We are down to the final four teams in the chase for the 2010 NBA World Title and after a lopsided start to both best-of-seven series, things are starting to really tighten up. Here is a brief look at both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals along with each team’s current odds to win it all.
Eastern Conference
#4 Boston Celtics (2-1) vs. #2 Orlando Magic (3-1)
In the first three games of this series Boston could do no wrong and through an attack-style offense and shutdown defense they built what seemed to be an insurmountable three games to none lead over Orlando.
With a chance to lock up another trip to the NBA finals on their home court, the Celtics finally stumbled by losing game four 92-96 in overtime. They had numerous chances to put this one away, but Orlando repeatedly answered the bell and refused to go down. The Magic stars finally showed up with Dwight Howard leading the way. Howard finished the night with 32 points and 16 rebounds. Jameer Nelson was another force with 23 points and nine assists. For Boston, Paul Piece led the team with 32 points and 11 rebounds and Ray Allen added 22 but it was not enough to put this one away.
Last night in game five in Orlando, the Magic actually asserted themselves in this series with a dominating 113-92 victory that put them firmly back into this series. They made the Celtics look old and tired especially in the fourth quarter when they outscored them 29-17 to seal the win. Nelson had another big night with 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Rasheed Wallace came off the bench to lead Boston with 21 points.
The series moves back to Boston for game six this Friday night at 8:30. If the Celtics lose this one, thoughts of another epic collapse by a Boston team in the playoffs will be on the forefront of everybody’s mind.
Western Conference
#3 Phoenix Suns (10-1) vs. #1 Los Angeles Lakers (Even)
At home, Los Angeles had their way in this series in the first two games by out running and out gunning Phoenix to take a 2-0 lead. They averaged 126 points to the Suns 109 in those wins.
As the series shifted to Phoenix it was a different story as it was the Suns turn to shine. In game three Phoenix was able to keep the Lakers off balance from the start, opening up a six point lead at the half. After giving it back after three, they were able take control in the fourth to nail down a 118-109 win. Amar’e Stoudemire led the Suns with 42 points and 11 rebounds but he also had help from solid supporting cast. Kobe Bryant led Los Angeles with 36 points and 11 assists.
In game four it was the Suns bench that grabbed all the attention as they outscored LA’s bench 54-20, which proved to be the difference in a 115-106 victory. Phoenix’s win evened this series up at two games apiece. Channing Frye and Leandro Barbosa each scored 14 points and combined to go 6 of 12 from three point range. Six Suns players scored in double figures led by Stoudemire’s 21. Once again Bryant led the Lakers with a game high 38 points, but did not get the necessary support from the rest of the team to keep it close down the stretch.
Game five is scheduled for tonight with tip off at 9:00 P.M. (ET). After watching the first four games between these two teams, you get the feeling this one is going to go the full seven with home court being the deciding difference when it is all said and done.
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