In the East, the Miami Heat have already made quick work in their semifinal matchup. LeBron James came out strong in his first appearance since being named the league MVP for the third time, and the Heat roughed up the Indiana Pacers to take a 1-0 series lead.
Here are the recaps from the games that took place Sunday, May 13. Be sure to check out more of our in-depth Associated Press recaps and previews.
Los Angeles Clippers 82, Memphis Grizzlies 72
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Los Angeles Clippers refused to let a third chance to knock the Memphis Grizzlies out of the playoffs slip away.
Kenyon Martin scored seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, and the Clippers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with an 82-72 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 7 on Sunday. Read the complete story here.
Miami Heat 95, Indiana Pacers 86
MIAMI — LeBron James got his trophy, and then he and Dwyane Wade made sure the Miami Heat got a win in Game 1.
James scored 32 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in his first game as a three-time MVP, Wade finished with 29 despite struggling from the floor, and the Heat beat the Indiana Pacers 95-86 to open their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Sunday. Read the complete story here.