CAVS, MAGIC, JAZZ, SPURS FIGHT BACK

 

Well we've had Games 1 and 2, and the home sides took their opposition apart in all four ties. Now however it's Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Conference Semi Finals and the supposed underdogs, one of whom are the defending champions, really have to get their act together. Good thing for them that the locations have switched, now maybe we'll have some responses to poor performances early on.

In the East, the Celtics faced the Cavs in Cleveland. Well the Celts opened with a 4-0 run but after that the Cavs just barrelrolled them, leaving the green machines floundering at the first buzzer. The series leaders took a nibble at the deficit in the second quarters only for the home side to put the game beyond reach in the fourth. LeBron was back in business with 21 points combined with 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Cavs won 108-84.

The Pistons faced the Magic in Orlando. Well the Magic opened the scoring, Pistons tied it at 2. From there on in though the Magic just anhiliated "Deeetroit basketballll" leaving the visitors a mountain to climb at the half. Credit to the Pistons for finding a strong third quarter but they needed to keep the momentum going into the fourth and instead the Magic went into overdrive! Rashard Lewis deepfried the Pistons to the tune of 33 points. Magic won 111-86!

Out West, the Lakers faced the Jazz in Utah. Well the Lakers looked up to set up a sweep early on, leading 11-3 but the Jazz game back to tie the game at 23 at the end of the first buzzer before taking over in the second quarter. After that, the Lakers were struggling to keep the deficit down and time but did come close late in the fourth but got shut out instead. Carlos Boozer grabbed 27 points, the Jazz won 104-99.

The Hornets faced the Spurs in San Antonio. Well this season's upstarts looked to cause more tremors on the road, gaining the edge in the first quarter and holding on to lead 56-54 at half time. The Spurs then remembered who they're supposed to be though and let the upstarts have in in the second half, turning the game round in the third and finishing them off in the fourth. Tony Parker ran the show with 31 points, 4 rebounds and 11 assists, Spurs won 110-99.

So, no sweeps at this stage. What now?

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