6. Kevin Love's injury
The Cavaliers still have a chance to win the championship. After all they still have the best player in the world in Lebron James. The best athlete can still win you basketball games in ways we didn't know existed before, as James proved with his game winning shot to tie Cleveland's series with the Bulls, 2-2 this past Sunday. But from here on out Cleveland will be in a dogfight, battling against their own health issues without Kevin Love. This injury could be the turning point for a franchise. Whether the All-star uses the injury as a way to lift his team, or takes it as things were never meant to be, remains to be seen.
5. The vulnerable Golden State Warriors
The 67-win season has to be one the best seasons we have seen in recent NBA seasons. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson led an offense that had amazing shooting, creativity and cohesiveness for anyone to handle this year. Then you add on Draymond Green who was the anchor to an intelligent defense that was really good as well. But the Warriors, despite the past blowout 101-84 are in a tooth and nail battle with the Memphis Grizzles. You have to give credit to Mike Conley, Courtney Lee, and of course the first team all defense player Tony Allen. They have taken away the space and timing Curry and Thompson are used to. The NBA's best squad of the season has been tested, and maybe a bit sooner than we thought they would be tested.
4. Blake Griffin, No longer just a dunker
With Chris Paul sitting out the first two contest of their series with the Houston Rockets, we can all agree and say that we thought the Los Angeles Clippers were screwed. What most of us failed to realize is that even without Paul, the Clippers have one of the games most skilled play makers: Blake Griffin. Dishing out 13 assists in Game 1 which he ended with a triple double, Griffin carried the Clippers to 1-0 series lead. The Clippers haven't let up, leading the series 3-1 after an impressive 128-95 spanking in Game 4.
3. Tricky Randy Wittman
Washington Wizards coach Randy Wittman has made full use of his roster during the postseason. Using the small ball lineup with Paul Pierce at power forward and a up and coming Otto Porter Jr. at the three spot, he's opening the floor for John Wall and putting him in the best position tom thrive in. Even without Wall, who has suffered a wrist injury, Wittman has went deep into his bench to find what he needs. Will Bynum played crucial minutes down the stretch Saturday in their big win over Atlanta 103-101. Now we will see if Wittman has enough left in tank to get the Wizards through this 2-2 struggle.
2. Austin Rivers great play.
Doc Rivers son, Austin has been the butt of jokes for months. The young Rivers looked as if he had never played in the NBA before Los Angeles signed him, and the only reason he had a job was through his family. Those people that where giving Austin troubles are eating their words now. The reserve guard is showing that he is a important piece for this team. He is shooting 49 percent from the field, including an amazing 48 percent from 3 point range. He has made it possible for his father to preserve Chris Paul for the upcoming rounds.
1. Rajon Rondo's fall
At one time Rajon Rondo was one of the most ferocious competitors in the NBA. Rondo's time in Dallas he looked bored and upset. Coach Rick Carlisle and team management were so disappointed by his performance through two playoff games that they benched him for the rest of the year, using a bogus back injury as the excuse. Rondo will be a free agent this summer, and Dallas wants no parts of a future with him. Whoever does take a chance on him will be hoping for the Rondo of old, because Rondo of 2015 hasn't shown that he is worth the money.
By: Joshua Keene
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