NBA Playoff Recap: May 26, 2021

What were the keys to how Wednesday’s trio of games unfolded?

Philadelphia 76ers 120, Washington Wizards 95

76ers lead series 2-0

FINAL BOX SCORE

The Philadelphia 76ers made easier work of the Washington Wizards in Game 2 than in Game 1. With the 2-0 series lead, the Sixers are still in the drivers’ seat to make the next game at Wells Fargo Center a conference semifinals matchup.

The defining stretch of the game last from 5:20 in the second quarter to 6:58 in the third. Philadelphia outscored Washington 37-19 over that span, going 14-of-16 (87.5 percent) from the field and 4-of-6 (66.7 percent) from 3-point range. This surge turned at 48-46 game into an 85-65 margin.

Washington’s struggles from beyond the arc were the biggest contribution to their loss. They went 0-of-7 during that defining mid-game stretch, 2-of-17 through the first three quarters, and 2-of-22 for the game. Bradley Beal tried to keep his team afloat with 33 points on 14-of-28 shooting, but the rest of the team shot 35.9 percent from the field.

Russell Westbrook had a rough night, ending up with 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting, 11 assists, and six rebounds. On top of that, he sprained his right ankle in the fourth quarter and had to leave the game. As he was taken to the locker room, a fan threw popcorn on him. That fan sucks. Screw that fan. I hope they’re found and are banned from all NBA arenas for life.

This series seems to be heading the way one would expect a 1-8 matchup to go. I figured it could be a bit more competitive considering how potent Beal and Westbrook can be and how uneven the Sixers’ effort can be. However, the 76ers seem to have them outmatched. With Westbrook’s injury looming, it’s hard to see where Washington’s firepower beyond Beal will come from. Perhaps the change of scenery for Games 3 and 4 could help the Wizards steal a win. Unfortunately for Washington, those chances seem slim.

New York Knicks 101, Atlanta Hawks 92

Series tied 1-1

FINAL BOX SCORE

After faltering in the clutch in Game 1, the New York Knicks manage to pull even in the series with the Game 2 victory at home. It wasn’t the prettiest game, with both teams combining to shoot 37.6 percent from the field. But it was another game where both teams were about even in most statistical categories.

Atlanta had the advantage in terms of pushing the pace, outscoring the Knicks 15-6 in fastbreak points. However, the key that put the Knicks over the edge was their work inside. They beat out the Hawks 42-28 in the paint and 15-4 on second chance points. New York also rebounded 55.8 percent of the both teams’ misses, including 83.3 percent of Atlanta’s and 30.5 percent of their own. I’m sure Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is pleased to see that the extra work in the trenches helped his team win.

Unfortunately, like in Philadelphia, there was a case of a Fan Behaving Badly. In this episode, a fan spit at Trae Young during the fourth quarter. Like the Philly fanatic, I hope they identify this guy and ban him from NBA games for eternity as well. Frankly, in this case, this man should have some charges filed against him. Why are you spitting on/at/toward another person during a pandemic? How thoughtless can you be?

Aside from that, this has been a fun, competitive series so far. I’m pulling for this to go seven games, so here’s hoping both teams keep the same energy for Games 3 and 4 in Atlanta.

Utah Jazz 141, Memphis Grizzlies 129

Series tied 1-1

FINAL BOX SCORE

Donovan Mitchell was back in a big way in Game 2 of this series. His 25 points helped propel the Jazz past the Grizzlies and even the series as it shifts to Memphis on Saturday.

However, Mitchell didn’t do it alone. Seven of the nine Jazzmen that played in this game scored double-figures. Rudy Gobert (21 points) and Mike Conley (20 points) even joined him in the 20-point club. Memphis had no answer for Gobert’s constant rolls and cuts to the basket. Conley almost evenly distributed his points between the paint (10 points) and beyond the arc (9 points).

Utah went 19-of-39 from 3-point range. The 141 points the team tallied in the end are the most the Jazz have ever scored in a playoff game, while the 19 treys are second-most in franchise postseason history.

That’s the type of game it took for Utah to stave off Ja Morant’s otherwordly performance. Morant finished with 47 points, the most he has ever scored in any NBA game. He fearlessly attacked the basket, going 13-of-19 inside the arc and drawing enough fouls to go 15-of-20 at the free throw line.

The other starters for Memphis bolstered Morant’s efforts by all scoring double-figures, combining for 68 points. Unfortunately, the 14 points from the bench wasn’t nearly enough to keep pace with Utah’s hot shooting.

It was a special night for both teams, but the top seed ended up pulling out a big win. With Donovan Mitchell’s return, it seems the Jazz are back in control. However, as evidenced by Memphis’ tireless effort in Game 2, I think this could still be a competitive series.