Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings - Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings - Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Playoffs

NBA Twitter reacts to Monday night’s playoff action

by Loyal Ricks Jr

Playoff basketball is upon us, and it’s been more than anticipated. Highlight reel sequences, injuries, and enticing headlines are discussed by fans daily – raising excitement for primetime NBA showdowns.

After a long day of work, NBA fanatics tuned in to view Game 2 of the 76ers vs. Nets and Warriors vs. Kings series. The games did not disappoint – leaving Twitter in a frenzy at crucial moments of each game.

Tyrese Maxey leads the charge in Sixers Game 2 win against the Nets

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1648370096996335643

The Wells Fargo Center was filled with 20,000 fans devoted to supporting their team. Their passion for brotherly love shows in their tough love concerning Doc Rivers’ squad. The relationship remains positive after an impressive regular season. Philadelphia ranked third in the Eastern Conference (54-28) and clinching a spot in the playoffs.

The Sixers shined bright in their playoff debut against the Nets. They led for a majority of the game, convincing analysts that Brooklyn’s roster is not enough. Philadelphia led the game in turnovers created (20) and rebounds (38) in a convincing 121-101 victory.

Philadelphia managed to win without relying on their starting five to fill the stat sheet on Sunday night. Tyrese Maxey finished with 13 points – shooting 60% from the floor. Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris carried the offensive load, contributing a combined 47 points.

The narrative shifted in a defensive matchup. Embiid struggled to find his rhythm early – contributing less than 8 points heading into halftime. Philadelphia managed to climb out of a five-point hole in the third quarter with help from Maxey. His contributions helped the Sixers outscore Brooklyn in the third quarter (24-14) – building momentum to closeout in the fourth.

Impressive performances helped the 76ers beat their divisional rivals, 96-84. Maxey led Philadelphia in scoring – finishing with 33 points and six three-pointers. Embiid and Harris combined for 40 points, helping the Sixers gain a 2-0 lead in the series. A win in Philadelphia always deserves a celebration, and fans did not hesitate to give their praise.

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 18, 2023

Sacramento Kings shock Warriors in a thrilling Game 2 showdown

Steve Kerr and his staff are responsible for building a dynasty in Golden State. Their leadership presents players with opportunities to develop. Development has propelled the Warriors into the Western Conference playoff bracket – despite new faces on their roster.

It takes more than Stephen Curry to win an NBA championship. The Warriors experienced that firsthand this season. They entered the post-season with the sixth-best record in the Western Conference. Unchartered territory raised concerns for fans accustomed to first-seed royalties. While Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, and Mosses Moody find their roles in the offense, Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are forced to play perfectly in tough matchups.

Playing a perfect game is difficult. A 126-123 Warriors loss in Game 1 showed fans their team needs a well-rounded effort to defeat the Sacramento Kings. Curry finished with 30 points (6-14 3FG) but it was not enough to secure a victory on the road. His supporting cast was led by Thompson (21), followed by Jordan Poole, and Andrew Wiggins (17).

A chance for redemption presented itself Monday night. Curry and his teammates were determined to defeat Domantas Sabonis and company. Golden State was aggressive out of the gate, outscoring Sacramento in the first quarter (23-17). Kerr’s lead diminished as time progressed. Sacramento scored 41 points in the second quarter – sending the Warriors to the locker room with a nine-point deficit.

De’Aaron Fox took control in the second half. His aggression in the lane resulted in easy buckets at the rim. His college teammate Malik Monk found his scoring rhythm as well. His clutch three-point shooting extended a growing Kings lead. The Warriors failed to regain momentum, losing 114-106 in game 2. It was clear, Sacramento had the pep Golden State needed to compete in a playoff atmosphere.

Next: Can the Golden State Warriors flip the switch in the playoffs?

Monday Night’s slate of NBA games fed fans enough until the next batch of action. While we wait for tomorrow’s games, we can enjoy the highlights from another night of the world’s greatest basketball showcase.