The second round of the NBA postseason is underway, and seven former Longhorns have assisted their teams in advancing to the conference semifinals. Here’s a quick look at how those players and their teams are performing so far.
Kevin Durant
Durant and the Golden State Warriors cruised to a four-game sweep in the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers. Although Durant missed two games in the series to rest a calf injury, the small forward managed to average 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists, highlighted by a 32-point scoring effort in Game 1.
Durant and the Warriors hope to continue their success Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of their conference semifinals matchup.
LaMarcus Aldridge
In Game 1 of their second round matchup with the Houston Rockets, Aldridge’s Spurs struggled mightily in a 126-99 loss. Aldridge contributed to San Antonio’s dismal effort, only recording a mere four points and six rebounds.
The veteran power forward will aim to gain his shooting touch back in Game 2 of the series on Wednesday night.
Tristan Thompson
The NBA’s iron man continued his consistent presence on the glass for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 Monday night against the Toronto Raptors. In a 116-105 win, Thompson recorded 14 rebounds to go alongside 11 points.
Now with the 1-0 series lead, the Cavs will hope to strengthen their control on the series Wednesday night at Quicken Loans Arena.
Avery Bradley
The Celtics guard provided a much-needed spark in his team’s Game 1 victory over the Washington Wizards, recording 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. In addition, the former Longhorn was relentless on the defensive end, earning a game-high four steals.
Bradley and the Celtics will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead against Washington Tuesday night.
P.J. Tucker
While the Raptors dropped Game 1 of their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tucker was one bright spot for Toronto. The small forward — a midseason acquisition by Toronto — recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in just 26 minutes of play.
The Raptors earn an opportunity to even the series at 1-1 on Wednesday in Cleveland.
Cory Joseph
Joseph, another former Longhorn on the Raptors, struggled in his limited playing time in Game 1. In only 10 minutes of action, Joseph managed only two points and one assist.
Isaiah Taylor
Taylor has yet to see playoff action, but his Houston Rockets jumped out to an early series lead after a dominant 126-99 victory in Game 1 at San Antonio.
Taylor’s Rockets return to action on Wednesday night with a chance at a coveted 2-0 series lead on the road.
