NBA Western Conference Playoff Roundup: First Game Analysis and Surprises
After the first weekend of NBA Western Conference playoff action, here's a comprehensive analysis of each series:
Grizzlies vs Jazz
- #8 Grizzlies shocked Utah with a Game 1 victory on the road
- Strong team defense with no weak links
- Former Jazz guard Grayson Allen contributed well off the bench
- Jazz missing Donovan Mitchell but shouldn't panic yet
- Must-win Game 2 for Utah
Mavericks vs Clippers
- Dallas takes 1-0 series lead, rematch of 2020 first round
- Luka Doncic continues dominant play
- Healthy Kristaps Porzingis makes Mavs more dangerous
- Critical Game 2 for Clippers to avoid 0-2 deficit
- Clippers facing pressure after last year's playoff collapse
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets
- Coach Stotts likely needs series win to keep job
- Portland's defense contained Jokic's playmaking
- Blazers have talent to compete but need better late-game execution
- Nuggets trying to build on last year's Western Conference Finals run
- First-round exit would be major setback for Denver
Suns vs Lakers
- Phoenix wins Game 1 despite Chris Paul's shoulder injury
- Paul struggled to shoot after second quarter injury
- First Suns playoff appearance since 2010
- Defending champion Lakers face early series deficit
- Expected to be long series but Lakers showing vulnerability
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