Round Two, here we go.

The Conference games are here. And wow, we have two shockers still in the mix.

 

East

 Chicago Bulls versus The Atlanta Hawks

 

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Yes, that is correct. The Hawks are still in it. They surprisingly won the Magic easily as Jamal Crawford, Al Horford, and Joe Johnson tore shit up. Excuse my language but i love these guys now. They are my team, they are the team that i want to win the East. The Bulls, even though they won, had a hard time. The Pacers made a run for the money, even though the series went 4-1. Most of the four Bull wins were won by four-five points each. Yes, Derrick Rose had a little trouble, even messed up his ankle. He is still playing though. Boozer was nowhere to be found, if Boozer doesn’t show up at all this next series, the Bulls have will have a tough time.

 Most Likely Winner: Bulls in 7

My Winner: Hawks in 7

The Miami Heat versus the Boston Celtics

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Boston was the only team that sweeped the series. They did so against the New York Knicks. It wasn’t an easy task, but when Billups got injured in the first games they were done. A’Mare wasn’t feeling good with a stiff back and that made Carmelo’s job harder. In the end, Boston took over that series in a jiff. the Heat seemed like they were going to have a little problem with the 76ers. that was not the case as the 76ers only won one game. The deciding factor: Rajon Rondo. If he plays stellar, and if he gets in the paint then the Celtics got this, if he can’t the the Heat will move on.

Most Likely Winner: Celtics in 7

My Winner: Heat in 7

West 

Oklahoma City Thunder versus Memphis Grizzlies

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The thunder stomped on the Nuggets. they only lost one, though most of the games had it’s higs and lows. They have a stellar bench and with the acquisition of Kendrick Perkins that added a little more to them. The Grizzlies shocked the NBA world as they beat the top ranked Spurs in 6 games. The won the first game, and everyone thought that was a fluke, but some how they dominated the Spurs. With the play of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph they won that series, and if they play well again then can upset the thunder.

 Most Likely Winner: Thunder in 6

My Winner: Memphis in 6

Los Angeles Lakers versus the Dallas Mavericks

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everyone thought that the weakest link in the first round was the Dallas Mavericks. It turned out that they were pretty healthy and strong. Easily defeating the Blazers in 6. Though all of Texas had a scare when Brandon Roy did a freaking miracle and almost made this a series. The Lakers seemed they were off to their same ways losing the first, but that didn’t stop them at all. After figuring out Paul the went to the town. The key for this series is: Pau Gasol. He was shy so to say in the first round. If he doesn’t show up and put up points then the three peat can be stop.

Most Likely Winner: Lakers in 6

My Winner: Lakers in 6

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• 2011 NBA Playoffs Predictions: Updated Odds To Win the NBA Title for Every Team (bleacherreport.com)
• NBA Conference Semi-Finals (terpsportstalk.wordpress.com)
• 2011 NBA Playoffs: Conference Semifinal Predictions (bleacherreport.com)
• With Hinrich out, Teague to start versus Bulls in Game 1 (chicagonow.com)
• Schmeelk: Breaking Down The 2nd Round Of The NBA Playoffs (newyork.cbslocal.com)
• NBA Playoffs 2011: Atlanta Hawks Steals Homecourt, Should Bulls Be Concerned? (bleacherreport.com)
• Bulls Vs. Hawks Predictions: Al Horford, Josh Smith Can Give Chicago Trouble (sbnation.com)
• Bulls Vs. Hawks Predictions: Atlanta Big Men Not Enough To Counter Derrick Rose (sbnation.com)
• Bulls Vs. Hawks Predictions: Loss Of Kirk Hinrich, Matchup Issues Doom Hawks (sbnation.com)
• Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions: Bulls vs. Hawks (kobebeefnba.com)
• NBA Playoffs 2011: 5 Keys to Success for the Chicago Bulls Against Atlanta (bleacherreport.com)
• NBA Playoffs 2011: Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Game 1 Live Blog (bleacherreport.com)
• Bulls Vs. Hawks Predictions: Carlos Boozer Key To Chicago Waltz (sbnation.com)
• Boston Celtics: Game 2 Loss to Miami Heat Would Signal End of Celtics Dynasty (bleacherreport.com)
• Bulls Vs. Hawks Predictions: There Will Be Blood, And It Will Be Atlanta’s (sbnation.com)
• Ballin’: Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks Shock Lakers; Joe Johnson, Hawks Stun Lakers (thebiglead.com)
• NBA Playoffs 2011: Latest News, TV Schedule and Predictions (bleacherreport.com)
• Bulls’ Boozer says he’ll try to play against Hawks (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
• 2011 NBA Playoff Schedule: Tip Times and Channels for Tuesday’s Games (bleacherreport.com)
• Celtics vs. Heat: Rising Heat Proving to Be Flash, Plenty of Substance in Game 2 (bleacherreport.com)
• Boston Celtics: Can Celtics Manage to Hang With Youthful Heat in Game 3? (bleacherreport.com)

Lakers Lead, Hawks fly, and Nothing in MSG

Game 3 The Los Angeles Lakers versus The New Orleans Hornets

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What a Game it was, the series was tied, and the winner would have home court and advantage for the rest of the series. Tables have turned and the Lakers were now in the Hornets arena.

What did that say, absolutely nothing. Why because the Lakers played like they were in the practice room in their stadium. They easily won it, though it looked pretty scary at times.

Quick Rap up of each quarter.

The first quarter had the Lakers winning throughout most of the quarter. They were up and going. They lead by 7 going into the 2nd, as Chris Paul made a late 3 to make it to 7. The second quarter had Andrew Bynum all over it as he was dominating in the paint. The Hornets didn’t have anything to stop him this time. It was Bynum all day, everyday. The Lakers increased their lead by 2 more leading the Hornets 42-51 going into the Half. In that Half Andrew had 14 points and was doing work.

The start of the third seemed like it snapped the Hornets as they had some good play and were actually scoring. The Lakers got a scare from Bynum as he went down and seems as he injured his ankle. Fortunately, he got up and he was okay, and still able to play. Unfortunately for the Hornets they couldn’t change the led by the end of the quarter, Lakers were up 75-68.  Back to back three by the Lakers made the pocket deep for the Hornets. Those 3’s were made by Blake and Pau Gasol. Kobe did work, and was PUTTING UP A CLINIC. Free throws decided the game as the Lakers had a lot of free throws in the fourth.

Final Score: 100-86, Lakers win

Final Stats: Kobe had 30 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assist. Gasol had 17 points, 10 rebound and 4 assist. Bynum had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Series lead: Lakers 2-1

Other Playoff Games:

The Boston Celtics versus the New York Knicks

The Knicks were down and out. Literally, as Billups wasn’t going to be playing. Amar’e had to play limited minutes because of his back, though he started. This was the time, the time to shine for Carmelo. It was set, the Knicks hadn’t been in the playoffs since 2004. They didn’t even win a game in that series. This is why they brought Carmelo. They expected a 40 point game like he had in game 2 but this time with a win.

That win will have to wait as the Celtics owned the Garden, and basically won this series. Why, BECAUSE NO TEAM HAS EVER COME BACK FROM 3-0 DEFICT. Some teams have actually gotten to game 7, but couldn’t go over the hill. The Knick still have a chance to do it. When you have Carmelo you have a possibility but that is a small possibility. Why, because they don’t have Billups or Amar’e. Well they have Amar’e but now at 100 percent. This one is over in my books.

Final Score: 113-96

Series Lead: Boston 3-0

The Orlando Magic versus Atlanta Hawks

The Magic lost the first one as the Hawks stole a game at Orlando. Then Orlando had to take game 2 and did so. Home Court was now with the Hawks, as if they won this one they would be up on the Magic. They had only lost one game to the Magic during the regular season and won three. In paper, it seemed like the Magic were the better team, and they are. But some how Atlanta pulled it off.

The first the quarter had both teams pretty close, but that’s when close got closer. People started touching and technicals got called. The fourth has James Crawford go in fire. He had a three point play as he got fouled while taking a three and that three went in. Then when Dwight tried to go in the paint he got fouled. ZaZa Pachulia thought that he got fouled because he did. He got elbowed in the face. Jason Richardson thought otherwise and went up to ZaZa and then push ZaZa. That’s when it seemed like they were going to fight. ZaZa was talking while Richardson was being held from furthering a fight. Both of them got ejected. After review of the video, Dwight was given a technical for elbow. James Crawford came up big as he hit a late 3 with 5.3 left in the game. And that was the ball game.

Final Score: 88-84, Hawks

Final Stats: Dwight Howard had 21 points 15 rebounds, James Crawford had 23 points, and Josh Smith had double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Series Lead: Hawks 2-1

Related Articles

• NBA Playoffs 2011: LA Lakers Vs. New Orleans Hornets Game 3 Report Card (bleacherreport.com)
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Upset in L.A. and San Antonio slump is over.

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The NBA was filled with many surprises today.

As Sunday had a showcase of good matchups before the last week of the regular season.

The first game had a win-or-go home Phoenix Suns versus the Struggling Spurs.

The Spurs had come off a lost as they were beat by The Houston Rockets on Friday. Today was a new day and they needed to win as their lead had shrunken by 1.5 games. The Los Angeles Lakers were on a streak winning their last 17 out of 18 games since the break. Everything that the Spurs had work for had been tumbling down. Today’s game against the Suns didn’t do better. But in the end they did get the win. None of the starters except Richard Jefferson had more than 9 points. The bench especially George Hill had showed up and scored 29 points. The Spurs bench did superb as Matt Boner and Gary Neal scored 11 points and 15 points respectively.  This was a much-needed win as San Antonio had lost 6 games in a row which was the most since they acquired Tim Duncan.

The Second game had The Los Angeles Lakers against the Denver Nuggets

The had just found out that the Spurs won, so they needed to win this to stay a game behind the Spurs. The Nuggets have been as red hot as any team in the NBA since the break. They were 14-4 since trading Carmelo and with this win they would clinch a playoff berth.  And they did that.

The first half ended as a close affair. As Denver lead in the first quarter by a point (21-20). Then in the second quarter Kobe went on a rampage as he got 13 points in. Nuggets coach George Karl got a technical for disagreeing. The Half ended as the Lakers took a 7 point lead (47-40)

The third quarter brought a resurged nugget team. It also brought a scare to the Los Angeles Lakers universe as Pau Gasol seem to be injuried after going down awkward on his knee. It was a hard foul by NeNe but NeNe stayed by Gasol and made sure he was okay. Gasol went to the Locker room,. That’s when the Nuggets took advantage. The third ended with the games all tied up at 69.  The fourth started with an 8-0 run by the Lakers.  Then things got pretty close in the end. With 15 seconds left Lamar odom made a three to get the Lakers within 2 points. The Lakers then fouled NeNe. NeNe made the first free throw and missed the second. Lamar instead of boxing out Kenyon Martin actually got boxxed him himself and thus Martin had a better position and tip in the ball. This sealed the deal for the Nuggets.

Final Score: 95-90

Final Stats: Kobe Bryant with 28 points, Gasol with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Danilo Gallinari with 22 points and 7 rebounds.

Notables: Which ended the Los Angeles Lakers streak at 9 games, and a 10-0 streak at home. This Also clinch a playoff berth for the Nuggets. They have been 15-4 since the All-Star Break, The Lakers are now 2.5 games behind the Spurs.

NBA News and Scores:

1. The return of Shaq was short lived as he came back against the Detriot Pistons. He played a few minutes until he strained his right calf in the second quarter. This still didn’t stop the Celtics from winning Detriot. (101-90)
2. The Heatles stole one from the Knicks as they ran off with a demanding lead (108-94)
3. The Raptors were too much for for the Magic as they themselves were missing two starters. The fans kept on booing Hedo turkoglu. DeMar DeRozan scored 24 to beat the Magic (102-98) .

 Nascar:

Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Sprint Cup Series

Winner: Kevin Harvick

2) Dale Earnheart Jr. 3) Kyle Busch 4) Juan Pablo Montoya 5) Jeff Gordon

MBL:

Tigers won against the Yankee’s 10-7

The Angels lost it in the 13th against the Royals 12-9

The Dodgers defeat the defending Champs Giants 7-5

Related Articles

• Red-hot Nuggets beat Lakers (theglobeandmail.com)
• Nuggets drop Lakers 2 1/2 games behind Spurs in West (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
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• Reeling Spurs stomp Suns to end 6-game slide (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Blazers Hand Banged-Up Spurs 4th Straight Loss (nytimes.com)
• San Antonio Slumps! (puttingupaclinnic.wordpress.com)
• “San Antonio Spurs’ Five-Game Losing Streak First Of Tim Duncan Era” and related posts (sbnation.com)
• NBA: San Antonio Spurs Not Over the Hill Yet (bleacherreport.com)
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• Lakers Vs. Nuggets Going Down to the Wire in Los Angeles (bleacherreport.com)
• Memphis Grizzlies Add Another Win, Could Face Lakers In NBA Playoffs (sbnation.com)
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New Team in OC could be a possibility.

You might be wondering what is up and what does that mean.

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No we are not getting the Kansas City Royals(baseball team), what this does mean is that there is a strong possibility that a NBA team will come to town and stay put. IT seems as the owners of the Sacramento Kings are ready to move and this past year before the deadline they chose Anaheim.

What this means is that Anaheim might get a basketball team by next year.       

 

Which is sort of pissing off Sacramento. They are losing everything. I feel sorry for them because that city is one of the few cities that deserves a team. They have support that team in its highs during the early 2000′s and through its recently lows.

The owners have already filed for trademarks and other things to make this thing smooth. If you are wondering why they changed names it is because los Angeles already has a King’s team which is the L.A Kings (Hockey). So out of respect they didn’t take that name and changed their name to their original name since they came out as a team the Rochester Royals.

The deal is not final because senate leaders still have to choose if they are going to allow this but all signs are pointing to a yes.

I think it is good and bad. First, bad because it is a limited market because just down a couple of cities is Los Angeles.  Which already has two teams. This will spilt revenue between the Clippers and Royals then. But it does seem good because it offers other people from So Cal to experience a basketball team and love one as Sacramento had done before. The team still need to redo its lineup before it can go up but hey they can probably do that before the Clippers. They have taken ages to recover and be half a team that the Lakers have been.

What’s your take on this?

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• Sacramento Kings file trademark names for Anaheim (cbc.ca)
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San Antonio Slumps!

Seems like San Antonio is having some blues.Portland brought it again as they recently played the Spurs on Friday took take that win as well,. The difference this time, was that Tony Parker and Antonio McDyess was out as well. Andre Miller had 26 points and in the end The Blazers had it.

San Antonio is slumping as this is their 2nd time losing 3 in a row. This one comes close to the end, as they are losing their lead for first in the West and the League. The Los Angeles Lakers are in a 7-0 run and have won their last 14 out of 15 games. That is the best in the league since the break. The Lakers are now 3.5 games behind the Spurs and the Spurs have 8 games left. The Lakers have 9 games left. If this keeps on going the way it has been going, The Los Angeles Lakers can take the first position by the end of the season. Something, no one excepted especially since going into the break the Lakers were in a 4 game slide. 

The San Antonio Spurs were down and out. so the Portland Trail Blazers took advantage. Getting an easy, hard-fought win without worrying about Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili or Tony Paker. IT was an easy win for Portland who is trying to keep their 6th spot and as well creep into the 5th position.