NBA Playoffs 2016: Updated Postseason Standings, Bracket Results and Highlights

The first round of the NBA playoffs hasn’t exactly been a fireworks show.

It’s been…OK. We’ve only seen Stephen Curry for one game before he injured his ankle. There have been several blowouts and beatdowns without a whole bunch of buzzer-beaters.

Although, James Harden’s dagger to beat the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 was tremendous. LeBron James has—surprise!—made some plays. Russell Westbrook has done his thing.

Round 2 figures to be more action-packed than its predecessor, but Round 1 hasn’t been all that bad.

Updated Postseason Picture

East
West
Matchup	Standing	Next game
Cavaliers (1) vs.Pistons (8)	CLE 2, DET 0	4/22
Hawks (4) vs. Celtics (5)	ATL 2, BOS 0	4/22
Raptors (2) vs. Pacers (7)	TOR 2, IND 1	4/23
Heat (3) vs. Hornets (6)	MIA 2, CHA 0	4/23
Matchup	Standing	Next game
Warriors (1) vs. Rockets (8)	GSW 2, HOU 1	4/24
Clippers (4) vs. Blazers (5)	LAC 2, POR 0	4/23
Spurs (2) vs. Grizzlies (7)	SAS 2, MEM 0	4/22
Thunder (3) vs. Mavericks	OKC 2, DAL 1	4/23

Top Highlights

LeBron annihilates Reggie Bullock

This was one of James’ best dunks in years.

In the second quarter of what became a chippy Game 2 between the King’s top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers and the No. 8-seeded Detroit Pistons, James slashed to the middle of the paint as Matthew Dellavedova drove.

Tobias Harris lost James, who caught the ball in stride and unloaded on Reggie Bullock.

After the contest, Pistons rookie Stanley Johnson had some comments for James, who has gotten physical with the 19-year-old, per ESPN’s Nick Friedell:

The next time James dunks like this, don’t be surprised if Johnson is on the other end.  

Westbrook swats Dirk

Know your role age, Dirk Nowitzki.

You have to respect the 37-year-old for trying to dunk. You really do. But when that throwdown attempt comes with Russell Westbrook on the floor, don’t be surprised when it gets splattered off the glass like a bug.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star demolished the veteran’s try in the second quarter of Game 3. That was Westbrook’s lone block of the night, which went nicely with his 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, 15 assists and two steals.

The next time Dirk sees Westbrook lurking near the cup, expect to see one of his patented fadeaways—not a dunk.

Blake Griffin’s comeback dunk show

Now this is how you slam.

After missing 41 games because of injury in 2015-16, Los Angeles Clippers superstar Blake Griffin used the Portland Trail Blazers to remind the national audience what he’s all about.

Damian Lillard, have a seat. Mason Plumlee, have a poster:

And another:

And, you know what, one more for good measure on Maurice Harkless:

Yeah, it’s safe to say that Griffin is back.

Harden’s game-winner

The Beard is clutch.

With the Dubs leading his Houston Rockets, 96-95, and time expiring in Game 3 Thursday night, Harden took matters into his own hands.

Or forearm.

No. 13 spun off Andre Iguodala and comfortably nailed a turnaround jumper with 2.7 seconds remaining, much to the apparent dismay of his teammates:

The rest of the Rockets might not want to play anymore, but Harden isn’t giving up. Make fun of him for his defensive miscues all you want, but respect him for refusing to quit.

Harden’s teammates shouldn’t worry much, though. Curry, who’s missed Games 2 and 3, could return for Game 4 on Sunday.