Game 1 was entirely dominated by the home teams, with the exception of Phoenix who shit the bed against a Brandon Roy-less Portland team.
Here's a look at what happened in game 1 and a look at tonight's games.
Los Angeles 87 - Oklahoma City 79
Mostly an ugly basketball game. LA got solid contributions from the big fella, Andrew Bynum, who finished with 13 points, 12 boards and 4 blocks in 30 minutes. Not mind-boggling, but solid enough to let LA feel confident.
Kobe struggled from the floor as did Durant, which made for a disappointing game. No one really showed up for OKC except for Russell Westbrook. Durant is going to need to come a lot stronger than that if they have any hopes of winning a few games.
Dallas 100 - San Antonio 94
Kinda crazy that this was higher scoring than the LA/OKC game, but that speaks to Dallas' ability to dictate the pace. Dirk was money down the stretch and San Antonio hung around by shooting 50%. Dallas was mostly in control of this one from the get-go though. Dallas' rotation of two big bodies in Haywood and Dampier seemed to give San Antonio trouble in the paint. LA should be a little worried about Dallas in my opinion as they're really the only team that matches or comes close to LA's interior length. This series will probably be close, but I expect Dallas to pull it out.
Denver 126 - Utah 113
Carmelo dropped 42 in game 1 and Denver pulled away with a huge 4th quarter in which they put up 38 points. JR Smith hit some big shots to help them solidify the win.
Utah took a big hit when 7 ft sharp shooter Mehmet Okur injured his achilles. He will be out for the remainder of the season. Utah is pretty banged up, and this series could get ugly fast if they can't steal one in game 2. That said, they're always tough at home so this could still be interesting.
Cleveland 96 - Chicago 83
Easy peasy for King James and crew. I just don't think Chicago has what it takes to compete with the Cavs. I smell a first round sweep coming. Although, Chicago could always win one at home. I think James is incredibly motivated and really wants to get over that Championship hump especially with the big contract lingering.
I'm still not sold on Shaq, though he is still good in bursts. Jamison was balling with 15 and 10, and King James led the way with 24.
I predict this to be the least exciting playoff series this year.
Orlando 98 - Charlotte 89
Jameer Nelson went off for 32 points, which tied a career (playoff or otherwise) high for him to lead the Magic over Charlotte. An early 22 point deficit pretty much buried the Bobcats, though they fought back a bit behind Gerald Wallace.
Mikael Pietrus and JJ Reddick buried big threes to seal the win late.
Stephen Jackson suffered a knee injury and could only go a handful of minutes in the 4th quarter. He says he will play in game 2, but the Bobcats need him full strength to have a chance. Wait...they don't have a chance. Sorry.
Atlanta 102 - Milwaukee 92
Well, if there were points handed out for dazzling play by rookie sensations the Bucks would be leading this series. Unfortunately for Milwaukee someone other than Brandon Jennings needs to show up in this series. Jennings dropped 34 in his playoff debut, and I really like this kid's game. He's a scorer, plain and simple. But he's got pizzazz and pinache that hasn't been seen in a young guard since Iverson. He oozes confidence. Atlanta's game plan seems to be let Jennings get his, and hope that he takes a lot of shots doing so. He does take some bad ones.
Atlanta should win this series going away.
Portland 105 - Phoenix 100
Good lord. Phoenix looked like dog shit last night. I believe in my preview I mentioned that Portland had no one who could stop Amare. I take that back. Apparently Marcus Camby can. I didn't think he was still the defensive player he once was, but apparently he is just that. He and Aldridge teamed up to make Amare look like a puppy-dog. Being that Phoenix is my hometown team, I may be able to offer more insight than the average NBA dude.
Bottom line...they left a lot of shots out there. Shots they normally bury were bricked left and right, and I still think they'll win this series. Lou Amundson gave them nothing compared to his normal burst of energy, toughness and rebounding. Phoenix looked like they were just going to cruise past Portland, and obviously the Blazers had other plans in mind.
My one problem with Phoenix is that they are acting and talking like it is a long series. But, if you play like it is a long series it will actually be a short one...and you'll be on the wrong end of it.
Andre Miller was balling and finished with 31 points, making Steve Nash his little bitch and driving past him like he was standing still. Steve Nash couldn't guard a lamp post!
TONIGHT!
#5 Utah @ #4 Denver, 10:30pm ET on TNT
Look for more of the same from Game 1. Without Okur expect Korver to get some more looks from deep on the kick-outs after penetration. Williams will need a huge effort as will Boozer/Millsap in order to pull this one out.
Denver may be susceptible to the let-down here at home in Game 2, but I think Melo and Chauncey will be ready to go, so they should be ok.
Denver pulls away in the 4th quarter.
#8 Chicago @ #1 Cleveland, 8:00pm ET on TNT
Should be more of the same on this one too. I'm hoping Lebron finds himself alone in the paint with nothing but Joakim Noah's ugly ass between him and the rim, and proceeds to dunk on his ass and dangle his nuts in his face. Rose may have a good game, but if I were Mike Brown I'd let him, and focus on stopping the other Bulls. 40points from Rose will not win this game...I don't think.
Cleveland in a route.
Jesus. Out.
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