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| Mr. Unreliable and Mr. Inefficient? Not in Game 6. (Image from: USA Today Sports) |
Kevin Durant got criticized by a newspaper from Oklahoma that called him "Mr. Unreliable" due to OKC trailing in their series. The headline was mostly blaming KD for the shortcomings of OKC. Sure, Durant is part of the problem but he is definitely not the biggest reason for their losses. That newspaper should have also included Russell Westbrook as "Mr. Inefficient" or "Mr. Out-of-Control" if they truly wanted to find scapegoats. Anyway, Durant took the shot in a classy and dignified way before the game. Next, he totally dominated the Grizzlies with 36 points and 10 rebounds. He got hot early and the Thunder never trailed in this game. They won comfortably which was very different from the last 4 games which all ended in OT. Russell Westbrook did his part to force Game 7 in OKC. Russ had 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and a relatively efficient game. He controlled the game perfectly because he allowed Durant to initiate more and shoot more. As for Memphis, they squandered a chance to move on to the next round and now they have a big problem because Mike Conley (arguably their best player in this series) injured his ankle. Conley's status for Game 7 is still uncertain and if he plays, he might be severely limited. Hopefully, Conley can play because we want an exciting final game!
#Game7 #WildWest #WheresRoy
With 3 minutes to go, the Pacers were down 5 and it appeared that their season might be over in the 1st round and on the road. Fortunately for them, David West did not want an early vacation. West came up huge in the 4th quarter with 12 points as he finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Indiana closed the game with a 16-4 run that put away any hopes of a Hawks' comeback. Paul George and Lance Stephenson also did their parts in forcing Game 7. They combined for 45 points and 17 boards. That was much needed since Roy Hibbert came up empty again. Hibbert scored ZERO points for the second straight game. This guy was an All-Star last February but he has been a completely different player on both sides of the floor. If the Pacers move on, they will need Hibbert to become a serviceable big guy again. Anyway, the Hawks know that they blew this game. They were leading and in control but couldn't sustain their momentum. Now, they need to go back to Indiana and win their third game on the road during the 1st round. It's a hard task to do but they remain a confident bunch. Jeff Teague was dominant with 29 points but they need more production from the rest of their starters (Antic, Korver, Carroll combined for just 21 points).
#Game7 #Loud&Proud #DubNation
The Splash Brothers connected on 12 of 35 shots to finish for a total of 33 points. David Lee played 26 minutes and fouled out with about 10 minutes left in regulation. Their key reserve big guy, Jermaine O'Neal injured his knee from a brutal low blow foul (which wasn't called a flagrant) and could miss the rest of the playoffs. Nonetheless, the Dubs escaped with a win on Game 6 to force a final game. Andre Iguodala came up huge in the clutch while Draymond Green gave them 14 and 14. The Clippers had lots of chances to take this game but shot horribly from the field. Blake Griffin gave them 17 points but he needed 24 attempts while Chris Paul wasn't that good with just 9 points on 3-10 shooting. JJ Redick also could not hit a solid rate from downtown. He launched 10 threes but made just 2. To make things worse, Chris Paul might have suffered an injury to his left hand. Trainers from the Clips were seen massaging and checking Paul's palm during the 2nd half. CP still played so maybe it's not a serious thing. Anyway, the Clippers are going back to Staples Center where they've won two games in this series by at least 10 points. Hopefully, the NBA schedules the games without any overlaps. You cannot ask for a better 1st round!
#Player of the Night
Kevin Durant (Thunder) - 36 points, 10 rebounds and 11-23 FG shooting
Highlights of the Night
Russell Slam
Tempers Flare
Stop And Go
#Tweets of the Night
Ronnie 2K 2K14 @Ronnie2K
3 Game 7s on Saturday. They could go 99 for all I care. Best 1st Round Ever #NBAPlayoffs
During George Hill @mikescott altercation @Paul_George24 @RasualButler45 leave bench. George still in vicinity, Butler is not=1 gm susp
Roy Hibbert played a combined 24 minutes total in last 2 games. He has 0 points (0-3 FG) and 8 fouls.
Hibbert was an All-Star this season.
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