With the Conference Finals well under way here is a look around the NBA to determine who has been great (tops) and not so great (flops) in the last seven days as the postseason rumbles on.
Tops
San Antonio Spurs- With two crushing victories over the Thunder in the first two games of the Western Conference final the Spurs look more than ever in a position to advance to the NBA Finals a second year running. With the usual teamwork and efficiency, San Antonio were all over Durant’s side in the first two confrontations, and you have to think that one win on the road would guarantee them the Western Conference crown.
Miami Heat- Although game 1 was a slight disappointment, Miami reached their objective of winning one game on the road with their win in game 2. Having gained home court advantage with this road win, the Heat look like the favorites to go through, again.
Cleveland Cavaliers- For the third time in four years the Cavs have won the draft lottery and have been given the first pick in the NBA Draft. Despite a season that was far from being the worst compared to other teams, Cleveland will have a golden chance to enhance their roster, giving them the opportunity of really having a title contender team.
Flops
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant- To exacerbate the problem of their team’s two blow out defeats against the Spurs, game 2 saw Westbrook shout at Kevin Durant during the game, clearly voicing his frustration at the rather poor game the MVP was having (only 15 points on 6/16 FG).
Lance Stephenson- Although his performances were impressive in the first two games of the Eastern Conference final, Stephenson committed a flagrant flop in game 2 that cost him $5k fine from the NBA. The fine may be meaningless to him, but that kind of action is never appreciated on a basketball court.
Paul George- The Pacers’ star suffered a concussion in game 2, meaning the NBA protocol might mean he will not play in game 3 of the East finals, which could obviously affect Indiana very negatively.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
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