The Mavericks were desperate for a win to make the series 2-1. The first two games came in Houston's favor, before the game ahead in the series 2-0. The first game it was James Harden who came up big with 24 points and 11 assists and Houston ended up winning 118-108. The second game of the series it was center Dwight Howard that helped them get to the win with 28 points and 12 rebounds and Houston ended up winning that one 111-99. Now the third game was a different story and it was definitely fun to watch.
The first quarter was very high scoring for both teams. It all started with the Houston Rockets offense. James Harden like always played a big role in this game. Two faces on the Mavericks that would have to help out the team if they wanted to get to a win would have to be Monta Ellis and Tyson Chandler. Monta Ellis because of his scoring ability and Tyson Chandler because of his height and rebounding ability and also the help that he could be on defense. Monta Ellis in the last two games had scored 20 or more so a lot would be depending on him.
The game started off with both teams scoring a pretty even amount of points. The quarter ended with James Harden having 12 points already and Monta Ellis also dropped 12. The Rockets closed in the quarter with some good ball movement, and finally getting the ball to Josh Smith for a three with 2.9 seconds left and that was it for the first quarter with the score already 42-36. In the second quarter it was J.J Barea who pulled the Mavericks closer in to the deficit. He played a very solid all around game. All of a sudden, the Mavericks went on a 23-7 run now taking the lead 59-49. That was the turning point in the game that brought momentum in the Mavericks and their home crowd. But Harden was keeping his Houston Rockets in this game whether it was scoring the ball or dishing it out. He brought the deficit to just seven as the half ended. The score was 72-65.
The second half was all James Harden. In the first six minutes of the second half, Harden was already 4-4 on shooting. The Rockets kept their fine play going into the fourth quarter where it seemed as if there was no hope at all. With 2:40 left to go, the Mavericks were down 124-116. Then it was Monta Ellis and Dirk Nowitzki who helped them creep back into the game. First, Nowitzki made a shot from downtown to cut the lead to 5. Then Monta Ellis made a jump shot to cut the lead to three. The Mavericks kept going and suddenly, the lead was down to one! But again, James Harden made a very clutch play driving to the hoop and getting the layup. A couple of plays later the Mavericks were down 130-128 with 7 seconds left to go. Monta Ellis got the ball. He took a couple of dribbles, fired up a shot, but missed.Game Over. 130-128. The series 3-0.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards Playoff Pregame Analysis
As the playoffs start, the first game that will be one for everybody to watch is the Toronto Raptors, and the Washington Wizards. Both teams have had great seasons and made it to the playoffs with help from there key star players. Now it's time to dig deeper into that match up.
The first great matchup that everybody will want to see is John Wall and Kyle Lowry. Both players are very different in their playing style and that is why it will be fun to watch. But one thing that sets their differences apart is the number of points that each player puts up. John Wall averages 17.8 points per game. Kyle Lowry averages 17.6 points per game Kyle Lowry will have a tough time guarding John Wall who put up an average of a double-double during the regular season with 17.8 points and 10.0 assists.
Another match up that will be very interesting is Demar Derozan and Bradley Beal. They are both very athletic players that can both shoot from the outside and can score at a high level. Bradley Beal averaging 15.3 points a game and Demar Derozan averaging 20.1 points per game. It will be fun to watch those two go at it and put up big numbers.
The big bodies on the Wizards and Raptors will be a huge factor in this opening playoff game so I am going to talk about how they will make a difference.
Amir Johnson will be very important for the Raptors if they want to survive in the playoffs. He will be key for his rebounding for them averaging 6.4 a game. He will also have the job of guarding Nene which will be very hard. Another big body on Toronto is Jonas Valenciunas who is developing well in the NBA still as a young player. He will be guarding Washington's center Marcin Gortat.
On Washington's side of the court, they will have to move the ball around on offense and get good shots off against a tough defense like Toronto. On defense they have to stay with Demar Derozan and restrict his amount of points and try to get him into early foul trouble.
After what will probably be a very hard fought game, Toronto will come out winning 107-101. Toronto's Demar Derozan will have 29 points, and Kyle Lowry will have 17 points and 9 assists. On Washington's side, John Wall will have 27 points, and 12 assists, and Bradley Beal will have 21 points, and 4 steals.
The first great matchup that everybody will want to see is John Wall and Kyle Lowry. Both players are very different in their playing style and that is why it will be fun to watch. But one thing that sets their differences apart is the number of points that each player puts up. John Wall averages 17.8 points per game. Kyle Lowry averages 17.6 points per game Kyle Lowry will have a tough time guarding John Wall who put up an average of a double-double during the regular season with 17.8 points and 10.0 assists.
Another match up that will be very interesting is Demar Derozan and Bradley Beal. They are both very athletic players that can both shoot from the outside and can score at a high level. Bradley Beal averaging 15.3 points a game and Demar Derozan averaging 20.1 points per game. It will be fun to watch those two go at it and put up big numbers.
The big bodies on the Wizards and Raptors will be a huge factor in this opening playoff game so I am going to talk about how they will make a difference.
Amir Johnson will be very important for the Raptors if they want to survive in the playoffs. He will be key for his rebounding for them averaging 6.4 a game. He will also have the job of guarding Nene which will be very hard. Another big body on Toronto is Jonas Valenciunas who is developing well in the NBA still as a young player. He will be guarding Washington's center Marcin Gortat.
On Washington's side of the court, they will have to move the ball around on offense and get good shots off against a tough defense like Toronto. On defense they have to stay with Demar Derozan and restrict his amount of points and try to get him into early foul trouble.
After what will probably be a very hard fought game, Toronto will come out winning 107-101. Toronto's Demar Derozan will have 29 points, and Kyle Lowry will have 17 points and 9 assists. On Washington's side, John Wall will have 27 points, and 12 assists, and Bradley Beal will have 21 points, and 4 steals.
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