Just using this post as a way to create a running set of notes as I watch the playoffs....

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers love attacking the net early on offensive play before the opposing defense is able to set into place. Out of all teams I've seen so far playing in the postseason, Indiana has been the most aggressive.

Announcers have given lip service to the capability of the Pacers bench, in particular noting that coach Rick Carlisle makes it a habit to rotate ten players regularly.

Pacers also prefer shooting out from the perimeter, it seems. More points seem to come from beyond the paint, event hough it appears to me that Cleveland's playing a smaller line-up that should be better at perimeter defense (in theory).

Going back to last year, Rick Carlisle has notably trained this team well. Their demolition of the Bucks in the first round and their (very) early success against the Cavaliers so far stand as testament to this.

Indiana's end-game play management was sensational - it's hte only way they won Game 2 against Cleveland, effectively sealing this series.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Just like their second-round opponents, the Browns also make it a habit to score early on offensive plays before the opposing defense can find their footing.

Their bench depth has been lauded by the announcers as perhaps the league's best.

Without Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers cannot sustain much on offense. Donovan in hero mode might not be what this team needs. If anything, Cleveland needs Darius Garland back if they want to compete at the highest levels.

Golden State Warriors

Seems like the Warriors (a team who loves the fast break as much as anybody else out there) are deliberately slowing things down in a Game 7 against the more physical Rockets. It's a strategy that's paying off dividends for them - not only are they conserving energy not forcing themselves into the paint, but Houston isn't able to find any rhythm to try and close out against these Warriors.

Golden State is also taking pains to guard VanVleet more closely, knowing that his three-point prowess can kill them.

Golden State has been a team that's heavily experimented with different player combinations through much of the season. It was this experimentation with different lineups that ultimately led them to trade for Jimmy Butler. I take it the bench isn't quite good enough to compliment Curry and Draymond.

New York Knicks

KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns) has no physicality playing center. It's tiring seeing him get bodied in the paint, whether he's shooting or just trying to grab the rebound. His ball awareness is lacking too.

The fourth quarter is Jalen Brunson's quarter and nobody else's. Although Anunoby and Hart have contributed in terms of scoring and presence, Brunson has been the engine for New York. Sad to see the man working so hard with such a barebones supporting cast.

Boston Celtics

While Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are generally considered the best players on the team, Al Horford's presence on this roster should be commended. Horford has been teh team's rock on defense and played phenomenally in spot situations.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Sometimes, I wonder if the Timberwolves lack leadership. Anthony Edwards isn't really built to take over in the fourth quarter. Julius Randle has shown more initiative and will than Edwards.

Minnesota is reportedly celebrated for their defense.

Gambling

I have the sense sportsbooks do not take early-game leads from underdogs seriously. For the line to move significantly against the favorite, the underdog has to sustain their lead well into the second quarter and early into the third quarter.

I wonder if there's something to be said about two elite defensive teams facing off against one another in an elimination game. It seems like the under would be naturally a fantastic play in such a game. The Warriors and Rockets are one example of this.

Teams coming off long periods of rest have some serious rust to shake off.

Whenever teams are down their signature player, be very wary of gambling big money on them in following postseason games. Opposing defenses will change up their entire defensive plan now that they no longer have to concern themselves with the team's scariest weapon. Watching Minnesota dismantle Golden State in Game 2 is testament to that.