Milwaukee 118 Orlando 104
Two-Point Pct: Orlando 42%, Milwaukee 56%
Three-Pointers: Orlando 15/41, Milwaukee 16/4
Free Throws: Orlando 15/21, Milwaukee 22/27
Rebounds: Orlando 47, Milwaukee 56
Turnovers: Orlando 11, Milwaukee 14
Pace: 105.4 possessions
Pointspread: Milwaukee by 14, total of 225
Nothing surprising here, as Milwaukee had been slowly crushing the life out of Orlando since Game 2 of the series. The final margin landed right on the pointspread, and the Over/Under a trey away.
Many casual observers may be surprised to find out that this has been the fastest-paced opening round series thus far (104.60). The scoreboard isn’t suggesting that, with its range of 232, 207, 228, 227, 222. Those totals don’t say “track meet” based on norms in the bubble (Mavs/Clippers have played to 228, 241, 252, 242, 265 in regulation, for example). But, possession counts per 48 minutes in Orlando/Milwaukee were 106.5, 102.9, 103.2, 104, and 105.4.
Scoring stays in check because Milwaukee plays great defense (holding Orlando to 43%, 42%, 43%, and 42% on two-point attempts the last four games), and 40.1% from the floor overall in those contests. The Bucks are a bit too turnover prone on offense (16-20-18-12-14 by game), and it hit their efficiency, as the Bucks averaged under 1.1 points per possession in five games of this series. Milwaukee advances to play Miami in the second round, a well-coached threat that played slow basketball in its sweep of Indiana.
Houston 114 Oklahoma City 80
Two-Point Pct: Oklahoma City 48%, Houston 46%
Three-Pointers: Oklahoma City 7/46, Houston 19/48
Free Throws: Oklahoma City 15/23, Houston 9/14
Rebounds: Oklahoma City 58, Houston 55
Turnovers: Oklahoma City 18, Houston 11
Pace: 103.7 possessions
Pointspread: Houston by 5, total of 228.5
No secret behind this blowout. It’s impossible for an underdog to compete if it shoots 7 of 46 on 3-pointers! The Thunder were cold early, then couldn’t make anything in desperation after falling behind. Houston’s defense deserves credit for disruption. OKC on treys by game: 13/35, 11/32, 14/41, 11/32, and 7/46 which leads to a 30.1% mark on 37.2 3PA per game. Being “around” 33% isn’t good enough in the bubble. OKC is also -17 in turnover differential for the series. Houston’s defense has been getting some good press. It deserves more.
We should also note, that Russell Westbrook made his impact felt as well. The statline of 7 points on 3/13 shooting isn’t impressive, but Houston posted its best numbers in transition of the entire series, and that is no surprise. Through the first four games the Rockets averaged just 89.5 points per 100 plays in transition. On Saturday that figure was 116.7. Westbrook created open looks routinely as well, which led to 7 assists. He’s pretty important for what they do in Houston.
LA Lakers 131, Portland 122
Two-Point Pct: Portland 47%, Lakers 65%
Three-Pointers: Portland 13/27, Lakers 14/36
Free Throws: Portland 21/26, Lakers 21/26
Rebounds: Portland 43, Lakers 41
Turnovers: Portland 19, Lakers 17
Pace: 109.7 possessions
Pointspread: Lakers by 13, total of 223
Very sloppy track meet, with a pace much higher than the rest of the series (101.6, 95.3, 102.9, 99.4 in the prior four games). You see both teams were careless with the ball. The Lakers maintained their superstar steamroller with Anthony Davis scoring 43 points in 36 minutes, and LeBron James adding 36 in 34. Portland managed to cover thanks to much better accuracy on three-pointers and a few extra offensive rebounds. Lakers advance to the second round, awaiting the winner of Houston/Oklahoma City.
Hardwood Handicappers 