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NBA Playoffs Schedule 2011: Thunder Beat Grizzlies, Game 4 Start and Tip Monday

The Memphis Grizzlies beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime of Game 3 in the 2011 NBA playoffs of the Western Conference Semifinals.

Game 4 takes place in Memphis on Monday, May 9 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 22 points, also grabbing 12 rebounds, but he shot 10-of-24 from the field.

Russell Westbrook scored 23 points on 7-of-22 and dished out 12 assists, but he was careless with the ball again turning it over eight times. He fouled out in overtime.

Make sure to read this: OKC's Bench, Defense Are Key To Series Win

The Grizzlies looked like they were going to lose heading into the fourth down by 13, but a late rally tied the game and sent it into overtime.

From there, the Grizzlies dominated in overtime outscoring the Thunder 15-to-7.

Zach Randolph was brilliant, scoring 21 points and grabbing 21 rebounds.

Four other players were in double-figures for the Memphis Grizzlies and they now hold a 2-1 series lead.

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NBA Playoffs Schedule 2011: Celtics vs. Heat Game 3 Start, Tip Time for Saturday

The Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat 2011 NBA playoff series will shift over to Beantown for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The game tips off tonight, Saturday, May 7th, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Great read: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for All NBA Teams During Free Agency

The Boston Celtics are down 2-0, but they don't seem to be phased heading into Game 3 against the Miami Heat.

"We still feel like it's going to be a seven-game series," Pierce said. "I like our chances, especially with our backs against the wall."

With three days of rest following Game 2, they've had plenty of time to get prepped and healthy.

Even Shaquille O'Neal will be making his return to the lineup, after having played less than 10 minutes since February 1.

"Other than that, we don't know what he can give us on the floor," Rivers said, adding that O'Neal would not be limited in practice. "There's no way we can get him at 100 percent. That ship has sailed. That would be a miracle. But we can get him to a point where he can help us."

The Celtics will need all the help they can get against the Heat. Even with the extra days of rest, they're still not at 100 percent.

But adding a bruiser like O'Neal in the low post could be the difference-maker they've been looking for.

Make sure you read this: NBA Playoffs: Why Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge is Miami Heat MVP

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LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki Dominating Pau Gasol in Playoffs

With the Los Angeles Lakers facing a sweep, people are starting to point fingers in an attempt to figure out why they're having so much trouble against the Dallas Mavericks.

There are a number of factors, but Pau Gasol seems to be one of the main culprits. His play on both sides of the ball has been sub-par for the series, particularly on defense.

Make sure you check this out: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for All NBA Teams During Free Agency

Through three games, Nowitzki is shooting 76 percent from the field against Gasol.

Dirk Nowitzki finished with 32 points on 12-for-19 shooting from the floor as he notched his 10th straight playoff game with 20-plus points. Nowitzki feasted on Pau Gasol offensively as 27 of his 32 points came while being guarded by Gasol. This continued a series-long theme as Nowitzki is now 16-of-19 from the floor for 40 points against Gasol in the series.

Through nine playoff games, Gasol is only averaging a pitiful 13.4 points per game on 42.2 percent shooting—a far cry from the 18.8 points he averaged on 53 percent shooting during the regular season.

If the LA Lakers hope to avoid a sweep on Sunday in Game 4, they must get stronger contributions from Gasol.

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NBA Playoffs 2011: Kobe Bryant Claims LA Lakers Will Beat Dallas Mavericks

Kobe Bryant remains confident even after the Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks.

"I don't know, I might be sick in the head or crazy or thrown off or something like that because I still think we're going to win this series," Bryant said after totaling 17 points and six assists in Game 3. "I might be nuts. ... Let's win on Sunday, go back home and see if they can win in L.A."

Must read: LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 3 Report Card

The Lakers are in a three game hole and getting out of it would set a historic precedent. No team in the history of the NBA has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the playoffs, and Bryant and the Lakers have their work cut out for them if they want to avoid a sweep, let alone win four straight.

Teams that have trailed by three games in a playoff series have gone 0-98.

Do you think Bryant is delusional? Or does he have a legitimate reason to be overly confident heading into Game 4 on the brink of elimination?

What's the best and worst case scenario for the LA Lakers during free agency? NBA Free Agency 2011: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for All NBA Teams

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NBA Playoffs 2011: LA Lakers' Kobe Bryant Is Dirk Nowitzki's Man-Crush

Kobe Bryant apparently has an admirer in the Dallas Mavericks' forward, Dirk Nowitzki.

If the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are playing at home, Nowitzki has one priority following the conclusion of the game—he apparently wants to get home so he can watch the Lakers play in the fourth quarter.

"I get home around 11, so it works out a lot where the timing's perfect," Nowitzki said. "I just sit there and eat and watch Kobe in the fourth quarter."

How cute.

It comes as no surprise that Nowitzki admires Bryant. After all, Bryant is regularly voted by his peers as the best player in the NBA.

Must read: NBA Playoffs 2011: Kobe Bryant and the 15 Toughest Players Still Alive

However, Nowitzki is no slouch either. Even in the twilight of his career, he's still one of the best players in the NBA, but he's not shy in heaping the praise on Bryant.

"I've repeatedly said he's the best player in the world," Nowitzki said. "There's nothing he can't do. I would say there's no shot he can't make."

Nowitzki is right when he says there's no shot that he can't make—well, almost any shot. Bryant, in my eyes, happens to have the widest offensive arsenal of any player in the league.

Check this out: LA Lakers: Kobe Bryant and the 10 Most Despised Players in Franchise History

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NBA Playoffs 2011: OKC Thunder Defeat Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2, Even Series

The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the world when they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1, but the Thunder came back strong in Game 2 of the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs, defeating the Grizzlies 111-102

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 26 points on eight-of-18 shooting from the field and eight-of-ten shooting from the line.

Russell Westbrook chipped in 24 points of his own.

Durant and Westbrook got plenty of help from their reserves, with James Harden dropping 21 points and Eric Maynor adding 15 of his own.

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Mike Conley led the way for the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting.

Zach Randolph was a near perfect 11-of-12 from the line, but he was an abysmal two-of-13 from the field.

O.J. Mayo chipped in 16 points, and Marc Gasol and Sam Young combined for 25 points.

The Thunder controlled the game from the very start and held that lead throughout. This was a strong bounce back effort from Oklahoma City.

The series will shift over to Memphis with the Grizzlies now holding homecourt advantage.

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Celtics vs. Heat Playoffs: Miami Takes Game 2 Behind Big Night from LeBron, Wade

The Miami Heat extended their series lead to two games after defeating the Boston Celtics 102-91 in Game 2 of the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs.

Dwyane Wade scored 10 of his 16 first half points in the second quarter. He ended the night with 28 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Wade had arguably the most memorable play of the playoffs with a jaw-dropping euro step that completely turned—not to mention embarrassed—Kevin Garnett around for the easy lay up.

While it was the Wade show in the first half, LeBron James took over in the second.

James only scored 11 points in the first half, but really turned it on in the third quarter, pouring in 12 points. He finished the night with 35 points, seven rebounds and two assists.

Must watch video: Wade embarrasses Garnett

While the Celtics battled with the Heat and even kept it close through three quarters, the Heat were simply too much in the fourth.

Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Garnett combined for a total of 56 points. Boston will need a stronger effort from their four stars if they expect to win.

Now the series will shift over to Boston where the Celtics will look to get on the board. The pressure will be on the Celtics to make a home stand and even the series up.

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NBA Playoffs 2011: Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki Duel, Lakers Lose to Mavericks

The first ever playoff matchup between Kobe Bryant's Lakers and and Dirk Nowitzki's Mavericks certainly lived up to its billing.

Bryant and Nowitzki may be nearing the twilight of their respective careers, but they're still two of the best the league has to offer.

Bryant wasn't really sharing the ball all that much, but he did what he does best—drop buckets.

Kobe scored 36 points on 14-of-29 shooting, with six of those points coming from beyond the arc and four from the line.

However, Dirk Nowitzki came close to matching Bryant with 28 points of his own along with 14 rebounds and three assists.

Make sure you read this: NBA Playoffs 2011: Kobe Bryant and the 15 Toughest Players Still Alive

The Dallas Mavericks fell behind early on, entering the second half down by nine. However, they battled back in the third quarter to overcome a 16-point deficit.

With less than a minute remaining in the game, the Mavericks put themselves within striking distance. The game came down to the wire, with the two sides trading leads with only seconds remaining.

A poor decision by Pau Gasol to foul Dirk Nowitzki on the inbounds pass put him on the line with 19.5 seconds left in the game. Nowitzki proceeded to hit the go-ahead free throws to give the Mavericks a one-point lead.

A gaffe by the Lakers on the other end sealed their fate as the Mavericks walked away the victors.

Dallas now holds homecourt advantage over the Lakers

Can Kobe go further than LeBron? Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James: Who Has a Greater Chance at Success in Playoffs

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NBA Playoffs 2011: Atlanta Hawks Upset Derrick Rose and Chicago Bulls in Game 1

The second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs has been full of surprises with the Atlanta Hawks stunning upset of the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 to add to the list.

Joe Johnson was dominant. He scored 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting going perfect from beyond the arc with five three-pointers. He also matched his three-point shooting output by going a perfect five-for-five from the line.

Johnson got plenty of help from Jamal Crawford who scored 22 points on eight-of-16 shooting along with two three-pointers.

Check this out: 2011 NBA Playoffs: The L.A. Lakers and Each Team's Chance to Win It All

Derrick Rose, who is reportedly set to win the 2011 NBA MVP award, scored 24 points, but was inefficient hitting only 11-of-27 shots. He also grabbed five rebounds and dished out 10 assists.

Luol Deng did his best to help Rose out scoring 21 points and grabbing six boards, but it was not enough.

Much to the dismay of Bulls fans, Rose injured his ankle on the final play of the game on a meaningless possession. The team and fans alike will be carefully monitoring his status for Game 2.

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Chicago Bulls Derrick Rose Will Win the 2011 NBA MVP Award During the Playoffs

The Chicago Bulls superstar point guard, Derrick Rose, is set to win the 2011 NBA MVP award during the second round of the playoffs according to a source for ESPN.

While the NBA MVP award is given for the regular season, it isn't awarded until the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs, which falls in the first week of May.

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Rose wasn't considered one of the top candidates to win the award to start the season, but he quickly showed the world why he was a worthy contender for one of the most prestigious accolades an NBA player can win.

Rose has been the front-runner for the award for months now, so it comes as no surprise that he'll be bestowed the honor of MVP. It certainly is well-deserved considering he took the Chicago Bulls to a 62-20 record, good enough to lead the entire league.

He averaged 25 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.1 steals in his third year in the league, and will look to continue his dominance in the playoffs as he aims to take the Bulls to the promised land.

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NBA Playoffs 2011: LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks Fight for West Supremacy

The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks will be facing off tonight as they battle to reach the Western Conference Finals of the 2011 NBA playoffs.

Game 1 of Monday's action will start at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Anticipation will be running high as the winner of this series will be favored to represent the Western Conference in the NBA playoffs.

With the San Antonio Spurs out of the picture, it makes the path to the finals for both squads that much easier.

Read these odds predictions: 2011 NBA Playoffs Predictions: Updated Odds To Win the NBA Title for Every Team

This is the first ever playoff matchup between Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.

Despite the dominance of both teams throughout most of the past decade, the two superstars haven't had the opportunity to duel in the postseason.

Expect nothing short of fireworks as these two aging stars make a final push at postseason glory.

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NBA Playoff Schedule 2011: Heat-Celtics and Thunder-Grizzlies Tuesday TV Times

The 2011 NBA playoffs continue on Tuesday with Game 2 for the Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder on the schedule.

Game 2 - Tuesday, May 3, Boston Celtics at Miami Heat, 7:00 p.m. ET on TNT

The Miami Heat will be looking to hold homecourt and send the series to Boston with a two game lead. However, expect Boston to make adjustments as they look to steal Game 2 and homecourt advantage from the Heat.

Don't forget to check this out: 2011 NBA Playoffs Predictions: Updated Odds To Win the NBA Title for Every Team

Game 2 - Tuesday, May 3, Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder, 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be searching for answers on the heels of their stunning Game 1 loss at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Falling behind 0-2 to the Grizzlies will put them in a serious hole, so expect Kevin Durant and company to come out firing on all cylinders.

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NBA Playoffs 2011: Chicago Bulls Tom Thibodeau Will Win Coach of the Year Award

While the Chicago Bulls are still waiting for their second round playoff matchup against the Atlanta Hawks to get started, they have some great news for the team and city prior to the start of their semifinal playoff matchup.

Tom Thibodeau, rookie head coach of the Chicago Bulls, will be awarded Coach of the Year according to sources.

Thibodeau led the Chicago Bulls to a 62-20 regular season record, best in the NBA.

"Thibs, man, [he's the] coach of the year to me," Derrick Rose said late in the regular season. "Where he's just been on us, holding everybody accountable every time we step on the court. With him, we've just been ballin'. He's making sure we go over everything. And our preparation for the game is important."

Make sure to check this out: 15 Bold Predictions for the Second Round

The Coach of the Year award has been a hotly contested debate throughout the regular season, but Thibodeau has been in the lead or right behind it for the majority of the year, so this comes as no surprise.

The Chicago Bulls had one of the toughest defenses in the NBA. They held opponents to the lowest average field goal percentage and outrebounded every team they played.

Not to mention, they were second only to the Miami Heat in point differential.

The win is certainly well deserved.

Check out this preview... Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview

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NBA Playoff Schedule 2011: Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Game Headline Sunday

The 2011 NBA playoffs continues with the second round scheduled to start on Sunday.

While Game 1 of  the Oklahoma City Thunder-Memphis Grizzlies should make for an exciting matchup, the one matchup everyone will be waiting for is the battle between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.

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NBA Playoff Schedule 2011: Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics Most Important Matchups

There is no love loss between these two teams as both squads got into very physical matchups throughout the regular season.

Miami lost their three first matchups against Boston, but finally got over the hump and defeated them in their final game.

It should be interesting to see if Miami finally "figured out" how to defeat Boston with their last victory.

Regardless, both teams will be in for what is expected to be a seven game series between these two Eastern Conference powerhouse teams.

Check these bold predictions out NBA Playoffs 2011: 15 Bold Predictions for the Second Round

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NBA Playoff Schedule 2011: OKC Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game 1

Kevin Durant will be leading the Oklahoma City Thunder against the eighth seeded Memphis Grizzlies today at 1 p.m. EST on ABC.

Memphis, who just pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NBA playoff history, are fresh off the first postseason victory in franchise history and will be looking to carry that momentum into their pivotal second round playoff matchup against the Thunder.

Make sure to check this out: 2011 NBA Playoff Bracket: Power Ranking the Most Dangerous Teams Remaining

Analysts and fans alike are quick to write off the Grizzlies, even after they defeated the Spurs, but they matchup with the Thunder much better than most people realize.

Memphis gave the Thunder fits throughout the regular season, and they have Tony Allen to thank for that.

Durant, Russell Westbrook and company will be in for a dogfight as they look to advance passed the Grizzlies in the Western Conference Semifinals and into the Western Conference Finals where they'll be pitted against the winner of the Lakers-Mavericks series.

Read these bold precitions... NBA Playoffs 2011: 15 Bold Predictions for the Second Round