On Sunday, May 15, 2022, two games were played which were both Game 7s. The first one was broadcasted on ABC and that was the Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics game. The second game was broadcasted on TNT and that was the Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns game.

Bucks at Boston Game

The starters for the Milwaukee Bucks were PG Jrue Holiday, SG Grayson Allen, SF Wesley Matthews, PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, and C Brook Lopez. The starters for the Boston Celtics were PG Marcus Smart, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum, PF Grant Williams, and C Al Horford. The Milwaukee Bucks controlled the first quarter as the score was 26 to 20. After the first quarter, the Celtics were shooting a horrendous 29.2% from the field while the Bucks were shooting 45.5%. This would change after the second quarter as the Celtics would regain a good lead by halftime that they would never lose. The Celtics found a way to convert their 3s while the Bucks couldn’t make a shot. As Tatum faced foul trouble, Williams scored 27 points including 7 three-pointers to lead the Celtics to the win. Can the Bucks ever win another championship?

Mavericks at Phoenix Game

The starters for the Dallas Mavericks were PG Luka Doncic, SG Jalen Brunson, SF Reggie Bullock, PF Dorian Finney-Smith, and C Dwight Powell. The starters for the Boston Celtics were PG Chris Paul, SG Devin Booker, SF Mikal Bridges, PF Jae Crowder, and C Deandre Ayton. From the jump, this game wasn’t close. By halftime, the Mavericks were up by 30 points. The Suns’ starters combined for 15 points by then. Mavericks backup guard Spencer Dinwiddie had 21 points. At that point, the Suns overall had 27 points, and Doncic had 27 on his own. Throughout the game, the Mavericks would continue to dominate the Suns. The Suns’ leading scorer had 12 points while the Mavericks had players scoring 30+ points. Ultimately, the score was 123 to 90. Suns PG Chris Paul is 37 years old. How much longer will he have to compete for an NBA title?

Next Matchups

The Boston Celtics will face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. This is the second time in three seasons, these teams meet in the ECF. The Heat’s starting point guard Kyle Lowry has been dealing with hamstring injuries. Star forward Jimmy Butler has carried the offensive load for the Heat on top of good defense. Overall, the Heat are a good defensive team anchored by center Bam Adebayo. The only problem is who else besides Butler will step up on offense. This series will start on Tuesday, May 17. The Dallas Mavericks will face the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. The Warriors have a healthy team and are back to the WCF since 2019. Will the Warriors be able to slow down the Maverick’s ability to shoot 3-pointers?

Overall, the NBA playoffs have been unpredictable.