Toronto Raptors v Boston Celtics – Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 1
Even though the Milwaukee Bucks are going to be credited with starting the walk-offs last Wednesday, the Raptors were the first to talk about a protest when they addressed the media before their series with the Celtics. Needless to say but the Raptors didn’t look like themselves in their first game against the Celtics when they fell 112-94. This game shouldn’t be a discounted win for the Celtics as they were dominant and the only team to go 2-0 against the Raptors in the bubble, where the Raptors are 11-0 against everybody else.
The Celtics ended this game quickly with a huge first quarter. They jumped out to a 39-23 lead, and the rout was on. The Celtics had a well-balanced attack as six players scored in double figures, and the entire starting lineup scored at least 13 points. They were also extremely efficient on the offensive end, shooting 47% from the field and over 40% from beyond the arc. The only weakness the Celtics showed on Sunday was the 22 turnovers.
The Raptors had no energy or focus on either end of the court on Sunday, and it showed. The Raptors missed a franchise record 30 three-point field goals in their ugly loss to the Celtics and shot 37% overall for the whole game. This is the best team in the bubble, but on Sunday, the players seemed distracted.
The Celtics looked great, but it will be telling to see how the Raptors come out on Tuesday. If they come out preoccupied with anything other than basketball, this series may be over quickly. Still, if they come out focused, we should have a great game and a fantastic series to watch.
Los Angles Clippers v Dallas Mavericks (LAC leads 3-2)
The Clippers came into Sunday’s game looking to knock off the Mavericks and get ready for their second-round matchup, and Kawhi Leonard made it so with a massive performance. The Mavericks came out and played as tough as they have throughout the series, but they didn’t have enough support around Doncic as the Clippers pulled away late to win 111-97.
The Mavericks played their tails off in this series, even though nobody gave them a chance. The NBA will remember Luka Doncic’s playoff debut for years to come. Doncic (15-28FG 4-9 3PT 4-8FT 38PTS 9REB 9AST 1STL 5TO 42MINS) was his awe-inspiring self and so close to yet another triple-double in this series. The Mavericks missed having that second option in the last two games of this series. It would’ve been interesting to see how this series turned out with a healthy F Kristaps Porzingas.
In the past two games, the Clippers looked closer to the Clippers of the regular season, but Kawhi Leonard was the constant force that pushed this team into the next round. Leonard (14-23FG 1-4 3PT 4-4FT 33PTS 14REB 7AST 5STL 3TO 40MIN) just willed his team to the win on Sunday. The last player to put up a 30-10-5-5 game was Gary Payton for the Lakers in the 2000 playoffs. The high level of play that Leonard brought to these playoffs is the same play that the Raptors saw in 2019, helping them bring home their first title in team history. The Clippers are hoping for the same outcome.
Luka Doncic put his stamp on this playoff series, but in the end, he could not take down the Clippers on his own. The Clippers now await to face the winner of the Nuggets/Jazz series in round two.
Denver Nuggets V Utah Jazz (Jazz lead 3-2)
Once again, the Jazz blew their chance at finishing off the Nuggets. Jamal Murray willed the Nuggets to force a game seven with another 50 point gem.
The Nuggets had to withstand a substantial first quarter from the Jazz, where they scored 36 points and took 6 points to lead into the second quarter. This would be the only time the Jazz held the lead in this game. The Nuggets were led again by G Jamal Murray(17-24FG 9-12 3PT 7-9FT 50PTS 5REB 6AST 5TO 43MIN), who is having one of the best playoffs runs in NBA history. In his last three games, he has scored 50, 42, and 50 points.
The Jazz came out strong but quickly faded after their hot start. Donavan Mitchell, who has been as good as Murray, has been kept the Jazz in the game. Mitchell (14-25FG 9-13 3PT 7-7FT 44PTS 6REB 5AST 3STL 4TO 40MIN) was ready to match Murray basket for basket giving one of the best one on one matchups the NBA has ever seen in the playoffs.
Anything can happen in a game seven, but right now, the momentum is on the Nuggets side. They got back G Gary Harris on Sunday, one of their very best wing defenders. Harris can help Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson slow down Mitchell. I like the Nuggets to make the complete comeback after being down 3-1 to take this seven-game series.