Playoffs Day 8 And The Rockets Are Bad? 8.24.20
It’s Day 8 of the NBA Playoffs and we have 4 games. Ft. Lakers vs Blazers.
It’s Day 8 of the NBA Playoffs and we have 4 games.
Matchup of The Day ? Lakers vs Blazers.
Also, Brett Brown has been fired after 7 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks won their 4th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Bucks seemed to have shaken Game 1 out of their system as they had a 2-1 series lead entering this game. Another win for the Bucks would really end this series effectively. And the Bucks did just that as they cruised to a 121-106 victory.
Offensively the Bucks were great as they shot 50% from the field and 41% from 3. Milwaukee was also 14/21 from the free throw line. The Bucks had 12 turnovers. Milwaukee also had 42 points in the paint.
Defensively the Bucks were ok as Orlando shot 41% from the field and 40% from 3. Orlando was also 16/20 from the free throw line. The Bucks forced 16 turnovers. Milwaukee locked down the paint as the Magic only had 24 points in the paint.
Giannis had 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists. Khris Middleton had 21 points and 10 rebounds. Wesley Matthews had 12 points. Brook Lopez and Kyle Korver were in double-figures.
Conclusion
The Bucks now lead 3-1 in the series as they seem to have forgotten about their Game 1 performance. Giannis continues to dominate and he has been getting more help. The Bucks look to finish this series in 5 games and then focus on playing the Miami Heat in the 2nd round.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets lost the 4th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Rockets lead their series 2-1, but they needed a win to stay in control of this series against the Thunder. They were still without Russell Westbrook, but they knew what they needed to do in order to win. And the Rockets were in a very close game. But the Rockets started off the 3rd quarter very hot and got a double-digit lead. But the Thunder battled back and it went back and forth late in the 4th. But Houston couldn’t stop CP-3 and they lost 117-114. The series is now tied 2-2.
Offensively the Rockets were good as they shot 45% from the field and 40% from 3. The Rockets were also 9/10 from the free throw line. Houston turned the ball over 14 times. The Rockets only had 34 points in the paint.
Defensively the Rockets were poor as the Thunder shot 49% from the field and 34% from 3. OKC was also 22/28 from the free throw line. The Rockets forced 14 turnovers. Houston also allowed 48 points in the paint.
James Harden had 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 15 assists. Eric Gordon had 23 points. Danuel House had 21 points and 6 rebounds. Robert Covington added 14 points and 6 rebounds. PJ Tucker and Jeff Green were also in double-figures.
Conclusion
The Rockets have looked a lot different in their losses than in their wins. Similar to Game 3, they had a big lead in which they blew late. The Rockets offensively have been fine as they have been getting open looks and hitting most of them. But they haven’t been able to contain the Thunder guards and now they are in a tied series. Unfortunately for Houston, Russell Westbrook may not be ready to play in this series, which means they could lose this series after leading 2-0.
OKC Thunder
The Thunder won their 4th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Thunder got a much needed Game 3 win to stay in the series as they 3 guards took over. They would need similar production from Paul, SGA, and Schroder in order to win the series. But it looked like the Thunder were going to lose this game as in the 3rd they couldn’t stop the Rockets and trailed by double-digits. But the Thunder fought back and the game came down to the wire late. And Chris Paul made some big shots and the Thunder held on to win 117-114. The series is now tied 4-2.
Offensively the Thunder were good as they shot 49% from the field and 34% from 3. OKC was also 22/28 from the free throw line. The Thunder turned the ball over 14 times. OKC also had 48 points down low.
Defensively the Thunder were poor as Houston shot 45% from the field and 40% from 3. Houston was also 9/10 from the free throw line. The Thunder forced 14 turnovers. OKC only allowed 34 points in the paint.
Dennis Schroder had 30 points off the bench. Chris Paul had 26 points and 6 rebounds. SGA added 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Steven Adams had 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Conclusion
Again the Thunder used their superb 3 guards to fuel them to a win. Danilo Gallinari was again quiet, but it didn’t matter. The Thunder fought back and Chris Paul made sure they won this game. The Thunder defense was great in the 4th as they didn’t send the Rockets to the foul line. The Thunder now have the momentum in this series as it is tied 2-2. The Thunder now look to take a 3-2 series lead in Game 5.
Miami Heat
The Heat won their 4th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Heat have dominated in this series as they have just imposed their will against the short-handed Pacers. Jimmy Butler has led the way as their offense and defense have both been great. And Game 4 was no different as Kendrick Nunn returned for this playoff debut. And the Heat cruised to a 99-87 victory.
Offensively Miami was ok as they shot 44% from the field and 27% from 3. They were also 11/14 from the free through line. The Heat had 17 offensive rebounds. Miami turned the ball over 13 times. The Heat also had 52 points in the paint.
Defensively the Heat were solid as Indiana shot 41% from the field and 38% from 3. The Pacers were also 7/11 from the free throw line. The Heat forced 15 turnovers. The Heat also allowed just 30 points in the paint.
Goran Dragic had 23 points and 5 rebounds. Tyler Herro had 16 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. Bam Adebayo had 14 points, 19 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk were both in double-figures.
Conclusion
The Heat controlled this game as they won this series 4-0. Jimmy Butler and the Heat really imposed their will as guys like Tyler Herro and Goran Dragic were excellent in this series. Kendrick Nunn finally got some playing time after being out of the lineup. He will get some time in practice to get back to game-speed, and the Heat are going to be ready for the Bucks in the 2nd round.
LA Lakers
The Lakers won their 4th game in the playoffs. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Lakers have put Game 1 behind them as they seem to gave gotten into the playoff mindset. Lebron James and AD have been great in this series, and the Lakers look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. With this being Kobe Bryant day, along with the fact that the Lakers have new uniforms for the day, this should be an easy win. And it was as the Lakers jumped on Portland and they cruised to a 135-115 win. But Anthony Davis left the game with back spasms.
Offensively the Lakers were excellent as they shot 56% from the field and 44% from 3. LA was also 20/30 from the free throw line. The Lakers had 12 offensive rebounds. LA turned the ball over 14 times. The Lakers also had 46 points in the paint.
Defensively the Lakers were poor as Portland shot 45% from the field and 43% from 3. Portland was also 23/31 from the free throw line. The Lakers allowed 17 offensive rebounds. LA forced 17 turnovers. The Lakers also allowed 42 points in the paint.
Lebron James had 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anthony Davis had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kyle Kuzma had 18 points off the bench. Danny Green, KCP, and Dwight Howard were also in double figures.
Conclusion
The Lakers dominated once again as they seem to have found their identity. They now lead 3-1 in this series as they look to beat the Blazers in Game 5. After the Lakers win this series, they will look on to a deep playoff run. But I think that this series is a good warm-up for the Lakers on both sides of the ball. Anthony Davis did with a back injury, and I expect him to miss Game 5. I think that the Lakers are just being cautious with AD and keep him safe and fresh for the latter rounds of the playoffs.
Portland Trail Blazers
Here is what I thought about the Blazers’ performance.
After Game 1, the Blazers have not been the same team. Dame and CJ have struggled against the Lakers defense and they can’t guard Lebron and AD on the other end. The Blazers needed a win to stay in the series, but with it being Kobe Bryant day, it was unlikely that they did so. And they lost, badly. Portland lost 135-115 . And Damian Lillard left the game with a knee injury.
Offensively Portland was solid as they shot 45% from the field 43% from 3. Portland was also 23/31 from the free throw line. The Blazers had 17 offensive rebounds. The Blazers turned the ball over 17 times. Portland also had 42 points in the paint.
Defensively the Blazers were terrible as LA shot 56% from the field and 44% from 3. LA was also 20/30 from the free throw line. Portland allowed 12 offensive rebounds. The Blazers forced 14 turnovers. The Blazers allowed 46 points in the paint.
Jusuf Nurkic had 20 points and 13 rebounds. CJ McCollum had 18 points and 5 rebounds. Carmelo Anthony had 16 points. Damian Lillard, Hassan Whiteside, Gary Trent Jr, Mario Hezonja, and Wenyen Gabriel were also in double-figures.
Conclusion
The Blazers key flaws are being exposed by a superior Lakers team and they are falling apart. After Game 1, which seems like an anomaly at this point, the Blazers have been dominated. Dame and CJ have been bothered by the Lakers defense, and their big guys can’t defend the Lakers. Damian Lillard had another injury as Portland might just rest everybody in Game 5. Either way, this series will end in 5 games, and Portland will have to get healthy for next season.
What Are Your Thoughts From Day 8 of the NBA Playoffs? Leave A Comment Down Below!
My Thoughts On A Specific Topic From Day 8 Will Be Posted Tomorrow, So Stay Tuned!
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