Day 1 of the Play In, for the most part, was a smashing success.
Day 2 has a bit of a different feel.
I know we’ve had 8 seeds upset 1 seeds before, but let’s not get crazy.
Those two just completed historic seasons and are like 20+ games ahead of whoever makes it into Round 1.
It’s not a guarantee that MEM or ATL beat whoever comes out of this 9/10 slate.
The Grizzlies could see their season end and miss the playoffs completely, despite winning 48 games.
The Kings might be on track back to the Dark Ages if they miss the playoffs completely.
There’s also something to be said about a “win or go home” game.
It’s why we love the NCAA tournament.
Their overall record tells you they’re mostly dogshit, as both are well below .500.
Big picture, neither team is all that good.
But in this moment?
They’ve been incredible.
Let’s also not forget that we’ve already seem Coby White go nuclear in these Play In Games.
Since March 1st, they’re 15-7!
So who are these Bulls?
Here’s what I will tell you.
The biggest difference in this year’s Bulls is how they’ve embraced 3PT shooting.
This team plays FAST AS HELL, trailing only the Grizzlies in terms of pace of play.
Why do I find that significant?
When it comes to beating Playoff Spo, you have to do a few things.
First, is take and make a shit ton of 3s.
Make the Heat prove that they can not only match your volume, but also match your production.
The 2024 Celtics gave the blueprint.
Since the deadline, the Heat are only 22nd in 3PA.
That is not how they beat teams.
This is where Coach Spo is at his best.
His zone will fuck your shit up if you’re not ready for it.
The Heat simply do not foul.
Lock in defensively with the zone
2.
Create TOs / points off TOs
3.
It’s why they’re both so tough to gauge.
The situations around both teams are a bit of a disaster, albeit for different reasons.
Mostly, it’s because it feels like all the Kings do is play games with crazy finishes.
It’s remarkable, really.
In terms of firepower, these teams aren’t all that close.
The Kings own the 7th best offense in basketball, the Mavs 18th.
Since the deadline, the Mavs offense has tanked to 23rd.
Here’s a high powered offense for you to test that theory.
Dallas, on the other hand, has no protections around their pick.
They don’t owe it to anyone, regardless of where it lands.
Never underestimate the power of spite.
Unlikely, but technically possible.
