NBA Playoffs 2016: Latest Scores, Round 2 Bracket, Standings and More
It's already been an odd weekend of NBA postseason action with one day in the books.
On Saturday, the Toronto Raptors took their second game in a row against the Miami Heat, which is an unexpected turn of events for a team that has typically come up short in the playoffs. And out West, the Portland Trail Blazers finally took advantage of the Golden State Warriors playing without Stephen Curry and got the series to 2-1.
Sunday promises more entertaining, if not odd, scenarios. One series could come to an abrupt end, while another could get tied up 2-2 between a pair of teams that are looking like title contenders.
It's hard to complain about the NBA playoffs lasting this long when the action is this good. Below, let's take a look at the updated postseason bracket, complete with scores and schedule info.
2016 NBA Conference Semifinals Schedule and Results
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | TV |
| 1. Atlanta vs. Cleveland | CLE 104-93 | ||
| 2. Atlanta vs. Cleveland | CLE 123-98 | ||
| 3. Cleveland vs. Atlanta | CLE 121-108 | ||
| 4. Cleveland vs. Atlanta | Sunday, May 8 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| 5. Atlanta vs. Cleveland | Tuesday, May 10 | 7 p.m. | TNT |
| 6. Cleveland vs. Atlanta | Thursday, May 12 | TBA | ESPN |
| 7. Atlanta vs. Cleveland | Sunday, May 15 | TBA | TBA |
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | TV |
| 1. Toronto vs. Miami | MIA 102-96 | ||
| 2. Toronto vs. Miami | TOR 96-92 | ||
| 3. Miami vs. Toronto | TOR 95-91 | ||
| 4. Miami vs. Toronto | Monday, May 9 | 8 p.m. | TNT |
| 5. Toronto vs. Miami | Wednesday, May 11 | 8 p.m. | TNT |
| 6. Miami vs. Toronto | Friday, May 13 | TBA | ESPN |
| 7. Toronto vs. Miami | Sunday, May 15 | TBA | TBA |
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | TV |
| 1. Golden State vs. Portland | GS 118-106 | ||
| 2. Golden State vs. Portland | GS 110-99 | ||
| 3. Portland vs. Golden State | POR 120-108 | ||
| 4. Portland vs. Golden State | Monday, May 9 | 10:30 p.m. | TNT |
| 5. Golden State vs. Portland | Wednesday, May 11 | 10:30 p.m. | TNT |
| 6. Portland vs. Golden State | Friday, May 13 | TBA | ESPN |
| 7. Golden State vs. Portland | Monday, May 16 | 9 p.m. | TNT |
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | TV |
| 1. San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City | SA 124-92 | ||
| 2. San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City | OKC 98-97 | ||
| 3. Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio | SA 100-96 | ||
| 4. Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio | Sunday, May 8 | 8 p.m. | TNT |
| 5. San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City | Tuesday, May 10 | TBA | TNT |
| 6. Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio | Thursday, May 12 | TBA | ESPN |
| 7. San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City | Sunday, May 15 | TBA | TNT |
Saturday Bracket Picks
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
Though some might have a problem with the statement thanks to Curry's absence, the Cleveland Cavaliers look like the best postseason team right now.
After canning head coach David Blatt, looking worse and scolding LeBron James for his behavior, the seemingly set-to-implode Cavaliers have turned it on this postseason, sweeping the game Detroit Pistons before going into Sunday up 3-0 on the Atlanta Hawks.
Those Hawks don't classify as "game."
Not that any of this should come as a surprise. Just digest this nugget provided by ESPN Stats & Info:
History has lived up to the billing through three games.
Over those games, James has a smooth 25, 27 and 24 points, respectively. To their credit, the Hawks have attempted to adapt and even looked poised to win Game 3, but Cleveland has had a counter to each and every move.
For example, Game 3 went 121-108 in favor of the Cavaliers despite Atlanta leading going into the half. The Hawks transitioned the attack to down low, and Al Horford responded with 24 points, but Cleveland countered with stretch forward Channing Frye, who shot 10-of-13 from the floor and 7-of-9 from deep and finished with a team-high 27 points.
ESPN's Kevin Pelton put it best:
History says the Cavaliers can counter whatever the same-old Hawks do, and Frye's outburst is proof enough. Atlanta hasn't changed over the years and seemed to toy with blowing it all up at the trade deadline—and probably will this summer.
Meanwhile, Cleveland has grown. Look for James and Co. to finish off the series Sunday.
Prediction: Cavaliers 122, Hawks 92
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
As expected, the Western Conference has the more competitive series in the semifinals.
It has interesting storylines too, when one considers the fact Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs could hang up the sneakers and Kevin Durant heads to free agency this summer.
Durant and the Thunder looked like they put themselves at a huge advantage by winning Game 2, 98-87, heading home for two games in a row with a chance to pull ahead and overwhelm the Spurs.
Then Game 3 happened.
Durant and Russell Westbrook combining for 57 points didn't matter when only one other player hit double digits and the team shot 10-of-30 from deep. That's not all, folks—the Thunder lost the battle on the glass 55-48 and couldn't stop the Spurs from shooting 53 percent from deep.
Westbrook was quite candid with the media after the game, according to ESPN.com.
"Too many shots," Westbrook said. "I've got to do a better job getting guys shots. I've got to get other guys involved, especially to beat this team. Even though I had some shots I (usually) make, I've got to read and find ways to get guys shots. I take the blame."
Long story short, Game 3 was a back-breaking loss for the Thunder.
San Antonio figures to win this series the longer it drags on. LaMarcus Aldridge simply bullies the Thunder down low, as evidenced by his 38, 41 and 24 points, respectively, over three games. The Spurs get whatever they want on pick-and-rolls, and high-percentage shots lead to high-percentage conversion rates.
Duncan and Co. have lost one game by a single point in this series and already took a game on the road—arguably the most important game of the series. Look for the same approach to win Sunday and beyond.
Prediction: Spurs 101, Thunder 97, Spurs in five
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
