PLAYOFFS 2022EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS (GAME 6 - United Center)
A close game at the start, the Bulls began to slowly pull away in the second quarter, leading by as many as 24 points before the break. Statistically speaking, when you look at the box score, the Hawks and Bulls were fairly evenly matched, as both teams shot 51% from the field. The difference in the game simply falls to the number of shots that were taken and made. While Atlanta went a respectable 39 of 76 from the field, the Bulls shot 48 of 93 from the field and 10 of 28(36%) from three. What is also interesting, is that the majority of scoring did not come from Kyrie Irving. Irving did score 22 points, which nothing to scoff at, but it was Player of the Game Zach LaVine who led the way with 34 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Also of note, was the play of Coby White. White had an outstanding game coming off the bench, contributing 22 points in only 15 minutes of play.
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Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT F
(1) ATL | 27 | 23 | 23 | 29 | -- | 102
(3) CHI | 23 | 39 | 27 | 31 | -- | 120
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS (GAME 6 - American Airlines Arena)
The Dallas Mavericks are the Western Conference Champions! Luka Doncic recorded yet another triple-double, scoring 26 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds, as the Mavericks put on a defensive clinic. What makes this win even more amazing, is they did it with limit service from Kristaps Porzingas. Porzingas left game with an injury after only 12 minutes play, scoring 7 points during his brief time on the court. However, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Taurean Prince stepped up in his absence and combined for 37 points to make up for the loss of Porzingas scoring. Despite a first half that featured 18 lead changes and five ties, the Warriors struggled on offense and the Mavericks completely shut them down in second half, allowing only 42 second half points.
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Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT F
(1) GSW | 27 | 17 | 22 | 22 | -- | 88
(3) DAL | 28 | 21 | 31 | 28 | -- | 108
PLAYOFF RESULTS
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EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 102 (2) | (1) GSW 88 (2)
(3) CHI 120 (4) | (3) DAL 108 (4)
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I have to admit, I am once again a little surprised by our tremendous success. Three quarters of the way through the year, I would never have predicted that we would make it this far and yet, we are now only four wins away from a second consecutive NBA Title. That isn't to suggest that I didn't think we had a good team, I knew we were good, I just wasn't certain we had all the pieces necessary to repeat.
However, our starting five is formidable when they are on their game and with DeAndre Jordan, Coby White and Otto Porter available to provide significant minutes off the bench, we can easily go a solid eight players deep without compromising our scoring ability. We definitely could be better on defense, but are averaging 112.1 ppg, which is ranked second in the league and scoring is definitely our strength. If we can play average to good defensively, I think we can outscore just about any team in the league.
That philosophy is certainly going to get tested in the forthcoming finals. The Mavericks may only be ranked 17th in offense, but they are the number ranked defense in the league. That was evident in the manner in which they essentially shut down a potent Golden State Warriors team, who averaged 109.8 ppg during the regular season. Making them the fourth highest scoring team in the league.
Still, I think we should be favored to win the series and I'm fairly confident that we can. I'm not guaranteeing an NBA Title, but if we can keep Porzingas and Doncic from lighting up the scoreboard, we have a very good chance of repeating as NBA Champions. I think Doncic is the key though. We absolutely must keep him in check. Porzingas is going to get his points, but the Mavericks offense goes through Doncic's and if you can diminish his contribution, it won't matter what Porzingas does. Should be an interesting series.
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