Chapter 71 Double Stars

Because Portland is in the Pacific Time Zone, their game against the Spurs was the last one played today.

By the time they finished, the outcomes of the other three games had already been decided. The series between the Eastern fifth seed Detroit Pistons and the fourth seed Atlanta Hawks, considered the most closely matched, saw them battle to a dead heat in the first game.

Dominique Wilkins repeatedly attacked the Pistons' weak small forward defense, scoring 28 points with a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line.

The most spectacular performance for the Hawks came from their 5'7'' little Spud, the new dunk champion Spud Webb, who laced up his Avia "Spud" series and scored 18 points coming off the bench.

On the Pistons' side, Melvin Turpin was excellent on both offense and defense under the basket, securing 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His fierce defense and aggressive offense subdued his draft-class peer Kevin Willis.