It’s just as well today’s unprecedented triple-header of game sevens fell on the weekend, because bugger all work was getting done by myself and many others if they were played midweek. Perhaps the setting of a new worldwide record of sickies would’ve been on the cards.
Wouldn’t that be a fun record to set?
Thunder 120 Grizzlies 109 (OKC win series 4-3, advance to play Clippers)
The Grizzlies were up against it before a single shot was taken. Their floor general was hurting, they were on the road, and most importantly (and infuriatingly), Z-Bo was missing due to being suspended for what was essentially a push on Steven Adams.
With decision making like that, Tony Allen was lucky to escape suspension for what was clearly an overzealous high-five mid-way through Game 6.
Make no mistake, Durant and Westbrook knew what was at stake today. Going home in Round 1 would’ve been nothing short of disastrous for them and their OKC squad. They were hell-bent on winning this one, finishing with 33 and 27 respectively.
Westbrook exploded for a monstrous triple-double to the tune of 27 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds. Dude was just a terror on both ends, especially on offence, getting into the teeth of the Grizzlies defence and finishing like few in the league can, or dishing beautifully to open teammates, 16 times to be precise.
OKC were just hitting everything down the stretch, particularly KD and Westbrook – with some Caron Butler three point bombs sprinkled in for extra flavour while Thabo Sefolosha still found himself glued to the bench.
The Grizzlies fought bravely, but were undermanned and overwhelmed by the rampaging Thunder. Memphis would’ve been hoping for a big game from Mike Miller (I know I was), but he only managed to connect on one three and had little impact on the game.
He might be thinking about that one for a while during the offseason, during the times he isn’t daydreaming about inflicting a new range of atrocious haircuts upon millions of worldwide viewers.
Pacers 92 Hawks 80 (Pacers win series 4-3, advance to play Wizards)
Speaking of avoiding disaster, the Pacers did just that, finally putting the pesky Hawks away largely thanks to Paul George’s 30-point outing and Roy Hibbert erupting for 13 points, a series high for the big fella.
With the season (and his job) on the line, Frank Vogel shortened his rotation to eight, playing his starting five the majority of the time. This resulted in five Pacers copping DNPs.
It’s been a hell of an effort by Atlanta, who shouldn’t be in the playoffs by any measure, but nearly worked their way into the second round against an admittedly shambolic Pacers team. Mike Budenholzer, one of the endless graduates from the Spurs masterclass coaching program who seemingly run half of the league now, has his team playing smart, crisp, hard basketball.
Clippers 126 Warriors 121 (Clippers win series 4-3, advance the play Thunder)
Golden State came out of the gates hotter than my plastic bloody steering wheel after sitting in the sun all day. Their three-point shooting never cooled down, finishing at 56 per cent.
The Clippers trailed for much of the game, but took the lead at three-quarter time. They are now 35-0 this season when leading after three quarters.
Chris Paul naturally understood when it was time for him to take over, while he, DJ and Blake engaged in a game long, lobbing and jamming threeway.
While Curry was the game’s high point man with 33, Draymond Green stood out as an absolute monster for Golden State.
He finished with 24 points, hitting a bunch of crucial threes, shooting 5/8 from range and playing outstanding perimeter defence on whoever the hell had to be locked down at the time. The dude is just as solid as a rock, and has made Harrison Barnes somewhat redundant lately.
Jordan and Griffin finished the game in brilliant fashion, taking turns making one spectacular play at the rim after another.
With time about to expire, Doc turned to face the crowd, and celebrated with fist pump after first pump, as well as high-fiving folks behind the score bench and anyone within reach.
As his struggle with Warriors officially came to a close, so too did his and his team’s emotional struggle with all the off court drama. Doc finally let loose, unable to hide the joy of overcoming what has been a hellacious week.
Samuel Gates
Roar Pro
It's kind of frustrating that the West has been so competitive, while the East has had some pretty ordinary sides make the play-offs. The Hawks certainly did better than I expected though. Miami might cruise through to the Final Series while quality West sides likes OKC have a brutal slog on their hands if they're going to have any chance. I wouldn't be surprised if the Heat meet the Spurs again.
mushi
Guest
It was more than what Silver suspended Diaw and Stoudamire for
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
Yeah the Z-Bo ban was a little too extreme and doesn't really fit the crime. When you watch the replay over and over again, there's no doubt that if he actually punched Adams, he would have felt it.
Joe
Guest
Even if Randolph had played,OKC still would have won the game.A closer victory but still a win nonetheless. Theres a reason home teams in NBA Game 7's have about a 90% win rate, they rarely lose due to multiple factors When Memphis lost Game 6 at home they lost the series then & there. That said the suspension was garbage, he barely touched Adams Spurs are gonna have too much interior advantage over Portland & S.A. has a much deeper bench then the Blazers I'd say Spurs in 6 games they just have too many weapons Portland will make it a fun series to watch with their style of play but its hard to see S.A. losing this match up The Thunder/ Clippers series could potentially be the best series so far in playoffs & thats saying something cause there's been some awesome series so far OKC has home court & can matchup with Jordan & Griffin better than Golden State could The PG matchup should be great with Westbrook & CP3 This series could go the 7 games & if it does I'd have to lean to OKC winning at home in the Game 7
Nick Jungfer
Roar Guru
I still would've picked the Thunder, Jawad, but as you suggest the Grizz would be spewing being down one of their main guys in the decider. Hate that decision by the NBA. Fine him if you must, but dont ban him and essentially decide game 7, especially when there was nothing in the play anyway.
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
Nice summary there Nick! Do you reckon the Grizzlies would have easily won if Z-Bo wasn't suspended? Certainly the team and fans will look at that and say that not having him on court in Game 7 cost them. The Thunder/Clippers match up in the West semis is going to be spicy, as may the Spurs/Trailblazers meeting.