Game 1 - #8 St. Louis Spirits at #1 Los Angeles Lakers
Welcome to the playoffs St. Louis.
Magic Johnson went off for a 29/11/16 as the Lakers took a 38-20 1st quarter lead and never looked back. This is going to be a tough one for the Spirits.
LAKERS 133, Spirits 99 (Lakers lead 1-0)
Spirits Stats
Alvin Robertson: 20 PTS, 6 AST, 3 STL, 8/16 FG
Sly Williams: 17 PTS, 13 REB
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 29 PTS, 11 REB, 16 AST, 3 STL, 7/10 FG, 1/1 3P, 14/15 FT
Bernard King: 21 PTS, 10/11 FG
Cliff Levingston: 21 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 10/15 FG
***
Game 1 - #5 San Diego Clippers at #4 Golden State Warriors
The Warriors went off in Game 1, scoring 70 in the first half and dominating the Clippers the whole way.
Andrew Toney made the most of his first playoff game, scoring 21 off the bench to lead Golden State.
WARRIORS 122, Clippers 96 (Warriors lead 1-0)
Clippers Stats
Mike Glenn: 19 PTS, 5 AST
Larry Nance: 12 PTS, 9 REB
Warriors Stats
Andrew Toney: 21 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Al Wood: 17 PTS, 8 REB
Terry Tyler: 14 PTS, 12 REB
***
Game 1 - #7 San Antonio Spurs at #2 Dallas Mavericks
The Spurs put up a good fight early on,
Ice would end up with 26 points, but the Mavericks, even without
Isiah, were too much.
Ralph Sampson, James Worthy and mid-season trade piece
Louis Orr all scored 25+ points to take Game 1.
MAVERICKS 115, Spurs 97 (Mavericks lead 1-0)
Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 26 PTS, 6 REB
Paul Westphal: 17 PTS, 6 REB
Brad Davis: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST
Mavericks Stats
Ralph Sampson: 27 PTS, 13 REB
James Worthy: 25 PTS, 13 REB
Louis Orr: 26 PTS, 10 REB, 9/12 FG
***
Game 1 - #6 Phoenix Suns at #3 Houston Rockets
Clyde Drexler and
Greg Ballard were unstoppable as the Suns dominated and shocked Houston on the road. While the Rockets had double digit scorers, no one went off to match Drexler’s 29 or even Ballard’s 26. The Suns put up 43 in the third to steal home court.
Suns 123, ROCKETS 99 (Suns lead 1-0)
Suns Stats
Clyde Drexler: 29 PTS, 5 REB, 9/13 FG
Greg Ballard: 26 PTS, 8 REB
Rockets Stats
Ricky Pierce: 22 PTS, 11/14 FG
Jack Sikma: 9 PTS, 14 REB, 3 AST, 2 BLK
***
Game 1 - #8 Indiana Pacers at #1 Detroit Pistons
The Pistons destroyed Indiana in Game 1. The score was 86-47 at half time and that was pretty much that.
Tom Chambers was unstoppable, dropping 37 points with 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while
Michael Cooper and
Dennis Johnson dropped 20 each.
PISTONS 137, Pacers 99 (Pistons lead 1-0)
Pacers Stats
Alex English: 19 PTS, 5 REB
Terry Furlow: 19 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 37 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST, 14/18 FG
Michael Cooper: 20 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST
Dennis Johnson: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 10/12 FG
Fat Lever: 15 PTS, 9 REB, 11 AST
***
Game 1 - #5 New York Knicks at #4 Boston Celtics
Micheal Ray Richardson and the Knicks started their playoff title defense with an upset victory in Boston. Micheal Ray was the best player on the court, putting up 30-13-11, outdueling
Larry Bird (23-8-11). Former Celtic
Gerald Henderson dropped 24 off the bench and
Skywalker added 19. The Celtics need to make sure not to drop Game 2, or they’ll be in a lot of trouble right away.
Knicks 107, CELTICS 97 (Knicks lead 1-0)
Knicks Stats
Micheal Ray Richardson: 30 PTS, 13 REB, 11 AST
Gerald Henderson: 24 PTS, 7 AST, 9/12 FG
Antoine Carr: 17 PTS, 7 REB
David Thompson: 19 PTS
Celtics Stats
Gus Williams: 24 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Larry Bird: 23 PTS, 8 REB, 11 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Purvis Short: 22 PTS
***
Game 1 - #7 Miami Heat at #2 New Jersey Nets
In a game where baskets were hard to find,
Michael Jordan dropped 29 in his playoff debut to lead the Heat to a win in their first game in franchise history. The Nets couldn’t find a bucket all night, but their defense locked up everyone on Miami…except Jordan. Ailing the Nets was an early injury to
Calvin Natt, who will miss the remainder of the series with a sprained ankle. Both teams combined for 54/154 FG and 141 points…MJ had 14 of those field goals and 29 of those points.
Heat 76, NETS 65 (Heat lead 1-0)
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 29 PTS, 10 REB, 4 STL
Nets Stats
Moses Malone: 12 PTS, 19 REB
***
Game 1 - #6 Cleveland Cavaliers at #3 Chicago Bulls
The Cavs just didn’t show up for Game 1. Chicago led 34-14, 67-33 and 107-59 at the quarter ends.
Dominique Wilkins was dominant with 33 points. The Cavs need to find another gear in Game 2, as this was an absolute turn around from the regular season between these two.
BULLS 118, Cavaliers 85 (Bulls lead 1-0)
Cavaliers Stats
Jim Paxson: 14 PTS
Kevin McHale: 14 PTS, 6/10 FG
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 33 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL
Alvan Adams: 16 PTS, 10 REB, 8 AST
Vinnie Johnson: 19 PTS, 4 AST, 3 STL
***
Game 2 - #8 St. Louis Spirits at #1 Los Angeles Lakers (Lakers lead 1-0)
Have to give the Spirits some credit, they hung in there through three quarters before the Lakers pulled away. Still, there’s been no stopping the Lakers offense as they dropped 138, powered by
Magic’s 20 assists and
Bernard King’s 41 points. It should give the Spirits some home to perhaps take one in LA.
Dale Ellis had 30.
LAKERS 138, Spirits 116 (Lakers lead 2-0)
Spirits Stats
Dale Ellis: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL, 4/8 3P
Phil Ford: 16 PTS, 9 AST
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 24 PTS, 11 REB, 20 AST, 8/14 FG
Bernard King: 41 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 13/19 FG
Buck Williams: 21 PTS, 9/13 FG
***
Game 2 - #5 San Diego Clippers at #4 Golden State Warriors (Warriors lead 1-0)
It looks like the Warriors match up really well against the Clippers. Golden State again went off early, storming to a 37-16 1st quarter lead and not looking back. The Warriors had 7 players in double digit scoring, with
Andrew Toney again leading the way with 19. San Diego needs to figure out something, otherwise they are headed to being embarrassed at home in a clean sweep.
WARRIORS 130, Clippers 97 (Warriors lead 2-0)
Clippers Stats
Trent Tucker: 16 PTS
Paul Thompson: 15 PTS
Warriors Stats
Andrew Toney: 19 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST
Terry Tyler: 16 PTS, 8 REB
Darryl Dawkins: 16 PTS, 11 REB
***
Game 2 - #7 San Antonio Spurs at #2 Dallas Mavericks (Mavericks lead 1-0)
Dallas stepped up in
Isiah’s absence with eight players in double-digit scoring as the Spurs couldn’t get going in Game 2.
Ice only had 11.
James Worthy led Dallas with 22 as the Mavericks look like they’ll get through Round 1.
MAVERICKS 115, Spurs 90 (Mavericks lead 2-0)
Spurs Stats
Brad Davis: 18 PTS, 2 STL
Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 7/12 FG
Thurl Bailey: 17 PTS, 7 REB
Ralph Sampson: 16 PTS, 10 REB, 4 BLK
***
Game 2 - #6 Phoenix Suns at #3 Houston Rockets (Suns lead 1-0)
Who knew? The Suns blew out the Rockets in Houston for the second time in a row, basically ending the series.
Paul Pressey had a triple-double as
Greg Ballard dropped 22. Surprisingly, with all their scorers the Rockets aren’t able to get anyone off for a big 30, 35 pointer to take control. Houston now has to win three straight, with the next two in Phoenix, to avoid the upset. A surprising sweep looks more likely.
Suns 114, ROCKETS 99 (Suns lead 2-0)
Suns Stats
Clyde Drexler: 18 PTS, 5 REB
Greg Ballard: 22 PTS, 10 REB
Paul Pressey: 18 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST
Rockets Stats
Kelly Tripucka: 23 PTS, 4 AST
Ricky Pierce: 21 PTS, 9 REB
Jay Vincent: 10 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST
***
Game 2 - #8 Indiana Pacers at #1 Detroit Pistons (Pistons lead 1-0)
It was another blowout for Detroit as the Pacers again failed to put significant points on the board.
Tom Chambers continued to be unstoppable, scoring 33 with 12 boards as
Alex English, James Edwards and
James Bailey had no answers for him. Indiana, who a couple seasons ago looked primed for a Finals run, now stares at a sweep that will result in a second straight first round exit.
PISTONS 125, Pacers 98 (Pistons lead 2-0)
Pacers Stats
Alex English: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
James Bailey: 22 PTS, 11 REB
Terry Furlow: 12 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 33 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK, 13/22 FG
Fat Lever: 11 PTS, 8 REB, 11 AST
Dennis Johnson: 33 PTS, 9 AST, 5 STL
***
Game 2 - #5 New York Knicks at #4 Boston Celtics (Knicks lead 1-0)
Larry Bird and the Celtics took care of business in Game 2, giving them a fighting chance as the series moves to New York. Bird reminded everyone that Boston has more or less dominated the Eastern Conference this past decade with a 46-5-7.
Skywalker had 30, a good sign, and
Micheal Ray dropped a 28-13-7. Neither was enough, but the Knicks can still win this series without returning to Boston.
CELTICS 120, Knicks 108 (Series tied 1-1)
Knicks Stats
Micheal Ray Richardson: 28 PTS, 13 REB, 7 AST
David Thompson: 30 PTS
Gerald Henderson: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Mark Eaton: 15 REB, 3 BLK
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 46 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST, 16/20 FG, 4/6 3P, 10/10 FT
Purvis Short: 17 PTS, 8 REB
***
Game 2 - #7 Miami Heat at #2 New Jersey Nets (Heat lead 1-0)
The Nets squeaked out a Game 2 victory without
Calvin Natt. Once again the Nets did a relatively good job on everyone but
Michael Jordan (and
Bill Garnett, holding Miami to 99 points and managing 105 themselves. They’ll have to play better in Miami or an upset is coming. MJ was ridiculous, flirting with a triple-double (32-8-7-7).
NETS 105, Heat 99 (Series tied 1-1)
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 32 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, 7 STL
Bill Garnett: 20 PTS, 9/12 FG
Nets Stats
Dudley Bradley: 21 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
Moses Malone: 14 PTS, 13 REB
Sidney Moncrief: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
***
Game 2 - #6 Cleveland Cavaliers at #3 Chicago Bulls (Bulls lead 1-0)
Game 2 in Chicago was a battle of stars.
Dominique Wilkins was on route for a legendary game, but
Rolando Blackman and
Kevin McHale were doing their best to keep up. With just 2:02 left the Cavs held a 111-110 lead, on the brink of stealing home court advantage. ‘Nique had just airballed a three and McHale pushed the pace. Blackman recovered a disastrous
Darnell Valentine missed lay-up, and eventually it’s
Jim Paxson who hits a jumper to make it a three-point game. It takes just 4 seconds for the Bulls to respond as
Johnny Moore finds a streaking ‘Nique for a lay-up. Valentine misses and the Bulls have a shot to take the lead, but
Alvan Adams can’t convert. Valentine amazingly loses the ball, giving the Bulls the ball with 24 seconds left, down 113-112.
Paxson thinks he stole a pass to
Vinnie Johnson, but he’s called for a foul. Cavs have one to give, but it gives a chance for Chicago to call a half-court play. They can’t get it to ‘Nique, but
Terry Cummings takes a shot for a game-winner…but it
misses…allowing Vinnie Johnson to tip it in for a 114-113 lead with just ONE second left! Cleveland can’t believe it but they get a timeout.
Blackman finds McHale…who’s
quick release fade from the wing GOES IN! The referees agree, that
he got it off in time! Chicago Stadium, which had been celebrating, is left in shock as the Cavs run off the court, celebrating their victory! See you in Cleveland!
Cavaliers 115, BULLS 114 (Series tied 1-1)
Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 27 PTS, 11 REB, 4 BLK, 12/17 FG
Rolando Blackman: 33 PTS, 6 REB
Jim Paxson: 16 PTS, 5 AST, 3 STL
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 52 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 2/033 FG
Vinnie Johnson: 19 PTS, 7 REB
Johnny Moore: 10 PTS, 5 REB, 12 AST, 6 STL
***
Game 3 - #1 Los Angeles Lakers at #8 St. Louis Spirits (Lakers lead 2-0)
Nice try for the Spirits. They did their best to put points on the board early but the Laker offense completely overwhelmed them, taking a 76-52 lead by halftime and taking the excited St. Louis crowd out of it early.
Magic had a 23-12-13 and
King had 40. Still, a playoff berth in only their second season should bring some excitement to St. Louis, we will see if they can build on that.
Lakers 127, SPIRITS 105 (Lakers win 3-0)
Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 23 PTS, 12 REB, 13 AST, 2 STL, 9/14 FG
Bernard King: 40 PTS, 5 AST
Buck Williams: 24 PTS, 6 REB, 11/12 FG
Spirits Stats
Dale Ellis: 20 PTS, 9/14 FG
***
Game 3 - #4 Golden State Warriors at #5 San Diego Clippers (Warriors lead 2-0)
In a series most thought would be close, the Warriors finished off the sweep of the Clippers in San Diego. Rookie
John Stockton got the better of
Doc Rivers, and San Diego just couldn’t get going. Despite a #5 seed and a winning record, this probably does down as another disappointment for the Clippers, as this series, at least on paper, looked quite winnable. The new-look Warriors get a rematch with the Lakers.
Warriors 113, CLIPPERS 100 (Warriors win 3-0)
Warriors Stats
John Stockton: 23 PTS, 6 AST, 10/15 FG
Orlando Woolridge: 19 PTS, 12 REB
Clippers Stats
Jawann Oldham: 16 PTS, 14 REB
Doc Rivers: 12 PTS, 11 AST
Larry Nance: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 4 STL
***
Game 3 - #2 Dallas Mavericks at #7 San Antonio Spurs (Mavericks lead 2-0)
The heart of a champion came through as the Spurs fended off the Mavericks in Game 3.
Bobby Jones came alive,
Ice added 21 and the Spurs ran an early double-digit lead to victory. While the Mavericks got another great game from
Louis Orr, the bench wasn’t as strong as the prior two games.
Maurice Lucas specifically looks close to done.
SPURS 110, Mavericks 101 (Mavericks lead 2-1)
Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 18 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST
Ralph Sampson: 36 PTS, 6 REB, 2 BLK
Louis Orr: 24 PTS, 10 REB, 2 STL
Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 21 PTS, 9 REB, 8/14 FG
Brad Davis: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 14 AST, 2 STL
***
Game 3 - #3 Houston Rockets at #6 Phoenix Suns (Suns lead 2-0)
In another series that has surprised pretty much everyone, the Suns finished off the Rockets in Phoenix. While the Rockets got good scoring performances from
Kelly Tripucka (28) and
Darrell Griffth (24),
Clyde Drexler was with them every step of the way to lead his team to victory. Houston looked like the hottest team in basketball coming into the playoffs, and now all they will have are questions about the future. The Suns take on the winner of Dallas-San Antonio.
SUNS 123, Rockets 111 (Suns win 3-0)
Rockets Stats
Kelly Tripucka: 28 PTS, 4 AST, 12/23 FG
Darrell Griffth: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST, 2 BLK
Ricky Pierce: 20 PTS
Suns Stats
Clyde Drexler: 28 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST
Kevin Willis: 14 PTS, 12 REB
Mike Woodson: 17 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST
***
Game 3 - #1 Detroit Pistons at #8 Indiana Pacers (Pistons lead 2-0)
The East is not as easily defined! Things look lost for the Pacers as the Pistons busted out a 50 point 2nd quarter, but Indiana clamped on the defense end and only allowed 37 points the rest of the way, winning the second half by 20. This allowed Indiana to stay alive for Game 4.
Alex English wasn’t efficient, but his 29 points got the job done. While
Tom Chambers had another 30+ point game, Detroit somewhat struggled from the field otherwise (
DJ: 9/26). If Indiana can nab Game 4, who knows what can happen in a deciding Game 5.
PACERS 119, Pistons 110 (Pistons lead 2-1)
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 33 PTS, 9 REB, 1 BLK
Dennis Johnson: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 10 AST, 3 STL
Fat Lever: 14 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL
Pacers Stats
Alex English: 29 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST
James Edwards: 19 PTS, 13 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, 9/15 FG
James Bailey: 19 PTS, 9 REB
Terry Furlow: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 12 AST
***
Game 3 - #4 Boston Celtics at #5 New York Knicks (Series tied 1-1)
Purvis Short led the Celtics in regaining home court advantage with 32 points in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks fell behind late in the 1st half and Short and
Larry Bird made sure they couldn’t make it back. While Bird was his regular self (26-9-7),
Micheal Ray had an off night at the worst time (12-6-9) and while
David Thompson was solid, he likely isn’t going to be busting out those 40 pointers until next season. The Knicks now need to defend MSG in Game 4 just to get to a deciding Game 5 in Boston Garden.
Celtics 119, KNICKS 108 (Celtics lead 2-1)
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 26 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST
Purvis Short: 32 PTS, 5 AST
Knicks Stats
David Thompson: 22 PTS, 10/15 FG
Tony Campbell: 18 PTS, 6 REB
***
Game 3 - #7 Miami Heat at #2 New Jersey Nets (Series tied 1-1)
The Miami Arena crowd was in a frenzy for the first NBA playoff game in the city. The Nets and Heat went back and forth.
Michael Jordan was struggling from the field, but still finding ways to score.
Moses Malone would score a basket off the glass that put the Nets up 104-100 with 2:48 left in the game…but the Nets would fail to score again. Still, they made it hard on Miami with their stout defense. MJ would drain three of four free throws over the next 48 seconds as he refuses to be denied, leaving New Jersey up 104-103 with 2 minutes to go. The Nets couldn’t buy a basket, but Miami went cold too. With 40 seconds left though, MJ got himself to the line once again, and he would drain both to make it 105-104.
Sam Perkins added another free throw late, and
Dudley Bradley would miss a game winner to give the Heat a 2-1 lead in the series. While Miami was thrilled, fans around the world wondered if Jordan was getting favorable calls getting to the line late so often.
Nonetheless, the Nets are suddenly in danger of another early playoff exit, this one as embarrassingly the #2 seed.
HEAT 106, Nets 104 (Heat lead 2-1)
Nets Stats
Moses Malone: 11 PTS, 14 REB, 2 BLK
Cliff Robinson: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST
Sidney Moncrief: 23 PTS, 6 REB, 4 STL
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 30 PTS, 4 AST
Sam Perkins: 17 PTS, 9 REB
***
Game 3 - #3 Chicago Bulls at #6 Cleveland Cavaliers (Series tied 1-1)
The Cavaliers took care of business at home, slowing down
‘Nique (36 PTS on 32 FGA) and supporting
Kevin McHale in a huge Game 3 victory. McHale was unstoppable on both ends of the court, stuffing the stat sheet with a 31-13-3 with 2 steals and 6 blocks. The Bulls had nothing for him.
Rolando Blackman,
Jim Paxson and
Billy McKinney added a combined 57 points for Cleveland. The Bulls are now in danger of being eliminated early after a very strong regular season.
CAVALIERS 132, Bulls 106 (Cavaliers lead 2-1)
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 36 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL
Terry Cummings: 21 PTS, 9 REB, 8/15 FG
Johnny Moore: 17 PTS, 11 AST, 2 STL
Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 31 PTS, 13 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 6 BLK
Rolando Blackman: 20 PTS, 5 REB
Jim Paxson: 19 PTS, 5 AST, 6 STL
Billy McKinney: 18 PTS, 8 AST, 5 STL
***
Game 4 - #2 Dallas Mavericks at #7 San Antonio Spurs (Mavericks lead 2-1)
It wasn’t pretty, but a combination of good defense and missed free throws allowed the Spurs to force Game 5. Only
Ralph Sampson seemed to want to win Game 4 for Dallas as he scored 31 of the team’s 88 points. Outside of Sampson, Dallas went 24/65 from the field and 9/18 from the free throw line. It’s not like it looked much better on San Antonio’s end, but they took advantage of
Isiah’s absence as
Wes Matthews and
Brad Davis each dropped 22 points, offsetting a no-show from
Ice (6 points). The Mavericks and Spurs rivalry continues to be a good one, and if the Spurs can play great they may pull off the upset back in Dallas.
SPURS 99, Mavericks 88 (Series tied 2-2)
Mavericks Stats
Ralph Sampson: 31 PTS, 13 REB, 13/25 FG
Spurs Stats
Brad Davis: 22 PTS, 9 AST
Wes Matthews: 22 PTS, 8 AST, 8/13 FG
***
Game 4 - #1 Detroit Pistons at #8 Indiana Pacers (Pistons lead 2-1)
Not much to say here. The Pacers used up everything they had in Game 3 and after a strong 1st quarter were lifeless against Detroit in Game 4.
Tom Chambers continued his fantastic play,
Danny Schayes cleaned up the boards, and the Pistons destroyed Indiana. This will be the first playoff series victory for Detroit in almost a decade, and they’re pretty much playing like a #1 seed should. They’ll have a tough test in the Semis regardless, as Boston and New York are strong threats. As for Indiana, it may be crossroads time.
Alex English is on the wrong side of 30 and showed some decline this season and
Otis Birdsong (who only played this game)’s contract is up.
Pistons 110, PACERS 86 (Pistons win 3-1)
Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 24 PTS, 10/14 FG
Danny Schayes: 17 PTS, 17 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Michael Cooper: 21 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL
Dennis Johnson: 24 PTS, 5 REB
Fat Lever: 9 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST
Pacers Stats
Alex English: 22 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST
***
Game 4 - #4 Boston Celtics at #5 New York Knicks (Celtics lead 2-1)
Perhaps to the surprise of no one this series will go the distance. New York dropped 70 in the first half and blew out Boston in MSG.
David Thompson and
Micheal Ray Richardson combined for 20/30 FG as
Larry Bird struggled with his own shot (11/30 FG). Game 5 is in Boston, with the reward being a date with the #1 Pistons.
KNICKS 114, Celtics 97 (Series tied 2-2)
Knicks Stats
David Thompson: 24 PTS, 8/12 FG, 2 STL
Micheal Ray Richardson: 28 PTS, 12/18 FG, 10 AST, 4 STL
Tony Campbell: 19 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 4 STL
Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 25 PTS, 8 REB, 5 STL
Purvis Short: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST
***
Game 4 - #7 Miami Heat at #2 New Jersey Nets (Heat lead 2-1)
The Nets never figured out how to guard
Michael Jordan, and it’s cost them their playoff run. MJ scored another 32 on only 15 field goal attempts, and
Clark Kellogg got hot too with 26, as the Heat finished off the upset. The Nets had NBA title hopes once
Moses Malone returned from injury and they stormed to the Atlantic Division title. While the
Calvin Natt injury hurt them, they can’t feel that’s an acceptable excuse to lose this series here. Questions will now linger around Moses. While still the best rebounder in the league, he’s lost his elite scoring touch. He failed to score 20 points in a game this series (three times under 15), just turned 30 and his contract goes for another five seasons. Does he still have elite basketball in him? As MJ and the Heat, they’ll take on the winner of the Cleveland-Chicago bloodbath. Regardless, after four years of struggle, basketball is finally exciting in the city of Miami.
HEAT 120, Nets 112 (Heat win 3-1)
Nets Stats
Moses Malone: 18 PTS, 10 REB, 8/9 FG
Cliff Robinson: 27 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST
Sidney Moncrief: 22 PTS, 7 REB
Heat Stats
Michael Jordan: 32 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 10/15 FG
Clark Kellogg: 26 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
***
Game 4 - #3 Chicago Bulls at #6 Cleveland Cavaliers (Cavaliers lead 2-1)
What looked like a sure thing at halftime showed to be anything but. The Cavs led 69-54 at the half, looking to finish off Chicago and actually have home court against their second round opponent Miami. But not so fast.
Dominique Wilkins went off for a 41-15, and led the Bulls to a 56-30 ass-kicking in the second half, forcing the series to return to Chicago for a deciding Game 5. ‘Nique went from looking frustrated and defeated to rising above in perhaps the most important game of his young career. The Cavs were left shell shocked, and now all the momentum is with Chicago for Game 5.
Bulls 109, CAVALIERS 99 (Series tied 2-2)
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 41 PTS, 15 REB, 3 BLK
Alvan Adams: 25 PTS, 11 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Vinnie Johnson: 17 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST
Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 30 PTS, 10 REB
Rolando Blackman: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST
Jim Paxson: 14 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST
***
Game 5 - #7 San Antonio Spurs at #2 Dallas Mavericks (Series tied 2-2)
Good run for the underdog Spurs. San Antonio simply ran out of gas late in Game 5 as
Ralph Sampson and
James Worthy drained bucket after bucket. The Spurs finished shooting 33% from the field as Dallas survived their first round series without
Isiah. They’ll meet the red-hot Suns next. As for the Spurs, they will have significant money committed to
Ice for four more seasons as he heads towards his mid-30s. It’s unclear if the Spurs can build a winner around him still, especially as he did show significant decline this year.
MAVERICKS 112, Spurs 88 (Mavericks win 3-2)
Mavericks Stats
Ralph Sampson: 24 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK, 11/17 FG
James Worthy: 24 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK
Louis Orr: 19 PTS, 6 REB
Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 19 PTS, 10 REB
Brad Davis: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
***
Game 5 - #5 New York Knicks at #4 Boston Celtics (Series tied 2-2)
Fans around the world were expecting this one to be a close one, the battle between the last four Eastern Conference Finalists. The Celtics had none of that, pulverizing the Knicks in Boston. The Celtics went out to a 40-11 1st quarter lead and it was never a game after that.
Gus Williams found a way to neutralize
Micheal Ray Richardson as he,
Bird and
Purvis Short put on a show out there. The Celtics look to reclaim the East, and to do that they’ll have to go through the #1 seeded Pistons. As for the Knicks, this wasn’t the follow-up they were hoping for after last season’s trip to the Finals, but with a completely healthy
David Thompson next year they should be in the mix again.
CELTICS 112, Knicks 83 (Celtics win 3-2)
Knicks Stats
Micheal Ray Richardson: 17 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
David Thompson: 17 PTS
Celtics Stats
Gus Williams: 18 PTS, 8 REB
Larry Bird: 19 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST
Purvis Short: 29 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST
***
Game 5 - #6 Cleveland Cavaliers at #3 Chicago Bulls (Series tied 2-2)
In a battle of superstars,
Dominique Wilkins led the Bulls with a 31 point performance while
Kevin McHale had perhaps the worst game of his career, scoring just 2 points and grabbing 2 rebounds. That pretty much said it all for the Cavs. The Bulls continued the momentum they built upon in Game 4 as the Cavs came out lifeless. The Bulls outscored the Cavs 170-110 in the last six quarters of the series. It’s hard to hate on McHale, but he was expected to lead the Cavs to new heights, especially as Cleveland took a 2-1 lead. The Bulls will move on to face the Heat in a battle of the two most exciting scorers in the league, ‘Nique and
Michael Jordan.
BULLS 114, Cavaliers 80 (Bulls win 3-2)
Cavaliers Stats
Rolando Blackman: 26 PTS, 2 STL, 11/19 FG
Jim Paxson: 18 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Bulls Stats
Dominique Wilkins: 31 PTS, 4 Reb, 12/17 FG
Terry Cummings; 20 PTS, 8 REB, 9/15 FG
Vinnie Johnson: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
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Playoff Preview
Western Conference Semi-Finals
Best of Seven
#4 Golden State Warriors (47-35) vs. #1 Los Angeles Lakers (64-18)
Season Results
12/5 – Lakers 129, WARRIORS 99
12/23 – Lakers 137, WARRIORS 112
1/14 – LAKERS 124, Warriors 105
1/30 – LAKERS 123, Warriors 120
Series Preview
This is a rematch from last season’s Western Conference Semi-Finals, where the Lakers defeated Golden State in 5 (although, the Warriors were the only West team in the playoffs to take a game from LA). The difference this year is the Warriors added several new pieces last off-season and throughout the year.
Andrew Toney, Kiki Vandeweghe and rookie
John Stockton have all played big roles in the Warriors’ success this season. Everything also seems to be coming together for the Warriors down the stretch as well. The Warriors stood at 24-30 on February 17th and went 23-5 since, then swept the Clippers in the 1st round of the playoffs. If they are ever going to make some noise, it’s likely not. With that being said, these are the defending NBA Champion Lakers looking to make their third straight Finals.
2x MVP Magic Johnson is living up to the award, and
Bernard King may be the most unstoppable scorer in the West (if not the league, it’s him and
Dominique). We’ll see if the Warriors have anything for them.
Golden State Warriors
Record: 47-35
PPG: 109.7 (9th)
oPPG: 106.5 (17th)
Offensive Eff: 106.5 (5th)
Defensive Eff: 103.4 (16th)
eFG: 49.4% (2nd)
Reb%: 48.2% (21st)
Starters/Key Players
C – Darryl Dawkins – 15.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 53.4% FG
PF – Orlando Woolridge – 14.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 56.1% FG
SF – Kiki Vandeweghe – 16.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG
SG – Al Wood – 13 PPG, 4 RPG, 1 SPG, 52% FG
PG – John Stockton – 11.4 PPG, 5.9 APG, 1.6 SPG
6th Man – Andrew Toney – 17.8 PPG, 48.2% FG
Bench – Terry Tyler – 9.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Key Injuries
None
Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 68-14
PPG: 124.0 (1st)
oPPG: 107.0 (18th)
Offensive Eff: 117.3 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 101.6 (12th)
eFG: 53.5% (1st)
Reb%: 57.1 (1st)
Starters/Key Players
C – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 9.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG
PF – Buck Williams – 17 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 59.1% FG, All-Star
SF – Bernard King – 32.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 59.9% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team
SG – Jamaal Wilkes – 11.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG
PG – Magic Johnson – 21.9 PPG, 10 RPG, 14.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 53.7% FG, 85.8% FT, MVP
Bench – Bill Cartwright – 11 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.1 BPG
Key Injuries
None
Best of Seven
#6 Phoenix Suns (45-37) vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (55-27)
Season Results
11/10 – Mavericks 133, SUNS 132
1/31 – Mavericks 109, SUNS 99
3/2 – MAVERICKS 104, Suns 95
3/31 – SUNS 131, Mavericks 107
4/11 – MAVERICKS 135, Suns 110
Series Preview
The red hot Suns against the #2 seed without their star point guard. A battle that would likely be heavily in Dallas’ favor is nothing more than a pick’em at best as a result. Dallas handled Phoenix early in the season with
Isiah playing, but since the injury the home team has gotten the best of it. The biggest questions for Dallas are can they contain
Clyde Drexler, and can they negate the point guard advantage
Paul Pressey has over
Foots Walker? Phoenix of course needs to make sure
Ralph Sampson and
James Worthy don’t completely take over. Should be a heck of a series.
Phoenix Suns
Record: 45-37
PPG: 111.1 (5th)
oPPG: 109.7 (24th)
Offensive Eff: 104.7 (8th)
Defensive Eff: 103.4 (15th)
eFG: 47.2% (11th)
Reb%: 51.0% (7th)
Starters/Key Players
C- Kevin Willis – 11.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG
PF- Greg Ballard – 14.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG
SF – Clyde Drexler – 24 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 49% FG, All-Star
SG – Craig Hodges – 15.2 PPG, 3 RPG, 3.3 APG
PG – Paul Pressey – 12.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.7 APG
6th Man – Mike Woodson – 14.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6th Man of the Year
Key Injuries
None
Dallas Mavericks
Record: 55-27
PPG: 111.9 (4th)
oPPG: 106.2 (16th)
Offensive Eff: 104.2 (10th)
Defensive Eff: 98.7 (3rd)
eFG: 48.2% (7th)
Reb%: 50.4% (12th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Ralph Sampson – 22.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 51.4% FG
PF – James Worthy – 22 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.2 BPG
SF – Jerome Kersey – 11 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG
SG – Ron Lee – 5.1 PPG, 1.8 SPG
PG – Foots Walker – 3.6 PPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 SPG
6th Man – Maurice Lucas – 9.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG
Bench – Louis Orr – 10.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Key Injuries
Isiah Thomas – Dallas’ star point guard only managed 53 games. Dallas managed to go 17-12 without him after starting 38-15.
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Best of Seven
#4 Boston Celtics (52-30) vs. #1 Detroit Pistons (61-21)
Season Results
10/30 – Celtics 123, PISTONS 116
11/24 – PISTONS 126, Celtics 110
11/27 – Celtics 111, PISTONS 107
12/16 – CELTICS 118, Pistons 82
3/27 – CELTICS 120, Pistons 118
Series Preview
An interesting match-up of two Eastern Conference heavyweights. On one side, the team of the 80s from the Eastern Conference side of things looking to return to the NBA Finals: The Boston Celtics. In the other corner, the revamped #1 seeded two-way Detroit Pistons. There are storylines all over the place in this one.
Larry Bird gets to face off with rival
Michael Cooper. Detroit Head Coach
Lenny Wilkens, Detroit’s
Dennis Johnson and Boston’s
Gus Williams all celebrated a NBA Championship together in Seattle in 1979. Both Bird and
Tom Chambers are former Rookie of the Year Award winners and arguably the face of their respective franchises. In this one, the Celtics need to find a way to score against Detroit’s stout defense, all the while making sure Detroit doesn’t get going themselves. Furthermore, the Celtics are still recovering from a slugfest against the New York Knicks while Detroit made mostly easy work of the Pacers. But a counter is that the Celtics have had no problem with Detroit all year, being the cause of four of their 21 losses. This may end up as the best series in the entire playoffs.
Boston Celtics
Record: 52-30
PPG: 110.2 (7th)
oPPG: 105.3 (12th)
Offensive Eff: 106.2 (6th)
Defensive Eff: 101.4 (11th)
eFG: 48.2% (8th)
Reb%: 52.8% (2nd)
Starters/Key Players
C – Larry Smith – 5.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG
PF – Cedric Maxwell – 12.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG
SF – Larry Bird – 28.1 PPG, 11 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 2nd Team
SG – Purvis Short – 23.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team
PG – Gus Williams – 17.2 PPG, 5.9 APG, All-Defense 2nd Team
Bench – Truck Robinson – 9.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG
Key Injuries
None
Detroit Pistons
Record: 61-21
PPG: 110.8 (6th)
oPPG: 97.6 (2nd)
Offensive Eff: 108.9 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 96.1 (1st)
eFG: 45.6% (15th)
Reb%: 51.8% (6th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Danny Schayes – 10.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG
PF – Tom Chambers – 29 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 51.9% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team
SF – Michael Cooper – 14.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG, All-Defense 1st Team
SG – Dennis Johnson – 19.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.3 SPG, All-Defense 2nd Team
PG – Fat Lever – 11.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 8.8 APG
Bench – Darrell Walker – 10.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.9 SPG
Key Injuries
None
Best of Seven
#7 Miami Heat (45-37) at #3 Chicago Bulls (60-22)
Season Results
11/3 – BULLS 118, Heat 89
12/12 – BULLS 115, Heat 113
2/1 – BULLS 125, Heat 97
2/22 – Bulls 118, HEAT 117
2/25 – Bulls 135, HEAT 119
Series Preview
Dominique vs.
Michael. ‘Nique vs. MJ. Perhaps the two most exciting young scorers in basketball will meet in the Semi-Finals. Wilkins led the NBA in scoring with an outstanding 36.9 PPG, but questions all around the league are wondering if MJ will one day beat that record. As for the series, as impressive as the Heat victory over the Nets was, they’ve struggled against Chicago all season. From top to bottom the Bulls are the better basketball team, as
Alvan Adams,
Terry Cummings,
Vinnie Johnson and
Johnny Moore all provide excellent support for ‘Nique. On the other hand MJ needs to hope
Derek Harper, Clark Kellogg or
Sam Perkins step up every night. The Bulls can beat the Heat without a monster ‘Nique night, but everyone needs to be on for Miami for Miami to score some wins. It’s hard to pick against Chicago here, but if NJ has a few 40 pointers in him (he reached that value twice) you never know.
Miami Heat
Record: 45-37
PPG: 108.3 (11th)
oPPG: 107.4 (20th)
Offensive Eff: 104.0 (11th)
Defensive Eff: 103.1 (14th)
eFG: 47.0% (12th)
Reb%: 50.2% (14th)
Starters/Key Players
C – Sam Perkins – 13.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG
PF – Clark Kellogg – 14.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG
SF – Albert King – 9.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG
SG – Michael Jordan – 29.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.1 SPG, 54.1% FG
PG – Derek Harper – 12.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5 APG
Key Injuries
None
Chicago Bulls
Record: 60-22
PPG: 113.3 (2nd)
oPPG: 105.3 (13th)
Offensive Eff: 108 (3rd)
Defensive Eff: 100.3 (7th)
eFG: 49.1% (4th)
Reb%: 52.7% (3rd)
Starters/Key Players
C – Alvan Adams – 12.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG
PF – Terry Cummings – 17.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG
SF – Dominique Wilkins – 36.7 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 54.1% FG, 82.3% FT, All-NBA 1st Team
SG – Vinnie Johnson – 13.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.7 SPG
PG – Johnny Moore – 11.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 9.2 APG, 2.3 SPG
Key Injuries
Alton Lister – Bruising back-up center was one of the league’s leading shot blockers this season, he may miss the first couple of games in the season.
***
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
@Dubble J scored 44 (Lakers exact, Mavericks, Pistons, Celtics exact) against
@AlanSmithee1981 ’s 56 (Lakers exact, Mavericks, Pistons, Celtics exact, Bulls exact). Close one so far.
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
