Monday: Let's talk a little NBA playoffs

Happy Monday!

It was another great weekend in sports with the conclusion of The Masters Sunday.

It’s amazing how completely average looking men can capture a nation the way Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth did this weekend.

However, I’m going to talk about the NBA playoffs today.

Why? Because I’m pumped for them.

It’s starting to come down to the wire for most teams, and the quality of games is vastly improving.

Indiana made things interesting in the East with a win against Oklahoma City Sunday. The only spot in question in the Eastern playoffs right now is the top spot, which the Pacers lead by a half of game over the Heat with two to play. Indiana's magic number is one now. 

The West is a different story. Seven teams have already clinched a berth, but Memphis and Phoenix are still fighting for the right to play the Spurs in the opening round, making things very interesting. 

If the end of the regular season is any indication, these playoffs are going to be incredible. I mean, look at the Warriors-Trailblazers game last night. This game had absolutely no importance to the playoff picture at all, yet both teams played like it was the Western Conference Finals.

Speaking of he West, it's is going to be a free-for-all. I like Oklahoma City to come out of it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone seeded 1-6 could end up making a run. That’s how good this conference is this year. Anybody can win it. 

The East, well, that always comes down to Miami and Indiana, right?

Both teams seem to bring drama whenever they play each other, and I can’t wait for another epic, seven-game series in this year’s playoffs.

That’s not the only thing I’m excited about though.

I’m really intrigued to see how the newer teams play. 

Teams like Washington, Charlotte and Toronto. Teams that aren’t in the playoffs that often. They aren’t going to beat Miami or Indiana, but there is some entertaining young talent here—aka John Wall and Kemba Walker—that makes them fun to watch.

And, finally, I’m absolutely stoked for an NBA Finals showdown between LeBron James and Kevin Durant. I just want James to make a shot on one end, only to have Durant make an even better shot on the other. For the entire game.

There’s still a long way to go before this can happen, but it’ll be great when it does, won’t it?

Hot Reads

-Bubba Watson takes home the Green Jacket as only Rick Reilly can tell.

-Peter King talks NFL draft in this week's edition of Monday Morning Quarterback. 

-A story about a small liberal arts college's basketball team putting together a streak for the ages. 

Thanks for reading and enjoy the start to your week.

Reach me at: award6344@gmail.com

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @_andrewward