3 Things Learned From Rd. 1 of the NBA Playoffs

#1

Throw home court advantage out the window.

Players and coaches are adjusting to the difference, emphasizing effort and intensity more than usual.

While there is NOTHING like a playoff crowd rooting you on, teams have had to dig deep to find energy at times.

Unusual to say during the playoffs, but THAT is what home court advantage provides.

The first round of Playoffs has been presented by… Donovan Mitchell and Luka Doncic.

Both young superstars surpassed all expectations in round one.

Multiple 50-point games for Mitchell.

Clutch basket after clutch basket.

No moment is too big.

Then, you got a walking triple double in Doncic.

Add on some dramatics...

Both series brought out the best in these two.

Now as Luka heads home for the “summer” the questions remains, what else gets added to his game? (Asking for a friend)

The Lakers are who we thought they were!

It took about 10 games, but the dominating defense is back.

Which for anyone who hasn’t been watching Lakers games this season, it’s been the staple.

Playoff Bron casually averaging a triple double in round one.

AD with the mid-range.

Caruso wants the SMOKE.

Vogel got these boys playing.

Rondo returns for round two, and his integration will be interesting to watch.