Conference Semifinals Recap
April 18, 2021 | by NBA News
(3) Dallas Mavericks vs. (4) Memphis Grizzlies
In a game of runs, Dallas led by as much as 13 points in the first half. However, Memphis made a big push during the third quarter, trailing by just 1 with 12 minutes to go. But it didn't stop from there as Mike Conley was flaming hot, knocking two triples to start the fourth quarter and giving the Grizzlies the lead for the first time. With 5 minutes to go, Memphis was leading by 9 points before some crucial defensive stops brought Dallas back in it to lead by 1 with two minutes remaining.
From there, it was the superstars that came to play, as both teams traded clutch buckets. Trailing by 1 with the shot clock off, Memphis' inbound pass was picked off by DeMarcus Cousins who made a huge steal. The Grizzlies had no choice but to foul Cousins immediately and send him to the line. Unfortunately for Dallas, Cousins only made 1 of 2, thus giving them a 2 point lead with 10 seconds remaining. As the clock winded down, Dallas was denying the 3-ball at will, forcing Mike Conley to put up a tough jumper from 20 feet.
It feel short, as Dallas came away with the victory, defeating Memphis 108-106.
It was a record breaking performance from Cousins and Wall, as they both posted franchise highs in rebounds and assists for the postseason. Cousins finished with 24 points and 22 rebounds while Wall tallied 20 points and 20 assists. Serge Ibaka also continued his hot shooting, scoring a team-high 27 points. Ibaka, who averaged just 11 points per game during the regular season, has found some signs of life during the postseason, averaging 20 PPG, 10 RPG, and 3 BPG. Dallas will hope that new form continues as they advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011.
During the press conference, John Wall was thrilled to finally get past the Conference Semifinals. "Man, it feels good to finally get that monkey off my back. This is new territory for me but I know the works not done yet. We've still got a long way to go and the margin for error gets smaller and smaller."
Box Score
(2) Golden State Warriors vs. (3) Minnesota Timberwolves
The Warriors comfortably dismantled the Timberwolves thanks to Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, who scored 35 and 31 points respectively, along with double digit assists.
Box Score
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Miami Heat
The Cavs crushed the Heat by 37 points, limiting Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic to just 3/27 shooting.
LeBron James paved the way with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.
Box Score
(2) Washington Wizards vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers
The Wizards were able to edge past the 76ers behind Bradley Beal's 37 points. Grayson Allen was also effective, knocking 14/14 from the free throw line and finishing with 23 points.
Washington will now face Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Fun fact: The Wizards were the only team to have defeated the Cavaliers during the regular season.
Box Score
Conference Final Preview
April 18, 2021 | by NBA News
(3) Dallas Mavericks vs. (4) Memphis Grizzlies
In a game of runs, Dallas led by as much as 13 points in the first half. However, Memphis made a big push during the third quarter, trailing by just 1 with 12 minutes to go. But it didn't stop from there as Mike Conley was flaming hot, knocking two triples to start the fourth quarter and giving the Grizzlies the lead for the first time. With 5 minutes to go, Memphis was leading by 9 points before some crucial defensive stops brought Dallas back in it to lead by 1 with two minutes remaining.
From there, it was the superstars that came to play, as both teams traded clutch buckets. Trailing by 1 with the shot clock off, Memphis' inbound pass was picked off by DeMarcus Cousins who made a huge steal. The Grizzlies had no choice but to foul Cousins immediately and send him to the line. Unfortunately for Dallas, Cousins only made 1 of 2, thus giving them a 2 point lead with 10 seconds remaining. As the clock winded down, Dallas was denying the 3-ball at will, forcing Mike Conley to put up a tough jumper from 20 feet.
It feel short, as Dallas came away with the victory, defeating Memphis 108-106.
It was a record breaking performance from Cousins and Wall, as they both posted franchise highs in rebounds and assists for the postseason. Cousins finished with 24 points and 22 rebounds while Wall tallied 20 points and 20 assists. Serge Ibaka also continued his hot shooting, scoring a team-high 27 points. Ibaka, who averaged just 11 points per game during the regular season, has found some signs of life during the postseason, averaging 20 PPG, 10 RPG, and 3 BPG. Dallas will hope that new form continues as they advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011.
During the press conference, John Wall was thrilled to finally get past the Conference Semifinals. "Man, it feels good to finally get that monkey off my back. This is new territory for me but I know the works not done yet. We've still got a long way to go and the margin for error gets smaller and smaller."
Box Score
Spoiler
(2) Golden State Warriors vs. (3) Minnesota Timberwolves
The Warriors comfortably dismantled the Timberwolves thanks to Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, who scored 35 and 31 points respectively, along with double digit assists.
Box Score
Spoiler
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Miami Heat
The Cavs crushed the Heat by 37 points, limiting Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic to just 3/27 shooting.
LeBron James paved the way with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.
Box Score
Spoiler
(2) Washington Wizards vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers
The Wizards were able to edge past the 76ers behind Bradley Beal's 37 points. Grayson Allen was also effective, knocking 14/14 from the free throw line and finishing with 23 points.
Washington will now face Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Fun fact: The Wizards were the only team to have defeated the Cavaliers during the regular season.
Box Score
Spoiler
Conference Final Preview
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