Monday, April 23, 2007

Houston overcome Boozer - NBA playoff notes - 04/23/2007

Identical scores in both games today as home teams took a 2-0 lead. Detroit is just too good for the Magic. Dwight Howard has a bright future, but he is not there yet. He probably needs another big scorer around him. They have nice players, but it takes more than "nice" to beat the Pistons. Grant Hill had 21-8-4 today despite being sick. Hedo Turkoglu had 22, but Pistons won easily behind some balanced scoring with all 5 starters scoring in double figures. If the Pistons stay focussed, there's no reason why they can't sweep this series.

In Houston, another strong second half by the Rockets as they beat the listless Jazz. Boozer showed up today with 41 points on 17/30 shots and he also had 10 boards and 6 dimes, but he got no help. Their front-court with AK-47, Okur and Boozer used to be their strength and one of the best in the league. But in this series, they are getting nothing out of Okur, who had a 2/9 night for 4 points, and AK-47 who's pathetic season continued with zero points. Now he is crying and getting all emotional in front of the press talking about his performance. Not sure what's going on with this guy. Coach Sloan refused to answer questions about him. I think his problems started with all this new talent in the Jazz roster. He kinds got lost in the mix given that he is more of a energy and hustle player who doesn't get too many plays called for him. And then with the multiple injuries, he has become the forgotten man on that offense and he is having trouble even finding minutes now.

For the Rockets, their defense seems to be working now. T-Mac and Yao had bad shooting nights, but they still scored enough to win. T-Mac had 31 including a beautiful, clutch fall-away jumper with Giricek hanging all over him in the final minutes. Yao had 27-9. They looked good at home. Now can they do it on the road?

Orlando @ Detroit - 90-98 (2-0)
Utah @ Houston - 90-98 (2-0)

Playoff schedule for 04/24/2007

New Jersey @ Toronto - It's really a "win or go home" game for the Raptors.

Miami @ Chicago - Lets see how the Heat respond.

LA Lakers @ Phoenix - Suns have lost the last 5 game 2's in the playoffs. They need to focus on this one better than they have in the past.

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