Thinking Basketball #319: 3 West finishes + mini East previews
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May 2, 2025 Bobby Marks, ESPN's NBA Front Office Insider and former executive, breaks down the thrilling first round of the NBA playoffs. He discusses the dramatic matchups, including the Wolves' victory over the Lakers and the intense Clippers-Nuggets showdown. Marks shares insights on team dynamics, coaching strategies, and the ever-changing landscape of home court advantage. He also highlights key players like Kawhi Leonard and Nikola Jokic, while previewing the Eastern Conference battles, particularly focusing on Jalen Brunson's impact on the Knicks.
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Playoff Series Show Varied Identities
- The Western Conference first-round games show wildly different identities each night due to coaching adjustments and player performance swings.
- This variability creates an unpredictable and intense playoff atmosphere that challenges predictions.
Key Factors Make Playoffs Fluid
- Injuries, adjustments, officiating, and intensity make playoff games markedly different even within the same series.
- These factors cause game plans and player execution to shift, affecting outcomes unpredictably.
Impact of Steph Curry on Warriors
- Golden State's offensive performance dramatically drops without Steph Curry on the court in the Rockets series.
- Houston must stay competitive throughout or Golden State's efficiency could lead to blowouts if they gain a double-digit lead.