----UPDATED NBA STANDINGS AS OF FRIDAY, 4/26---
The Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers can almost taste the glory in the NBA Playoffs as they are dominating their competition. As for the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors, they are battling against higher seeds and their Game 2 results probably shocked a couple of people. Here's what each respective series looks like following results on Monday and Tuesday.
The Bulls took Game 2 from the Brooklyn Nets after many thought they were too injured to compete, predictions of a sweep began to roam. However, the Bulls bucked down and fought back against the Nets and took Game 2 90-82. There were points where the game was close, but the Bulls were able to push away whenever the Nets threatened. Joakim Noah continues to play despite having foot issues.
Over in L.A., the Clippers are stealing all the headlines. Yes, Kobe Bryant is injured, but if the Los Angeles wants playoff basketball in May, they may have to ride on the Clippers bandwagon for at least another series. Led by Chris Paul and a sizzling Blake Griffin, the Clippers were able to outlast the Grizzlies in Game 2 by a slim margin beating them 93-91. Paul raced passed Tony Allen, sinking the final shot of the game and only leaving the Grizzlies with 0.01 seconds to make something happen.
On Tuesday, the Heat followed the Clippers and became the second 2-0 team in the 2013 Playoffs after beating the Milwaukee Bucks 98-86. It doesn't look like the Heat will be challenged by a team in the first two rounds until they meet in the Conference Finals where they will face either the Indiana Pacers or the Knicks.
Speaking of the Knicks, they are doing a great job playing from behind as they have trailed the Boston Celtics at the half in both games so far in 2013. J.R. Smith continues to celebrate with his rockstar antics after connecting on big threes, while Carmelo Anthony continues to pick on the older and slowed defenders in Boston's lineup as he dropped 36, his second consecutive 30-point playoff performance against the Celtics.
The Warriors followed the Bulls and tied the series, becoming only the second road team to win on the road in this year's playoffs. They completely crushed the Denver Nuggets 131-117. The feat was even more special because the Nuggets went 38-3 at home during the regular season. The Warriors lived and thrived off their perimeter shooting and connected on 65 percent of their shots led by Stephen Curry who finished with 30 points.
Here's what the series look like as we are five days into the NBA Playoffs.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) OKC Thunder 2-0 (8) Houston Rockets --->Updated 4/25
(2) San Antonio Spurs 2-0 (7) L.A. Lakers ...../ Updated 4/25
(3) Denver Nuggets 1-1 (6) Golden State Warriors
(4) L.A. Clippers 2-1 (5) Memphis Grizzlies
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Miami Heat 3-0 (8) Milwaukee Bucks
(2) New York Knicks 2-0 (7) Boston Celtics
(3) Indiana Pacers 2-0 (6) Atlanta Hawks''...''Updated 4/25
(4) Brooklyn Nets 1-2 (5) Chicago Bulls