Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

The Bucks cut their series deficit to 2-1, but they’ll have to be much sharper to come all the way back against the Nets.

The Bucks coughed up a 21-point lead, but they came through in the end to avoid a disastrous 3-0 hole with an 86-83 win over the Nets.

The Brooklyn Nets are showing that the Milwaukee Bucks are a team that does not have what’s required to win an NBA championship.

Tom Thibodeau has been named the 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year for his role in the dramatic turnaround season experienced by the New York Knicks.

James Harden’s health is still a huge concern, but the Nets showed in Game 1 that they are still good enough to win the series without him.

Clifford spent three seasons with the Magic, guiding them to the playoffs in 2019 and 2020.

Trae Young turned missing the NBA bubble last season into motivation. He has been one of the playoff stars in leading the Hawks in the first round.

The East is loaded with the 76ers, Nets and Bucks. The Heat made the 2020 NBA Finals. The Knicks and Hawks are on the rise. Where do the Celtics fit?

James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant combined for 83 points as the Nets closed out the Celtics in Game 5 of their first-round series.

The NBA features several players 25-and-under who are playing starring roles in the playoffs. And they are showing they are ready for the moment.