Tag: Miami Heat

NBA Playoffs – Day 11

6:00 pm – Leaving work in a very disgruntled mood because the NBA scheduled my Celtics for 7:00 and there’s no way in hell I’ll be home for the start of the game. I really wish they had checked in with me beforehand. Oh well, this is probably the biggest first world problem ever, and I should really stop bitching. On top of that, there’s a new Lowe Post and The Starters Twitter Show to listen to during the trek out to my home out on the frontier beyond I-495, so things are looking up!

6:10 – On the Green Line…

6:24 – Some good news for the Celtics tonight: Marcus Smart is projected to make his long awaited return from injury, and not a moment too soon.

6:40 – In the car! ETA home: 7:23. Not catastrophic.

7:27 – After bursting through the front door of my house, I’m joining Game 5 between the Celtics and Bucks in progress, just in time to see a replay of Marcus Smart diving onto the floor after a loose ball. Talk about a sight for sore eyes. The Celtics have a 15-13 lead, and with this game relegated to NBA TV, I’m enjoying local team of Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn are announcing on NBCSN.

7:30 – Right after I come in, we have a time out with the score still Boston 15, Milwaukee 13 with 2:37 left in the first quarter. This gives me a time to remember the other games tonight: Game 5 between Philadelphia and Miami, and Game 5 between Golden State and San Antonio. The Sixers and Warriors are looking to close those series out this evening. We’ll join Philadelphia and Miami in progress after the Celtics and Bucks are done.

7:37 – The first quarter ends with a 14-4 Celtics run to make the score Boston 23, Milwaukee 15. Al Horford has five points and five rebounds for the C’s, and Terry Rozier’s scored five as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo has six to lead the Bucks. As a team, Milwaukee’s shooting just 6-22.

Of course, both of these teams are battling for an important 3-2 series lead, so this should be a well contested game.

7:41 – Khris Middleton begins the second quarter with a bucket, and the Bucks trail, 23-17.

7:49 – We’ll have a time out after a Marcus Morris layup makes the score Boston 33, Milwaukee 25 with 7:40 left until halftime.

7:51 – News from elsewhere in the playoffs…

That game was so feisty, there’s still being technical fouls called.

7:57 – Jayson Tatum knocks nails an open three, and the Garden is alive as we go into a time out with the score Boston 43, Milwaukee 29 with 4:22 left in the first half. This pause in the game seems like a good opportunity to feed the cat.

8:09 – We’re here at halftime with the score Boston 48, Milwaukee 37. Al Horford has eight points and nine boards to lead the Celtics, and Marcus Morris came off the bench to provide eight and five. Once again, it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton leading the Bucks. They each have 11 points, and Giannis also has eight rebounds. Outside of that, the Bucks are having a tough time, and they’re shooting just 34.9% from the field overall. Now if you’ll excuse me, I am going to go eat my salad and pork chops.

8:26 – Eric Bledsoe gives us the first points of the second half with a pair of free throws, and the Bucks are within single digits, down 48-39.

8:30 – We have a minor ruckus between none other than Terry Rozier and Eric Bledsoe. Rozier bumped Bledsoe along the baseline, and then Bledsoe shoved him out of bounds. Rozier was probably just trying to introduce himself since Bledsoe said he doesn’t know who he is.

8:34 – After a lengthy review by the refs, Bledsoe gets hit with a flagrant, while Rozier is assessed a technical.

8:37 – Terry Rozier knocks down a three, and mouths off to the Bucks bench! His exploits have the Celtics up, 56-40.

8:39 – We’ve got a time out with the score Boston 56, Milwaukee 43 with 7:39 left in the third quarter.

8:44 – Dispatches from Philadelphia!

The best part about that game is that Meek Mill, released from prison today, was choppered in by the Sixers owner to attend the game this evening. They deserve to win for that alone.

8:53 – Jayen Brown nails a three, and we’ve got a time out after a 7-0 Celtics run makes our score Boston 68, Milwaukee 57 with 2:24 left in the third. It was a timely run, as the Bucks had made it a four point game, thanks to eleven quick points off the bench from none other than Shabazz Muhammad.

8:59 – After the ball goes out of bounds on the Bucks, Brad Stevens calls a time out to draw up what I’m sure will be a thrilling inbounds play. Not much has changed on the scoreboard, which reads Boston 68, Milwaukee 59 with 1:10 left in the third.

9:00 – Al Horord gets called for an setting a moving screen, ruining the magical play Brad Stevens drew up.

9:02 – The third quarter is over with a score of Boston 72, Milwaukee 61. Al Horford’s up to 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Celtics. Khris Middleton also has 15 for the Bucks. Aside from the brief run sparked by Shabazz Muhammad, the Bucks haven’t shown much fire, and they’ve been kind of going through the motions while the Celtics maintain their lead.

9:06 – Thon Maker manages to throw down an easy dunk, and the Bucks strike first in the fourth and trail 72-63.

9:10 – Jabari Parker grabs an offensive rebound, then goes up for a dunk, and we’ve got a time out as it’s a four point game again. The score’s Boston 72, Milwaukee 68 with 8:44 left in the ballgame. Let’s see if the Celtics respond now as well as they did in the third quarter when they faced the same situation.

9:14 – Dispatches from Philadelphia!

9:19 – Marcus Morris ventures through the paint and gets a layup, and we’ll have a time out as the Celtics have built their lead back up to nine to make the score Boston 79, Milwaukee 70 with 5:46 remaining.

9:29 – Al Horford finds Jaylen Brown under the hoop for a layup, and we’ve got a time out with the score Boston 84, Milwaukee 77 with 1:49 left in the game. The Bucks have had ample opportunities to make this a one possession game, but they just haven’t been able to get over that hump, and each time they come close, the Celtics ramp up their defense and muster a bucket or two to push their lead back up.

9:34 – We’ve got a time out after Al Horford is fouled with the score Boston 84, Milwaukee 79 with just 34.5 seconds left. The Celtics will have some free throws to hit over the remainder of this one.

9:35 – My bad, no foul called there, just the time out.

9:36 – The Celtics inbound to Marcus Smart, who nearly loses the ball and has to dive to the floor against three Bucks for it. He’s able to slip it to Horford, who is all alone for a dunk, and we’ve got another time out with the score Boston 86, Milwaukee 79 with 28.1 seconds to go.

9:39 – After Al Horford goes 1-2 from the line, Eric Bledsoe is able to get a quick layup, and it’s just a three point game with Bucks down, 87-84. Terry Rozier is fouled to stop the clock.

9:40 – Rozier hits his free throws, and the Celtics lead is up to 89-84. After the Bucks fail to score, Thon Maker commits a foul for some reason, and it’s his sixth. He heads to the bench with two points and two rebounds on 1-5 shooting in 23 minutes off the bench. Clearly, he was not able to provide the same spark here at the Garden that he was out in Milwaukee.

9:42 – All right, this one comes to a close with a final score of Boston 92, Milwaukee 87.

Al Horford was great tonight for the Celtics, finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Khris Middleton’s 23 lead the Bucks, and Giannis had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, but seemed tired down the stretch.

Throughout the second half, the Bucks lingered within shouting distance, but the Celtics always had an answer for them with a timely bucket or big defensive play. The return of Marcus Smart provided Boston with an obvious jolt of extra swagger and energy. Now, the Celtics have a chance to close out the series in Game 6, but they’ll have to do so in Milwaukee, where the Bucks have played well.

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9:46 – Time to switch over to TNT and join Game 5 between the Sixers and Heat. They’re in the midst of a commercial break, with a score of Philadelphia 66, Miami 54 with 6:11 left in the third quarter.

9:54 – After a loose ball foul on Justise Winslow, we have a time out with the score Philadelphia 72, Miami 59 with 3:21 left in the third. The Sixers appear to be pulling away like they have throughout this series.

10:02 – We’re here at the end of the third quarter with a score of Philadelphia 80, Miami 66. Right now, the Miami Heat band has assembled on the deck of the ship to play lively ragtime music, to help keep people calm and perhaps inspire a comeback. JJ Redick has 16 to lead the Sixers, and Goran Dragic’s 13 leads the Heat.

10:06 – Dwyane Wade takes a pass from Kelly Olynyk and dunks it to give the Heat the first points of the fourth quarter. They’re down, 80-68.

10:10 – Joel Embiid knocks down a jumper, and we’ve got a time out as the Sixers can taste victory here with the score Philadelphia 87, Miami 69 with 9:46 left in the game.

10:15 – Tyler Johnson cans a three, and we’ve got a time out with the score Philadelphia 87, Miami 72 with 8:34 on the clock.

10:25 – We’ve got a review after James Johnson sends both JJ Redick and Marco Bellinelli into the stands with a hard hit. Is it possible to be called for two fouls on two different players on the same play? Anyway, players from both teams briefly gathered on scene in case anything further was to go down, but everyone eventually walked away.

10:28 – We have a common-ass foul, and a technical-ass foul called on Johnson. It’s unfortunate timing for the Heat, who have closed their deficit down to 87-79. Now, with Philadelphia in the bonus, Bellinelli gets two free throws, on top of the technical free throw that JJ Redick hit. Marco hits his as well, and the Sixers lead, 90-79.

10:30 – Now Tyler Johnson has committed his sixth foul, and he’ll head to the bench with 16 points in 19 minutes. It once again sends Bellinelli to the line, and he splits the free throws, but James Johnson tips the rebound off the second free throw out of bounds, and the ball will remain with the Sixers.

10:35 – Two JJ Redick free throws send us into a time out with the score Philadelphia 95, Miami 82 with 3:48 left on the clock. The Heat have made some noise here in the fourth, but some out of control play has kept them from truly getting back into it, especially with the Sixers in the bonus, but it has been enough to keep the Miami Heat band from playing “Nearer My God To Thee”.

10:43 – This one winds down with a final score of Philadelphia 104, Miami 91.

27 points from JJ Redick led the Sixers, while Joel Embiid submitted 19 points and 12 rebounds. Ben Simmons contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Kelly Olynyk came off the Miami bench for 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.

The Sixers were impressive throughout the series, and thus far, look like the team to beat in the East. While the Heat put up a worthy effort, it’s hard to hang in there when the other team has the two best players in the series, and especially when the other team keeps going berserk from three point land. After becoming the first Eastern team to advance, the Sixers await the winner of the Celtics/Bucks series.

I have to say, I am very happy for the Sixers and their fans. Just two years ago, this team was 10-72. Now it wouldn’t be shocking to anybody if they found themselves in the Finals. The process worked.

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10:45 – We’re welcomed to The Oracle out in Oakland by Marv Albert, as we get set for Game 5 between the Warriors and Spurs. Golden State’s looking to close this one out with a win tonight.

10:46 – The Warriors win the opening tip, and we’re underway.

10:47 – Klay Thompson starts things off with a jumper, and the Warriors strike first to take a 2-0 lead.

10:48 – Draymond Green hits an open three from the corner, and we already have a time out with the score Golden State 7, San Antonio 0 with 10:25 left in the first quarter.

10:54 – Rudy Gay misses a shot at close range, but LaMarcus Aldridge grabs the miss and put it in, plus he’s fouled. He hits the free throw, and the Spurs are finally on the board, down 9-3.

11:00 – We’ve got a time out as the Spurs, never ones to go away quietly, have responded well after initially falling behind, 9-0. In fact, a Patty Mills three has them within two with a score of Golden State 15, San Antonio 13 with 4:06 left in the first quarter.

11:12 – We’re here at the end of the first quarter with a score of Golden State 22, San Antonio 20. Klay Thompson has six for the Warriors, as does Patty Mills for the Spurs.

At first, it looked like the Warriors were going to run away with this one, but the Spurs dug in, and we’ve got a close one so far.

11:17 – Rudy Gay cans a three, and the Spurs take a 23-22 lead with the first points of the second quarter.

11:22 – We’ve got a time out with the score Golden State 31, San Antonio 26 with 7:50 left until halftime. Neither team is lighting the world on fire, and as long as the Warriors slog through the game, the Spurs are going to be able to keep it close.

11:28 – Draymond Green finds Kevon Looney for a tough layup, plus a foul, and we’ve got a time out as the Warriors lead is starting to expand. The score’s Golden State 35, San Antonio 26 with 6:18 left in the first half.

11:31 – Back from the time out, Looney misses his free throw.

11:40 – Kevin Durant storms to the hoop for a transition dunk, and we’ll have a time out with a score of Golden State 47, San Antonio 36 with 1:17 left in the second quarter. The Warriors are slowly gaining steam as the game goes on, and the Spurs haven’t shown any signs of being able to keep up. I fear we’re in for a depressing second half, but if that’s the case, maybe I’ll get to make more Titanic band jokes.

11:44 – Klay Thompson ends the first half by sinking a jumper at the buzzer, and we’ll head into halftime with a score of Golden State 49, San Antonio 38. Thompson’s been carrying the load all night, and is up to 17 points on 8-12 shooting. Rudy Gay and Patty Mills each have nine to lead the Spurs.

With the third quarter looming, San Antonio’s in real trouble. The Warriors have been legendary in the third quarter this season, and with the Spurs lacking any sort of offensive punch this evening, things could down the drain real fast.

12:02 am – Dejounte Murray is fouled by Draymond Green as he shoots a three, and goes 2-3 from the line to give us the first points of the second half, and cut the Spurs deficit to 49-40.

12:09 – Two Kevin Durant free throws send us into a time out with a score of Golden State 60, San Antonio 49 with 7:16 left in the third.

12:16 – We’ve got a time out in between a pair of LaMarcus Aldridge free throws, and with 4:49 left in the third, not a whole heck of a lot has changed here with the scoreboard reading Golden State 62, San Antonio 51.

12:32 – At the end of three quarters, our score’s Golden State 79, San Antonio 65. Klay Thompson has 19 so far for the Warriors, and Draymond Green’s got 12 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. LaMarcus Aldridge has 17 points and 6 rebounds for the Spurs.

The Warriors had a bit of a flurry towards the end of the third, and they’ve got their lead up to 14. I’ve been waiting for a decisive volley from them all night, but San Antonio has been able to keep things fairly respectable thus far.

12:37 – Kyle Anderson gets the scoring started in the fourth quarter with a layup, thanks to a nice pass from Pau Gasol, and the Spurs trail, 79-67.

12:40 – A LaMarcus Aldridge jumper sends us into a time out with a score of Golden State 82, San Antonio 71 with 8:40 remaining as the status quo continues to be maintained.

12:50 – Kevin Durant knocks down a jumper, and with another time out, our score’s Golden State 89, San Antonio 77 with 5:12 left. I feel like not a damn thing has changed about this game since the first half.

12:57 – Manu Ginobili finds LaMarcus Aldridge with a nice bounce pass for a dunk, and suddenly, the score’s Golden State 89, San Antonio 83 with 2:35 left in the game as the Spurs have finally made some inroads here.

12:59 – Kevin Durant explodes to the bucket for a two hand jam, and we’re sent right back to another time out with the score Golden State 91, San Antonio 83 with 2:13 on the clock.

1:04 – Rudy Gay misses a layup, but LaMarcus Aldridge is there to get the offensive rebound, and get fouled. He hits his free throws, and he’s up to 30 points and 12 rebounds, including a perfect 14-14 from the line, and the Spurs are within two, trailing 93-91, and we’ll have a time out with 42.3 seconds to go.

1:07 – Kevin Durant nails a jumper, and the Warriors go up, 95-91. On the Spurs possession, Manu Ginobili throws the ball away, and it looks like the Warriors are going to dodge the bullet here.

1:08 – Durant hits two free throws after he’s fouled to stop the clock, and he now has 10 of the last 12 Warrior points, and the Spurs have to take their final time out with the score Golden State 97, San Antonio 91 with 24 seconds left.

1:11 – With Manu Ginobili dribbling it out, this game comes to an end with a final score of Golden State 99, San Antonio 91.

Kevin Durant finished with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, and Klay Thompson was right behind him with 24 points and 5 rebounds. Draymond Green packed the box score with 17 points, 19 rebounds and 7 assists. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds for the Spurs.

The Spurs battled hard all series long, against long odds, but they just didn’t have the firepower to hang with the Warriors, who tonight, didn’t exactly light the world on fire themselves. San Antonio now goes into an offseason of uncertainty, with the ongoing Kawhi Leonard situation continuing on, and old timers like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker mulling their future.

As for the Warriors, they move on to face the surprising Pelicans with questions of their own. Just when will Steph Curry return, and how effective will he be? Can Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday replicate their outstanding first round performance and give New Orleans a fighting chance against the defending champs?

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Now that tonight’s all said and done, the Heat and the Spurs, two hard fighting, worthy opponents, have fallen in five games, while the Celtics have put themselves one game away from the second round. Also, their Game 6 with the Bucks is now the one and only game on Thursday, and it tips off at 8:00, so we won’t have a repeat of tonight’s tumultuous situation of having to miss the start of the game. Praise the Basketball Gods.

Tomorrow night, however, is even more ridiculous, with four games going on. The action once again kicks off at 7:00, so the race home will once again be urgent, so I better be off to bed, because tomorrow night is likely to be eventful.

 

NBA Playoffs – Day 8

We’ve made it through another long week, so it’s now time to reward ourselves with the eight playoff games we earned. The weekends of the first round bring a multitude of exciting, exciting NBA action, especially as the series enter their pivotal phases, in which some teams could see their seasons come to an end, where others in closer series will struggle for the upper hand against their worthy opponents. This weekend, I am not joined by my pal Ian, so I will have all of the playoff provisions to myself.

Our first game this afternoon: Game 4 between the 76ers and Heat. Philadelphia’s coming off a rollicking victory which saw them pull away from Miami in the fourth quarter, as well as the return of Joel Embiid. These two teams have shown a dislike for one another, a feeling that is bound to only increase with each passing game.

Finish your sandwich and get ready for action.

2:31 pm – We’re welcomed to the American Airlines arena by our pals Brian Anderson and Kevin McHale, who will be narrating the action. After their Game 1 loss, the Heat evened the series in Game 2 by coming out with a physical performance, knocking the Sixers out of their flow. They’ll need to do the same thing here today or face the dreaded 3-1 hole.

2:33 – The Sixers control the opening tip, and another playoff weekend is underway. Dario Saric gets us our first bucket after securing an offensive rebound and getting an easy basket, and the Sixers lead, 2-0.

2:34 – James Johnson gets to the hoop for a layup, and the Heat are on the board, down 4-2.

2:40 – Josh Richardson draws a foul, and gets a layup, but the refs say the foul was before the shot, despite Richardson’s please that the bucket be counted. It’ll take us into our first time out with a score of Philadelphia 14, Miami 12 with 6:57 left in the first quarter.

2:47 – Wayne Ellington hits a three from the corner, and our score’s Philadelphia 20, Miami 15 with 5:11 left in the first quarter.

3:01 – We’re here at the end of the first quarter which the Heat finished off with a 9-2 run to make the score Miami 26, Philadelphia 26. Once again, the play has been physical, with many the player sent to the floor as they battle for position. This is what playoff games should be.

Josh Richardson, Goran Dragic and Wayne Ellington each have six to lead the Heat, while Dario Saric has 7 points and 5 rebounds for the Sixers.

3:05 – Dwyane Wade spins his way into the paint for a floater, and the Heat strike first in the second quarter to take a 28-26 lead.

3:14 – We’re going to have a time out with a score of Miami 41, Philadelphia 40 with 6:53 left in the first half. We’ve got a decent duel going here in the second quarter between JJ Redick (12 points) and Dwyane Wade (9 points).

3:20 – Goran Dragic gets to the hoop for a layup, and we’ll have another time out with a score of Miami 45, Philadelphia 42 with 6:04 remaining in the half.

3:27 – Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Goran Dragic is fouled on a fast break, but keeps going, and is shoved aside by Robert Covington, and James Johnson goes apeshit. Ben Simmons comes in to get into Johnson’s face, and a fairly lively scrum ensues. Meanwhile, Josh Richardson is down on the fllor on the other end of the court after a collision with Joel Embiid as they both went for a loose ball. Looks like Embiid hit him in the dome as they dove to the floor. On top of that, Justise Winslow is bleeding (he also dove for that loose ball), and he sprints off to the locker room.

3:33 – Okay, after a lengthy review, we have the original foul that Ben Simmons committed on Dragic, and Simmons & Johnson each got technicals. A fair call from the refs.

3:37 – James Johnson gets a bucket, plus draws a foul on Saric, but he also kneed Saric “below the Mason-Dixon line”, as Kevin McHale put it, sending him to the floor. Saric gets up and has to be held back briefly from going after Johnson. This time, cooler heads prevail. For now.

3:40 – Justise Winslow is back on the Heat bench with a bandage after getting some stitches.

3:42 – We’re here at halftime after a feisty first half with a score of Miami 61, Philadelphia 56.

Goran Dragic leads the Heat with 13, Dwyane Wade has 11, and Wayne Ellington has 10. JJ Redick leads Philadelphia with 12. Both teams are playing their asses off and refusing to give an inch, and it’s been fantastic. I kind of hope this series heads back to Philadelphia tied at two. Few things are better than a Game 5 with a tied series between two teams that are sick and tired of one another.

3:51 – This merits mentioning: the Sixers had 17 turnovers in the first half, the most in a playoff game since 1999.

3:54 – The official word on Josh Richardson…

3:58 – Richardson is on the floor as the second half begins.

3:59 – Ben Simmons banks a shot in and the Sixers have the first points of the second half and trail, 61-58.

4:00 – Goran Dragic answers with a three, and the Heat build their lead up to 64-60.

4:03 – After a steal, Josh Richardson races down the court for a layup, and we’ll have a time out with the score Miami 68, Philadelphia 60 with 9:07 left in the third quarter.

4:09 – After another Sixers turnover, Josh Richardson lobs the ball up to Hassan Whiteside who slams it home with two hands. It’ll bring us into a time out with the score Miami 72, Philadelphia 62 with 7:18 left in the third quarter. It’s the Heat’s largest lead of the ballgame.

4:17 – Technical fouls on Hassan Whiteside and Dario Saric as the hatred continues to burn in this series.

4:22 – Joel Embiid blocks a shot from Justise Winslow, and we’ll have a time out with a score of Miami 79, Philadelphia 71 with 3:18 left in the third. It’s actually a bit impressive that the Sixers are still in this one with all of the turnovers they’ve racked up.

4:33 – We’ve reached the end of the third quarter with a score of Miami 83, Philadelphia 79. Goran Dragic’s 20 points lead the Heat, and JJ Redick leads the Sixers with 16. Hassan Whiteside has 11 points and 7 rebounds, and looks alive for the first time this series. Meanwhile, the Sixers have 24 turnovers, but are still in position to win this game. It should be an awesome fourth quarter.

4:38 – Ben Simmons clears some space for a layup, giving us the first points of the fourth quarter, and cutting the Sixers deficit down to 83-81.

4:39 – After Joel Embiid blocks a James Johnson attempt, Ben Simmons goes in for a layup, misses, gets his own miss, misses again, gets his own miss again, and then finally puts the ball through the hoop. We’ve got a time out, and a tie score, 83-83, with 10:07 remaining and the Sixers on a 10-0 run.

4:42 – We’re back and replays show that after his block, Embiid tore off his mask and flung it back to the Sixers bench to have it adjusted. It’s been giving him a hard time all afternoon.

4:44 – Two Joel Embiid free throws give the Sixers an 85-83 lead, their first since they were ahead, 40-39. On their next possession, Ersan Ilyasova finds JJ Redick all alone under the hoop for a layup, and the Sixers lead improves to 87-83.

4:45 – Dwyane Wade dribbles into open space and knocks down a jumper, and the Heat trail, 87-85.

4:47 – JJ Redick takes a pass from Ben Simmons and brings it in for a layup, extending the Sixers lead to 89-85.

4:48 – We’re going to have a time out with the score still Philadelphia 89, Miami 85 with 6:47 left in the game. While the Sixers turnover issues have been well documented this afternoon (they’re up to 25), they’ve been able to out-rebound the Heat, 51-33, to help keep this one close. In other news, Ben Simmons has got a triple double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

4:56 – A time out after the Heat knock the ball out of bounds with the score Philadelphia 96, Miami 90 with 4:09 left in the game.

4:58 – As we return to action, Joel Embiid tries to leave his mask behind, but coach Brett Brown doesn’t give him the choice, and the mask returns.

5:05 – Dwyane Wade squeezes between two defenders and throws up a shot that goes in, plus he’s fouled! He nails the free throw, and he’s up to 20 points off the bench, and the Heat trail, 100-97.

5:06 – After Joel Embiid throws it away, the Heat find Wade underneath the hoop for a bucket, and it’s a one point game with the Heat now down, 100-99.

5:07 – Ben Simmons explodes to the hoop for a two hand slam! A time out follows with the score Philadelphia 102, Miami 99 with just 58.2 seconds left.

5:09 – Wade spins, and hits a fadeaway, to make this a one point game again with Miami down, 102-101. He’s scored seven straight points to bring us here, but then JJ Redick answers with a jumper, and we’ll have a time out with the score Philadelphia 104, Miami 101 with 30.1 seconds on the clock.

5:11 – Wade goes in for a layup, and it’s rejected by Joel Embiid, but, he’s also called for a foul, sending Wade to the line with 17.6 seconds to go.

5:13 – Wade makes the first free throw, but misses the second, and JJ Redick grabs the board and is fouled. Redick is amongst the last people the Heat would have wanted to put at the line, but they had little choice. The Heat have missed twelve free throws, and that will be amongst the things that decide this game.

5:14 – Redick hits both free throws to put the Sixers up, 106-102.

5:15 – After the Heat fail to score on a couple of chances, the Sixers get the rebound, and the game comes to an end with a final score of Philadelphia 106, Miami 102.

Wade led the Heat with 25 points off the bench, and almost rescued them down the stretch, but the Sixers were just a bit better. Goran Dragic added 20, and Hassan Whiteside woke up to provide 13 points and 13 rebounds, but also had some costly defensive miscues down the stretch.

JJ Redick led the Sixers with 24 points, and Ben Simmons had 17 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals. Joel Embiid shot just 2-11, but he still managed 14 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks.

While the Heat are a tough, hard playing team, the Sixers have the edge in talent, and that’s what ended up carrying the day. The Heat just don’t have any players at the same caliber as Simmons and Embiid, and they also shot a yucky 13-25 from the free throw line. In a series as close as this, those are the things that make all the difference, and the Sixers are now returning home to Philadelphia with a chance to close out the series.

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5:16 – We’re thrown straight over to New Orleans, where the Blazers have an early 9-8 lead on the Pelicans. New Orleans is looking to become the first team to advance to the semifinals with a win. Ian Eagle and Brent Barry are narrating.

5:20 – We’ve got a time out with a score of Portland 16, New Orleans 14 with 6:36 left in the first quarter.

5:25 – Rajon Rondo finds Jrue Holiday with a long alley-oop which Holiday takes and lays in, and we’ll have another time out with the score New Orleans 18, Portland 16 with 5:28 left in the first quarter.

5:40 – We’re here at the end of the first quarter with a score of New Orleans 26, Portland 25. Eight points from Anthony Davis leads the Pelicans, while CJ McCollum has nine to lead the Blazers. So far, the Pelicans have done a good job keeping Damian Lillard from getting into a groove and forcing other Blazers to come up with big contributions. So far, Portland’s been able to keep pace.

5:44 – CJ McCollum goes in for a layup for the first points of the second quarter. He’s got 11, and the Blazers got a 27-26 lead.

5:50 – Evan Turner, back in the lineup after missing Game 3, knocks down a three to take us into a time out with the score New Orleans 35, Portland 35 with an even eight minutes left in the first half. Turner’s up to nine points.

6:00 – Jrue Holiday is up to 13 points after he drives to the hoop for a layup to make our score New Orleans 46, Portland 42 with 4:13 to go in the first half.

6:04 – Some news from tonight’s Game 3 between the Rockets and Timberwolves…

6:07- Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

CJ McCollum deposits a hard foul upon E’Twaun Moore as he goes in for a layup, and Moore gets into McCollum’s face and throws a forearm into him. In the ensuing riffraff, McCollum and Jrue Holiday also engage in some unfriendly banter.

Teams are starting to get on each others nerves as the playoffs enter their second week.

6:15 – Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Zach Collins and Rajon Rondo initiate a ruckus with just 0.07 seconds left in the half. It all goes down after Collins fouls Jrue Holiday as they fight for a rebound, and Rondo slaps the ball away from Collins, who then goes after Rondo. They’ll each get a technical.

6:19 – Holiday splits his free throws, and going into halftime, our score’s New Orleans 58, Portland 56.

Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday each have 14 to lead the Pelicans, and E’Twaun Moore has 12. CJ McCollum and Al-Farouq Aminu have 15 for the Blazers, and Evan Turner has 11 points and 5 assists.

This game’s certainly gotten physical, with two ruckuses towards the end of the second half. Portland is doing well to hang in there with their season on the line, but do they have enough to sustain it throughout the rest of the game?

6:36 – CJ McCollum starts off the second half with a runner, plus he’s fouled. However, he misses the free throw, and this one’s tied at 58.

6:37 – Jrue Holiday works his way under the hoop for a layup, but CJ McCollum comes back with a layup, which is soon answered by another layup from Anthony Davis, and the Pelicans have a 62-60 lead when all is said and done.

6:38 – A pair of Jrue Holiday free throws extends the Pelicans lead to 64-60.

6:42 – After Anthony Davis nails a three, we’ve got a time out with a score of New Orleans 71, Portland 62 with 8:06 left in the third quarter, as the Pelicans look to pull away and put an end to this series.

6:53 – After Nikola Mirotic blocks a Zach Collins shot, Jrue Holiday nails a three at the other end, and we’ve got a time out with the score up to New Orleans 87, Portland 72 with 3:43 left in the third quarter. Things are rapidly going down the drain for the Blazers.

7:05 – After a third quarter in which the Pelicans dominated, it’s New Orleans 100, Portland 87. Anthony Davis in particular caused all sorts of problems for the Blazers, scoring 19 in the quarter to get himself up to 33 on the game. CJ McCollum leads Portland with 27, but only twelve minutes of basketball separates them from the offseason.

7:09 – Jusuf Nurkic backs his way into the paint and hits a hook shot, giving the Blazers the first basket of the fourth quarter, but they trail, 100-89.

7:10 – Ian Eagle tells us that the 42 points the Pelicans scored in the third quarter are a franchise playoff record.

7:11 – Damian Lillard finds Nurkic all alone in the paint for a dunk, and we have a time out as the Blazers have started off the final quarter with some fight. It’s New Orleans 104, Portland 98 with 9:36 left in the ballgame. Anthony Davis, who began the quarter resting on the bench, will return when action picks back up on the other side of this time out.

7:16 – CJ McCollum takes it all the way to the hoop for a layup, but Jrue Holiday answers right back with a short range shot, but nevertheless, the Blazers are back in this one, trailing 106-102.

7:17 – Nurkic gets himself an easy layup, but Holiday once again answers back with a jumper, and it remains a four point game with the Pelicans leading, 108-104. Holiday’s up to 33 points as the Pelicans try to hold the Blazers off.

7:18 – Holiday misses a three, but Anthony Davis grabs the board and stuffs it home! The Blazers call a time out with the score New Orleans 110, Portland 104 with an even seven minutes remaining.

7:22 – Al-Farouq Aminu knocks down a three, and he’s up to 23 points, and this is back to a one possession game with the Blazers trailing, 110-107.

7:23 – Jrue Holiday gets to the bucket for a layup, and he’s got a playoff career high 35 points, and the Pelicans got a 112-107 lead.

7:24 – CJ McCollum is up to 34 points after he crosses over and nails a shot, and on the next possession, Aminu steals the ball and brings it all the way home for a layup, and the Blazers are within just one point, down 112-111.

7:25 – Anthony Davis hits a shot in the paint, plus he’s fouled! He nails the free throw, and he’s up to 38 points, and the Pelicans lead is up to 115-111. Jusuf Nurkic follows it up by spinning his way for a layup, and the Blazers are behind, 115-113.

7:26 – Anthony Davis knocks down a three! Damian Lillard comes back and hits a shot to keep it close, but the Blazers are down 118-115.

7:28 – Nikola Mirotic splits a pair of free throws, and CJ McCollum comes right back with a layup, and he’s up to 36 points as the Blazers trail, 119-117.

7:29 – Jrue Holiday misses a runner, but Anthony Davis is there to slam it home! The Pelicans lead, 121-117.

7:30 – We’ve got a time out in between a pair of Evan Turner free throws. He hit the first one, so our score is New Orleans 121, Portland 118 with 3:08 left in what’s been a great fourth quarter.

7:31 – Evan Turner hits his second free throw, and we’re back underway with the Blazers trailing, 121-119…until Jrue Holiday knocks down a three to extend the Pelicans lead to 124-119.

7:37 – Holiday drives to the hoop and draws the sixth and final foul on Jusuf Nurkic. He finishes the night with 18 points and 11 rebounds in by far his most effective game in this series.

7:39 – Holiday splits his free throws, and the Pelicans go up 127-121 as we approach a minute remaining.

7:41- Holiday pulls up and nails a jumper, sending us into a time out with the scoreboard reading New Orleans 129, Portland 123 with 40.4 seconds left. Holiday now has 41.

7:43 – After Davis blocks a three pointer from Al-Farouq Aminu, the Pelicans secure the ball, and the Blazers have to foul Davis to send him to the line. He knocks down both free throws to give himself 47 points, and the Pelicans a 131-123 lead.

7:44 – Time expires, and the Pelicans complete the sweep! Our final score: New Orleans 131, Portland 123.

Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday closed out the Blazers almost by themselves. Davis finished with 47 points and 11 rebounds, while Holiday added 41 points and 8 assists. Nikola Mirotic chipped in with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo submitted 7 points, 7 rebounds and 16 assists.

CJ McCollum led the Blazers with 38. Al-Farouq Aminu had 27 and 6, and Jusuf Nurkic managed 18 & 11 before he fouled out.

Nobody saw this coming. Everyone imagined that this would be a competitive series, going six or seven games, but instead, the Pelicans found a way to exploit all of the Blazers weaknesses, and they it so well, they earned a surprising sweep. The play on both ends from Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday has been particularly impressive, with Holiday stepping up on the big stage and showing people just how good he is. They’re the first team to advance in these playoffs, and they’ll face the winner of the series between the Warriors and the Spurs.

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7:50 – Time to switch over to ESPN for Game 3 between the Rockets and Timberwolves out in Minneapolis. The Wolves have an early 10-6 lead, as they play their first playoff home game since 2004, searching for their first win of this series. I should also probably go get some of my playoff lasagna that my girlfriend made.

7:54 – Okay, we’ve got a time out with a score of Minnesota 14, Houston 9 with 6:21 left in a first quarter that I haven’t really been able to focus on yet. I am taking this time out opportunity to finally get some dinner. Why the hell couldn’t this game have started at 8:00?

8:04 – James Harden storms to the hoop for a big dunk, and we have a time out with the score Minnesota 22, Houston 20 with 2:21 left in the first quarter. The Wolves seem energized by their hungry home crowd, but they’ll need more than that if they’re going to get back into this series with a win tonight.

8:13 – The first quarter come to an end with the score Houston 28, Minnesota 27. Jimmy Butler has 11, and Andrew Wiggins has ten to lead the Timberwolves, but Karl-Anthony Towns’ struggles have continued. He has yet to attempt a shot, but he at least has five rebounds. Gerald Green has come off the bench to score six to lead a balanced Rockets effort so far.

8:16 – Houston has 13 points off the bench so far, while the Timberwolves are still awaiting their first points off the bench.

8:17 – Derrick Rose gives the Wolves their first bench points, and the first points of the second quarter, by going up for a tough layup under the hoop. Minnesota takes the lead at 29-28.

8:22 – Karl-Anthony Towns draws a foul against Clint Capela, but before he shoots his free throws, we’ll have a time out with a score of Minnesota 38, Houston 32 with 7:54 left in the first half. While he still just has two points, Towns is playing way more aggressively on both ends of the floor than he did in the first couple of games.

8:35 – We’re going to have a time out with the score Minnesota 48, Houston 40 with 2:58 left in the half. Derrick Rose has provided a huge spark here in the second quarter, scoring ten points as the Timberwolves have built up a lead. Also, it’s about that time to feed the cat.

8:42 – Trevor Ariza knocks down a three in the corner, as Jimmy Butler is down on the ground at the other end, clutching his foot. A time out is called as Butler hobbles to the Timberwolves bench. The score’s Minnesota 52, Houston 51 with 43.3 seconds to go until halftime. The combined double whammy of a recent Rockets flurry, and a potential Butler injury could be the sort of thing that submarines the night for the Wolves.

8:44 – We’re back underway, and Butler is back out there. We’ll see how effective he’ll be.

8:45 – We’ve made it to halftime with the score still Minnesota 52, Houston 51. Things had been going pretty well for the Timberwolves, but the Rockets got hot over the last couple of minutes, and now they’ve got a potentially hobbled Jimmy Butler. They’ll begin the second half in a precarious position.

Butler leads Minnesota with 13 points, while Andrew Wiggins and Derrick Rose have scored ten apiece. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 6 points and 10 rebounds. Eric Gordon and James Harden lead Houston with 11, and Chris Paul has added ten points and five assists.

9:02 – Two Jimmy Butler free throws provide the first points of the second. That’s soon followed by an alley-oop from James Harden to Clint Capela, to keep the Rockets close, and they trail, 54-53.

9:03 – Chris Paul knocks down a three, and we’ll have an early time out as the Rockets have taken the lead with the score Houston 56, Minnesota 54 with 10:27 left in the third quarter.

9:07 – Jeff Teague gets into the paint for a floater, tying us up at 56.

9:08 – James Harden works his way into the paint and banks in a layup, giving the Rockets a 58-56 lead.

9:09 – Andrew Wiggins knocks down a three, putting the Timberwolves back ahead at 59-58. James Harden answers with a three, and the Rockets go back on top, 61-59, but Jimmy Butler answers with a three of his own, and the Timberwolves once again go ahead, 62-61.

9:10 – Jeff Teague goes in for another layup…

…and it’s followed by a missed three from James Harden. However, Clint Capela grabs the board and slams it home, and the Rockets trail, 64-63.

9:11 – Karl-Anthony Towns works his way for a close range bucket, and Minnesota’s lead goes up to 66-63. On their next possession, Andrew Wiggins drives into the paint for a scoop shot, and the Wolves lead is up to 68-63.

9:12 – Jeff Teague fouls Eric Gordon as he shoots a three. He misses his first free throw, but hits the next two, and the Rockets are down, 68-65.

9:13 – Karl-Anthony Towns nails a three! He’s starting to come alive a little bit here in the third quarter. Ryan Anderson answers him with his own three, however, and the Rockets keep pace, trailing 71-68.

9:14 – Jimmy Butler drives to the hoop and puts it in off the glass, giving the Timberwolves a 73-68 advantage.

9:18 – Karl-Anthony Towns gets a pass near the basket, goes up with it and banks it in, plus he’s fouled. He’s fired up, and so are the home fans as we have a time out with the score Minnesota 81, Houston 72 with 1:57 left in the third quarter.

9:22 – Towns hits his free throw to complete the three point game as we return to action, giving the Rockets an 82-72 lead.

9:25 – We’re here at the end of the third quarter with a score of Minnesota 87, Houston 75. This is a big test for the Timberwolves, who had an outstanding third quarter. They’ve got all the momentum, and a loud crowd behind them, but the Rockets are fully capable of coming back and ruining the fun in the fourth quarter. Will the Timberwolves be able to hang on and close out the game against the best team in the league?

9:29 – Derrick Rose, who is officially alive again, pulls up and hits a jumper to notch the first points of the fourth quarter, putting the Wolves ahead, 89-75.

9:37 – We’ve got a time out as the Timberwolves have, so far, kept the Rockets down double digits. It’s Minnesota 99, Houston 87 with 7:03 remaining, however, that lead was closer to 20 not too long ago…

9:43 – Jeff Teague nails a three, and the Wolves lead is back up to being close to 20 thanks to a 9-0 run. It’s Minnesota 108, Houston 90 with 5:37 left in the ballgame.

9:52 – Chris Paul has committed his sixth and final foul battling Karl-Anthony Towns for a rebound, much to the delight of the Minnesota crowd. He finishes the night with 17 points and 6 assists.

9:55 – Derrick Rose nails a three from the corner, and everything is going right for the Wolves late in the game. It’s Minnesota 118, Houston 102 with 2:05 left in the game.

9:57 – Karl-Anthony Towns sends a pass sailing out of bounds, and we have another time out with the score still Minnesota 118, Houston 102 now with 1:46 left in the game.

10:01 – The final buzzer sounds, and our final score’s Minnesota 121, Houston 105.

Jimmy Butler led the Wolves with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, Jeff Teague had 23 points and 8 assists, and Andrew Wiggins added 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns bounced back from his disappointing start to the series with 18 points and 16 rebounds, while Derrick Rose added 17 off the bench. As a collective, the Wolves shot 15-27 from downtown, and played excellent defense down the stretch, giving the Rockets a dose of their own medicine.

As for Houston, James Harden finished with 29 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, and Clint Capela chipped in with 7 points and 11 rebounds. As their deficit grew down the stretch, Timberwolves fans started a “WOLVES IN SIX” chant, but you have to think the Rockets are going to show up pissed off for Game 4, and looking to lay the smack down on Minnesota. As for now, though, it was a great win for the T’Wolves, and at least for now, they’re back in the series.

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10:07 – All right, we’re down to one last game, it’ll be Game 3 between the Thunder and Jazz. With the series even, the Utah fans will definitely be bringing their A-game, and it should be another good battle between these two squads.

10:09 – We’re welcomed to Salt Lake City by our narrators, Ryan Ruocco and Kara Lawson. In Game 2, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz to an exciting comeback, which I didn’t get to see because it was on NBA TV. The best thing about these weekends is not a damn game is relegated to National Basketball Association Television.

10:11 – The Thunder win the opening tip, and we’re underway at a loud and horrendously named Vivint Smart Home Arena.

10:12 – Donovan Mitchell storms into the paint and scoops in a shot, giving the Jazz the first points of the ballgame, as well as a 2-0 lead.

10:13 – Carmelo Anthony knocks down a three, and the Thunder are on the board and in the lead, 3-2.

10:17 – Mitchell knocks down a three from the corner, and those Jazz fans are raising all sorts of hell with their team on a 12-2 run to make the score Utah 16, Oklahoma City 10 with 7:14 left in the first quarter.

10:26 – Patrick Patterson knocks down a three, and the Thunder have responded with an 11-0 run to take the lead with a score of Oklahoma City 23, Utah 20 with 3:31 left in the first quarter.

10:35 – Here we are at the end of the first quarter after the Thunder have gone on an 18-2 run to make the score Oklahoma 30, Utah 22. The Thunder did a great job withstanding the initial onslaught from the Jazz and their crowd, and they’re in control of the game heading into the second quarter, which isn’t to say the Jazz can’t wrestle control back. Joe Ingles and Donovan Mitchell lead the Jazz with five points apiece, while Russell Westbrook and Patrick Patterson each have six to lead OKC.

10:39 – Dante Exum drives to the hoop for a layup to give the Jazz the first points of the second quarter, cutting their deficit to 30-24.

10:46 – Russell Westbrook finds Carmelo Anthony for a dunk, and that’ll inspire another time out with the score Oklahoma City 43, Utah 33 with 7:59 left in the first half.

10:54 – Ricky Rubio hits a one-legged shot, and the Jazz are forcing themselves back in the ballgame thanks to a 7- 0 run and the score’s now Oklahoma City 45, Utah 40 with 6:02 left until halftime.

11:12 – We’re here at halftime and the tables have turned. The score’s Utah 58, Oklahoma City 53 after a stretch which saw Ricky Rubio go bananas. He’s got 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the Jazz, and he personally pushed them ahead with a scoring barrage in the second quarter. Russell Westbrook has 10 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists for the Thunder.

11:28 – Steven Adams blocks a Rubio layup, but Rudy Gobert is there to snatch the ball and get a bucket, giving the Jazz the first points of the second half, as well as a 60-53 lead.

11:30 – Donovan Mitchell commits a clear path foul on Corey Brewer, who hits both free throws. When the Thunder get the ball back, Russell Westbrook finds Steven Adams for a bucket, and the Thunder have tied the game at 60.

11:31 – Carmelo Anthony knocks down a three, and the Thunder now have the lead with a 10-0 run.

However, we’re tied right back up by a Donovan Mitchell three..

11:32 – Ricky Rubio finds Rudy Gobert with an awesome bounce pass for a loud dunk, and the Jazz go ahead, 65-63.

11:34 – Derrick Favors hits a floater, and now the Jazz are on a 7-0 run to push their lead up to 67-63.

11:35 – Patrick Patterson goaltends an attempt from Donovan Mitchell, and the Thunder need a time out with a score of Utah 69, Oklahoma City 63 with 7:41 left in the third quarter.

11:42 – Russell Westbrook splits a pair of free throws, and the are Thunder trying to stay close, down 71-68.

11:44 – Joe Ingles cans a three, and the Jazz lead goes up to, 74-68.

11:49 – Rudy Gobert gets himself a big dunk, and the Vivint Smart Home Arena (ugh) erupts in delight as we have a time out with the score Utah 82, Oklahoma City 70 with 2:31 left in the third.

11:58 – We’re going to have a time out with 43.3 seconds left in the third quarter as the Thunder are trying to grab back a bit of momentum before the final quarter begins. It’s Utah 84, Oklahoma City 75 after a three from Paul George.

12:00 am – Ricky Rubio beats the buzzer at the end of the third with a long three! It makes the score Utah 89, Oklahoma City 75 as the Jazz have snatched back the momentum the Thunder were stealing. Rubio’s up to 22 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, while Paul George has 16 to lead OKC.

12:05 – Corey Brewer gets an offensive rebound as Steven Adams yanks Donovan Mitchell to the ground with no foul called. Brewer takes advantage of the empty space and goes in for a layup for the first points of the fourth quarter, cutting the Thunder deficit to 89-77.

12:07 – Raymond Felton gets himself open and hits a jumper, and we’ll have a time out as the Jazz have started the fourth quarter off a little careless with their big lead. It’s now Utah 91, Oklahoma City 84 with 9:46 remaining.

12:17 – We’ve got a time out with the Jazz in the midst of a big run of their own to make the score Utah 101, Oklahoma City 86 with 5:58 left in the game. A combination of great defense, and a disciplined offense has allowed the Jazz to pull away.

12:23 – Ricky Rubio’s up to a triple double with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

12:25 – We’ve got another time out after Donovan Mitchell gets a steal and a layup to make the score Utah 110, Oklahoma City 92 with 2:29 left in the game. The Thunder are a mess right now, and they’ve long since abandoned trying to run a coherent and cohesive offense.

12:32 – This one comes to an end with a final score of Utah 115, Oklahoma City 102.

Ricky Rubio led the way for the Jazz, ending the night with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Donovan Mitchell had 22 & 11, Joe Ingles chipped in with 21, and Rudy Gobert contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds. Paul George had 23 to lead the Thunder, and Russell Westbrook submitted 14 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists, but shot a lousy 5-17 from the field, and stopped his usual aggressive, attacking approach on offense as the game wound down.

After a rousing win, the Jazz are now up 2-1 in the series. Their defense was able to stifle the Thunder’s offensive attack, and it didn’t take much before they appeared demoralized as the Jazz pushed further and further ahead. Of course, the Thunder are just as capable of lighting the Jazz up in Game 4, but if they can’t figure out that Jazz defense, their season is going to come to a bitter end.

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That was a long day, and there’s another one on deck tomorrow with four Game 4s. Hopefully they will be as feisty as today’s were. In the likely event that they are, I am going to need some beauty sleep. Goodnight, and godspeed.

 

NBA Playoffs – Day 6

5:38 pm – Leaving work!

It’ll be another race against time with the action tipping off at seven o’clock for the second straight night.

5:40 – Nothing makes the commute home better than a brand new Lowe Post to listen to along the way. Praise the Basketball Gods.

5:44 – Google Maps estimates a 6:50 arrival time at home. May the soothing voice of Zach Lowe guide me…

6:50 – And I’m home right on time for Game 3 between the Sixers and the Heat. Both teams have exchanged haymakers, with the Sixers running away with Game 1 thanks to a three point barrage, and the Heat coming back by punching the Sixers in the mouth in a physical Game 2. We’ve got some good news ahead of this one…

The playoffs have been sorely missing Embiid and his presence will only add to what’s been a rowdy series so far.

Also tonight, Game 3 between the Blazers and Pelicans down in New Orleans. The Pelicans have a surprising 2-0 lead in that one, and they’ll be looking to put a chokehold on the Blazers tonight. Both games have been great, which makes it extra irritating that they’ll be on NBA TV tonight. I realize this is a first world problem, one which can be remedied by a quick call to the cable company, but man, is it a bummer, especially when the late game on TNT is…

…Game 3 between the Warriors and Spurs, which will be played under unfortunate circumstances after San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich’s wife sadly passed away yesterday. We here at The Bonus extend our best wishes to Pop and his family. Obviously, he won’t be with the Spurs tonight, who are in an 0-2 hole against the Warriors.

6:57 – Just waiting for this episode of NCIS New Orleans to end.

6:58 – While Embiid is back and making his playoff debut tonight, the Blazers will be down a player…

7:00 – The NBA on TNT opens tonight with a shot of Joel Embiid rockin’ a black face mask as he warms up for what should be a great Game 3 in Miami.

7:03 – Another aspect of Embiid’s return is his rivalry with Hassan Whiteside, who has been useless all series. Will Whiteside step up tonight, or will he continue his disappearing act?

7:09 – We’re welcomed to the American Airlines Arena by our play by play narrator, Brian Anderson. Sideline reporter Rebecca Haarlow reports that Embiid is under no limitations tonight, and shows off the mask he’ll be wearing, which also includes built in goggles. In other good news, Kevin McHale is on hand as our color commentator.

7:12 – Embiid wins the opening tip and Game 3 is underway in Miami. After JJ Redick misses a three, Tyler Johnson sinks one for the Heat, giving them the first bucket of the night, and a 3-0 lead.

7:13 – JJ Redick curls to the hoop for a layup to get the Sixers on the board, trailing 3-2.

7:14 – Miami’s Tyler Johnson is hurt, despite just hitting another three. He’s been clutching his wrist when he’s not been busy sinking threes.

7:19 – James Johnson knocks down a three, and it’ll take us into our first time out after a good start. It’s Philadelphia 10, Miami 9 with 7:42 left in the first quarter. Embiid’s 4-4 from the free throw line already, and he’s also got two blocks, while Whiteside has yet to score or take a shot, but he’s already been a more active presence on the defensive end.

7:23 – As we return to action, Embiid remains on the Sixers bench. Also, I fed the cat during the time out.

7:24 – Kevin McHale tells us that he once played with a mask on, missed his first two shots, then threw the mask at the trainer. Legendary.

7:28 – Marco Bellinelli hits a jumper, and it’s time for another time out with a score of Philadelphia 17, Miami 16 with 5:18 to go in the first quarter. If the opening minutes are any indication, we’re going to be in for a tough, close battle throughout the night.

7:37 – JJ Redick makes an awesome behind the back bounce pass to Amir Johnson, who’s all alone under the hoop, and he gently puts it in. It brings us to a time out, as the threes have started to fall for Philly, thanks to another big spark from Marco Bellinelli. It’s Philadelphia 32, Miami 21 with 2:08 to go in the first.

7:45 – We’re at the end of a lively first quarter with a score of Philadelphia 37, Miami 33. After the Sixers built up their lead, Justise Winslow went to work, finishing the quarter with ten points to bring the Heat back. Marco Bellinelli has been on fire for the Sixers, coming off the bench to hit all four of his shots for 11 points.

7:51 – Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Justin Anderson and Dwyane Wade get into a bit of a ruckus after Wade yanks Anderson out of bounds, and Anderson springs up and gets right in Wade’s face. Kevin McHale says he hopes nothing comes of it as the refs check out the review monitor.

7:55 – After a fairly lengthy review, the refs hand out a technical on both Anderson and Wade. Fair enough.

7:56 – Justise Winslow finally provides the first points of the second quarter by sinking a pair of free throws. The Heat trail, 37-35.

8:02 – Kelly Olynyk and Joel Embiid battle for a rebound, and Embiid loses his mask in the process. Also, the ball finds Bam Adebayo who flies in for a dunk. Meanwhile, Justise Winslow steps on Embiid’s mask and fucks it up! We’ve got a time out so the Sixers can repair the mask. As for the score, it’s Philadelphia 43, Miami 40 with 7:51 left in a chippy first half. These teams are definitely feeling the hate, and it’s awesome.

8:06 – Embiid remains on the bench as we come back as his mask continues to be worked upon. Rebecca Haarlow reports from the sidelines that the mask isn’t broken, and the issue they’re having is that it keeps fogging up.

8:11 – I refuse to believe this didn’t happen. Kevin McHale said it happened, and that is good enough for me…

8:15 – Technical fouls called on James Johnson and Ben Simmons for excessive mouthing off to each other. Kevin McHale thinks they didn’t do anything to warrant the Ts.

8:16 – Dario Saric nails a three as this game continues to kick ass. It’s Philadelphia 57, Miami 55 with 3:23 to go until halftime. Aside from when the Sixers caught fire from downtown in the first quarter, the score has rarely strayed beyond one or two possessions.

8:20 – TNT just showed the footage of Winslow stepping on the goggles from Embiid’s mask. I knew it really happened!

8:24 – After blowing a dunk on an alley-oop on the previous Sixers possession, Embiid knocks down a three (his first field goal) to tie the game at 61, and he hushes the crowd on his way back up the court. This game has been incredible.

8:26 – A killer first half comes to an end with a score of Miami 64, Philadelphia 63. Justise Winslow has come off the bench for 19 points, 6 rebounds and one stomp on Embiid’s goggles. Goran Dragic has contributed 12 points and 5 assists. As for Hassan Whiteside, he has not stepped up with his nemesis Embiid back in the lineup. He has three points, and two rebounds in eight minutes, and he has yet to attempt a field goal.

Marco Bellinelli’s 14 points off the bench leads the Sixers, and Joel Embiid has 11, despite shooting just 2-7 as he struggles to get into an offensive rhythm.

Both of these teams are really going at it, and we’ve reached the point where they collectively do not like one another. This is when the playoffs are at their best, and this has a real chance to evolve into a classic series.

8:32 – Let’s do an episode of Today in NBA Playoff History, brought to you by the scholars over at Basketball-Reference.

Back in 1981, the Sixers battled the Bucks in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and they came away with what must have been an exciting 99-98 victory. Julius Erving led the Sixers with 28, and Bobby Jones chimed in with 21 points. Marques Johnson did all he could for the Bucks, leading them with 36 points. Bob Lanier added 24, but they fell just short. The Sixers would then find themselves in another seven game series, falling to the Celtics in a classic Eastern Conference Finals.

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8:43 – Goran Dragic kicks off the second half with a three, and the Heat extend their lead to 67-63.

8:44 – JJ Redick gets to the bucket for a layup, plus a foul. He sinks the free throw, and the Sixers trail, 67-66.

8:45 – Dragic knocks down a jumper from around the free throw line, and we’ve got an early time out with the score Miami 69, Philadelphia 66 with 10:56 left in the third quarter.

8:48 – PREACH.

And while we’re talking about that game…

8:49 – Tyler Johnson hits a long two from the corner, and despite having what appears to be an injured thumb, he’s 4-4 tonight, and the Heat lead, 71-66.

8:50 – Dario Saric comes back with a three for the Sixers, but Goran Dragic steps back and nails a jumper to get the Miami lead at 73-69.

8:52 – After the Sixers get an offensive rebound, Ben Simmons goes flying in for a dunk, and the Sixers now trail, 73-71.

8:53 – Joel Embiid draws Hassan Whiteside’s fourth foul, and he’ll head to the line, and he’ll be getting a backup mask. Coach Brett Brown has to tell him that he’s wearing the mask, or else, according to Kevin McHale. Embiid goes 1-2 from the line, and the Sixers inch closer, down 73-72.

8:54 – Technical fouls on Goran Dragic and Marco Bellinelli! Dragic took a shot to the face from Bellinelli, and he took exception, prompting the quick Ts from the ref.

8:55 – Josh Richardson knocks down a three, pushing the Heat’s lead up to 76-72.

8:56 – Another Embiid free throw cuts the Sixers deficit to 76-73. Dragic follows it up with a layup, and he’s already up to nine points in the quarter. The Heat lead, 78-73.

8:57 – Marco Bellinelli answers with a jumper, and Philly’s down 78-75. On the next possession, Embiid rattles home a three, getting himself up to 16 points, and tying us at 78.

8:59 – The Heat regain the lead thanks to a Josh Richardson jumper, putting them ahead, 80-78. Then, James Johnson rejects a Dario Saric shot, and Goran Dragic follows it up with a layup as Bellinelli attempts to wrap him up. It doesn’t work, and the layup is good, plus a foul. He misses the free throw, however, and the Miami lead is at 82-78.

9:01 – Ben Simmons hits a pair of free throws, and we’re going to have a time out with the score Miami 82, Philadelphia 80 with 4:59 left in the third quarter.

9:05 – Dario Saric knocks down a three, and the Sixers retake the lead at 83-82.

9:06 – Saric misses his next shot, but Amir Johnson tips it in, but James Johnson (no relation) hits a corner three to even the score at 85.

9:07 – James Johnson splits a pair of free throws, and the Heat take an 86-85 lead. Marco Bellinelli comes back with a three for Philly, and they go back ahead, 88-86.

9:08 – Dwyane Wade ties us right back up with a jumper, but TJ McConnell gets an open route to the hoop for a layup, putting the Sixers ahead, 90-88.

9:11 – Kelly Olynyk ties us at 90 with a pair of free throws as we go under a minute remaining in the third quarter.

9:12 – Justin Anderson nails a three! It puts the Sixers up, 93-90. On the other end, Dwyane Wade hits a goofy floater, and the Heat trail, 93-92.

9:13 – TJ McConnell speeds his way to the bucket for a layup, plus a foul! He hits his free throw, and the Sixers lead is up to 96-92.

Meanwhile, they’re underway down in New Orleans for Game 3 between the Blazers and Pelicans. We’ll be monitoring the Twitter dispatches for that one.

9:14 – Two Dwyane Wade free throws makes our score Philadelphia 96, Miami 94 at the end of the third quarter.

What an awesome third quarter. Neither team is giving an inch, and it should be a hell of a fourth quarter. Goran Dragic has 23 points and 7 assists on 8-11 shooting for the Heat, and Marco Bellinelli’s 19 leads the Sixers.

9:17 – Jurassic World looks like trash.

9:18 – Ben Simmons gets the first points of the fourth quarter with a layup, and the Sixers lead is 98-94.

9:19 – Justise Winslow blocks a Joel Embiid dunk! Then, Embiid returns the favor by sending back a Winslow shot attempt!

Then, JJ Redick goes in for a layup, and the Sixers lead expands to 100-94.

9:23 – Ben Simmons knocks down a pair of free throws, and we’ve got a time out as the Sixers have started the fourth quarter off in force. It’s Philadelphia 105, Miami 95 with 9:11 left on the clock. The Sixers built a similar lead towards the latter stages of the first quarter, and the Heat came right back, sparked by Justise Winslow. They’re going to need a similar stretch before this one gets too far away from them.

9:28 – James Johnson hits a little step back, and we’ve got another time out as the Heat have responded by chipping away at their deficit. The score’s Philadelphia 105, Miami 99 with 8:12 remaining.

9:35 – After Josh Richardson hits a three, we’ll have a time out with a score of Philadelphia 112, Miami 105 with 5:32 left in the game. The Heat continue to hang around, but the Sixers have been able to keep that lead up as we head down the stretch.

9:37 – Dispatches from New Orleans!

9:43 – We’ve got a time out after Dario Saric bounces a pass to Marco Bellinelli, who finds Ben Simmons for a big dunk, as the Sixers have run away with this one. It’s Philadelphia 123, Miami 108 with 2:20 remaining. It’s become a bit anticlimactic, but it’s also been an impressive finish by the young Sixers on the road.

9:50 – This one draws to a close with a final score of Philadelphia 128, Miami 108.

After a relatively even first three quarters, the Sixers caught fire in the fourth quarter, and came up with a big win on the road. Those who witnessed it will remember that this one was much closer than the final score reflects.

Goran Dragic led the Heat with 23 points and 8 assists, while Justise Winslow came off the bench for 19 points, 10 rebounds and some tough defense. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough to carry the day. Hassan Whiteside managed a paltry ten minutes, scoring five points and hitting the only field goal he took.

Joel Embiid struggled early, as his mask was clearly bothering him, but he still finished with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Marco Belinelli came off the bench for 21 points and 5 assists, Dario Saric added 21 & 7, and last but not least, Ben Simmons submitted 19 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals.

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No time to digest that first game. We’re whisked immediately to San Antonio where the Spurs have a quick 6-0 lead over the Warriors in Game 3. Of course, the Spurs are playing with heavy hearts a day after coach Gregg Popovich’s wife passed away. They battled hard in Game 2, but ultimately had the game slip away as I fell asleep down the stretch. Tonight, they find themselves looking to avoid the dreaded 0-3 hole.

9:55 – Draymond Green finds Kevin Durant for an easy dunk, we’ve got our first time out with a score of San Antonio 10, Golden State 10 with 7:16 left in the first quarter.

10:03 – Patty Mills takes advantage of an open lane along the baseline and finishes with a nice reverse layup. It’ll bring us into another time out with a score of San Antonio 15, Golden State 14 with 3:51 left in the first quarter.

10:04 – The good news about this game’s earlier start is that I should be able to not fall asleep during it, although, if the Warriors have a 20 point lead in the fourth, all bets are off.

10:09 – Dispatches from New Orleans!

And I thought that series was going to go seven. Damn.

10:10 – Kevin Harlan tells us that Manu Ginobili is tied for third all time with his broadcast partner, Reggie Miller, with 320 playoff three pointers. He tells us that Reggie is covering his eyes every time Manu launches a three, while Reggie pleads with Harlan to not rub it in.

10:12 – We’re here at the end of the first quarter with a score of Golden State 26, San Antonio 23. LaMarcus Aldridge and Patty Mills each have five points to lead the Spurs, while Kevin Durant’s ten leads the Warriors. As they did in Game 2, the Spurs are battling hard, but they just don’t have the firepower to hang with the Warriors.

10:17 – A Tony Parker free throw provides the first point of the second quarter, and the Spurs trail, 26-24.

10:26 – We have a time out after Klay Thompson badly misses a three, and the Spurs are on a 9-2 run. The score’s San Antonio 35, Golden State 32 with 6:49 left in the half. Tony Parker, a non-factor in this series so far, has come alive for ten points off the bench to help nudge the Spurs ahead.

10:34 – We have a time out in between a pair of Kevin Durant free throws with the Warriors back ahead, 40-39, with 4:10 to go until halftime.

10:45 – We’ve made it to halftime with a score of Golden State 52, San Antonio 46. The Warriors are just 1-11 from downtown, which has helped keep this game close, but the Spurs are just 2-13 on their threes.

Rudy Gay’s performed well for San Antonio, and he’s got 10 points and 4 rebounds here at halftime, and he’s looked fairly spry at times, including a couple of nice dunks. Not looking spry is the elderly Tony Parker, who also has ten points off the bench. As for the Warriors, they’ve gotten 17 from Kevin Durant, and while they’re not lighting the world on fire, they seem to have things under control against the valiant Spurs.

10:57 – Dispatches from New Orleans!

11:01 – TNT gives us a live look at the Pelicans/Blazers game, as Charles Barkley says, “This ain’t no live look, this is a DEAD look…If you’re gonna get your ass kicked, a good place to go is Bourbon Street.”

11:02 – Back in San Antonio, Kevin Durant leads off the second half with a jumper to push the Warriors lead up to 54-46.

11:07 – Patty Mills pulls up and nails a three, and we’ve got a time out as the Spurs continue to hang around. It’s Golden State 55, San Antonio 53 with 8:53 left in the third quarter.

11:11 – Andre Iguodala knocks down a rare three pointer in this one, but Danny Green comes back with his own three, keeping this a two point game with the Spurs down, 58-56.

11:12 – Draymond Green hits a three, and the Warriors push their lead up to 61-56.

11:16 – Klay Thompson cans a three, and we’ve got a time out with the scoreboard reading Golden State 70, San Antonio 61 with 4:45 left in the third quarter. Even with some more recent success from long range, they’re shooting a lousy 4-18 on their threes. While the Spurs are doing well to hang in there, and fight the good fight, imagine how far behind they’d be if the Warriors were hitting threes at their usual clip.

11:28 – We’re at the end of the third quarter with the score Golden State 84, San Antonio 72. The Spurs are playing really hard, but they just don’t have enough against the Warriors. Tony Parker leads San Antonio with 16 off the bench, while Kevin Durant has 24, 8 and 6 to lead Golden State.

11:34 – Davis Bertans puts in two free throws, giving the first points of the fourth to the Spurs, who trail, 84-74.

11:35 – Final dispatches from New Orleans…

After a dominating performance, the Pelicans are now up 3-0 on the Blazers. I thought Portland would in in seven games, so, obviously, I’m not surprised that the Pelicans are playing well, but this has been ridiculous.

11:42 – Back in San Antonio, we’ve got a time out as things have now gotten away from the Spurs. The Warriors are up 94-77 with 6:41 remaining. Oh well.

11:48 – Another time out with a score of Golden State 98, San Antonio 81 with 4:50 remaining. I’ve got nothing else to add here.

11:51 – Patty Mills steals the ball from Durant, and goes in for a layup, but more importantly, Durant seems to have hurt his ankle. He lies on his back for a bit, but gets back up and seems to be moving okay as we go into another time out, with the score now Golden State 98, San Antonio 83 with 4:36 remaining and the Spurs on a rip-roaring 2-0 run.

11:54 – Now Mills collides with Shaun Livingston, and he goes down with a tweaked ankle. He gets back up to shoot the ensuing free throws, and then the Warriors immediately commit a foul so they can take Livingston out of the game.

11:56 – Quinn Cook nails a three, and we have another time out, hopefully so each team can get their important players out of the game before Patty Mills injures them. It’s Golden State 103, San Antonio 85 with 2:32 left to get through before we can all go home.

12:02 am – We made it. Our final score’s Golden State 110, San Antonio 97.

LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 18 & 10, while Kevin Durant finished with 26-9-6. The Spurs had to settle for a noble defeat. Nobody questions their effort, but the talent gap between them and the Warriors is simply too much to overcome. They’re now down 3-0 in the series.

Golden State Warriors v San Antonio Spurs - Game Three

It seems like it was a night of blowouts, but that first game between the Heat and the Sixers was a real battle until the Sixers went bonkers down the stretch. We’ve also got our first teams on the brink of elimination, the Spurs, and surprisingly, the Blazers. Things will get even more interesting as we head into another basketball filled weekend and the rest of the series take shape. With that in mind, it’s time to rest up. We’ll be back tomorrow night with another race against time commute from work, and three more Game 3s.