NBA PLAYOFFS: First Round Wrap Up
Sports and Music Editor Will Lyons takes a look at the aftermath of the first round of playoff matchups.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets were simply overmatched by the 76ers. Rising star Mikal Bridges has shown the world that there is way more to his game than we saw in Phoenix — but it just wasn’t enough. MVP candidate Joel Embiid, playmaking savant James Harden and Tyrese Maxey were just too much for the trade deadline depleted Nets.
Next round: 76ers vs Celtics should be a big-time matchup for the fans, but the injury of superstar Joel Embiid changes everything. Unless Embiid can get healthy rather quickly it is looking like curtains for Philly.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Jalen Brunson has given the Knicks the jolt they needed to secure their first playoff series win since the 2012–13 season. All-Star Julius Randle and swingman RJ Barrett were just too much for the Cavaliers frontcourt, sending Donovan Mitchell and company packing in 5. Keep an eye on Randle’s injury as the Jimmy Butler led Heat will be a tough test.
Next round: Jimmy Buckets helped secure the game 1 victory, but that ankle is sure to cause some problems. Whichever team can survive without their injured all-star will advance in this gritty playoff matchup.
Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum sent the Hawks home to get a start on their offseason. Trae Young had some great performances, but it wasn’t enough to get them past Boston. All-NBA performer Jaylen Brown continues to show why Boston can’t break up he and Tatum. One of the best duos in the league with potential only limited by Tatum’s inconsistency.
Next round: Bye-bye Philly. If Embiid can’t play Boston will be bringing the brooms out to sweep the 76ers.
Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker being teammates just feels unfair. Two of the most polished scorers in the league and it still took everything they had to beat the undermanned Clippers. After a tumultuous year and a half Russell Westbrook’s career got new life getting out of that Laker uniform. The Brodie, Kawhi and Norman Powell proved to be a formidable opponent until Kawhi injured his knee.
Next round: Phoenix vs Denver should be a fun series. A matchup of two different potent offenses. Phoenix led by KD and Booker vs the best offensive hub in the league in Nikola Jokic. With a fully healthy Jamal Murray back in the fold I expect Denver to be too much for the Suns.
LA Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies
The injury to Ja Morant’s wrist sealed the Grizzlies fate. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are peaking at the right time with supporting cast members rounding into form as well. This first round exit should be a motivating lesson for the Grizzlies, that will either push them to the next level or start to tear at the great foundation laid for their future.
Next round: We get King James vs The Chef in a second round series. This just feels too good to be true. Expect the Lakers to sneak past the Warriors while Steph tries to singlehandedly will Golden State to victory. Thoughts and prayers to Jarred Vanderbilt in his attempts at slowing down Steph Curry.
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Denver was just too good. The acquisition of Aaron Gordon a few seasons ago still serves as the perfect compliment to Jokic and Murray in route to a 5 game gentlemen’s sweep of the T’Wolves. Credit to Minnesota, KAT returned from injury and gave it everything he had alongside rising star Anthony Edwards. Minnesota has a great building block with Ant, but that roster needs some work.
Next round: The two-time MVP will look to send Kevin Durant and company back to the dessert for an extended vacation.
Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings
The match-up of the playoffs so far, Sacramento vs Golden State was must watch television, with Steph Curry turning in one of the greatest elimination game performances in league history. First time and soon to be All-NBA guard, De’Aaron Fox put on a show to establish his stardom for the world to see.
Next round: Steph vs LeBron is a hoops fans dream. Enjoy the legends while they are still playing at a high level. And keep an eye out for another all-time Chef Curry performance.
Breakout Players
Jalen Brunson
Averaged 24.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 5.2 APG with an impact far beyond the numbers. Brunson is incredibly consistent and provided the composure needed to help the Knicks get beyond the first round.
Anthony Edwards
Ant-Man is one of the most naturally gifted players to come in the league in sometime. With averages of 31 PPG, 5 RPG and 5 APG the two-way impact of Edwards was evident during the first round. The former number one overall pick is the heartbeat of the Timberwolves and should be a must watch for the next decade.
De’aaron Fox
Swipa has been an impact player for the Kings since he was drafted in 2017 but his growth is undeniable. His improvement as a shooter and growth as a leader have Sacramento poised for an optimistic future after going toe to toe with the defending champs.
Most Underrated
Kevon Looney
Looney is the epitome of knowing and accepting your role. His presence in the paint for the Warriors is as important as Steph Curry’s scoring. He dominated the series against the Kings by controlling the boards all series long with multiple 20+ rebound outings. He doesn’t make too much noise in the scoring column, but Looney is the type of player that wins championships with his effort.
Still Got It
Russell Westbrook
After losing Paul George and eventually Kawhi to injury, Westbrook had one of the biggest “I’m Him” moments of the 2023 playoffs. The most scrutinized and disrespected player (by the media) since Allen Iverson turned back the clock against the Suns. He was hitting threes, doing work in the midrange, and getting to the basket at will. Pair that with his never quit motor and court vision you had media heads saying a healthy Kawhi and PG on the floor with Russ beats Phoenix handedly.
Star of the First Round
Steph Curry
Steph Curry has already cemented his legacy as one of the best players in league history and as a player that literally changed how the game is played. But the first round series against Sacramento really showcased his greatness. When his team needed him, Steph went out and willed them to victory with a 50 point performance in game 7 on the road. Simply put Golden State is still within their title window if Steph can play at his current level.
