(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Portland Trailblazers
San Antonio Spurs (62-20)
Offense: 105.4 PPG, 43.3 RPG, 25.2 APG, 48.6%, 78.5 FT%, 39.7 3P%, 14.1 TOPG
Defense: 97.6 PPG, 44.4 FG%, 35.3 3P%, 13.3 TOPG
The Spurs were pushed to the limit by the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks are a veteran team that can shoot so it is not shocking that they were a problem. Vince Carter also hit a game winning three at the buzzer to stun the Spurs in game 3. Nevertheless, the Spurs won Game 7 of the series with a blowout. The old reliable big three played well again in the series. Keep an eye on Kawhi Leonard. He is their best athlete. He only averaged 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds. However, he has star potential and is someone that can breakout in this postseason. In my opinion, he is a major key to a Championship run.
Portland Trailblazers (54-28)
Offense: 106.7 PPG, 46.4 RPG, 23.2 APG, 45%, 81.5 FT%, 37.2 3P%, 13.3 TOPG
Defense: 102.8 PPG, 45.1 FG%, 35.5 3P%, 13.3 TOPG
It was an offensive shootout against the Houston Rockets in the first round. Damian Lillard prevented a Game 7 with a game winning three in Game 6 at the buzzer. Lillard is a tremendous young player. He was brilliant in the series averaging 25.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals. His low post complement LaMarcus Aldridge dominated averaging 29.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.7 blocks. He was sensational in the first two games scoring 46 and 42 points respectively. In my opinion, he is currently the best big man in the NBA today until Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans overtakes him in the coming years. The Trailblazers also showed a lot of depth. Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews averaged 15.8 and 15.3 points respectively.
Seasons Series:
The teams split the series 2-2 with each team winning a road game.
Prediction:
There will be times the Trailblazers’ athleticism will make the Spurs look old. However, the Spurs play much better defense and have the experience.
Spurs in 6.
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (3) Los Angeles Clippers
Oklahoma City Thunder (59-23)
Offense: 106.2 PPG, 44.7 RPG, 21.9 APG, 47.1%, 80.6 FT%, 36.1 3P%, 14.8 TOPG
Defense: 99.8 PPG, 43.6 FG%, 35.8 3P%, 14.5 TOPG
The Memphis Grizzlies are tough and play great defense. They really gave Kevin Durant problems early in the series. However, the MVP frontrunner came up big when his team needed him when they were down 3-2 in the series. He had MVP caliber games to carry them into the second round. While the Grizzlies hung in there in Game 7, the loss of Zach Randolph, due to suspension from throwing a punch, was too much to overcome. Despite the tough defense from the Grizzlies, Durant still averaged 29.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals. However, he turned the ball over and did not shoot as well as he has during the rest of the season. Russell Wesbtrook averaged 25.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1.6 steals. He also turned the ball over too much at 4.9 per game and shot a putrid 38.2 % from the field. Their bench came up big, especially Reggie Jackson. When Durant disappeared in Game 4, Jackson scored 32 points with some big baskets down the stretch to avoid a 3-1 series deficit.
Los Angeles Clippers (57-25)
Offense: 107.9 PPG, 43 RPG, 24.6 APG, 47.4%, 73 FT%, 35.2 3P%, 13.3 TOPG
Defense: 101 PPG, 44.1 FG%, 33.2 3P%, 14.7 TOPG
The Clippers had to deal with more than basketball when their owner’s ignorant comments became public. In this day and age, his comments are unacceptable and unforgiveable even if they were made in private. Owning a team is a privilege and not a right. Accordingly, I do not feel sorry for him that he will be forced to sell the team especially considering he could make get a billion dollars for his $14 million investment. On the other hand, we should move on from this issue. It is one 80 year old, wealthy man from another era. It is not a great civil rights stand. Witnessing the power that the players exhibited, it makes me wonder whether that power should be used for more important issues that affect many more people.
Obviously, the comments had an effect on the Clippers on the basketball court. It was evident when they were blown out in Game 4. However, they recovered to win the series in 7. The Warriors came into the series with a diminished front line with the injury to Andrew Bogut. Accordingly, they had a lot of trouble down low with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. It showed in the series and in Game 7. In the deciding game of the series, Griffin had 24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Jordan pulled down 18 rebounds and added 3 blocks. Their leader Chris Paul also had a monster game with 22 points and 14 assists. JJ Redick added 20 points. He does not get as much hype as the more athletic, exciting players. However, he is a smart player, a very good passer that moves the basketball in the half court, and adds outside shooting. He helps to address the issues the Clippers had last season. Sixth man of the year Jamal Crawford had 22 points off the bench. These five players will need to play great again in the current round.
Season Series:
They split the series 2-2 with each team getting a road victory.
Prediction:
It is a great matchup between two very talented, athletic, and deep teams. You have plenty of stars in this series with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook versus Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. It will be very close and you can take the flip of the coin. The Thunder have Kevin Durant and homecourt. As a result, they will be tough to beat. Nevertheless, I believe the Clippers have rallied around each other due to the off the court adversity in the previous round.
Clippers in 7.
About Pat Wong
Patrick is a contributor for Rookerville. He is an avid sports fan. Before joining Rookerville, he was part of a defunct New York Yankees message board, NYYankeefans, where he was its top poster and was inducted in its Hall of Fame for his contributions. Patrick is also a passionate fan of movies. He has enjoyed reading movie reviews over the years and is excited about the opportunity to review movies.