Well, it's the Sixers in Round 2. 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, sets, and simple eye-test assessment down, what's left is this: can the Knicks stop contain Tyrese Maxey? That's it. My Key Matchup: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Joel Embiid How can you not look at this right away?! Embiid has dominated KAT in the past. However, do we still get the "showtime...
I'm back with another one of these posts, collecting my thoughts and ponderings through the NBA Playoffs. For this one, we'll stick to just the 1st Round vs. the Atlanta Hawks. I'm already nervous. Last year's opening round series vs. the Detroit Pistons added gray hairs to my beard. And the year before? That opening playoff series vs. the Philadelphia 76ers likely took some years off my life. So yeah, here we go again... Some quick thoughts before the series begins from this fan: The Atlanta Hawks were NOT my top pick for matchups in the first round. They definitely picked us. But the Playoffs are the Playoffs - everyone is good! I'm concerned about this...I really am. My Key Matchup: Dyson Daniels on Jalen Brunson My Key Stats: The Knicks led the NBA in 4th Quarter Net Rating - That is an attribute that is vastly being overlooked in this series. The Knicks are very good in the closing quarter - they have been all year. It's an identity that will surely h...