Rapid Reactions From Game 1’s Across NBA

It was an exciting opening weekend of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. With just one game played in each series across the board, I do not want to make any irrational conclusions, but I did have a few thoughts and takeaways from the action.

Ben Simmons will be just fine. There had been a lot of chatter about how the rookie would fare in the postseason when teams would be able to scheme for his non-existent jump shot. Simmons demonstrated that, despite his lack of confidence and willingness to shoot from the perimeter, that he can still be effective. In fact, he was spectacular despite attempting just one field goal from outside the paint, as he posted 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 14 assists in his playoff debut. Assuming Joel Embiid can arrive at full health (and soon), the 76ers will be a squad that no team will want to face.

Anthony Davis has arrived. Fans and pundits tend to forget that AD just turned 25-years old. He is still improving, still getting stronger, and oh yeah, his wingspan is still that of a wandering albatross. On Saturday night, Davis demonstrated the progress he’s made since he and the Pelicans were last in the postseason. Against Portland, Davis absolutely annihilated their inexperienced front line erupting for 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He has long been considered the best young talent in the NBA. It might be time to remove the qualifier.

LeBron needs some help. The Cavaliers got obliterated by the Pacers in Game 1. While I am not overly concerned with LeBron getting ousted by Indiana, I am worried that Cleveland does not possess a secondary isolation scorer that is needed to thrive offensively and advance in the postseason. In years prior, that player for the Cavaliers was Kyrie Irving. This season Tyronn Lue has a bundle of competent players at his disposal, but in the NBA four quarters don’t equal a dollar. A player such as Kyrie who can create opportunities for himself (and others) is so valuable, particularly in the postseason. Now Cleveland’s fate hinges strictly on LeBron; he is their fulcrum. The ball will be in his hands every single possession. He will find open teammates and it will be incumbent on them to hit some shots.