Doug’s Sports Rap: Early Exits and Such

The Toronto Raptors showed just why they the hold the title of NBA champions as they quickly swept the banged-up Brooklyn Nets in four straight games, they are 11-1 since the NBA restart.

The Boston Celtics put away the Philadelphia 76ers in a four-game sweep, Philly was in trouble before Tobias Harris went down and without Ben Simmons in the bubble, Sixer star Joel Embid was left to take on Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics. Philly has failed to advance past the semifinals in three straight years and head coach Brett Brown could be packing his bags.

Another team heading for a respite in the bubble are the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler and company have the Pacers against the wall and could sweep the first round with a win tonight.

The Dallas Mavericks (complete with several former players from my teams the Knicks) have tied their series with the LA Clippers at two games apiece. Luka Doncic hit from behind the arc at the buzzer to give the Mavs a 135-133 overtime win. Kristaps Porzingis (former Knick) did not play because of a soer knee, but former Knicks Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr combined for nearly 50 points.

The Utah Jazz could get some rest as early as tomorrow night, up in the series 3 games to one, they can close out the first round with a win over Denver.

The Rockets showed how much they miss Russell Westbrook, when James Harden fouled out in over time, they lost their edge over the Thunder, this series could go to six or seven depending on the way the ball bounces, and I mean that literally, with the undersized Rockets having the disadvantage.

The Lakers  have a slight advantage, well aside from the stacked team of all-stars, they are up two to one against the Portland Trailblazers, who need to win tonight, look for a big game from Damian Lillard and some help from Carmelo Anthony, if they don’t win this pivotal game, they are most likely done.

The pumped in fake crowd noise does add to the excitement, and its not the same without the fans, but still I am enjoying the games.

[NBA.com]