San Antonio set a playoff franchise record by connecting 14 times from beyond the arc during a 105-83 victory over Memphis in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. 

Each of the 14 made attempts from 3-point range for the Spurs came off an assist, including six of the nine dished out from point guard Tony Parker.

As the Grizzlies defense would collapse on the penetration of Parker, he would find an array of shooters standing behind the arc.

Kawhi Leonard connected on 4-of-5 attempts from 3-point range as he totaled 18 points, Danny Green scored 16 points on 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and Matt Bonner poured in a personal playoff high 12 points as he buried 4-of-6 looks from downtown.

Memphis advanced the furthest it ever has in franchise history behind its stellar defensive effort, surrendering more than 100 points just twice in the opening two rounds.

Tony Parker is averaging 22.1 points per game, the eighth most of any player in the 2013 NBA playoffs.

The Clippers and Oklahoma City, the two previous opponents Memphis played in the post season, shot just 31.8 percent from beyond the arc and never surrendered more than nine conversions from 3-point range in any of its 11 post season games.

The barrage of 3-pointers from San Antonio proved to be unstoppable on Sunday afternoon.

Prior to the series opener, San Antonio ranked second among all playoff teams, connecting on 35.6 percent of their attempts from 3-point range, a number only surpassed by Golden State, the team the Spurs knocked out in the Western Conference semifinals.

The Spurs shot 52.6 percent from the field and 48.3 percent from 3-point range.

Memphis previously had only allowed an opponent to shoot 50 percent from the field twice in the playoffs and the 3-point shooting from San Antonio was the best percentage of any opponent in the playoffs.

The lethal long range shooting opened up a 17 point lead in the first quarter then unleashed another series of 3-pointers to put the game away.

Memphis trimmed a 20 point deficit down to six but the Spurs quickly put the game away again.

The Grizzlies offense couldn’t function with its usual efficiency as Zach Randolph connected on just 1-of-8 attempts from the field and he scored just two points, his lowest point total of the 2012-13 season.

Although Tim Duncan scored just six points, his first non double-digit scoring effort of the post season, his ability to shut down Randolph, along with 10 rebounds and two blocks, played a major role in the Spurs ninth victory of the post season.

Reserve forward Quincy Pondexter led Memphis with 17 points as he connected on 5-of-9 attempts from 3-point range.

Marc Gasol had 15 points and seven assists while Mike Conley added 14 points and eight assists, but the Grizzlies trailed for all but 43 seconds in Game 1.

By taking the first game of the series, San Antonio did much more than position itself just three wins away from the NBA Finals, it reestablished the team as a powerhouse in the Western Conference.

When taking the series opener, the Spurs have been virtually unbeatable under coach Gregg Popovich.

San Antonio rebuilt its lead to 21 points with five minutes remaining, allowing each team to empty its bench.

Parker served as the catalyst for both of San Antoino’s major runs in the game.

In the opening quarter, the 6-foot-2 guard totaled eight points and three assists as the Spurs built a 31-14 lead after just 12 minutes.

A dunk from Jerryd Bayless with 3:43 remaining in the third quarter pulled the Grizzlies to within six, but Parker prevented them from getting any closer.

His four points and two assists early in the fourth quarter blew the game open for San Antonio, allowing Popovich to bench him with over six minutes remaining in the contest.

For the third time this post season, the Spurs won by more than 20 points.

While not every victory will allow Popovich to play all 13 available players on his roster for at least five minutes, having an outing like the one the Spurs had Sunday is a perfect beginning to a playoff series.

That faith has been a critical component as the team reached the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history.

The story for both Memphis and Conley has been perseverance.

The Grizzlies have been able to regroup after shaking up their roster at the trade deadline, dealing away small forward Rudy Gay, breaking up one of the most dangerous front courts in the NBA.

Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph have continued their All-Star caliber play and have led one of the most potent defensive attacks in the league.

Opponents have shot 43.5 percent from the field against the Grizzlies in the post season, but it has as much to do with back court pressure as it does having Gasol, the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year anchoring the paint.

The Grizzlies are forcing 14 turnovers per game, 7.2 as a result of a steal, a specialty of Conley.

His impact extended far beyond the 17.6 points, 7.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game he’s averaged during the 2013 post season.

Mike Conley is averaging 7.6 assists per game in post season play, the most of any player to advance to the 2013 conference finals.

The numbers were exactly what Memphis was hoping he could produce after signing a five-year $45 million extension during the summer of 2010.

Now, Conley is in total control of the Grizzlies offense.

Memphis is averaging an additional 3.8 points per game in the post season, while still surrendering 92.4 points per game even though it had to deal with the explosive offenses of the Clippers and Thunder for 11 games.

Conley is creating pick-and-roll opportunities for both Randolph and Gasol, while scoring 20 or more points five times in the post season.

The 25-year-old excelled in the absence of Gay, seizing control of the offense, leading the team with 16.4 points, 6.2 assists and 52 made attempts from 3-point range.

In the close out game against the Thunder, Conley found a way to make an impact even though his shot wasn’t falling .

Conley converted just 5-of-18 attempts from the field, but dished out 11 assists, five came in the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies advanced the farthest the franchise ever has in 18 years as Conley has lived up to the heavy expectations placed on him.

Memphis Grizzlies (64-29) vs. San Antonio Spurs (66-26)

Season Series: Tied 2-2

Game 1: Sunday 3:30 p.m. ET on

Key for Memphis

The Grizzlies have been able to slow down elite offenses throughout the post season. The Clippers averaged 101.1 points per game in the regular season but were held to just 94.7 points per game in a six game series against Memphis. Oklahoma City scored 105.7 points per game but posted just 89.6 in a five game series. The Thunder failed to score 100 points in any game, even after Game 4 went into overtime. The Grizzlies need to limit San Antonio’s point totals to extend their season.

Key for San Antonio

The Spurs are making an average of 39.2 shots per game during the post season, 23 of which are set up by assists. With 58.7 percent of their made shots coming off an assist, San Antonio relies on ball movement and easy looks at the basket. The Memphis defense tries to force its opponents into mistakes while the Spurs try to exploit any defensive lapses.

Pivotal Match-up

Zach Randolph vs. Tim Duncan

A fifth appearance in the NBA Finals would be just another piece of the legacy of Duncan’s career. The 36-year-old has already helped hang four banners in the rafters at the AT&T Center and a fifth would solidify him as the greatest power forward ever to play the game. Randolph is once again excelling in the post season, averaging 19.7 points, shooting 51.2 percent from the field and grabbing 9.3 rebounds per game. If he is able to out play Duncan, the Grizzlies could advance to the NBA Finals.

During an elimination game in Indiana, his new home, Stepehenson was able to take his vengeance out on his hometown team. 

The Pacers improved to 6-0 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in the post season with a 106-99 victory over New York behind a career performance from Stephenson.

The 40th pick of the 2010 NBA Draft scored a playoff career-high 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field, along with 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal to lead the Pacers back to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2004.

Nine of his points came during an 11-2 fourth quarter run that closed out the series.

As they have throughout the series, the Pacers dominated the paint, outscoring New York 52-20 in that area, behind center Roy Hibbert.

The 7-foot-2 center posted impressive numbers with 21 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, but his defensive effort on one specific play midway through the fourth quarter essentially ended the season for the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony, who scored 39 points in the game, tried to add to New York’s two point lead with 5:03 remaining, drove along the baseline and elevated for a one handed tomahawk jam.

Hibbert stepped in from of the rim and swatted the attempt, knocking the ball loose and igniting a Pacers fast break.

Paul George recovered the blocked shot, found David West up the court and he found Stephenson driving to the basket to tie the game.

On the next possession, Anthony inadvertently passed the ball to Stephenson and he raced up the floor, converted the layup while being hacked by J.R. Smith. Stephenson converted the free throw and the Pacers never trailed for the rest of the game.

Hibbert has controlled the paint throughout the series, as he grabbed six offensive rebounds Saturday night, giving him 55 offensive rebounds, the most of any player in the post season.

Each of his nine made shots came from within five feet of the rim and Hibbert did most of his damage from the free throw line.

Lance Stephenson scored nine of his playoff career-high 25 points in the fourth quarter to help Indiana advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

Not only did Hibbert attempt a game-high 12 free throws, he also sent Kenyon Martin and Tyson Chandler to the bench after they each picked up their sixth foul hitting him in the post.

After missing an opportunity to knock out New York in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, it was the continuous slashing to the rim of the 6-foot-6 Stephenson that made up for the off game from concussed point guard George Hill.

The victory also offered him some personal redemption.

After leading Lincoln High school to four consecutive city championships and New York state championship, he struggled during his only season in college.

Stephenson averaged 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, but shot just 44 percent from the field, 21.9 percent from 3-point range and 66 percent at the foul line for Cincinnati.

His one season with the Bearcats, along with the reputation of being difficult to coach, sent his stock spiraling down on draft night.

Lance Stephenson is averaging 8.1 rebounds per game, the most of any guard in the 2013 playoffs.

As the second round began, speculation grew the Knicks would select the hometown star with either the 38th or 39th overall pick.

Deputy commissioner Adam Silver instead announced the names of Andy Rautins, a guard that has played just five games in his NBA career and Landry Fields, a shooting guard from Stanford that played just two seasons in New York before signing with Toronto.

Prior to this season, Stephenson struggled on the court and faced difficulties away from it.

Two months after the Pacers selected Stephenson with the 40th overall pick, one after Fields, he was arrested for shoving his girlfriend down the stairs.

Last season, Stephenson rarely came off the bench, but made national news after making a choking gesture at LeBron James during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Miami.

Whenever he made an appearance in the series, Heat players took turns in hammering Stephenson during any of his shot opportunities.

New York tried to do the same last night, but he converted 7-of-8 attempts from the foul line.

His performance in Game 6 proved New York made a mistake by not selecting him in the draft, now Stephenson has an opportunity to show Miami he can make headlines for his performance on the court.

This time, the team overcame the precision shooting of Golden State’s dynamic back court and the frenzied Oracle Arena crowd to advance. 

San Antonio’s 94-82 victory in Game 6 had all the key components that has made the franchise one of the league’s most successful over the past two decades.

The Spurs reached the Western Conference finals for the eighth time since selecting Tim Duncan with the first overall pick of the 1997 NBA Draft, with excellent ball movement (27 assists), excellent rebounding (46 total rebounds) and excellent defense.

Golden State attempted 85 shots but was only able to convert 38.8 percent of their tries. The duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, combined to score 32 points and the long range threat was eliminated.

The Warriors shot the highest percentage from 3-point range in both the regular and post seasons, but converted just 25 percent of their looks Thursday night.

Eliminating its opponents biggest strength has been a staple for San Antonio and now the Spurs have only the Memphis Grizzlies standing in the way of a fifth appearance in the NBA Finals since hiring Gregg Popovich as coach in 1996.

Tim Duncan is averaging 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 10 games during the 2013 playoffs.

San Antonio was able to clinch the series on the road by playing the very definition of team basketball.

All five starters scored in double figures, every player on the roster other than Tracy McGrady spent time on the floor and the team outscored Golden State in three of the four quarters. Both teams posted 19 points in the third.

Each of the first 10 made shots for the Spurs came off an assist, with Boris Diaw, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker totaling at least two during the stretch.

The unselfishness created a 10 point cushion that the Spurs were able to maintain for a majority of the contest.

Golden State staged a fourth quarter run, scoring eight points in two minutes to open the period, but the Spurs responded with their own barrage of 3-pointers, converting four times in the middle of the period to put the game away.

Parker ignored a slow start, as he shot 1-for-13 from the field to open the game, to score 10 of his 13 points in the fourth, complimenting a 16 point, 10 rebound effort from Kawhi Leonard.

In his 200th career playoff game, Duncan totaled 19 points and six rebounds and now his team is just four victories away from a fifth appearance in the NBA Finals since selecting him 16 years ago.

Duncan and the Spurs have been the NBA’s model of consistency over the past two decades.

Tim Duncan has won a playoff series 29 times during his NBA career.

San Antonio has won over 70 percent of its regular season games since Duncan was added to the franchise and has posted a 124-76 record in post season play.

The team has won a playoff series 29 times during the 36-year-old’s tenure in the league.

For his career, Duncan is shooting 49.9 percent while averaging 22.1 points, 12 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.5 blocks per game in the post season.

Even with 49, 206 minutes logged between the regular season and the playoffs,  he hasn’t slowed down this year, averaging 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

He is even setting a career-high in his 15th year in the playoffs, converting 84.8 percent of his free throws, 16.4 percent higher than his post season career average.

The next double-double logged by Duncan will move him past Wilt Chamberlain into first place all-time with 144 playoff double-doubles.

A fifth career title would cement him as the greatest power forward ever to play the game and ascend him into a group occupied only by legends.

Even though he only took 13 shots in Game 6, Duncan served as the clear leader of San Antonio’s offensive attack, combining excellent post play with a lethal mid-range jumper.

Thirteen of his points came in the first half and Duncan sat the entire fourth quarter in preparation of a physical series against the Grizzles.

No matter where he lined up on the floor, the Warriors couldn’t find a way to slow him down, a problem that has plagued Golden State since Duncan came into the league.

The Spurs improved to 51-8 against the Warriors during Duncan’s career.

San Antonio opens the Western Conference finals Sunday at home against Memphis and Duncan is just eight victories away from adding a vital chapter to his NBA legacy.

First off, my apologies for missing the last two weeks. My solution to your whinning, get over it. Next, I realize that with my recent lack of effort to this great website and the man who created it (shameless groveling so I don’t get fired), I may not be in a position to complain about things. But I feel it necessary to complain about the Pacers-Knicks series.

Just consider that New York was supposed to run right through Indiana like a Terror Squad “trizzy,” but not only is Indiana the clumsiest team to ever make the NBA playoffs but it seems that the Knicks are playing with less talent than them. It’s pretty gross.

Anyways, moving on, we are right in the thick of the NBA playoffs and have lots to talk about in the entire NBA realm.

Pierce Out Of Luck, Coach Confuses Players, and Who The Hell Cares About The NBA Combine?

Seriously? :Sweet Brown voice: Ain’t nobody got time for that!

Now sure the combine showcases the newest talent for the NBA to scout. But is it really necessary to do this nonsense during the second round of the playoffs? We have pressing issues to address first. For instance, take a look at this completely factual fun fact.

Are you going to argue with NotBillWalton? I know I won’t. I suggest you do the same. And how about this exciting news…

Wait, what?

Yeah. Let’s talk about that for a second. That’s big news.

No, damnit! Weren’t you paying attention earlier?!

Well that sad news for the Bucks. They could have really used Sloan to guide Milwaukee to the next level (unless they open the playoffs against the Heat again). If I was the Bucks GM I’d be pissed.

Oh….. Ok…… Nevermind then. In other semi-related news, Paul Pierce thinks he may have made his mind up to move on to not-so-greener-than-celtic-green pastures.

That would be the end of an era in the NBA. Speaking of era’s, LeBron James has made a fast one with the Miami Heat. The stats are impressive even though I’m sure we have all thought about it before.

Moving to the other side of the Eastern Conference (you know, the next team Miami will beat on the way to their inevitable back-to-back titles), the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are conducting their version of a specially televised AAU preseason game.

Exactly, we can’t even make it one quarter. The Knicks won last night, but let’s look at the storyline. The Knicks were facing elimination while the Pacers were facing a lineup more fit for a D-league squad.

And what do you expect when you own coach doesn’t even know your name?

Some of us were just begging for a reason to cheer.

Yes, Sheek Louch, you guys need something especially if you could only beat the Pacers by ten… with this team…

The series moves back to Indiana for Game 6, but honestly, does anybody really care? I can promise you the Top 5 Tweets of the Week are way more entertaining. BOOM! He’s back BABY!!!

I was searching Twitter for someone that carried as much distain as I do for the Knicks-Pacers series. It didn’t take long. Thanks to Marcel Mutoni I am able to sleep better at night knowing someone has the same feelings I do. Thanks Marcel.

#5 There was a Gerald Green sighting last night during game 5. But how did they manage to get Green on the court?

#4 NBA coaches are expected to look their best while on the sidelines. Pacers head coach Frank Vogel is not fulfilling this condition.

#3 With all the current Rihanna-JR Smith drama in the past few days, Smith’s dedication has been questioned. Dedication to what though? Basketball, or the party scene?

#2 The Knicks are only getting limited playing time from center Amar’e Stoudemire. Marcel has thought of a cheaper way to play the always-injured big man.

#1 One of the guys who was brought it to try and fill the void of the injury-plagued Stoudemire is veteran Kenyon Martin. But Marcel questions his ability to keep up with the younger Indiana Pacer lineup.

An electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, a heated rivalry reignited with Indiana and the Knicks in absolute desperation, needing a superstar performance from Anthony. 

The reigning scoring champion wasn’t at his most efficient, converting 12-of-28 attempts from the field, but it was enough as New York survived an elimination game with an 85-75 Game 5 victory.

Throughout the contest Anthony was seen favoring his left shoulder, the same one that was pulled out of its socket by Kevin Garnett in the fourth quarter of Game 5 in the opening round of the post season.

In 11 post season games, Anthony has shot 50 percent from the field just once and has connected on just 39.5 percent of his attempts in the playoffs.

For one game, he was able to play through the pain and delivered just enough to extend the Knicks season with his 26th consecutive 20-point outing.

Anthony scored seven of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, a dramatic difference from his consecutive scoreless fourth quarter outings during two losses in Indiana.

Unlike the two contests in Bankers Life Fieldhouse, New York was able to take an early lead.

Carmelo Anthony is averaging 24.8 points in eight appearances, regular season and playoffs, against Indiana this season.

A jumper from Anthony 34 seconds into the game snapped an 83 minute stretch of trailing in the series and the Knicks were able to maintain that lead for the entirety of Thursday night’s game.

While they found enough offense to win for the second time in the series, New York connected on just 41 percent of its attempts from the field and only 12 of their 32 made shots came off an assist.

The Knicks averaged just 19.3 assists per game in the regular season, the fewest in the league and during the Eastern Conference semifinals, the average has dipped to 14.4 per game.

Indiana, the league’s top ranked defense, contained the fluid ball movement of the Knicks, even with point guards Raymond Felton, Jason Kidd and Pablo Prigioni playing and its starter, point guard George Hill, sat out with a concussion.

The offense grew stagnant, forcing Anthony to improvise his points.

Entering Game 5, Anthony was hoisting five attempts from 3-point range per game even though his post season average stood at just 30 percent.

The consequence of a loss would have been the end of the season for New York, so Anthony focused on high percentage shots, attempting just two times from beyond the arc and instead shooting seven times at the rim.

His persistence at the rim finally paid off in the final period, as he went to the foul line four times in a four minute stretch.

Carmelo Anthony is hoping to erase a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in franchise history.

The four free throws attempted by Anthony were the only from a New York starter in the contest.

Coach Mike Woodson altered his usual rotation, as Kidd, scoreless in his last eight outings, lasted just five minutes as Chris Copeland was inserted out of desperation for an offensive spark.

The move worked, as Copeland connected three times from beyond the arc as part of a 13 point performance.

J.R. Smith was unable to snap out of a prolonged shooting slump, but did manage 13 points as well, even connecting on his first attempt in the game, receiving a standing ovation as his 3-pointer from the corner ripped through the net.

The 35 points scored by the bench were critical, as New York’s starters, outside of Anthony, combined for just 22 points.

New York has failed to claim a series 12 times in franchise history after falling behind 3-1, a feat that has been accomplished just eight times in NBA history.

The series shifts back to Indiana Saturday and the Pacers have won each of their five post season home games by an average of 15 points.

This season, Anthony has posted 40 or more points on eight occasions, and with New York’s offense struggling as mightily as it has throughout the series, an epic performance may be a necessity to force a Game 7.

The possibility only exists as Anthony immediately seized control of Game 5, giving the Knicks one more opportunity to extend their season.

In the Grizzlies 18-year existence, Zach Randolph has provided a majority of the clutch performances for his team.

His outing Wednesday moved the team into uncharted territory.

Randolph posted 28 points and 14 rebounds, leading Memphis to an 88-84 Game 5 victory and clinched a berth in the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history.

Prior to the arrival of Randolph, the Grizzlies had made just three playoff appearances and were swept each time in the opening round.

Two years ago, the 6-foot-9 forward led Memphis to its first ever series win, pulling off an upset against the Spurs, a team it may face in the next round, before Oklahoma City knocked them out in a seventh game during the Western Conference semifinals.

Wednesday night, Randolph avenged that series loss while showcasing exactly how he became the franchise player for the Grizzlies.

For the 17th time in 31 playoff appearances for Memphis, Randolph logged a double-double to lead his team its fourth consecutive victory.

Zach Randolph logged a double-double for the fifth time during the 2013 playoffs. He finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds during a Game 5 victory.

Throughout the series, he battered the Oklahoma City front court, averaging 18.4 points and 10.8 rebounds during the series, serving as the embodiment of the grit-and-grind style of play his team as adapted.

Randolph set up shop in the post, converting five attempts at the rim while forcing Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison, the two primary defenders the Thunder used against him, into committing 11 fouls.

The 16 free throws attempted by Randolph were a season high and he converted five of his six attempts in the fourth quarter.

Each point was critical, as the total margin of victory in the five games series was just 24 points.

His performance gave Memphis enough of a cushion to hold off the comeback attempt from Oklahoma City.

Kevin Durant, forced into playing 44.1 minutes per game in the absence of All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, couldn’t get his shot going.

The three-time scoring champion missed a potential game-tying jumper with six seconds remaining, completing a 5-for-21 shooting performance, the third worst of his 54 career playoff appearances.

The Thunder, the reigning Western Conference champions, couldn’t handle the physicality of Memphis.

Even the newest addition to the team placed a stamp on the game.

A fast break was ignited off a blocked shot from Marc Gasol. Mike Conley tracked down the loose ball and found Tayshaun Prince streaking towards the rim.

Even with three defenders, Thabo Sefolosha, Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka, the leading shot blocker each of the past two seasons, Prince elevated and hammered down a left handed tomahawk.

Other than highlight reel dunks, Randolph took care of everything else.

In critical games, Randolph, a player that the Trail Blazers, Knicks and Clippers had previously deemed expendable, has been invaluable.

Memphis had so much confidence in their 31-year-old power forward that the team dealt away Rudy Gay, a player it signed to a five-year $82 million deal during the summer of 2010, to the Raptors.

Zach Randolph is averaging 19.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in 11 playoff games this year.

Prince arrived as part of the three-team trade, but the Grizzlies sent the message that the team was going to rely heavily on Randolph.

He has responded during the entirety of the post season.

After Memphis dropped its first two games of the opening round against the Clippers, Randolph dominated Game 3 with 27 points and 11 rebounds. In Game 5, he submitted 25 points and 11 rebounds.

During an overtime performance in Game 4 against the Thunder, Randolph posted 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Memphis is advancing behind a dominant front court, reversing the trend of elite athleticism and perimeter shooting that most teams, including Oklahoma City, have used to excel.

Gasol, the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is averaging 18.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.2 block per game while shutting down post players for both the Clippers and Thunder.

On the offensive end, Randolph anchored the Grizzlies in the post, converting 51.2 percent of his attempts from the field.

The Grizzlies have already made franchise history and Randolph is awaiting his next opponent to torment.

Throughout the post season, Wade has played with a bone bruise in the knee, an injury that forced him to miss Miami’s elimination game in the opening round against Milwaukee. 

The knee is so bothersome, team trainers have been forced to shift his kneecap over and tape it in place to prevent excessive rubbing against the bruised area.

The adjustment seemed to revitalize Wade and he was the key factor in a dominant fourth quarter performance during a 94-91 victory.

Wednesday’s victory clinched a third consecutive berth in the Eastern Conference finals.

Wade sat out the first 4:34 of the fourth quarter and entered the game with his team trailing by three.

The 6-foot-4 guard scored six of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, knocking down consecutive jumpers from nine feet away to help open up a four point lead.

The Heat spent the rest of the game just trying to hold off a team hoping to stave off elimination.

Dwyane Wade (right) is averaging just 32.4 minutes per game, the fewest in any of his nine career playoff appearances.

Nate Robinson knocked down his fourth 3-pointer with 1:43 remaining to cut Miami’s advantage down to three.

Five missed jumpers and a turnover kept Chicago’s season alive.

Even with a team decimated by injuries, as Luol Deng, Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich missed the entire series, forcing the rest of the team in to excessive minutes and fatigue, Chicago still had an opportunity to send the game into overtime on the final possession.

Robinson missed an open look with 15 seconds but a rebound from Carlos Boozer, his ninth offensive rebound to cap a 26 point, 14 rebound effort, allowed them one more opportunity to force overtime.

Boozer found Jimmy Butler on the perimeter but the Heat’s swarming defense prevented him from finding Robinson for an open look.

Butler played all 48 minutes for the third time in the series, but couldn’t add to his 19 point total as he launched a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded, ending the game in regulation and concluding a season that saw Rose miss its entirety recovering from a torn ACL.

The Bulls displayed their resiliency throughout the contest.

Miami opened the game playing flawless basketball, converting eight of its first 10 shot attempts from the field along with each of their first six free throws to open a 22-4 lead.

Unfazed by the monumental run to open the game, Chicago stormed right back as Boozer scored 10 of his points in the quarter and the Bulls pulled to within nine to close the quarter.

Dwyane Wade scored 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field along with six assists, five rebounds and two steals in Game 5.

A 3-pointer from Butler gave Chicago a 38-36 lead, its first in the contest and continued to rally. Robinson knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Bulls a six point lead at the half.

Chris Bosh converted two key 3-pointers, part of a 12 point, seven rebound effort and LeBron James added team-highs with 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists but it was Wade’s performance that carried the Heat.

In 118 career playoff games, Wade is averaging 24.4 points per game but his knee injury has limited him to just one 20 point performance, a 21 point outing in Game 2 against the Bucks in the opening round.

The limitations of his knee was evident as he couldn’t draw fouls against the Bulls throughout the series.

Prior to Game 5, Wade attempted just two free throws in over 125 minutes of play.

The nine-time All-Star converted each of his four free throw attempts and found enough strength to attack the rim.

Four of his made shots came at the rim and all but one of his shot attempts came from within 12 feet of the basket.

Miami is hoping to become just the sixth franchise in NBA history to win consecutive titles, joining the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Bulls and Rockets.

The Heat need Wade to remain a key contributor even though he is playing just 32.4 minutes per game in the playoffs, seven fewer than his career average.

For one night, Wade actually put his knee injury aside and helped Miami clinch a series victory.

From the resiliency of underdogs to the disgust of rappers over a team using one of their songs to motivate fans, the range of headlines has been nothing short of a medley of breaking news and press conference quotes that has resulted in fines and scrutiny of both players and coaches.

Off the court, the battle between Seattle and Sacramento rages on and the coaching rumor mill is swirling with Jerry Sloan of all people linked to the Milwaukee Bucks opening and Phil Jackson helping the Detroit Pistons locate a new coach. But for the purpose of this segment, let’s stick to the highlights on the court.

Team of the week: Miami Heat

After a little slip in game one against Chicago, the Heat have seen Chris Bosh and Norris Cole step up to the plate in a big way to help out LeBron James in winning three straight to take a commanding lead in the series. Miami’s championship credentials haven’t really been tested as of yet, but they appear to rolling right along now as they prepare wrap up the Bulls and get ready for the Eastern Conference Finals. Right now, it looks like the Heat are on another collision course with the NBA Finals.

Player of the week: Marc Gasol-Memphis Grizzlies

After Rudy Gay was traded, a lot of folks wondered who the Grizzlies could rely for a basket in crunch time. Gasol has stepped up to fill that void and is playing like a dominant center against Oklahoma City, averaging 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists 2.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in this series. He’s also been crucial in helping Memphis take a 3-1 series lead thanks to his ability to get to the line where he is shooting 79%.

Dunk of the week: Andrew Bogut-Golden State Warriors

The big Aussie has made his biggest impact on the Spurs-Warriors series on the boards where he is averaging 14 rebounds per game during the series, but here he helps out offensively throwing down a big jam over Boris Diaw in game four.

Block of the week: Nate Robinson-Chicago Bulls

Having to be the man on offense has certainly taken its toll on Robinson who looked more tired than a camel having just crossed the Sahara in game four. His legs are going this late in the season, but on this play he managed to get enough out of them to get up and block the league’s best player on his way to the hoop.

Assist of the week: Kevin Durant-Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder need to give Durant help and in the first half of game four, he got it and was able to find open teammates for easy baskets. It wouldn’t last throughout the game and OKC would eventually fall, but Durant showed here that he can pass as well as anyone when his teammates move without the ball.

Trick shot of the week: Tony Parker-San Antonio Spurs

It’s certainly not the first time Parker has stolen the show in the trick shot category and we have a feeling it won’t be the last. This one is a gem, with Parker displaying his usual skill at creating contact and finding a way to put the ball in the basket for the and-one.

Forced into a scorers role after the absence of Danny Granger, George has emerged as a franchise caliber player.

Aside from his All-Star selection, his nomination to the All-Defensive second team and his Most Improved Player award, George is developing into one of the most complete players in the league.

The single biggest asset George has is that his game has no weaknesses.

George’s performance during a 92-83 victory Tuesday night helped Indiana take a 3-1 series advantage.

Even has his shot wasn’t falling, as George converted just 1-of-9 attempts from 3-point range he found a way to stay involved as the Pacers improved to 5-0 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse during the post season.

The impact the 23-year-old provided extends far beyond the 18 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, but his presence on the floor helped the Pacers dominate the contest.

Throughout the season, George has been able to adapt into whatever role the Pacers have needed him to provide.

Paul George is averaging 18.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game for Indiana in the playoffs.

Adjusting his game is something the player listed as a 6-foot-8 forward, although he is actually 6-foot-10, has been doing since being selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Scouts were amazed with his length and athleticism but his inability to consistently dominate, even as he played his college basketball at Fresno State, allowed him to slip in the draft.

Ever since, he has made each team that passed on him regret their decision, as he was the first player in the 2010 draft class selected to an All-Star team.

George has been able to combine his large frame, speed and explosive leaping ability to become a dominant defender on the perimeter.

During the regular season, he recorded at least one steal in 67 of his 79 appearances.

George is averaging 1.9 steals per game in the post season for an Indiana team that is averaging 5.9 per game.

The Pacers had the top ranked defense in the league during the regular season and they’ve continued to shut down opponents once the playoffs began.

The Pacers led all 48 minutes and by double digits for the vast majority of the second half by forcing the Knicks into foul trouble, outrebounding them 54-36 and dictating the flow of the game.

New York, one of 11 teams in the league to average over 100 points per game during the regular season, has yet to find its offensive rhythm in the series as Carmelo Anthony has scored 104 points in the series, but has launched 93 shots to get there.

Paul George has logged four double-doubles in 10 post season games for Indiana.

When being guarded by George, Anthony has converted just 18-of-57 shots (32 percent) as the Pacers have taken away the pick-and-roll, a staple of New York’s offense.

The loss of Anthony’s production, something the Knicks have relied on all season, as he was the league’s leading scorer, along with an extended shooting slump from J.R. Smith, the Sixth Man of the Year, has pushed them to the brink of elimination.

Anthony and Smith scored 43 points and combined to shoot 16-of-45 from the field. No one else on the team was able to fill in the void.

New York shot 35.6 percent from the field, the second game in a row it shot 35 percent and is averaging 88.3 points per game in the series.

If George is ever able to become a consistent shooter, he can become one of the most dominant players in the game.

During post season play, George is shooting 38.6 percent from the field and 24.6 percent from 3-point range.

Aside from his ability to finish at the rim, where he converted 63.6 percent of his attempts during the regular season, he has to work on his mid-range game.

George connected on 26.5 percent of his attempts between three and nine feet away from the rim and 34.5 percent of his attempts from 10-to-15 feet away.

He has drastically improved his game in each of his three seasons in the league and now George has the Pacers just one win away from an appearance in the Eastern Conference finals.