The first round of NBA playoffs has been anything but dull this year. Usually, one or two series are competitive while the rest are early exits. However, in 2023 the majority of the matchups have been interesting to watch. Only three series out of eight have been lopsided victories for higher-seeded teams. This year, most series have ranged from close and ugly to one of the most entertaining first-round series ever.
After reaching the halfway point of the first round, it’s time to rank all eight series we’ve seen so far. The Warriors-Kings and Lakers-Grizzlies are the most anticipated series till date, with most viewers considering this Warriors-Kings match a classic series. From suspensions to cowbells, Chris Webber flashbacks to Jerry West Clutch Player of the Year going toe-to-toe with Splash Brothers, the series has everything a viewer desires. One of the four games got decided on the final possession, and a third game was a one-point game with three remaining minutes.
The Lakers-Grizzlies match-up contains two young teams with much to prove. Although the Lakers are favorites, the Grizzlies’ defense and hustle are unstoppable. The Grizzlies marked their space here by forcing a play-in game against the Warriors. Memphis Grizzlies have a hard-to-defeat attitude, and they do not back down from big challenges. They are the better offensive team in this series, but the Lakers’ defense has shown that it can handle the Grizzlies so far.
All in all, the NBA playoffs of 2023 are shaping up to be exciting, and all eight series have provided entertainment to the viewers. The playoffs have fewer mismatches, overpowering player drama, and suspenseful moments even without star players. Hopefully, this is just a foreshadowing of what’s in store for the upcoming rounds.
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