As I mentioned in my list for notable regular season moments, I originally intended to make a list for playoffs
moments once the playoffs ends – that means after the Finals. But since a lot of fun stuff has been going
on the Finals, I think its notable moments deserve a list of their own. Hence, this “notable playoffs moments” list
just covers the first three rounds of the 2017 NBA playoffs.
10.) When John Wall Hit a Gutsy
Gamewinning 3-pointer, Forcing Game 7 in the East Semis
John Wall only shot 9-of-25 that
game, but he was able to nail the shot that mattered most. Down by two and facing elimination, Wall
received the ball for the Wizards’ last possession. With Avery Bradley – probably the Celtics’
best defender – on him, Wall hit a trey with 3.5 seconds remaining, which
turned out being the gamewinner.
The C’s would eventually win Game
7, but in this particular moment, Wall displayed impressive cool-under-pressure
confidence.
9.) LeBron James’ Laser Beam Pass From
the Mid-Court Logo
Imagine your preferred “sci-fi laser
beam” sound effect with this GIF to optimize the awesomeness of this pass.
8.) When Tiny Mighty I.T.
Had a Monster Game
Shortly before the start of the
playoffs, Isaiah Thomas’ younger sister died tragically. Game 2 of the second round series between the
Celtics and the Wizards fell on the day that would have been her 23rd
birthday, the 5’9 Thomas chose to honor her by scoring 53 and leading his team to
a 129-119 OT victory. Along the way, he had
an epic point guard duel with John Wall (who also had a phenomenal game), and
embarrassed the Wizards’ bigs when they switched on him. Afterwards, the legendary Kobe Bryant – Thomas’ idol – would praise his performance in
Twitter, mentioning that he’s “now and forever will be known as the ‘Mighty
IT.’”
7.) When the IT-Less Celtics Beat
the Cavs on Their Own Home Floor
During the Eastern Conference
Finals, the Cavaliers demolished the first-seed Celtics in the first two
games. In addition, Isaiah Thomas went
down with an injury that would keep him off of the rest of the playoffs. Thus, with the series going to Quickens Loans
Arena, everybody was expecting the C’s to be swept. And in Game 3, it seemed to be looking that
way, as the Cavs even lead by 21 at one point.
But the C’s grinded and persisted, clawed back into the game, and capped
a comeback win with a 3-pointer-that-luckily-bounced-home gamewinner from Avery
Bradley.
6.) When Kawhi Leonard Reminded
Everyone That He’s the Best Two-Way Player in the NBA
He shadowed Harden, chased off
Ariza from the 3-point line, blocked Capela, drove the ball to the other end, and
scored. Kawhi is awesome.
5.) When John Wall Made This Spectacular
Wrap-Pass to Marcin Gortat
Here’s another moment from the
Wizards-Celtics series: in Game 4, he did this masterpiece…
4.) When Manu Ginobili Turned Back the Clock
Manu Ginobili is my most favorite Spur of all time. At his prime, conjuring magical performances on the court were a regular thing for him. But, now, at 39 years old, his main impact to the team is his veteran wisdom and his intimate familiarity with the Spurs system rather than solid productions off the floor. So if Manu has a vintage game, I will take notice. Game 5 of the West Semis is one of such. At one point, he even brought down a thunderous dunk...
He finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. But what the boxscore didn’t reflect is how he kept the Spurs offensive machine running smoothly, whether by directing or distributing or scoring, especially when Kawhi was off the court (injury).
But his biggest play was during the closing seconds of overtime. The Rockets had possession, and the chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer. As expected, the ball found itself in James
Harden’s hands. But Old Man Manu played tight D on him. And just when Harden got the separation, Manu found the perfect angle to swat his 3-point attempt from
behind as the final buzzer sounded.
Classic!
3.) This Sleeper Warriors Fan Within
Cavs Nation
It’s a common thing for camera
crews to focus on enthusiastic home team fans. But when this happened during Game 4 of the
ECF, the Jumbotron showed a remarkable Cavs fan:
Plot twist: he was a Warriors fan
all along! It was already hilarious, but
the horrified expression of the woman with him, which I presume is the mother,
made it more so.
2.) When Stephen Curry Made Rudy
Gobert Dance
Savage shake and bake.
1.) James Harden’s Epic Meltdown in
Game 6 of the West Semis
In a must-win Game 6 for the
Rockets, James Harden had another meltdown.
To everyone’s bafflement, he only took 11 shots – missing 9 of them and
finishing with a mere 10 points. Heck,
in the first half, he had more turnovers (five) than shot attempts (two)! Throughout the game, his body language looked
like someone who is either having a passive-aggressive tantrum or a heavy,
non-basketball-related life crisis. His
performance was so shockingly terrible and detached that people were saying things like it
looked like the Mafia got on him to throw away the game or he was drugged. Personally, I think he was still shell-shocked
by Manu blocking his shot in Game 5 (see number 4; to be fair, he might be
already demoralized prior that, since he was already a no-show during Game 5’s
crunch time – four turnovers with no points in the last 3:12 of that game). It was pretty bizarre and perplexing. But also comical.
And according to some people, this
is the guy that’s supposed to be more deserving of the MVP award than Russell Westbrook. Ha.
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