NBA Playoffs Game 2s Wrap Up

With the NBA Playoffs 2017 underway, the opening round has not disappointed. It was a brutal night for some and a record breaking one for others.

Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks

In Game 2 between the Hawks and the Wizards fans saw poorly thrown shots, lack of rhythm, and overall a drawn out match between the two. Despite the lack of effort, Verizon Center didn’t fail to sellout for the uneven affair ending in a Wizards win with a final score of 109-101.

Washington point guard John Wall helped keep the team ahead going into the half with a 51-43 lead. Wall had a total of 32 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. Nearing the end of the game the Wizards started to create separation with notable players carrying the offense. Bradley Beal racked up 31 points, Brandon Jennings 10 points, and Marcin Gortat 14 points and 10 rebounds. John Wall still believes that the team has more to prove and hasn’t played their best.

The Wizards outscored the Hawks 38-28 in the third and led by as many as 14 in the quarter after a 15-point outburst from Wall.  As shooting goes, both teams combined went 32-85 in the first half and the Hawks were 0 for 8 on threes. The Wizards are headed to Atlanta with a 2-0 series lead.

Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers

With Kevin Durant sidelined for Game 2, the Warriors did not want to risk pro-longing his strained calf muscle. Durant injured his calf during Sunday’s Game 1 victory where he had 32 points and 10 rebounds. He did not practice with the team Tuesday nor was he present at the team’s Wednesday morning shoot around. His future playoff participation is unknown.

Guard Shaun Livingston was sidelined due to an injured hand, along with forward Matt Barnes recovering from a sprained right ankle and foot. Portland center Jusuf Nurkic missed the final seven regular-season games with a non-displaced fracture in his right leg and was unable to dress out.

Warrior point guard Stephen Curry had 19 points on 6-18 shooting. Klay Thompson racked up 16 on 6-17 shooting and Draymond Green had 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Javale McGee also put up points for Golden State with 15 points, five rebounds, and four blocks in just 13 minutes.

Portland small forward Maurice Harkless led the team with 15 points on 5-14 shooting. Guards C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard combined for 23 points on 9-34 shooting.

The Warriors were able to lock up the NBA’s best record for a third straight year along with their 14 game win-streak. The series now shifts to Portland.

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

For the game that seems to be the buzz of Wednesday night’s matchups the Houston Rockets survive Russell Westbrook’s triple-double.

Westbrook finished with 51 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds making history as the first 50 point triple-double in NBA playoffs. Despite these historic efforts, it wasn’t enough for the Oklahoma City Thunder to steal Game 2. In the second half, the Thunder gave up a 15-point lead and was 7-29 in the fourth quarter. Westbrook went 4-18 in just the fourth quarter and 17-43 for the game.

For the Rockets, James Harden knew the team had to redeem themselves after Game 1. Harden led the team with 35 points along with Eric Gordon adding 22, including 11 in the fourth quarter. Houston led by as many as 33 points and won the second half 59-33.

Harden and Westbrook are likely candidates for the season’s NBA MVP with the results will be announced on June 26. The Rockets now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0 heading into Game 3 Friday night in Oklahoma City.

The @WashWizards, @HoustonRockets & @warriors each go up 2-0 in tonight's #NBAPlayoffs action! pic.twitter.com/Z4ZkytpgNR

— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2017