NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Pacers take series lead vs the Heat with win in Game 3 94-75. Spurs go up 2-0 vs the Clippers.

Danny Granger celebrates as the Pacers take Game 3 vs the Heat

Photo ©NBA/Pacers.com

The Indiana Pacers have taken the series lead as the defeat the Miami Heat in Game 3 of their second round series at Bankers Life Fieldhouse 94-75. The Pacers now lead the series 2-1 with Game 4 to be played in Indianapolis on May 21.

Roy Hibbert led the Pacers with a double-double 19 points and 18 rebounds with 5 blocks. George Hill led the Pacers in scoring with 20 points alongside 5 assists. Danny Granger added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. David West added 14 points and 9 rebounds. Darren Collison off the bench scored 7 points.

Mario Chalmers led the Heat with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. LeBron James added 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Joel Anthony off the bench scored 10 points. Dwayne Wade was only limited to 5 points (all scored in the second half)

In San Antonio, the San Antonio Spurs take a 2-0 lead in their second round series as they win Game 2 against the Los Angeles Clippers at the AT&T Center 105-88. The series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on May 20. Tony Parker who celebrated his 30th birthday in Game 2 led the Spurs with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Tim Duncan added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Boris Diaw added 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Danny Green added 13 points and 2 steals. Manu Ginobili off the bench added 10 points and 5 assists. Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 20 points. Randy Foye scored 11 points. Chris Paul added 10 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals but was hampered with 8 turnovers. Caron Butler, Mo Williams and Nick Young each scored 9 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 14:32 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers (Spurs lead series 2-0)

Game 3: May 20, 3:30 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers (Thunder lead series 2-0)

Game 3: May 19, 10:30 am PHT on Studio 23 and NBA Premium TV


EASTERN CONFERENCE


#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Celtics lead series 2-1)
Game 4: May 19, 8:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV


#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Pacers lead series 2-1)
Game 4: May 21, 3:30 am PHT on NBA Premium TV and Studio 23


K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Thunder take 2-0 series lead with Game 2 win vs the Lakers 77-75. Celtics steal Game 3 in Philly vs the 76ers

Russell Westbrook drives through the Lakers defense

Photo ©NBA/Thunder.com

The Oklahoma City Thunder used a 9-0 run as they come from behind to take Game 2 of their second round series against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 77-75. The Thunder now take a 2-0 series lead as the series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on May 19.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 22 points including the game-winning teardrop with 18.6 seconds left in the 4th alongside 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Russell Westbrook added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. James Harden off the bench added 13 points including key baskets in the 4th quarter alongside 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Serge Ibaka added 8 points and blocked 7 shots. Thabo Sefolosha who defended well against Kobe Bryant scored 6 points.

Andrew Bynum led the Lakers with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. Kobe Bryant also scored 20 points with 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Pau Gasol finished with a double-double 14 points and 11 rebounds. Metta World Peace added 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

In Philadelphia, the Boston Celtics steal one on the road as they take Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center 107-91. The Celtics retake the series lead at 2-1 as Game 4 will be played in Philadelphia on May 19. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with a double-double 27 points and 13 rebounds with 4 assists. Paul Pierce also finished with a double-double 24 points and 12 rebounds with 4 assists and 3 steals. Rajon Rondo also came up with a double-double 23 points and 14 assists with 6 rebounds. Mickael Pietrus off the bench scored 13 points. Brandon Bass added 10 points and 5 rebounds. Thaddeus Young off the bench led the 76ers with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Jrue Holiday added 15 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds. Lou Williams and Jodie Meeks each scored 13 points. Andre Iguodala added 10 points and 4 rebounds.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 13:03 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers (Spurs lead series 1-0)

Game 2: May 18, 9:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers (Thunder lead series 2-0)

Game 3: May 19, 10:30 am PHT on Studio 23 and NBA Premium TV

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Celtics lead series 2-1)

Game 4: May 19, 8:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Series tied 1-1)

Game 3: May 18, 7:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

K-Smoove

Back when the hood was young.

It was during the night of my little brother's birthday. I decided to look back at the old photo albums from our childhood. From one photo album to another, I found some photos when we and my friends in the neighborhood were young kids. (DISCLAIMER: I can't post these photos in public. They may kill me if I did. Haha.) These were great times, we played together outside our homes, played a lot of games from basketball to LEGO, among others. We even played in the rain.

Back then, our home was one-storied, far smaller than our home today (still lies on the same spot as the old one) and admit it or not. I was one chubby dude. I remembered, I finished a whole pizza when I was 9 or 10 years old. I used to be a drummer boy (If I'd continue further, maybe I could have been a part of the UST Yellow Jackets today and would have cut my hair bald. Hehe). There were even photos of my neighborhood just when we moved the houses just being put up and look the same. 

I also found photos of my 7th birthday down in Filinvest 2 with my family, friends and most especially my classmates in Grade 1 at St. Matthew College in San Mateo, Rizal. (Well I had a birthday-mate in my class, so we kinda split on those who came along.) Though my time was short there (spent a year there) and I admit was bittersweet, it was all worth it. (I even found my copy of our class picture, two years after a old classmate of mine posted his copy on Facebook and tagged us out. I thought it was gone and out of sight, but Thank God I found it.)

Grade 1-Maagap Class Picture at St. Matthew College

Photo ©Karl Carandang

For now, I'll keep on looking for those photos, if I can buy time looking out for these old photos. These were great memories. I forgot most of these things, but photos give me those flashback moments which make me remember what happened then. Looking back at those photos made me think of how far we have traveled and stepped up in our lives. It is true that a picture is really worth a thousand words.

"A dream collage is pictures of your goals. It is like your future photo album." - Bo Bennett

"A photo is a creation." - Eva Herzigova

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Pacers equalize vs the Heat 78-75. Spurs take Game 1 vs Clippers 108-92.

Danny Granger shoots over Dwayne Wade

Photo ©NBA.com

The Indiana Pacers even up their second round series against the Miami Heat with the win in Game 2 on the road at the American Airlines Arena 78-75. The series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on May 18.

David West led the Pacers with a double-double 16 points and 10 rebounds with 2 blocks. George Hill added 16 points and 4 rebounds. Danny Granger added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals before fouling out with less the a minute to go in the 4th quarter. Paul George also finished with a double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds with 3 steals. Roy Hibbert added 8 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. Leandro Barbosa off the bench scored 8 points.

The Heat who were playing without all-star Chris Bosh who is out indefinitely with an abdominal strain were led by LeBron James with 28 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals. Dwayne Wade added 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Mario Chalmers and Shane Battier each scored 5 points.

In San Antonio, another series in the Western Conference begins as the San Antonio Spurs take Game 1 of their second round series against the Los Angeles Clippers at the AT&T Center 108-92. Tim Duncan led the Spurs with a double-double 26 points and 10 rebounds with 2 steals and 2 blocks. Manu Ginobili off the bench added 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Rookie Kawhi Leonard added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Danny Green added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Tony Parker dished out 11 assists with 7 points. Boris Diaw pulled down 12 rebounds with 7 points, 5 assists and 3 steals. Eric Bledsoe off the bench led the Clippers with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Blake Griffin added 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. Caron Butler also scored 15 points. Nick Young scored 13 points. Chris Paul dished out 10 assists with 6 points and 5 steals.

In other news, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving was named the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year. Irving, led the rookies in scoring at 18.5 PPG, field goal percentage at 46.9%, free throw percentage at 87.2%, and placed second in assists at 5.4 APG, and three point percentage at 39.9%. Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves finished second in the voting, while Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets finished third in voting. Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, Knicks guard Iman Shumpert and Warriors guard Klay Thompson finished fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:42 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers (Spurs lead series 1-0)
Game 2: May 18, 9:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers (Thunder lead series 1-0)
Game 2: May 17, 9:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: May 17, 7:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: May 18, 7:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV


K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: 76ers equalize in Game 2 vs the Celtics 81-80. Thunder blow out the Lakers in Game 1 115-82.

Evan Turner and Kevin Garnett battle for the rebound

Photo ©NBA/Sixers.com

The Philadelphia 76ers even up their second round series as they defeat the Boston Celtics in Game 2 at the TD Garden 81-80. This is the first playoff win for the 76ers in Boston since 1982 when they took Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the old Boston Garden to win the series 4-3. The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on May 17. 

Jrue Holiday led the 76ers with 18 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. Andre Iguodala added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Rookie Lavoy Allen off the bench added 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Evan Turner also scored 10 points with 6 rebounds. Spencer Hawes pulled down 10 rebounds with 8 points and 2 blocks. Lou Williams added 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Ray Allen off the bench led the Celtics with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Kevin Garnett finished with a double-double 15 points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Bass added 12 points and 5 rebounds. Rajon Rondo dished out 13 assists with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Avery Bradley and Mickael Pietrus also scored 8 points. Paul Pierce added 7 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

In Oklahoma City, the second round in the Western Conference begins with the Oklahoma City Thunder winning Game 1 of their second round series in a blowout over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 119-90. Game 2 will be played in Oklahoma City on May 17. Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals. Kevin Durant added 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Recently crowned Sixth Man of the Year James Harden off the bench added 17 points and 2 steals. Daequan Cook scored 8 points. Thabo Sefolosha, Nazr Mohammed and Cole Aldrich each scored 7 points. Andrew Bynum led the Lakers with a double-double 20 points and 10 rebounds. Kobe Bryant also scored 20 points. Metta World Peace who was jeered by the Oklahoma City crowd after his actions during their last regular season meeting scored 12 points. Pau Gasol added 10 points and 7 rebounds. Matt Barnes off the bench scored 8 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:35 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers

Game 1: May 16, 9:30 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers (Thunder lead series 1-0)

Game 2: May 17, 9:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Series tied 1-1)

Game 3: May 17, 7:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Heat lead series 1-0)

Game 2: May 16, 7:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: First round comes to an end. Clippers advance to the 2nd round, defeats the Grizzlies in Game 7 82-72. Heat take Game 1 vs the Pacers 95-86.

The Clippers celebrate their Game 7 victory as they advance to the second round

Photo ©NBA.com

The First Round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs have come to an end. The Los Angeles Clippers became the last team to advance to the second round as they take a stunning road victory in Game 7 against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum 82-72. The Clippers almost blew the series after taking a commanding 3-1 series lead and losing the next two games which forced this match. But they held their grip in this slugfest in Game 7 and will now face the top-seeded team in the West, the San Antonio Spurs who are coming off a first round sweep of the Utah Jazz. Game 1 of that series will be on May 16 in San Antonio.

Chris Paul led the Clippers with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Nick Young off the bench scored 13 points. Kenyon Martin finished with a double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds with 2 blocks. Mo Williams scored 9 points. Blake Griffin, Caron Butler and Eric Bledsoe each scored 8 points.

Rudy Gay led the Grizzlies with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Marc Gasol also scored 19 points with 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. Zach Randolph added 9 points and 12 rebounds. Mike Conley and Tony Allen each scored 7 points.

In Miami, the Miami Heat begin the second round taking Game 1 of their series against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Arena 95-86. Game 2 will still be in Miami on May 16. Recently crowned MVP LeBron James led the Heat with a double-double 32 points and 15 rebounds with 5 assists and 2 steals. Dwayne Wade added 29 points and 4 assists. Chris Bosh added 13 points and 5 rebounds. Joel Anthony off the bench added 9 points and 7 rebounds. David West led the Pacers with a double-double 17 points and 12 rebounds. Roy Hibbert also finished with a double-double 17 points and 11 rebounds. George Hill and Darren Collison each scored 10 points. Leandro Barbosa off the bench scored 9 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:52 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #8 Jazz

SAN ANTONIO SPURS WINS SERIES 4-0

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers
Game 1: May 16, 9:30 am PHT Channel TBD

#4 Grizzlies vs #5 Clippers

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS WINS SERIES 4-3

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers

Game 1: May 15, 9:30 am PHT Channel TBD

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Celtics lead series 1-0)
Game 1: May 15, 7:00 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Heat lead series 1-0)
Game 1: May 16, 7:00 am PHT Channel TBD

K-Smoove

Back in the province. Just like when we were kids.

Yesterday, our family went back to our province in Batangas to celebrate two of my cousin's birthdays. One of them was celebrating her 1st birthday, while the other had his 7th birthday on April 28 (2 days before my birthday.) It was a double celebration.


It was a chance to catch up with my relatives and cousins with whom we haven't seen in a long time for we haven't come back to the province often this summer.


So yes, we had a great birthday party there. Great food and entertainment. My aunt and uncle own a restaurant/catering business there and their food is very good.


Then later in the night, we found our way to the WalterMart mall which is just a pebble stone throw away from the house. Me, my brother Andrei and cousin Paolo went on the arcades having a great time. Before going down at McDonald's for some french fries and drinks along with my other cousins Ann and Trina who followed after. Before we left, we went for one round of an all-time classic board game Snakes and Ladders and after all the ladders that brought you up and snakes that brought you down. I won the game. Hehe.


Then, it was time to head back home to Quezon City. It was a great time to spend with my cousins and relatives. Truly, I miss the times when we were kids, young and carefree. It was a good feeling to relieve those moments for one more time.


Going back to my roots.
K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Lakers advance to the 2nd round, defeats the Nuggets in Game 7 96-87. Celtics beat the 76ers in Game 1 92-91. Plus, Grizzlies forcing a Game 7 vs the Clippers with Game 6 win yesterday 90-88.

Pau Gasol with the dunk vs the Nuggets

Photo ©NBA/Lakers.com

Before I begin with today's action. I was unable to put up my NBA Daily Blog yesterday since I went out before the Grizzlies vs Clippers game was finished and I was unable to blog it out. So, in this edition, we'll also highlight Game 6 of their series (see post below).

The Los Angeles Lakers are moving on to the second round as they take Game 7 of their first round series against the Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center 96-87. The Lakers will now face the #2 seed the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 will be in Oklahoma City on May 15.

Pau Gasol led the Lakers with a double-double 23 points and 17 rebounds with 6 assists and 4 blocks. Steve Blake off the bench added 19 points and 2 steals while shooting 5-6 from 3 point range. Kobe Bryant added 17 points and 8 assists. Andrew Bynum also finished with a double-double 16 points and 18 rebounds with 6 blocks. Metta World Peace who returned to the hardcourt after serving a 7 game suspension added 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks.

Ty Lawson led the Nuggets with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Al Harrington off the bench also scored 24 points. Arron Afflalo scored 15 points. JaVale McGee pulled down 14 rebounds with 6 points and 5 blocks. Andre Miller pulled down 11 rebounds with 8 assists. Rookie Kenneth Faried pulled down 10 rebounds with 6 points.

In Boston, the Boston Celtics continue their playoff campaign into the second round, coming up with a come from behind Game 1 victory over their Atlantic Division rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Garden 92-91. The Celtics trailed by 10 at the start of the fourth, but fought their way back and came up with a thrilling victory. Game 2 will be in Boston on May 15 as the Celtics would look to take a 2-0 series lead before the series shifts to Philadelphia. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with a double-double 29 points and 11 rebounds with 3 blocks. Paul Pierce added 14 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. Rajon Rondo finished with a triple-double 13 points, 12 rebounds and 17 assists with 4 steals. Ray Allen off the bench scored 12 points. Brandon Bass added 10 points and 4 rebounds. Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Evan Turner finished with a double-double 16 points and 10 rebounds with 4 steals. Spencer Hawes added 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Rookie Lavoy Allen off the bench added 12 points and 6 rebounds.

Yesterday in Los Angeles, the Memphis Grizzlies force a winner take all Game 7 in their first round series as they defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 at the Staples Center 90-88. Game 7 will be in Memphis on May 14 where the winner will face the top seeded team in the West, the San Antonio Spurs. Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Zach Randolph finished with a double-double 18 points and 16 rebounds with 3 blocks. Rudy Gay added 13 points and 6 rebounds. Mike Conley also scored 13 points with 4 rebounds and 9 assists. Tony Allen added 8 points, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Eric Bledsoe off the bench added 14 points and 6 assists. Chris Paul added 11 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Caron Butler and Kenyon Martin each scored 10 points.

In other news, LeBron James of the Miami Heat was named the 2012 NBA Most Valuable Player. James who won his third MVP award of his career (a back-to-back in 2009 and 2010 with the Cleveland Cavaliers) led the Heat with season averages of 27.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.2 steals leading them to a 46-20 record, good for 2nd place in the East. James also joins a lot of good company as he joins Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan as players who have won the MVP award at least 3 times in their careers. Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder finished second in the voting. While Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs finished 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively in the voting.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 14:06 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #8 Jazz

SAN ANTONIO SPURS WINS SERIES 4-0

#4 Grizzlies vs #5 Clippers (Series tied 3-3)

Game 7: May 14, 1:00 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

#3 Lakers vs #6 Nuggets

LOS ANGELES LAKERS WINS SERIES 4-0

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers
Game 1: May 15, 9:30 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Thunder vs #7 Mavericks

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER WINS SERIES 4-0

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Celtics lead series 1-0)

Game 2: May 15, 7:00 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers

Game 1: May 14, 3:30 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

K-Smoove

My two blogs are starting to click.

It's been more than a month since I returned to blogging, and both of my blogs are starting to click. My Blogger blog is almost at 1,000 hits all-time, while my WordPress blog is at 700 hits all-time. 

Well, they may have the same content, but they have varying audiences. My Blogger blog hits, most come from right here at home the Philippines. While my WordPress blog is reaching out to other places around the world.

I also like to say Yo! to my 3 Blogger blog followers and 6 WordPress blog followers.

So, if you have free time on the internet, feel free to browse both of my blogs on the net. 

If you have a Blogger and/or WordPress account, please don't hesitate to follow my blog. I promise I'll follow you back. (Just like on Twitter) Haha!

And remember that in every challenge in life, you must "Never back down. Never ever give up."

Thank You PEEPS, and God Bless.

Keep in check,
K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: 76ers knock out top-seeded Bulls in Game 6 on Iguodala's free throws 79-78, will face the Celtics in 2nd round who defeat the Hawks in Game 6 83-80. Nuggets force Game 7 vs the Lakers.

Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams celebrate as the 76ers win Game 6 vs the Bulls

Photo ©NBA/Sixers.com

The Philadelphia 76ers become the fifth #8 seeded team in NBA history to knock off the #1 seed as they take the series 4-2 in thrilling fashion as they defeat the Chicago Bulls in Game 6 at the Wells Fargo Center on Andre Iguodala's two clutch free throws 79-78. The 76ers trailed by 3 75-78 with 25 seconds left. Thaddeus Young scored a lay-up to make it 77-78. Then the 76ers foul center Omer Asik who in turn missed two crucial free throws for the Bulls as Iguodala raised down the court and drew the foul which led to the two clutch free throws he sank. The Bulls had a chance to win but C.J. Watson's halfcourt heave went off the iron. The 76ers advance to the second round for the first time since 2003 and will now face the Boston Celtics who won in Game 6 of their series against the Atlanta Hawks (see story below). Their series begins on May 13 in Boston.

Iguodala led the 76ers with 20 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Lou Williams off the bench added 14 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. Jrue Holiday added 14 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Evan Turner added 10 points and 5 rebounds. Spencer Hawes added 8 points and 10 rebounds. Thaddeus Young also scored 8 points with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Luol Deng led the Bulls with a double-double 19 points and 17 rebounds with 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Rip Hamilton also scored 19 points with 8 rebounds. Taj Gibson off the bench added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. Omer Asik finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. Carlos Boozer pulled down 13 rebounds but only scored 3 points.

In Boston, the Boston Celtics also advance to the second round as they take the series 4-2 against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 at the TD Garden 83-80. The Celtics will face the #8 seed Philadelphia 76ers who defeated the #1 seed Chicago Bulls (see story above) on May 13 in Boston. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with a double-double 28 points and 14 rebounds with 3 steals and 5 blocks. Paul Pierce added 18 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. Rajon Rondo added 14 points and 8 assists. Ray Allen off the bench added 7 points and 5 rebounds. Josh Smith led the Hawks with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Joe Johnson scored 17. Marvin Williams added 16 points and 8 rebounds. Al Horford added 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.

In Denver, the Denver Nuggets force a winner take all Game 7 in their first round series as they blow out the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 at the Pepsi Center 113-96. Game 7 will be in Los Angeles on May 13 as this series winds down to one final game, the winner will face the #2 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. Ty Lawson led the Nuggets with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Corey Brewer off the bench added 18 points and 2 steals. Rookie Kenneth Faried finished with a double-double 15 points and 11 rebounds with 2 blocks. Danilo Gallinari added 12 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Andre Miller also scored 12 points with 4 rebounds. Kobe Bryant who played with a stomach illness led the Lakers with 31 points and 4 assists. Ramon Sessions added 14 points and 3 assists. Andrew Bynum finished with a double-double 11 points and 16 rebounds with 4 blocks. Devin Ebanks scored 10. Metta World Peace will return to action for Game 7 after serving a 7 game suspension after he elbowed Thunder guard James Harden during the final week of the regular season.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 13:58 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #8 Jazz

SAN ANTONIO SPURS WINS SERIES 4-0

#4 Grizzlies vs #5 Clippers (Clippers lead series 3-2)

Game 6: May 12, 9:00 am PHT on ESPN

#3 Lakers vs #6 Nuggets (Series tied 3-3)

Game 7: May 13, 10:30 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Thunder vs #7 Mavericks

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER WINS SERIES 4-0

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Bulls vs #8 76ers

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS WINS SERIES 4-2

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers

Game 1: May 13, 8:00 am PHT Channel TBD

#4 Celtics vs #5 Hawks

BOSTON CELTICS WINS SERIES 4-2

#3 Pacers vs #6 Magic

INDIANA PACERS WINS SERIES 4-1

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers

Game 1: May 14, 3:30 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #7 Knicks

MIAMI HEAT WINS SERIES 4-1

K-Smoove