Throughout the years, The NBA Playoffs represents a tournament where 16 teams battle their hearts out to bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy to their beloved city. The Playoffs consist of hustle and hard work. Students, Jacob Oatman, Luke Vazquez and I, and teachers, Mr. Murphy and Mr. Thomsen share their thoughts on how the NBA Playoffs will turn out this year.

6th grader, Vazquez “hates to say it” but he thinks that Kyrie will be the toughest player to guard through the playoffs. “He’s a dribble god and can pretty much get passed by anybody that tries to guard him” Vazquez stated. “Giannis, he carried his team to the playoffs and he is young, which helps. Even though they lost, Giannis and them gave a good fight and the Bucks definitely wouldn’t of been there without him” Vazquez explained about who made the most impact on their team. Vazquez would like the Cavs to win the whole thing because they’re his favorite team. When LeBron hit the buzzer beater against the Indiana Pacers, Vazquez thought that was “absolutely fantastic”. On the other hand, Vazquez said he wouldn’t like to see the Celtics win. He believes that Kyrie is a selfish player and leaving LeBron was wrong.

Another 6th grader, Jacob Oatman wouldn’t like to see the Warriors win it all this year; he stated, “Warriors, always not fun to watch a team keep winning year after year and it’s just not a fun team to watch in my opinion.” Oatman thinks that LeBron will be the toughest player to guard in the playoffs. Oatman thinks LeBron can play anywhere position wise and is “very explosive” to the hoop. Oatman thinks that Victor Oladipo has made the most impact on their team, “Victor Oladipo because when Paul George left to go to the Thunder, he kind of stepped up and carried the team.” Oatman would like to see the Cavs take home the trophy this year. He doesn’t think the Celtics will win because of all the injuries and the players are too young.

I think James Harden will be the toughest player to guard because he’s one of the best point guards in the league and is clutch in big opportunities. I would “love” to see the 76ers win, they’ve had a lot of ups and downs as the seasons passed and it seems like they were unstoppable, but they fell short to the Celtics. A team that I wouldn’t like to see win is the Rockets because it gets boring to see the same team win the same awards year after year which isn’t basketball. The player that made the most impact on their team has to be Victor Oladipo; he is a dunking machine and a type of player that makes things happen. Oladipo also led the Pacers to the playoffs and put up a good fight against the Cavs.

Baseball and basketball coach at WMS, Mr. Murphy, would’ve liked to see the Spurs win, “I just like Greg Popovich and they have been a machine all year long,” Murphy explained. Murphy would also love to see the 76ers take it home too. Murphy stated, “I grew up as a 76ers fan as a kid watching Iverson and it’s really fun to watch ‘The Process’.” Murphy thinks one of the toughest players to guard in the playoffs is Kevin Durant, “He’s 7 foot and has handles and a jump shot.” Murphy also thinks James Harden will be a tough player to guard as well, “James Harden has perfected the art of getting fouled and going to the free throw line.” The Rockets and the Warriors are two teams that Murphy wouldn’t like to see winning the same thing year after year, “Victor Oladipo because he’s always smiling and always dunking on people and he’s a fun player to watch in my opinion,” Murphy when explaining who has made the most impact on their team.

WMS gym teacher and coach, Mr. Thomsen says, “76ers, it’s a feel good story. They’re the underdog and they hit rock bottom and now they’re here,” on who he wants to win the Finals this year. Thomsen thinks that LeBron James has made the most impact on his team because he’s always had different players “plugged” into his team and still continues to be the best. The toughest players to guard in the playoffs have to be LeBron and Durant to Thomsen. “LeBron and Durant, they are borderline unguardable, it’s crazy.” Along with many other people, Thomsen would “hate” to see the Warriors win again, “They have a loaded team with an unfair advantage, it’s just not fun,” stated Thomsen.

With only 4 teams remaining in the Playoffs, I think the Celtics can bring it home this year. It would be a Cinderella story if the Celtics win it without they’re two best players. I believe the Finals match up will be the Celtics and Warriors. The Finals MVP will be awarded to the rookie, Jayson Tatum. I don’t believe that Kyrie will be back anytime soon for the playoffs, so Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier will have to step up and lead the way. So, what are your predictions now? Which team do you believe will take it home this year?