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PLAYOFFS

NBA Playoffs: Shootings “kill” Thunder Alley vibe in OKC

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Monday night was a great night for the Oklahoma City Thunder organization. They took another step in the right direction, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the Western Conference Semifinals to advance to the WCF. But I am not writing about Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook or how well the Thunder played against the Lakers. I am writing about the aftermath of the Thunder's … [Read more...] about NBA Playoffs: Shootings “kill” Thunder Alley vibe in OKC

Indiana Pacers all out of sorts in wild Game 5

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Wow, where to start with Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal series between the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat? The lackluster play from the get-go for the Pacers? The three flagrant fouls called? The injuries to Danny Granger and David West? Team president Larry Bird calling out his players for going soft? The Heat pretty much controlled the entire game Tuesday … [Read more...] about Indiana Pacers all out of sorts in wild Game 5

Game 5 not a must-win for Indiana Pacers, but a win would be huge

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With this NBA Eastern Conference Semifinal series tied at 2-2, several local news outlets who cover the Indiana Pacers say tonight's Game 5 in Miami is a must-win for the team if it is to win the series and advance to the conference finals. I don't quite see it that way myself. I believe the Pacers are far more capable of winning a Game 7 in AmericanAirlines Arena than most … [Read more...] about Game 5 not a must-win for Indiana Pacers, but a win would be huge

Indiana Pacers didn’t play their game, let LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have their way

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The Indiana Pacers attained a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series with the Miami Heat largely by playing their game. Feed the post (center Roy Hibbert, power forward David West) on offense; deny the post and the rim and play aggressive man defense. The Pacers fell 101-93 to the Heat in Game 4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday because they didn't play … [Read more...] about Indiana Pacers didn’t play their game, let LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have their way

NBA Playoffs: Bad Officiating, Stars Getting “Treatment”

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I have had it with NBA officials in the playoffs. The league is softening up to protect stars and I don't like it one bit. It's hard to watch a game when there are nearly 50 fouls called per game. The playoffs are about letting defensive players get away with more, not about giving the stars more "star treatment". I understand that the NBA is a star-driven league. It's easier … [Read more...] about NBA Playoffs: Bad Officiating, Stars Getting “Treatment”

Indiana Pacers net third seed in East with April run

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Look at the top of the NBA's Eastern Conference standings as this lockout-shortened regular season draws to a close. The top two teams look familiar -- the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. The third-place team in the East? It isn't the Boston Celtics. It isn't the Orlando Magic. It's the Indiana Pacers. The long-suffering franchise has climbed to a 41-22 record, … [Read more...] about Indiana Pacers net third seed in East with April run