A Force of Mentality: The NBA Bubble

After my long hiatus from blogging, I am now back into a good rhythm on discussing about basketball and the creative world we are in. Thank for your time and patience, regardless if you have been wondering where the posts have been or not. I was focused on getting my life situated during Covid-19, as well as making time for loved ones in my life. Nevertheless, here is a new start to TheHoopsCreative. A force of mentality series, featuring weekly reviews and open discussions.

We will begin talking about how the NBA playoffs has been going, in relations to the effect of isolation. We have seen some crazy turnarounds, players stepping up that weren't expected, and even the rise of technical fouls from the refs. It is a crazy time, but an interesting change in direction. Where things seem uncertain is where we see greatness come. Here are a few moments that I found pretty impactful.

Clippers vs Luka Doncic and Dallas

This series was quite a shocker for many people watching, especially to those who live and breathe basketball. Personally, this was a test of more than just skill. It was a battle of will and perseverance. There were many lessons to have been learned between the two teams. But, what stood out to me was that the Clippers had no answer for Luka Doncic. Although the rest of the Dallas players made an impact, Luka created the ultimate stress factor. The team that was arguably supposed to win the playoffs, yet they were exposed by Dallas. They couldn't keep a lead and it was clear. Clippers did however win the series, truly by luck due to Kristaps Porzingis's injury. I feel, in someway, everyone knew this. We knew Dallas were the real winners. 

Luka really shined in this series, in a way that made us appreciate basketball that much more. Not just cause of his scoring ability, but how he played basketball as a whole. Just took the opportunity, playing against one of the toughest teams, and gave them a run for their money. After this series, I had a deep feeling that Clippers were not going to go to the Finals. In playoffs, it's ride or die. If the chemistry of the team struggles, especially seeing it for a whole series, it will continue to have that effect moving forward. Overall, I felt this game was an open door to seeing the reality of playoffs in the bubble, for those that are unaware or assume only top ranked NBA teams are capable of doing the best. Anything can happen in playoffs and that is the beauty of it.

The Dark Horses: Denver Nuggets & Miami Heat

Personally, I was not even expecting the damage that Denver and Miami have done so far in the playoffs. I have always liked Miami for their system and the teams from the past. Basketball lovers all remember the Wade+Shaq era and LeBron era. So, there is a legacy in that organization and sometimes, we forget that and only look at the current situations of the NBA teams. We get lost in the sauce. Anyways, although I am a Celtics fan, Miami gives me anxiety. They are really a team to not play around with and don't need a bunch of superstars to be great. It is the perfect chemistry. This was what the Clippers needed, but didn't have. That is why they are gone, in my opinion. Too much 1v1 basketball gets you to that point and nobody is having fun. 

You can see Miami are about all about the best shot. Not only that, but every player is a threat in their own way. They have a good range of skill specialists on their team that, when setup for success with the right plays and players on the floor, it's dangerous for anyone. I feel we look at the Lakers and think they are the only force of dominance. But, I stand to disagree with that because it all depends how they play. There will always be pressure on the teams that are meant to win it all. The teams that are overlooked, which are Miami and Denver, have all the emotional freedom in the world to go off and make an upset. There is no pressure on them and that is what makes it exciting. We refer to them as Dark Horses. 

Denver currently playing Lakers now, standing at 0-1 with Lakers ahead. I feel they just have to learn to contain themselves on offense and defense. Their overall level of play is pretty much even with the Lakers. They have the scorers, the defense, and the rotation. However, this is all coming down to experience now and knowing how to guard certain players. Right now, Rondo for the Lakers has been a very key factor to their improved game performance vs without him playing. I think he balances out the floor well so everyone can just do their thing. 

Something that seems minor is actually very important to the flow of the game and how the plays function on offense. Anthony Davis and LeBron will continue to be a driving force, while the other role players will get their points here and there. For Denver, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have to keep their emotions calm and out of foul trouble. These two define the overall success of the team currently. Although similar to Miami, they have other scorers that can cause havoc. But, these two being a symbol of leadership have to take control as well. Mental focus is necessary at all times, in order for this to be a competitive series. 

The Refs and the "Call Review" Rule

Now, this is something I always have mixed-feelings about. Not from someone just watching basketball, but my experience in playing ball for so many years. I feel the refs in the bubble have called more technicals than ever before. This is probably due to no fans and now they can hear everything said. But, this is also nerve-racking for the players too. Sometimes, we need to release some form of frustration that is restraining us. Whether it's a shout or air swing, as long as it is not towards anyone. I feel bad for players that get technical fouls for no reason. Sometimes, these video reviews are biased. When you are moving fast, and clearly see it's an accident, they will take advantage to make that a technical foul too. It is useful when necessary, but now I feel players are also getting smart about it. Any basketball player knows that sometimes, a little form of acting is necessary when refs aren't calling anything at all or calling everything under the sun. You do what it takes to win.

Therefore, the overuse of the technical fouls being given can cause more harm than good. We could end up being hesitant to play too aggressive on defense or go hard to the rim. The refs might be making it difficult, but also help call out those that are doing harm on purpose. Nevertheless, there has to be a balance or else it diminishes the hustle of the game itself.