Well, it's the Sixers in Round 2. Review Thoughts from Round 1 The Celtics messed around and found out. And now, we have the red-hot Sixers in a very intriguing second-round matchup. Before even diving into the series, I immediately think about that 2023-2024 1st Round match-up that I often refer to as the series that took years off of my life. Then again, there was Divo's shot that will forever bring a smile . There is also this dunk from OG Anunoby on Embiid (certified, real Garden villain): The 76ers are super talented on paper. And they have an incredibly high ceiling if healthy and playing together. The Celtics just found that out. That is my biggest fear for this round! When I boil all the stats, actions, sets, and the simple eye-test assessment down to a simple thing, what's left is this: can the Knicks stop contain Tyrese Maxey? Can the 76ers defend a Karl-Anthony Towns pick-and-roll (or pick-and-pop)? That's it. My Key Matchup: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Joel ...
There's a lot that can be said about John Sterling. So much of it has already been said this week after his passing. For me, as a Yankee fan, who, like millions of others, can recall his voice filling the space and void of Yankee baseball throughout the years, it's the end of constant privilege. Whether it was in your car, your backyard, on a walk, or wherever, it was Sterling (with Michael Kay, and then Suzyn Waldman) whose unique voice and cadence ebbed and flowed through so many games. He had a style and flair that was so signature. One of a kind. Like many of the greats, Sterling provided stories and narration for moments in a game that seamlessly gave the game itself life and lent eloquence to a game we were simply imagining being played out while we listened. There were stories, flair, and the often-happening and unexplainable that were wrapped into one amazing phrase: "Well, that's baseball, Suzyn." I'll miss the home run calls...obviously. My favor...