NBA Playoffs (after two games)

One thing that jumped out at me in all of these games is that the refs backed off and let everyone go at it more than the opening games. In some of the games it really made a difference, in others not so much.

East
Cavs 2-0 Pistons. (I didn't get to watch any of this game because League Pass blacks out the Cavs games for me--even the replays of nationally televised games! WTF? Cleveland is a 6 hour drive from me and I'm almost positive that I don't get Cavs (or Indians) games here, so what's up with the blackout?)

Raptors 1-1 Pacers. Lowry is still struggling (in that mode where he's casually taking crappy shots as if that's the same thing as confidence) but DeRozan had a solid 2nd half and got the Raptors the much needed victory. Here's a game where the laissez-faire refereeing made a noticeable difference: Valuncianus was beastly, all over the place, fighting through anyone and everyone for every rebound, played well but I can't help thinking on another night he would've fouled out by halftime. The Pacers still had their chances to win this one but they didn't bring the intensity down the stretch. Game 3 will be interesting.

Heat 2-0 Hornets. Another one where the refs played a part: DWade was frustrated throughout but not getting his usual calls. The Hornets scored better than in Game One, kept it closer though the Heat scored just as well. Basically it was Big Al's resurgence (a monstrous 2nd quarter) that kept the Hornets in the game. Batum went out after turning BOTH ankles (ouch!), not sure what his status is going forward. I was really impressed with Josh Richardson: when I did my ROY post a few days ago, I forgot about Richardson but, man, he bedeviled Kemba Walker throughout this game, up in his face on D and consistently burying 3's in his face on the other end, a big time show for the rook. I was always impressed with Winslow: he doesn't play beyond himself, solid D, takes open shots, doesn't force anything, a really good contribution from the rookie. I thought the Heat were the better team (Dragic looks very comfortable now in his Heat uniform, Hornets haven't figured out to counter Whiteside) and I still think that; if Batum misses any games, this could be over quick.

Hawks 2-0 Celtics. A lot was made of the disastrous start of this game for the Celtics: the first 5 minutes or so was a slopfest (refs, again) where the Celtics found no luck and the Hawks made everything they threw at the basket jumping out to a 24-3 lead. What most people are ignoring is that from that point on the Celtics outscored the Hawks and while the Celtics played pretty awful, the Hawks weren't any good either. And a real headscratching observation: after the Hawks went on their opening run, Coach Bud yanked Korver and Teague and emptied his bench instead of keeping the pressure on. Why? Look, this was an all-around terrible game and actually closer than the score (or game reports) would indicate. The Celtics are gonna have a tough time replacing Avery Bradley but I believe it can be done as I was so wildly unimpressed by the Hawks. The Celtics have a long way to go but they've got a great coach and wild rotation of dedicated athletes, this could still go seven games.

West
Warriors 2-0 Rockets. Even without Steph, the Warriors should pummel the Rockets. We'll see if the Rockets can sneak one back home...I suspect not.

Spurs 2-0 Grizzlies. Didn't watch this one out of respect for the Grizzlies. I assume the Spurs are still the better team....?

Thunder 1-1 Mavs. The Mavs are a veteran crew, yes they are slow but they're crafty, they get decent shots, they don't turn the ball over and they don't make huge mistakes on D. The Thunder reminded everyone that their over reliance on Durant and Westbrook is their Achilles' Heal: Durant shot poorly and the Thunder struggled, they never put the game away and the wily Mavs stole one of the road. Not a surprise, really. The Thunder are better but they don't always play better. I guess the Thunder will steal one back in Dallas but they might just flounder their way to a Game 7.

Clippers 2-0 Blazers. Again, thought Lillard had to work so hard just to get ordinary shots, too much of a hole for the Blazer offense to dig out of. That said, the Clippers didn't shoot well and let the Blazers hang around when realistically this game should've been over much quicker. I assume the Blazers will win Game 3 back home, leaving Game 4 as the real decider of the series (I'll take the Clippers). Thought this series would be closer but now I'm thinking the Clippers win in 5.