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Scottie Barnes made a checklist of goals he wanted to accomplish during his first professional season, and he did a great job of achieving them.
Barnes saved that checklist as the lock screen of his phone, per Marc Spears, which means he saw these aspirations all of the time. One of the goals was to put himself in a position to take care of his family for the rest of his life. The former Florida State star also set out to lead by example. Barnes said that he wanted to be known as a lead defender, too.
During his first professional season, Barnes went on to win Rookie of the Year, and he reached many of the aspirations he sought after. But the one that caught my attention the most: He wanted to destroy everyone in practice.
Based on his success otherwise, I’d have to assume that he did that as well. I’m not sure if it was Jimmy Butler in Game of Zones levels of destruction. But there is a palpable joy and intensity that Barnes brings whenever he is on the floor, and I’m sure it was infectious for his Toronto teammates.
If I were reading this as a Sixers fan, I’d be a little intimidated.
The Tip-Off
Golden State is advancing to the next round of the playoffs, and frankly, they’re probably in a better position to win the title than any team in the league.
That’s saying something, especially considering their best lineup didn’t even look good when they played together during Game 5 against the Nuggets. It is great for the game to have the Warriors playing at this level, and our own Andy Nesbitt has more:
“As a basketball fan this is what you want to see, even if you’re not rooting for the Warriors. We’re lucky to be able to witness Curry doing Curry things again in huge games. We’re lucky to have this storyline back on this big stage. It’s been too long and we should be grateful for the opportunity to be able to take in these moments.”
I’m excited to see where this group can go once they have more minutes together, and if Stephen Curry wins another title, his legacy will only be greater.
One to Watch
Sixers (-1.5, -125) vs. Raptors (+102), O/U 209.5, 7:00 PM ET
(All odds via Tipico.)
Sixers coach Doc Rivers doesn’t care what you say about 3-1 leads. He is tired of hearing about it, and he doesn’t think you’re telling the whole story.
But the only way he can avoid people talking about it is if Philly can beat Toronto to avoid another blunder. That’s not easy, though, as the Raptors are playing at home. That also means Sixers defensive guru Matisse Thybulle is ineligible to play due to his vaccination status.
Who’s in and out?
— Pelicans: Brandon Ingram (finger) is probable against the Suns
— Jazz: Donovan Mitchell (hamstring) is probable against the Mavs
— Raptors: Fred VanVleet (hip) is doubtful against the Sixers
Shootaround
— Charles Barkley compared Giannis Antetokounmpo to Tim Duncan
— LeBron James congratulated Gary Payton II on the playoff win
—HoopsHype’s Yossi Gozlan previews the Bulls’ offseason
— Can the Celtics get by the Bucks in the East semifinals?
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