They say 7 is the number of perfection. As far as playoff series are concerned, we couldn’t agree more.

Today’s Lineup

Full-Court Coverage

Mitchell’s 39 powers Cleveland to 106-94 game seven W

In the first Game 7 in Cleveland since LeBron James left for LA, the Cavs took care of business like he never left. It was a classic winner-take-all duel with tough defense and legendary performances on both sides but in the end, the magic ran out for Orlando.

After falling behind 18 early, Cleveland stormed back with efficient shooting and lockdown defense. From halfway through the second quarter on, Orlando shot just 27% as the Cavs clamped up to complete the largest Game 7 comeback since 1997.

Cleveland was led by another huge night from Donovan Mitchell, who put the offense on his back after a slow start. Let‘s put it this way, Spidas’ 39 points in Game 7 and 50 in Game 6 were the second-most combined points over such a stretch in NBA playoff history.

For Orlando, the loss marks the end of a promising season. Paolo Banchero looked the part of a No. 1 pick, scoring 38 in Game 7 and averaging 27 throughout the series. With another year of development and more shooters surrounding him, the Magic could be scary next season.

And for Cleveland, their first playoff series win without LeBron since 1993 earns them a date with Boston. Despite the challenge, Cleveland isn’t backing down. As Spida put it: "We didn't make the group we made just to come in and win the first round.”

Ant-Man wreaks havoc in the Mile-High City to hand Minnesota 106-99 game 1 victory

It takes some serious swag to walk into the house of the defending champs and win G1 like you own the place, but that’s exactly what Minnesota did in their 106-99 dub over Denver.

Anthony Edwards continues to play like one of the best hoopers in the world, dropping a scorching 43 on 58% shooting. The Wolves also got 14 fourth-quarter points from newly-minted 6MOTY Naz Reid. Suddenly, it seems like the West might have a new favorite…

Postseason Performers

Arguably the best part of the playoffs is just how bright the stars shine. ⭐ Let’s look back on some of the first round’s most memorable individual performances.

Donovan Mitchell, Game 6 vs. Orlando - 50 points, 61% shooting

Though Spida was dominant in Game 7, we think his showing in Game 6 was even more impressive. Dropping 50 in the playoffs is no joke, let alone on 60%+ shooting, let alone against one of the league’s best defenses. But with a 28-PPG career playoff average, that’s just what D-Mitch does.

Tyrese Maxey, Game 5 vs. New York - 46 points, 9 AST

Pulling up from 35 feet with your season on the line is bold, to say the least, but bold is what Maxey does best. The league’s newest MIP showed off every ounce of his speed, shooting, and skill to help Philly stave off elimination, including dropping 7 points in the last 25 seconds.

Anthony Edwards, Game 4 vs. Phoenix - 40 points, 54% 3P

“Look at me. I’m the captain now.” That’s what we imagine Ant said to KD right before this game, when he swept in and essentially took the torch of his all-time idol. The second round has only brought us more proof that the Ant era has arrived, but this game was truly special.

Jamal Murray, Games 2 and 5 vs. LA - 52 combined points, 2 game-winners

You’d think a game-winning playoff buzzer-beater would be enough to satisfy Jamal Murray for at least a series, but you’d be dead wrong. The Nuggets’ lead guard cashed in another game-winner just one week later to put the Lakers away for good. ICE IN HIS VEINS 🧊

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, remember to be grateful for the little things in life. It’s amazing how far a little appreciation can go toward improving your outlook.

Talk soon.

-Walker Carnathan