Congratulations to your new NBA Champions, for the first time ever, the Denver Nuggets!
Wow, what a ride that NBA postseason was. Outside of a couple of series, it was some of the more exciting professional basketball I've been a part of in recent history. Back and forth series', some major upsets, a near historic comeback and more. We'll overlook the play-in games, since those statistically aren't even games apparently, and jump right on into the action.
Round One Recap
Things kicked off on a crazy note, with history being made in round one. It was the first time ever that one of each seed advanced to the second round of the playoffs. A sign of league-wide parity, or perhaps a real-time experiment displaying the effects of load management on the regular and postseasons? Time will tell there I suppose.
Out East, the top ranked Bucks were hampered early with a Giannis injury, but seemed outcoached and outmanned by the Heat regardless of their superstar's status. Miami whooped up on Milwaukee, eliminating them in just five games.
The Celtics had some unexpected struggles with Trae Young and the Hawks, needing six games to close out Atlanta. Young, the perennial playoff disappearing act, actually did make some clutch plays to extend the series, including this wild game winning three in game five. Is this a turning of the corner for the sharpshooter, or just an anomaly against a Boston team that isn't as good as they led people to believe?
The 76ers rolled the sorry ass Nets 4-0. It was the only sweep of the first round.
Cleveland's young, talented core had a lot of people excited about this team's postseason aspirations. These people, myself included, were thoroughly let down, as the Cavs were crushed on the boards by an undersized Knicks team. They took just one game in the series, losing the other four by an average of eleven points. Still plenty of upside with the core of Garland, Mobley, Allen and Mitchell, but this was an ugly exit.
Moving to the Western conference, the Nuggets also needed just five games to dispose of the lowly Timberwolves. This was especially embarrassing because Jokic didn't even play that well all considered. Minnesota has a tenuous offseason ahead in the wake of their horrific blockbuster trade for Rudy Gobert last year.
Dillon Brooks...ya done. This clown from Memphis was all about poking the bear, until the bear decided to bite back. Didn't take long either... The Grizzlies were ousted by the Lakers in six games, including a forty point massacre to clinch the series. To call it embarrassing would be a compliment. The team released a statement just a few days later also saying Brooks was not to be retained for the '23-24 campaign. What a fall from...whatever pedestal he put himself on.
Loved Sacramento finally breaking their postseason drought, as a three seed no less! Unfortunately, they ran into the battle-tested, defending champs round one. From a neutral standpoint, this was an awesome series, as the Kings went up 2-0 then down 3-2 before falling in game seven. Things may have been different if De'Aaron Fox hadn't fractured his finger in game four, but he showed a ton of grit playing through the injury, even managing to steal game six on the road. Future seems brighter in Sac-Town than Golden State, as of right now anyway.
The Clippers just couldn't dodge the injury bug against Phoenix, losing Kawhi Leonard during the series that they entered without Paul George, who was also injured toward the end of the season. It was surprisingly more competitive then expected, probably more indicative of the Suns not being that good rather than LA overachieving. Kawhi played well when he was out there, but his regular lack of availability feels like his window as an alpha for a contender is closing, at least for the Clips.
Round Two Recap
There's the Doc Rivers we all have come to expect this time of year! The perennially unclutch coach had his 76ers up 1-0, than 3-2 before conceding games six and seven, by an average of 16.5 points. Joel Embiid was ineffective for long periods of time, often appearing to be just forcing shots because nobody else on the floor would. James Harden had massive 45 and 42 point performances in games one and four, respectively. It's a shame he only managed to score 67 total in the other five games. Living up to reputation as well. The Celts tried their damnedest to lose this series, but it's hard to overcome a team featuring Rivers and Harden.
Speaking of underachieving...the New York Knicks were noticeably outmatched in their six game defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat. Julius Randle looked completely lost for extensive periods of time on the court, to the point that he suggested their opponents simply wanted to win more than they did. Sounds (and seemed) like a personal problem. RJ Barrett was generally ineffective too, unable to help Jalen Brunson who did everything in his power to try and will New York to the Eastern Conference Finals. He couldn't do it alone. Good bit of questions ahead for their offseason.
Going back out West-- I guess it was fun speculating that the Suns might actually be title contenders after the Kevin Durant acquisition. What a bonafide disaster this season was in Phoenix. While they didn't look like future champions prior to the trade, they mortgaged their future and completely zapped their depth with the move. It showed during the playoffs, when the bulk of the scoring fell on KD and Devin Booker's shoulders. The latter was incredibly efficient overall, shooting just under 57% for the series, but it wasn't enough against a far superior Nuggets unit.
The end of an era in Golden State? The Warriors, being driven almost exclusively by Stephen Curry in this six game affair, were thoroughly overpowered by LA. Draymond was adequate, about what you'd expect to get out of him. But Klay Thompson was horrible, Jordan Poole was nearly invisible for stretches of time and Andrew Wiggins had like one good game. A team so well known for their offensive prowess simply could not produce against a tough Lakers squad. With Bob Myers stepping down as GM post-playoff departure, plus a couple of moveable contracts, it'll be very interesting to see how this team is composed next season.
Conference Finals Review
Wow. From Miami taking one of the most unlikely 3-0 leads, to an equally unprecedented game seven, this series had it all. It's a shame Jayson Tatum got injured in the first minute of the final game, really robbing us fans of an appropriate ending to this seven game showdown. It was a potentially monumental moment for Jaylen Brown to take charge of the team, to which he responded with a 8/23 night from the field.
It feels like the Brown-Tatum pairing has run it's course, but we'll see what Brad Stevens thinks soon enough. Al Horford's old, Marcus Smart is fine, maybe a little overrated. Joe Mazzula at least was able to salvage his job as head coach, sparing the Celtics from another year of turnover at the position. But as good as these Celts are, I just don't believe in their ability to win a title, at least with the current roster.
It felt like the Lakers were constantly on the verge of a break through in this matchup. Tightly contested battles, a healthy AD, quality production from the role guys-- just to run into the buzz saw that was Denver. LeBron was excellent overall as well, although he had a few moments where he looked his age (Certainly found this lost dunk entertaining). In the end, Los Angeles lost 4-0, with a cumulative point differential of just -24. So close, yet so far, as they became the first opponent the Nuggets have ever swept in the postseason.
The NBA Finals
Game one up in the Mile High City featured two teams with very different energy levels. The Nuggets hadn't played in nine days, while the Heat had traveled from Miami to Boston to Denver over the course of five. Rest beat rust as the visitors came out flat on both ends of the court. The Heat attempted just two free throws in the loss, an NBA record for fewest in a Finals game. For what it's worth, they made them both. Jokic didn't even hit a field goal until the second quarter but still managed a 27 point triple-double. Ass whooping.
Game two was highlighted by a ton of runs. Miami came out hot, jumping out to an early lead before surrendering momentum in the form of a 40-14 run. But they chipped away, outscoring Denver by 11 in fourth to even series at one apiece. Duncan Robinson was a catalyst in the final frame, scoring ten straight points to kickstart the underdog's comeback. It was just the first loss by Denver at home during the 2023 playoffs.
From there, the Nuggets went down to South Beach and spanked the Heat in games three and four by average of 14 points. Both games were oddly similar, with tight first and fourth quarters and really dominant basketball by Denver in between. Jamal Murray was outstanding in game three with 34 and Aaron Gordon had arguably the biggest performance of his career on the way out of Miami, conveniently as Jokic spent some time on the bench in foul trouble. #50 was wildly efficient, shooting 11/15 for 27 points.
A tale of two halves in game five. Miami fell behind early, but rallied to lead by seven after the first two frames. As a viewer though, it felt like just a matter of time until the Nugs pulled away. Which is exactly what happened in the second half, with Jokic and Murray really flexing their muscles, plus a few clutch free throws by Bruce Brown. Jimmy Butler went 5/18 from the field on a night his team needed him the most; an unfortunate ending to a pretty spectacular postseason run.
Nuggets in five
A Move for Each Postseason Team
EAST
Atlanta Hawks: Get Trae Young an athletic wing to help on both ends of the court
Man, I was not a believer in the 5th year guard from Oklahoma. Still can't affirmatively say he's a top dog, but he did at least arrive this postseason, averaging just under 30 PPG on 40% shooting while forcing the Celtics to six games. He even hit a game-winning three in game five to help shake some of the rumblings about him lacking the clutch gene.
But he needs help if this team is going to compete in the East. John Collins is a fine forward and Bogdan Bogdanovic can shoot some, but they're not second and third options on any contender. If Atlanta can find a scorer to bump Bogdan or Danielle Hunter to a sixth man role, they'll be much better for it.
Boston Celtics: Figure out the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown dynamic
How many times can the Tatum-Brown duo run it back without finally getting over the championship hump? As we mentioned above, the role players on this team are aging and generally inconsistent. But the dynamic between the two stars on the team has to be better, especially in big moments. Personally, I'd build around Tatum and try to maximize whatever return they could get for Jaylen Brown, rather than pay them both max deals. Proof's in the pudding, this tandem isn't one to get it done.
Brooklyn Nets: Smash the restart button harder.
After watching them after the KD trade, and this postseason performance, it's clear this team is closer to a rebuild than a top team in the East. They have a few nice pieces, particularly Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton, but they're not exactly foundational players. Ben Simmons' inability to get on the court is another issue in and of itself... Brooklyn needs to trade him ASAP and really embrace the long rebuild they're headed towards.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Figure out who the leader of this team is
I was very high on Cleveland this season. They had a young, exciting and deep core of players and then added Donovan Mitchell to the squad. Sky was the limit...but they fell so, so short in the postseason, getting absolutely abused by the New York Knicks of all teams... Still, the Cavs have oodles of potential for the future, but they need to figure out who the true alpha of this team is. Is it Mitchell, or perhaps Darius Garland? Or maybe they could move a couple of guys for a true stud to join those two. Regardless, some identity would do this team a world of good.
Miami Heat: Find a way to recapture that magic
Still not really sure what to think of this title run. It was as impressive as it was improbable, muddying any real clear path back. Kevin Love's impending departure will free up $27 million, some of which will certainly be used to retain Max Strus. But Miami needs more than that to get back to the title series, specifically at the guard position.
Milwaukee Bucks: Get healthy and regroup
The Bucks were the best in the entire league this year, only to fall in five games to the 8-seed Heat. Sorry, but that's a failure. The roster is still able to contend, as we've seen over the past couple of years, but Giannis and Co. would definitely benefit from positional upgrades.
New York Knicks: Find a true star to pair with Jalen Brunson
I was very outspoken against the Brunson deal last offseason, not really thinking the departing Maverick had earned the contract he was given. I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong, and boy, was I. Brunson was clearly the top player on the Knicks, particularly in the playoffs, where he willed them to game six in the second round. Still not fully convinced he can be the guy on a contender, but he's at least a very good 1B star to have. Curious what Julius Randle could fetch in a trade?
Philadelphia 76ers: Find Embiid a Robin...or perhaps go full nuke?
If this is the end of "The Process", it's impossible to say it was a true success. Four top three picks from 2014-2017: Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz. An oft-injured MVP, an astronomical bust, a non-scoring head case and a guy who needed two professional seasons to remember how to shoot the ball. So many missed opportunities to really grow this contender organically.
All that remains is Joel, fresh off yet another second round exit. His right-hand man James Harden disappeared for 2/3's of the series, Tobias Harris was never the talent he was laughably overpaid to be, Tyrese Maxey is solid but not a true game changer. All of this draft capital, and the Sixers have vehemently failed to build a championship caliber roster. Do they shoot for it again this offseason, trying desperately to find a running mate for the reigning MVP to hold court with? Or maybe, just maybe, we see a blockbuster deal sending him away from Philly, setting forth a new rebuild.
Admittedly, this seems plenty unlikely, but I've seen enough from this team to confidently assume they can't get it done when it counts. Not in their current state.
WEST
Denver Nuggets: How to run it back!
Obvious question sure, but the answer feels pretty obvious too. All of their core guys are under contract through next season and no older than 30. This group's felt like one working towards it's full potential for the last few years, finally accomplishing their final goal on Monday. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. were a huge part of the run. If they can maintain that level of play to complement the excellence that Jokic brings to the court every night, they could have the makings of a dynasty.
Golden State Warriors: Figure out the best route to rebuild around Curry's shrinking championship window
Klay's older and predictably regressing, albeit at an alarmingly quick pace. Jordan Poole is not the guy Bob Myers thought he was, though I guess he can't hit on every signing. Curry's not getting any younger, but showed this postseason that he's still fully capable of carrying a team against some of the best in the league. But he needs help. Draymond is a glue piece but he doesn't score with any volume or regularity. Whoever the new GM is will need to try to find a true complimentary weapon for Steph if they want to seriously compete next season.
Los Angeles Clippers: Probably time to call off the Kawhi Leonard/Paul George pairing
Admittedly, these two played well together, when they were able to mutually get on the floor. That was the problem. And it really came to a head during the postseason, when Leonard went out mid-series versus the Suns. It'd be really difficult to get a more purely talented duo, but the Clippers may be better off trying to maximize the returns from their two fragile stars.
Los Angeles Lakers: Retain yet refine current roster as much as possible
Austin Reaves evolved and improved throughout the season, really becoming a reliable player. Dennis Schroeder was inconsistent. Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley were nice trade deadline acquisitions, and D'Angelo Russell was great at times but completely disappeared during other big moments (i.e. Western Conference Finals).
Rob Pelinka did an excellent job wheeling and dealing to get this roster competitive. But AD's injury history is extensive, and LeBron will be 39 halfway through next season. What will his next move(s) be to bolster this roster for James' final push(es)?
Memphis Grizzles: Ja Morant?
The gun shit is seemingly a maturity issue as much as anything else, but it's not a good look on the talented player, the team or league in general. And they're going to be coming down with some sort of punishment soon, seemingly a half-season suspension. The Grizzlies will need to have a contingency plan in place to keep the team afloat during that stretch.
Dillon Brooks, the team's fourth leading scorer, won't be in their plans. Can Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. account for the missing 26.1 points per game? I don't think they will, not without a pretty substantial free agent addition.
Minnesota Timberwolves: How to make up for the Rudy Gobert debacle...
Hated the Rudy Gobert preseason trade right off the jump, but wow did it age poorly-- culminating with the overpaid Frenchman socking teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout. The act resulted in the team suspending him for the play in tournament and brief playoff run, that came to a swift end in five games against the future champion Denver Nuggets.
Minnesota gave up five players and four first round picks for the center. They're absolutely not going to reap such a bounty in return, but salvaging any value from the former Defensive Player of the Year would be huge.
Phoenix Suns: Replace Chris Paul, maximize supporting cast while KD still can be elite player
The hardest part of making a blockbuster trade for a star like Kevin Durant is the gutting of the roster required for such a move, for the present and future. The Suns gave up three key rotational guys and four future firsts, really strapping the club's depth. Waiving Chris Paul will free up some money to help build up the supporting cast, but unless he reworks a deal, it's yet another starter gone. Top heavy squad out in the desert.
Sacramento Kings: Secure a top tier scorer
De'Aaron Fox is a great player, and very clutch one according to the league. But it feels like he can be kind of neutralized for stretches of time, probably due to his just-above-average supporting cast around him. Domantas Sabonis is a really good player, Kevin Heurter's a hometown hero (Go Terps), Malik Monk has revived his career to some extent, and Keegan Murray has some upside. But are any of them guys who'll consistently take over a game when the defense is keying heavily on Fox? From what they showed in their round one loss to Golden State, the answer is no. If they can get him a reliable second scorer though, look out for the Kings!
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@Choppinglines
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