Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily. Hey! We’re in the playoffs now!
The Nets have a date with the Milwaukee Bucks in the conference semifinals.
I had mentioned that the Nets‘ talent was overwhelming. But I didn’t expect them to win Game 1 like this.
James Harden left the game 43 seconds into it after he reaggravated his hamstring injury. Suddenly, the Nets were left without their chief distributor. The Bucks then took advantage of their size and ruled the paint.
The problem was that the Bucks couldn’t make their three-pointers. And they didn’t exactly stick to using their size. Meanwhile, the Nets were getting quite a performance from Blake Griffin. It wasn’t the Griffin that we were used to; it was a gritty version of him. But it worked out in the Nets’ favor, regardless.
It was also weird that Mike Budenholzer continued to limit his starters’ minutes as if he was saving them for Game 11 of the series or something. And while Giannis Antetokounmpo did have 34 points and 11 rebounds, he didn’t look as aggressive as he usually does. Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Bryn Forbes continued to miss from the perimeter (6 for 30 from behind the arc!).
On the other side, I mean, it’s the usual fare. Kevin Durant had 29 points and 10 boards. Kyrie Irving was electrifying at 25-5-8. Griffin was a huge help with 18 points and 14 rebounds. The final score doesn’t indicate how much the Nets whooped the Bucks.
The Bucks still lost to a Nets team that didn’t have Harden. Give the Nets credit even though, at times, I felt like the Bucks beat themselves. They kept going to the three even though they couldn’t make any. They kept away from the paint even though they were effective there. And it’s the playoffs, Bud; use your players. I’m not saying play them 48 minutes per game but even a few additional minutes are precious on the court. Giannis is certainly capable of playing 40 minutes per game (he played 35 in Game 1).
Obviously, there are going to be adjustments made for Game 2. Harden’s status is going to be shaky as hamstring injuries take a bit to recover from. But will Budenholzer take advantage? STAY TUNED.
Bullet Passes
Terry Stotts has left the Blazers coaching job open. I suppose he has taken the Blazers as far as he could. Damian Lillard has opined that he wanted Jason Kidd but Kidd has decided to withdraw his name from consideration.
Stotts was there for Lillard’s entire career as he was hired the year he was drafted. He helped guide the Blazers to the playoffs 8 of his 9 years there. He finished with a 402-318 record (.558) and took Portland to the West Finals in 2019.
Steve Clifford is also gone. So the Orlando coaching gig is open. Not the most exciting job as Orlando is starting over once again.
Clifford took the Magic to the postseason his first two years there before the team decided to break the team up halfway through this season by trading away Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier. He had a 96-131 record with the team as well as two first round exits from the postseason.
A few days ago, Brad Stevens was elevated to the Celtics’ front office as Danny Ainge retired from the job. Stevens now has to look for his replacement at the head coaching position.
Stevens was hired in 2013 and made the postseason 7 of his 8 years there. He took them to the East Finals in 2017, 2018, and 2020.
NBA Playoff Scoreboard
June 5, 2021
NBA Playoff Series Count
EAST
#1 Sixers vs #5 Hawks hasn’t started.
#2 Nets lead #3 Bucks, 1-0.
#1 Sixers defeat #8 Wizards, 4-1.
#5 Hawks defeat #4 Knicks, 4-1.
#2 Nets defeat #7 Celtics, 4-1.
#3 Bucks defeat #6 Heat, 4-0.
WEST
#1 Jazz is waiting.
#2 Suns vs #3 Nuggets hasn’t started.
#1 Jazz defeat #8 Grizzlies, 4-1.
#4 Clippers tied with #5 Mavericks, 3-3.
#2 Suns defeat #7 Lakers, 4-2.
#3 Nuggets defeat #6 Blazers, 4-2.
Watch This Play
I appreciate TNLP from Kyrie to Durant.
Kyrie sets up KD for the big flush 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Zt7aZlwbTs
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 6, 2021
Nets still have ridiculous depth even without Harden.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.