The 2020 NBA playoffs have kicked off in the bubble in Orlando, and the first few days have been as unpredictable as expected. In a year like no other, chaos in the postseason should not be surprising. Through two games in the first round there are already multiple intriguing story lines manifesting in the bubble. The top seeds in both conferences lost their opener; there’s been a 57 point game, and a NBA playoff record for a debut. It is already getting wild in the bubble, and it’s just the first week.
2020 NBA Playoffs Begin in the Bubble
Donovan Mitchell opened the NBA playoffs with a 57 point outburst, but it still wasn’t enough in a overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets. Luka Doncic also kicked off the postseason with a bang, dropping a record 42 points in his playoff debut. The lack of home court and travel is a huge factor. These series will truly being decided by which team plays better on a given night and can maintain their discipline and chemistry. The ride is just beginning, and things will continue to get crazy.
Rising Stars
Mitchell grabbed the headlines with his scoring spree in game one. It was the third most points in a playoff game in NBA history. He followed that up with another 30 points and a victory in game two. Stars are made in the NBA Playoffs, and Mitchell is displaying his entire offensive skill set against the Nuggets. He isn’t the only young star trying to take his game to the next level with big postseason performances.
Doncic had to carry the load in the second half of game one versus the Los Angeles Clippers after Kristaps Porzingas got ejected. He did not disappoint. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George hit big shots down the stretch and the Clippers survived. However, he certainly made a statement about his capabilities. Doncic was brilliant once again in game two as the Dallas Mavericks bounced back and evened up the series. Any talk that he couldn’t be as dominant in his first taste of the NBA playoffs has been put to rest quickly.
Jayson Tatum is also making a statement as the Boston Celtics have taken a 3-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers. His array of offensive moves has always been at a high level. Now in his third year in the league, he is now showing the confidence and aggression that make him almost unguardable. Tatum is an excellent shooter from three and has a superb mid-range game as well. As he has taken the next step to star player status, his ability to get to the rim is becoming a much bigger factor. He has set a new playoff career high in each of the first two games of their first round series.
Heavy is the Head
The Los Angeles Lakers knew they would be in for a fight once the match-up with Portland Trail Blazers was set. Damian Lillard has been on an absolute tear over the last two weeks. The Lakers don’t have the guard play to combat him or C.J. McCollum. The flip side to that is that the Blazers have no one who can contain LeBron James or Anthony Davis when they are aggressive and attacking. Davis had 31 points in game two, and Los Angeles cruised to victory and evened the series. This series is destined to go back and forth depending on which of these four stars can control the game on a nightly basis.
What most people did not see coming was the Milwaukee Bucks stumbling out of the gates against the Orlando Magic. Much like the Lakers, the East’s top seed rebounded in game two to roll to a comfortable victory. Reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had a monster night with 28 points and 20 rebounds. The other correlation between the two top seeds bouncing back from a game one loss was on the defensive end. The Bucks and Lakers were extremely good defensively as they even up their respective series at one game apiece. Milwaukee should be able to regain control of this series and discard the Magic as everyone expects them to.
The Champ is Here
Perhaps no defending champion ever has been overlooked quite like this season’s Toronto Raptors. Coach Nick Nurse’s team has been excellent all year in defense of their title. They sustained their regular season momentum as they reached the bubble in Orlando as well. The Raptors are balanced, versatile, and extremely well coached. They are also playing with the confidence and composure of champions. Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam have led the way as Toronto has been one of the league’s best teams since the restart. If someone is to take the title from north of the border, this team will not make that an easy task.
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