The Unsolvable One-Legged Fadeaway Meets an Even More Unsolvable Existence!!!

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Thunder's Big Three in a Game 7 battle and advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.

The matchups for the second round of the Western Conference playoffs were officially set.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks

Eastern Conference.

The 2008 first overall pick, Derrick Rose, led his team to a 4–1 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and into the semifinals. Rose's ability to change direction without slowing down and his explosive athleticism during the playoffs left a deep impression.

Having formed the Heat Big Three, LeBron James—the reigning regular-season MVP whom American media hailed as a "dragon slayer"—also defeated the New York Knicks by a score of 4–.

However, it was worth noting that although Amar'e Stoudemire lost, he did not punch a fire extinguisher in anger after the game and break his wrist. He had, more or less, preserved his career.

Although the Boston Celtics had lost Tracy McGrady this season, the team remained formidable and ultimately defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Andrew Bynum and Andre Iguodala, 4–1.

Furthermore, Bynum only played two games in this series before suffering a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season. The postgame injury report was extremely pessimistic, and many American media outlets believed Bynum would be unable to continue playing in the NBA.

The Orlando Magic, led by the Eastern Conference's top center Dwight Howard, defeated the Atlanta Hawks 4–2.

Thus, the second-round Eastern Conference playoff matchups were:

Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

The game against the Warriors would take place three days later.

As the team with the best record in the league, the Los Angeles Lakers held home-court advantage.

Before the game, American media also released their predictions.

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