In this weeks 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts Steve Purciello dives shares more random NBA thoughts. 7 Bold NBA Playoff Truths: Lakers Without Luka, Timberwolves in Trouble, and the Knicks Rolling and more. Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list!
NBA Playoff Truths
Lakers vs. Thunder
If the Lakers had Luka Dončić, I would think they would have a good shot at winning two games in this series with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Without him, if I were a Laker fan, I’d be happy if they avoided a sweep. The Thunder look like a machine; they’re good and they’re deep.
Timberwolves Outlook
If you listen to our podcast, José has talked about a number cruncher who has used a bunch of statistics to pick the league champion. The guy has been correct at a very high percentage over the last ten years or so. This year he is picking the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves now trail the series 2-1 against San Antonio, and they have their next game at home. It’s a must-win game. With Anthony Edwards not at his best because he is playing hurt, I would be quite surprised if they get out of this round, never mind win a title.
Cavaliers and Harden
What’s with the Cleveland Cavaliers? Will James Harden ever put together a good playoff series? As great as Harden is in the regular season, when someone says the word playoffs, he checks out. Thursday night, with Donovan Mitchell keeping the Cavs in the game against Detroit, Harden, with less than a minute left, tried to dribble through two Detroit Pistons defenders and turned the ball over. For the night, Harden shot 3-for-13 and 0-for-4 from three. He had only three assists. Unless Harden quickly figures it out, Cleveland is in trouble.
Pistons Rising
It’s amazing how all of a sudden the Detroit Pistons are playing well. Their defense has been outstanding, as they have given up 101 and 97 points in their two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cade Cunningham has been his usual outstanding self. Meanwhile, Tobias Harris has been Mr. Clutch in the first two games, making big shots in both games in the fourth quarter.
Knicks Dominating
The New York Knicks are undoubtedly playing the best basketball they have played this season. They currently lead the Philadelphia 76ers 3-0 in their series, and they won last night without OG Anunoby. Anunoby has been the Knicks’ second-best player in the playoffs. The Knicks are shooting 54% from the floor and 39% from three. Karl-Anthony Towns has been effective facing the basket, dishing out 20 assists in the three games. Their ball movement and unselfishness have been outstanding. If the Knicks continue to play this well, they have a legitimate shot at a title.
Philadelphia’s Long-Term Concern
As for the other team in the Knicks series, Philadelphia, they are in an interesting long-term situation. While it doesn’t look good in this series, it also doesn’t look good long term. While Joel Embiid teased the Philly fans after playing outstanding in the Boston series, he has struggled in this series. Embiid missed Game 2 and has been playing hurt and not nearly as well. Long term, this is how Philly will look with Embiid: one week world-beaters and the next week average, and this is because it doesn’t look like you can count on Embiid’s long-term health.
Maxey’s Role
One last thing on the 76ers: their best shot to get a game in the series is for Tyrese Maxey to go off. In three games, he has only taken 44 shots, and that’s after taking 23 in Game 2. Incidentally, that was the game Philly played the Knicks toughest in the series, losing by 6 points.
