NBA 2023 Playoffs; Opening Night
Blowouts, nail-biters, and shocks.
The NBA playoffs just started, and by God what a start. On April 15, eight teams did battle for the first time. Four took the first step in moving on to the semi-finals for their respective conferences, while the other four just felt the pressure ratchet up that much more. There’s still plenty of basketball to play, but for now let’s take a look at the blistering start of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
Boston and Philadelphia assert dominance, trounce Atlanta and Brooklyn
To no one’s surprise, the Celtics and 76ers both made big statements in the first game of their respective series. The Celtics blew out the Hawks 112–99, while the 76ers beat the Nets 121–101. To be clear, I’m not saying the Hawks and Nets are bad teams. Any team that gets into the playoffs is at minimum ‘good’ in my books. But there’s a gaping chasm between ‘good playoff teams’ and ‘championship contenders.’ And these two games made that clear. There is still a chance that Atlanta and Brooklyn could come back and make these series competitive, if not outright win it all. But let’s be real: The chances of that happening are about the same as Ben Simmons becoming the second coming of Stephen Curry. Not zero, but pretty damn close.
Knicks and Kings eek out shock win over Cleveland
While I was right in picking both the 76ers and Celtics to win their series, I was shocked to see that my Cleveland Cavaliers were beat by the Knicks 101–97. Despite a superhero-like performance from Donovan ‘Spida’ Mitchell, it was not enough. For every great superhero exists a foil that they are pitted against. And Mitchell’s foil is named Jalen Brunson. It’s performances like these that I’m sure have Mavericks fans kicking themselves for failing to keep him on their roster. Aided by Julius Randle and Josh Hart, The New York Knicks made it abundantly clear: they’re not just here to take part. They’re here to win. I still have Cleveland winning the series. But it’s not going to be easy.
The (first) Battle of California ends with the Kings beating the reigning champions.
For years the Warriors have ruled the NBA. The rivers have run gold for years in the Golden State. But with each successful ascension to the mountaintop, the old king grows wearier. With each succesful defense of its kingdom, the armies in neighbouring lands become more determined to dethrone the rulers of the league and install themselves as new head of the table. And with each passing moment, the crown on their heads becomes heavier, until eventually the burden is too much for them to bear. History is rife with dynasties. But all of them have eventually come to an end.
If game 1 was any indication, we may be witnessing the sun set on the Golden State Dynasty.
The Sacramento Kings landed the first blow, winning the first skirmish against the Warriors. Spearheading the charge were De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, whom scored 38 and 32 respectively. Domantas Sabonis made his presence felt, grabbing key rebounds while also contributing to the offensive onslaught. And yet even with these incredible performances, ultimately it came down to just 3 points. The Warriors may be battling Father Time in a similar fashion to another King out west, but like him they have made one thing abundantly clear: they will not go down quietly.
Can the Kings usurp the throne of the Warriors? It’s too early to crown them in my eyes, but the NBA’s reigning dynasty will need to fire back and do so quickly if they are to stave off the army surrounding its fortress’ walls. Because the Kings are not the only ones eyeing the Warriors like prey. I have said it before, and I will say it again.
The world is watching.
Who are your picks to win each of these series? Share your predictions here and on Twitter with me. I look forward to hearing from you.
