The NBA playoffs are one of the most enchanting spectacles in all of the sports world. The sheer amount of basketball talent that goes into making a run in the playoffs can only be understood as impressive. One of the most engaging aspects of the NBA playoffs is the storylines it builds, even from day one the headlines can shock and awe.
Joel Embiid Aggrivates Injury After Monster Highlight
Joel Embiid has impressed in his NBA playoff career, after nearly heading to the Finals before a game 7 buzzer-beater defeat in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, Embiid has had to deal with numerous injuries in his pursuit back to the biggest moments.
In the 2023-24 regular season Joel Embiid started strong with a case for MVP, on pace to lead the league in scoring. This came to a halt after Embiid was forced to undergo a procedure for a left meniscus injury. After a slight integration before the playoffs, many people questioned if he could stay healthy for a full series much less a full NBA playoff. In game one against the New York Knicks, those concerns were validated.
Joel Embiid re injures his knee after this ridiculous self alley oop off of the backboard. 😱😢 pic.twitter.com/T2aTC77ZQb
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) April 20, 2024
Embiid managed to return to the game after halftime yet the Philidelphia 76ers were unable to pull together a win despite Embiids serviceable performance. The biggest concern is that this was Joel Embiids first dunk since his surgery, will he be able to make his playtime worth the injury risk or will the 76ers shut him down for the playoffs?
Anthony Edwards Catches Fire vs Phoenix Suns
Anthony Edwards is a young star primed to become the face of the NBA. After two first-round exits in his first NBA playoff appearances, Edwards and his Minnesota Timberwolves look to put together a legit series’ to stay together as a core. In game one against the Phoenix Suns, Anthony Edwards put on a display.
Anthony Edwards pulls a deep three and stares at beal HE SO COLD pic.twitter.com/mwOSYfUTbb
— Bones🦴 (@Boness305) April 20, 2024
In his first playoff game of the 2024 playoffs, Anthony Edwards put up 33 points 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, potentially setting the stage for a deep playoff run for the 3-seed Minnesota Timberwolves
Denver Nuggets Win Ninth Consecutive Game Vs Los Angeles Lakers
The reigning champion Denver Nuggets drew a familiar opponent in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Denver Nuggets swept the Lakers in their matchup in the 2023 NBA Western Conference Finals, and after an impressive game one, they may be looking to do it again.
After the sweep in 2023, a 4-0 record through the 2023-24 season, and a win in the first game of the 2024 playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have won nine straight games against the LeBron James led Los Angeles Lakers. It appears clear that the Denver Nuggets have the game plan and player personnel to beat the Los Angeles Lakers consistently, it will be interesting to see how the Lakers respond to this going forward.
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