Every day during the NBA playoffs, the Triple Threat will break down the latest action as we get closer to awarding the Larry O'Brien Trophy.San Antonio 115, Phoenix 99 This was supposed to be the best of the first round matchups. Now, it's a blowout that is all but over with San Antonio up 3-0. The Spurs took a 14 point lead after the first quarter, and by the fourth the Suns could only get as close as 13. Abusing Phoenix on the pick and roll, Tony Parker scored a career high 41 points. I called the Spurs cockroaches before the playoffs, but the way they've played this series is anything but cockroach-like.
Dallas 97, New Orleans 87 It was a struggle all night for New Orleans, and thus once again they fail to beat the Mavericks in Dallas. Chris Paul missed 13 of his first 16 shots, and David West missed 11 of his first 14, obviously not a recipe for success. Props to Jason Terry. He replaced Jerry Stackhouse in the starting lineup and scored 22 points, and took over primary Chris Paul defensive duties. The Hornets lead the series 2-1.
Philadelphia 95, Detroit 75 20-20-15-20. Those were the Pistons' scores per quarter. Thanks to that, the thought process on the Sixers went from "good for them" to "hey, they can win this thing." Sam Dalembert was the catalyst with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Philly leads the series 2-1, and one must wonder what's wrong with the Pistons.
Best Lines
- Tony Parker, SA: 41 pts, 17-26 FG, 5 rebs, 12 ast, 2 stl
- Dirk Nowitzki, Dal: 32 pts, 11-20 FG, 9-10 FT, 19 rebs, 6 ast, 2 blk
- Samuel Dalembert, Phi: 22 pts, 8-14 FG, 6-6 FT, 16 rebs, 1 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk
Game 4: Orlando at Toronto (3:00, TNT)
Game 3: LA Lakers at Denver (5:30, TNT)
Game 3: Boston at Atlanta (8:00, ESPN)
Game 4: Houston at Utah (10:30, ESPN)
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