What do you know, three supposedly good games coming in and two disappointing results.
I guess I was wrong about the East being boring. Well, maybe not. Those games weren't that interesting either, but the ones last night were just kinda sad and frustrating for me personally.
First up, Charlotte vs. Miami.
If Kemba Walker is more efficient than erratic, the series is tied.
Alas, he couldn't find his shot and was only successful in getting the Bobcats close enough to be like "damn, we were close".
Also, Josh McRoberts' play on LeBron should have him fined/suspended. Whichever one is more expedient. It was a dirty play that I think should have him sitting for a game or two. But that's just me. And I don't necessarily fall in line with those that want to baby the so-called "superstars" of the league. He threw an elbow at LeBron's throat while not going for the ball whatsoever. No matter who does that, they should take a seat.
That wasn't a good hard foul like Charles Barkley talks about on occasion.
At any rate, it's looking good for Miami, but then again, look at who they're playing. Let's reserve judgment until they're playing someone slightly better...and in either the conference finals or NBA Finals.
Miami leads 2-0. Game 3 is Saturday.
Next, Dallas vs. San Antonio.
Manu Ginobili led the Spurs with 27 points off the bench. And they lost by 21.
I guess we can point to a collapse on defense. But there were some conspicuous absences on offense as well that contributed to this defeat.
Then again, the Spurs never really looked like they were in this game. To wit, they were outscored in every quarter. I'm sure that doesn't happen often.
The series is tied 1-1. Game 3 is Saturday.
Finally, Portland vs. Houston.
Yeah, this one hurt. After taking the 1st quarter, the Rockets were outscored in the next three, and that's all she wrote, basically.
Dwight Howard was superhuman, with 32 points and 14 rebounds. The only problem is, nobody else showed up. And then when he and Omer Asik were inevitably saddled with fouls (as was James Harden, who inexplicably fouled out of the game), the defense crumbled and the offense couldn't do enough to make up the difference.
Speaking of Harden...not only was he uncharacteristically foul-happy, but he still couldn't hit a shot. He's been brutal in the first two games and went 6-19 tonight. Blegh. In addition to his now non-existent offense, he also didn't do anything on defense. That's not a huge surprise, since he's apparently still developing as a defender.
Either that, or he's unusually lackadaisical on defense. I don't know, and I honestly don't care. As long as he gets a couple steals a night and keys the offense, it doesn't really matter. But he's not doing anything with any efficiency or effectiveness, so his flaws look glaring.
Also, the bench is apparently only three men deep, because McHale refuses to try anything remotely out-of-the-box. His coaching style annoys me during the regular season, but now that things clearly aren't working and the games are even more meaningful...yeah. It's just a frustrating time to be a Rockets fan.
And can someone try to stop LaMarcus Aldridge? Thanks.
If this series isn't a sweep, it sure as hell will be over in 5.
Portland leads 2-0. Game 3 is Friday.
Later today, Game 3 in Atlanta, Memphis, and Golden State. We'll see if these three who won on the road can hold serve at home.
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