
The Wild Wild West
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The UtahJazz during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers,at VivintSmart Home Arena, on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
The opening weekend for the NBA playoffs in the western conference is coming to an end. Yet what’s happened in the west is quite unusual.
The Memphis Grizzlies finally washing out their four-year playoff drought, the Jazz as the first seed, the Suns as the second seed, and the defending champs as the 7th seed.
What’s surprising is to see the Pheonix Suns in the playoffs again after ten cruel years. After going 34-39 last season, the suns had their sudden breakout in the bubble, proving that they will be a threat in the future. Especially with how young their team is, last year’s bubble, in a way, showed their true potential. The sudden addition with the Chris Paul trade gave the Suns a veteran starter at point guard, which this team has struggled with finding in previous seasons. This team has improved their record tremendously with their recent moves and is now 51-21.

Joe Camporeale – USA TODAY Sports
Another shocker in this bracket is the 8th seeded Memphis Grizzlies. After beating the Jazz 112-109. The Grizzlies had momentum after playing two games in a row. As the 1st seed, you’re expected to handle the 8th seed like they were nothing. Not only are the Jazz the 1st seed inarguably the most challenging conference in the league, but they’re also the number one ranked team in defense while the Grizzlies are ranked 14in scoring.
Although it’s unfair to judge a series by the first game, what the Suns and Grizzlies displayed, they’re the teams to watch on the west.