The entire state of New Jersey breathed a collective sigh tonight.
Richard Jefferson scored a basket with less than 10 seconds left, then stole the inbounds pass to seal the deal as the Nets beat Toronto 98-97. Had Jersey failed to win, the series would have shifted back to Toronto tied at 3-3, and all the momentum in the world would have been with the Raptors.
Instead, the Nets advance, but it won’t be very easy for them. They’ve just finished an exhausting series, and they have to play a well-rested Cavaliers team less than 40 hours after leaving the court tonight.
The entire Round 2 schedule has been released. Here it is;
Game 1 – Sunday, May 6th – 1pm
Game 2 – Tuesday, May 8th – 8pm
Game 3 – Saturday, May 12th – 5pm
Game 4 – Monday, May 14th – 7pm
Game 5 – Wednesday, May 16th – TBD
Game 6 – Friday, May 18th – TBD
Game 7 – Sunday, May 20th – TBD
This season, the Cavaliers went 2-1 against the Nets. We lost a tight game on the road in December 113-111, then won both home games by scores of 96-91 and 94-76. I’m always worried about a team with Vince Carter and Jason Kidd on it, but I’m convinced that the Cavaliers can take this series in 5 games.
The Nets victory over Cleveland back in December, in my opinion, was a complete abberation. The Nets shot 57% from the field, while the Cavs shot 42%. And we only lost by two. I do not expect to see Jersey shoot like that, but it’s possible. If we keep our rebounding advantage throughout the series, it will be the key to victory. We outrebounded the Nets in all three games this year, including a 42-26 advantage three weeks ago.
I’m thinking we close it out in 5 games and move on to the Conference Finals. But I’m biased…I have floor seats to Game 5.
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