NBA Playoffs 2014 Bracket Standings: Recap of Game 2 for East & West Teams

Almost all NBA playoff teams have already played two games and there were new discoveries. Some teams showed a remarkable increase in efficiency and field goal percentage. Others unraveled an impenetrable defense. There were also others who struggled with a recently injured player, like Al Jefferson and Bogut, as revealed by a rundown on ESPN.

East

In the Eastern Conference semifinals, No. 1 seed Indiana Pacers and No. 8 seed Atlanta Hawks are tied 1-1. No. 3 seed Toronto Raptors and No. 6 seed Brooklyn Nets are also tied 1-1. The Washington Wizards are leading the Chicago Bulls 2-0. Defending champions Miami Heat is leading 1-0 against the Charlotte Bobcats.

West

In the Western Conference semifinals, No. 1 seed San Antonio Spurs lead the series 1-0 against the Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors are tied 1-1. Oklahoma CityThunders and Memphis Grizzlies are also tied 1-1. The Portland Trail Blazers lead the series 1-0 against the Houston Rockets.

According to Bleacher Report, some stars have also upped their performance during the playoffs. LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers proved that they can outmatch stars like James Harden and Dwight Howard. Aldridge shot 46 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, while Lillard added 31 points and nine rebounds. On the other hand, Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers has already been ejected from a game, while Jermaine O'Neal also had a technical foul. 

Other teams have to adjust to loss of players due to injuries or players who recently rejoined the group after nagging injuries such as Dwight Howard, Bogut and Jefferson. Dwyane Wade seemed to be back in his top self during the first game of the series, writes SB Nation.

Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs are currently the most favored teams to win the NBA finals. Other preferred teams include the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers.