The 2013 NBA Playoffs rolled along Wednesday night with three big Game fives. Two teams continued their quest to win a series despite an 0-3 deficit. Here’s a breakdown of all the action.
Defensive-minded Boston forces Game six with 92-86 win over New York
On the brink of elimination a few games ago, Boston seems to have found new life in its series with New York. After trailing 3-0 in the series, the Celtics have won two straight games, including their Wednesday night win over the Knicks, 92-86.
Offensively, Boston’s veterans, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, combined for 32 points. But the difference was Garnett’s work on the glass – the forward collected 18 rebounds on the night. Defensively, the team smothered New York, keeping them below 40% from the field on the night.
Just as importantly, the game last night was in the Big Apple. The series now moves to Boston where the Celtics will have a chance to tie it up and reach a Game seven in Madison Square Garden. If that happens, they will be the first NBA team to ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to advance in the playoffs.
The Knicks got J.R. Smith back into the lineup after his one-game suspension, but they would have perhaps been better off without him. The guard had 14 points, but struggled all night, missing his first ten shots and finishing a dismal 3-14 from the field.
One interesting note from the series is that the Knicks showed up for Game four wearing all black, in a move signifying they were attending the Celtics’ funeral. That display has drawn a lot of criticism and if Boston somehow does the unthinkable and wins the series, much will be made of the symbolic gesture.
Game six will be in Boston on Friday night.
Rockets surprise Thunder with 107-100 Game 5 road victory
Houston was dealt a pretty difficult hand coming into this one. Star player James Harden was coming off his worst postseason game and had flu-like symptoms, and starting guard Jeremy Lin sat out with a chest muscle injury for the second straight game. To make matters worse, the Rockets had to travel to Oklahoma City to play in front of the Thunder’s raucous fans.
No worries.
The Rockets shocked the home team with a 107-100 victory behind Harden’s 31 points and eight rebounds. His performance included seven three-pointers and each of the starters scored in double figures. The series heads back to Houston now for Game 6 on Friday.
Kevin Durant was his usual self, scoring 36 points and adding seven rebounds and seven assists. And Reggie Jackson also had another good game, scoring 20 points. But the team got nothing from shooting guard Kevin Martin, who was 1-10 from the field scoring only three points in 23 minutes of action. Even if players such as Jackson step up, Westbrook’s ability to score is still clearly missed since the Thunder aren’t as deep.
Like Boston, the Rockets continue their quest to become the first team to overcome a 3-0 series deficit.
Pacers use second half to rout Hawks, 106-83
For a half, Wednesday’s game between the Atlanta Pacers and Indiana Pacers appeared as if it could go right down to the wire. The first two periods featured 12 lead changes and was a back and forth affair. But Indiana outscored Atlanta by 16 points in the second half on their way to a 106-83 blowout win.
The home team has won each game so far in the series and Game 6 will be in Atlanta on Friday.
Atlanta couldn’t get much going and made only 33% of their baskets on the night. The starters were even worse, connecting only 31% of their attempts. Meanwhile, the Pacers forwards, David West and Paul George, cleaned up. The duo made 75% of their shots, combining for 45 points.
The game was also a comedy of errors for both sides with a total of seven technical fouls.
The series appears destined for a Game seven. Not only has the home team won every game to this point, but Indiana has had their fair share of struggles in Atlanta, losing 13 consecutive games there.
