NBA Playoffs 2016: Updated Postseason Standings, Bracket Results and Highlights
The first round of the NBA playoffs hasnโt exactly been a fireworks show.
Itโs beenโฆOK. Weโve only seen Stephen Curryย for one game before he injured his ankle. There have been several blowouts and beatdowns without a whole bunch of buzzer-beaters.
Although, James Hardenโs dagger to beat the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 was tremendous. LeBron James hasโsurprise!โmade some plays. Russell Westbrook has done his thing.
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Updated Postseason Picture
| 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 Jamesโ best dunks in years.
In the second quarter of what became a chippy Game 2 between the Kingโs 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 ESPNโs Nick Friedell:
The next time James dunks like this, donโt be surprised if Johnson is on the other end. ย
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, donโt be surprised when it gets splattered off the glass like a bug.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star demolished the veteranโs try in the second quarter of Game 3. That was Westbrookโsย 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 fadeawaysโnot a dunk.
Blake Griffinโs 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 heโs all about.
Damian Lillard, have a seat. Mason Plumlee, have a poster:
And another:
And, you know what, one more for good measure on Mauriceย Harkless:
Yeah, itโs safe to say that Griffin is back.
Hardenโs 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 isnโt giving up. Make fun of him for his defensive miscues all you want, but respect him for refusing to quit.
Hardenโs teammates shouldnโt worry much, though. Curry, whoโs missed Games 2 and 3, could return for Game 4 on Sunday.
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