Welcome to the daily Full Court Press playoff edition, where we recap all of the day’s NBA action. Check back every night if you missed any NBA action and come back tomorrow for more NBA playoff fun.
April 16th, 2018
Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat
113-103 Heat, Series tied 1-1
Next Game: Game Three, Thursday 4/19 @Miami
On the heels of a vintage Dwyane Wade performance, the Miami Heat knocked off the Philadelphia 76ers. They bounced back from their 27 point loss on Sunday in a big way; they were in control of this game for most of it. The 76ers made a comeback in the fourth, bringing the score to 98-96. But after a Wade score and strip the game was all but over. Father Prime turned back the clock, scoring 28 points off of the bench. His presence was infectious; the team played better with him on the floor. The Heat’s defense was stifling; Justice Winslow, James Johnson, and Josh Richardson held the 76ers in check (the trio combined for 34 points). Goran Dragic captained the offense, scoring 20 points on 57.1% shooting. Hassan Whiteside was a no-show again, with four points and five boards in only 15 minutes.
Ben Simmons looked flustered by Miami’s defense at times but overall he had another fantastic performance. He flirted with a triple-double again, scoring 24 points, grabbing nine boards, and dishing eight assists. He also cut the turnovers down today (two TOVs). Dario Saric had another spectacular performance, with 23 points, nine rebounds, and four steals. Getting the start at center, Ersan Ilyasova added 14 points and 11 rebounds. The Sixers shot a meager 19.4% from three. One thing is clear: this team really missed Joel Embiid. After the game, he said on Instagram: F****** sick and tired of being babied” Embiid could return for game three; his scoring, defense, and competitive fire should boost the 76ers a great deal.
Past Full Court Press Editions
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Full Court Press: 76ers Dominate Miami, Pelicans Escape Blazers Comeback(4/14/18)
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Full Court Press: Pacers Dethrone King James, Celtics Escape OT Thriller (4/15/18)
Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs
116-101 Warriors, Warriors lead series 2-0
Next Game: Game Three, Thursday 4/19 @San Antonio
The Golden State Warriors beat the Spurs tonight, extending their series lead to two games. This game was closer than the last and the Spurs definitely looked better. The game was incredibly competitive and both teams showed extreme passion and fire. The Spurs even led 53-47 at the half but Golden State’s offensive onslaught was just too much for the Spurs to handle. Klay Thompson put on a shooting clinic, scoring 31 points on 62.5% from three. Kevin Durant was unstoppable as well, putting up 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Andre Iguodala, who has been starting at point guard, was uncharacteristically on fire from three, shooting 4-5 from deep, scoring 14 points. Despite how sloppy the Warriors’ offense can be without Stephen Curry (15 TOVs), it is clear that they are still a force to be reckoned with.
San Antonio put up a valiant effort. In the first half, they were stout on defense and moved the ball well. But when the Warriors picked up the defense in the third, they were too much to handle. LaMarcus Aldridge, facing double and triple teams all day, looked like an MVP, scoring 34 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. His dominance in the post was reminiscent of an age long forgotten in the NBA. Patty Mills had a good performance, adding 21 points. The Spurs have now lost 10 straight road games. It is clear that no matter how well this Spurs team plays, they are no match for the Warriors’ offensive firepower.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_, @FPC_NBA and @FPC_Colts.
