The NBA Playoffs are in full swing and although we’re still in the First Round, things are already looking and feeling heated than ever before. Take a look at what’s going on so far in the NBA Playoffs.
Another Golden Sweep
IMAGE CREDIT: YAHOO SPORTS
Let’s face it. The Golden State Warriors are clearly a team ahead of it’s time and it’s not because of the four All-Stars being Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson but it’s the organization, the coaching staff, the game plays, STEVE KERR and they’re utmost talent that shines every game. It’s a pity that the first victim of the Golden Sweep is the San Antonio Spurs but it’s something nobody can say “they didn’t see it coming”, simply because of the absence of Kawhi Leonard. The series may not be over but it’s 3-0 and the Spurs have one chance and one chance only to prevent a second successive sweep(the first being in last year’s Western Conference) because it would be a darn shame to witness the beginning of a downfall for the San Antonio Spurs.
The Celtic Luck Without Kyrie
IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks series has been an interesting game from the get go. Even without the All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving on the Celtics squad, this series is a mouth-watering series due to the youth on both squads and how which one of the “green” squads would prevail to the Second Round. Yet so far, this series is already looking like a seven game series. And surprisingly, the players that are taking the main stage of this series and Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t one of them. Terry Rozier has been the catalyst of this series, taking the leadership mantle and leading the Celtics to 2-0 lead. Up until Khris Middleton stepped up as well and managed to grab the Bucks’ first win in the series therefore making the series 2-1. And the odd thing about this series is the All-Stars aren’t really making news or any shockwaves in the matches, Giannis is constantly watched and Al Horford is closed down so it’s up to the ones that don’t really grab much news.
The King Is In Trouble
IMAGE CREDIT: SB NATION
In the past, we’ve seen LeBron James at the most troubling positions and we’ve seen him stepped up into a level that defined more greater than ever. But we may not see that this year. The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t looking too good against the Indiana Pacers as they’re trailing 2-1. It’s easy for anyone to look at the Pacers and say Oladipo is doing the most but when you have to look at the Cavs you wouldn’t think these are the 2016 NBA Champions. And although half of the championship winning squad and there’s a new youth squad, we see more LeBron than we’ve ever seen before but he’s need receiving the help he needs. However, it isn’t completely over for the Cavaliers as they have three games to win and should that happen don’t bother to check who dominated those three games. In fact whether the Cavs are knocked out of the series or not, just know that LeBron James will be and should definitely be in FINALS MODE
A Blazing Upset
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Now, it’s very upsetting that a 3rd seed team such as the Portland Trailblazers is being manhandled by the New Orleans Pelicans of whom are the 6th seed and looking at the series and how it’s being played out, we may be looking at one of the biggest upsets in the NBA Playoffs. Never mind the Spurs facing a swept series but for a 3rd seed to face that predicament does not sit well with anyone in the league. But my word, Anthony Davis is just too much to handle as he is in his MVP form. Yes, there’s Damian Lillard who is also a MVP candidate but Jrue Holiday is shutting him down and stopping him from having a hot hand which is a logical way to stop Damian Lillard because we all know what happens when things get switched up to Dame Time.
The Wolves Aren’t Biting…At All
IMAGE CREDIT: NBA.COM
It’s very understanding that the first seed will trample the eighth seed. But for a team like Minnesota Timberwolves, it’s very lacking. Here we were, hoping the Wolves would bring some competition to the Houston Rockets but that hasn’t been happening. The Rockets have been wiping them out by 15 points and more and looking at the Wolves…they don’t look like the same Wolves that had a bite in the league. Jimmy Butler isn’t the same “Jimmy Gets Buckets” because he’s barely getting buckets and same goes for Karl-Anthony Towns. According to ESPN’s First Take analyst Stephen A. Smith, KAT is looking “soft”and that’s true because we haven’t seen much from him. The only player on the court who’s at least trying is Andrew Wiggins as well as Derrick Rose. Mind you, the Rockets lead their series 2-0 and it may seem like this could lead to a sweep.
You Should Have Trusted The Process
IMAGE CREDIT: NBC SPORTS
“Trust The Process”…these are words we’ve been hearing for the last two years and as annoying as it may have sounded back then, right now these words are living quite the hype. Who would’ve thought the Philadelphia 76ers not only clinched a Playoff spot but have also clinched the 3rd seed in the East and they are truly backing that up. Sure they’re facing the 6th seed being the Miami Heat but for such a youthful team to have little or even no experience in the Playoffs and to be rocking themselves out just shows that the process was something to be trusted and not overlooked. The Sixers lead the Heat 2-1 and aren’t showing any signs of giving the Heat breathing space as Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are playing to their fullest abilities. And who knows, we might see them star in the NBA Finals come June.
And there you have it, a little summary of what’s happening in the NBA Playoffs. They are very entertaining and truly mouthwatering as every game gets better and better.
Watch the NBA Playoffs on live stream on YouTube as well as Soweto TV, DSTV channel 251
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The Baseline 