(All Box Scores to be added after the end of the season)
Game 1 - #8 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Dallas Mavericks
In Game 1 of the series,
the Dallas Mavericks displayed a cohesive team performance to decisively overcome the
San Antonio Spurs. The Mavericks saw all five starters contribute significantly, each scoring at least 14 points, in contrast to the Spurs, who only had two players manage to score more than eight points -
Anthony Bowie with 25 and
George Gervin with 15.
The second quarter proved to be pivotal, with the Mavericks outscoring the Spurs 32-12, effectively putting the game out of San Antonio's reach.
MAVERICKS 110, Spurs 78 (Mavericks lead 1-0)
Spurs Stats
Anthony Bowie: 25 PTS, 8 REB
George Gervin: 15 PTS
Mavericks Stats
Isiah Thomas: 19 PTS, 9 AST
James Worthy: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK
Jerome Kersey: 17 PTS, 10 REB
Gerald Henderson: 14 PTS
Ralph Sampson: 14 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK
***
Game 1 - #5 Phoenix Suns at #4 Portland Trail Blazers
The
Trail Blazers exploded in Game 1 against the
Phoenix Suns, completely owning the court.
Chris Mullin was the man of the hour for Portland, dropping 27 points while a total of seven Blazers players scored in double-digits. The Suns had no answer for anything Portland did all night.
Ricky Pierce was the only ray of hope for Phoenix, managing to find some rhythm with 24 points. However, fans were left bewildered as
Clyde Drexler, usually a key player for the Suns, could only muster 8 points in what turned out to be a dismal performance.
TRAIL BLAZERS 120, Suns 83 (Trail Blazers lead 1-0)
Suns Stats
Ricky Pierce: 24 PTS, 11/18 FG
Arvydas Sabonis: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST
Trail Blazers Stats
Chris Mullin: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST
Otis Thorpe: 16 PTS, 6 REB
Darrell Walker: 16 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 5 STL
***
Game 1 - #7 Spirits of St. Louis at #2 Sacramento Kings
In a fierce display of power and control, the
Sacramento Kings made an emphatic statement in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series against the
Spirits of St. Louis, cruising to a 102-79 victory. The Kings' dynamic duo of
Hakeem Olajuwon and
Patrick Ewing stole the show, wreaking havoc on both ends of the court. They combined for a colossal 47 points, a whopping 28 rebounds, and an intimidating 9 blocks, leaving the Spirits' big men helplessly stifled.
While
Dale Ellis and
Otis Birdsong tried to keep the Spirits' spirits high, contributing 17 points apiece, their efforts fell significantly short in the face of the Kings' dominance. If the Spirits aim to remain competitive in this series, they will need to find a way to neutralize the overwhelming force of Olajuwon and Ewing and step up their offensive game.
In this opening clash, the Kings clearly set the tone for the series. The Spirits, however, have a chance to reset and strategize ahead of the next game. But for now, the advantage and momentum are firmly with the Sacramento Kings.
KINGS 102, Spirits 79 (Kings lead 1-0)
Spirits Stats
Dale Ellis: 17 PTS, 4 REB
Otis Birdsong: 17 PTS, 3 STL
Kings Stats
Hakeem Olajuwon: 30 PTS, 15 REB, 2 STL, 3 BLK
Patrick Ewing: 17 PTS, 13 REB, 6 BLK
***
Game 1 – #6 Los Angeles Lakers at #3 Golden State Warriors
In a powerful start to their playoff journey, the
Golden State Warriors soundly defeated the
Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their series. Putting up an impressive 41 points in the first quarter, the Warriors made it clear they won't be easy prey as they were in the last three seasons when they lost to LA.
John Stockton stepped up with a remarkable 27-point, 8-assist, 5-steal performance for Golden State, standing toe-to-toe with
Magic Johnson's 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Lakers. Support from
Darryl Dawkins and
Andrew Toney, who each contributed more than 20 points, solidified the Warriors' dominance in this opening game.
WARRIORS 123, Lakers 95 (Warriors lead 1-0)
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 26 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST, 6 STL, 10/17 FG
Marques Johnson: 18 PTS, 6 REB
Warriors Stats
John Stockton: 27 PTS, 8 AST, 5 STL
Andrew Toney: 20 PTS, 3 STL
Darryl Dawkins: 21 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Dudley Bradley: 17 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
***
Game 1 - #8 Baltimore Bullets at #1 Detroit Pistons
The
Detroit Pistons set a strong tone in the first game of their playoff series against the
Baltimore Bullets, sailing to a convincing 140-113 victory. Detroit's offensive arsenal proved far too formidable for Baltimore to handle, as the Pistons demonstrated their top seeding status with a scintillating performance.
Tom Chambers was at the peak of his powers, pouring in an impressive 39 points to steer the Pistons to victory. Making a triumphant return to the playoffs,
Micheal Ray Richardson delivered a solid performance with a double-double, notching up 19 points and 16 assists, along with 9 rebounds.
On the other side, Baltimore's
Adrian Dantley provided a spark, tallying 24 points, but his solo efforts were not enough to combat the all-round power of the Pistons. The Bullets have a significant task ahead of them - they must find a way to halt the Pistons' offensive juggernaut and step up their defense if they hope to turn the tide in this series.
PISTONS 140, Bullets 113 (Pistons lead 1-0)
Bullets Stats
Adrian Dantley: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
Alex English: 18 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 39 PTS, 11 REB, 15/27 FG
David Thompson: 23 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL
Micheal Ray Richardson: 19 PTS, 16 AST, 5 STL
Michael Cooper: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST
***
Game 1 - #5 Chicago Bulls at #4 New Jersey Nets
The opening game of the playoff series between the
Chicago Bulls and the
New Jersey Nets proved to be a one-sided affair.
‘Nique staged an impressive offensive show, hammering the Nets' defense with a monstrous 42-point performance. This demolition marked the second consecutive year in which the Bulls seized home-court advantage from the Nets in the opening game of their first-round playoff encounter, which should serve as a reminder that need to maintain their aggressive approach and avoid any complacency reminiscent of last season.
The Nets were left reeling, failing to match the offensive prowess displayed by the Bulls. Veteran guard
Sidney Moncrief was the top scorer for New Jersey with 22 points, but his efforts fell far short of making a dent in Chicago's lead. The Nets now face a significant challenge to regroup and retaliate in the next game.
Bulls 122, NETS 90 (Bulls lead 1-0)
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 42 PTS, 5 REB, 4 STL
Vinnie Johnson: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
Craig Ehlo: 20 PTS, 7 REB
Nets Stats
Sidney Moncrief: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL
***
Game 1 - #7 Boston Celtics at #2 Miami Heat
In the first game of the playoff series between the
Boston Celtics and the
Miami Heat, the tides turned dramatically after the first half. The Celtics kicked off with an impressive start, taking a five-point lead by halftime. However,
Michael Jordan delivered an outstanding performance the rest of the way that left the Celtics unable to respond.
Jordan single-handedly dismantled the Celtics' defense, contributing an impressive 37 points to Miami's final score. In contrast,
Larry Bird was unable to match this scoring prowess, ending the game with 21 points.
In addition to Jordan's stellar play,
Sam Perkins of the Heat also stepped up, notching up 21 points and 9 rebounds, further enhancing Miami's victory.
Despite the Celtics' balanced offensive contributions from Bird,
Larry Nance, and
Purvis Short, it wasn't enough to withstand the Heat's second-half onslaught. The Celtics will need to find an answer to Miami's potent offense to prevent further losses in this series.
HEAT 116, Celtics 106 (Heat lead 1-0)
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 21 PTS, 5 REB, 8 AST
Larry Nance: 18 PTS, 8 REB
Purvis Short: 18 PTS, 5 REB
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 37 PTS, 7 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK
Sam Perkins: 21 PTS, 9 REB
***
Game 1 - #6 New Orleans Jazz at #3 Cleveland Cavaliers
Surprisingly, the
Jazz took an early lead, but the
Cavs were able to claw back. Still the Jazz wouldn’t give up as they tried to steal Game 1.
Jeff Malone hit a jumper with 2:50 left that cut the Cavs lead to 99-97.
Charles Barkley intercepts a
Marvin Webster pass and runs the ball down the court, finding Malone, who finds
Quintin Dailey to tie the game up at 99 with two minutes left.
Gerald Wilkins, having perhaps the best game of his career, hits a short jumper to put Cleveland back up two. Jeff Malone responds, making it 101-101. Barkley ends up breaking up another pass, and he finds
Kurt Rambis to put the Jazz up 103-101! Wilkins scores again though, once again tying things up. Dailey scores for the Jazz as they go back up two with 52 seconds left. Wilkins, looking like his brothers out there, hits another shot and we’re tied at 105 with 27 seconds left.
The Jazz get a golden chance to take Game 1 as Rambis is fouled by
Rolando Blackman with 7 seconds left as he was going up for a shot. Rambis drills both free throws with just seven seconds left.
Orlando Woolridge hits a little hook shot with no time remaining, sending the game to overtime!
Unfortunately, that was New Orleans’ best chance, as the Cavs find a second wind and roll over the Jazz 17-5 in overtime to take Game 1.
CAVALIERS 124, Jazz 112 (OT) (Cavaliers lead 1-0)
Jazz Stats
Charles Barkley: 25 PTS, 13 REB, 4 STL
Detlef Schrempf: 16 PTS, 7 REB
Cavaliers Stats
Rolando Blackman: 29 PTS, 7 REB
Gerald Wilkins: 27 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST
Kevin McHale: 17 PTS, 9 REB, 4 BLK
Orlando Woolridge: 18 PTS, 9 REB
Marvin Webster: 6 PTS, 15 REB, 3 BLK
***
Game 2 - #8 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Dallas Mavericks (Mavericks lead 1-0)
In the second game of the series, the
Dallas Mavericks once again flexed their offensive might, defeating the
San Antonio Spurs by a score of 110-101. The Mavericks showed a fantastic team effort, with six players reaching double-digit scoring. This included a particularly strong performance from point guard
Isiah Thomas, who orchestrated the team's offense impeccably.
However, the victory was bittersweet for the Mavericks as their center,
Ralph Sampson, suffered a knee sprain in the fourth quarter. The prognosis isn't promising, casting doubt over his participation for the rest of the playoffs, assuming Dallas advances.
The Spurs, on the other hand, had a solid performance from their star player,
George "Ice" Gervin, who scored 24 points. Despite this, they were unable to match Dallas' firepower or to impede their offensive onslaught. Heading back to San Antonio, the Spurs face a daunting task. They'll need to pull off a miracle to prevent an early exit from the series.
Mavericks 110, Spurs 101 (Mavericks lead 2-0)
Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 24 PTS, 5 REB
Anthony Bowie: 18 PTS, 7 REB
A.C. Green: 15 PTS, 9 REB
Mavericks Stats
Isiah Thomas: 17 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST, 4 STL, 7/11 FG
Ralph Sampson: 18 PTS, 10 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
James Worthy: 18 PTS, 7 REB
***
Game 2 - #5 Phoenix Suns at #4 Portland Trail Blazers (Trail Blazers lead 1-0)
The
Trail Blazers took command of their first-round series against the
Phoenix Suns with another decisive victory in Game 2.
Chris Mullin led the Blazers once again, delivering an impressive 30-point performance. This balanced, efficient team continues to be a formidable adversary for Phoenix, who despite their efforts couldn't match Portland's dominance.
Phoenix's
Clyde Drexler, had another rough outing, only managing 18 points on 22 attempts. While rookie
Arvydas Sabonis and veteran
Jack Sikma made notable contributions with 29 and 27 points respectively, their efforts were insufficient to topple Portland's formidable offense.
Phoenix will need Drexler to step it up if they expect to remain alive.
TRAIL BLAZERS 127, Suns 111 (Trail Blazers lead 2-0)
Suns Stats
Arvydas Sabonis: 29 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
Jack Sikma: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST
Ricky Pierce: 24 PTS, 4 REB
Trail Blazers Stats
Chris Mullin: 30 PTS, 7 AST, 12.19 FG
Byron Scott: 23 PTS
Darrell Walker: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST, 4 STL
***
Game 2 - #7 Spirits of St. Louis at #2 Sacramento Kings (Kings lead 1-0)
With
Patrick Ewing having a meltdown and
Alvin Robertson putting on a show, the
Spirits took the
Kings to the limit in Game 2. With 1:27 left,
Otis Birdsong grabbed his own offensive rebound and hit a shot that tied the game at 93. The
Kings couldn’t find the basket after that, with
Mark Eaton drawing a charge and
Mike O’Koren missing shots. The Spirits couldn’t score another bucket either, with Robertson missing a dagger of a three.
Terry Porter made a key steal with 23 seconds left and ultimately had a chance to win it with a three, but that missed too. The last 87 seconds led to no points from either team, and we went to overtime.
And just like that, the switch turned on for both teams. Neither team could be stopped in overtime. Robertson found Otis on a back screen to make it 107-104 Spirits with just 59 seconds left.
Hakeem Olajuwon faked a post move and found an open Porter to cut it to 107-106 Spirits. Birdsong inexplicably loses the handle on the inbound, giving the Kings the ball back down one. Hakeem would fine O’Koren, who scores with 19 seconds left to give the Kings a 108-107 lead.
Sacramento clamped down on this last possession, not allowing St. Louis to find a good shot.
Dale Ellis ended up with a semi-open look from the baseline as time expired…but it was no good, and the Spirits lost their best chance to make this a series. While Hakeem was great, Patrick Ewing was awful, going 6 for 25 and stifling his own team’s offense. Otis Birdsong took on a heavy load for the Spirits, scoring 39 on 39 shots with Robertson feeding him the ball, but it just fell short of being enough. The Spirits managed 112 field goal attempts, but only made 36.6% of them. While Ewing’s offense was bad, he did a great job again taking
Buck Williams out of the series completely.
KINGS 108, Spirits 107 (OT) (Kings lead 2-0)
Spirits Stats
Otis Birdsong: 39 PTS, 7 REB
Alvin Robertson: 19 PTS, 13 REB, 11 AST
Dale Ellis: 17 PTS, 11 REB
Kings Stats
Hakeem Olajuwon: 31 PTS, 17 REB, 3 AST, 4 STL, 3 BLK
Patrick Ewing: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
***
Game 2 – #6 Los Angeles Lakers at #3 Golden State Warriors (Warriors lead 1-0)
A truly wild game through the 4th quarter. With the game tied with 12 minutes left, the
Warriors pulled away in the 4th, putting the defending Western Conference Champion
Lakers in an 0-2 hole, facing elimination. Neither team brought their defense, as custom in this “rivalry”.
While he didn’t shoot well,
John Stockton’s 17 assists helped power the powerful Warriors offense.
Andrew Toney dropped 35.
Kiki Vandeweghe added 32. The Lakers, led by
Magic, had four players score at least 23, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with Golden State. The Warriors look to get a victory in this “rivalry” by finishing off the Lakers at home.
WARRIORS 140, Lakers 134 (Warriors lead 2-0)
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 23 PTS, 17 AST, 3 STL
Doc Rivers: 26 PTS, 7 AST
Bernard King: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST
Marques Johnson: 24 PTS, 8 REB
Warriors Stats
Andrew Toney: 35 PTS, 15/21 FG, 2/5 3P
Kiki Vandeweghe: 32 PTS, 7 REB
Danny Schayes: 21 PTS, 16 REB, 4 AST
Darryl Dawkins: 16 PTS, 9 REB
Dudley Bradley: 16 PTS
***
Game 2 - #8 Baltimore Bullets at #1 Detroit Pistons (Pistons lead 1-0)
The
Bullets got the memo from Game 1 and upped the offensive pressure.
Adrian Dantley was on fire all game as the Bullets mounted a comeback in the 4th quarter. While it’s a game they never led, Dantley’s lay-up with 22 seconds left brings the Bullets to within two, 124-122.
Kelvin Ransey sends
Micheal Ray Richardson to the line, and Richardson gives Baltimore some hope as he misses the second free throw.
Alex English grabs the rebounds, 19 seconds left, Bullets down three. The Bullets though, can’t find a good look at a three.
Sam Bowie makes a risky play as he tries to draw a foul…and while he hits the shot,
he doesn’t get the call! Detroit inbounds with a couple of seconds left and survives…and the Bullets blow a chance to send this one to overtime.
Dantley had 42 to lead the Bullets, but
Tom Chambers’ 33-16 was enough to power Detroit to a 2-0 lead.
PISTONS 125, Bullets 124 (Pistons lead 2-0)
Bullets Stats
Adrian Dantley: 42 PTS, 11 REB, 12/21 FG, 18/18 FT
Alex English: 22 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 33 PTS, 16 REB, 2 BLK
Dennis Johnson: 23 PTS, 6 AST, 4 STL
Micheal Ray Richardson: 14 PTS, 13 REB, 13 AST
***
Game 2 - #5 Chicago Bulls at #4 New Jersey Nets (Bulls lead 1-0)
The Nets blew open Game 2 right away and the game was virtually over by halftime (63-38). Nets were led by
Calvin Natt’s 28 points and
Cliff Robinson’s 25. Nets, like last season, need to find at least one win in Chicago to regain home court advantage.
NETS 112, Bulls 87 (Series tied 1-1)
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 14 PTS
Alson Lister: 15 PTS, 11 REB
Nets Stats
Calvin Natt: 28 PTS, 3 BLK
Cliff Robinson: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 10/19 FG
Moses Malone: 15 PTS, 11 REB, 6 BLK
Sidney Moncrief: 18 PTS, 6 STL
***
Game 2 - #7 Boston Celtics at #2 Miami Heat (Heat lead 1-0)
Michael Jordan was simply unstoppable in Game 2 of
Miami Heat's face-off against the
Boston Celtics. With a dazzling display of his extraordinary skills, Jordan led the Heat to a resounding victory by scoring 56 points on just 25 shots, delivering one of the most efficient playoff performances in NBA history. This spectacular performance erased the stellar two-man game put up by
Larry Bird and
Larry Nance for the Celtics.
Despite the Celtics' strong defensive strategy and intelligent playmaking, their efforts were overshadowed by Jordan's phenomenal dominance. Boston now faces the daunting challenge of finding a way to contain MJ in the upcoming games at their home court; otherwise, their NBA Title defense might come to a premature end.
HEAT 119, Celtics 113 (Heat lead 2-0)
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 38 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Larry Nance: 32 PTS, 13 REB, 3 STL
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 56 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 21/25 FG, 14/16 FT
Kevin Duckworth: 14 PTS
***
Game 2 - #6 New Orleans Jazz at #3 Cleveland Cavaliers (Cavaliers lead 1-0)
The
Cleveland Cavaliers maintained their strong grip on the series as they secured a dominant victory over the
New Orleans Jazz in Game 2. The Cavaliers' formidable trio of
Kevin McHale, Rolando Blackman, and
Orlando Woolridge took charge of the game, combining for a remarkable shooting percentage with 35 successful shots out of 47 attempts.
The Jazz, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. The only bright spot came off the bench with
Spud Webb managing to put up 18 points.
CAVALIERS 109, Jazz 87 (Cavaliers lead 2-0)
Jazz Stats
Spud Webb: 18 PTS, 5 REB
Charles Barkley: 10 PTS, 10 REB
Kurt Rambis: 14 PTS, 8 REB
Cavaliers Stats
Rolando Blackman: 33 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 12/14 FG
Kevin McHale: 28 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, 4 BLK
Orlando Woolridge: 18 PTS, 9 REB, 9/11 FG
***
Game 3 - #1 Dallas Mavericks at #8 San Antonio Spurs (Mavericks lead 2-0)
No
Sampson no problem.
The
Mavericks finished off the
Spurs in Game 3, advancing to the Semi-Finals.
James Worthy led the way for the Mavericks with 25, and
Isiah added a 20-11.
Thurl Bailey probably earned some big money this off-season with another strong playoff game in Sampson’s absence. He had 17 points and 9 rebounds.
The Spurs showed some life this season before nearly falling out of the playoffs. The Spurs continue to extend the
George Gervin era as he still has three years on his deal. Really, it’s likely time to move on.
For prediction purposes James Worthy led the series in scoring with 57 points.
Mavericks 120, Spurs 102 (Mavericks win 3-0)
Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Isiah Thomas: 20 PTS, 11 AST, 7/13 FG
Mike McGee: 20 PTS, 4 REB
Thurl Bailey: 17 PTS, 9 REB
Spurs Stats
LaSalle Thompson: 15 PTS, 7 REB, 4 STL, 3 BLK
A.C. Green: 14 PTS, 7 REB
Roy Hinson: 23 PTS, 8/10 FG
***
Game 3 - #4 Portland Trail Blazers at #5 Phoenix Suns (Trail Blazers lead 2-0)
Game 3 of the series saw a remarkable shift in momentum as the
Phoenix Suns emerged triumphant over the
Portland Trail Blazers on their home court. The Suns managed to shrink the series lead to 2-1, thanks to an electrifying performance by
Ricky Pierce, who notched up 32 points. Big men
Arvydas Sabonis and
Jack Sikma had an impressive outing, jointly securing 33 rebounds, a third of which were offensive boards.
Unfortunately for the Trail Blazers, only
Darrell Walker seemed to be in his element, contributing 20 points. His efforts, however, couldn't compensate for the rest of the team's underwhelming performance.
SUNS 103, Trail Blazers 78 (Trail Blazers lead 2-1)
Trail Blazers Stats
Darrell Walker: 20 PTS, 9/15 FG
Michael Cage: 12 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK
Suns Stats
Ricky Pierce: 32 PTS, 2 STL, 12/17 FG
Arvydas Sabonis: 21 PTS, 15 REB, 5 AST
Jack Sikma: 10 PTS, 18 REB, 5 AST
Clyde Drexler: 20 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
***
Game 3 - #2 Sacramento Kings at #7 Spirits of St. Louis (Kings lead 2-0)
The
Spirits had another chance to get back into the series as
Hakeem Olajuwon struggled for the
Kings.
Patrick Ewing, who had a poor Game 2, led the way for Sacramento. Still, the Spirits were in the game in the 4th.
With the Kings struggling to score,
Alvin Robertson hit a 15-footer to make it 84-77 Spirits with 3:13 left. The Kings would call timeout, desperate to end this series as soon as possible.
Danny Ainge hit a basket thanks to a good pass from rookie
Kenny Walker to cut the lead to five. Ewing stuffs
Otis Birdsong at the rim, and Hakeem gets a lay-up on the other end (only his 4th and 5th points of the game) to make it 84-81. Birdsong misses a three but grabs his own board, and eventually he finds
Dale Ellis for a jumper on the baseline to push the lead back to five with 1:40 left.
Ewing quickly responds to make it 86-83, but Otis finds Robertson just as quickly to again push the lead to five. Danny Ainge gets fouled by Otis, and Birdsong hits both free throws, making it 88-85 with just 1:09 left. The Kings shut down the Spirits on the next possession, but Hakeem gets called for an illegal screen. Really tough day for Olajuwon.
Buck Williams misses a shot but Otis Birdsong grabs the rebound. He plays keep away enough to drain the clock to nine seconds before he’s sent to the line. He makes one free throw, giving the Spirits a four point lead with 9 seconds left. Ainge is fouled instantly, and the Kings can’t get over the hump. There will be a Game 4.
SPIRITS 89, Kings 86 (Kings lead 2-1)
Kings Stats
Patrick Ewing: 35 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK
Spirits Stats
Otis Birdsong: 25 PTS, 8 REB
Alvin Robertson: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL
Buck Williams: 15 PTS, 12 REB, 5 BLK
Mark Eaton: 6 PTS, 13 REB, 4 BLK
***
Game 3 – #3 Golden State Warriors at #6 Los Angeles Lakers (Warriors lead 2-0)
Facing elimination in Game 3, the
Los Angeles Lakers rose to the occasion, putting on a stellar performance to stay alive in the series against the
Golden State Warriors. The Lakers' sizzling 51-point second quarter set the tone for the match, leaving the Warriors trailing.
The Lakers' resurgence was driven by
Bernard King's outstanding 31-point performance, along with
Magic Johnson's triple-double of 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Warriors, despite a decent third quarter, couldn't match the energy and efficiency of the Lakers. Golden State's offense was led by
Andrew Toney with 22 points, followed by
Dudley Bradley and
John Stockton.
With this decisive victory, the Lakers have made it clear they're not ready to exit the playoffs just yet. They've reduced the Warriors' lead in the series to 2-1, and they'll be seeking to level the series in Game 4.
LAKERS 116, Warriors 102 (Warriors lead 2-1)
Warriors Stats
Andrew Toney: 22 PTS
Dudley Bradley: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL
John Stockton: 11 PTS, 10 AST, 3 STL
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 23 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST
Doc Rivers: 19 PTS, 5 AST, 4 STL
Bernard King: 31 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
***
Game 3 - #1 Detroit Pistons at #8 Baltimore Bullets (Pistons lead 2-0)
Despite putting up a valiant fight, the
Baltimore Bullets fell to the overpowering
Detroit Pistons, who completed a clean 3-0 sweep on the Bullets' home turf. Baltimore's formidable trio -
Sam Bowie, Alex English, and
Adrian Dantley - did their best, combining for a commendable 65 points (although English was 9 for 31). However, they found themselves unable to contain
Tom Chambers.
Chambers was the star of the show, recording a massive double-double with a staggering 44 points and 20 rebounds. He received ample support from
Dennis Johnson, who chipped in with 20 points, ensuring the Pistons had the firepower to see off the Bullets. With this victory, the Pistons will now be watching the
Bulls-Nets series closely, as they await their next challenge in the playoffs.
Baltimore has a few big off-season questions. Both English and Dantley are slated to hit the free agent market this off-season. Is English-Dantley-Bowie a foundation to which Baltimore can contend? How much money will they shell out to find out? English turns 34 next year, Dantley 32.
For fantasy purposes, Tom Chambers led the series in scoring with 116 points.
Pistons 122, BULLETS 115 (Pistons win 3-0)
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 44 PTS, 20 REB, 2 STL
Dennis Johnson: 20 PTS, 7 AST
Micheal Ray Richardson: 11 PTS, 8 REB, 13 AST
Bullets Stats
Sam Bowie: 20 PTS, 11 REB, 3 BLK
Alex English: 25 PTS, 5 AST
Adrian Dantley: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL
***
Game 3 - #4 New Jersey Nets at #5 Chicago Bulls (Series tied 1-1)
This one went down to the wire, as
Dominique and
The Squid led both of their teams in a hard-fought battle.
Terry Cummings hit a layup to put the Bulls up 108-103 with 4 minutes to go.
Calvin Natt misses a three, but
Andre Wakefield misses is own jumper. Natt misses another three, but Chicago turns the ball over on an illegal screen from
Alton Lister. Nets are frozen though as
Terry Tyler misses an easy layup from a feed from Moncrief. Moncrief forces
Johnny Moore into a tough shot though and that misses. Moncrief finds
Moses, who misses the short jumper but tips in his own miss, making it 108-105. That was the first basket in about 100 seconds as there’s 2:21 left.
‘Nique misses but Terry Cummings grabs the rebound. Moore finds ‘Nique, who slams the ball home to push Chicago Stadium in a frenzy. This puts the Bulls back up 110-105 with 1:39 left.
Cliff Robinson quickly scores, and the Bulls again can’t convert a basket. Moses Malone is called for an illegal screen and he’s not happy about that call.
Vinnie Johnson and Johnny Moore break New Jersey’s press, but Johnson shockingly misses an easy layup and Moses grabs the board.
Terry Catledge scores with 24 seconds left, 110-109 Bulls.
The Nets elect to play defense, but the Bulls grab a late offensive board and the Nets never get another chance to win…the Bulls hang on to take a 2-1 series lead.
BULLS 110, Nets 109 (Bulls lead 2-1)
Nets Stats
Sidney Moncrief: 32 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST
Cliff Robinson: 15 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 44 PTS, 6 REB
Terry Cummings: 27 PTS, 7 REB
***
Game 3 - #2 Miami Heat at #7 Boston Celtics (Heat lead 2-0)
The
Boston Celtics clawed their way back into their series against the
Miami Heat with a resounding victory in Game 3.
Larry Bird and
Michael Jordan went head-to-head, with Bird edging out Jordan to lead his team to victory.
The Celtics, driven by a phenomenal 34-21 run in the 4th quarter, overturned a series deficit and put themselves back in contention. Bird was stellar with 33 points, narrowly surpassing Jordan's 30-point contribution for the Heat. A standout performance from mid-season acquisition
Michael Wiley, who came off the bench to score 27 points, played a crucial role in the Celtics' comeback.
Despite this setback, the Heat maintain a 2-1 lead in the series, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Game 4 where Miami will look to finish off Boston.
CELTICS 129, Heat 113 (Heat lead 2-1)
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 12/16 FG
Sam Perkins: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 9.14 FG
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 33 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST
Michael Wiley: 27 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
Larry Nance: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Purvis Short: 18 PTS
***
Game 3 - #3 Cleveland Cavaliers at #6 New Orleans Jazz (Cavaliers lead 2-0)
With the Superdome rocking the
Jazz refused to lie down and go out with a whimper in Game 3, bursting out to a 43-24 first quarter lead. The
Cavs were undeterred though, slowly making their way back through the game, leading to a finish that went down to the wire.
The Cavs had taken the lead late in the 4th and looked to extend it, but
Kurt Rambis blocked
Orlando Woolridge’s shot. Jazz down three, 113-110, with 2:07 left.
Jamaal Wilkes hits a jumper from the wing to cut the lead to one.
Gerald Wilkins misses for the Cavs and
Charles Barkley grabs the rebound and rumbles down the court. He finds Rambis, but he misses. With a minute left,
Rolando Blackman gets a one-on-one with
Detlef Schrempf, and blows by him to put Cleveland back up 115-112.
Woolridge blocks
Jeff Malone’s shot, but Malone recovers and finds Rambis, who scores with 34 seconds left to cut the lead back to one. The Jazz play defense and force a stop with five seconds left.
Bill Cartwright struggled to inbound the ball, but he finds Wilkes. Wilkes though is immediately trapped by Wilkins and
Kevin McHale and can’t get a shot off as the Cavs escape with the win and complete the sweep.
While swept, there’s nothing for the Jazz to feel bad about here. Two of the games could have went either way, and with Barkley on the roster it’s likely New Orleans will continue to get closer to contention each year.
For prediction purposes, Kevin McHale led the series in scoring with 85 points.
Cavaliers 115, JAZZ 114 (Cavs win 3-0)
Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 40 PTS, 11 REB, 2 STL, 5 BLK
Rolando Blackman: 20 PTS, 6 REB
Orlando Woolridge: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Jazz Stats
Charles Barkley: 36 PTS, 17 REB
Jeff Malone: 20 PTS, 6 AST
Detlef Schrempf: 17 PTS, 9 REB
***
Game 4 - #4 Portland Trail Blazers at #5 Phoenix Suns (Trail Blazers lead 2-1)
The
Phoenix Suns rallied to secure victory in Game 4, effectively leveling the series at 2-2 and pushing it into a decisive Game 5.
Ricky Pierce was once again the hero for the Suns, putting up 33 points, and slightly eclipsing
Chris Mullin's impressive 27 points for the Trail Blazers.
The Suns also benefited from a stellar performance by
Arvydas Sabonis, who contributed 26 points to their victorious effort. Now, the stage is set for a thrilling Game 5 that will determine which of these two evenly-matched teams advances in the playoffs.
SUNS 108, Trail Blazers 95 (Series tied 2-2)
Trail Blazers Stats
Chris Mullin: 27 PTS
Otis Thorpe: 15 PTS, 11 REB
Suns Stats
Ricky Pierce: 33 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 2 BLK
Arvydas Sabonis: 26 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK
***
Game 4 - #2 Sacramento Kings at #7 Spirits of St. Louis (Kings lead 2-1)
With both
Hakeem Olajuwon and
Patrick Ewing playing well, the
Kings finished off the
Spirits in St. Louis. The Spirits failed to score 100 in three of the four games against Sacramento and just didn’t have the defense to keep Sacramento at that low a total as well. Hakeem and Ewing combined for 58 points.
It’s likely the Spirits will bring back
Dale Ellis, we’ll see if it takes a max contract for that to happen. With the main score other than Ellis locked up through 90-91, expect to see this team continue to make their way through the Western Conference over the next four years.
The Kings await the
Warriors-Lakers winner.
For prediction purposes, Patrick Ewing led the series in scoring with 103 points.
Kings 102, SPIRITS 94 (Kings win 3-1)
Kings Stats
Patrick Ewing: 36 PTS, 7 REB
Hakeem Olajuwon: 22 PTS, 11 REB, 4 STL, 2 BLK
Spirits Stats
Otis Birdsong: 19 PTS, 5 REB
Dale Ellis: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Buck Williams: 14 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST
Mark Eaton: 10 PTS, 15 REB, 3 BLK
***
Game 4 – #3 Golden State Warriors at #6 Los Angeles Lakers (Warriors lead 2-1)
In a hard-fought Game 4, the
Los Angeles Lakers held their ground, defeating the
Golden State Warriors and pushing the series into a decisive Game 5.
Magic Johnson was in prime form, contributing an impressive 21 points along with 14 assists.
Bernard King was also instrumental in the Lakers' victory, adding 27 points to their total.
Despite their loss,
Kiki Vandeweghe of the Warriors was the top scorer of the game, racking up 33 points and confidently guaranteeing a Game 5 victory for his team. With both teams now evenly matched, the stage is set for an enthralling final showdown. Can the Warriors finally beat the Lakers in this “rivalry” (perhaps if they do, I’ll stop using the quotation marks)?
LAKERS 122, Warriors 114 (Series tied 2-2)
Warriors Stats
Kiki Vandeweghe: 33 PTS, 11 REB
Dudley Bradley: 25 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK
Lakers Stats
Bernard King: 27 PTS, 7 REB
Magic Johnson: 21 PTS, 6 REB, 14 AST
Marques Johnson: 19 PTS, 11 REB
***
Game 4 - #4 New Jersey Nets at #5 Chicago Bulls (Bulls lead 2-1)
In a team-effort, the
Bulls dominated the
Nets to avenge last season’s four game loss and advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Four players for Chicago contributed 15 or more points, and the Nets surprisingly just had nothing for the Bulls. ‘Nique led the way with 25 in the blowout.
This concludes another disappointing playoff run for the Nets. Despite win totals of 63, 55, 56 and 55 the past 4 years the Nets could not get past Round 2 of the playoffs. Now some questions remain. What kind of contract will
Calvin Natt get this off-season? Will the Nets try to get out of
Moses Malone’s deal in some way? Will they run it back no matter what? A lot of questions will have to be answered.
As for the Bulls, they’ll meet division rival
Detroit in the Semis.
For playoff prediction purposes Dominique Wilkins led the series in scoring with 125 points.
BULLS 109, Nets 85 (Bulls win 3-1)
Nets Stats
Greg Kelser: 17 PTS
Moses Malone: 8 PTS, 11 REB, 2 BLK
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 25 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL
Vinnie Johnson: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST
Alvan Adams: 17 PTS, 5 REB
Terry Cummings: 15 PTS, 8 REB
***
Game 4 - #2 Miami Heat at #7 Boston Celtics (Heat lead 2-1)
Michael Jordan’s 40 was not enough to finish off the defending NBA Champions as
Boston forced Game 5. Jordan didn’t get much help, while
Larry Bird dropped 31 and was aided by
Larry Nance’s 24 and
Purvis Short’s 22.
Dexter Shouse even came off the bench to add 18. They’ll go back to Miami to decide the series.
CELTICS 115, Heat 106 (Series tied 2-2)
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 40 PTS, 6 Reb, 5 AST
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 31 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST
Purvis Short: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Larry Nance: 24 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST
Dexter Shouse: 18 PTS
***
Game 5 - #5 Phoenix Suns at #4 Portland Trail Blazers (Series tied 2-2)
In front of a shocked, sold out Memorial Coliseum the
Phoenix Suns continued their momentum from Games 3 and 4 and completed the 0-2 comeback, defeating the
Portland Trail Blazers to advance to the Western Conference Semi-Finals.
Clyde Drexler finally woke up for Phoenix, scoring 27 and
Arvydas Sabonis could not be stopped, dropping 26 points, and grabbing 19 rebounds.
Portland looked to be in complete control of the series, even heading into Game 5, but after a tied first quarter the game got away from them.
Chris Mullin scored 22 but shot poorly. Despite this disappointing loss, the future still looks bright for Portland. They’ll need to make some decisions on
Byron Scott and
Darrell Walker, but most of their young players are still under contract for another one or two years.
The Suns will face off against the
Mavericks in the Semis.
For prediction purposes, Ricky Pierce led the series in scoring with 121 points.
Suns 111, TRAIL BLAZERS 99 (Suns win 3-2)
Suns Stats
Arvydas Sabonis: 26 PTS, 19 REB, 6 AST
Clyde Drexler: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST
Jack Sikma; 16 PTS, 7 REB, 4 BLK
Trail Blazers Stats
Chris Mullin: 22 PTS, 5 AST
Otis Thorpe: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 2 BLK
***
Game 5 – #6 Los Angeles Lakers at #3 Golden State Warriors (Series tied 2-2)
The
Lakers reign is over.
The
Warriors ended the Laker hold on the Western Conference in a thrilling Game 5. Golden State chipped away at the Lakers all game, matching them basket for basket.
Kiki Vandeweghe dropped 41 points, and
John Stockton added 17 assists and the Lakers just couldn’t keep up.
Magic had another triple-double with a 19-11-11 and all three of
Robert Parish, Marques Johnson and
Bernard King scored 20+. Only Golden State added to Kiki’s 41 with six other players scoring double-digits. The Golden State offense was just too good on this night.
There are massive questions for the Lakers this off-season. For the first time in six years they won’t even be in the Conference Finals. Bernard King, despite the fact that he’ll turn 31 in December, will likely be due a max contract. Parish, who did not look good this year, is also due another contract. How about mid-season acquisition
Doc Rivers? How will the Lakers handle these decisions?
The Warriors will advance and take on another California rival as the
Hakeem-Ewing Kings await.
Kiki Vandeweghe led the series in scoring with 132 points.
WARRIORS 123, Lakers 114 (Warriors win 3-2)
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 19 PTS, 11 REB, 11 AST
Bernard King: 32 PTS, 7 REB
Robert Parish: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST
Marques Johnson: 20 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST
Warriors Stats
Kiki Vandeweghe: 41 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK
John Stockton: 12 PTS, 17 AST, 4 STL
Darryl Dawkins: 16 PTS, 15 REB, 2 BLK
***
Game 5 - #7 Boston Celtics at #2 Miami Heat (Series tied 2-2)
The
Miami Heat destroyed the defending NBA Champion
Boston Celtics back in Miami to advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. The Celtics got nothing going other than
Larry Bird’s 28 points. Boston shot 30 for 86 in the game and while they made 29 free throws, it all amounted to 90 points.
Of course
Michael Jordan led the way for Miami with 29 points, but Miami’s supporting cast also showed up, with
Clark Kellogg adding 27 off the bench. Miami led the game wire-to-wire, leaving Bird and co. stunned.
There’s little doubt the Celtics will run this back against next season as they have Bird and
Purvis Short under contract though 1990, and
Larry Nance though ’91. All are in the prime of their careers as well.
Miami will take on the
Cavs in Round 2.
For prediction purposes, Michael Jordan led the series in scoring with 192 points.
HEAT 132, Celtics 90 (Heat win 3-2)
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 28 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
Purvis Short: 19 PTS, 4 REB
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 29 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL
Clark Kellogg: 27 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Sam Perkins: 18 PTS, 8 REB
***
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Playoff Preview
Western Conference Semi-Finals
Best of Seven
#5 Phoenix Suns (47-35) vs. #1 Dallas Mavericks (64-18)
Season Results – Series tied 2-2
1/25 – SUNS 102, Mavericks 99 (PHO: J. Sikma: 24 PTS, 15 REB, 2 BLK, 3 STL, DAL: J. Worthy: 25 PTS, 10 REB, I. Thomas: 19 PTS, 11 AST, 4 STL)
2/2 – SUNS 128, Mavericks 127 (PHO: R. Pierce: 43 PTS, 6 REB, A. Sabonis: 21 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST, DAL: J. Worthy: 37 PTS, 9 REB, R. Sampson: 31 PTS, 11 REB)
3/2 – MAVERICKS 126, Suns 113 (DAL: R. Sampson: 29 PTS, 8 REB, I. Thomas: 22 PTS, 17 AST, PHO: R. Pierce: 37 PTS, C. Drexler: 27 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST)
4/23 – MAVERICKS 108, Suns 98 (DAL: R. Sampson: 34 PTS, 12 REB, 5 BLK, PHO: A. Sabonis: 37 PTS, 19 REB)
Series Preview
There’s a sense of revenge for the
Mavericks in this one. Two seasons ago an injured Mavericks team went up against the 6-seeded
Suns and were resoundingly swept. The Suns missed the playoff last year, but now they’re back. The Suns sport a very strong four-man crew of
Clyde Drexler, rookie
Arvydas Sabonis,
Ricky Pierce and veteran
Jack Sikma. The Mavs have
Isiah Thomas and
James Worthy, but will be thin at center as
Ralph Sampson, who played great against the Suns during the regular season, will likely miss the entire series regardless how long it goes (he may return for a Game 7). Can Dallas overcome this and avenge their loss from two seasons ago, or will a streaking Suns team again take down the higher seeded Mavs?
Phoenix Suns
Record: 47-35
PPG: 105.7 (10th)
oPPG: 102.5 (14th)
Offensive Eff: 107.5 (5th)
Defensive Eff: 104.3 (17th)
eFG: 48.4% (5th)
Reb%: 50.4% (13th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Arvydas Sabonis – 19.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 46% FG, 91.1% FT, 38.5% 3P
PF – Jack Sikma – 13.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG
SF – Clyde Drexler – 21.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2 SPG, 49.2% FG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star
SG – Ricky Pierce – 21.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG
PG – Brad Davis – 11.9 PPG, 3.1 RBG, 6.2 APG, 1.5 SPG
6th Man – Craig Hodges – 9.1 PPG
Key Injuries
None
Dallas Mavericks
Record: 64-18
PPG: 113.1 (3rd)
oPPG: 101.2 (10th)
Offensive Eff: 107.7 (3rd)
Defensive Eff: 96.3 (3rd)
eFG: 50.2% (2nd)
Reb%: 49.7% (15th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Thurl Bailey – 9.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG
PF – James Worthy – 23 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 51.3% FG, All-Star
SF – Jerome Kersey – 11 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 55.8% FG
SG – Gerald Henderson – 9.8 PPG, 3.4 APG, 1.8 SPG
PG – Isiah Thomas – 19.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 11.7 APG, 3 SPG, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 1st Team, All-Star
Key Injuries
Ralph Sampson – The All-NBA 3rd Teamer will be out for the series with a sprained knee.
Best of Seven
#3 Golden State Warriors (56-26) vs. #2 Sacramento Kings (58-24)
Season Results – Series tied 2-2
11/22 – WARRIORS 119, Kings 107 (GSW: K. Vandeweghe: 40 PTS, 9 REB, A. Toney: 29 PTS, J. Stockton: 18 AST, SAC: H. Olajuwon: 34 PTS, 17 REB)
12/2 – WARRIORS 108, Kings 96 (GSW: K. Vandeweghe: 29 PTS, J. Stockton: 26 PTS, 9 AST, SAC: D. Ainge: 21 PTS)
1/3 – KINGS 134, Warriors 113 (SAC: H. Olajuwon: 37 PTS, 13 REB, 3 BLK, P. Ewing: 24 PTS, 8 REB, GSW: K. Vandeweghe: 31 PTS, J. Stockton: 22 PTS, 12 AST)
3/21 – KINGS 125, Warriors 106 (SAC: H. Olajuwon: 37 PTS, 13 REB, GSW: J. Stockton: 24 PTS, 10 AST)
Series Preview
One of the main stories of the regular season was the
Warriors quest to catch the Kings for the #2 seed. They just missed, which may be crucial as the
Kings will have home court advantage for the series. This series will boil down to two questions. What does Golden State have to throw at
Hakeem Olajuwon and
Patrick Ewing, and/or can the Warriors offense overpower every other position on the court.
Kiki Vandeweghe, John Stockton and
Andrew Toney have shown to be an unstoppable force on the offensive end all-season. We’ll see which Pacific Division team comes out on top.
Golden State Warriors
Record: 56-26
PPG: 114.6 (1st)
oPPG: 109.4 (26th)
Offensive Eff: 108.6 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 103.5 (13th)
eFG: 50.9% (1st)
Reb%: 48.2% (22nd)
Starters/Key Players
C- Darryl Dawkins – 12.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 50.9% FG
PF- Danny Schayes – 10.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.4 BPG, 49.2% FG
SF – Kiki Vandeweghe – 25.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 37% 3P, All-Star
SG – Dudley Bradley – 12.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG
PG – John Stockton – 16.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 11.6 APG, 2.7 SPG, 47.1% FG, 80.8% FT, 38.9% 3P, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star
6th Man – Andrew Toney – 21.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 48.7% FG, 80.1% FT, 6th Man of the Year, All-Star
Key Injuries
Al Wood – Bench player who averaged 7 PPG in 15 MPG, started last season
Sacramento Kings
Record: 58-24
PPG: 105.1 (12th)
oPPG: 95.6 (4th)
Offensive Eff: 104.6 (10th)
Defensive Eff: 95.2 (2nd)
eFG: 46.8% (10th)
Reb%: 51.2% (7th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Hakeem Olajuwon – 26.6 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 4.4 BPG, 54.1% FG, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 1st Team, All-Star
PF – Patrick Ewing – 23 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.1 BPG, 49.8% FG
SF – Mike O’Koren – 7.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG
SG – Danny Ainge – 14 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 47.1% FG
PG – Terry Porter – 10.3 PPG, 3.9 APG, 1.8 SPG
6th Man – Sedale Threatt – 10.0 PPG
Key Injuries
None
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Best of Seven
#5 Chicago Bulls (51-31) vs. #1 Detroit Pistons (67-15)
Season Results – Pistons won 4-0
11/24 – Pistons 104, BULLS 100 (DET: T. Chambers: 39 PTS, 6 REB, CHI: D. Wilkins: 28 PTS, 12 REB)
1/26 – PISTONS 97, Bulls 95 (DET: T. Chambers: 32 PTS, 14 REB, M. Richardson: 12 PTS, 10 REB, 17 AST, CHI: T. Cummings: 29 PTS, 14 REB)
2/22 – PISTONS 103, Bulls 92 (DET: T. Chambers: 25 PTS, 10 REB, CHI: T. Cummings: 29 PTS, 13 REB)
3/20 – Pistons 96, BULLS 89 (DET: T. Chambers: 29 PTS, 10 REB, M. Richardson: 14 PTS, 13 REB, 14 AST, CHI: D. Wilkins: 28 PTS, 11 REB)
Series Preview
This is a very difficult battle for the
Bulls. Over the past couple of seasons,
Detroit built a team defensively that was designed to stop the likes of
Dominique Wilkins. With All-Defensive stalwarts
Dennis Johnson and
Michael Cooper, ‘Nique will have his hands full. This will have to be a series where
Terry Cummings has some big games.
Tom Chambers may be unstoppable on offense, but he’s very beatable on the other end and if Cummings can off-set Chambers, the Bulls will have a chance.
Vinnie Johnson, Johnny Moore, Craig Ehlo, someone on the Bulls will have to step up and help ‘Nique score buckets. We know
Micheal Ray Richardson and
David Thompson could go off on any day. This is a tough one for Chicago, but it’s not impossible.
Chicago Bulls
Record: 51-31
PPG: 109.7 (5th)
oPPG: 102.6 (15th)
Offensive Eff: 106.8 (7th)
Defensive Eff: 99.9 (9th)
eFG%: 48.3% (6th)
Reb%: 52.3% (3rd)
Starters/Key Players
C – Alton Lister – 7.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.9 BPG, 50.7% FG
PF – Terry Cummings – 20.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG
SF – Dominique Wilkins – 35.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 53.8% FG, Scoring Champion, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star
SG – Vinnie Johnson – 13.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 SPG
PG – Johnny Moore – 8.9 PPG, 9.3 APG, 2 SPG
6th Man – Craig Ehlo – 8.4 PPG
Key Injuries
None
Detroit Pistons (67-15)
Record: 67-15
PPG: 112.5 (4th)
oPPG: 99.3 (7th)
Offensive Eff: 107.5 (6th)
Defensive Eff: 94.9 (1st)
eFG: 49.5% (3rd)
Reb%: 52.1% (4th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Benoit Benjamin – 6.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3 BPG, 55% FG
PF – Tom Chambers – 32.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 55% FG, 81% FT, 34.4% 3P, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Star
SF – Michael Cooper – 13.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 48.7% FG
SG – Dennis Johnson: 11.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5 APG, 2 SPG
PG – Micheal Ray Richardson: 15.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
6th Man – David Thompson: 14 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 46% FG, 80.8% FT
Key Injuries
None
Best of Seven
#3 Cleveland Cavaliers (60-22) at #2 Miami Heat (61-21)
Season Results – Cavs won 4-1
12/11 – CAVALIERS 109, Heat 90 (CLE: O. Woolridge: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST, MIA: M. Jordan: 28 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST)
12/18 – Cavaliers 123, HEAT 116 (CLE: R. Blackman: 27 PTS, MIA: S. Perkins: 31 PTS, 10 REB)
1/18 – CAVALIERS 121, Heat 112 (CLE: O. Woolridge: 35 PTS, K. McHale: 29 PTS, 3 BLK, 3 STL, R. Blackman: 25 PTS, MIA: M. Jordan: 46 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST)
3/15 – HEAT 113, Cavaliers 103 (MIA: M. Jordan: 26 PTS, 8 AST, CLE: O. Woolridge: 25 PTS)
4/20 – CAVALIERS 111, Heat 101 (CLE: K. McHale: 32 PTS, 13 REB, 5 BLK, MIA: M. Jordan: 33 PTS)
Series Preview
One thing is clear. The
Miami Heat need to give
Michael Jordan some help if they are to defeat
Cleveland. The Cavs played the Heat very well throughout the season due to excellent play from the front court on the offensive and defensive end. If
Sam Perkins can’t get going, the Heat won’t win.
Kevin McHale and
Orlando Woolridge have dominated the Heat all season long. Still, if MJ gets some help, perhaps from
Derek Harper, the Heat may be able to pull out the victory regardless of what happens in the front court. The Cavs goal will be to hold MJ to under 35 each game. Miami does have home court advantage, which should only help matters.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 60-22
PPG: 105.6 (11th)
oPPG: 95.4 (3rd)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (4th)
Defensive Eff: 97.2 (4th)
eFG%: 48.3% (7th)
Reb%: 48.8% (18th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Kevin McHale – 25.3 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 3.9 BPG, 52.7% FG, 83.4% FT, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star
PF – Orlando Woolridge – 19.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 54% FG
SF – Rolando Blackman – 20.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.4 APG, 49.4% FG, 80.4% FT
SG – Gerald Wilkins – 10.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG
PG – Jim Paxson – 11 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.6 SPG
Key Injuries
None
Miami Heat
Record: 61-21
PPG: 113.8 (2nd)
oPPG: 103.5 (17th)
Offensive Eff: 109.6 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 99.6 (8th)
eFG%: 48.8% (4th)
Reb%: 51.7% (5th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Sam Perkins – 14.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG
PF – Xavier McDaniel – 12.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG
SF – Albert King – 8.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG
SG – Michael Jordan – 33.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 6.1 APG, 2.6 SPG, 57.8% FG, 82.4% FT
PG – Derek Harper – 10.8 PPG, 5.7 APG, 1.5 SPG
6th Man – Clark Kellogg – 11.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG
Key Injuries
None
***
Prediction Contest – ONLY PREDICT THE SEMIS
1st Round – Picking the Winning Team is worth 10 Points, Picking the Highest Point Scorer in the Series is worth 3 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 2 Points
The winning picks are:
Mavericks, 3, Worthy
Suns, 5, Pierce
Kings, 4, Ewing
Warriors, 5, Vandeweghe
Pistons, 3, Chambers
Bulls, 4, Wilkins
Heat, 5, Jordan
Cavaliers, 3, McHale
@Dubble J : Mavs (10), 3 (2), Kings (10), 4 (2), Ewing (3), Warriors (10), Pistons (10), 3 (2), Chambers (3), Bulls (10), Wilkins (3), Heat (10), 5 (2), Cavs (10), McHale (3) = 90
@AlanSmithee1981 Mavs (10), Suns (10), 5 (2), Kings (10), Pistons (10), 3 (2), Chambers (3), Bulls (10), Wilkins (3), Heat (10), Jordan (3), Cavs (10), McHale (3) =86
Dubb has a slight lead over Alan heading into the Semis!
Semi-Finals – Picking the Winning Team is worth 25 Points, , Picking the leading scorer of the series is worth 7 points, and Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 5 Points
Conference Finals – Picking the Winning is worth 50 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 10 Points
NBA Finals – Picking the Winning Team is Worth 100 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 20 Points
Guessing the Finals MVP: Worth 20 Points
Winning the Competition Each Year: Worth +10%
The goal for prediction results: when we get into the late 2020s and 2030s, to allow users to create their own rookies based on the prediction points they built up.
Stats Site
