2014 NBA Playoffs

2014 NBA playoffs

The 2014 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2013–14 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Kawhi Leonard was named NBA Finals MVP.

For the first time since 1984, the NBA Finals were played in a 2–2–1–1–1 format (the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6).[1][2] They were also the first playoffs overseen by Commissioner Adam Silver.

The Spurs continued the longest active playoff streak in the NBA at 17 straight appearances.[3] The Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards made their first playoff appearances since 2008, while the Charlotte Bobcats, in their final playoff appearance before renaming themselves the Hornets, returned after a four-year absence. All three teams from Texas made the playoffs for the first time since 2009. For the first time since 2005, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks did not qualify for the playoffs in the same year. For the first time since 1994, the Lakers and Celtics missed the playoffs in the same season. In addition, this was the first time in NBA history that the Knicks, Celtics, and Lakers missed the playoffs in the same year (the Celtics last missed the playoffs in 2007)[4] The Denver Nuggets also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

The first round of the 2014 Playoffs is generally considered one of the greatest postseason rounds in NBA history. The first 11 days of the playoffs saw at least one road team win on its opponent's home floor. That ended on April 30 with the Raptors, Spurs, and Houston Rockets all winning at home against the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively. The 24 road wins is an NBA playoffs record for the first round. In addition, the 2014 playoffs featured a record eight first-round games that went into overtime, including four straight between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder (Games 2–5), another NBA record.

Five of the eight first-round series were extended to game sevens. Three of the series, Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder, and Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers, were played on May 3, which marked the first time in NBA history that three Game 7s were played on the same day.[5] Two other game sevens were played on the following day, featuring Dallas at San Antonio and Brooklyn at Toronto. The five game sevens in the first round already tied the record for the most number of game sevens in any NBA playoffs, set in the 1994 NBA Playoffs. However, the NBA only adopted a best-of-seven format for the first round beginning in 2003.[6] The Hawks–Pacers series was the first series to force a Game 7, making this postseason the 15th consecutive postseason to have at least one Game 7. The 1999 NBA Playoffs were the last time a Game 7 wasn't played.

This postseason and the previous year's postseason marked the first time since the 2000 and 2001 playoffs that both number 5 seeds knocked out both number 4 seeds in back-to-back years.

After the 1974, 1975, 1983, 1986, 2001, and 2005 playoffs, this was the first postseason (and the seventh time since 1972, when the current playoff system was put in place) in which the top two seeds played in the Conference Finals both in the East and the West.

When they defeated Indiana on the road in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat set an NBA record by recording their 15th straight playoff series in which they earned at least one road win. The Heat then extended the record to 16 straight road wins in playoff series by winning Game 2 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio.

Format

Further information: NBA Playoffs § Format

Within each conference, the three division winners and the five non-division winners with the most wins qualified for the playoffs. The seedings are based on each team's record; however, a division winner is guaranteed to be ranked at least fourth, regardless of record.

Each conference's bracket is fixed; there is no reseeding. All rounds are best-of-seven series; the team that has four wins advances to the next round. As stated above, all rounds, including the NBA Finals, are in a 2–2–1–1–1 format. Home court advantage in any round does not necessarily belong to the higher-seeded team, but instead to the team with the better regular season record. If two teams with the same record meet in a round, standard tiebreaker rules are used. The rule for determining home court advantage in the NBA Finals is winning percentage, then head to head record, followed by record vs. opposite conference.

Tiebreak procedures

The tiebreakers that determine seedings are:

  1. Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division
  2. Head-to-head record
  3. Division record (if all the tied teams are in the same division)
  4. Conference record
  5. Record vs. playoff teams, own conference
  6. Record vs. playoff teams, other conference (only in two-way tie)
  7. Point differential, all games

If there were more than two teams tied, the team that wins the tiebreaker gets the highest seed, while the other teams were "re-broken" from the first step until all ties were resolved. Since the three division winners were guaranteed a spot in the top four, ties to determine the division winners had to be broken before any other ties.

Playoff qualifying

Eastern Conference

Seed Team Record Clinched
Playoff berth Division title Best record
in Conference
Best record
in NBA
1 Indiana Pacers 56–26 March 5 March 26 April 14
2 Miami Heat 54–28 March 10 March 28
3 Toronto Raptors 48–34[lower-alpha 1] March 28 April 11
4 Chicago Bulls 48–34[lower-alpha 1] March 28
5 Washington Wizards 44–38[lower-alpha 2] April 2
6 Brooklyn Nets 44–38[lower-alpha 2] April 1
7 Charlotte Bobcats 43–39 April 5
8 Atlanta Hawks 38–44 April 12

— = Did not achieve

Western Conference

Seed Team Record Clinched
Playoff berth Division title Best record
in Conference
Best record
in NBA
1 San Antonio Spurs 62–20 March 22 April 2 April 11 April 11
2 Oklahoma City Thunder 59–23 March 27 April 4
3 Los Angeles Clippers 57–25 March 29 April 2
4 Houston Rockets 54–28[lower-alpha 3] April 4
5 Portland Trail Blazers 54–28[lower-alpha 3] April 6
6 Golden State Warriors 51–31 April 11
7 Memphis Grizzlies 50–32 April 14
8 Dallas Mavericks 49–33 April 12

— = Did not achieve

Notes

  1. 1 2 Toronto Raptors clinched #3 seed over Chicago Bulls based on winning Atlantic Division.
  2. 1 2 Washington Wizards clinched #5 seed over Brooklyn Nets based on a 3–0 regular season series record.
  3. 1 2 Houston Rockets clinched #4 seed over Portland Trail Blazers based on a 3–1 regular season series record.

Bracket

Teams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Teams with home court advantage are shown in italics.

  First Round Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
                                     
E1  Indiana* 4  
E8  Atlanta 3  
  E1  Indiana* 4  
  E5  Washington 2  
E4  Chicago 1
E5  Washington 4  
  E1  Indiana* 2  
Eastern Conference
  E2  Miami* 4  
E3  Toronto* 3  
E6  Brooklyn 4  
  E6  Brooklyn 1
  E2  Miami* 4  
E2  Miami* 4
E7  Charlotte 0  
  E2  Miami* 1
  W1  San Antonio* 4
W1  San Antonio* 4  
W8  Dallas 3  
  W1  San Antonio* 4
  W5  Portland 1  
W4  Houston 2
W5  Portland 4  
  W1  San Antonio* 4
Western Conference
  W2  Oklahoma City* 2  
W3  LA Clippers* 4  
W6  Golden State 3  
  W3  LA Clippers* 2
  W2  Oklahoma City* 4  
W2  Oklahoma City* 4
W7  Memphis 3  

* Division winner
Bold Series winner
italics Team with home-court advantage

Eastern Conference

All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4)

First Round

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks

April 19
7:00 pm
Atlanta Hawks 101, Indiana Pacers 93
Scoring by quarter: 28–22, 22–28, 30–16, 21–27
Pts: Jeff Teague 28
Rebs: DeMarre Carroll 10
Asts: Jeff Teague 5
Pts: Paul George 24
Rebs: Paul George 10
Asts: Paul George 5
Atlanta leads series, 1–0
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Dan Crawford, James Capers, Josh Tiven
April 22
7:00 pm
Atlanta Hawks 85, Indiana Pacers 101
Scoring by quarter: 26–21, 26–27, 13–31, 20–22
Pts: Paul Millsap 19
Rebs: Elton Brand 7
Asts: Jeff Teague 4
Pts: Paul George 27
Rebs: Paul George 10
Asts: George, West 6 each
Series tied, 1–1
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Ken Mauer, Tony Brown, Marc Davis
April 24
7:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 85, Atlanta Hawks 98
Scoring by quarter: 24–24, 14–15, 20–28, 27–31
Pts: Lance Stephenson 21
Rebs: Paul George 14
Asts: David West 5
Pts: Jeff Teague 22
Rebs: Paul Millsap 14
Asts: Jeff Teague 10
Atlanta leads series, 2–1
Philips Arena, Atlanta
Attendance: 18,124
Referees: Tony Brothers, Mark Ayotte, Tom Washington
April 26
2:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 91, Atlanta Hawks 88
Scoring by quarter: 29–22, 13–26, 24–17, 25–23
Pts: Paul George 24
Rebs: Paul George 10
Asts: George, Hill 5 each
Pts: Paul Millsap 29
Rebs: Kyle Korver 9
Asts: Jeff Teague 7
Series tied, 2–2
Philips Arena, Atlanta
Attendance: 19,043
Referees: Scott Foster, Pat Fraher, Bill Kennedy
April 28
8:00 pm
Atlanta Hawks 107, Indiana Pacers 97
Scoring by quarter: 20–21, 41–19, 26–27, 20–30
Pts: Shelvin Mack 20
Rebs: Kyle Korver 9
Asts: Shelvin Mack 5
Pts: Paul George 26
Rebs: Paul George 12
Asts: David West 7
Atlanta leads series, 3–2
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Monty McCutchen, John Goble, David Jones
May 1
7:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 95, Atlanta Hawks 88
Scoring by quarter: 20–22, 24–17, 20–28, 31–21
Pts: George, West 24 each
Rebs: David West 11
Asts: David West 6
Pts: Jeff Teague 29
Rebs: Paul Millsap 18
Asts: Paul Millsap 5
Series tied, 3–3
Philips Arena, Atlanta
Attendance: 19,044
Referees: Joe Crawford, Derrick Stafford, Bennett Salvatore
May 3
5:30 pm
Atlanta Hawks 80, Indiana Pacers 92
Scoring by quarter: 23–24, 13–23, 27–24, 17–21
Pts: Kyle Korver 19
Rebs: Paul Millsap 17
Asts: Shelvin Mack 7
Pts: Paul George 30
Rebs: Lance Stephenson 14
Asts: Lance Stephenson 5
Indiana wins series, 4–3
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Tony Brothers, Sean Corbin, Rodney Mott

With the season series between the two tied at 2 games apiece and Indiana's post All-Star break malaise, the series was expected to be closer than the seedings might suggest. In Game 1, the Pacers' struggles continued as the Hawks snatched away home-court advantage and took a 1–0 series lead. In Game 2, the Pacers were in danger of falling 0–2 in the series after the Hawks led by as much as 11 in the first half. However, the Pacers used a big 32–6 run spanning the second and third periods to take a 101–85 win and tie the series at 1 apiece. In Game 3, the Hawks blew the game open in the second half to take a 98–85 win and a surprising 2–1 series lead. In Game 4, the Pacers were once again in danger after the Hawks led by as much as 10 before the Pacers started to rally back. Paul George and David West hit crucial threes in the final quarter to give the Pacers a 91–88 win and tie the series at 2 all. The Hawks still had a chance to force overtime but Pero Antić missed his three pointer as the Pacers took back home-court advantage.

In Game 5, the Hawks embarrassed the Pacers as they used a big second quarter to take a commanding lead of as much as 30 before holding off the Pacers for a 107–97 win and a 3–2 series lead, putting the 1st-seeded Pacers on the brink of elimination. In Game 6, the Hawks looked like they were in position for the upset when they led by 5 with about 3 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, West led the way for the Pacers as they forced a decisive Game 7 with a 95–88 win. The Pacers were able to finish off the Hawks in Game 7 with a 92–80 win to avoid becoming the sixth first-seeded team to lose a series to an eight-seeded team in NBA history.

Regular-season series

This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Pacers winning three of the first five meetings.

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats

April 20
3:30 pm
Charlotte Bobcats 88, Miami Heat 99
Scoring by quarter: 23–19, 19–30, 23–23, 23–27
Pts: Kemba Walker 20
Rebs: Al Jefferson 10
Asts: Kemba Walker 6
Pts: LeBron James 27
Rebs: Chris Andersen 10
Asts: Dwyane Wade 5
Miami leads series, 1–0
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 19,640
Referees: Marc Davis, Jason Phillips, Scott Wall
April 23
7:00 pm
Charlotte Bobcats 97, Miami Heat 101
Scoring by quarter: 19–29, 28–28, 25–22, 25–22
Pts: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 22
Rebs: Al Jefferson 13
Asts: Kemba Walker 8
Pts: LeBron James 32
Rebs: James, Wade 6 each
Asts: LeBron James 8
Miami leads series, 2–0
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 19,603
Referees: Scott Foster, Bill Kennedy, Mark Lindsay
April 26
7:00 pm
Miami Heat 98, Charlotte Bobcats 85
Scoring by quarter: 23–27, 35–19, 28–19, 12–20
Pts: LeBron James 30
Rebs: LeBron James 10
Asts: James, Wade 6 each
Pts: Al Jefferson 20
Rebs: Josh McRoberts 9
Asts: Luke Ridnour 6
Miami leads series, 3–0
April 28
7:00 pm
Miami Heat 109, Charlotte Bobcats 98
Scoring by quarter: 26–27, 26–27, 32–17, 25–27
Pts: LeBron James 31
Rebs: Chris Bosh 8
Asts: LeBron James 9
Pts: Kemba Walker 29
Rebs: Josh McRoberts 10
Asts: Walker, McRoberts 5 each
Miami wins series, 4–0
Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina
Attendance: 19,092
Referees: Dan Crawford, Michael Smith, Tom Washington

The series pitted the two-time defending champions against a franchise only in its second playoff appearance ever (the Bobcats first played in the playoffs in 2010). As a result, the Bobcats were deemed heavy underdogs against the Heat. In Game 1, the Bobcats started strong, leading by as much as 9, but were dealt a big blow when their franchise player, Al Jefferson, suffered a left plantar fascia strain following a misstep in the first quarter. The Heat then rallied after receiving a big boost from seldom-used James Jones, who scored 12 points, allowing them to eventually pull away in the fourth quarter for a 99–88 win in the series opener. In Game 2, the Heat were able to build a 16-point first half lead before the Bobcats started to rally back. The Bobcats had a chance to force overtime, but Dwyane Wade came up with a key steal and a free throw to ice the game and give the Heat a 2–0 lead.

In Game 3, the Bobcats started strong once again, led by Jefferson who scored 15 points in the first quarter, but the Heat would once again rally behind LeBron James, who led the Heat with 30 points. The Heat led by as much as 26 before holding on for a 98–85 win and a commanding 3–0 series lead. In Game 4, the Bobcats played without Jefferson who was plagued by the injury he suffered in Game 1, leaving Kemba Walker to lead the team. Although he scored 29 points on 11/15 shooting, the Heat were able to complete the sweep with a big third quarter, sending them to the second round, and in the process ending the tenure of the Charlotte Bobcats, who became the Charlotte Hornets starting next season.

Regular-season series

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Hornets winning the first meeting. Note that historical records of the original Charlotte Hornets franchise (later relocated and renamed the New Orleans Pelicans) from 1988–2002 are currently with the present Hornets/Bobcats franchise since the 2014–15 season.

(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets

April 19
12:30 pm
Brooklyn Nets 94, Toronto Raptors 87
Scoring by quarter: 29–21, 21–25, 17–16, 27–25
Pts: Johnson, Williams 24 each
Rebs: Garnett, Johnson 8 each
Asts: Johnson, Pierce 4 each
Pts: Kyle Lowry 22
Rebs: Jonas Valančiūnas 18
Asts: Lowry, Vásquez 8 each
Brooklyn leads series, 1–0
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Attendance: 19,800
Referees: Ken Mauer, Brian Forte, Ed Malloy
April 22
8:00 pm
Brooklyn Nets 95, Toronto Raptors 100
Scoring by quarter: 19–21, 20–24, 27–19, 29–36
Pts: Joe Johnson 18
Rebs: Pierce, Plumlee 6 each
Asts: Livingston, Williams 5 each
Pts: DeMar DeRozan 30
Rebs: Jonas Valančiūnas 14
Asts: Greivis Vásquez 8
Series tied, 1–1
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Attendance: 20,382
Referees: Monty McCutchen, David Jones, Gary Zielinski
April 25
7:00 pm
Toronto Raptors 98, Brooklyn Nets 102
Scoring by quarter: 23–19, 22–30, 21–28, 32–25
Pts: DeMar DeRozan 30
Rebs: Jonas Valančiūnas 10
Asts: Greivis Vásquez 6
Pts: Joe Johnson 29
Rebs: Shaun Livingston 6
Asts: Deron Williams 8
Brooklyn leads series, 2–1
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York City
Attendance: 17,732
Referees: Mike Callahan, Rodney Mott, Scott Wall
April 27
7:00 pm
Toronto Raptors 87, Brooklyn Nets 79
Scoring by quarter: 35–22, 16–22, 16–23, 20–12
Pts: DeMar DeRozan 24
Rebs: Patrick Patterson 9
Asts: Greivis Vásquez 9
Pts: Paul Pierce 22
Rebs: Andray Blatche 7
Asts: Deron Williams 6
Series tied, 2–2
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York City
Attendance: 17,732
Referees: Jason Phillips, James Capers, Zach Zarba
April 30
7:30 pm
Brooklyn Nets 113, Toronto Raptors 115
Scoring by quarter: 25–28, 19–34, 25–29, 44–24
Pts: Joe Johnson 30
Rebs: Mirza Teletović 7
Asts: Deron Williams 9
Pts: Kyle Lowry 36
Rebs: Patrick Patterson 8
Asts: Kyle Lowry 6
Toronto leads series, 3–2
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Attendance: 20,393
Referees: Scott Foster, Tom Washington, Bill Kennedy
May 2
7:00 pm
Toronto Raptors 83, Brooklyn Nets 97
Scoring by quarter: 19–34, 22–26, 18–19, 24–18
Pts: DeMar DeRozan 28
Rebs: Jonas Valančiūnas 9
Asts: DeRozan, Lowry 4
Pts: Deron Williams 23
Rebs: Alan Anderson 9
Asts: Deron Williams 4
Series tied, 3–3
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York City
Attendance: 17,732
Referees: Dan Crawford, Marc Davis, Pat Fraher
May 4
1:00 pm
Brooklyn Nets 104, Toronto Raptors 103
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 35–25, 20–20, 23–30
Pts: Joe Johnson 26
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 11
Asts: Johnson, Williams 4
Pts: Kyle Lowry 28
Rebs: Amir Johnson 10
Asts: DeMar DeRozan 6
Brooklyn wins series, 4–3
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Attendance: 20,457
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Spooner, Derrick Stafford

The Raptors and the Nets faced off in the playoffs once again after they previously faced each other in 2007, when the Nets prevailed in six games. In Game 1, Paul Pierce led the way for the Nets in the clutch as they stole Game 1, 94–87, and home-court advantage from the Raptors. In Game 2, the Raptors led by as much as 11 in the first half before holding off the Nets in the final quarter to tie the series at 1 all. In Game 3, the Nets led by 15 with about 5 minutes remaining in the final period before the Raptors stormed back. With a chance to force overtime, Raptors forward Patrick Patterson missed two crucial free throws as the Nets held on for a 102–98 win and a 2–1 lead. In Game 4, in a reversal of Game 3, the Raptors were able to build a 17-point lead in the first half before the Nets rallied back to tie the game heading into the final period. However, the Raptors finished the game on a 9–0 run to win the game, 87–79, and tie the series at 2 each.

In Game 5, the Raptors dominated the first three quarters to lead by as much as 26 but the Nets stormed back in the final quarter. With a chance to force overtime, Andray Blatche threw an errant pass that resulted in a backcourt violation, giving the Raptors the win and the crucial 3–2 series lead, but not before the play was reviewed because it was thought that the ball might have been tipped back before Deron Williams fired a half-court shot that was goaltended by Jonas Valanciunas. The Nets then proceeded to blow out the Raptors in Game 6 to force a seventh and decisive game. Game 7 was close up until the final seconds of the game. With the Nets leading by 1, Kyle Lowry had a chance to win the game and the series for the Raptors but Pierce blocked his shot, giving the Nets the win and the series victory.

Regular-season series

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Nets winning the first meeting.

(4) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Washington Wizards

April 20
7:00 pm
Washington Wizards 102, Chicago Bulls 93
Scoring by quarter: 24–22, 24–32, 24–21, 30–18
Pts: Nenê 24
Rebs: Marcin Gortat 13
Asts: Bradley Beal 7
Pts: Hinrich, Augustin 16 each
Rebs: Joakim Noah 10
Asts: Joakim Noah 4
Washington leads series, 1–0
United Center, Chicago
Attendance: 21,694
Referees: Monty McCutchen, David Jones, Gary Zielinski
April 22
9:30 pm
Washington Wizards 101, Chicago Bulls 99 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 31–20, 25–29, 14–26, 21–16, Overtime: 10–8
Pts: Bradley Beal 26
Rebs: Ariza, Booker 8 each
Asts: Ariza, Wall 7 each
Pts: D. J. Augustin 25
Rebs: Joakim Noah 10
Asts: D. J. Augustin 7
Washington leads series, 2–0
United Center, Chicago
Attendance: 21,663
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bennie Adams, Bill Spooner
April 25
8:00 pm
Chicago Bulls 100, Washington Wizards 97
Scoring by quarter: 28–30, 20–21, 24–18, 28–28
Pts: Mike Dunleavy, Jr. 35
Rebs: Joakim Noah 9
Asts: D. J. Augustin 7
Pts: Bradley Beal 25
Rebs: Gortat, Ariza 11 each
Asts: John Wall 7
Washington leads series, 2–1
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Attendance: 23,356
Referees: James Capers, Jason Phillips, Zach Zarba
April 27
1:00 pm
Chicago Bulls 89, Washington Wizards 98
Scoring by quarter: 18–28, 22–27, 22–27, 27–16
Pts: Taj Gibson 32
Rebs: Joakim Noah 15
Asts: Kirk Hinrich 7
Pts: Trevor Ariza 30
Rebs: Trevor Booker 9
Asts: John Wall 10
Washington leads series, 3–1
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Attendance: 20,356
Referees: Mike Callahan, Tony Brown, Rodney Mott
April 29
8:00 pm
Washington Wizards 75, Chicago Bulls 69
Scoring by quarter: 23–15, 18–26, 20–11, 14–17
Pts: John Wall 24
Rebs: Marcin Gortat 13
Asts: Nenê, Beal, Wall 4 each
Pts: Hinrich, Butler 16 each
Rebs: Joakim Noah 18
Asts: Joakim Noah 7
Washington wins series, 4–1
United Center, Chicago
Attendance: 21,752
Referees: Ken Mauer, Ed Malloy, Bennett Salvatore

The Bulls would once again try to make it through the playoffs for a third straight year without their main superstar, Derrick Rose, who suffered an early season-ending injury. Meanwhile, the Wizards made the playoffs for only the first time since 2008. As such, the series was expected to be evenly matched, although most analysts predicted a Bulls series victory. In Game 1, the Bulls led by as much as 13 in the third quarter before the Wizards soon started their comeback. Led by Nenê's 24 points, the Wizards used a big fourth quarter to rally back for a 102–93 win and to steal home-court advantage away from the Bulls. In Game 2, the Wizards would once again rally back from 10 down in regulation to force overtime before hanging on for a 101–99 win to go up 2–0 in the series.

The Bulls would prevent a commanding 3–0 lead by the Wizards in Game 3 with a 100–97 victory. The Bulls were led by Mike Dunleavy who scored 35 points including 8 three-pointers. Meanwhile, the Wizards suffered a big blow in Game 4 when Nenê was suspended after he had an altercation with Bulls' guard Jimmy Butler. In Game 4, the Wizards had no problem defeating the Bulls without Nenê, leading from start to finish en rout to a 98–89 win to take a commanding 3–1 lead. In Game 5, the Wizards closed out their upset of the Bulls, 75–69, in a low scoring affair as they won the series 4–1 to advance to the second round for the first time since 2005.

Regular-season series

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.

Conference Semifinals

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Washington Wizards

May 5
7:00 pm
Washington Wizards 102, Indiana Pacers 96
Scoring by quarter: 28–15, 28–28, 13–19, 33–34
Pts: Bradley Beal 25
Rebs: Marcin Gortat 15
Asts: John Wall 9
Pts: Hill, George 18 each
Rebs: David West 12
Asts: Paul George 5
Washington leads series, 1–0
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Scott Foster, David Guthrie, Bill Kennedy
May 7
7:00 pm
Washington Wizards 82, Indiana Pacers 86
Scoring by quarter: 23–23, 22–20, 15–22, 22–21
Pts: Marcin Gortat 21
Rebs: Marcin Gortat 11
Asts: John Wall 8
Pts: Roy Hibbert 28
Rebs: Roy Hibbert 9
Asts: Lance Stephenson 5
Series tied, 1–1
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: James Capers, Marc Davis, Zach Zarba
May 9
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 85, Washington Wizards 63
Scoring by quarter: 17–17, 17–16, 26–12, 25–18
Pts: Paul George 23
Rebs: Paul George 8
Asts: Hill, Stephenson 5 each
Pts: Bradley Beal 16
Rebs: Trevor Ariza 15
Asts: John Wall 6
Indiana leads series, 2–1
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Attendance: 20,356
Referees: Tony Brothers, Eric Lewis, Tom Washington
May 11
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 95, Washington Wizards 92
Scoring by quarter: 27–26, 11–29, 33–17, 24–20
Pts: Paul George 39
Rebs: Paul George 12
Asts: David West 8
Pts: Bradley Beal 20
Rebs: Trevor Ariza 9
Asts: John Wall 7
Indiana leads series, 3–1
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Attendance: 20,356
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Spooner, Derrick Stafford
May 13
7:00 pm
Washington Wizards 102, Indiana Pacers 79
Scoring by quarter: 25–19, 20–19, 31–14, 26–27
Pts: Marcin Gortat 31
Rebs: Marcin Gortat 16
Asts: Ariza, Wall 5 each
Pts: David West 17
Rebs: David West 6
Asts: Turner, Stephenson, Hibbert, West 3 each
Indiana leads series, 3–2
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Dan Crawford, Pat Fraher, Ron Garretson
May 15
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers 93, Washington Wizards 80
Scoring by quarter: 29–23, 23–17, 19–23, 22–17
Pts: David West 29
Rebs: Roy Hibbert 7
Asts: Lance Stephenson 8
Pts: Marcin Gortat 19
Rebs: Trevor Ariza 7
Asts: John Wall 9
Indiana wins series, 4–2
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Attendance: 19,502
Referees: Mike Callahan, Sean Corbin, Marc Davis

Going to the Conference Semifinals, the Pacers came off a tough seven-game series against the Hawks while the Wizards were able to dispatch the Bulls in five games, giving them plenty of time to rest and prepare for the second round. In Game 1, the Wizards held a 13-point lead after one quarter and kept that momentum to take the series opener and the home court advantage away from the Pacers. Trevor Ariza led the Wizards' charge with 22 points including 6/6 from three point land. After being criticized once again for having a 0-point and 0-rebound performance in Game 1, Roy Hibbert broke loose for 28 points as he led the Pacers to a series-tying 86-82 victory over the Wizards. In Game 3, the Pacers' early season form returned, holding the Wizards to only 63 points and 33 percent shooting as they blew them out to take a 2-1 series lead.

In Game 4, it looked as if the Wizards would tie the series when they led by 19 points early in the third quarter but the Pacers eventually came back. Trailing by 3 with 6 seconds remaining, the Wizards had a chance to force overtime but Ariza threw an errant pass, sealing the win and the 3-1 series lead for the Pacers. Paul George led the Pacers' comeback with 39 points including 28 in the second half. In Game 5, the Wizards responded by blowing out the Pacers, 102-79, with Marcin Gortat scoring 31 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. The Wizards held a 62-23 rebounding advantage in Game 5, the widest margin in a playoff game since 1985. However, David West led the Pacers with 29 points in Game 6 as the Pacers ended the Wizards' run with a 93-80 win as they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year.

Regular-season series

This was the first playoff meeting between the Pacers and the Wizards.[11]

(2) Miami Heat vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets

May 6
7:00 pm
Brooklyn Nets 86, Miami Heat 107
Scoring by quarter: 20–22, 23–24, 23–33, 20–28
Pts: Johnson, Williams 17 each
Rebs: Paul Pierce 6
Asts: Livingston, Williams 3 each
Pts: LeBron James 22
Rebs: Chris Bosh 11
Asts: Dwyane Wade 5
Miami leads series, 1–0
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 19,470
Referees: Mike Callahan, Ron Garretson, Sean Wright
May 8
7:00 pm
Brooklyn Nets 82, Miami Heat 94
Scoring by quarter: 21–15, 25–30, 21–24, 15–25
Pts: Mirza Teletović 20
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 12
Asts: Deron Williams 6
Pts: LeBron James 22
Rebs: Ray Allen 8
Asts: Dwyane Wade 7
Miami leads series, 2–0
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 19,639
Referees: Ken Mauer, Ed Malloy, Rodney Mott
May 10
8:00 pm
Miami Heat 90, Brooklyn Nets 104
Scoring by quarter: 30–29, 19–22, 14–26, 27–27
Pts: LeBron James 28
Rebs: LeBron James 8
Asts: LeBron James 5
Pts: Joe Johnson 19
Rebs: Andray Blatche 10
Asts: Deron Williams 11
Miami leads series, 2–1
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York City
Attendance: 17,732
Referees: Monty McCutchen, John Goble, David Jones
May 12
8:00 pm
Miami Heat 102, Brooklyn Nets 96
Scoring by quarter: 27–22, 29–27, 23–27, 23–20
Pts: LeBron James 49
Rebs: Ray Allen 7
Asts: Mario Chalmers 7
Pts: Joe Johnson 18
Rebs: Andray Blatche 8
Asts: Deron Williams 7
Miami leads series, 3–1
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York City
Attendance: 17,732
Referees: James Capers, Jason Phillips, Zach Zarba
May 14
7:00 pm
Brooklyn Nets 94, Miami Heat 96
Scoring by quarter: 22–23, 27–19, 26–24, 19–30
Pts: Joe Johnson 34
Rebs: Kevin Garnett 8
Asts: Deron Williams 4
Pts: LeBron James 29
Rebs: LeBron James 9
Asts: Mario Chalmers 7
Miami wins series, 4–1
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 19,615
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Spooner, Derrick Stafford

Despite the fact that the Nets swept the season series against the Heat, the series was expected to be close, with all their four regular season meetings going down to the wire. In Game 1, the Heat showed no signs of rust from their long rest, blowing out the Nets, 107-86, for their first victory against the Nets all season long and the 1-0 series lead. In Game 2, the game was close until the Heat pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Nets by 10 en rout to a 94-82 win and the 2-0 series lead as they remained perfect in the postseason. The game was clinched when the Heat held the ball from the 3:39 mark to the 1:59 mark of the final quarter, grabbing three offensive rebounds until LeBron James made a layup to make it a 10-point game, essentially icing the game. Mirza Teletović had a breakout playoff game with 20 points including 6 three pointers for the Nets in a losing effort. In Game 3, the Nets had a hot shooting performance from three point range, hitting 15 three pointers as the Nets defeated the Heat, 104-90, to deal the Heat their first loss of the postseason and to cut their series deficit to 2-1.

Game 4 would be close all throughout but the Heat became victorious, 102-96, to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. James exploded for a Heat playoff franchise record 49 points on an efficient 16/24 shooting clip and Chris Bosh made a tie breaking three pointer in the final minute to give the Heat the lead for good before Ray Allen and James clinched the game with 5 free throws. In Game 5, the Nets seemed like they would extend the series when they led by 8 with around 5 minutes remaining. However, they would go scoreless for the next 4 and a half minutes, allowing the Heat to make a 12-0 run that was capped off by a three pointer and two free throws by Allen to give the Heat the lead for good. The Nets had a chance to tie after a Joe Johnson three pointer and a split from the free throw line by James but Johnson wasn't able to get a shot off, giving the Heat the win as they advanced to their fourth straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

Regular-season series

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Heat winning the first two meetings.

Conference Finals: (1) Indiana Pacers vs. (2) Miami Heat

May 18
3:30 pm
Miami Heat 96, Indiana Pacers 107
Scoring by quarter: 24–30, 21–25, 25–28, 26–24
Pts: Dwyane Wade 27
Rebs: LeBron James 10
Asts: James, Chalmers 5 each
Pts: Paul George 24
Rebs: Roy Hibbert 9
Asts: Lance Stephenson 8
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Scott Foster, Bill Kennedy, Bill Spooner
May 20
8:30 pm
Miami Heat 87, Indiana Pacers 83
Scoring by quarter: 20–21, 21–16, 21–26, 25–20
Pts: Dwyane Wade 23
Rebs: Chris Andersen 12
Asts: LeBron James 6
Pts: Lance Stephenson 25
Rebs: Roy Hibbert 13
Asts: Lance Stephenson 7
Series tied, 1–1
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Joe Crawford, Mike Callahan, John Goble
May 24
8:30 pm
Indiana Pacers 87, Miami Heat 99
Scoring by quarter: 21–14, 21–24, 22–33, 23–28
Pts: Paul George 17
Rebs: Lance Stephenson 11
Asts: Lance Stephenson 5
Pts: LeBron James 26
Rebs: Chris Andersen 7
Asts: LeBron James 7
Miami leads series, 2–1
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 20,025
Referees: Monty McCutchen, Tony Brothers, Zach Zarba
May 26
8:30 pm
Indiana Pacers 90, Miami Heat 102
Scoring by quarter: 19–27, 25–22, 20–31, 26–22
Pts: Paul George 23
Rebs: David West 12
Asts: West, Stephenson, Hill 4 each
Pts: LeBron James 32
Rebs: LeBron James 10
Asts: LeBron James 5
Miami leads series, 3–1
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 19,874
Referees: Dan Crawford, James Capers, Marc Davis
May 28
8:30 pm
Miami Heat 90, Indiana Pacers 93
Scoring by quarter: 16–22, 26–11, 15–31, 33–29
Pts: Chris Bosh 20
Rebs: Chris Bosh 10
Asts: Dwyane Wade 7
Pts: Paul George 37
Rebs: Roy Hibbert 13
Asts: Lance Stephenson 5
Miami leads series, 3–2
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Attendance: 18,165
Referees: Ken Mauer, Ed Malloy, Tom Washington
May 30
8:30 pm
Indiana Pacers 92, Miami Heat 117
Scoring by quarter: 13–24, 21–36, 24–31, 34–26
Pts: Paul George 29
Rebs: Paul George 8
Asts: Hibbert, Hill, Sloan 3 each
Pts: Bosh, James 25 each
Rebs: Chris Andersen 10
Asts: Wade, James 6 each
Miami wins series, 4–2
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 20,021
Referees: Scott Foster, Mike Callahan, Jason Phillips

The series marked the third consecutive year that the Heat and the Pacers faced off in the playoffs including the second consecutive time in the Conference Finals. The Heat won the previous two match ups against the Pacers and the Pacers would try to dethrone the Heat as Eastern Conference Champions. In Game 1, the Pacers finally started a series on the right foot by defeating the Heat, 107-96, as they took the series opener. The Pacers jumped to a 10-point lead early and they never looked back, leading by as much as 19. However, the Heat responded by taking Game 2, 87-83, and the home court advantage. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade led the Heat in the clutch, scoring the Heat's last 20 points. Lance Stephenson led the Pacers with 25 points but he was held to one field goal in the fourth quarter. The Heat would proceed to win Game 3, 99-87, to take a 2-1 series lead. The Pacers started strong, leading by as much as 15 in the second quarter before the Heat cut the lead to 4 by halftime. The Heat would eventually pull away in the fourth quarter with the help of Ray Allen's 16 points including four key three pointers in the final period. In Game 4, after scoring just a total of 27 points in the first three games, Chris Bosh finally broke out of his slump by scoring 25 points, almost matching his total from the first three games. James led the Heat with 32 points to give the Heat a wire-to-wire 102-90 victory that put them one game away from the NBA Finals.

In Game 5, it seemed like the Heat would finish off the Pacers when they led by 11 in the third quarter. However, James received his fourth and fifth foul early in the third quarter, putting him on the bench and giving the Pacers momentum to come back and take Game 5, 93-90, to stave off elimination. Paul George led the Pacers with 37 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter alone. The Heat had a chance to win but Bosh missed a three pointer. James also produced his worst playoff game, scoring just 7 points after being plagued by foul trouble. However, the Heat would not let the series go to a Game 7 as they blew out the Pacers in Game 6, 117-92, finishing them off for the third straight year as they advanced to their fourth straight NBA Finals appearance.

Regular-season series

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Heat winning two of the first three meetings.

Western Conference

All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4)

First Round

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks

April 20
1:00 pm
Dallas Mavericks 85, San Antonio Spurs 90
Scoring by quarter: 12–21, 32–22, 21–22, 20–25
Pts: Devin Harris 19
Rebs: Nowitzki, Dalembert 8 each
Asts: Devin Harris 5
Pts: Tim Duncan 27
Rebs: Tiago Splitter 11
Asts: Tony Parker 6
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bennie Adams, Bill Spooner
April 23
8:00 pm
Dallas Mavericks 113, San Antonio Spurs 92
Scoring by quarter: 24–23, 32–28, 32–24, 25–17
Pts: Monta Ellis 21
Rebs: Dalembert, Blair 7 each
Asts: Calderón, Harris 5 each
Pts: Manu Ginóbili 27
Rebs: Tim Duncan 7
Asts: Manu Ginóbili 4
Series tied, 1–1
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Dan Crawford, Michael Smith, Derrick Stafford
April 26
4:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 108, Dallas Mavericks 109
Scoring by quarter: 34–27, 20–32, 20–18, 34–32
Pts: Tim Duncan 22
Rebs: Tiago Splitter 13
Asts: Tony Parker 6
Pts: Monta Ellis 29
Rebs: Samuel Dalembert 10
Asts: José Calderón 9
Dallas leads series, 2–1
American Airlines Center, Dallas
Attendance: 20,636
Referees: Tony Brothers, Leroy Richardson, Tom Washington
April 28
9:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 93, Dallas Mavericks 89
Scoring by quarter: 18–23, 32–13, 23–29, 20–24
Pts: Manu Ginóbili 23
Rebs: Leonard, Splitter 12 each
Asts: Manu Ginóbili 5
Pts: Monta Ellis 20
Rebs: Samuel Dalembert 15
Asts: Vince Carter 5
Series tied, 2–2
American Airlines Center, Dallas
Attendance: 20,796
Referees: Scott Foster, Bill Kennedy, Pat Fraher
April 30
7:00 pm
Dallas Mavericks 103, San Antonio Spurs 109
Scoring by quarter: 26–27, 23–31, 22–21, 32–30
Pts: Vince Carter 28
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 15
Asts: Monta Ellis 6
Pts: Tony Parker 23
Rebs: Splitter, Duncan 12 each
Asts: Boris Diaw 6
San Antonio leads series, 3–2
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Mike Callahan, Ron Garretson, Eric Lewis
May 2
8:00 pm
San Antonio Spurs 111, Dallas Mavericks 113
Scoring by quarter: 26–34, 26–24, 29–18, 30–37
Pts: Tony Parker 22
Rebs: Tim Duncan 9
Asts: Tony Parker 6
Pts: Monta Ellis 29
Rebs: DeJuan Blair 14
Asts: José Calderón 6
Series tied, 3–3
American Airlines Center, Dallas
Attendance: 20,799
Referees: James Capers, Jason Phillips, Zach Zarba
May 4
3:30 pm
Dallas Mavericks 96, San Antonio Spurs 119
Scoring by quarter: 23–35, 23–33, 22–26, 28–25
Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 22
Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 9
Asts: Calderón, Carter 4 each
Pts: Tony Parker 32
Rebs: Tim Duncan 8
Asts: Ginóbili, Diaw 5 each
San Antonio wins series, 4–3
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Monty McCutchen, Marc Davis, Bennett Salvatore

Despite the fact that the Spurs swept the season series against the Mavericks, the series was expected to be close because of the rivalry that the two teams have. In Game 1, the Spurs suffered a big blow as Tim Duncan limped off the floor in the third quarter. As he watched the Mavs take a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, he returned in the game to lead the Spurs to a 90–85 victory and a 1–0 series lead. The Mavs proceeded to build another big lead in Game 2 but unlike in Game 1, they never looked back as they blew out the Spurs to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was close until the final minute. With the Mavs down by 2 with 1.7 seconds remaining, Vince Carter hit the game-winning three pointer with no time left on the clock to give the Mavs a 1-point win and a surprising 2–1 series lead. Game 4 saw the Spurs erect a 20-point lead before the Mavs rallied back. With the Mavs down by 2 once again, Monta Ellis missed a potential game-tying layup as the Spurs tied the series at 2 and regained the home-court advantage.

The Mavs were dealt a big blow when DeJuan Blair was suspended for Game 5 after kicking Tiago Splitter in the head. In Game 5, the Spurs led from start to finish to win, 109–103, and to take a crucial 3–2 series lead. However, Ellis and Nowitzki led the Mavs to a series-tying 113–111 win in Game 6 to force a decisive game. The Spurs had a chance to force overtime or to win the series after Ellis threw an errant pass but they weren't able to get a shot off in time. In Game 7, Tony Parker scored 32 points as the Spurs blew out the Mavs, 119–96, to win the series, 4–3.

Regular-season series

This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Spurs winning three of the first five meetings.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies

April 19
9:30 pm
Memphis Grizzlies 86, Oklahoma City Thunder 100
Scoring by quarter: 16–29, 18–27, 31–13, 21–31
Pts: Zach Randolph 21
Rebs: Zach Randolph 11
Asts: Mike Conley 11
Pts: Kevin Durant 33
Rebs: Russell Westbrook 10
Asts: Kevin Durant 7
Oklahoma City leads series, 1–0
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Tony Brothers, Tom Washington, David Guthrie
April 21
8:00 pm
Memphis Grizzlies 111, Oklahoma City Thunder 105 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 24–16, 22–27, 22–22, 31–34, Overtime: 12–6
Pts: Zach Randolph 25
Rebs: Tony Allen 8
Asts: Mike Conley 12
Pts: Kevin Durant 36
Rebs: Ibaka, Durant 11 each
Asts: Russell Westbrook 8
Series tied, 1–1
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Mike Callahan, Ron Garretson, Sean Wright
April 24
8:00 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 95, Memphis Grizzlies 98 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 18–24, 18–20, 25–27, 24–14, Overtime: 10–13
Pts: Durant, Westbrook 30 each
Rebs: Russell Westbrook 13
Asts: Durant, Jackson 3 each
Pts: Mike Conley 20
Rebs: Zach Randolph 10
Asts: Zach Randolph 6
Memphis leads series, 2–1
FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 18,119
Referees: Monty McCutchen, John Goble, David Jones
April 26
9:30 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 92, Memphis Grizzlies 89 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 15–18, 27–17, 22–17, 16–28, Overtime: 12–9
Pts: Reggie Jackson 32
Rebs: Serge Ibaka 14
Asts: Russell Westbrook 7
Pts: Marc Gasol 23
Rebs: Tony Allen 13
Asts: Mike Conley 10
Series tied, 2–2
FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 18,119
Referees: Dan Crawford, Marc Davis, Bennett Salvatore
April 29
9:00 pm
Memphis Grizzlies 100, Oklahoma City Thunder 99 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 30–25, 25–18, 21–27, 14–20, Overtime: 10–9
Pts: Mike Miller 21
Rebs: Marc Gasol 15
Asts: Gasol, Lee, Conley 4 each
Pts: Russell Westbrook 30
Rebs: Serge Ibaka 11
Asts: Russell Westbrook 13
Memphis leads series, 3–2
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Joe Crawford, Derrick Stafford, Bill Spooner
May 1
8:00 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 104, Memphis Grizzlies 84
Scoring by quarter: 25–17, 31–24, 26–20, 22–23
Pts: Kevin Durant 36
Rebs: Kevin Durant 10
Asts: Russell Westbrook 5
Pts: Marc Gasol 17
Rebs: Zach Randolph 8
Asts: Mike Conley 6
Series tied, 3–3
FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 18,119
Referees: Ken Mauer, Ed Malloy, Rodney Mott
May 3
8:00 pm
Memphis Grizzlies 109, Oklahoma City Thunder 120
Scoring by quarter: 36–27, 22–34, 23–33, 28–26
Pts: Marc Gasol 24
Rebs: Mike Conley 5
Asts: Mike Conley 9
Pts: Kevin Durant 33
Rebs: Russell Westbrook 10
Asts: Russell Westbrook 16
Oklahoma City wins series, 4–3
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Scott Foster, John Goble, Tom Washington

The series was seen as a chance for the Thunder to avenge their previous season's semifinal loss to the Grizzlies, where the Grizzlies took advantage of a Thunder team without Russell Westbrook who suffered a slight tear in his right meniscus and was ruled out of the previous season's playoffs. In Game 1, the Thunder held the Grizzlies to a 36 percent field goal shooting and led by as many as 25 before holding on to a 100–86 win and a 1–0 series lead. The next four games of the series would all feature overtime games, breaking an NBA record for most number of OT games in a series. In Game 2, the Grizzlies led by 5 with 18 seconds remaining when Kevin Durant hit a miraculous 4-point play and after a made free throw by Mike Conley, Kendrick Perkins made a putback at the buzzer to force overtime. However, the Grizzlies held on in OT and tied the series at 1 game apiece. The Grizzlies would lead by 17 in the fourth quarter before the Thunder cam roaring back. The Thunder trailed by 4 in the final minute when Westbrook hit a 4-point play that eventually forced overtime. However, the Grizzlies held off the Thunder for a 2–1 series lead.

In Game 4, with Durant and Westbrook struggling offensively, Reggie Jackson scored a career-high 32 points that helped the Thunder take a 14-point lead before the Grizzlies stormed back. With the Grizzlies leading by 5 in the final minute, Jackson hit a 3 and a layup to force overtime. The Grizzlies still had a chance to force a second overtime but Conley's three missed as the Thunder tied the series at 2. Game 5 saw the Grizzlies erect a 20-point lead in the third quarter but the Thunder raliied back. With the Thunder trailing by 2, Westbrook came up with a steal and a dunk to force another overtime. The Thunder had a chance to win the game in overtime but Durant's three missed. Luckily, Serge Ibaka made a putback but replays showed that the ball left Ibaka's hands after the buzzer sounded, giving the Grizzlies a 3–2 series lead. Knowing that their season could once again end in Grizzlies's hands if they lost another game, the Thunder blew out the Grizzlies in Game 6, forcing a decisive game. Prior to Game 7, Zach Randolph was suspended for punching Steven Adams while jogging back in transition in Game 6. Though putting up a valiant effort without their leading scorer, the Grizzlies ultimately succumbed to the Thunder who managed to avenge their loss from the year before.

Regular-season series

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.

(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) Golden State Warriors

April 19
3:30 pm
Golden State Warriors 109, Los Angeles Clippers 105
Scoring by quarter: 24–29, 28–23, 35–27, 22–26
Pts: Klay Thompson 22
Rebs: David Lee 13
Asts: Stephen Curry 7
Pts: Chris Paul 28
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 14
Asts: Chris Paul 8
Golden State leads series, 1–0
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 19,339
Referees: Mike Callahan, Ron Garretson, Sean Wright
April 21
10:30 pm
Golden State Warriors 98, Los Angeles Clippers 138
Scoring by quarter: 20–31, 21–36, 32–38, 25–33
Pts: Stephen Curry 24
Rebs: Barnes, Speights 6 each
Asts: Stephen Curry 8
Pts: Blake Griffin 35
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 9
Asts: Paul, Collison 10 each
Series tied, 1–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 19,570
Referees: Tony Brothers, David Guthrie, Rodney Mott
April 24
10:30 pm
Los Angeles Clippers 98, Golden State Warriors 96
Scoring by quarter: 24–21, 22–22, 29–21, 23–32
Pts: Blake Griffin 32
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 22
Asts: Chris Paul 10
Pts: Klay Thompson 26
Rebs: Draymond Green 11
Asts: Stephen Curry 15
Los Angeles Clippers lead series, 2–1
Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
Attendance: 19,596
Referees: Ken Mauer, Eric Lewis, Ed Malloy
April 27
3:30 pm
Los Angeles Clippers 97, Golden State Warriors 118
Scoring by quarter: 24–39, 24–27, 23–23, 26–29
Pts: Jamal Crawford 26
Rebs: Griffin, Jordan 6 each
Asts: Chris Paul 6
Pts: Stephen Curry 33
Rebs: Stephen Curry 7
Asts: Andre Iguodala 9
Series tied, 2–2
Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
Attendance: 19,596
Referees: Joe Crawford, Sean Corbin, Derrick Stafford
April 29
10:30 pm
Golden State Warriors 103, Los Angeles Clippers 113
Scoring by quarter: 21–31, 29–24, 22–22, 31–36
Pts: Klay Thompson 21
Rebs: Draymond Green 11
Asts: Andre Iguodala 8
Pts: DeAndre Jordan 25
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 18
Asts: Chris Paul 7
Los Angeles Clippers lead series, 3–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 19,657
Referees: James Capers, Jason Phillips, Zach Zarba
May 1
10:30 pm
Los Angeles Clippers 99, Golden State Warriors 100
Scoring by quarter: 25–25, 26–23, 16–22, 32–30
Pts: Jamal Crawford 19
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 19
Asts: Chris Paul 8
Pts: Stephen Curry 24
Rebs: Draymond Green 14
Asts: Stephen Curry 9
Series tied, 3–3
Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
Attendance: 19,596
Referees: Monty McCutchen, John Goble, Bill Spooner
May 3
10:30 pm
Golden State Warriors 121, Los Angeles Clippers 126
Scoring by quarter: 32–22, 32–34, 20–31, 37–39
Pts: Stephen Curry 33
Rebs: David Lee 13
Asts: Stephen Curry 9
Pts: Blake Griffin 24
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 18
Asts: Chris Paul 14
Los Angeles Clippers win series, 4–3
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 19,543
Referees: Ken Mauer, David Jones, Ed Malloy

The series was seen as one of the most dramatic first round series in the NBA, especially after the controversy surrounding Clippers's owner Donald Sterling's racist comments arose. In Game 1, with the Warriors up by 3 in the final seconds, the Clippers had a chance to force overtime but Darren Collison stepped out of bounds after running down the loose ball. Klay Thompson would seal a 1–0 series lead for the Warriors by splitting his free throws as the Warriors took away home court advantage. The Clippers would tie the series at 1 after blowing out the Warriors in Game 2 by 40 to set a franchise record for the largest margin of victory in a postseason game. In Game 3, the Warriors rallied back from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter. Down by 2, the Warriors had a chance to win but Stephen Curry's three missed as the Clippers took back home court advantage and a 2–1 lead in the series.

A day after the Clippers's Game 3 win, controversy regarding Clippers's owner Donald Sterling's racist comments arose. As a result, the Clippers silently protested in Game 4 by shedding their warm-up jerseys and going through the pregame routine with their red shirts on inside out. However, Curry scored 33 points including seven three-pointers as the Warriors blew out the Clippers to tie the series at 2. Before Game 5, the NBA handed out a lifetime suspension to Donald Sterling. This appeared to have a positive effect on the Clippers, who won a hotly contested Game 5 in front of their home crowd to lead the series, 3–2. DeAndre Jordan led the Clippers in the game with 25 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks to become the first player since Tim Duncan in 2008 to have such stats in a playoff game.

The Warriors were able to stave off elimination with a 100–99 win in Game 6 to force a decisive game. The Clippers had many chances to chip into the Warriors's 4 point lead in the final minute but they missed their chances and Matt Barnes' three pointer was already too late. In Game 7, the Warriors controlled the first quarter but the Clippers eventually came back. In the final quarter, it was the Clippers who hit the biggest shots as they took Game 7 to advance to the semifinals.

Regular-season series

This was the first playoff meeting between the Warriors and the Clippers.[16]

(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers

April 20
9:30 pm
Portland Trail Blazers 122, Houston Rockets 120 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 27–20, 21–29, 25–30, 33–27, Overtime: 16–14
Pts: LaMarcus Aldridge 46
Rebs: LaMarcus Aldridge 18
Asts: Damian Lillard 5
Pts: Harden, Howard 27 each
Rebs: Dwight Howard 15
Asts: James Harden 6
Portland leads series, 1–0
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 18,240
Referees: Scott Foster, Bennett Salvatore, Derrick Stafford
April 23
9:30 pm
Portland Trail Blazers 112, Houston Rockets 105
Scoring by quarter: 23–31, 30–22, 30–24, 29–28
Pts: LaMarcus Aldridge 43
Rebs: Robin Lopez 10
Asts: Damian Lillard 11
Pts: Dwight Howard 32
Rebs: Dwight Howard 14
Asts: Jeremy Lin 5
Portland leads series, 2–0
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 18,331
Referees: James Capers, Jason Phillips, Zach Zarba
April 25
10:30 pm
Houston Rockets 121, Portland Trail Blazers 116 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 35–24, 19–31, 27–23, 29–32, Overtime: 11–6
Pts: James Harden 37
Rebs: Dwight Howard 14
Asts: Harden, Lin 6 each
Pts: Damian Lillard 30
Rebs: LaMarcus Aldridge 10
Asts: Damian Lillard 6
Portland leads series, 2–1
Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 20,302
Referees: Joe Crawford, Sean Corbin, Bill Spooner
April 27
9:30 pm
Houston Rockets 120, Portland Trail Blazers 123 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 29–23, 32–28, 23–28, 22–27, Overtime: 14–17
Pts: James Harden 28
Rebs: Dwight Howard 14
Asts: James Harden 6
Pts: LaMarcus Aldridge 29
Rebs: Robin Lopez 11
Asts: Damian Lillard 8
Portland leads series, 3–1
Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 20,246
Referees: Ken Mauer, Eric Lewis, Ed Malloy
April 30
9:30 pm
Portland Trail Blazers 98, Houston Rockets 108
Scoring by quarter: 27–30, 21–26, 29–26, 21–26
Pts: Wesley Matthews 27
Rebs: Lillard, Lopez, Aldridge 8 each
Asts: Damian Lillard 7
Pts: Dwight Howard 22
Rebs: Omer Asik 15
Asts: James Harden 7
Portland leads series, 3–2
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 18,230
Referees: Dan Crawford, David Jones, Michael Smith
May 2
10:30 pm
Houston Rockets 98, Portland Trail Blazers 99
Scoring by quarter: 29–28, 29–28, 21–22, 19–21
Pts: James Harden 34
Rebs: Chandler Parsons 12
Asts: James Harden 6
Pts: LaMarcus Aldridge 30
Rebs: LaMarcus Aldridge 13
Asts: Nicolas Batum 7
Portland wins series, 4–2
Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 20,204
Referees: Mike Callahan, Ron Garretson, Bill Kennedy

The two teams faced off in the playoffs for the fourth time and the Blazers would try to finally defeat the Rockets after losing their previous three encounters. In Game 1, the Rockets held an 11-point lead with 4:30 remaining in the fourth quarter but the Blazers rallied to force overtime. It appeared the Rockets would take Game 1 when they led by 6 in overtime but LaMarcus Aldridge hit a desperation three to spark an 8–0 run. The Rockets had a chance to win but James Harden missed a three pointer as they took away home court advantage and a 1–0 series lead. Aldridge scored a career-high 46 points to lead the Blazers. In Game 2, the Rockets had no answers for Aldridge once again as he scored 43 points to give the Blazers a 112–105 win and a 2–0 series lead heading to the next two games in Portland. In Game 3, Nicolas Batum was able to force overtime with a 3 with 41 seconds remaining in regulation. In overtime, with the two teams tied at 116, seldom-used Troy Daniels hit a crucial 3 pointer. The Blazers had a chance to force overtime but Batum missed his three pointer and Harden made two free throws to clinch the game. In Game 4, the two teams would go to overtime once again after Dwight Howard hit a dunk with 3 seconds remaining in regulation before Mo Williams missed a 3 at the buzzer. However, the Blazers had a 9–2 run in overtime to clinch a 3–1 series lead for the Blazers. The Rockets had a chance to tie the game but Wesley Matthews stole the ball.

Facing elimination in Game 5, the Rockets held Aldridge to 8 points as they lived to fight another day with a 108–98 win to trim the Blazers's series lead to 3–2. Game 6 would be close in the final minute. It seemed that the Rockets would send the series to a Game 7 when Chandler Parsons hit a reverse layup with 0.9 seconds remaining but the Rockets' hearts would be broken when Damian Lillard hit a game-winning three-point shot at the buzzer to send Portland to the second round of the playoffs. The most recent person to hit a series-winning buzzer beater prior to Lillard was John Stockton, who hit the game-winning three-point shot against Houston in 1997 to advance to the Finals. With their win, Portland would make its first second-round appearance since 2000, ending a 14-year drought which was previously the longest active post-season win drought.

Regular-season series

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the first three meetings.

Conference Semifinals

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers

May 6
9:30 pm
Portland Trail Blazers 92, San Antonio Spurs 116
Scoring by quarter: 16–29, 23–36, 26–25, 27–26
Pts: LaMarcus Aldridge 32
Rebs: LaMarcus Aldridge 14
Asts: Mo Williams 4
Pts: Tony Parker 33
Rebs: Tim Duncan 11
Asts: Tony Parker 9
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Tony Brothers, Tony Brown, Tom Washington
May 8
9:30 pm
Portland Trail Blazers 97, San Antonio Spurs 114
Scoring by quarter: 26–29, 25–41, 20–17, 26–27
Pts: Nicolas Batum 21
Rebs: LaMarcus Aldridge 10
Asts: Damian Lillard 5
Pts: Kawhi Leonard 20
Rebs: Tiago Splitter 10
Asts: Tony Parker 10
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Spooner, Derrick Stafford
May 10
10:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 118, Portland Trail Blazers 103
Scoring by quarter: 28–18, 32–22, 23–29, 35–34
Pts: Tony Parker 29
Rebs: Kawhi Leonard 10
Asts: Tony Parker 6
Pts: Wesley Matthews 22
Rebs: LaMarcus Aldridge 12
Asts: Damian Lillard 9
San Antonio leads series, 3–0
Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 20,321
Referees: Dan Crawford, Marc Davis, Bennett Salvatore
May 12
10:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 92, Portland Trail Blazers 103
Scoring by quarter: 24–29, 24–21, 20–35, 24–18
Pts: Duncan, Diaw 12 each
Rebs: Leonard, Belinelli, Baynes 7 each
Asts: Kawhi Leonard 3
Pts: Damian Lillard 25
Rebs: Nicolas Batum 14
Asts: Nicolas Batum 8
San Antonio leads series, 3–1
Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 20,141
Referees: Monty McCutchen, John Goble, Ed Malloy
May 14
9:30 pm
Portland Trail Blazers 82, San Antonio Spurs 104
Scoring by quarter: 19–19, 25–32, 19–26, 19–27
Pts: LaMarcus Aldridge 21
Rebs: Nicolas Batum 12
Asts: Damian Lillard 10
Pts: Green, Leonard 22 each
Rebs: Danny Green 9
Asts: Tiago Splitter 7
San Antonio wins series, 4–1
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Ken Mauer, David Guthrie, Jason Phillips

The Spurs and the Blazers were coming off two tough first round series. The Spurs came off a tough seven-game series against the Mavericks while Blazers came off a dramatic first round series against the Rockets where Damian Lillard finished off the Rockets with a buzzer-beating three pointer. In Game 1, the Spurs' experienced pulled off against the young Blazers, blowing them out in Game 1 to take the series opener. Tony Parker led the Spurs with 33 points in Game 1. Game 2 was more of the same, with the Spurs pulling away in the second quarter to blow out the Blazers once again as they took a 2-0 lead. They were able to hold the duo of LaMarcus Aldridge and Lillard to a combined 14/43 shooting. With the series shifting to Portland, the Blazers would try to close in on the Spurs' series lead but they were blown out for the third consecutive time as they fell behind 0-3 in the series. No NBA team has ever came back to win a series after being down 0-3.

In Game 4, the Blazers finally won against the Spurs in the series, outscoring the Spurs 35-20 in the third quarter en route to a 103-92 win to cut their series deficit to 3-1. However, the Spurs were able to finish off the Blazers in Game 5 with another blowout win, sending them to the Western Conference Finals for the third consecutive year.

Regular-season series

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Spurs winning two of the first three meetings.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (3) Los Angeles Clippers

May 5
9:30 pm
Los Angeles Clippers 122, Oklahoma City Thunder 105
Scoring by quarter: 39–25, 30–27, 35–26, 18–27
Pts: Chris Paul 32
Rebs: Granger, Griffin, Jordan 5 each
Asts: Chris Paul 10
Pts: Russell Westbrook 29
Rebs: Butler, Ibaka, Lamb 6 each
Asts: Reggie Jackson 5
Los Angeles Clippers lead series, 1–0
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Dan Crawford, Jason Phillips, Michael Smith
May 7
9:30 pm
Los Angeles Clippers 101, Oklahoma City Thunder 112
Scoring by quarter: 28–37, 28–24, 21–33, 24–18
Pts: J. J. Redick 18
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 8
Asts: Chris Paul 11
Pts: Kevin Durant 32
Rebs: Kevin Durant 12
Asts: Russell Westbrook 10
Series tied, 1–1
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Monty McCutchen, Pat Fraher, David Jones
May 9
10:30 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 118, Los Angeles Clippers 112
Scoring by quarter: 29–33, 32–30, 25–27, 32–22
Pts: Kevin Durant 36
Rebs: Steven Adams 9
Asts: Russell Westbrook 13
Pts: Blake Griffin 34
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 11
Asts: Chris Paul 16
Oklahoma City leads series, 2–1
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 19,530
Referees: Scott Foster, Sean Corbin, Bill Kennedy
May 11
3:30 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 99, Los Angeles Clippers 101
Scoring by quarter: 32–15, 25–31, 18–17, 24–38
Pts: Kevin Durant 40
Rebs: Kevin Durant 7
Asts: Russell Westbrook 8
Pts: Blake Griffin 25
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 14
Asts: Chris Paul 10
Series tied, 2–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 19,365
Referees: Mike Callahan, Ron Garretson, Rodney Mott
May 13
9:30 pm
Los Angeles Clippers 104, Oklahoma City Thunder 105
Scoring by quarter: 34–25, 24–27, 28–28, 18–25
Pts: Blake Griffin 24
Rebs: Blake Griffin 17
Asts: Chris Paul 14
Pts: Russell Westbrook 38
Rebs: Kevin Durant 10
Asts: Russell Westbrook 6
Oklahoma City leads series, 3–2
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Tony Brothers, Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington
May 15
10:30 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 104, Los Angeles Clippers 98
Scoring by quarter: 16–30, 26–20, 30–22, 32–26
Pts: Kevin Durant 39
Rebs: Kevin Durant 16
Asts: Russell Westbrook 12
Pts: Chris Paul 25
Rebs: DeAndre Jordan 15
Asts: Chris Paul 11
Oklahoma City wins series, 4–2
Staples Center, Los Angeles
Attendance: 19,565
Referees: Monty McCutchen, James Capers, Ed Malloy

The Thunder and the Clippers were both coming off tough seven game series against the Grizzlies and Warriors, respectively. The series was expected to be close with the two teams tied in their regular season series. In Game 1, the Clippers easily took home court advantage away from the Thunder, blowing them out, 122-105 and taking a 1-0 series lead. Chris Paul led the Clippers with 32 points including a career-high eight three pointers. Game 2 would be different, with Paul held to just two three pointers as the Thunder took Game 2 to tie the series at 1. Russell Westbrook had a triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. In Game 3, Serge Ibaka gave a big boost to the Thunder with 20 points as the Thunder took back home court advantage with a 118-112 victory to take a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 saw the Thunder build a big 22-point lead before the Clippers closed in on the Thunder. Darren Collison gave the Clippers the lead for good by hitting a layup with a minute remaining. The Thunder had a chance to win but Westbrook's three missed as the Clippers tied the series at 2.

In Game 5, the Clippers built an early 15-point lead but the Thunder came back. The Clippers still led by 13 with 4 minutes remaining but the Thunder relentlessly closed in on the lead. It would seem like the Clippers would take Game 5 when they led by 7 with 49 seconds remaining but the Thunder closed the game on an 8-0 run, courtesy of a three pointer and layup by Kevin Durant and three free throws by Westbrook. The Clippers had a chance to win but Paul committed a turnover, sealing the 3-2 lead for the Thunder. Game 5 also ended in controversy after a questionable out-of-bounds call with 11 seconds remaining. The referees ruled that the ball went off the Clippers' Matt Barnes, giving the Thunder possession with 11.3 seconds to play and setting up Westbrook's game-winning free throws. Although replays showed that the ball went off Oklahoma City's Reggie Jackson, the officials awarded the ball to the Thunder. After review, the play stood.[19][20] In Game 6, the Clippers built another double-digit lead but the Thunder eventually came back as they took the series in 6 games. Durant had 39 points for the Thunder who advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the third time in four years.

Regular-season series

This was the first playoff meeting between the Clippers and the Thunder.[21]

Conference Finals: (1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (2) Oklahoma City Thunder

May 19
9:00 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 105, San Antonio Spurs 122
Scoring by quarter: 27–30, 32–37, 23–22, 23–33
Pts: Kevin Durant 28
Rebs: Durant, Perkins 9 each
Asts: Russell Westbrook 7
Pts: Tim Duncan 27
Rebs: Tiago Splitter 8
Asts: Tony Parker 12
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Dan Crawford, Marc Davis, Derrick Stafford
May 21
9:00 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 77, San Antonio Spurs 112
Scoring by quarter: 26–24, 18–34, 18–33, 15–21
Pts: Durant, Westbrook 15 each
Rebs: Steven Adams 8
Asts: Russell Westbrook 5
Pts: Tony Parker 22
Rebs: Tim Duncan 12
Asts: Tony Parker 5
San Antonio leads series, 2–0
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Ken Mauer, Ron Garretson, Ed Malloy
May 25
8:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 97, Oklahoma City Thunder 106
Scoring by quarter: 29–28, 24–29, 23–26, 21–23
Pts: Manu Ginóbili 23
Rebs: Duncan, Splitter 8 each
Asts: Boris Diaw 6
Pts: Russell Westbrook 26
Rebs: Kevin Durant 10
Asts: Russell Westbrook 7
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Scott Foster, Bill Kennedy, Tom Washington
May 27
9:00 pm
San Antonio Spurs 92, Oklahoma City Thunder 105
Scoring by quarter: 20–26, 23–32, 24–25, 25–22
Pts: Diaw, Parker 14 each
Rebs: Boris Diaw 10
Asts: Duncan, Parker 4 each
Pts: Russell Westbrook 40
Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 10
Asts: Russell Westbrook 10
Series tied, 2–2
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Joe Crawford ,Mike Callahan, Jason Phillips
May 29
9:00 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder 89, San Antonio Spurs 117
Scoring by quarter: 32–32, 23–33, 19–29, 15–23
Pts: Kevin Durant 25
Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 6
Asts: Russell Westbrook 7
Pts: Tim Duncan 22
Rebs: Tim Duncan 12
Asts: Manu Ginóbili 6
San Antonio leads series, 3–2
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Monty McCutchen, Tony Brothers, John Goble
May 31
8:30 pm
San Antonio Spurs 112, Oklahoma City Thunder 107 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 20–23, 22–26, 37–20, 22–32, Overtime: 11–6
Pts: Boris Diaw 26
Rebs: Tim Duncan 15
Asts: Manu Ginóbili 5
Pts: Russell Westbrook 34
Rebs: Kevin Durant 14
Asts: Russell Westbrook 8
San Antonio wins series, 4–2
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attendance: 18,203
Referees: Dan Crawford, James Capers, Zach Zarba

The series featured a rematch of the 2012 Western Conference Finals that was won by the Thunder in six games after they trailed 0-2 in the series. The series was expected to be close but the Thunder suffered a big blow when Serge Ibaka was ruled out of the rest of the playoffs. The Spurs took advantage of the absence of Ibaka as they blew out the Thunder in Game 1. The Spurs were able to outscore the Thunder, 66-32, in the paint. Game 2 saw the Spurs blow out the Thunder by 35 points, with the Spurs holding Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to 15 points each. Danny Green hit seven three pointers in the game. Before Game 3, fortunes turned around for the Thunder when Ibaka was just listed as "day-to-day", giving him possibility that he could play in the series. Ibaka eventually played in Game 3 as a member of the starting lineup and his presence motivated the Thunder to win Game 3, cutting their series deficit to 2-1. The Thunder proceeded to blow out the Spurs in Game 4, tying the series at 2 games apiece. Westbrook led the Thunder with 40 points and Durant added 31 points.

In Game 5, the Spurs didn't let a repeat of the 2012 Western Conference Finals happen as they blew out the Thunder once again to take a 3-2 series lead, sending them a win away from a return trip to the NBA Finals. Game 6 would feature the first close game in the series. Before the fourth quarter began, Tony Parker suffered a minor injury, and sat out the rest of the game, so Patty Mills played most of the fourth quarter and the overtime. The Spurs held a 6-point lead with around 2 and a half minutes remaining but the Thunder answered with an 8-0 run. However, Manu Ginóbili hit a three pointer and a split from the free throw line to give the Spurs a 2-point lead before Westbrook sent the game to overtime with two free throws. In overtime, it was Tim Duncan who helped the Spurs pull away as they won the series, 4-2, to advance to the NBA Finals for a second straight year.

Regular-season series

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Spurs winning three of the first four meetings.

NBA Finals: (E2) Miami Heat vs. (W1) San Antonio Spurs

Main article: 2014 NBA Finals
June 5
9:00 pm
Miami Heat 95, San Antonio Spurs 110
Scoring by quarter: 20–26, 29–28, 29–20, 17–36
Pts: LeBron James 25
Rebs: Chris Bosh 9
Asts: Norris Cole 5
Pts: Tim Duncan 21
Rebs: Duncan, Diaw 10
Asts: Manu Ginobili 11
San Antonio leads series, 1–0
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Scott Foster, Marc Davis, Ken Mauer
June 8
8:00 pm
Miami Heat 98, San Antonio Spurs 96
Scoring by quarter: 19–26, 24–17, 34–35, 21–18
Pts: LeBron James 35
Rebs: LeBron James 10
Asts: Chalmers, Wade 4 each
Pts: Tony Parker 21
Rebs: Tim Duncan 15
Asts: Tony Parker 7
Series tied, 1–1
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Dan Crawford, James Capers, Jason Phillips
June 10
9:00 pm
San Antonio Spurs 111, Miami Heat 92
Scoring by quarter: 41–25, 30–25, 15–25, 25–17
Pts: Kawhi Leonard 29
Rebs: Tim Duncan 6
Asts: Parker, Mills 4 each
Pts: James, Wade 22 each
Rebs: James, Andersen 5 each
Asts: LeBron James 7
San Antonio leads series, 2–1
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 19,900
Referees: Monty McCutchen, Tony Brothers, Zach Zarba
June 12
9:00 pm
San Antonio Spurs 107, Miami Heat 86
Scoring by quarter: 26–17, 29–19, 26–21, 26–29
Pts: Kawhi Leonard 20
Rebs: Kawhi Leonard 14
Asts: Boris Diaw 9
Pts: LeBron James 28
Rebs: LeBron James 8
Asts: Mario Chalmers 5
San Antonio leads series, 3–1
American Airlines Arena, Miami
Attendance: 19,900
Referees: Joe Crawford, Mike Callahan, Tom Washington
June 15
8:00 pm
Miami Heat 87, San Antonio Spurs 104
Scoring by quarter: 29–22, 11–25, 18–30, 29–27
Pts: LeBron James 31
Rebs: LeBron James 10
Asts: LeBron James 5
Pts: Kawhi Leonard 22
Rebs: Kawhi Leonard 10
Asts: Boris Diaw 6
San Antonio wins series, 4–1
AT&T Center, San Antonio
Attendance: 18,581
Referees: Scott Foster, Marc Davis, Ken Mauer
Regular-season series

The San Antonio Spurs had met the Miami Heat the previous year in the Finals, and on the brink on winning the championship title with seconds left, the Spurs blew a 5-point lead with 28 seconds left in Game 6. Thus, it was quite clear that the Spurs wanted redemption. In Game 1, it was quite tight for the first 3 quarters, but mid-way in the 4th quarter, LeBron James had a cramp, forcing him to leave the game with 25 points. The Spurs then went on an 18–2 run in LeBron's absence, and would comfortably win 110–95 and take a 1-0 lead. Game 2 was quite similar, being very close for almost all of the game, despite LeBron's 14 points in the 3rd quarter on 6 straight jumpshots and 35 points for the game. In the 4th quarter, Chris Bosh made several clutch plays, including a 3 pointer, and setting up Dwayne Wade to put up Miami by 5 with less than 10 seconds left. Miami tied the series, winning 98–96. As the series shifted to Miami, their perfect 8-0 playoff home record seemed very threatening to every opponent. However, it was all San Antonio, scoring 41 points in the first quarter and 71 points at the half on 76% shooting, an NBA Finals record. The Heat, down 21 points at the half and down as much 25 throughout the game, would cut the lead to 7, but never come any closer. Big performances from Kawhi Leonard (career high 29 points on 10-13 shooting) and Danny Green (15 points on 7-8 shooting & 5 steals in 21 minutes) would help ease the Spurs to a 111–92 blowout, taking a 2-1 series lead and handing Miami their first home loss of the playoffs. Game 4 was strikingly similar, with San Antonio dominating the first half 55-36, and never looking back. Another good performance by Kawhi Leonard (20 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, 3 steals), Tony Parker (19 points) and Patty Mills (14 points in 16 minutes) would help the Spurs proceed to a 107–86 blowout, and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. This was also the first time Miami had lost 2 consecutive playoff games since 2012. Tim Duncan also made history, having played the most minutes in NBA Playoff history while also passing Magic Johnson for the most double-doubles in the playoffs with 158. In Game 5, Miami got off to a fast start, once leading 22-6, while LeBron James having a 17-point and 6 rebound first quarter. However, San Antonio outscored Miami by 14 in the second quarter, sneaking their way back into the game. In the third quarter, the Spurs outscored Miami 30-18, with Patty Mills scoring 14 points in the quarter with 4 3 point shots, and from there on it was a blowout. Despite a 31-10-5 performance from LeBron James, poor performances came from Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and Ray Allen (combining for 11-34 shooting). Kawhi Leonard would shoot 70% from the field and 75% from 3 point land and score 22 points while also going along with 10 rebounds, and Ginobilli and Mills would shoot a combined 8-14 from 3 point territory, and the Spurs shot 46% from 3 point land, and the San Antonio Spurs blew out the Heat again 104–87 to win their fifth title in franchise history and avenge the previous year's heartbreaking loss.

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Heat winning the first meeting.

Statistical leaders

Category High Average
Player Team Total Player Team Avg. Games played
Points LeBron James Miami Heat 49 Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder 29.6 19
Rebounds DeAndre Jordan Los Angeles Clippers 22 Dwight Howard Houston Rockets 13.7 6
Assists Russell Westbrook
Chris Paul
Oklahoma City Thunder
Los Angeles Clippers
16 Chris Paul Los Angeles Clippers 10.4 13
Steals Paul George
Manu Ginóbili
Russell Westbrook
Indiana Pacers
San Antonio Spurs
Oklahoma City Thunder
6 Chris Paul Los Angeles Clippers 2.8 13
Blocks David West Indiana Pacers 6 Dwight Howard Houston Rockets 2.8 6

Media coverage

Television

In the United States, ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV broadcast the 2014 NBA Playoffs nationally in its entirety. In the first round, the regional sports networks affiliated with the teams participating can also broadcast the games. The first round was mostly televised by ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV, with ABC getting select weekend afternoon games. In the second round, ESPN, ESPN2, and TNT continued to air games, while ABC again gets a few weekend afternoon games. TNT televised the Western Conference Finals, and ESPN aired the Eastern Conference Finals (with Game 1 televised on ABC). The NBA Finals aired in primetime on ABC.[24] In the Philippines, media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation through its sports arm, ABS-CBN Sports to air the 2014 NBA Playoffs will be televised by ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Sports and Action.

Radio

ESPN Radio had exclusive radio rights to broadcast the playoffs in the United States. They broadcast most of the games, including all of the Conference Finals and NBA Finals.

References

  1. "Owners approve move to 2–2–1–1–1 format for Finals". CBS Sports. October 23, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  2. "NBA owners change Finals format to 2–2–1–1–1". NBA. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  3. "theScore". TheScore.com. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  4. "This postseason will be the first time ever the Lakers, Knicks and Celtics will all miss the playoffs". Twitter.com. April 13, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  5. Estes, Ben (May 2, 2014). "NBA playoffs: Historic Saturday of three Game 7s on tap". Sporting News. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  6. Keh, Andrew (May 3, 2014). "Game 7s Abound in the First Round of N.B.A. Playoffs". The New York Times. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
  7. "Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Indiana Pacers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  8. "Team Rivalry Finder — Charlotte Hornets versus Miami Heat (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  9. "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Toronto Raptors (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  10. "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Washington Wizards (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  11. "Team Rivalry Finder — Indiana Pacers versus Washington Wizards (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  12. "Team Rivalry Finder — Brooklyn Nets versus Miami Heat (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  13. "Team Rivalry Finder — Indiana Pacers versus Miami Heat (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  14. "Team Rivalry Finder — Dallas Mavericks versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  15. "Team Rivalry Finder — Memphis Grizzlies versus Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  16. "Team Rivalry Finder — Golden State Warriors versus Los Angeles Clippers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  17. "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  18. "Team Rivalry Finder — Portland Trail Blazers versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  19. Witz, Billy (May 14, 2014). "Clippers Lament Miscues and a Costly Call". New York Times. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
  20. "Controversial Call in OKC". NBA.com. NBA.com. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
  21. "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Clippers versus Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  22. "Team Rivalry Finder — Oklahoma City Thunder versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  23. "Team Rivalry Finder — Miami Heat versus San Antonio Spurs (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  24. Paulsen (March 21, 2014). "2014 NBA Playoffs TV Schedule". SportsMediaWatch.com. Retrieved May 4, 2014.

External links

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