Sports Illustrated analyses wild overreactions from NBA second-round Game 1s
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 6
Sports Illustrated analyses wild overreactions from NBA second-round Game 1s
2 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 6
It highlighted New York's 137-98 rout of Philadelphia, Minnesota's 104-102 win at San Antonio, Detroit's 111-101 victory over Cleveland and Oklahoma City's 108-90 defeat of the Lakers.
The piece argued fears about the Knicks ending the series and Luka Doncic being unable to save Los Angeles were premature, but said San Antonio's inexperience and Donovan Mitchell's playoff struggles looked more credible.
The analysis followed the opening 48 minutes of all four best-of-seven conference semi-final series, using Game 1 results to project possible trends while cautioning against drawing firm conclusions too early.
Is Donovan Mitchell’s playoff slump a real concern, or just an excuse for facing tougher postseason defenses?
With scoring down and stars injured, has NBA playoff success become more about gritty defense than superstar power?