welcome back! today, I'm going to be talking about everything that happened in the NBA over the weekend. an exciting weekend, where we got some good old fashioned playoff basketball, and our first team has been eliminated. as always, be sure to check out my Instagram @cricketnba for quick, reliable NBA news and content. lets begin.
76ers vs Wizards
not really much to say with this series, other than its probably ending tonight. if it doesn't, it will probably be a 5 game series. the Wizards need to make a choice this offseason. build around Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, or trade them both to rebuild. Westbrook is shooting very poorly from the field and from 3, so even after just one season, it might be time to trade him.
Nets vs Celtics
the Brooklyn Nets are now up 3-1 on the Boston Celtics, and will also probably end it tonight. they got one win from Jayson Tatum's 50 pointer, and because they controlled the offensive glass. hasn't been a very competitive series so far, but nevertheless, its been enjoyable. I'm excited to see what the future holds for this Celtics team, and also to see if the Nets will get it done this season.
Bucks vs Heat
first series to be completed is the Bucks vs Heat. the Bucks swept Miami in a series that was thought to be pretty even. were the Miami Heat a product of the bubble? we saw almost everyone on this Heat team struggle, including top players Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. the Bucks will go on to the second round to face the winner of the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics.
Knicks vs Hawks
The Hawks have now gone up 3-1 in the series against the New York Knicks, and the world is shocked. I wouldn't be surprised if the Knicks are the team to come back down 3-1, but I also think that the Hawks are winning this series. Trae Young has a very bright future in this league, and is a future MVP in my eyes. Julius Randle has continued his struggling this series, and just cannot find the bottom of the hoop. the other players on the Knicks have stepped up, and even RJ Barrett had a good game. if the Knicks star player continues his play, I don't think the Knicks can win this series, but one things for sure, it's far from over.
Jazz vs Grizzlies
Utah currently leads the series 2-1, and I don't really think Memphis has a chance at winning. I mean, it is a 1 vs 8 matchup, so the fact that the Grizzlies won a game is impressive. even after Ja dropped 40 in game 2, they still lost, so there's not much else they can do. maybe if Ja goes for 50, and they can contain Donovan Mitchell, then they can win one more game. but for the meantime, Jazz in 5.
Suns vs Lakers
Phoenix beat LA in game 4 to tie the series up 2-2, and the Lakers should be worried. with an injury to their second best player Anthony Davis, will Lebron be able to take down this stacked Suns team? it has just been recently released today that Anthony Davis is unlikely to play in game 5, so if I was a Lakers fan, I would be very scared. the Suns need to capitalize on this injury, and now is their best chance to win this series.
Nuggets vs Blazers
The Nuggets Blazers series is currently tied 2-2 and what a series its been. dominant performances, close games, we've got it all. in game 4, we saw that if Jokic doesn't play well, the Nuggets are horrible, because even when Damian Lillard only dropped 10 points, the Blazers still won by 20. Jokic dropped 16 and 9 on about 38% shooting, and they lost by 20. excited to see what will happen in game 5, and to see what kind of performances well get from Jokic and Lillard.
Clippers vs Mavericks
the Los Angeles Clippers, after being down 2-0, have now tied the series at 2-2, after winning 2 games in a row. amazing performances from both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Luka Doncic did not have a great game in game 4, and it seems like the Clippers have figured out how to guard him. very interested to see what is gonna happen in game 5, because it could realistically go either way.
Mark Eaton passes away
Mark Eaton, a jazz superstar, died on Saturday, according to the team. He was 64 years old at the time. According to The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah), a passerby discovered Eaton asleep on the road on his bicycle in Summit County, Utah, at around 8:30 p.m. local time. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to the Tribune, the cause of death has yet to be determined, citing a statement from the Summit County Sheriff's Department. There is no evidence a vehicle was involved in his death.
Fan arrested for assault charges on Kyrie Irving
a fan in Boston attempted to throw a water bottle on Nets star Kyrie Irving, resulting in his arrest. this comes after Kyrie Irving stomped on the Boston Celtics logo, and it probably sparked the situation. obviously not a good reason to try and physically hurt someone, and he was dealt with accordingly.
that's all for today! if you enjoyed, make sure to return on Wednesday for another post similar to this one! also, make sure to go visit my Instagram @cricketnba for fast, reliable NBA content and news!