Rose Hits the Game Winner: NBA Playoff Recap for May 8

After a physical back-and-forth game in Chicago, Derrick Rose took the game into his hands with 3 seconds left and hit a banked three-pointer to win the game. Later, In Los Angeles, Chris Paul returned but Austin Rivers and J.J. Redick were the stars as the Clippers blew out the Rockets to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Let’s get to the games:

Cleveland Cavaliers 96 (53-29)
Chicago Bulls 99 (50-32)
Final

Chicago ran out in the first and it was a tight second quarter. The second half started out close while the fourth quarter was nearly even with the game coming down to Rose’s last second shot. Chicago shot a mere 37.8% from the field and Cleveland shot a mere 39% from the field. Chicago won the rebounding battle handily, 54 to 39. Chicago was led by Derrick Rose with 30 points, Jimmy Butler with 20 points, and Mike Dunleavy with 16 points. The Cavaliers were led by LeBron James with 27 points, 14 assists, and Tristan Thompson with 10 points, 13 rebounds.

 

Houston Rockets 99 (56-26)
Los Angeles Clippers 124 (56-26)
Final

Los Angeles jumped out to the early lead in the first quarter and it was a tight second quarter. The third quarter was owned by the Clippers while the fourth quarter was nearly even and the Clippers coasted to the easy blowout win. Los Angeles shot 55.4% from the field while Houston shot a mere 39.8% from the field. Los Angeles was led by J.J. Redick with 31 points, Austin Rivers with 25 points, and Jamal Crawford with 12 points, 6 steals. The Rockets were led by James Harden with 25 points, 11 assists, and Dwight Howard with 14 points, 14 rebounds.