In the first round of the NBA Playoffs and the Play-In Tournament, we found out that every game or series featured players who had to face their former teams.
Well, the same can be said for the second round of the playoffs.
We list the awkward scenes where a player or a coach had to play against a squad they used to work for.
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
Obi Toppin, Doug McDermott, and coach Rick Carlisle all played for New York during their careers. For Carlisle, you would have to go way back to the 1980s to find him as a Knick. From New York’s point of view, Bojan Bogdanovic and Duane Washington Jr. can say that they were former Pacers. Another unique, awkward moment worth mentioning is Jacob Toppin and his New York teammates being eliminated by his brother, Obi, and the Indiana squad.
Rick Carlisle opened his Game 7 press conference congratulating the Knicks on a great season, saying "there's no better coach in this league" than Tom Thibodeau, and crediting the loudness of the MSG crowd
"When you win a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, you've made history" pic.twitter.com/m073JmAYq8
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 19, 2024
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks
One connection in this series belonged to Markieff Morris of the Mavericks. Back in the 2018-2019 season, Morris played for Oklahoma City but averaged less than 20 minutes per game. He bounced around the league for several teams before landing in Dallas. At least he got a ring out of his journey when he won one with the Lakers in the NBA Bubble.
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Monte Morris had to feel bad last year. He was shipped out of Denver after five years with the team and saw them win a title without him. Things probably got a little worse when he ended up playing for losing teams in Washington and Detroit. Now, he’s with the Timberwolves and things are looking bright again.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
You probably forgot about Tristan Thompson and Marcus Morris. These guys used to play for the Celtics at one point in their careers. Luke Kornet, on the other hand, had a short stint with the Cavaliers just a few years ago. Kornet and his Celtics were on the winning side of this series, so that has to offer him some relief.
Marcus Morris has 20.
Celtics are up seven heading into the fourth. @abc6 #nba #nbaplayoffs #differenthere
— Ian Steele (@RealianSteele6) May 16, 2024
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