The Big Three era is dead and the Knicks are back: 20 things we learned from the NBA playoffs

The Boston Celtics celebrate their record 18th NBA championship.Photograph: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Take big swings

This particular trade deadline was a bit of a snoozefest, as many teams opted to roll with the status quo. But the two teams that made the biggest swings, Indiana (in a move for Pascal Siakam that actually came shortly before the deadline) and Dallas (who acquired PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford and shipped away cantankerous Grant Williams) both were rewarded mightily for their gumption: in the form of surprise Eastern Conference finals and NBA finals appearances, respectively.

Related: Boston’s brilliant technocrats micromanaged their way to the NBA title

The Knicks are back, baby

The Garden is rocking again, just as the basketball gods intended. An avalanche of injuries ultimately spoiled the party for New York’s favorite sports children this year, but ask any Knicks fan: this team hasn’t been this fun or beloved in eons. And ask any basketball pundit, they’re damn good, to boot.

Luka has some maturing to do

The title for best player on the planet was there for the taking. Nikola Jokić had a second-round exit at the hands of young Anthony Edwards, who some hyperbolically posited might take the throne were he to lead his team to the promised land. Luka Dončić was afforded the same opportunity to dethrone his Serbian pal, but his tendency to lose his composure and rail against referees, and neglect the defensive end, reared its ugly head during the finals. He’s supremely talented and may very well mature into the best player alive – he certainly showed flashes during the Mavericks’ charmed playoff run – but he’s not there yet.

Schedule

Best-of-seven series. All times US eastern time (EDT). 

Thu 6 Jun Game 1: Celtics 107, Mavericks 89

Sun 9 Jun Game 2: Celtics 105, Mavericks 98

Wed 12 Jun Game 3: Celtics 106, Mavericks 99

Fri 14 Jun Game 4: Mavericks 122, Celtics 84

Mon 17 Jun Game 5: Celtics 106, Mavericks 88

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-three-era-dead-knicks-123007168.html

Author : The Guardian

Publish date : 2024-06-19 12:30:07

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