Boston celtics – Third Down With Devin

The NBA Playoffs are reaching a crucial point as we are a few games into round two. So far, round two has had a historically unprecedented start as every underdog currently leads or is tied in their series, giving them a major advantage as home-court switches. With all the attention on the Pacers and the Knicks, it is time to put some respect on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Currently tied 1-1 in their series against the Golden State Warriors, the Timberwolves are in a prime position to go on an NBA Finals run. With Steph Curry out likely until game six, the Timberwolves should have no problem making it to the Western Conference Finals. Then, they would face either the Thunder or the Nuggets, both teams that would be heavily favored against the Timberwolves. Despite what most believe, I think it is important to look closely at the Timberwolves’ roster in comparison to their opposition in the West because I believe they would be a bad matchup for any other team.

Starting with Anthony Edwards, a player who many argue looks like the next coming of Michael Jordan. When watching Anthony Edwards, it is clear that he has the full offensive package, being the most explosive and versatile offensive player in the league. Most people, however, don’t realize that he is an elite perimeter defender who can give the opposing team’s best player a rough night. Moving deeper into their starting lineup, the Timberwolves have Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle at the forward positions. Combined, these two players bring a solid balance of defense and offense, but most importantly, they complement Anthony Edwards’ game very nicely. Those three players alone give the opposing team a lot to deal with, but the true X-Factor is the center from France, Rudy Gobert. Being a four-time defensive player of the year, Gobert makes it almost impossible for opposing players to score in the paint. This will come in clutch when facing either Shai Gilegious Alexander or Nikola Jokic, two elite players who rely on their interior scoring ability. Additionally, since he is seven feet tall, Gobert poses a serious offensive threat when the opposing defense is putting all its efforts into slowing down Anthony Edwards. This was proven a few nights ago when Gobert had a 27-point–24 rebound game.

Although the Timberwolves are a six-seed and historically bad in the playoffs, this team has the potential to win the title this year. Anthony Edwards beat Kevin Durant in last years playoffs, LeBron and Luka in round one this year, and is well on his way in beating Steph Curry. By the time the season is over, the torch will be passed as Anthony Edwards will have his first ring and will be on his way to being the next NBA legend.

The Boston Celtics have lived up to their expectations as the best team in the NBA, taking a commanding 2-0 lead against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. While many have downplayed their success because of their weak opponents due to injuries, the Celtics roster has shown its perfection. Each starter can score, defend, and make the right play when asked to, along with this the team also has the most elite bench in the NBA.

A recent debate has come up surrounding the Celtics’ superstars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Despite Jayson Tatum historically being the best player on this team, Jaylen Brown was awarded the conference finals MVP trophy. The intense debate has led to the Dallas Mavericks head coach, Jason Kidd, giving his own opinion, stating that he believes Jaylen Brown is the best player in the Celtics. Both the opposition and the media are attempting to cause division in the Celtics locker room. For the Celtics to complete this NBA Finals run with a win, both Tatum and Brown need to ignore the outside noise. It is clear that Jayson Tatum is not playing to his usual standards, but this should not matter to the Celtics as they are still winning.

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant won three straight titles, with the finals MVP in each series going to Shaq, yet nobody discredits Kobe. The ongoing slander that Jayson Tatum has been receiving will all be meaningless if the Celtics finish the job and win the NBA Finals.