Well here we are only 3 games into the Eastern and Western Conference Finals and already both series can be completed in only one more game. Yes, that’s correct, both Denver and Miami are in positions to sweep their respective series and create a fun, we haven’t seen these two teams against each other in the finals – ever!
Eastern Conference
And yes, that’s correct, I did say Miami after picking Boston to be the team to finally bring Miami back to earth. Let’s face it, as impressive as the Heat’s win over the Bucks was in the first round, their second round opponent, the Knicks, wasn’t really thought to be a tough out in the second round. So maybe Miami got lucky in the first round with injuries to the Bucks, and were lucky in the second to be facing New York instead of Cleveland, but surely Boston was steadfast and would cut them down to size.
Only they haven’t and now the Celtics sit on the edge of elimination by the number 8 seed in the East, the team that lost their first play-in game to Atlanta and were down 6 in the 4th quarter to Chicago in the battle for the 8th and final playoff spot. What’s going on? Who are these Heat? Why are they so unstoppable? Have they changed their diets? Are they getting to bed on time? Are they eating their vegetables? All of the above? Is it coaching? Has Eric Spoelstra simply outcoached coaches Bud and Tom and Joe?
It’s been none of those and all of those and a whole lot more. It was role players Gabe Vincent going off for 29 on 11 of 14 shooting, bench players Duncan Robinson sticking 22 along with 18 from Caleb Martin. It’s been Kyle Lowry adding a lift off and agreeing to come off the bench and it’s been Bam with 22 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists and most of all it’s been Jimmy, playoff Jimmy, giving the team whatever it needs, whenever it needs it. It truly has been an ensemble effort by everyone on the floor and behind the bench.
Of course it takes 2 to tango and the Celtics have not been guilty of using their experience to any positive effect including Grant Williams who I guess must be told not to irritate the bear. And while Tatum has shown up from time to time and had his moments, he has yet to deliver a full game, solid performance. Still, he has looked good next to his running mate Brown who looks lost out there.
Will the Heat complete the sweep? We’ll find out tomorrow night.
Western Conference
Out West, it is less surprising that 1st place Denver is taking it to the 7th place Lakers even with the amazing 4 deals the Lakers pulled off at the trade deadline which continue to beggar belief. Still, getting that 3rd game back in LA making it 3 in a row and putting the Lakers on the cusp of summer vacation was a game the Lakers had to have. In the end they were foiled by an incredible performance by Jamal Murray and a 37 point night .
Of course the backbone of Denver is the best player remaining in these playoffs, Nikola Jokic and he has been schooling LeBron and Anthony Davis. He sees the game better than any player in recent memory and his passing and playmaking abilities are at historic levels even before you factor in his size. And behind him and Jamal is a strong cast of role players including Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr and Jeff Green.
Will Denver complete the sweep? We’ll find out tonight.