The first thing I think that we have learned is that there are too many teams in the playoffs. So far, there is exactly 1 compelling series this playoffs. The 2-7 matchup in the West between the Spurs and the Nuggets. Every other series has been a blowout for the favored team. The Bucks are clearly showing that they are on another level from the Pistons. The 4 seed Celtics have already swept the 5 seed Pacers, the Rockets have completely embarrassed the Jazz in 2 of the three games, and have won all three. We are looking at 3 sweeps in the first round. The other 4 series will most likely end up 4-1, not because they are are any closer, more because the leading team kind of fell asleep and needed the one game to wake up and crush their opponent. The winning teams are averaging double digit victories, the games are not even particularly close. This is a natural result of having more than half the teams in the league making the post season. You don't even have to be in the better half of the league to make it. The issues with the NBA playoffs, mostly the first round, are no more exemplified than the NHL playoffs, which are run essentially at the same time. The first round of the NHL has been thrilling. The Columbus Blue Jackets completed one of the biggest upsets in all of sports in a sweep of the 1 seed Lightning. The Avalanche beat the 1 seed on their side as well, 4-1. At least 2 more series will go the distance to a game 7. Another three will go to 6, with 2 of those having a chance to go to 7. The only chalk sweep is the Islanders over the Penguins, which in itself was something of an upset as very few believed in the Islanders, whereas the Penguins have history and star power. The number of teams in the NBA playoffs are unnecessary, and the first round series could use shortening themselves, back to the 5 games of yore.
We have also learned stars rule in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard has been monstrous, filling it up with insane efficiency. Giannis is staking his claim on being the best player in the world. Harden is fighting him tooth and nail for it, and doing it with style. After a shocking game 1 loss to the Nets and serious questions being asked about Embiid and Simmons, they have proven why the 76ers are one of the best young teams in the league. Lillard and McCollum are pretty much carrying the whole offensive load, and out-dueling the opposing star duo of George and Westbrook. In each series, the team with the better star is winning the games, and quite easily. Kyrie and pals are playing well, sweeping the Oladipo-less Pacers. Sounds obvious, but it isn't always the case. The only exception I guess would be the Nuggets-Spurs, but for that I'll say Popovich might be as big a star as Jokic given how brilliant he is.
Finally, maybe not something we have learned but maybe something just being confirmed, but the next round of these playoff are going to be thrilling. As boring as chalk is for the first round, every subsequent matchup gets better. Harden vs. Warriors has the potential to be an all time great, and when the top 4 East teams, that have been clearly better than the rest, finally get to tear into each other it will be a blood bath. However, these matchups and results are things we have seemingly known since December. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, the NBA season is too long. Waiting for the second round is the most excited I've been since opening day, that is too much wasted time.