#east final

[i-nail-jello-to-walls]

Let's go Caps!

[baddawgsports]

Garden Magic strikes again. ✨🏀 The Knicks were down 22 points and decided they simply weren't going to lose Game 1. Jalen Brunson went superstar mode, Landry Shamet hit clutch triples, and the Cavs were left completely stunned in OT. What a night to be a New Yorker. 🏙️🧡

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[theplaymakerz]

Win Or Go Home: The NBA’s March Madness

The two best words spoken in sports: GAME 7! Game 7 turns a professional series into March Madness for a night. It’s either win and advance or lose and go home. Anything can happen when it only takes one game to advance closer to the ultimate goal. Ladies and gentlemen, there will be two such games tonight and tomorrow. 

The Eastern Conference Finals and the Western Conference Finals have both reached its pinnacle. Two Game 7s to determine who goes to the Finals and who goes on an early vacation. 

Recapping Game 6s

Friday night LeBron James had a near triple-double with 46 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. He did get contribution from Larry Nance Jr., Jeff Green, George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, and Kyle Korver as the Cavs defended home-court to force Game 7 with the Boston Celtics. The Cavaliers did lose All-Star Forward, Kevin Love in the early in the Game 6 victory.   

Last night the Splash Brothers, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson drowned the Rockets in the a 2nd half barrage to force a Game 7. The Splash Brothers outscored the Rockets 37-25 in the 2nd half that was a part of the Warriors 64-25 blitz against the Rockets in the 2nd half. In the 2nd half only Splash Brothers defeated the Rockets by 2 who led by 10 points at halftime despite not having Chris Paul due to a right hamstring strain. Instead, the Golden State Warriors won by 29. 

Game 7 in History

The stage has been set for two Game 7s to determine the Finals. This is the first time in 39 years that the both conference finals have reached Game 7. According to cbssport.com, the last time was in 1979 where the Washington Bullets and the San Antonio Spurs in the East and the Seattle Supersonics and the Phoenix Suns in the West. That year the Bullets and Sonics advance to the Finals for the second consecutive time. This history could be good for the Warriors and Cavs. 

Vegasinsider.com has Game 7 facts of the NBA that might put the home teams, Boston and Houston, as the ones to advance to the Finals. According to Vegas Insider, there have been 130 Game 7s in NBA history. Of the 130, the home teams are 104-26. That is equivalent to 80%. 8 out of 10 home teams win Game 7. Go back to the first round of these playoffs, the Boston Celtics won Game 7 at home over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cleveland Cavaliers also won a Game 7 at home over the Indiana Pacers. The Utah Jazz in last year’s playoffs was the last time that a road team won a Game 7 and they it against the Los Angeles Clippers led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. The last a road team won a Game 7 with this much on the line was the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals over the Golden State Warriors. 

Tonight’s East Finals

Tonight LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers walk into TD Garden where the Boston Celtics have never lost in this playoffs. Not only has Boston been unbeaten at home, but LeBron James in lone attempt has not beaten Boston in Boston in Game 7. James fell short back in 2008 to Boston in Boston. That was the year where the Celtics led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Head Coach Doc Rivers won the NBA Title over the Los Angeles Lakers in 6 games. Kevin Love will be out for tonight’s Winner-Take-All Game 7. Jeff Green will get the start in the absence of Love but it will take a collective effort from the supporting cast along with King James to go back to the Finals in a hostile environment like Boston. 

What about Boston thou? Boston has been proving everybody since the playoffs started. The world did not believe Boston who in even be in the conference finals after they had lost Kyrie Irving late in the regular season for good after losing Gordon Hayward 5 minutes into the season. These young Celtics led by Head Coach Brad Stevens defeated Milwaukee in 7 games and their Celtic Pride took out the Process of the Philadelphia 76ers in a surprising 5 games. The Celtics are 10-0 in TD Garden and best believe that they will do everything possible to go an important 11-0 to reach the Finals.

Tomorrow’s West Finals

Now, tomorrow’s West Finals finds itself back in Houston and the Toyota Center. The Houston Rockets were the best team this season just for this moment tomorrow night. Home-court advantage against the defending NBA Champion, the Golden State Warriors. The Rockets did not have Chris Paul as mention earlier in Game 6 last night from a right hamstring strain suffered in Houston’s Game 5 victory. Houston showed in the 1st half last night that they have the fire-power to go at Golden State. The 2nd half, however, showed that they could not sustain that fire-power once Golden State started the blitz attack. There have been no word on Chris Paul’s status for Game 7 tomorrow night. Some believe that he will find a way to play and others believe that the hamstring will keep him out of this all important game. 

With all the array of shot making that took place from Golden State in Game 6, they only starved off elimination for that night. The Warriors will have to something that this team has never done under Steve Kerr, win a Game 7 on the road. Golden State had already defeated Houston in Houston back in Game 1 but Golden State has never been the position of having to defend their crowd on the road in a Winner-Take-All game. Through out Golden State’s run since Steve Kerr take over, the Warriors had always had home-court advantage until now. 

How will these Game 7s play out? 

Who’s going to the NBA Finals?

Tonight: Cleveland at Boston 8:30PM ESPN

Tomorrow Night: Golden State at Houston 9PM TNT

NBA Finals: Thursday May 31 9PM: Cleveland/Boston at Golden State/Houston

[theplaymakerz]

Breaking News from NBA.com Cleveland Cavaliers' Forward Kevin Love has been ruled out of Game 7 tomorrow night between the Cavs and the Boston Celtics. Love is in concussion-protocol after banging heads with Celtics' rookie Jayson Tatum in Game 6 last night.

[theplaymakerz]

Changing Of The Guards For The NBA?

Wednesday night and last night provided what could be a change in the NBA. The Boston Celtics defended home-court once again in a pivotal Game 5 in the East Finals. As well as the Houston Rockets defending their home-court in the West Finals’ Game 5. 

The King to be Dethroned in the East?

Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-83 to go 10-0 at home in these playoffs. The two takeaways from that was the rookie Jason Tatum balling and LeBron James looking fatigued. Jason Tatum scored 24 points while Al Harford had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Jaylen Brown put in 17 points while Marcus Morris and Marcus Smart both contributing 13 point each off the bench. Boston felt good at home as it has been through the playoffs.

LeBron James finished Game 5 with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. You would think that was a good line of stats, but watching the game, you could see  LeBron looking fatigued. Beside Kevin Love with 14 points, no other Cavalier scored in double-figures. This is the fifth time that LeBron James had outscored the rest the starters for Cleveland combined (26-24) in these playoffs. The King needs help for Game 6′s elimination game.

The starting backcourt of Boston, Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier have outscored the starting backcourt of Cleveland, George Hill and J.R. Smith, 35-9. Once again in the East Finals home-court proves to be a major advantage.  

The Champs Are Done, But Are They Really?

Last night, the Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 98-94 in Game 5 in Houston. The is the first that the Golden State Warriors have consecutive games since the 2016 NBA Finals against Cleveland, losing three straight that ended Cleveland’s championship drought of 50+ years. The last time the Warriors trail in a West series was also in 2016 and ironically Kevin Durant was involved in that. The West Finals in 2016 saw Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrooks, and the Oklahoma City Thunder had an 3-1 lead on the Warriors. Golden State would win three straight over the Thunder to advance to the NBA Finals. That offseason, Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City for Golden State. 

Now for the first time since Durant joined the Warriors, they are in a fight, but more importantly on the brink of not repeating as the Kings of the West. Kevin Durant had 29 points but failed to hit a shot from the field, only scoring 2 points in the 4th quarter. For the second consecutive game the Warriors looked terrible down the stretch, committing unnecessary fouls, shooting late in the shot clock, and most importantly turning the ball over too many times late. Steph Curry had 22 points but also struggle in the 4th quarter just as much as Kevin Durant. 

James Harden for the Rockets struggle in Game 5 was aggressive in the 4th quarter, getting to the free-line or making plays for others. Harden finished with 19 points, but his best play was a drive and kick to Eric Gordon for 3 that gave the Rockets an 4-point lead with 1:20 left in the game. Eric Gordon was a spark off the bench with 24 points. The MVP of Game 5 however goes to Chris Paul especially the 2nd half. The 3rd quarter is usually where Golden State takes over and blows the opponent out of the gym. Not last night, as Chris Paul would make ridiculously shot after another to keep Houston within 1 point of the Warriors going to the 4th quarter. With up in face, tight defense by Houston, the Rockets were able to limit the Warriors and walk out with the pivotal 3-2 lead but with a cost. Late the 4th quarter, Chris Paul suffered a right hamstring injury in which he did not finish the game despite the Rockets victory. Confirmed NBA.com today that Chris Paul will be available for Game 6 in Oakland tomorrow night. 

Best Player and Best Must Response in Game 6s

The King and the defending champs must response at home as both the Cavaliers and the Warriors are on the brink of elimination. Both teams have been here before and usually responded in kind. Boston have terrible on the road as they have an 1-6 playoff road record. The Cavs are favorite to force a Game 7 back in Boston, however, remember Boston is undefeated at home. 

The Warriors on the other hand, have a better chance of surviving the 3-2 hold with the health status of Chris Paul up in the air for a potential Game 7 back in Houston, as he is out for Game 6. The question has become which Rockets team will show in Oakland with Paul out? Either way the best player, LeBron James and the best team, the Golden State Warriors have to not only win two straight games both road games in Game 7s to other to reach 4th consecutive NBA Finals.

Game 6 of the East Finals is tonight on ESPN.

Game 6 of the West Finals is tomorrow night on TNT.

[investmart007]

WASHINGTON | Hedman, Lightning beat Caps to cut East final deficit to 2-1

New Post has been published on https://is.gd/Ku6LBU

WASHINGTON | Hedman, Lightning beat Caps to cut East final deficit to 2-1

WASHINGTON — Victor Hedman scored his first goal of the playoffs and added two assists, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 36 saves to help the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Washington Capitals 4-2 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final Tuesday night and cut their series deficit to 2-1.

Hedman had the primary assist on power-play goals by Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov and was a key part of three big penalty kills that gave Tampa Bay some much-needed momentum.

Vasilevskiy was on top of his game as the Capitals put 38 shots on net. Vasilevskiy made seven saves on the penalty kill alone to save a beleaguered unit that came in ranked 13th out of 16 playoff teams.

The Lightning would still like to cut down on the quality chances Vasilevskiy has to stop in Game 4 on Thursday and beyond, like the one Brett Connolly scored on after a turnover by Ondrej Palat. They also surrendered a six-on-five goal to Evgeny Kuznetsov with 3:02 left that made things interesting in the final minutes.

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By STEPHEN WHYNO, AP Hockey Writer, By Associated Press – published on STL.News by St. Louis Media, LLC (Z.S)

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[theplaymakerz]

Celtics Dominates Game 1

The Eastern Conference Finals got underway on this Mother’s Day Sunday. The site was TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The rematch between the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Boston Celtics from last year’s East Finals. The Cavs enter the series on a five-game winning streak after sweeping through the top seed in East, the Toronto Raptors. The Celtics comes in after dispatching of the Philadelphia 76ers in five games.

Boston jumped out on Cleveland early, leading 36-18 after the first quarter. The second quarter was no different as the Celtics led 61-35 at halftime. Cleveland struggle mightily in the first half against Boston’s defense. 

The third quarter saw Cleveland come to life a bit. Cleveland outscored Boston, 29-17 thus cutting a 28-point in half to 14 making the game 78-64 Boston, heading to the fourth quarter.

Then the fourth quarter went into Boston’s favor. Boston stretched the lead to 29 midway through the fourth, when Cleveland’s coach Tyrone Lue decided to pull his starters including LeBron James. James finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. This was by far James’s worst performance in these playoffs. Kevin Love finished with a team high 17 points and 8 rebounds. Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith struggle shooting, combining for 4-15 and 1-8 in 3-point shooting. 

Boston continued to show that Celtic Pride in the playoffs. Jason Tatum saw his seven consecutive 20-point games end but he could care less as the Celtics dominated Game 1, winning 108-83. Tatum finished with 16 points but it was the Jaylen Brown, Marcus Morris, and Al Harford show. All three players combined for 64 points and 22 rebounds: Brown with 23 and 8, Morris with 21 and 10, and Harford with 20 and 4. Boston’ s starters outscored Cleveland’s starter 88-46 in Game 1. 

Boston leads 1-0 with Game 2 Tuesday night at 8:30PM exclusively on ESPN.

[theplaymakerz]

Eastern Conference Finals Preview

Mother’s Day Sunday will the begin the battle for the East Championship. The second seed in the East, the Boston Celtics play host to the fourth seed Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 inside TD Garden. 

How did we get here?

If you may recall, Kyrie Irving wanted out of Cleveland and LeBron James’s shadow. With Irving wanting out, Cleveland granted his wish by trading him to Boston for Isaiah Thomas with Jae Crowder. Cleveland would sign Derrick Rose, Dwayne Wade, and Jeff Green to boost the Cavs in a effort to compete with the Golden State Warriors. Boston will end up signing free agent Gordon Hayward to pair with Irvin, Marcus Morris, and the young roster. The balance in power in the East had shifted towards Boston as the favorites along with Cleveland to come out of the East.

The regular season opens with Boston at Cleveland.

Five minutes into the opening game, Gordon Hayward suffers a gruesome injury, dislocated ankle and fractured tibia. Hayward will be lost for the season. The Cavs had a big leads on the Celtics, but Kyrie Irving would lead a monstrous comeback. In the end, however, the Celtics fell short to the Cavaliers, 102-99. 

Boston on the up; Cleveland on the down.

Despite losing Hayward so quickly, the Boston Celtics re-gathered themselves and spark a 16-game winning streaks led by Kyrie Irving. While Cleveland struggle mighty despite having star named players but those players like Dwayne Wade and Derrick Rose was not in their prime anymore. Isaiah Thomas was out with a hip injury dating back to last season.

Cleveland’s surprising trades. 

As the All-Star break was coming and the first half of the season was closing, Cleveland pulled off multiple trades involving 6 teams to get back in contention for the playoffs. Isaiah Thomas traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Jae Crowder traded to the Utah Jazz. Derrick Rose traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dwayne Wade, LeBron’s best friend, traded back to the Miami Heat. Cleveland would get Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., from the Lakers. George Hill and Rodney Hood from the Utah Jazz. 

Injuries continue to hurt Boston; Playoffs are here.

Cleveland battled their way into the fourth seed in the East, the lowest seed of a LeBron James team since 2008, but Cleveland was in. Boston was the second seed going into the playoffs in the East. However, the injury bug stoke again. As the regular season ended, news came out that the Celtics star player, Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the season with a second knee surgery required.

Boston underman, Cleveland is terrible; East is between Toronto and Philly.

As the playoffs began, Boston and Cleveland were not the favorites in the East as they were at the begin of the season. All eyes were on “We The North”, the Toronto Raptors and “Trust The Process”, the Philadelphia 76ers. The Toronto Raptors were the top seed in the East after finishing with the best record in franchise history (59-23) behind Kyle Lowry, Demar DeRozan, and the best bench in the league. The Philadelphia 76ers were the third seed finishing the regular season with 15 straight games, the hottest team in the East. The Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers were now the favorites in the East.

Boston and Cleveland are pushed to Game 7s in opening playoffs

The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers were pushed in their opening playoff series. Boston played the Milwaukee Bucks led by Giannis Antetokounmpo went the distant. The home teams defending their home court in the first 6 games. The 7th game was no different as Boston ousted the Bucks with no problem on their home court.

Cleveland on the other hand, had a more difficult challenge with the Indiana Pacers. Splitting Games 1 and 2 in Cleveland, everyone knew that LeBron James may suffer his quickness exit from the playoffs. LeBron James had never lost an opening playoff series and the Pacers were pushing the Cavaliers. LeBron James’s game-winning 3-point shot in Game 5 gave the Cavs the 3-2 lead before Indiana responded at home with a thumping in Game 6. LeBron James would not be denied in Game 7, having another 40-point game to ensure that Cleveland will be eliminated at home.

Cleveland sweeps top seed; Celtic Pride dethrones The Process

The Cleveland Cavaliers faced the top seed Raptors in the East Semis while the Celtics faced The Process in Philadelphia. The past two postseason matchup between the Cavs and the Raptors were in Cleveland favorites, Cleveland beat Toronto two years ago in six games. Then last postseason in the semis, Cleveland swept the Raptors. This was the third consecutive postseason meeting and it finished like the last meeting did. Cleveland swept the top seed Raptors in four games. As Kevin Love returned to an All-Star caliber player having monstrous double-double performances. The help of J.R. Smith, Kyle Korver, George Hill, and Jeff Green, the Cavs easily dispatching the Raptors in Game 4 by 30+ points.

Despite being underman, the Boston Celtics showed their pride against the 76ers. Defending their home court in Games 1 and 2, but it was Game 3 that Celtic Pride reigned supreme over The Process. Unforced and careless turnovers in the weighing moment of Game 3, the 76ers allowed Boston to send the game into overtime. With more turnovers into the OT session, Boston was allowed to steal Game 3 from Philly thus having a commanding 3-0 series lead. Philly would win Game 4, but Boston was back home for Game 5 where they ended The Process.

Now we are back where we started the prediction. The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers meeting in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive years. Will King James continue to reign supreme over the East? Will the Celtic Pride of Boston overthrown the King?

Game 1 Sunday Mother’s Day 3:30PM ABC