The National Basketball Association playoffs have been in full swing for the past week, and I am here for all of it. The playoffs are one of my favorite times of the year.
We are still only in the first round, but many storylines are taking shape. Of course, we will start with St. Louisan Jayson Tatum, who is continuing his remarkable return from the devastating Achilles injury he suffered last June in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Tatum averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds in the 16 regular-season games since returning from injury. He continues to improve and gain confidence with each game. Tatum has not only played excellent basketball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, but he is also reaching career playoff milestones that place his name alongside NBA legends.
Last Friday, Tatum scored his 3,000th playoff point in the Celtics’ Game 3 victory. He became the fourth player in the Celtics’ storied history to score 3,000 playoff points. He joined former Celtic greats Larry Bird, John Havlicek and Kevin McHale.
Tatum also became the fifth player in NBA history with at least 3,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in the playoffs. He joins Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Bird.
In Game 4 on Sunday, Tatum scored 30 points, grabbed seven rebounds and handed out 11 assists while making five 3-pointers in the Celtics’ big victory. He became the second forward in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and five 3-pointers in a playoff game. The only other player to accomplish the feat is James.
Another big playoff storyline is the attrition rate among star players. Once again, several prominent players are missing games because of injuries. In the NBA playoffs, success sometimes depends on which team is healthiest, not necessarily which team is best.
Overall team depth is challenged; teams that can overcome injuries stand a good chance at winning a championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder won a world championship last season because of great teamwork and superior depth.
Some players already on the injured list during the playoffs include Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant (ankle) of the Houston Rockets, Victor Wembanyama (concussion) of the San Antonio Spurs, Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Aaron Gordon (calf) of the Denver Nuggets, Joel Embiid (appendix) of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jalen Williams (hamstring) of the Thunder.
Mason Johnson-Cook commits to Auburn
Standout running back Mason Johnson-Cook of East St. Louis has committed to Auburn University.
The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Johnson-Cook is a four-star prospect and one of the top running backs in the country. A big back with tremendous breakaway speed, Johnson-Cook rushed for 1,261 yards on 124 carries and scored 18 touchdowns. He averaged 10 yards per carry, helping lead the Flyers to a berth in the Illinois Class 6A state championship game.
St. Louis area prospects taken in NFL Draft
Several St. Louis-area football prospects were drafted in the National Football League Draft, which was held in Pittsburgh, resulting in a very productive weekend.
Leading the way was former CBC star Jeremiyah Love, whom the Arizona Cardinals selected in the first round with the No. 3 overall pick. Love, who had a stellar collegiate career at Notre Dame, became the highest draft pick ever from the St. Louis area.
Former MICDS standout tight end Will Kaczmarek was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round with the No. 87 overall pick. Kaczmarek, who played the past two seasons at Ohio State, was rated the draft’s top blocking tight end.
Former St. Mary’s star Kevin Coleman was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round with the No. 177 overall pick. Coleman was the leading receiver for the Missouri Tigers last season. He is also a threat as a punt and kick returner.
Another former Mizzou standout taken in the draft was defensive back Toriano Pride, whom the Buffalo Bills selected in the seventh round with the No. 220 overall pick. Pride finished his prep career at East St. Louis.