May 15, 2014

2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 26

Two teams came in leading their series 3-1 and had a great chance to move on.  Spoiler alert: they both moved on.

First, Brooklyn vs. Miami.

It got a bit dicey, but then Ray Allen showed up.  He hit a dagger three from the corner and had a couple of free throws late to seal the win for Miami.

Then there was some nice defense played on the final possession.  After a couple of false starts, Joe Johnson had the ball for Brooklyn and went into the lane, where he was met by one defender (Allen again, I think) and LeBron, who slapped the ball away.

It wasn't the dominant performance I was expecting.  But they got the job done.

Now it remains to be seen when and who they'll be playing.

Miami wins the series 4-1.  They advance to the next round.

Last, Portland vs. San Antonio.

It was close after the first quarter.  And then the Spurs got a lot better.

Of course, they were aided and abetted by the Blazers turning the ball over a bunch of times.  Those turnovers often led to Kawhi Leonard running the fast break and slamming it home.

Speaking of which, Kawhi Leonard is really developing nicely.  I've made mention of this before, but it bears repeating: I think he'll be a great player, and he's really just scratching the surface of how good he can be.

Also, if Tony Parker is out for any period of time, Patty Mills is ready to step up and take his place, it seems.  We'll see for sure in the next round, if Parker isn't ready to start Game 1.

Another good sign for the Spurs was that Danny Green came alive.  He was hitting shots all over the floor and picked up nine rebounds to boot.

San Antonio wins the series 4-1.  They advance to the next round.

Later today, Game 6 in Washington and Los Angeles.  With a win, Indiana and Oklahoma City can advance to the next round.

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