The New Orleans Pelicans breezed through the first round of the NBA playoffs, sweeping the No. 3 seed Portland Trail Blazers in four games.
They dominated the Blazers without injured star DeMarcus Cousins, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon tear. “Just trying to build a legacy in New Orleans, and let people know that we’re for real,” Jazz star Anthony Davis told reporters after scoring 47 points in the clinching victory.
But the NBA’s other series are more competitive, particularly the Cavaliers-Pacers, Celtics-Bucks and Raptors-Wizards — which are all tied 2-2.
The Golden State Warriors have a commanding 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers have a 3-1 edge on the Miami Heat.
The Spurs fended off a sweep with a 103-90 victory Sunday with coach Gregg Popovich still away from the team, mourning the death of his wife Erin after a lengthy illness.
“In this kind of situation, sometimes you are already fine with playing a good game,” Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina told reporters. “You shake their hands and congratulate them on their way to a possible championship and go home happy. I think our guys wanted more.”
With so much to be decided, the second week of the NBA playoffs should be a lot of fun.
LEBRON BATTLES ON
The Cleveland Cavaliers have established a pattern against the Indiana Pacers. They run a fluid offense, earn good looks and knock down shots while building a nice first-half lead.
And then every possession turns into a painful struggle with LeBron James (32 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists Sunday) taking over as both the primary scorer and playmaker.
The Cavaliers managed to survive Game 4 in Indianapolis and avoid a 3-1 series deficit, maintaining their composure when the game got chippy late.
“You don’t ever want to go down 3-1 against anybody, no matter if it’s the first round or if you’re fortunate enough to get all the way to the (NBA) finals,” James told reporters after his team’s 104-100 victory. “It’s just too difficult.”
WIZARDS HANG TOUGH
Washington guard Bradley Beal fouled out on an egregious officiating call Sunday night. He was just standing there, minding his own business, when Raptors star DeMar DeRozan plowed into him while securing a loose ball with 4:58 left to play.
“When initially they called me for my sixth, I was beyond emotional, beyond mad, frustrated,” Beal told reporters. “Pretty much any synonym you can add on that list. And I honestly thought they were going to kick me out of the game because I was so mad. I was happy they didn’t do that.
“I kind of gathered my emotions and thoughts and told my team that we are going to win regardless, because we still got John (Wall) in the game and I love our chances.”
But the Wizards held off the Toronto Raptors 106-98 to even the series 2-2, with Wall (27 points, 14 assists) taking over for Beal (31 points). Wall scored eight points in the last 3:50 to play, either scoring or assisting on his team’s last seven baskets.
LOOKING TO PULL EVEN
After losing twice in Houston, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Rockets in Game 3 in Minneapolis. They will try to square the series at 2-2 Monday night.
As for the Rockets, the No. 1 seed in the NBA’s Western Conference, they are still trying to get back in sync after resting their starters late in the regular season. “It’s been a long time,” Rockets star James Harden told reporters Sunday, “but tomorrow is the perfect opportunity for it.”
Meanwhile the Oklahoma Thunder, down 2-1 in their series against the Utah Jazz, have a tough Monday assignment in Salt Lake City.
Thunder star Russell Westbrook knows his team must contain guard Ricky Rubio (26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists Saturday) to have any chance.
“He made some shots,” Westbrook told reporters after Game 3. “Too comfortable. But I’m gonna shut that (stuff) off next game though. Guarantee that.”
