It’s been one week since the NBA Playoffs began and so far they haven’t disappointed. The playoff jitters are out, storylines have developed and each series is now reaching the midway point in round one of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Let’s have a look at how each team is feeling…
Indiana (1) VS Atlanta (8)
Atlanta leads 2-1
How are the Pacers feeling?
We’re feeling discombobulated; not even a pre-playoff fist fight between Evan Turner and Lance Stephenson could get us on track. But you know what we really need? We need to play some defense. During the regular season our opponents averaged 92.3 per game and the Hawks are currently averaging 100 points per game in this series. We also can’t afford to have Roy Hibbert, Paul George and George Hill combine to shoot 6/31 from the field like they did on Thursday night.
The one thing our team needs to remember is that we got the number 1 seed for a reason; Home Court. During the regular season we were 35-6 at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse; and if we’re able to get a game four win, then will have home court advantage during the rest of the series.
How as the Hawks feeling?
We’re feeling confident. We have executed our game plan perfectly and have already put some serious doubt into the Pacers. Anytime your opponent has to sit their all-star starting centre, to adapt to your style of play, it’s a good sign you’re doing something right. Going forward we are just going to keep riding Jeff Teague (22 PPG). Our starting point guard is reminding us of a young Tony Parker and has put together not only a great playoffs, but an overall breakout season.
One thing we have to make sure is that we stay focused. Although Indiana appears to be in a tail spin, they spanked us in game 2 and were the best team all season for a reason. We have them on the ropes right now, and if we are able to steal game four, chances are we will be headed to the second round.
Miami (2) VS Charlotte (7)
Miami leads series 2-0
How are the Heat feeling?
We’re feeling pretty comfortable. We know Charlotte was only going as far as Al Jefferson can take them, and now that he’s hurt, we should be able to get out of here in four games. This series is all about getting the “big three” back into the swing of things and hoping were running as a well-oiled machine for the second round.
Our focus for the remainder of this series will be to ensure James and Wade can just get through these next two games with no serious damage.
How are the Bobcats feeling?
We’re really hoping our training staff can work a miracle on big Al’s left foot (Al Jefferson Sports Injury Alert Profile). He’s been our horse all season (22 points and 11 rebounds) and we really have no hope if he isn’t 100 percent. After Jefferson we have a big drop off with Biyombo and Zeller off the bench; and we know if we go small that is playing right into Miami’s hands. We may have to ask the league office if there is any way we can start assistant coach, Patrick Ewing in game 3.
On a positive note, we certainly can’t complain about the play of Kemba Walker. So far after two games he is averaging 18 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds. Hopefully this performance can continue not only in this series, but right into next season. We really feel we have the right coach, and hopefully this playoff experience will benefit us going forward. Let’s hope we can steal one game in Charlotte for our fans.
Toronto (3) VS Brooklyn (6)
Series tied 1-1
How are the Raptors feeling?
We’re feeling pretty fortunate to be leaving Canada all tied up. There have been some alarming numbers so far in the first two games; we’re averaging 20 turnovers per game, our starting small forward (Terrence Ross) is averaging 2.5 points and Joe Johnson is averaging 21 points per game, which is five points higher than his season average (15.8).
On the bright side, our stud sophomore centre has shown zero playoff jitters. Valanciunas is averaging 16 points and 16 rebounds after both games, and has been the catalyst for our team rebounding the basketball; as we have a +30 advantage on the glass. We’re also loving the contributions from Grevais Vasquez (14.5 PPG), Patrick Patterson (10.5 PPG), and the defensive emergence of Landry Fields. Now we just hope this all travels with us across the border.
How are the Nets feeling?
We’re feeling a little disappointed that we couldn’t put a strangle hold on this series. If Paul Pierce was able to knock down one of his two three point attempts late in game 2, we could be up 2-0 heading back home. The three-ball is a big part of our game and right now we’re struggling. During the season we shot 37% from behind the arc and after the first two games were only shooting 23%. Hopefully Mirza Teletovic (27%), Pierce (18%), Alan Anderson (20%) and Johnson (20%) can get their three point shot back for game 3.
The good news is that we did what we needed to do and stole home court advantage. If needed, three of our next five games will be played at the Barclays Center, and according to baseketball-reference.com, we have only lost a total of four games in our home building since the New Year.
Chicago (4) VS Washington (5)
Washington leads 2-0
How are the Bulls feeling?
We’re shocked. We came into these playoffs winning 8 of our last 10 games and feeling great; but unfortunately our lack of a pure scorer has cost us these first two games. This season we held our opponents to 43% from the field, but right now the Wizards are shooting 48%. Taj Gibson, and Joakim Noah are doing their part, but we can’t win a series when DJ Augustine is our leading scorer. You’re aware that we picked him off waivers this season right? We also thought Carlos Boozer would average more than 8 points per game…
If there is any team that can come back in a series it’s us. We have the best defense in the league and the best coach in the series. Back on April 5, 2014, we crushed the Wizards by 18 in Washington, and we feel confident we can duplicate this performance over the next two games in D.C.
How are the Wizards feeling?
We’re feeling excited. These last two games have provided us a look at possibly the best backcourt in the Eastern Conference for years to come. John Wall and Bradley Beal have shown zero playoff jitters and with Nene pouring in 20.5 points per game, we are looking to end this series in four.
We’ve been playing like the underdogs so far this series, and now that were in the driver’s seat we can’t take our foot off the gas. Chicago will be playing desperate in game 3, and going back home, we will need to ensure that we aren’t overwhelmed by the atmosphere at the Verizon Center.
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