2013 NBA Western & Eastern Finals Schedule

Image: USAToday.com

The stakes are bigger at the upcoming game schedules in the NBA as the competition is down to four teams. Memphis Grizzlies (first time in the Western Conference finals) and the playoffs veterans San Antonio Spurs are slugging it out for the Western Conference trophy. Meanwhile, Indiana Pacers have their backs against the wall as they're going up against Miami Heat, which is a favorite to win it all this year.


Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals series tipped off last Sunday, May 19, at San Antonio wherein the Spurs blasted the Grizzlies by winning 105-83. The game started off with the Grizzlies trailing in double digits and they staged a short comeback that cut the lead to only six by the third quarter. However, the Spurs quickly put an end to Grizzlies' attempt to make a dominating debut in their first Western Finals appearance. Matt Bonner lead an 11-1 run to close out the third with 16 points between them.

Many of the Grizzlies top players didn't show up during Game 1 namely Zach Randolph, who left the game with more than 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter to play and only two points under his belt. It has been noted that the Grizzlies executed the classic gritty defense and inside-out offense during the entire season, which has worked successfully for them at this point. But the Spurs beat them at their own game. Now, the Grizzlies are hoping to make the necessary adjustments come Game 2 in order to even up the series and more importantly, steal one on the road.

You can check the rest of the schedules below:

Western Conference Finals

Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs (105) def. Grizzlies (83)
Game 2 in San Antonio: Tuesday, May 21
Game 3 in Memphis: Saturday, May 25
Game 4 in Memphis: Monday, May 27
Game 5 in San Antonio: Wednesday, May 29
Game 6 in Memphis: Friday, May 31
Game 7 in San Antonio: Sunday, June 2

Eastern Conference Finals

Game 1 in Miami: Wednesday, May 22
Game 2 in Miami: Friday, May 24
Game 3 in Indianapolis: Sunday, May 26
Game 4 in Indianapolis: Tuesday, May 28
Game 5 in Miami: Thursday, May 30
Game 6 in Indianapolis: Saturday, June 1
Game 7 in Miami: Monday, June 3

Which team do you think will take home the 2013 NBA championship? Be sure to vote in on the poll!

Disclaimer: Photos and NBA 2013 Finals Schedule credits to www.usatoday.com

Utah will REGRET not making a Trade

Utah seems satisfied with their current line up and refuses to make a big trade during Trade deadline. Despite of left and right trade rumors which circles around Jefferson and Millsap. But the management decide to keep both of them since their front court players are the reason why they are now contending in the west. Unlike other teams, after their superstar leaves the team, the Jazz quickly recovers from being out of the playoffs in the season when Deron Williams was traded. The very next season, they sneak in to the top 8th against Rockets and Suns. After that, they are able to carry the momentum.

Their line up is pretty solid and was secured in 7th spot. The team has solid front court which lead them in top 8th in west. They have low post treat in Al Jefferson, A versatile Power forward in Millsap, Full of potential big men from the bench of Favors and Kanter. No other team in the league has this kind of front court force.

 Contract issue is the main reason why the trade speculates on their starting big men, which is not a bad idea while having problem in the back court. With the emerging back court bench, it makes a lot more sense to pull the trigger on the trade and avoid losing one of this player to walk away without getting something back.

 Looking at Utah's roster, the dominance of the front court is overwhelming, which makes the back court looks like a none factor on the leam With Mo out of the line up. Currently they Got 4 solid big men. And the rest of the position from SF to SG, they don't have a solid player except Gordon Hayward moving between SF and SG.

 The problem is they can't use those 4 big men at the same time and they are battling from each other for a playing time while the back court seems none threat at all. In order to be a dominant team, Jazz should have force in all of the position and that trade could have been the answer. If Lakers completely outrun this team, it will surely something to regret about.