2014 NBA Playoffs: Rockets and Bulls edge Game 3 to win their first games in the Playoffs

A week into the 2014 NBA Playoffs there is no doubt that this is one of the best post-seasons we have witnessed in the last 5 years or so with there being only one series among the eight where one team has won all the matches. Usually, viewers expect at least two sweeps in the first round, but this season’s Playoffs have been a treat to watch.

Friday night and the three game schedule in the NBA continued.

Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets (Nets won 102-98, lead the series 2-1)

Joe Johnson led the Brooklyn Nets to the Game 3 win over the Raptors

Despite it being a series between the third and the sixth seed, the play on the court was between two well matched teams and the difference maker in two games so far had been in the final quarter of play. In Game 1 it was Paul Pierce who led the Nets to victory, hitting some clutch shots, while in the second game DeMar DeRozan came through for his Raptors scoring 17 out of his 30 in the fourth quarter.

The biggest mistake a road team can make after snatching home court in the first two games is giving it right back, but the veteran Nets squad came prepared and  outplayed the Raptors for all, but the last 5 minutes of the game. Joe Johnson led the Nets with 29 points on 3 of 4 shooting from beyond the arc and Deron Williams rose to the occasion scoring 22 points and dishing out 8 dimes. Although he played only 16 minutes, Kevin Garnet was a huge inspiration, diving for the ball in loose ball situations and constantly motivating his teammates while on the bench.

DeRozan seems to have overcome his Game 1 jitters as he scored 30 once again, including few clutch baskets as part of the Raptors’ fourth quarter run to cut the lead from 15 to just 2, but failed to tie the game when given the opportunity at the free throw line. Jonas Valanciunas recorded his third consecutive double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Expect this highly competitive series to go down to the wire. A look at the highlights of  the Williams and Johnson duo taking over Game 3 against the Raptors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs7kxIYmEx8

Chicago Bulls vs Washington Wizards (Bulls won 100-97, Wizards lead series 2-1 )

Mike Dunleavy led the Bulls to victory with his impressive three-point shooting

After being swept at home in the first two games there were a lot of questions as to whether the Chicago Bulls have what it takes to move to the next round.

They certainly answered their doubters, winning one on the road in the capital 100-97 behind Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s 35 points and Jimmy Butler’s two clutch 3-pointers late in the game to cut the Wizards’ lead in the series to one. Taj Gibson and D.J. Augustine were huge off the bench for the Bulls contributing  26 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists together, but it was Dunleavy’s night as he shot an impressive 8 of 10 from 3-point range.

Meanwhile the Wizards have nothing to be disappointed about since it wasn’t like they were completely outplayed. It was a close contest, but the Wizards definitely missed Nene after his controversial ejection in the fourth quarter. Anyhow, given the talent that they have the Wizards are sure to bounce back in Game 4. Marcin Gortat (13 points and 11 rebounds) and Trevor Ariza (16 and 11) both recorded double-doubles.

Here’s a look at Dunleavy’s 35 points on the night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7ljXhL7UFI

Houston Rockets vs Portland Trailblazers (Rockets won , Trailblazers lead series 2-1)

The rookie who hit the game winning clutch three pointer for the Rockets.

Heard of a player called Troy Daniels?

A player who was been exchanging jerseys of Rio Grande Valley Vipers, an NBA D-League team and Houston Rockets the whole of this season, made himself known in Game 3 of the Playoffs against the Trailblazers. With Chandler Parsons fouled out of the game entering overtime Daniels received the biggest opportunity of his career,  and he grabbed it by the throat, hitting what could be called a game winning 3 with just 11 seconds to go on the shot-clock.

Prior to his shot going down, the game was tied at 116 in the second overtime game of the series between two excellent offensive teams. The teams alternatively outscored each other in the fourth quarter to end regulation tied at 110.

For the Houston Rockets, struggling James Harden finally found his form as he recorded a box score very close to a triple-double, scoring 37 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and throwing out 6 assists. Dwight Howard continued his hot form from the last game, registering a double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. However, Parsons’ woes continued in this series scoring only 15 points on 5 of 12 shooting.

Meanwhile for the Trailblazers, a different LaMarcus Aldridge entered the Moda Center Friday night, as he wasn’t even a shadow of himself from the earlier two games. He has set such a high standard for himself that even a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds looked par. Damian Lillard (30 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists) and Nicolas Batum (26 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists) were the main stars in this game for the Trailblazers.

The next contest against these two teams is not one to be missed. Watch Troy Daniels game winning three.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYsK2Ost6Tg

Here are the top 5 plays from Friday night’s action in the NBA Playoffs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA1YRntV4yc