Stephens' Basketball Report: The NBA Conference Finals

Robert Stephens-Featured Writer

NBA Playoffs in full swing.

May 31, 2012 - In the Eastern Conference Finals the Miami Heat survived an offensive barrage by Celtic guard Rajon Rondo (44 points, 10 assist, and 8 rebounds) and defeated the visitors 115-111 in OT. The Heat with the win lead that series 2-0.

“He showed why he’s one of the best points guards in the league.” said Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers at the Heat’s post game press conference.

LeBron James has been a playoff beast.

“We lost.” Rondo said. “ Simple as that.” at the Celtics post game press conference.

The Heat who trailed most of the game erased a 15 point halftime lead to send the game into overtime.

LeBron James led the Heat with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Dwayne Wade finished with 23 points, eight in the overtime period. Mario Chalmers chipped in with 22 points.

Paul Pierce finished with 21 points. Kevin Garnett added 18 and Ray Allen contributed 13.

“ We’ll be ready Friday.” said Boston head coach Doc Rivers at his post game press conference.

The status of starting forward Chris Bosh is still unknown. The series resumes Saturday and Monday.

In the series opener LeBron James and Dwayne Wade continued their stellar play to lead the Heat to a 93-79 win over the the Boston Celtics in the opening round of the Eastern Conference Finals best of 7 series.

James scored 32 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Wade chipped in with 22 points. Shane Batttier playing in his first Conference final scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

“ We ( James and Wade ) get a lot of the press and a lot of the headlines.” said James at his post season press conference. “ Our teammates do everything to help us win ball games.”

The Heat led the entire game out rebounding the Celtics
48-33.

Kevin Garnett led Boston with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Rajon Rondo chipped in with 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven
assists. Paul Pierce finished with 12 points on the night.

“ I thought they were ready to play ( Heat )” said Boston head coach Doc Rivers. “ I thought we just played along”. Rivers said this at his post game press conference.

The Celtics score 11 points in the 4th quarter.

Paul Pierce and the 'C's' have yet to solve the Heat.

In the opening round of the Western Conference Final the San Antonio Spurs edged the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-98 as Manu Ginobili came off the bench scoring 26 points to lead the home team. Tony Parker chipped in with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Tim Duncan added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Oklahoma City led 47-46 at the half. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 27 points and 10 rebounds. James Harden off the bench chipped in with 19 points and six rebounds. Russell Westbrook scored 17
points and dished out five assists.

The Spurs who trailed received an animated pep talk from head coach Gregg Popovich.

“Pop’s always trying to motivate us.” said veteran guard Tony Parker at his post game press conference.

In the second game veterans Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili continued their torrid play leading the Spurs to a 120-111 win.

Parker led the Spurs with 34 points and eight assists. Ginobilli chipped in with 20 points.

The Spurs set an NBA record with their 20th consecutive win which includes the regular season.

The Spurs shot 57% from the floor while holding the Thunder to shooting 42%.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 31 points. James Harden chipped in with 30 points.

The series resumes Saturday and Monday.