NBA Playoffs Ruminations (19 April 2023)

Right after I got through dissing the Cavs' bench, Caris LeVert showed up and had a Malik Monk-type game, looking like the difference maker in Cleveland prevailing over New York.  The Knicks appeared morally defeated, but you have to keep in mind that they have Evan Fournier and even Derrick Rose are straight riding the bench.  In other words, the Knicks have more viable rotation players than perhaps any other team in the league (except the Lakers).  So now, I guess we'll see just how much of a mastermind Thibodeau is, or if these pieces are actually good enough to hold up against a quality opponent.  But still, the Cavs are likely going to have to depend on at least one or another player on their bench also having a big game, every game, and you can't presume that's going to happen throughout the series.  But still, I'm sticking with my prediction that they'll emerge victorious.

I still don't know who I'm going with the Clippers vs. Suns.  No one one on Phoenix's bench had a really spectacular game, but they were still able to beat L.A.  That's what I mean when I say they have the best starting 5 in the NBA.  But it required CP3 looking like he turned back the hands of time to do so.  So he really needs to stay light on his toes throughout for the Suns to have a chance, imo.

And finally, there's the Draymond suspension.  With that, whether or not Kerr moves Poole into the starting lineup, it looks like he's going to be forced to give Kuminga major minutes, and it probably wouldn't hurt to play more JaMychal Green also.  This is sorta what I meant when I said that the Warriors should've given the keys to car to the youngsters earlier, so they could be ready for a moment like this, but it's all good.  Golden State really needs this victory, and if they can help the Splash Bros. pull it off then I guess the up-and-coming core really is worthy.  But that said, if GSW do end up getting swept, I wonder if Kerr and Joe Lacob are still going to be on that 'we're sticking with Steph and Klay to the end' type shit that they like talking.