(All Box Scores to be added after the end of the season)
Game 1 - #8 San Diego Clippers at #1 Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers stormed to the lead and never looked back.
Magic Johnson had his way with rookie
Doc Rivers to the tune of 23 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
Joey Barry Carroll lead the Clippers with 23, but it took 23 shots to get there.
LAKERS 107, Clippers 93 (Lakers lead 1-0)
Clippers Stats
Joe Barry Carroll: 23 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 23 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL
Bernard King: 20 PTS
Buck Williams: 11 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK
***
Game 1 - #5 Salt Lake Stallions at #4 Golden State Warriors
Golden State’s
Al Wood had a big game, outplaying both
Adrian Dantley and
Reggie Theus to lead Golden State to a Game 1 victory. The Warriors came out to a 31-14 point lead in the first quarter. Wood had 24 to lead all scorers.
WARRIORS 106, Stallions 91 (Warriors lead 1-0)
Stallions Stats
Reggie Theus: 19 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST
Adrian Dantley: 14 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK
Warriors Stats
Al Wood: 24 PTS, 10/15 FG
Darryl Dawkins: 17 PTS, 14 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
***
Game 1 - #7 Phoenix Suns at #2 Dallas Mavericks
The Suns were giving the Mavericks a run for their money in the first half, but Dallas put the Suns away with a 58-41 second half. All of Dallas’s big guns came to play and
Isiah was brilliant with a 27-10-9. Rookies
Clyde Drexler and
Ralph Sampson were impressive in their debuts. Drexler had 19, Sampson a 15-12.
MAVERICKS 108, Suns 93 (Mavericks lead 1-0)
Suns Stats
Clyde Drexler: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL, 7/12 FG
Greg Ballard: 18 PTS, 10 REB
Mavericks Stats
Isiah Thomas: 27 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST, 1 STL, 9/17 FG
James Worthy: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 10/17 FG
Kiki Vandeweghe: 19 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 4/8 FG, 1/3 3P, 10/11 FT
Ralph Sampson: 15 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST, 3 BLK, 6/10 FG
***
Game 1 - #6 San Antonio Spurs at #3 Seattle Supersonics
The Spurs hung with the Sonics in the first quarter, as it was 41-39 Sonics. But the Seattle firepower was too much for Ice and co. to handle. The big men for Seattle especially had a field day.
Jack Sikma, Maurice Lucas and backup center
James Bailey combined for 76 points as Seattle went up 1-0.
SUPERSONICS 130, Spurs 112 (Supersonics lead 1-0)
Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 30 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 9/19 FG, 11/12 FT
Sonics Stats
Jack Sikma: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 10/17 FG, 3/3 3P
Maurice Lucas: 28 PTS, 12 REB, 13/16 FG
James Bailey: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 4 BLK
Mark Aguirre: 17 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST
***
Game 1 - #8 Philadelphia 76ers at #1 New Jersey Nets
Philly tried, but without
The Chief,
Moses and the Nets ran right through them in Game 1. Four players for the Nets scored 19 or more and the Nets just never had a chance.
NETS 111, 76ers 94 (Nets lead 1-0)
Sixers Stats
Jeff Judkins: 19 PTS, 5 REB
Maurice Cheeks: 18 PTS, 8 AST, 4 STL
Bobby Jones: 14 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Nets Stats
Calvin Natt: 25 PTS, 6 REB
Dudley Bradley: 22 PTS, 9/13 FG, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Cliff Robinson: 20 PTS, 6 REB, 7/10 FG
Moses Malone: 19 PTS, 14 REB, 3 AST
***
Game 1 - #5 Indiana Pacers at #4 New York Knicks
The Knicks exploded out to a 42-21 first quarter and shut the Pacers down overall to win Game 1 in Madison Square Garden.
Alex English struggled to deal with the monster New York combination of
Tree Rollins and Mark Eaton as the Knicks bench played great to extend the lead.
Toby Knight and playoff veteran
Gerald Henderson (from Boston) scored 37 off the bench, and
Larry Smith grabbed 13 boards.
Micheal Ray Richardson of course ran the whole offense as he dropped 17 assists.
KNICKS 119, Pacers 97 (Knicks lead 1-0)
Pacers Stats
Otis Birdsong: 20 PTS, 4 AST, 6 STL
Alex English: 19 PTS, 7/23 FG
Spurs Stats
Toby Knight: 19 PTS
Gerald Henderson: 18 PTS, 8/12 FG
Micheal Ray Richardson: 17 PTS, 7 REB, 17 AST
Tree Rollins: 12 PTS, 9 REB, 4 BLK, 6/7 FG
Larry Smith: 12 PTS, 13 REB
***
Game 1 - #7 Detroit Pistons at #2 Chicago Bulls
Tom Chambers was unstoppable for Detroit in Game 1, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with Chicago. No one particularly stood out for the Bulls, veteran
Alvan Adams led the way with 22 points. And
Dominique had 20. Chambers scored 36, but no one else had more than 12 for the Pistons. Still, the Pistons played well and will be eyeing a road split in Game 2.
BULLS 104, Pistons 98 (Bulls lead 1-0)
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers; 36 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK
Fat Lever: 10 PTS, 13 REB, 7 AST
Bulls Stats
Alvan Adams: 22 PTS, 6 REB
Dominique Wilkins: 20 PTS, 6 REB
***
Game 1 - #6 Cleveland Cavaliers at #3 Boston Celtics
The Cavs hung with the Celtics after a slow start and have taken a two point lead with 3 minutes to go, 97-95.
Bird quickly hits a jumper to tie the game at 97.
Kevin McHale looks to get Cleveland back on top, but
Juwann Oldman blocks the shot.
Purvis Short hits a lay-up and the Celtics regain control with 2:19 left, 99-97.
Randy Smith misses a jumper and Boston is in complete control.
Purvis Short takes a couple of possessions and plays somewhat crazily, missing shots and then missing a three-pointer. Short does get his own rebound and finds Bird. Bird scores with 41 seconds left to put Boston up four.
Jim Paxson hits a quick jumper to get Cleveland back to within two. Randy Smith steals the ball from
Gus Williams, and this gives Cleveland a chance to tie or take the lead. Jim Paxson though gets trapped, and Purvis Short grabs the ball from his hands. The Cavs never get the ball again as the Celtics hold onto win. The Cavs miss out on a golden opportunity to take one in Boston.
CELTICS 101, Cavaliers 99 (Celtics lead 1-0)
Cavaliers Stats
Jim Paxson: 24 PTS, 6 REB
Kevin McHale: 18 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 31 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 13/23 FG, 3/7 3P
Juwann Oldham: 13 PTS, 17 REB, 4 AST, 3 BLK
Gus Williams: 8 PTS, 5 REB, 10 AST
***
Game 2 - #8 San Diego Clippers at #1 Los Angeles Lakers (Lakers lead 1-0)
The Clippers did a bit better, but the Lakers were just slightly better throughout the game as LA took a 2-0 series lead. Rookie
Doc Rivers did what he could, dropping 20 points, but
Magic was in complete control with 16 points and 13 assists.
Bernard King (35 points, 15/20 FG) feasted on rookie
Paul Thompson and that was that. Lakers will look for the sweep in San Diego.
LAKERS 112, Clippers 101 (Lakers lead 2-0)
Clippers Stats
Joe Barry Carroll: 18 PTS, 7/11 FG
Doc Rivers: 20 PTS, 4 AST, 7/12 FG, 3/5 3P
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 13 AST
Bernard King: 35 PTS, 15/20 FG
***
Game 2 - #5 Salt Lake Stallions at #4 Golden State Warriors (Warriors lead 1-0)
A wild second quarter where the Warriors scored 46 powered Golden State to a 2-0 lead. The Warriors had seven players score in double-digits, led by
Chocolate Thunder, who had a 19-13.
Adrian Dantley scored 28 for Salt Lake, who now need to win three straight to avoid another disappointing post-season.
WARRIORS 118, Stallions 106 (Warriors lead 2-0)
Stallions Stats
Adrian Dantley: 28 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 8/14 FG
Reggie Theus: 21 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST
Warriors Stats
Darryl Dawkins: 19 PTS, 12 REB, 2 BLK, 8/13 FG
Orlando Woolridge: 16 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 5/8 FG
John Long: 16 PTS, 6/9 FG
Quintin Dailey: 16 PTS, 3 AST
***
Game 2 - #7 Phoenix Suns at #2 Dallas Mavericks (Mavericks lead 1-0)
Ralph Sampson showed off his elite talent as none of the Sun big men had any answer for him. Sampson went off for 37, powering Dallas to a 2-0 lead.
Clyde Drexler played well with 21 points, but that wasn’t nearly enough. The Suns had some reasons to be optimistic in this series, but that has quickly disappeared as they will look to avoid being swept.
MAVERICKS 124, Suns 103 (Mavericks lead 2-0)
Suns Stats
Clyde Drexler: 21 PTS, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 7/13 FG
Craig Hodges: 20 PTS
Mavericks Stats
Ralph Sampson: 37 PTS, 10 REB, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 14/18 FG
James Worthy: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 8/10 FG
Isiah Thomas: 12 PTS, 9 AST
***
Game 2 - #6 San Antonio Spurs at #3 Seattle Supersonics (Supersonics lead 1-0)
This
Iceman vs.
Aguirre duel resulted in a close game coming into the fourth, where San Antonio showed some of that Championship heart to win on the road. San Antonio tied the series up behind Ice’s 33 and
Campy Russell’s 20-4-4-4. Midseason acquisition
Brad Davis also had 19. The Sonics were led by Aguirre and his 31 points, but he didn’t quite get enough from everyone else to go toe-to-toe with the Spurs late. Seattle will need to find a win in San Antonio.
Spurs 124, SUPERSONICS 115 (Series tied 1-1)
Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 33 PTS, 5 REB, 10/18 FG
Campy Russell: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
Brad Davis: 19 PTS, 7 AST
Sonics Stats
Mark Aguirre: 31 PTS, 4 REB, 9 AST, 13/22 FG
Louis Orr: 17 PTS, 6/8 FG
Ray Williams: 16 PTS, 7 AST
Jack Sikma: 14 PTS, 12 REB
***
Game 2 - #8 Philadelphia 76ers at #1 New Jersey Nets (Nets lead 1-0)
This is a complete mismatch. The Nets blew out the Sixers again. They led 62-40 at the half and never looked back.
Sidney Moncrief made up for his lackluster Game 1 with a monster 30-9 on just 13 shots and
Moses and
Cliff Robinson grabbed 27 boards total. The Sixers just couldn’t get anything going, with
Dr. J leading the way with just 15.
NETS 109, 76ers 86 (Nets lead 2-0)
Sixers Stats
Julius Erving: 15 PTS, 7 REB
Nets Stats
Sidney Moncrief: 30 PTS, 9 REB, 11/13 FG
Moses Malone: 28 PTS, 11 REB
Cliff Robinson: 18 PTS, 16 REB
***
Game 2 - #5 Indiana Pacers at #4 New York Knicks (Knicks lead 1-0)
The Knicks defense was in complete control in Game 2, holding the Pacers to 33.7% shooting and just 84 points.
Mark Eaton and
Tree Rollins blocked 10 shots and completely controlled the paint. With
David Thompson in foul trouble,
Micheal Ray Richardson was once again in complete control, putting up a 24-11-13 with 3 steals. Knicks look to finish off the Pacers in Indiana, but if Indiana is anything like last year’s team they will be hard to put an end to.
KNICKS 106, Pacers 84 (Knicks lead 2-0)
Pacers Stats
Billy Knight: 19 PTS, 8 REB
Otis Birdsong: 15 PTS
Knicks Stats
Micheal Ray Richardson: 24 PTS, 11 REB, 13 AST, 3 STL, 11/16 FG
Mark Eaton: 4 PTS, 6 REB, 7 BLK
Tree Rollins: 9 PTS, 11 REB, 1 STL, 3 BLK
***
Game 2 - #7 Detroit Pistons at #2 Chicago Bulls (Bulls lead 1-0)
Tom Chambers was unstoppable again, and this time it was enough to get Detroit an upset in Chicago. The Bulls led the whole way, but Chambers’ 37 powered the Pistons to a huge 14 point advantage in the fourth quarter, leaving Chicago stunned. The Bulls had some good performances, and it looked like they had things well in hand. Chambers outdueled
Terry Cummings, who had 27.
Dominique had another 20, but
Dennis Johnson woke up with 26 himself. ‘Nique will need to step up or Detroit will make history as a #7 seed winning a playoff series in the first season that 16 teams make the playoffs.
Pistons 119, BULLS 113 (Series tied 1-1)
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 37 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 14/21 FG, 2/3 3P
Dennis Johnson: 26 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 11/19 FG
Fat Lever: 15 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST
Bulls Stats
Terry Cummings: 27 PTS, 10 REB, 2 STL
Alvan Adams: 22 PTS, 9/12 FG
Dominique Wilkins: 20 PTS
Johnny Moore: 10 PTS, 17 AST
***
Game 2 - #6 Cleveland Cavaliers at #3 Boston Celtics (Celtics lead 1-0)
Cleveland got off to a big lead early on, but Boston completely shut them down throughout the rest of the game. After falling behind, the Celtics outscored the Cavs 81-52 in the last 36 minutes.
Bird put up 29 to put Boston up 2-0.
CELTICS 103, Cavaliers 82 (Celtics lead 2-0)
Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 17 PTS, 11 REB, 7/13 FG
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 29 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 11/17 FG, 2/5 3P
Gus Williams: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL
Cedric Maxwell: 17 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST
***
Game 3 - #1 Los Angeles Lakers at #8 San Diego Clippers (Lakers lead 2-0)
The Clippers made it a game down the stretch, even coming with-in two points several times in the fourth, but the Lakers held on to finish off the Clippers and advance to the second round. The Clippers had some early hope this season to make some strides, only to stumble and nearly miss the playoffs outright.
Magic finished off the Clippers with a 16-9-10, as
Bernard King dropped 28. The Clippers have a lot of questions to figure out this off-season, and their time in San Diego looks numbered.
Lakers 105, CLIPPERS 101 (Lakers win 3-0)
Clippers Stats
Joe Barry Carroll: 24 PTS, 11 REB, 11/19 FG
Larry Nance: 18 PTS, 10 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Doc Rivers: 16 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 16 PTS, 9 REB, 10 AST, 2 STL
Bernard King: 28 PTS
***
Game 3 - #4 Golden State Warriors at #5 Salt Lake Stallions (Warriors lead 2-0)
The Warriors looked to have the Stallions down and beaten, but with 2:40 remaining the Stallions were within four, down 99-95. After two fouls and three made free throws by
Reggie Theus later, the Stallions were within one.
Orlando Woolridge would lose the ball, giving the Stallions a chance to take the lead and survive. Theus looked to really swing the momentum with a thunderous jam to take the lead, but
Al Wood fouled him hard on the way up. Theus took a deep breath and dropped in both free throws, putting Salt Lake up 100-99 with just two minutes left.
The Stallions held on until
Chocolate Thunder, Darryl Dawkins, having a great game, gets a jam to put Golden State back up 101-100. Reggie Theus turns the ball over on the other end, but Dawkins misses a shot that could have closed the game. Theus, basically a one-man show at this point, gets a lay-up with 48 seconds to put Salt Lake back up 102-101 with just 48 seconds left. Golden State can’t respond, and Theus would add two more free throws to make it 104-101, which ends up being the final. Reggie Theus scored the last nine Stallion points to carry their team to a season-saving Game 3 win.
STALLIONS 104, Warriors 101 (Warriors lead 2-1)
Warriors Stats
Darryl Dawkins: 23 PTS, 13 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK, 9/15 FG
Butch Carter: 16 PTS, 7/11 FG
Stallions Stats
Reggie Theus: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Dan Roundfield: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 7/14 FG
Adrian Dantley: 20 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 8/13 FG
Kelvin Ransey: 20 PTS, 10/15 FG
***
Game 3 - #2 Dallas Mavericks at #7 Phoenix Suns (Mavericks lead 2-0)
Phoenix gets on the board with an impressive defensive performance, holding the Mavericks to 36.9% FG and forcing 20 turnovers. They were able to survive two strong performances from
Ralph Sampson and
James Worthy, although
Isiah Thomas struggled big time (4/13 FG, 7 TO). The Suns didn’t score big themselves, but the defensive effort and the fact that while no one scored more than 15, they had eight players score at least 8, was enough to get to Game 4.
SUNS 95, Mavericks 90 (Mavericks lead 2-1)
Mavericks Stats
Ralph Sampson: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 9/15 FG
James Worthy: 28 PTS, 9 REB, 9/16 FG, 10/12 FT
Suns Stats
Clyde Drexler: 15 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 3 BLK
Paul Pressey: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
***
Game 3 - #3 Seattle Supersonics at #6 San Antonio Spurs (Series tied 1-1)
The Spurs blitzed the Sonics, taking Game 3 and putting the Sonic season in jeopardy.
Brad Davis came through huge for San Antonio with 28 as
Ice dropped 26 himself. The Sonics need to find a way to stop both of them on the road, or Seattle, full of hope after a really strong second half of the season, will be disappointingly eliminated from the playoffs in Round 1.
SPURS 112, Supersonics 100 (Spurs lead 2-1)
Sonics Stats
Maurice Lucas: 27 PTS, 10 REB, 9/13 FG
Mark Aguirre: 23 PTS, 5 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
Spurs Stats
Brad Davis: 28 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 9/14 FG, 10/11 FT
George Gervin: 26 PTS, 4 REB, 9/16 FG
***
Game 3 - #1 New Jersey Nets at #8 Philadelphia 76ers (Nets lead 2-0)
This was never happening for the Sixers. While Philly was able to hold the Nets to a rough shooting night (
Moses: 5/24), Philly just had nothing on offense to throw at the #1 seeded Nets. Even when
Robert Parish returns next season, the Sixers have a lot of soul searching to do as it feels the franchise may finally be facing a rebuild. What does that mean for
Julius Erving? The Nets will face either the Knicks or Pacers in Round 2.
Nets 91, 76ERS 72 (Nets win 3-0)
Nets Stats
Moses Malone: 18 PTS, 17 REB, 4 BLK
Cliff Robinson: 20 PTS, 12 REB, 2 STL, 3 BL
Sidney Moncrief: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST
Sixers Stats
Julius Erving: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST
***
Game 3 - #4 New York Knicks at #5 Indiana Pacers (Knicks lead 2-0)
The game has completely shifted now that we’re in Indiana.
Otis Birdsong shut down
Micheal Ray Richardson and led the Pacers with 31 to get them on the board and back in this series. The Pacers completely shut down the Knicks has a whole, as New York only had two double-digit scorers and 93 points total.
PACERS 110, Knicks 93 (Knicks lead 2-1)
Knicks Stats
David Thompson: 38 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 17/31
Mike Glenn: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST
Pacers Stats
Otis Birdsong: 31 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Michael Cooper: 21 PTS, 5 AST
***
Game 3 - #2 Chicago Bulls at #7 Detroit Pistons (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3 was a surprising complete disaster for
Tom Chambers. After dropping two straight 35+ point games in Chicago, it was thought Chambers would be the key to Detroit holding home court and winning the series. Chambers played 14 minutes, committing fouls everywhere (he fouled out) as the Bulls retook control.
Dominique Wilkins finally came up big with a 25 point night and
Dennis Johnson was forced to carry the scoring load. DJ took 28 shots, only scoring 21 points. The Bulls now have a chance to end the series before it even gets back to Chicago as Detroit looks at yet another opportunity missed.
Bulls 92, PISTONS 85 (Bulls lead 2-1)
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 25 PTS, 9 REB, 6/13 FG
Alvan Adams: 24 PTS, 10 REB, 7/12 FG
Pistons Stats
Dennis Johnson: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST
Tom Chambers: 14 MINS, 6 PF
***
Game 3 - #3 Boston Celtics at #6 Cleveland Cavaliers (Celtics lead 2-0)
Some thought of the Cavaliers as a paper #1 seed for most of the season and justified their opinions when they fell to 6th and fell 0-2 in this series. The Cavaliers made a point in Game 3, completely blowing out the Celtics by almost 50 points. Nothing went the defending NBA Champions’ way.
Kevin McHale dominated all night, scoring 30 with 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. The Cavs will need to repeat the performance to get to a deciding Game 5.
CAVALIERS 121, Celtics 76 (Celtics lead 2-1)
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 15 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 30 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 5 BLK, 10/16 FG
Rolando Blackman: 19 PTS, 9 REB, 3/3 3P
Jim Paxson: 14 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
***
Game 4 - #4 Golden State Warriors at #5 Salt Lake Stallions (Warriors lead 2-1)
Salt Lake continued their momentum from late in Game 3 to a dominating win in Game 4.
Reggie Theus continued his excellent play with 22 points on 10 shot attempts and
Adrian Dantley was unstoppable with 30. This was an off-night for the Warriors, who now host a winner-take-all Game 5.
STALLIONS 114, Warriors 97 (Series tied 2-2)
Warriors Stats
Darryl Dawkins: 16 PTS, 11 REB
Stallions Stats
Adrian Dantley: 30 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 14/20 FG
Reggie Theus: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 7/10 FG
***
Game 4 - #2 Dallas Mavericks at #7 Phoenix Suns (Mavericks lead 2-1)
Isiah Thomas returned to form and destroyed the Suns in Game 4 with a 30-10-5. Phoenix actually got off to a good start, but they were blown out horribly in the third 33-11 and they never recovered. It was still a solid rebuilding season for the Suns as the
Clyde Drexler era has just begun. Dallas wins their first playoff series in franchise history and will either face Seattle or rematch the Spurs.
Mavericks 97, SUNS 85 (Mavericks win 3-1)
Mavericks Stats
Isiah Thomas: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 10 AST, 5 STL, 13/21 FG
Ralph Sampson: 13 PTS, 13 REB, 2 BLK
James Worthy: 14 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK
Suns Stats
Clyde Drexler: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 3 STL
Paul Pressey: 23 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST
***
Game 4 - #3 Seattle Supersonics at #6 San Antonio Spurs (Spurs lead 2-1)
This one was a nail-biter throughout the entire game. The Spurs were up 5 with 2:06 left, up 109-104.
Ray Williams scores for Seattle.
Brad Davis hits two free throws to make it 111-106, but
Jack Sikma scores to make it 111-108.
Maurice Lucas intercepts a
James Silas pass to
Swen Nater, and Ray Williams scores again, bringing the Sonics to within one, 111-110. 1:15 left.
San Antonio coughs up the ball again as
Louis Orr comes up with
Marvin Webster’s pass. With just 47 seconds left, Nater sends Sikma to the line.
Sikma makes them both, giving the Sonics the lead 112-111! Ice takes it himself, but he misses a shot. Marvin Webster grabs the offensive board and the Spurs run down the block. They give it to Gervin again, and this time Gervin crosses up
Mark Aguirre and
hits a lay-up with two seconds left to give the Spurs a 113-112 lead! After the timeout,
Aguirre gets the ball to Sikma, who misses the turnaround! The Spurs upset the Sonics and will face their cross-state rival Dallas. This is a shocking and disappointing ending for the Sonics, who thought they could surprise the Lakers in the West this year.
SPURS 113, Supersonics 112 (Spurs win 3-1)
Sonics Stats
Jack Sikma: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 8/13 FG, 11/12 FT
Maurice Lucas: 23 PTS, 15 REB, 9/12 FG
Ray Williams: 20 PTS, 8/13 FG
Spurs Stats
Brad Davis: 26 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 7/11 FG, 3/5 3P, 9/9 FT
George Gervin: 30 PTS, 9/14 FG, 11/12 FT
***
Game 4 - #4 New York Knicks at #5 Indiana Pacers (Knicks lead 2-1)
The offense came out as we got a
Skywalker-English duel. Thompson scored 43, but Alex English’s 35 was enough to lead the Pacers to a Game 4 win and force a deciding Game 5. While
Micheal Ray had 17 assists, he shot 3 for 18, hurting the Knicks offense overall. This result puts both the Knicks and Pacers in situations that were similar to last year. Last year the Knicks blew a 2-0 lead against the Bucks and lost 3-2, while the Pacers brought back a 3-1 deficit against the Sixers.
PACERS 115, Knicks 106 (Series tied 2-2)
Knicks Stats
David Thompson: 43 PTS, 6 REB
Micheal Ray Richardson: 8 PTS, 9 REB, 17 AST, 3 STL, 3/18 FG
Pacers Stats
Alex English: 35 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, 13/23 FG
Otis Birdsong: 15 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
Michael Cooper: 17 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 6 STL, 3 BLK
***
Game 4 - #2 Chicago Bulls at #7 Detroit Pistons (Bulls lead 2-1)
It was a gritty defensive battle, but the Pistons got by Chicago behind
Tom Chambers’ 19 points, which led all scorers. The Bulls struggled to score all game, with
Dominique and
Vinnie Johnson combined for 7/32 FG. The Pistons have a chance to shock the Bulls in a deciding Game 5.
PISTONS 91, Bulls 81 (Series tied 2-2)
Bulls Stats
Alvan Adams: 17 PTS, 7/9 FG
Terry Cummings: 13 PTS, 9 REB
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 19 PTS, 4 REB, 8/12 FG
Fat Lever: 5 PTS, 10 REB, 11 AST, 2 STL
***
Game 4 - #3 Boston Celtics at #6 Cleveland Cavaliers (Celtics lead 2-1)
The Cavs refused to go down easily.
With 1:39 left they led 103-102.
Purvis Short tries to score but fails. The offensive rebound is grabbed by
Juwann Oldham, who gets fouled on the way up. Oldham hits two of the biggest free throws of his career, putting the Celtics up 104-103.
Kevin McHale and
Rolando Blackman try to find a shot, but it ends up in the hands of
Randy Smith…who drills a jumper with 43 seconds left, giving the Cavs back the lead! Purvis Short can’t respond, and
Jim Paxson makes a steal after Oldham grabs another board. Randy Smith hits another free throw to make it 106-104 with just 4 seconds left. The Celtics look for
Larry Bird, but it’s
Gus Williams who takes the potential game tying shot…but it misses. Purvis Short almost tips in the basket but it rims out…and the Cavs make another statement, forcing Game 5.
CAVALIERS 106, Celtics 104 (Series tied 2-2)
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 28 PTS, 13 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 12/25 FG, 4/8 3P
Purvis Short: 22 PTS, 8 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK
Jawann Oldham: 10 PTS, 10 REB, 4 BLK
Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 31 PTS, 17 REB, 3 AST, 4 BLK
Rolando Blackman: 29 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST
Jim Paxson: 15 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST
***
Game 5 - #5 Salt Lake Stallions at #4 Golden State Warriors (Series tied 2-2)
The Warriors took a big lead in the first, only for the Stallions to come back and make it a close game. Golden State and Salt Lake traded baskets until late in the 4th.
Adrian Dantley hit a jumper with 3:31 remaining, putting the Stallions up 97-95. From this point forward, each team strengthened up defensively, not giving an inch as their seasons were on the line. It took a minute for
Phil Smith to score tie the game up for the Warriors. Each team continued to miss thanks to the opposing defense, until Golden State’s
Orlando Woolridge hit short jumper to go up 99-97 with a minute left.
And that was it.
The Stallions tried, feeding
Reggie Theus and
Adrian Dantley, two excellent scorers to put the Stallion season on the line. But neither can make anything happen, and the Warriors held on to advance to the Semis to face the Lakers. While the Stallions were a good story last season, coming up short here has to be a disappointment. The
Roundfield, Theus, Dantley trio are locked into big contracts for the next four years, but they’ll need to add something to get over the hump.
WARRIORS 99, Stallions 97 (Warriors win 3-2)
Stallions Stats
Adrian Dantley: 29 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Reggie Theus: 26 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST
Dan Roundfield: 14 PTS, 12 REB
Warriors Stats
Rick Robey: 14 PTS, 7 REB
Quintin Dailey: 14 PTS
Darryl Dawkins: 13 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST
***
Game 5 - #5 Indiana Pacers at #4 New York Knicks (Series tied 2-2)
This was a game where the turnover battle determined the winner.
The Knicks avoided blowing a 2-0 lead for the second straight victory by winning the decisive Game 5 in New York. The Knicks forced 21 turnovers and only lost the ball 11 times. This allowed the Knicks to shoot the ball 100 times, and the Pacers just couldn’t keep up.
David Thompson wasn’t efficient, shooting 9/32 for 23 points, and
Micheal Ray was also 5/20. But
Gerald Henderson’s 5 steals kept giving New York extra chances to win the game.
Alex English led the Pacers with 26, but
Otis Birdsong had 7 turnovers himself. Indiana had a great regular season, but they end up falling short in a season where they had title aspirations. The Knicks will take on their cross river rivals, the Nets, in Round 2.
KNICKS 104, Pacers 93 (Knicks win 3-2)
Pacers Stats
Alex English: 26 PTS, 14 REB, 6 AST, 2 BLK
Michael Cooper: 25 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST
Otis Birdsong: 14 PTS, 7 AST, 7 TO
Knicks Stats
David Thompson: 23 PTS, 6 REB
Micheal Ray Richardson: 13 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST, 2 STL
Larry Smith: 11 PTS, 15 REB
Mark Eaton: 7 PTS, 7 REB, 6 BLK
***
Game 5 - #7 Detroit Pistons at #2 Chicago Bulls (Series tied 2-2)
The Pistons had the upper hand, leading 61-48 at halftime, but the Bulls came back strong in the third.
Dominique had a strong game, and we ended up tied with 3 minutes to go, 92-92.
‘Nique drives right by
DJ for a layup to put the Bulls back up 94-92. DJ misses, and the Bulls look to take complete control.
Vinnie Johnson misses and Detroit has a chance to tie.
Alvan Adams sends his old rival Dennis Johnson to the line with 1:35 to go. DJ shockingly misses both, but ‘Nique loses the ball on the other end, giving the Pistons another chance to tie or lead. DJ misses again, and the Bulls have control with a minute left.
‘Nique tries to slam it home to finish the Pistons, but
Fat Lever fouls him and ‘Nique can’t complete the dunk. ‘Nique hits both free throws, making it a four point game, 96-92. Chambers quickly scorers, but the Pistons can’t get the ball back, and the Bulls hold onto to beat Detroit. A tough ending for the Pistons, but they may be just a piece away from contending. The Bulls avoid disaster, but await a the tough challenge of either division rival Cleveland or defending NBA Champion Boston.
BULLS 96, Pistons 94 (Bulls win 3-2)
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 19 PTS, 5 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Dennis Johnson: 15 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 31 PTS, 5 REB, 11/15 FG
Terry Cummings: 13 PTS, 12 REB
Johnny Moore: 11 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST, 5 STL
***
Game 5 - #6 Cleveland Cavaliers at #3 Boston Celtics (Series tied 2-2)
It was a great season for the Cavs, but when push came to shove, the 2x MVP of the league came up big and won the series.
Larry Bird had 36 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals and the Cavs had nothing for him.
McHale had a 22-11, and Cleveland overall put on a respectful performance, but they’re still at least a year away. Boston will go ahead to take on the young Bulls. The Cavs have basically one job this off-season, make sure they resign Kevin McHale.
CELTICS 112, Cavaliers 98 (Celtics win 3-2)
Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 22 PTS, 11 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Rolando Blackman: 20 PTS, 8 REB, 2 STL
Jim Paxson: 20 PTS, 4 AST, 5 BLK
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 36 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 15/26 FG
Gus Williams: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST
Jawann Oldham: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 4 BLK
***
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Playoff Preview
Western Conference Semi-Finals
Best of Seven
#4 Golden State Warriors (44-38) vs. #1 Los Angeles Lakers (68-14)
Season Results
1/2 – Lakers 106, WARRIORS 103
1/5 – LAKERS 116, Warriors 100
2/24 – Lakers 101, WARRIORS 100
3/14 – Lakers 138, WARRIORS 121
4/14 – LAKERS 116, Warriors 107
Series Preview
The Warriors likely consider this season a victory already as they’ve advanced to the second round of the playoffs. There’s no real argument to say they’ll beat the Lakers in a seven-game series, and based on the season results it’ll be unlikely they even win a game. Their only real chance will be if Darryl Dawkins can dominate the center position.
Golden State Warriors
Record: 44-38
PPG: 108 (7th)
oPPG: 106.8 (21st)
Offensive Eff: 104.2 (8th)
Defensive Eff: 103.1 (13th)
eFG: 48.3% (9th)
Reb%: 49.4% (14th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Darryl Dawkins – 20.4 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 53% FG
PF – Orlando Woolridge – 12.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 61.2% FG
SF – Al Wood – 14.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.1 SPG
SG – John Long – 11.5 PPG
PG – Phil Smith – 12.3 PPG
6th Man – Quintin Dailey – 12.5 PPG
Key Injuries
None
Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 68-14
PPG: 115.3 (2nd)
oPPG: 101.6 (10th)
Offensive Eff: 113.1 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 99.5 (8th)
eFG: 52.4% (2nd)
Reb%: 56.1 (1st)
Starters/Key Players
C – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 9.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG
PF – Buck Williams – 14.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 61.8% FG
SF – Bernard King – 24.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 57.3% FG
SG – Jamaal Wilkes – 15 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG
PG – Magic Johnson – 22.7 PPG, 10 RPG, 12.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 55.5% FG, 81.3% FT, All-NBA 1st Team
Key Injuries
None
Best of Seven
#6 San Antonio Spurs (41-41) vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (55-27)
Season Results
11/27 – MAVERICKS 117, Spurs 114
1/28 – MAVERICKS 122, Spurs 117
1/31 – MAVERICKS 118, Spurs 105
3/15 – SPURS 118, Mavericks 101
3/18 – SPURS 115, Mavericks 98
Series Preview
A rematch from the first round of last year’s playoffs. The Spurs showed some of that championship heart by upsetting the Sonics in Round 1 behind George Gervin and Brad Davis’s big performances. Dallas though is a totally different beast than last season. Marvin Webster and Swen Nater will have their hands full trying to slow down Ralph Sampson and James Worthy, and even Brad Davis will have to deal with Isiah. The Spurs showed they can beat Dallas with Davis, winning two games in San Antonio in March. It should be Dallas’s series, but you can never count out a former champion.
San Antonio Spurs
Record: 41-41
PPG: 108.7 (6th)
oPPG: 108.2 (22nd)
Offensive Eff: 105 (7th)
Defensive Eff: 104.5 (18th)
eFG: 49.4% (5th)
Reb%: 49.2 (16th)
Starters/Key Players
C- Marvin Webster (6.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG
PF- Swen Nater (9.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG)
SF – George Gervin – 29.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 53.5% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team
SG – James Silas – 10.7 PPG
PG – Brad Davis – 16.2 PPG, 7.1 APG
6th Man – Steve Johnson – 9.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG
Key Injuries
None
Dallas Mavericks
Record: 55-27
PPG: 116 (1st)
oPPG: 108.3 (23rd)
Offensive Eff: 107.8 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 100.8 (10th)
eFG: 52.6% (1st)
Reb%: 49.5% (13th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Ralph Sampson – 17.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 57% FG
PF – James Worthy – 24.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 54.3% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team
SF – Kiki Vandeweghe – 16.5 PPG, 5 RPG, 47.4% FG, 87.3% FT, 38.5% 3P
SG – Ron Lee – 5.3 PPG, 1.6 SPG
PG – Isiah Thomas – 20.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 9.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 54.4% FG, 37.1% 3P, All-NBA 2nd Team
6th Man – Thurl Bailey – 7.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.4 BPG
Key Injuries
None
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Best of Seven
#4 New York Knicks (59-23) vs. #1 New Jersey Nets (63-19)
Season Results
11/2 – KNICKS 109, Nets 98
2/1 – NETS 112, Knicks 90
2/24 – KNICKS 110, Nets 91
4/1 – Knicks 77, NETS 71
Series Preview
It’s a New York vs. New Jersey battle (as dubbed the Phil Jackson series, as Nets coach Jackson played for both). The Nets securing homecourt advantage may prove to be important in the series, as the Knicks have played the Nets very well this season, winning the season series 3-1. The Knicks seem to match up well against the Nets, as they can throw defensive stalwarts Mark Eaton and Tree Rollins at Moses Malone and Cliff Robinson. Dudley Bradley will have his hands full with David Thompson as well. On the flipside, Sidney Moncrief got the better of Micheal Ray Richardson in last year’s Bucks-Knicks series. This is a series that can go in any way.
New York Knicks
Record: 59-23
PPG: 103.7 (14th)
oPPG: 94.6 (1st)
Offensive Eff: 103 (10th)
Defensive Eff: 93.9 (2nd)
eFG: 48.6 % (7th)
Reb%: 52.4% (5th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Mike Eaton – 4.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.9 BPG, All-Defense 1st Team
PF – Tree Rollins – 7.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.5 BPG
SF – David Thompson – 29.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 52.7% FG, All-NBA 3rd Team
SG – Mike Glenn – 14.6 PPG
PG – Micheal Ray Richardson – 17.4 PPG, 8 RPG, 11.6 APG, 2.2 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team
Key Injuries
None
New Jersey Nets
Record: 63-19
PPG: 109.8 (5th)
oPPG: 95.1 (2nd)
Offensive Eff: 107.4 (3rd)
Defensive Eff: 93 (1st)
eFG: 49.6% (3rd)
Reb%: 53.7% (4th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Moses Malone – 22.8 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 1 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 52.4% FG
PF – Cliff Robinson – 15.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG
SF – Dudley Bradley – 10.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG
SG – Calvin Natt – 18.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 51.9% FG
PG – Sidney Moncrief – 21.4 PPG, 6 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.3 SPG, 50.8% FG, 80.4% FT, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 2nd Team
6th Man – Wayne Cooper – 9.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG
Key Injuries
None
Best of Seven
#3 Boston Celtics (61-21) at #2 Chicago Bulls (56-26)
Season Results
12/27 – BULLS 118, Celtics 109
1/2 – Celtics 119, BULLS 91
1/21 – CELTICS 116, Bulls 112
3/18 – CELTICS 105, Bulls 102
4/15 – BULLS 118, Celtics 116
Series Preview
Now this is the money match. Bird vs. ‘Nique. The defending NBA Champion Celtics and the Bulls both survived scares in the first round, with both star players coming through in the clutch. The Celtics are looking for their fourth straight NBA Finals berth, but the Bulls will be no walk in the park. The Bulls are solid up-and-down, with Alvan Adams providing veteran championship experience, Terry Cummings and ‘Nique shouldering the scoring load, and Vinnie Johnson and Johnny Moore making plays all over the court. Boston’s Bird of course won his second straight MVP and could win the series on his own, but he’ll likely need some real help from Purvis Short and/or Gus Williams to get it done. This should be a great one.
Boston Celtics
Record: 61-21
PPG: 110.4 (3rd)
oPPG: 99.6 (7th)
Offensive Eff: 107.1 (5th)
Defensive Eff: 96.7 (3rd)
eFG: 49.3% (6th)
Reb%: 53.9% (3rd)
Starters/Key Players
C – Jawann Oldham – 8.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.9 BPG
PF – Cedric Maxwell – 10.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG
SF – Larry Bird – 29.9 PPG, 10 RPG, 8.2 APG, 2.1 SPG, 50.1% FG, 91.8% FT, 37.9% FT, MVP, All-NBA 1st Team
SG – Purvis Short – 14.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG
PG – Gus Williams – 20.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6 APG, 1.9 SPG
6th Man – Ricky Sobers – 9.9 PPG
Key Injuries
None
Chicago Bulls
Record: 56-26
PPG: 106.5 (11th)
oPPG: 101.3 (9th)
Offensive Eff: 106 (6th)
Defensive Eff: 101.1 (12th)
eFG: 48.4% (8th)
Reb%: 52.3% (6th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Alvan Adams – 13.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG
PF – Terry Cummings – 17.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG
SF – Dominique Wilkins – 25.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 54.3% FG, All-NBA 3rd Team
SG – Vinnie Johnson – 15.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.5 SPG
PG – Johnny Moore – 10.2 PPG, 9.7 APG, 2.2 SPG
Key Injuries
None
***
Prediction Contest – ONLY PREDICT THE SEMIS
1st Round – Picking the Winning Team is worth 10 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 2 Points
Results
@AlanSmithee1981 gets on board with 64 1st round points, a big lead as no one else predicted!
Semi-Finals – Picking the Winning Team is worth 25 Points, 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
