The 2016 NBA Finals Preview: Varejao wins!

(Image from Fear The Sword)

Only one thing is certain in the 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. Anderson Varejao will finally get a championship ring. 

Yes, even if his current team, GSW, loses to his former team, Cleveland. That’s because in an interesting wrinkle, Varejao is the first player in NBA history to play for both NBA Finalists in the same season. He played in 31 games for Cleveland before getting shipped to Portland in February and then eventually landing in GSW. If the Cavs win it all, I expect they’d give one of the most loved big men in franchise history a ring, even if he did finish the season on the other end of the coast.

But now onto more serious stuff. What will the NBA Finals be like and who will win?

The NBA Position Battle – The Top 5 Point Guards after the 2016 All-Star Weekend

Images from the NBA.

In this Position Battle post, we will focus on the top five point guards in the NBA after the 2016 All-Star Weekend. Not surprisingly, most of the guys on this list play in the Western Conference, and the only East playmaker isn’t even on an American team. Go figure, right?

There shouldn’t be any shockers at #s 1, 2, and 3, but some top-of-mind players may not even make the “On the bubble” list. Among these? No Kyrie, no D-Rose, TP9, and Jeff Teague. 

Note: All of the following stats are based on each player’s stats as computed by HoopsStats.com. They were taken on March 26, 2016 (Manila time).

#NBAFinals: Will the Dubs REPEAT?

GSW: Your 2015 NBA Champs!
(from: Getty Images)

They led the NBA standings from Day 1 and they barely wavered from the top. They finished with the best record in franchise history at 67-15 and they were nearly unbeatable at the Oracle Arena during the regular season (39-2). The Warriors were hardly threatened as they made their way to the top of the NBA mountain as 2015 world champs. But that was last month and it's time to reflect if the Dubs can do this all over again for the upcoming season.

So, will the Warriors Repeat?

Hoop Nut VLog Episode 14: The One Where We Sing We Are The Champions

This is our Video Log/Podcast after the Golden Stat Warriors won the 2015 #NBAFinals! 

In Episode 14 of the Hoop Nut Video Log, we talk about the Warriors’ amazing run in the 2015 NBA Finals, the Finals MVP, the future of the Dubs and the Cavs, and all the hate on LeBron James.

Hoop Nut VLog Episode 5: The One Where We Talk About Jordan Clarkson

In continuing our efforts to break new ground, Rollz and I have decided to push on with this Video Log thingy until we get tired of it or, as is more probable, until we just cannot find the time to do it anymore.

In Episode 5 of the Hoop Nut VLog, Rolly and I talk about the MVP and DPOY races in the NBA, Jordan Clarkson’s rise as a rookie, Andrew Wiggins’s wicked slam over the Stifle Tower, and the 3-peat KBL champions.

The Top Five NBA Point Guards Right Now in the 2014-2015 Season

The All-Star Weekend has been etched in memory and the craziest trade deadline in recent memory has just passed. Goran Dragic got his wish to bolt Phoenix along with every other point guard the Suns had, while the Bucks did the smartest thing ever by trading away their best player for a former Rookie of the Year who hasn’t really done much since. OKC may have just become the league’s most dangerous team, while, sadly, we might have seen the last of Chris Bosh this season after he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lungs.

It’s been a crazy past week or so in the NBA, but here we are now, with only about 27-30 games to go per team and the Playoff race reaching fever pitch. By all indications, it looks like things are going to get even crazier.

And with that backdrop, here they are – the top five point guards RIGHT NOW in the 2014-2015 NBA regular season (this is based on the Player Efficiency ratings as calculated by HoopsStats.com as of the evening of February 21, 2015 – Manila time):

My Top 2015 NBA All Star Weekend Moments

There were many things that made the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend quite memorable, but, for me here are the top five:

Ariana Grande’s All-Star Game halftime performance
- Yes, it’s not basketball, but it was hella entertaining. And, frankly, Ariana Grande was pure eyecandy. Oh, and she sings, too. Here’s the best YouTube clip of the whole performance that I could find. Enjoy (I know you will)!

The Annual #BallerAwards: The Best of the NBA in 2014

In lieu of a year-ender, I felt it would be better to go position-by-position and look at the best ballers of 2014. 

In this post, I will talk about the guys who did really well in the National Basketball Association in 2014. Perhaps they led their teams to the title. Perhaps they led the league in a certain statistical category. Perhaps they made history. Perhaps they did all of those things.

#NBA2015: Who Are the Top Ten NBA Players Right Now?

The Golden State Warriors are the consensus best and hottest team right now. I mean, they’ve won 20 of their 22 games so far and, as of this writing, fifteen straight. Preseason favorite Cleveland, meanwhile, seemed to have settled into a groove until they lost to OKC a few days ago and to the Pelicans a night after that. As for the defending champion Spurs, they’ve won seven of their last ten, but remain quite inconsistent, which is why they’re perilously perched at the fifth spot out West.

The simple fact is this season has unloaded a lot of surprises already, and looking at the list of the top ten players right now wmay yield even more jaw-droppers. See for yourself.

Six of the best this season. 

Note: These rankings on simple Player Efficiency Rating (EFF) as calculated by HoopsStats.com.

#NBA2015 December Position Battle – The Top 5 Point Guards Right Now

In this Position Battle post, we will focus on the top five point guards at this point in the season. We will take into account just the players’ stats for the entire season up till December 5, 2014 (Manila time). This will, hopefully, give us a more current picture of each player’s production.

In this list, we have two members of the Team USA iteration that dominated #Spain2014, a couple of veteran playmakers, and the kid who had maybe the best game-winner of last season.

Best PG in the Association? Who's your pick?

Note: All of the following stats are based on each player’s stats as computed by HoopsStats.com. They were taken on December 5, 2014 (Manila time).

5. Kyrie Irving (CLE) - 22.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.7apg, 1.6spg, 49.2 FG%, 2.2 triples per game, 42.5 3pt%, 22.1 EFF

Did you see how he ruined the Knicks? No, I mean, did you really see him drop 37 big ones on the team that ruined LeBron’s homecoming? In the process, did you notice how the Cavs moved up to 10-3 and fifth in the East? Man, if Uncle Drew can keep dropping the boom for the wine and gold, then don’t be surprised if the Cavs keep winning till they face Memphis on December 22 (Manila time). Heck, maybe they even beat the Grizz, too!

          

The Top Ten NBA Players to Start the 2014-2015 Season

The start of the new NBA season (yehey!) has churned out a lot of storylines. There’s Klay Thompson getting that huge contract (and playing like he deserves it), while Kawhi Leonard’s efforts at getting his own extension didn’t pan out (he’s not playing like he deserves it, by the way). There’s Derrick Rose getting injured (again), which is starting to feel like an annual event in itself, and the OKC Thunder getting decimated, which is actually too weak a word. Of course, we’re also wondering how the Rockets, Warriors, and Grizzlies have remained unbeaten, while title contenders Cleveland, San Antonio, and the Clippers have tumbled out of the gates.

It’s all been hella entertaining, which is why I wanted to look at something that has made me go, “Well, will you look at that?” I wanted to see who have actually been performing at the top of their games in the first week or so of 2014-2015, and, well, let’s just say there are some surprises here.

No Lebron. No Durant. No Rose. No Kobe. No Dirk.

Without further ado, here they are – the top ten players  to start the 2014-2015 NBA regular season (this is based on the Player Efficiency ratings as calculated by HoopsStats.com as of the morning of November 7, 2014 – Manila time):

The Top 10 Players in the 2014 NBA Playoffs (May 5, 2014) Part 1

The 2014 NBA Playoffs have given us, arguably, the best first round so far, what with five series going the full seven games and the lower seeded or “weaker” teams surprising fans and quashing experts’ predictions left and right. Simply put, the past few weeks of postseason action have been nothing short of awesome.

In this first of two parts, I will present five of the current Top 10 players in the 2014 NBA Playoffs. This will be based on the players’ stats for their first round games. They are ranked according to Player Efficiency for that duration of time only.

In this list, we will find the sixth till tenth-best players so far in the postseason. It’s a pretty interesting bunch, highlighted by a sweet shooting PF, two explosive PGs, a center who has come into his own, and the league’s would-be MVP.

All these guys have given us reason to feel giddy in the Playoffs.

Note: All of the following stats are based on each player’s stats as computed by HoopsStats.com. They were taken on May 5, 2014 (Manila time).

The NBA: April 2014 Position Battle – The Top 5 Point Guards Right Now

In this Position Battle post, we will focus on the top five point guards at this point in the season. We will take into account just the players’ stats for the latest five games of their respective teams. This will, hopefully, give us a more current picture of each player’s production.

Neither Chris Paul nor Steph Curry is at the top of this list. Other marquee names, meanwhile, like Deron Williams, Ty Lawson, or Goran Dragic are also conspicuously absent. The young ‘uns rule, at least for now.

Note: All of the following stats are based on each player’s stats as computed by HoopsStats.com. They were taken on April 9, 2014 (Manila time).

CP3 is the only "old hand" on this list as the young playmakers
of the Association take over.

The NBA: February 2014 Position Battle – The Top 5 Point Guards Right Now

In this Position Battle post, we will focus on the top five point guards at this point in the season. We will take into account just the players’ stats for the latest five games of their respective teams. This will, hopefully, give us a more current picture of each player’s production.

With Chris Paul not exactly his old self yet, the race is really wide open for the best PG in the NBA right now. The obvious choice outside of CP3, of course, is GSW’s Steph Curry, but how about other young guns like Kyrie Irving, John Wall, or Damian Lillard? You might be surprised, especially since an old favorite makes an appearance at #2!!!

Note: All of the following stats are based on each player’s stats as computed by HoopsStats.com. They were taken on February 11, 2014 (Manila time).

5. Brandon Jennings (DET) - 24.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 8.4apg, 1.6spg, 3.4 triples per game, .886 FT%, 23.8 EFF

The Pistons are one of the suckiest teams out there (just ask Mo Cheeks), but don’t tell that to Jennings, who has been enjoying one of his most productive NBA seasons yet. And, well, Detroit has won three straight, including today’s surprising win over the Spurs. It was Motor City’s first W under new coach John Loyer. As for Jennings, he didn’t do too badly, dropping 21 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals on the TP9 and the Spurs.

           

Brandon Jennings tries to blow by John Wall.
(image by Alex Brandon/AP)

The NBA: The Best Players and Teams of January 2014

And just like that, we are one-twelfth into 2014. The All-Star rosters have been named (look at the snubs here), and the two New York teams have finally put together some winning runs. In this post, we’ll look at the best that January had to offer, from Kevin Durant’s insane run of 30+ point games to Victor Oladipo’s rise up the rookie ladder.

This is the third in a series of “Best of the Month” citations based on the Efficiency Recap ratings on HoopsStats.com. Team citations will be based on Efficiency Recap Difference (Team Efficiency – Opponents’ Efficiency), while Player citations will be based on Player Efficiency. You can check out the Stats Glossary here.

Team Citations:

Best Backcourt: Toronto Raptors - 46.2ppg, 12.8rpg, 16.8apg, 3.3spg, .420 FG%, .384 3pt%, 14.6 DEFF

How is the best point guard of the league’s best backcourt in January not an All-Star? Beats me. But here’s a more pressing query – who the hell voted for Joe Johnson as an All-Star this season anyway? Toronto’s backcourt was a huge reason they were 11-6 in the month and remain a top four team in the East.

Toronto's Kyle Lowry was one of the most interesting
All-Star snubs this season.
(image by Mark Konezny/USA Today)

The NBA: January 2014 Position Battle – The Top 5 Point Guards Right Now

In this Position Battle post, we will focus on the top five point guards at this point in the season. Unlike our previous posts, though, this time we will take into account just the players’ stats for the latest five games of their respective teams. This will, hopefully, give us a more current picture of each player’s production.

Note: All of the following stats are based on each player’s stats as computed by HoopsStats.com. They were taken on January 10, 2014 (Manila time). Chris Paul actually has the highest EFF among all NBA PGs, but he played in just two of the Clippers’ last five contests, so I chose not to include him.

5. Steph Curry (GSW) – 24.2ppg, 8.8apg, 3.6rpg, 2.8spg, 2.8 triples per game, 89.3 FT%, 22.0 EFF

I hate his game-deciding turnover against the Nets, but let’s give Curry a break. The Warriors won 10 straight before that Brooklyn loss, and Curry was a bgi reason why. He had a bit of a slump against Milwaukee and Washington, but he did net five double-doubles in that win streak. Oh, and he also just surpassed CP3 in All-Star voting. Woot!

Steph Curry remains one of the league's
most productive playmakers.
(image by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The NBA: December 2013 Position Battle – The Top 5 Point Guards Right Now

It’s our first NBA Position Battle of the 2013-2014 season, and this promises to be very interesting! The number one PG may not be a surprise, but more than a couple of the guys on this list might result in some eyebrows raised.

Note: All of the following stats were taken on December 6, 2013 (Manila time).

5. Michael Carter-Williams (PHI) – 17.7ppg, 7.3apg, 5.8rpg, 3.1spg, 1.5 triples per game, 20.1 EFF

The early season Rookie of the Year favorite reminds me a lot of Penny Hardaway. He has pretty much the same size, the same athleticism, and the same great offensive skills. And, of course, MCW gets it done on the other end with a league-leading 3.1 steals per! Now if he can only recover from his aching knee…

Michael Carter-Williams is the early favorite to win
the 2014 ROY.
(image by Howard Smith/USA Today)

4. Ty Lawson (DEN) – 19.3ppg, 8.2apg, 3.7rpg, 1.2spg, 1.2 triples per game, 20.1 EFF

Lawson isn’t exactly top-of-mind when it comes to the top NBA playmakers conversation, but he’s currently doing extremely well, and that has translated to the Nuggets’ 10-6 start. He’s a classic example of someone who doesn’t get a lot of print or hype, but delivers anyway.

The NBA: 2013 Playoffs: First Blood to the Bulls

Nate Robinson and the Bulls stunned the Heat in Game 1
(Image from: Lyne Sladky/AP)

#incrediBULL #firstblood #StreakBusters
The Chicago Bulls are feisty, ferocious and all heart. They beat the healthy and rested Heat even without Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich. Nate Robinson literally drew first blood with a bloody lip that needed stitches. That did not stop him from scoring 27 points to lead all scorers. Miami was ahead by 3 with 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter but the Bulls did not quit as they scored 10 straight to win by 7. Chicago snapped Miami's 12-game win streak and seized the home-court advantage. It was a total team effort by the Bulls as Noah, Belinelli, Butler and Gibson played crucial roles in orchestrating this win. The Bulls held the Heat to below 40% shooting and Miami only had James and Wade in double figures. An ailing Noah thoroughly outplayed a healthy Bosh. Miami cant allow guys like Robinson, Butler and Noah to play better than the Big 3 if they want to win the series.

#NatetheGreat #ironman 
Nate Robinson made tough shots down the stretch and was clutch. He gave the Bulls the lead then followed that up with a layup after Dwyane Wade inexplicably launched a three which he badly missed. LeBron then airballed a mid-range jumper that ended any type of Heat rally. Robinson toyed with the defense of Allen and Chalmers. The battle between Marquette alumni was one-sided as Jimmy Butler played his best game as a Bull with 21 points and 14 rebounds in 48 minutes. Butler has played 3 straight games without rest and still managed to play better than Wade and Bosh combined. You can point out that Miami was probably rusty from not playing in a week BUT isn't that much better compared to Chicago who has a massive injury list? Miami was rested and healthy while the Bulls played 7 games and were missing 2 starters.

#whatagame #clutch #comeback #freebasketball
The Warriors were up by 16 in the 4th quarter and practically led the entire way. Steph Curry was hot and on his way to a 40+ game while Ginobili and Parker struggled shooting. Duncan was also nursing a stomach flu so he was not a 100% and was on the bench. Most of us thought the game was over right? Wrong! The Spurs made a comeback and even had a chance to win in the first OT but Manu hit the back board. We ended up with 2 overtime periods and more amazing basketball. Kent Bazemore, a rookie for the Warriors gave his team the lead with about 3 seconds to go. That was enough time for the Spurs to run a play for Ginobili who was wide open for a clutch 3 due to a defensive breakdown by the Dubs. Barnes and Jack doubled Parker which gave Manu a wide-open shot for the win. Manu calmly made the shot after missing his previous 7 shots. Onions.

#spicyhotcurry #fatigue
Steph Curry was scorching hot during the 3rd quarter as he torched the Spurs with 22 points including 14 straight at one point. That was his second 20+ points in a quarter during these playoffs. Curry finished with 44 points and added 11 assists while playing a whopping 58 minutes. He did not take even a second to rest and that probably cost the Warriors a chance to steal Game 1. Curry started missing a lot of his jumpers during San Antonio's comeback. The Warriors also did a lot of watching and standing as Curry opted to do isolation plays. In the OT periods, Curry scored a total of 6 points. Another made jumper could have ended in a Warriors' win but fatigue probably caught up with him. Coach Jackson needs to find a way to give Curry a break to have him perform at his optimum level. Let's not forget that Curry has surgically-repaired ankles too which should make the Warriors extra cautious with his health and rest.

#Stats #News

• Bulls pounded the glass 46-32 and were +8 in points in the paint
• Ray Allen was a game-worst -16
• Robinson and Butler outscored the Heat 3
• 2 of the 3 Miami losses since February have been vs Chicago
• The Warriors have lost 30 straight in San Antonio. Last win was in 1997
• The Warriors shot 14-24 FTS while the Spurs 24-28
• David Lee was active but did not play

#Player of the Night
Nate Robinson (Bulls) - 27 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists AND lots of swagger!

#Highlights of the Night
Back and Forth between Bazemore and Manu
Nate the Great for the Lead

#Tweets of the Night

chris palmer ‏@ESPNChrisPalmer

Barkley: "If you know Nate he thinks he's better than Derrick Rose."

Skip Bayless ‏@RealSkipBayless

Coach Pop just said it all about Manu: "I went from trading him on the spot to wanting to cook breakfast for him tomorrow."

The NBA: 2013 Playoffs: Cold Howard, Hot Curry

Dwight Howard lost his cool and got ejected in Game 4.
That might have been his final game as a Laker.
(Image from: USA Today) 

#GoneFishin #Dwightmare

The tumultuous season of the Lakers finally came to an end after the Spurs swept them. The Lakers had no chance to win this series and they failed to even keep one game close. Most of the Lakers played hard on their final game except Dwight Howard who got ejected in the 3rd quarter after complaining too much to the referees. The Lakers were down big when Dwight got tossed and without him, the season was basically over. It felt as if Howard just lost interest in Game 4 and lost interest in his team. Getting himself ejected seemed like taking the "easy way out". There's a big chance that Howard played his last game for the Lakers and if that is the case, how many Lakers' fans would be happy that he's gone?

#Sweep #NoShow
The Bucks never led in Game 4 although they kept it close up to the 4th quarter until Miami decided to turn up the pressure and end the series. Brandon Jennings was a non-factor for the 3rd straight game and was unable to support his brash comments about beating the Heat in 6. Even without Dwyane Wade, Miami did their business and accomplished their 1st sweep in the Heat 3 era. Kudos to Udonis Haslem, Ray Allen and Mike Miller for stepping up with D-Wade missing the game. It also helps a lot when LeBron James drops 30 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. The Heat has won 12 straight games dating back to the regular season and now they will have a lot of time to rest their bruises while waiting for the winner of Nets-Bulls.

#TheJet #StayingAlive
Jason Terry has been a disappointment during his first regular season with the Celtics. He was also a non-factor in their first 3 games vs the Knicks until Terry came alive in the overtime session of Game 4. The Jet made a key three and some free throws in OT to keep the Celtics' season alive for another game. Boston almost lost the game after being up by 20 points but the Knicks came back thanks to Raymond Felton and Iman Shumpert. JR Smith missed the game due to a suspension and that certainly helped the Celtics steal one game. Carmelo Anthony still scored 36 points but he had to hoist 35 shots while making only 10. Paul Pierce, Jeff Green and Kevin Garnett all had big games which the Celtics need to replicate to win Game 5 in New York.  

#SizzlingHot #DubNation
Stephen Curry had one basket while having ankle problems during half time. Still, Curry played in the 3rd quarter and exploded for 22 points. He was sizzling hot, similar to his past 3 games where he averaged 30 points on 55% shooting. A close game suddenly turned into a rout and the Warriors are comfortably up 3-1. Curry had lots of help too coming from Andrew Bogut who dunked on multiple Nuggets and Jarrett Jack who continues to make key shots and good decisions. Ty Lawson had another good game but he needed more help since Faried and Chandler failed to score at least 10 points. Coach Karl made a puzzling decision by letting Andre Miller guard Curry during his 22-point explosion. Expect George Karl to make the necessary adjustments for Game 5 by putting Iguodala or Lawson on Curry more.

#Stats #News

• Melo launched 35 shots which is the 2nd highest this year (Kobe had 41)
• Ray Allen was the Heat's 2nd leading scorer vs the Bucks 
• Bryant sat on the Lakers' bench after Dwight got banished to the lockers
• Tony Parker had 23 points in 26 minutes
• Only 8 teams have managed to win after being down 3-1 in a series

#Player of the Night
Stephen Curry (Warriors) - 31 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 4 steals. 

#Highlights of the Night
Dwight Howard quits on his team
Andrew Bogut over JaVale!

#Tweets of the Night

NBA on TNT ‏@NBAonTNT

"He doesn't know how to post up. I like him a lot as a person, but as a player he's got a long way to go." -Chuck on @DwightHoward

Earvin Magic Johnson ‏@MagicJohnson

LN: Dwight, I've been swept before but I never let my team down by getting kicked out of the game.

#Game Recaps

Final Score: Boston 97, New York 90 (OT)

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - After being pushed around by the New York Knicks in the first three games of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, the Boston Celtics showed some fight. Jason Terry scored Boston's final nine points of overtime, beginning with a tie-breaking 3-pointer with 1:32 left, and the Celtics staved off elimination with a hard-earned 97-90 Game 4 decision over the Knicks at a raucous TD Garden. Terry finished with 18 points, with Paul Pierce putting up a team-best 29 and Jeff Green adding 26 to help Boston force a Game 5 that will be held Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Kevin Garnett did his part as well by pulling down 17 rebounds and recording nine of his 13 points in the second half and OT. Playing without NBA Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith, suspended for the contest after being assessed with a flagrant elbow of Terry during Friday's 90-76 New York victory in Game 3, the Knicks struggled to a 34.4 percent field goal percentage. New York still managed to overcome a 20-point second-half deficit and send the game into extra minutes behind a dominant third quarter, during which Raymond Felton dropped in 16 of his 27 points. Carmelo Anthony topped the Knicks with 36 points, but went just 10-of-35 from the floor and 0-for-7 from 3-point range. Iman Shumpert compiled a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.

Final Score: Miami 88, Milwaukee 77

Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - The Heat recorded their first series sweep in the playoffs since LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade in Miami. But the Heat didn't need Wade's services in Game 4 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks. James led the way with 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals as Miami took down the Bucks, 88-77, to post the franchise's fourth postseason series sweep. Ray Allen and Udonis Haslem added 16 and 13 points, respectively, for Miami, which swept a playoff series for the first time since the 2005 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Bosh tallied 10 points and four blocks. Wade sat out Sunday's playoff game to rest his bruised right knee. He averaged 13.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists in the first three games of this series. The Heat will face either Chicago or Brooklyn in the next round. The Bulls lead that series by a 3-1 margin. Monta Ellis ended with 21 points and eight assists for the Bucks, who haven't won an opening-round playoff series since 2001. Mike Dunleavy and J.J. Redick donated 17 and 10 points, respectively.

Final Score: San Antonio 103, LA Lakers 82

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The San Antonio Spurs ended the Los Angeles Lakers' drama-filled season in sweeping fashion. Tony Parker had 23 points and the Spurs dominated the Lakers, 103-82, on Sunday to sweep their first-round Western Conference playoff series. The Lakers had never been swept in a first- round series since the playoffs expanded to 16 teams during the 1983-84 season. Los Angeles was swept just once previously in an opening-round playoff series in franchise history (1967, 0-3 to San Francisco). It was a disappointing end to a season that started with so much hope for the Lakers, who acquired All-Stars Steve Nash and Dwight Howard in the offseason. After an 0-8 preseason record and a 1-4 start to the regular season, head coach Mike Brown was fired. Assistant Bernie Bickerstaff was named the interim coach until Mike D'Antoni took over as the full-time head coach. Los Angeles made a late push to make the playoffs but lost Kobe Bryant (torn Achilles tendon) in the process. The Lakers were plagued by injuries in this series, and played Sunday's game without the services of Metta World Peace (left knee), Nash (hamstring), Steve Blake (hamstring) and Jodie Meeks (ankle). The second- seeded Spurs, who handed the Lakers their earliest playoff exit since 2007, will either face Denver or Golden State in the next round.

Final Score: Golden State 115, Denver 101

Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Stephen Curry's sore left ankle didn't seem to affect his shooting on Sunday night. The Golden State sharp-shooter scorched the nets for a game-high 31 points, including 22 in the third quarter, as the Warriors surged past the Denver Nuggets, 115-101, to grab a 3-1 series lead in their Western Conference quarterfinal matchup at Oracle Arena. Curry went just 1-for-3 for seven points in the first half, but finished 10- for-16 from the floor to go with seven assists in helping the Warriors earn their third straight victory. Jarrett Jack followed with 21 points and nine helpers, while Carl Landry tallied 17 points in the victory. Ty Lawson led the Nuggets with 26 points and six assists and Andre Iguodala added 19 points and eight rebounds, but it wasn't enough to keep Denver from finding itself in a do-or- die situation. The Nuggets will look to extend the series in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.

The NBA: 2013 Playoffs: Day 7 - Wild Finish in SF

Ty Lawson had a big game with 35 points and 10 assists in Game 3.
But that was not enough for the Nuggets to win as they lost by 2
(Image from: Associated Press)

#BestSeries #WildFinish
The most entertaining and most exciting series did not disappoint for the 3rd straight game. The Nuggets and Warriors went down to the wire with crazy turnovers and impressive shots from everyone on the floor. The game went back and forth and it featured a wild finish. It started with a 5-second in-bounds call against the Warriors. Then Lawson slipped and lost the ball with the Nuggets down by 1. Barnes made 1 of 2 free throws which gave the Nuggets one last chance. Iguodala raced to the half court line and heaved a mid-court shot that almost went in. An overtime period (or 2 or 3) would have been perfect! Ty Lawson had a game-high 35 points but his turnover (could have been a foul on the Dubs) in the dying seconds cost the Nuggets a shot for the win. Meanwhile, Steph Curry continued his hot shooting with 29 and 11 assists. Curry was joined by Harrison Barnes and Jarrett Jack who had big games as well.

#NoMatch #Looking4Sweep
The Spurs walloped the depleted Lakers by 31 points at the Staples Center. The Lakers did not play Nash, Blake and Meeks and that left them with inexperienced players. Their starting back court consisted of Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock. WHO? Actually, Morris and Goudelock had decent scoring games as they combined for 44 points but both of them were -28. The Lakers also literally got nothing from MWP who had ZERO points while their bench produced just 9 points. The Spurs had more firepower and it was simply an impossible game for the Lakers to win especially with Tony Parker and Tim Duncan playing at a high level. The Spurs shot 61% from the field and grabbed 49 rebounds.

#BostonStrong #SwingingElbow
The emotional high and extra motivation from Boston fans could not lift the Celtics past the Knicks. The Celtics struggled early and were down by 16 points at half time. Boston did not really threaten the Knicks in Game 3 and now New York can sweep on Sunday. The Celtics have averaged 75 points in 3 games and they are now 1-6 vs the Knicks including the regular season. The major story in this game was JR Smith's swinging elbow striking Jason Terry's head. Smith was given a flagrant foul 2 and was ejected. IF the NBA decides to suspend Smith for one game, then the Celtics have a chance to avoid the sweep and steal Game 4.

#InjuriesSuck #TornMeniscus
It sucks that Russell Westbrook could potentially miss the rest of the playoffs due to a meniscus injury. There is no timetable for his return and the most probable recovery time is from 4-6 weeks, maybe even longer. Metta World Peace came back from a similar injury after 12 days but his play has suffered and his mobilty has not been the same. The Thunder could lose their series against the Rockets if they are unable to compensate for Westbrook's absence. Kevin Durant, Kevin Martin and Reggie Jackson all need to play more minutes and play better to overcome this setback.

#Stats #News

• Jarrett Jack had 23 points, 7 assists and 7 turnovers including the 5-second count
• Kenneth Faried started and played 30 minutes: 15 points and 7 rebounds
• Andrew Goudeluck was the MVP of the D-League
• Dwight had 25 and 11 and Gasol a triple-double but Lakers lost by 31
• Spurs were +14 on the glass and +11 in assists
• Celtics had 4 fast break points and 17 turnovers
• Carmelo failed to score over 30 for the 2nd time in his last 11 games

#Player of the Night
Steph Curry (Warriors) - 29 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 9-9 FTs

#Highlights of the Night
Iggy with the reverse OOP
JR Smith and his elbow

#Tweet of the Night

Holly MacKenzie ‏@stackmack

seems unfair for one of these teams to lose when we've had some ugly ass basketball in the east in the last 24 hours.

#GameRecaps


Final Score: New York 90, Boston 76
Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The New York Knicks used another dominant half to guide them to victory. This time it was during the opening 24 minutes. Carmelo Anthony netted 26 points and the Knicks took a commanding 3-0 series lead following a 90-76 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of this Eastern Conference first-round series. Raymond Felton added 15 points and 10 assists for New York, which is a win away from advancing past the first round since sweeping the Toronto Raptors during the 1999-2000 season. The Celtics played their first home game since the Boston Marathon bombings 11 days ago, but the raucous Beantown faithful were quickly taken out of the contest. Boston committed to double-teaming Anthony in the first half and the Knicks made the Celts pay from beyond the arc, where they went 7- of-14 from 3-point range. Pablo Prigioni nailed three of those triples. Boston, meanwhile, shot just 35 percent. New York took a 16-point advantage into the break and was never seriously threatened in the second half. The Knicks had excelled during the second half of games during the first two tilts of this set. In Game 1, New York held Boston to just eight points in the fourth, and 25 overall in the final 24 minutes. Boston shot just 25.9 percent in the second half and made just three baskets -- 27.3 percent (3- of-11) -- in the final frame. The Knicks used their stifling defense in the second half of Game 2 as well. Boston recorded just 23 points and shot just 19.4 percent over the last two stanzas. J.R. Smith was tossed out of the contest following a flagrant foul two with 7:06 remaining for throwing an elbow into Jason Terry's face. The league office will look at the replay to determine whether to discipline Smith further. Jeff Green tallied 21 points for the Celtics, who went 27-13 at TD Garden during the regular season. New York will go for the series sweep Sunday in Boston.

Final Score: Golden State 110, Denver 108
Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - It was a lightning fast-paced battle and Stephen Curry's ankle held up just fine. Curry tallied 29 points and 11 assists in the Golden State Warriors' 110-108 triumph over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of this Western Conference first- round series. It was a hectic final few moments as Wilson Chandler nailed a left corner three to pull Denver within 109-108 with 16.5 seconds remaining. The Warriors called timeout with 9.4 ticks left, but were called for a five-second violation on the ensuing inbounds. Ty Lawson, who finished with a playoff career-high 35 points, turned the ball over on Denver's next possession with 5.3 seconds to go. Harrison Barnes split a pair of foul shots with 3.7 seconds on the clock and Andre Iguodala's heave from the right side of the midcourt line clanked off the front of the rim as Golden State escaped with the victory to take a 2-1 series lead. Curry rolled his left ankle late in the third quarter of his team's 131-117 Game 2 win, but returned for the start of the fourth and ended with 30 points and 13 assists. Although he gave the ball away seven times, Jarrett Jack added 23 points and seven assists in the triumph. Lawson also dished out 10 assists, while Corey Brewer deposited 16 points off the bench for the Nuggets.

Final Score: San Antonio 120, LA Lakers 89
Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - With four guards sidelined, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris for a boost against the San Antonio Spurs. What they got was the worst home playoff loss in Lakers history. Now, they're are on the verge of being swept in the first round of a playoff series for the first time. Tim Duncan registered 26 points and nine rebounds and Tony Parker scored 20 in San Antonio's 120-89 rout of the Lakers in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series. The Spurs, who shot 61.2 percent from the field, also got 13 points from DeJuan Blair, 12 from Kawhi Leonard and 11 from Danny Green. Pau Gasol had a triple-double of 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for the Lakers, who also received 25 points and 11 boards from Dwight Howard. Morris scored 24 and Goudelock 20. Metta World Peace was held scoreless in 17 minutes. Steve Nash sat out for Los Angeles with a strained right hamstring and Jodie Meeks missed a second game with a sprained left ankle. Steve Blake (strained right hamstring) and Kobe Bryant (torn left Achilles tendon) were already ruled out. San Antonio took command early by hitting 61 percent of its shots in the first quarter, led by eight points from Duncan. Conversely, the Lakers went 8-of-23.