In this episode we'll recap how the first round went (amazing matchups and some big surprises) and the officially locked in second round of the 2021 Playoffs! At time of recording, the Eastern semis matchups each played game 1, so we cheated a little and had a sneak peek. We will recap those games as well.
The overarching theme: The young kids of the new generation showed up under the brightest lights.
- Trae Young had a game winner at MSG and averaged 30 and 10 against one of the best defensive teams in the Knicks to knock them out in 5
- Devin Booker had multiple 30 point games, and even had 25+ in the first quarter of a closeout game 6 (finished with 47) to knock off injured defending champ LA Lakers in 6.
- Jayson Tatum had multiple 30 pointers, and had a 50 pointer in the play-in and another 50 pointer against Nets big 3 to steal one, before ultimately succumbing to the talent of the Nets in 5.
- Luka Doncic was a BEAST! Averaged 36, 10 apg, and 8rpg in the 7 game series, torching the Clippers with multiple 40 point triple doubles before finally running out of gas in 2nd half of game 7, ultimately losing to the Clips even after stealing 3 road games.
- Ja Morant had 47 in a playoff game, even stole one from the Jazz in Utah while Donovan Mitchell was still out.
Big Shockers:
- Knicks going cold (looking at you Julius Randle) and losing in 5 to Atlanta when many thought it would go to 7.
- Heat getting swept 1 year after beating the Bucks and when game 1 went into OT and was very close (Middleton game winner). They got crushed in the games after.
- Lebron looking tentative, tired, and unwilling to impose will after AD goes out with groin injury midway through game 4 (Lakers lost last 3 games of the series after that).
Now, the second round. And we got some AMAZING matchups!
- West
- (1) Jazz vs. (4) Clips
- X factor alert: Will Rudy Gobert establish a low post presence so that the Clips don't go small with Morris at the 5? Porzingis wasn't able to do this.
- (2) Suns vs. (3) Nuggets
- Simsinator thinks this is the most intriguing second round series
- East
- (1) 76ers vs. (5) Hawks
- Storyline: Embiid partially tore meniscus in game 4 of Wizards series, and came back in game 1 against Hawks (a loss at home). How limited will he be if at all (he looked good) and does that give the red hot Hawks a chance at this series?
- (2) Nets vs. (3) Bucks
- Storyline: James Harden pulls hamstring 43 seconds into game 1 and is out for game 2. Can the Nets win without him? Will Harden come back?
We also take a look at the tournament challenge for who will win a FREE In N Out Sports Podcast "Sims' Stats" or "Dub's Diaries" shirt and see how many brackets got busted for having Lakers make it to the finals.
Let us know your thoughts at innoutpodcast1@gmail.com or on Instagram @in_n_outpodcast and catch y'all next week!