May 9, 2014

2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 20

Just a ho-hum day in the NBA playoffs.  Two second round games, two more blowouts.

First, Brooklyn vs. Miami.

Perhaps this is a function of playing the first two games in Miami, but it just doesn't look like Brooklyn has what it takes to beat the Heat in a seven-game series.

I don't doubt that Brooklyn will win a game or two, but I have no serious belief in their ability to win the series.  The games might go completely differently in Brooklyn, though.

Miami wasn't quite so dominant in this game, but they did pull away in the fourth quarter.  And they did so in such spectacular fashion that I was convinced that they'll eventually move on.

Wade and LeBron were excellent, as usual.  But they were helped tremendously by a very active Ray Allen, who was getting offensive rebounds in addition to hitting the outside jumper.  Chris Bosh also had a nice game with 18 points and six rebounds.

Miami leads 2-0.  Game 3 is Saturday.

Last, Portland vs. San Antonio.

The Spurs put up 70 points in the first half, including 41 in the second quarter.

Obviously, it wasn't going to get any better in the second half.  And it didn't; the Spurs only put up 44 points total.

Still, at no point was Portland ever actually in this game.  Don't believe the announcers; Portland had virtually zero chance of winning and the closest they got in the second half was eight.  San Antonio then hit timely shots as the Blazers couldn't get stops.

Kawhi Leonard in particular continues to make strides.  He hit eight of the nine shots he attempted, finishing with 20 points and five rebounds.  I think he'll be a great player; so far he's just scratching the surface.

Portland had more fight in them than in the first game, particularly to start. But once the second quarter rolled around, San Antonio's efficiency and execution, especially when they got turnovers that allowed for easy buckets, just killed their chances.

Now the series shifts to Portland.  I like the Blazers' chances to win a game (maybe two, but let's not get crazy), but I'm not sure if they can actually win the series.

San Antonio leads 2-0.  Game 3 is Saturday.

Later today, Game 3 in Washington and Los Angeles.

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