Finally, the NBA playoffs began this week.
DeMar DeRozan and his Chicago Bulls started on the road in the first round challenging the Milwaukee Bucks. Though the Bulls lost the first game, they kept it close with high-quality defense against the defending champions.
De’Anthony Melton and the Memphis Grizzlies adjusted quickly after losing the first home game to the Minnesota Timberwolves, tying the series with a 28-point win in Game 2.
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (Did not make the playoffs)
Losing two straight Play-In games is obviously a tough way for the Cleveland Cavaliers to end their phenomenal 2021-22 season. But it is what it is.
Rookie Evan Mobley showcased his excellence on both ends of the court throughout the season and convinced everyone that he is a future franchise core player for the Cavaliers.
In the final edition of the Kia Rookie Ladder, Mobley still took first place on the list. He was named one of three finalists for NBA Rookie of the Year, along with the Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes and the Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham.
The former Trojan’s 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, 50.8% field goal shooting and 21 double-doubles are all first in his class, which makes a compelling case for him to win the award.
At the end of the day, the future of Mobley and the Cavaliers is bright.
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls (MIL 1:0 CHI)
The Chicago Bulls lost their first playoff game, 86-93, to the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
It was a rough offensive night for both teams — the Bulls and the Bucks shot 32.3% and 40.5% from the field and 18.9% and 26.3% from behind the arc, respectively.
As both teams struggled to score, the playoff opener turned out to be a defensive battle. With Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton and Wesley Matthews, the Bucks’ perimeter defense is considered to be one of the best in the NBA, and in this game, they proved why.
DeRozan was held to 18 points on 24% shooting, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals in the game. The Bulls’ backcourt duo of DeRozan and Zach LaVine shot a combined 12-of-44 from the field and 2-of-12 from the 3-point line.
DeRozan had a great regular season, finishing fourth in points in pull-up shooting per game and first in mid-range shots made. However, 35-year-old Matthews made DeRozan’s game very difficult.
At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Matthews has excellent strength and vast experience to deal with DeRozan. Matthews understood that the key to defending DeRozan is to catch up with his steps, contest his lower body on the ground and avoid unnecessary fouls.
There’s no doubt that someone like DeRozan is unlikely to be locked down by a single defender. That’s why the Bucks deserve credit for their team defense.
Center Brook Lopez and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo were always one step ahead in DeRozan’s pick-and-roll offense, slowing down his pace and forcing him to pass the ball or take bad shots.
On the defensive side, the Bulls heavily relied on Alex Caruso as Lonzo Ball continues to recover from a knee injury. Though Caruso was doing it all for the Bulls in Game 1, it was not enough to win them the game.
Playing against the Bucks, there’s not that much room for the Bulls to make mistakes. DeRozan will need to play more efficiently if the Bulls want to take down the Bucks in the second game.
Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls (MIL 1:0 CHI)
If anyone asked about the keys to defeating the Bucks before the series, the answer would have clearly been big games from center Nikola Vučević. And that is what he did in the first game, even though the Bulls lost.
Vučević displayed a strong presence on both ends of the court, posting 24 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks.
Though Vučević didn’t shoot well in this game, especially from the 3-point line (2-for-10), he played an important role as the only spacing center for the team. Vučević posted up in the paint, forcing fouls from the Bucks’ essential players like Antetokounmpo, and he also contributed some great passes when he faced a double-team from the defense.
On the defensive end, Vučević was targeted in the Bucks’ pick-and-roll offense due to his slow foot speed, but he fought hard and used his experience to keep his position and protect the rebounds.
Again, to win the next game, the Bulls not only need to stay consistent defensively but also need efficient offensive performances from their big three: DeRozan, LaVine and Vučević.
De’Anthony Melton, Memphis Grizzlies (MEM 1:1 MIN)
The Memphis Grizzlies unexpectedly lost their first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday after falling behind by double digits in the first quarter to a more well-prepared Timberwolves team. The Grizzlies fought back and forth but ultimately lost by 13 points to the Timberwolves.
Guard De’Anthony Melton played only 14 minutes in the first game, posting two points, one rebound, one assist and one steal. Melton and his team reacted slowly to the Timberwolves’ attacks the entire game.
However, the second-best regular season team bounced back rapidly in the second game, protecting their home court with a convincing 124-96 win over the Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
Melton scored seven points, two rebounds and three assists in 18 minutes. And the Grizzlies, which focus on transition offense after rebounding or forcing turnovers, seemed more like themselves in the second game.