SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/30/2013)

On Monday night, the Denver Nuggets managed to survive for at least game six winning the crucial game five at home against the Golden State Warriors.  While at the same time, the Memphis Grizzlies, who started the series 0-2 now have a 3-2 lead winning on the road against the LA Clippers.  See all the highlights from this great two game night right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Also, take a look at the five best plays from Monday night as selected by the crack editorial staff at NBA.com. 

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/29/2013)

The Brooklyn Nets stretched their first round series with the Chicago Bulls to a sixth game, while the Atlanta Hawks evened their series with Indiana Pacers at two games a piece and in a stunning finish the Houston Rockets hold off elimination for a at least one more game by winning game four against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Take a whip around the league and check out the highlights from all three postseason games last night right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Yesterday was also monumental as it was the first time that a professional athlete on a professional sport franchise comes out of the closet.  In a article that he wrote himself in Sports Illustrated, the Washington Wizards' Jason Collins finally opened up to the world the he is gay making history as the first active professional team athlete to ever do so.  Check out this interview with League Commissioner David Stern as he discusses the recent news of Jason Collins' announcement of being gay and the impact it could have on the league moving forward.

Finally, let's take a look at the five best plays from an exciting playoff Monday night as selected by the editorial staff of NBA.com.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/28/2013)

Two teams have now advanced to the second round making short work of their opponents sweeping them in four games.  At the same time, a sixth seed looks to upset a number three as it takes a 3-1 lead.  And finally, a team down 3-0 makes a desperate attempt to stay in their series.  Check out the highlights from four game 4's from a Sunday night of NBA playoff action.

Yesterday, Stephen Curry scored 22 points for the Warriors in the third quarter giving Golden State the win and the 3-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets.

Also, watch these highlights as the  Celtics' Jason Terry scored the last 9 points for Boston as they avoid the sweep against the Knicks.

Finally, to cap it all off, check out the top 10 plays from Sunday as selected by the editorial staff of NBA.com.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/27/2013)

It was an exciting and quite surprising four game Saturday night as one team that was expected to be swept in the first round will look to to bring out the broom for their opponents.  Check out the full highlights from all the incredible playoff action tonight including the triple overtime thriller in Chicago and Kevin Durant's career-performance in Houston.

Check out the highlights from Nate Robinson's INCREDIBLE 4th quarter during the epic 3-Overtime Game 4 of the 1st round series between the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls!

Also check out these two SPECTACULAR shots in the final seconds of overtime in Game 4 between the Nets and Bulls as first Nate Robinson hits an incredible running one-handed shot off the backboard with 2 seconds left and Joe Johnson answers with the buzzer-beating floater to tie the game and force the 2nd of three overtimes in this thrilling showdown!

Last, but certainly not the least, here are the five very best plays from an NBA playoffs Saturday loaded with incredible performances  as chosen by the good folk at NBA.com.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/26/2013)

Apologies for the late post as  I was stuck at a hospital hooked up to an I.V.  Nonetheless, here are the full highlights of Friday's three game playoff highlights right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Check out these four made baskets in a row by Carmelo Anthony during the 2nd quarter of the Knicks'  Game 3 win in Boston as he displays his incredible jump shooting skills with these silky smooth offensive plays!

And finally, take a look at the five best plays from an action packed playoff Friday night as chosen by the good folks on the editorial staff of NBA.com.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/25/2013)

It was an exciting three game night of playoff action as one team came back after losing the first game to take over the series lead, one won a crucial game 3 in order in stay in the series, while the last one failed yet again to grab a game and find themselves in a three games to none hole.  See who did what right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Last night saw the Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Randolph have a monster game to keep him team alive in their first round series against the LA Clippers.  Check out some of the highlights from Randolph's BIG double-double against the Clippers as he recorded 27 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to the much-needed Game 3 victory!

While mopping the floor with the Milwaukee Bucks yet again, one of the Miami Heat's players also earned his place in the history books as he hit a league milestone.  Check out these back-to-back three pointers from Heat sharp shooter Ray Allen as he ties Reggie Miller for the all-time NBA record of most 3-pointers made in the postseason with 320!

And watch the shot that made Allen surpass Miller's record as he made his 321st.

Finally, take a look at the five best plays from last night as selected by the golk folks on the editorial staff of NBA.com. They must be getting lazy because usually the top plays usually goes up to ten when there have been more than two playoff games.  Nonetheless here they are. 

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/24/2013)

Three games were on the docket on Wednesday night as three team looked to even their playoff series at one game a piece.  See who made it and who did not right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Wednesday saw the Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant score 29 points and dish out 9 assists to push the Thunder past the Houston Rockets in game 2.  Check out the slow motion highlights of his monster game in front of his home court fans.

And let us not forget the top 10 plays of last night's action which feature a nasty slam by the Indiana Pacers' Gerald Green and a sweet lob pass from the the Spurs' Tony Parker to his teammate Kawhi Leonard for the perfect finish.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/24/2013)

Three games were played on Wednesday night as three teams looked  to even up their first rounds series.  Two failed miserably while one shot the lights out on the road to earn the win and take away their opponent's home court advantage.  Check who did what and how right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Last night saw the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony torch the Boston Celtics yet again in game two at Madison Square Garden.  Anthony dropped 34 points to give the Knicks the 2-0 going into Boston.  See how he simply dismantled the Celtics by checking out some of his best plays from last night.

Golden State's Stephen Curry scored 30 points and dished out 13 assists as he led the Warriors out of Denver with a game 2 win.  Check out some of the highlights of his heroic effort.

Finally, check out the ten best plays from a Tuesday night of Playoff action as selected by the gold folks on the editorial staff of NBA.com.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/22/2013)

They were only two games on Monday night, but both were nail biters until the very end.  One team bounced back from a rather lackluster performance to win game two and even up it's first round playoff series.  The other, unfortunately, did not have the same luck as they would narrowly lose their second game and are forced to return home down the barrel of a two game deficit.  See which team fought back to win and which came up short right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Last night saw an epic performance from two of the Western Conferences top point guards as they went back and forth in the final moments of the game. This duel ended with one last second shot which sealed the fate of his opponent and earned his team the two game series lead.

Also, check out the LA Clippers' Jamal Crawford's nasty run in the 2nd quarter of Game 2 vs the Memphis Grizzlies as he scored 10 consecutive points, showcasing his nasty handles and jump shooting, crossing up the defense and draining difficult shots!

And last but certainly not the least, here are the five most memorable plays from last night's NBA playoff action as selected by the hard working editorial staff at NBA.com.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/21/2013)

Better off a day late than not at all, right?  Here are all the scores and highlights of Sunday's NBA Playoff action featuring eight of the league's best teams right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

  

Sunday  saw Lebron James have simple another magnificent performance as he put up a near triple double--27 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assist--as he led his Miami Heat to a crashing game one victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Finally Don't forget to take a gander of the top 10 plays of an action packed Sunday as selected by the hard working editorial staff of NBA.com.

  

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Playoffs Nightly Highlights (4/20/2012)

It may two days late, but better late than never, right?  Catch up on all the action from opening night of the 2013 NBA Playoffs Saturday night right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

On Saturday, Carmelo Anthony had a monster night a he led his New York Knicks to the game one win against the Boston Celtics.  Check out the highlights of his amazing 36 point performance in front of his home crowd in Madison Square Garden.

Fans in Denver were also treated by another heroic monumental performance from one of their hometown Nuggets, but it can from an unlikely hero--37 year old Andre Miller.  Miller came off the bench to score a team high 28 points, including the game winning layup that put the Nuggets past the Golden State Warriors in game one of their first round series.  Check out the highlights of his amazing performance in front of his home crowd at the Mile High City right here:

And last but certainly not the least, here are the ten best play from the opening night of the 2013 NBA Playoffs.  Enjoy!!

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Previews the 2013 NBA Eatern Conference Playoffs: First Round

The 2013 NBA regular season is now in the book and now the top eight team from the Eastern and Western Conferences square off in a bid to take the ultimate prize--the NBA's Larry O'Brien Trophy.  For the Eastern Conference, it has been billed as a two team show--namely the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks.  There may be a couple of new faces appearing this year with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets; however do not expect any surprises.  This first round series will be so predictable that you can set your watch to it. There will be no major series to watch as its is already a forgone conclusion on who will be heading to the conference finals in May. Nonetheless, here are the matchups of who will be facing and beating whom.
  

#1		#8
Just call in the janitor because this is going to be a sweep.  There is no pretense on what is going to happen here--the Miami Heat are going to simply destroy the Milwaukee Bucks.  Unless you are just amorally sadistic and just like to watch a WAY stronger and superior team wale on a FAR weaker opponent, this series is not even worth watching.  Unless the Bucks spike the Heat's Gatorade with some of "Milwaukee's Finest," when Miami comes to play games three and four and the Bradley Center, expect this series to be a cut and dry four game sweep.

#2		#7 http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics
This series is pretty much cit and dry as well--an extremely deep and superior talented New York Knicks team faces an aging and hobbling Boston Celtics squad that basically limped into the post season.  All the cards are essentially in New York Knicks and unless something out of the ordinary happen such as the Knicks' team bus explodes upon arrival killing the entire team, thus forcing the Knicks to forfeit, this series is pretty much in the bag for New York.  Sure, the Celtics may pull out what's left in their bag of tricks, which is not very much, and make this series somewhat interesting, but they are headed for an early summer vacay.  Expect this series to go six games as the most as the Big Apple returns once again to the big stage.

#3		#6
This matchup can be considered as the "sleeper" series as it features two teams who no one really cares about (even their home fans, for that matter) whose fortes are grind it out defensive games and poor shooting.  Indiana, despite the infusion of added athleticism still remained as one of the worst offensive teams in the league while the Hawks can be considered as one of the least interesting teams in the league as they have reached the playoffs once again for the fifth straight time with little or no fanfare.  With the same style of play and evenly matched rosters, expect this series to go either way with neither team having any real advantage on the other.  It does really matter who advances anyways, as it will possibly be the least watched series in the first round with neither team able to spur even the slightest interest.  Odds on favorites will certainly be the Pacers, but don't underestimate the Hawks--they might just surprise the very few who even care to watch and take the series as well.

#4		#5
This series can also be considered as the "battle of the boring" as it feature two rather underwhelming teams who have failed to live up to preseason expectations.  The Nets came in with a brand new look, a brand new home, and brand spanking new, talented and expensive roster, yet only manage to eek out just 49 wins in the regular season. Chicago, on the flip side, were without their star Derrick Rose for the entire season and virtually had kick bite and scratch in every game just to reach the playoffs.  As the post season arrives, Chicago also find themselves without just one, but three of their key players heading into the playoffs.  With such a huge advantage, look for Brooklyn to simply trample the Bulls winning the series in at most five games as this undermanned Chicago team will provide little if any challenge whatsoever.

SDH Previews the 2013 NBA Western Conference Playoffs: First Round

The 2013 NBA regular season is now in the book and now the top eight team from the Eastern and Western Conferences square off in a bid to take the ultimate prize--the NBA's Larry O'Brien Trophy.  The Western Conference will certainly be exciting to watch as three of the four of the first round matchups may wind up as upsets.  Save for the Oklahoma City Thunder who are basically a lock for the NBA Finals, the same can not be said for three other teams who have claimed home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.   So with out any further adieu, here are a series by series look of how I believe that first round will play out and it will certainly be one to remember.

#1		#8
Although this matchup will be highly as former teammates who had once banded together to reach the Finals last year return to face each other as enemies, this series will not be as exciting.  Simply put, the Thunder will simply mop the floor with the Rockets because the Thunder are simply deeper and more talented by far.  Add the fact that the Rockets finished with one of the worst defenses and highest turnover averages in the league will only make it an even bigger cake walk for Oklahoma City.  Expect this series to go five games max before the Rockets get thundered out of the playoffs and head for another early summer vacation.

#2		#7
This is a match up between two teams whose windows for NBA Championship glory have essentially closed shut and they both match up pretty well in terms of size, talent, depth and age making this first round series one of the most exciting to watch.  Although many give the Spurs the edge, do not count out L.A as they finished the season rather impressively winning eight of their last ten games, two of which without team star Kobe Bryant, who many do not expect to play at all.  Even without Bryant, the Lakers still remain even with the Spurs in terms of defensive match ups and if underestimated, can certainly flip the script and send the Spurs to yet another early playoff exit.  Add the fact that San Antonio, for the last couple of years, despite having the league's best record, still manage to fall short losing early in the playoffs.  That will not likely changes as I see LA shocking the Spurs and the world winning this series in seven games.

#3		#6
Again, here is another playoff series where the two playoff opponents match each other to a tee in terms of size, depth, athleticism, age and style of play.  This will certainly be a crowd pleaser as both teams rank among the top teams in the league for putting up points on the score board.  Some may have Denver winning this series over the upstart Warriors, but remember, this is the same Nuggets team that has only passed the first round of the playoffs ONCE in the past nine years and given the team's post season history, that may not change anytime soon.  Look for the Warriors to shock the world as they did in 2006 when they eliminated a top ranked team thus giving the West not just one, but TWO surprise teams facing each other in the Conference semi finals.  Expect the Warriors to pull the red carpet up from under the Nuggets in six games max as they head to face the fellow underdog LA Lakers in the next round.

#4		#5
Prepare yourselves for a long, dragged out and ugly series as both teams will face each other once again; however, this time the Clippers are the ones that have the home court advantage and it is the Grizzlies who shall be the underdogs.  It will be a make or break series for both teams as the Clippers look to take one step closer towards an NBA title while the Grizzlies want to remain a relevant force in the West.  Financially the Grizzlies have plenty invested in this series as a loss will force the team into further slashes in their payroll because of the new luxury tax rules.  Another early exit will possibly be the straw that breaks the camels back as Memphis may have to tank the team and start over from scratch yet again.  The advantage will go to the Clippers as they have become far more deeper, much more tougher and a seasoned veteran roster so expect the Clips to take this one easy by five games.

SDH Presents NBA Nightly Highlights (4/16/2013)

Normally I would not post a highlight reel this short, but with such slim pickings and with the season coming to a close, I thought it best to post it; plus ,I need the traffic.  Check out the highlights from a 2-game NBA Tuesday right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Also, let us not forget the top five plays as chosen by the good folk at NBA.com:  

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Nightly Highlights (4/14/2013)

It's a day late, but better late than never right?  Here are the scores and highlights from an eight game Sunday which included the Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki earning his 25,000th point becoming the 17th player in NBA history to perform such a feat and the Los Angeles Lakers without Kobe Bryant as the continue to solidify their ownership of the eighth and final playoff seed in the West.

Also take a look at who made Sunday's Top 10 Plays as decided by the crack editorial staff of NBA.com. Surprisingly two of the top play come from a player that very few would expect.  Want to know who?  See for yourself right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Nightly Highlights (4/15/2013)

The NBA regular season is all but over and the playoff seedings have all but been decided, so there is really nothing to play for anymore.  Despite the current lull, however, there still remained some NBA basketball to be played.  Check out all the scores, recaps and highlights right here on Slap Dog Hoops.

Also, take a look at the ten best plays from Monday night as chosen by the editorial staff of NBA.com.

As an added bonus,  Check out the best plays and emotions from two of league's top young guards through the lens of NBA.com's Phantom Camera starting with the Houston Rockets' James Harden

followed by the basketball stylings of the Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving.

 

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.  

SDH Presents NBA Nightly Highlights (4/12/2013)

28 teams played on a jam packed Friday night as the end of the 2013 NBA regular season draws nearer with each passing day which is a relief to many, but for a chosen few, it is simply a mere stepping stone for the true prize awaiting them ahead.

Last night saw the Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry have a monster game against the Los Angeles Lakers as he hit nine three pointers in the game along with scoring his first 22 points in the first quarter alone.  With such an impressive performance it is a shame that he could not bring the Warriors the win as his team lost by just one basket.  Check out some of the highlights from Stephen Curry's BIG performance Friday night against the Lakers where he went for 47 points and connected on 9 three-pointers!

And here are some of the highlights from Curry's BIG 1st quarter performance at the Staples Center against the Lakers as he hits one tough shot after the next and showcases his amazing offensive skills!

Finally, to cap this post all off, here are the ten most memorable plays on an action packed 14 game Friday night.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown. 

SDH Presents NBA Nightly Highlights (4/11/2013)

Take a whip around the league and check out the highlights from both games tonight including the Chicago Bulls' attempt to slow down the red-hot New York Knicks and snap their 13-game winning streak!

Check out the highlights from the Knicks in the first half as they connect on 7 3-pointers, raising their season total to 844, a new NBA record for 3-pointers made in a single season!

And last, but certainly not the least, here are the five best plays from a two game Thursday night as selected by the good folks of NBA.com

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown. 

SDH Presents NBA Nightly Highlights (4/10/2013)

For those who have struggled through the regular season, It will finally be a long awaited relief once the season  is over; however, for those headed into the playoffs, the battle has just begun.  Whip around a 10 game Wednesday night in the NBA and see highlight from every game right here on Slap Dog Hoops!

Last night, Kobe Bryant scorched the Trailblazers in Portland as he scored 47 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to give the Los Angeles Lakers a one-game lead in the Western Conference over the Utah Jazz.  Check out the highlights of his best plays right here:

And last, but certainly not the least, here are the ten plays as selected by the editorial staff of NBA.com which deserved the most attention on Wednesday night.

As always, you can view full game by game recaps, highlights and post game interviews on www.nba.com/video and be sure to stay tuned in the coming days as SDH recaps, reviews, reminisces, and ranks all 30 teams for both January and February in SDH's Worst to First Countdown.