ON The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS”

NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals 2025

The No. 1 Seeded Oklahoma City Thunder had themselves a warm up type series in the first round by sweeping the No. 8 Seeded Memphis Grizzlies in 4 games. Now well rested, these young gunners are well equipped and willing to take down their next challenge, the No. 4 Seeded Denver Nuggets who are fresh off a tough game 7 series but prevailed to continue on their journey. The young gunners City Thunder may be the new kids on the block but these Nuggets have been down this road before and won it all so their experience in the trenches will be key in this intriguing matchup.

The No. 6 Seeded Minnesota Timberwolves are riding high after slaying the No. 3 Seeded Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. Super star Anthony Edwards seems to think that the road to the Finals will be easier after taking down LeBron James and Luka Doncic out the way but I personally think he needs to keep his head in the game because waiting to derail him and his squad are the battle tested No. 7 Seeded Golden State Warriors fresh off a competitive game seven series against the No. 2 Seeded Houston Rockets. Houston had the Warriors on their back but these old heads were battle tested and bred for the ‘Big Stage”. Experience carried them over in this series but a newer and younger challenge await them in the second round.

Both these matchups are must see TV so tune in Monday night May 5, 2025, and witness these series unfold.

Blaze

ON The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS”

The NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals

With the first round officially over, we can now set our attention on the second round of action where the No. 1 Seeded Cleveland Cavaliers just swept the Miami Heat in four games to now welcoming the No. 4 Seeded Indiana Pacers, fresh off dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks in five games. The Pacers have prevailed in their head-to-head meetings winning three of their four encounters throughout the season but truth be told, the Cavs have proven to be the most dominant team throughout the season playing levels above their competition. That said, both squads are coming in highly motivated and will definitely put their best foot forward come “Gametime”. One thing for sure is this Pacers team is not to be taken lightly so I expect a serious shootout in this series.

The No. 2 Seeded Defending Champions Boston Celtics stayed busy by dismantling the Orlando Magic in five games but awaiting them are the No. 3 Seeded New York Knicks who had a tougher time getting rid of the Detroit Pistons in six games. The Knicks got tested and pushed but eventually prevailed to move on. The way Jalen Brunson has been balling out in the first round and their squad following suit, the Celtics have a serious threat on their hands that will surely challenge them. I’m expecting a very interesting series with these two battling it out. That being said, the Celtics have been here before.

Tune in this Sunday May 4, 2025, for round two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA-Who’s On Top?

The NBA Who’s On Top?

We are officially passed the midpoint mark for the NBA Season with 42 plus games played to date and still holding down the No. 1 Spot in the league is the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-6) looking focused, determined and still getting stronger as a team game by game. The Cavs are looking like they’re ready to give the Defending Champions Boston Celtics (30-13) a legitimate run at dethroning them in the Eastern Conference. The New York Knicks (29-16) are still steady pacing, looking good and staying in the conversation while the Milwaukee Bucks (24-17) are seemingly getting it together one game at a time. The Indiana Pacers (24-19) have been grinding their way back as well, trying to position themselves. As for the Atlanta Hawks (22-20), the Detroit Pistons (22-21), Orlando Magic (23-22) and the Miami Heat (23-22), their outcome and standing position could be different if they keep going hard in the second half of the season.

Still holding the No. 1 Spot in the tough Western Conference is the Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7). Them Boys are balling hard and looking like true contenders on the come-up game by game. Breathing down their necks are the surging Houston Rockets (28-14), the Memphis Grizzlies (28-15) and the Denver Nuggets (27-16) who all have the capability to overthrow the Thunders from their number one Spot. The LA Clippers (24-18) with a healthy Kawhi Leonard easing his way back into the line-up, should see themselves moving up in the standings but with the Los Angeles Lakers (23-18), the Dallas Mavericks (23-20), the Sacramento Kings (22-20), the Minnesota Timberwolves (22-21), the Phoenix Suns (21-21) and the Golden State Warriors (21-21) all playing musical chairs while vying for a position in the threatening Western Conference where a team can’t blink and fumble the ball and risk being left out come Playoff time.

That being said, stay locked in for an exciting second half of the season.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA-Who’s On Top?

The NBA-Who’s On Top?

We are officially passed the Quarter mark of this year’s NBA Season and with the successful completion of the second NBA In-Season Tournament, now dubbed the Emirates NBA Cup, proving that even with a bad start at the beginning of the season you can still have enough time to change the negative to a positive.
Although the NBA ratings are down this year, the added Emirates NBA Cup cash prize brought life to all participating teams and raised the competition to an NBA Playoff level type vibe.

The two teams who represented their respective coasts for this Emirates NBA Cup in Las Vegas were the No. 5 Seeded Milwaukee Bucks (14-11) for the Eastside and No.1 Seeded Oklahoma City Thunder (20-5) for the Westside. Staged on a neutral floor, both teams balled out like it was the NBA Finals and made the game that much hyper, but it was the Bucks who showed up and played with that hunger and armed with a two-time League MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo determined to lead the way by making his presence felt with his 26 points, 19 boards and 10 assists on the night. Giannis walked it like he talked and delivered on his promise on claiming the Emirates NBA Cup for the Bucks by defeating a very gamed Oklahoma City Thunder team who fell short on the night. Hopefully the Bucks can use this accomplishment as momentum and build towards their main goal of another NBA Championship.

In Season Tournament aside, the true and surprising team holding down the No. 1 Spot is none other than the Cleveland Cavaliers (23-4). Them Boys are looking stronger and stronger game by game improving on every aspect on the floor. The defending Champions the Boston Celtics (21-5) are proven and still the team to beat and are well-equipped for the long haul this early in the season. The New York Knicks (16-10) with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson and an improved team defense, are prime to keep things interesting. The Orlando Magic (17-11) is surprisingly in the mix with a young nucleus competing night in and night out. The Milwaukee Bucks (14-11) fresh off winning the Emirates NBA Cup, the momentum is on their side, now its up to them stay in the running and keep climbing up with Giannis in top MVP form. The Miami Heat (13-11), the Atlanta Hawks (14-13), the Indiana Pacers (12-15) and the Chicago Bulls (12-15) are all still in the running but gotta fight hard in these early stages to maintain a spot.

As for the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder (20-5) may have fallen short in the Emirates NBA Cup Finals, but they still hold the No. 1 Spot in the competitive Western Conference looking like the team to beat. Let’s not get it twisted-them Boys are a powerhouse on any given night and with Shai Gilgeous Alexander leading the squad the sky is their only limit. The Memphis Grizzlies (18-9) are picking up steam with a healthy Ja Morant on the floor. Now it’s all about building their way to the top and maintaining a strong hold. The Houston Rockets (17-9) are just now getting it together and improving as a young unit game by game. They have the potential and the goods to stay competitive all season long. The Dallas Mavericks (17-9) are steadily getting it together with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving gelling game by game with their supporting cast playing their positions. Them Boys will remain a threat throughout the season. The Denver Nuggets (14-10) are not to be overlooked. Them Boys are going through the motions right now but remain in contender status and could easily take over the Western Conference at any time with Nikola Jokić averaging 30 points, 13 boards and 10 assists leading the pack. The Phoenix Suns (14-11) are definitely in the mix for contender contention but only if the 3 headed shooters Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal can stay healthy long enough to maintain a position in the running. Real Talk! As for the Golden State Warriors (14-11), the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-11), the LA Clippers (15-12), and the Los Angeles Lakers (14-12), any one of these competitive teams could easily move up in the tough Western Conference so don’t be surprised at an inevitable shuffle in the future standings.

Stay locked to another interesting Season.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA Season 2024/2025”

NBA Season 2024/2025

With the Boston Celtics regaining control by winning last year’s 2024 NBA Championship, the Celtics’ once again have a target on their backs and getting back to the promised land will not be an easy task this go around. However, with their team still intact with the same squad that got them their NBA leading 18 Championships, this team will definitely be looking to defend their hard-earned crown while welcoming all challengers from the East/West trying to block them of achieving back-to-back Championship glory.

The Eastern Conference has gained some significant ground with the Larry O’Brien trophy residing on their side for the time being but aside from the Defending Champions Boston Celtics, the jury is still out on who out of the Eastern Teams will come out the pack and pose a legitimate threat to the Celtics.

The New York Knicks have done a major upgrade by adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges to run aside a battle tested squad of OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson. Giving the formidable starting 5, they will have to put in some serious work as a full unit in order to eclipse their previous successful year.

The Cleveland Cavaliers showed us once again that them Boys can ball during the regular season but they keep falling short in the playoffs. The Cavs just need to keep that same energy throughout the season and the postseason long enough to prove the naysayers wrong. I have them on the come up this year.

The Milwaukee Bucks are still amongst the top dogs in the East any given year with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the pack but them Boys as a squad need to get it together asap in order to stay in the championship race.

The Philadelphia 76ers picked up Paul George to play alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey giving them their “Big Three” that is going to terrorize the league and give them a legitimate chance to compete for a Championship only if they can stay healthy enough for a long but competitive run.

The Indiana Pacers defied all odds last year by competing with the “Big Boys” night in and night out all the way to the Conference Finals but fell short due to injuries but with a healthy squad I expect these Boys to wreak havoc once again and outdo their previous year.

As for the remaining Eastern Conference teams the Miami Heat, the Atlanta Hawks, the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, the Brooklyn Nets and the Washington Wizards there is too much uncertainty surrounding these teams at this point but hopefully throughout the season they will be able to show their true identity to stake their claim.

The Western Conference continues to bear the mantle of the strongest conference, hands down, but newer faces keep moving up shaking up the conferences from top to bottom.

The Oklahoma City Thunder who “Started from the Bottom to the Top” all the way to the Western Conference Finals may have fallen short of an NBA Final but have all the right ingredients to find their way back to championship contention with the added experience earned and a Bonafide superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading this young squad making this team must see TV on any given night.

The Dallas Mavericks reached the NBA Finals last year and with added fire power in Klay Thompson running aside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and their solid supporting cast, if all healthy, anything less than reaching the NBA Finals and getting a crack at the Championship would be considered a failure. That being said be prepared for some serious balling to be going down with this squad.

The Denver Nuggets and their three-time MVP Nikola Jokic can never be counted out the mix. This team is solid from top to bottom. Although they may have lost a few good contributors to the team, they still have the experience needed to compete with the young and the old on any given night.

The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to make some serious noise this year with a healthy and slimmed down Zion Williamson leading the pack of solid veterans with a mix of youngins watching his back, them Boys might just be able to play spoiler if all goes well.

The Phoenix Suns have the shooters in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to outscore any team on any given night but have yet to show their full potential due to injuries. Hopefully they can put it all together this year and give us a good run in the Western Conference.

The Minnesota Timberwolves took the league by storm last year by being competitive on both ends of the floor and secured the third seed in a very tough Western Division. With Anthony Edwards steadily improving year by year alongside a motivated squad, them Boys should be able to continue their rise to the top of the food chain at a steady pace.

As for the remainder of the Western Conference Teams the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs, the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers, the Jury is still out. No Western team can truly be counted out even if dead last and judging by how the usual suspects have fallen only time will tell which team will find their way out of the pack and back into contention status.

Tune in on opening night Tuesday October 22, 2024, and be part of an intense but intriguing new NBA Season 2024/2025.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2024 NBA FINALS CHAMPIONS”

2024 NBA Champions

The Boston Celtics continued to stay true to their character and their No. 1 Seed by closing out the NBA Finals 4-1 with a dominant performance win over the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics just added to their history by collecting their 18th Championship for their franchise and their first since 2008.

The Celtics, led by Jason Tatum and series MVP Jaylen Brown, were simply too much to overcome. Them two young and gifted athletes carried their tough squad to the promised land and delivered on their biggest night and did not drop the ball. Real Talk!

It was close out time and they did the job. The Boston squad knew what was at the end of the tunnel and as a unit wanted it more than the Mavericks who failed to keep up and never able to get back into the game when the Celtics came out the gate.

Simply put, it the Mavericks got outplayed, outgunned and out hustled by the better team.
The Celtics owned the NBA regular season and maintained the momentum to a dominant Playoff run all the way to conquering the NBA Finals to now being crowned the NBA Champion of the NBA Season 2024.

Congratulations to the Boston Celtics for completing a very convincing season from start to finish. You Boys earned this one Hands down!

Well Done!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2024 NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS”

2024 NBA Eastern Conference Finals

The mission remains the same. The well-rested No. 1 Seed Boston Celtics have kept true to their strong standing throughout the first and second round of the Playoffs by dismantling the likes of the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers to convincingly securing their rightful position for their next challenge in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Next in line at attempting to derail the Celtics are the pesky No. 6 Seed Indiana Pacers fresh off a game 7 series win over the No. 2 Seed New York Knicks on enemy territory to secure their opportunity at shocking the world in their first Conference Finals since 2014.

The Pacers keep proving their resiliency when counted out and always bringing their best foot forward under the brightest of lights. Having never been in this position in quite some time, these fearless Pacers will be looking yet again at to defy the odds to their favor as their confidence keeps growing series by series. The Celtics, with their experience alone, are favored to prevail but these valiant Pacers have defied the odds twice already and have plans at continuing the trend in this upcoming series.

Tune in the night of Tuesday May 21, 2024, for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. When the dust settles, who will emerge victorious and have the right of passage to the NBA Finals?

Who you got?

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2024 NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS”

2024 NBA Western Conference Finals

With the No. 1 Seed Oklahoma City Thunder and No. 2 Seed Defending Champs Denver Nuggets officially expelled out of the Playoffs, a new face will be crowned to represent the Western Conference at the completion of this year’s Western Conference Finals.

The No. 3 Seed Minnesota Timberwolves needed a Game 7 to dispatch of the Defending Champs Denver Nuggets but with the experience earned throughout that tough series and momentum firmly on their side, these can be key factors in helping them overcome the No. 5 Seed Dallas Mavericks who themselves needed a Game 6 to dispatch of No. 1 Seed Oklahoma City Thunder to secure their spot as well.

Although the Wolves don’t possess the Playoff experience the Mavericks will be coming in with, they do have the NBA’s meanest defense when focussed at the task at hand. Both teams have the young personnel bubbling for super stardom and the capability to take over games. Anthony Edwards is looking at making a name for himself and the Timberwolves in this series while the tough one two punch of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the way for the Mavericks, they will be looking to offset whatever the Wolves throw their way.

As great as Anthony Edwards is turning out to be he will need the help of his entire squad to slow down and dispatch this fiery Mavericks squad in order to move on to the NBA Finals.

The intrigue is at an all-time high in the Western Conference Playoffs so tune in the night of Wednesday, May 22, 2024, for Game 1 and witness the drama unfold.

Who you got?

Blaze

ON The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS”

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

With the first round officially over, we can now set our attention on the second round of action where the No. 1 Seeded Boston Celtics took down the pesky Miami Heat in 5 games. Patiently waiting for their next target to be announced which now we know will be the No. 5 Seed Cleveland Cavaliers who needed a game 7 to dispatch of a very gamed Orlando Magic. The Celtics have proven all year long that they were playing levels above their competition. On paper, this should be an easy series for the Celtics but if Donavan Mitchell and the rest of the Cleveland squad can keep up their momentum and not let themselves be bullied by the Celtics, they could make something special happen here and silence the naysayers who have already counted them out.

The No. 2 Seeded New York Knicks are still in the game and balling hard without the services of key player Julius Randle due to injuries but were still able to fend off the Philadelphia 76ers in 6 games with the stellar play of Jalen Brunson who has been balling out of his mind to keep the Knicks in contention. With the No. 6 Seed Indiana Pacers also needing 6 games to dispatch of a wounded Milwaukee Bucks team, they have shown us they have absolutely no problem taking advantage of an injured squad to get to their destination of the NBA Finals. This Pacers’ squad is tough and resilient when push comes to shove so I expect a serious battle come game night where the Knicks will have to bring the “NEW YORK” style of play to stay alive and competitive in this series. Definitely an interesting matchup to pay attention to. Real Talk!

Tune in this Monday night May 6, 2024, for round two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Blaze

ON The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS”

NBA PLAYOFFS WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS 2024

These attention-grabbing matchups in the second round of action are definitely must-see TV. The No 1. Seed in the Western Conference the Oklahoma City Thunder had themselves a quick four-game sweep in the first round of action and are now looking at a possible stiffer challenge in the form of the No. 5 Seed Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder are looking the part game by game and raising their play when push comes to shove and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander growing into a superstar, the Mavs might have just met their match.

The Defending Champs the No. 2 Seeded Denver Nuggets had themselves a warm up in the first round by dispatching the Lakers in 5 but are now looking at a second round of action with a much younger, healthier and improved No. 3 Seeded Minnesota Timberwolves squad fresh of a sweep of the Phoenix Suns. Them Boys with Anthony Edwards turning into a bonified superstar are looking like they could have the goods at derailing the Defending Champs.

These are two very intriguing series to keep an eye on so stay locked in and don’t miss the action!

Blaze