One of the greatest first rounds in NBA history has come to a close. What an ending it was.
The 2014 NBA Playoffs have already featured a record number of Game 7s, and two of those series-ending clashes were held on Sunday, May 4. There was a blowout, but the other game featured a down-to-the-wire finished that required a series-saving block at the rim.
Here’s everything that you need to know about last night’s action.
1. Joe Johnson scored 26 points and Paul Pierce recorded the game-saving block as the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 104-103. Kyle Lowry posted 28 points and Amir Johnson tallied 20 points and 10 rebounds, but Toronto ultimately fell on the final possession.
This is the Nets’ first series win since 2007.
2. Of the 19 first-year head coaches who have played a Game 7 on the road, Jason Kidd is the first one to lead his team to a win.
3. Including the regular season, the final cumulative score between the Nets and Raptors is 1070-1070 after 11 total games played.
4. Tony Parker went off for 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting and Manu Ginobili tallied 20 points, five assists and six steals in 24 minutes as the San Antonio Spurs blew out the San Antonio Spurs 119-96. Dirk Nowitzki had 22 points and nine rebounds, but Dallas failed to get it done in the first half and never recovered.
This marks the first time that the Mavericks lost a Game 7 with Dirk in the lineup. Dallas was 4-0 with Nowitzki entering this battle.
5. Ginobili joins Larry Wright and Henry Bibby as the only reserves to record at least 20 points, five assists and five steals in a playoff game since starts became an official stat in 1970-71.
Bonus Fact: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker combined for 67 points on 23-of-34 shooting from the floor. Dallas’ starting lineup combined for 45 points on a mark of 16-of-48
Nets and Wiz will advance. Expect to see more Kirilenko and Plumlee vs Heat, as they are rested and do well vs Heat.