The 2021 NBA Playoffs are definitely coming into shape. Here were five intriguing basketball headlines from the Memorial Day weekend in the United States.
5) Utah Jazz playing with heavy hearts. It was a tough weekend for the Jazz organization as it was announced that their former star player Mark Eaton died in a bicycle crash on Friday at age 64 according to Andy Larsen and Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune. Eaton was a giant on the court as he was 7’4”, 275 pounds. He played for the Jazz from 1982 to 1993, and was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1989. The 2021 Jazz currently lead the Memphis Grizzlies two games to one. In the last two games, the Jazz have scored 262 points, and Donovan Mitchell has scored 54 points.
4) Jayson Tatum scores 50. The Boston Celtics got a monster game from Jayson Tatum on Friday as he scored 50 points in a 125-119 win over the Brooklyn Nets in game three of the series. However, the Nets are in complete control of the series as they lead three games to one. In the regular season, Tatum reached the 50-point plateau twice, including a 60-point night on April 30 against the San Antonio Spurs.
3) Charles Barkley gives high praise to James Harden. In a comment of high praise, Charles Barkley said on TNT that James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets was “the best one-on-one player ever.” Yikes, Charles! One must remember that Harden, like Barkley, has not won a single NBA Finals in his career. In game four on Sunday, a 141-126 Nets win, Harden had a double-double though with 23 points and 18 assists.
2) Suns/Lakers series takes a turn. Just as soon as we thought the Los Angeles Lakers were in control in their series with the Phoenix Suns, the series has shifted momentum towards Phoenix. That is because Anthony Davis injured his groin in a 100-92 Phoenix win in game four, and is unlikely to play game five. Their series is deadlocked at two games apiece.
1)Bucks sweep the Heat. Milwaukee is the first team off to round two after a series sweep over the Miami Heat. On Saturday, the Bucks took care of Miami 120-103 in game four of the series. In the series-clinching game, Brook Lopez led Milwaukee in scoring with 25 points. Milwaukee will play the Celtics/Nets winner in the second round.
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