PLAYOFFS 1st ROUND RESULTS
WEST
(1) Memphis defeats (8) New Orleans 3-1
As expected, the Grizzlies played to par as they had only one blemish in game 2 to take the gallant Hornets down in 4 games.
Memphis: P. Gasol - 24.3ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.00bpg
New Orleans: B. Davis - 10.8ppg, 4.3apg, 34.1% FG, 15.0% 3Pt.
(5) Dallas defeats (4) San Antonio 3-2
This series was a doozy with it going the full 5 games. Each team split their held only 1 of their home games through 4 games. With the series tied at 2, in a OT epic, the Dallas Mavericks caused the 1st major boilover as they busted the Spurs' bubble, to move onto Round 2.
Dallas: J. Stackhouse - 21.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 6.0apg, 1.80spg, 44.4% 3pt.
San Antonio: T. Parker - 15.0ppg, 6.8apg, 34.2% FG, 17.4% 3Pt.
(3) Minnesota defeats (6) Houston 3-1
Houston might have stolen game 1, but it only served as a wake-up call for the T'wolves who won the next 3 to move onto the 2nd Round.
Minnesota: W. Szczerbiak - 20.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 50.9% FG
Houston: C. Ward - 6.0ppg, 5.0apg, 25.8% FG, 30.8% 3Pt.
(7) LA Lakers defeats (2) Sacramento 3-2
With the injury to Peja, this series was always gonna be close and go down to the wire. Well folks, it did. The Kings seemed to have the edge as they held their home court and led 2-0. The Lakers reeled off 3 straight in an impressive fashion. The Kings will have trouble shaking that "choker" tag.
LA Lakers: V. Divac - 11.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.40bpg
Sacramento: P. Stojakovic - DNP (Broken Bone in Wrist)
EAST
(8) Orlando defeats (1) Detroit 3-1
I am absolutely stunned by this result. The defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons are OUT!!! I don't know what the Pistons were thinking about but the home cooking didn't help as they dropped both home games and they never recovered. I'm guessing Grant Hill is sitting in a corner with a smug look across his face.
Orlando: G. Hill - 20.8ppg, 11.3rpg, 6.0apg, 1.50spg, 53.8% FG
Detroit: C. Billups - 13.5ppg, 6.0apg, 35.7% FG, 30.0% 3Pt.
(5) New York defeats (4) Cleveland 3-1
I don't think this series result was a surprise as the inexperience of the Cavs showed through. You can't blame Lebron James though, as he was brilliant. It's a shame his teammates let him down. Then again, he's only 20 and he has plenty of other opportunities.
New York: J. Crawford - 23.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.5apg, 16/42 3Pt. (38.1%)
Cleveland: L. James - 32.0ppg, 8.5rpg, 7.3apg, 2.0spg
(6) Atlanta defeats (3) Miami 3-1
What's going on, another boilover. Newly crowned MVP Antoine Walker proved doubters wrong as he dominated in this series and well and truly over-shadowed MVP contender Shaquille O'Neal. How far can 'Toine carry these Hawks is anyones guess.
Atlanta: A. Walker - 28.8ppg, 14.5rpg, 4.3apg, 2.00spg, 1.25bpg, 9/23 3Pt. (39.1%)
Miami: S. O'Neal - 18.0ppg, 13.0rpg, 2.50bpg, 42.1% FG, 41.2% FT
(7) Chicago defeats (2) Boston 3-0
The young Bulls came out from the start of game 1 with a lot of energy and hustle and managed to steal the game. Ditto for game 2. Suddenly Chicago was only one win away from the 2nd Round. They did it easy in game 3, and the rest is history. I would not want to be facing this team in the 2nd Round, that's for sure.
Chicago: E. Curry - 19.0ppg, 13.3rpg, 54.5% FG
Boston: M. Blount - 3.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 18.2% FG