2009 NBA Playoffs

The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The playoffs started on April 18, 2009 with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States. Eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualified for the playoffs, all seeded 1 to 8 in a tournament bracket, with all rounds in a best-of-seven format.

The Los Angeles Lakers clinched the top seed in the Western Conference with 65 wins in the regular season. However, the playoffs seedings below #1 were unable to be determined until the final day of the regular season with four teams still in contention to clinch three of the top four seeds and the home court advantage in the first round.^[1] The Cleveland Cavaliers finished with 66 wins in the regular season to clinch the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. They also won the Central Division for the first time in 33 years, and earned the home court advantage throughout the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.^[2]

The Lakers and the number three seed in the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic, advanced to the 2009 NBA Finals, with the Lakers holding the home court advantage in the Finals. The Lakers beat the Magic 4–1 in the NBA Finals to win their 15th NBA championship.

The Boston Celtics lost a best-of-seven series after leading 3-2 for the first time after 32 tries, courtesy of the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Semifinals. Prior to that, their first round series with the Chicago Bulls set an NBA Playoff record for the most overtime games (4) and periods (7) played.

The Houston Rockets won a first-round series for the first time since 1997. They would push the eventual champion Lakers to a Game 7 before losing. The Atlanta Hawks likewise won a first round series for the first time since 1999, but they were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers after enduring a tough seven-game series with the Miami Heat, who made the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. And the Denver Nuggets won a playoff series for the first time since 1994, eventually reaching their first conference final since 1985.

As for the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, they failed to advance past the first round for the first time since 2000. The Pistons were swept by the Cavaliers, while the Spurs fell to the Dallas Mavericks in five games.

The Portland Trail Blazers made the playoffs for the first time since 2003, but for the fourth straight postseason, they were eliminated in the first round, courtesy of the Houston Rockets in six games.

Format

Further information: NBA Playoffs#Format

The 3 division winners and 5 other teams with the most wins from each conference qualify for the playoffs. The seedings are based on each team's record; however, a division winner is guaranteed to be ranked at least fourth, regardless of their record.^[3] All series are in a best-of-seven format with the Games 1–2, 5 and 7 on the home court of the team with the better record, regardless of their seed. However, for the NBA Finals, the team with the better record plays Games 1–2 and 6–7 on their home court.^[4]

Tiebreak procedures

The tiebreakers that determine seedings are:^[3]

1. Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division
2. Head-to-head record
3. Division record (if the teams are in the same division)
4. Conference record
5. Record vs. playoff teams, own conference
6. Record vs. playoff teams, other conference
7. Point differential, all games

If there are more than two teams tied, the team that wins the tiebreaker gets the highest seed, while the other teams are "re-broken" from the first step until all ties are resolved. Since the three division winners are guaranteed a spot in the top four, ties to determine the division winners must be broken before any other ties.^[5][6]

Playoff qualifying

Eastern Conference

Eastern Conference qualifying.

Seed[7]	Team	Wins	Tiebreaker	Clinched
				Playoff berth	Division title	Home court in Conference Finals	Home court in NBA Finals
1	Cleveland Cavaliers	66	—	March 4[8]	March 13[2]	April 10[9]	April 13[10]
2	Boston Celtics	62	—	March 4[11]	March 18[12]	—	—
3	Orlando Magic	59	—	March 11[13]	March 25[14]	—	—
4	Atlanta Hawks	47	—	March 25[15]	—	—	—
5	Miami Heat	43	—	April 3[16]	—	—	—
6	Philadelphia 76ers	41	Conf.: 25–27[a]	April 4[17]	—	—	—
7	Chicago Bulls	41	Conf.: 24–28[a]	April 10[18]	—	—	—
8	Detroit Pistons	39	—	April 10[19]	—	—	—

Western Conference

Western Conference qualifying.

Seed[7]	Team	Wins	Tiebreaker		Clinched
					Playoff berth	Division title	Home court in Conference Finals
1	Los Angeles Lakers	65	—		March 12[20]	March 12[20]	March 27[21]
2	Denver Nuggets	54	Div.: 12–4[a]	2–1 vs. SA	March 31[22]	April 13[23]	—
3	San Antonio Spurs	54	Skipped[b]	1–2 vs. DEN	March 31[24]	April 15[25]	—
4	Portland Trail Blazers	54	Div.: 11–5[a]	—	April 5[26]	—	—
5	Houston Rockets	53	—		April 5[26]	—	—
6	Dallas Mavericks	50	—		April 8[27]	—	—
7	New Orleans Hornets	49	—		April 7[28]	—	—
8	Utah Jazz	48	—		April 5[29]	—	—

Notes

— = not applicable

• ^a The regular season series was tied 2–2.
• ^b Tie between division leaders was broken first.

Bracket

Teams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Home court advantage does not necessarily belong to the higher-seeded team, but instead the team with the better regular season record; teams with home court advantage are shown in italics.

	Conference Quarterfinals					Conference Semifinals					Conference Finals					NBA Finals
	1	Cleveland	4
	8	Detroit	0
						1	Cleveland	4
						4	Atlanta	0
	4	Atlanta	4
	5	Miami	3
											1	Cleveland	2
	Eastern Conference
										3	Orlando	4
	3	Orlando	4
	6	Philadelphia	2
						3	Orlando	4
						2	Boston	3
	2	Boston	4
	7	Chicago	3
																E3	Orlando	1
															W1	L.A. Lakers	4
	1	L.A. Lakers	4
	8	Utah	1
						1	L.A. Lakers	4
						5	Houston	3
	4	Portland	2
	5	Houston	4
											1	L.A. Lakers	4
	Western Conference
										2	Denver	2
	3	San Antonio	1
	6	Dallas	4
						6	Dallas	1
						2	Denver	4
	2	Denver	4
	7	New Orleans	1

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Eastern Conference

All times are in Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4)

First round

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons

April 18 2:00 p.m.	Recap	Detroit Pistons 84, Cleveland Cavaliers 102				Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Attendance: 20,562 Referees: Leon Wood, Ron Garretson, Steve Javie	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 25–30, 20–27, 20–21, 19–24
		Pts: Rodney Stuckey 20 Rebs: Wallace, Brown 9 each Asts: Hamilton, Stuckey 4 each		Pts: LeBron James 38 Rebs: Žydrūnas Ilgauskas 10 Asts: LeBron James 7

April 21 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Detroit Pistons 82, Cleveland Cavaliers 94				Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Attendance: 20,562 Referees: Dick Bavetta, Bill Spooner, Derrick Collins	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 14–23, 18–23, 18–31, 32–17
		Pts: Richard Hamilton 17 Rebs: Antonio McDyess 11 Asts: Rodney Stuckey 6		Pts: LeBron James 29 Rebs: LeBron James 13 Asts: Mo Williams 7

April 24 7:00 p.m.	Recap	Cleveland Cavaliers 79, Detroit Pistons 68				The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan Attendance: 22,076 Referees: Dan Crawford, Greg Willard, Joe Forte	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 18–18, 26–19, 9–16, 26–15
		Pts: LeBron James 25 Rebs: LeBron James 11 Asts: LeBron James 9		Pts: Richard Hamilton 15 Rebs: McDyess, Hamilton 8 each Asts: Richard Hamilton 6

April 26 3:30 p.m.	Recap	Cleveland Cavaliers 99, Detroit Pistons 78				The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan Attendance: 22,076 Referees: Joe Crawford, Ken Mauer, Jim Clark	ABC[30]
		Scoring by quarter: 26–27, 25–15, 22–18, 26–18
		Pts: LeBron James 36 Rebs: LeBron James 13 Asts: LeBron James 8		Pts: Antonio McDyess 26 Rebs: Antonio McDyess 10 Asts: Richard Hamilton 7
		Cleveland win series, 4–0

Last Playoff Meeting: 2007 Eastern Conference Finals (Cleveland won 4-2)

The Cavaliers opened the series with a rout on Game 1, as LeBron James scored 38 points and the Cavaliers won by 18 points. In Game 2, the Cavaliers were leading by 27 points after the third quarter before the Pistons started a comeback in the fourth quarter. The Pistons managed to cut the Cavaliers' lead down to 7 points, but in the end the Cavaliers won the game by 12 points. Game 3 was a tight contest until an 18–2 run by the Cavaliers in the fourth quarter secured the victory for Cleveland. The Cavaliers swept the Pistons with a 21-point victory in Game 4, in which James scored 36 points while narrowly missing a triple-double for two straight games.

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Chicago Bulls

April 18 12:30 p.m.	Recap	Chicago Bulls 105, Boston Celtics 103			OT	TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 18,624 Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Eddie F. Rush, Michael Smith	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 28–28, 23–16, 20–26, 26–27, OT: 8–6
		Pts: Derrick Rose 36 Rebs: Joakim Noah 17 Asts: Derrick Rose 11		Pts: Rajon Rondo 29 Rebs: Rajon Rondo 9 Asts: Rajon Rondo 7

April 20 7:00 p.m.	Recap	Chicago Bulls 115, Boston Celtics 118				TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 18,624 Referees: Steve Javie, Ron Garretson, Pat Fraher	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 29–35, 32–23, 26–30, 28–30
		Pts: Ben Gordon 42 Rebs: Brad Miller 9 Asts: Kirk Hinrich 7		Pts: Ray Allen 30 Rebs: Perkins, Rondo 12 each Asts: Rajon Rondo 16

April 23 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Boston Celtics 107, Chicago Bulls 86				United Center, Chicago, Illinois Attendance: 23,072 Referees: Scott Foster, David Jones, Bill Spooner	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 32–21, 27–16, 24–21, 24–28
		Pts: Paul Pierce 24 Rebs: Rajon Rondo 11 Asts: Rondo, Davis 6 each		Pts: Ben Gordon 15 Rebs: Joakim Noah 10 Asts: Noah, Hinrich, Hunter 3 each

April 26 1:00 p.m.	Recap	Boston Celtics 118, Chicago Bulls 121			2OT	United Center, Chicago, Illinois Attendance: 23,067 Referees: Dan Crawford, Marc Davis, Bill Kennedy	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 19–18, 27–27, 24–20, 26–31, OT: 14–14, 8–11
		Pts: Paul Pierce 29 Rebs: Davis, Rondo 11 each Asts: Rajon Rondo 11		Pts: Derrick Rose 23 Rebs: Derrick Rose 11 Asts: Derrick Rose 9

April 28 7:00 p.m.	Recap	Chicago Bulls 104, Boston Celtics 106			OT	TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 18,624 Referees: Mark Wunderlich, Joe Derosa, Sean Corbin	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 21–23, 26–21, 23–22, 23–27, OT: 11–13
		Pts: Ben Gordon 26 Rebs: Joakim Noah 17 Asts: Gordon, Rose 6 each		Pts: Rajon Rondo 28 Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 19 Asts: Rajon Rondo 11

April 30 7:00 p.m.	Recap	Boston Celtics 127, Chicago Bulls 128			3OT	United Center, Chicago, Illinois Attendance: 23,430 Referees: Joe Crawford, Derrick Stafford, Ed Malloy	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 26–37, 31–22, 19–24, 25–18, OT: 8–8, 9–9, 9–10
		Pts: Ray Allen 51 Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 13 Asts: Rajon Rondo 19		Pts: John Salmons 35 Rebs: Joakim Noah 15 Asts: Rose, Hinrich 7

May 2 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Chicago Bulls 99, Boston Celtics 109				TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 18,624 Referees: Steve Javie, Greg Willard, Monty McCutchen	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 28–23, 11–29, 33–26, 27–31
		Pts: Ben Gordon 33 Rebs: Joakim Noah 15 Asts: Ben Gordon 4		Pts: Ray Allen 23 Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 13 Asts: Rajon Rondo 11
		Boston win series, 4–3

Last Playoff Meeting: 1987 Eastern Conference First Round (Boston won 3-0)

Game 6 running score

In Game 1, with the Bulls trailing by one point, rookie Derrick Rose scored on two free throws with 9.6 seconds remaining. Celtics captain Paul Pierce had a chance to win the game with his own free throws from a Joakim Noah foul but he missed the second after scoring the first, leading to overtime. In the overtime, with Rose fouling out, Tyrus Thomas scored six of the Bulls' eight points to put them up 105–103 with about 50 seconds left. Ray Allen, who had a poor shooting night, had a chance to tie the ballgame and send it into a second overtime but he did not succeed. Even while the playoffs were continuing, many experts and analysts were calling it "the greatest playoff series ever".

Rose matched Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's playoff debut of 36 points to lead the Bulls into a Game 1 road victory. Rose also became the second player to have a 35-point, 10-assist game in their playoff debut in history, after Chris Paul did the feat in 2008; his 36 points was also the highest points scored by a Bull in a playoff game since Michael Jordan retired. The win also marked the Bulls' first postseason win against the Celtics in history.

In Game 2, Ben Gordon poured in 42 points, but lost the duel to Ray Allen. The Bulls were blown out in Game 3. At home in the end of regulation of Game 4, Ben Gordon made a big bank shot putting the Bulls up 95-93. The Bulls would go on to the win in 2OT.

Game 5:

The Bulls held a double digit lead, and Boston came back behind Paul Pierce. Gordon hit an extremely crazy shot over Stephon Marbury. Gordon stopped, pivotted, pump-faked it, shot it, and made it off glass despite the Bulls offense appearing to go nowhere on that play. Pierce tied with his own jumper, the Game 5 foul happened, and Boston won.

Game 6

Rondo had a flagrant 1 foul in the first quarter vs. Kirk Hinrich. The Bulls had to come down from 8 in the final 2 minutes, and did so behind John Salmons. Ray Allen scored 51 points, but the Bulls won in 3OT.

Game 7

The Celtics finished the Bulls off with a 10 point victory.

^[31]

(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

April 19 5:30 p.m.	Recap	Philadelphia 76ers 100, Orlando Magic 98				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Dan Crawford, Ken Mauer, Zach Zarba	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 27–25, 19–25, 19–29, 35–19
		Pts: Andre Iguodala 20 Rebs: Andre Iguodala 8 Asts: Andre Iguodala 8		Pts: Dwight Howard 31 Rebs: Dwight Howard 16 Asts: Rafer Alston 5

April 22 7:00 p.m.	Recap	Philadelphia 76ers 87, Orlando Magic 96				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Steve Javie, James Capers, Greg Willard	NBA TV
		Scoring by quarter: 21–21, 18–25, 23–24, 25–26
		Pts: Andre Miller 30 Rebs: Iguodala, Ratliff 8 each Asts: Andre Iguodala 7		Pts: Courtney Lee 24 Rebs: Dwight Howard 10 Asts: Rashard Lewis 6

April 24 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 94, Philadelphia 76ers 96				Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Attendance: 16,492 Referees: Bill Kennedy, Jim Clark, Monty McCutchen	ESPN2
		Scoring by quarter: 21–25, 28–35, 28–19, 17–17
		Pts: Dwight Howard 36 Rebs: Dwight Howard 11 Asts: Courtney Lee 5		Pts: Andre Iguodala 29 Rebs: Miller, Dalembert 9 each Asts: Andre Miller 7

April 26 6:30 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 84, Philadelphia 76ers 81				Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Attendance: 16,464 Referees: Dick Bavetta, Tony Brothers, Sean Corbin	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 24–22, 12–14, 28–19, 20–26
		Pts: Dwight Howard 18 Rebs: Dwight Howard 18 Asts: Rafer Alston 5		Pts: Andre Miller 17 Rebs: Samuel Dalembert 9 Asts: Andre Iguodala 11

April 28 7:30 p.m.	Recap	Philadelphia 76ers 78, Orlando Magic 91				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Joe Crawford, Derrick Stafford, Marc Davis	NBA TV
		Scoring by quarter: 20–21, 19–24, 21–24, 18–22
		Pts: Andre Iguodala 26 Rebs: Samuel Dalembert 9 Asts: Andre Miller 6		Pts: Howard, Lewis 24 each Rebs: Dwight Howard 24 Asts: Alston, Türkoğlu 4 each

April 30 7:30 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 114, Philadelphia 76ers 89				Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Attendance: 16,691 Referees: Derrick Collins, Scott Foster, Tom Washington	NBA TV
		Scoring by quarter: 30–19, 32–29, 25–24, 27–17
		Pts: Rashard Lewis 29 Rebs: Marcin Gortat 15 Asts: Rafer Alston 10		Pts: Andre Miller 24 Rebs: Samuel Dalembert 13 Asts: Andre Iguodala 6
		Orlando win series, 4–2

Last Playoff Meeting: 1999 Eastern Conference First Round (Philadelphia won 3-1)

In Game 1, the Magic had an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter and Andre Iguodala scored a jumper with 2.2 seconds remaining to give the Sixers a road win. The Sixers almost managed another comeback in Game 2. The Magic led by 18 points midway through the third quarter before another late run by the Sixers brought the lead down to 5 points before the Magic finally won the game. The Sixers won Game 3 courtesy of another late shot; Thaddeus Young scored a layup with 2 seconds left to secure the win, despite a career playoff-high 36-point performance by Dwight Howard. The Magic secured a road win in Game 4 with their own late shot; Hedo Türkoğlu scored the game-winning three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to even the series.

In Game 5, Dwight Howard had 24 points and a career playoff-high 24 rebounds, leading the Magic to a victory. Game 5 was marked with an elbowing incident by Howard on Samuel Dalembert, which led to a one-game suspension for Howard.^[32] Rookie Courtney Lee also went down injured after taking an inadvertent elbow on the head from Howard. Despite losing two starters, Howard and Lee, the Magic won game 6, beating the Sixers on the road by 25 points to win the series.

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Miami Heat

April 19 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Miami Heat 64, Atlanta Hawks 90				Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia Attendance: 18,851 Referees: Scott Foster, Joe DeRosa, Gary Zielinski	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 21–24, 18–35, 18–17, 7–14
		Pts: Dwyane Wade 19 Rebs: Michael Beasley 10 Asts: Dwyane Wade 5		Pts: Josh Smith 23 Rebs: Smith, Pachulia 10 each Asts: Mike Bibby 9

April 22 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Miami Heat 108, Atlanta Hawks 93				Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia Attendance: 19,146 Referees: Dan Crawford, Jason Philips, Ken Mauer	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 24–18, 30–23, 29–31, 25–21
		Pts: Dwyane Wade 33 Rebs: Udonis Haslem 8 Asts: Chalmers, Wade 7 each		Pts: Mike Bibby 18 Rebs: Al Horford 11 Asts: Al Horford 5

April 25 6:30 p.m.	Recap	Atlanta Hawks 78, Miami Heat 107				American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida Attendance: 19,600 Referees: Steve Javie, David Jones, James Capers	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 12–22, 17–28, 32–35, 17–32
		Pts: Smith, Horford, Bibby 13 each Rebs: Josh Smith 8 Asts: Bibby, Johnson, Murray 3 each		Pts: Dwyane Wade 29 Rebs: Udonis Haslem 13 Asts: Dwyane Wade 8

April 27 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Atlanta Hawks 81, Miami Heat 71				American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida Attendance: 19,600 Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Michael Smith, Tom Washington	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 24–17, 22–25, 17–13, 18–16
		Pts: Mike Bibby 15 Rebs: Zaza Pachulia 18 Asts: Joe Johnson 5		Pts: Dwyane Wade 22 Rebs: Udonis Haslem 9 Asts: Dwyane Wade 7

April 29 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Miami Heat 91, Atlanta Hawks 106				Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia Attendance: 19,051 Referees: Violet Palmer, Dick Bavetta, Tony Brothers	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 20–24, 20–39, 30–22, 21–21
		Pts: Dwyane Wade 29 Rebs: Udonis Haslem 8 Asts: Mario Chalmers 6		Pts: Joe Johnson 25 Rebs: Josh Smith 8 Asts: Joe Johnson 6

May 1 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Atlanta Hawks 72, Miami Heat 98				American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida Attendance: 19,600 Referees: Mark Wunderlich, Marc Davis, Sean Corbin	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 18–32, 24–19, 14–27, 16–20
		Pts: Mike Bibby 20 Rebs: Josh Smith 10 Asts: Mike Bibby 3		Pts: Dwyane Wade 41 Rebs: Michael Beasley 15 Asts: Mario Chalmers 8

May 3 1:00 p.m.	Recap	Miami Heat 78, Atlanta Hawks 91				Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia Attendance: 18,864 Referees: Joe Crawford, Bennett Salvatore, Ron Garretson	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 18–20, 18–29, 16–16, 26–26
		Pts: Dwyane Wade 31 Rebs: Udonis Haslem 13 Asts: Chalmers, Wade 4 each		Pts: Joe Johnson 27 Rebs: Josh Smith 9 Asts: Mike Bibby 6
		Atlanta win series, 4–3

Last Playoff Meeting: 1994 Eastern Conference First Round (Atlanta won 3-2)

The Hawks opened the series with a 26-point win after leading by as much as 20 points at halftime. The Hawks also tied a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a playoff game. However, the Heat managed to rebound from the loss and won Game 2 on the road to tie the series. The Heat won Game 3 at home, almost in similar fashion as the Hawks' victory in Game 1. The Heat was already leading by 19 points at halftime and ended up winning by 29 points. In the next game, the Hawks bounced back and won a road game to even the series.

Game 5 was marked by several hard fouls and technical fouls. Dwyane Wade was fouled and sent tumbling down by Solomon Jones before a skirmish between Wade, Jones, Jamaal Magloire and Josh Smith started. All four players were given technical fouls in the incident. Wade was later called for a flagrant foul after he fouled Maurice Evans during a layup attempt. The flagrant foul was later rescinded by the officials after they reviewed the play.^[33] The Hawks finally won the game, despite losing starting center Al Horford due to injury in the second quarter. The Heat evened the series at 3–3 after winning Game 6. Wade scored 41 points to lead the Heat to a 26-point rout over the Hawks. The Hawks finally won the series after winning Game 7 at home, with 13 points difference. All seven games of the series were decided by at least 10 points, with an average margin of 19 points.

Conference Semifinals

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Atlanta Hawks

May 5 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Atlanta Hawks 72, Cleveland Cavaliers 99				Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Attendance: 20,562 Referees: Steve Javie, Dick Bavetta, Bill Kennedy	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 21–25, 23–24, 17–28, 11–22
		Pts: Josh Smith 22 Rebs: Al Horford 8 Asts: Mike Bibby 8		Pts: LeBron James 34 Rebs: LeBron James 10 Asts: Delonte West 9

May 7 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Atlanta Hawks 85, Cleveland Cavaliers 105				Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Attendance: 20,562 Referees: Violet Palmer, Derrick Stafford, Dan Crawford	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 17–26, 18–33, 20–26, 30–20
		Pts: Maurice Evans 16 Rebs: Zaza Pachulia 12 Asts: Maurice Evans 4		Pts: LeBron James 27 Rebs: Anderson Varejão 8 Asts: James, Williams 5 each

May 9 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Cleveland Cavaliers 97, Atlanta Hawks 82				Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia Attendance: 20,143 Referees: Bill Spooner, Mike Callahan, Monty McCutchen	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 22–18, 25–28, 25–19, 25–17
		Pts: LeBron James 47 Rebs: LeBron James 12 Asts: LeBron James 8		Pts: Joe Johnson 17 Rebs: Smith, Johnson 5 each Asts: Mike Bibby 5

May 11 7:00 p.m.	Recap	Cleveland Cavaliers 84, Atlanta Hawks 74				Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia Attendance: 19,241 Referees: Ron Garretson, Scott Foster, James Capers	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 15–22, 25–16, 22–19, 22–17
		Pts: LeBron James 27 Rebs: Anderson Varejão 11 Asts: LeBron James 8		Pts: Josh Smith 26 Rebs: Josh Smith 8 Asts: Joe Johnson 7
		Cleveland win series, 4–0

Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Orlando Magic

May 4 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 95, Boston Celtics 90				TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 18,624 Referees: Ken Mauer, Mark Wunderlich, James Capers	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 24–19, 30–17, 24–26, 17–28
		Pts: Rashard Lewis 18 Rebs: Dwight Howard 22 Asts: Rafer Alston 7		Pts: Paul Pierce 23 Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 16 Asts: Rajon Rondo 8

May 6 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 94, Boston Celtics 112				TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 18,624 Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Tom Washington, Eddie F. Rush	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 21–26, 25–35, 18–25, 30–26
		Pts: Lewis, Piétrus 17 each Rebs: Dwight Howard 12 Asts: Anthony Johnson 7		Pts: Eddie House 31 Rebs: Rajon Rondo 11 Asts: Rajon Rondo 18

May 8 7:00 p.m.	Recap	Boston Celtics 96, Orlando Magic 117				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Leon Wood, Scott Foster, Joe Derosa	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 18–22, 23–31, 28–25, 27–39
		Pts: Paul Pierce 27 Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 7 Asts: Pierce, Rondo 6 each		Pts: Rashard Lewis 28 Rebs: Dwight Howard 14 Asts: Hedo Türkoğlu 4

May 10 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Boston Celtics 95, Orlando Magic 94				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Kennedy, Greg Willard	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 25–28, 23–18, 31–25, 16–23
		Pts: Paul Pierce 27 Rebs: Rajon Rondo 14 Asts: Allen, Perkins 4 each		Pts: Dwight Howard 23 Rebs: Dwight Howard 17 Asts: J.J. Redick 7

May 12 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 88, Boston Celtics 92				TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 18,624 Referees: Bill Spooner, Mike Callahan, Monty McCutchen	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 22–16, 23–21, 22–22, 21–33
		Pts: Rashard Lewis 19 Rebs: Dwight Howard 17 Asts: Hedo Türkoğlu 7		Pts: Glen Davis 22 Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 11 Asts: Paul Pierce 8

May 14 7:00 p.m.	Recap	Boston Celtics 75, Orlando Magic 83				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Dan Crawford, Dick Bavetta, Marc Davis	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 25–22, 21–23, 16–16, 13–22
		Pts: Rajon Rondo 19 Rebs: Rajon Rondo 16 Asts: Rajon Rondo 6		Pts: Dwight Howard 23 Rebs: Dwight Howard 22 Asts: Türkoğlu, Alston, Lewis 3 each

May 17 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 101, Boston Celtics 82				TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 18,624 Referees: Steve Javie, Derrick Stafford, Scott Foster	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 27–17, 18–21, 21–23, 35–21
		Pts: Hedo Türkoğlu 25 Rebs: Dwight Howard 16 Asts: Hedo Türkoğlu 12		Pts: Ray Allen 23 Rebs: Kendrick Perkins 15 Asts: Rajon Rondo 10
		Orlando win series, 4–3

Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Eastern Conference First Round (Orlando won 3-1)

Conference Finals: (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (3) Orlando Magic

May 20 8:30 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 107, Cleveland Cavaliers 106				Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Attendance: 20,562 Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Ken Mauer, Ron Garretson	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 19–33, 29–30, 30–19, 29–24
		Pts: Dwight Howard 30 Rebs: Dwight Howard 13 Asts: Hedo Türkoğlu 14		Pts: LeBron James 49 Rebs: Žydrūnas Ilgauskas 10 Asts: LeBron James 8

May 22 8:30 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 95, Cleveland Cavaliers 96				Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Attendance: 20,562 Referees: Tom Washington, Monty McCutchen, Bill Kennedy	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 16–30, 28–26, 25–19, 26–21
		Pts: Rashard Lewis 23 Rebs: Dwight Howard 18 Asts: Türkoğlu, Howard, Johnson 4 each		Pts: LeBron James 35 Rebs: Žydrūnas Ilgauskas 15 Asts: James, Williams 5 each

May 24 8:30 p.m.	Recap	Cleveland Cavaliers 89, Orlando Magic 99				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Greg Willard, Joe Crawford, Mark Wunderlich	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 17–24, 24–18, 22–26, 26–31
		Pts: LeBron James 41 Rebs: Žydrūnas Ilgauskas 9 Asts: LeBron James 9		Pts: Dwight Howard 24 Rebs: Hedo Türkoğlu 10 Asts: Hedo Türkoğlu 7

May 26 8:30 p.m.	Recap	Cleveland Cavaliers 114, Orlando Magic 116			OT	Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Mike Callahan, Scott Foster, Joe DeRosa	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 25-21, 33-29, 21-28, 21-22, OT: 14-16
		Pts: LeBron James 44 Rebs: LeBron James 12 Asts: James, West 7 each		Pts: Dwight Howard 27 Rebs: Dwight Howard 14 Asts: Hedo Türkoğlu 8

May 28 8:30 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 102, Cleveland Cavaliers 112				Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Attendance: 20,562 Referees: Bill Spooner, Dan Crawford, Marc Davis	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 18–35, 37–21, 24–22, 23–34
		Pts: Hedo Türkoğlu 29 Rebs: Dwight Howard 10 Asts: Rafer Alston 4		Pts: LeBron James 37 Rebs: LeBron James 14 Asts: LeBron James 12

May 30 8:30 p.m.	Recap	Cleveland Cavaliers 90, Orlando Magic 103				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Steve Javie, Bennett Salvatore, Derrick Stafford	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 25–30, 15–28, 30–28, 20–17
		Pts: LeBron James 25 Rebs: Anderson Varejão 8 Asts: LeBron James 7		Pts: Dwight Howard 40 Rebs: Dwight Howard 14 Asts: Hedo Türkoğlu 5
		Orlando win series, 4–2

Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)

Western Conference

First round

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Utah Jazz

April 19 3:00 p.m.	Recap	Utah Jazz 100, Los Angeles Lakers 113				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Derrick Stafford, Ed Malloy, Joe Crawford	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 19–30, 21–32, 33–24, 27–27
		Pts: Carlos Boozer 27 Rebs: Carlos Boozer 9 Asts: Deron Williams 17		Pts: Kobe Bryant 24 Rebs: Pau Gasol 9 Asts: Kobe Bryant 8

April 21 10:30 p.m.	Recap	Utah Jazz 109, Los Angeles Lakers 119				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Marc Davis, Sean Corbin, Monty McCutchen	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 29–41, 26–25, 23–23, 31–30
		Pts: Deron Williams 35 Rebs: Carlos Boozer 10 Asts: Deron Williams 10		Pts: Kobe Bryant 26 Rebs: Gasol, Bryant 6 each Asts: Ariza, Bryant 9 each

April 23 10:30 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 86, Utah Jazz 88				EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah Attendance: 19,911 Referees: Bennett Salvadore, Mike Callahan, Eric Lewis	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 17–26, 22–17, 29–17, 18–28
		Pts: Lamar Odom 21 Rebs: Lamar Odom 14 Asts: Kobe Bryant 6		Pts: Carlos Boozer 23 Rebs: Carlos Boozer 22 Asts: Deron Williams 9

April 25 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 108, Utah Jazz 94				EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah Attendance: 19,911 Referees: Bill Spooner, Mark Wunderlich, Joe Derosa	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 20–25, 40–28, 28–16, 20–25
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 38 Rebs: Lamar Odom 15 Asts: Lamar Odom 6		Pts: Williams, Boozer 23 each Rebs: Carlos Boozer 16 Asts: Deron Williams 13

April 27 10:30 p.m.	Recap	Utah Jazz 96, Los Angeles Lakers 107				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Gary Zielinski, James Capers, Steve Javie	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 26–26, 17–30, 20–26, 33–25
		Pts: Paul Millsap 16 Rebs: Mehmet Okur 8 Asts: Deron Williams 6		Pts: Kobe Bryant 31 Rebs: Lamar Odom 15 Asts: Odom, Bryant, Ariza, Gasol 4 each
		Los Angeles win series, 4–1

Last Playoff Meeting: 2008 Western Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles won 4-2)

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets

April 19 10:30 p.m.	Recap	New Orleans Hornets 84, Denver Nuggets 113				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 19,536 Referees: Marc Davis, Monty McCutchen, Sean Corbin	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 25–27, 22–28, 22–32, 15–26
		Pts: Chris Paul 21 Rebs: David West 6 Asts: Chris Paul 11		Pts: Chauncey Billups 36 Rebs: Nenê 14 Asts: Chauncey Billups 8

April 22 10:30 p.m.	Recap	New Orleans Hornets 93, Denver Nuggets 108				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 19,623 Referees: Mark Wunderlich, Violet Palmer, Joe DeRosa	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 25–27, 19–25, 27–29, 22–27
		Pts: David West 21 Rebs: Tyson Chandler 11 Asts: Chris Paul 13		Pts: Chauncey Billups 31 Rebs: Nenê 8 Asts: Carmelo Anthony 9

April 25 1:00 p.m.	Recap	Denver Nuggets 93, New Orleans Hornets 95				New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana Attendance: 17,489 Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Derrick Stafford, Tom Washington	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 26–21, 21–29, 25–27, 21–18
		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 25 Rebs: Kenyon Martin 10 Asts: Chauncey Billups 6		Pts: Chris Paul 32 Rebs: West, Posey 9 each Asts: Chris Paul 12

April 27 8:30 p.m.	Recap	Denver Nuggets 121, New Orleans Hornets 63				New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana Attendance: 17,236 Referees: David Jones, Mike Callahan, Scott Foster	NBA TV
		Scoring by quarter: 36–15, 25–24, 27–11, 33–13
		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 26 Rebs: Chris Andersen 8 Asts: Chauncey Billups 8		Pts: David West 14 Rebs: James Posey 7 Asts: Chris Paul 6

April 29 10:30 p.m.	Recap	New Orleans Hornets 86, Denver Nuggets 107				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 19,744 Referees: Steve Javie, Ken Mauer, Bill Kennedy	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 27–24, 22–25, 17–31, 20–27
		Pts: David West 24 Rebs: David West 9 Asts: Chris Paul 10		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 34 Rebs: Martin, Nenê, Andersen 7 each Asts: Chauncey Billups 11
		Denver win series 4–1

Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)

The Nuggets routed the Hornets in Game 1, led by hometown player Chauncey Billups's 36 points in his playoff debut for the Nuggets. He sank a career playoff-high 8 three-pointers and added 8 assists in the game. He continued his form in Game 2, scoring 31 points as the Nuggets took a 2–0 lead in the series. The Hornets bounced back with a victory in Game 3. Game 3 was marked with plenty of fouls, with a total of 58 personal fouls in the game, resulting in four players fouled out of the game, David West and Tyson Chandler for the Hornets, and Kenyon Martin and Nenê for the Nuggets. The referees also called three flagrant fouls from James Posey, Chandler and Billups. Hornets' head coach Byron Scott was also called for a technical foul after arguing on Posey's flagrant foul.

The Nuggets then pulled a 58-point win in Game 4. The margin tied the most lopsided victory in playoff history set 53 years ago by the Minneapolis Lakers. The Hornets recorded a playoff-low in points and also a playoff-high 26 turnovers, which led to 41 Nuggets' points. The Nuggets then recorded their first series win since 1994 after a victory in Game 5. Carmelo Anthony scored his career playoff-high with 34 points as the Nuggets cruised to another double-digit win. The average margin of victory in the Nuggets's four wins was 37.5 points.

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks

April 18 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Dallas Mavericks 105, San Antonio Spurs 97				AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas Attendance: 18,797 Referees: Dick Bavetta, James Capers, Tony Brothers	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 18–29, 27–20, 29–25, 31–23
		Pts: Josh Howard 25 Rebs: Erick Dampier 11 Asts: Jason Kidd 5		Pts: Tim Duncan 27 Rebs: Tim Duncan 9 Asts: Tony Parker 8

April 20 9:30 p.m.	Recap	Dallas Mavericks 84, San Antonio Spurs 105				AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas Attendance: 18,797 Referees: Mark Wunderlich, Joe Forte, Tom Washington	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 19–30, 27–27, 17–28, 21–20
		Pts: Jason Terry 16 Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 6 Asts: Jason Kidd 5		Pts: Tony Parker 38 Rebs: Tim Duncan 11 Asts: Tony Parker 8

April 23 8:30 p.m.	Recap	San Antonio Spurs 67, Dallas Mavericks 88				American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas Attendance: 20,491 Referees: Joe Crawford, Eddie Rush, Derrick Collins, Marc Davis	NBA TV
		Scoring by quarter: 16–27, 14–19, 12–29, 25–13
		Pts: Tony Parker 12 Rebs: Kurt Thomas 10 Asts: Tony Parker 3		Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 20 Rebs: Erick Dampier 9 Asts: José Juan Barea 6

April 25 4:00 p.m.	Recap	San Antonio Spurs 90, Dallas Mavericks 99				American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas Attendance: 20,829 Referees: Mike Callahan, Scott Foster, Zach Zarba	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 29–32, 26–19, 16–29, 19–19
		Pts: Tony Parker 43 Rebs: Tim Duncan 10 Asts: Tim Duncan 7		Pts: Josh Howard 28 Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 13 Asts: Jason Kidd 7

April 28 9:30 p.m.	Recap	Dallas Mavericks 106, San Antonio Spurs 93				AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas Attendance: 18,797 Referees: Ron Garretson, Greg Willard, Monty McCutchen	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 31–20, 21–28, 30–19, 24–26
		Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 31 Rebs: Erick Dampier 12 Asts: Jason Kidd 6		Pts: Tim Duncan 30 Rebs: Tim Duncan 8 Asts: Tony Parker 12
		Dallas win series, 4–1

Last Playoff Meeting: 2006 Western Conference Semifinals (Dallas won 4-3)

(4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Houston Rockets

April 18 10:30 p.m.	Recap	Houston Rockets 108, Portland Trail Blazers 81				Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon Attendance: 20,329 Referees: Bill Kennedy, Mark Wunderlich, Tom Washington	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 34–23, 28–21, 23–14, 23–23
		Pts: Aaron Brooks 27 Rebs: Dikembe Mutombo 9 Asts: Aaron Brooks 7		Pts: Brandon Roy 21 Rebs: Blake, Przybilla, Oden, Ruffin 5 each Asts: Steve Blake 6

April 21 10:00 p.m.	Recap	Houston Rockets 103, Portland Trail Blazers 107				Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon Attendance: 20,408 Referees: Derrick Stafford, Ed Malloy, Joe Crawford	NBA TV
		Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 25–25, 21–19, 31–35
		Pts: Aaron Brooks 23 Rebs: Yao Ming 8 Asts: Aaron Brooks 5		Pts: Brandon Roy 42 Rebs: LaMarcus Aldridge 12 Asts: Steve Blake 5

April 24 9:30 p.m.	Recap	Portland Trail Blazers 83, Houston Rockets 86				Toyota Center, Houston, Texas Attendance: 18,731 Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jason Phillips, Tony Brothers	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 15–21, 22–27, 22–18, 24–20
		Pts: Brandon Roy 19 Rebs: LaMarcus Aldridge 8 Asts: Steve Blake 10		Pts: Luis Scola 19 Rebs: Yao Ming 13 Asts: Aaron Brooks 5

April 26 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Portland Trail Blazers 88, Houston Rockets 89				Toyota Center, Houston, Texas Attendance: 18,271 Referees: Ron Garretson, Greg Willard, Monty McCutchen	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 22–30, 22–20, 26–14, 18–25
		Pts: Brandon Roy 31 Rebs: Joel Przybilla 12 Asts: Steve Blake 8		Pts: Yao Ming 21 Rebs: Yao Ming 12 Asts: Ron Artest 9

April 28 10:00 p.m.	Recap	Houston Rockets 77, Portland Trail Blazers 88				Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon Attendance: 20,462 Referees: Bill Spooner, Leon Wood, Dan Crawford	NBA TV
		Scoring by quarter: 26–29, 17–21, 19–14, 15–24
		Pts: Luis Scola 19 Rebs: Yao Ming 10 Asts: Ron Artest 5		Pts: Aldridge, Roy 25 each Rebs: Aldridge, Blake 7 each Asts: Joel Przybilla 4

April 30 9:30 p.m.	Recap	Portland Trail Blazers 76, Houston Rockets 92				Toyota Center, Houston, Texas Attendance: 18,376 Referees: Bennett Salvatore, James Capers, Mike Callahan	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 19–21, 18–31, 19–21, 20–18
		Pts: LaMarcus Aldridge 26 Rebs: Przybilla, Fernández 8 each Asts: Steve Blake 5		Pts: Ron Artest 27 Rebs: Yao Ming 10 Asts: Kyle Lowry 3
		Houston win series, 4–2

Last Playoff Meeting: 1994 Western Conference First Round (Houston won 3-1)

Conference Semifinals

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets

May 4 10:30 p.m.	Recap	Houston Rockets 100, Los Angeles Lakers 92				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Scott Foster, Joe Derosa, Tony Brothers	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 21–18, 22–22, 27–27, 30–25
		Pts: Yao Ming 28 Rebs: Yao Ming 10 Asts: Ron Artest 7		Pts: Kobe Bryant 32 Rebs: Pau Gasol 13 Asts: Bryant, Gasol 4 each

May 6 10:30 p.m.	Recap	Houston Rockets 98, Los Angeles Lakers 111				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Spooner, Greg Willard	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 25–39, 32–18, 20–29, 21–25
		Pts: Ron Artest 25 Rebs: Yao, Landry 10 each Asts: Ron Artest 5		Pts: Kobe Bryant 40 Rebs: Pau Gasol 14 Asts: Luke Walton 5

May 8 9:30 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 108, Houston Rockets 94				Toyota Center, Houston, Texas Attendance: 18,495 Referees: Steve Javie, Ron Garretson, Sean Corbin	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 30–28, 20–18, 24–16, 34–32
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 33 Rebs: Lamar Odom 13 Asts: Jordan Farmar 7		Pts: Ron Artest 25 Rebs: Yao Ming 14 Asts: Shane Battier 7

May 10 3:30 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 87, Houston Rockets 99				Toyota Center, Houston, Texas Attendance: 18,313 Referees: Dan Crawford, Dick Bavetta, Michael Smith	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 16–29, 20–25, 18–29, 33–16
		Pts: Pau Gasol 30 Rebs: Pau Gasol 9 Asts: Kobe Bryant 5		Pts: Aaron Brooks 34 Rebs: Luis Scola 14 Asts: Ron Artest 6

May 12 10:30 p.m.	Recap	Houston Rockets 78, Los Angeles Lakers 118				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Derrick Stafford, Ken Mauer	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 24–35, 15–29, 15–30, 24–24
		Pts: Aaron Brooks 14 Rebs: Luis Scola 13 Asts: Scola, Lowry 4 each		Pts: Kobe Bryant 26 Rebs: Pau Gasol 13 Asts: Jordan Farmar 6

May 14 9:30 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 80, Houston Rockets 95				Toyota Center, Houston, Texas Attendance: 18,501 Referees: Mark Wunderlich, Tom Washington, Monty McCutchen	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 15–27, 21–25, 29–22, 15–21
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 32 Rebs: Lamar Odom 14 Asts: Kobe Bryant 3		Pts: Aaron Brooks 26 Rebs: Luis Scola 12 Asts: Battier, Brooks, Lowry 4 each

May 17 3:30 p.m.	Recap	Houston Rockets 70, Los Angeles Lakers 89				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Joe Crawford, Mike Callahan, Dan Crawford	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 12–22, 19–29, 19–18, 20–20
		Pts: Aaron Brooks 13 Rebs: Ron Artest 8 Asts: Ron Artest 5		Pts: Pau Gasol 21 Rebs: Pau Gasol 18 Asts: Kobe Bryant 5
		Los Angeles win series, 4–3

Last Playoff Meeting: 2004 Western Conference First Round (Los Angeles won 4-1)

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks

May 3 3:30 p.m.	Recap	Dallas Mavericks 95, Denver Nuggets 109				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 19,631 Referees: David Jones, Tom Washington, Dan Crawford	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 24–16, 23–35, 28–31, 20–27
		Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 28 Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 10 Asts: José Juan Barea 5		Pts: Nenê 24 Rebs: Chris Andersen 6 Asts: Billups, Smith 6 each

May 5 10:30 p.m.	Recap	Dallas Mavericks 105, Denver Nuggets 117				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 19,890 Referees: Ed Malloy, Mike Callahan, Monty McCutchen	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 22–30, 33–28, 28–28, 22–31
		Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 35 Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 9 Asts: Jason Kidd 7		Pts: Anthony, Nenê 25 each Rebs: Chris Andersen 9 Asts: Chauncey Billups 8

May 9 5:00 p.m.	Recap	Denver Nuggets 106, Dallas Mavericks 105				American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas Attendance: 20,620 Referees: Ken Mauer, Bennett Salvatore, Mark Wunderlich	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 20–20, 28–25, 31–35, 27–25
		Pts: Chauncey Billups 32 Rebs: Nenê, Anthony 8 each Asts: Nenê 4		Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 33 Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 16 Asts: Jason Kidd 5

May 11 9:30 p.m.	Recap	Denver Nuggets 117, Dallas Mavericks 119				American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas Attendance: 20,523 Referees: Joe Derosa, Marc Davis, Steve Javie	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 34–23, 27–30, 29–32, 27–34
		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 41 Rebs: Carmelo Anthony 11 Asts: Chauncey Billups 7		Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 44 Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 13 Asts: Jason Kidd 6

May 13 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Dallas Mavericks 110, Denver Nuggets 124				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 19,962 Referees: Bill Kennedy, Joe Crawford, Ron Garretson	TNT
		Scoring by quarter: 27–34, 28–35, 25–25, 30–30
		Pts: Dirk Nowitzki 32 Rebs: Dirk Nowitzki 10 Asts: Jason Kidd 9		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 30 Rebs: Billups, Nenê 7 each Asts: Chauncey Billups 12
		Denver win series, 4–1

Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Western Conference Semifinals (Dallas won 4-2)

Conference Finals: (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Denver Nuggets

May 19 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Denver Nuggets 103, Los Angeles Lakers 105				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Scott Foster, Tony Brothers, Joe Derosa	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 31–23, 23–32, 22–19, 27–31
		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 39 Rebs: Kenyon Martin 8 Asts: Chauncey Billups 8		Pts: Kobe Bryant 40 Rebs: Pau Gasol 14 Asts: Derek Fisher 6

May 21 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Denver Nuggets 106, Los Angeles Lakers 103				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Dick Bavetta, Marc Davis, Steve Javie	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 23–31, 31–24, 26–26, 26–22
		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 34 Rebs: Anthony, Nenê 9 each Asts: Nenê 6		Pts: Kobe Bryant 32 Rebs: Pau Gasol 17 Asts: Luke Walton 4

May 23 8:30 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 103, Denver Nuggets 97				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 19,939 Referees: Derrick Stafford, Dan Crawford, James Capers	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 22–24, 23–27, 32–18
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 41 Rebs: Pau Gasol 11 Asts: Kobe Bryant 5		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 21 Rebs: Andersen, Martin 7 each Asts: Chauncey Billups 7

May 25 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 101, Denver Nuggets 120				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 20,037 Referees: Ken Mauer, Bill Spooner, Bennett Salvatore	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 19–22, 26–30, 21–25, 35–43
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 34 Rebs: Pau Gasol 10 Asts: Bryant, Walton 5 each		Pts: Billups, Smith 24 each Rebs: Kenyon Martin 15 Asts: Nenê 6

May 27 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Denver Nuggets 94, Los Angeles Lakers 103				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Monty McCutchen, Ron Garretson, Tom Washington	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 25–25, 31–31, 20–20, 18–27
		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 31 Rebs: Nenê, Andersen 8 each Asts: Chauncey Billups 5		Pts: Kobe Bryant 22 Rebs: Lamar Odom 14 Asts: Kobe Bryant 8

May 29 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 119, Denver Nuggets 92				Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado Attendance: 20,037 Referees: Joe Crawford, Mike Callahan, Mark Wunderlich	ESPN
		Scoring by quarter: 25–20, 28–20, 30–27, 36–25
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 35 Rebs: Pau Gasol 12 Asts: Kobe Bryant 10		Pts: Carmelo Anthony 25 Rebs: Nenê 6 Asts: Chauncey Billups 9
		Los Angeles win series, 4–2

Last Playoff Meeting: 2008 Western Conference First Round (Los Angeles won 4-0)

NBA Finals: (W1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (E3) Orlando Magic

Main article: 2009 NBA Finals

June 4 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 75, Los Angeles Lakers 100				Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Ken Mauer, Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 24–22, 19–31, 15–29, 17–18
		Pts: Mickaël Piétrus 14 Rebs: Dwight Howard 15 Asts: Jameer Nelson 4		Pts: Kobe Bryant 40 Rebs: Lamar Odom 14 Asts: Kobe Bryant 8

June 7 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Orlando Magic 96, Los Angeles Lakers 101			OT	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Attendance: 18,997 Referees: Monty McCutchen, Steve Javie, Tom Washington	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 15–15, 20–25, 30–23, 23–25, OT: 8–13
		Pts: Rashard Lewis 34 Rebs: Dwight Howard 16 Asts: Rashard Lewis 7		Pts: Kobe Bryant 29 Rebs: Pau Gasol 10 Asts: Kobe Bryant 8

June 9 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 104, Orlando Magic 108				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Joe Crawford, Derrick Stafford, Mark Wunderlich	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 31–27, 23–32, 21–22, 29–27
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 31 Rebs: Trevor Ariza 7 Asts: Kobe Bryant 8		Pts: Howard, Lewis 21 each Rebs: Dwight Howard 14 Asts: Hedo Türkoğlu 7

June 11 9:00 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 99, Orlando Magic 91			OT	Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Bennett Salvatore, Mike Callahan, Scott Foster	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 20–24, 17–25, 30–14, 20–24, OT: 12–4
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 32 Rebs: Pau Gasol 10 Asts: Kobe Bryant 8		Pts: Hedo Türkoğlu 25 Rebs: Dwight Howard 21 Asts: Rashard Lewis 4

June 14 8:00 p.m.	Recap	Los Angeles Lakers 99, Orlando Magic 86				Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida Attendance: 17,461 Referees: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa, Ken Mauer	ABC
		Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 30–18, 20–15, 23–25
		Pts: Kobe Bryant 30 Rebs: Pau Gasol 15 Asts: Kobe Bryant 5		Pts: Rashard Lewis 18 Rebs: Howard, Lewis 10 each Asts: Lewis, Nelson 4 each
		Los Angeles win NBA Finals, 4–1

Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)

Statistics

Category	High			Average
	Player	Team	Total	Player	Team	Avg.	GP
Points	Ray Allen LeBron James	Boston Celtics Cleveland Cavaliers	51 (3OT) 49	LeBron James	Cleveland Cavaliers	35.3	14
Rebounds	Dwight Howard	Orlando Magic	24	Dwight Howard	Orlando Magic	15.3	23
Assists	Rajon Rondo Rajon Rondo	Boston Celtics	19 (3OT) 18	Deron Williams	Utah Jazz	10.8	5
Steals	Glen Davis	Boston Celtics	6	Mario Chalmers	Miami Heat	2.9	7
Blocks	Dwight Howard Chris Andersen Tyrus Thomas	Orlando Magic Denver Nuggets Chicago Bulls	9 (OT) 6 6	Tyrus Thomas	Chicago Bulls	2.9	7

References

1. ^ "2009 Playoffs scenarios with one day remaining". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 15, 2009. http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/04/15/scenarios0414/index.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "LeBron's 51 points give Cavs the Central title". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 13, 2003. http://www.nba.com/games/20090313/CLESAC/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "Playoff Seeding Primer". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 2, 2007. http://www.nba.com/features/seedingprimer07.html. Retrieved April 18, 2009. 
4. ^ "Basketball U on the NBA Playoffs". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 7, 2004. http://www.nba.com/canada/Basketball_U_on_the_Playoffs-Canada_Generic_Article-18056.html. Retrieved April 18, 2009. 
5. ^ "NBA.com Playoff Picture". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. http://www.nba.com/statistics/playoff_picture.html. Retrieved April 18, 2009. 
6. ^ "Current 2009 NBA Playoff Matchups". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/matchups?season=2009. Retrieved April 18, 2009. 
7. ^ ^{a b} "2009 NBA Playoff Matchups". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 16, 2009. http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/15/updated.playoff.scenario/index.html. Retrieved October 3, 2009. 
8. ^ "Cavaliers clinch playoff spot with win over Bucks". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 3, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090304/MILCLE/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
9. ^ "Cavaliers beat 76ers to clinch No. 1 spot in East". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 10, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090410/CLEPHI/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
10. ^ "Cavaliers clinch home court advantage". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 13, 2004. http://www.nba.com/games/20090413/CLEIND/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
11. ^ "Pierce's 17-footer, Allen's FTs lift Celtics by Nets". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. March 4, 2009. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290304017. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
12. ^ "Pierce scores 36 as Celtics beat Wade-less Heat". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 18, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090318/MIABOS/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
13. ^ "Magic clinch playoff berth, 107-79". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 11, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090311/CHIORL/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
14. ^ "Magic Switch: Orlando bounces Boston from 2nd". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 25, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090325/BOSORL/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
15. ^ "Parker has 42, Spurs beat Hawks 102-92". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 25, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090325/SASATL/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
16. ^ "Wade, Heat beat Bobcats 97-92 to reach playoffs". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 3, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090403/MIACHA/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
17. ^ "76ers clinch playoff spot with win". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 4, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090404/DETPHI/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
18. ^ "Thunder eliminate Bobcats from playoff chase". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 10, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090410/CHAOKC/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
19. ^ "Bynum leads Pistons into postseason". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 10, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090410/NJNDET/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
20. ^ ^{a b} "Bryant scores 23 as Lakers clinch playoff berth". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 12, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090312/LALSAS/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
21. ^ "Gasol scores 36 as Lakers clinch top seed in West". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 27, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090327/LALNJN/recap.html. Retrieved April 9, 2009. 
22. ^ "Nuggets hold off Knicks behind Anthony's 29 points". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 31, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090331/NYKDEN/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
23. ^ "Nuggets clinch division crown, home-court edge". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 13, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090413/SACDEN/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
24. ^ "Durant scores 31 as Thunder stun Spurs again". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 31, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090331/OKCSAS/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
25. ^ "Spurs clinch Southwest Division with OT win". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 15, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090415/NOHSAS/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
26. ^ ^{a b} "Rockets beat Blazers 102-88". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 5, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090405/PORHOU/recap.html. Retrieved April 7, 2009. 
27. ^ "Mavs clinch playoff spot with 130-101 win". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 9, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090408/UTADAL/recap.html. Retrieved April 9, 2009. 
28. ^ "Butler, West shoot down Heat, 93-87". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 7, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090407/NOHMIA/recap.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
29. ^ "Jazz thump Hornets, 108-94". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 5, 2009. http://www.nba.com/games/20090405/UTANOH/recap.html. Retrieved April 7, 2009. 
30. ^ A good chunk of this game aired on ESPN2 due to the Bulls-Celtics game going 2OT
31. ^ "Bulls beat Celtics 105-103 in OT in Game 1". Yahoo! Sports. 2009-04-18. Archived from the original on 2009-08-01. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AkO45Ex_UmZaayCH2EyRsEG8vLYF?gid=2009041802. Retrieved 2009-04-19. 
32. ^ "Magic's Howard suspended for Game 6 against 76ers". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 29, 2009. http://www.nba.com/2009/playoffs2009/04/29/magic.howard.ap/index.html. Retrieved May 19, 2009. 
33. ^ "It’s win-or-else time for motivated Heat". NBC Sports. NBC Universal. April 30, 2009. http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30507039/. Retrieved October 3, 2009. 

External links

• Official website of the NBA
• Official website of the 2009 NBA Playoffs
• ESPN's NBA page
• 2009 NBA Playoffs at Basketball Reference