The temperature outside is rising and so are the stakes in the NBA. Each of the conference semifinals have now completed their first two games and as each series shifts to the lower seeds’ home floor ,there’s been some key takeaways from each series so far.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat: James Harden is Washed
Without Joel Embiid, many fans wanted to see if James Harden could pull out one of his signature scoring performances to possibly lead Philly to a road win in the first two games of the series versus Miami while the possible league MVP recovers from his fractured orbital and concussion. What actually happened is that Tyrese Maxey has been the 76ers’ best player, while Harden has struggled in the first two games of the series. Harden is shooting only 39% from the floor and 25% from three. Harden has only taken 14 shots a game through the first two games of this series – which ranks 3rd on the team behind Maxey and Tobias Harris. Harden can’t get to the basket or create any separation for his step back three-pointer. Philly is going to have to make a big decision about what to do about James Harden in the off-season.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics: Which teams Can Limit Turnovers and Manufacture Easy Baskets?
When you have two strong defensive teams, limiting turnovers and finding ways to create easy baskets is crucial. In game one of the series between Milwaukee and Boston the Bucks won the turnover battle 13-18, while holding Boston to 33% shooting. In game two it was Boston who won the turnover battle 11-16, while using ball movement to find open looks. Boston played Giannis straight up – limiting open threes from its other players. The Bucks were only 3-18 from the 3 point line. How will the Bucks adjust to not only get Giannis better looks, but getting their role players good looks as well.
Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns: Luka Needs Help
Luka Doncic has played well so far in the first two games of this series. Doncic is averaging 40 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists, but in order for Dallas to win a game versus the Suns he’s going to need help from his supporting cast. Two players in particular need to get it going – Spencer Dinwiddie and Jalen Brunson. After a excellent first round performance, Brunson is only averaging 11 points a game on 32% shooting. Dinwiddie is only averaging 9.5 points on 33% shooting. If these two guys can’t play better at home, Dallas will get swept.
Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies: Where is Klay?
Despite hitting the go ahead three-pointer in game one, Klay Thompson has struggled so far in this series. Thompson is averaging 13.5 points on 29% shooting from the floor and 27.7% from 3. Much will be made of the physicality of this series so far and Ja Morant’s spectacular game two performance, but if Klay Thompson continues to struggle this will be a very difficult series for the Warriors to win. It will be interesting to see if Klay can let the game come to him and find his groove. If Klay is on his game he can put the Warriors over the top of a hungry Memphis team.
UNC Continues to Shine into the Final Stretch