:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69413542/531635574.0.jpg)
The First Round of the playoffs has been an absolute treat!
We’ve been treated to a trifecta of sweeps. The Bucks swept the Heat. The Sixers eliminated the Wizards via the Gentleman’s Sweep. The Jazz took out the Grizzlies with the Douchebag Sweep. Out are LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum. In are Trae Young, Devin Booker, and Donovan Mitchell. The changing of the guard is happening before our eyes and it’s produced nothing but spectacular basketball.
Off the court, there are plenty of events grappling for headlines. Toronto may not be a hockey town (arguably) anymore, especially after the Maple Leafs suffered the worst loss in Toronto sports history (arguably... but less so). Naomi took a stand by not taking the stand, and we could not wait to discuss and support her!
After a one-week hiatus, the boys are back and ready to talk about the latest on That’s A Rap. Enjoy!
In This Episode:
4:00 — Round One: FIGHT!
If the Clippers win Game 7, they would eliminate the last remaining team to win a championship this century! If the Mavericks win Game 7, they would eliminate any remaining ill feelings of Raptors fans towards this season!! The first round of the playoffs has been a lot more fun than originally anticipated. Lillard produced a career-defining performance — albeit in a heartbreaking loss. For one night, “Raptors Kawhi” was on full display. Milwaukee exorcised a ton of demons in their beatdown of Miami. Continuing the theme of the season, injuries played a huge role by claiming Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Kemba Walker. With both NBA Finalists from last season eliminated, this could be the year of the small-market team!
39:20 — The LEAVES are out again
Losing a playoff series after leading 3-1 is not unprecedented. Losing a playoff series against the worst remaining playoff team is not unprecedented either. Losing a playoff series to a heated rival is definitely not unprecedented. However, when all three occur in the same playoff series, that not only unprecedented but downright historical (in every negative way)! We won’t pretend to be hockey experts, but the manner in which the Toronto Maple Leafs got eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens will scar Leafs Nation for as many years as it’s been since the last time Toronto hoisted the Cup.
47:20 — Standing with Naomi
Naomi Osaka finally met her match. No, it wasn’t on the court — where she dominates like few others. Before the French Open began, she issued a statement that she would not be doing press conferences during the tournament. That didn’t sit well with the tournament organizers — the same folks who banned Serena Williams’ catsuit. After her First Round victory, Osaka stayed true to her word and skipped the post-match presser. She was fined $15,000. She did not anticipate the buzz that ensued and decided to withdraw from the tournament, citing depression and not wanting to steal the spotlight. I realize there are contractual obligations but the mental health and stability of athletes need to be top-of-mind. Until that becomes a reality, don’t be surprised if Osaka’s withdrawal is not the first by an athlete.