The first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs has been surprisingly competitive and gripping. With the exception of the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 sweep of the eighth-seeded Detroit Pistons, all of the series have gone or will go at least six games. And despite being blanked, the Pistons fought hard against the more experienced and equipped Cavaliers, losing Games 1 and 4 by only five and two points, respectively.
The No. 7 seed Indiana Pacers, led by forward Paul George, have pushed the No. 2 seed Toronto Raptors to their physical and mental limits. The Raptors needed a frenzied fourth quarter in which they authored a determined comeback, outscoring the Pacers 25-9 over the final 12 minutes, to escape with a 102-99 Game 5 win at home to take a 3-2 series lead heading into Game 6 in Indiana tomorrow night.
The Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics are engaged in a match-up in which each team has held serve at home, with the No. 4 seed Hawks blowing out the fifth-seeded Celtics by 110-83 in Atlanta Tuesday night to snatch a 3-2 lead. Game 6 will be played in Boston tonight (Thursday) as the Hawks look to capture the first road win of the series and end the Celtics’ season.
The third-seeded Miami Heat seemed to be in complete control of their series against the No. 6 seed Charlotte Hornets. The Heat demolished the Hornets by 123-91 in Game 1 and won comfortably by 115-103 in Game 2 before the series headed to Charlotte.
But back in North Carolina, the Hornets appeared far more motivated and hungry than the Heat in Games 3 and 4, spurred by Bronx native Kemba Walker and ex-Knick sensation Jeremy Lin.
The guard tandem combined for 35 points in a 96-80 Game 3 victory and were spectacular in Game 4, with Walker scoring 34 and Lin 21, to carry the Hornets to an 89-85 win and a 2-2 series tie heading into Game 6 in Miami last night.