The Pacers did it again, falling behind by 30 points at home in a Game 5 loss to the Atlanta Hawks that puts them on the brink of elimination. Elsewhere, the Heat completed a four-game sweep of the Bobcats and the Spurs hung on against Dallas.
What happened Monday in the NBA Playoffs

Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesThe Pacers’ collapse is nearly complete after going down 30 at home in a critical Game 5, while the Spurs and Mavericks fought in another instant classic in Dallas.
Read Article >Spurs level series with Mavericks, 2-2

Ronald MartinezSan Antonio looked to be in control from the start, amassing a 14-point lead going into the half and dominating the Mavericks on both ends of the floor. But Dallas came roaring out of the gates in the third quarter, scoring 29 points while narrowing the gap to just eight.
DeJuan Blair out here just kicking dudes in the face.
Read Article >DeJuan Blair kicked Tiago Splitter in the head
The two got tangled up going for a loose ball and fell to the ground. As Blair moved his legs out from under the San Antonio big man, he moved his feet toward his head. It was a gentle kick, but a kick to the face all as well.
Read Article >Acrobat dog in Spurs-Mavericks halftime show


YOOOOOOOOO. This dog’s got the around-the-neck move:
This dog’s got the tumbler-treadmill move:
Read Article >Atlanta dominates, grabs 3-2 lead over Indiana

Pat Lovell-USA TODAY SportsGame 6 will be held at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 1 in Atlanta. The Hawks lead the series, 3-2.
Read Article >Lance Stephenson misses dunk, sums up Pacers
Miami sweeps Charlotte, advances to 2nd round

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY SportsBut Miami came back in the second half, dominating on defense and locking down on the Charlotte shooters. The Bobcats scored just 17 points in the third period to the Heat’s own 32, which set the table for the reigning champs to complete the sweep.
Read Article >Larry Bird can only shake his head at the Pacers
Larry Bird is all out of carrots and all out of sticks. And the Pacers could be on their way out altogether. With Indiana down to the Hawks by 30 points in the third quarter on Monday, Bird wasn’t pleased. Poor Larry.
Read Article >Broadcast picks up Pacers fan screaming at George
The Pacers got absolutely throttled in the first half against the Hawks. Mike Scott dropped five threes on them. Utter absurdity. Pacers fans aren’t really feeling it, and the NBA TV mics caught the desperate cries of one man as the miserable half came to a close:
It’s a bit garbled, but it’s clearly directed at Paul George, who should “start playing basketball and stop traveling” (good coaching!) and is “ready to go home in the first round against Atlanta” and “supposed to be an All-Star.” Harsh, but ... well, understandable at the moment.
Read Article >Kemba Walker goes off the backboard to himself
In the second quarter of Monday night’s game against the Heat, Walker went up for a three-pointer against Norris Cole. Hoping to get the Heat defender to jump in the air, Walker found himself hanging and did the only logical thing he could think to do -- he threw it off the backboard to himself for an easy layup.
Charlotte might get swept, but we’ll always have Kemba.
Read Article >Heat have the brooms out vs. Bobcats

Grant HalversonHow to watch Pacers vs. Hawks, Game 5

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY SportsHow to watch Mavericks vs. Spurs, Game 4

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports