Well, none of us saw that coming. Quite literally, this final four (Celtics, Pacers, Mavs, Wolves) wasn’t represented in anyone’s picks. In fact, no one even correctly predicted the two Western Conference finalists, and only one person (GEG) predicted both Eastern Conference finalists. And, just for the record, GEG only picked the Pacers to make this far because he’s a longtime fan of Jermaine O’Neal. (Side note: Would Jermaine O’Neal be Joel Embiid-lite in today’s NBA?)
That no one predicted this is fitting. We seem to be entering a new era of NBA basketball, where parity has replaced the era of superteam dominance. The historic postseason players of yesteryear–LeBron, Curry, Durant, and Kawhi–were fully replaced by the budding stars of today in this year’s second round. And, as it turns out, the same is true in the BSB(R), where the top 6 contestants would all be first-time BSB(R) winners world champions.
Tanc–last year’s winner–took a precipitous fall in the second round despite being poised to repeat. In that regard (and others! he’s a fantastic rebounder, humble, and incredibly smart), he’s much like Jokic. In his place, Brad has risen to the top. And based on what happened in our fantasy basketball league this year…let’s just say, Brad needs this as much as anybody for his basketball reputation.
As for the NBA, here’s what went down in the second round…
Celtics-Cavs: Things looked interesting after the Cavs blew out the Celtics in Boston in Game 2 to tie the series 1-1, but most people expected the Celtics to figure it out. Their job was made easier having Donovan Mitchell miss two games and Jarrett Allen miss all five games. The series was a snooze, and the most interesting storylines here are what the Cavaliers do to their roster in the offseason.
- G.O.A.T: Jayson Tatum, who was steadily dominant all series.
- Goat: Max Strus? Darius Garland? Injuries? There’s a lot of hate to spread around, but I’m going to go with Strus, for the simplest reason: he played worse basketball (and even more minutes) than Garland.
Knicks-Pacers: This series gave the people what they want. Seven games, the faint scent of a rivalry revived, a duel of the new point guards of the East. The Knicks won the first two games at home in tight games, despite facing halftime deficits. The Pacers won a tight Game 3 behind Andrew Nembhard’s late-game heroics. The final four games weren’t as close, and it ended on the somber note of Jalen Brunson’s fractured hand in Game 7, which ultimately required surgery. Still, a fun series, though, and hopefully the beginning of more playoff success for these two teams.
- G.O.A.T: Tyrese Haliburton. Say what you want about his occasional passivity, but he was efficient, occasionally dominant, and led his team to victory
- Goat: Knicks’ injuries. Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randall, OG Anunoby, and eventually, Jalen Brunson. It ain’t right, folks
Thunder-Mavs: The Thunder won in 6, but this series could have gone either way. Outside of the OKC blowing out Dallas in Game 1, every game was close. Especially the end of Game 6, which ended in PJ Washington getting fouled on a 3-pointer and hitting series-ending free throws. The stars starred–Shai, in particular, was magnificent in the consistent, inevitable way that characterized his regular season. But the Thunder didn’t hit enough shots and got crushed on the offensive glass (four Mavs finished the series with 10+ OREB, compared to one Thunder).
- G.O.A.T: Luka Doncic. I’m typically happy to give a G.O.A.T. aware to the best player when they’re on a losing team. And Shai was that guy. But his series-ending foul in G6 disqualifies him. Better luck next year!
- Goat: Thunder role players. Where were y’all? Jalen and Chet had moments, but they could have been better. And don’t get me started on Dort, who forgot how to shoot entirely.
Nuggets-Wolves: I’m sad. I want more Joker. But the Wolves outclassed the Nuggets in this topsy-turvy 7-game series. They narrowly won G1 in Denver and then stomped Denver in G2. With two games in Minny, many assumed a sweep was eminent. Then Dallas won three straight games and appeared to be the favorites. Minnesota defended home court in Game 6 behind a 45-point victory. The Nuggets had a 15 point lead at halftime in G7 and seemed poise to move on, but a combination of good point-of-attack defense, offensive rebounding, and getting into the penalty laid the foundation for their gradual comeback.
- G.O.A.T: Nikola Jokic. He was the best player in the series. Edwards had his moments, but the Joker was still a class above Ant.
- Goat: Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Murray had 18.4 points per game on 48 TS%. Porter had 10.7 points per game on 49.5 TS%, despite being set up for open threes left and right. An ugly series for the two players that needed to support Jokic on offense.
Alone In The Green Room 
nice