HoopCityNews.com : UPDATE….. Great Win by Denver…But the Eastern Conf. Playoffs Even Tighter

Denver finally played without Fear and showed what they are capable of. I said going into the finals that the Nuggets cannot afford to have stars in their eyes and allow the Lakers to intimidate them, which, I think, happened in the first two games. When you consider that Nikola Jokic , Lamar Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and  Jerami Grant were all in high school when Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Rajon Rondo were starting their careers, the Nuggets players idolized the Laker Veterans and when they finally met them in these playoffs, they had stars in their eyes and did not play like they did against the Clippers. Particularly Micheal Porter Jr. He came up particularly small in the first two games. Now that Nuggets have gotten over that star gazing, I believe we are in for an epic series. The Key players Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr. finally played relaxed and were very productive. Jerami Grant came from practically nowhere to be a Huge impact in their win last night. Let’s see if they can keep it going. Their  defense was superb even in the tight 2nd game they lost. This 4th game should tell us a lot regarding who will be the eventual winner. Keep an eye out for Playoff Rondo. He has been exceptional even making threes.

As for the Eastern Conference Finals, these teams are very evenly matched. Great young players and a super stud on each team (Tatum and Butler) The coaches are two of the best young coaches in the league in Eric Spoelstra and Brad Stevens. The tipping point one way or the other is whether Jimmy Butler decides to be aggressive from the tip (not just the 4th quarter) and…if Gordan Hayward’s return will make a big difference. It certainly did in the last game. So a lot of excitement and anticipation in both series. Fasten your seat belts for a fun ride whoever you are rooting for.