NBA PLayoffs: Conference Finals

Already to the Conference Finals after what ended up being a bit of a set of blowouts.  In the Wets, the Jazz and Rockets both cruised through their series against the upstart Jazz and Pelicans.  The Celtics downed their own upstart in the Sixers, while the Cavs demolished the Raptors, who played terribly in transition.

Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets

Rockets win Series 66% of the time in 6 games

Can the Rockets get over their hump?  Can they stop us from having a third straight Cavs-Warriors finals?  The question in this series is likely to be who can get that extra stop on defense.  So far, The Warriors have been a bit better in defensive efficiency, posting the only sub 100 defensive rating in these playoffs.  The Warriors offense has been a step off in efficiency, but thats with a banged up Steph Curry.  If he can get back to his usual self (he's about 5% fewer 3s, and about 4 points off his PER form last year) it will be very hard for the Rockets.  But, he has been banged up.  And James Harden so far has been a killer, with a 55% TS rate, and just a 10% turnover rate.  

 

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Cavs win Series 54% of the time in 7 games

 I didn't think the Cavs had a chance to advance this year.  But now, they've gotten rested and have a good chance to get to another Finals.  The biggest change in this last series besides the Raptors inability to convert in transition was the rest of the starters play.  Noone shot under 55% TS, and they all had a net rating of over 14.  That took the full pull off Lebron, and the team looked ready to make a run.  The Celtics though will give them a run.  They stymied the Sixers young core, and did it by shooting at 56.3% TS, and by running at a slightly higher pace.  Jaylen Brown has been good in these playoffs to help lead the team, kepeing his turnover rate to just 8% while shooitng at 57.8%.