NBA Eastern Conference update: April 24

Spring has sprung and the NBA playoffs are here. Now is the time for legends to cement their legacies, and for up-and-coming stars to firmly announce their arrival.

There is a distinct difference between the regular season and the playoffs, there's a certain physicality and intensity with April and May games. In the NBA, playoffs are the only thing that matters.

The first round has just gotten started, but the first couple of matchups have already provided us with many instant classics.

As the teams switch arenas for Games 3 and 4, let's take a look back at the start of these showdowns in the Eastern Conference.

Knicks vs 76ers (2-0 NYK)

The best series in the Eastern Conference has featured the two teams that are separated by just a short drive down I-95.

Josh Hart stepped up in a big way in Game 1 by knocking down four threes en route to a Knicks 111-104 victory at Madison Square Garden.

Knicks superstar, Jalen Brunson, struggled mightily with only going 8-26 from the floor in Game 1. Philadelphia decided to double-team the star point guard, which left many opportunities for Hart, and the Villanova alum did not miss his open chances.

Game 2 in New York, has been the game of the playoffs thus far. Behind a masterful performance from Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia took a commanding 101-96 point lead with 47.1 seconds left in the 4th quarter.

However, after a lucky bounce in three by Brunson and a questionable no-call that resulted in a steal, the ball trickled out to Donte DiVincenzo. The Villanova alum hit the clutch three to put the Knicks up by one and cap off six straight points in 14 seconds.

Maxey’s chance at a go-ahead basket was later blocked by Isaiah Hartenstein which sealed the victory for the Knicks. Arguably the best win in Knicks’ history since the Larry Johnson four-point play in 1999.

The miraculous win for New York gives the Knicks a commanding 2-0, as the series heads to Philadelphia.

Celtics v Heat ( 1-0 BOS)

The Heat seemingly don’t have a chance. Ever since their superstar Jimmy Butler went down with an injury in the play-in game, it has been an uphill battle for Miami.

Boston won the Eastern Conference by an impressive 14-game margin. The Celtics look unstoppable after the off-season addition of Kristaps Porzingis and look poised to go all the way to the NBA finals.

Bucks v Pacers (1-1)

After a blowout in Game 1, the Pacers have made the showdown between the two Midwest teams a series.

In Game 2, the Bucks really felt the loss of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo injured his calf at the end of the regular season and has missed the first two games of the series.

Without the Greek Freak, the Pacers have taken advantage of the lack of interior presence and have fed Pascal Siakam. Siakam carried Indiana in Game 2 with an impressive 37-point performance.

Cavaliers vs Magic (CLE leads 2-0)

The forgotten series this playoffs has featured the four and five seeds. It has been a defensive affair so far in Cleveland.

The Magic are a talented young team led by Paolo Banchero. However, Orlando seemingly needs one more scorer to contend in the playoffs.

Cleveland now has a chance to get their first playoff series win since Lebron James left.

Aidan Torok is a fourth-year majoring in telecommunications and minoring in broadcast journalism and political science. To contact him, email ajt6051@psu.edu.