NBA Playoffs Round 2 Rumbles

(Photo : (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)) CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 11: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after scoring a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 11, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Now about halfway through the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, most series are tied at 2-2, except for the Celtics/Cavs; as Boston took a commanding 2-1 lead on the Cavaliers.

Here are some major takeaways from each series as we approach the quintessential halfway point of the 2nd round of the NBA Postseason. 

RELATED ARTICLE: Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Makes Bold Claim After Dropping Two Straight Games vs Nuggets

Mavs Thrive, Thunder Stumble 

The Dallas Mavericks have now taken a 2-1 lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

The Mavericks' experience has shown through against the inexperienced young Thunder, who have made several mistakes now in the round 2 series.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had another superb night, scoring 31 points in 42 minutes for the Thunder in Game 3. But it wasn't enough to put away the Mavericks in the all-important game on the road, as Dallas now puts themselves in the driver's seat of the series. 

Boston Gets Scary as Jayson Tatum Comes Alive 

Against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics are asserting their dominance by taking a 2-1 lead this past weekend. 

Jayson Tatum had one of his best performances of the postseason so far, dropping 33 points to help the Celtics take the lead in the series. 

"I've been in the league long enough that sometimes you just don't make [shots]," Tatum said. 

"You just gotta continue to take the right shots, and it'll even out... I know how to score the ball. Scoring is kinda like the least of my worries."

So far throughout this year's postseason, Tatum hasn't looked like his usual self, as he is in the midst of the least efficient postseason run of his career. 

Posting 21.7 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, but shooting 40.7% from the field and 26.8% from 3-point land through seven games. 

Now it seems Jayson Tatum might have found his touch, which could be bad news for the Cavaliers and Boston's next opponent. 

Joker Wild as Ant-Man Proves to Be a Star 

The Denver Nuggets have bounced back after losing the first two games at home to now winning the past two away against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The freshly crowned MVP, Nikola Jokic, had a big day scoring 35 points against the Wolves. Jamal Murray has also finally found his footing, scoring 24 points in Game 3 and 18 in Game 4; including a viral moment with an insane 55-footer buzzer-beater to end the first half during Game 4. 

With the series returning to Ball Arena in Denver, the champs now have a chance to take the series lead, putting the young Timberwolves on the ropes.

Conversely, Anthony Edwards continues to stamp his name on the league with a 44-point performance in Game 4. 

Edwards continues to look like a star, and his clutch performances in the playoffs continue to excite fans and media alike. 

Pacers Fight Back Wounded Knicks

The Indiana Pacers annihilated the New York Knicks in Game 4, 121-89, to even things up at two a piece.

The Pacers have all the confidence and momentum on their side as they have a chance to steal Game 5 in Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks on the other end, have been banged up with Jalen Brunson even hobbling through on one leg. 

"We can talk about fresher legs and give ourselves all the pity we want. We're short-handed, but that doesn't matter right now," Brunson said per the Athletic. 

"We have what we have and need to go forward with that. So there is no, 'We're short-handed.' There is no excuse. There's no excuse whatsoever. If we lose, we lose," he added.

The Knicks have four key rotational pieces that are currently out in OG Anunoby, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mitchell Robinson, and Julius Randle. 

It seems now that injuries are finally catching up to New York, further hurting their postseason chances at success.

READ MORE: Knicks Injury Report: Is OG Anunoby Playing in Game 5 vs. Pacers?

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