The Clippers Choke: NBA Playoff Recap for May 14

With 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, the Clippers appeared to be on track to an easy win – but the Houston Rockets, led by unlikely hero Josh Smith, mounted a historic comeback and got the win, pushing the series to a decisive game seven on Sunday. Earlier, the Bulls injuries caught up to them as they lost their third straight game and were eliminated.

Let’s get to the games:

Final ESPN
 Chicago Bulls (50-32) 73
 Cleveland Cavaliers (53-29) 94

The game started out close and the Cavaliers dominated in the second quarter. The second half started out close but Cleveland stretched the Bulls in the fourth quarter and cruised to the comfortable win. Chicago shot a mere 37.5% from the field. Cleveland won the rebounding battle handily, 53 to 32. Cleveland was led by Tristan Thompson with 13 points, 17 rebounds, Iman Shumpert with 13 points, and J.R. Smith with 12 points. The Bulls were led by Jimmy Butler with 20 points, and Derrick Rose with 14 points.

 

Final ESPN
 Los Angeles Clippers (56-26) 107
 Houston Rockets (56-26) 119

The game started out close and it was a tight second quarter. The third quarter was owned by the Clippers and Houston stretched the Clippers in the fourth quarter to complete the huge comeback and get the win. Houston won the rebounding battle handily, 60 to 41. Houston was led by Dwight Howard with 20 points, 21 rebounds, Josh Smith with 19 points, and Terrence Jones with 16 points. The Clippers were led by Chris Paul with 31 points, 11 assists, and Blake Griffin with 28 points.