Step Back, 5 notes from the NBA week: episode 6
The sixth episode of the new Dunkest segment: this time we will talk about Nuggets Vs Lakers, Damian Lillard, Miles McBride, Anthony Edwards, Mavs, and the Thunder’s defense
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…