NBA Playoffs: Lights, Camera, Action

By: Joe Cardoso

The best time of year for any real hoop head, is the NBA playoffs and they tip off Saturday. In a season, full of exciting storylines and jaw-dropping highlights THIS is where names and legacies are made. We all remember the year Jordan FINALLY beat the Bad Boys from Detroit, Kobe and Shaq got a ring, or when the King LeBron James got his first. In that same breath, we saw Karl Malone get set home ringless twice, Chris Paul have season-ending injuries mid-run, or Melo and the Knicks only sniff the postseason. Everyone has an idea of the teams and players under pressure to come through and I’m no different. So, with my fingers crossed that the Warriors don’t sweep the field here are my players who need to get ready for the bright lights and action of the NBA playoffs. As the saying goes pressure bust pipes, hope these guys have flood insurance.

Paul George- What a year it has been for PG-13, NBA2K17 cover boy, signature show line and a new set of teammates meant to improve the Pacers, squad. Well then, the season happened and things did not work out that way. Paul never missed a chance to diss his teammates and organization thru the media. Around April it’s as if he and the team realized they weren’t going to make the postseason and he flipped a switch. His numbers? 33ppg 8 boards, and his prize a first-round date with the Cavs. Can Paul and company make things interesting?
James Harden-
at Pepsi Center on November 13, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Rockets 107-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

It has been a season for the ages for “The Beard” he and the Rockets have surpassed any expectations the so-called experts had. YES, he plays point guard, YES, he showed a LITTLE improvement on D. But look at his playoff history it is a bit on the shaky side, think two years ago vs the Clippers where he was benched. The series against Portland where he falls apart. Or the trip to the NBA finals with OKC. But this is a NEW James Harden, or is it? Get ready people this should be a heck of a show with Mr. Westbrook.
Bradley Beal-
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 03: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards reacts after hitting a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 3, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The knock-on Beal was he couldn’t stay healthy and some questioned if he was truly an elite NBA player. One max contract later and a season that saw him ON the court more than ever, here we are. These playoffs are huge for not just the Wizards but Beal since the All-Star break he’s at 25ppg 50% shooting and from three 40%. John Wall is the clear-cut leader of this team but Beal is a STRONG Robin in this dynamic duo. His performance in the playoffs will go a long way in making the rest of the league realize he is the real deal or still on the come up.
Blake Griffin-
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 29: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts to his foul during a 101-97 Clipper win over the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on December 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

How did we get here? Blake was the darling of the NBA just a few years ago and now it has been a rocky road for us both. Injuries and some questionable actions off the court have some questioning his game and mindset. What is he? The poster dunks have fallen off a bit so is he mid-range scorer? Is he a gifted passing big man that can take over games when needed? Is he someone the Clippers will resign to a mega contract or will another team hitch its wagon to him, and should they? Lots of questions to be answered during Blake’s and Clippers playoff run.
Isaiah Thomas-
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 21: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2015 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2015 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

OK Mr. 4^th quarter this is it. They say you and the Celtics are the worst #1 seed ever. You are alone with no help on the offensive side of the ball. Well, all the talk hasn’t stopped you and the C’s from ballin out and what better time than the playoffs and a deep run to shut up the haters. The Bulls have been up and down all year Thomas needs to be at his best for the team to show it was worthy of the top seed.

Kyle Lowry- This is the BEST Raptors team he has been on ever PERIOD. This is also as close to 100% healthy he has ever been in the postseason. Because of injuries to the team we haven’t seen We the North at full strength so some adjustments are expected. But Kyle is rested and this team is the unknown in the east. No excuses this year time to get ready for the leading role in this Raptors movie.