SAY IT WITH ME: IF YOU DON’T LIKE THAT, YOU DON’T LIKE NBA BASKETBALL!

Shock - Knicks. Steal a game on the road. Brunson and Anunoby combine to score 55 of 63 points in the second half and overtime. Celtics miss 45 three pointers. 45 long range bricks. Puke. Down as many 20, Knicks give their fans a reason to believe in this series.

Awe - Jokic. A relentless force of processing the game at 1mph. I’d almost argue that this wasn’t a clean game from Jokic (he had 42pts and 22rebs). Foul trouble, a flagrant, 7 turnovers. If you’re unfamiliar with usage rate, here’s a primer: an estimate of the percentage of team plays used by a player while he’s on the floor. In short, what percentage of plays end by an individuals action. Jokic did everything for this Nuggets team as Jamaal Murray disappeared for stretches. Of course, Aaron Gordon delivered the game winner. Probably should mention that too.

Thunder - Mat. A very long, narrow mat for Chet Holmgren to pick himself up. Can he gain 30lbs in a week? Can the Thunder handle being favorites but down 0-1?

Judge Watch - He went 0-3.

It can be very helpful for the author, to write Series Previews after Game 1. Watch this:

Knicks vs Celtics - feels like NY could take game 1! I’m just messin. There’s way too much discussion about the Knicks offseason. Will they chase Giannis? Is Kevin Durant the missing offensive piece? Let this team play this series out against the East’s preeminent measuring stick. Give this group a chance. For an organization with a horrible Patience History, let’s just see what this group can do in round 2. The offseason chirpring hasn’t spared the Celtics either. In the wake of their sale closing, the Celtics face on offseason of potential cost cutting. Does anyone realize that the games are on? Can we not enjoy NY vs Boston in a much more even series than expected.

Pacers vs Cavs - two analysts have already described this as the “Styles Make Fights” series. Cute analogy, but none of us give a shit about boxing anymore. The Pacers dedication to playing at their own speed already wilted the Cavs in game 1. Missing your PG against a team dictating pace is a massive liability for the Cavs. What to watch: the Pacers (Haliburton and Nembhard) prefer to catch the outlet pass (make or miss) in a sprint. No other team does this. Keep your eyes on the speed that the Pacers get the ball across halfcourt . If they walk the ball up, they’re in trouble. If they’re hummin, don’t change that channel.

Nuggets vs Thunder - what is Mike Malone thinking right now? This Nuggets team is psuedo-coached by Jokic. Jamaal Murray isn’t consistent but his ceiling is weirdly high enough to win playoff games by himself despite not playing like a top 30 player for the last 6 months. If Jokic won game 1, and Murray can win a home game, then the Nuggets just need to squeeze two out of their light supporting cast. The Thunder, as evidenced by the first 44 minutes of game 1, are the better team. They can beat the Nuggets by 20 points but I don’t think the reverse applies.

Warriors vs Wolves - Olds vs Youngs. Game 2 of the Lakers/Wolves series was Minnesota’s only loss, but they could’ve stepped on the Lakers’ throats on the road and ended the series mentally that night. Did the Wolves learn their lesson? Is their Competitive Edge emerging? It’s only round 2. The Warriors limp into the series fresh off a 7 game slugfest. Minnesota could go a long way to establishing Conference Dominance by wiping an old, but talented, savvy, experienced Warriors Right Off the Fucking Map. Get off the bus and come out strong!