Heat, Spurs Claim NBA Playoff Victories

Heat Dump Nets In Game One

(Miami, FL) -- It's the regular season no longer. The Heat dumped the Nets, 107-86, in the opener of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series at AmericanAirlines Arena behind 22 points from LeBron James. Brooklyn won all four meetings with Miami during the 82-game regular season schedule. Chris Bosh added 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Ray Allen dropped in 19 points off the bench. Game Two is in Miami on Thursday. Brooklyn's Kevin Garnett was held scoreless for the first time during the postseason in his career. Deron Williams and Joe Johnson each had a team-high 17 points in the defeat.

Spurs Bulldoze Blazers In Game One

(San Antonio, TX) -- Tony Parker exploded for 33 points and nine assists to lead the Spurs to a 116-92 romping of the Trail Blazers in the opening game of their Western Conference semifinal series at the AT&T Center. Tim Duncan posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard added 16 points and nine boards. San Antonio held Portland to 38-percent shooting from the field and 4-of-16 from behind the arc. The Blazers also had 20 turnovers.  LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 32 points and 14 rebounds in the defeat. Game Two is Thursday night in San Antonio.

OKC's Durant Wins NBA MVP Award

(Oklahoma City, OK) -- Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is the NBA's Most Valuable Player. He received 119 first-place votes to easily beat out two-time reigning MVP LeBron James of the Miami Heat, who got just six first-place votes. Former Florida Gator Joakim Noah finished fourth. Durant averaged a career-high 32 points en route to his fourth scoring title in five seasons.

Tuesday, May 6 Scoreboard

NBA Playoffs

Miami Heat 107, Brooklyn Nets 86
(Heat lead best-of-seven Eastern semifinal, 1-0)

San Antonio Spurs 116, Portland Trail Blazers 92
(Spurs lead best-of-seven Western semifinal, 1-0)

Wednesday, May 7 Schedule (All Times Central)

NBA Playoffs

6:00 p.m. - Washington Wizards at Indiana Pacers
(Wizards lead best-of-seven Eastern semifinal, 1-0)

8:30 p.m. - Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder
(Clippers lead best-of-seven Western semifinal, 1-0)