2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 19

I've got a weird sinking feeling about one of the series I'm about to cover.

I know, it's never a good idea to make too much out of one game.  It's not usually how a series turns, unless it's Game 7 we're talking about.  Or a series-clincher in general.

I just have a feeling that one of the teams that played last night, maligned as they've been, are about to rise like the proverbial phoenix.  And then we're all in trouble, pretty much.

First, Washington vs. Indiana.

Roy Hibbert had 28 points and nine rebounds.

The Pacers won by four points.  They did this in part because Washington can't hit free throws and their offensive execution late is...not good.

But yes, Roy Hibbert had the game of his playoff life (I mean, for a game not played against Miami or a West team in the Finals, assuming this group gets that far) and the Pacers won by four points.

On a certain level, that has to be cold comfort.  So apparently, the problems the team has faced over the last couple months (basically, since the All-Star Break) do not begin and end with Hibbert.

Stephenson and Paul George, on the other hand, were not so stellar.  Their shooting percentage leaves a lot to be desired.  Plus, they had 12 and 11, respectively.  I may not agree with Charles Barkley all the time, but even I know that if they're not scoring more than that per game, they're probably not winning this series.

And yet, I just have this feeling that because they pulled this one out, they'll somehow gain confidence and start their inevitable roll toward the Eastern Conference finals.  Which means they'll most likely be playing Miami again.

Then again, I thought that their tremendous third quarter against Atlanta that won them a game in that series would bolster their effort toward winning...and they really only won because Atlanta ran out of gas and the Pacers' defense can still be stout when necessary.

Also, if these games are played with final scores in the 80's, I think Indiana will win every one of them.  And twice on Sunday.

The series is tied 1-1.  Game 3 is Friday.

Last, Los Angeles vs. Oklahoma City.

Kevin Durant is the MVP of the NBA.  So last night he put up 32-12-9 and Russell Westbrook helped out with a triple-double of his own.

The Thunder might have only won by 11, but it was a fairly dominant win, such that the Clippers looked out of it from halftime on.

What was astounding to me was just how slow and lifeless the Clippers looked at times.  This allowed the Thunder to take advantage with their quickness and instinct for taking the ball away.  Hell, Thabo Sefolosha did it on consecutive plays.

Westbrook was also drawing fouls on Clippers big men who were setting screens, merely by going for the ball.

And of course, there was plenty of flopping.  Even Durant the newly-minted MVP got into the act.  He was called on it by Barkley, et al afterward.

I thought this one would be over in five.  Apparently, it's going seven.

Well, let's see how it goes in Los Angeles first.

The series is tied 1-1.  Game 3 is Friday.

Later today, Game 2 in Miami and San Antonio.  More beatdowns ahead? Maybe not!