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Jokic’s Masterclass, OKC’s Wake-Up Call & The Clippers’ Collapse
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Summary:
The playoffs separate pretenders from contenders, and this week's NBA action delivered masterclasses in championship DNA versus raw talent.
Nikola Jokić silenced any MVP debate with a dominant 42-point, 22-rebound performance against Oklahoma City, showcasing why championship experience matters when the stakes are highest. The Nuggets slowed the Thunder to a half-court crawl, exposing the growing pains that even 68-win teams must endure when playoff pressure intensifies. Mark Daigneault's curious rotation choices—particularly benching the defensively brilliant Alex Caruso down the stretch—reveal how the brightest lights can challenge even the season's most impressive teams.
The Knicks provided the weekend's most dramatic moment, erasing a 20-point deficit against Boston behind OG Anunoby's third-quarter explosion and clutch performances from Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson. Without Kristaps Porzingis, Boston's frontcourt depth crumbled, forcing Joe Mazzulla into questionable rotations that squandered their commanding lead. When experienced players smell vulnerability, they attack—a lesson the Celtics learned painfully.
Cleveland's offense collapsed without Darius Garland, as Donovan Mitchell reverted to hero-ball tendencies with 33 points on 30 shots but just one assist. This performance continues a troubling pattern—Mitchell is now 1-5 in playoff games when attempting 30+ shots. Meanwhile, Indiana spread their offensive production across ten different three-point shooters, demonstrating the connective basketball that thrives in postseason environments.
Golden State's veterans schooled Houston's talented young squad, with Buddy Hield delivering a stunning 33-point performance on just 12 shots. The Rockets' lack of a reliable playoff creator was exposed against disciplined Warriors defense, highlighting why front offices must carefully balance potential with proven performance.
What are your thoughts on these playoff matchups? Which teams have impressed you most? Connect with us on Twitter @frontrunnerpc or BlueSky to share your takes!
Chapters:
- 0:00 - Front Runner Podcast Introduction
- 7:42 - Denver Nuggets vs Clippers Series Recap
- 19:10 - Jokić Masterclass Against OKC Thunder
- 39:10 - Knicks Shock Celtics in Game 1 Comeback
- 54:22 - Cavaliers Struggle Without Garland
- 1:05:27 - Warriors Veterans School Young Rockets
- 1:26:03 - Houston Rockets Future Considerations
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Chapters
1. Front Runner Podcast Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Denver Nuggets vs Clippers Series Recap (00:07:42)
3. Jokić Masterclass Against OKC Thunder (00:19:10)
4. Knicks Shock Celtics in Game 1 Comeback (00:39:10)
5. Cavaliers Struggle Without Garland (00:54:22)
6. Warriors Veterans School Young Rockets (01:05:27)
7. Houston Rockets Future Considerations (01:26:03)
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