Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas and Wizards’ John Wall embrace respectfully after Game 7
John Wall and IT went cold in the late 4th and Bradley Beal kept it going for the Wizards with 38 points. However, the unlikely hero of the night, Kelly Olynyk, came up big for Boston from the bench in the 4th, finishing with 26 points!
Boston will head to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 5 years.
Upcoming games:
Photo: ESPN Scorecenter
Warriors vs. Spurstonight at 8pm.
San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out to play vs. Warriors in Game 2 after aggravating his ankle injury twice in Game 1’s 3rd quarter.
The 2nd time he aggravated the ankle, was by landing on Warriors’ Zaza Pachulia’s foot that slid slyfully where his injured foot would and did land. This occurred after Zaza contested the 3-point shot. Suga thinks it was a dirty play pulled off in a smart way. Cosigned by Stephen A. Smith who took a while to say it was ‘questionable’.
Coach Popovich says Zaza’s closeout on Kawhi was ‘unnatural’.
Zaza has responded saying he is not a dirty player.
The Spurs definitely do not have a chance versus the Warriors without Kawhi.
Celtics vs. Cavstomorrow at 7:30pm.
It suits the NBA to have a Cavs-Warriors Final and that will be the likely outcome.
The ball is round though and the Celtics have risen to every occasion up to this point. So can Boston as underdogs upset the fairytale ending?
Stay tuned. Don’t you just love this game!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Semi-Finals have not finished as yet but I am ready for the Cavs-Warriors rematch in the Finals!
Although you have to take match-ups into consideration, the other teams struggled in their series.
Spurs vs. Rockets
Photo: www.expressnews.com
The San Antonio Spurs struggled without Tony Parker who will be out for the rest of the postseason with a leg injury and the Houston Rockets were able to level the series at 2-2. The Spurs came firing back on Tuesday night winning an epic game in OT but they had their star, Kawhi Leonard’s ankle injury to worry about. Leonard sprained his ankle in Game 5.
The Kawhiless Spurs played in Game 6 as if they had no worries though. They closed out the series in 6, sending the Rockets home in a blowout, 114-75! How did they do it? Well, they have won without Kawhi before and truth be told, we should not have doubted them nor Coach Popovich.
It was a total team effort and they played the Spurs way. LaMarcus Aldridge finally came up big with 34 points. Patty Mills filled the spot of Tony Parker remarkably. Rookies, Jonathon Simmons and the future of the Spurs, Dejounte Murray stepped up and played well too. Not to mention Pau Gasol, the other big in the paint and Danny Green who was everywhere last night.
The Spurs completely shut down the Rockets from the 3-point line, which is their strongest area.
Well done Spurs and Congrats to Coach Gregg Popovich for eliminating all teams that exist in the West in the Playoffs. This was his first meeting with the Rockets in the Playoffs.
Where was the Beard? MVP who? Definitely not with that embarrassing performance. At the end of the first half, James Harden only scored 5 points and had 5 turnovers. I think based on the great number of turnovers for the Rockets last night, it was a bad decision to wear grey. It was if they were colour blind passing the balls to the Spurs who were in black.
Check this video out. What was Harden doing?! Watch “Harden’s Struggles | May 11, 2017” on YouTube here:
According to Stephen A. Smith, Harden looked like he was comatosed and Hall of Famers said he quit. I agree. Harden ended with 10 points (2/11 FG; 2/9 3-point line). He said he takes responsibility for their loss and isn’t quite sure what happened. He blamed the rhythm of the game.
James Harden taking responsibility for the Rockets’ loss in his Post-game interview
Celtics vs. Wizards
In the East, John Wall and the Washington Wizards found a new life to level the series with the Boston Celtics 2-2. But when Boston returned home they took care of business to make the Wizards face elimination in Game 6 tonight.
Suga thinks the Wizards will have the same fate as the Rockets.
Cavs & Warriors
In the mean time, the Cavs and Warriors are sitting pretty with lots of rest. They have created history, where 2 teams have started out the postseason 8-0!
Warriors swept the Utah Jazz and Cavs swept the Toronto Raptors. After being eliminated by the Cavs in the Playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year, it is said that Raptors’ Kyle Lowry is thinking about heading over to the West side to have a better chance of advancing to the NBA Finals.
Key Factors that would make a Cavs-Warriors Final Different from last year
â— LeBron James is looking better than ever for the Finals and has improved his 3-point game.
â— Kevin Love is not out injured and is back in the game making shots, though inconsistent.
â— The Cavs acquired Kyle Korver from the Hawks. He holds the NBA record for the highest 3-point Field Goal % in a season with 53.6%.
â— The Warriors lost Andrew Bogut but they acquired JaVale McGee who is a beast in the paint and strong for their defense.
â— The Warriors also acquired David West from the Spurs who is a good shot-maker as well.
â— The Warriors have K.D! Will he get his first ring?
But first, the Warriors play the Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals this Sunday at 3:30pm ET!
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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San Antonio Spurs Guard, Tony Parker (34 yrs) ruptured his left quadriceps tendon last night in the 4th quarter versus the Houston Rockets. It was a non-contact injury. He could not put any weight on the leg when it occurred after jumping to drive a floater over Rockets’ Patrick Beverley. Teammates, Dewayne Dedmon and Dejounte Murray carried him off the court.
The team has announced that he will miss the remainder of the Playoffs.
The series is now tied at 1-1 and will go to Houston for the next 2 games, starting this Friday.
This was a devastating blow to the Spurs and probably the end of a brilliant Playoff era.
Although Tony averaged 10.1 points-per-game in the regular season, which was his lowest since his rookie 2001-2002 season, when it’s the Playoffs he steps up, regardless of his age.
He averaged the 2nd highest points for the Spurs during the Playoffs so far with 15.9. Don’t forget he helped to send the Grizzlies home with 27 points and Vintage Tony P play.
The Spurs have no money to buy a guard in the off-season and cannot apply for a career-ending injury until 1 year after the injury.
The Spurs will be likely to look to Patty Mills to step up, but besides scoring, he has a lot of maturity to do with regards to facilitating ball movement and plays.
It’s surely sad to see him go out like this. A timeline on his possible return is not yet determined.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics took care of the Washington Wizards on Sunday, even with IT losing a tooth during the game. They play Game 2 tonight.
Cavs vs. Raptors
The Cavs were pumped from very early in the game versus the Raptors. Check out how they set the tone below.
Watch “Kyrie Irving off the Backboard alley oop to Lebron James – Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 1” on YouTube here:
Another highlight was Shumpert’s disrespectful dunk over the Raptors’ Ibaka.
LeBron and the Cavs were so relaxed that they had time for fun and games in the 3rd Quarter.
Watch “LeBron James Pretends To Drink Fans Beer After A Foul | Cavaliers vs Raptors R2G1 | May 1, 2017” on YouTube here:
The game ended with the Cavs beating the Raptors 116-105.
Spurs vs. Rockets
The Rockets embarrassed the Spurs with a 126-99 bowout victory. They hit 22 3s and it was the Spurs’ worst post-season loss at home.
What happened?! The Spurs did not play their style of basketball. They played too fast pace, which hurt their offense resulting in many missed shots.
The realist in me says the Spurs can get 1 game, maybe 2 in this series. But if the Spurs really want it and they rise up and play like a Playoff team, slow down the pace and run their offense, they have a chance.
Warriors a.k.a Dubs vs Jazz
The Jazz closed out the LA Clippers in Game 7 in LA on Sunday. So the Dubs are stuck with the Jazz whether they like it or not. The Dubs’ concern? They wanted the Clippers because there is no night life in Utah.
Dubs play Jazz tonight.
On another note, where will CP3 go as a free agent this summer?!
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Raptors sent the Bucks packing in 6 with a late 3-pointer by former Spur, Cory Joseph. They will move on for a rematch with the Cavs in the Playoffs.
Nothing but respecr shown between the two oldest players on the court who still played well this series. Vince Carter (L) and Tony Parker (R).
The San Antonio Spurs also move on from a spectacular series with the Memphis Grizzlies. Last night it was veteran, Tony Parker who stepped up big time with 27 points. Kahwi Leonard who played more minutes led the team to victory with 29 points.
Game 7s look doubtful for Round 1. If Suga had to choose 1, I would go with CP3 and the Clippers forcing a Game 7.
Here’s your Schedule for tonight! Enjoy!
Photo: ESPN Scorecenter
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs are coming to an end. The Defending Eastern and Western Conference Champs, Cavs and Warriors respectively are on their way after sweeping their opponents 4-0. The Pacers and Trailblazers have been sent home!
Cavs await the winner of the Bucks-Raptors series. Warriors await the winner of the Jazz-Clippers series.
Rockets vs. OKC
James Harden and the Houston Rockets destroyed OKC 4-1 and are through as well. They await the winner of the Spurs-Grizzlies series.
The remaining teams have been battling it out back and forth, however injuries have played a big part in the outcome.
Celtics vs. Bulls
After the Bulls jumped ahead with the help of veteran, Rondo versus the Celtics they are now behind 2-3. Rondo was finally starting to contribute to the team and play more like the Rondo we know, but he injured his thumb and has had to sit out the last 2 games that they lost.
Jazz vs. Clippers
The Clippers are also without a crucial player, Blake Griffin, who injured his toes. They now trail the Jazz 2-3 in the series. The Jazz look like they may beat them regardless of if Griffin is present or not. However, even though the Clippers do not play consistently well during the season, they are known to be a ‘Playoff team’, so that’s where they show up. Even though the Jazz looks like the better, more complete team, don’t count out CP3 and the Clippers just yet!
Wizards vs. Hawks
The Hawks could not contain John Wall last night. Wizards now lead the Hawks 3-2.
Wall was so pumped up that he wore a cape for his post-game conference interview.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies
‘Grandpa’ Ginobili finally scored some points on Monday night for the Spurs for this series! He then fired up young, Patty Mills who scored raining 3s.
Spurs took the lead in the series 3-2 and play the Grizzlies tonight at 9:30pmET.
Bucks vs. Raptors
The momentum has switched and the Raptors have come alive in the past 2 games. Raptors lead the series 3-2 and they face the Bucks at 7pmET.
Which team will force a Game 7?! Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Celtics recovered and have now drawn the series 2-2. So have the Raptors versus the Bucks, with their series at 2-2.
The Grizzlies recovered as well in their series with the Spurs to bring it to 2-2, but looks like the Refs have been on their side this time to help them to do so. Coach Popovich of the Spurs also made some rookie coaching errors. For instance, he had Tony Parker who is 38, mark Mike Conley whose hands were red hot.
The Warriors should be taking care of business soon to sweep the Trailblazers.
The Clippers and Jazz have been going back and forth. Their series is tied at 2-2.
The Wizards are up on the Hawks 2-1. I think that series is a toss up but I give the Wizards the edge.
OKC looks like they cannot pull off an upset at all to beat the Rockets. They can’t win with a one-man show. The Rockets are up 3-1, so that series should be over soon at the looks of it.
Continue to enjoy the series!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Photo of OKC’s Russell Westbrook: ESPN ScoreCentre
Oscar Robertson held the record for the most triple-doubles in an NBA season. He scored 41 triple-doubles in the 1961-1962 season with the Cincinnati Royals. The 12-time All Star was also a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970-1971 season, helping them to win their only NBA title.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook set the record last night with his 42nd triple-double, passing Oscar Robertson.
He did it in fine style with 50 points, grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists in a 106-105 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Congrats Russ!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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