In the NBA playoffs, the first round seems like it just began. For some teams, their quest for a title has already ended. The brooms have been taken out for the Pacers and the Trailblazers as both teams were swept by their opponents.
The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business against an undermanned Indiana team that couldn’t seem to pull out close games. The Cavs finished with only a +16 point differential, one of the lowest in a series sweep. This means by adding up point totals between both teams over all four games, they only won by 16 points. Looking at the series overall, you would think the Cavs demolished them, but the Pacers hung tough in most of the games. In game 1, the Pacers were only one point away from stealing a game in Cleveland and game 3 they held a 25 point lead before James led an historic comeback. With their early exit, this could be the last time we see Paul George in a Pacers uniform.
As for the Blazers, they ran into the buzz saw that is Golden State. Even with Durant missing some games, the Warriors were still able to sweep Portland in dominating fashion. Steph Curry once again looked like the two-time MVP we knew he was and the Warriors dominated in every facet of the game. The Blazers barely squeaked into the playoffs to begin with, and even with the addition of Nurkic, couldn’t crack Dub City. It doesn’t help that Nurkic was injured through some of the series as well. So what does this mean for Portland? They have been stuck in the same situation for several years, which means they will either have to make a splash in free agency or hope they can draft well. Either way it looks like it could be a rocky road ahead.
With more games coming tonight, OKC is looking to stay alive against the Rockets. Expect another star performance from Russ.
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