The NBA first round ended, and many teams are on the rise, many on the downfall. Unfortunately, the Bucks went down to the Pacers, with guard Damian Lillard and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo battling injuries.
In game one, the Bucks took over, beating the Pacers 109-94, with Lillard dropping 35 points, and Khris Middleton dropping 23. The defense was the key, as they held the Pacers to only 94 points.
In game 2, the Pacers won 125-108 because Pacers star Pascal Siakam dropped 36 points. Game 3 was close, and in the 4th quarter the Bucks were down by 2 when Middleton hit a shot with 10 seconds left and it was a tie game to go into overtime.
“Khris Middleton is probably the most clutch player on the team. He always hits big shots to keep us in games,” sophomore Charlie Sheridan said.
Unfortunately, the Bucks fell in OT, 121-118. Game 4 was a repeat with another Bucks loss, 126-113.
In game 5, the Bucks were without Lillard, but that did not stop them. They were led by Middleton and Bobby Portis, both who dropped 29 points, and they ended up winning. At this point, the Bucks had all of the momentum and were looking to force a game 7.
“At this point in the series, we had the momentum back. Winning without Damian Lillard and Giannis showed we could make a comeback in this series. I was confident that we could force a game 7, but of course, that did not happen. Next year we need to focus on staying healthy for the playoffs.” sophomore Thomas Hanlon said.
The Bucks fell to the Pacers in game 6, even Lillard returning.
Sophomore Jack Grunske has this to say about the Bucks. “I think the Bucks needed Giannis if they wanted a deep playoff run this year. He is super important defensively. I don’t think the Bucks performed well in the playoffs, I think what they need to do better next year is just stay healthy for the playoffs,” he said.
In one of the other Eastern Conference matchups the Boston Celtics took down the Heat, who won the East last year. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and former Buck Jrue Holiday lead them.
“Celtics are my pick to win the East. They have a good overall team and are led by superstar Jayson Tatum. Jrue Holiday also makes the team better on defense,” Sheridan said.
In the East games, the Knicks took down the 76ers in 6 games, and the Cavs took down the Magic in game 7.
In the West, one of the best teams in the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets, beat Lebron James and the Lakers 4-1. The Nuggets beat the Heat in the finals last year, and they are looking to win two championships in a row.
“I think the Nuggets will win their second championship in a row. Nikola Jokic is unstoppable, and you could see that in this series. “ junior Colin Granberg said
The Timberwolves swept the Suns 4-0 with their star player Anthony Edwards. In game 4, he scored 40 points, ending the series. Also in the West, the Mavericks took down the Clippers in 6 games, and the Thunder took down the Pelicans.
Grunske talked about the Finals. “It will probably be the Celtics and the Nuggets, but I am rooting for the Thunder to win the West,” he said.
