The NBA playoffs is a postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association. It consists of four rounds of best-of-seven elimination tournaments, the NBA playoffs are held after the regular season and the NBA Play-In Tournament. The NBA Play-In tournament could be considered playoffs, as it determines who plays who in the NBA playoffs.

After watching the first round of the playoffs, I’ve analyzed and ranked teams still in the tournament. For instance, the Phoenix Suns who I regarded as the best team in the league after they got veteran guard Chris Paul back. With that being said, a team that thoroughly impressed me was the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic came fresh off an injury and was able to completely take over the series against the Suns. Another player that has stepped up both in Doncic’s absence and presence was Jalen Brunson. Jalen Brunson has averaged 22.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 13 games in the 2022 playoffs. These two, along with a lot of height in the paint and on the bench, will take them to the championship series but ultimately will fall short.

Giannas is the real deal; undoubtedly the best player in the NBA currently. His capability to beat teams like the Boston Celtics without the Milwaukee Bucks second best player, Khris Middleton, is absurd. He can do quite literally anything while standing at 6’11”. Giannas Antetokounmpo can shoot threes consistently, play perimeter defense, and move the ball well. He’s like a seven foot guard; unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Antetokounmpo paired with Jrue Holiday’s defense and scoring ability would be enough to take them to the next round if Middleton was playing. Unfortunately it’s hard to beat Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford and Marcus Smart without your second best player.

The Miami Heat are my favorite to win it all, solely because of Jimmy Butler’s ability to show up all game, especially in clutch time. The addition of Kyle Lowry is essential due to his ability to move the ball around and natural understanding of the game. Lowry has taken a leadership role in just one year with the team. Bam Adebayo is going to be the deciding factor in this series, currently averaging 15 points and 10.1 rebounds. If he’s capable of winning the rebound battle, the Miami Heat will win another championship and Jimmy Butler will add another ring to an already impressive resume.