by Blake Krantz
Midway through the first round of the NBA playoffs, several teams have advanced, while many still fight for a trip to the second round.
The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Washington Wizards won in convincing fashion, sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans, Boston Celtics, and Toronto Raptors, respectively, in four games each.
Despite the quick exit, it has been an uplifting season for the Celtics, who exceeded expectations with their playoff run.
The Celtics have a bright future, led by young players such as Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley, in addition to an already successful coach, Brad Stevens.
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks won potential elimination games last night, staying alive against the Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls.
The Brooklyn Nets surprised many last night, defeating the Atlanta Hawks in overtime to tie that series at two games apiece. It was the best game of the series for the Nets’ Deron Williams, who finished with 35 points.
In the West, the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets will advance to the second round.
Finally, the San Antonio Spurs won game five of their series last night against the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing the series to 3-2.
Either the Spurs or the Clippers will advance to the second round. Los Angeles has home-court the rest of the series, an advantage that could help them overcome their current deficit.