Category: NBA

  • RECAPPING NBA PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 GAME 7

    RECAPPING NBA PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 GAME 7

    8 Hawks at 1 Pacers

    Score: Pacers 92, Hawks 80

    Series Score: Pacers 4, Hawks 3

    SERIES WINNER: PACERS!

    Key Player: Paul George (30 Pts, 11 Reb)

    Quote: “We know what we want to get to and we know what our journey is,” Paul George said.

    7 Grizzlies at 2 Thunder

    Score: Thunder 120, Grizzlies 109

    Series Score: Thunder 4, Grizzlies 3

    SERIES WINNER: THUNDER!

    Key Player: Russell Westbrook (27 Pts, 10 Reb, 16 Ast,)

    Quote:  “I got out of my own way,”KD said. “I was thinking too much. I was worrying about what you guys (the media) were saying. I was worrying about what shots I was going to shoot throughout a game. I was thinking too much, and the game of basketball is played off of instincts. I just released everything and enjoyed myself. And I knew if I just put the work in for my team, the results would show.”

    6 Warriors at 3 Clippers

    Score: Clippers 126, Warriors 121

    Series Score: Clippers 4, Warriors 3

    SERIES WINNER: CLIPPERS!

    Key Moment: Draymond Green hit a 3 to take the lead back for LA and then a pair of free throws JJ Reddick, Chris Paul and Darren Collison sealed the deal and after one of the craziest weeks in franchise history, the Clippers prevail!

    Quote:”I’m just happy we pulled it out,” CP3 said. “It’s going to sound crazy, but it was all about tonight. Everything else was in the past. We didn’t dwell on all that stuff, and not to diminish how serious everything has been in the past week or so. It was all about basketball tonight.”

  • NBA PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 GAME 6 RECAPS

    NBA PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 GAME 6 RECAPS

    1 Pacers at 8 Hawks

    Score: Pacers 95, Hawks 88

    Series Score: Pacers 3, Hawks 3

    Key Moment: After the Hawks took a 84-79 lead the Pacers were in trouble. But when in doubt, they can always count on David West. The power forward led a 16-4 run for the Pacers and Indiana wins it 95-88.

    Quote: “He’s our rock,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. “There’s no other way to put it.”

    2 Thunder at 7 Grizzlies

    Score: Thunder 104, Grizzlies 84

    Series Score: Thunder 3, Grizzlies 3

    Key Moment: The OKC newspaper called KD “Mr. Unreliable” yesterday. Then he came out  and scored 36 points, carrying the Thunder to the win.

    Quote: “We needed to win this game,” Durant said. “That’s more motivation than anything, so our team responded. We’ve got to do an even better job in Game 7.”

    3 Clippers at 6 Warriors

    Score: Warriors 100, Clippers 99

    Series Score: Warriors 3, Clippers 3

    Key Moment: Harrison Barnes hit a 3 with 1.1 seconds left to trim the lead to 1 but at that point there was just not enough time and Golden State forces a game 7.

    Quote: “It’s exciting. A lot of guys in the locker room haven’t been in a Game 7,” said Stephen Curry

    3 Raptors at 6 Nets

    Score: Nets 97, Raptors 83

    Series Score: Nets 3, Raptors 3

    Key Player: Deron Williams (23 Pts, 5 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Stl)

    Quote: “I think that just shows leadership and toughness, and that’s what he did tonight for us,” Nets coach Jason Kidd said.

    1 Spurs at 8 Mavericks

    Score: Mavericks 113, Spurs 111

    Series Score: Mavericks 3, Spurs 3

    Key Moment: After coming back from down 6 in the final minute Patty Mills’ shot fell short at the buzzer for San Antonio

    Quote: “Put all of our chips on the table and see what happens,” said Monta Ellis

    4 Rockets at 5 Trail Blazers

    Score: Trail Blazers 99, Rockets 98

    Series Score: Trail Blazers 4, Rockets 2

    SERIES WINNER: TRAIL BLAZERS!

    Key Moment: Damian Lillard hit an incredible buzzer-beater three to win it for the Blazers. Sending the Rockets packing and catapulting Portland into the second round.

  • NBA PLAYOFFS RECAP: GAME 5 OF THE CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

    NBA PLAYOFFS RECAP: GAME 5 OF THE CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

    8 Hawks at 1 Pacers

    Score: Hawks 107, Pacers 97

    Series Score: Hawks 3, Pacers 2

    Key Moment: Mike Scott hit 5 threes to carry the Hawks to the win.

    Quote: “We can play with this team,” Mike Scott said. “They’re a great team, especially at home, great players, great coach, but we have a belief in ourselves as well.”

    5 Wizards at 4 Bulls

    Score: Wizards 75, Bulls 69

    Series Score: Wizards 5, Bulls 1

    SERIES WINNER: WIZARDS

    Quote: “It just shows our continued growth,” Bradley Beal said. “We played great basketball in this series and we can only continue to get better and better.”

    7 Grizzlies at 2 Thunder

    Score: Grizzlies 100, Thunder 99 OT

    Series Score: Grizzlies 3, Thunder 2

    Key Moment: With 2.9 seconds left in OT Kevin Durant let the 3 to win the game fly, it missed but Serge Ibaka was right there to tip it in for the Thunder win! Or was He? After reviewing the play the officials called the shot off, giving the Grizzlies the win.

    Quote: “We understand this team very well,” Memphis guard Tony Allen said. “We’ve been playing against this team the last four years with this group. We understand their plays, we understand who they’re trying to run their offense through. We know Kevin Durant is going to take his shots and Russell Westbrook is going to take his shots. We have to contest those shots and stick to our defensive coverages for 48 minutes.”

    6 Warriors at 3 Clippers

    Score: Clippers 113, Warriors 103

    Series Score: Clippers 3, Warriors 2

    Key Moment: Just a few hours after NBA commish Adam Silver banned Clippers owner Donald Sterling from any association with the NBA FOR LIFE. The Clippers seemed to have a newfound energy. They came out firing on all cylinders and went on to beat the Warriors by 10.

    Quote: “I thought they were great,” said Clippers coach Doc River “I thought they were tired a lot, and that was the result of the last few days. I just thought they had great mental toughness. They wanted to will this game, and I’m just proud of them.”

    8 Mavericks at 1 Spurs

    Score: Spurs 109, Mavericks 103

    Series Score: Spurs 3, Mavericks 2

    Key Moment: Tony Parker had a left ankle and had no sleep, just a few hours after his first baby was born. A perfect winning formula? I guess so, Tony had 23 points, carrying San Antonio to the win.

    Quote:  “Coming into the game I told him this is perfect for you,” Spurs forward Tim Duncan said. “This is what he does in situations like this where he doesn’t get a lot of sleep or is in a stressful situation. He always seems to play better. I somewhat expected it from him.He was really excited before the game. Obviously, he was really excited to have his son here and wanted to get this game really badly not only for his son but for the situation and the timing of it. He was really focused and it was good for us.”

    6 Nets at 3 Raptors

    Score: Raptors 115, Nets 113

    Series Score: Raptors 3, Nets 2

    Key Moment: Kyle Lowry had 36 points last night for the Raptors but none were more important then the go-ahead 3 with 1-minute to play to give the Raptors a 3-point lead and eventually the W.

    Quote: “Tonight he made some big shots plays and made some big shots down the stretch,” Jason Kidd said.

    5 Trail Blazers at 4 Rockets

    Score: Rockets 108, Trail Blazers 98

    Series Score: Trail Blazers 3, Rockets 2

    Quote: “I just tried to be aggressive,” said Jeremy Lin “I felt like I needed to be a spark for the team.”

     

  • DONALD STERLING BANNED FOR LIFE

    DONALD STERLING BANNED FOR LIFE

    Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life from any association with the NBA and fined 2.5 million dollars per a statement made earlier today by NBA commish Adam Silver because of racist comments he made.

    Q&A 1/3

    Q. Too harsh, Just right, or Needs more

    A. I think it was just right. The only complaint I have is that in my opinion the fine should have been a little higher, like 3 million instead of 2.5.

    Q&A 2/3

    Q. What does this mean for the Clippers?

    A. I think it’s either a huge motivating factor and they go all the way or it’s all they can think about and they lose in the first round.

    Q&A 3/3

    Q. Will Sterling return to the NBA?

    A. This sounds like a stupid question because Sterling was banned for LIFE. It’s not. The last time an owner was banned for life he came back after 3 years. And to answer your question…NO I don’t think he will ever return to an NBA game.

  • NBA PLAYOFFS RECAP FOR GAME 4

    NBA PLAYOFFS RECAP FOR GAME 4

    1 Pacers at 8 Hawks

    Score: Pacers 91, Hawks 88

    Series Score: Pacers 2, Hawks 2

    Key Moment: The Pacers needed this win, and thanks to Paul George and David West they got it. George and West each had key three’s down the stretch to carry the Pacers to a series-tying victory.

    Quote: “We were just in desperation mode,” West said. “You just can’t go down two games in a playoff series. The odds are against you.”

    2 Thunder at 7 Grizzlies

    Score: Thunder 92, Grizzlies 89 OT

    Series Score: Thunder 2, Grizzlies 2

    Key Moment: CSD’s 6th man of the year Reggie Jackson came off the bench and outscored KD and Russell Westbrook. Jackson had 32 points and carried the Thunder to the win.

    Quote: “Reggie played an outstanding basketball game,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “He was able to attack and finish around the rim like he’s done all year, and I knew he would bounce back. … He’s done a great job of coming in and giving us that lift offensively when we needed it as a sixth man.”

    4 Bulls at 5 Wizards

    Score: Wizards 98, Bulls 89

    Series Score: Wizards 3, Bulls 1 3

    Clippers at 6 Warriors

    Score: Warriors 118, Clippers 97

    Series Score: Warriors 2, Clippers 2

    Quote: “We wanted to come out and focus on all the work we’ve put in over the summer, throughout the course of the season to get ready for this moment in the playoffs and just have fun and enjoy it — not let one person ruin it for everybody,”Stephen Curry said.

    3 Raptors at 6 Nets

    Score: Raptors 87, Nets 79

    Series Score: Raptors 2, Nets 2

    Quote: “That’s just us, man,” DeMar DeRozan said. “We’re definitely resilient. We’re never going to give up until the game’s over.”

    4 Rockets at 5 Trail Blazers

    Score: Trail Blazers 123, Rockets 120 OT

    Series Score: Trail Blazers 3, Rockets 1 Key Moment: With only a 1-point lead in overtime for his Trail Blazers Mo Williams needed to knock down these two free-throws…and he did, sealing the win.

    Quote: “The playoffs are a grind,” Houston coach Kevin McHale said. “It’s a different game than the regular season. You’ve got to be built for the grind.”

    2 Heat at 7 Bobcats

    Score: Heat 109, Bobcats 98

    Series Score: Heat 4, Bobcats

    SERIES WINNER: HEAT!

    Key Moment: Lebron lied down on the ground and clutched his right thigh, the Charlotte fans cheered, but that just seemed to energize him more. He came back score 19 more points en route to sweeping the Bobcats.

    Quote: “We got tested by a young, scrappy Bobcats team,” said James, who averaged 36.2 points in eight games against Charlotte this season. “We responded with a championship-type attitude.”

    1 Spurs at 8 Mavericks

    Score: Spurs 93, Mavericks 89

    Series Score: Spurs 2, Mavericks 2

    Key Moment: With only 30 seconds to play in the game we were tied at 87. But Spurs power forward Boris Diaw made sure it didn’t stay like that for long by hitting a go-ahead 3 that would eventually win San Antonio the game.

    Quote: “You’ve got to give up something,” said Dirk Nowitzki, who was running at Diaw as the shot was released. “That was a tough one.”

  • NBA CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS GAME 3 RECAP

    NBA CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS GAME 3 RECAP

    1 Pacers at 8 Hawks

    Score: Hawks 98, Pacers 85

    Series Score: Hawks 2, Pacers 1

    Key Moment: As the last few seconds ticked off the clock in the Hawks 13-point dismantling of the Pacers the “OVERRATED” chants rung through Phillips Arena. All Jeff Teague could do was smile. The team that had no chance, that didn’t even make .500 had the series lead over the best team in the NBA.

    Quote: “We have a dream of winning it all,”Indiana star Paul George said. “We’ve got to be much more tougher than that. I don’t think it’s there. Our toughness is questionable right now.”

    2 Thunder at 7 Grizzlies

    Score: Grizzlies 98, Thunder 95 OT

    Series Score: Grizzlies 2, Thunder 1

    Key Moment: The Grizzlies won their 2nd straight overtime game on Thursday. But they almost didn’t. After blowing a 17 point lead Courtney Lee hit 3 free-throws in the last 10 seconds to clinch the win for the Grizz.

    Quote: “Obviously, we’re happy with the win but disappointed at the way we handled that last quarter,” Conley said. “We knew they were going to make runs. We knew they’d keep fighting because that’s what they do, and it’s the playoffs. They’re going to make runs. They’re going to make plays. They have two of the best players in the league.”

    3 Clippers at 6 Warriors

    Score: Clippers 98, Warriors 96

    Series Score: Clippers 2, Warriors 1

    Key Moment: As the clock ticked below 5 seconds and down two Stephen Curry had to take the 3, it was contested but he had no choice, the shot missed but on the way down it looked as if Chris Paul had fouled Steph BUT NO FOUL WAS CALLED! And the Clippers win.

    Quote:”When we needed it, we got stops,” Blake Griffin said. “And that’s why we were successful.”

    3 Raptors at 6 Nets

    Score: Nets 102, Raptors 98

    Series Score: Nets 2, Raptors 1

    Key Moment: They Nets nearly blew a 15-point lead but 2 Joe Johnson free throws with 3 seconds to play sealed the win for Brooklyn in front of the home crowd at the Barclays Center.

    Quote: “It feels good to win, but at the same time you know you can be a lot better,” Paul Pierce said. “I’m looking for down the road, I’m looking for when it’s like that Game 6 or 7, if we’re ever in that situation with this team, it’s going to come to those little things and we can’t afford those small mistakes.”

    4 Bulls at 5 Wizards

    Score: Bulls 100, Wizards 97

    Series Score: Wizards 2, Bulls 1

    Key Moment: Tied at 97 Jimmy Butler drained a g0-ahead 3-pointer to give the Bulls the lead and the win.

    Quote: “He was in the zone, man,”Bradley Beal said. “I guess the hoop looked like an ocean to him.”

    4 Rockets at 5 Trail Blazers

    Score: Rockets 121, Trail Blazers 116 OT

    Series Score: Rockets 2, Trail Blazers 1

    Key Moment: Chandler Parsons had 15 points, Dwight Howard had 24 points, Patrick Beverley had 16, James Harden had 37, and Jeremy Lin had 13 but it was lowly rookie Troy Daniels who spent time in the D-League this year was the hero. With 11 seconds left Daniels took his opportunity, draining a 3-pointer to give the Rockets the win.

    Quote: “I thought we had some good looks down the stretch,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “Lin, Harden and Daniels made their shots. And we didn’t.”

    1 Spurs at 8 Mavericks

    Score: Maverick 109, Spurs 108

    Series Score: Mavericks 2, Spurs 1

    Key Moment: Exactly 13  years ago to the day Vince Carter tried at a game-winning buzzer-beater to give his team the playoff win, he missed it then, but today he was spot on. It wasn’t the most simple shot, more like a fade-away fling at the buzzer. But it went in none the less.

    Quote: “I don’t mind taking the game-winning shot,” said Carter.”I don’t mind missing them, and dealing with it. So I think having that mentality helps me.”

    2 Heat at 7 Bobcats

    Score: Heat 98, Bobcats 85

    Series Score: Heat 3, Bobcats 0

    Key Moment: As Lebron pick-pocketed the Bobcats and drove the other way he looked over at Bobcats owner Michael Jordan and smiled. He went up and slammed down a thunderous one-handed dunk.

    Quote: “We were locked in on what needs to be done and our keys to win this game,” James said.

     

  • STERLING ACCUSED OF RACIAL COMMENTS

    STERLING ACCUSED OF RACIAL COMMENTS

    In a recent recording Clippers owner Donald Sterling made racial comments to his girlfriend per a TMZ report. Sterling allegedly said to Stiviano (his girlfriend) “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?” the man believed to be Sterling says. He continues, “You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that … and not to bring them to my games.” about a picture she posted on her Instagram with Magic.

    If this indeed is Sterling he should be suspended and given a hefty fine.

  • RECAPPING ALL 8 NBA ROUND 1 GAME 2’S

    RECAPPING ALL 8 NBA ROUND 1 GAME 2’S

    7 Grizzlies at 2 Thunder

    Score: Grizzlies 111, Thunder 105 OT

    Series Score: Grizzlies 1, Thunder 1

    Key Moments: Zach Randolph hit a layup with 26 seconds left in OT to give the Grizzlies a 2-point lead, But then Serge Ibaka turned the ball over on the next Thunder possession so OKC has to foul, they foul Courtney Lee, but Lee made both of his free-throws, making it a two-possession game. After KD missed a 3-pointer the Thunder had to foul again, Zach Randolph made both free-throws and the Grizzlies won by 6.

    Quote: “Tremendous game to be a part of,” Said Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger. “I honestly can tell you that, whether you win or lose. I know that we won. But I thought it was a great game to be a part of. The game was never over. There was a lot of great plays and not just the-ball-going-in kind of plays — loose ball, passion, playoff basketball.”

    6 Warriors at 3 Clippers

    Score: Clippers 138, Warriors 98

    Series Score: Clippers 1, Warriors 1

    Key Moments: In a 40-point beatdown there are no key moments

    Quote: “We were awful,” Said Warriors coach Mark Jackson. “They disrupted us with their intensity. That was a desperate basketball team we played against.”

    8 Hawks at 1 Pacers

    Score: Pacers 101, Hawks 85

    Series Score: Hawks 1, Clippers 1

    Key Moments:  The Pacers routed Atlanta by 16 so there wasn’t really any “Key Moments”

    Quote: “We want to build on what we’ve got going,” Indiana forward David West said. “We want to continue to be aggressive. We know they’re going to play better at home, but we’re going down there to get back in charge of this series.”

    6 Nets at 3 Raptors

    Score: Raptors 100, Nets 95

    Series Score: Raptors 1, Nets 1

    Key Moments: This was a back-and-forth matchup, KG hit two free throws to cut the Toronto lead to 2 but the Raptors responded with a Kyle Lowry drive which was followed by a free throw to make it a 5 point Raptors lead. But Paul Pierce answered… he goes up and is fouled AND-1! He makes the free throw to cut the lead to 2. But DeMar DeRozan hit 6 free-throws in the final 2 seconds to carry the Raptors to a win.

    Quote: “We knew he was going to bounce back from the first game,” Brooklyn’s Deron Williams said. “He took over the game, hit some crucial shots, some tough shots. We’ve got to do a better job of stopping him, especially late.”

    6 Wizards at 3 Bulls

    Score: Wizards 101, Bulls 99 OT

    Series Score: Wizards 2, Bulls 0

    Key Moments: Let’s begin Bulls down four until Joakim Noah hits 2 free-throws to cut the lead to 2, and then one last chance for the Bulls, Kirk Hinrich drives AND IS FOULED! If he makes both of these we go double-OT…he misses the 1st so he’s going to have to purposely miss the 2nd and get the rebound and score, all within 2.4 seconds. He misses it  BUT THE WIZARDS GET THE REBOUND! WIZARDS WIN!

    Quote: “I think we did a great job staying calm and composed,” Said Wizards star John Wall. “Early in the season, we would get rattled and guys would try to make plays one on one on their own. Tonight, we trusted in our offense like we’ve been doing.”

    7 Bobcats at 2 Heat

    Score: Heat 101, Bobcats 97

    Series Score: Heat 2, Bobcats 0

    Key Moments: Miami was up 97-94 with 50 seconds left when Lebron drove and was stopped by McRoberts whose elbow flew, right into the 4-time MVP and 2-time Champion’s throat, James fell to the floor and immediately began clutching his throat, he got up and was ok. No flagrant was called. James split the free throws to increase the lead to 4 until Kemba Walker nailed a three with 11.9 seconds left to cut it to one but the Bobcats wouldn’t score again. After a few free-throws your final score: Heat 101, Bobcats 97.

    Quote: “They’re going to keep coming at us,” Miami star Dwayne Wade said. “And that’s good.”

    8 Mavericks at 1 Spurs

    Score: Mavericks 113, Spurs 92

    Series Score: Mavericks 1, Spurs 1

    Key Moments: WOW, the 3rd game in this article where I have to say this. But in a beatdown like this, there are no key moments.

    Quote: “It’s a bad combination to not play good defense at one end and give the ball up at the other end and not shoot free throws very well, either,” Spurs coach Greg Popovich said. “That’s a bad combination at both ends of the floor. That means you get your butt kicked and that’s what happened tonight.”

    5 Trail Blazers at 4 Rockets

    Score: Trail Blazers 112, Rockets 105

    Series Score: Trail Blazers 2, Rockets 0

    Key Moments: Let’s start, under a minute to go in regulation and James Harden nails a 3 for Houston to cut the lead to 3! Then the Rockets would intentionally foul Lillard he makes both free throws to make it a five-point game at 108-103. But After James Harden was called for an offensive foul to foul this game was all but over. A pair of Lillard  and a pair of Mo Williams free-throws seal the win for the T-Blazers.

    Quote: “I made tough shots,” LaMarcus Aldridge, who had 43 points said. “I don’t think too much was easy tonight. I just got in that rhythm and started making shots.”

  • RIP HURRICANE CARTER, MIKE WOODSON FIRED, JULIUS RANDLE TO NBA, AND PUJOLS’ 500TH HOMER

    RIP ROBIN “HURRICANE” CARTER

    Carter was a American Middleweight boxer who was wrongfully convicted of a triple-homicide and spent nearly 20 years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Carter died from Prostate Cancer.

    MIKE WOODSON FIRED

    Probably the first good move that the Knicks have made in the past 5 years! But, yeah not much else to say other than that, he was fired. In my opinion it was a great move.

    JULIUS RANDLE TO NBA!

    Julius Randle has declared for the NBA Draft. I think he’s a lottery guy so, good for him.

    PUJOLS’ 500TH HOMER!

    Albert Pujols has joined the 500 home run club, he is the 26th player to do so.

  • NBA CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS RECAP- QUICK RECAPS OF ALL 8 GAME 1’S!

    NBA CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS RECAP- QUICK RECAPS OF ALL 8 GAME 1’S!

    6 NETS AT 3 RAPTORS

    Score: Nets 94, Raptors 87

    Key Moments: Trailing by 5 at the beginning of the 3rd quarter the Raptors tied it up at 67 with a Patrick Patterson fast break layup. After the Nets took a 4-point lead Toronto came back when Kyle Lowry drove and layed it in. But the Nets were resilient, after a JJ jumper, a turnaround by KG and finally a Pierce 3 the Nets took a 82-76 lead. Pierce then hit 2 mid-rangers and the Nets made 6 free-throws in the final 22 seconds and they never looked back.

    MVP: Joe Johnson (24 Points, 8 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals)

    6 WARRIORS AT 3 CLIPPERS

    Score: Warriors 109, Clippers 105

    Key Moments: Darren Collins made one of two free-throws to give the Clippers a 103-102 lead, their first since the 3rd quarter, and then CP3 taking it on the fast break…BLOCKED BY HARRISON BARNES!!! And now Barnes, taking it the other way…he stops and pops from 3…YES! The Warriors would make 3 free throws (2 from Green and 1 from Barnes) and hold a 108-105 lead for nearly the rest of the game, the Warriors would win 109-105

    MVP: David Lee (20 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steal)

    8 HAWKS AT 1 PACERS

    Score: Hawks 101, Pacers 93

    Key Moments: The Hawks started the 3rd quarter with 8 straight points but the Pacers rallied back to bring it within two. But then things went south for Indiana. A FOURTEEN-ZERO run for Atlanta gave the Hawks a 74-58 lead. Indiana didn’t even get within single digits of the Hawks until a Lance Stephenson 3, which made it 99-91 Hawks…but at that point there just wasn’t enough time.

    MVP: Jeff Teaque (28 Points, 3 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 1 Steal)

    7 GRIZZLIES AT 2 THUNDER

    Score: Thunder 100, Grizzlies 86

    Key Moments: Memphis was getting absolutely crushed. Down 56-34 at Halftime there was no coming back from this deficit…OR WAS THERE? The Grizzlies shot out of the gate scoring the first six points of the second half. That forced the Thunder to call time out but the Grizz came right back with an AND-ONE by Tony Allen cut the lead to 9! By the end of the fourth the lead was 4. Early in the last quarter of play the lead was down to 3 when Caron Butler drove and JAMMED IT HOME for the Thunder. That brought life to the near-dead arena in OKC. This was shortly followed by a 13-1 Thunder run and the 2 seed in the West won by 14.

    MVP: Kevin Durant (33 Points, 8 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 1 Steal)

    8 MAVERICKS AT 1 SPURS

    Score: Spurs 90, Mavericks 85

    Key Moments: Tiago Splitter scored an easy layup to tie the game for the Spurs with 5 minutes to go then Tony Parker hit a mid-range jumper and the Spurs went on to win by 5. This game was a lot more one-sided than the score indicated.

    MVP: Tony Parker (21 Points, 4 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 1 Steal, 1 Block)

    7 BOBCATS AT 2 HEAT

    Score: Heat 99, Bobcats 88

    Key Moments: The Bobcats were down 8 until Luke Ridnour hit a BASELINE J TO CUT IT TO 5! But then came the run…The Heat made an incredible 18-4 run highlighted by a Andersen tip-in,a D-Wade three and another score by Bird-Man to give Miami a comfortable 87-70 lead. And the Heat take game 1 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series.

    MVP: Lebron James (27 Points, 9 Rebounds, 1 Assists)

    6 WIZARDS AT 3 BULLS

    Score: Wizards 102, Bulls 93

    Key Moments: Trevor Ariza hit two free-throws to give the Wizards a 88-87 lead and Washington never looked back, a Gortat layup and a bucket by Nene  followed by two more Gortat free-throws gave the Wizards the win in Game 1.

    MVP: Nene Hilario (24 Points, 8 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Blocks)

    5 TRAIL BLAZERS AT 4 ROCKETS

    Score: Trail Blazers 122, Rockets 120 OT

    Key Moments: Damian Lillard made an and-one to tie it but the Rockets made two  free throws to take back the lead with under 30 seconds left in OT. But 2 free-throws by Damian Lillard  and 1 by Joel Freeman carried the Blazers to win by 3.

    MVP: Lamarcus Aldridge (46 Points, 18 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 2 Blocks)