(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) New Orleans Pelicans
It took the best team in the NBA just four games to move on to the Western Conference semifinals, sweeping the Pelicans by a combined 32 points. Stephen Curry is the highest scorer in the playoffs thus far, averaging 33.8 points per game. Curry has continued to play like an MVP, averaging 7.3 assists per game in the playoffs. For the second year in a row, Draymond Green has been the surprise X-Factor. Green is not only averaging 12.8 rebounds per game, but is also averaging the most steals in the postseason with 2.5 per game.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans have set their sights on re-signing Anthony Davis to a max contract. Davis proved that he can perform on a big stage and averaged 31.5 games in the series, just behind Curry for tops in the playoffs. The Brow had at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in each of the final three games of the series. He is the best big man in the game and the Pelicans have a lot of positives to look at as they clean out their lockers. As for the Warriors, they await the winner of the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers.
(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) San Antonio Spurs
In what could easily be a Western Conference Finals matchup, the Clippers and Spurs are tied up at 2-2. It has been a back-and-forth series between two of the best teams in the West. After the Clippers opened the series with an emphatic win a week ago, the Spurs came back to win games two and three in thrilling fashion. The Clippers were victorious in San Antonio in Game 4 behind 34 points from Chris Paul, but Blake Griffin has been the MVP of the series. Griffin had a huge double-double in Game 4 with 20 points and 19 rebounds. He also added seven assists and is averaging 22.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in the series.
Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard have led the way for the defending champs, who have not gotten much production from a banged-up Tony Parker. Parker's health has, again, become a focal point for the Spurs. Danny Green, who has been quiet in the series, will be the X-Factor in a Spurs backcourt that has been outmatched by the Clippers.
(4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies
The Blazers finally got a win in Game 4 at home to avoid a sweep. Damian Lillard finally came alive, scoring 32 points in the win. After the Grizzlies won the first three games by a combined 35 points, the Blazers showed a pulse and forced a Game 5. The absence of Mike Conley was a big factor in Game 4 and could continue to play a roll in the series if he is sidelined for an extended period of time. The gritty veteran has been the X-Factor in the series, averaging 16 points per game. Marc Gasol has been the MVP of the series despite the fact that LaMarcus Aldridge has had the best statistical series, the Grizzlies have dominated the post. Depth has been the biggest disadvantage for a Blazers team that has suffered from crucial injuries, but Conley's absence could even the score as the Blazers attempt to complete a historic comeback.
(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks
A poor performance in Game 4 cancelled the Rockets' hopes at a first-round sweep. Head Coach Kevin McHale was not pleased that his team now has to return home for Game 5 to try to lock up the series. James Harden has been the MVP of the series, scoring 24 points in each game with the exception of Game 3, in which he dropped 42. Josh Smith has been the X-Factor of the series, reaching double figures in each of the first four games, increasing his point total in each appearance. He has also been a big factor on the boards and even notched nine assists in Game 2. Monta Ellis has been the primary scorer for the Mavericks and has come alive in the absence of Rajon Rondo. However, Rick Carlisle likely shut down Rondo too late and a fairly deep Mavs roster is staring at an early first-round exit.