Cleveland 121, Washington 120 (OT) (Cavs lead series, 3-2)
Things were looking a little grim for the Cavs, down by one with 3.6 seconds to play in overtime. They had already squandered a seven point lead with 1:18 to play in regulation, giving Washington all the momentum going into the extra period. But the Wizards allowed LeBron James to catch the ball going towards the basket and the young superstar did the rest, slicing his way along the baseline before exploding towards the front of the rim for a layup between three Washington defenders. The shot was incredible – there’s maybe one other guy in the league that has the skill set to pull it off (Kobe Bryant), but he usually settles for jumpers. James finished with 45 points, seven rebounds and six assists, shooting a remarkable 61% from the field. Overshadowed by James’ game, Gilbert Arenas went for 44/5/4, marking the first time since the 2001 NBA Finals (Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’Neal) that two players in the same playoff game scored 40 or more. These teams seem very evenly matched, so there is no telling what will happen on Friday when the two meet again in Game 6.
Detroit 122, Milwaukee 93 (Pistons win series, 4-1)
In a result that won’t surpise anyone, the Detroit Pistons dispatched the Bucks and will now await the winner of the Cavs/Wizards series. Lost in all the LeBron James/Gilbert Arenas drama, Richard Hamilton had a fine game, scoring 40 points on 15 for 23 shooting. Milwaukee was impressive in their blowout win in Game 3, and it looked for a moment that this might turn into a series, but the Bucks just aren’t ready defensively to compete with the Pistons.
