2012 NBA Playoffs

Miami, FL

Game two was closer but had the same result for the Miami Heat, who toppled the New York Knicks 104-94 for a 2-0 series lead in an Eastern Conference opening round playoff series.

Four starters scored in double-figures for the Heat, led by Dwayne Wade's 25 points and Chris Bosh's 21.

New York played better than in a game one rout, as Carmelo Anthony pumped in 30 points but the Knicks couldn't keep up with the Heat.

The Dallas Mavericks put up a good fight as well, but fell to Oklahoma City, 102-99 and also trail 2-0 in a Western Conference playoff opener.

Russell Westbrook pumped in 29 points and Kevin Durant added 26, the latter on the strength of 14 of 16 made free-throws, in OKC's win.

Kendrick Perkins added 13 points for the victors, who were stellar at the stripe in hitting 37 of 39 attempts.

Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs with 31 points, but Jason Kidd struggled with his shot in connecting on just 2 of 10 field goal attempts in finishing with 10 points.

 

Spurs' Gregg Popovich is NBA's Coach of the Year

Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs has been named NBA Coach of the Year, it was reported Tuesday.

Popovich led his team to a 50-win season and top-seed in the Western Conference in a strike-shortened regular season.

Popovich chalked up 77 first-place votes, while Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls was second (27), Indiana coach Frank Vogel was third (7) and Memphis coach Lionel Hollins was fourth (6).

It marked the second time the legendary coach has won the award.

"The fact they allow me to coach them the way I coach them surprises me on a daily basis," Popovich said at the news conference in San Antonio in which he learned of the honor. "Timmy [Duncan] sets the tone on the floor for our players. … Win or lose, they do it with class and they do it the right way."

 

 

Heat and Thunder Forge 2-0 Playoff Series Leads