Playoff Game 2 recaps: Raptors, Pacers even series, Bulls drop 2nd straight home game to Wiz

Toronto 100, Brooklyn 95 - Those silly Canadians continue to get a little over excited about their basketball team (see above).  Eking out a 5-point win to salvage a split at home before going on the road for the next two is probably not considered an "asskick" in most circles.

Paul Pierce came oh so close to ripping the Raptor's hearts out yet again.  This "and-1" driving layup cut the lead to 92-90 with a minute to go:



On the next possession DeMar DeRozan (who had a game-high 30 points) lost the ball out of bounds.  Pierce then got an open look at a three-pointer to give the Nets the lead with 24 seconds left, but it floated just long and bounced off the back rim.


Indiana 101, Atlanta 85 - Paul George posted 27 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals as the Pacers finally started to look a little like the Pacers again.  Trailing 52-48 at halftime, Indiana won the game with a 31-13 third quarter.

The thing is, the Hawks are a 38-44 team.  After losing Game 1 at home, Indy should have blown Atlanta out of the building last night, similar to what the Clippers did in their 138-98 demolition of the Warriors the night before.  With the exception of the third quarter yesterday, the Pacers are a combined -10 vs. the Hawks in the other seven periods so far in this series.  That is not good.


OT: Washington 101, Chicago 99 - The Bulls are in trouble.  Only three teams in NBA history have ever come back to win a series after dropping the first two games at home.  Bradley Beal scored 26 points for the Wizards, helping them close regulation on a 14-4 run.  Nene Hilario continued his "hey, remember me?" campaign by following up his 24-point/8-rebound performance from Game 1 with 17 and 7 in Game 2, including 6 in overtime.

The fact that Chicago doesn't even have a go-to scorer on the level of Bradley Beal will be what dooms them this postseason.  The Bulls won 48 games in the regular season by working hard and playing tough defense.  The problem is, in the playoffs everybody works hard and plays tough defense.



Follow Mark Vandeusen on twitter @LucidSportsFan