It’s always a good idea to look ahead towards the future in life, just as long as you make sure you don’t miss out on the present. Case in point: with this season’s Finals matchup all but set, we’re still Enjoy-ing every moment the playoffs have to offer.

Today’s Lineup

Weekend Wrap-Up

Dallas out-duels Minnesota 116-107, takes commanding 3-0 lead in West Finals

Before this season’s playoffs, the Mavericks were regarded as contenders almost solely because of their backcourt’s star power. Little did we know they’d end up being more lethal than anyone could’ve imagined.

Dallas took down Minnesota in another thrilling WCF duel last night, defeating the Timberwolves in Game 3 behind a thunderous late push from their superstar duo. After going down 104-102 with five minutes to go, Dallas reeled off a 13-1 run to slam the door, with Luka and Kyrie scoring or assisting on every basket and each finishing with 33 PTS in the game. Their chemistry is palpable!

It’s a dire spot for the Wolves, who have lost all three games by a combined 13 points. Anthony Edwards (26 points) picked back up from his recent scoring slump, but the rest of the Wolves aren’t shooting well enough to keep up with the Mavs. With their season on the line, Minny will have to hope for a miracle—or that Luka and Kyrie start missing some shots, which is pretty much the same thing at this point.

Celtics overcome 18-point deficit to down Pacers 114-111, move within one win of Finals berth

Some things are inevitable in life: death, taxes, and the Boston Celtics being a darn good basketball team.

That much was clear on Saturday, when the C’s overcame another late deficit to claim a commanding 3-0 lead over Indiana. Though the Tyrese Haliburton-less Pacers put up a valiant effort—shoutout Andrew Nembhard (32 PTS, 9 AST)—it was Boston who got the last laugh led by a 36-point, zero-turnover gem from Jayson Tatum.

No team has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit in the playoffs, although the Celtics themselves famously came very close last year. With Hali’s status up in the air for Game 4, it’s going to take a lot for Indy to get back in this series.

Calling Game

In honor of some of this postseason’s magical clutch shots (we’re looking at you, Luka and JB), let’s take a look at some of the most iconic playoff game-winners in recent memory.

LeBron James, 2018 Second Round Game 3 vs. TOR

Many years from now when they tell the story of “LeBronto”, this shot will serve as a primary artifact. After opening a 2-0 series lead over the top-seeded Raptors, LeBron and the Cavs were knotted with Toronto as Game 3 drew to a close—that was, until LeBron caught the inbound and…

Damian Lillard, 2019 First Round Game 5 vs. OKC

Very few shots alter the trajectory of an entire franchise, but that’s exactly what happened with Dame D.O.L.L.A.’s famed 2019 bomb. During the offseason following this shot, OKC blew up their roster by trading PG and Russ for a bounty of picks and players that formed the budding roster we know today. But before any of that, there was this:

Luka Doncic, 2020 Second Round Game 4 vs. LAC

Don’t worry, Wolves fans. Luka has been doing this to teams for a while.

Though there were no fans there to witness it, you could argue this shot was Luka’s first big “I’m him” announcement to the league. Since then, he’s only continued to prove that statement’s truth.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This Memorial Day, try to do something that prioritizes relaxation. If you have the day off, make the most of it. If you have to work, make sure you still find time in the day to do something you love. Even a couple minutes of joy will change your day for the better! Talk soon.

-Walker Carnathan