There were only two NBA Playoff games on Monday night, but they were massive matchups nonetheless as the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs both showed their Championship credentials.
Cleveland overwhelm Indiana
The end of Game 1 was a nail-biting affair with the Cavaliers staring defeat in the face but eventually holding on to win. Game 2 in Cleveland was a more dominant exhibition as the Cavaliers won 117-111. The Cavs ‘Big Three’ were almost unstoppable as they totaled 89 points between them. Kyrie Irving was the game’s top scorer with 37 points, Kevin Love had a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double and LeBron James also doubled up with 25 points and 10 rebounds. King James was in a belligerent mood as he also dished seven assists, stole the ball four times and blocked four shots. None of the other Cavaliers scored in double digits.
The Pacers once again were lead by Paul George who scored 32 points, grabbed eight rebounds and passed seven assists. Jeff Teague offered some assistance for PG 13 as he tallied 23 points. Thaddeus Young weighed in with 16 points and Lance Stephenson scored 13 off the bench. The Cavaliers now lead the best of seven series 2-0 and they travel to Indiana where the First Round battle continues.
Leonard and Spurs again too good for Grizzlies
The San Antonio Spurs are a well-oiled machine and they made light work of the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of their Western Conference First Round showdown, winning 96-82. Kawhi Leonard was the star man for the Spurs as he scored a playoff career-high 37 points, completing a double-double with 11 rebounds. Propping up Leonard’s heroics, were Tony Parker scoring 15 points, Danny Green adding 12 points to the team score and LaMarcus Aldridge finishing the game with 11 points.
The Grizzlies toiled as they only led the game for 13 seconds before the Spurs overran them. Mike Conley was the central figure in their effort, scoring 24 points. Zach Randolph had a 18-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench and Marc Gasol and Vince Carter combined for 24 points, scoring 12 apiece in the defeat. The Spurs lead the best-of-seven series 2-0 with the teams traveling to Memphis for the all-important Game 3.
By Cyrus Rogers
@cyrusjrogers on Twitter
