The Western Conference playoffs have been full of drama and intrigue since they started about a week ago. From the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors nail biter on Thursday to Vince Carter bringing back memories of last century in Dallas, this promises to continue being an amazing slate of first-round games. Let’s check in on each series heading to Sunday’s action.
8) Dallas Mavericks Lead 1) San Antonio Spurs 2-1
Next Game: April 28, 9:30 PM ET in Dallas
Last Game: Mavericks over Spurs 109-108 in Dallas
Recap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjBzZpkuy38
Vince Carter. Two words that hold the same truth now as they did when George Michael committed his “lewd act” back in 1998. What Carter did as time expired in Game 3 on Saturday from the left wing to win the game defies all possible logic. A fade-away three-point attempt down by two with control of the series on the line against a Texas-state rival that is considered the best team in the NBA.
Now leading 2-1, the Mavericks are in the drivers seat. A win Monday in Dallas and the Mavericks may very well be prepared to punch their ticket to the conference semifinals.
After struggling in Game 1, Monta Ellis has picked it up in the last two games, both wins. He’s average 25 points, 2.5 rebounds and three assists per outing in those two games. Meanwhile, Tony Parker continues to play stellar basketball for the Spurs. The issue there, however, is that he’s putting in just over 30 minutes per game. If Ellis continues to win that backcourt matchup, the Mavericks may very well upset San Antonio. Still, it’s hard to count Tim Duncan and Co. out of a series, no matter what hole they might be in.
5) Portland Trail Blazers lead 4) Houston Rockets 2-1
Next Game: April 27, 9:30 PM ET in Portland
Last Game: Rockets over Blazers 121-116 in Portland
Recap
The Rockets avoided disaster by claiming an overtime victory in Portland on Friday night. All three games thus far in this hard-fought series have been won by the road team. It wasn’t without drama that the Rockets were able to win their first game in this best of seven.
Rookie Troy Daniels connected on a three-point attempt with less than 12 seconds left in overtime to give the Rockets a 121-116 win. This despite the fact that LaMarcus Aldridge put in 23 points and nine boards. The All-Star power forward is now averaging 30.7 points and 12 rebounds per outing in this series.
Some say that James Harden came alive with 35 points on Friday, but he wasn’t necessarily what you would call economical. He did so on a ridiculous 13-of-35 shooting. If Harden can’t get his mid-to-long range game going, the Rockets will be exiting these playoffs early. It’s that simple.
3) Los Angeles Clippers lead 6) Golden State Warriors 2-1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7IfBvqPR4g
Next Game: Today 3:30 PM ET
Last Game: Clippers over Warriors 98-96 in Oakland
Recap
It’s unfortunate that the Donald Sterling controversy will end up overshadowing what is one of the best series in the entire NBA playoffs. Whether Chris Paul fouled Stephen Curry on a potential game-winning three-point attempt towards the end of Game 3 is still up for discussion. If you look at the tape, it’s rather obvious Curry was fouled, but how do you call that?
In any event, the Warriors are missing Andrew Bogut big time in this one. After playing limited minutes in Game 1 due to foul trouble, Blake Griffin has been a man possessed. He’s averaging 33.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the last two outings while shooting 28-of-42 from the field. If Blake continues to play at this level, the Clippers will win in five. It just goes to show you how important Bogut is to the Warriors.
Stephen Curry got hot towards the end of Game 3, but he hasn’t taken over like we expected. The All-Star point guard is averaging just 18 points per game, but is distributing 10 assists per outing. In order for the Warriors to win this series, he’s going to have to take over the scoring aspect of the game. In addition, Golden State has really struggled in the halfcourt set and seems to be afraid of both Griffin and DeAndre Jordan inside. That’s on David Lee, especially with Bogut out of the lineup. With all that said, the Warriors are one win away from tying up the series. Today is a must win in every possible way.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder tied with 7) Memphis Grizzlies
Next Game: April 29, at 9:00 PM ET in Oklahoma City
Last Game: Thunder over Grizzlies 92-89 in Memphis
Recap
Nelson Chenault, USA Today: Leave it to Reggie Jackson to by Mr. April 26th.
This series just may end up going the distance. When Reggie Jackson saves the Thunder’ season by going for 32 points with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combining to shoot 11-of-45 from the field in an Oklahoma City’s Game 3 overtime win, you throw everything out the window. The Grizzlies continue to play exceptional basketball, but are now going to have to go into Oklahoma City and win one of the next two there while holding cout at home in order for the Grizzlies to pull off the big upset.
If the Grizzlies are going to pull of this upset, Zach Randolph will have to pick up his game. He’s averaging just 13.5 points on 10-of-34 shooting in the last two outings. No matter how good Marc Gasol plays, this needs to be addressed.
Photo: Kevin Jairaj, USA Today