The 2024 NBA playoffs first-round series are into their second week and we’ve already seen a dominating sweep.
The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Phoenix Suns in four games behind some big performances from All-Star guard Anthony Edwards. They now await the winner of the series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets. In that matchup, LeBron James and the Lakers are down three games to one against Nikola Jokic and the defending NBA Finals champion Nuggets. Meanwhile, the West’s top seed Oklahoma City Thunder are in control in their series (3-0) against the Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans, while the LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are locked at two games apiece.
In the East, the overall seed Boston Celtics are up 2-1 on the Miami Heat, who are playing without Jimmy Butler. The New York Knicks are on the verge of knocking out reigning MVP Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers (3-1) in a contentious series, while the Indiana Pacers are closing in on a depleted Milwaukee Bucks side (3-1) without Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But things remain tight between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic, who are tied 2-2.
Our NBA insiders break down what’s caught their eye and what to look for as postseason presses forward.
What’s been a surprise from the first round so far?
Kendra Andrews: How dominant the Timberwolves were over the Suns, considering Kevin Durant and Co. didn’t lose to the Wolves in the regular season. The Wolves’ first three wins in the series were by double digits, and they outscored the Suns by 51 points in the series when Phoenix’s star trio of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Durant were on the floor. The last time the Suns were swept in a best-of-7 series was in 1989 West Finals, the last season before the Timberwolves franchise came into existence.
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