WATERCOOLER CHAT: THUNDER HOLDS ON, PRACTICE SERIES FOR PACERS, SPURS ON A RUN
BASKETBALL
The playoffs continued in the NBA with three games on the docket. First up, it was Game 2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. The Houston Rockets. The Thunder grabbed Game 1, but the Rockets were looking for revenge in Game 2. One of the big story lines for the Rockets was point guard Patrick Beverly. Beverly played overseas for a few years, and now is finally getting a shot in the pros. He made his first career start and was absolutely fantastic. He gave Thunder point-guard Russell Westbrook fits, even knocking him down accidentally. These guys did not like each other from the start. Jeremy Lin suffered an injury late in the first half and would not return, but the Rockets kept it close until the very end. Unfortunately, they’re still a young team and got the jitters, and the Thunder were able to hold on for a win. OKC 105, Houston 102.
Next up, it was Game 2 of the Atlanta Hawks and the Indiana Pacers. Out of all the first round match-ups, this one has struck fans as likely the least interesting and has been ousted to NBA TV for most of the coverage. The Pacers are a solid team, but the Hawks are sloppy, and nobody really thinks they have a chance this post-season. For the second straight game, the Pacers dominated behind solid performances from Roy Hibbert and Paul George. This really looks like a practice series for the Pacers.  The Pacers easily grabbed a win, and the series now heads back to Atlanta. Indiana 113, Atlanta 98.
Finally, it was Game 2 between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers. Of course the Lakers are without Kobe, but they still have 3 all-stars in Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard. And when you have those weapons, you never really know your ceiling. However, the Spurs have their own share of all-stars and definitely have visions of raising a championship trophy at the end of the season. They are on a mission. Dwight Howard and company put up a fight, but it’s very hard to stop the Spurs when they are on a run. And they had a run at the end of each quarter. The series now heads back to LA, and the Lakers will need to fight tooth and nail to win these next two games. San Antonio 102, LA Lakers 91.
