Detroit 97, Cleveland 91 (Pistons lead series, 2-0)
You see it so often in the NBA – a team is trailing by 20 points and, with their opponent on cruise control, they put on a furious late rally, only to fall short in the end. Such was the case with the Cavs last night, led by LeBron James, who finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Drew Gooden made an appearance, scoring 17 and grabbing eight boards for Cleveland. But the story continues to be the offensive absence of Larry Hughes and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who were two key offseason signings. Ilgauskas averaged 15/8 during the regular season, but is only producing 10/6, while Hughes is averaging 11.3 points, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds against season averages of 15.2/3.3/4.7. What’s more worrisome is his FG% – his percentage has dropped from 40.9% in the regular season to a miserable 31.8% in the playoffs. But the biggest problem for the Cavs is the Pistons. The squad continues to play efficient, team ball, getting double figure scoring from each of the five starters. Rasheed Wallace led the way with 29 points and nine boards, while Chauncey Billups had a good all-around game, finishing with 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Given the way Miami is playing, Detroit looks like a strong favorite to represent the East in the NBA Finals.
Dallas 113, San Antonio 91 (series tied, 1-1)
The Spurs probably have a little more talent, but their stars are banged up and they are playing a deep, hungry team in the Dallas Mavericks. The problem with Dallas has always been their competitive mindset. In the past, they have a history of folding when the game or series is on the line, but so far in these playoffs, the Mavs look like a different team. But the difference in the series might be the 2003 NBA Draft. That year, the Spurs picked #28 while the Mavs picked #29. A year after drafting Tony Parker at the end of the first round, the Spurs didn’t see anyone of that caliber available, although they were considering selecting the ACC Player of the Year Josh Howard, who had played at Wake Forest, Tim Duncan’s alma mater. Finally, they decided to make a pick for the Suns (Leandro Barbosa) in exchange for a future first round pick. In the NBA, draft picks are passed around like a groupie at a KISS concert, so it’s difficult to determine who the Spurs ended up with by trading away the pick. But the Mavs jumped on Howard, who has blossomed into a fine small forward. Howard went for 27/9 on Tuesday while Dirk Nowitzki played an efficient game, scoring 21 on 7-11 shooting. Tim Duncan continues to play his heart out (28/9 on 8-10 shooting) but isn’t getting much help from Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili, who combined for 28 points on 10-25 shooting. Ginobili hasn’t looked right all season and has missed considerable time due to injury. Parker strained his calf in Game 1 and it definitely caused him some problems in Game 2. If these injury woes continue, Dallas is going to be the team that advances.
