For the NBA Western Conference Playoffs, this has been a tumultuous year. While some series have been decided in four games and others in seven, most of these series have been exciting. If you haven’t been paying attention, here’s a brief breakdown of what’s happened so far.
In Round 1, the 2009 champion Los Angeles Lakers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Lakers were on a mission to return to the Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder were a young team looking to make a statement.
The series ended in seven games, with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers emerging victorious.
The Utah Jazz also faced the Denver Nuggets in the first round. This was an emotional series for the Nuggets, who are missing coach George Karl as he battles throat cancer. The Jazz took over business and eliminated the Nuggets 4 games to 2.
Also in round 1, the Portland Trailblazers faced the Phoenix Suns. This Suns team looked rejuvenated and like the Jazz, they won this series 4-2.
The final matchup of round 1 was a Texas matchup, as the Dallas Mavericks played the San Antonio Spurs. People thought this Spurs team was too old and the Mavericks too hot, but the Spurs continued to silence the haters and won this series 4-1.
In the Western Conference semifinals, the San Antonio Spurs faced the Phoenix Suns. Until this year, the Spurs had won the last five playoff series against the Suns, however, this time it was different. The Suns played to make a statement and swept the Spurs into good playoff history.
The Utah Jazz played the Los Angeles Lakers and met a similar fate as the Spurs. The Lakers got their revenge and beat the Jazz in four quick games. In a big series matchup, the Lakers now play the Phoenix Suns in a fast-paced, exciting matchup.
