Day 9 of the NBA Playoffs. Almost all good, until the end.
First up, Chicago vs. Washington.
After leading 19-4 in the first quarter, I wondered aloud why the Wizards were only up 15 at halftime. I guess the Bulls came to play in the rest of the first half, to be sure, but damn, Washington. Close out, huh?
This series should have been over yesterday.
Seriously, I'm tired of talking about it. Oh, and Nene missed the game because of suspension; he apparently headbutted someone in the previous game.
I have no idea who he headbutted or why.
Washington leads 3-1. Game 5 is Tuesday.
Next, Los Angeles vs. Golden State.
Two things of interest here: first, Stephen Curry was awesome. Second, the game was pretty even in quarters 2-4.
But that first quarter, damn. 39 points, the most the Warriors had scored in any quarter in the regular season or playoffs. Damn.
And to be fair, it's not all Curry. He's just the best player on the team.
And people thought they wouldn't be successful without Bogut. Please. What a ridiculous notion. Did they all forget that they're playing the Clippers? It's hard to think of a more fraudulent so-called contender in the last decade or so.
The Clippers did play hard after the debacle in the first quarter, though. I'll give 'em that. And there's also an unfortunate story developing that threatens to obscure the action on the court.
The series is tied 2-2. Game 5 is Tuesday.
Next, Toronto vs. Brooklyn.
Much like Chicago/Washington, I just want this series to be over. Yet it keeps dragging on. Blegh.
I've talked up another former Rocket, Kyle Lowry, when discussing this series. Today, he put up 22 points, but that was about it, in an inefficient 7-17 shooting performance. It's hard to say how either team wins, because neither of them can shoot, rebound, or put up 10+ assists.
The series is tied 2-2. Game 5 is Wednesday.
Finally, Houston vs. Portland.
Obviously, this is the series I'm most vested in. I think that was clear at the outset, though.
I think the officiating is turning in the Rockets' direction. In the sense that the good teams tend to get the calls just a bit more often than their opponents, I think that time is coming for the Rockets, who have put together a core of guys that the NBA and its fans ought to like.
Now, I said it's turning, but it hasn't turned yet. And I know I'm a Rockets fan, so anything I say past this will sound incredibly biased and short-sighted. Guess what, it is!
The officiating has really gone against the Rockets in this series, with Portland routinely shooting more free throws. This is not helped by the Rockets' tendency to be stupid.
There are some who might disagree with that characterization. However, the analysts who cover the series were basically imploring the team to "play smarter" in certain situations. Maybe I'm making something out of nothing here, but to me, that clearly sounds like the team is playing stupidly and they should stop that nonsense. Hence, play smarter.
Near the end of regulation, the Rockets had possession of the ball. There were only a few seconds to go and they were down two. What to do: go for the tie, or win the damn thing?
They went for the tie.
Then in overtime, with a few seconds to go and down three, they inbounded the ball to Patrick Beverley. Not a terrible idea, as he's the point guard. For some reason, James Harden headed toward the halfcourt line, drawing his defender with him toward Beverley. Unsurprisingly, the flopping fish Wesley Matthews barreled into Beverley, causing a "turnover" which essentially sealed the game.
Matthews clearly tripped Beverley on the play, yet nothing was called. He also clearly flopped many times, but the officials bought it. This includes one particularly galling call when he flopped inside on Howard while Harden was shooting a three and being fouled by Aldridge.
Also of note: Portland's crowd was incredibly fairweather.
Oh, and let's not forget Mo Williams jawing with rookie Troy Daniels after the game. Way to keep it classy. Fortunately for the Rockets and their fans, neither Daniels or his teammates did anything in response.
Will the league do anything about it? I'm not holding my breath.
Portland leads 3-1. Game 5 is Wednesday.
Later today, Game 4 in Charlotte and Dallas and Game 5 in Indiana. So basically, three of four from the previous post. Bingo!
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