The highest-seeded Cavaliers and Thunder did not simply sweep their first-round playoff opponents; they drubbed them.
Whereas the Cavs destroyed the Warmth by a mean margin of 30.5 factors, the Thunder beat the Grizzlies throughout 4 video games by 19.5 factors.
The thumping success is an early indicator that the groups usually are not simply regular-season wonders and will have the instruments to win all of it. Each groups have been closely doubted regardless of their 60-win seasons, with many anticipating them to fold towards extra skilled, playoff-tested groups.
ESPN’s Marcus Morris made the astonishing statement that the Thunder are “not deep sufficient” to make a run on the NBA title. Patrick Beverley equally disrespected the Cavaliers by suggesting that “no one is afraid” of Donovan Mitchell and Co. getting into the postseason.
Beverley in all probability regretted making these feedback after watching the Cavaliers obliterate the Warmth, 138-83, in a series-clinching Sport 4 win on Monday. Kenny Atkinson’s males made NBA history by beating the Cavaliers by a mixed margin of 122 factors throughout 4 wins.
A lot of these analysts might be pressured to eat extra crow within the coming weeks, particularly if the Cavaliers and Thunder proceed to dominate their opponents.
