Our NBA Playoffs are off to an interesting start. OKC is cruising past a Phoenix team with no rim protection. The Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics all lost home Game 2s which is something to watch as we move forward in Round 1.
The biggest surprise to me though is the LA Lakers going up 2-0 on the point-guardless Houston Rockets. It’s not that I think Houston is a championship contender, it’s just more of me being impressed by how LeBron and the Lakers have handled this series so far without Luka and Austin Reaves.
The Detroit-Orlando series is 1-1 and now headed to Florida. Will Desmond Bane be a difference maker or will Cade Cunningham get his team back on track in Game 3 to regain home court?
Boston-Philly? No Imbiid for Philly, but Tyrese Maxey and his rookie guard compadre give the Sixers one of the most dynamic backcourts in the East. Can Andre Drummond plug the lane for the Sixers? Again…we’ll see.
But by far the best series so far has been the Denver-Minnesota series which is now tied at 1-1 with Game 3 in Minnesota tonight. This is a very simple deal…when Anthony Edwards isn’t screwing around and sets his mind on getting to the rim the TWolves are a different team and especially when Julius Randle has a solid night scoring the ball.
I have to give it up to Rudy Gobert for a second straight game as he was excellent in Game 2. I have no idea what has happened with Rudy G, but his level of play in this series has been a thing. If Gobert keeps playing like this—the Wolves are clearly a team to be reckoned with.
I had Minnesota as my No. 7 wildcard to win the whole thing, and I think that’s what they’re showing us so far. A dangerous, talented team which is in search of a championship identity.
As far as the Thunder…they’re playing a team with no center and if I’m Coach Mark my primary goal is to get this series over with as quickly as possible and not risk any inury to the Kia Clutch player of the Year heading into the second round with a probable date against an aged LeBron and the Lakers.
As was the case last year, everything is falling just right for the Thunder if they can keep No. 2 healthy.
We’re off to Greenwood, Colorado for Grandparents Day at the kids’ school. This has been much anticipated and NBA basketball will have to deal with my absence for a bit. I’m certain Chuck and Ernie can deal with this situation.
Always look for the best in others.
Mike J