NBA Playoffs Day 8 Breakdown

The NBA Playoffs are chugging along like the little engine that could. Breaking down Day 8.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting for a return to the NBA Finals and hopes of an NBA Title. That means every game in the NBA Playoffs could impact them. As such, we got you covered.

A look back at Saturday’s games and how each could impact the Cavs Championship run.

Raptors Vs Pacers

The Raptors were expected to be the Cavs main competition for the Cavs, as they were all season for the #1 seed. Instead, they lost their opening game against the Pacers and now are tied 2 – 2 on the way back home. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan continue to struggle with efficiency and only combined for 20 points last night.

Paul George didn’t have a great game offensively but was buoyed by Ian Mahinmi and George Hill. Monta Ellis continues to struggle but a breakout game by him could make a difference in this tied series. The Pacers’ have the confidence that they beat the Raptors at home and could wrap up the series in Game 6 back at home.

For the Cavs, this series is interesting. Toronto is the more talented team but the Pacers have George and a better veteran team. This series has made some Cavs fans feel much easier about facing either team.

Series: 2 – 2-

Heat Vs Hornets

First and foremost, what was up with the “Buzz City” on the front of Charlotte’s jersey? Just weird.

The Hornets home crowd help lead them to their first victory of the series. Miami held serve at home so it will be interesting what happens from here on out. Charlotte got their first Playoff win in over a decade with a balanced scoring attack. Six Hornets scored in double figures, led by Jeremy Lin off the bench.

The Heat seemed to struggle with energy most of the game, which isn’t surprising with an older roster. It showed with the inefficiency in which they scored. The Heat didn’t have a ton of production off their bench either.

Both teams are concerning for the Cavs down the road. The Hornets, even without Nicolas Batum, have depth and shooting while the Heat have a veteran presence and seem to cause problems for LeBron James.

Series: 2 – 1 Heat

Thunder Vs Mavs

After blowing their last game, the Thunder put it on the Mavs in Game 4. With their talent, the Thunder are a scary team when they get things working, especially on offense. They bog down when Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant go into isolation mode. Last night, they had 6 in double figures including Enes Kanter leading the team with 28 points.

The Mavs just don’t have the fire power as Dirk Nowitzki winds down his amazing career. When Raymond Felton is consistently 2nd best player, your team is in trouble against the Thunder. The Mavs are unlikely to get another game and their future is much in question.

Series: 3 – 1 Thunder

Clippers Vs Blazers

More from King James Gospel

LA is still expected to win the series but the Blazers got their first game at home. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum both had very good games for the first time in the series. Mason Plumlee gets a lot of credit for how he took over the boards, 21 rebounds but his 9 assists were the most surprising.

For LA, a tough series may not be a bad thing as they prep for the second round against the Golden State Warriors. Figuring out how to contain the 2 Blazer star guards, will put them in a better position in the 2nd round, if they can get there. J.J. Redick and Blake Griffin had bad games but Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford were able to keep the Clip Show in the game.

LA is still the better team to win the series, in the Cavs eyes. They still are finding their way after Griffin’s late-season return from injury. The Blazers have some youth and guards that could concern the Warriors but their lack of veteran presence and overall talent would likely make for a quick series.

Series: 2 – 1 Clippers

What did you see from the NBA Playoffs Day 8 yesterday? Anything surprising or worrying to you as a Cavs fan?