Category: NBA (Page 51 of 595)

The C’s aren’t dead yet. In what was definitely a ‘must-win’ Game 3, the Celtics looked like their old selves for most of the game and outscored the Heat 28-15 in the third quarter en route to a 97-81 win in Game 3.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce both struggled in the first two games, but came up big on Saturday. Garnett posted 28 points (on 13-of-20 shooting) and 18 rebounds, while Pierce scored 27 points, hitting 5-of-7 shots from long range.

Most importantly, the Celtics played good defense on Miami’s three stars, who combined for 15-for-41 (37%) shooting from the field. Garnett dominated Chris Bosh, who scored just six points on 1-for-6 shooting.

Keep an eye on Rajon Rondo heading into Game 4. He got tangled up with Dwyane Wade and injured his arm. He went to the locker room and was able to return, but he was clearly favoring it in the second half.

The Thunder’s fourth-quarter woes continue. OKC led by 13 points heading into the final period and still found a way to lose. After taking a lot of heat for his shot selection in the playoffs, Russell Westbrook still hasn’t adjusted his game, and after coming into the game with 9:55 to play, he went 1-for-7 from the field (0-for-1 from 3PT), scoring four points to go along with two assists and five turnovers in the fourth quarter and overtime. OKC went on to lose, 101-93.

The Thunder simply haven’t been getting good shots down the stretch, thanks to Westbrook’s decision-making and inability to get his teammates going. From an accuracy standpoint, Kevin Durant wasn’t any better, hitting just 2-for-10 from the field (0-for-3 from 3PT), scoring just four points in the final period and overtime. Credit Tony Allen’s defense for harassing Durant into tough shots. For a tall, lanky scorer like Durant, it can be tough to face a defender that is shorter and a lot quicker, which is the case here. Scott Brooks and/or Durant needs to find a way to use his size as an advantage either by posting up in the paint or by catching the ball on the mid-wing and backing Allen down. Unfortunately, with Westbrook pounding the ball for most of the shot clock, a few of Durant’s attempts came as the shot clock was winding down.

Looking at the box score, the difference in the game was the Thunder’s poor shooting from long range. They hit just 4-for-21 shots from 3PT and were settling for threes even when they weren’t falling.

The Grizzlies definitely deserve credit for not quitting and taking advantage of the opportunities that Westbrook and Co. gave them. They played tremendous defense, especially in the final 17 minutes, while Zach Randolph (21 points, 21 rebounds) led five Memphis players in double digits.

Game 4 is on Monday night on TNT.