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2015 NBA Playoffs: Winners And Losers Of The First Round

By Gerald Bourguet

May 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Chris Paul (3) hug after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. Clippers won 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Chris Paul (3) hug after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. Clippers won 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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2015 NBA Playoffs
Apr 26, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens during the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Brad Stevens

Like the Pelicans, the Boston Celtics got swept in the first round. Also like the Pelicans, the Boston Celtics shouldn’t feel bad about that in any way, shape or form; they competed in every game, but were simply overmatched. The biggest takeaway from the series from Boston’s point of view is that this team has a very bright future.

Think about it. If Brad Stevens has his team competing with the likes of Evan Turner, Kelly Olynyk, rookie Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley and Jared Sullinger, just imagine what he’ll be able to do once he gets a couple of star players. If it weren’t for Brad Stevens’ phenomenal transition to the NBA, would the Oklahoma City Thunder have pulled the trigger on Billy Donovan so fast? It’s an honest question.

Loser: Kevin Love, Kelly Olynyk and J.R. Smith

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were beautiful to watch in the first round. It was similarly inspiring to see the Celtics fighting so hard despite being outgunned at every position. However, it wasn’t inspiring to see all the ACTUAL fighting that took place in the series.

First, Kelly Olynyk dislocated Kevin Love’s shoulder fighting for a loose ball. I don’t think it was a dirty play, but it was clumsy as all hell and you can be guaranteed Olynyk’s perception changed for the worse league-wide. Then J.R. Smith retaliated with a knockout punch on Jae Crowder, a 100 percent dirty play that seems to be a recurring trend every time J.R. makes the playoffs.

That annual act of buffoonery will cost the Cavs two games without him, which is more of a problem since Love is out for the rest of the playoffs. Here’s hoping Crowder’s knee is OK and that this kind of dirty play doesn’t extend past the first round.

Next: Clippers vs. Spurs