scoring 15 points in the first half and scoring 24 points in the game, along with grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking six shots. The Nets were outrebounded by the Bulls in this game, especially in the first half, and the Bulls went into halftime with a 17 point lead. But Brooklyn would make a run in the third quarter, cutting the Bulls lead to five points before settling down into a grind out affair for the remainder of the game. The Bulls got a huge contribution from Marco Bellinelli, who scored 24 points including three 3 pointers. Carlos Boozer added 17 points and Nate Robinson added 12, but they got some key minutes off the bench from rookie Marcus Teague, who only scored four points but kept the Bulls in the game in the fourth quarter. Derren Williams led the Nets with 24 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Brook Lopez scored 21 points and nine rebounds, and Gerald Wallace scored 19 points with three clutch 3 pointers to get Brooklyn back in the game. But Joe Johnson really struggled in this game, scoring only six points on 2 for 14 field goal shooting. The Nets now go home for the season while the banged up and undermanned Bulls now go on to the conference semifinals against the very well rested Miami Heat in a series that on paper looked to be the marquee matchup of the postseason when this season started but now figures to be just another speed bump on the Miami Heat's road to another NBA title.

Chicago wins series 4-3.

Shame on the Nets. Game 7 in your house and you don't match the Bulls' intensity? Inexcusable.

Pacers v Knicks! Have been a Pacer's fan since the mid-90s. Pacers and Knicks had a huge rivalry back then. Looking forward to seeing how this series will shape up.

uPtoWnNY said:

Shame on the Nets. Game 7 in your house and you don't match the Bulls' intensity? Inexcusable.

Nets, need another scorer. Darrin Williams, is not enough and he's too much of a "pretty boy" to go inside. They also need a player, who will hold themselves and the team accountable, (ex: In a fire, there is always somebody who takes charge. There isn't anybody on that team who is capable of doing that yet.) I give them another year or two, and they will be ready.

Nets need another coach - PJ just got the ax.

uPtoWnNY said:

Nets need another coach - PJ just got the ax.

Just heard...Maybe they will go after Phil.

728huey said:

phunkdaddy said:

728huey said:

I know this is late, but it was a closeout game, so I need to post this.


Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Denver Nuggets 88 Golden State Warriors 92

Golden State was looking to close out this series in front of their home fans, and they got a huge emotional jolt as David Westwas cleared to play by his doctors. THough he only played one minute early in the first quarter, he grabbed a rebound, and that was enough to light a fire underneath the Warriors, who would surge into the lead in the third quarter and led by as much as 16 points in the fourth. But Denver would make one final furious run, cutting Golden State's lead to just two points with 32 seconds left in the game, but they could not finish the deal, and after looking like they would be the surprise conetender for the NBA title, they now found themselves exiting the playoffs early. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 22 points and eight assists while Draymond Green added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Andrew Bogut had his best game of the playoffs, scoring 14 points while grabbing 21 rebounds. Andre Iguodala led the Nuggets with 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists while Ty Lawson added 17 points in a season-ending effort. Golden State now moves on to the conference semifinals on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

Golden State wins series 4-2.

So David West plays for Golden State and Indiana?

I meant David Lee.

phunkdaddy said:

728huey said:

I know this is late, but it was a closeout game, so I need to post this.


Western Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 6

Denver Nuggets 88 Golden State Warriors 92

Golden State was looking to close out this series in front of their home fans, and they got a huge emotional jolt as David Westwas cleared to play by his doctors. THough he only played one minute early in the first quarter, he grabbed a rebound, and that was enough to light a fire underneath the Warriors, who would surge into the lead in the third quarter and led by as much as 16 points in the fourth. But Denver would make one final furious run, cutting Golden State's lead to just two points with 32 seconds left in the game, but they could not finish the deal, and after looking like they would be the surprise conetender for the NBA title, they now found themselves exiting the playoffs early. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 22 points and eight assists while Draymond Green added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Andrew Bogut had his best game of the playoffs, scoring 14 points while grabbing 21 rebounds. Andre Iguodala led the Nuggets with 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists while Ty Lawson added 17 points in a season-ending effort. Golden State now moves on to the conference semifinals on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

Golden State wins series 4-2.

So David West plays for Golden State and Indiana?

But Golden State WON.

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, 1st Round

Game 7

Chicago Bulls 99 Brooklyn Nets 93

After the Chicago Bulls lost game six on their home court, it was assumed that they had a very uphill climb to win game seven in Brooklyn, especially without their point guard Kirk Hinrich, who was still suffering with a calf injury, and Luol Deng, who was hospitalized twice with a serious upper respiratory infection. But immediately after that loss, Bulls center Joakim Noah promised the fans that the Bulls would win game seven.

And he did everything to live up to that promise. He came out on fire, scoring 15 points in the first half and scoring 24 points in the game, along with grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking six shots. The Nets were outrebounded by the Bulls in this game, especially in the first half, and the Bulls went into halftime with a 17 point lead. But Brooklyn would make a run in the third quarter, cutting the Bulls lead to five points before settling down into a grind out affair for the remainder of the game. The Bulls got a huge contribution from Marco Bellinelli, who scored 24 points including three 3 pointers. Carlos Boozer added 17 points and Nate Robinson added 12, but they got some key minutes off the bench from rookie Marcus Teague, who only scored four points but kept the Bulls in the game in the fourth quarter. Derren Williams led the Nets with 24 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Brook Lopez scored 21 points and nine rebounds, and Gerald Wallace scored 19 points with three clutch 3 pointers to get Brooklyn back in the game. But Joe Johnson really struggled in this game, scoring only six points on 2 for 14 field goal shooting. The Nets now go home for the season while the banged up and undermanned Bulls now go on to the conference semifinals against the very well rested Miami Heat in a series that on paper looked to be the marquee matchup of the postseason when this season started but now figures to be just another speed bump on the Miami Heat's road to another NBA title.

Chicago wins series 4-3.

Western Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 1

Memphis Grizzlies 91 Oklahoma City Thunder 93

Oklahoma City trailed for most of this game, as Memphis played their patented league leading defense, but Kevin Durant would be the hero for the Thunder, as he hit two critical jumpshots to pull OKC ahead in the closing seconds of the game. However, they nearly blew that when they fouled Quincy Poindexter as he was shooting a game-tying 3 point attempt with just 1.6 seconds remaining. He made the first of his three free throws but missed the second, thus forcing him to intentiionlly bounce the final free throw off the rim. Durant swatted the ball away from the rim and Marc Gasol recovered it to shoot a desperation jumper but it missed, thus giving OKC a hard fought victiory. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 35 points, and he aslo grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out six assists. Kevin Martin scored 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Zach Randolph added 18 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

Oklahoma City leads series 1-0.

Meanwhile, in other NBA news that came as a complete and utter shock to nobody, Lebron James was named the Kia NBA's Most Valuable Player today. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists this season, leading Miami to a league-best 66-16 record including a 40-2 record during the second half of the season which also included a 27 consecutive game winning streak while also shooting a career-high 56 percent for the season. James received all but one first place vote in the balloting. Kevin Durant was a far distant second place while Carmelo Anthony, who got the lone first place vote not going to Lebron James, finished third.

Also, the Brooklyn Nets essentially fired interim head coach P.J. Carlesimo today. He replaced Avery Johnson after the Christmas holiday and led Brooklyn to a 35-19 record during his tenure and their first playoff appearance since 2007, but with the Nets being bounced out of the playoffs on theri home court in the first round led GM Billy King to move in another direction instead of offering Carlesimo a new contract. King has reached out to Phil Jackson for the coaching vacancy but may also look at Larry Brown and Brian Shaw as replacements.

The Knicks will have lost by the time of this post, this will be a compelling series but it doesn't have the bitterness and anger of the Reggie Miller one. I'll take a chance on Indy winning in six.

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 1

Indiana Pacers 102 New York Knicks 95

Both teams were coming off dramatic game six victories the other night, but it was the Pacers who eventually played fresher in this opening game of the conference semis. They were sparked by reserve D.J. Augustin who scored 16 points off the bench, and they built a huge lead in the second quarter after Carmelo Anthony was forced to the bench after getting into foul trouble. The Pacers took adavantage of his absence and the continued poor shooting of J.R. Smith, who scored 17 points but shot only four out of 15 field goals. Besides Augustin, five other Indiana players scored in double digits including David West, who scored 20 points, and Paul George, who scored 19 points. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 27 points and 11 rebounds but shot only 10 for 28 from the field.

Indiana leads series 1-0.

TD3 said:

phunkdaddy said:

728huey said: So David West plays for Golden State and Indiana?

But Golden State WON.

But the Bears are destined for hell in 2013. Lovie's Revenge

6-10 in a last place tie with Detroit

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 1

Indiana Pacers 102 New York Knicks 95

Both teams were coming off dramatic game six victories the other night, but it was the Pacers who eventually played fresher in this opening game of the conference semis. They were sparked by reserve D.J. Augustin who scored 16 points off the bench, and they built a huge lead in the second quarter after Carmelo Anthony was forced to the bench after getting into foul trouble. The Pacers took adavantage of his absence and the continued poor shooting of J.R. Smith, who scored 17 points but shot only four out of 15 field goals. Besides Augustin, five other Indiana players scored in double digits including David West, who scored 20 points, and Paul George, who scored 19 points. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 27 points and 11 rebounds but shot only 10 for 28 from the field.

Indiana leads series 1-0.

The Pacers may win in six.

Timmy84 said:

728huey said:

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Conference Semifinals

Game 1

Indiana Pacers 102 New York Knicks 95

Both teams were coming off dramatic game six victories the other night, but it was the Pacers who eventually played fresher in this opening game of the conference semis. They were sparked by reserve D.J. Augustin who scored 16 points off the bench, and they built a huge lead in the second quarter after Carmelo Anthony was forced to the bench after getting into foul trouble. The Pacers took adavantage of his absence and the continued poor shooting of J.R. Smith, who scored 17 points but shot only four out of 15 field goals. Besides Augustin, five other Indiana players scored in double digits including David West, who scored 20 points, and Paul George, who scored 19 points. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 27 points and 11 rebounds but shot only 10 for 28 from the field.

Indiana leads series 1-0.

The Pacers may win in six.

This will go 7, with the Knicks winnng it. I expected them to lose this game because, of a lack of rest. They will be back.

Carmelo & JR picked the wrong time to go stone cold.

phunkdaddy said:

TD3 said:

But Golden State WON.

But the Bears are destined for hell in 2013. Lovie's Revenge

6-10 in a last place tie with Detroit

By Fall I will have my play-doe creation of Big Ben... with a BIG ASS stick pin. We shall see.