The first round of the 2022-23 NBA Playoffs has officially come to a close. There were shocking upsets, many close series’, and some expected wins. If you have not been watching, I suggest you watch because this year’s playoffs have been incredible.

Western Conference:

-The Golden State Warriors beat the Sacramento Kings in seven games. Congratulations to the Kings for having such an amazing run this year when nobody expected them to. De’Aaron Fox had a great season and won the first ever NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award. The beam was lit a lot this season with the help around Fox from players Malik Monk, Domantas Sabonis, and rookie Keegan Murray. However, it was not enough to defeat the reigning champions in seven. Steph Curry was not going to let the Warriors season end this way. Although the Warriors had a rocky season playing away games, it did not stop them from having a winning mentality and beating the Kings. Steph Curry’s speech before game 7 about player’s playing their role really gave the Warriors the fire they needed. He went on to drop 50 points in game 7 to help the Warriors win. It was an incredible performance.

-We all knew that the Denver Nuggets would beat the Minnesota Timberwolves. It only took the Nuggets five games to advance to the second round. As I previously mentioned before the season started, if the Nuggets can stay healthy, they will win the 2022-23 NBA Finals. They played like a team throughout the entire series and played amazing basketball. With Nikola Jokic averaging 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists per game in the first round, the Nuggets already had all they needed. Jamal Murray averaged 27 points and Michael Porter Jr. averaged 16 points. There was no way the Nuggets would lose this series. The only thing that could stop the Nuggets was Anthony Edwards. He is built for the bright lights. Just after saying that he would not let the T-Wolves get swept, he hit a clutch three point shot to win game 4. Although Edwards has a great series averaging 31 points per game, it was not enough to beat the Nuggets.

-The Suns vs. Clippers series was a fun series. We saw flashes of prime Russell Westbrook, and we got to see Devin Booker have an amazing series. Booker carried the Suns on his back while averaging 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Kawhi Leonard was a huge loss to the Clippers, as well as Paul George. The Suns won the series 4-1.

-If you were watching the Lakers vs. Grizzlies series, you know it was must see TV. The Lakers pulled off a great upset being the seventh seed. LeBron James played exactly like how anyone would expect him to perform in the playoffs, especially with Dillon Brooks making LeBron give him a 20/20 game. As long as Dillon Brooks kept talking, it boosted the Lakers fire even more. Ja Morant averaging almost 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game along with Desmond Bane’s 23.5 points per game was not enough to beat the Lakers. Along with LeBron, Anthony Davis played a great series too. He was attacking the boards and getting the rebounds the Lakers needed as well as blocks. D’Angelo Russell really showed up when it mattered to help the Lakers beat the #2 seed Grizzlies in game 6.

Eastern Conference:

-Jimmy Butler, have yourself a series. Butler helped lead the Heat to a series win over the #1 seed Bucks in game 5. He had one of the greatest individual playoff series of all time, averaging 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Jimmy Buckets also had 56 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in game 4. In game 5, he made a shot to send the game to overtime. Jimmy was able to find help from Bam Adebayo, Gabe Vincent, and Max Strus. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a huge loss to the Bucks in game 1, but it did not make much of a difference when he came back for games 4 and 5. The Heat also suffered a big loss in game 1. Tyler Herro broke fingers in his right hand is only able to comeback for the Finals. This was only the sixth time in NBA history that an 8 seed has beat a 1 seed.

-The New York Knicks upset the #4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 games. Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with help from RJ Barrett and Julius Randle. Mitchell Robinson had a good series grabbing rebounds and blocking shots, leading the way for the team’s defense. Although Donovan Mitchell averaged 23 points and 7 seven assists throughout the series with help from Darius Garland and Caris LeVert, it was not enough for the Cavaliers to beat the Knicks.

-Joel Embiid and James Harden led the way for the Philadelphia 76ers as they managed to sweep the Brooklyn Nets. The 76ers had four players averaging 15+ points per game, and the Nets had three players averaging 15+ points per game. James Harden and Joel Embiid are an extremely dangerous duo who have great help on the team from Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and De’Anthony Melton. The 76ers are an unstoppable team who are showing what they are truly capable of, and can definitely make a great push to win the Finals.

-Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to beating the Atlanta Hawks in 6 games. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray both played great throughout the series. De’Andre Hunter also played very well for the Hawks. However, it was not enough to stop Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Derrick White, and Malcolm Brodgon. The Celtics are an amazing team, with amazing players and a deep bench. They can also make a very deep playoff push.