It’s typically stated by NBA gamers and coaches that the playoffs really feel like a distinct sport in comparison with the common season.
The video games are slower, extra bodily, and referees are likely to let gamers play on relatively than blow their whistles. As groups face one another repeatedly, tensions rise—and this yr, almost each first-round sequence has seen some type of battle, from on-court clashes to off-court arguments.
Listed here are among the most talked-about moments thus far:
Bucks vs. Pacers
Indiana defeated Milwaukee 4-1, coming from behind in Sport 5. Nevertheless, the spotlight wasn’t the win—it was a post-game altercation between Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton’s father.
Antetokounmpo additionally had phrases with an Indiana participant after the match. The stress has been brewing since final season and started this yr with a confrontation between Haliburton and Bucks guard Damian Lillard, who didn’t even play in Sport 1.
Haliburton has since apologised for his father’s actions. The Pacers additionally wished Lillard properly after he tore his Achilles in Sport 4.
Rockets vs. Warriors
No surprises right here—Warriors’ Draymond Inexperienced and Rockets’ Dillon Brooks added additional fireplace to the sequence. Sport 4 noticed technical fouls on each gamers and a flagrant foul by Inexperienced.
Warriors ahead Jimmy Butler III made his views clear after the sport, saying, “I don’t like Dillon Brooks. We’re by no means having enjoyable. We’re fierce rivals, and it’s all the time critical.”
Nuggets vs. Clippers
Rigidity began in Sport 1 when Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy held onto the ball to decelerate Nikola Jokic.
By Sport 3, issues escalated with a tough foul from Denver’s Christian Braun, resulting in pushing and 6 technical fouls being handed out.
Knicks vs. Pistons
Two bodily Japanese Convention groups, the Knicks and Pistons, didn’t disappoint. In Sport 3, three technical fouls got after a shoving match.
Referees have missed a number of clear fouls because the sequence continues with exhausting, aggressive play.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers
This has been one of many calmer sequence, but it surely nonetheless had its second. Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert elbowed LeBron James behind the pinnacle after a tough box-out.
Celtics vs. Magic
Boston gained the sequence 4-1, however not with out damage issues. In Sport 1, Jayson Tatum injured his wrist from a foul by Orlando’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and missed the following sport.
In Sport 2, Kristaps Porzingis suffered a lower to the face from an elbow, and in Sport 3, Cole Anthony dislocated Jaylen Brown’s finger with a flagrant foul.
Warmth vs. Cavaliers
For followers hoping for much less aggression, the Warmth and Cavaliers provided a calmer matchup.
After Sport 2, Darius Garland stated the Cavs had been concentrating on Tyler Herro. Herro fired again earlier than Sport 3, saying Garland wasn’t a lot of a defender himself.
There was no on-court showdown as Garland missed the ultimate two video games. Cleveland swept the sequence.
This yr’s NBA playoffs are proving as soon as once more that feelings run excessive when the stakes are even increased.