Milwaukee Bucks (3) vs. Chicago Bulls (6) — Bucks Win 93-86
Horrendous Offensive Execution From Bulls: It was a major disappointment from the Bulls in Game 1. They finished with 86 points on 31-96 (32.3 percent) from the floor and 7-37 (18.9 percent) on 3s after receiving rough nights from DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Zach LaVine.
It’s not an easy matchup for the Bulls to go up against given the Bucks have on-ball defenders to pester DeRozan and LaVine while also having intriguing help defenders. Giannis Antetokounmpo sets the tone offensively, but the unit as a whole has a high floor due to their defense.
The Bulls are a team built on scoring at a high clip and with strong efficiency. If they are unable to crack the code of the Bucks’ defense in Game 2, they are going to face daunting circumstances to turn things around before it’s too late.
Phoenix Suns (1) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8) — Suns Win 110-99
Chris Paul Remains Incredible: The Phoenix Suns began this game with a considerable advantage on the scoreboard — leading by as many as 16 points in the first quarter. The half-court defensive execution from Phoenix was offering almost nothing for the New Orleans Pelicans’ initiators to attack.
With 30 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists from Paul, the Suns were led by one of the best point guards in NBA history en route to a Game 1 win. Devin Booker was key as well with 25 points and eight assists, but again, it was Paul who took over when it was all said and done.
LATEST NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS COVERAGE: 2022 NBA Playoffs Predictions: Series-By-Series Outcomes
Paul was surgical in the fourth quarter for the Suns — scoring 17 consecutive points. He was often drawing switches using ball screens and roasting the matchup. There is nothing the Pelicans will be able to do to contain Paul given that even going small led to Larry Nance Jr. getting chewed up.
