Nets, Spurs Reach NBA Conference Finals

Nets Sent Home By Heat Faltering Late

(Miami, FL) -- With a chance to tie or take the lead the Nets failed to get a shot off on their final possession and when the clock struck zero they were sent home by the Heat, 96-94, in Game Five of the Eastern Conference semifinals at AmericanAirlines Arena. Miami outscored Brooklyn by 11 in the fourth quarter with LeBron James scoring 14 of his 29 points. Dwyane Wade added 28 for the Heat, who advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fourth straight season and await the Pacers or Wizards. Joe Johnson scored a game-high 34 points with seven rebounds in the defeat. Paul Pierce chipped in 19 as the Nets fell 4-1.

Spurs Cruise To Western Conference Finals

(San Antonio, TX) -- Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green each posted 22 points to help send the Spurs to the Western Conference Finals with a 104-82 win over the Trail Blazers at the AT&T Center to complete the gentleman's sweep in Game Five. Tony Parker left after 10 minutes with a hamstring injury and did not return.  Patty Mills compiled 18 points off the bench filling in for Parker. It's the third straight season San Antonio has reached the conference finals.  LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 21 points and 10 rebounds in the season-ending defeat. All five Portland starters were in double figures, but the bench only scored eight points total.

Kerr Chooses Warriors Over Knicks

Steve Kerr is the new head coach of the Golden State Warriors. It was widely believed Kerr would join his mentor Phil Jackson in New York, as the two spent five years together while Jackson was the head coach with the Bulls. Multiple reports say the deal is for five years and $25-million. Kerr has no head coaching experience.

Wednesday, May 14 Scoreboard

NBA Playoffs

Miami Heat 96, Brooklyn Nets 94
(Heat win best-of-seven Eastern semifinal, 4-1)

San Antonio Spurs 104, Portland Trail Blazers 82
(Spurs win best-of-seven Western semifinal, 4-1)

Thursday, May 15 Schedule (All Times Central)  

NBA Playoffs

7:00 p.m. - Indiana Pacers at Washington Wizards
(Pacers lead best-of-seven Eastern semifinal, 3-2)

9:30 p.m. - Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers
(Thunder lead best-of-seven Western semifinal, 3-2)