The Revolution is Being Televised
Playoff Basketball is back. The younger generation of rising stars showed up and showed out. We’ll recap Game 1’s across the NBA, including key takeaways for particular series.
Phoenix Protects Home Court
After 6 long years of missing the NBA Playoffs, Phoenix did not disappoint. A sellout crowd totaling 11k served as an instrumental benefactor for the Suns. The noise was deafening, making the tension between the two teams palpable.
Phoenix came out the gate firing. An offensive blitzkrieg had the Lakers scrambling from the start. In my opinion, the play of the game for the Suns occurred in the 1st Qtr. Chris Paul drives into the lane, getting open for a mid-range jumper. A CP3 free throw line pull-up jumper is the closest you can get to an automatic bucket in basketball.
But instead, he chooses to defer in order to find an open Devin Booker in the corner for 3, giving him his first points. Similarly to Lebron, Chris knew he had to get his teammates going early. As a result, Devin never looked back.
To make matters worse for the Lakers, DeAndre Ayton was the best big man on the court in Game 1. Crashing the offensive glass and efficiently rolling as the screener for easy layups and alley-oop finishes allowed DeAndre Ayton to finish with 21 Points and 16 Rebounds (10-11 FG).
Photo From: AZCentral
The Suns were rolling, then disaster struck.
Chris Paul goes down with an upper shoulder/lower neck injury. You could feel the energy get sucked out of the Suns’ arena. Players and fans waited with bated breath, hoping they would not lose their All-Star point guard permanently for the postseason.
Photo From: Bright Side of The Sun
Chris Paul says he’ll ‘absolutely’ be ready for Game 2 after right shoulder contusion
via Sam Quinn (CBS Sports)
Someone was going to have to step up, who would it be?
The Lakers quickly went on an 8-0 run to cut the Suns lead to 5 points. To stop the bleeding, D Book went coast-to-coast, finishing with a two handed slam. This play was massive, as it not only put a halt to a Lakers run, but also got the home crowd engaged back into the game.
Photo From: The Portland Press Herald
The Drummond Conundrum
Lakers fans let it all out…this is a safe space.
Andre Drummond provides so much good, with just as much bad. The “catch high, keep high” mantra was never instilled into Andre, and it shows. Every post touch he received off a screen and roll or dive, should have been a dunk.
None of them were.
Drummond tries to put the ball on the floor in order to gather way too often. Instead, he should be going up strong...looking to finish through contact each time.
On the other hand, he is an excellent rebounder both on the offensive and defensive glass. Frank Vogel has a tough decision to make.
Do you keep Andre Drummond for his potential second chance points opportunities, or open the floor up with Marc Gasol?
Should you eliminate the 2-big man concept, and move Anthony Davis to the 5?
Anthony Davis Woes
I won’t even address LeBron for this piece. We all know what he will give us for the rest of the series.
It’s all about Anthony Davis.
At times, AD plays tall, but not big. He falls into the “finesse” trap. Settling for stepback fadeaways and hook shots, rather than putting his body into someone's chest, looking to draw contact. When Anthony Davis is engaged, he is arguably a Top 5 Power Forward of All-Time. The problem is, in order to be in that conversation, consistency is mandatory. All in all, Anthony Davis is a pro and an NBA Champion. Film and adjustments will allow him to enter Game 2 with a different approach.
This Suns-Lakers series is shaping up to be one of the better 1st round matchups in years. Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton have all the confidence in the world after Game 1, as they look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers look to collectively bounce back strong. Game 2 is a must-win for the Lakeshow.
We’ll see how each team performs, but one thing is for certain, I’ll be watching.
Game 2 Prediction: Lakers -2.5
Atlanta Steals Game 1
Oh how I’ve missed fans in the stadium.
Madison Square Garden, the most notable arena in the world, hosted Game 1 of the First Round against the Atlanta Hawks. Capacity was capped at 15k, making it the largest sports venue crowd in basketball since the Covid-19 Pandemic began.
Stars like Tracy Morgan and Spike Lee sat court side, hoping to cheer their team to its first Game 1 Playoff Victory in nearly a decade.
Prior to the game, Spike Lee went to dap up Julius Randle, getting in his ear on staying aggressive and making the right read. This bad Spike omen could have played a part in Randle’s lackluster performance. However, even with their best player not performing to his normal standards...
The Knicks put on a show.
Photo From: Sir Charles in Charge
Derrick Rose, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley played great, combining for 41 points.
Attacking the basket, taking advantage of mismatches, and nailing momentum changing 3’s were how the Knicks came back from an early double digit deficit.
But they all followed their leader. All Hail Playoff Alec Burks.
Burks went for 27 Points, including 18 in the 4th Qtr. Tom Thibbodeau does not usually include Alec in his crunch time/closing rotation, but he was on fire...and could not be put out.
Photo From: New York Post
This was a middleweight slug fest. The Hawks would hit a big time 3, only for the Knicks to punch right back with a bucket of their own.
This was playoff basketball.
Atlanta Takes Control
With the Knicks up 7 late in the 3rd Quarter, the MSG crowd could sense this was a make or break moment for the rest of the game.
Then came the nectar.
Sweet Lou Williams checks into the game, scoring the Hawks’ last 9 points to cut the lead to 2 entering the 4th Quarter. Lou saved this game. With Trae getting a much needed rest, the Hawks bench and role players were able to keep the game within reach.
Trae Silences MSG
By the end of this series, Trae Young will be hated on the level of Jose Altuve in the Big Apple.
With the crowd chanting, “F--K Trae Young, F--K Trae Young…” the last 12 minutes of this game was electric.
Time and time again, Trae Young used the Pick and Roll to waltz into the lane. This constant penetration left the Knicks scrambling, as Trae would consistently make the right read. Whether it be a floater from 7 feet, alley-oop to a big man, or setting up a teammate for an open 3, Trae Young was orchestrating the offense to perfection.
To close out the game, Trae did just that. A quick 2 step in-between the legs dribble, pinned Frank Ntilinka to his hip, allowing Ice Trae to once again waltz into the paint undisturbed, for an easy practice floater.
Silence.
Photo From: CBS Sports
Trae Young finished with 32 Points - 10 Ast - 7 Reb
First Player to have 25 Points and 10 Assists in his playoff debut since Derrick Rose in 2009
The same Madison Square Garden that was previously deafening, suddenly turned into a Quiet Place. Trae made sure to let them know.
“It’s f---ing quiet in here, It’s f---ing quiet in here, what happened?”
I absolutely love this. For a young star in this league to have a playoff debut like this, along with standing up and overcoming the MSG crowd is quite the Rite of Passage.
Photo From: FanSided.com
A dejected Spike Lee after Trae Young’s game wining floater
Madison Square Garden was in shock
This is only Game 1, expect Trae Young to hear it once again from Knicks fans...but after witnessing the opening game, Trae might thrive off of the crowd, not shrink.
The Knicks face an uphill battle as Atlanta was able to steal home court from them.
Thibs will get them prepared, and once again, the stadium will be rocking. To expect another Prime Kobe performance from Alec Burks is blasphemous. The Knicks suffered a 2 point defeat to the Hawks when their best player (Julius Randle) had an abysmal game.
I expect the Knicks to bounce back strong, however, Atlanta has shown that they are fearless. The role players for both teams will be the deciding factor for Game 2.
I like the Knicks, but trust Atlanta to put up a fight
Game 2 Prediction: Knicks ML and/or buy Hawks up to +4.5
Luka Doncic Shreds the Clippers
When Paul George and Kawhi Leonard teamed up in Los Angeles, the defensive star power made their fans salivate.
This has not been the case.
Luka Doncic has outplayed them both, in his short 7 game playoff career.
Photo From: Bleacher Report
2020 Bubble Round 1
Luka hits a walk off 3 pointer to even up the series at 2 games a piece
What Luka is doing should be illegal. A 6’8 Point Guard who has the ability to put anybody in the torture chamber. This piece is a full fledged Luka-gasm.
How do you guard him?
If you play him small, he has a great post game. Relentlessly backing down smaller defenders to either flip in a layup, or draw a double team for an open shooter. If you play him big, he has the first step bounce to drive by a big man, along with a stepback crossover that locks any defender up in Rikers Island.
Photo From: Yahoo Sports
Luka Doncic after an And-1 finish against Patrick Beverley
“You’re too F—ing small!”
The clear answer to this problem, is Kawhi and PG.
Am I insane?
If you have Kawhi and Paul George, and the whole reason you got them was to have two big switchable wings...why the f—k is Nicolas Batum face guarding Doncic?
Are they getting ready for a pre-switch?
Why are Kawhi and Paul George not hounding Doncic like 1992 Olympics Jordan & Pippen against Toni Kukoc?
Photo From: Sneaker History
1992 Barcelona Olympics
Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan guarded Toni Kukoc every second he was on the floor, after hearing how much Jerry Krause wanted [Kukoc] in Chicago
Where Was Terance Mann?
I don’t think the Clippers know who their team is. This is the downside of having a million moving pieces. Serge Ibaka played 13 minutes, Pat Bev started on Luka...everything just seemed out of place. Terance played a whole 14 seconds of this game.
Game 2 must be different.
Terance Mann has proved throughout the season, he is the ultimate bench player. He serves as a swiss army knife. Tyronn Lue has a decision to make. Their guard rotation must be narrowed down. Terance Mann has done nothing but prove to that fanbase that he is a fringe crunch time player. Terance talked to us about how Clippers practices were intense. They were sharpening Iron with Iron.
Terance Mann post All-Star Break:
22.3 minutes per game
Splits: 53-44-85
Averaging almost 10 points per game
Photo From: Bleacher Report
To hear the full interview, Listen Here:
Where Do the Clippers Go From Here?
The Clippers are no where near done, but the turn around must come now.
It is still very early in this series, it would be a mistake to base an entire series off of one game. With that being said, Game 2 will serve as a do or die win.
The definition of insanity is repeating an action over and over, expecting a different result.
Game 2 Prediction: Mavericks ML
Donovan Mitchell Sits, Memphis Takes Advantage
Prior to Game 1, I anticipated this would be the least interesting series in Round 1.
Boy, was I wrong.
The Grit and Grind mentality/tradition in Memphis is passed down from generation to generation. This team does not fear anyone. Players like SlowMo, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson, Desmond Bane and more are showing up and showing out. This Grizzlies team is not an 8 seed, they are a 9 seed. They had to scratch and claw just to be in this position, and they are not taking it for granted.
Photo From: The Commercial Appeal
Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks after beating Golden State, clinching the 8 seed
It’s all fun down in Memphis
While Memphis played one of their best games of the season, the Jazz did the opposite. Utah is heavily dependent on their 3PT shooting, as they lack many other forms of scoring the basketball.
Utah finished the season going 31-6 at home, with many of the later games being without their young superstar [Donovan Mitchell]. Although Donovan was inactive today, it should not have been enough to defer the Jazz from taking a 1-0 series lead.
Rudy Gobert’s Antics
Even Jazz fans should be able to agree, Rudy Gobert is just a hard player to stick up for. Dating back to even before the start of the pandemic, Rudy Gobert has done many questionable things that make others raise an eyebrow. Let’s take a quick look at what he’s done.
Signs 130+ million extension with Utah, then cries on National Television after not being selected to the All-Star Team
Touches sound equipment and table after being diagnosed with Covid-19
And now...fouls out in Game 1, proceeds to flop to the ground, trying to sell a “push” on his way out of the arena
Jonas Valuncunias is a pro. Gobert will continue to give him problems with his wingspan, but Memphis is going to give it right back to Gobert.
Memphis’ Young Talent
Grayson Allen, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Ja Morant. The future is bright in Memphis.
Yes, I get it. Greyson Allen and Desmond Bane will most likely not sprout into All-Star players, however, getting playoff experience and helping their team with energy and big shots down the stretch; will pay dividends later on in their careers.
Photo From: Trendsmap
Desmond Bane pulls up for 3 to end the 3rd QTR
George Niang was not a fan of his showboating, Desmond clearly does not give one single flying f—k
Ja Morant gets his own paragraph. You were a fool if you could not see this coming. Ja Morant had Mike Conley (former Grizzlies franchise PG) on skates the entire game. With a quick first step and a launching pad capable of putting any defender on a poster, Ja relentlessly made Utah pay when he entered the paint. Gliding through the air as he parted the red sea of the Jazz, was mesmerizing to watch.
Ja has already shown in his young career that he elevates his game in the biggest moments.
Photo From: Grizzly Bear Blues
Ja Morant finishes over Rudy Gobert (DPOY)
Statline for Game 1: 26 -4 - 4
What excites me most about playoff time, is the ability for a player to turn into a household name once they become broadcasted nationally. How many Hawks and Grizzlies games get nationally televised? Not many. Next year will be different.
Villian Brooks
Dillon Brooks is the evil version of Danny Green.
He does not care if you’re Lebron James, Steph Curry, or the #1 seed. In his mind, when you play Memphis...you just got yourself a free ticket to junkyard dog defense and big body buckets. I love that he seems to relish being the antagonist in away arenas. Feeding off the crowd, similar to Trae Young in MSG. Every Villain Brooks bucket comes with celebration or shit talk, that can be deemed inches away from being technical fouls.
Mike Conley Jr. commented on Dillon Brooks’ performance in Game 1.
“...He’s one of those players that you love to have on your team, but you hate to play against…”
Into the Spida-Verse
It has been reported that Donovan Mitchell was furious at Utah’s health staff due to him being ruled out for Game 1. I completely understand, he wanted to be there for his team when it mattered most.
I’ll keep this short.
I still have Utah to adjust and pull out this series in 6, they did not have their best player on the court.
With that being said, we all know who will be checking The Spida...Villain Brooks.
Photo From: Daily Advent
This storyline is straight out of a comic. Spida Mitchell going against Doc Oc Villain Brooks. The difference is, in the real world...the good guy doesn’t always win. Memphis relishes this feeling. They realize they aren’t a big market, don’t have household names, and don’t get nationally televised games. Whenever they get the chance, they turn every game into a bloodbath.
I expect Donovan to catch up to speed quickly, he’s been in these positions before. However, Memphis is going to give him and his teammates all that they can handle.
Game 2 Prediction: Memphis +10.5 (B+ 2)