Get the latest updates and news on the Western Conference playoffs, including the Mavericks’ victory over the Clippers and the upcoming second-round matchups
Kyrie Irving/Photo Courtesy of Jacob Kupferman/AP
The Eastern Conference may still be wrapping up, but the Western Conference is set. The West will start their second round soon, as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in a six-game series. The Mavericks and Clippers series was the last matchup of the West’s first round. The other three teams of the West’s second round finished their series sooner, and have been waiting for the next round. Now that things are set, the second round is officially underway. The West’s second round features a matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks. It also features a matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. These series will be very competitive, and could potentially go seven games. And there will be a few players that will have a big impact on the outcome of these series. Here are three players to keep an eye on in the second round of the playoffs.
1.) Karl Anthony-Towns
Karl Anthony-Towns is back. Towns suffered an injury (a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee) back in March but managed to return towards the end of the regular season. Since then, he has played well. Towns averaged 19.3 points and 9.5 rebounds in Minnesota’s series against the Phoenix Suns. Towns was solid in the series, with his best game being the last game of the series. He finished with a double-double, as he had 28 points and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves completed their sweep of the Suns in that game, and Towns’ performance was the icing on the cake.
Anthony Edwards may be the star of Minnesota now (as he averaged 31.0 points in the series against the Suns), but with players like Towns backing him up, Minnesota could be a tough team to beat. But they face an experienced team that is the home of the next player on this list.
2.) Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray has had quite the playoff experience this year. Murray played a big role in the Denver Nuggets ending their series as soon as they did. He made two game-winners in Denver’s series against the Los Angeles Lakers and helped the Nuggets win the series 4-1. Murray averages 23.6 points, 7.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds in the playoffs (so far). A healthy Jamal Murray makes the Nuggets a tougher team, and he showed that in this last series. Murray was clutch, and if Denver needs a big shot, he is the guy to go to. Nikola Jokic will likely have a strong series, but if Murray and others like Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are playing well, the Nuggets are even tougher.
3.) Kyrie Irving
The Mavericks are facing a young, talented team in the Thunder, and after a battle with the Clippers, the Mavs should be ready. The Mavericks beat the Clippers 4-2, in what was a fairly competitive series.
The duo of Luka Donic and Kyrie Irving looks as great as ever, with both players playing at a high level. And with their talent, and Irving’s championship experience, this could be the year the Mavericks reach the finals. They made the Conference Finals in 2022 (where they lost to the Golden State Warriors 4-1), but missed the playoffs last year. This could be a chance at redemption.
Irving averages 26.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists so far. The Mavericks will benefit from Irving’s scoring and ability to hit clutch shots. If he continues to play well, the Mavericks can go far.
The playoffs are getting more exciting, and if these three players keep playing at a high level, this round could be something special.
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