The week of the NBA playoffs started this Saturday, and it’s already made a rather interesting impression. The first-round matchups have all been a mix of humbling, troubling and entertaining. Although it’s still unknown which teams will win in a dominant manner, we can have an idea of which team the basketball gods will probably favor if adjustments can be made. Let’s get into the most endearing games of the postseason so far.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The media is clearly on Showtime’s Lakers’ side. Whether it’s handfuls, schedules or werewolves — “Lakers in five” has been the de facto phrase for analysts like Shannon Sharpe. However, if Game 1 has shown us — the Timberwolves’ three-headed defensive monsters in Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid proved to be too much for the Lakers: 117-95. Even so, McDaniels was the leading player for the Wolves with 25 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Luka Doncic was still a force to be reckoned with — scoring 37 points in his first playoff game as a Laker. Yet, offense alone does not solely win you games, and the Lakers have a huge problem on the other end of the floor. Lazy defense can be punished when faced with a team like the Timberwolves, who specialize in two-way play. The Lakers need to utilize Jarred Vanderbilt in the plan for Game 2 as that defense is clearly needed.
New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons
All throughout the season, critics have accused the Knicks as being the most fraudulent third seed the league has seen in years. With many pointing to the team’s inconsistency and Thibodeau’s eyebrow raising coaching style as signs of not being contenders. However, on Saturday, the Knicks proved on national television why they were a legit team in the first place.
The Knicks molly-whopped the inexperienced Detroit Pistons, 123-112. Cade Cunningham’s Pistons have had a period of losing, with last season being touted as one of the worst teams in NBA history due to their record (14-68). So, this year has been a massive upgrade, but that reality check still looms over their heads. The Pistons were competitive until the fourth quarter, where the Knicks began a 21-0 run. Players like Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson looked like deer in headlights as they committed foolish fouls and backcourt violations. KAT (23 points, 11 rebounds and four steals) and Jalen Brunson (34 points, eight assists) applied pressure on the Pistons. Plus, the help of OG Anunoby, Cameron Payne and Josh Hart gave them much more ammo, resulting in a big win. Hopefully, the Pistons can endure the pressure of the insane, lively energy of MSG because if they can’t — then this could be a sweep.
Overall, the playoffs are about to get very interesting. With a bunch of blowouts in the first round (OKC destroying the Grizzlies and Celtics defeating the Magic), this should inspire teams to make adjustments for the series. But if they don’t take the time to follow through, then this might lead to a loaded trip to Cancun for competitive teams in the playoffs.
