The NBA Playoffs second round had all its first four games played and there is a lot to talk about. The brackets are much simpler this time around as the winner of each conference will advance to the NBA Finals semis as they will battle in the Conference Finals for a chance at the Larry O'Brien trophy. Spoiler alert: the Miami Heat lost. Does this mean the trophy is up for grabs?
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Miami Heat- 0
vs.
Chicago Bulls- 1
New York Knicks- 0
vs.
Indiana Pacers- 1
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Oklahoma City Thunder- 1
vs.
Memphis Grizzlies- 0
San Antonio Spurs- 1
vs.
Golden State Warriors-0
That's what the bracket looks like following Game 1 of each series. The Heat were shocked as these Bulls once again proved that having heart and being prepared to play physical basketball is all that matters. There was once again no Luol Deng, nor was there a Kirk Hinrich. The Bulls put out the same lineup from Game 7 vs. the Brooklyn Nets and they battled against the Heat going on a 10-0 run to close the game.
Physicality proved important once again. The Heat were too busy complaining about fouls while the Bulls were getting into their heads. LeBron James was held at bay until the second half, but even then, he couldn't do much for his team as momentum rolled in Chicago's way.
The New York Knicks had a cold, cold offense on Sunday. Though the team shot over 40 percent, Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith struggled from the floor. They are the heart of the Knicks offense and they didn't put up enough of an effort to threaten the Pacers, who also played physical ball.
The Western Conference saw more exciting and tight ball games. The Thunder won it on free throws, though it could also be said the Grizzlies lost it because of free throws missed. The Spurs mounted comeback and pushed their Game 1 into two overtimes as Manu Ginobili was able to close out the young Warriors Monday night.
After all Game 2's are over, we will bring you updated brackets as either we'll have tied series or teams will be two games away from the Conference Finals.
