How would the NBA Playoffs unfold in a single elimination tournament?
By Daniel Tran
Quarterfinal Round Matchups
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (9) Dallas Mavericks: In 2007, the Golden State Warriors needed to believe that they could beat the Dallas Mavericks. In 2015, they know they can win. In their game on April 4, The Mavericks held Stephen Curry to 11 points on 33.3 percent shooting and still lost the game by 13 points because the bench was able to score 65 points. Warriors advance.
(4) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers: This will probably be one of the closest games of the tournament with Chris Paul and Tony Parker going shot for shot down the stretch. The difference will be at the free throw line where DeAndre Jordan is still a liability. And we all know how much Popovich loves to hack centers who can’t shoot free throws, right? The Spurs grind out a close one at home.
(3) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (11) Chicago Bulls: You want to talk about a grind of a game? Check out these two old school teams that depend on their frontcourts to anchor their defenses and get good looks on the offensive end. Pau vs. Marc, Joakim Noah vs. Randolph. Those matchups will basically cancel each other out, leaving the guards to be the difference makers. The perimeter play of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler pushes the Bulls over the top once again in another stunning upset. Cinderella alert!
(2) Atlanta Hawks vs. (7) Cleveland Cavaliers: The Hawks seem to have the Cavaliers’ number this year. After losing the first matchup, the Hawks have gone on to win the last three. The Cavaliers can’t seem to solve that puzzle that is the extraordinary team play of the Hawks, who are second in the league in assists at 25.9 per game. That trend will theoretically continue with the Hawks winning.
Next: Semifinal Round