The NBA has had an amazing season thus far but the best is yet to come. With only 10 days left in the regular season teams are making their final playoff push for positioning. I often have my favorite teams doing well even if they don’t go deep into the playoffs. One of those teams The Washington Wizards are now 44-33 and a game back out of the 4th spot with the Toronto Raptors who they will play one more time before the season ends. Out of all the 3 meetings this season, Toronto leads 3-0. Washington would need to win this game to give them some confidence going into the playoff run. With Washington potentially playing Toronto in the first round, I wanted to offer my 5 keys on a potential upset.
My 5 keys to playoff win success….
1. Limit Turnovers.
Toronto is a team that if you let them can get out and run. Washington can run to but also need to be mindful of scoring off turnovers they may cause.
2. Keeping Leads
Washington is a team that can blow teams out early but often let them creep back in on them in a hurry rather than put the nail in the coffin. In the playoffs, it’s no different but enhanced. If you want to get a jump on a team and secure victories ,you have to be able to hold a lead and still play strong.
3. Star Matchups
Playoff time is where your big stars flourish! I always get excited to see John Wall & Bradley Beal go head to head with Demar Derozan & Kyle Lowry. Each game whether home or away will continue to push players to play better, stronger and continue to find the will to win.
4. 3-point shooting
Many players on both Washington & Toronto can shoot the 3 very well and if consistent it can become dangerous on both sides. The main key is consistency and also not rushing 3’s because you panic. I think that is one of the ways teams mistakenly cost themselves games.
5. Have Fun( to a degree)
Now I know this is stretch, but both Washington & Toronto have worked very hard to get back to the playoffs multiple times and should be able to have a little fun while still focusing on the main goal which is ultimately winning a NBA Championship. As a fan this is where I get to shine and flourish. I have been able to experience playoff games in person and they are just as or more intense in person than tv. I always enjoy the opportunity to watch players I admire play well and push their teams. This also gives me another perspective into what drives a team to win and also fall in love more with the player.
Personal Playoff Story:
In the 2004-2005 season, Washington kept running into Miami. This season was the first time Washington was able to get to the second round after defeating the Chicago Bulls and had to face Dwyane Wade and Shaq. I was able to go to a game and I got to feel just how loud and intense the game was. I also got to see Dwyane Wade in action. Boy! was I impressed, he played lights out and ended up winning the game. It was just fun to watch while supporting my team , I started to love how well Dwyane played and just how explosive he could be. It definitely changed my perspective on the game but also let me have love for other teams&players. What are some of your playoff memories??
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