Episode 06 of StepBack is obviously dedicated to the start of the NBA Playoffs: the 5 notes by Stefano Salerno.
Nuggets only need six free throws to beat the Lakers
You don’t need to go to the free-throw line when you are so much stronger than your opponents: the Nuggets proved it, beating the Lakers by shooting only six team free throws in game-1; the second lowest ever in a playoff victory. What matters more is something else: the 17 assists with zero turnovers by Jokic and Murray combined.
Lillard stops after a lightning start
Without Antetokounmpo by his side, making his playoff debut with the Bucks and returning to a stage he had been missing from for two seasons, Lillard didn’t disappoint – scoring 35 points in just the first half against Indiana. Then he stopped: he could have reached 70, but in the second half, 0 points and 0/5 shooting. Still enough to dominate game-1.
Miles “Deuce” McBride saves the Knicks
Something unprecedented happened in New York: the Knicks won game-1 despite the entire starting lineup finishing with a negative plus/minus. Thanks to the bench and especially to Miles McBride who collected an astonishing +37 in 28 minutes; needless to say, a franchise record for the Knicks.
Edwards unstoppable with the T’Wolves
A player like Anthony Edwards in Minneapolis has never been seen before, so much so that in just 5 playoff games he has already become the fourth all-time scorer in franchise history – giving the T’Wolves a superb victory in game-1 (a rarity in those parts). Postseason scoring average: 34.6, in the top-10 of all time – a spectacle to be enjoyed.
Mavs’ supporting cast in crisis
Doncic and Irving combined for 64 points against the Clippers in game-1, while all the others together stopped at 33: making it easy for the L.A. defense to know who to focus on – the eloquent 3/15 overall from the three-point line for Dallas’ supporting cast. Responsibilities to be redistributed in just 48 hours.
Bonus: OKC triumphs thanks to Cason Wallace’s defense
In the most balanced game-1, it was the defense of Cason Wallace that gave OKC the victory – relentless and perfect on CJ McCollum. The Thunder held the Pelicans to 38.5% shooting from the field and won with precise defensive moves…
“Offense sells tickets, defense wins games”
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Author: Team Dunkest
April 22, 2024 | 12:15 pm
