The first games of the series’ have been played and there were some great finishes. This year’s playoffs promise to be just as special as years past. The Pacers faced off against the Hawks, looking to rebound from a disappointing game one loss. Across the border in Canada, we had the Raptors and Nets face off again after a close game one. Finally, the Bulls battled the Wizards and looked to tie up the series.

Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers

After a disappointing and very alarming loss in game one the Pacers needed a win to avoid panic mode. To start the game it appeared that the Pacers were once again going to be in for a struggle as they were down 26-21 after the first quarter. Through the second quarter the Pacers were able to keep it close but were unable to take a lead as the score was 52-49 at halftime. Everything changed for the Pacers in the third quarter as they outscored the Hawks 31-13 in the third quarter. While the Hawks were able to find some offense in the fourth quarter they were unable to make a comeback and eventually lost 101-85. The Pacers were led by Paul George whose play resembles his production from the playoffs a year ago. George finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. One area that should still be of great concern for the Pacers is the play of center Roy Hibbert. Hibbert finished with six points and four rebounds and shot one of seven from the field. Paul Millsap continued to give the Pacers trouble as he finished with 19 points.

Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors

After securing a victory on the road in game one, the Nets looked to do the same for game two. After a slow start in the first half in which they found themselves down 45-39, the Nets had a dominating third quarter outscoring the Raptors 27-19. The Nets were up 66-64 going into the fourth quarter and seemed to have all the momentum. The Raptors were able to make a comeback and then take the lead. The Raptors were able to hold onto the lead and make the free throws necessary to win the game 100-95, evening the series. The Nets once again struggled to contain Jonas Valanciunas and he finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished with 30 points but only shot nine of 21 from the field. The Nets had a collective effort on offense and had five players score in double digits. The biggest difference between the teams was the rebounding differential as the Raptors had 52 rebounds compared to the Nets 30.

Washington Wizards vs Chicago Bulls

The Wizards were able to win game one thanks to a fourth quarter comeback and need a similar strategy in game two.  The Wizards overcame a five point deficit going into the fourth quarter to force overtime. The Bulls were then unable to make some crucial free throws at the end of overtime to tie the game. The Bulls gave it their best effort, especially on defense. However, their offensive deficiencies once again cost them a loss. The Bulls were led by Joakim Noah who finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. DJ Augustin and Taj Gibson put in 25 points and 22 points respectively, off the bench. The Wizards were led by their young pair of guards in John Wall and Bradley Beal. The Wizards will now return to Washington with a 2-0 lead in the series.