Czar’s Playoff Review

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

#5 Chicago Bulls vs. #1 Miami Heat

With no Hinrich, Deng or Rose, Chicago took Game 1 from Miami in the biggest surprise of the playoffs thus far. The Heat’s reaction in Game 2 was a 115-78 destruction of the Bulls, led by LeBron of course. The undermanned Bulls must deliver the energy, effort and tenacity they displayed in Game 1 to protect their home court against the defending champs in Game 3.

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat - Game Two

 
#3 Indiana Pacers vs. #2 New York Knicks

Behind incredible defense that helped limit Carmelo and J.R. to 14-43 from the field, Indiana won at MSG in Game 1. In Game 2, Smith still couldn’t shoot straight, but New York used a 30-2 run to even the series. Knicks could get a boost from the anxiously awaited return of Amar’e Stoudemire in Game 3, which should be a very physical battle.

Indiana Pacers v New York Knicks  - Game One

 
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

#5 Memphis Grizzlies vs. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder escaped with a W in Game 1, barely. In Game 2 the Grizzlies’ front line dominated, and Mike Conley helped the Griz take over the fourth quarter to knot the Westbrook-less series at 1-1. Oklahoma will face a very difficult assignment in Game 3 at the Grind House, where the Griz have played outstanding basketball the entire season.

Memphis Grizzlies v Oklahoma City Thunder - Game Two

 
#6 Golden State Warriors vs. #2 San Antonio Spurs

After an 18-2 run to tie the game in regulation, Manu hit a 3 with 1.2 seconds left in the second OT to win a classic Game 1, despite 44 from Steph Curry. In Game 2, second banana Klay Thompson went for 34 points and 14 boards, and Golden State came out on top in SA for the first time since 1997. Spurs must establish themselves on D and control the tempo to slow down the Warriors’ freewheeling offense and contain their outstanding backcourt duo.

Golden State Warriors v San Antonio Spurs - Game Two

Comments

  1. asdfrom says:

    I don’t understand the criteria for All Defensive team. Statistically, it is Dwayne Wade, James Harden and Steve Blake who are the best with Blocks+Steals per game in the shooting guard category. Dwayne Wade has the most rebounds and Wade is in the most dominant team, 2nd in the Opponents turnover per possesion. So how come Dwade is not even in the 2nd defensive team? Is He really not popular to the coaches(voters)? Or do they even check the numbers?

  2. That is such an awesome pic of James dunking! I hope Kevin can turn around the Thunder so it can be a rematch of last year.

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