The NBA Playoffs Standings saw another team get eliminated. The New York Knicks remained alive in their Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers. They keep their season alive delaying the Eastern Conference matchup between the Miami Heat and Pacers. The San Antonio Spurs set a date with the Memphis Grizzlies as they defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 6. Here's what the NBA Playoff Standings look like following the conclusion of Thursday's action.
The Knicks were up first in the schedule and they attempted to save their save. They succeeded after defeating the Pacers 85-75 in an evening where they probably caught a break. The Pacers didn't have George Hill on the floor and though D.J. Augustin did a great job as a starter, but in the end, they truly missed Hills production.
The Knicks got great contributions on the offensive and defensive end from Chris Copeland who came on in the second quarter. He went 3-4 from three and scored 13 points. Carmelo Anthony finished with 28 points as J.R. Smith was once again in double-digits scoring 13 points.
The Knicks keep the Eastern Conference bracket the same way as this series changed nothing in the standings. The Knicks avoided elimination and now have taken some of the momentum away from the Pacers. Questions surrounding Hill's return to the series could finish siding with the Knicks if in fact the point guard is unable to return due to a concussion suffered in Game 4.
The Spurs had to battle in this one as the Warriors and their home crowd were tough to put away. San Antonio won 94-82, eliminating the Warriors from the NBA Playoffs. The Spurs led by as many as 13 points, but the with less than five minutes left in the game, the Warriors worked that lead down to just two points. Tony Parker struggled from the floor, but he stepped up big giving the Spurs breathing room with a big three late in the game. Parker really put the game away with another three with 1:19 remaining in the game.
The Warriors stayed in the fight thanks to their defense. Stephen Curry made a heavy appearance in the first half as he scored 16 points. However, the Spurs continued hitting Tiago Splitter while Tim Duncan carried the offense scoring 19 points. Splitter finished with 14 points as the Warriors had troubles answering the call in the paint.
The Spurs should have considered themselves lucky in this one. Parker and Manu Ginobili combined for three points in the first half, but they had 10 assists, meaning they kept the offense flowing and the ball moving. Parker came alive late as they were able to avoid Game 7 of this series. The Warriors forced turnovers throughout the game, but their offense was unable to consistently give them points.
With the victory, they get ready to face the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Finals
Here are the series heading into an NBA Playoff-less Friday.
Miami Heat 4-1 Chicago Bulls
New York Knicks 2-3 Indiana Pacers
Memphis Grizzlies 4-1 Oklahoma City Thunder
San Antonio Spurs 4-2 Golden State Warriors
