NBA playoff schedule 2014: Saturday filled with Game 7s
You want elimination games? How about back-to-back-to-back Game 7s. Here’s your complete Saturday schedule.
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Game 7 is sacred in the NBA Playoffs, and Saturday features three conclusive games to three wild series. The Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers will all play to advance to the next round. Only three teams will survive. Action begins at 5:30 p.m. ET and lasts through the evening.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers, Game 7
5:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Hawks had a chance to close out the Pacers in Atlanta but couldn’t finish the job. Now, the Pacers can stave off their tremendous collapse since the close of the regular season with a win in Indiana.
NBA playoffs
David West saved the day for the Pacers, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter. Indiana went on a 16-4 run in the fourth, and they managed to salvage their season for at least another game. The No. 1 seed Pacers have struggled dealing with the No. 8 Hawks, Jeff Teague and their ability to space the floor. It all comes down to a final game for this intriguing series. Winner goes on to face the Washington Wizards.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Game 7
8 p.m. ET (TNT)
Kevin Durant flipped a Mr. Unreliable headline into a Mr. Undeniable reality, and the Thunder forced a Game 7 in Oklahoma City. Durant scored 36 points in Game 6 and came out firing following the "controversial" headline.
The Grizzlies have mostly been able to keep the series to their liking. These six games have been slow-paced contests dictated by defense. Tony Allen has been excellent despite having the tall task of locking up Durant. He'll have to put on another performance for the ages to knock out the No. 2 seed Thunder.
Oklahoma City looked primed to make a deep playoff run with a healthy Westbrook ready to provide the secondary scoring punch the Thunder lacked last postseason. Instead, he’s averaging 24.8 field goal attempts per game while shooting just 35 percent from the field.
Winner advances to face either the Warriors or the Clippers.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers, Game 7
10:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
There’s been plenty of drama in Los Angeles over the last week. Donald Sterling and Mike D’Antoni have generated headlines, but nothing will have the city on pins and needles more than a decisive Game 7 in Staples Center.
Chris Paul has been hampered by injuries, dealing with a hamstring and left hand injury through the series. He finished Game 6 with a meager line, notching nine points, eight assists and four turnovers. The Clippers will need their superstar point guard at 100%, desperately needing his brilliance on both ends of the floor.
Stephen Curry set the tone in Game 6, scoring 14 points in the first quarter on 12 field goal attempts. It’s been a long series for these two teams, but there can only be one. Winner faces Oklahoma City or Memphis.
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