nba playoffs 2017
You Don't Need to Be Mad About Kevin Durant
Last off-season, Kevin Durant made a decision. On Monday night, he won a championship. Let's not overthink this.
Toronto's Future Could Depend on How It Closes Out Series vs. Cleveland
If the Raptors show fight and avoid a sweep, perhaps the core will remain intact. If not, well, it could be time to go in another direction.
The Raptors Never Take the Easy Path
Their first-round series with Milwaukee was further proof, as the Raptors coughed up a 25-point Game 6 lead but managed to hold on. They get rewarded with Cleveland next.
Norm Powell Swung the Raptors-Bucks Series
Powell, an afterthought who was packaged in a 2015 draft-day deal with Milwaukee, has shifted a first-round playoff series for the second year in a row.
Giannis-Middleton Combo a Problem for Raptors, Who No-Showed Another Big Game
The Raptors were embarrassed in Game 3 and have failed to adjust to Milwaukee's aggressive style of defense, which could ultimately cost them the series.
Kyle Lowry Had the Redemption Game Toronto Needed
After a disastrous Game 1, Lowry came up big on Tuesday to even the Raptors' first-round series with Milwaukee.
Kyle Lowry and the Raptors Can't Waste More Time Adjusting to Milwaukee's Game Plan
The Raptors knew what the Bucks were bringing in Game 1 and still turned in an absolute dud.
The Raptors Have Never Been in a Better Position to Win the East
But the path won't be easy. They'll have to go through a tough opponent in Milwaukee before getting their conference finals rematch with Cleveland a round early, and without home-court advantage.
Which NBA Playoff Teams Have Another Gear, and Which Are Stuck in Neutral?
Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Toronto Raptors have clear avenues to reaching another level in the 2017 playoffs. Not every team is so fortunate.
Jonas Valanciunas Will Have to Earn His Playoff Minutes
Valanciunas showed up last playoffs, but remains an inconsistent piece for Toronto. How big a role he stands to play is one of the biggest rotation questions facing Dwane Casey and his staff.
Washington's Offense Wouldn't Hum Without Marcin Gortat
John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter have gotten the lion's share of the praise for powering the Washington Wizard's offense this season, but starting center Marcin Gortat plays a key, if overlooked, role.
The Boston Celtics' Al Horford Conundrum
Starting center Al Horford is integral to the Boston Celtics' success this season, but he also exacerbates what is likely the team’s biggest issue heading into the 2017 NBA playoffs.