The playoffs always offer a chance to take the pulse of the NBA, to see where the game is, what trends are helping teams win, lose, and make the news either way. Here, we’re going to look at five of the takeaways that the fans and teams will be going away with.
Superstar point-scorers aren’t enough (usually)
Jokic continues to put on a clinic in terms of solo performances, carrying the Heat, even when coming up against some of the more stalwart defenders like Bam Adebayo. However, that hasn’t been enough to take the team to the victory they needed, which some say is down to the lack of strong assists and some pretty bad chemistry in pairings like Jokic and Porter. Even Lebron James is aided to a huge degree by Anthony Davis.
Trust Dallas to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
To say that the Dallas Mavericks have had an underwhelming year is an understatement. Despite their recent acquisition of Kyrie Irving and the other positive signs that have been highlighted here by Benjamin Graziano, the Mavericks couldn’t stop getting in their own way. Benching their best-performing players, sudden injuries appeared the morning of the game, and the Mavericks, who never had much of a chance of winning, put on a pretty dismal end to a dismal season.
The king is still the king
Dillon Brooks can say all that he wants about LeBron James (that chip on his shoulder probably playing a role in his ejection during Game 3 and subsequent ejection from the team.) James has won over 4 in every 5 games he’s made in the playoffs, now. It’s difficult to not put all the praise on one man, but when you pair a superstar with a superstar team, it’s easy to see why the Heat just didn’t take it this year.
The Knicks might come in strong next season
A lot of people have been excited by the Knicks prior to the playoffs, with plenty of fresh talent, an excellent recent performance against the Miami Heat, and plenty of hype generated around RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson, as noted here by David Vertsberger. No one wants to jinx the return of one of the most historically exciting teams, but Madison Square Garden is looking like it might become the place to watch over the next year.
Butler’s uncertain future
No one can say that Jimmy Butler didn’t perform admirably, but at 0-2 now on NBA Finals trips, with some pretty obvious struggles throughout this year’s games, especially Game 5, it’s looking like he’s not making the impact he needs at this stage. He’s adamant that he has more to give with the Heat, but that people have doubts is plenty understandable at this point.
The national stage always brings some exciting highlights of the very best of the sport and 2023’s playoffs were no different. There’s no doubt that the fans are going to be looking at the new year with some of the takeaways mentioned above lodged firmly in their minds.
