What is to be expected from the 2022 NBA postseason? The answer is great performances from former USC Trojans.
Will Evan Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers secure a playoff spot after losing to the Brooklyn Nets? How will DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vučević and the Chicago Bulls deal with the reigning champions in the first round? Will De’Anthony Melton and Onyeka Okongwu show up in clutch moments?
Stay tuned for the playoffs.
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (regular season record: 44-38)
The Cleveland Cavaliers battled back and forth in a 115-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday. The Cavaliers will face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, and the winner of that matchup will punch their ticket to the playoffs.
The Cavaliers struggled defensively without their All-Star center Jarrett Allen, allowing 40 points in the first quarter against the Nets. On the offensive end, the Cavaliers couldn’t find a rhythm in the first 24 minutes of the game and were down 11 points at halftime.
In the second half, the Cavaliers’ young players — guard Darius Garland, center Evan Mobley and forward Lauri Markkanen — stepped up and helped the team keep the game close. Garland scored 24 of his 34 points in the second half, including two difficult 3-pointers. Mobley and Markkanen also contributed 22 combined points in that same time span, making multiple baskets in the post.
However, when two of the best offensive players in the NBA, guard Kyrie Irving and forward Kevin Durant, continued to make shots under double-team defense in the clutch, the Nets couldn’t be stopped.
Though the Cavaliers were down by as many as 22 points in the Play-In game, this young team showcased their resilience through continuous hustle plays.
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls (regular season record: 46-36)
Though the Chicago Bulls led the Eastern Conference for almost half of the season, they finished the regular season in sixth place due to injuries.
Guard DeMar DeRozan has had one of the best seasons of his career. Individually, DeRozan had a career-high 27.9 points per game. He also made multiple buzzer-beater shots this season, which brought him to the forefront of the MVP conversation at one point.
Led by DeRozan and guard Zach LaVine, the Bulls returned to the playoffs this season. The 32-year-old veteran has had a great impact not only on the court with his leadership and versatility but also off the court with his life experience and attitude.
The Bulls will face the reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. It will be a difficult matchup for the Bulls because they don’t have an appropriate individual defender for the Bucks’ best player, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In Chicago’s latest game against the Bucks on April 5, Bulls’ head coach Billy Donovan used center Tristan Thompson to defend Antetokounmpo, but that decision led to a big loss for the Bulls. With the higher intensity in the upcoming playoffs, the Bulls should do a better job in transition defense, not allowing the Bucks to push the pace.
Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls (regular season record: 46-36)
The other former Trojan on the Bulls is Nikola Vučević, who has adjusted his game for the new roster this season. Heading into the postseason, as the only reliable offensive support for the Bulls, Vučević's role is imperative.
Playing against the Bucks, Vučević is going to accept challenges from center Brook Lopez, forward Bobby Portis and even Antetokounmpo on both ends. Vučević's shooting ability will make a big difference because it can create space inside for DeRozan and LaVine.
More importantly, on the other end, Vučević is going to defend Antetokounmpo when Thompson is in foul trouble, which is very likely to happen based on their previous games.
If the Bulls want to take down the Bucks in a seven-game series, Vučević's performance will be the key.
De’Anthony Melton, Memphis Grizzlies (regular season record: 56-26)
The Memphis Grizzlies have tied their best record in team history at 56-26. The last time the Grizzlies finished with the same record in 2013, they made a run to the Western Conference Finals. The feat is even more impressive this season given that this team is the second youngest in the NBA.
Guard De’Anthony Melton has contributed solid minutes on the court for the Grizzlies this season, averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals in only 22.7 minutes per game.
Melton has a clear understanding of his sixth-man role, displaying his energy and skills steadily. Transition offense and 3-pointers were Melton’s most efficient weapons in the regular season.
Coming into the playoffs, the inexperienced Grizzlies have been questioned about their playstyle under higher physicality. Many believe that with slower pace and more physical contact in the postseason, the Grizzlies will struggle.
However, the depth and energy of the Grizzlies will be a huge problem for any team. The Minnesota Timberwolves will be the first team to deal with Memphis in the first round beginning Saturday.
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks (regular season record: 43-39)
It’s really hard to imagine the young and promising Atlanta Hawks, one of last season’s Eastern Conference Finals teams, ending the season at ninth place in the East. The Hawks had a lot of issues during the regular season, including injuries and trade rumors.
Onyeka Okongwu has become the first choice for the Hawks in their bench center position since his return from injury. Okongwu showed improvement on both ends, finishing more efficiently in the post and displaying a better defensive position judgment.
The Hawks dominated the first Play-In game against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, maintaining full control of the game and winning by 29 points. However, Okongwu got into foul trouble early and ended up playing only 17 minutes.
There’s no doubt that playing along with a great point guard in Trae Young, Okongwu can get many open shots as long as he understands the offense. However, Okongwu still needs to add more skills and experience to his game if he wants a larger role than playing off the bench.
The Hawks will face the Cavaliers Friday.