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Now that the 2019 Orange Roundball League Playoffs have officially arrived, first round intrigue has provided a slew of NBA entertainment. Since the opening tip on April 13th, Game 1 and Game 2 upsets have been reverberating throughout the league. However, one upset stands alone.
Before I give you the goodies, let me take a timeout in order to bid farewell to two NBA legends. Sadly, Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki are hanging up their sneaks for good. Both the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks’ franchises will never be the same without these future Hall of Famers. No more ear to ear smiles and sweet jumpers from Dirk, and no more dunktastic, all-out effort plays from D-Wade. As it’s put in an old Converse commercial featuring Mr. Wade. “Fall seven times. Stand up eight.”
It’s safe for me to say that both D-Wade and Dirk are one with the orange. In their career finales, these studs dropped exactly 30 points apiece. Wow. Here’s to enjoyable and successful retirements, Dwyane and Dirk. Thank you for brightening the league on and off the court.
Back to the orange action at hand, a No. 8-seed just downed a No. 1-seed on Monday night in the largest playoff comeback in NBA history. A 31-point comeback out West at Oracle Arena in Oakland. For real? Well, yes. After imposing their talent and will in Game 1, the defending back-to-back NBA Champion Golden State Warriors’ fell completely apart in the second half of Game 2 against the Los Angeles Clippers. With their epic 135-131 Game 2 victory knotting the first round series at 1-1, the Clips get Games 3 & 4 on their floor at Staples Center in Tinseltown.
Could there be worse news for the Warriors? Yes. Center DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins suffered a season-ending left quadriceps injury while chasing down a loose ball in the first quarter of Golden State’s Game 2 implosion. An MRI on Tuesday morning revealed what was feared. The worst possible diagnosis. A torn left quad. So, if the Warriors are able to three-peat, they’ll have to do it without the services of their perennial All-Star big man.
Here’s to a speedy and full recovery, Boogie.
There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Warriors can still defend their crown, but Monday night’s loss of Boogie and subsequent loss to the Clippers will force them to dig deep within their championship pedigree.
It will be critical for shooting guard, Klay “Mayday” Thompson, to be on his game throughout the 2019 playoffs. Off nights from the simply sensational sniper could ultimately lead Golden State to their doom.
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Randy thanks for your great article with insight to what has happened and what you expect to happen in the playoffs as well as your tribute to two greats Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki.