(63-19) First Round Wraps Up [4-0]

[Axel The Great]

The 2011-12 regular season is over and done with. Now that the playoffs are among us, let's take a look at the matchups, listed above. Below you'll find a list of key players for each team that will play a major role in the outcome of each series.

Western Conference
(1) Houston Rockets [63-19] vs. (8) New Orleans Hornets [41-41]
Rockets:
Kevin Martin - 82 GP, 82 GS, 29.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.5 spg, 52.7% FG, 47.3% 3P, 93.2% FT
Yao Ming - 82 GP, 82 GS, 14.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.8 bpg, 60.7% FG, 89.9% FT
Luis Scola - 82 GP, 82 GS, 12.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.0 spg, 50.1% FG, 85.5% FT

Hornets:
Chris Paul - 82 GP, 82 GS, 21.8 ppg, 9.4 apg, 4.5 rpg, 2.6 spg, 48.8% FG, 36.6% 3P, 86.6% FT
David West - 82 GP, 82 GS, 18.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 52.7% FG, 77.2% FT
Jarrett Jack - 82 GP, 0 GS, 13.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, 2.5 rpg, 47.0% FG, 41.5% 3P, 90.7% FT

(4) Los Angeles Lakers [43-39] vs. (5) Oklahoma City Thunder [50-32]
Lakers:
Kobe Bryant - 82 GP, 82 GS, 28.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 spg, 51.6% FG, 38.3% 3P, 86.5% FT
Pau Gasol - 82 GP, 82 GS, 17.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.4 bpg, 47.8% FG, 82.2% FT
Andrew Bynum - 82 GP, 82 GS, 14.6 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.5 bpg, 48.9% FG, 70.5% FT

Thunder:
Kevin Durant - 82 GP, 82 GS, 28.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 spg, 1.6 bpg, 50.6% FG, 37.6% 3P, 90.1% FT
Russell Westbrook - 82 GP, 82 GS, 20.5 ppg, 8.3 apg, 3.0 rpg, 2.5 spg, 48.9% FG, 31.4% 3P, 90.2% FT
James Harden - 82 GP, 82 GS, 14.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 47.2% FG, 43.8% 3P, 84.8% FT

(3) Dallas Mavericks [51-31] vs. (6) San Antonio Spurs [44-38]
Mavericks:
Dirk Nowitzki - 82 GP, 82 GS, 23.0 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.1 bpg, 50.5% FG, 34.1% 3P, 89.4% FT
Rodrigue Beaubois - 82 GP, 82 GS, 16.5 ppg, 4.1 apg, 1.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 49.0% FG, 39.4% 3P, 91.0% FT
Jason Terry - 80 GP, 80 GS, 14.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.3 spg, 44.5% FG, 34.1% 3P, 84.5% FT

Spurs:
Tony Parker - 82 GP, 82 GS, 18.8 ppg, 6.9 apg, 2.8 rpg, 2.0 spg, 52.4% FG, 74.4% FT
Manu Ginobili - 82 GP, 82 GS, 16.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.7 spg, 43.9% FG, 37.4% 3P, 87.1% FT
Tim Duncan - 82 GP, 82 GS, 15.9 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.6 bpg, 47.0% FG, 66.0% FT

(2) Denver Nuggets [54-28] vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers [44-38]
Nuggets:
Danilo Gallinari - 82 GP, 0 GS, 20.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.0 bpg, 43.4% FG, 38.4% 3P, 81.9% FT
Wilson Chandler - 82 GP, 82 GS, 15.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.3 bpg, 45.1% FG, 30.9% 3P, 85.5% FT
Raymond Felton - 82 GP, 82 GS, 14.5 ppg, 7.1 apg, 3.3 rpg, 1.5 spg, 45.6% FG, 40.1% 3P, 85.5% FT

Trail Blazers:
Brandon Roy - 52 GP, 52 GS, 19.5 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.0 rpg, 1.0 spg, 43.0% FG, 32.1% 3P, 84.3% FT
LaMarcus Aldridge - 76 GP, 76 GS, 17.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 spg, 1.2 bpg, 52.5% FG, 77.7% FT
Andre Miller - 82 GP, 82 GS, 11.5 ppg, 6.1 apg, 2.0 rpg, 0.9 spg, 42.7% FG, 81.1% FT

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat [60-22] vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks [41-41]
Heat:
LeBron James - 82 GP, 82 GS, 27.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.9 spg, 1.3 bpg, 50.1% FG, 38.4% 3P, 77.8% FT
Dwyane Wade - 82 GP, 82 GS, 23.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.9 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.1 bpg, 48.5% FG, 34.7% 3P, 72.1% FT
Chris Bosh - 82 GP, 82 GS, 18.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 51.5% FG, 81.8% FT

Hawks:
Joe Johnson - 82 GP, 82 GS, 20.0 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.0 spg, 46.7% FG, 35.4% 3P, 84.6% FT
Jamal Crawford - 82 GP, 0 GS, 15.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, 41.7% FG, 32.3% 3P, 79.8% FT
Al Horford - 82 GP, 82 GS, 15.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.3 bpg, 54.5% FG, 80.9% FT

(4) Boston Celtics [48-34] vs. (5) Orlando Magic [46-36]
Celtics:
Paul Pierce - 82 GP, 82 GS, 18.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 42.7% FG, 36.9% 3P, 85.2% FT
Ray Allen - 82 GP, 82 GS, 18.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.0 apg, 50.0% FG, 47.9% 3P, 87.2% FT
Kevin Garnett - 82 GP, 82 GS, 13.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.1 bpg, 47.4% FG, 82.1% FT
Rajon Rondo - 82 GP, 82 GS, 12.9 ppg, 11.1 apg, 5.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 55.4% FG, 62.0% FT

Magic:
Dwight Howard - 82 GP, 82 GS, 21.4 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 1.2 spg, 2.2 bpg, 52.2% FG, 62.4% FT
Gilbert Arenas - 82 GP, 82 GS, 16.1 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.6 rpg, 1.6 spg, 41.6% FG, 34.1% 3P, 76.7% FT
Jason Richardson - 57 GP, 57 GS, 15.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.2 spg, 47.0% FG, 40.9% 3P, 69.9% FT

(3) Indiana Pacers [50-32] vs. (6) New York Knicks [45-37]
Pacers:
Danny Granger - 82 GP, 82 GS, 24.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.3 bpg, 46.3% FG, 42.1% 3P, 84.0% FT
Darren Collison - 62 GP, 62 GS, 16.5 ppg, 7.1 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.6 spg, 48.1% FG, 37.5% 3P, 91.7% FT
Paul George - 82 GP, 26 GS, 13.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 39.1% FG, 31.8% 3P, 92.2% FT

Knicks:
Carmelo Anthony - 67 GP, 67 GS, 27.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.9 spg, 52.8% FG, 36.9% 3P, 82.9% FT
Amar'e Stoudemire - 82 GP, 82 GS, 22.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.6 bpg, 54.3% FG, 74.0% FT
Steve Nash - 80 GP, 75 GS, 16.9 ppg, 8.4 apg, 1.9 rpg, 48.5% FG, 36.9% 3P, 90.5%FT

(2) Chicago Bulls [53-29] vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats [45-37]
Bulls:
Derrick Rose - 82 GP, 82 GS, 28.8 ppg, 8.7 apg, 2.3 rpg, 1.4 spg, 52.2% FG, 39.5% 3P, 77.1% FT
Carlos Boozer - 82 GP, 82 GS, 18.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.9 spg, 51.0% FG, 72.9% FT
Luol Deng - 82 GP, 82 GS, 16.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 46.2% FG, 34.6% 3P, 80.6% FT

Bobcats:
Stephen Jackson - 82 GP, 82 GS, 20.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2.2 spg, 45.7% FG, 36.2% 3P, 77.5% FT
Tyrus Thomas - 82 GP, 82 GS, 15.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.4 spg, 1.6 bpg, 44.3% FG, 71.6% FT
Travis Outlaw - 82 GP, 70 GS, 15.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 43.8% FG, 35.8% 3P, 75.5% FT

[hova-]

Some very intriguing matchups in the West, really bad for you that you will have to go the toughest way despite being 1st as the Lakers and Thunder kind of struggled during regular season, but are always tough to play.

Will be interesting to see how you can contain Paul, he's basically head and brain of the Hornets.

[Axel The Great]

Houston Rockets 110-93 New Orleans Hornets


Kevin Martin posterizes David West. | Trevor Ariza led New Orleans in scoring.

The Rockets got off to a fast start, outscoring New Orleans 32-22 in the first quarter. Kevin Martin had a slow start going only 2/7, but he would finish with 29 points on 10/19 shooting. For New Orleans, David West began by making four out of his first five shots, en route to 10 first quarter points.

The second and third quarters were pretty even; Houston's lead would only grow as big as 13, and New Orleans would approach to within six. A big hamper for New Orleans was their struggles at the free throw line. They shot 14/20 (70%) from the line, while Houston shot 28/30 (93%). Houston also did a good job patrolling the paint, as they accumulated eight blocks as a team. Houston's bench also scored 33 points.

In the fourth quarter, the Rockets were able to pull away and their bench was able to keep the Hornets at bay in garbage time. Houston shot 47% from the field while New Orleans shot 43%. The Rockets got good contributions from Yao Ming (17 points, eight rebounds) and Kyle Lowry (14 points, eight assists). Trevor Ariza led the Hornets' futile effort with 25 points, and West finished with 20 points. Chris Paul struggled, shooting only 6/20, but he notched a double-double of 15 points and 13 assists.

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Kevin Martin - 29 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 10/19 FG, 3/6 3P, 6/6 FT
Yao Ming - 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 7/10 FG, 3/4 FT
Kyle Lowry - 14 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 5/8 FG, 1/2 3P, 3/3 FT
Patrick Patterson - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3/5 FG, 4/4 FT
Courtney Lee - 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 3/5 FG, 1/1 3P, 3/3 FT
Shane Battier - 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 2/6 FG, 1/3 3P, 4/4 FT

Hornets:
Trevor Ariza - 25 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 10/19 FG, 2/3 3P, 3/4 FT
David West - 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 8/13 FG, 4/5 FT
Tyler Honeycutt - 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 7/10 FG, 1/2 3P, 1/2 FT
Chris Paul - 15 points, 13 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 6/20 FG, 3/3 FT

32 30 29 29 110
22 20 29 22 93

Houston Rockets 114-83 New Orleans Hornets


Houston's bench has gotten much burn these first two games. | David West led New Orleans's hopeless charge.

Things could not have gone worse for the New Orleans Hornets in this one. It was a runaway game from the start as the Hornets shot less than 30% from the field in the first quarter. David West and Chris Paul were the only productive players for New Orleans, as they had 25 points, 12 rebounds and 16 points, eight assists respectively. However, Paul was plagued with foul trouble in the second half.

Once again, a hamper for New Orleans was their free throw struggles, as they shot just 9/17 in comparison with Houston's 18/19. The Rockets destroyed the Hornets on the boards 59-40 and had 29 assists compared to their 16. The Rockets shot 46% from the field, while the Hornets shot a mediocre 40%.

Kevin Martin top scored once again with 33 and grabbed four rebounds. Patrick Patterson led Houston's bench effort with 13. The Rockets had seven players score in double figures, as they are now hopeful that they can take care of business on the road in New Orleans.

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Kevin Martin - 33 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 10/19 FG, 2/4 3P, 11/11 FT
Patrick Patterson - 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 5/11 FG, 3/4 FT
Luis Scola - 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 6/9 FG
Courtney Lee - 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 5/11 FG, 2/4 3P
Kyle Lowry - 11 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 5/8 FG, 1/2 3P
Yao Ming - 10 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks, 4/7 FG, 2/2 FT
Goran Dragic - 10 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 3/11 FG, 2/4 3P, 2/2 FT

Hornets:
David West - 25 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, 12/19 FG, 1/1 FT
Chris Paul - 16 points, 8 assists, 3 steals, 6/10 FG, 1/4 3P, 3/3 FT
Tyler Honeycutt - 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 5/14 FG, 3/4 FT
Trevor Ariza - 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 6/20 FG

30 27 35 22 114
16 23 23 21 83

[Axel The Great]

Some very intriguing matchups in the West, really bad for you that you will have to go the toughest way despite being 1st as the Lakers and Thunder kind of struggled during regular season, but are always tough to play.

Will be interesting to see how you can contain Paul, he's basically head and brain of the Hornets.

Yeah it will be a tough road ahead no matter who wins that series. As you can see from the first two games, taking Chris Paul out of the picture makes the Hornets crumple. Hopefully we'll be able to keep that up so we can sweep them.

[Stress Fracture]

Whoa, the Bobcats in the playoffs. Damn you Jordan for dismantling that playoff roster back then.

What would be the status of next year's draftees? Will you transfer us to the next story?

And Ariza continues to shoot bricks.

[Axel The Great]

Stress Fracture, yeah the Bobcats here are actually much more fortunate than the ones from real life. As for Ariza, he's certainly living up to expectations.

I should hopefully be updating more frequently now that I have acquired my academic rhythm. Expect a couple of updates within the next few days, both from this story and my new one.

[Axel The Great]

Around the League: Game 1's and 2's

@

23 21 28 21 93
26 31 16 26 99

Key Performers:
Thunder:
James Harden - 22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 7/10 FG, 3/5 3P, 5/5 FT
Russell Westbrook - 22 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 7 steals, 1 block, 8/21 FG
Kevin Durant - 16 points, 7 rebounds, 7/18 FG, 1/7 3P, 1/2 FT

Lakers:
Kobe Bryant - 33 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 10/19 FG, 1/4 3P, 12/13 FT
Pau Gasol - 22 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 8/18 FG, 6/6 FT
Andrew Bynum - 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 4/6 FG, 7/9 FT

LAL leads series 1-0

@

25 25 24 18 92
14 16 34 24 88

Key Performers:
Spurs
Tim Duncan - 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 8/15 FG, 7/11 FT
Tony Parker - 22 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 9/18 FG, 4/7 FT
Manu Ginobili - 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 1 block, 7/10 FG, 2/3 3P, 2/2 FT

Mavericks:
Dirk Nowitzki - 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 7/11 FG, 5/6 FT
Rodrigue Beaubois - 18 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 6/10 FG, 1/4 3P, 5/5 FT
Jason Terry - 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 4/12 FG, 4/4 FT

SAS leads series 1-0

@

22 29 20 24 95
35 20 28 20 103

Key Performers:
Trail Blazers:
Brandon Roy - 22 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 8/1 FG, 2/2 3P, 4/4 FT
Andre Miller - 21 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 8/8 FG, 1/1 3P, 4/6 FT
LaMarcus Aldridge - 17 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 8/20 FG, 1/2 FT

Nuggets:
Wilson Chandler - 23 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 7/8 FG, 3/3 3P, 6/6 FT
Arron Afflalo - 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1/5 FG, 13/15 FT
Ty Lawson - 13 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, 6/7 FG, 1/1 3P

DEN leads series 1-0

@

25 28 23 19 95
26 21 27 16 90

Key Performers:
Hawks:
Josh Smith - 20 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks, 9/14 FG, 2/2 FT
Joe Johnson - 17 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 6/19 FG, 2/4 3P, 3/3 FT
Jamal Crawford - 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2/8 FG, 1/6 3P, 9/10 FT

Heat:
LeBron James - 24 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 8/18 FG, 8/10 FT
Dwyane Wade - 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 7/16 FG, 7/8 FT
Chris Bosh - 18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block, 6/12 FG, 1/1 3P, 5/8 FT

ATL leads series 1-0

@

29 20 21 24 94
27 25 30 22 104

Key Performers:
Magic:
Dwight Howard - 37 points, 21 rebounds, 2 blocks, 11/14 FG, 15/16 FT
Jameer Nelson - 14 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4/6 FG, 6/7 FT
Glen Davis - 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1/5 FG, 9/10 FT

Celtics:
Paul Pierce - 25 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 9/12 FG, 1/1 3P, 6/8 FT
Kevin Garnett - 23 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 7/13 FG, 9/11 FT
Ray Allen - 14 points, 1 assist, 6/12 FG, 2/5 FT

BOS leads series 1-0

@

26 16 24 23 89
24 25 34 21 104

Key Performers:
Knicks:
Amar'e Stoudemire - 32 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 12/21 FG, 8/10 FT
Carmelo Anthony - 32 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 15/26 FG, 1/4 3P, 1/2 FT
Steve Nash - 14 points, 13 assists, 1 rebound, 2 steals, 7/17 FG

Packers:
Roy Hibbert - 20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 9/13 FG, 2/2 FT
Danny Granger - 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks, 4/11 FG, 12/15 FT
Carl Landry - 19 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 4/7 FG, 11/12 FT

IND leads series 1-0

@

22 14 29 20 85
19 25 27 39 110

Key Performers:
Bobcats:
Stephen Jackson - 23 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 7/12 FG, 2/5 3P, 7/11 FT
Travis Outlaw - 20 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 7/15 FG, 2/8 3P, 4/6 FT
Justine Jones - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 4/9 FG, 1/4 3P, 1/2 FT

Bulls:
Derrick Rose - 28 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 11/20 FG, 6/8 FT
Carlos Boozer - 20 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, 8/18 FG, 4/7 FT
Luol Deng - 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 6/11 FG, 4/6 3P, 2/2 FT

CHI leads series 1-0

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

@

28 22 30 23 103
39 27 34 29 129

Key Performers:
Thunder:
Russell Westbrook - 33 points, 10 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 13/21 FG, 3/3 3P, 4/4 FT
Kevin Durant - 26 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 10/22 FG, 1/3 3P, 5/8 FT
Nate Robinson - 13 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 5/9 FG, 3/4 3P

Lakers:
Kobe Bryant - 46 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 14/26 FG, 7/13 3P, 11/11 FT
Andrew Bynum - 21 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 7/11 FG, 7/9 FT
Pau Gasol - 19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 5/8 FG, 9/9 FT

LAL leads series 2-0

@

21 16 28 30 95
29 34 25 32 120

Key Performers:
Spurs
Manu Ginobili - 26 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 6/13 FG, 3/6 3P, 11/11 FT
Tim Duncan - 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 7/15 FG, 4/5 FT
TJ Ford - 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2/6 FG, 7/9 FT

Mavericks:
Dirk Nowitzki - 33 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 11/19 FG, 2/3 3P, 9/10 FT
Rodrigue Beaubois - 22 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 7/15 FG, 6/9 3P, 2/2 FT
Shawn Marion - 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block, 4/6 FG, 1/1 3P, 5/6 FT

Series tied 1-1

@

17 19 15 12 63
34 24 24 32 114

Key Performers:
Trail Blazers:
LaMarcus Aldridge - 20 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 8/15 FG, 4/6 FT
Greg Oden - 13 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 4/8 FG, 5/7 FT
Brandon Roy - 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3/17 FG, 1/4 3P, 2/2 FT

Nuggets:
Danilo Gallinari - 30 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 10/18 FG, 5/9 3P, 5/5 FT
Wilson Chandler - 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 7/9 FG, 2/2 FT
Raymond Felton - 15 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 4/9 FG, 2/2 3P, 5/6 FT

DEN leads series 2-0

@

26 23 28 28 105
17 32 18 25 92

Key Performers:
Hawks:
Al Horford - 32 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 7/13 FG, 18/19 FT
Jamal Crawford - 20 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 5/16 FG, 1/6 3P, 9/11 FT
Josh Smith - 19 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, 4 blocks, 7/10 FG, 5/5 FT

Heat:
LeBron James - 23 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 8/20 FG, 1/5 3P, 6/6 FT
Dwyane Wade - 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 8/17 FG, 2/3 3P, 2/2 FT
Cory Joseph - 8 points, 2 assists, 3/3 FG, 1/1 3P, 1/2 FT

ATL leads series 2-0

@

27 24 19 16 86
26 16 24 28 94

Key Performers:
Magic:
Jason Richardson - 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 5/8 FG, 4/5 3P, 2/2 FT
Glen Davis - 14 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 7/13 FG
Gilbert Arenas - 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 5/11 FG, 1/4 3P, 2/2 FT

Celtics:
Paul Pierce - 26 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 7/15 FG, 2/6 3P, 10/13 FT
Kevin Garnett - 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 5/7 FG, 5/6 FT
Ray Allen - 15 points, 2 steals, 7/13 FG, 1/2 3P

BOS leads series 2-0

@

25 27 32 30 114
31 35 30 24 120

Key Performers:
Knicks:
Carmelo Anthony - 34 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 14/20 FG, 6/9 FT
Amar'e Stoudemire - 23 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 8/13 FG, 7/10 FT
Ronny Turiaf - 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5/6 FG, 4/4 FT

Pacers:
Danny Granger - 35 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 10/15 FG, 2/4 3P, 13/15 FT
Thaddeus Young - 18 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block, 6/10 FG, 6/6 FT
Paul George - 12 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals, 1 block, 4/10 FG, 1/6 3P, 3/5 FT

IND leads series 2-0

@

28 23 20 29 99
22 10 23 28 83

Key Performers:
Bobcats:
Stephen Jackson - 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 4/15 FG, 13/14 FT
Tyrus Thomas - 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 7/15 FG, 4/4 FT
Travis Outlaw - 16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 6/14 FG, 1/6 3P, 3/4 FT

Bulls:
Derrick Rose - 28 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 10/25 FG, 1/6 3P, 7/10 FT
Carlos Boozer - 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 9/17 FG, 2/4 FT
Travis Leslie - 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2/4 FG, 2/2 FT

Series tied 1-1

[rise]

Bobcat world is weird here. Stephen Jackson, Tyrus Thomas, and Travis Outlaw play like they belong in the league here.

[Stress Fracture]

Go Bobcats!!

And Brandon Roy

[Axel The Great]

Houston Rockets 111-98 New Orleans Hornets


Kevin Martin went off for 36. | David West tried his luck at a leadership role.

The Houston Rockets blew the game open right from the get-go, hitting the ground running with an 18-6 run and exploding for 40 first quarter points. Kevin Martin had a 36-point outburst on 12/20 shooting, and Yao Ming had a double-double of 16 points and 12 boards. However, it wasn't necessarily a walk in the park all the way for the Rockets, as they racked up 18 turnovers which, at times, gave New Orleans a small sliver of hope at trimming the lead.

For New Orleans, David West top scored with 23 and grabbed 13 boards. Chris Paul scored 17 and dished an uncharacteristic four assists. Even though New Orleans feasted on Houston's constant turnovers, they were ultimately downed by Houston's 9/21 three-point shooting. With this loss, New Orleans is currently facing elimination, and a very demoralizing one at that.

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Kevin Martin - 36 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 12/20 FG, 3/8 3P, 9/9 FT
Yao Ming - 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 7/13 FG, 2/3 FT
Patrick Patterson - 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 5/9 FG, 3/3 FT
Goran Dragic - 10 points, 2 assists, 4/7 FG, 1/2 3P, 1/2 FT

Hornets:
David West - 23 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 11/20 FG, 1/4 FT
Chris Paul - 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 8/13 FG, 1/1 FT
Trevor Ariza - 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 6/14 FG, 1/4 3P, 1/2 FT
Emeka Okafor - 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 4/8 FG, 3/4 FT
Jarrett Jack - 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 4 steals, 3/6 FG, 2/3 3P, 2/3 FT
Tyler Honeycutt - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 4/16 FG, 2/2 FT

40 23 26 22 111
20 30 28 20 98

Houston Rockets 113-102 New Orleans Hornets


Courtney Lee provided a valuable contribution off the bench. | Kyle Lowry ignited for five triples.

Chris Paul had 14 assists, but could New Orleans have benefited from more shots from him? | David West with another double-double

As New Orleans fans would have you believe, this game was for their Hornets to lose! It seemed as though the Hornets had all the hope in the world, but it was crushed by... no, not Kevin Martin. Kyle Lowry had a scoring outburst of 23 points, scoring five out of six three-pointers, and dished out 10 assists.

"Every time it seemed as though we were closing the gap, [Lowry] would score a backbreaking three to continue to slam the door on us," a disheartened Chris Paul told the press after the game. Paul had a double-double of 16 points and 14 assists, shooting 5/10 from the field. He's likely to draw criticism for not shooting enough.

New Orleans pulled within six at one point, but the Rockets were able to hold on. Martin scored a game high 28 points to aid Lowry's sudden outburst and closeout a sweep of the Hornets.

Houston's overall depth, and the fact that they had a leader in every game, was what dictated the complexion of this series. Houston shot 10/19 from downtown, which was a factor that also proved instrumental towards the sweep. On the other side, the Hornets' lack of leadership and free throw shooting (15/25 this game) hampered their ability to at least take one game. Houston moves on to the second round and will face the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-Oklahoma City Thunder series.

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Kevin Martin - 28 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 11/22 FG, 1/4 3P, 5/5 FT
Kyle Lowry - 23 points, 10 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 9/11 FG, 5/6 3P
Courtney Lee - 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 5/9 FG, 2/2 3P
Luis Scola - 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 6/9 FG
Yao Ming - 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 5/10 FG
Patrick Patterson - 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 4/7 FG, 2/3 FT

Hornets:
David West - 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 7/16 FG, 3/3 FT
Trevor Ariza - 17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 8/19 FG, 1/1 3P
Chris Paul - 16 points, 14 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 5/10 FG, 1/3 3P, 5/9 FT
Emeka Okafor - 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 5/8 FG, 4/5 FT
Jarrett Jack - 11 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, 5/8 FG, 1/2 FT

31 31 26 25 113
21 24 30 27 102

[Axel The Great]

Bobcat world is weird here. Stephen Jackson, Tyrus Thomas, and Travis Outlaw play like they belong in the league here.

Go Bobcats!!

And Brandon Roy

Forget the Bobcats! Atlanta is two-up over the Heat, and they're the 8th seed!

[Its_asdf]

Packers:
Roy Hibbert - 20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 9/13 FG, 2/2 FT
Danny Granger - 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks, 4/11 FG, 12/15 FT
Carl Landry - 19 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 4/7 FG, 11/12 FT

I didn't know Green Bay decided to join the NBA.

Anyway, it looks like this was a pretty easy series. Personally I'd like to see a Lakers/Rockets matchup. I'd love to see how many buckets are had between a Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant and Kevin "Kobe in 2k" Martin matchup.

[Axel The Great]

Its_asdf, great catch! That's what happens when you hastily type a post.

The series was easier than I was hoping for. Normally I have a tough time limiting Chris Paul's production, but he was rather mediocre in this series. I'm also hoping for the Lakers; they should be much easier to beat than the Thunder.

[Axel The Great]

Game 3's

@

23 14 24 21 82
17 24 25 27 93

Player of the Game: Russell Westbrook - 28 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 8/14 FG, 12/14 FT

LAL leads series 2-1

@

19 11 17 25 72
28 26 22 29 105

Player of the Game: Tim Duncan - 22 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 8/10 FG, 6/11 FT

SAS leads series 2-1

@

36 13 23 14 86
34 25 26 22 107

Player of the Game: LaMarcus Aldridge - 23 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 9/15 FG, 5/7 FT

DEN leads series 2-1

@

20 11 22 16 69
14 22 21 28 85

Player of the Game: Josh Smith - 11 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 4 blocks, 5/8 FG, 1/2 FT

ATL leads series 3-0

@

26 26 18 21 91
24 18 24 22 88

Player of the Game: Paul Pierce - 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 6/13 FG, 2/4 3P, 4/6 FT

BOS leads series 3-0

@

32 22 26 30 110
30 34 28 34 116

Player of the Game: Landry Fields - 23 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 8/14 FG, 3/6 3P, 4/6 FT

IND leads series 2-1

@

24 18 27 28 97
30 22 15 22 89

Player of the Game: Derrick Rose - 33 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 12/22 FG, 3/5 3P, 6/7 FT

CHI leads series 2-1

Game 4's

@

18 25 39 19 101
33 14 23 30 100

Player of the Game: Kobe Bryant - 32 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 13/27 FG, 6/7 FT

LAL leads series 3-1

@

25 21 33 20 99
20 28 42 29 119

Player of the Game: JJ Hickson - 27 points, 9 rebounds, 9/9 FG, 9/13 FT

SAS leads series 3-1

@

30 24 20 28 102
29 26 24 29 108

Player of the Game: LaMarcus Aldridge - 32 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 14/20 FG, 4/5 FT

Series tied 2-2

@

21 22 15 24 82
26 25 22 22 95

Player of the Game: Al Horford - 30 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block, 12/13 FG, 6/7 FT

ATL wins series 4-0

@

34 31 28 23 116
27 21 18 27 93

Player of the Game: Kevin Garnett - 27 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 8/15 FG, 11/14 FT

BOS wins series 4-0

@

21 25 34 23 103
35 18 43 23 119

Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony - 42 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 17/30 FG, 1/5 3P, 7/8 FT

Series tied 2-2

@

20 16 26 20 82
23 29 16 24 92

Player of the Game: Travis Outlaw - 20 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 7/17 FG, 2/5 3P, 4/6 FT

Series tied 2-2

Game 5's

@

22 25 23 22 92
27 28 22 30 107

Player of the Game: Kobe Bryant - 39 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 15/20 FG, 1/3 3P, 8/8 FT

LAL wins series 4-1

@

15 22 14 26 77
34 29 25 39 127

Player of the Game: Dirk Nowitzki - 30 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 11/16 FG, 2/2 3P, 6/7 FT

SAS leads series 3-2

@

23 23 16 18 80
30 29 21 27 107

Player of the Game: Raymond Felton - 24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 7/12 FG, 1/1 3P, 9/10 FT

DEN leads series 3-2

@

30 21 22 30 103
16 23 21 28 88

Player of the Game: Steve Nash - 26 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 12/19 FG, 2/6 3P

NYK leads series 3-2

@

16 19 22 28 83
22 22 32 20 96

Player of the Game: Derrick Rose - 27 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 9/23 FG, 9/12 FT

CHI leads series 3-2

Game 6's

@

29 14 13 34 90
23 20 28 35 106

Player of the Game: Tony Parker - 26 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 7/15 FG, 12/13 FT

SAS wins series 4-2

@

18 14 12 28 72
25 22 18 28 93

Player of the Game: Brandon Roy - 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 7/13 FG, 1/2 3P, 6/6 FT

Series tied 3-3

@

27 29 26 28 110
20 33 21 39 113

Player of the Game: Steve Nash - 34 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 14/28 FG, 5/9 3P, 1/1 FT

NYK wins series 4-2

@

25 27 20 30 102
24 24 20 32 100

Player of the Game: Derrick Rose - 15 points, 14 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 4/16 FG, 7/9 FT

CHI wins series 4-2

Game 7

@

37 17 26 24 104
33 18 32 23 106

Player of the Game: Danilo Gallinari - 25 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 8/15 FG, 5/9 3P, 4/4 FT

DEN wins series 4-3